WSOP POKER DREAM

I know it's probably silly but my latest "hobby" poker has turned into something of an obsession.  I have literally been playing poker since I can remember.  My grandparents and parents played regularly on Friday nights when I was growing up in upstate New York.  I used to watch and wait until someone had to go to the bathroom and then was allowed to fill in.  I was no more than six years old.  I was always fasinated with it.  Throughout my childhood and adulthood we played for pennies and no one ever allowed me to win.  My dad was a particularly good poker player and taught me well.  He was also responsible for elevating my son's game, so much so that  by the time he went to college he used poker to make his spending money.   I, like most of the country,  really got excited when Chris Moneymaker won 2.5 million dollars and the bracelet at the 2003 (WSOP), World Series of Poker, Main Event after qualifying online through PokerStars in a $39 satellite.  The World Series Main Event went from 839 entrants that year to 2,576 in 2004 to 8,773 in 2006 where the winner, Jamie Gold won over 12 million dollars.  Chris Moneymaker is generally credited with starting the poker revolution which inspired an unprecedented amount of people to learn the game.  Dreams of winning the poker "lotto" inspired young and old alike.  The young used computers to see and play more hands in one year than a professional poker player played in about five years.  The learning curve was amazingly fast.

That was not, however, my learning curve.  My son began teaching me no limit Texas Hold'Em and gave me books to read.  We played at home heads-up or with a group when possible and spent time watching every poker show on television and talking strategies.  We played online, he for money, me with "play chips" just to practice.  Soon I was winning so many play chips I felt comfortable with the structure of the game.  One day my son said "mom its time for you to go to the casino and play in a real game".  I said "oh no, I'm not ready".  He said "yes you are let's go". 

I was so scared that I would do something stupid but found after watching a few hands and folding that I was ready.  I won $50.  I was hooked and haven't looked back.  After conquering the fear of sitting at a table and playing against strangers, my son said "let's go play a tournament" .  It was only $16 to enter and again fate struck and I made the final table beating out about 100+ people and was paid $125.00.  Of course now I thought I was indestructible. 

Think again, the saying goes "Texas Hold'Em takes 10 minutes to learn and a lifetime to master. "   Anyone who plays semi-seriously will tell you that the saying is very true.  It is also one of the most cruel and rewarding games you can play.  It will elevate your blood pressure and make you crazy in ways you never thought was possible.  It teaches you patience, humility, and that there are no friends in poker.  You also have to learn how to manage your bankroll and know what levels to play.

I am a good average amateur player who aspires to continue to move up.  I am having success playing tournament poker and feel comfortable playing with anyone, even professionals.  Just over this last month I have played four tournaments and have won or cashed in each of them.  That's a pretty good record.  I am currently "practicing" for my big upcoming event at the World Series of Poker (Ladies Only Event) which I have played in for the last four years. 

June 11th, noon, my event begins at the Harrahs Rio Casino in Las Vegas.  I have not made the money on previous attempts but am hopeful this is my year.  There will be approximately 1200 entrants and you have to be focused, play good and have a lot of luck. 

My husband, who doesn't play, is my biggest cheerleader and best support.  He stands on the rail and watches for hours pumping his fist and encouraging me for hours on end.  He pays my way in every year for my Christmas gift and gives me extra spending money.  How did I get so lucky?  My son, who has been there when he can, is my coach.  If he is not there, he stands by to take my calls during breaks to give me strategy and encouragement. 

Whatever way it goes this year, I am ready to go, do my best, and have the time of my life.  Never thought at this age I would feel the sense of competition I felt when I was an athlete in high school, some 40 years ago.  My blood is pumping, my mind is working, and I am anticipating great things. 

Keep me in your thoughts.  I will let you know how it goes. 

