Okay, so obviously a lot of my entries are private. Add me if you are intrigued. Some of my more recent stuff is pretty intense, and not suitable for those with weak constitutions. Add with caution.

A side note: I may have already added you as a friend; if I did, it's quite possible I may know you outside of LiveJournal... if not, I just like you enough to add you. (That's a compliment, by the way.) If that's the case, please add me.

Thank you for your time.

xx Vani

I don't know if animals have a sense of humor, but they certainly are humorous, especially cats and dogs.

My dog dances on his hind legs when he wants food or water, picks random moments to lie on his back (when he wants a belly rub or when he's in trouble), and runs around the coffee table fifty times when he's in a playful mood. His yawning, usually resembling high squeaking or low groaning, once sounded like he was saying the word "mama" before escalating into a high-pitched squeal.

This is a fun one. I pick Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Elphaba Thropp from Wicked. All three of us love learning, fight for causes we're passionate about, are misunderstood by the people around us, and tend to be drawn toward other "outcasts of society." Yet somehow, all three of us find success in relationships based on the mental and emotional, and not so much the physical.

...Let me clarify right now that my husband-to-be is a handsome man, funnily enough he even resembles the Beast after he transforms into a prince, as well as Norbert Leo Butz, who played Fiyero (Elphaba's lover) in the original Broadway cast of Wicked, but it was the things we had in common that initially had me hooked.

My mom wanted to name me Christine, Christina or Caitlin before settling on Vanessa. I like my own name.

:-)

This confrontation's overdue.
I feel so hurt because of you.

If hurt could talk I bet it'd say,
"I don't deserve this crap today."

I tried to be so kind to you.
This crass treatment you've put me through

Is like a slap right to my face.
I feel like a huge disgrace.

What did I ever do to you
To shut me out the way you do?

If being hated's fate for me,
All I can say is, "C'est la vie."

But you don't see what I am like.
Your inclination to dislike

Is reasonless and makes no sense.
To your judgment I take offense.

I hope you try to comprehend,
Before this poem comes to an end,

That I'm fed up, I've had enough.
You've made befriending you so tough.

You snap at me, you roll your eyes,
You never seem to realize

How hurtful your behavior is.
Two words, and then I'm done: FUCK THIS.

I absolutely would let them know, but not without proof.

I was in this situation not too long ago. My friend's husband likes to flirt with other women, sometimes right in front of his wife. Two years ago, she asked me if he flirted with me on MySpace, and I said no because his behavior didn't really indicate any type of flirtation. But I was more cautious after that, as she told me he had been unfaithful (I won't go into detail) and was targeting younger women to flirt with.

I ended up leaving MySpace and joined Facebook. I added my friend, and by the time I added her husband I was engaged to another guy, so I didn't really worry about him flirting with me. I thought he'd know better. Of course, he had the audacity to write on my wall and tell me to think of him when the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve and sent me a kiss on the SuperPoke! application, both of which his wife saw because I told her to check out my profile and see what he wrote. It ended up not being too big of a deal to her, but then he ended up sending me flirtatious private messages. I ignored him, and they kept coming.

Finally, it took a very perverse message for me to say, "Enough is enough." I showed my friend the message, as well as the other messages, which were merely flirtatious, not perverted. I also let him know that his behavior was making me uncomfortable, and that he was being extremely disrespectful. He tried to justify his behavior by trying to make me feel guilty, by saying I was a distrusting, jealous, insecure individual who felt the need to push her beliefs on others, and by defriending me on Facebook.

It didn't work. I simply ignored him and got on with my life. My feeling was that he was never a friend. Friends don't hit on friends who are in committed relationships.

On the upside, my friendship with his wife is still intact, which is what I'd much rather have.

Love at first sight does happen, but it's true love if you re-fall in love with someone at second sight, third sight, any time you're with them, every morning when you wake up, et cetera. True love is endless. It's the force that drives you to want to do anything and everything for your lover.

A lot of people say I look like Mila Kunis and Aishwarya Rai. I've also had a couple of people, including my fiancé, tell me I look like Yvonne De Carlo... and also Anne Hathaway (but only when I smile).

When I was a little girl, people told me I looked like Anna Chlumsky (Vada Sultenfuss in My Girl).

I always thought I had more of a Kelly Clarkson thing going on. I see similarities when I look in the mirror, not with the eyes (though we both have green eyes) but more in the smile, cheeks, nose, general face shape, medium-olive skin, and even the curvy body type.

