Famous People I Have Met

An old John Wayne movie was on yesterday and Fabian (some of you MAY remember him) had a role in it. WJJ said, “Do you remember meeting him at our house?”  I responded, “Oh yes, I do.”  Back in the late-70’s a Boston “talk show” was doing an article on UndercoverWear at our home and he was part of the show.

It got me thinking about how many “famous” people I have met.  So I’m going share some of them with you --with of course some comments.  For some of the “older” ones I’ve included links so my younger readers know who I’m talking about!

Early Childhood:

First three are from an early childhood TV show:

http://www.doodyville.com

Howdy Dowdy

Buffalo Bill

Clarabell the Clown

From the original Mickey Mouse Club (before Britney, Justin and Xtina!) 

http://www.originalmmc.com

Jimmy the Mouseketeer

Mickey Mouse 

Singer Theresa Brewer (They thought I was her daughter)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfiwDRDvgng

Al Martino  (My Dad knew him)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enIdTGckjKs

OK truth be known, I was an adorable well-behaved child.  So anytime any “kids” programs would come to New England, I would be chosen to appear with them.  Hmmm wonder how I became the UCW “actress”?

Teenager:

Paul Newman

Really interesting story.  I was 18 and driving close to my house.  My brand new Mustang seemed to be swerving a little so I pulled over to make sure that I didn’t have a flat tire.  As I did a fellow in a jeep pulled up beside me.  He got out and of course asked if I needed help.  I just kept looking at him and finally I said, “You have the most gorgeous eyes I have ever seen.  Has anyone told you you look like Paul Newman?”  He laughed and said, “Yes on occasion.”

He then asked me if I wanted to leave my car and he’d be happy to drive me home.  Of course no self-respecting 18 year old Italian-Catholic is going to get into a jeep with a stranger, so I said “no.”  He asked if I’d like to go have coffee.  Again, I declined.

I went home that evening and literally dreamt about those gorgeous blue eyes and what might have been a missed opportunity.  It hadn’t occurred to me to give him my phone number nor did he ask. 

Next day, I was listening to the radio when the DJ said, “Oh and by the way ladies,  you just might spot Paul Newman hanging around the Boston area.  He’s filming a movie in New Hampshire and rumor has it he’s just cruising in his jeep.”

Frankly, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.  I had just said “no” to Paul Newman.

Of course, I was young and single.  He was older and very married.  One wonders what would have happened if I had simply gotten into that jeep.    Would he have been a “gentleman”?  Better question, “ Would I have been a lady --if I knew it was  him --Paul Newman.”  Hmmm who knows? 

I guess it worked out for the best.  I can always believe in my “fantasy world”, that Paul would have fallen madly in love with me--dumped Joanne Woodward-- married me and instead of being the “lingerie queen”,  I would have been the salad dressing diva.  Lingerie or salad dressing  --which one would I choose?  I’ll stick with lingerie.

And equally important, I think WJJ and I have done just fine.

Now, that just covered my early years.  Thanks to UndercoverWear I have spent many hours, days, and weeks on the road and I’ve met a TON of people in my Adult life as well.  For today, I’ll just list a few more “celebrities” I have not only met but with whom I have spent time.  In a future blog, I’ll tell more of the fun and interesting stories about some of them.  If you have a favorite you want to hear – let me know! 

Cybil Shepherd,

Phil Donahue (GREAT STORY for this one),

Willie Nelson,

Henry Kisssinger,  

Frankie Avalon,

Tom Bergeron,

Bill & Hillary Clinton, (Would love to spend time with her again),

Montel Williams,

Jay Leno,

President and Mrs. Reagan, (They actually stayed at our home – great story)

Meatloaf (I called him Meatball several times)

Caroline Sapp (Miss America)

Phylis Day George (Ms. America)

Maryann Mobley  (Ms. America) 

George Bush Sr.

