End o' Week Musings

It's been an interesting and busy week!

Friday night I went to Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant in Pasadena to try out its new Aloha Hour. This happy hour event features bar bites and cocktails-- all for $5 each. I especially liked the lobster roll and lobster pot stickers. I sipped on the venue's signature martini, which has a pina colada type base and a good portion of vodka- quite refreshing! I think you'll find me in Roy's lounge again in the near future.

I spent Saturday shopping with my mom. We went to Target, the grocery store and a few other places. I was worn out when we got home and had to take a nap!

On Sunday, my friend Carin took me and her niece Meghan to Universal Studios. Carin and I have a tradition of visiting theme parks on Super Bowl Sunday because they're almost empty. (Yeah, now I spilled my secret, the parks will be packed next year lol!). We were able to go on all the rides and catch all the shows without long waits or bad seats.

It's hard to say what thing at Universal I liked best, partly because all the things we did were fun and partly because the company I was doing it with made the day awesome. But one of the highlights was going to Springfield's Quick-E-Mart and seeing the Squishee machine- cherry, grape or chutney?!

In addition to our outing, us Angels (we pretend we're Charlie's Angels on a mission... I'm Farrah ha ha ha!) visited Carin's dad Obie who was thrilled she brought him chocolate and then joined Carin's hubby Tom for dinner at Stox. We ended our "day of adventure" with drinks and cigars in the hot tub.

I was off work on Monday, so I grabbed my friend Louise and we headed to the garment district in downtown Los Angeles. I was in search of fabric for my Renaissance Faire outfits and Louise is an artist and floral designer, so she has a good eye for color and was happy to help. We walked in and out of stores for a few blocks before finding a cache of perfect fabric for my needs. It was really cheap too! I bought enough fabric to make several tops and skirts, plus headwraps and scarves or hats, as well as thread and elastic- all for just a tad more than it would cost me to buy just the fabric for one top and skirt at a local store. Cool beans, huh?!

Tuesday I interviewed Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas. He has published an autobiography and is on a book tour and will be stopping in Pasadena. Taboo was very, very nice and spoke quite eloquently. In my research, I came across some of his solo work and was impressed by how he raps so clearly and isn't afraid to give his point of view on political issues. He is also very devoted to his wife and family.

I also interviewed the No Doubt tribute band No Duh. We had a fun chat. They will be performing at Zendejas in San Dimas on Feb. 24.

Thursday was the first night back to Polynesian/Tahitian dance class. I was so excited! I got a good workout and we began learning a new Tahitian dance with lots of hips. No wonder I slept well last night!

This weekend I am hoping to make the patterns for my Ren costume and perhaps beging cutting and sewing. On Sunday, I plan to join Vernor for a screening of "Gnomeo and Juliet" and then go to BJs. His birthday is Tuesday, so it's Pizookie time- yum! In the evening, my mom and I are going to the Pasadena Playhouse to see "Dangerous Beauty," a musical based on the life of Veronica Franco. Not familiar with Franco's story? I suggest you read a little bit about her on the Internet- she was a strong and smart woman who struggled for equality, which was pretty amazing for her time.

Next week I'm not sure what all I'm doing, but it should be fun because I can always find an adventure.

In rotation this week: Scum of the Earth, Skindred, Circe Link, The Brothers Dimm and the Backstreet Boys.

Photos we got 'em: Some cute pet pics off the Web, photos by Keith Durflinger from the NAMM Show of me with Marshall's Dio amp and local blues rocker Joe Walla with a Fender guitar and a shot of me with the Squishee machine.

Thought o' the week: Stay optimistic. There have been a lot of big changes going on in my life and some of them are a bit troubling, but I have decided that I won't let them upset me. Anger, sadness and other negative attitudes will not help me come out on top of a situation, rather they drag you deeper into the muck. Negativity will also make you more stressed and tired and even sick. Plus those around you pick up on it, which isn't good or healthy.

I am making a concious effort to be extra nice to people, to work hard and do my best and to enjoy all the little joys around me. Change doesn't mean the end of the world, it means an opportunity for new adventure. It's all in how you decide to look at it.

Attitude? Check! Take the high road and focus on the positive, you will be much better for it.

Keep on rockin'

Mickie