Romantic dealbreakers, for me, would be dishonesty, neglect, negativity, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and incompatibility.

I like having an affectionate lover who's also attentive and is someone who makes me feel good about myself. That's why my current relationship is so perfect for me. Not a day goes by that Doug doesn't tell me he loves me, and it feels good to have someone let you know how strongly they feel about you, especially when the feelings you have for them are just as strong.

I also love having someone I'm proud of, and that's why I always talk (and write) about Doug. He's the person I care most about in the world, and I think he is the greatest. He brings a smile to my face whenever he shows up, no matter how bad of a mood I'm in.

Having a lot in common is a bonus because Doug and I never really argue about where to go when we go out. We like a lot of the same things, and it's great for us. We have fun with each other wherever we go, whether we're eating at Boudreax's, shopping, or going to the Blumenthal to catch a show.

Your Inner Muse is Euterpe

You are most like this muse of music. While you may or may not be musical... You love music and set life to your own personal soundtrack. And you are good at making anyone's heart sing!

You Are a Chick Rocker!

You're living proof that chicks can rock. You're inspired by Joan Jett and the Donnas. And when you rock, you rock hard. (Plus, you get all the cute guy groupies you want!)

You Belong in 1969

You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too.

You Are a 1950s Diva

High heels, pretty dresses, classic makeup... You're a feminine beauty who knows how to play up her assets!

Your Inner European is French!

Smart and sophisticated. You have the best of everything - at least, *you* think so.

You Are Pop Art

When it comes to art, you're definitely not a snob. You can appreciate the mainstream aspects of culture, even if you need to twist them a bit to make them your own. Whether you're into comics, retro pinups, or bold colors, you embrace what's eye catching and simple. As far as most other art goes, you consider it a little too elitist and high brow for your tastes!

You Should Be an Actor

You have a flair for the dramatic, and you probably already do a lot of acting in your day to day life, just to entertain yourself. No need to steal the spotlight from your friends... You'll get plenty of attention once you start acting professionally!

You Were an Outgoing Kid

When you were a kid, you had no problem expressing yourself. There's a good chance you started talking early - and never stopped! You had a lot of friends, and unlike most kids, you weren't shy around adults. You were well adjusted and confident. You enjoyed speaking up and participating.

Your Inner Child Is Angry

You're not an angry person. But when you don't get your way, watch out. Like a very manipulative kid, you will get what you want. Even if it takes a little kicking and screaming.

You Are Electronic Music

You are energetic and expressive. You love feeling alive. You never get sick of your favorite things - they're what makes life special. You don't take tradition or conventions too seriously. You live for the future. You enjoy remixes and re-interpretations of things. Life is about making improvements.

Your Dress Says You're Classically Stylish

Your Personal Style: Modern and simple. You like clothes to accentuate who you are, not overwhelm you. Your Ideal Wedding: A small ceremony at an old church with a beautiful flower garden Your Philosophy on Marriage: You can have a deep commitment without marriage. It's only a piece of paper. Your Perfect Marriage: Simply loving each other a little more every day

Your Inner Retro Girl Is 1960s Mod Girl

Or at least, that's what your heart is.

Your Style is Sassy

Your date outfits are flirty and fun - and make guys smile Occasionally you'll take a fashion risk, and it will pay off You're up for flashing an inch or two of skin But your general rule is to leave most of your bod to the imagination

You Would Make a Great 1930's Wife

You've got a few retro ways, and you would make the ideal 1930's wife. At least, that's how it looks on paper. You may just be an easygoing, pleasant person. With a personality like yours, you'd be a great wife in any era!

You Are Summer!

Outgoing Friendly Flirty Cute Fun

You Belong in Spring

Optimistic, lively, and almost always happy with the world... You can truly appreciate the blooming nature of spring. Whether you're planting flowers or dyeing Easter eggs, spring is definitely your season!

Your Career Type: Artistic

You are expressive, original, and independent. Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art. You would make an excellent: Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary.

You Are Likely a Third Born

At your darkest moments, you feel vulnerable. At work and school, you do best when you're comparing things. When you love someone, you tend to like to please them. In friendship, you are loyal to one person. Your ideal careers are: sales, police officer, newspaper reporter, inventor, poet, and animal trainer. You will leave your mark on the world with inventions, poetry, and inspiration.