Gary Collins (talk show host + Married to Maryann Mobley), 

Danny Bonaduce (Partridge Family],  

Wayland Flowers and Madame (the puppet --had a ball with  them),

Belinda Carlisle,

Cathy Hilton (Paris’s Mother)

Karen Allen (Raiders of the Lost Ark),

Walter Cronkite,

Jimmy Walker (Good Times)

Jack Lord (Hawaii 5-0)

James McArthur (Hawaii 5-0),

Don Ho,

Charo,  

Jacqueline Smith,

Jerry Springer,

Cher,

Paula Abdul ( I had no idea who she was at the time)

Steve Wynn,

ML Carr,

John Elway,

Larry Bird,

Kevin McHale, 

Dave Cowens,

Michael Feinstein,

Burt Bachrach,

Linda Eder,

President Carter,

Robert Redford

and last but not least Oprah!

Anyway if you’re at all interested in asking me a specific question about someone I’ve met or someone I want to meet feel free to ask.

Finding Strength

I just came back from Vancouver Canada.   Fortunately on my way back, I slept for a couple of hours.  WJJ picked me up from the airport and we enjoyed a lovely dinner out.  The next day, I did some UCW work then watched some TV and then fell asleep for nearly 3 hours.  Went to bed about 10:00 PM and slept till 6:00 AM.  I couldn’t believe how tired I was.  So I decided to look at my last six weeks and figure out why I am so exhausted.

Here goes:

• 14 Social Events - Three of which were “Black Tie”.
• Did an UndercoverWear Party ($3,000)
• Christmas
• New Year’s Eve Party which we hosted for about 70 people
• Launching of 2011 UCW Year of 1000 Stars
• Launching UCW  “Star Action Teams”
• Art Class
• Working Out
• Phone Meetings
• Grocery Shopping
• Christmas Shopping
• Jamie, Cheryl and Niccie here for 2 weeks  (Boy that 7 year old has a lot of energy)
• Fluffing and Buffing
• WJJ time
• Time with Family and Friends “who needed me”
• Trip to Vancouver for 3 days

Wow I am amazing.  Truly amazing.  No wonder I’m so tired.

But the truth of the matter is I have absolutely no desire or right to complain.  I was really no busier than anyone else.  And most importantly, the “stuff” on my plate is nothing compared to others.

Let me share with you why I traveled to Vancouver.  Unfortunately, the Mother of a dear friend of mine (and UCW Leader) passed away on Christmas Eve.  The wake and funeral were this past week.

My friend Yvonne has had a really bad  - no, horrible - 3 months.  First, her newborn grandbaby was rushed to the hospital and they were told she probably would not survive.  As Yvonne was enveloped with fear, her doctors called and said that the results of Yvonne’s CAT scan were in.  She had two aneurisms that had to be operated on immediately.  All the while, her Mother was in the hospital getting worse by the day.  Through the grace of God, Haley survived and is doing well (I met her last week) and Yvonne got through the operation with flying colors.

 Then, her Mother passed away on December 24^th.   The tribute to Anna (Yvonne’s Mother) was inspirational.  She had fostered 75 children her lifetime.  She and her husband Burt had adopted 14 of them.  While Yvonne and her bother Michael were “natural” children, Anna and Burt never differentiated.  The woman was amazing.  And it showed with the immense number of people that filled the church at her funeral Mass.

The last six weeks were not really great for many of those people close to my heart.

I choose not to go into detail, but suffice it to say there have continued to be “life and death situations” continually.    And while I hope I have offered comfort and words of wisdom, I cannot feel as they do.  They are the ones that must endure. 

Friedrich Nietzsche a German Philosopher, said something to the effect of, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”  While that is not particularly encouraging, sometimes it’s true.

But I’d like to get back to Yvonne again.  She’s had a rough time.  But let me share with you what my Mother said as she was going through her last battle with Cancer.

“Girls, if anything happens to me I know you’ll be sad.”  But I absolutely do not want you three to sit there and cry hysterically at my wake or funeral.”  I didn’t raise whiny, wussy daughters.   I have had a wonderful life.  And if it’s my time to go so be it.  As long as I go before my children and they go before their children then we are blessed.   That, my dear Daughters, is the Circle of Life.”

It’s too bad some of you never met my Mother.  She was quite remarkable.

You would have really liked her. 

And so each day, we proceed and hopefully enjoy some laughter and some fun.

And when we encounter the days of sadness, we should actually embrace our good fortune.   A tear is simply a reminder of the love we feel in our hearts.

