When I was a kid, my mom and her best friend worked at Valente’s for years. It’s where my mom met my brother’s father, a local musician. Because of my mother’s ‘fondness’ for musicians, it’s where I learned to truly appreciate live music and the talented Denver music scene. Dave Kimball, Ronnie Berg, Jolly Demus, Lannie Garrett–I’m thinking of you!

At 14, Valente’s was my first job. I was paid in cash (Senior was willing to try me out) until I was 15 and legal. It’s how I saved for my first cheerleading uniform, as an 8th grader at Wheat Ridge Junior High. My mom’s best friend bought my uniform, and I gave her my earnings every week until I paid her back.

When it was slow on the weekends I would have to dust and clean every celebrity picture in both dining rooms, as well as the upstairs lounge. If you’ve been to Valente’s you know just how many pictures that was! This is where I learned that:

• Hard work pays off.
• Honesty and integrity will earn you respect.
• Being kind and having a good attitude will get you a long, long way (especially when you come to the table, pardon the pun, with little to no experience).

Senior was tough–but fair. Junior was a little less tough, but just as fair. I never worked for Marc, across the street. But I spent many an hour at Marc’s, hanging out with adults who did. Marc’s is where I used to daydream about fancy, romantic restaurants. Ah, the 80s!

Valente’s was the best Italian restaurant, ever. In 30+ years I’ve never found a better plate of homemade spaghetti. And the ravioli! And the homemade cannoli! When Madeline (the hostess with the mostest) couldn’t find me, she would simply look in the cooler–inevitably I’d be sneaking in there, spooning out and eating cannoli mix.

Speaking of Madeline, she was the coolest old cat lady ever. With her horn-rimmed glasses, her sharp tongue, and her quick wit, she taught me that age is just a number. She went to Vegas every year and loved Elvis, her cats, and her son (in that order, I think). Sometimes on weekend days, when it was just us and two waitstaff, she’d turn off the cheesy Italian music and turn on the King. And at the end of each of my weekend shifts, she always gave me three Andes mints, which, to this day are still my favorite.

Sometimes when it was slow, Madeline and I would order an old-fashioned pizza, then ‘call back’ a little later and cancel. Once it was in the oven, it had to be finished. We could order a regular pizza for our shift meal, but not the old-fashioned. This was our way of treating ourself to that delicious pie once in awhile. (Did I mention how cool Madeline was?)

Valente’s is also where my musical life was changed forever. Scott Valente worked the take-out window (he was a great nephew, or grandson, or great something, to Senior). He was several years older, and always patient. Even to annoying young teenage girls. Scott introduced me to Oingo Boingo and INXS, and I can never thank him enough. Sure, Madonna was my idol, but to learn there was more out there than sugary pop music? Priceless!

And don’t forget about the football! It wasn’t unusual to have Broncos players stopping in for a meal or a drink in the upstairs lounge. For my birthday one year, I was even treated to a Valente’s dinner with Rich Karlis, who I had terrible crush on. I still think he’s the cutest Bronco ever.

Valente’s was my life in the mid-80s. I knew Junior the best of the ‘adult’ Valente’s, but I did know, and I do remember, Senior. Without his restaurant, I’d probably be listening to Drake (OMG Hotline Bling is the worst song ever), eating what I thought was authentic Italian food at Macaroni Grill, and wouldn’t understand the value of hard work, generosity, and a good attitude.

I often have dreams about working at Valente’s. I remember each dining room, the old framed newspapers (where I learned the story of John Dillinger), the celebrity headshots, the server’s area that took up the back wall, and the in-and-out doors. I remember the placement of every table, and every booth. I remember the vintage, copper espresso machine in the upstairs lounge, and I remember hanging out by the service bar, waiting for Nancy to get off so she could take me home. I remember it all.

And for all of this, I thank you Senior. I hope the El Camino is getting even more miles now. Rest in Peace.

Would I? Maybe. Who goes there? Who knows. What is that?! Read on, and maybe you’ll find out!

Who

…is easy to love?

My boys, of course.

…do you just wanna smack?

My boys, of course.

…do you trust?

Chris. I’ve never met anyone more trustworthy in my life.

…do you talk to when you’re alone?