BETTY WHITE HOT

Just when you were getting tired of the same old 20 somethings flaunting, flirting, fighting, fornicating, and forcing me to gag, in rides Betty White.  This 88 year old television and movie actor/comedienne has been around the block a few times.  She began her career in television when she starred in her own comedy show in 1952 -1955 called "Life With Elizabeth".  She was co-producer on this show and won her first Emmy for it.  Throughout the 1950-60s she starred in more sitcoms, commercials and then she began a game show journey.  She was dubbed "The First Lady of Game Shows" exhibiting her playing prowess and bubbly personality with each show.  She began playing "Password" in 1961-1975.  She fell in love with the host Allen Ludden and married him in 1963.  They met previously on Jack Parr's Tonight show where they were both guests.  He proposed twice before she married him.  They were together until he passed away in 1981.  They never had any children.  

An active animal rights activist and spokeswoman, she devotes a large part of her life to donating, rescuing, getting legislation passed, building shelters and supporting all forms animal rights issues.  She has been a member of the board of directors for the Los Angeles Zoo since 1974 and served as their commissioner for eight years. 

In the 1970s after a guest appearance on the "Mary Tyler Moore" as Sue Ann Nivens - The Happy Homemaker (femme fatal) she was so popular it earned her a job as a regular cast member and subsequently two Emmy wins.  The show ended in 1977.  Betty stayed busy with many other sitcoms and television appearances until she landed the golden role as Rose Nyland in the "Golden Girls" in 1985.  The show ran through 1992 and she won one Emmy and was nominated every year.  Once the show ended she guest starred on numerous shows without much fanfare until her stint on "Boston Legal" in a reoccurring role as Catherine Piper, gossip, blackmailing murderess secretary.  This role displayed her comedic talent in the bizzaro Boston Legal office where she more than held her own with the likes of William Shatner. 

In 2009 she made her presence known in the blockbuster movie "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock.  Her portrayal of Ryan Reynolds grandmother was a comedic clinic.  The two scene stealers where she fits Sandra in her wedding gown and where she fakes a heart attack are classic.

So it should come as no surprise when this past Saturday SNL enjoyed its biggest ratings since John McCain paired with host Ben Affleck and Tina Fey was doing Sarah Palin in 2008.  Her hosting came through a ground swell campaign through Facebook when the public demanded that Betty White be given the hosting honors.  She not only was hired but blew the roof off the place.  She showed not only can she get down with the young comediennes but also raise the bar on sketch comedy with her brilliance.  The "Big" girls turned out for her (Tina Fey, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, Anna Gasteyer, etc.) to help honor her place on their court.   Mother's Day eve was the perfect time for her appearance. 

Her opening monologue was done entirely by her, a honor reserved only for those that can handle the pressure.  Her skits were classic going between yesteryear -Lawrence Welk, to the Scared Straight jailhouse mama, scaring the homeboys with her "grandson"  Kenan Thompson.  Her NPR skit "The Muffin Lady" a takeoff  of the classic Alec Baldwin "Schweaty Balls" was funny on its own merits but also because of the content vs. her age.  No one knows how to do that better.  Funny stuff all. 

Betty White's enduring popularity proves that with talent, experience, and hard work you can have a wonderful career in a fickle profession where most people last 15 minutes.

Throw in her Snickers commercial and you got one WHITE HOT BETTY.

BEING NEILSON

For those of you who don't know what being a Nielson Family is let me explain.  They are the Big Brother of your television watching experience.  They extract watching information from a select percentage of people and compile statistics as to what we are watching.

I always thought it was such a mystery.  I never knew anyone who was a Nielson family, then lo and behold, I received an invitation in the mail.  I had visions of getting paid handsomly for watching tv.  So I filled out the application and about a month later they sent me an invitation.  I was very excited with the prospects of earning money while sitting on my butt watching tv. 

So we all know the addage right?  If it seems too good to be true...

Well my packet arrived in the mail last week to be used from May 6-13th.  I thought they would put some sort of device on my tv and track what I watch.  Not so easy.  Since we have five televisions, I received five packets.  For each television you have to manually write in what you are watching, who is watching with you, the time, channel, date (in case you are watching something you DVR).  You have to fill out separate things for things your DVR.  You have to fill in all the stations on your televsion and personal information in each packet.  Jeez.