So with that, I think I’ll go have a vodka martini!  Cheers!

Happy New Day!

I’ll bet you all thought I had run away to Pago Pago never to be found again. Yes, I know it’s been awhile since my last blog.

Well as interesting as that might be, truth be known, I’ve been here in Hawaii --just a tad bit busy.  Of course, everyone is busy during the Holiday Season but because of a few unexpected “setbacks”, the last two weeks have been interesting.  I’ll tell yourmore about that later.

I don’t want you to think I have not done my “blogs.”.  In fact I have.  I did a great Christmas Blog and New Years Blog.  That’s the good news!  The bad news is, I didn’t have time to edit them so I never posted them!  Now one might think of that as a “challenge”, while I view it as a great benefit.   “Why?” you ask.

Because I am now way ahead of the “Blog game”  I have next year’s Christmas and New Year’s Blogs done!!!  Wahoo!!!!

Speaking of New Year’s --I must tell you, WJJ and I had a really great party on New Year’s Eve.   The theme was “the Stars of Hawaii”, and I must say it was one of our better efforts.   As always, what made the party so successful were the guests!  Everyone looked fabulous and they were indeed the stars of the evening.

Of course I must admit,  having two full bars available, great food,  live entertainment downstairs and a disco upstairs certainly added to the festivities.

I don’t often boast about our parties, but this one was pretty exceptional.

Now, I’d like to share my newest revelation.  On January 1^st, many of my friends and family called to say, ‘Happy New Year.”  As you know, each January, we all look ahead with our goals and resolutions.  We decide what changes we want to make and how we want to “mold” our life.  This year, it was a new month,  new year and new decade.

But I have a different outlook for 2011.  While speaking with my sisters Charlene and Chris, I shared with them that I am going to wish them a Happy New DAY--every single day of 2011!  The fact of the matter is every day counts.  Every day that we don’t shed a tear, we should rejoice.  Every day we should laugh and do one thing that makes us incredibly happy.  Every day we should do something for others,

Every day, we should be able to say “Happy New Day”.  Why should we only wish each other joy, happiness, health, love and prosperity once a year?

So for me from now on --every blog will start with Happy New Day!!!!



Quest for Holiday Perfection!

Last week, WJJ and I went to a wonderful champagne tasting event with a few of our favorite friends.  It was really wonderful.  There were several bottles of exquisite champagne.  We all savored every drop.  One of my favorite “dinner partners”, Mark, commented that despite all the Holiday activities, I seemed so relaxed.  I said I had just said the same thing to WJJ.  And I assumed it was because we are not going on a cruise in January.  Usually aside from all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I’m packing MANY boxes to be shipped for our glamorous and long voyage.

I said, “You know Mark, I feel so amazing calm --it’s unbelievable.”  Obviously, it was the champagne talking.  Because that night, I woke up at 2:30 AM and went to the bathroom every 15 minutes.  No I didn’t have a UTI, I had HLA  --Holiday List Anxiety!  Oh the reason, I kept going to my bathroom is because that’s where I keep my “middle of the night idea” notebook.

What was I thinking?  Sure, I had finished most of my Christmas shopping but I have a zillion things to do.  And they all have a deadline.   So following my own advice I did readjust my Top Priorities and took several deep breathes.  I also eliminated a few things -that just weren’t going to get done.

You know someone once told me that I should write a book entitled, “How to run your life like a Business.”  Because evidently that’s what I do.  Frankly it seems to work.   But staying balance while reaching your goals and keeping your sanity, doesn’t just happen.  You have to truly discipline yourself to stay focused.

We also have to abandon our “super woman syndrome.”  Remember the old adage, we can make some of the people happy all of the time or all the people happy some of the times but we can’t make all the people happy all of the times.  All too often we strive for perfection in every aspect of our lives.  And that’s impossible. So we feel like a failure.  And that doesn’t feel good at all.

We lose sight of what is import and what isn’t.  For example, if we are making a Gingerbread House with our children is it really that important how it turns out? Or is the importance the time we spend together as a family?  I learned that lesson many years ago.  For 3 consecutive years, Jamie and I made Gingerbread Houses.  Each year, the result was more beautiful. 