The voices in my head? My Rice Krispies? Hmm, since I’m mostly alone I feel like this is a trick question.

What

…dangerous things do you do while driving?

Check my iPhone directions. I’m too cheap to pay for the turn-by-turn app.

…would you never, ever, ever give up?

Red wine. Ever.

…is Satan’s last name?

Tesh. As in John Tesh. I believe that man is truly evil.

…is the last thing that moved you?

A crazy wave of nostalgia that took my breathe away and brought me to tears.

…is the freakiest thing in your house?

My mother. 😀

When

…is it time to turn over a new leaf?

When the old one is too dried up and shrivelly to hide behind.

…will you be all that you can be?

Probably never. I am, after all, human. ((Seriously, look at Tiger Woods. 🙁 ))

…is enough enough?

When I find out I’ll let you know.

…do you go to the dark side?

That is between me and Chris.

Where

…are your pants?

On the floor with my socks, bra and shirt.

…is your last will and testament?

Uh, if I had one, it would be in the fireproof safe? (Is that the correct answer?) 😕

…is your junk food stash?

I’m actually not much of a junk food eater, so I don’t have one. Now if you asked about my liquor stash, that would be another story. 😉

…are you the happiest?

This is where I’m supposed to say something sweet like “Anywhere as long as I’m with my family,” or something equally schmaltzy. And this is true as long as anywhere is on a beach, with a fruity drink in my hand and a cabana boy.

Why

…are there no seat belts on school buses?

The same reasons school programs are cut, teachers are laid off, and there’s no more art class. MONEY.

…are musicians sexy and plumbers aren’t?

…did the chicken cross the road?

To prove to the possum it could actually be done!

…do we revere athletes more than teachers?

Here’s a better question…why do we revere athletes more than our family?

Would You

…swim the English channel for a doughnut and coffee? If not, what?

Hell no! I hate doughnuts. I might, however, for a Brewery Bar II chile relleno smothered in their green chili!

…forgive someone who deliberately hurt you?

Isn’t that the job description for wife and parent?

…rather believe a lie if it hurt you less than the truth?

Unfortunately I live with the most honest man on the planet and two kids. That’s not even an option.

…still need me, would you still feed me, when I’m 64? ((I know, I know, it’s will you still need me…))

That depends. Will you need to be fed with a spoon?

I swear I just did this. Ah well, as they say, Carpe Flies, no. Seize the fish. No, Time Flies—That’s the one! Speaking of Carpe Diem I have to give a great big SHOUT OUT to sweet Citizen Janey! She completed this: The Women’s Half Marathon. And let me tell you, the time she completed it in, well it would have taken me a hell of a lot longer. Who am I kidding? I wouldn’t have lasted 10 minutes! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION JANEY!

But enough about her. Let’s talk about my week.

I think I broke my toe a few weeks ago. Here’s a tip: don’t leave a case of 32-count diet soda sitting in an unexpected place in your kitchen, and then go wandering around for a snack after a few pints after the kids have gone to bed. I also don’t recommend re-banging it on the bunk beds a week later. Damn boys need to start changing their own sheets!

I don’t actually know for certain if it’s broken, but since the family has been to see Aunt Ivonne three times in as many weeks, I figure I’d give her a break. I do know for certain that being off the weight loss drugs has really sucked. Yes, I’ve gained a little weight back. I’m not up to where I was at my ‘peak’ but I’m up enough to be uncomfortable in my clothes. Could someone out there please tell me how to fit in 50 hours of work, domestic slavery duties, making sure two boys are fed, clothed, bathed and put to bed AND fit in an hour a day of Wii Fit??? I know the Miller Lite’s not helping (my waistline anyway, but I have two boys who are still breathing), but I’m sure if I could counteract it with some exercise I’d be ahead of the game (or at least able to keep up). If there is anyone out there who knows the secret, I beg of you, tell me what it it!!

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put a tomato in fruit salad.

I do know that stress is contributing to it a little bit. I’m a stress-dinner-eater. By the time dinner rolls around I’m so ready for my day to be almost over and I’m ready to relax that I shovel my dinner in. I know I should monitor my portions, not take seconds, put my fork down between bites, yadda yadda yadda. Unfortunately, there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. ((Sometimes I know the difference between knowledge and wisdom and sometimes I ignore it!))

