Random Acts of Kindness

I know some people use compliments as a social currency.

And some people use kindness as a social currency also. But when I think of some of the small gestures that have made me happy, these folks have nothing to gain from them. And the 'acts' stick with me…

People Who Have Very Randomly Made Me Happy:

The guy last night in the Burger King: I ordered a hamburger and diet coke. I noticed the guy was from another country (no idea which one), and had a skin tone disorder also. I was hoping he was doing ok in life. And when he gave me my bag, he smiled and said something in a thick accent and pointed to my bag. I had to ask him to repeat, and he said with a smile “I gave you a medium fries” (free). Awwww…..I thanked him back with an even bigger smile. And wasn't HE the one would coulda used the proverbial 'extra fries'??? I'm awed.

The guy in the LAX Airport : after our long weekend at the R&R Talk Radio seminar earlier this month, I had to take the red-eye to get back to D.C. to swap kid watching with my husband who was going on another trip. I was at the gate, my head was in my hands and I was dirty, tired and half asleep. And some dude walked up in the crowded waiting area and said with a BIG grin “Your Hair Kicks Ass” (my hair is half pink-and not all my friends think I'm still sane). Wow, thanks! I said. Off he went just as quick as he came up. And I still haven’t stopped thinking about how nice that was of him. He didn't care what all the other people sitting right there thought of what he said, or how strange and out of the blue it seemed. I woulda been too intimated to go up to someone like that.

The lady clerk in a mini-mart in Williamsburg VA: several years ago I went to one of the 5 year Alumni Homecoming weekends. It was rough, I was in severe debt and trying not to spend any money. All my friends who are smart enough not to start their own businesses and have two kids at the same time had money to spend on dinners etc. And I was tired, emotional, and sick to top it off. The clerk at the mini-mart joked with me about my cupcake breakfast and was just truly warm. She made my day, my week, my month. And I still think about that morning.

Man on Manhattan Bus: A couple years ago I was getting on the bus from LaGuardia to downtown NYC and realized I didn't have cash for the fare. As I was frantically digging through my wallet (with everyone waiting) a man in a seat behind me held out $20 to the fare-taker dude. Now Lara says he just wanted to get going, but I like to think he was just being kind. I actually found $20 in a few bills and a LOT of quarters, how embarrassing. But I was again awed by that act...in NYC nonetheless!

Cute Marine guy: over a decade ago, I was in a terrible breakup from an engagement to a man who I thought was the love of my life. I had also just broken off a very short rebound relationship with someone else, and had a very tumultuous night with that situation. I was driving home hungover, and my soul in threads. I had to stop at the mall to pick up something, and when I came out my tire was flat - from an intentional slit from the current relationship's distraught man. I think I was just standing there staring at it looking pretty stricken -- when a Marine walked up out of nowhere (but I do live in D.C. and there are lots) and started to fix it for me...while I stood there pretty speechless and unhelpful. I barely got the words "thank you" out....I was far too preoccupied with myself. I don't know his name, but I probably owe that handsome young man my sanity. And I wish I could have thanked him properly.

Lady at the trade show: One of my first "appearances" as a Redskin Cheerleader was for a very small trade show in Tysons VA. I was VERY self conscious to go to an event in a Cheerleader uniform, while everyone else would be in suits...which was what I wore to work every day. I thought everyone would laugh at me as a bimbo. One of the first people to talk to me was a very kind lady who just walked right up to me and began to tell me how much she loved watching us perform and how much we added to the game and how nice we looked etc etc. Suddenly, I felt confident, useful and proud of my dancing accomplishments. I thought all women hated cheerleaders -but this one proved that wrong. And I now make it a point to talk to the models, cheerleaders etc at any event, especially if they look a little uncomfortable being showcased.

Sam Sam the Fed Ex Man: He works in Middleburg Virginia where our studio “The Cheetah Lounge” is located. He is ALWAYS smiling. And he ALWAYS has a bright smile for me. He honks and waves at me every time I see him when I’m out and about. He ALWAYS makes my day.

