Last month, I attended the second Ritz Reunion. Dancing at the Ritz was a major part of my high school and college years, so it was VERY enjoyable to let myself dance my butt off to the old tunes surrounded by my old friends.

I was surprised at how many holes there were in my music collection, so I was SO grateful when the DJs posted their playlists for the night.

• Facebook | Ritz Reunion II DJ Playlists

Here are the playlists with links to where you can download them. I gave Amazon precedence over iTunes because they can be played on any mp3 player, not just Apple products. If it’s not available on either, I linked to it on Listen To YouTube.

TONJA

• Only You – Yaz
• Don’t You Want Me – The Human League
• Why Can’t I Be You – The Cure
• Tainted Love – Soft Cell
• West End Girls – The Pet Shop Boys
• Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode
• I Want Candy – Bow Wow Wow
• Love Resurrection – Alison Moyet
• Big in Japan – Alphaville
• Lover Come Back To Me – Dead or Alive
• Funky Town – Lipps, Inc.
• Blue Monday – New Order
• Wild Thing – X
• Jungle Jezebel – Divine
• State Farm – Yaz

DAVE

• Christian Says – Tones on Tail
• Nemesis – Shriekback [iTunes Link]
• Absolutely Immune II – Act
• Relax P:Machine (Medley) – P4F
• Sex (I’m a…) – Berlin
• Work for Love – Ministry
• Brother Louie – Modern Talking
• Living on the Ceiling – Blancmange
• Send Me an Angel – Real Life
• Every Day is Halloween – Ministry
• Peek-A-Boo – Siouxsie & the Banshees
• American Soviets – CCCP
• White Lines -Grandmaster Flash
• Soft Core – Maurice and the Cliches
• Gimme Gimme Gimme (Dance Mix) – Erasure
• You Think You’re a Man – Divine

JOEY

• A to Z – ABC
• Jet Set – Alphaville
• Baby Pain – Intaferon
• Spin for Me – Shoes
• I Touch Roses (Long Stemmed Version) – Book Of Love
• Let’s Go All The Way – Sly Fox
• Boom Boom – Trio
• Breakaway (Popper Mix) – Big Pig
• Theme From S’Express (Extended Version) – S’Express
• Respectable (Club Mix) – Mel & Kim
• Victim Of Love (Vixen Vitesse Mix) – Erasure
• State Farm (Madhouse Mix) – Yaz
• I Beg Your Pardon (Club Mix) – Kon Kan
• New York, New York – MCL
• Underneath the Radar (Extended) – Underworld
• Time Warp – Rocky Horror Picture Show
• Wild Flower (Extended Rock Mix) – The Cult
• Don’t Change – INXS
• Take Me Now (Extended Mix) – Vicious Pink
• Strip – Adam Ant

JASON

• I Want Your Sex – George Michael
• I Want Your Hands On Me – Sinead O’Connor
• Nasty Girl – Vanity 6
• Get Down Make Love – NIN
• Sample That – Bang Orchestra
• Boom Boom – Paul Lekakis
• Sex Shooter – Apollonia 6
• Fetish – Vicious Pink
• Hit That Perfect Beat (12″ Extended) – Bronski Beat
• Don’t Go – Yaz
• You Spin Me Round (Murder Mix) – Dead or Alive
• Hearts and Minds – Nitzer Ebb
• Scratch – Contagion
• Murderous – Nitzer Ebb
• Headhunter – Front 242
• Fire Woman – The Cult
• Puttin’ On The Ritz – Taco

It was a wonderful night and every song was perfect. The night couldn’t last forever, however, so there were many Ritz songs that were missed. Here are my favorites from our Ritz days that didn’t make the cut.

