Well, I have to tell you, I feel kinda silly sitting here "blogging" when no one is blogging back.  I feel like I'm talking to myself.  But for those of you who might be reading this and just not commenting, here we are again.

My husband and I are American Idol fans.  It started out watching the initial try-outs with all the crazy people who sang badly.  Then we started paying attention to the -- I hate to call them kids -- so we'll call them the young people.  They get up there with their back stories of lost loved ones for whom they are doing this, or their significant others who have supported them, etc.  We've watched them stand in line, sit in an auditorium with thousands of other young people, then sing their hearts out and eagerly await the judges' decision - go or no go.

There is a young man on this season - his name is not important - who has made it, as of tonight, to the top 12.  I believe he is one of the youngest contestants taking the stage this season.  Anyway, a couple of weeks ago when he made the Top 24, he became very emotional.  He said this is all he ever wanted and had worked so hard to get there.  Now, all he ever wanted?  He is very young and may have thought being a rock star would be cool, but he had his whole life ahead of him.  He worked hard to get there?  How hard could he have worked?  He didn't need to work two jobs to reach his goal, he didn't give up his family for the road.  He simply traveled to try-outs, gave it a shot and made it.

However, he is not the point of my blog tonight.  When he was one of the lucky ones to be chosen to proceed to the next level, his face really spoke to me.  He, for all of his 17 or 18 years, had accomplished a life-long dream.  His face was a mixture of pride, excitement, happiness, trepidation, and fear.  It started me thinking...... What would my "that" moment be?  I had no idea.  I asked my husband - he knew right away.  He knew that if someone had afforded him the opportunity to show his talents by operating a professional haunted house would be his moment.  I asked a few of my friends and they didn't know right of off hand what that would be for them. 

Maybe we need to strive to reach that moment - whatever it might be for us.  For me, I might say it would be that someone either wanted to publish something I'd written or perhaps put a poem of mine to music.  Of course, winning Iron Chef against Flay or Batelli wouldn't suck either.

So, what would your moment be?  Blog back and let us know.  I'm interested to hear.

Okay, you saw the title, got any ideas what I'm blogging about tonight?  Yep, you got it.... Halloween.  First of all just let me say that I cannot believe that tomorrow is already March 1.  I'm 8 pounds behind what I'm supposed to be losing by now - but that's another story (or perhaps a blog). 

Anyway, TJ and Andrew and Kelly came over for dinner as they often do on Family Dinner Sunday and as we ate we chatted about the new things in everyone's life.  That took about 4 minutes because, just like when they were young, everything is "fine" and "nothing is new".  So, we finished up, cleared the table and spread the oversized blue print of our entire property, sidewalk to back wall and side yard to side yard, on the dining room table.  The print contains an outline of each room on the first story of our house and the front, back and side yards.   After all, we must get started on our Halloween plans. 

We had already gotten some ideas and talked about some things with my brother and sister-in-law last week, so there were some notes scribbled on the print.  Suggestions were made, notes changed, and ideas were discussed.  Jokes were made, previous parties and Halloweens were resurrected and all in all it was a good time.  Everyone has their homework and list of things to shop at garage sales and go dumpster diving for, so we're well on our way to another Horrific Halloween party and trick or treat adventure...... Stay tuned !

I’m going to get on my soapbox for a minute.  Sorry, but maybe you’ll be able to relate.  Remember back when you were younger and you were just starting out?  Go as far back as when you first started high school or college or getting ready for your first date or your first job – you get the idea.  I’m betting there was someone to help you, right?  Your big brother or sister or even your mom and dad?  Or maybe not a family member, maybe just a kind hearted person who was there to show you around, give some advice, introduce you to other people, give you an idea or help you expand on your own. 

Okay, so here’s when I get on my soapbox….. are you that kind hearted person who helps someone who is new or inexperienced or are you someone who judges and becomes impatient at the new kids’ inabilities and inexperience?  To be honest I am, at times, one of those judgmental and impatient people.  I think I began to recognize that about myself when a forum my husband belongs to made fun of someone who got on-line and asked the forum members for some help and advice.  They didn’t laugh at the newbie to his e-face, but instead mocked him amongst themselves and ridiculed his simple ideas and inexperience.  I wanted to reach out and help the new guy, but I didn’t. I actually feel bad about it a little to this day.  But hey, now I have my own blog so if there is ever something you need help with or perhaps some advice or maybe just a word of encouragement from someone who has “been there done that” get on line with me. I’ll probably be asking the same things of you at times; after all, isn’t that what friends do?  Rest assured there will be no judging or impatience on my blog.  We were all babies once and there’s still lots of new adventures ahead of us to experience together…..

Over the past several days I've been thinking of things to blog about.  Now, wouldn't you  know it as I sit in front of the computer none of those things come to mind.  So let's just chat. 

Scott and I cleaned out the garage today and I worked in my work room.  I have a room in the garage and all of my party/catering stuff lives there.  I rearranged my room and have dedicated a portion of it to Halloween collectibles.  I know what you're thinking..... Halloween?  Are you crazy, Halloween is 8 months away.  But we have to start gathering and selecting items early and already have quite a collection going.  I also sorted through pool toys and beach towels that will be brought out pretty soon and I got out some of the wedding items I'll need to decorate for a wedding we are catering and decorating for in early April.  It is interesting the items you come across when you aren't looking for anything, but touch everything.  Some old baby bottles from when Evan and Rami used them.  (Evan is my Grandson and Rami is my God Daughter - they are 4 months apart in age).  I found a blow-up juke box we used in a photo shoot for work, and a box of photographs that I used to put together one of my kids' scrapbooks when they graduated from high school.  I know I collect a lot of "crap" as I affectionately call it, and I get agitated when boxes and bags of the stuff piles up.  But oh what fun is it to go through it and look at old photos,  school projects and art work that once was proudly displayed on the fridge and calendars with dates long gone written in ink. 

Simplicity is a much-preferred way of life for some people.  Me?  I enjoy taking a moment and going through junk and reliving many happy memories.  Ultimately though I'm "cleaning" out the garage, most items just get reboxed or rebagged to be stored for another afternoon........  

Hi there.  Well, here it is.....my very own blog.  A few people have told me I needed to start a blog and talk about fun stuff.  If you know me at all you know my favorite thing on the entire planet with the exception of my family is planning parties.  Sure, I like to attend parties too, but there is just something about planning them that makes me all warm and fuzzy.  I'm going right now to Facebook and let people know I have a blog and see if anyone writes on it.  It will be fun.  Oh and we don't have to talk about parties, you know me, I'll talk about anything.  So write to me and let's get this party started....