"Gee, Lois..."

What is it about superhero movies that captivates us and draws us to the theater? Is it our own personal quest to elimate 'bad guys' and wish for 'world peace'?

Every year, a highly anticipated movie comes out that has everyone excited - Spiderman, X-Men, Batman, Superman.

This year is Superman's year.

Unfortunately, I've gotten caught up in the craze. Again.

I was a little bit worried that I would be disappointed in Superman Returns, but after sitting in a crowded, sold out movie house last night, I'm glad I did.

In my opinion, no one is better than the late Christopher Reeve, who as a child, I idolized and watched over and over again in Superman and Superman II. But, Brandon Routh makes a very good Superman. It also helps that he's handsome and sexy.

I was also very impressed with Lois Lane, played by Kate Bosworth. I loved how she played the role. Of course, it will help if she doesn't go looney like Margot Kidder did. Whoa!

And let's not forget Kevin Spacey, whose portrayal of Lex Luther was serious. It's hard to top Gene Hackman, you know.

I won't spoil it for those who read my page, but I will say that I liked the movie very much. For those of you planning to see it this weekend, let me know what you think.

Here's What They're saying About Sir Tom...

From "Inside Scoop" from www.tomjonesinternational.com:

A Baptism By Fire and An Offering At the Alter
Wednesday, June 28th, 2006

New York is a wonderfully diverse city/sate. If you’ve not been there, I highly recommend making the trip as soon as possible. Just recently NYC was voted (by what authority I’ve no idea) the friendliest city in the United States.

Could this be true? Doesn’t bode well for cities with more charming names like Paradise Valley, Warm Springs or Sleepy Hollow. To fully understand the New Yorker, one would probably have to be a New Yorker… or a New Jerseyite. The two “cultures” are inextricably intertwined, joined at the hip. There’s that word “hip” again. I guess I still have some residual TOP funk-shakin’-junk in my trunk! Speaking of hip shakin’, our man Tom Jones held a downtown Tuesday -go-to-meeting revival just across the water way from the Big Apple.

At the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood New Jersey last night. Mr. Jones performed his musical brand of Baptism By Fire. Congregations from differing burrows joined together to raise the roof in a sanctuary which could barely contain the masses, let alone the choir (i.e. the band). Barely past the first few hymns there were already obedient followers standing in the aisles wanting to approach (rush) the stage. They were gently kept at bay (for the most part) by a uniformed security grandpa, a hired elder, an insider in the Church of Jones. This action lessened their enthusiasm. NOT! The excited female flock remained in line as if waiting for a baptism, which had already begun.

Once again Tom Jones was very much on fire! They spoke using their tongues and offered their bodies as sacrificial vessels in a mass effort to reach the promised land.

Like a rose petal falling from the burning bush, it was a single red pair of lace panties landing near Sir Tom’s feet that caused the congregation to gasp and reel! The Baptism had begun! Holy water (perspiration) fell from the sleeves of the musical deity blessing those in the front row. These sacrificial beads mostly landed on stage and in the mote surrounding Mr. Jones. The mote was a rather formidable open orchestra pit. Surely it was the pit of hell for followers who pined to lay at the feet of and worship the musical messiah. Tuesday night services were in full swing. Panty offerings were hitting the stage from all areas. One VERY large bra was launched and landed at Tom’s feet. It had indeed reached the promised land! It was pure and white. It was a virgin bra, never worn with price tag still affixed.

Jones the Sovereign, retrieved the large lovely undergarment. He lifted it high into the air so that all could bare witness to this seductive symbol of sacrifice. Speaking of baring witness, one very exuberant faire maiden made her way up the aisle to the edge of the mote. She waited dutifully, then at the right moment (while Mr. Jones was looking her way) she lifted her top to reveal her natural, sun tanned beauties. They wriggled and jiggled to the pounding intoxicating rhythms. The Jones looked. He ackknowledged that it was good. Sometime these offerings must be made when “The Voice” is in command. When one is compelled, she must act.

