Candy Does NOT make a Dandy Swami

OK, so I'm new at this.

Remember back this year, on January 3rd, a mere 363 days ago, I made some predictions for the year 2012 here?

Well, boy did I SUCK at it. Out of the five predictions, only one and a half of them were on the money. That's pretty bad and if I were a betting woman, I would not bet on me.

Lets go over them point by point, shall we?

I predicted:

1. Mitt Romney will defeat Barak Obama for the Presidency of the United States. Yup, I just see it, like you know how you visualize winning a race or scoring a goal? I just see Mitt as our next leader of the free world. This is by no means an endorsement of any candidate or political party by Candy's Daily Dandy. This is just a feeling, a hunch and I could totally be wrong.

Boy was I wrong...BUT, I'll take solace in knowing that I'm not the only one who may have thought this to be true at that time. I had a 50-50 shot at it and I was wrong. OK, so I better not quit the day job. I get it.

Next up, I perdicted:

2. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will get married. This one's kind of a no brainer. I'm not the smartest or most incredible swami for making this prediction, I'm just a mother and a woman and right around, kind of, the same, not exactly but sort of the same age as the Hollywood power couple. Since they have 6 kids together and family is their number one priority, the next logical and romantic step is to make it legal. Really, who are they going to move onto? Both are the top of their demographic when it comes to picking a partner of the opposite sex, so it only makes sense. Plus, there is nothing more romantic or fulfilling. Again, just my opinion.

So this is the one that I got HALF right. Brad and Angie didn't get married this year, but they did get engaged. Brad put a ring on it and maybe next year we will see the wedding. Maybe not. Maybe they are already secretly married. Hmmm. Maybe the wedding will make it to next year's Daily Dandy predictions. I'll take the half here.

Then I predicted:

3. Over sized glasses will be all the rage. Take my advice here, and buy a pair of over sized sun glasses, but the real fire will spread with over sized reading and eye glasses. The bigger the better. Geek is chic and big, geeky, nerdy glasses will make a huge fashion statement in 2012. You know how I know? They are hot all over Europe in 2011 and we follow suit.

This is the ONE that I got right, which isn't much of a stretch seeing I consider myself to be somewhat of a fashion guru. Maybe I should stick to that instead of predicting the future., just sayin.

4. Robert DeNiro will make a huge Hollywood comeback as Bernie Madoff. DeNiro's Production company, Tribeca Films, will produce the film as HBO bought the rights to the Madoff Family's Book, "Truth and Consequences: Life Inside The Madoff Family". Written by Ruth Madoff, Andrew Madoff and Andrew's fiancee, Catherine Hooper. I venture to guess that there isn't a person out there who isn't curious about this story, and this predictions about DeNiro. It should be released by year's end, so DeNiro will have at Oscar in 2013.

Where the HELL did this come from? Now I'm not saying that this one may never come to fruition, and If it does, you all will be the first one's to hear about my prediction coming true, but Oscar? Really? I want some more of what I may have been smoking at that time, because that's just not even close. Unless someone knows someone, who knows a guy,  who knows that this deal is going on in Hollywood behind closed doors as we speak, please let me know. Otherwise I'll just sweep this prediction under the carpet and move on with my life. 

And speaking of sweeping predictions under the carpet. I said:

 5. Ok, so I'm going out on a limb here, but it's no fun otherwise. AND you know that I truly believe this: The New England Patriots will defeat The New Orleans Saints to win Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. Yup, they just may be on their way to peaking right now, and just in the nick of time. I may be off about the Super Bowl opponent, so if it's not the Saints, it's going to be the Packers. Even though the Pats have serious, serious issues on defense, and they can't afford to fall behind more than two scores with either of these teams in the beginning of the game, we have Tommy. He's the best in the business and he knows how to get it done. And he will. Also, My Tommy is the MVP of Super Bowl XLVI.

I'm such a homer. I really DON'T want to revisit this heartbreak again.,but:

On the positive side for Candy: I did predict that that Pats would be in the Superbowl, so, I think I get half a point there and the rest is just not worth discussing without HURLING. 

So, I'm gonna take the extra half a point and call my overall prediction score 2 for 5 and be done with it. Even so, I've decided that I'm going to do it again and make my predictions for 2013. It can't get any worse, right? Stay tuned. 

Happy New Year Bloggers. I PREDICT a healthy and happy 2013 for all my blogger buddies. 

Taking Stock

So It's that time of the year. Time to take stock, so to speak.

Seriously, these next couple of days have got to be the most anticlimactic. The hustle and bustle of the holidays is over. The purpose of going out to run errands has taken on new meaning and the sight of a credit card receipt makes even the wealthiest person wince.

It's also a time to take inventory.

Inventory of the past year, inventory of your life and time to look ahead into the new year, 2013. I hate taking inventory...

