Sagittarius rules

So I don't remember where or when I proclaimed that I'd make the absolute best out of the of being 20-something, but I am pleased with my progress, if I do say so myself.
I bought my glorious new Audi TT, Zsa Zsa, and I drive her with the top down, even if it's chilly.
I went to Arizona with Chris and his friends for his 40th birthday. I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time, hung out in Phoenix, relaxed for two days at the Camelback Inn & Spa in Scottsdale, and visited my family in Tucson. Check out the photos!
I went to Manhattan with my family and saw the Shelton-bred Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. It was the most beautiful Rockefeller Center tree I've ever seen, and while maybe it's because it's lit with new LEDs, I think it's beautiful because it's from my town. Plus, we saw the Rockettes at Radio City. Long legs + baby Jesus = A very Merry Christmas!
Now I'm in North Carolina, where if things go as planned (knock on wood), I will see the one and only Kasey Kahne in the flesh tomorrow. I will do my best not to faint, or try to kiss him, I promise.
In five days I'm headed to Las Vegas with 10 of my favorite friends and family to celebrate my birthday. I'm going to learn how to drive a NASCAR stock car at 165 mph at the Richard Petty Experience, take a ride in a helicopter down the Strip at sunset, shoot some guns, eat some fabulous steak at N9NE, party like a star at Ghostbar, play the Big Wheel at the Imperial Palace with Elvis and love every decadent moment of it all.
And then comes Christmas and more vacation time. I <3 December!
Oh, and today it snowed!
To top it off, I'm in the process of restoring something I thought I lost, and I'm happy and optimistic. Let's hope I don't find a way to screw this up, cool? Cool. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Chapstick Natural update

I have an update about my Chapstick debacle. I know, I know, you all think I'm crazy with my previous post (just below Zsa Zsa a post below) about my Chapstick Natural. I've never gotten more in-person comments about a blog entry before, ever!

So, basically I've been surviving on my Chapstick Lip Butter and the Botanical Medley, begrudgingly shelling out $2.99 per tube. I go through these quickly, or I lose them, so I buy a few every few weeks. Anyway, I expressed my concern to Igor over my Chapstick dilemma, and you know what? He had a solution: eBay.

Why didn't I think of that?

Igor found two auctions for Chapstick Natural. He bid on both, and both were auctions for up to a dozen tubes of Chapstick.

In the meantime, we were shopping at Target. I went to the lip care aisle and picked up some $2.99 Chapstick Botanical Medley, plus some 99 cent Blistex because I was being cheap. Then, on the end corner of another aisle, we spotted this random three-pack of Chapstick Natural (two) and Nemo Wavy Grape (one) with a special "Me 'n' Mom" packaging. (See the above photo.)

I was jumping for joy, hooting and hollering in the Chapstick aisle like a kid on Christmas morning who just got a Barbie Big Wheels and a My Little Pony Castle. Seriously.

I bought three packs. That means three Wavy Grapes (whatever) and SIX Chapstick Naturals. (I probably should have bought more!) The best part? Each pack was $2.99 each! What a bargain, a buck a tube! I quickly put back the Blistex crap and the overpriced Botanical Medley. Then Igor said, "Hey, wouldn't that be funny if I won the Chapstick on eBay, too?"

So, I basked in my Chapstick Naturals glory, slathering it all over my lips as Igor watched in disbelief. Then, about two or three days later, Igor got an e-mail from eBay. He was the lucky winner of one of the eBay auctions. He won another TEN tubes of Chapstick Natural, all for $18, including shipping. Sweet! (See the photo above and below.)

He brought them over this weekend, and tried to hide them from me. He left them all here. I still have them in the bubble wrap. I probably should give half of them to him to hold on for me for when I run out and need them (otherwise I might lose them), but I don't want him to re-eBay them. Besides, to think... I now have 16 tubes of my beloved Chapstick Natural!

My lips are the happiest and my hydrated lips in the world.

MMMMMUAH!

Meet Zsa Zsa!

Chapstick is screwing with my head. I admit it, I'm a Chapstick addict. There are probably at least a half-dozen lipcare products in my purse right now, the majority of them Chapstick or Chapstick-like products. My favorite is Chapstick Natural. No, not the ones pictured here. Apparently Chapstick has decided to dump regular, old Chapstick Natural for two, fancy, new "100% Naturals" products. I figured this out today at CVS when I was looking for my usual Chapstick Natural and found these instead. I nearly had a panic attack in the lipcare aisle. Nevermind that these new 100% Naturals cost $2.99 each, which I think is a 50 percent markup from the old Chapstick Natural product. So out of desperation (aka, there were only five lipcare products in my purse and I needed a half-dozen), I bought the Chapstick Botanical Medley. I was afraid to buy the Chapstick Lip Butter since it has avocado in it, and that would stink if my beloved Chapstick made my lips itch due to my avocado food allergy. Anyway, so I eagerly began using the Botanical Medley. Part of me thinks it's the same thing as my old Chapstick Natural. But somehow, I swear I have to apply this more. (They make me an addict.) But it tastes the same. And it costs $1.50 more. And the packaging is different. We will see. I'm not sold yet, but I have no choice, other than to scour drugstores looking for the remaining Chapstick Natural and buy out all the stock and hope it lasts me forever. Or I'm going to have to deal with this new Botanical Medley for $2.99. Well, it's going to cost me more if I have to apply it more, too. ... Wait, if this is my biggest dilemma of the day I should be happy. Right? I'm about to call the waaaahmbulance on myself right now! But first maybe I'll give Blistex a try.