• Join In The Chant – Nitzer Ebb
• Everything That Rises Must Converge – Shriekback [iTunes link]
• Certain Things Are Likely – Kiss The Pink
• Go! (club Mix) – Tones On Tail
• Why? – Bronski Beat
• Shriekback – Faded Flowers
• Cities In Dust – Siouxsie And The Banshees
• Kiss Me – Stephen Duffy
• Vicious Pink – CCCan’t You See 12in
• C’mon! C’mon! [12″ Version] – Bronski Beat
• Pop Muzik (’89 Robin Scott remix) – M
• More Human Than Human – White Zombie
• Welcome To Paradise – Front 242

• The Power of Love – Frankie Goes To Hollywood
• Happy Birthday – Altered Images
• Pain – Oingo Boingo
• Living On Video – Trans X
• Pump Up The Volume (UK 12″ Remix) – M|A|R|R|S
• New York, New York – Nina Hagen

• Who Needs Love Like That – Erasure
• Spirit In The Sky – Doctor & The Medics
• Apollo 9 – Adam Ant
• Kiss Them For Me – Siouxsie And The Banshees
• C est Comme Ca – Les Rita Mitsouko
• Funkytown – Pseudo Echo
• The Beautiful People – Marilyn Manson
• I Wanna Be A Cowboy – Boys Don’T Cry
• Heart And Soul – T’Pau
• Push It – Salt-N-Pepa
• Wild Thing – Tone-Loc
• Andy – Les Rita Mitsouko
• World Destruction – Time Zone featuring John Lydon & Afrika Bambaataa
• Urban Struggle – The Vandals
• Free Nelson Mandela – The Specials

That makes an even 100 songs that we all loved and danced to back when we used to put on the Ritz. Leave a message in the comment if I missed any of your favorites and I’ll track them down for you.

We have been leaving the Bevmo Bag out on the floor lately just because it has become Elvis’ latest nemesis. He simply can’t understand why he can’t get inside of the thing. Since it is a bag meant to transport glass bottles, it has dividers in it that are just large enough for Elvis’ head only.

That doesn’t stop him from trying to put his whole body into it several times a week.

• At WordCamp Utah today. Sheri Bigelow rocks the mic! #wcut #

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• This cat knows more tricks than Sid! So cute! http://bit.ly/aznEdu #

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• No fair: Gizmodo editor leaves his phone in a restaurant, gets it back instead of having it dissected! http://bit.ly/bzusMd #
• Futurama Writer Invented A New Math Theorem Just To Use In The Show http://su.pr/2vZ65x #
• This woman is going straight to Hell. http://su.pr/344xny #

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• Kung Fu Halloween! http://bit.ly/9gOQnX #

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I love these quiet moments with Elvis. He will sit by the window for hours watching the birds as long as I open the blinds for him.

• About Salt Lake City – Trail Spotlight: Cecret Lake http://bit.ly/cpAUKi #

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• CRAFT – How-To: Paper Gift Topper http://bit.ly/cdPdRE #

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• ikea hacker – Loft bed frame and elevated laptop stand http://bit.ly/bCat3o #
• Note to Self: A Study in Scarlet : A Sherlock Holmes Graphic Novel by Arthur Conan Doyle #

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I took this photo back in November 2007, but I just noticed it in my iPhoto collection and thought I’d post it here.

There are so many times when a Republican was standing in front of the flag and it made me feel like I had nothing in common with my nation. If THAT was what my flag stood for, then I was having a hard time feeling any affinity with my country.

The day I saw this flag flying, I thought to myself how beautiful it was and how much I loved the orange rocks and sand it protected. It was one of those strange moments when I realized that it’s MY flag, too.

I’m not sad, but the tears are streaming down my face. I cry out in anguish and I suddenly feel guilty for never crying for my grandmother like this. Never crying for Carol like this. Never crying for grandpa like this.

I’m not crying out in pain, although there is plenty. My head is exploding with dots and colors. Every breath hurts, so I stop taking in air until my lungs overrule my head, making me breathe again. The nausea comes in waves and I run to the bathroom. Only dry heaves and then it’s gone.

Michael is making me sit up and move my head. He makes me lift my arms. He holds up a picture on his phone. “What is it?” I answer, “The mice.” He shows me another. “A penguin.” He swipes the screen and shows me another. “Another penguin. A Linux penguin.” I can’t remember his name, but I don’t tell Mike because he’ll worry even more that this might be a stroke instead of a migraine. He hands me a wet washcloth, which soothes me. He hands me an ice pack, which usually soothes me, but tonight it’s too cold. Far too cold. He tries to pet my arms and back, but the sensation of touch sets off a wave of pain. I push him away and then I feel guilty for pushing him away. And then I cry some more.