You must do all of this for each television you are watching.  Here's the best part - my dreams of getting rich while watching television - $3.00 in crisp new one dollar bills.

...it probably is.

FLYING THE FREAKIN SKIES

I travel  frequently.  Since 9-11 it has become very difficult security wise and since the economy downturn the airlines are making every effort to drain you of your last dime and strip you of your last shred of dignity. 

I have learned most of the security rules and I no longer wear a pullover sweatshirt because of the time they made me take it off and my shirt underneath rode up around my mountain region.  Not a pretty site.  Always wear socks (even with sandals).  I know this is a fashion don't but walking barefoot on the nasty carpet that everyone else with bare feet have tread makes me break out in a rash and run for the Triactin.  Your jewelry should be carefully planned.  Real gold is the only way to go - it doesn't ring the bell.  Costume jewelry should be stored in a ziplock until you get through the scanner.   Make sure you put your laptop in a separate bin, this is also true of DVD players.  Half the airports will tell you that it isn't necessary, but just a sure as you don't they call you out on it.  Don't try to get through with liquid makeup, they will toss it.  They used to toss mascara, lipgloss in pots, any creams.  Now you should ziplock any liquid solid or otherwise under 3.4 oz. or they will strip search you.  Don't wear clothes with a lot of zippers or similar metal devices.  My 81 year old mother has to go through secondary because she had a hip replacement and rings the bell.  For most people this would be a pain in the ass, but she enjoys telling her surgery story in excrutiating detail to anyone who will listen.  Also she truly likes being searched - don't ask.

HAVE YOUR LICENSE AND BOARDING PASS OUT!  How many times do I have to get behind the two people in the world who don't know that and it takes ten minutes for them to find it after putting it away.  AAARGH! 

Don't try to line up in front of me, unless you are first class, handicapped, or have a seat/section they are announcing.  Southwest has finally stopped the craziness of lining up two hours prior to the flight by making you get an A,B or C time slot and lining up appropriately.  Even then people will try to squeeze in feigning ignorance.  Ignorant no, self serving - yes.  When storing your carry-on overhead don't crush my Coach bag with your avacado green Samsonite leftover from the early 60s.  Don't take your shoes off and allow me the pleasure of smelling your feet, keep your elbows on one armrest (each person gets one), don't crank up your Ipod so that I can hear your head banging music, don't bring  garlic fries on board for your snack (I personally made this mistake), and if you do use a DVD player select your movies carefully.  I don't want to watch "Girls Gone Wild".

Babies/children have a whole new set of rules unto themselves.  It would take too long to write about.  Short answer, bring something for your baby to drink, snack and play with.  Make sure their poopy diaper has been changed before boarding.  Don't let them kick the seat in front of them.  I love children and babies but until they are around 15 I think they should be crated and flown with the dogs and cats.  JUST KIDDING - NO LETTERS PLEASE (not really, I kind of mean it). 

When ordering drinks - don't spill on your neighbor, especially hot coffee.  If I'm reading or snoozing don't try to talk to me.  Don't put your blow up pillow on my seat and lean over to sleep.  I barely let my husband that close to me when I sleep, I certainly don't want you in my space. 

When the flight lands don't jump over me to get your stuff overhead.  We will all end up getting off within ten minutes of each other anyway.  When picking up a checked bag wait two seconds til it gets past me to pull it off the carrier.  I can't step back  because there are people directly behind me trying to lean in to retrieve theirs. 

Now for the extras:  More money to sit on the isle, window and exit row, more money to board before others, more money to check bags (ALOT more money), more money for drinks, snacks and boxed (yuk) lunches, more money for being overweight, more money for overweight luggage and now apparently, on one airline, more money to use the restroom.  I have a solution for that and it entails letting the flight crew clean up a mess on isle one.  How stupid can you get?  There has to be some human rights issues being trampled on there.