But it's necessary.

I'm going to take stock of my store first.
Then I'm going to take stock of my kids next.
Then I'm taking stock of my finances and my life...

And then, ugh..I'm going to have to take inventory of me.

A Dandy Merry Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Dandy, every creature was stirring, most especially Candy. The stockings were hung and the mantle was complete and the tree was all glistening and the dogs, hustling treats.

The children weren't snuggled all cozy in bed, they were downstairs playing L-R-C with Jenna and Fred.
And Candy in Lanvin, Her Guy dressed in Versace, they had decided that this year they would dance and sing mariachi. So they invited the Trio, some family and friends and a party was held until the sun put it to an end.

When over at the table there arose such a clatter Candy sprang from her Louboutin's to see what was the matter. It was Frick and Frack, and a disagreement had sprung, between Left and Right no one knew who had won.  There was money to be had and they sat in despair, until they agreed that a donation to the Red Cross would only be fair.

The smiles on the faces of family and guest gave way for them both to know that they both had decided for the best. It wasn't about money or things or winning, this year was about love and about sacrifice and giving. Happiness and joy were both important and needed and Candy and her family were rich in both and could afford to concede it.

This year had been challenging, to say the least, what with Frick leaving the nest but staying in the East. Frick was in New York and was Frack learning to drive, and slowly they all learned that they would certainly survive. Then The Candy Bar came, the biggest challenge of all and for Candy she learned that she too, could stand tall. For her family chipped in and everybody had a job and when it was done and they opened, the entire group began to sob. They did it together! and Candy wouldn't have had it any other way, because it was a labor of love at the end of the day.

For Candy, she felt like her dreams had come true, and she whistled and shouted and called out her crew,
"To the top of the stairs, to the top of the hall, now dream and achieve and work hard for it all!"

She was so thankful and she knew that she was fortunate and blessed, but there were others this Christmas who were suffering and distressed. So she prayed to St. Nick, to God and to anyone else, "Please ease their suffering and bring peace to their hearts."

And I heard Candy exclaim as she climbed the stairs and out of sight, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a great night."

Have A Kick Ass Holiday Weekend

Hey Bloggers! 

Have a great holiday weekend and while you are out there shopping, try to find your Santa style! But you'd better behave.

Cuz you know he's watching and he's a checkin' that list more than twice.

Peace!

Trouble With The Curve

So I watched good old Clint last night and I gotta tell you it was troubling.

Dirty Harry is dead and gone and Eastwood has left us with a curmudgeonly old character who is a constant reminder that getting old sucks. Even A-lister Amy Adams, John Goodman and Justin Timberlake couldn't make this a sinker a go. I might have been seriously depressed after watching this one had it not been for the Hollywood hook; the happy ending.

The story line is predictable. Eastwood is Gus, an aging and angry baseball scout who is facing the end of a very long career. Amy Adams plays Mickey (named after Mickey Mantle), Gus's estranged daughter. Gus is loosing his sight and quite possibly his mind until long time friend and colleague, Pete (Goodman) asks Mickey to accompany her father on his possible last scouting trip to scout the number one prospect and make sure things go well.

Adams is convincing as Mickey, a career driven lawyer who has no time for anything, except climbing the corporate ladder at her prestigious firm. Enter Justin Timberlake, who I can't take seriously as an actor because I still see BOY BAND when I look at him, as a love interest for Mickey. Timberlake plays Johnny, a former standout who ruined his arm and is trying to reinvent himself in the game as a scout and broadcaster. The romance between them never really grows a set of legs and walks in this script despite the solid performances.

But it's Easwood who is the story here. Dang, he's old. And he keeps reminding us that Cowboys never really die, they just get put out to pasture. He's angry and he's loosing his sight and he's not happy. Its painful at times to watch Eastwood convincingly teach us about the aging process. Of course this is Hollywood and these scripts make sure that there is a brass ring to grab at the end of this ride. Gus proves that he's still got it and that his age and experience make him still a valuable member of the baseball organization he is employed by. Mickey proves that she's got her father's talent and finds a new career path in sports management. Father and daughter reconcile and even bond over a shared love, the game of baseball, and Mickey finally finds her place in her father's world.

Cute, but too freakin late for my liking. I needed to be cheered up by then.

Can't say that I would recommend it, even for the most ardent baseball fans. Unless you love seeing a chick spew forth baseball trivia question answers like an encyclopedia. I'd wait until it's the movie of the week on ABC and that there's nothing better on TV.

Ring-A-Ling-A-Ling-A-Ding-Dong-Ding

Just like the song says, "just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too", once you hear them it's hard not to sing right along. "Come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you."

Admit it. Your car radio has been on the local all Christmas music-all the time station for weeks and your heart beats a little merrier when you listen to the songs of the season. There are so many Christmas songs that put us in the mood for merriment, I wondered which ones would be in the Top 5 of all time.