All the animals are trying to comfort me, but the soft fur and acupuncture therapy from Maggie is too much stimulation. They are all exiled from the room, but the closed door confuses me and I worry about what’s on the other side. Then another wave of pain and tears.

I will die from this someday. Someday there will be a headache that’s not just a headache. It will be my brain finally killing my body by self-destructing in a pop of blood. Just like my grandmother. Just like my great aunt. There will be a circuit blown in my brain and it will kill me. It will hurt far more than this migraine and I won’t be able to form the words to say goodbye.

Sometimes caffeine helps, so Mike brings me a fresh Coke Zero from the fridge. It fizzles and pops with carbonation. He urges me to drink it and I bring it to my lips, but I can’t even take a sip. The nausea finally overtakes me and I vomit all that was inside: the two blue pills taken too late, the glass of wine that probably set this migraine off, the Navajo taco from the festival and the two glasses of beer that I drank instead of water. I sit on the edge of the bathtub inspecting the issue. A few kernels of corn float to the top of the mess and I regret everything I’ve eaten in the last few hours. I won’t be able to eat chili again for years without remembering this pain.

The next time I tell you I’m lost, make me take two blue pills immediately, even if I’m a little tipsy. I’m NEVER lost, so if I feel lost, there is a migraine just around the corner.

The Utah Arts Festival was fun, by the way. We bought a lot of art and I only got lost once…

• This is why I love Steve Jobs http://j.mp/95aeDC via @SMRTDSGN #

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You can view the original recipe online at Epicurious. I’ve made some changes to the recipe and I’m logging them here so I remember for the next time I need to make it.

Cheese Flan Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 1/2 cups skim milk
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 1 (14-ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 5 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Equipment: 8 (7- to 8-ounce) ramekins

Make caramel: Heat sugar and water in a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Cook, without stirring, brushing down sugar crystals from side of pan using a pastry brush dipped in cold water and swirling pan occasionally so caramel browns evenly, until dark amber. Immediately pour into ramekins and swirl so caramel coats bottom of each and partway up side, then put in a roasting pan.

Make flan: Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

Put milk with cinnamon stick in a large plastic bowl and cook in the microwave for one minute at a time allowing it to cool for one minute for a total of 10 mins (5mins cooking and 5 mins cooling). This can be done while making the carmel. Remove cinnamon.

Meanwhile, blend condensed milk and cream cheese in a blender until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and salt and blend until smooth. Gently whisk it into the large bowl of warm milk.

Divide among ramekins, then add enough boiling water to pan to reach halfway up sides of ramekins. Be careful not to spill the water into the ramekins. Cover pan loosely with a sheet of foil and bake until custards are just set (they will still wobble slightly in center when tapped), 45 to 55 minutes.

Remove ramekins from water bath and let stand at least 15 minutes (flan will continue to set). Just before serving (warm or at room temperature), run a thin knife around flans to loosen, then invert onto plates.

I received an email the other day from Daybreak telling me how important outdoor safety is. Here is what they sent me:

The outdoor season is rapidly approaching. Here are a couple reminders for safety:

• Teach your children proper outdoor safety practices
• Use your common sense when participating in outdoor activities
• Always be prepared for the unexpected
• Do not take unnecessary chances
• Do not be careless
• Think before you act

Reading it made me roll my eyes in disgust. “Really?!” I thought to myself. They just reworded the phrase, “be safe,” six times. What we need are some REAL safety tips for living in Daybreak. Here are the few that Mike and I were able to ramble off the top of our head.

It Doesn’t Take A Village, Moron

It might take a village to raise a child, but expecting the village to keep your child safe is moronic. WATCH your children when they are playing. Our backyards are too small to hold kids, so they are playing in the front yards together. Honestly, this is a GOOD thing as long as there is a parent nearby reminding them to stay out of the street, watch for cars and stay in the yard. Too many kids are allowed free reign of the streets.

Stay Out Of The Lake

It might be a man-made lake, but you could drown in it just as easily as any bed of water. Don’t swim in the lake. After last year’s ringworm incident, we aren’t even allowed to wade in the water. It’s against the rules because it could kill you or make you sick.