As I’m coming back to this, I just finished dinner. Yep, there was some stress eating involved. *sigh* Maybe tomorrow. For tonight I’m going to put the boys to bed and get myself a glass of wine. Zachary is on vacation, so by extension, so am I. It’s just easier to take the week off when he’s home for five days. We went to a wrap place for lunch while waiting for my car ((My car is another blog: if you really want to read about it check out at The Saab Blaag.)) and the girl behind the counter, while looking pointedly at me, asked Zachary if he was on a break. No, silly girl. I keep him home to do the domestic chores. Who else would do all of our laundry? But thanks for asking. Really, it is your business. ((Okay, Zachary only has to do all of the domestic chores when he’s home on break, like this week for Thanksgiving. 😉 ))

Oh yes, I was talking about wine. The boys are now in bed so it’s time. I bought my bottle of wine at Winn-Dixie tonight and they actually had me remove my ID from its holder and they scanned it. WTF!? I don’t like the idea of the grocery store scanning my ID every time I buy a bottle of wine or some Miller Lite. And don’t give me that BS about it reading my age. If the cashier can’t READ my age, they shouldn’t be in a position to determine if I’m old enough to purchase a bottle of wine. Big Brother is watching, from Winn Dixie.

I have no segue here, but I have to say I’m trying to learn more and get the most out of my MacBook Pro. Since I’ve started reading Mac|Life and Macworld, I’ve realized I have not even scratched the surface with all the cool shit this computer can do. I’ve installed some great apps (most of ’em free), I’ve made changes to make the most of my doc, spaces and exposé, and I’m seriously enjoying my upgrade to Snow Leopard. Of course Snow Leopard would totally rock if my company’s exchange server was up-to-date so I could take advantage of SL’s newly integrated exchange support, but I guess a girl can’t have it all.

So that’s the past week of randomness. Would you like some more? Be sure to check out The UnMom. She’s as cool as me, lol!

Since I hadn’t been grocery shopping in awhile, we ordered pizza from Pizza Hut the other night. I actually ordered our dinner online. ((God I love the internet!)) I was filling out the form and signing up for the first time ((No, I don’t make it a habit of ordering pizza for dinner.)) when I noticed the “Don’t know your zip code?” option. I may not be a brain surgeon, but really? Don’t know your zip code? How is that really possible?

I did make dinner tonight. Spaghetti. A family favorite and easy to make. All the moms reading this know exactly what I’m talking about. Now it’s nice and peaceful, with the boys in bed and Chris out playing poker. I’m enjoying a nice glass (or 3) of wine and watching what is becoming my new favorite show on TV. The Good Wife. If you haven’t watched this show you are truly missing out. This is one of the best new dramas on the tube. I didn’t really like Julianna Margulies in ER—I thought she was a stuck-up whiny bitch. But she’s fantastic in this. The stories are interesting and the cases are fresh. Sorry, I stopped to watch. You really should be watching too.

So I’m composing this blog masterpiece, not in WordPress, but in WriteRoom. I will copy and paste all of this sacred text into WP when I’m finished, but I love that WR completely covers my screen and leaves me with nothing except a green blinking curser. A cursor just waiting to be moved by my amazing prose.

Speaking of WordPress, I’m really enjoying 2.8. I know, I’m late to the party again, but I only upgraded a few months ago. Sometimes I avoid change. Anyway, while composing my last post in WP I noticed the Quick Post option. Quick post, really? How does that work exactly? I couldn’t compose a quick post if you gave me a timer, 20 minutes all to myself, and a pre-written script. Something tells me I will not ever be using the WP quick post.

But while we’re discussing WP, I do LOVE the WP app for my iPhone. I’ve already composed three drafts. Maybe one of them will see the light of day.

I’m so happy that I’ve kept a random list the past week. I actually have more randomness than I think is wise to put in one post. But that’s the beauty of random. I can save it for next week. I will leave you with one last random thing. I was really sad to hear about the death of Ken Ober. The 80’s MTV show Remote Control was one of my favorites. And while it was the birth of all things I loathe about MTV now (like no music television), I loved the game and watching the then- young Colin Quinn, Adam Sandler and Denis Leary. RIP Ken Ober. RIP.