According to Billboard Charts, these are the Top 5 Holiday Songs of all time:

#5. Burl Ives, "Holly Jolly Christmas". Not bad for a song that was recorded for a children's Christmas tale like "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer." Who could forget his snowman voice overs and rendition of this song.

#4. Bobby Helms, "Jingle Bell Rock".  First recorded in 1957, this song has been recorded and re-recorded by thousands of others, but Helms version is the one we want to hear. The distinctive guitar that belts out the melody in the opening seconds of the song are best known.

#3. Nat King Cole, "The Christmas Song". What would Christmas be like without this soft and soulful rendition from Nat King Cole. Roasting chestnuts has never sounded so good.

#2. Brenda Lee, "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree". Brenda Lee, a singer who sang rock pop and country hits, was best know for this Christmas song. She was 13 at the time she recorded this Christmas hit in 1958.

And the Number 1 most beloved Christmas song of all time, (according to Billboard)

#1. Mariah Carey, "All I want for Christmas is You". Yup, my very own doppelganger. Written by Mariah and Walter Afanasieff and recorded in 1994, this song remains one of the best selling singles OF ALL TIME. The thing about this song is, even though at this time of year, when they play it four thousand times a day, it still makes me smile and gets my feet tapping. And it's one of the most covered too. Michael Buble brought it down tempo with his smooth vocals and lots of other performers have tried to cover it, but in reality, there's only one Mariah, and nobody even comes close when it comes to this song.

So bloggers, did I forget anyone? Any song? Any favorites? 

I Was Just Going To Say...

I intended to talk about happy Christmas music today, but it just doesn't seem right in this forum.

The Pat's played one heck of a second half last night, but this morning it doesn't really matter. My beloved Boston Herald and I, together this morning have set the tone for the day.

As much as I try, and generally succeed in going on with my life, those little faces, the unspeakable horror creeps in and causes me to hold my children close. Frozen almost, in fear of what could happen, a constant reminder of the evil that lives among us.

I heard my daughter say, "I don't want to talk about it," and I was frozen again, unable to move the important conversation forward. I don't think I wanted to talk about it either. But I did talk to my son. I had to explain to him that his high school will be on lock down today. That visitors must make arrangements to gain entry and that he cannot enjoy the privilege of open campus any longer. He understood completely, once he realized how quickly copy cats can strike and how precious life is.

I know it won't always feel like this. I know I'll tell funny and inappropriate jokes and talk about the frivolousness of life again soon on The Daily Dandy. I just knew it couldn't be today. It doesn't feel right.

I also know I'll try to never forget. I can do that for them. It's just about the only thing I can do for them.

Why?

A Holiday Cautionary Tale

I would like to share an experience with you all about drinking and driving this holiday season. 

As you might well know, some of us have been known to have had rare brushes with the authorities on our way home from the odd social session over the years.

A couple of nights ago I was out for a few drinks with some friends and had a few too many beers and some shots.  Knowing full well I may have been slightly over the limit
I did something I've never done before.  I took a bus home.

Sure enough, I passed a DUI checkpoint, but because it was a bus, they just waved it through.  I arrived home safely without incident, which was a real surprise, as I have never driven a bus before and am not sure where I got it! 

I Was Just Thinking...

• That "Two Broke Girls" is one of the best shows on TV. That, and "The New Normal". I haven't seen "Glee" in weeks and no time to watch "XFactor" any more. I haven't even watched "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" this season. Too busy.

• I started out my Fantasy Football league going 7-1. Total domination. Then I lost the last 6 weeks. IN A ROW. Someone's getting suckered. It's pissing me off. I should have known something would go awry with ELI MANNING as my QB. Ugh. I'm not eve sure I'll make it to the playoffs. 

• Speaking of Sports-(cue the Taps music) Youlk just signed for one year with the Yankees. A travesty. It's unnatural, not normal, awful and bizarre. 

• I haven't started my Xmas shopping yet. I can hardly blog these days on a daily basis, you think I have time to shop? And my tree isn't even up yet. Oh, the horror. I'm not complaining, tho..the store is doing quite well moving into week 4. Thank goodness for the Internet. I'll start shopping today. Any suggestions?

• Get this: My Guy is in Las Vegas celebrating the wedding of one of his closest friends whom he has a strong familial bond with. He left yesterday, they are getting married today and My Guy comes home tomorrow. I am DEVASTATED that I could not join them. I can't, I cant leave Frack and I can't leave my staff yet. I'm really upset that I couldn't somehow pull off a 3 day jaunt to Vegas to celebrate this joyous occasion with them. Is this what they call sacrifice? It doesn't feel very great.

• The cold that is going around these here parts is dangerous. People are hacking and coughing and sneezing to the left and right of me all day long. I've got to keep this sucker at bay, I had a touch of it a week ago, and I'm not interesting in hosting it again.