New shoes

Welcome to Teufel's wonderful world of new Porsche Turbo Twists! My baby's new kicks are so pretty. He's a lucky little VW. I don't spend that much money on couture shoes for myself. But he deserves it. We've been through 66,000-plus, long miles together -- from daily Merritt Parkway traffic hell to fun in more than a foot of snow in a Connecticut blizzard to racing around the twisties of Bear Mountain in New York -- my R32 is the best car I've ever had, and he's my sixth.
So finally after more than a month of waiting Teufel has his Turbo Twists from Raderwerks. Special thanks to Russ for making sure every wheel, tire and adapter made it here in tip-top shape. Raderwerks rocks, and their wheels are amazing. I'm so happy!
Special note: These photos were taken right after they were installed, so the car is a bit dirty, and the tires aren't cleaned up. I promise I went home and washed the car right after this, but I was too hot and tired to take photos. There will be better photos coming soon, and definitely ones where the WIDE rears are visible.
We got the wheels installed at Sleepers, of course. At first, the wheel gap was pretty bad, especially in the rear. It was like R32 4x4. But after driving home, the wheels are settling in and the gap isn't too bad, but of course I'd like a suspension upgrade so I can go a little bit lower. (Igor -- early happy birthday to me?? Please?) Either way, the wheels look sweet. Now that I have my Turbo Twists, I'm one step closer to living the dream (having my own Porsche). Ahh, someday. For now, I'm happy with Teufel and his sexy new shoes. We'll be rolling up to Worcester, Mass., tomorrow for Broke Down. Teufel says he hopes to see you there!

Show me my junk!

Amy and I on the beach in Brant Rock, Mass.



Evy, Christine, Amy and I in "downtown" Brant Rock.


The ladies had a nice, relaxing, fun weekend in Brant Rock this weekend for Evy's bachelorette party. We ate lots of seafood; drank lots of margaritas and sangria; and heckled many Bostonians from the window of our stretch Excursion for hours on Saturday night. Check out more of the sometimes scandalous photos here.
Also, check out a pretty good quiz I stole from Katie below.


1. If I were an action figure, the accessories packaged with me would be:
A little white dog wearing a diamond collar; oversized, sparkly sunglasses; a cosmopolitan; keys to a Volkswagen.

2. I have an irrational fear of:
Ceiling fans. (I'm not kidding.)

3.) What type of food do you eat at your grandparents house?
My grandparents have passed away. :( But I will always carry on the tradition of making homemade pierogi on Christmas Eve in honor of my Ukranian grandma, Jule.

4.) What weight were you when you were born?
9 pounds, 8 ounces.

5.) What would you do if you were stranded on an island with the person you hate most?
Try to be friends and make the best of it.

6.) What would you do if you found out you had been cheated on?
It's so hard to even image this, I don't know. I'd get "that" horrible, empty, desperately sad feeling that I hate.

7.) Do you stalk anyone on myspace?
Nah, there are trackers!

8.) I find the thought of childbirth:
I really don't think about it yet.

9.) Next door to my house is:
Rocco and his cute kids and wife.

10.) My feet are:
Nervous about the hot bridesmaid shoes.

11.) My preferred style of jeans is:
Whatever looks and feels good.

12.) Why is your No. 1 your No. 1?
Because Igor really is my No. 1!

13.) Know how to cook?
Yes. And as much as I dread fall, I do enjoy when it gets cooler so I can spend my weekends cooking again.

14.) I am annoyed with:
The fact that my head is in 37 different places for about 10 hours of the day.

15.) What is the worst way you were dumped?
E-mail. That jackass.

16.) What child-related smell do you not like?
I think I can remember the smell of the pediatrician's office.

18.) What color hair do most of the people you are around have?
I guess brown. But right now it's just me and Farley, so white!

19.) What object have you broken recently?
My rear brake is making a weird noise and it makes me nervous. I hope it's not broken.

20.) Name one of the Spice Girls.
Baby Spice is the best.

21.) What was the last thing to make you cry?
At one point today I was so overwhelmed and frustrated I almost cried, but I didn't. So I guess Igor for who knows what.

22.) What are the stems on wine glasses for?
They're so you don't hold the goblet and warm up the wine with your hands.

23.) My favorite shoes are:
My hot ass, BCBG, leopard hair, slingback pumps, which I bought in Vegas, of course.

24.) Do you use chopsticks?
Yes.

25.) Do you prefer beaches or forests?
Beach.

