Phil Donahue Part III - with a BUNCH of Celebrities!!!

When I arrived in Chicago, a driver holding a Phil Donahue sign with my name on it immediately greeted me.  Those around me were whispering and pointing and in fact, I heard one couple say, “Oh she’s famous --I just can’t remember her name.”

My suite at the Drake Hotel was gorgeous.   There was a fruit basket, champagne and a welcome note from The Donahue Staff, as well as my agenda for the next two days.

So Day One in Chicago ended with me looking over all my notes preparing for my meeting with Phil Donahue the next day.  The taping would not be until Day Three.

Day Two --Chicago 

As I woke up, I realized that this was it this was “the day!”  I looked in the mirror and repeatedly said,   “Tiffany James this is going to be fabulous.  Tiffany James YOU are going to be fabulous.”

I absolutely had to use positive reinforcement.   I could not let my nerves get to me.  As you know, I am a firm believer in “What you say is what you hear.  What you hear is what you believe.”  So I simply kept repeating my mantra, “Tiffany, You will be great.”

I wasn’t really worried about meeting Phil Donahue “the man”, but I was scared to death to meet Phil Donahue the talk show host.  For anyone that remembers his show, his format was simple.  He would interview you pointedly and directly then literally run around the audience with mike in hand and ask controversial questions.   Boy, I was going to have to be on my “A Game.”  And equally important, there was no way to know which questions he would ask and worse how the audience would react.

My pickup was scheduled at 11:00 AM.  I got up early and looked in the mirror --of course I wanted to look fabulous!  I had purposely brought my “That Girl” wardrobe with me.  For those of you who don’t know – “That Girl” was a TV show that starred Marlo Thomas who happened to be married to Phil Donahue. 

At 10:00 I was at the Beauty Salon asking them to merely “cut my bangs.”  By 11:00 I was ready to head to the station.  I was wearing a cute little red dress with an adorable hat.  My makeup was impeccable + I purposely made sure my brown eyes stood out.

I had done several TV shows previously, so I knew the routine.  After the initial “hellos” to a variety of assistants, you are invited into “the green room” to watch the show that was being taped at that moment.    This day was no different.

I was ushered into the Green Room and watched the show. The audience was packed and the stage had a very scruffy looking man with a bandana performing with his band.  I had no idea who he was.  The song ended and the audience clapped fervently while Mr. Donahue said, “Thank you Willie Nelson.”  I still had no idea who he was. 

(As a sideline, there are times I think I’ve lived in a cocoon or better yet I was so focused on what I was achieving, I really did not pay attention to much else.)

Anyway, a few minutes later, in walked Jane the Producer with all smiles.  Less than 5 minutes later, in walked “the scruffy guy” and Phil Donahue.  He was incredibly warm and friendly.   He asked several times, “Have we met before?”  I sweetly smiled and said, “I don’t think so.”  I knew we had not.   He commented, “Boy you look so familiar.”  Of course I did, I looked like his wife!!!  My strategy had worked!

Phil invited me to lunch with he and Willie Nelson.  Basically they both asked me questions about UCW and its success!  It was a great lunch --easy and fun.  “OK, I might be over the nerves,”  I thought.

I went back to the hotel and started going over the segments.  My assistant Karen was due in @ 9:00 PM.  The next day, WJJ and the rest of the entourage were coming in and we were taping the following day.

About 6:30 I decided to go to the restaurant in the hotel for dinner.  I was walking with the Maitre D headed towards my table, when Mr. Donahue spotted me and asked if I would like to join him for dinner.  He was seated with another gentleman whose back was to me.

I, of course, graciously accepted.  As I was seated, I realized the gentleman was Henry Kissinger.  Oh my God.  I was now with one of the most interesting men in the world.  Well, to best describe my reaction...  Do you remember the scene out of Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts “flips” the escargot and says virtually nothing?  Well that was me that night.