So if you can get through all that and still have luggage on the other end, and arrive semi-on time congratulations!  I'm thinking next time it might be fun to take the train.

WEEKEND REGRETS

I'm 58 years old, Italian, and blessed with people around me who love to cook, eat and drink.  I love all the wrong carbs; bread, pasta, potatoes...  We love to gather in the backyard start with margaritas, guacamole, chips, salsa, throw on a steak or ribs, open up some fabulous wines, put the Eagles on, and eat, drink and be merry. 

Today I suffer because we had such a day yesterday.  We have been trying to diet, we start out eating our healthy cereal in the morning, take our vitamins, etc.  By lunch we go to Burger King cause we are out and I love their hamburgers and, of course, french fries.  By supper we are firing up the grill.  To be fair I did fix some baby yellow squash and a salad but I ate way too much stuff while drinking wine prior to eating dinner.  That's when the trouble happens.  I don't know what happened to me but I am the lightest weight drinker ever.  My mother, son, husband, daughter-in-law and friends can all drink me under the table.  I drink two glasses of wine and I am impaired.  Three to four glasses and DO NOT LET ME USE SHARP UTENSILS!

So last night I drank too much.  Today I can't eat anything but crackers, I don't sleep well so I am way tired, and my stomach is singing a chorus of "Wipeout".  I am leaving on a trip tomorrow and trying to do laundry, pack, clean the house,  run errands, etc.  I am not doing any of those things well.  No telling what I have packed.  My husband is perky and hungry, I want to push him down.  He is working, eating, and exercising.  Blah.

Once again I say:  "I'M NEVER GOING TO DRINK AGAIN"! ...(at least until next weekend).

OH DOCTOR!

I was really fortunate today to be given Opening Day tickets to the Padres game.  My three friends and I got there late by my husbands baseball clock but we made it easily into the stadium before the first pitch.  It began to rain as we rode the escalator up to our section.  I thought this was a bad omen and more importantly I was having a good hair day and it was about to be ruined.

We made our way to our seats right after the National Anthem and the Marine flyby. My seat was very wet and dirty from the dust that had been there from the previous sunny, warm weather that we had been enjoying.  Thank goodness I am a good patron of Barona Resort and Casino because the hand wipes came in very handy to clean my seat.  Why did I decide to wear my white jacket? 

Just as the first batter for the Braves came to the plate the clouds parted and the sun came out.  Another omen?  As a matter of fact I believe it was.  The Pads came out to show off today and stir up the crowd.  They were up 1 zip by the end of the 3rd.  The 4th inning all hell broke loose.  They scored a record breaking 10 runs and I was in the gift shop when all this was going on.  Don't laugh you know I always need a new hooded sweatshirt (just in case it started to rain again).  Got back for the 5th and the fun continued.  They couldn't do anything wrong and frankly the Braves couldn't do anything right.

Final score 17 to 2.  It was fun to see the new talent, fun to see the 19 hits, fun to get free t-hirts, fun to see Tony Gwynn Jr. hit one off the wall, fun to see the optimism in the stadium and just a great day to be in San Diego and have some "fun under the sun".  Can't wait to take in more games. 

I learned some new tricks about the most direct and least congested way to get there, found a great parking lot and more importantly a secret eating spot you can go to before going into the stadium that's good, clean, fast and more importantly cheap.  Don't ask me where the eating spot is because I've been sworn to secrecy. 

So you go Padres, I'm ready for the season now, you've got me excited along with the rest of the stadium and I'm sure all the viewers watching on tv.  The next game is Wednesday so we get to bask in this glow for 1 1/2 days.   Keep up the good work (don't make me regret buying the new sweatshirt).

PLAY BALL!