26.) What serial killer do you find most disturbing?
Probably the Virginia Tech shooter.

27.) Who knows a secret or two about you?
Me.

28.) Have you ever burned yourself?
Yes.

29.) Who is probably talking a load of crap about you right now?
Maybe not at this moment, but I'm sure today she did.

30.) Who are your hero[s]?
My grandma, Jule, who lived to be 94; Indycar racer Danica Patrick; and Paris Hilton.

40.) Do you believe in things that last forever?
"Forever" is a tough term, but I hope so.

41.) What are you listening to?
I'm watching "I Hate My 30s" on VH1. You know, so I can see all the wonders I have to look forward to.

42.) What do you smell like?
Chanel Chance.

43.) Are you married?
Nope.

44.) Does anyone regularly tell you they love you?
Yes, a few! :)

45.) What's most confusing to you?
Math.

46.) Do you have any bad habits?
Laziness on many levels. Aggressive driving. Being cranky to people who don't deserve my bitchiness.

47.) Have you ever wanted to be a teacher?
Yeah, but I don't have the patience.

48.) What is one thing you've learned about life?
Everyone should have a dog. It's very a fun, rewarding, relaxing and eye-opening experience. I believe it makes you kinder, more active, more social and happier. It also makes you look at the outside world with a new perspective, and you slow down to appreciate the little wonders in life.

49.) What's your favorite color?
Red.

50.) Have you ever been stuck in an elevator?
Only on purpose. ;)

51.) What does your dad call you?
I think when I was little he used to call me "precious pumpkin pie" (awww) and of course, "Daddy's little girl."

52.) Have you ever sang in front of people?
I generally try not to, thanks.

53.) What are you looking forward to?
Going to the New Hampshire race and to VW H2o in Maryland in September, then Evy's wedding in October. And I'm even excited to turn 30 in December, but mostly because that means I get to go on vacay!

54.) How are you today?
Cranky and way too busy... but whatever, I will deal. It's going to be a tough week, but I have faith I'll get through it.

W-I-D-E... & for grown-ups only

First, let's drool over my new wheels. Igor went up to Sleepers tonight and took photos of them for me.
Teufel is going to be one sexy R once these babies are on. Look at the tire shot. The rear wheel is in the foreground. Holy WIDEness. I can't wait!

Grown-up survey

The "Grown Up" Survey (Meant to be completed by those out of high school)
Tired of those surveys made up by high school kids? Here are 50 questions for the people who are a little more "mature"...

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
My Citibank Mastercard, especially now that my new wheels are on there.

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
Napa & Co. in Stamford.

3. Do you regret losing your virginity to who you lost it to?
No... but I still think he's gay!

4. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?
... If I have to sit here and think about it for this long ... I guess nothing.

5. Name of your first grade teacher?
Mrs. O'Connor.

6. What do you really want to be doing right now?
I'd like to be drunk in Vegas with Paris Hilton at the Ghostbar or N9NE.

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A baseball player.

8. How many colleges did you attend?
Two -- UConn and Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre Y Maestra. (Ain't that a mouthful!)

9. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
It's comfortable and the color of a mango.

10. GAS PRICES?
Whatever, just suck it up and deal. (More like Teufel sucks up that Sunoco Ultra and I deal.) It's not like I have a choice and it's not like I'm putting regular in the car.

11. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you, where would it be and who would you take?
Some island with everyone I love would be nice, but how about Vegas, and I'll take Igor and Farley.

12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
There's no alarm, and I maybe I thought it was the weekend?

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
The new "Real World: Sydney" looks good and sluttilicious.

14. Favorite style of underwear?
Whatever is on top of the pile.

15. Are you done having kids?
I'm happy with my dog right now, thanks.

16. What errand/chore do you despise?
Can I say sitting in traffic is a chore?

17. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer?
Yes, I'd save all the homeless puppies of the world.

18. Get up early or sleep in?
Somewhere in between. I start to feel guilty if I sleep in.

19. What is your favorite cartoon character?
Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls.

20. Favorite thing to do at night with a girl/guy?
I don't know, hang out and watch NASCAR while Igor sleeps on the couch?

21. Have you found real love yet?
Yes.

22. When did you first start feeling old?
When I realized I used to babysit for kids born the same year as Igor!

23. Favorite 80's movie?
"Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."

24. Your favorite lunch meat?
Roast beef.

25. What do you get every time you go to Sam's Club?
The big box of Crystal Light iced tea mix.

26. Beach or lake?
Beach.

27. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
No.

29. Favorite guilty pleasure?
Wrestling and reality TV... but since I'd be broke without them, how guilty can they be?

30. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about?
"The Fast and the Furious."

31. What's your drink?
Really there are three, depending on where I am: Stoli Cosmo, Stoli Raspberry and soda, or white wine.

32. Cowboy's or Indian's?
Without a doubt, cowboys.

33. Cops or Robbers?
Cops.

34. Who from high school would you like to run into?
Hahah... Lou from the drumline.

35. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
WICC 600AM. DORK.