Mr. Jones placed the giant mammary minder at the alter (OK on his water table). Exciting was this night! With maidens still in waiting, Mr. Jones ended his show, acknowledging his flock, his band, then he ascending to the nirvana that is his private luxury tour coach, his little slice of heaven on the highway. And just as he had come before, he will come again. Do you believe New Jersey? For it to be true you’ve got to. Say it with me: “I believe” (now you)… There, now let go, let Tom!

May I say that, although somewhat majestic and definitely aged, the Bergen Center was perhaps not the best choice of venues. The stage was much too small to properly display Mr. Jones’ mighty 11-piece ensemble. This mini-theater kept us from fully enjoying the band behind the man. Backup singer Anthony Reynolds and Trombonist Mike Turnbull, who are the bookends of the band if you will, were all but lost to the audience, except for those sitting directly in the middle pews.

However, Mr. Jones and the entire band came through loudly and clearly from the intimidating rows of speaker boxes cascading down either side of the stage. Tom Jones is clearly enjoying the second coming of his career, and boy is he able! His love for what he does translates to his audiences. That is why if you haven’t yet found Tom Jones, you should seek him. It is also why once you let him into your heart (and your iPod), he’ll always be there for you.

Keeping up with the Jones is a challenge and yet a labor of love that this writer enjoys. Just say a prayer and maybe, just maybe Tom Jones will be there. In the book of Jones, the 9th song of the set (maybe it’s the 10th or 12th song) he says: “What am I living for, if not for you.” Now go forth, up and down the eastern seaboard, and spread the word. He is here!

The Pussycats Came Out in Full Force

His voice is always rich, he's always full of energy, and the women - they always go nuts for him!

How does the man do it?

Last night, at the start of the anniversary celebrating - we ventured to Englewood, New Jersey, along with what seemed to be 4,000 geriatrics, to see Sir Tom. He took the stage with a vengeance, joined with his energetic backup singers and excellent band.

Looking forward to the third row center seats, we were briefly annoyed to find that the theater had filled in the front with an additional three rows, putting us in the sixth row, but our annoyance was remedied with Tom's dancing and singing.

Below, pictures from the evening.

No celebrity sightings at this show. Maybe next time.

Let the sweat show begin!

His heart has 'love enough for two'!

The Pussycats danced in the aisles

Before the show

Bye, Tom - see you soon!

One, Two, Tom's Coming for You...

In less than 48 hours, our obsession with Air Supply with be a faint memory.

Tomorrow night, in honor of our first year of marriage, the husband and I will be rocking out to Sir Tom, third row, thankyouverymuch!

Details on Wednesday - I'll even replace my Wednesday meme with a review...

Adventures in Babysitting

Owen sleeps in Central Park

Owen loves his water bottle!

Owen chilling in Central Park with Uncle Mike.

Getting a bite to eat - we had burgers, Owen had a bottle.

Chillin' in the hotel room.

Owen's 'just about to cry face' - getting ready for it - Waaaa, waaaa, waaaa... wait a minute, do I hear a camera?

Cheese!

No more pictures, please! I'm tired of you people. I need a nap! my diaper needs to be changed! Where are my parents?

If You Really Dislike Your Neighbor...

"Just Because She Has Short Hair..."

The other night, I ran into a friend of my mother-in-laws. She sent her regards and so the next time I spoke to ma-in-law, I mentioned it:

Me: I saw your friend, Ms. Q, the other night. She says hello.

MIL: Oh, she's so nice.

Me: She has awfully short hair and she's kind of aggressive. Is she married? Does she have a husband?

MIL: No, she's never been married.

Me: Ohhhhhh, I see.

MIL: Just because she has short hair doesn't mean she's a lessie, Anna.

My mother-in-law said "lessie." I'm still giggling about it.

I'm a Liar

Yesterday, I said I would post pictures of the weekend and I didn't. I promise, though, that I will do it.