Alas, dear readers. It has been too long. I apologize for the absence. Life, believe it or not, takes precedence over blogging. 😉

But it’s a nice Tuesday evening. The boys are in bed. Chris is off playing poker (and hopefully winning–baby needs a new pair of shoes!). So I’m taking a little time for some Random Tuesday Thoughts!

We watched Kung Fu Hustle over the weekend. It was fabulous and you should definitely check it out. ((Unless crap like Twilight is more your thing. In that case, don’t bother. You wouldn’t understand Kung Fu Hustle.)) I loved Landlady and wish I could kick ass like that in my housecoat and curlers.

While we’re on the topic of entertainment, I’m seriously pissed at my DVR. It keeps messing up all of my programs. I’m missing things I want to see. The Brighthouse box is a piece of crap.

And segue to American Idol. since I had to reset my DVR I forgot to set AI up to record. For the past three weeks. So I’ve missed all the Adam glory. Poop.

I guess this is turning out to be the all-entertainment version of Random Tuesday Thoughts.

So, who knew a bunch of geriatrics could sound so good. The Fleetwood Mac concert last night was awesome! Stevie Nicks sounded amazing and Mick Fleetwood looked like he was having the time of his life. Thanks Nicole, for going with me!

I can’t wait for the U2 concert in October. We’re taking Zachary ((We haven’t told him yet–we’re giving him his ticket on his 6th birthday.)) I’ve seen them twice–both shows were amazing. I really like the new album, even though some people are slamming it. Hey, not every album can be The Joshua Tree.

And on an I’m-my-own-entertainment note (for this entertainment post), I’m now off to check out Westgate Reservations–they have a Vegas resort (Westgate Flamingo Bay). Let’s see what deals they have for hubby and me. Vegas in June baby! 🙂

All the way to the store tonight (and back) I’ve been trying to dream up a new post. Sometimes inspiration comes in floods, and sometimes it doesn’t come at all. That’s how I was feeling tonight. I couldn’t think of anything even remotely interesting to put on paper, let alone on the perma-web.

Fast forward to that peaceful place when Jonah is in bed and daddy is in the office working. No TV, no distractions. Just me and the Goose. I was enjoying some quiet time with Zachary when a random thought occurred to me. “I wonder what Zachary knows/thinks about his mommy.” So while he was beating his Zune at checkers, I thought up 20 questions to pose to my beyond-his-years 5-year old. Here are the results:

Obviously I’m asking the questions (Q), and he’s responding (A). 😉

Q. What is mommy’s favorite color?
A. Red. Just like me.

Q. What is mommy’s favorite animal:?
A. The muskox. Ha ha! i’m just being sarcastic. ((Sarcastic is his new favorite word. Isn’t that cute? Did you notice the sarcasm?)) You really love polar bears.

Okay. The kid’s 2 for 2.

Q. What is mommy’s middle name?
A. Jean. Because of Great-Grandma Jean.

Honestly, I had no idea he knew what my middle name was.

Q. What’s daddy’s middle name?
A. I have no idea.

Q. What’s mommy’s favorite food.
A. My guess would be spaghetti since we have it so much.

Q. What’s mommy’s favorite team.
A. The Vikings, d’uh!

Q. What does mommy do?
A. You work on the computer all day.

Q. What does daddy do?
A. He sells snacks and sodas to people.

Q. What’s mommy’s favorite music?
A. U2. ((Okay, while U2 isn’t a music, it’s still a good answer.))

Q. What’s mommy’s favorite thing to do?
A. I’m guessing work on the computer since you do it so much.

Ouch.

Q. How old is mommy?
A. [insert scrunchy face, and steamy ears] You’re 37.
My response: how do you know that?!
His answer: because daddy’s 38 and you’re 1 year younger.

Damn, was I that smart at 5??

Q. Who does mommy like better, Iron Man or Spiderman?
A. Iron Man. I know you don’t like Spiderman. ((I know this fact breaks his heart, because he loves Spiderman.))

Trick Q. Who’s a better driver? Mommy or Daddy?
Correct A. You are, because you have a sports car and they’re harder to drive.