Evidently, the next year, I was rushed and somehow I “messed up” the frosting.  As I tried to attach the cookies -the damn things wouldn’t “stick”. Time after time I tried.  I added more confectionary sugar --still no luck.  Of course Jamie was long gone knowing that I was crossing the threshold of Holiday Insanity, so he went to watch TV with WJJ!  Thank the Lord, it hit me like a ton of bricks --who cares.  I brought Jamie back with Elmer’s Glue in hand.  Laughing hysterically, we glued all the cookies onto the Gingerbread House.  It was one of our best experiences.  Of course we did put a sign “Do Not Eat.”  Truth be known, we almost allowed one of my “not so nice” aunts to actually eat a cookies drenched in glue, but at the last moment my sense of Christmas goodness emerged! 

So stay focused on why Christmas is Christmas.  It’s all about goodness and giving and the spirit of joy. Trust me ladies, we’ll get through this together.

BTW,  several of you have already guessed from a previous blog, I am the Crazy Chick trying to lose 5 pounds before Christmas --but I’m not alone --am I?

Holiday Shopping Tips!

OK  I promised you some simple suggestion to help you keep your sanity in the next three weeks.  Oh perhaps reminding you that Christmas is 21 days away, wasn’t particularly calming.  Oh well sorry, but that is the reality.

During my last blog, I suggested that you better get organized.  Hopefully, you took my advice.  If you did not, then I’m going to have to say it again.  For the busy woman who has lots to accomplish, getting organized is a MUST!

I’m going to guess that Christmas Shopping is on your list.  When it comes to buying gifts, there are 3 essential components: 

1.  Decide how much you want to spend

2. Decide what you want to buy 

3. Determine how much time it will take to find or create the right item.  

In other words: Thought, Time and Money.

So let me explain that further.

Thought --Really thinking about what the person wants.  Sometimes, it has nothing to do with how much money you want to spend.  One year Nancy, our VP of sales  gave me 25 different  and unique cards that I could send out throughout the year.  I loved it!  In turn, the following year, I bought my Mother a plethora of all occasion  cards  so she would have them at her fingertips.  She, too, loved that gift!

Nancy also sends me her date-nut bread every year.  I LOVE it!  (Hopefully Nancy is reading my blog and will get my subtle hint!)

It really makes me laugh when someone says, “What can you buy someone who has everything.”  That’s ridiculous.    I can name 100 things that I love receiving.  And the price ranges start at $3.00.   I’ll bet your saying, “no way.”  Way!  Shall I prove it?

Example:  As most of you know, I love sending notes.  I have to use “the right pen.”

One that I like is a Pilot .  Cost --less than $3.00

So you really have to think about “what would this person really appreciate?” 

Time--As mentioned, some of the best gifts are things that cannot be purchased. 

Before UndercoverWear, I gave WJJ a “Fantasy Fishbowl” for Christmas.  I put 52 different “fantasies” --some sensual --others not.  I won’t go into the Sensual ones, but the others were things like, “I’ll say I’m sorry --even if I’m not.”  And, “ I’ll watch a John Wayne movie with you without complaining.”  Anyway, that was one of his best gifts. 

When we were first married because we could not afford to spend money, I decided to make all the Christmas gifts.  In fact I, who cannot sew a stitch, bought a sewing machine and made WJJ a velvet smoking jacket. Of course no one told me that with velvet you have to “watch the knap”, so one sleeve had the velvet going the wrong way. However, believe it or not,  he still has that jacket.  If you’re saying, “But you bought a sewing machine,” let me tell you I also made the curtains, made the throw pillow, and even made Jamie’s little Easter Outfit-- a brown one piece “little boy” jumpsuit with a white jacket.  I have the photos to prove it.  Maybe on Jamie’s 40^th birthday I’ll do a special blog where I show all these embarrassing pictures of him!

 So, think about those on your list.  If you’re “buying” for a Mother of 3 young ones, I’m gonna guess volunteering to babysit for an afternoon would be worth a zillion $$$ to her.   When you’re giving “gifts from the heart”, often it takes time.  And we all know that time is a precious commodity.  So you are giving the most valuable gift of all.