Avoid The Traffic Circles

I know legally you can walk or ride your bike along the traffic circles in Daybreak, but it’s idiotic to do so. We have so many visitors to the neighborhood who are unfamiliar with traffic circles. I have seen too many near accidents because of confused visitors on traffic circles to ever feel safe riding my bike through them. I do everything I can to avoid them by crossing at other areas or taking the trail that leads under the 11400 South traffic circle.

Stay on the Trails

It’s really easy to be lulled into complacency in Daybreak. There is hardly any traffic, so I catch myself ambling my bike down the roads instead of following the sidewalks or trails that were made for my bike. We have cars and city buses that come through our neighborhood, yet I see children sprawling our streets with their bikes every day without a parent in sight. Keep your feet and your bikes on the trails where they belong.

Leave The Animals Alone

EVERY time I take a walk around the lake, I see a child throwing a rock at a duck or goose. Anyone who has ever been bitten by a goose knows that it’s not wise to agitate them, especially if they are nesting. Not to mention the fact that geese, cliff swallows and many of the other animals in this area are protected by FEDERAL law. Teaching children to leave the animals alone not only protects them from avenging animals bent on protecting their young, but keeps you safe from the hefty fines attached to injuring protected species.

Drive With Your Eyes Peeled

There are so many children living in Daybreak that it has a “Lord of the Flies” feel at times. Flocks of children run into the street without a moment’s warning, so whenever you get in your car, keep your eyes on the road and surrounding areas. Additionally, we live so close to the wilds of the Oquirrh Mountains that our neighborhood is rife with wildlife. A deer through your windshield can kill you, so stay alert when you’re driving, especially if you take the back road to Bacchus Highway.

Water Makes Things Slippery

We all know that water makes things slippery, but every time a child falls at the splash park, it’s like we have to learn all over again. Whether you’re wet from the rain, sprinklers on the lawn or an intentional splash through the water feature at SoDa Row, if you are wet, it’s easier to slip and fall. Walk carefully when you’re wet and be mindful of how slippery it can get.

Put Your Toys Away

After living in Sugarhouse for years, I’m shocked at how lax people are with their toys. Adults and children are guilty of leaving expensive toys out in the open and sometimes even in the STREET. We have FAR less crime here than I dealt with downtown, but there is ALWAYS a risk that someone might walk away with your bike, skateboard or barbecue grill. Put your toys away and you won’t have to be the indignant one when a thief hits our neighborhood.

Have A Safe Summer in Daybreak

I have been living in Daybreak for almost a year now and I can honestly say that it’s a utopia compared to Sugarhouse. Even in utopia, however, there are dangers. I’m sure that we would love to have a summer without a single injury at Daybreak, but it won’t happen unless we are vigilant of our own actions.

I finally framed my other two Syd Brak posters. Here is Forget Me Not.

As far as I can tell, it’s not available anywhere else on the Internet. I just can’t let this one fall into obscurity.

Here’s my Long Distance Kiss poster.

I talked about Syd Brak before here:

• Pick Me! » The Artwork of Syd Brak

Writing has been a struggle for me. I have been so incredibly lazy for MONTHS now. I’d like to say that I’ve been doing something productive like learning a new programming language or painting or doing ANY type of creative activity. Unfortunately, I’ve been spending my time playing Bejeweled and Plants vs. Zombies.

This isn’t the first time this has happened.

I had a stint a couple of years ago with an Animal Crossing obsession. Even when I first started this blog, I had this trouble.

It feels like the words leave me. Because I have dealt with this before, I feel like I should be calm and rational about it. I should be able to just use my logic, knowing that the words came back before means that they’ll come back this time.

But I am not a logical creature, no matter how much I wish to be.

Whenever I feel this empty, there is an accompanying panic that I will ALWAYS be this empty. There is a fear that my words will never return.

What does it mean when a writer doesn’t write? Am I still a writer?

My instinct is to quit writing completely. Let all the blogs go dark and say that I’m not coming back in the foreseeable future. I could get a job being a secretary or scanning merchandise at Walmart. At least with a receptionist job, I would get health insurance for less than $750 a month. Maybe I NEED to be bored out of my skull with a job that doesn’t task my mind in order to get my words back.

All I know is that I am sick of being unproductive and I want to feel the flow of letters out of my fingers again. What do I need to do?