That’s my boy! 😉

Q. How does mommy usually feel?
A. Kind of mad. Well, kind of mad when Jonah is running around. When he’s in his chair you’re usually happy.

Hmm, note to self: keep Jonah strapped in chair all day.

Q. Who do you think mommy would rather be: Princess Leia, or Darth Vader?
A. I know you like Darth Vader cuz he’s cool, but I think you’d want to be Princess Leia cuz she’s good and Darth Vader’s bad. You’re good.

I love that my kid still thinks I’m good. Give it a few years, he’ll think I’m Vader.

Q. What color eyes does mommy have?
A. Blue.
Follow-up: What color eyes do you have?
A. Blue.
Follow-follow-up: What color eyes does daddy have?
A. Blue
Follow-follow-follow-up: What color eyes does Jonah have?
A. Mom, this is stupid. his eyes are blue too.

Q. Did my kid just call me stupid?

Q. What do you like best about mommy?
A. You love me.

Q. What do you like least about mommy?
A. You work on the computer all the time.

Q. How would you describe mommy?
A. You’re the awesomest mommy I’ve had in my life.

As opposed to the mommy he sent back. Okay, seriously, you just can’t buy better positive affirmation than that!

And finally,

Q. Who’s the boss in our house?
A. Mommy. Oh, and daddy. I’d better say daddy too.

That’s right–he knows what’s what!

And there you have it. 20 things my kid thinks and/or knows about me. Now That’s a meme!

This is the Four Things tag/meme/crap:

Four names that people call you (I’ve put mine in order):

1. Mommy
2. WebBetty
3. Mel
4. Melissa

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Mom
2. Instructional Designer
3. Hooters Girl
4. Bartender

Four movies I’ve watched more than once:

1. Pretty Woman
2. White Christmas
3. Pretty In Pink
4. Star Wars

Four places I have lived:

1. Denver, CO
2. Lakewood, CO
3. Wheatridge, CO
3. Apopka, FL

Four places I have traveled:

1. Cozumel, Mexico
2. Puerto Vallerto, Mexico
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. San Diego, CA

Four People who e-mail me:

1. My client Dave
2. My eCollege coworkers
3. Facebook
4. Immigrants who will give me money to deposit their long-lost family members earnings

Four of my favorite Foods:

1. Pasta
2. Green Chili
3. Strawberries
4. soup

Four places I’d rather be right now:

1. on a beach
2. Vegas
3. on a beach
4. on a beach

Four things I’m looking forward to this year:

1. My 10-year anniversary (in Vegas 😛 )
2. My sons becoming even more awesome.
3. More wonderfulness for my friends and family.
4. A better economy.

Four TV shows that I watch:

I have to list only 4? bummer.

1. Dexter
2. CSI (all of them)
3. Saving Grace
4. Law & Order (all of them)

Ha ha! That’s actually 9 shows, so there!

So there you have it. More crap about me you probably didn’t want to know!

This post was generously brought to you by luggage. If you want to go to Vegas in June with us, you’ll need some. 🙂

I was driving to meet some friends last night. As usual, my iPod was set to shuffle and it was treating me quite well. Then out of nowhere came a song that, better than any Back-to-the-Future DeLorean, sent me right back in time. I’m guessing that most of my readers have never even heard of him, but way back in the day he was the epitome of the Gentleman. Gentleman Jim.

I grew up listening to Jim Reeves, among others. That’s not to say that my mom liked country music. In fact, I think she actually dislikes it a great deal. Gentleman Jim, however, is an exception. One thing my mother likes is a good lyric. She’s the most sentimental, sappy, wussy person I know. Which is exactly where I get it from. Of all the things I did get from her, the love of a good song (lyric-wise, anyway) is one of those things. Most country music attempts a good story–most country music gets it wrong.