Meanwhile, my husband's friend sent me this to post. Coincidentally, it's Wednesday, the day I post stuff about me. So here goes:

I Have Lived Through 100 of these 150 Things (stuff I have lived through is in bold)

1. I have read a lot of books.
2. I have been on some sort of varsity team.
3. I have run more than 2 miles without stopping.
4. I have been to Canada.
5. I have been to Europe.
6. I have watched cartoons for hours.
7. I have tripped UP the stairs.
8. I have fallen down an entire flight of stairs.
9. I have been snowboarding/skiiing.
10. I have played ping pong.
11. I swam in the ocean.
12. I have been on a whale watch.
13. I have seen fireworks.
14. I have seen a shooting star.
15. I have seen a meteor shower.
16. I have almost drowned.
17. I have been so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.
18. I have listened to one CD over and over and over again.
19. I have had stitches.
20. I have had frostbite.
21. I have licked a frozen pole and got stuck there.
22. I have stayed up until 2 doing homework/projects.
23. I currently have a job.
24. I have been ice skating.
25. I have been rollerblading.
26. I have fallen flat on my face.
27. I have tripped over my own two feet.
28. I have been in a fist fight.
29. I have played videogames for more than 3 hours straight.
30. I have watched the Power Rangers.
31. I attend Church regularly.
32. I have played Truth or Dare.
33. I have already had my 16th birthday.
34. I have already had my 18th birthday.
35. I've called someone stupid.
36. I've been in a verbal argument.
37. I've cried in school.
38. I've played basketball on a team.
39. I've played baseball on a team.
40. I've played football on a team.
41. I've played soccer on a team.
42. I've done cheerleading on a team.
43. I've played softball on a team.
44. I've played volleyball on a team.
45. I've played tennis on a team.
46. I've been in the marching band.
47. I've been swimming more than 20 times in my life.
48. I've bungee jumped.
49. I've climbed a rock wall.
50. I've lost more than $20.
51. I've called myself and idiot.
52. I've called someone else an idiot.
53. I've cried myself to sleep.
54. I've had (or have) pets.
55. I've owned a Spice Girls CD.
56. I've owned a Britney Spears CD.
57. I've owned an N*Sync CD.
58. I've owned a Backstreet Boys CD.
59. I've mooned someone.
60. I have sworn at someone of authority before.
61. I've been in the newspaper.
62. I've been on TV.
63. I've been to Hawaii.
64. I've eaten sushi.
65. I've been on the other side of a waterfall.
66. I've watched all the Lord of the Rings movies.
67. I've watched all the Harry Potter movies.
68. I've watched all the Rocky movies.
69. I've watched the Three Stooges.
70. I've watched "Newlyweds" Nick and Jessica.
71. I've watched Looney Tunes.
72. I've been stuffed into a locker.
73. I've been called a geek.
74. I've studied hard for a test and got a bad grade.
75. I've not studied at all for a test and aced it.
76. I've hugged my mom within the past 24 hours.
77. I've hugged my dad within the past 24 hours.
78. I've met a celebrity/music artist.
79. I've written poetry.
80. I've been arrested.
81. I've been attracted to someone much older than me.
82. I've been tickled till I've cried.
83. I've tickled someone else until they cried.
84. I've had/have siblings.
85. I've been to a rock concert.
86. I've listened to classical music and enjoyed it.
87. I've been in a play.
88. I've been picked last in gym class.
89. I've been picked first in gym class.
90. I've been picked in that middle-range in gym class.
91. I've cried in front of my friends.
92. I've read a book longer than 1,000 pages.
93. I've played Halo 2.
94. I've freaked out over a sports game.
95. I've been to Alaska.
96. I've been to China.
97. I've been to Spain.
98. I've been to Japan.
99. I've had a fight with someone on AIM.
100. I've had a fight with someone face-to-face.
101. I've had serious conversations on any IM.
102. I've forgiven someone who has done something wrong to me.
103. I've been forgiven.
104. I've screamed at the top of my lungs.
105. I've been to a rap concert.
106. I've been to a hip hop concert.
107. I've screamed at a scary movie.
108. I've cried at a chick flick.
109. I've watched a lot of action movies.
110. I've lived in more than 2 houses.
111. I've driven on the highway.
112. I've driven more than 40 miles in a day.
113. I've been in a car accident.
114. I've done drugs.
115. I've been homesick.
116. I've thrown up.
117. I've puked on someone.
118. I've been horseback riding.
119. I've filled out more than 10 MySpace surveys.
120. I've spoken my mind in public.
121. I've proved someone wrong.
122. I've been proven wrong by someone.
123. I've broken a leg.
124. I've broken an arm or finger.
125. I've fallen off a swing.
126. I've swung for more than 30 minutes straight.
127. I've watched Winnie the Pooh movies.
128. I've forgotten my backpack when I've gone to school.
129. I've lost my backpack.
130. I've come close to dying.
131. I've seen someone die.
132. I've known someone who has died.
133. I've wanted to be an actor/actress at some point.
134. I've done modeling.
135. I've forgotten to brush my teeth some mornings.
136. I've taken something/someone for granted.
137. I've realized how good my life is.
138. I've counted my blessings.
139. I've made fun of a classmate.
140. I've been asked out by someone and said no.
141. I've slapped someone in the face.
142. I've been skateboarding.
143. I've been backstabbed by someone I thought was a friend.
144. I've lied to someone to their face.
145. I've told a little while lie.
146. I've taken a day off from school/work just so I don't go insane.
147. I've fainted.
148. I've pushed someone into a pool.
149. I've been pushed into a pool.
150. I've been/am in love.

