Dance Dance Tanksgiving Revolution

So, I've cut together a little video of Thanksgiving from my house. It's not very good quality because the video clips actually came from three different sources....two cameras and a cell phone. But, I still think it's pretty fun. Anyway, the photos are in my photo album, because I know they go by pretty quickly. I had never played Dance Dance Revolution, but I loved it! We all had a great time.



Now, after looking at my fat ass jiggling all over the screen, I have promised myself that I will lose 30 pounds by April 1, 2008. So, I'll be giving you updates on my progress. If I don't, please ask me about it because I need people to ride my ass and keep me motivated.

Happy Holidays!

I give thanks for.......

So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, a friend of mine asked me today the things for which I'm thankful. Below is my list.

I'm thankful for:
human triumphs - when the soul and spirit work in tandem
empathy - the invisible connector to the world
visionaries - the world's trail blazers
musicians - fondlers of the soul
storytellers - visual and verbal illustrators of the essence of existence
old friends - repository lock-boxes for youth
pregnant pauses - meaningful forethought suspended in action
knowing glances - visceral intimacy
self-preservation - helps us satisfy our basic survival needs
personal perseverance - provides the means to accomplish self-preservation
boredom - a truly natural state of being
sarcasm - irony "on steroids"
wit - quickly distinguishes intellectually remarkable people
inside jokes - they make us feel special
intuition - allows us to feel magical
math - helps us organize, categorize and provide order
antibiotics - they're life savers
vaccines - are an excellent example of Utilitarianism
awkward silences - they develop character
tender touches - they make us feel loved
heartaches - teachers of appreciation
human pheromones - nature's own "eHarmony"
basic five senses - our internal Swiss Army Knife
laughter - a universal language and life preserver
passion - the active ingredient in go-getters and lovers
love - the irrational, idealistic and romantic protagonist of the heart
reason - the drill sergeant of the appetite

Well, that'll do it for now. I'm also thankful for my family, friends and pets. If it weren't for them, I doubt I'd be thankful for the things listed above. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Hugs and kisses.
--Paula

Atlanta Screenplay Competition Weekend

The very talented Kent Osborne created this awesome video capturing some highlights of the weekend writer's retreat this past weekend. You can read more about the retreat in all of these wonderful places:

AtlantaFilms.com
Bret Wood's Blog
Atlanta Film Festival

Happy Endings.....

If you know me, if you've been a loyal MySpace friend, you probaly know that although I try to maintain a "tough-girl" exterior, I'm really just a sap at heart and a sucker for love. I'm practical, yet sentimental. I'm logical and analytical, yet nostalgic and passionate with matters of the heart. Hence the 8th-grade photo of me and respective "true luv," Tony. Remember your junior-high days? Weren't things so intense back then? Well, that's how I remember mine, anyway.

I met Tony in the sixth grade, at Johann Kalb Elementary School in Nurnberg, Germany. We were both Army brats. I arrived in Nurnberg before him--in the 5th grade. In the sixth grade, we were in a shared classroom, with two teachers--Mr. Gill and Mrs. Get. It was such a different kind of class. We went hiking every Friday, played team-building games, and even went repelling during our weekly hikes. I remember Mr. Gill explaining the importance of good hygeine to the class, and he stressed the importance of matching clothes. He specifically pointed out that a red shirt doesn't really go with blue jeans. I know, right? WTF? But, I still think about that whenever I put on a red shirt. I seriously wonder if I match or clash.

When Tony arrived, I remember thinking how cute he was. He had curly blonde locks, pretty eyes and a sheepishly-shy grin. As with most girls that age, I was always overly critical of myself, felt fat and ugly. That's why when Tony asked me out, I couldn't believe it. Yes, this is sixth grade. We were working on a group science project and Tony asked me if I dated. I didn't know what to say. I had never been on a date. I was pretty certain that my parents would strongly object the word "date," muchless allow me to practice the action of it. So, of course, I said yes. He then asked me if I would go to the movie with him. I told him no, and told him to get back to work on the science project before we got into trouble. So, he responded by singing to me. He wouldn't take no as an answer. He continued singing until I agreed to go to the movie with him. I think he sang something like "99 Bottle of Beer on the Wall." I finally gave in, somewhere around bottle number 97, I think. I think that's when I first fell in love with Tony.

Tony and I had the normal on-again-off-again boyfriend/girlfriend relationship over the next few years, until the end of 8th grade. I believe it was mostly off-again from his viewpoint and on-again from mine, but nonetheless, it was intense and memorable. Here are some of my very memorable moments:

1. He slow-danced (real close) with me at school dances.

2. We used to laugh at our science teacher and the way she would cough....she would always cough with her mouth open and her tongue pushed out....and then he and I would look at each other and do the same thing.

3. When we finally (officially) started going together, I went over to his house and wanted to kiss him so badly, but didn't. Then one night as I was going home he came up behind me and turned me around and kissed me. I loved it. I had butterflies for weeks!

4. Once, Tony, Paul (a mutual friend), Brian (Paul's brother) and I were playing hockey outside at the school (it was winter and school was closed). The boys were playing really well and each trying to be Wayne Gretsky, so when it became my turn and I hit the puck (a real puck), it went flying and hit Brian right smack in the head. This was like a 5 lb puck, or something. I felt horrible and was really embarrassed.