Early every Saturday morning a big diesel truck pulls up to one of the vacant stores in Daybreak. A ton of produce is unloaded and then a few minutes later, a gaggle of people show up with laundry baskets, boxes and rubbermaid storage containers. They wait in line and come out with their baskets full of fruit and veggies.

This was going on even in the cold months of March and April, so there’s no way this is some local farm collective thing. This stuff is being shipped to Utah in big semi-trucks.

By the time I throw on my clothes and run out there to ask someone about it, they’re gone. I really need to wake up earlier on Saturday mornings because I’d love to know what’s up with the laundry basket freakshow.

• I'm going twice a week now because I need the extra motivation. (@ Weight Watchers Draper) http://4sq.com/bnf1Hy #

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The color of the flashing lights seems more red and blue because the blinding snow has made the landscape a ghostly white. Mike is rummaging through the glove box for the registration. I wiggle my wallet out of my back pocket.

“You KNEW there was a bored cop.”

“I know.”

“You’re not allowed to hold a grudge against Yellowstone.”

“I know.”

I open the window and thousands of tiny bits of white ice rush at my eyes and cheeks. I wonder at the ability of the snow to work it’s way around the officer and blind me.

“The speed limit is 25 mph.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

I hand him our registration for the car and my driver’s license. He looks at it quickly.

“I also need your insurance.”

Mike pops open the glove box again and produces our insurance card, still attached to the original paperwork. I hope it’s the most recent card as I pass it, unchecked, to the policeman. As he walks back to his squad car, I notice that his hat makes him look like a park ranger.

“I’m serious. You’re not allowed to hold a grudge against Yellowstone. We’re coming back here next year.”

“I know.”

The cop is back at my side and I dread opening the car window to the wind and ice. I don’t want to face him because of the weather, but I force myself to look at him so that I won’t look suspicious. The bits of hard and frozen snowflakes pummel my eyes.

“I caught you doing 40 in a 25 mph zone, but that’s a 155 dollar ticket, so I wrote you up for 35, so it’ll only be 55 bucks.”

I take the papers.

“Thank you.”

I look for a pen, expecting to have to sign something.

“I don’t have to sign?”

“No. You don’t have to pay right now. You can send it in or appear at court.”

He walks back to his well-marked police car and I roll up the window. The car blissfully protects me from the elements. I hand the papers to Mike and he puts them in the glove box. I inch back onto the two lane road and leave town.

This year’s Yellowstone trip was disappointingly lacking any animals. They were all scared off by the construction. The speeding ticket was just icing on the cake.

I don’t care what Mike says. Next year, we’re going to Yosemite.

• Just got into West Yellowstone and couldn't wait to eat at my fav bistro! (@ Sydney's Mountain Bistro) http://4sq.com/dwXOOx #

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• Here for the UT Geek Dinner! (@ Neil's Halibut Broiler w/ @thomallen) http://4sq.com/aarVJM #

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I’m sitting in my blue comfy chair. I have Elvis on the left arm, looking out the window, following every movement of birds and debris. I have Maggie to my right, sitting on the footstool and Sid on the floor.

I always imagine an alien group observing us. They can tell where all the life forms are in the house and notice that we all congregate in one room, no matter the size of the house. In fact, we are all congregated in one corner of that one room.

I imagine that they would find this behavior strange. Why would they all hover in one tiny corner of that large dwelling? Are they scared? They aren’t close enough to be getting any warmth from each other. They each seem to be moving of their own free will. Why do they congregate when they could spread out? They must get some benefit from the close proximity, despite their differences in genetic make up. What is it?

• I'm on a bus to my favorite pho restaurant. The Prius is at the dealer's getting its recall notices out of the way. #
• Just found out that San Gelato has free wi-fi. Next month, the Geek Dinner is gonna be here! (@ San Gelato) http://4sq.com/4Bd59U #

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• Still basking in the glow of the Daybreak Wine Club party last night. I'm SO GLAD I moved here! #
• Mom bought me a chair for my birthday. (@ Ikea) http://4sq.com/7bpOli #