That's a darn long list!

Anyway, happy first day of summer!

Visit from the Floridians

This weekend, our friends were visiting from Florida. With them, they brought Little Owen and entrusted the hubby and I to babysit!

Babysitting was actually fun. We walked, talked, sang, cried. We peed and pooped. And ate.

I have plenty of pictures of the weekend visit, which I promise to post tonight or tomorrow.

It's Not Her Fault

In 1986, my husband left Northern New Jersey for Boston - namely Northeastern University. He left behind two young nieces, who he decided needed to wear collegiate couture. This was the result:

Twenty years later, the older one (on the left) is getting married. And the youngest one just graduated from college.

In all the excitement of wedding planning, I wonder if I can forgive her for attending that Circus School.

Actually, I can't. It's just not possible.

Go Gators!

Walmart Junkie

A few weeks ago, I posted this about the new Walmart opening in my neighborhood. Yesterday, on my way home from work, I passed it and noticed it was finally open.

Later in the evening, the hubby and I piled into the car to go check it out. It was incredible - nine o'clock on a Wednesday night and the place was packed. The registers were packed with people waiting to pay for their fantastic 'rollback' prices.

While in line, we made a new friend -

Woman: I love when a new Walmart opens.

Hubby: Oh.

Woman: Walmart is wonderful. I have been to so many Walmarts - in Linden, Woodbridge, and now, this one.

Hubby: Have you been to the one up in Saddle Brook?

Me (finally chiming in): Have you ever been to a Super Walmart where you can buy groceries?

Woman: I went to one of those in Florida. But I ain't never seen one of those in New Jersey. Where's Saddle Brook?

Hubby: It's up a little north. But it's not open on Sundays.

Me: It's not a very big Walmart either. What about Secaucus? Have you been to that one? It has a Sam's Club next to it.

Woman: Sam's Club? What's that?

Me: It's like a Costco or BJ's, but it's owned by Walmart.

Woman: I gotta get me over there. Do they have good prices?

Me: Yeah, sure.

Woman: I am going! Where else can you get a plant, dish washing detergent, a rug, and a shirt in one place?

Now, I don't know much about junkies, but I think this woman had 'Walmart Junkie' written all over her. The sad part is that I knew almost all the Walmarts she had mentioned and then, two more. I've always thought of myself as a Target girl. But maybe I, too, am a 'Walmart Junkie'.

Musical Firsts

I found this meme online and thought to post it. Everyday, I realize just how much music has influenced my life and most of my crazy antics. Feel free to tag yourself!

First CD/Album Purchased: I honestly can't remember the first album I bought. It may have been a Menudo LP. I do, however, remember the first album I received as a gift. It was the Grease soundtrack and I am pretty sure it's sitting pretty at my parents' house.

First Concert: Duran Duran

First Musical Obsession: I had many musical obsessions! To name a few: Olivia Newton-John, Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer. Oh yeah, and Christopher Cross.