BUZZ OFF

Couldn't resist.  Buzz Aldrin was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars tonight.  All I can say is there is mercy.  Poor old guy, American hero and all but between he and Mama mia (Kate Gosslin) I had to avert my eyes when they took their turn on the dance floor.  They really should have been eliminated together on the first night. 

The cast of this seasons show is terrible.  I like to watch this particular reality show but with every episode I have noticed they are "producing the reality" more and more.  Give me break, everyone is mad at their partners and are threatening to quit.  Quit ramping up the fake drama and just do what the show does best...put on outrageous costumes, hair and make-up and entertain.  As reality shows go this used to be one of the better ones without the degradation  that comes along with "The Bachelor", "Wife Swap", "The Nanny", "The Biggest Loser", "Hoarders", "The Housewives of..." "Little People", etc. (except when Heather Mills threw a leg - ok I made that up but you know you were waiting for that to happen).

Reality shows are quickly becoming too unrealistic.  This is the beginning of the end - mark my words.  These shows are a cheap way to put voyeuristic programming on the airwaves without investing much in the way of time, money, creativity or production.  The godfather of reality (Jerry Springer) allowed us to view the dirty laundry without getting arrested for tresspassing.  When Mark Burnett got into the game he raised the bar with "Survivor".  It became an instant hit as a summer replacement show and went on to become the most watched summer show of all time since the Sonny and Cher show.  It has been on the air since 1992 and has had sixteen successful seasons.

Even Jerry Seinfeld has gotten into the game.  "The Marriage Ref" uses the same format but is trying to use comedy and star power to push this one through.  It's difficult to watch and a waste of talent.  Is this where the talent goes if they can't get on Dancing With The Stars?

Reality tv has changed our viewing habits, vocabulary and water cooler discourse.  I think at first it was fun in a naughty, something different kind of way, but now its getting old, tired and not so real.

I am hoping that television finds the money to be able to write and produce real shows again.  I don't have much hope though when the main objective for most of the contestants/reality show personnel are only in it for their 15 minutes and a chance to make money once the show is over with appearances, books, a show of their own (rejects from the Bachelor/Bachelorette).  These people basically work for free in contrast to the millions, that say Charlie Sheen makes for "Two and a Half Men".

 The premium channels are doing a great job with well written/acted series. (Sopranos, True Blood, Dexter, In Treatment, Nurse Jackie, The Tudors, Weeds, Big Love, and many more)   Even some non-big four networks are producing some great award winning series i.e. "Mad Men" on AMC. 

There may be a place for all these venues to live happily together in tv land, but I for one long for the good ole days of watching great shows with great writing and great acting.  If that is too much to ask then "vote me off the island". 

VANITY FAIR?

I think not.  Salacious, base, perverse, sell-out.  What happened to the high class magazine that was about and for real women?  Are you kidding me?  Putting Tiger Wood's bimbos (nicest word I can use) in this magazine with a intro on the cover and  treating them to a photo shoot where they were dressed, given expert hair and makeup people and posed in a professional way digusts me  I'm sure they were treated like royalty.  Why?  Isn't that what the "Enquirer" and the "Star" are for?  Vanity Fair has fallen from grace and put themselves in the same category as celebrity rag.  The story inside is secondary to what the cover is all about.

The sisterhood should rise up and not buy this trash.  There is no good that can be accomplished by continuing to keep these women in the news.  It hurts his wife, children and the game of golf.  I am sick and tired of "the Tiger Woods women" getting more than their 15 minutes of fame.  Asking for apologies - are you kidding me?  When did bad behavior need to be rewarded with apologies?  No one is ever reponsible because they are "victims".  Bulls--t!  They all knew what they were doing and gave no thought to what they might be doing to a real woman and her family.  Trust me, I don't blame just them, Tiger is one of the biggest jerks ever and he deserves all the bad things that can happen to him now.  But that doesn't give a free pass to the women who were part of the freak show.

