Work Hard. Be Kind.

I’ve been so busy packing boxes for our move to a new house this weekend that I forgot to comment about Conan O’Brien’s final broadcast of “The Tonight Show.”  When I lived in New York City over 15 years ago, I saw a taping of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”  I went alone because, at the time, Conan’s show had only been on the air for a year and he had a much smaller following. No one in my circle of friends was interested in showing up early to get a ticket to a 4 PM taping. But I was able to leave work early to do just that.  It wasn’t hard to get a ticket but the theater did fill up with loyal fans.  I don’t even remember who the guests were that day because I just remember Conan being, well, awesome.  He was vibrant and funny and really, really tall. He was dancing around the room and in the aisles before the show.  He would dance with everyone who asked.  This was all before Ellen made it popular.  I had fun and I felt like I was a part of something cool.  It didn’t matter that I went alone.  I wasn’t alone in that room.  It was a blast.

It really stinks that Conan only held the reins of the lengedary ”Tonight Show” for a short seven months.  He stepped down last Friday, January 22nd. I almost thought he wouldn’t step down after the amazing amount of support everyone was showing him on blogs, on Facebook, on Twitter, and even in an impromptu Los Angeles rally. 

What I really love about Conan is epitomized in his final words.  He was sincere and honest.  He was so passionate about his job.  And he left us all with a great message.  “If you work really hard and you’re kind…amazing things will happen.”  Work Hard.  Be Kind.  I’m adding that to my list of inspirational mantras.  Thanks, Conan.  See you soon.

Things I Am NOT Thankful For…

1. Adam Lambert’s crazy performance at the American Music Awards on Sunday.  I wanted to do a recap of the entire awards show, but the only thing I keep thinking about is Adam and his many bumps, grinds, and that KISS.  Okay, I get it.  That was the POINT.  He WANTED the water cooler talk the next day.  (Adam has arrived!  Woo-Hoo!)  But I just thought it was too much, too soon.  I LIKE Adam.  I’ve written about it here and here and here.  I was excited for his post-Idol career.   I guess I was just expecting to see the Adam I fell in love with on American Idol. But he showed his true colors at the AMAs.   I’m sure he’s fine with the fact that he’s now alienated his core American Idol audience of soccer moms.  Well, that’s me.  Bummer.

2. Oprah leaving her talk show in 2011. I already wrote about it here.

3. The series finale of Jon & Kate Plus 8 last night.  I really thought Kate looked great and Jon looked relieved.  I’ve watched this series since day one and it is just so sad to see it end this way.  A broken marriage, tons of tabloid scandals, and bitterness.  At the end of the day, I just hope those eight adorable kids are happy.

4. Entertainment magazines, websites, and television shows that do those ”Celebrities Without Makeup” or “Celebrities and Cellulite” pieces.  Just…MEAN. 

5. And, finally, the fact that I am about to consume a bazillion calories in T-minus two days and counting.  (But, oh, it will hurt so good.)

Oprah

I can believe, but I also CAN’T believe, that after 25 YEARS Oprah Winfrey will be ending her super-popular talk show.  She made the big announcement on her show Friday and I was crying right along with her.  I CAN believe it because she is probably ready for some much needed time away.  I just personally CAN’T imagine not spending time with Oprah every day.  She is part of my daily, much-needed “me time.”   I TIVO her show and I watch it after the kiddies go to bed.  I always end up smiling, laughing, thinking, or tearing up.  I have bought a lot of books because of her.  The Oprah Winfrey Show makes me want to live a better life.  She, and her multitude of guests and experts, teach me how to be healthy, live for the moment, be a kinder human being, and be a better mom.   I always count on Oprah to interview every cool celebrity. She also introduces me to amazing people living extraordinary lives.  I will miss her.  At least I have until September 2011.  I’m sure there are going to be some amazing and memorable final shows.  I’ve already told the hubbie I want tickets to one of the final tapings as my 40th birthday present.  I will be crossing my fingers.

Michael Jackson’s “This Is It”

Saturday was Date Night!  Hubbie and I went out for pizza, beer and a movie.  We loved all three.  We saw Michael Jackson’s This Is It. 

This Is It is as equally entertaining as it is sad to watch.  I didn’t understand how close Michael was to his world tour until I saw the movie.  There were elaborate sets, video screens, new dancers, and fanfare all ready to go.  Michael looked like he was still at the top of his game.  His voice sounded great.  He was in control.  His dancing was impeccable.  It was fun to see the flock of newbie dancers in awe of his talent. Then he lost his life. 

Most importantly, his music is undeniable.  I was trying to stop myself from jumping out of my theatre seat to dance! He performed  “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Billy Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Jam.”  It was going to be the concert of a lifetime. 

I want to give a special shout out to Orianthi who was Michael Jackson’s rockin’ lead guitar chick.  She is talented and super gorgeous and I’m sure she will be a huge success on her own.  It is sad that no one got to see her perform with MJ in concert.  It is sad that all those amazing dancers didn’t get to tour with their hero. 

But I’m so glad they released this film.  It truly is a great final tribute to the King of Pop.