No, I didn’t mess up my dinner but I sat there in awe of the conversation about World Leaders.  I mean seriously, I wasn’t going to talk about peek-a-boo undies or corselets with the former Secretary of State.  Though Mr. Donahue did mention my business and Secretary Kissinger did ask a couple of question, bottom line is I was more enthralled with listening to the conversation.

It was amazing!  While one might not think Secretary Kissinger was attractive --when listening to him he became the most desirable man on earth.  He was brilliance at its best.

I excused myself before dessert --being very grateful I had not made a blunder and went upstairs.  Yes in one day, I had met Phil Donahue, had lunch with Willie Nelson and had dinner with Henry Kissinger.  Not bad for a young girl from Lawrence Massachusetts!!  

Only one thing left --to actually do the Show!

Donahue Show - Part II

As I shared with you in last week’s blog, suddenly my hard work had paid off and I was going to appear on The Donahue Show.  Jane, the producer, wanted me to arrive a couple of days in advance in order to go over the format.

Filled with a combination of confidence and trepidation, I boarded the plan to Chicago in First Class thanks to Mr. Donahue.  In “the old days”, it was not often that a female would be seated alone in first class.  So often, I was seated next to a man.

This flight was no exception. 

I had traveled for UCW often and usually I had a male plane partner. So after the “getting settled” phase and the name introduction, my “companion” asked a question that I had heard often, “So, are you a flight attendant?”  OK so an attractive early thirtysomething woman, it was assumed that I could only be traveling first class if I was an Attendant.  Without volunteering any information, I would answer, “No, I’m not.”  Most often, they would then ask, “Is your husband a pilot?””  (Obviously they knew I was married based on the wedding band --clever).  Again, I would say, “No he is not.”   Next response, “So what does your husband do?”  Of course, my husband had to be “paying my way”.  There’s no possibility that I could be young, well dressed and accomplished as well.  Course not.

By this time, I would get a bit “twirpy”.  “Actually I own a lingerie company.”  (Sorry WJJ, I wasn’t going to do the husband and wife thing --not to this jerk.)  Well, 9 times out of 10, my “male mate” would then use what he thought was the single most clever response in the world.  Can you guess what it was? 

He’d say, “Boy, I’d like to see you in YOUR lingerie.”

How crass!  How typical male!

At first, I got rather offended and then put them in their place by talking about the financial success of UCW.  But that got boring.

So in order to calm my nerves on this particular flight, I got creative.

I said, “Oh then you should visit our corporate headquarters”.   I continued,

“Yes at UndercoverWear all employees are compelled to wear our product each day.  We feel it is essential to establish espirit de corps by wearing some sort of lingerie to work.  It keeps us very focused on our product line.”

He said, “You’re kidding, right?”

Without skipping a beat, I said.  “Oh no, I’m dead serious.  Our receptionist wears a little corsellete --not too revealing -the female staff members can wear anything from baby dolls to chemises to even comfy pajamas.  We’ve developed a “Hugh Hefner” lounging set for the men to wear.”

I continued, “As owner, I really get to wear anything I want --from the ultra conservative to the barely nothing --of course certainly nothing completely sheer but a diaphanous long gown is usually my choice.”  The poor guy had no idea what diaphanous meant --but I could seem him picture “Playboy bunnies with big boobs wearing marabou slippers or better yet stiletto heesl walking around UCW.”

He so wanted to believe the story, he did.  Trust me, he was almost salivating.

This was fun.

He asked why I was going to Chicago and I of course I said that I was doing the Donahue show and he should really watch it so he could see our Corporate Attire.

Well Mr. Idiot Man fell hook, line and sinker.  He asked if he could visit UCW the next time he was in Boston.  I said, of course, but only if he would change into the Hefner loungewear.  He was more than happy to oblige.

Finally I arrived in Chicago with a limo waiting to pick me up for my big adventure.

I was staying at the Drake Hotel in a gorgeous suite.  Tomorrow I would be meeting Phil Donahue in person.  And today, I had just pulled off quite the little story on this poor innocent man.

Then I thought about it, oh my God, tomorrow I was meeting Phil Donahue and I had just taken great pleasure in lying to this poor unsuspecting innocent man.    Could that be “bad karma?”  Was Phil Donahue going to throw me out or worse embarrass me in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers. 