Thank You. Each and every one of the above. And all the others that I keep thinking of, but must stop the novel here....

I often forget that each little interaction with people every day can affect many people in ways I might never imagine. And I have to remind myself to be that one spreading a little 'fairy dust' of random kindness whenever I can....

Have you ever been 'struck' by a Random Act of Kindness??

Cheers! Heidi

Did the fat lady sing?

Last night I experienced the bookends of musical performances.

I went to the Opera.

Then I came home and watched American Idol.

I love the Opera and American Idol.

I think there are a lot of similarities. In fact, you can guess which statement matches with which type of performance?

Watching American Idol and/or watching an Opera is great for the...

- Dramatic storyline
- Excitement of watching a live performance
- Costumes!
- Freaky carnival side-show-esque characters
- Hair and makeup styles
- Love stories
- Audience antics
- Suspense (who's going to get eliminated?)
- Shared cultural experience
- Oh yeah - the music!!

Did I forget any?

Cheers, Lara

The "SECRET" to Bathing Suit Shopping...

Lara wrote she is having a time with jeans. c.a. Marks commented that it's BATHING SUIT SEASON!!

In the next seven days, I will be venturing into a mall for the first time since I think September. And I will be looking for a bathing suit. And I'm afraid. Very afraid.

BUT, I have a strategy, I'm using THE SECRET.

ASK. BELIEVE. RECEIVE.

I'm gonna ASK for that PERFECT suit to be there at the second store (why be greedy?) I waltz into.

I'm gonna BELIEVE it will be there and it will be wonderful (on me).

And, I'm gonna bring it up to that cash register and RECEIVE it legally.

But, WHERE should I go? Where do you find your best bathing suit? or bathing suit selection???

Say a little prayer for me. I'll do the same for you if you need it.

(and I'm slathering on the self tanning lotion as we speak...)

Cheers! Heidi

Do you have "fat" jeans?

I have packed on at least 15 extra pounds over the last two years. Until this weekend, I owned two pairs of jeans. The last time I bought jeans was at least 3 years ago - I hate shopping for jeans, I love wearing jeans.

Why would someone who hates shopping for jeans do just that??

First, my regular jeans ripped. Right along the butt:

Then, my fiance may or may not have put the other pair in the dryer, on high. It's also possible that I just outgrew them. Either way, I tried to put them on last week and couldn't get them up over my thighs, let alone zipping or buttoning them.

It occurred to me that I've been wearing a lot of flow-y dresses, maternity-looking shirts and leggings lately ... I finally connected the dots. I need to stop eating! No - that's just crazy talk! The real epiphany? I needed jeans!

So I went jeans shopping (groan) this weekend.

It took five stores and $60, but I finally found jeans that fit. Sure, they're TWO SIZES larger than the last pair of jeans I bought, but at least I don't have to lie on the floor to zip them up.

My new goal is to need SKINNY JEANS.

Anyway - I was cranky the rest of the day. I was mad at myself for going up TWO clothing sizes, and furious that the little spare cash I have went to buying fat jeans, instead of, say - cute jeans that I feel sexy in. My fiance says they look good, but I think he's a little afraid of me at this point.

Do you have experience with this phenomenon? Please share!!

Cheers, Lara

Ladies, Start Your Tiaras!!!!

TONIGHT, another Female Super Bowl!!

Miss USA PAGEANT, on NBC.

Yes, that is Donald Trump's pageant, and the handing over of the crown from the current 'reigning' and partying Miss USA....to a NEW Miss USA.

Check out YOUR state, and YOUR favorites HERE.

You know where I'll be tonight.

wrist wrist -- arm arm --- wrist wrist -- arm arm (that's the 'float' wave for you all new to the whole pageant thang..)

Cheers! Heidi

Are you a material girl, too?

