#3 of 45-- TBT on Saturday and ALMOST #4 of 45 but not quite

Since it was my first time I had to go up front... enough said.  If you have seen it--- you know why.

I'm a small child of the 70s but truly of the 80s. There was/is a cult movement with a certain movie that I have never seen.

In my hometown, in the late 70s or early 80s this movie played as the midnight feature, and my oldest sister went on several occasions.  Now being all of 9 or 10 years old, I truly couldn't understand why I couldn't go.  I mean who doesn't like hanging out with a 10 year old when your 18ish?  This happened a lot in my childhood since I am quite a bit younger than my siblings.  No worries.... I have forgiven them finally.  Sorry - I ramble.. back to the movie.... I had forgotten about it until a teacher at my school asked me to go.  "Well, of course!  It can be one of my 45!" As of 2 a.m. on February 7, 2015, I can officially say that I have seen and participated in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.[Sidebar:  I do get there were multiple reasons my sister didn't let me tag along to this one] It was fun although my friends said it was the tamest crowd they had watched it with.  There was a group in front of us that quoted everything and then some.  I can't imagine how many times they had seen it.   I just kept wondering what the guy that wrote it was smoking?  I mean whose mind can come up with that story line?  Then I laughed a little bit at the laser scene at the end because it reminded me of a Saturday Night Live skit with Laser Kitties.  It was a fun night with fun chicks and one more event to check off my 45 things.

Crystal and I in the birthday hats atRocky Horror Picture Show- Alamo Draft House

February 8, 2015

Now, it is Sunday and I was getting ready to do my weekly ritual of grocery shopping.  For those that know me well know that I absolutely hate the grocery store.  I never get in and out under an hour and that is an hour that I don't get to do something else that's way more fun.  Anyway - it is a necessity so I just grin and bare it.  Today I thought I might make it more interesting and maybe cross something off my 45.  #4  --Pick up a man in the grocery store.  Look, it's always a beautiful story of the chance meeting in the movies so why couldn't it happen to me?  I'm a lucky girl.  Yes, give some random (but handsome) man my phone number and pray he isn't a serial killer or something was quite out of my comfort zone.  So, I got some liquid courage - I'm talking Starbucks here- and headed on my way.  Well, a few aisles in I spotted one.  He looked nice- non assuming - salt and pepper hair.  No ring.  I thought I would scout it out and by the time I was going down the next aisle I realized someone else thought he was attractive too--- his obvious boyfriend.  Okay, so I continue to gather items from my list and meet this man with his kids.  It is the first week-end after all so you can't assume that dads with kids have wives at home so I was keeping an open mind.  OH MYLANTA-- this man was so loud and obnoxious.  He was teaching his kids some facts about something.  Now, being an educator I am all about those teachable moments but that was too much.  I quickly shifted my buggie toward the next aisle, laughing at myself the entire time.  Finally, there was a nice looking guy, casual but well dressed and the items in his buggie would make him appear to be single- I mean no family size anything or "kid friendly" items.  Our eyes met, we smiled.  I quickly looked at the left hand-- no ring.... this may be it.  This may be my #4.  Then, our gaze broke and I chickened out, got my milk and headed back to the check out.  Maybe next time--- or not, we'll see what mood strikes me this week.

Uptown Girl (at least for dinner)

NUMBER 2 of 45:

With the birthday MONTH upon us, it's 28 days of  everything birthday.  I do have to share the birthday month with my mom and sister, but I feel like I'm in good company.  So, with the 45 in 45 theme going, my sister suggested a place I had never been:  Manny's Tex Mex in Uptown, Dallas.  It's a quaint little house that is literally lit up with Christmas lights.

We had reservations in the "blue room".  The Caldwell family unit was all there.  That in itself is pretty amazing.  With the nieces and nephew grown, they are spread out most of the time.  I usually just tag along wherever Gary and Donna go as their 4th grown child.  Anyway, they were all in attendance along with Hilly and Willem.  Also, Lindsey brought her "new friend", Omar.  It was the first time any of us had met him. Poor guy, no pressure!

So review on Manny's:  BUSY BUSY BUSY-- which is always a good sign.  The margaritas were fab-- which is the only way I judge my Mexican food,  therefore the food was great too.  I would definitely come back, but it might have to be next year because I have a lot of things to do before I repeat places.  I need almost 4 things each month and I didn't have this brilliant idea until February so I have to make up January too.  I will try not to be too lame with my list.  It's just with birthday week-end......we eat! :)  I'm going to have to run A LOT --- except I do not run in the cold.  Don't judge, it's just the truth.  I used to beat myself up about it and think I wasn't dedicated enough.  Finally, I just made peace with the fact that I HATE THE COLD and I will not run in it so no need to pretend any different.  I do walk my 10,000 steps a day.  That so counts, right?

#3 event is happening tonight.  It's an "event" and I think will be fun.  Can't wait to blog that one!  Stay tuned.....

45 in 45

I have been reading a book and it has inspired me to start something..... Today is my 45th birthday.  I've been practicing saying that for a few weeks so that I could say it without throwing up in my mouth.  You see, I still think I am 27 in my mind.  I just look in the mirror and can't believe I'm 45!  There was a time when I thought that was ANCIENT.  I'm sure many of my teachers in school were about my age now and I thought they were old.  (I hope they are reading this now) All the magazines say 40 is the new 20.  That's to make all the 40 year olds feel good.  Yeah, it works.

Okay - so this book.... it has inspired me to experience 45 new things in my 45th year of life.  It could be as simple as a new place to eat, a road trip adventure, or a BIG trip.  I'm not talking about skydriving or anything like that.  I mean why jump out of a perfectly flying plane?  I don't get that at all.   I do have some things on a list and I have roped my friends into helping me create my list.  Of course I have final say because they can get a little carried away.

So... I am starting small so don't get bored with my experiment yet.

1.  The first new place I went was from a FaceBook suggestion from a list of 25 classic places to eat in Dallas.  My brother-in-love, sister, nephew and his girlfriend went to The Dairy-ette.  It's a burger joint with homemade root beer.  Even though I don't like root beer, I do love an old fashioned soda shop!  My review:  Definitely a "classic" place.  When the weather is nice, you could sit in your car outside and a car hop will bring your food.  Inside are a few booths and bar seating.  The prices are inexpensive and a great burger.  Two thumbs up for my first new place to go.  Only 44 more stops to make this year!