Wednesday, August 27, 2008

2008 Rally Cry

I don't want to use my blog as a billboard for talking politics, but after reading an article in today's Boston Globe about Hillary Clinton's speech and the reaction of certain Democrats, I can't help but use this post as a rally cry.

For Clinton supporters, the battle with Obama for the party nomination was a tough one. Whether Hillary should be the party's nominee no longer matters. Obama received the support of his toughest competitor last night, and that should be enough, right?

But apparently not. According to the article, "some Clinton delegates in Indiana and Florida said they probably would not vote for Obama, but would not consider casting a ballot for a Republican." In an already tight race, every vote this November will count, and for Democrats to harbor ill feelings about what happened to Clinton and not vote for their party is complete rubbish. Every vote left off for Barack makes it that much easier for John McCain to win the office.

So the party really does need to unite. If Clinton can show grace and humility despite the cards she was dealt, then every Clinton supporter needs to do the same. I hope they realize that before it's too late.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

I Think I'll Pass

Ever since I got the word from the good doctor last week about not running, I've had the uncontrollable urge to run. This is who I am: the girl who won't listen to the words "you can't."

Every time I hear "you can't" I set out to prove that I can, and so that's how it's going to be with running. Why not enjoy running until my knees give out? Not running won't make them heal and I have a feeling I'll have to get a knee replacement later in life anyway, so why shouldn't I run while I still can?

Monday, August 18, 2008

Who Needs Love When There's Jimmy Choo?

Who needs love when there's Jimmy Choo?

Sometimes I manage to surprise myself with these zingers.

The remark came about yesterday in my head cold-induced state, when Kaileen, Stephen and I were recounting the events from the evening before. The topic discussed was marriage to wealthy men and two of our friends (names withheld for obvious reasons) who will succeed in their goal of marrying wealthy men because that's what they've set for themselves. Stephen's natural, guy response was "what about love?" and that's when my profound wisdom blurted out.

Natural. Profound. Typical Michele.

And the most profound thought of all - I may never own a pair of Jimmy Choos. :)

So ladies, when you do achieve your goal, will you please buy me a pair of Jimmy's?


Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Hello, Quickly Fading Youth? It's Me, Michele

Yesterday was my first trip to my new physician in Boston, and she confirmed what I've been denying for a while - my quickly arriving old age.

I got a clean bill of health from my lovely new doctor with the exception of the fact that I'm no longer allowed to run. Whatever lingering hopes/dreams/aspirations for a marathon one day in the distant future -- dashed. Just like that, my knees aren't healthy enough anymore.

I've been ordered to take up new forms of exercise that don't impact my knees as much - swimming, spin, Pilates. On occasion I can get on the elliptical machine to "simulate" running, but under no circumstances am I allowed to run on a treadmill. She said I could "treat" myself to a road run, but only rarely, and that if I'm thinking long term for my knees, I should probably not even try it.

I can't stand thinking of myself as old, and I especially hate hearing the words "you can't" but in this case, I really can't. I have to accept the fact that I'm getting older and my body is getting weaker. I just hope this is the last thing I hear I can't do for a while.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Our Day at Wheel of Fortune

Friday was Stephen's big day at Wheel of Fortune. After a VERY long flight across country, we landed in LA at 10:30 p.m. (1:30 a.m. EST), 2 hours AFTER we were supposed to! We got to the hotel around 11:30 p.m. and crashed.

Neither one of us slept well, be it nerves or excitement or not wanting to oversleep the alarm. Stephen left the hotel at 7:15 a.m. and I headed to the studio at 10:30 a.m.

As contestant guests we were instructed NOT TO LOOK at our contestants or risk them being disqualified. I later found out Stephen and the other contestants were instructed to pretend we didn't exist. They also put the guests on the opposite end of the studio from the contestants, but it still was hard not to wave at Stephen!

Wheel taped 6 shows on Friday, and luckily Stephen was in the second taping. His first spin was a bankrupt!!! The next winner won the first puzzle and tons of cash so I felt like it didn't look good, but still... it was the beginning.

My only request - er, demand - for Stephen was that he win the prize puzzle so we could win a trip, and I'm THRILLED to say he did... and we did! :) Stephen's luck and skill won a 7-day trip to Puerto Vallarta - woo hoo!

I won't give away anything else, but his show will air on October 14, 2008. It was a very stressful time (for me especially!) but he did great and he looked amazing! I'm so proud of him for doing well (hey, a free trip isn't bad, right?) and we'll have a viewing party at our house the night his segment airs.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Weight Watchers

I signed up for weight watchers last night. And NO, it's not because I think I'm fat; I know better than that. I signed up because I want to learn how to eat healthier, make better decisions for myself and live a healthier life overall. Weight watchers will teach me how to make better decisions about what I consume and should keep me at a healthy size.


Tuesday, August 5, 2008

WHEEL... OF... FORTUNE

Cue the game show music, Pat Sajak and Vanna White - we're going to Wheel of Fortune!!!

On Thursday Stephen and I fly out to sunny LA - er, Culver City - for Stephen's chance at winning fabulous cash and prizes on Wheel of Fortune. Yep, that's right: my boyfriend on Wheel of Fortune.

It's no secret that I LOVE Wheel of Fortune, and I'm quite good at it, yet Stephen was the one selected. I can't help but feel the tiniest bit of jealousy for his good fortune, but at the same time I can't be more excited for him. He's going to be great!

The show tapes on Friday, and I guess we'll find out then when the show will actually air. I'll keep everyone posted, but please keep Stephen and me in your prayers as we make the journey cross country for the chance of a lifetime.