Of course, like Gentleman Jim, there are exceptions. Where am I going with this? I’m going to the Blue Side of Lonesome. A sappy, sad, brilliant play on love songs and the broken-hearted. That’s way Blue Side of Lonesome is the first in my own, new, blog category: Wednesday’s Words:

Blue Side of Lonesome

I’m Calling To Tell You It’s Over
Yes Darling You’re Now Free To Go
You’re Saying You’re Sorry You Hurt Me
But You Hurt Me Much More Than You Know

You’re Asking Me Where This Call Comes From
Oh I Hope That You Won’t End Up Here
If Your New Romance Turns Out A Failure
Here’s Where To Find Me My Dear

I’m Just On The Blue Side Of Lonesome
Right Next To The Heartbreak Hotel
In A Tavern That’s Known As Three Tear Drops
On A Bar Stool Not Doin’ So Well

The Floor Has A Carpet Of Sorrow
But No One Can Weep In The Aisle
And They Say Someone Broke The Bar Mirror
With Only The Ghost Of A Smile

The Hands On The Clock Never Alter
For Things Never Change In This Place
There’s No Present, No Past, No Future
We’re The Ones Who Have Lost In Love’s Race

I’m Just On The Blue Side Of Lonesome
Right Next To The Heartbreak Hotel
In A Tavern That’s Known As Three Tear Drops
On A Bar Stool Not Doin’ So Well

Sappy and sad, I know. Take a listen to the delivery. He was truly a Gentleman.

This post was generously brought to you by some pretty rings.

It won’t come as any surprise to anyone who knows me. The artist I’ve chosen is Sting. So read on, and see how I answer 15 questions, using 15 song titles, by 1 artist. ((It’s my blog, and I’ve decided that I can use Police songs too. 🙂 ))

1. Are you a male or female: La Belle Dame Sans Regrets
2. Describe yourself: All for Love
3. How do you feel about yourself: Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
4. Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: (S)he’s Too Good For Me
5. Describe your current boy/girl situation: My One and Only Love
6. Describe your current location: So Lonely
7. Describe where you want to be: Walking on the Moon
8. Your best friend is: Inside
9. Your favorite color is: Desert Rose
10. You know that: History Will Teach Us Nothing
11. What’s the weather like: Heavy Cloud, No Rain
12. If your life was a television show what would it be called: The Book of My Life
13. What is life to you: Prelude to the End of the Game
14. What is the best advice you have to give: Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot
15. If you could change your name what would you change it to: Roxanne

Wow. Do we pick our favorite artists, or do our favorite artists pick us? 😉

For those of you interested in the songs above, check out the playlist:

This post was generously brought to you by Zero Halliburton. If I was a secret agent, I would definitely carry one of these around.

I’m a little late to the party, but dammit, it’s still Tuesday here and I’ve been busy with shit that actually pays me.

This is my first venture into the Un-Mom’s Random Tuesday post, but I figured I have so much random stuff to say, this meme has my name all over it. Add a few glasses of Red, and I’m ready to go. 🙂

Welcome to “Random Tuesday Thoughts”! (Note: for my sensitive readers, some foul language may follow, as I’m feeling a little irritable right now. Read on at your own discrection 😛 )

Let the ranting begin!

I’m really ready for this fucking sinus infection to GO AWAY!. It’s been almost three weeks and I’m still more plugged up than a bathtub drain full of skanky hair. I’m wondering if the drugs aren’t working this time. Antibiotics for the virus, steroids for the asthma, inhaler for the asthma, and a lot of kleenex. Maybe I need to see a ENT specialist?

Can someone tell me what is up with the new Pepsi logo? I think it sucks. Honestly, Jonah and Zachary have created better work. Ugh!

Speaking of Zachary, the Goose quote of the week is “I have room in my heart for 162 people.” Wow, he’s a lot more generous than I am.

And now on to lawn guys. I have two things to say:

1. To the lawn guys who stole my husband’s power tools out of our garage, Karma is a bitch. I hope that when you use the drill, you drill into something electrical and your house explodes (with no one in it, of course). And I hope that when you use the sawzall, you come perilously close to losing an extremity. You don’t have to actually lose something, but I hope you come REALLY close.
2. Leaf blowers have to be the biggest waste of energy–both people and gas. Not a day goes by that I don’t seem some idiot wandering around the neighborhood with one of those stupid things strapped to their back. Walking back and forth, swinging his blower. I want to run them down with my car.

And one last note. While I find the line “Sent from my iPhone” incredibly pretentious, I can’t seem to be compelled to change and/or remove it when I email from my beloved phone.

Now it’s your turn. Give me some of your randomness!