Monday, February 28, 2011

Shows That Have Jumped the Shark

Familiar with the term? If not, I didn't make it up. Recall the show Happy Days? If so, you may recall the latter seasons when Fonzie "jumped the shark" on his motorcycle. It was a clear indicator that the show was done. Cousin Oliver did it to The Brady Bunch. Extra kids were brought in when My Three Sons grew up. The Cosby show had Raven Simone, cute, but Rudy had grown up and the show had run its course. You get it.


The easy target here is Two and a Half Men. Even before Charlie Sheen went off the deep end, Rose, married to "Manny Quin"? CBS should have quit while they were ahead. Although given Sheen's recent behavior, they still may be ahead of the game.

How I Met Your Mother. Where else can this show go? Barney is, well, Barney. Well played by Neil Patrick Harris. Robin will stay single and continue to date dysfunctional men. Marshal and Lily, they can't have kids without ruining the already dead show. The cast is great, but there is nowhere else to go. The bar is the same, the apartment, the storylines, the fear of commitment by everyone except Marshal and Lily who can't live without each other. Meet the Mother already.

The Office. I have loved your awkwardness, even when it is almost too uncomfortable to watch. Sorry, I think you are done. The Sabre take over was done well and Kathy Bates is great as Jo, but we know Michael Scott is leaving. Jim and Pam have had a baby, Dwight and Angela have petered out, the new cast members are OK, but the original office feel is gone. Michael Scott and his uncomfortable relationships with Jan and Holly have run their course. Now Holly is just weird. I still love Kevin, Stanley and Phyllis, Jim and Pam too. The rest just don't appeal. Rumors of Ricky Gervais joining the cast, after his hosting of the Golden Globes, also don't appeal. I think The Office has come and gone....That's what she said.

Celebrity Apprentice. Gary Busey, LaToya Jackson, Richard Hatch, Star Jones....what other F list "stars" can we call? Anna Nicole Smith, oh whoops. The cast of Celebrity Apprentice 2011 is a train wreck. So I guess if Donald Trump is looking to cheapen his brand and go for the Jerry Springer effect, he's dead on. Celebrity Apprentice was an enjoyable competitive show once upon a time, even with controversy like Joan Rivers, Jesse James (before he jumped the shark with Bombshell Mchee) and Dennis Rodman. It was still a competition. This season is just going to be a race to Intervention.

Speaking of intervention. Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew is about done as well. Dr Drew might have a rebirth if he can land Charlie Sheen!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Lifelong Friend

Kelly, it's your birthday blog!  Now you are 40 just like me....in a few days.  I felt the need to write your blog early. Sorry, I had to do it.  I have a very close friend who turned 40 6 months before me and I had to give her heck too.

Our parents were friends before Kelly and I came along.  Our Dads worked at Pacific Bell long before we were even thought of.  Our Moms and Dads became fast friends and Kelly and I have been friends from the beginning.  We have pictures of us in bikinis at the beach from 1972 to prove it!

What wonderful memories I have of our childhood!   Remember singing in your parents big room to Funkytown?  Remember when you came to spend the night at my house for the first time and you whimped out late at night?  Remember the days your Mom took us to La Jolla Shores, and the sunburns?  I loved our camping trips in my grandparents RV with our parents.  You may not recall but one time our Dad's had my Mom convinced that there was a lake outside of Las Vegas that had native beavers that had just one eye and swam in circles.....my Mom was so gullable.  I always loved staying over at your house because your parents were so cool.  Mine probably were too, but other parents always seem better.  I can say that now because I am a parent. 

We lost a few years but I am so glad we have come full circle.  I was so happy to have your shower for you when you were pregnant with Michael and we reconnected.  Facebook has made it so much easier!  I love your updates and really like our getaway lunches. 

Happy birthday super mom, wife, teacher, doer of all things, the glue that holds your family together, organizer goddess, driver, carpooler, soccer mom, little league mom, trophy orderer, herder of parents who act more like cats than parents, party planner, money manager, maid, cook, pooper scooper, butt whiper, nose blower, kleenex giving, photographer, comfort food maker.....I know there is more you do.....the point is.....you do it all!  And you rock!  Love you.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Sister, it’s your birthday! It’s your Birthday Blog!


Rhonda, my Sis, my friend, my Mom in cahoots, my rock and my venting partner. What can I say? First, happy birthday love!

My Sis.
I married Rhonda’s Brother in 1995. Rhonda’s Brother proposed (with her permission) at her wedding, to me in 1994….I think. If you are already lost keep reading, I will make is simple. I married Rhonda’s Brother and the family had a surprise reception for us. I did not want a reception, but they didn’t listen, ever, and I love them for it now. My Mother in Law had a reception for us and Rhonda and her husband Jeff got us a limo for the night to party downtown. I love you Sis, but you know I have to tell on you. We went to a couple clubs. We all got hammered first of in the process. But Rhonda lost her ID…and we were young, so any club was gonna ID us. In the limo Rhonda realized she lost her ID. A discussion (read fight) ensued with Jeff. In the smoothest move ever Jeff opened the sunroof and tossed out his ID in a moment of horribly angry solidarity with Rhonda. Bottom line, we weren’t getting in any clubs. We drove home. Still an awesome night in my mind, love you guys.