Your Blog Should Be Red

Your blog is full of intensity and passion. You are very opinionated - and people love or hate you for it. You have the potential to be both a famous and infamous blogger.

You see your blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great.
One moment you may be working on a new dramatic design for your blog...
And the next, you're passionately writing about your pet causes.
Your blog is very important - and you're careful about who you share it with.

Your Brain is Creative

You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy. You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts. People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused. But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination.

You Are Upbeat

You are dreamy, peaceful, and young at heart. Optimistic and caring, you tend to see the best in people. You tend to be always smiling - and making others smile. You are shy and intelligent... and a very hard worker. You're also funny, but many people don't see your funny side. Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches.

Your Hidden Talent is Your Imagination

You are both very knowledgeable and creative. You tend to be full of new ideas and potential - big potential. Ideas like yours could change the world, if you build them. As long as you don't stop working on your dreams, you'll get there.

You Are a Beagle Puppy

Cheerful, energetic, and happy go lucky. And you're sense of smell is absolutely amazing!

You Are: 70% Dog, 30% Cat

You and dogs definitely have a lot in common. You're both goofy, happy, and content with the small things in life. However, you're definitely not as needy as the average dog. You need your down time occasionally.

You Are an American Bulldog

You are a very imposing, powerful creature... but deep down, you're generally good natured. You are incredibly energetic, and you like to blow off steam with sports and horsing around. You are naturally courageous. You would run into a burning building to save someone you loved. You intimidate people without trying to. Some people assume the worst of you when they first meet you.

A butterfly, representing love, joy and metamorphosis.

New York, Paris, Tokyo, San Francisco, Australia, Spain, and New Orleans. The list is long, I know. But I'd love to go to any and all of these places.

Theatre performer. That way, I can sing and act simultaneously, since I love doing both.

More specifically, I'd like to take a job performing the role of Elphaba Thropp (the Wicked Witch of the West) in any professional Wicked production in the world, or the role of Maureen Johnson in any professional production of Rent.

I will be participating at the Relay for Life cancer benefit on April 25 in York, South Carolina.

The benefit will be held at the York Comprehensive High School Stadium and will run from one in the afternoon to one in the morning. There will be bands, artists, foods, games, et cetera. I will be performing at four in the afternoon for one hour.

Please message me if you're interested. I will post this event on Facebook later today.

I've had scoliodentosaurophobia since I was four. Scoliodentosaurophobia is a fear of lizards. To this day, I'm still afraid of lizards, which is probably strange coming from someone who was born and raised in gecko-infested South Florida.

There was another fear triggered by a nightmare I had - I used to be afraid of the clown doll my mom hung on my bedroom wall. I got it on my first birthday. After that, I had this recurring nightmare that the doll flew down and tried to eat me, starting at the stomach.

When the nightmares became too much for me, I asked my mom to get rid of the clown. My mom refused to take it down, saying that clowns are cute for decorating. She actually said something useful - "clowns are cute." I stopped looking at the clown doll as scary and started looking at it as cute. That was the end of my nightmares.

"You are a happy man."

Considering I'm a woman, and was very unhappy at the time I received this fortune, this was very strange indeed.

I would live yesterday over and over, because it was (imitates SpongeBob Squarepants' singing) the beeeeest daaaaay eveeeeer! The only thing I would have done differently was bring a camera.

My day started the way my Sunday mornings usually start: choir rehearsal, then Mass, which Doug always attends.

Later, we drove up north to Charlotte to see the Broadway touring production of Rent, starring Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp. On the way there, we stopped to eat at Shoney's. I have not eaten at a Shoney's in years, but I love that their breakfast buffet is open until two in the afternoon, because I was really craving breakfast food, and I hadn't eaten breakfast.

After breakfast (or lunch, or brunch, whatever), we finally made our way to the Ovens Auditorium. Before the show, Doug bought me a Rent keychain. Goes great with my Wicked one. I love it. The show was great. Rent is just not Rent unless Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp are in it.

For those who aren't familiar with Rent, Adam and Anthony were in the original Broadway cast and originated the roles of Roger Davis and Mark Cohen, respectively. They reprised the roles for the film version of the musical as well. They rejoined the original Broadway cast for the fifth and tenth anniversary shows on Broadway, and they are now part of the final touring cast, again reprising their original starring roles. I can honestly say, after yesterday, that Adam and Anthony were just born for the roles. They are Roger and Mark. Will Chase does an excellent Roger, but he has nothing on Adam. (Sorry, Will!) I love listening to Adam's voice on the soundtrack and the original Broadway cast recording, but he's definitely better live.