36. Do you get along with your siblings?
YES!

37. The Cosby Show or The Simpsons?
I guess the "The Cosby Show," but whatever.

38. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?
I can't even answer this it's that bad.

39. Do you like the person who sits directly across from you at work?
I LOVE TAPEY.

40. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Lindsay Lohan, so we could get smashed and then wreck some cars!

41. What is your hair color?
Natural blonde.

42. How often do you get paid?
Once a week, and every other week. (Who cares?)

43. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
No.

45. Do you have a teddy bear?
Yay for Jiggs. ... Plus like 100 others.

46. Favorite song at the moment
"Lip Gloss" by Lil' Mama.

47. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
The O.C.

48. Do you go to church?
Not as much as I used to. I've become one of "those" awful Christmas and Easter Catholics.

49. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
Neither, unless I can be a racecar driver, a socialite or Britney Spears' BFF.

50. Just how OLD are you?
29 and 8 months. EEEEEEEEK! :)

Puppy crazy

This is my dog, Farley. He's about 3 years old (we think). He came from Small Paws Rescue, a nationwide Bichon Frise rescue. I adopted him on June 29, 2007. He was born in Texas (little cowboy) and then moved to New York and then Connecticut and was in an out of a few foster homes. I have no idea why anyone would want to give this little guy up -- he's an absolute sweetheart. It doesn't matter -- he came to me, where he belongs and we're both as happy as ever, even if it took three years of his life!
We think he's part Bichon -- he has the tail and the fun personality of one! But he also has gray on his ears and a wavy coat, plus he's about 20 pounds -- a little big for a Bichon. We think he might be part Wheaten Terrier, but we're not sure. It doesn't matter, because he's a cutie, he's a good boy and he's a little love. So he might be a WheatBee, a Cock-a-Poo, a Bishi-Poo, a Wheatie-Bishi-Poo -- who knows?! He's my boy, and I love him!

Anyway, it's been a while since I last posted, but I swear I'll be better and I'll post again. Blogs seem so passe now, right? It's all about the MySpace and the facebook and the whatever. But I can't just ditch the Big Trouble. I must kick it old skool. Besides, this is a good place for Farley updates, too!

Drunkie

Yay, more new questions I know I haven't answered. But how am I supposed to remember the answers to these?!

WHEN YOU'RE DRUNK...

1. When drunk, I tend to:
Smile a little bit more, but then wind up with a headache.

2. Do you talk about Religion or deep meaning thoughts:
Usually no.

3. Do you Cry?
Nah, that's not really me.

4. Do you get Angry?
Sometimes, and then I think I'm 20 times tougher than I am!

5. Do you Vomit?
It's been a while.

6. After 7 beers you are?
Really bloated -- I can't do that.

8. Your favorite drink is?
Something with vodka.

9. Tequila does what to you?
Makes me silly!

10. Whiskey makes you?
Reminisce about college.

11. Who do you drink with?
Pals.

12. Vodka makes you?
Happy. It's good!

13. Do you smoke when you drink?
I used to, but not anymore.

15. Do you Pass Out?
No.

16. Do you drink girly drinks?
Yeah, I'm a girly girl when it comes to booze.

17. Do you drink alone?
Maybe a glass of wine with dinner even if no one else is having one.

18. Worst Drink you have ever had?
I don't know. Box wine? Or something cheap, hard and out of a plastic bottle. Eew.

19. Do you play drinking games?
No. Even at UConn I hid from the drinking games, as impossible as it seems.

20. Drunk Phone Calls to people?
Drunk texting.

21. Drink and Drive?
No. I value my freedom and my VW way too much. It's just a bad idea.

22. Favorite Beer?
Presidente.

23. What is your favorite shot?
I don't do shots. I guess if I had to pick one, a vodka Kamikaze.

24. What will you NOT drink?
Not a fan of gin or whiskey, really.

25. Are you a lightweight when it comes to drinking?
Nowadays, yeah. I just fall asleep.

26. Do you like the drinks with the little umbrellas?
YES. I love fruity things that don't taste like booze.

27. Do you ever drink Bacardi Silver?
What's that? I guess not.

28. Do you like frozen drinks?
Yes, but not the brain freeze.

29. Do you drink liquor straight?
Does Bailey's count?

30. Do you ever drink out of the bottle?
Beer, but not liquor!

32. Are you drunk right now?
Hahaha, no.

33. Do you consume more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day?
Not really. Maybe one day a week I might.

