It Has Been So, So Good

Well, the fun always has to come to an end, doesn't it? I set out to make the month of Marie a good one, and you know what? It was terrific, stupendous, monumental, achingly wonderful.

How did I ever get to be such a blessed girl?


I don't know. Just lucky I guess.

And thank you to all of you who in one way or another helped to make this month one of the best ever. There's no way I will forget it.

How will I ever go back to normal life now?

Marie's Birthday Wish List

I realize some of you have been puzzling over what to get me for my birthday. First of all, it is so sweet that you would even think of me. Really, you are all too kind. Secondly, how could I even expect you to get me anything? Really, I have everything I need and more than I deserve. Really.

But.

If you still insist on getting something to celebrate me and my birth and how that just made the whole world better, here are some ideas. You know, basic stuff.

A Microwave S'more Maker

Who doesn't need one of these?

And because I'll need somewhere to enjoy my delicious homemade s'mores, how about

A Movie Theater
That's right, a movie theater. My house is too little to put in a home theater, so it would be great to have a theater all my own.

I would also like to be able to enjoy the outdoors more easily, so I would also like

A Backyard
Yep, not a house with a yard because I really like my little condo. But I would love to have a nice fenced-in backyard.

And quite obviously I would love to have a yard because then someone could get me a

Puppy
Do I even need to explain this one?

A gal always likes to look good around her birthday, so I wouldn't mind receiving

A pair of Christian Louboutins
Yes, I know they tend to run about $2,000 or more, but surely, I'm worth that.

And what good are a fabulous pair of shoes if you don't have a fabulous frock to wear them with? Logically then, it would be terrific to be gifted

A Zac Posen Dress
Again, I know this could be pricey. Of course, I'm not that picky about clothes, so you could get me a nice Stella McCartney or a ready-to-wear Monique Lhuillier as an alternative. You know, save a few hundred dollars.

I suppose if you're not inspired by any of these ideas {although I really wonder how you could not be}, I'm happy with a card or a phone call or maybe even something off of my Amazon wish list.

But really. Don't go to any trouble for little old me.

NYC . . . Again

Yep, it was a delightful treat.

Here's my proof:

Deb got to see the Statue of Liberty up close.

I got to have two of my favorite people meet. And they liked each other.

I went on an awesome food tour. And ate soooo much good food. This was the first thing. You know it's going to be good when it starts with a monster cookie.

Deb was able to enjoy her tasty samplings as well.

I got to be with Deb on her first trip to NYC's FAO Schwartz. And I saw a Barbie that I had as a kid. Back in '86, baby.

We walked the Brooklyn Bridge one night. It was gorgeous. And Em was her usual crazy self.

We took lots of fab photos because we're fab. See?

See?

Oh, yeah. And we saw a couple of celebrities. Recognize them?

Thanks to NYC for loving me back. Thanks to Deb for being such a great travel companion. And definitely thanks to Em for being the hostess with the mostest.

Yep. Happy month of Marie to me.

Oh My Megan

Did you know that my fabulous friend, Megan, celebrated her birthday last week? It's true.

Some reasons that I love her?

She had a birthday cake with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on it this year (see above).

She's super grateful for the good things in her life and expresses this gratitude regularly.


She has a good heart and does wonderful things for people.

She has one of the best, most contagious laughs. Ever. And she shares it a lot.


She's true to what she believes and encourages others to do the same.

I always have tons of fun with her. I can totally be myself with her, no matter how crazy or zany I'm feeling at the time.


Meg, I'm lucky and grateful that you were born. Because if you weren't, I would miss out on lots of fabulous things.

Namely - you.

Love your guts.

Mind the Gap, you ninny

I just came across a site that has the actual voice of the London Underground doing spoofs of the warnings, etc she recorded for the Tube. If you you'd like a giggle, then go here.

*Warning - the one for the residents of London contains some naughty language.

To Me, From Me. You're Welcome.

Since this is my month, I really needed to have my birthday present to myself reflect the magnitude of the occasion. It was kind of hard to decide what to do, get, enjoy because there are so many worthy options. I could buy a fantastic pair of shoes for every day of the month. Or I could have flowers delivered to me everyday with a card that says 'To Marie. Yep, you're awesome.' Or I could try to convince Kevin Bacon to come eat cupcakes with me while we watch Gilmore Girls reruns in our pajamas.

Then it hit me.

What will guarantee me a fabulous month of Marie?

Your hints:

Heck, yes. I'm heading back to NYC.
{Feel free to get the Jay Z/Alicia Keys song stuck in your head right now}.

Happy month of Marie to me.

Handsome Men's Club

Oh my funny, handsomeness. If you like good-looking men, you must watch this. Or if you just like funny things, you'll enjoy it as well. Something for everyone.

And, Lisa, you should definitely watch this because two of your favorites make an appearance.

*Warning - there is one yucky bleeped-out word.

Why am I not surprised?

Remember that one post I did about food holidays? And how the one that falls on my birthday is National Turkey Neck Soup Day?

Well.

The fun continues.

We get calendars at work from one of our carriers, and I think they're great because they usually feature some cool animal photos. So, I was all excited to see which cute or awesome animal I would have for the Month of Marie. Would it be the sweet little penguin buddies? Or maybe the fierce leopard? Or even the hippo mama and her baby?

Nope.

I got the gerenuk.

Could there be a more awkward animal?

*sigh*

again

Oscar Fashion Review

So, did you get to see the Oscars? Or at least read about the highlights? I watched via DVR {one of the best inventions ever} and caught the bits I was interested in. As you know if you read my past post, one bit I quite enjoy is the array of gowns. So, with no real fashion expertise or knowledge, I'd like to review my favorites, from least to most.

Kate Winslet:

I will adore Kate even if she shows up one year wearing gauchos and a fake mustache, but I have to admit that this was not my favorite of her looks. However. She still looks luminous, and you got to love the jewels she's rocking.

Anna Kendrick:

Anna is not someone usually on my radar, but I really liked the romantic pink dress she wore. The shade is a bit too close to her skin tone, but the draping and details look fantastic.
Carey Mulligan:
If you've seen any of Carey's other gowns this awards season, you might have reason to believe she has no fashion sense at all. And granted, this black number with metallic beading and uneven hemline is not everyone's cup of tea, but I found it as winning and charming as her performance in her nominated role.

Tina Fey:

I will say right off that I didn't love everything about Tina's look on Oscar night, but somehow I still think she looks great in this one-shouldered column dress. And how can you not cheer for Liz Lemon?

Queen Latifah:

I could go for the easy royalty comparison because Queen Latifah looks regal in this elegant pink gown. But I won't. Instead I will say that I love how she always, always looks stunning on the red carpet, and this beautiful gown with just a touch of sparkle is no exception.

Mariska Hargitay:

Mariska wasn't in any of the bits of the show I watched, but when I saw her picture afterwards, I fell in love. I think she's gorgeous anyway, but she knocked it out of the park for me in this steely gray/navy blue {I really can't tell what color it is} stunner. I think the fit is perfect with just enough interesting detail with the fabric to keep it from being too plain. And her overall look with her hair, makeup, jewelry and classiness makes this one of my very favorites of the night.

Sandra Bullock:

Not only did she win, but she looked incredible doing so. Seeing Sandra in this dress made me, once again, wish I was 5'10" so I could rock a gown like her. So simple, but so, so beautiful. The lace/embroidered top with the liquid metal bottom is exquisite. And her red lips and shiny hair? Perfection. She looked like she should be the winner, right? I'm so glad she was.

The Month of Marie

Most of the time, I really try to not draw too much attention to myself. I get uncomfortable or worry that I'll do the wrong thing. I especially feel this way when my birthday starts looming on the horizon. I deflect well wishing and kind remarks that put the spotlight on moi.

Pretty much not my plan this year.

I officially dub March 2010 the month of Marie.

Why?

Because I'm awesome and I deserve it.

And because as a very wise, very beautiful friend of mine once pointed out, when your birthday comes around, you can and should celebrate the whole month.

So, what would I like to have happen during the month of Marie? Well, I think I want to enjoy myself, be around people who I love and who make me feel like a great gal, and pretty much have a rockin' good time celebrating me.

And if you don't want to participate, you don't have too.

But if you don't participate, I reserve the right to think you're lame.

Hey, it's my month. I'll do whatever I want.