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• Here for the SLC 5K. It should start in ten minutes. (@ Gateway Center) http://4sq.com/7eRXqO #
• At the SLC 5K. Running behind the Sorenson Media people. http://twitpic.com/1g9j92 #
• Done with my race. Walking back to my car. Think I'll nap when I get home. Bathroom facilities were a joke. #
• At the Daybreak Wine Club. Nice group of people. I'm definitely coming next time! http://twitpic.com/1gg03q #

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• Best pedicure in SLC. I drive all the way from South Jordan to come here. (@ Sky Nails) http://4sq.com/cFSokF #

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• Library of Congress to archive Twitter tweets http://bit.ly/ddncO9 via @cnn – Now I have to be literary in 140 characters?! The pressure! #
• Most beautiful steampunk shoes EVAR!! http://twitpic.com/1frifc http://www.myspace.com/joanasilvashoes #

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• I weigh in EVERY week, even of I'm out of town. (@ Weight Watchers Willow Glen) http://4sq.com/aNf8oa #
• One more visit to the mothership… (@ Apple – The Company Store) http://4sq.com/6RFHoC #
• Early lunch or maybe it's a late breakfast. Either way, it's delicious. (@ Pho Minh) http://4sq.com/7VzVat #
• Walk down memory lane. (@ Computer History Museum) http://4sq.com/60yYsF #

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• Second Apple Store today. Forgot to check in at the Company Store. (@ Apple Store – Palo Alto) http://4sq.com/8RL217 #

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• Checking out the Tech museum. Walk down memory lane. (@ Tech Museum of Innovation) http://4sq.com/3bpTcQ #
• I kind of expected the Tech museum to be a museum of technology (old computers and stuff). http://twitpic.com/1f5sv8 #
• I didn't expect a cheap ripoff of The Exploratorium. Disappointed. #
• RT @SeagullFountain Um, who in their right mind would choose a McD cupcake over a Bavarian pastry? http://tinyurl.com/ybnczca #
• Apparently, I should have gone to the Computer History Museum in Palo Alto. I guess I'll try that on Wed. since they're not open today. #
• I'm at San Jose Museum of Art (110 S Market St, at San Fernando St, San Jose). http://4sq.com/4Jlml0 #
• I'm out of luck today. Back to the hotel to kill zombies. http://twitpic.com/1f609c #
• I'm out of luck today. I guess I'll go back to the hotel and kill some zombies. http://twitpic.com/1f62qt #
• Video of the friendliest rodent in San Jose. I can't believe how unafraid he was! http://tinyurl.com/y36n2yb #
• Thwarted in art and science, I resort to alcohol. It's always waiting for me. (@ Tanq) http://4sq.com/8THx05 #

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Every year for my birthday, I think of this song from Mickey Mouse’s Splashdance album. I bought the album for my sister for her birthday in 1983, but it was truly a gift for both of us.

I was in junior high by then, so an album with Mickey Mouse on the jacket was too juvenile for me… or at least that’s what I would have said back then. I didn’t want to admit how much I loved that album. Stacey and I played it so many times that I can still sing all the songs by heart.

Back in December, I found Splashdance on Amazon’s MP3 downloads and you would think that I had found pure gold. I was so happy to be able to listen to that album again!

• I live Panera, so I eat here whenever I go out of town. (@ Panera Bread) http://4sq.com/axXeEj #
• Hey, #juggalos – anything is a miracle if you're too stupid to understand how it works. /via @choochoobear #
• I must make a pilgrimage to every Fry's in the city. (@ Fry's Electronics – Brokaw) http://4sq.com/2u3gBY #
• This Fry's has a Mayan theme. http://twitpic.com/1ew9y4 #
• A few more additions to the Colour Codes Collection. Love them! (@ Swatch) http://4sq.com/dsd0ON #
• Here are the Swatches for you to see. http://twitpic.com/1ez89j #

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Here is the commercial for the Colour Code Swatches:

• Too busy to get a tour. We'll have to come back Monday. At least we can shop in the gift shop. :) (@ Winchester Mystery House) #
• Yummy treats at the hotel bar. (@ Tanq w/ 2 others) http://4sq.com/8THx05 #
• Tanq Treats http://twitpic.com/1eol2c #
• Espresso Martini at Tanq. Beautiful, but a little too strong for my UT drinking abilities. #

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Sometimes I’m shocked at how intact my toys are. I found this Babysitting Barbie set in the 1977 Sears Christmas Catalog on Flickr.