34. Do you drink a lot of wine?
Yes. It's probably my No. 1 alcoholic consumption.

35. When's the last time you drank?
I had Plum Wine at dinner.

36. Have you ever thrown up from drinking?
Of course.

37. Do you feel horny when you drink?
Maybe around the right person.

39. Name someone that will repost this drinking survey:
No.

40. Ever been streaking while drinking?
No.

41. Hot tub/pool naked because of alcohol?
Yes.

42. Failed any college courses due to alcohol alone?
No.

43. Ever hooked up w/more than 1 person in a night because of alcohol?
Oh probably!

44. Ever woken up & said "dude where's my car?
I'm usually quite careful about where I leave the R.

45. Ever carried someone up & down the same flight of stairs due to their drunkenness?
I don't think so.

46. Have you ever taken the shirt off your back to clean up a friends puked?
No.

47. Puked in a friends car?
Yes, when Bunny's Jetta was brand new, I think! Oh!

48. Puked in a boyfriend/girlfriend's house?
Yes.

40 Qs

I'm trying to keep the Big Trouble alive, even if I'm swiping stuff from MySpace.

p.s. I just got home from a week in Hungary with my family. I hope to have photos up soon!

40 of the MOST Spontaneous Questions Ever, BE HONEST

1. What do you want for your birthday?
I love a good surprise, but diamonds are always nice.

2. Who will be your next kiss?
Igor!

3. When is the last time you went to the mall?
Today, with Igor to get a haircut. The Stammie mall stinks!

4. Are you wearing socks right now?
Yes, pink with white stripes, monkey faces and Tootsie Rolls.

5. When was the last time you went out of the state?
Saturday.

6. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?
No.

7. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Agua.

8. What are you wearing right now?
Those cute socks, gray yoga pants and a gray UConn T-shirt.

9. What was your last purchase?
Sushi.

10. Last food you ate?
Cheesecake. Igor brought me a raspberry swirl Junior's Cheesecake from New York City today. So sweet! ... Him and the yummy cake!

11. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Sleepy Igor.

12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?
I don't think so.

13. Do you have any pets?
I feel like I recently answered this, like in the last questionnaire. Am I repeating myself? Or was it on MySpace? Are you that faithful of a reader? ... Pets -- my boy will always live in my heart.

14. What's the last sporting event you watched?
NASCAR Nextel Cup Samsung 500 on Sunday.

15. What's the most played song on your iTunes?
Apparently D4L's "Laffy Taffy," but I wouldn't have guessed that.

16. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
Vegas works.

17. What is the last thing you purchased online?
I made a donation to Small Paws Rescue.

18. One thing you hate about yourself?
I bite my nails.

19. What's your favorite soup?
I totally did do this survey. ... Lobster Bisque.

20. Do you miss anyone?
A few people.

21. Last play you saw?
No plays. Although seeing Lisa Rinna on "Dancing with the Stars" tonight, performing a song from "Chicago" makes me want to see her on Broadway, only because she's the most ridiculous thing ever.

22. What are your plans for the day?
It's 12:33 a.m., so before bed I have to finish my column. As for the rest of the day, sleep, wake up, fly to L.A., check in to my hotel, hopefully see Rodeo Drive for the first time ever and enjoy some warm weather before getting to work!

23. Last person you msg'd?
On the IM? Kitty. On the phone? Katie.

24. Ever go to camp?
Oh how I hated Girl Scout camp.

25. Were you an honor roll student in school?
Yeah, geek.

26. What do you know about the future?
I definitely did this survey. ... Who knows about the future? That's up to God, and I just pray for the best.

27. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?
Ooh, I bought the new Armani Code from duty free. It's so sexy!

28. Where are your best friends located?
Here and across the pond, and some a little bit west, too.

29. Do you have a tan?
I wish.

30. How old do you want to be when you have kids?
Whenever I am ready, and hopefully before I'm too old! Can I get a dog first?

31. Who was the first person who made you cry?
I cried when I heard about Kipper's passing.

32. Have you ever drank your pop from a straw?
Pop... nice. Who wrote this?

33. How do you like your pop?
Tee hee hee. How about trashy grape soda?

34. Do you like hot sauce?
I love Cholula.

35. Next time you'll take a shower?
In the morning.

36. What's the last movie you saw at home?
I don't watch movies, I watch TV. Hmm... my guess is "Borat."

37. What is your mood?
Anxious to finish watching some shows so I can finish my column.

38. Are you someone's best friend?
I hope so!

39. Have you ever been to Virginia?
Yes.

40. What are you doing right now?
Wishing I had some new questions.

Paradise City

Oh. My. Gosh-a.
I'm only like halfway through the first episode if "Paradise City," and I can't take it, it's soooo good.
It's so ridiculous, and over-the-top, because here are all these youngins who live in Vegas and basically go to all the places the tourists go to -- which seems totally fake, because everyone I know in Vegas have cooler places to party than the places the tourists go to. The genuine Vegas people don't go where the tourists go. But still, I watch this show and I think:
WHY DIDN'T I MOVE TO VEGAS WHEN I COULD HAVE?!
AND WHEN CAN I MOVE, ASAP?!
I'm sure the show will end and I'll be totally over it, and I'll be perfectly fine just planning another long weekend away to Vegas sometime soon, because even if I moved to Vegas, my life wouldn't be like this TV show, but still, it is so delicioso.

Please note

In case it matters to you, my home e-mail address has changed. It is no longer kara337@adelphia.net. It is now kara337comcast.net. So send me something fabulous.