Damn, I wished I had taken this guy’s business card to tell him I was only kidding. 

So I did what every good Catholic girl does when faced with a dilemma.   I made a deal with God.  I promised I would NEVER tell that story to another persona again IF I had a good interview on the Donahue Show. 

Guess what?  Evidently God listened.  I never could tell that story again. 

Getting on the Donahue Show

Since my celebrity blog was posted, many of my friends have asked me to elaborate on that list.  They want to know whom I liked and whom I disliked.  Hmmm, not sure I’m supposed to write anything “nasty”, so I’m going to stick to a few comments about those  people that I really enjoyed.

My number one favorite was Phil Donahue.   But before I can share with you why I liked him so much, it’s important to know the background story.  The “lead up” to how I actually appeared on his show was both fascinating and frustrating. 

Because of UndercoverWear, I had been featured on virtually every “talk show” in America.  But at the time, the number one daytime show was “Donahue.”  As I was doing UCW’s PR, I continually attempted to get on the show.  Their Executive producer, a gal named Jane, had no desire to have a “sexy lingerie” company being featured. 

Now let me bring you back a bit.  The year was 1983 and women were “burning their bras”, saying that they wanted to be treated the same as men. Part of the fashion statement was NOT looking sexy or even feminine.  Women were wearing pinstriped pants with matching jackets, white shirts and ties and flat loafers.  It was not only about “equal pay for equal job” --with which I wholeheartedly agreed --it was “we don’t need men.”

Of course I completely disagreed.  My favorite line was and still is –“When men can have babies --then we will be the same.”  Plus, “ I will compete with a man in the Boardroom but not in the Bedroom. “  Obviously, Gloria Steinem and I had a very different philosophy.

Anyway, Jane the Executive Producer wanted no part of UCW.  Every so often I would actually get her on the phone and she was as cold as ice cubes.  The more I tried, the more annoyed she got.  The answer was, “no.”  Phil Donahue was NOT interested in UCW or me.   Well, anyone who knows me realizes I don’t understand “no.” Jane reluctance simply spurred me on.  I would get on that show.

WJJ, Jamie and I were in Hawaii for Jamie’s spring break.  I found out that Evening Magazine, the syndicated show, was going to “rerun” our segment nationally.  So I developed my strategy.  Somehow I found out where Mr. Donahue lived.  No, I didn’t fly to Chicago and sit on his doorstep.  Instead I simply sent him a blind telegram saying,  “Mr. Donahue, Please watch Evening Magazine tonight.”

I had no idea if he would get the telegram or more importantly watch the show.  Plus back then each one-hour show was divided into four segments - 13 minutes each.  What if Phil watched the show and got excited about one of the other segments?  Maybe my thought process was flawed.  I’d just have to wait and see.

I didn’t have to wait long.  My assistant Karen knew how hard I had tried to get on the Donahue Shoe.  Well lo and behold at 6 AM Hawaii time (the earliest she felt comfortable phoning,  Karen called me.   She said, “I’ve been waiting for hours to call you.”  She literally was crying tears of joy and continued. “You’ll never guess who called this morning?”

Calmly and confidently I responded.” The Donahue Show. “ She screamed, “ Yes!  How did you know?”  I responded “Lucky Guess”.   Karen said, “Jane wants you to call her today.  They want you on the show. “

Perfect.  Just as I had planned.  Now strategy number 2 --I had to think about my objective.  As you know a “working philosophy” of mine is “OO”  -- I am “Objective Oriented.” I purposely did not call immediately.  Didn’t want to seem over anxious. Remember I held the secret.  I knew Jane didn’t want us on the show but obviously,

Phil did.

So I called about an hour and half later.   Jane’s entire demeanor had changed.  She was so very warm and friendly.   She said something like” You know Tiffany I’ve been thinking and I’ve decided that UCW might be a good segment for the show.”  She continued, “I’d like to give you the opportunity of doing the Donahue Show.  As you know, we have 4 different guests and you would have a 13 minute spot and we are going to feature you during ratings week. This should very exciting for you.” 