The rest of the cast was great, especially Lexi Lawson, who played Mimi Marquez, Gwen Stewart, who played Mrs. Jefferson (she originated that role on Broadway, she also reprised it for the closing run - the final show was taped live on Broadway and will be released on DVD tomorrow), Michael McElroy, who played Tom Collins (reprising his role from the closing run), and Justin Johnston, who is my favorite actor to have ever played Angel Dumott Schunard (he also reprised his role from the closing run).

However, I was disappointed in Nicolette Hart's performance, as well as Haneefah Wood's. Haneefah was okay as Joanne Jefferson, she didn't impress me, didn't have much of a voice. Nicolette, on the other hand, actually made up a different melody to every song she sang. I liked her voice, but she improvised so many notes it made me cringe. She was funny as Maureen Johnson, making me laugh during "Over the Moon" and "La Vie Boheme," but for the first time ever, I felt very disappointed in the casting of Maureen and Joanne, especially since Maureen is my favorite character and Maureen and Joanne's songs are my favorites from the show. I wasn't too crazy about Jacques C. Smith as Benjamin Coffin III, either. Even so, the show was amazing, as always.

After the show, Doug and I made a beeline for the stage door, where other fans were waiting. I got a lot of signatures and even got to talk to some of the cast members, including Michael, Gwen, Nicolette, and Anthony. Anthony was really quiet and shy. He didn't really have a lot to say. He was so small and so cute, like a little doll. I told Nicolette that Maureen was my favorite character in the show, and she replied, "Me too, but I'm biased." (She won my heart for that.) I told Michael and Gwen that I thought they were amazing in the final show, which I had seen in theaters with Doug. I even told Gwen I loved her. Who wouldn't? Her solo in "Seasons of Love" was incredible!

Adam still hadn't come out yet, so Doug and I waited a while until he did. Some of the other fans were getting impatient, and left one by one until there were eight of us. I saw a note for Adam in the security guard's hand and decided I'd write Adam a note in case I didn't get to meet him. So I asked the security guard if he had paper, and he gave me a little notebook, which I never gave back to him. (I didn't intentionally steal it, I just forgot to give it back. I still feel bad about it.) The note read like this (and thanks, Doug, for reading it aloud in public, can't you learn to read to yourself?):

Adam,

You are the best fucking Roger everrrr! And the hottest. Forget Will Chase. Sorry I didn't get to meet you. I'm getting married in October. The reception's theme is "No Day But Today." How awesome is that?

Love ya babe,
Vanessa Burkhart

P.S., See you on BroadwaySpace!

(BroadwaySpace is a socializing site for people of the theatre.)

By the time I'd sealed my note with a kiss and got ready to hand it to the security guard, I heard a young man's voice from behind me.

"Hey, guys!"

My heart didn't just skip a beat, it pretty much just stopped all production for about five seconds, and I froze. Then I turned around. Yes, it was Adam. He was a vision in leather. Pictures don't do this man justice, he's even more handsome up close. Frosted hair capped his gorgeous face, which consisted of a square jaw, a perfect nose, and chiseled cheekbones. His bright smile revealed his perfect teeth and deep dimples. Best of all were his eyes - they were this perfect shade of blue, like cobalt glass.

Doug and I each got an autograph and though I got my chance to meet Adam, I gave him the note anyway, and explained that I'd written it before I got to meet him. See, I'm one of those fans who is excited to meet her favorite stars, but I'm never afraid to talk to them. Brand me a crazy cow for it - at least I'm gutsy.

I'm really sad that Rent is coming to an end. I hope the original Broadway cast will come back for the fifteenth anniversary of opening night. But I got to talk to and touch some original cast members and closing run cast members. If and when I meet Idina, I can die 100% happy.

Anyway, later Doug and I drove to Pizza Hut for some pizza. We kissed in the car and then devoured a Cheese Lovers Plus pie. Then we drove back to my house to watch the Super Bowl. Originally, I was going to watch just for the commercials. But for the first time, I had fun actually watching a football game - and I usually hate football! I don't know why, but some of the plays were actually funny to me, and even funnier when they were played in slow motion. I cracked up watching one of the Steelers come really close to catching a ball, then letting the ball slip through his fingers, and finally falling on his ass. That's amusing to me - unintentional physical comedy. Like at the halftime show, when Bruce Springsteen slid across the stage on his knees and bumped into one of the cameras, then burst out laughing. I loved that. He's so agile for an old dude.