Mike Tyson on The Oprah Show

Mike Tyson lost his 4 year old daughter Exodus last year after she accidentally strangled herself on a treadmill cord at her mother’s house.  He was devastated and broke down about it on Oprah yesterday.  I thought he was amazingly open and real about the whole thing.  It has been a struggle for him.  It is truly heartbreaking and the thought of losing a child is, of course, unimaginable.

Here is the clip from Oprah.

Patrick Swayze

I wanted to make sure I noted the passing of actor and dancer Patrick Swayze.  He died after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was 57. Everyone who knew him or worked with him said he was such an amazing guy.

And boy, was he good looking.

Dirty Dancing will always be a part of my childhood.

And the final scene of Ghost will ALWAYS make me cry.  Rest in peace, Patrick.

Jon & Kate Plus 8: The Next Chapter

I just saw this promo for the new August episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8.  Which is worse: that they are continuing with this reality show or that I will continue to watch this reality show?  Hmmmm….

A Suburban Life

When did living in a nice house in the suburbs with two kids, a dog, and a minivan (and MAYBE a white picket fence) become something people DIDN’T want?

The hubbie and I rented Revolutionary Road on Netflix last weekend.  Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s performances were really amazing and heart-wrenching.  Kate Winslet is one of my favorite actors. I definitely give the movie an “A” for being a very well done dramatic film.  But what was up with the message?  Since when did living in suburbia equal a death sentence?  By moving to the suburbs and starting a family, you are essentially giving up all your dreams of adventure and success and now must resign yourself to the fact that you will live a dull and ordinary life and never be “special.” Seriously?

My husband, who is a morning radio host, was talking to his co-workers this week about a fun topic to discuss on his radio show: Should we buy a minivan. We have been talking about it more and more lately, especially after all our long family road trips. I’ve always wanted a top of the line decked out minivan. But, maybe we should stick with a large SUV?  Well, the singletons in his office just GASPED at the mere thought of us purchasing a minivan. 

 ”A minivan?”  “NOOOO!  Don’t do it!!”  Their reaction made me think that buying a minivan would automatically make us “uncool.” Really?

Well, let me just say that I LIKE living in the suburbs.  It really is a dream come true, not something I felt resigned to do.  I was excited to get married, have kids, and live in an amazing suburban neighborhood.  I want the sidewalks and the green grass and the trees and the playground down the street.  I want to wave to my neighbors while they mow their lawn.  Or invite the mom next door over for coffee.  I want to help carpool.  I WANT a minivan. 

Hi, my name is Pam and I want to be a soccer mom. And I’m proud of it.

Where’s my “Team Kate” T-shirt?

I wrote about the deterioration of Jon & Kate (Plus Eight) Gosselin’s marriage here.  I wished, back then, that they would have worked on their marriage a little more before calling it quits.  But I think I may have spoken too soon. 

Here is a list of headlines from the popular entertainment and tabloid magazines that feature “Jon Gosselin.” 

(And these are JUST from the month of JULY):

Jon Gosselin Gets an N.Y.C. Bachelor Pad

Jon Gosselin Holds Hands With New Girlfriend in France!

EXCLUSIVE: See Mugshot of Jon Gosselin’s New Girlfriend

Pal: Hailey Glassman Dating Jon Gosselin “to Get Famous”

Jon Gosselin Brags He’s Bringing Back “Good Ol’ High School Days!”

Jon Gosselin and 22-Year-Old Girlfriend Enjoy PDA-Filled Day in the Park

Jon Gosselin Hits the Hamptons - with Lindsay Lohan’s Dad

Jon Gosselin’s New Girlfriend Shocked He’s Out with Another Woman

Jon Gosselin’s Double Date with a New Kate - and Real Housewive’sJill Zarin!

Tabloid Reporter Resigns Over New Boyfriend Jon Gosselin

Need I say more??

Goodbye MJ

Today was Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service.  It was broadcast on all the major TV networks.  A billion people watched the service from their television sets around the world. Thousands of people attended the service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  The broadcasters said that Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service will now be the biggest one in history. 

It’s so surreal because I’m sitting here watching it all unfold while my kiddies are napping.  Will I always remember this day?  Will I always remember eating this turkey and cheese on rye and drinking this Coke Zero while my dog laid at my feet?  I definitely feel mixed emotions.  I have not thought about Michael Jackson at all over the past several years.  He really was out of the limelight for awhile.  I now CHOOSE to remember only the good things, my fondest memories of Michael Jackson.  Those memories that make me smile and reminisce about my childhood.  The memories that make me realize how fast time flies and how weird it is to have such an important icon in your life pass on.

My favorite highlights from today’s King of Pop Memorial Service include:

* Mariah Carey singing “I’ll Be There.”  I remember when she first performed this on MTV Unplugged.

*Stevie Wonder’s whole performance.  I just cried.

*Jennifer Hudson singing “Will You Be There.”  She is eight months pregnant and looked gorgeous in a white dress.  I keep forgetting what an INCREDIBLE SINGER she is.

*John Mayer playing “Human Nature” on the guitar.  SWOON.

*Brooke Shields was really touching and shared some fun memories when she was friends with, and dated, Michael.

*Michael Jackson’s backup singers performing “We Are The World.”  I sometimes forget what a powerful, iconic song that was and still is today.

*Finally, when MJ’s daughter Paris spoke at the end and said “Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine.”  Heartbreaking.

Goodbye Michael Jackson.  Rest in peace.

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