I was so excited about Madonna's new line at H&M!! Almost as excited as this guy:

OK fine - he DOES work at H&M. I want a t-shirt!! Because now that I've seen the collection, I'm disappointed. The designs are great but the material feels cheap and looks shiny. Madonna's putting the "yes" in polyester with this stuff. And come on, who but Madonna could pull this jumpsuit off?

There were some pieces of interest - like shoes:

And sunglasses ($35!)

But I just wasn't feeling the clothes. I went for two accessories:

That's right - a black turban and a scarf-thingie. At least the scarf has some bling in it - I can't wait to wear it!

But the best part of the adventure for me was walking around with this plastic bag:

The bag told the world that I supported my girl on her first day in the stores! Apparently the women of Boston were not queuing up early - there was no stampede - it was no Stella McCartney-in-NYC showing. The staff was surprised at the low turn out but I think they were secretly happy - can you say "employee discount??"

Check out the whole collection here!

Cheers, Lara

Coffee Anyone?

Tomorrow is free coffee day at Dunkin' Donuts. They set up shop in Copley Square (downtown Boston) today and had some rap contest. I missed the festivities. But they also had ICE SCULPTURES - and I didn't miss those!!!

I love ice sculptures!! And two huge cups of coffee? Yum! I can just imagine the marketing folks a couple of months ago..."Hmm...the last day of Winter, mid-March....it will be warm! We can promote our iced coffee drinks...yeah, yeah, that's it! It will be warm by then, spring starts the next day, we'll sell gallons of the stuff!!"

Not quite. It's a balmy 43 degrees here today (34 if you count the wind chill)! Not quite iced coffee weather yet, coffee people.

Cheers, Lara

PS I couldn't look at the corned beef & cabbage pictures any more. Happy first day of Spring tomorrow!!

Corned Beef & Cabbage, anyone?

I got all into St Patrick's Day this year. I'm back in Boston after living elsewhere for the better part of 20 years, and I just got swept up in the excitement!

Friday night I made Corned Beef & Cabbage from a recipe I found in the paper. Two adults and two children ate their weight in it that night, but there was a little left over:

Did I say a little? I meant a lot - there's more...

It's hard to tell how big those containers are, but that green container alone holds 12 cups. There's enough food there for a week!

How did you celebrate St Patty's day, and do you know if Corned beef & cabbage can be frozen???

Cheers,
Lara

Ungrateful Child

Dear Three Year Old Daughter:

I made you.

I brought you into this world.

I SUFFERED for 9 FULL months of extreme nausea and taking cancer patient medication so I could keep down a glass of water and maybe a piece of bread here and there. (I had Hyperemesis Gravidarum -- not pretty)

I got stretch marks on my BOOBS.

My body is no longer recognizable to me.

I got up in the middle of the night, constantly, to breast feed you.

I went into debt for you. Kids are downright EXPENSIVE (especially when there is no such thing as true "paid maternity leave")

I gave up a room in my house for you. I gave up a neat house for you. I gave up ever sleeping in again until maybe after 2023.

You are my greatest love and my blonde fluffy little "rump roast" and I'd throw myself in front of a speeding train for you.

And you make THIS??????????

I'll remember this when you ask if you can borrow the car. MARK MY WORDS!

(oh, and your father? he's not 'all that' -- he's just the SOFTIE you have wrapped around your little cute baby girl fingers)

Cheers! Heidi

Will you wear a turban??

I'm not so much a slave to fashion as I am an indentured servant. I bought leggings this year, and a couple of those pseudo-maternity shirts.

What can I say - I like fashion! I like looking back on my days in big shoulder pads and purple eye shadow (80s), shredded jeans (90s), and back in the early 00s, muffin-top-inducing-low rise jeans. I do put my own spin on things (don't we all?), but still. I like to be up-to-date.

And I love Madonna, too.

But I draw the line at turbans.

Word on the street is that she's included a turban in her H&M collection. Apparently it's a knock-off of the Prada turban that just came out (I must have missed that memo...). You can see them both here. The Prada version is about $700, the Madonna version is about $13.

