End o' week musings

I woke up this morning with a headache. Unfortunately I can't say it's from partying too much, rather it's probably from thinking too much. I've been busy trying to coordinate my life between work, dancing and my appearances as the 31st Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade Queen. Plus I'm working on a huge sewing project and a bunch of other creative ideas.

On Friday, when we last met, I was on my was to an appearance at the Gilded Age Holiday Tour and Tea at Fenyes Mansion at the Pasadena Museum of History. It was lots of fun and you can read about my aventure at www.insidesocal.com/doodah You can still tour the historic mansion (only I won't be there) and visit the musuem, which will be launching an exhibit on purses Jan. 23. For complete information, visit http://www.pasadenahistory.org/

Saturday I went shopping woo hoo! I went to Frederick's and JoAnn Fabrics and drove home in a daze. I was't in the door long, when I decided to take a nap. I took it easy the rest of the day. I was under the weather on Sunday, so I continued in my relaxed state.

I was supposed to work early New Year's Day, but it was canceled, so I was all dressed up with no place to go - so to speak - on New Year's Eve. My friend, Andrew, and I went to House of Louie for a Chinese dinner. I have a tradition of sorts of having a Chinese dinner for New Year's Eve. It started a long time ago when Chinese restaurants were one of the few places open late, plus you get a fortune to start the new year. We enjoyed a dim sum plate and some almond duck with sweet and sour sauce, followed by ginger and green tea ice cream- yummy!!

New Year's Day I lounged on the couch in pajamas, sipping mimosas and watching the Rose Parade. Then I got to work with some fabric and my serger (an overlock sewing machine). The machine and I had a disagreement and after several attempts at rethreading and resetting, I gave, the machine won. But only for one day, as Wednesday, my friend Cindy dropped by and managed to fix it for me! Cindy also got to show off her new car- a Toyota SUV that's perfect for her camping and kayaking trips, as well as toting her two dogs everywhere.

Last night I did more sewing. This time I kept myself busy for two hours with sequins, jewels and a lot of handwork. I'll share my secret project with you in due time...

Tomorrow (Saturday), Valerie and I will be heading out to the Body Art Expo at the Fairplex in Pomona. We're not dancing this time, but we want to visit our friends and look around. Who knows? Maybe we'll get some work done... or at least some shopping. It's a great place to meet artists and get ideas, especially before you commit to permanently adorning your body with art. Visit http://www.bodyartexpo.com/ for the skinny.

In the evening, I will be going to the Open Mic Night at the Fret House in Covina. I probably won't perform, but I will cheer on the other acts and help Rich out. It's a nice way to spend an evening.

The rest of my week is filled with interviews, a photo shoot, more sewing and dance practices. Too exciting, huh??? Well, don't forget to mark your calendar for Jan. 12th when Valerie and I dance at Gem City in Monrovia as part of Prince Andrew's Brithstravaganza & Pre-Doo Dah Party. Rumors are you can meet the Queen there and she'll even give you an autographed photo if you ask nice!

Photos we got 'em! Just my usual cute critters and one really nice one of me that San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group Staff Photographer Walt Mancini took at Feynes Mansion.

In rotation this week: Joe Walla, Killolla, Tha Riks, HorrorPops and an assortment of bits and pieces of other things...

This week's thought: Even if things are not going their best, you can still feel thankful. When I was laying in bed feeling icky all over, I thought about how fortunate I am to have a decent apartment, a warm bed with fuzzy blankets, a radio and a television nearby to keep me entertained between naps, plus a nice pile of books and my cell phone. I have a pretty good life-- how about you??

Keep on rockin'

Mickie