We all remember dressing up for Halloween, especially in our primary grade years. From witches to vampires, we all got excited to put that cape and wig on and stroll the streets for the best candy. (Note to self: Go to the rich neighborhoods). In the Gregory household Halloween was celebrated by first going to Grandma and Grandpa's in Suppesville to get a bag of candy from Grandma and most likely a bag of quarters. I secretly think my Grandma Gregory mints her own coins, but that's for another blog. Then the next step was to drive the 11 miles to Cheney where of course we would start at Granny and Grampy's where I probably just went to get a Mountain Dew. Then it was off to the Ingrams' where Debbie had something always had something special waiting for us. The night would most likely end on a stroll through the Rodeo Drive of Cheney Kansas aka Lincoln Street. From Evelyn's house (my piano teacher) to the Haden's (St. Bernard picture below), and then to the Voth's at the end of the cul-de-sac, it was pretty much the candy jackpot.
And now a photo montage with my great commentary:
The first Halloween pic I found of myself, I went as a "Jack-O-Latern." Peg was stretching it this year. Sidenote: Memorize the costume my sister Meredith is wearing on the far left.
Surprise, I'm wearing the same costume! I think Mer went as a cute bunny the year before and I'm a sexy bunny this year. I'm not sure what Mer is this year, but it looks like some kind of a-sexual bear or something.
Peg decided to buy me a new costume this year. So we went as Superman and Superwoman. Not so super with your broken arm are you Superwoman....Cousin Chance got to wear the risque costume of the year going as a sexy mouse.
My favorite costume of all time: the pig. Oh yes, I'm wearing pink sweats, hoodie and coat. Peg made me a tail out of a plastic slinky...Pretty genius right? Mer went ahead and joined the circus like we had always wanted her to and Rochelle went as "Pissed off Rizzo". You know Peg had a hand in this, since we all are coordinating with our hints of pink. Mine really isn't a hint, but you get the point...
Another tough year in the Gregory household as another costume idea is recycled... PS Mer you ain't fooling anyone, that's your dance recital outfit not a costume.
This was our Goth phase.....just kidding.
Another great costume idea, "The Bum." Including the built in cigar to the mask a la early 1990's.
Finally, Batman and Catwoman take Lincoln Street at the Haden's. Peg sewed Mer's costume, it of course was the non-sexy version. I call it "Catwoman Mormon Version." I'm not sure why we took our picture by this, but I guess it has something to do with the popularity with the movie Beethoven at the time....
As I get older, Halloween like many other holidays makes me more sentimental. We remember the fun we had and the people who are no longer with us. So take some time the next few days and dwell on your Halloweens of the past. What was your favorite costume? Who handed out the best candy on your block? So if the shoe fits, you're a sexy bunny (again).
The Olympics captivate the world unlike most other events. They challenge us to be better Americans, better teammates, and better citizens of the world. Above all they stand for peace and humility in a world that at times is overshadowed by darkness and hate.
Oh enough of that poetic crap...here are the top 5 things that are annoying me about the Olympics thus far...
1. The Opening Ceremony
We get it you are British. Well poppycock! Look at these pictures of hills, cliffs, and thatched roofs. Frankly I was not impressed by the ceremony. I know China is hard to beat after the robotic precision that was displayed in 2008, but I think this ceremony justified why we dropped your asses in 1776 or is that arses? Oh, and yes Queen Elizabeth it wouldn't hurt you to smile. Girl lighten up!
2. This B With the Huge Microphone
We all have seen her... I personally like to call her the "dream killer." She always likes to throw it in the swimmer's face when they haven't achieved gold. "So Michael can you tell me what was going through your mind when you lost?" or "Ryan, you did very well last night, what went wrong tonight?" I'm just waiting for the night she pisses off the wrong American swimmer and they knock that gigantic microphone out of her wrist.
3. This Russian Diva
I don't remember her name I think it' s Maria or Katianna or Putin or something. Anyways, dang this girl has an attitude on her. I'm not fluent in Russian, but I know a good eye roll when I see one and well if they gave away medals for that....winner, winner chicken dinner!
4. Glitter...Need I Say More?
So I guess the Russian women got confused and thought they were going to prom. Maybe it's a similar word to London in Russian, who knows? Just stick to the chalky hands ladies, your slicked back fairy-dusted hair-dos are not flattering.
