Is it over yet?
Now that the holy grail of holidays is over, it’s time for me to get back to the business of reading and writing. I’ve missed all my blogging peeps! Over the next few days I hope to fill you in on my very busy December. Let the games begin!
Whether you follow this Blog or have the pleasure of knowing the up close and personal me, you are already aware of my overzealous “need to know” everything all of the time. The holidays are like a month-long opening day for this curious people loving gal!
With Thanksgiving practically running right into December, there was an awful lot of action jammed into the few weeks leading up to Christmas. This meant adding decorating, partying, cooking and shopping onto an already full plate, but this time it felt so good. Like a fork full of lemon curd cake good!
December started off with a HUGE burst of energy. We hit D.C. for an all expense
paid Christmas party hosted by um, who really cares all expenses were paid, ok .. ok .. it was actually a sales company associated with the big corporation that employs my hubby. They were celebrating the holidays, along with the fact that they broke a record by brining in a whopping ONE .. HUNDRED .. MILLION .. DOLLARS in sales for 2013! That must be said in the voice of Dr. Evil, otherwise it’s just a number.
MRS. BRADY!
We were shacking up at the Mandarin Hotel, which is incredible all by itself, but when I walked through the door and saw Mrs. Brady a/k./a Florence Henderson standing right in front of me, it escalated into euphoria for this gal. I stalked her while the hubby was checking in. This left him in charge of “listening” to important information about breakfast and what not … *sigh* probably not one of my better decisions, but MRS.BRADY WAS IN THE HOUSE!
Cityzen Restaurant
The 7 course dinner was superb, along with the continuous flow of wine and spirits. The wait staff were hovering like seagulls waiting for a Cheeto to hit the beach! If you took so much as a sip of your wine they flew in to replace it before your glass had a chance to rest back on the table. God only knows how much I actually consumed. To be honest, I was so high in the moment the wine was an added bonus.
As you all probably know, The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals each year who have spent their lives bringing joy to so many with their commitment to the performing arts. Oh, the reason I’m mentioning this is because we were all sharing the same hotel. It was like hitting the freaking lottery for this star struck crazed fan!
I really had my work cut out for me though, so I got right down to business by getting all sorts of chummy with the Concierge. I’m still somewhat surprised to know he was married to a woman. Once I had my “in” on when this amazing group of entertainers would be heading back to the hotel I was able to get my “crazed fan face” under control, which was not easy, as I impatiently waited for their return.
Look real close…it’s Carlos.
First through the door … Mr. Carlos Santana. I was in awe and chose to leave him enjoy the company of his lovely wife and sisters who accompanied him for the evening. They were all quietly gracious as they headed for the elevators, where he did stop to take a photo with a young family.
Next up was Garth Brooks, who was not nominated, but was there for some reason. He came through the door like the big ole cowboy that he is wearing his trademark black hat. He could not get enough of the crowd and took photos with anyone with a pulse. I did not partake in these shenanigans because frankly I’m just not a fan. I have stalking standards folks.
As I was gazing on at Garth taking over the lobby, I didn’t realize that Shirley 
MacLaine was standing right next to me. She was a nominee for her nearly 60-year career on stage and screen. Her entourage was surrounding her as they were trying to figure out where they could go to continue celebrating the evening. Just then I turned to face her and quietly professed my love. She thanked me; gave me a K I S S and snapped her fingers to declare “We’ll all fit in my suite…let’s go!” I hope you all understand how hard it was for me not to follow them into the elevator…. seriously!
WTF!
Let me just say that I could not even sleep that night! I was exploding with excitement as I sat on Cloud 9 from the events of evening.
The next morning while we enjoyed an incredible breakfast snow started to fall outside. It was the perfect ending to an amazing weekend. Until we hit Virginia that is ..when our 3 hour trip turned into a 6 and a half hour white knuckle ride from hell! Oh it was going to take more than some snow and ice to drag me down from Cloud 9!
It was time to scream loud or Enjoy the Ride!