Money--This is easy.  Money can buy great gifts.  However, when those credit cards come in --not quite so pleasant.  Always decide exactly what your budget is.  And don’t overspend!  Stick to the budget.  Although, I always disliked giving gift cards, it seems everybody loves them.  So if your budget is $25.00 then give a $25.00 gift card.  And as you probably know, at many places you can set your own dollar amount -even $5.00 (like Starbucks).  As an FYI, when you’re purchasing a Visa or Amex gift card, you do have to pay 3%. Extra.  So you might want to consider simply giving a check. 

If you have a higher budget for a special friend or relative, still get creative.  Several years ago,   I gave Jamie and Cheryl, my sisters and a couple of close friends  six different wines. The prices ranged from $10.00 up to $50.00 a bottle.  I made a list of each wine with the price.  Then , I removed all labels and simply marked the bottles numbered 1 - 6.  The recipients had to drink the wine and then tell me which wine they thought they were drinking.  My sisters and friends loved the “game”, Jamie said, “Only my mother would take the fun out of drinking.”  Oh well.  I still love idea.

Another great gift idea -which is easy --Omaha Steaks. They have GREAT deals. Look in your Sunday paper and/or online at www.omahasteaks.com.  The Omaha Reserved Steaks are incredible!

If you’re thinking about creating “gift baskets” --especially UndercoverWear spa baskets --that’s a great idea.  But when assessing your budget, if you’re shipping the item --add that cost to your budget.  Here in Hawaii, shipping is very costly.

Another gift idea that most people love is “monogrammed anything”.  I often do “bath baskets” with UCW items and monogrammed towels + of course our “It’s a Wrap”.  Instead of ordering the towel monogrammed which can be expensive, we’ve found a fellow who does monogramming quickly and quite reasonably.

So let’s recap: 

Get Organized

Make Your Christmas Shopping List 

Go through each person think about what THEY would truly appreciate.

Decided what you can afford to spend and then get creative!

Make this Christmas Shopping a fun experience not a chore!

Take that Stress off your Plate

As we get closer and closer to Christmas, I’m hearing , “Oh my gosh, I’m so stressed.

I have way too much on my plate!”  OK ladies think about that.  Life is like a buffet line.  If there’s too much on your plate, you put it there.

I have the feeling you are now screaming at me.  “What?  Are you nuts?” That’s my life.  I have a lot to do.  I have a shocker for you.  Everybody has lot to do. --Well at least every woman I know has a lot to do.  I can’t make this sexist, but I recently called my sisters after experiencing a very hectic day (while WJJ was golfing) and said, “Next time, I’m coming back as a Gay Guy”.  I can still be feminine when I want to, have a gorgeous hunky boyfriend and not do all this “wife-mother-social director-chef-business woman” stuff

Anyway, let’s get back to what’s on your plate during the Holiday Season.  Over the last week here are some examples of what’ I’ve heard.

Mary:  I really need to wallpaper the guest room, Dave’s parents are coming for the Holidays.

Holly: Billy’s school is having a bake sale, so I have to spend the day making Christmas cupcakes.

Terri: I haven’t really eaten in 3 days because I’m trying to loose 5 pounds before Christmas.

Nora: I bought some hair color stuff at CVS, because I don’t have time to go to the hairdresser and get my roots done.

Shelly: I’m going to make all the food myself for our Christmas Party --I want it to be really special.

Carol: I have absolutely no time to even think about my “Christmas letter and cards” but I have to send them. People are so eager to read what’s happened to me this year -and it’s not pleasant.

Sally: I want to start an exercise program before the holidays.

All these Ladies are officially welcome to my “Crazy Club”.  Are they  crazy?

Mary:  You’ve been married to Dave for 15 years.  You never got along with Dave’s Mother.  New wallpaper isn’t going to change that.  Take it off your plate

Holly:  Buy plain cupcakes (cheaper) buy some small Christmas decoration or red “sprinkles” take 5 minutes to make them look like Christmas,  put them on one of your fancy dishes and swear you made them.  Take it off your plate.

Terri: Good plan --not eating, and drinking only coffee and diet coke. That will calm you down.  Not enough stress going --add that.  My advice--go eat a donut (not chocolate) and take it off your plate.