5. I once asked him if he liked me and he told me no. He said that he liked Cathy Gottstein. I was devastated--especially since she was tall, lanky and not even cute, whereas I was short and kinda cute. ;-) He broke my heart. ;-(


6. He used to play Def Leppard's "Rock of Ages" for me all the time. And he introduced me to Blue Oyster Cult (which is a true sign of love right there, right?!).

7. We smooched one time outside of the movie theater, close to the dentist's office on the picnic table. It was completely scandalous, and I loved every minute of it. ;-)

8. He was so cute and had the best smile out of anybody.


9. We only had one English-speaking TV station and once, after watching an episode of Square Pegs the previous night, he tried explaining away his playboy ways with a quote he stole from the show, "Love is good. I like love." He was going with a German girl named Manuella, and I was so jealous.




10. He taught me how to play marbles--the right (old school) way, with potholes not circles.

11. Shortly before I left for the states, I asked him his birthday (August 7th). I've remembered his birthday every year.

12. Also, my last day there, Tony and I smooched on the side of the building, saying goodbye. My heart was truly breaking at that moment. I hated my parents right then.

I left Nurnberg July 3, 1984. My heart was broken. I cried for days, weeks and months on end. I did get everyone's addresses and phone numbers and everthing, but those were quickly lost and/or quickly invalid, as the Army moves families around continually. I lost touch with most of my friends, and most importantly, Tony. I looked for Tony for years. I knew he was from, or had family in, Pennsylvania so several times over the years I'd go searching for him by contacting every Tony Keller that came up in the internet search. But I never had any luck. I also found several alumni sites for Nurnberg American High School


and posted comments, looking for several old friends, but mostly Tony. I did this every couple of years or so, the last time being just a little more than a year ago.

So, a week ago, I logged on to MySpace and saw that I had a new message waiting for me. Yep, it was from Tony! I think my heart fell right into my stomach when I saw that it was from him. I was so shocked--excited, ecstatic, elated, nervous, crazy happy. He left his phone number and told me to call him--which I did after I caught my breath. I was nervous and scared to call, but I had to. I'd been searching for him for years. My biggest fear was that he wouldn't remember me....but he did.

We talked and tried to get caught up with each as much as possible. He's in a relationship, has three kids and drives a truck. He's in Pennsylvannia. He found me via a mutual friend--Paul. Paul had seen my posting on one of the alumni sites and started looking for Tony.....with much more success than I'd ever had. Paul contacted Tony, they talked and he told Tony about my post. Tony found me on MySpace. We've spoken on the phone a couple of times and have texted each other, and we do plan on seeing each other sometime next month. How exciting is that?!

I was gonna wait to blog about this after I sorted through some old photos and scanned them in, but I'm just still so psyched, that I just had to blog about it first. I'll be looking through my photo albums this weekend and plan to pull out some old (and probably embarrassing) photos. I'll post them as I find them. I'm sure they will bring back a lot more memories. So, that's that--exciting, uh?! Happy endings number one.


And, another happy ending I wanted to share is about the best massage of my life-- which I had tonight. I've been working my ass off lately and after having a stressful day, being an emotional basketcase at work and a total bitch to my coworkers, I thought I owed it to myself and everyone else to get a massage and just relax. So, I made an appointment with Dwayne at Spa Sydell in Midtown. Let me just say, it was the best massage--ever!

You know, I've had several massages over the years and as I get older and the celluite gets thicker and gives birth to its own baby celluite, I'm always somewhat embarrassed that the massage therapist is gonna think that I'm gross and will only agree to massage me in the pitch-black dark, but let me just say that Dwayne owned my body tonight! Seriously, he touched me so fully and completely--he didn't hold back. I've had massages by people who tenderly fumble their way around and although they do a pretty good job, it was nothing like what I experienced tonight. I was so relaxed. Dwayne massaged my scalp, my feet, my back, thighs and calves. Little did he know that while he was massaging the palms of my hands, I probably would've signed over legal papers to all my property, had he only asked.

So, some advice to all you men out there.......when massaging your partner....own it. Own that leg, back, head or whatever bodypart is in your hand. Touch it like you mean it. Let her know that is how you roll! If you do, I can almost promise you that it will result in happy endings.....for both of you. For me and Dwayne, however, our relationship had to end just prior to that.......damn solicitation laws. Oh, I mean, yeah, it was nice, Mike, but nothing compares to you, honey. I thought of you the whole time.


Okay, that's it for now. I wish you all very happy endings.

Smiling & Crying

Why do you think it is that some people don't smile, or cry?  I think smiling and crying are two acts that are essential to being a fully functional person.  Everyone looks better when they smile, and people usually feel better after a good cry.  Sometimes, we can do both--at the same time--and that is pretty damn funny.

Here are some fun facts about smiling (according to About.com):

Smiling is a great way to make yourself stand out while helping your body to function better. Smile to improve your health, your stress level, and your attractiveness.

1. Smiling makes us attractive.

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

I think a lot of the same things can also be said about crying.  So, today, I wish you a good cry (if needed) and lots of smiling!