5. This Dynamic Duo
Ok you all have been thinking it this past week as you have been watching the swimming events. These two love birds sit literally millimeters apart and gaze into each others' eyes as they talk about strokes......I mean welcome back to the London Olympics!All I know is these two need to get a room or learn about their personal bubbles. Plus if you haven't noticed it yet, you will tonight and it's almost more awkward when they are standing...
In the Olympics we dare to dream and to achieve greatness. So if you have a big microphone in someone's face or glitter in your hair, if the shoe fits....you are annoying me.
Me with my Teddy Ruxpin. Pretty much the best gift ever. It is not what my title is referring to, but look how bad ass I look!
At times in our lives we all face adversity. It could be because of our race, gender, sexuality, or even our socioeconomic status.
I was reminded of this last Saturday as I went through a training
session to volunteer at the Like Me Lighthouse.
The Like Me Lighthouse was started by country music singer Chely Wright
who grew up near Kansas City and has come out as the first openly gay country
singer. The Lighthouse strives to be one
thing above all: A safe place for LGBTQ youth.
The center provides resources many resources, including a full library and
connections to support groups and agencies in the KC area. I chose to volunteer not because I’m a
trained counselor or expert, but because I want to be there to listen and to be visible. The center also houses a direct line to the
Trevor Project hotline which provides 24/7 counseling support to youth
contemplating suicide. The trainer
during my session told us that the Trevor Project’s data showed that more phone
calls were made to the hotline in the state of Missouri than any other state in
the nation. This disgust and scares me
at the same time and I have a feeling Kansas is not far behind Missouri in the
number of calls.
We have all faced adversity, yet we also have had people and
moments in our lives that help us rise up against it. One of my biggest pieces of inspiration stems from one of the simplest
gifts I ever received: a high school graduation card. The card was from my dad’s cousin Teddy
Gregory. Teddy was a very special
guy. He was born with polio and although
he could have been a bitter and cynical human being, he was the total
opposite. Teddy was the epitome of
kindness and self-determination. He may
have been in a wheelchair, but that didn’t stop him from having a full and
rewarding life. Teddy passed away a few years ago and was loved and admired by many people. In the card him and his
wife Eileen gave me for my high school graduation in 2003, he wrote this simple
sentence:
“Your Grandpa bragged
about all of his 9 grandchildren, but he always said you were different and
special and that he knew you were going to change the world.”
I still get that card out and read it when I have one of "those
days". The days when I feel like I serve
no purpose or the days I feel like the world is working against me. My main mission in life is to lead by
example. I’m a true believer that equality will not happen when it comes to gay
rights, until more of us are vocal and present in society. Anderson Cooper said
recently in his now infamous email:
“I’ve also been reminded recently that while as a
society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all people, the
tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible.”
I want my story to be a constant example to
those parents who refuse to speak to their son or daughter after they come out,
remember my story, my face, and how happy I am and how much I am loved and supported by my family and friends. Also, I want my story to be a glimmer of
hope for that kid who grows up in a small town and feels like he/she can’t
relate to anyone around them. It doesn’t
only get better; it’s like Christmas morning every day. Be brave, be strong, and above all, be you.
So my hope is that you all find that passion and you all
find that one thing that you want to make better in the world. No matter how small the difference you think
you are making, you could be changing the world for hundreds. Find your inspiration, find your strength,
and lead by example. I hope to lead by example with what both my grandfather and cousin Teddy taught me about compassion, hard work, and
pure humility.
If the shoe fits, you are changing the world in your own
little way, and I know that I am.
We are a nation of explorers and of dreamers. From Lewis and Clark to the 49er’s of
California, millions of Americans moved across the vast continent of North
America to find a better life out west, including many of my ancestors. They tilled the land, raised livestock, and
even tried to find their fortune in gold mining. There were no 8 hour work days or vacations;
our nation was built upon their blood, sweat, and tears.
So as that nation of dreamers we decided in the 1980’s to
think it was cool to dress up like cow town residents and take family pictures.... Oh and to let your 5 year old hold a hand gun pointed right towards the whole family (I can't help it that I was gangsta that early in life.)
So if the shoe fits, your mom has convinced you to wear a racoon hat in not one but two pictures.
