Valentine's Day is known as one of the most commercialized holidays found in the calendar year.  A day Hallmark invented to sell more cards, red heart shaped boxes of candy and teddy bears.  I disagree.  I think its all about how we look at the day... for me its a day that makes us stop and recognize the love we have surrounding us each day.  This year I threw a "Girl's Night In" Valentine's Day to celebrate friendship and the women who add so much light along my journey.  In addition to fabulous food and cocktails, we exchanged White Elephant gifts and had a "Swap Party" - the latter taking the award for "most fun".  I never realized so many of my friends had never heard of a swap party, much less participated in one.  For those of you reading this with a confused look on your face... a swap party is where all the girls bring things from their life that they no longer want such as clothing, shoes, accessories, make-up, jewelry, etc.  It's all organized in one room and it becomes a free-for-all... anyone can take anything they want.  You normally leave with no less than 4-5 things that are now "new" for you.  What a glorious feeling for each girl at the end of the night... plus you cleaned out your closets and all "left-overs" get donated to a local women's shelter.

So our party was a huge success and we're scheduling another swap party in two months.  The celebration of friendship is an excuse for any Saturday night get-together. "A friend is one who knows who you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still gently allows you to grow." - Thomas Hood

CrAzY eyes :)

Dana and I - love my cousin!

Snazzy Jazzy

Showing off some of the loop so far...

Uh oh.. the wigs came out!

Sassy sassy!

Superman gets all the love!

Just missing Kendra who had to leave a little early... such a fun night!

This movie is based on Ntozake Shange's play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf." Unlike the original play which featured only 7 women known by colors performing the collection of 20 poems, the movie has given each of the 20 characters names. Each of the poems deal with intense issues that particularly impact women in a thought-provoking commentary on what it means to be a female of color in the world. All I can say is every woman should watch this movie... powerful and inspiring.

After an afternoon of Roller Derby madness... we headed over to the Oyster Bay Restaurant where Derby fans and players alike enjoyed fantastic specials and karaoke.  What a fabulous surprise this joint was to my cajun taste buds.  The food (though extremely slow due to the packed crowds) was delicious and actually nicely spiced.  Not normally a karaoke fan, this pastime proceeded to be hilarious and quite entertaining.  If ever in that area again, I'd definitely return.  Great selection!

The inaugural Moving Towards a Cure® Orlando 2011 Brain Tumor Awareness Run/Walk had over 500 registered participants and raised more than $33,000 for brain tumor awareness, travel assistance for brain tumor patients and cutting edge brain tumor research! The Volunteer Vixens raised $925 total and had 17 walkers in attendance. REALLY GREAT JOB ladies!

Angie and I pre-walk... it was sooo cold!

Tracie and I

Jim and Tina - can you tell how cold it is out?!

Tina and Julia

Jackie and I

Laura, Me and Beth - original PWG volunteers and now Volunteer Vixens!

And off we do... in our red & black signature colors!

Tracie & Lucas 

Go TEAM VIXEN!!

Brrrr - Me, Megan and Kelli

Megan and Kelli - BFF

Myra and Megan - walking in Norm's honor (Myra's husband who passed in 2006 from brain cancer)

En route

Girl power.  That's the initial feeling you get when watching "Whip It" starring Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page.  Strong females going after what they want despite bruises, broken noses and missing teeth.  Well Orlando has a Roller Derby league that just started this year and a few friends and I decided to check it out this past weekend.  Definitely not as violent as the movie (or event TV shows for that matter) to the disappointment of my friend Shea... but it was entertaining and something new to experience.  There is a Shamrock Smackdown scheduled in March - be sure to check it out! www.orlandoderbygirls.com

And off they go!

Shea and I

Shea's friend "Jay" - ; )

Mayra, Angie and I

And down they go...

Jeff & Jordan

Jordan, Jeff and I during half-time

Dating back to 1926, Tampa Bay Downs engages thoroughbred fans with gripping races, packed seats and modern renovations, such as an indoor simulcast center and free WiFi. As one of the oldest and best-maintained tracks in America, Tampa Bay Down delights equestrian competitors with good ol' fashioned, down-to-the-wire horse racing, as horses gallop on the spectacular 1-mile main track.  This Southern gal can now check something new off her "bucket list".  Having never been to the tracks before, I had a mixed review after spending my first day at Tampa Bay Downs engaged in a day of debauchery that included daytime drinking and horse race gambling.  I quickly learned how to wager, my personal best method for horse selection (hands down stick to picking the coolest names), how to read a program and lots more interesting tidbits that I'm sure will come in handy should I ever end up in the outskirts of Jersey where scrapping amongst the locals become a way of life.  Overall it was a very fun day with a dear friend! Check them out if you're looking for a fun day of something new:www.tampabaydowns.com

Here they come!

Bloody Mary and my program... looks like I'm ready for some horse betting!

And I won... $15 but hey... we broke even at least! :)

As my second time to the Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show, I have to say the first time was slightly more impressive than the last.  For some reason the "show" itself seemed rushed and not as in depth as I remembered from before.  Jeff and I caught the one about the Antonio Banderas movie premiere, while the actors did a great job, the plot just seemed to fall flat.  We saw up front and shared a table with three senior couples, all close to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversaries.  How fun that was... especially when they learned that "no... Jeff and I aren't married... we used to be, but now we aren't.  We are just good friends."  I'm fairly certain many of them went home scratching their heads over that one.  Ha ha... it was an overall fun night and I still recommend the place both for locals looking for something different to do here in town and those visiting the Orlando area for vacation.