Nora:  So when you screw up your hair and have to spend hours having it fixed - or worse, look horrid for the holiday, how are you going to feel?  You know what?  I think you can fit in a couple of hours for YOU!  Book that hair appointment now and Take it off your plate.

Shelly:  Go to Costco or BJ’s and go food shopping.  Then stop at the “beverage department” and get some good wine.   The food will be great and after a couple of glasses of wine, it will taste even better.  Trust me, everyone will love your party.  Take it off your Plate

Carol:  If you haven’t even started thinking about Christmas cards --don’t !  Instead wait and send everyone a New Year’s card .  And while I understand that you have experienced  an incredibly miserable year --those of us close to you have been feeling and listening to  your pain for 52 weeks.  Yes, we can give you every detail about your now ex-husband and his big boob blond girlfriend who is 23 years younger than him or you.  Trust me we don’t need to read about it.  And do you really want to share all your “bad news” to others over the holiday season?  Nope, it will only depress you more.  So send a cheery Happy New Year’s Card the week AFTER Christmas so you can Take it Off your Plate.

Sally:  If you haven’t exercised in the last 49 weeks, do you think that perhaps you might want to wait until after the New Year?  Put it on your 2011 Goal Sheet and for now - Take It Off Your Plate.

Ok now that I am lecturing everyone, truth be known, the names I have given you are false --to protect “the guilty.”  And ladies, I am President of the “Are you Crazy Club” because I am one of these ladies.  Not telling you which one --but I bet you can guess?

So for the first time ever, I don’t want to invite you to join my club.  Instead, take a deep breath and decide what you can “Take Off Your Plate.”

Holiday Stress Test!

On a yearly basis, we as woman undergo a series of tests.  We test our eyesight, our hearing and we even have the dreaded mammogram and Pap smear.  All of these tests are designed to determine if we are A - OK.

But do you know that each and every year, we  undergo a crucial test to measure our mental stability?  I’ll bet you’re thinking, “I don’t remember taking a mental stability test.”  Ok think again.

This test takes place each and every year starting the week before Thanksgiving and ending the week after New Year’s Eve.  It’s called the Holiday Insanity Test.  This is the ultimate test to see if we are capable of maintaining our sanity against all odds.

The Holiday Season is supposed to be filled with joy and happiness.  But we all know, it can be incredibly busy, emotional and stressful.   But we’re supposed to be singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”?  Boy the dichotomy is obvious.

We started saying things like, “I’m tired, I’m irritable and have so much to do.”  As the days progress it’s “I’m not going to get everything done before Christmas.”  Then we start getting personal.  “My husband does nothing, the kids want everything and my boss is a pain where I sit.”  You know you’re ready to crack when you finally say,  “I hate the Holiday Season.”

Do you really want to be Halloween Hilda’s Wicked Whiny Witch or Scrooges Ba Hum Bug Bitch? No no, nay nay.

You really can turn this Season of Stress into Holiday Happiness.   The solution is simple.  Try the 3 V diet.  Vitamins, vodka and valium.   OK I’m really just joking.  Can’t mix vodka and valium – so take your choice. 

In all seriousness, if you want the Holiday season to be easy then all you have to do is GO  GO  GO!!  No, I don’t mean start running around shopping, I mean GO --GET Organized.  No, I can already hear you saying, “I don’t have time to get organized.”

Trust me you can’t afford NOT to get organized.  Remember in every situation, success is 90% preparation and 10% execution.  In the next few days I’ll start giving  you some  EZ organizational tips to allow you to enjoy the Holiday Season.

So get your paper and pencils or computers ready and put aside a couple of hours to begin the process.  Yes, you actually have to allocate that time to get organized--that is your first step!  And start your thinking process with the following:

What are the most important things I want and/or need to do for this Holiday Season?  Your list can include things like:

Christmas Shopping

Christmas Cards

Christmas Party

Home Improvement for the Holidays

Decorate House

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Fluff and Buff

Family Fun

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day

Romance Time (Don’t laugh)

Personal Fun (Don’t laugh again)

Botox

Charity Work

Church

Baking

Once the list is completed, congratulate yourself --you now have your Holiday Sanity Goal Sheet!  And we’re off!!!!