Kitten a Go-Go

To My Grandmother

Dear Mommom,

I am so sorry that you are in the hospital and I am across the country and not able to be there with you.  I really wanted to spend Thanksgiving in Jersey so that I could see you while you were rehabilitating.  Then I got sick with some sort of stomach flu and had to cancel the trip.  I understand that you were able to enjoy some of Thanksgiving dinner with Mom, Dad, Paul and Theresa.  I wish I could have been there.

Because I was not able to be there, my heart feels a little broken.  Since I know that things went downhill yesterday, I am particularly saddened that I had to cancel the trip and was unable to see you on Thanksgiving, with the rest of the family.

Since I am thousands of miles away, I'm writing you this letter and I'm going to ask that Dad or Paul or Theresa or anyone who will oblige me read it to you.  I understand that voices can be soothing while you are recovering from the trauma that your body has seen over the last few weeks.  Even though it is someone else's voice, please know that this is coming from my heart and I miss you dearly. 

Since Brian has entered my life, I am learning so much about the impact that key players can have on a child's life, both positive and negative.  You are, without a doubt, a key player in my childhood and shaping the woman that I've become.  You taught me so much at such a young age.

You taught me to live freely and without inhibition.  How many women would sing at the top of their lungs in a gazebo in a public park over and over again to bring their granddaughter joy?  I will never forget the words to "My mom gave me a nickel to buy a pickle."  And I will never forget how you thought it was so funny that I always assumed I would get married in the same gazebo in the park.

You also helped to teach me humor.  Through funny cards and stories, I have so many fond memories of you from my childhood.  I never tire of hearing about my father's alligator that he brought home from Florida and your impersonation of that alligator. 

I will also never forget how you always told me you were 29.  I finally caught on when I was six and my mom turned 30 and it all clicked and I said, hey, you are younger than mommy...  Quick, I was not. 

From pewter frogs to carousel horses to mice, you always had a collection.  I cherish the angel music box that I have from your Christmas collection. 

You have been there through my triumphs and my falls, always willing to listen and not judge.  Always willing to tell a story to bring a smile to my face during tough times.  Even clipping coupons for me when I know you weren't feeling well. 

You helped to expose me to new things.  You took me to New York City for the first time.  You took me to see my first Broadway musical. 

Whether you realize it or not, you also taught me the importance of recognizing people's victories and celebrating the little things in life.  Even if it is just with a few kind words in a card, that can make a big difference.  In both my professional and personal life, I have tried to capture that gift.  I do everything I can to recognize a job well done and to acknowledge the successes of others. 

Most of all, I hope I have made you proud.  It is incredibly hard to be so far from family, particularly in a time like this, when a family member is so ill.  I wish I could be by your side right now.  If no one was in the room, I'd quietly sing all of our funny songs to you.  I know that on some level you feel us there with you.  Even though I am not there physically right now, please know that I am thinking about you, and so are Brian and the kids. 

I am not ready to say goodbye, but is anyone ever ready?  I feel unequipped to deal with that sort of empty feeling in my heart.  I hope you know that you have been an inspiration to me.  A driving force when I feel like quitting.  A reminder to make things fun and light ("kiss what?") and to keep a positive outlook.  To be strong and to passionately care for one's family, even if they have screwed up.  To offer help and love.  To be a role model and a source of inspiration for other young women. 

I love you dearly and I hope I see you soon, back on your feet and calling me Dani.  (You're still the only one allowed.  Pablo does it, but he doesn't have permission.)  Please know that I am thinking about you.  I miss you and love you.  Please get well soon. 

With much love,
Danielle

Dancing with the Stars: The Finale

Meh.  Just meh. 

I wanted Lancy and Lacey to win due to my sheer dedication to Lacey after watching her on So You Think You Can Dance.  Brooke won, as she should, because she was the best.  I personally think the costumers who were able to keep her ladies from popping out in some of those costumes is the unsung hero of this season. 

There are two questions that have come up:

1.  If I liked the song that Miley Cyrus performed, what would that say about me?

2.  Did pro Kym Johnson get, um, augmented in between seasons??

On Becoming My Own Stress Induced Economic Stimulus Package...

You've missed me, no?  I'm sure all six of you are desperate to know where I've been.  That's easy:  working.  It's a hectic time in the office for wee Danielle.  I was supposed to go home over the holiday, but that also wasn't meant to be because i am now sick.  What started as a menacing cough has infiltrated my sinuses and started my hair trigger vomiting mechanism.  So I am in Vegas.  But it is raining and foggy, so it might as well be south jersey. 

But I have a tale to tell.  It's illustrated with spectacular images.  Let us begin.

On or about Thursday, November 20, 2008, a coworker of the Boy (hereinafter referred to as "The Enabler") informed me that Saks was having a sale of mammoth proportions.  Here's what I was told.  Designer shoes were on sale for 40% off of the original price.  On Tuesday, they would be an additional 50% off of the already discounted price.  This would yield prices like $160 for a pair of Louboutins.  This is a range of shoes that is so far out of my normal price range that I couldn't imagine I'd be able to afford them for years to come. 

So, Saturday, I went to work for the millionth day in a row and I wanted to go to Ann Taylor to use a discount coupon that I had.  Well, my shoe cohort, Laura was going to Saks.  I met her there.  The Enabler was also there.  I have never seen such shoe chaos in my life.  It was like watching wild beasts feasting on something smaller, weaker and deader.  Shoes were thrown everywhere. 

The bargains were obscene.  I mean, seriously obscene.  I purchased four pairs on Saturday.  But, because it was a pre-sale, i couldn't have them for the full discounted price until Tuesday. 

Pair #1.  A dainty pair of Kate Spade slingbacks.  These shoes are relatively comfy and will be perfect for work. 

Pair #2 is another pair of perfect work shoes.  Cole Haan mary janes with a peep toe.  Since they are Cole Haan, they are actually comfy.  (Thank you to Nike.)

Pair #3 Black Patent Jimmy Choo Mary Janes.  A perfect classic.

Pair #4.  Purple Patent Jimmy Choo's.  This, since I found them before Pair #3 is officially my first pair from Mr. Jimmy Choo.  He and Kate Spade are my favorites as they make my adorable little feet look all the more dainty and adorable.  (Although I have quickly learned that these designer shoes run small and I need a seven in these brands.  Which explains the issues I've had with the size 6 Kate Spades that I got on Ebay.  They are too damn small.)  I love these shoes and I think they will be a practical addition to my work wardrobe.

Since I was at work last night until 9 p.m., I didn't get to pick up my shoes.  Because I am sick, I left a bit early today and I picked up my precious babies.  I may have taken a peak around those sales that were still going.  Then, I saw the most beautiful shoes in all the world (okay, in Saks, but still).  I tried them on and they are perfect.  I heart them.  I cannot wait to find somewhere to wear them.  (And these will look so so so awesome on the Hello Stiletto pink carpet.)

Pair #5.  Pink Satino Valentino slingbacks.

Seriously, the savings from the original prices has to be more than $2000.  I am so excited to welcome these into my sculpture garden.  I am the first to admit that I have a serious problem with this and recent stress has only made it worse.  But i like to think that these little pink ones are like shoe pepto bismal and I will somehow stop vomiting if I cuddle with them.  Or I can tap the pointy heel on my forehead and relieve some of the sinus pressure. 

Oh, and just one little thing.  I don't much like Louboutin.  They are too bulky.  Definitely not my style.  But they were on monster sale too!

STEF ROCKS!!!

Buttercups, today has been quite a day.  My goal was to go to work so that I could get some things ready for a certain little thing we lawyers like to call summary judgment motion practice.  But then my stomach decided to revolt and digestion has not been an option.  What with all of the vomiting and demons rolling about in my stomach, i didn't make it into the office.  Looks like that will be happening early tomorrow morning.  Or i will just run around like a coughing, nauseous, frazzled mess all morning (most likely). 

But this post isn't about me.  Oh no.  This is about Stef.  You see, Stef has mental problems and enjoys running, biking and swimming or excessive lengths of time.  Yes, she's a triathlete.  For the past two years, she's been focused on one thing - Silverman.  Today, little miss triathlete completed her first half iron distance tri.  If you look at her blog, I'm the author of the smart ass tweets on the side bar.  (which aren't in order b/c twitter is a total d.b. sometimes.) 

First, the weather was shitty.  So the start of Stef's swim was delayed an hour.  She got through that in fantastic time and started the bike leg.  Then she got a flat.  Then another.  Then another.  And another.  And another.  That's right, five flats.  The poor woman had to ride like 56 miles and got five flats.  Any sane person would have thrown the bike into oncoming traffic or the nearest body of water.  But as I said before, Stef is not sane.  No.  She kept going. 

After that ordeal, she had to run 13.1 miles.  If you think Vegas is a big flat desert, oh no.  It is a mountainous monstrosity.  That woman traveled thousands of miles today and did it ON PURPOSE. 

I went to The District to watch her run through.  A stranger tried to touch my hand in a showing of support as he ran by and i blankly stared at him and said I'm sick, you do not want to touch me.  He waved and went by.  Sadly, Stef did not run through during Britney's Toxic because that would have been perfect.  But when she did run through, I didn't realize it was her b/c she had her number on her ass instead of in the front and my distance vision is not so good.  But i got a picture of her ass anyway. 

After that, I raced over to the multi-generational center to watch her big finish.  And indeed it was.  She did it.  She biked through five flats, wind, rain and delays and she didn't give up. 

Stef, you are an inspiration!  I am so incredibly proud of you.  I hope i didn't spread any illness to you.  You did it.  You made silverman your bitch, just as I said you would.  Bravo!

This is almost historic

During our most recent trip to our old nail salon, both Laura and I experienced bloodshed.  We decided it was best that we change salons.  Perhaps to one that wouldn't make us bleed.  So, we went to a new spot yesterday.

Last week, during a trip to Ulta, I picked up the cool new OPI colors from the Christmas collection.  I veered slightly from my usual and got some colors that had a hint of pink instead of just red. 

During yesterday's pedicure, I tried Don't Toy With Me.  It is best described as a dark raspberry with intense sparkles.  I love it.  I will be sporting this shade to our first Hello Stiletto shoe party on Thursday night. 

The Boy Says My Arches Are Not Golden

Today, I walked to McDonald's for lunch with my boss.  While crossing a busy street, my ankle gave out and I started to fall.  As I was headed straight for the curb (with my teeth), my boss caught me and saved my teeth.  Then, after standing up, I realized that I had almost collided with a bicyclist.  It was a sad scene, yet, not that out of the ordinary for me.

Yes We Can!

I am extremely proud that Obama and Biden won.  I can't wait to see how they shape this country.

I don't have man feet

Dear Best of the West DSW,

DSW, you are by far my most frequently visited footwear store.  For months, or perhaps even years, I have been searching for black work shoes.  I have visited a couple of times recently and found perfect candidates.  When I begin searching for the box marked 6 or 6.5, you have nothing.  It's usually 8 or 8.5.  I realize that is considered average, but what about the ladies of the wee dainty feet?  I get screwed when it comes to the shoes that I actually need for work. 

I did not, however, get screwed when it came to red shoes.  As usual, I swore that I wouldn't buy them, but they were on clearance and very reasonably priced for Tahari and Ralph Lauren, so I did what I had to do. 

But still - get some smaller sizes.  I need black work shoes.  Geez.

With love,
Danielle