I don't mean to disrespect anyone's religion, or people who wear turbans because of hair loss. I just wonder - if we're going high fashion, can't we go HIGH FASHION? I'm not going to wear a boring-old black turban out and about! Why not knock of the Prada version with a little color, Madonna??

However, I am going to get one to wear around the house like my Grandmother does. In fact, her 88th birthday is coming up...and she might get one, too! Nothing like sipping your morning coffee and reading the newspaper in a turban and a bathrobe, I think it's very retro cool!

Will you wear a TURBAN??

Cheers, Lara

Do People Still Buy These???

What up with these???

They were proudly displayed out front of a store in Venice Beach CA.

Everyone at my super stylish college (William and Mary) had these....back in 1987!!!!!!!!!!

What? Tell me, is it retro? Or is it just a Venice Beach (read: stoner) thang???

I think I might rather carry this!

um...then again, hand me that straw-like half moon bag, I'll survive...

So, what kinda bag are YOU carrying this season? this year????? Is it as big as you are??????

Cheers!
Heidi

We touched Christopher Lowell!

Did you know Christopher Lowell had his own radio show?? Neither did we -- but we are psyched!

Back when I was living in a tiny studio apartment (the "bat cave"), Heidi sent me one of Mr. Lowell's books about interior design for small spaces. It was like adult entertainment to me. Imagine, having a one-room apartment that was not cluttered, where the furniture complemented the space, and the walls didn't feel, well, cave-like? I used to read his book and fantasize....about living in a real apartment.

Anyway - I can't wait to hear his show, and for him to hopefully stop by and visit us in the Cheetah Lounge.

Will you tune in? How about to Dennis Miller's show?

Cheers, Lara

We Touched Dennis Miller!

NO, not like THAT...... (geez people, he has two kids and of course, is married to former model!!!)

But did you know Dennis Miller now has a Radio Show????

You know what that means.....yup, we get to corner him for a picture! Lara and I are fresh (well not so fresh) back from the Radio and Records Talk Radio Seminar in L.A.

He's cute! And he has a great smile huh? Lara really like his eyes -- yup, he's got nice eyes....

Anyway, my plane left Saturday night REDEYE. Now before you call me stupid (which would be actually accurate) I did have to be home before 10 a.m. on Sunday because my husband had to fly out for his business trip. And we have two screaming kids to take care of.....SO......I had the enjoyable Sunday combination and accumulation of::

1. Full Thurs/Fri/Sat of industry conference
2. Drinking every evening
3. Standing in high heels for three days
4. Dank hotel room air and recirculated air induced coughing
5. Red-Eye back to the East Coast
6. AND the lovely DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME...just to make it a 4 hour difference now...

Thank god the great lord above the kids took a nap Sunday afternoon or they might not be alive today. I feel like I got hit by a 2X4 ---- 200 times!!

Cheers!
Heidi

Get your Good Karma here!

A friend of mine just sent me this email, which has been circulating the Internet for YEARS. But since The Secret is all the rage...and I just love this woo woo stuff, I thought I'd share it with you:

I N S T R U C T I O N S F O R L I F E

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements
involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s:
* Respect for self,
* Respect for others and
* Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a
wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate
steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and
think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for
your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the
current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your
love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order
to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

What do you think? To woo-woo for you?

Cheers, Lara

Would You Put This (these?) on Your Car?

TRUCK NUTS

also known as....Bumper Balls, Nuts for Trucks and Biker Balls....

If you do nothing else today, at least take a peak.

I have NEVER seen these on the open road. BUT I'll be looking now!!!

Maryland is looking to outlaw them. Along with anything else depicting naked humans INCLUDING Mud Flap Girls!!!!

Well, Patricia whose Arizona business sells these 'fake bull testicles' is not all to happy, she says "What's next?" -- "Do we have to neuter all dogs that walk by us?"