• Even after I've complained about all these things, I need to tell you that it's beginning to feel like Christmas around here. I love the magic of the season and I can feel the excitement of the next 11 days. I wish you all a bit of that cheer as we head into the season.

"It's About a Connection" To All My Sagittarius Sisters Out There.

I sooo called it.

Yup, on Dec 5, 2012, My Tommy and Gi welcomed a baby girl in Boston, MA. Little Miss Vivian Lake Brady was born to the Brady Bunchden.

I called it here:

It was easy, really. Giselle got FAT, (bwahahahaha) and her face changed. And not for the better. I am not the one who said she was fat, either. She did. She commented to the Inside Track at the Boston Herald that her dress, a Tom Ford sheath, was "the only thing that fit her". Awwww, poor super model. I can almost feel her trying to cover herself up.

Now, My Tommy and I are so connected that his precious little daughter and my precious little daughter Frack share the same middle name. How's that for fate? And Little Miss Vivian and I share the same birth sign and Little Miss Frack and My Tommy share a birth sign. The way I see it, there's just no room for a supermodel in that equation. Sorry Gi.

And also a big to SORRY everyone...I have to post this because "it's about connection"... and it's from the funniest movie I have ever seen, "The 40 Year Old Virgin", and it is COMPLETELY inappropriate, disgusting, filled with profanity, shocking sexual content and completely NSFW.  But it's probably my favorite scene, EVER.

Again, My Tommy and I share, "a connection".

If You've Got Nothing Nice To Say Don't Say Anything At All.

So this chick pissed me off yesterday.

And here I was thinking I had I left high school years ago.

She basically told me she thought I was ugly. But in a nice way. If that's possible. I couldn't believe it.
And I'm all like,"really bitch? You didn't just say that to me, did you?" "Oh, HELL no!":

Truth is, I didn't say anything back. I didn't say anything back that was mean spirited, like I wanted to. I just kind of chuckled. I casually told her I live by my own rules and I don't care too much about other people's rules or what they think from behind my huge, dazzling smile. I took it like it was no skin off my back. But it was skin off my back. It was hairs standing up on the back of my neck.

Didn't your mother ever tell you that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all? Really, Bitch? I have to deal with her regularly too because she's kind of a  new colleague. And I hardly giggled when someone else described her as "quirky and flighty". I said nothing because quietly I already knew she was a bitch.

She's completely screwed herself now, because she's dead to me. I'll be cordial because that's what my mom taught me to do, but if she does it again I'll go all Irish on her and then I won't be pretty. She can count on that. My Irish can get very ugly.

Really bitch?

What are we 7 years old? Is she trying to establish her dominance? Believe me toots, I'm not interested in hanging with you "cool kids". I'm all set.

Now I know I'm not ugly.

And this is not a ploy to get you to tell me I'm beautiful in the comments section.This is about a lot more than the way that I look, but I'm so surprised that a grown woman would resort to that type of "bullying". Because I can't think of any other reason for her to say what she said to the new kid on the block. It's kind of shocking. And I said nothing back. Snark deserted me when I needed it most.

That's SO not like me. Let's hope my mojo's not next.

Really bitch?

This Is Me If I were Santa

One particular Christmas season a long time ago, Santa was getting ready for is annual trip, but there were problems everywhere. Four of his elves got sick, and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the regular ones so Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule. Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her mom was coming to visit. This stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More stress.

Then when he began to load the sleigh one of the boards cracked, and the toy bag fell to the ground and scattered the toys. So, frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum.

When he went to the cupboard, he discovered that the elves had hidden the liquor, and there was nothing to drink. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider pot, and it broke into hundreds of little pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found that mice had eaten the straw end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritable Santa trudged to the door. He opened the door, and there was a little angel with a great Christmas tree.

The angel said, very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't it a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?"

Thus began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

http://www.dancentury.com/xmas.html#.UL9vHOTLSf4

My Birthday, Love and a Strawberry Shortcake

Another year older. Another year wiser?
Maybe.

Another day, going about my business, just like any other day. Got work to do, no time for play.

I'm older now so I get sick easier. The head cold that has been rooming with my body for the past week is loudly announcing it's presence in my hankie. In front of everybody too.
The weak of the herd. Snuffed out through the herd mentality. Birthday or not, the weak are vulnerable.

sigh*

It didn't feel special. Was it supposed to? And I really didn't care, which bothered me most.

Then the strawberry shortcake happened.
And the mushy card.
And I felt the love.
And I began to feel....special.

And it really was my birthday.
And I let the love in and it felt good. Better than any wrapped up present. I was wrapped in love and I am lucky. I felt like the Alpha again and my strength was regained.
All because of a simple, very special, strawberry shortcake.


And the love of a good man.