I made sure to thank Doug for giving me my (imitates SpongeBob again) beeeeest daaaaay eveeeeer. He makes me so happy, I love him so much. Good thing, since I agreed to marry him.

On a side note, how awesome is it that I'm actually marrying a guy that looks like Adam? Doug is cute in his unique way, but he does resemble Adam in the face, especially his lips and jawline. I still can't get over the fact that I snagged a guy that hot. I know it sounds superficial that I'm saying it, but so what? This former ugly duckling is marrying a bonafide hottie.

The boxes I have not unpacked
Contain things that let me look back

On memories I hold so dear.
I wish we hadn't lost those years...

Admiration for Spice Girls,
Backstreet Boys and Disney World...

Make-up, music and romance,
Trying to learn a certain dance...

Eating cookies, watching flicks,
Laughing at Jim Carrey's schtick...

Karaoke, classroom breaks,
Going off-campus for chocolate shakes...

These things once helped to join our hearts,
But now, for years, we've grown apart.

So my dear friends, I'd like to say
I wish you were with me today.

I think I'd like my ashes placed in soil to nourish a Japanese apple blossom tree... or just an apple tree.

Darlin', I love and admire you.
Other men aren't equivalent to you.
Understanding and intellect match your allure.
Golden, fair hair paired with eyes so azure,
Lips that stand out in a striking face,
Arms that enfold me in a loving embrace.
Sum up the qualities, here is my view:
Southern men don't come as classy as you!

Those who are outcast in the South
Are those who like to run their mouth,

But rudeness will not get you far.
If you act like some A-list star

And trash the things we hold so dear,
You'll lose our admiration here.

Who knew that hospitality
Would soon become reality?

There's something here for everyone.
The downtown grooves are tons of fun.

I love the Southern style of food.
A lot of grease and fat is good.

I can't forget the moment when
I found my Southern gentleman.

This new town fits me like a glove.
The best part is I fell in love!

That's easy. Christina Aguilera or Idina Menzel.

The jealousy and all the lies
Have made me come to realize

How superficial, infantile,
Callous, cruel and juvenile

A certain girl turned out to be,
Though this young girl was close to me.

We used to be a friendly pair.
She made it clear she didn't care.

At first, I didn't understand
Why all this hatred quickly spanned.

She yells and mocks my happiness,
Then blames her vulgar moods on stress.

When she has nothing else to say,
She indicates, "Your man is gay."

She thinks her lies will break my soul
As her life spins out of control.

Her bonds with countless other guys
Are nothing more than some disguise.

She dates these poor guys one by one
To make it seem to everyone

That she's sought-after, but I know
Her faux image is just for show.

She'll never know what true love is
Or have a truly meaningful kiss.

I share a passion with my guy.
Our love is true, so let her try

To thwart my glee, obstruct my pride
Or turn me into a forlorn bride.

I chalk it up to jealousy.
She'll never match my ecstasy.

It makes me laugh, it makes me grin
'Cause it's a battle she won't win.

My fiancé and I call each other pet names. The list of names is pretty long, but I frequently call him "Ducky," because it sounds like "Dougy," and the first time I called him "Ducky" he quacked like a duck, so the name stuck. I also call him "Cookieface," because he has freckles that make his face look like a chocolate chip cookie.

The woman with the Bambi eyes
Who I have truly come to despise

Is not as jovial as she may seem
The evil that lies beyond her beam

Is overlooked and never exposed
When no one looked, her temper rose

She caused me pain and lots of strife
She even tried to take my life.

The woman with the Bambi eyes
Who I have truly come to despise

Has run her mouth for far too long
It's clear to me she's in the wrong

I dare you to walk a mile in my shoes
And have a taste of your own abuse

My fiancé despises you
Because you like to abuse him too.

The woman with the Bambi eyes
Who I have truly come to despise

Equated me with idiots
Has made me feel hideous

Call me ugly, call me dumb
Tell me I'm hated by everyone

I know the truth, it's plain to see
You're happy when you cause my misery.

The woman with the Bambi eyes
Who I have truly come to despise

Will not get away with hurting me
Our sisterhood will cease to be

When I move out and live my life
When I become a happy wife

Your antics have become a bore
And you can't hurt me anymore.