First Musical Crush: Ricky, from Menudo. It wasn't until many years later that I fell in love with the other Ricky in Menudo.

First Musical/Musical Movie: Grease - I wanted to be ONJ!

First Stereo: Growing up, we used to have this turntable record player (we also had an 8-track player that my dad used to hook up in the car). When I was about six years old, my parents bought me my very own record player. It looked like a suitcase and I used to pack it up and carry it from room to room. Oh yeah, it had Popeye on it and it looked something like this.

First Portable Device/Player: In my early teen years, or maybe it was my pre-teen years, I had a Sony walkman. It was yellow and waterproof.

First Musical Format Owned (i.e. LP, Cassette, 8 Track, CD): LP -the Grease one.

First 45/CD Single Purchased: I can't remember. It was, most likely, something in the disco family, though.

If It Ain't Broke... (Spoiler Alert!)

My Aunt called me this morning.

Aunt: I don't understand what happens at the end of Brokeback Mountain.

Me: What do you mean? What part did you not understand?

Aunt: Those cowboys, they talk funny. I couldn't understand them.

Me: Why didn't you just watch it with the subtitles on?

Aunt: Oh!! I didn't think of that. Anyway, it's too late. I already put it in the Netflix envelope. Please explain the ending to me.

(Alert - spoiler forthcoming)

Me: They kill the dark haired guy because he's gay. And the wife tells the other guy it was an accident.

Aunt: Oh. I thought the movie was kind of boring.

Me: Yes, it was boring.

Aunt: Ok, then. Talk to you later. Have a good day.

And she hung up. Seven in the morning for a conversation like that?

Now, what's up with this new cell phone ring that only young people can hear? Matt Lauer played it this morning, and I couldn't hear it. Does this mean I'm old?

Art Imitates Life (well, kind of)

I'm all Jennifer Aniston'ed out.

Friday night, the hubby and I stayed in. Of course, there was nothing to watch on any of the 300 channels we have, so we 'bought' Rumor Has It from the trust On Demand. Almost two hours later, I realized I would never get that time back.

Verdict: Two thumbs down. Not even that hunk, Kevin Costner, could help.

Yesterday, as a treat, we went off to the movies. With our popcorn, soda, and candy, we eagerly sat down to watch Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn in The Break-up. Two hours later, we exited the theater, feeling as if we had spent two hours on a roller-coaster.

The movie was good, even though for a long time, I felt like the story was written after my life. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. Boy is very very messy. Girl is not. Girl gets fed up and beak up with Boy. I won't dare spoil the ending - you'll just have to watch.

I will share, however, that Vince Vaughn is very handsome and darn funny. And Jennifer Aniston is beautiful, despite my husband's opinion that she has big ears. I don't care how hot Brad Pitt is - he's a loser for letting that woman go. Lo-who-ser!

Five Things

In my fridge:

• Bottle of Pom juice
• A carton of eggs
• Salad in a bowl
• Beer
• My lavendar eye mask

In my closet:

• A brand new hat for the summer
• A pair of Kate Spade espadrilles
• Hawaiian shirts belonging to the hubby
• A bowl of safety pins from the dry cleaner
• An air freshener

In my bathroom:

• Two tubes of toothpaste
• A pair of tweezers
• Listerine mouthwash - "yellow" and "green" flavors
• A copy of The Motorcycle Diaries
• A Turbie Twist

In my car:

• Three pairs of sunglasses (two are mine, one is the hubby's)
• Spare change for the meter
• An EZ Pass
• Various U2 and Tom Jones CD's
• Too many atlases and maps

We're Making Love... Out of Nothing at All

Once upon a time, there lived a couple in Northern New Jersey. They were pretty normal people who enjoyed movies, eating out, and shopping. Then one day, the lovely bombshell of this marriage posted this.

A few days later, this arrived via UPS courier and life was never the same again.

We have been breathing, eating, and living Air Supply for the past twenty four hours. We are sick. We cannot stop. And I am addicted.

That you, dear friend, for sending this our way.