Hmmm, Patricia, you got a point there girlfriend...

Anyway, would YOU PUT THESE ON YOUR TRUCK? CAR? MOTORCYCLE? And what are you 'saying' when these are swingin' in back...??? I LURVE BULL DO-DADS?

What would your coworkers say after strolling past your car in the coporate garage?? You sure could turn some heads!!!!

Cheers!
Heidi

P.S. We've ordered a pink pair (pair, right? correct plural??) for Lara's microphone : )

Maybe they just LOOK dirty....

In a couple of weeks, I'm going to see Christina Aguilera in concert. I can't wait!! Ever since she taught America why EVERYONE needs to vote, I've been a huge fan. Plus her voice ROCKS!

I'm the chaperone for my fiance's 13-year-old daughter and one of her friends. As the "adult" here, I'm a little worried.

The Pussycat Dolls are the opening band.

They disturb me. Deeply.

There's an article in today's New York Times about a reality show that starts tomorrow that's all about their search for a new "Doll". The producers claim that the Pussycat Dolls are all about female empowerment, and that every girl's fantasy is to dress up like a doll. Not about girls who are busy "working the pole," which was my impression. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but at 9 pm/ 8pm on regular tv??

The producer of the reality show says that the "Don'tcha" song doesn't literally mean, "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me," it means "Don’t you wish your girlfriend could be free and comfortable in her own skin and do her own thing, like me?" HA! As if!

Now, we like to keep things light over at ChickChat Radio. And I was a tomboy growing up. Maybe it's just not my taste or I'm a prude (ok, if you know me - stop laughing! I know! It's ridiculous! I'm NOT a prude!). But whenever I hear one of their songs, I feel like I need to take a shower immediately. And the idea of being in a huge stadium with a bunch of tweens and dirty old men for this concert makes me want to buy industrial-sized purell.

I think these girls look like a bunch of streetwalkers and are trying (successfully) to appeal to men. They are pretty and I think they can sing. But to try to pass them off as decent role models?? That's just crazy talk. Why can't they stick to their knitting and leave the teenage girls out of it?

What do you think??

Cheers, Lara

What Happened to the Pickler???

Whoa! I almost didn't recognize her! Where have I BEEN? I haven't seen Kellie since last American Idol...I guess I've been missing the progression here....

She looks 10 years older and a bit more than 10 lbs heavier. Bless her heart (as we say here in the south).

While picking my jaw off the floor last night, I desperately tried to figure out some excuse for her -- she prego?
thyroid problem? Maybe the dress had some odd optical illusion????????

What happened to our old Kellie Pickler???

She definitely is channeling her "inner Dolly Parton".....and I'm all down with that. Dolly Rocks. And Kellie is an AMAZING singer..

Whew, I'm still in shock...

But her song? Broke my heart.

I don't care what she looks like, I'm a HUGE Pickler fan....

Cheers! Heidi

What weird stuff do you eat??

I'm known for eating weird food. I'm like Mikey from that cereal commercial - I'll try anything!

I'm over the phase of the strained yogurt (if you put regular plain yogurt into a strainer lined with cheesecloth over night, you get a completely different texture - it's more like Greek yogurt or cheese). I had a great run with frozen dumplings from Chinatown, but now I just go to Chinatown for Dim Sum. I'm still way into steel cut oatmeal, but I haven't made it lately so it didn't make the photo. Sorry oatmeal!

The picture shows my latest weird food obsessions. On the left is Flaxseed - I grind it in a coffee grinder and add to salads or cereal. The center is Kefir, which is like a thick pourable yogurt. Kefir makes awesome smoothies, I guess it's been in the news a lot lately for being pretty good for you. And on the right is my beloved quinoa, a delicious substitue for rice or other starch/grains at dinner.

I'm a little adventurous when it comes to food - I'll try anything once (as long as it's not spicy, lamb, or some weird animal).

So what's weird in your fridge?

Cheers,
Lara