I hate it when people make stupid grammatical mistakes, such as writing "would of" instead of "would have."

I also can't stand it when people say they "listen to anything/everything" when asked what kind of music they like. Stop lying! Nobody listens to "anything" or "everything". Everyone has one or more bands, artists, and/or genres they don't like!

I was born in the Year of the Rat - 1984.

According to Chinese astrology, Rats are ambitious, yet honest. Rats also tend to blow whatever money they have, and their friendships don't always last long. That's true about me, especially that last part about friendships.

However, according to the article posted in the Writer's Block:

Personality
Occupying the 1st and most prominent position on the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat symbolizes such character traits as wit, imagination and curiosity. Rats have keen observation skills and with those skills they're able to deduce much about other people and other situations. Overall, Rats are full of energy, talkative and charming but they have a tendency to become aggressive.

Rats are full of good advice but they will never share their troubles with others. They are honest individuals and they enjoy living for the moment. They're also capable of surviving any situation.

Health
Overall Rats enjoy good health. They're very active which helps keep them in shape and able to fight off sickness. They can at times be tense, aggressive, and full of nervous energy, conditions which can lead to stress. Regular exercise designed to calm will benefit Rats.

Career
Extremely perceptive and wise, Rats can focus on the big picture. That ability along with their good judgment enables Rats to solve problems before they arise. Rats focus on titles because titles translate into status and money; two motivating forces. Rats make excellent bosses. Routine halts their creativity so Rats need flexible positions that allow creativity. Good career choices include: administrator, director, manager, entrepreneur, broadcaster, writer, musician, stand-up comedian, politician, lawyer, researcher, and race car driver.

Relationships
Rats are very charming. They enjoy social activities and because they're out a lot, they're always meeting new people. They aren't good at breaking off relationships however, and this presents problems going forward with new relationships. Anyone hoping to partner with a Rat must be able to keep up with the Rat's active nature.

Wood Rats – Years 1924 and 1984
Not nearly as self-confident as they appear on the surface, Wood Rats will never expose this vulnerability to others. They're successful despite their perpetual fear of failing. Wood Rats enjoy being with friends and family and fortunately for them, feelings of love and respect are mutual.

My stand on the article:

Personality = true
Health = false for the most part, though I do enjoy stress-relieving exercises, like yoga.
Career = true
Relationships = true, aside from the fact that I prefer staying home and reading a good book to going out to some club or college party.
Wood Rats = true, but I'm iffy on the part about enjoying being with friends and family, as well as the feeling being mutual. As evidenced by last week's events, I can definitely tell you it's not true of my immediate family or my mom's side of the family. I'm alos not sure if some of my friends care as much about me as I do them. However, I know that that part of the horoscope is true about my fiancé and my dad's side of the family.

Personally, I like conventional astrology and Kabbalistic astrology better. Chinese astrology is not nearly as accurate.

I definitely think he'll be remembered for communicating to the public in the most unintelligible way a President can communicate to the public, especially during his last four years.

I'm not saying he's unintelligent, he was just a horrible speaker and made a lot of mistakes in his speeches (come on now - "nukular"? "O-B-G-Y-N"?), especially for someone who's supposedly bilingual.

Go here and scroll down to the "Live Action and Animated Films".

I'm getting sick of seeing Beyoncé Knowles in movies, but damn, if this is true, I would really love to see Christina Aguilera in the role she's slated for. I fucking adore her.

Of course, this movie probably won't do as well as Wicked, but the anticipation is fun, and I really love the musical.

A little of both. I tend to go more toward the other end of the spectrum, comfort as opposed to fashion. I prefer pants to shorts, but also love comfy dresses. As a Latina, I like wearing clothes that highlight my curves, but I prefer looking for simple pieces with interesting colors or patterns. I like to keep it classy - a low neckline is enough; no need to overdo it with a bare midriff. And I hate itchy, synthetic fabrics.

Doug,

I honestly don't know what I'd do if you weren't there to give me love and affection all the time - even when I've had the worst day, even when I feel angry and distant from the world. The truth is you do make me feel better by being concerned, even when I don't feel like talking to anyone or returning affection (I eventually do so, anyway). I love having a man who's patient and understanding, and ready to give love all the time no matter what the circumstances are.