Now most people would have been thrilled.  But Jane slipped up.  And being a very good listener, I heard it loudly and clearly.  Oh yes, I knew Donahue wanted us - but most importantly, he wanted us on ratings week.

 Again I say to you, remember, UndercoverWear was the talk of the country.  Nobody was doing home lingerie shows in Middle America featuring everything “from the ultra conservative to the barely nothing and much, much less.  According to Playboy, UCW was part of the sexual revolution of the 80’s.  (Of course all I wanted to do was make some extra money)

Anyway, being either incredibly gutsy or really dumb, I decided to “roll the dice”.  So I said, “You know  Jane, I’ve thought about it  and frankly UCW cannot tell our story in 13 minutes.  We have to chat about the company, take our Sensuality Test, show the lingerie and feature our top $$$ earners.   That will take the full hour show. “

Jane was momentarily silent  --obviously stunned and then said, “ No, absolutely not.’ I responded, “I’m so sorry to hear that.  I really was looking forward to doing the show.  Perhaps another time.  Jane, if you change your mind, please call me directly,” and I gave her the Hawaii phone number.

We hung up.  I nearly died. Oops, perhaps I made an error.  Jane didn’t call back.  Well not that day.  Two long unbearable days later, she called.  They would give us “two segments.”  Obviously, Jane and I were not speaking the same language.  Again, I said no.  This time it only took Jane 1 day to call back.  Yes, we would have the full hour. Yes, they would fly WJJ, Karen and me to Chicago First Class (and of course cover our accommodations.) Yes, we would do a fashion show using professional models.  OOOPS --I said “no” again.  By now poor Jane realized I was in the drivers seat.  She was aghast when I said I wanted to use our UCW Agents NOT professional models --because our company was based on “real women” in Middle America being part of UndercoverWear.  We wanted “Super Moms not Super Models.’

So this was Part One of my Phil Donahue Show story.  We were going to be on for the full hour.  Hooray for me.  But Part Two starts with “Holy crap” what have I done?

Phil Donahue can be really controversial.  Is he going to start lambasting me about how I am anti- women’s lib.  Is he going to make me cry repenting “I’m so sorry I wear lingerie.????”

I suddenly was reminded of the old adage, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.  I was going to be on the Phil Donahue Show!

Another packing Story!

Have I told you how much I hate packing?  It is inconsequential whether it is a long or a short trip, I still just don’t like it.  Actually, when WJJ and I took the 4 ½ month Around the World Cruise, packing was easy and fun.  Why, you ask?

WJJ had 45 boxes made especially for packing.  He lined them up in the Disco and said, “Pack whatever you want”. So I didn’t have to worry about matching my  shoes to gowns  or which cocktail dresses I liked best.   I simply “packed it all”.  I think I brought  140 pairs of shoes. Yes you read that correctly. 140 pairs.   So obviously packing was pretty easy. 

This weekend a group of us are going to Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Hawaii.  Basically it is a “golf get-away”.  No, I don’t golf. But that’s a whole other story.  Based on my one and only golf lesson, I did learn how to “swish” the golf club in the air for one solid hour.  Never hit a damn golf ball --wasn’t allowed to try.  Just “swish swish”.  But again, that’s another story for another time.

Anyway back to packing. As a woman, it is not easy to “pack lightly”.  Let’s just start with “the essentials”.   Hair products --shampoo, conditioner, mousse, hair spray, freeze and shine, electric rollers and clip.  Right there you’ve got ¼ of a suitcase.

Now add in eye makeup remover, facial cleanser, toner, Moisturizing Cream, makeup, blush, powder, eye shadow, eye pencils, lip pencils, lipstick and gloss.  (Oh there’s more but I’m trying to be basic.)