I have a real problem when women do bad things to other women.  It's hard enough being a woman and taking care of a husband, children, family and finally ourselves.  I know we have come a long way since the "burning bra" days, but we still have alot of battles to fight.  Sleeping with another woman's husband should never be tolerated and at the very least rewarded.  I rage about women perpetuating our "lower class status" by continuing to do things (porn, stripping, escorting, etc.) that degrade the nature of our gender.  We will never be taken seriously or treated equally until this behavior stops.

I know this blog doesn't really reach many people (yet) but I ask that you to not support Vanity Fair or any other periodical or medium that treats women in such a disrespectful way.

"I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE UNDER MY FEET..." Carole King

Oh San Diego, everyone wants to live here.  There is good reason for that.  We are "America's Finest City", we have the best weather, beautiful beaches, mountains for skiing, a variety of ethnic cuisine, best parks, museums, and the best zoo.  We are in close proximity to Disneyland and Hollywood without having to live in Los Angeles.  We  have some very fine wineries and you no longer have to drive to Las Vegas to go to a casino.  You can plan picnics, outdoor weddings, or any outdoor activity and know that 99% of time you are going to have a sunny day.  (99% may be a bit high, just making a point).

So how then do we keep everyone from moving here?  Our dirty little secret is:  EARTHQUAKE, FIRE, MUDSLIDES.  Yesterday was Easter and at 3:40 pm PST we were watching tv and getting ready to go to the movies.  Just as I was putting my laptop away the house started rumbling.  I looked at my husband, who was on the phone with his mother in Oklahoma, and mouthed "earthquake".  We sat for a moment waiting for it to pass as it normally does after a few seconds, but it kept building in intensity. We then decided not to stay in the house and went back out on the back patio where the quake turned into a rock and rolling type movement.  It seemed to go on and on and it was actually difficult to walk.  We found out later that it indeed lasted approximately 45 seconds.  It was 7.2 in strength which is .2 larger than the Haitian quake.  It was centered in Mexico near our border.  The aftershocks have continued throughout the night and at times were quite intense.  They say that we can expect another 6 pointer sometime in the next six months. 

We were lucky, no damage to the house other than some crooked pictures, but after just putting the house back together when a burst pipe destroyed virtually the front part of our home, I can tell you I was very scared. 

We have managed to sidestep the fires, (even when our own canyon was burning), mudslides when the hill we live on was washing away and now the earthquake.  We feel very fortunate to be able to live in San Diego but there is a price to pay once in awhile.  These are the times we hear  from our friends and family on the east coast who say "how could you live in a place with earthquakes".  To be fair, they probably call because my husband is notorious for making calls to people in the middle of winter when we are drinking margaritas in December on our patio in eighty degree weather, and he knows they are having "the snow storm of the century".

So now that you know that if something seems to good to be true...but knowing that we may have to battle the occasional earthquake, fire or mudslide, there is only one thing to say, and Dorothy said it best - "There is no place like San Diego" err I mean "home".

THANKS EASTER BUNNY

Wishing you a Happy Easter. 

TO VIEW OR NOT TO VIEW

The wide variety of talk shows available to the American public is overwhelming.  Political shows, sports talk, entertainment, educational, cooking, home repair and on and on.  THE VIEW is a panel made up of all women with Barbara Walters at the helm.  She brings with her years of interviewing everyone of note on planet earth and being a topnotch newsperson who led the way for women and broke the barrier to the all male news anchor club.  Next is Whoopi Goldberg, comedian who sports an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony.  Joy Behar is an ex-school teacher turned comedian late in life and has her own talk show on HLN.  Sherri Shepherd, Emmy winner, actress, comedian, and single mother who also is raising a handicapped child.  That leaves the youngest, Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Survivor contestant, clothing designer, mother of three and wife to professional football quarterback, Tim Hasselbeck and the Views staunch conservative.