I can't wait to finally start our own groovy, funky walk of life, being our own silly selves and enjoying the things we love. I can't wait to take care of you, to kiss your troubles away, make my special soups for you when you're ill, and let your head rest on my bosom as you discuss your day with me before you close your eyes and sleep.

xx Vani

My horoscope for the week of January 13 says:

"Your romantic imagination is strong now. Dreams of an idealized 'true love' or feelings of compassion and oneness with others emerge strongly at this time."

I think I'd rather not ever go near high school again. There's a reason they call high school an "institution". You deal with a lot of crazy people and their petty problems.

I'm not saying I wasn't one of them - I suffered from depression partly because of what my classmates did to me. But look at films like Heathers and Mean Girls. That's real high school: It's a torture chamber, a beauty/popularity contest, and a mental hospital - all rolled into one.

"Don't panic. Whatever you do, don't panic."

It's hard not to panic if your employer says it, though.

I think T.C.B.Y. is closed now. I miss it. I love soft serve. When I was little, I used to go there a few times every week with my mom, and also on occasions when I got good grades or received praise from my teachers. I saw one in Rock Hill but I think it's closed down. I wish T.C.B.Y. would make a comeback. It's way better than Dairy Queen.

M&M's Premium in Triple Chocolate. If not, plain M&M's or Hershey Kisses. No question about it!

I can't really think of any one thing I've gotten - whether it's hand-me-downs, flea market merchandise, thrift store merchandise, garage sale items, etc., but it's always great when you find something cool among items that are unwanted by other people.

I love necklaces and jewelry from the seventies, and my mom gave me some to keep. It fits my style because I'm into funky stuff. I have this cool purple beaded necklace with a silver cross, and some old rings of hers. I also have a silver heart-and-key charm with the inscription, apre il tuo cuore, which means "open your heart" in Italian. One of my favorite items was a moonstone ring my mom gave me, but the moonstone broke off and I have since lost it.

You are the RECORDING SIDE of Idina, very powerful, amazing, and you can belt it like a rock star. Although you are shy sometimes, once you get onstage or behind a microphone, you truly defy gravity!

I can call to mind two things:

1. I remember walking around St. Augustine one night with family and friends. Lauralee pointed her digital camera at the lighthouse and suddenly there was this huge red blotch moving around on the screen. We looked out toward the water and the lighthouse - nothing. We looked again at the screen there was the big red blotch. Weird!

2. Another time, shortly after my dog Lady passed away, I heard a "boof" noise, a small bark both of our dogs used to make when they heard someone at the door. The bathroom was connected to my bedroom and that was where I heard the noise: "Boof!" My other dog, Mikey, was sleeping at the foot of my bed (I refused to let him sleep in the bathroom alone for the rest of the time we lived in that apartment), and I know he heard it too, because his eyes popped open and his head shot up. They say dogs can see and hear anything supernatural. I opened the bathroom door - nothing. For the rest of the night, I kept the door open. A few nights later, at dinner, my mom told me she could hear Lady crying at night, so I know I wasn't the only one.

Top 10 of 2008
1. Getting engaged to Doug.
2. Seeing Idina Menzel live in concert.
3. Seeing Wicked at the Blumenthal.
4. Watching a rocker actually get crowned on American Idol for the first time.
5. Getting kitties (Apple and Panini), even though they're my sisters' pets. So far, that's the closest I've come to owning a cat.
6. NoDa!
7. Meeting Doug's pals.
8. Finally seeing Greensboro.
9. My return to Catholicism.
10. Watching my parents open up the restaurant, 'cause now I get to eat Cuban food every day.

A Christmas Story. It was released a year before I was born and my father made it a tradition to watch the movie as a family every year. Even now I still watch every Christmas. Sometimes I'll watch it in the middle of summer!

Still haven't seen Australia, so that's #1 on my list. Also on my list are Cadillac Records, Yes Man, Bedtime Stories, and Revolutionary Road. I wouldn't see The Tale of Despereaux. I'm curious about Marley and Me, but I don't really like Owen Wilson.

Perhaps the MySpace/Facebook traditions of writing a certain number of habits, goals, or facts about yourself (and adding the option of tagging people to see if they'll do the same) could date back to Jewel Kilcher's poem, "Me." It was published - along with several other poems - on the cover of her 1994 album, Pieces of You (classic, vintage Jewel - damn her for abandoning her folk music and selling out for a pop/techno career).