Now the clothes and accessories.  First, what’s the “attire”?   Is it casual or Tiffany casual?  Big difference.  Next, what fits without wearing Spanx?  While they work, I find them really hot and uncomfortable.  Then actually determining what to bring.  The old adage is it is better to be “understated than “overdressed.”  And here in Hawaii, sometimes a simple “grocery shopping” dress can be way to dressy.   At an optional “black tie event”, you can see everything from tuxedos to aloha shirts.  Welcome to Hawaii.

I know my friends will find this “hard to believe”, but I actually having “packing lists”.  That’s right check lists for short trips, medium trips --with or without overnight travel-- and long trips.  Just so you know how “checklist oriented” I am, I also have a grocery shopping “master checklist.”  I think I may even have a checklist for my checklists.

 My travel checklist reminds me to pack all the essentials and includes all the things  I might “forget”.  When I traveled on business alone, the one thing I often forgot was lingerie.  How’s that for ditzy?   Fortunately, I could always “steal one” from the UndercoverWear meeting venue.   Of course it was a costly “steal”.  Why, you ask?  Of course if I took a nightie  from one of our Mangers, I reciprocated with hundreds of $$$ of free product.

Anyway back to packing today.  My cosmetics bags just have to be replenished from my Vancouver trip.  Normally I do that immediately upon my return but I didn’t.

Then I will coordinate a weekend “color theme”, so I don’t have to bring 3 zillion pairs of shoes.  OK, truth be known, I will still probably bring a different pair of shoes for each evening outfit.    Let me say this again, packing lightly is not my forte.

Plus I’m sure you don’t know this but,  I hate -repeat hate -summer clothes.  I have never liked summer clothes.  Give me those cashmere sweaters and fabulous wool suits with gorgeous high boots. Add in that mink coat with matching hat and muff and I am in Winter Heaven.   I tried wearing a winter outfit here in Hawaii.  It was after I had broken 2 toes.  I was finally “on the mend”.  The date was November 1^st which definitely constitutes “fall”.  WJJ and I were going to Nick’s Fishmarket for dinner --just the two of us.  I work my black leather Chanel jacket and skirt.  I also had high platform leather boots.  My hair was pulled back and my makeup was impeccable.  As we were leaving the house in 80+ degree weather, WJJ was very complimentary about my outfit.  However, he added, “Aren’t you going to be a little warm in that?”  I assured him, it’s fall --I’ll be perfect.  He then added, “Are you sure your foot is going to be OK?”  Once again, I said, of course.

We arrived at Nick’s and got our favorite table in the small little room facing the window.  There were only 2 other tables in the room.  While I walked in looking like I was walking down Rodeo drive the other folks were wearing Aloha shirts.  One couple even had matching Aloha outfits.  Oh I blended all right!

Well after a martini and bottle of red wine, plus a delicious high sodium meal, my body temperature rose to about 3 zillion degrees. WJJ asked, “Are you hot?”  No I assured him.  I lied.  My lie was short lived.  Once we got home, my “broken toe foot” was swollen and aching beyond words.  Plus I was hotter than Hell!

From the garage to the swimming pool, I strip-teased faster than Gypsy Rose Lee (and not in a sensual way) I attempted to get the boots off.  No way.  I had to sit on the ground naked while WJJ pulled off the boot with great difficulty.  I then very quickly jumped in the pool to cool off.  Okay so I learned my lesson.  So much for winter in Hawaii.

Anyway as I said, packing for me is a chore.  I want to look great while being “Hawaii appropriate.”  I surely want to wear my best clothes and fabulous shoes, but then again, if we’re doing casual, I suppose Manalo Blahniks don’t work walking the golf course.  Plus you have to remember, with my  “body type”, I can either look “attractive” and well dressed or like a very short round Italian meatball.  It’s all in the clothes.  

But I’ve decided for this trip, I am going to do my best to pack smartly.  We’re only going to be there 4 nights!  Who am I kidding?  I just went upstairs and WJJ has already pulled out the luggage.  Yes, it’s two big suitcases for me.  I guess after being married 42 years, he knows me well.  So here I go to “pack away”.  Based on the fact that I am spending 4 night with WJJ, trust me , on this trip I won’t forget my lingerie!!!!

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!!!!