They are diverse, empowered, serious, funny and have a neverending source of opinions.  The heated exchanges make the show hypnotic in the way watching a NASCAR race keeps us glued to set waiting for the crash.  There have been many infamous heated exchanges that made U Tube videos, network newscasts and entertainment programs.  There have been tears, shouting, cutaways, bloopers and swearing.  The heated exchanges between Rosie O'Donnell and Elizabeth Hasselbeck were legendary and led  O'Donnell to leave the show.

The range of topics discussed cannot be found anywhere else on television.  One minute they can be discussing sexual perversions and the next segment be decorating cookies.  It reminds me of the Will Rogers quote "if you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes".  The same is true of this show.  It can be very aggravating at times because the women get so excited they talk over one another so that it becomes difficult to understand anything they are saying.  Most of us (women) have been in groups and experienced this same phenomenon.  Come to my house any time during a holiday.  That's what makes this show appealing to women because we can identify with one or more of the personalities on the panel and more often than not they are expressing opinions and posing questions we would like to express or ask.

During the presential campaign, John McCain bravely came on the show.  To be fair, he went on everyone's show (Saturday Night Live) in an all out effort to get elected.  Joy Behar asked him point blank "There are ads running from your campaign... Now we know that those two ads are untrue, they are lies. And yet, you at the end of it say you approve these messages. Do you really approve these?"  Yikes, calling a presedential candidate a liar on daytime television.  You can't write moments like these.

Since 1999, the show's hosts have received Emmy nominations every year, and in 2009 they won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host. None of the co-hosts were in attendance to accept the award.  They used to attend knowing they were going to lose to Ellen or Oprah and would sit in the audience and make funny faces when they lost.  I always got a kick out of that. 

Now I know many of you will say I can't stand them, and I have to agree they get real annoying but there is something about not knowing whats just around the corner.  Television started out live many years ago and there is tons of material showing the bloopers from back in the day.  You have to give it up to a show that continues the live (albeit with the 7 second delay button for swearing) format in an age when everything is taped and editted. 

They showcase celebrities from all walks of life,  from world leaders, Oscar winning actors to ordinary citizens that have extraordinary stories.  Something for everyone.

So, I have to recommend this one but I understand its not everyone's cup of tea.  It can be a fun ride if you don't take it too seriously.  It is my one of my guilty pleasures along with my "stories" that I have been watching since 1970 but that's a blog for another day. :)

MODERN FAMILY

Television has come a long way.  There is instant news, limitless channels and programming, game playing even internet capabilities.   When I was a child in the fifties, if you had a television set you were among the few on the block.  We had three channels, ABC, NBC and CBS.  There were no remote controls, cable, DVRs, movies, color, or flat screens and you would need to spend half a day dusting the console.  I loved television and waited with great anticipation for the few childrens shows like Howdy Doodie, Captain Kangaroo, The Mickey Mouse Club and a variety of cartoons like:  Popeye, Mickey Mouse, Felix the Cat, Mighty Mouse and later Rocky and Bullwinkle.  The family gathered around to watch dramas like Rin Tin Tin, The Lone Ranger, Fury, Superman, Lassie, Bonanza, Gunsmoke and Wagon Train .  Ed Sullivan was a must on Sunday nights and I saw the Beatles for the first time along with most of America in their debut.  Very exciting stuff although my parents didn't match my enthusiam for the Beatles.  I watched anything with a horse in it and wanted to be a cowgirl when I grew up.  I brandished a holster with guns, cowboy boots a hat and rode a horse (which was the neighborhood mailbox) on the corner of my block for hours. 

The programming was light, inspirational, entertaining and the bad guys always lost.  The news was delivered without bias and would be behind the actual event by about eight to twelve hours.  There was no hint of "sexy time" as all married couples had to be fully clothed in pjs and slept in separate twin beds. 

Todays televison is a much different story.  I am always searching for well written, entertaining shows.  With the overrun of reality programming, traditional drama and sitcom programming are much harder to find.  Some of the best dramas, comedies are now available on the premium channels if you are lucky enough to pay the premium price to have them.