Pretty self-indulgent stuff, but still pretty raw and original. It describes a certain number of oddities, such as "I'm from Alaska but I hate the cold" (I'm not from Alaska, but join the club, honey) "I've always been selfish" (brave, honest girl to confess that!), "I have a Swedish face I borrowed from my grandmother," and the blatantly obvious "I have crooked teeth."

That's my theory, anyway. Everyone has some degree of self-indulgence, and I'm no different. I like writing little facts and oddities about myself. So, without further ado, here is a list of my traits and quirks.

I don't like Chinese food.
I used to bite my nails when I was a kid.
I hate cold weather.
I collect coins from other countries.
Despite the bad rap it's gotten, and even after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is one place I'd like to visit before I die.
I've always been attracted to blondes, but have only dated two, which includes my fiancé.
Though my hair is a natural dark brown, I have blonde body hair, as well as natural blonde strands invading at the temples and just around my hairline. This is because I used to be blonde as a child.
I was also born with violet-blue eyes. They changed to hazel as I got older.
I believe in ghosts.
I don't like to wear anything gray.
A lot of my dreams depict themes of violence, though I am a pacifist. A lot of my dreams also involve trips to Los Angeles, though the geography is almost never accurate.
I'm not a fan of facial hair on men... especially men I date. (It itches.)
I don't drink coffee (no, not even Cuban).
A gourmet chef could make the best pizza in the world, but for me, nothing beats Pizza Hut.
My lucky charm is a one-of-a-kind, fourteen-carat gold ruby ring my dad bought me when I turned seventeen. I don't like to take it off.
I really want to learn French.
Though I generally hate present-day cartoons, I'll admit that I love watching 6Teen on Cartoon Network.
I'm the only Democrat in a family of Republicans.
My favorite songs to sing at karaoke bars are "Last Name" by Carrie Underwood and LeAnn Rimes' cover of "Unchained Melody".
You couldn't pay me enough to watch The Royal Tenenbaums.
I will, however, watch Shark Tale over and over, for free.
I suffer from chronic headaches.
I'm acrophobic.
I'm afraid of lizards.
I'm an avid non-smoker.
I don't do drugs unless they're prescribed to me.
My favorite alcoholic drink (and one of the few I can actually consume without getting sick) is Bailey's Irish Cream on the rocks.
I'm a mezzo-soprano and, according to my previous voice teachers, I have perfect pitch.
I'm ticklish.
I'm a closet Three Stooges fan. My favorite Stooge is Shemp.
My favorite color is yellow-gold, like my birthstone.
I was named after 1984's Miss America, Vanessa Williams (Wilhelmina on Ugly Betty). Coincidentally, people compared me to her when I was younger, and for a long period of time in my childhood she was my idol.
I can imitate the singing flea from the Warner Brothers cartoon, An Itch in Time.
I don't believe in premarital sex (so don't even ask).
I'm a daddy's girl.
I'm superstitious.
I'm a hopeless romantic.

Happy birthday Christina!

My birthday (November 17) is shared with Danny De Vito, RuPaul, Isaac Hanson, Rachel McAdams, Rock Hudson, Daisy Fuentes, Sophie Marceau, Lauren Hutton, Raquel Castro, Leslie Bibb, Lorne Michaels, Tom Seaver, Stephen Root, Gordon Lightfoot, and... oh, Martin Scorsese too!

I'm not famous but most of these people work in a creative field, and performing is a creative outlet of mine. That's pretty much where the similarities end, but then again the people on the list are very different from each other. People weren't meant to be all the same, anyway, and everyone's astrological chart is like a fingerprint: each one is unique.

I own a Bichon Frise, and I love him. Bichons are my favorite because they're so sweet and cute. I also like puggles, papillons, and golden retrievers.

I'm from Florida and hate bundling up for winter, so I'd have to say by the ocean and in a warm climate. Mountainous climates are rarely warm and always perilous. Plus, I'm acrophobic.

The videotapes! My family would document each Christmas on VHS. There's some pretty funny stuff on those tapes, including certain visits to Santa, Christmas Eve parties with salsa dancing and Puerto Rican Christmas feasts, the precociousness of every kid in the family, and shots of my grandfather asleep in the chair.

Now that I'm getting married and wanting to start a family of my own, I'd like to buy a camera and document some old and new traditions.

I burst into tears when John Ritter passed away, and Selena's murder was just tragic. I still sob whenever I watch the movie.