Life With The Top Down 
Okay, two things. First – you should have gotten in that elevator. Seriously. How do you think I scored escorting my childhood crush, Grace Lee Whitney of Star Trek, for an entire 4-day cruise to Mexico? How do you think I got to check out Marina Sirtis in a VERY revealing one-piece? How insane do I sound if you don’t know about Star Trek? 😀
Second, if you ARE into sci-fi (and please forgive me, my sieve-like memory doesn’t recall), and you’ve seen the newer Doctor Who with David Tennant, check out my blog – I did a tribute to the 2007 Christmas special with Kylie (sssiiigggghhh) Minogue. (Yes, I DO have a thing for shorter blondes. So what?!? 😉 )
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Hahahahaha! I’ve never watched Star Trek in my life, but I can tell you are clearly a fan. I am cracking up thinking about you stalking this person on a cruise ship…lol! See, you should have been with me in DC, you’re not shy.
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What an absolutely GREAT post! The Mandarin is spectacular and fully paid ???? ..PRICELESS ! Happy New Year ! Lisa!
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The Mandarin was incredible and lord knows I would never get to enjoy all it had to offer on my own, so I really appreciated every last moment.
Happy New Year To You!
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Nice memory though!
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What fabulous luck! What an amazing night! Wow!
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Long overdue Susie , so it was greatly appreciated. I didn’t come down to earth for a few days.
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Talk about maximizing a trip to DC!!! Way to go!!
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Oh, it was the jackpot of amenities too! I love DC and wish we had more time, but I honestly don’t know how much more I could handle without exploding.
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Amazing story, amazing memories! Happy new year!
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You too! Where have you been girl?
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I think you should have got in the lift. It would have been ambarrassing to be ejected but probably worth the risk!
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Tell me about it! Santana was staying on our floor and I did have a brief encounter with his wife in the hallway. She is also very very cool.
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Sounds like a great time!
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It was and it was long overdue. My husband didn’t want to go because he can’t stand all the fake corporate bs that he would have to endure. Me, I heard FREE & DC so I was going.
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Hahaha. I definitely feel him on the corporate BS. That stuff is hard to deal with.
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I am so jealous!
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As you should be….lol
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sounds like a fantastic weekend!! That was some snow you drove through, though. Glad you got home and I love the pictures! Thanks for sharing it with us and welcome back! I have missed you!
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That snow was insane! It was suppose to be 2-4 inches, but turned into much more plus ice. I was never so happy to get home.
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Had some friends (and kids) in the middle of it… it was insane!
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Your life has peaked. How will you ever top this?
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I don’t know, but I’m ready to find out,,,lol!
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Dang – that is celeberating the holiday in style! Sounds like you had a great Christmas!
Happy New Years!
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Unexpected surprises certainly can Rock!
Happy New Year to you!
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Except for the poor driving conditions on return, it sounds like a wonderful trip.
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It really was Benz! The weather was under predicted so it quickly turned into a nightmare.
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OK. I forgive you for it having time for coffee. But you could have let me ride in that elevator!
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Tell me about it Elyse! If you were with me we would have been dancing on tables in that suite, but I was with the hubby who is not as adventurous as me!
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We would have had a blast!
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Sounds like a wonderful trip. We would never have that sort of concentration of huge celebs down here so very jealous.
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I was in awe!
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I’m so envious…I love Washington not to mention a good hotel…and all those celebs…what a treat Top…Shirley would have stopped me in my tracks too, especially now that she’s on Downton Abbey expected toward the end I hear. She is a real example of ‘keep on keepin on.’
Love the pix of Peanut in his Yuletide attire. I guess his smoking jacket clashed with his ears.
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You can’t tell from the photo, but Peanut’s sweater had a little ascot and on the back was a small pocket for his pipe of course.
Poor Shirley gets a bad rap sometimes, but I love her and can’t wait to see her character on Downton Abbey!
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Now that is a wonderful adventure! All expenses paid and celebrities included. There is no way to top that. Sorry about the ride home but totally worth it.
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