The wacked-out soundtrack of my life

If your life was a movie, what would the soundtrack be?
So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool... (if you read my answers you will clearly see I didn't lie... Color Me Badd, Bel Biv DeVoe...)
7. When you're finished post as a bulletin and see what other people say!


Opening Credits
Sweet Sensation :: "Love Child"

Waking Up
Shai :: "Comforter"

First Day of School
Seduction :: "You're My One and Only"

Falling in Love
Down :: "Swan Song"

Fight Song
Mase :: "Breathe, Stretch, Shake"

Breaking Up
Fleetwood Mac :: "Go Your Own Way"

Prom
Deftones :: "Bored"

Life
Deftones :: "Engine No. 9"

Driving
Motorhead :: "Fight"

Flashback
Samantha Fox :: "I Wanna Have Some Fun" (YES.)

Getting Back Together
Fleetwood Mac:: "Tusk"

Wedding
Motorhead :: "Life's a Bitch" (NICE.)

Party
Wu Tang Clan:: "Method Man"

Birth of A Child
Color Me Badd :: "Thinkin' Back" (Yes, I have that on my iPod. Don't laugh.)

Final Battle
Rebel Meets Rebel :: "Heart Worn Highway"

Funeral Song
Bel Biv DeVoe :: "Do Me" (That's freaking awesome.)

Ending Credits
Carl Orff (composer) :: (from "Carmina Burana") "O Fortuna" (How dramatic, especially after "Do Me"!)

HD love

Yay! Allie left me a comment. Yay yay yay yay! It gives me hope that the Big Trouble is back. Horray!
Allie left me a comment about HDTV. I am in love with my HDTV. It's always such a happy surprise when shows are actually broadcast in HD. I'm getting so sick of watching "American Idol." Three to four hours a week is overkill, but I have to watch for Reality Check. But it's in HD, so that makes it so much more entertaining. NASCAR starts in 17 days. Now that just might bring me to HD tears, I'll be so happy. I CAN'T WAIT! The cars are going to be zooming around me in my living room. All 56 inches of them.

Bleep bla bleep bleep bleep

I feel like I should post more often. I don't have much to say. Well, I do, but it's kinda Debbie Downer. (Grandma's in the hospital and I'm totally sick.) See, told ya so. Oh, and my best friend will be 30 tomorrow. That's not meant to be Debbie Downer. I think it's exciting! But I'm happy she gets to go first. That also means we've been friends for basically half our lives. How crazy is that?
Anyway, I'll play the survey game to fill some space... if anyone's looking.

1. How old will you be in five years?
34.

2. Do you think you will be married by then?
I hope so, but we will see!

3. How tall are you?
5-foot-6.

4. Who was the last person you called?
Igor.

5. Who was the last person to call you?
Katie.

6. What was the last text message you received?
K, sent you IM.

7. Do you have any pets?
My boy will always be in my heart.

8. What were you doing at 12am last night?
Sleeping.

9. Are your parents married/separated/divorced?
Married. And I am thankful for it.

10. When is the last time you saw your mom?
About an hour ago.

11. What color are your eyes?
Blue and gray.

12. What do you like most about winter?
When it snows on the weekend and I can find an unplowed parking lot to take the R32 to play.

13. What do you like about the summer?
When it stays light outside until 9 p.m.

14. What do you like about spring?
The first day I can open the windows and sunroof.

15. How many states have you lived in?
Two -- Connecticut and New York, but I did live in the D.R. for a few months, too.

16. How many cities/towns have you lived in?
Three -- Shelton, New York City and Santiago. And Storrs, if you count college.

17. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet?
Baref eet.

18. Are you a social person?
Depends on who I'm around, but not overly social.

19. What was the last thing you ate?
A piece of sausage pizza. And I can't stop drinking the Gatorade. So dehydrated.

20. What is your favorite ice cream?
Something peanut butter and chocolate.

21. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich?
Grape.

22. Do you like coffee?
Oh yes.

23. Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
With someone, especially when he doesn't snore!

24 Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed?
Yes.

25. Do you know how to play poker?
Not really.

26. Do you like to cuddle?
Best part of the day.

27. Do you want kids?
I think so.

28. Have you ever gotten stitches?
No, knock on wood.

29. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
No.

30. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool?
Pool. Ocean creatures scare me.

31. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seats?
Window.

32. Do you know how to drive a stick?
Yes.

33. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7?
Diamond earrings and pendant from Igor. :)

34. What is your favorite TV show?
How dare you make me choose one? Home Movies, The Office (American), The Amazing Race.

35. Can you roll your tongue?
Yes.

36. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Yes! A few!

37. What is the main ring tone on your phone?
Some quiet technoish song, but usually it's on vibrate.

38. What color are your bedroom walls?
White.

39. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth?
I try to otherwise I feel guilty.

40. Do you sleep with your closet doors opened or closed?
Closed, always. It's a thing with me.

41. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of killer bees?
A snuggly bear!

42. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Sweet and sour sauce.

43. What is your favorite food?
Grandma's homemade pierogi.

44. Can you change the oil on a car?
Sadly, no.

45. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?
No, KNOCK ON WOOD!

46. Have you ever run out of gas?
No, KNOCK ON WOOD!

47. What is your usual bedtime?
11ish on a school night!

48. Do you read the paper?
Online, but not religiously. Bad Kara!

A few things...

1. What do I do with all my leftover candy canes? Other than the usual use them as stirrers in hot chocolate, bake them into cookies, etc.?
2. We got a 56-inch HDTV. Football looks so good, I'm suddenly a NFL fan. I can't wait for NASCAR. It's like a month to the Bud Shootout. It's going to be like live Kasey Kahne in my living room.
3. I can't believe "The O.C." is being canceled. Mischa must be laughing. I'm not.

'06 wrap-up

I stole this from myself, from last year...

MY 2006
1) WAS 2006 A GOOD YEAR FOR YOU?
Aside from a few low moments, yes.

2) WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE YEAR?
Probably witnessing Igor's joy driving on the Autobahn and into Wolfsburg, Germany, for the first time.

3) WHAT WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE YEAR?
Losing my baby puppy.

4) WHERE WERE YOU WHEN 2006 BEGAN?
Stamford.

5) WHO WERE YOU WITH?
With Igor and his family.

6) WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN 2006 ENDS?
2006 is officially over, and again, Stamford with Igor's family. But that was only for like an hour, and we almost didn't make it. Otherwise we were in Shelton all night deep frying everything.

7) WHO WILL YOU BE WITH WHEN 2006 ENDS?
See above.

8) DID YOU KEEP YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION OF 2006?
Um, no? I don't remember what they were.

9) DO YOU HAVE A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION FOR 2007?
Keeping up Big Trouble and being healthier. Right.

10) DID YOU FALL IN LOVE IN 2006?
A little more every day!

11) IF YES, WITH WHO?
Igor.

12) DID THEY KNOW?
If he doesn't know by now, we're in trouble.

13) ARE YOU STILL IN LOVE WITH THEM?
Definitely.

14) DO YOU REGRET IT?
No.

15) DID YOU BREAK UP WITH ANYONE IN 2006?
No.

16) DID YOU MAKE NEW FRIENDS IN 2006?
Yes.

17) WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE NEW FRIENDS?
Work friends!

18) WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MONTH OF 2006?
Probably June, since I spent half of it in Europe.

19) DID YOU TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S. IN 2006?
Yes -- Hungary, Germany, Austria.

20) HOW MANY DIFFERENT STATES DID YOU TRAVEL TO IN 2006?
13? New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachussetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina, Colorado, Nevada, California.

21) DID YOU LOSE ANYBODY CLOSE TO YOU IN 2006?
Yes.

22) DID YOU MISS ANYBODY IN 2006?
Yes. Above.

23) WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE OF 2006?
"Talldega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."

24) WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SONG OF 2006?
I have to love that "Laffy Taffy" and all its ridiculousness.

25) WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE RECORD OF 2006?
Ummmm... I want the new Daughtry album, but I haven't gotten it yet. But I imagine I'll like it?

26) HOW MANY CONCERTS DID YOU SEE IN 2006?
One? Why do I remember none?

27) DID YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CONCERT IN 2006?
Does "The Price is Right" show in Vegas count?

28) DID YOU DRINK A LOT OF ALCOHOL IN 2006?
No. What happened?!

29) DID YOU DO A LOT OF DRUGS IN 2006?
How about none.

30) HOW MANY PEOPLE DID YOU SLEEP WITH IN 2006?
One.

31) DID YOU DO ANYTHING YOU ARE ASHAMED OF IN 2006?
I'm sure.

32) WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST LIE YOU TOLD IN 2006?
I don't lie. :)

33) WHAT WAS THE WORST LIE SOMEONE TOLD YOU IN 2006?
"I got a divorce." What a classic.

34) DID YOU TREAT SOMEBODY BADLY IN 2006?
Same answer as last year: I never try to treat people badly, but I can get snotty and it's not nice.

35) DID SOMEBODY TREAT YOU BADLY IN 2006?
Not necessarially, but I don't like being taken advantage of, and I don't like when people think I'm clueless, because they've both happened last year.

36) HOW MUCH MONEY DID YOU SPEND IN 2006?
HAHAHAHAHA. I'm not counting the pennies.

37) WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT OF 2006?
Seeing Igor graduate from college.

38) WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT OF 2006?
I'm sure I did something drunk and silly. Who knows.

39) IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME TO ANY MOMENT OF 2006 AND CHANGE SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Losing my boy.

40) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2007?
Watching my parents' new HDTV until my eyes fall out. ... OK, that's not good. What am I saying? It's AWESOME and completely true.

Yeah. Um... being healthier, setting some realistic goals before turning 30 (gasp), paying attention to money matters, watching my dearest old friend Evy get married to ML, and finding somewhere fabulous to celebrate my 30th and my brother's 40th birthdays this year. And I have to make a better effort to remember to not take my blessings and my loved ones for granted.