Mom in Cahoots
Remember when Brooklyn spent the night here years ago and Sam and her spent all night up and snuck around at the age of about four???? Rhonda you had the genius mom idea to tell Brooklyn that Sam spilled her guts (which she didn’t) and we knew everything which in turn compelled Brooke to spill her guts (follow me) which allowed Rhonda to call me to compel Sam to produce the same (or better) information. One word – Genius As an only child, I have no talent for this stuff.

My rock and my venting partner, you know your power here. Love you Sis.

About You
How wonderful are you? Loved by friends, family and all who love and know you. You work amazingly hard at everything you do. I share your work ethic. You are bright beyond belief and you light up the world of everyone you touch. You are so memorable and charismatic. You have never met a stranger. You inspire everyone who meets you.

Mom, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Niece, Friend, Love.  Happy Birthday Sister

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Adina's Birthday

Hello friend.  I hear you have a birthday coming, and yes I know you are younger than me. It seems everyone is these days.   In my mind I justify that fact by knowing my kids will be long gone before I am near 50.....and yours won't.  In your defense you had a lot of fun and adventures before you had kiddos.  We didn't do that, so we feel compelled to do so as soon as they get the hell away from us.

We have wonderful memories of you both.  Heath, I must omit your ass in these memories.  When we all started going to the river we had such fun.  The week we had theme dinners was so fun, and when Adina yelled, "and Gators too" to the senior "security" force we all lost it.

What about the time that Donald used your BBQ, not knowing the propane had been running for 20 minutes.  He lit the BBQ and all his arm and face hair on fire at one, while following Heath's directions...while simultaneously sharing the spotlight of Adina flying out of the trailer, missing 2 steps with Lily the poodle in tow.  Adina landed perfectly, while saving her pup.  It was impressive.  Donald's burns pailed in comprison....although he was pretty freaked,

Lena's Birthday

Well Lena it is your birthday.  Because none of us keep in decent touch (including me) I am not sure of your age.  I know you are younger than me, and I think Kris is as well.  Steve is older.  I turned 40 late last year.  Grrr.  I'm guessing you are about 35 because my Grandma took me to your house 100 years ago when you were a newborn and I got to hold you.  You were the first baby I held...remember, I am an only child.

We always loved the way you said your name, Lena Bon Gonni...meaning Lena Evonne Ghianni I believe.  Grandma always wanted to make sure you got her her cross and chain necklace....I hope you did, if not I will find it and see that you get them.

I miss being in touch with your side of the family.  Hope we can reconnect soon.

Cousin Suzanne

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Happy Birthday Cousin

Happy Birthday Cousin Gail!  You have had quite a ride these last few years.  I don't need to remind you of your trials.  But I do want to mention that I am so sorry about the recent passing of your Mom....my Grandma's Brother's Son's wife (wow).  How many fantastic childhood memories I have of your grandparents, parents, relatives and you kids, even though I was the kid back then. 

So in your birthday blog, I will share my memories of you, my cherished cousin.  Growing up as an only child, my information was limited.  My Mom's family was almost entirely off limits (as they should have been).  My Dad's family was limited to Grandma's side, which is where you fell Gail.  My first memories are in about 1976 when much of the Michigan clan came to San Diego.  Richard and Pat with Rick and Sherry and Earl and Joe with Mikey and Marla came to stay at my house.  I was about 5.  Everyone got the stomach flu.  I was the last to get it, and I missed the fun stuff. 

I think that Art and Irma, Jimmy and Hedwiges, Margaret and Dee and Alice and Paul, along with Nick and Helen were staying at my Grandma's house, Von and Jim to you.  I don't remember a lot about that visit.

But in 1980, I know you came to visit Gail.  You were held in high standard with my Grandmother.  She raved about you Gail!  You are the woman who can manage 15 things at once.  I think I must have got the message because I only feel comfortable when I have at least 14 things going at one time.  You are a Mom, a career woman, a wife, a caretaker, friend and family member, and I can relate to you on many levels.  You do too much and you over extend yourself in the name of love and empathy. 

In the couple of summers I spent with you and your family I learned so much about what family means.  I loved my summers in Michigan, trips to Frakenmuth, catching fire flies, sparklers, staying my grandparent's RV and real family fun

I have two items on my desk, that I have literally had on my desk since I had a desk, that you painted.  Thank you for the inspiration.

Bless you cousin, you are an inspiration to many and a blessing to all.

Suzanne