We have learned that the nights are better because we are together. We are happy that we are two less lonely people in the world. We realize we are lost in love with eachother. Our hearts are beating like drums that are lost because they are looking for rhythms of eachother. And if our marriage ever fails, we'll surely be all out of love, and so lost without eachother.

We need help.

The only thing that might cure this is a Tom Jones concert.

One of the Last Pieces of My Singlehood

This weekend, I closed my personal bank account.

The account, which I opened during the summer of 2001 when I moved back to New Jersey, represented my entire NY/NJ Sexless in the City lifestyle. Looking back, the account saw many ups and downs, from days when I lived paycheck to paycheck to days when I started to make more money and started to save it.

It made sense to close the account - the bank was based out of NYC and I no longer work there. Plus, the account had no activity: no money being deposited or withdrawn.

Still, closing the account felt I was giving up one of the last pieces of my life before marriage. Very strange.

My Cheekiest Post Yet

Sunday morning at my house: I wake and the husband crawls back into bed with me. He's in his most Gomez Adams-mode, coming on to me.

Me: Are you like a dog in heat? A freak without warning?

Husband (after controlling his laughter): Are you quoting 2 Live Crew now?

Ahhhh, romance.

Ursprache

ur·spra·che (rshprä) n: see protolanguage.

pro·to·lan·guage (prt-lnggwj) n: a language that is the recorded or hypothetical ancestor of another language or group of languages. Also called ursprache.

And they say Jersey folks are dumb. Obviously, not this girl.

The best part of this championship was the my ma-in-law called us last night to make sure we were watching it. Gotta love her!

It *Has* to Be Sung

Driving down to the Jersey Shore during Memorial Day weekend, the husband and I engaged in some interesting conversation:

Me: I can't believe that our friends, X and Y, went to an Air Supply concert for their honeymoon. I mean, in Vegas, they could have gone to a bunch of places. But an Air Supply concert? Who even likes Air Supply anymore?

My Hubby (singing): Lost in love and I don't know much. Was I thinking aloud and fell out of touch? But I'm back on my feet, eager to be what you wanted.

Me: Are you singing Air Supply?

My Hubby (continues singing): You know you can't fool me, I've been loving you too long. It started so easy, you want to carry on... carry on...

Me: You've got to be kidding.

My Hubby: Now I'm lost in love, lost in love...

After I regained my composure and cleaned up the drink I accidentally snorted out from my nose, the conversation continued:

Me: Is that your favorite Air Supply song? Did you dance to that song with some crazy girl when you were in high school or something? Tell me!!

My Hubby (clearly ignoring my jealous wife tendencies): What's your favorite Air Supply song?

Me (singing): Two less lonely people in the world and it's gonna be fine. Out of all the people in the world...

My Hubby (interupting my singing): Who even knows that song?

Me (continues singing): I just can't believe you're mine. In my life where everything was wrong, something finally went right! Now, there's two less lonely people in the world... tonight.

After my performance, I caught my breath and called Indian Friend #1:

Me: Quick, what's your favorite Air Supply song?

IF #1 (singing): Even the nights are better, now that we're here together. Even the nights are better, since I found you!

Me: Ok, great. Thanks. Bye.

Second phone call to Indian Friend #2. I got her voicemail.

Me: Hey, it's me!! We're taking a poll. What is your favorite Air Supply song? Call me back, ok?

Third phone call to Cuban American Friend:

Me: Hey, happy memorial day - what's your favorite Air Supply song?

CAF (singing): The beating of my heart is a drum and it's lost and it's looking for a rhythm like you.

Me: Oh! I love that one!

CAF (continues singing): Making love... out of nothing at all... making love... out of nothing at all!

Me: Awesome! Thanks! Talk to you later.

The next day, I had a voice mail from Indian Friend #2. Her message went like this:

IF #2: Hi, it's me!! My favorite Air Supply song is (singing) making love... out of nothing at all... making love... out of nothing at all and my husband's favorite one is (again with the singing) I'm all out of love, I'm so lost without you!

How many people like Air Supply? The answer: plenty! But here's the most interesting part of it all: no one can just tell you which song they like best. They have to sing it. And they sing it with so much gusto you would think they were performing it at Carnegie Hall.