007, Bond Girl-style

Happy New Year!

For the Belgian New Year's Eve party we bought a deep fryer to make fresh French fries. I feel like I am covered in a layer of vegetable oil. I think my clothes smell. And I'm full like I've just been at the Big E, eating for six hours straight. Tonight we made French fries, fried ravioli and a few deep fried Twinkies. Joanne makes us keep the deep fryer outside -- no white trash stinky frying smell in the house allowed. Too bad.
Anyway, I decided that updating my Blogger should be my New Year's Resolution. Maybe I'll keep it. But then again, my other New Year's Resolution is to be healthier. Since I have been deep frying everything in sight, that's not starting off so good.

p.s. In case you were wondering, Twinkies are like sponges, and when they're deep fried, they're like three times their weight, thanks to the oil. And I swear they're sweeter and smaller than they were when I was a kid, although they're still awesome. But I wouldn't necessarially recommend deep frying them.

p.p.s. The old flames of Big Trouble are long gone with the new Blogger. How do you like the new format?

Hi! OK, I promised I would write in here again, so here I am. I don't have much to update on, I've just been working a lot lately. But thats OK, it keeps me out of trouble. Sometimes I forget that I have a new job, but other times I forget that there's a world outside of wrestling. Who would have ever thought I'd be saying that?! I'm still working on uploading all my photos from our trip to Europe earlier this summer. I swear, by fall, they will be up!

Wow, when was the last time I updated this?! It's like MySpace has taken over all Internet blog-type communication. I feel like I want to go back to the old school Blogger fun. Is anyone out there still reading?!

Let's do one of these, even if it isn't Tuesday:


Would you rather:
1. Own the world's ugliest dog OR the world's most valuable dog?
2. eat squirrel meat OR deep fried crickets?
3. never have to sleep OR never have to eat?
4. always smell like you need to shower OR always look like you just woke up?

1. Own the world's most valuable dog. I love puppies, especially special ones.
2. Let's try the squirrel. I really don't like bugs.
3. Never have to sleep, as long as I can still relax. Giving up food would be the saddest thing ever.
4. Always look like I just woke up. Sometimes my hair looks good when I wake up! Smelly = bad.

Oh dear.

PURITY: 20% sex, 35% substance, 29% moral [26% total]

Well done! The higher your scores, the more "pure" you are. The lower, the more you've experienced. This test was about done deeds, so your numbers will never climb. [It's interesting to think they all started at 100%.] But will your purity continue to fall? Will you OUTGROW or will you OUTDO your past experiences? It's up to you. Advisory: Don't date anyone if your moral purities differ by more than 30%. Don't run a business with anyone if your substance purities differ by more than 40%. Do be friends with someone who has less than 1/2 your sex purity. You'll enjoy their colorful company. Note: as for the "TOTAL" purity value - that's a weighted combination of your scores, indicating what a typical purity test might say about you.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 23% on substance You scored higher than 6% on sex You scored higher than 6% on moral You scored higher than 6% on TOTAL

Link: The 3-Variable Purity Test written by chriscoyne on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Again, I'm neglecting this blog! I wonder if anyone still reads this or maybe everyone is so wrapped up in MySpace now that they don't? I don't know.
We watched "Lost in Translation" tonight. Or at least I did. Igor slept on the couch. He fell asleep after five minutes. I heard that a few times, that the movie is boring. I didn't think so. And I get antsy during movies. I love that the premise is so simple -- two strangers form a friendship in a foreign land. But it's the supporting cast, environment, culture, setting, tone, sounds, sights, lights and background that makes the main characters shine. I want to watch it again. Maybe I'll have Igor watch it with me during his awake hours. Too bad he's usually most awake at 7 a.m.
Now I'm watching the first season of "The Office" (the American version). I thought I hadn't seen any of it, but sure enough the episodes that have been airing lately on NBC have been from the first season. That's OK, it's funny the second time around, too.
I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new Apple MacBook Pro laptop! It should be on its way. I can't wait. I know, I've been waiting for months and months to order it and now I can't wait just a few more days to get it? Patience, my darling, patience.
T-minus less than two months and we'll be in Europe!
Happy Easter!
p.s. A year ago, right around now, was when I saw Paris Hilton in the flesh. And it's the one year anniversary of meeting Nicky Hilton. I know, the Hiltons are so passe now, right? Never!

WOW! I haven't posted in ages. Slacker! It's the dang MySpace, taking up all my free Internet time! Does anyone actually read this anymore anyway? I hope so. Because I swear I'll update more often.
Teufel says happy spring!

I watched "Super Size Me" again over the weekend. I forgot how alarming that movie is! I'm not a regular fast food eater by any means, but man, that movie makes me want to go out and eat a head of broccoli every day for a month. Ga-ross.

Beth had her baby! Welcome little Maddison into the world... horray! There are photos on my myspace page: