August 22, 2008 Ideas for my Christmas Gifts Part 1

Many thanks to my dear friend Minny Van Gogh for sharing her "Dr. Phil fathered Lindsey Lohan" National Enquirer with me last week, where I found this delightful little collectible. Meet Monkey Cuddles. Described as... "an adorable doll ready for some tender loving care! You'll find him absolutely irresistible! Before you know it, he will steal your heart away! Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, he's too cute for words with his little banana, curly tail and tiny topknot tied up with strands of genuine mohair. He even wears a real fabric diaper! Treasure him forever or enjoy giving him as lovable collectible to a monkey-lover!" 

Well I'm not really a monkey-lover, per se ( I like to work "per se" in where I can), but a REAL FABRIC DIAPER?!?! Sweet fancy moses...I might need three or four of these.*

*Disclaimer: If you actually buy me one of these, not only will I discontinue my electronic friendship with you on My Face, but I will also remove you from my blog distribution emails, and we will NEVER go to dinner together at Circle K again. Ever.

August 26, 2008 Airstream Ranch: Art or Art?

Hands down...the Airstream Ranch* in Dover, FL is a brilliant work of art. Why there is even a debate is beyond my comprehension. As a kid, I vacationed in my grandmother's "silver pickle" and thought it was the coolest mode of transportation ever. I've always been attracted to bright, shiny things thanks to a bad case of ADHD, so the Airstream Ranch located here and owned by Frank Bates of Bates RV, is the very best eye candy that Interstate 4 has to offer. Some call it an eyesore. Ha! For a real eyesore along Interstate 4, please check out the huge, obnoxious, offensive, ignorant, and reprehensible rebel flag located at the interchange of Interstate 4 and Interstate 75.

*The photo below was taken while driving 85mph...er...I mean 70mph on I-4, heading west. Please do not try this at home.

August 29, 2008 Emergency!! Survival!! Furniture!!

Many thanks to my mom (no, not "your mom" this time) for showing me this little gem of a tent sale on the corner of Highway 60 and Lakewood in Brandon. It's the "Direct Emergency Survival Furniture Sale" and it's happening right now!! I know that when I need a new couch or piece of wall art, it is definitely an emergency. And if I can't find exactly what I want, when I want it ("Daddy, I want an Oompa Loompa, NOW!") it becomes a matter of survival for those around me. So I was as delighted as a cantaloupe in overalls, when we came across this place. Unfortunately, I am all set right now in the couch department, but I sure hope this place is still around the next time I have a furniture crisis.

August 9, 2008 Tampa Bay Derby Darlins...And the Silver Goes to...

Last night resulted in yet another wonderful installation of the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins skating, fighting and jamming their way into our hearts. And although the Tampa Tantrums did not come out victorious over the Detroit Derby Girls (ranked #8 in the nation), there was a bright spot in the evening. Very bright. And shiny. And silver. And gloriously skin-tight. Mr. Marv Illis, a guest referee for the event from Grosse Ile, Michigan, wore what some might describe as shorts that would make the Cloud Gate in Chicago look like a grief-stricken coffee bean. It was as though someone had hot-glued my pupils to his lower midsection. Here is a photo of my friend Carrie Oki posing with Mr. Illis...

In other Tampa Bay Roller Derby news...

My dear friend Ella Vader is trying out for the Darlins on Monday. We are very proud of her and can't wait to see her in her first bout!

If you missed the Darlins' very awesome Tampa Bay 2008 Red Bull Flugtag flight, you can catch it here.

The Home Championship Bout will take place on Sat., Sept. 6th @ 8pm (doors at 7pm) at Skateplex in Temple Terrace. The 2007 Champs, Cigar City Mafia, vs. the Switchblade Sisters. $10 in advance or $12 at the door (cash only).

And last, but not least, please check out Rick O'Shea's blogs here and here, you won't want to miss these two posts!