What a fabulous find!  My friend Maria introduced me to this gem of a teahouse one Sunday afternoon and all I can say is "what took me so long!?"  Filled with delightful teas, sandwiches, desserts and snacks... this teahouse has a little something for everyone.  While lunching here, there was a bridal shower taking place in another part of the restaurant and the fun being had was obvious. They also hold lots of events such a couples classes, special dinners (Valentine's Day plans anyone?!), Cocktails and Canvas (painting classes with a glass of wine in hand!) and more.  Check them out - you won't be sorry: www.infusionorlando.com

It never fails to amaze me how much I still have not experienced here in Orlando.  After 13 years, I'd think the boredom factor might kick in.. but no way! Not here.  Take the BackBooth for example... located a mere four blocks from my condo.. not only had I never been, but I had never heard of the place until a couple of weeks ago.  A dear friend of mine (Maria)'s son played here with his band "Matt Butcher & the Revolvers).  What a great show!

Matt Butcher & the Revolvers asserted its collective charm with an impressive 70 minutes that sounded unconsciously tight.  This folk-american meet country rock sound will draw anyone in within seconds of listening.  Stay tuned for Ghostwriting, their next CD that is set to be released this Spring.  These kids have a great sound!

A typical love story with guts and glory thrown in for good measure (and to keep the boys interested). West Side Story has been a favorite of mine since I was small and I really don't know why.  This American musical is set in New York City in the mid-1950's explores the rivalry of two street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks while offering sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and a focus on social and ethnic problems that marked a turning point in American history.  "I feel pretty" and "Tonight" are only two hit songs to come from this play that your mind will re-sing a thousand times over without you ever providing consent.  A modern day Romeo and Juliet story ends with both hope and tragedy filling the air.  Katy and I got to take in this off-broadway plan this month and it proved to be just a good as we remembered it.  Check it out to see if its coming to a city near you - don't miss it! www.broadwayacrossamerica.com 

Qigong is literally translated as energy cultivation and involves the coordinating of breathing patterns and physical postures of the body as instructed in an aspect of Chinese medicine.  I've studied Yoga for years (though I've been a major slacker the past few years) and can attest to the health benefits of such practices.  My dear friend Maria is a certified teacher in Qi Gong and she kindly offered me a session.  What an amazing hour that was. The origin of this form of medicinal exercise is traced back as far as 18th century B.C.  I can see why this has been practiced for so long.

Small groups have become an essential part of the Christian community.  It's a concept that isn't new, but instead goes back to the days of Jesus teaching his twelve disciples.  I've wanted to find a small group as part of my walk with Christ, but had zero luck... so several weeks back when Discovery asked if anyone had an interest in leading a group I immediately offered my services and home.  I can't exactly explain why but it was a prompting by God for sure. But I did... and last night was our first meeting.  There are thirteen in total (at least right now at the beginning) and the energy was amazing.  I really am looking forward to seeing how our group grows forward together in our faith and friendship.

** Update**
Our second meeting, held last night on 2/14/11 was amazing.  God really knew what he was doing by selecting these individuals to come together in His name.  Our study "The Power of a Whisper: Hearing and Having the Guts to Respond" is amazingly impactful and I pray we each grow over the next month together in this study.

It is two o'clock in the morning and someone you know has just been arrested. 

Does this sound like something you experienced back in college... or even in your early 20's?  What started off as a fabulously fun evening with a dear friend over wine, beer, loud music and great people watching... was followed up by a morning of panic and this question: "You're where!?"  

I'm in my 30's... aren't I too old to have a friend in jail?  Apparently not.  And yes... my first reaction as a southern girl was "Bless His Heart!" immediately preceded with WTF?! of course.  It's all actually ended up a mess for my poor friend, who sadly just found himself at the wrong place at the wrong time.. and we're still working through the gory details of what's to come.  But I had to share... because really?!  I'm in my 30's... I never thought I'd get THAT call again!

Work has always defined me in a way... and as much as I hate admitting that, it's true.  Over the past 13 years, I've evolved over and over again.  Of course that is to be expected when someone is in their 20's and 30's... but for me I have learned a lot of life's lessons through the corporate spiderweb where I'm sure many of my colleagues had the opportunity for such educational training at home with moms or older sisters seizing teaching moments and imparting their wisdom.  I didn't really have that.  So the love-late relationship I have had with my career is probably to be expected.  I am not one to give up... and in the past I've learned some difficult lessons by not giving up.  Situations have come to a close much harsher than I would have wanted because I didn't walk away sooner.  Relationships have parted with more tears than necessary because I didn't walk away sooner.  It's hard to "give up" on something.  To recognize when our time has come to embrace all the wonderful while releasing all the terrible as we walk away is very hard to do.  But I did it.  After a lot of soul searching and prayer, not to mention endless conversations with friends and family, I made the choice to leave one of the unhealthiest relationships I've allowed myself to stay in.  I quit my job.  What a scary and liberating thing to do in today's economy, but I truly believe that it was the right thing to do and God will provide next steps on this grand adventure called my life.  So now... as I grasp ahold of my new best friend FAITH, I set forth to discover what the future has in store.  I'm exhilarated by the possibilities while nervous because of the realities... but in the end, I'm happy.