I have found a new show this season that warrants the anticipation I felt as a child.  Modern Family  on ABC on Wednesdays at 9:00pm PST is really worth 30 minutes out of your life.  It is one program that I can't wait to watch so I don't even DVR it first so I can play it back without commercials.  Modern Family is composed of three families that interconnect with one another through the family patriarc played by Ed O'Neil.  You have a gay couple with an adopted asian baby girl  (Cameron, Mitchell and Lily).  The older, divorced man married to a beautiful, trophy second wife with her son from a first marriage (Jay, Gloria and Manny) and the traditional nuclear family with three children (Phil, Claire, Haley, Alex and Luke).  The first episode made me a loyal viewer when after just adopting their new baby girl, Cameron invites Mitchell's family to meet the new baby.  The family doesn't exactly know why they are being summoned but once they are gathered Cameron presents new baby Lily from the background with Lion King music blaring holding the new cub under spotlights.  Seriously, one of the funnier moments in the last five years.

They tackle everyday subjects like teen driving, furburizing (letting a baby cry themselves to sleep), birthday parties, step-dad issues, discriminaton and forgotten anniversaries all with wit, sensitivity and most of all fun.  We all know someone like them and they are all brilliantly portrayed. 

Do yourself a favor turn off the reality crap (anything with Housewife or Bachelor in the title) and turn on Modern Family.  The beauty of it is the whole family can gather around to watch and enjoy and you won't feel like you need to take a shower afterward.

NOTE:  Use the U Tube tool (type in Modern Family in the Search box).  This will bring up video snipets of the show.  Be sure to check out the Lion King one.  :)

BEING GOOD AT SOMETHING

I can't say I have ever done anything earth shattering or even come close. I am, however, good at little things. I don't have a four-year college degree, but do have some college. I was a mother at an early age and have worked many jobs over the years. My husband is the accomplished one in our family and I have basically supported him throughout our marriage by being a good wife and mother. Not attaining a certain status can bring a lot of people down when they get to be my age because you start to look back and realize you haven't really accomplished anything that looks good on paper.

I prefer to think about the little things that I am good at. The people who know me will say I am a very good shopper. I can find the best deals and bargains and feel satisfied knowing I saved my husband a great deal of money. He may argue that I am not saving him money because I am always shopping.

Secondly, I am good at decorating, doing hair (to be fair I am a licensed hairdresser but haven't worked at it in over 35 years) and reviewing new television shows and knowing which shows will make it and be hits. One example: "The Office" watched it when it was BBC "The Office" with Ricky Gervais and knew when NBC got it it would be huge.

I can cook a few traditional dishes that I have perfected over the years. My daughter-in-law, Jen always wants beef stroganoff and linguine with clam sauce. My husband wants my meatballs and traditional Italian red sauce and pasta. My mother and my father-in-law love my scrambled eggs. My son has become a better cook than me so I just sit back when he is around and enjoy his cooking. He is very accomplished, self taught and intimidates me.

My garden always has roses in bloom even though I'm not sure how to trim them. They have been flourishing for over thirty years.

For the last four years I have taken up playing poker fairly seriously. I have played in the World Series of Poker for the last three years and will do so again in June. I have not cashed YET! I have had several cashes in other tournaments some big, some small. I am having a ball playing and feel like it is keeping my brain lubed up.

Did I tell you I am also a closet crafter. I can glue anything. I make jewelry from antique or costume jewelry by taking them apart and putting them together in new ways. I sold many pieces at craft fairs and in boutiques. I love to have some sort of project that involves paint or glue. One cool project that involved both was making bird baths out of clay pottery painted with custom finishes.

I will try to review in subsequent blogs television shows, movies, and other things (shopping finds) that may be of interest to others with simular interests.

My point in writing this is to say to others that have reached the AARP age, don't beat yourself up because you haven't accomplished the big thing you are supposed to by this age, but be content in knowing that everyone has things that they are good at. More to the point, there are a lot of accomplished people but they can be GOOD FOR NOTHING.