I was able to find almost all of the pieces to the set (and a couple of spoons to feed the baby that must have come from some other set).

I’m surprised how good the baby still looks today. After thirty years, you’d think she would show a little wear.

My nieces came over to play at my house a couple of weeks ago. I let them play with my Barbies and they absolutely LOVED the baby Barbie and her accessories. I remember feeling like that. The baby Barbies and even Skipper were dolls that were rare compared to the vast quantities of Barbies available, so they were cool. They were like Barbies, but the wrong size.

Watching my nieces playing with my old Barbies made me so happy. Isn’t funny to know that even though a toy is thirty years old, it can still be fun for kids.

Although her hair is a matted mess of unbrushable fluff, my Tuesday Taylor doll is still awesome.

This is Suntan Tuesday Taylor, meaning that she could actually get a TAN in the SUN! My friends were amazed at her. Here’s a commercial showing off her suntanning glory.

After seeing this commercial, I decided to let Tuesday go out for a tan, even though it’s so very bad for her health. She borrowed Golden Dream Barbie’s swimming suit.

I even put a jewel sticker on her leg to see if there was a difference after a bit in the sun.

After about thirty minutes in the sun, there is a slight difference in skin tone, but you can only see it if you’re looking closely.

What was more surprising are the tan lines on her shoulders. They were far more obvious.

I was impressed how well that worked. I fully expected no effect. When I saw the tan lines on her shoulders, I felt just as awed and happy as I was when I was a child. This toy is thirty years old and she still works just as well as she did when she was new. It’s nice to know that Tuesday Taylor is still awesome.

For more information about Tuesday Taylor: Crissy and Beth: Tuesday Taylor

• Weekly Weight Watchers meeting. I had a good week: down 1.4 lbs. (@ Weight Watchers) http://4sq.com/4p8uhw #

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When we moved into the house on White Cherry Way, the previous family left behind a lot of things in the crawl space. One of them were the broken remains of the Barbie Olympic Ski Village. I never knew its name until I found it in the 1975 Sears Catalog:

You can see it in its full glory here:

The toy we inherited from the previous homeowners wasn’t complete. We only had one of the panels to the ski jump, but it wasn’t long enough to even reach the floor in a vertical drop. Stacey and I used to prop it up on the huge dictionaries from Mom’s bookcase. There was no Olympic Gold Medal to award Barbie, either. The “swirling snow saucer” was missing as well.

Thirty years later, all that remains of the Barbie Olympic Ski Village are a pair of skis.

You would think that living in Salt Lake City, Utah, I would have been a mad for skiing kid and loved this toy, but I didn’t. Skiing was something rich people did. They invaded our town and wasted their time strapping boards to their feet and falling down hills. This toy kind of sat in disrepair, virtually unplayed with until it was finally thrown away. It makes me kind of sad for it.

Maybe it ended up on the Island of Misfit Toys and found a place where it could be happy.

• http://twitpic.com/1dfxrw Anyone ever seen this Barbie VW Camper? I found it in the 1975 Sears Catalog. SO AWESOME!!! #

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I’ve been making plastic canvas furniture for the Barbie Country Living Home I found at ThriftTown back in February.

• Pick Me! » Barbie Country Living Home

The kitchen is finally finished. I tried to make furniture that matched the original that came with it. You can see the original furniture here:

• Barbie Country Living Home Original Furniture

I kind of had to make a pattern myself to match the original furniture. Plus, the kitchen needed some storage, so I made a hutch for it as well. Here’s a photo.

I was browsing the dollhouse section at Hobby Lobby and I noticed that most of the accessories are sized for Barbie, not the traditional dollhouse scale (which is smaller). I absolutely LOVE the little forks, knives and spoons. I remember seeing little cutlery like that on Sesame Street when I was a kid and wished I could have something like that for my Barbies. Why did it take me so long to find them?

This is my first real Barbie. I had a Skipper before this doll, but this was my first Barbie. I used to think that she was a Malibu Barbie, but her face doesn’t look right. I am so sad that her hair is thinning. I brushed it a lot and stuffed it into so many ponytails that it’s kind of ruined forever. On the plus side, the new Barbie clothes fit her better than her counterparts from the Eighties.