As I was sifting through boxes of pictures with my mom a few months ago for one of my previous blogs, we found some real "gems." (Just ask my sister Meredith). We just thank the Lord every day she grew out of those glasses or I guess maybe she grew into them? Anyways...Upon my treasure hunt for pictures I found this great photo booth picture of my dad when he was 19, I'm guessing his age by the date on the back of the print.
I thought the picture was very interesting and unique. So with the help of my great friend and amazing photographer, Landon Vonderschmidt, I set out to recreate it. Landon and I found out all we really needed was a curtain rod, my bathroom curtain, a big bright flash, and a doorway. My dad was also styling with his ink pen and what I'm assuming is a notepad in his pocket. I think maybe he moonlighted as a journalist in the early 1970's.
The Big Flash
So here is the final product (2012) style.
Side by Side
Mostly my dad just makes me want to get a spray tan and also makes me realize he is a way better "smizer" than me. Please see video for more smizing details and tips.
So I urge you all
to find a little inspiration in your life in the little treasures you
find along the way. From old to new to borrowed or blue, take a little time and smell the roses and if the shoe fits, you just might have yourself a really good art project y'all!
Top 10 20 Favorite Songs (I couldn't decide on 10)
We all have our own soundtrack to our lives. Some of us can't get enough Rock and Roll, while others feel true peace with Mozart. My favorite songs don't just make my feel like tapping my foot, they make me reflect on my life and the people who have been a part and that are still a part of it. We all have our favorite songs, the minute you hear that first chord or guitar strumming, you find yourself back in high school, a wedding dance, a happy time in your life, or maybe one of the lowest. The song sometimes makes your day or makes you cry, but no matter how it makes you feel, it touches your soul. It reminds you that you are loved, that this world is bigger than just yourself. So no matter if it comes from the radio, a jukebox, or your IPod, if the shoes fits..."Turn it up, this is my song."
20. Last Call- Leann
Womack
Oh we have all been there and if you haven't, well lucky you...
19. The Greatest Man I Never Knew-Reba
This song definetly is a tear jerker. It really expresses many people's relationships with their fathers/grandfathers.
18. When I Get Where I’m Going- Brad Paisley with Dolly
Parton
This song reminds me of my Grandpa every time I hear it, plus it features Dolly, Holla!
17. Lost-Michael Buble
Another one of those songs that we can all say, "we have all been there." Oh and again if you haven't, go f8ck yourself. :)
16. Boyz II Men- On Bended Knee
Ohhh no he didn't, oh yes I went there.
15. Never Alone-Jim Brickman ft. Lady Antebellum
This is actually the first song Lady Antebellum was featured on and is one of my favorites. Is it macabre to say I want this played at my funeral?
14. Fix You- Coldplay
I mean you basically want to conquer the world after listening to this song or at least fix that front porch light that has been on the fritz.
13. Someone Else’s Dream- Faith Hill
Well I love 90's country, it was the music of my childhood. Plus, the lyrics to this song represents the life of so many people.
12. Need You Now- Lady Antebellum
A newer song, but I love Lady Antebellum as you have seen and will see on the next song. Another one of those, "we have all been there" songs. Again, if you can't relate to this song, oh enjoy your perfect life!
11. Just a Kiss-Lady Antebellum
The opening piano part in this song gives me goosebumps. PS I love the video.
10. Disturbia- Rihanna
While you are dancing under your Umbrella..ella eh eh. I'm listening to this song of Rihanna's. Love the beat and the lyrics.
9. Hurt- Johnny Cash version
Although it was a cover, I though Johnny Cash made this song his own. It really makes you reflect on the important things in life.
8. The House That
Built Me- Miranda Lambert
See previous blog, "111th St South"
7. Fast Car- Tracy
Chapman
Sometimes we all want to just get away from it all.
6. You Were Mine- Dixie Chicks
Again a great song everyone can relate to or maybe you can't if you don't have a soul.
5. All These Years- Sawyer Brown
One of my favorite country songs. Amazing lyrics.
4. Lovegame- Lady
Gaga
Any running mix I make, this song is on it. Catchy, catchy, catchy.
3. How Great Thou Art- Carrie
Underwood version
I of course have to have this song on my list. This was the song my Grandpa would always sing at funerals and weddings and of course the minute I hear it, he is the only person I think about. Many versions have been done of this popular hymn, however hands down Carrie Underwood's performance of this song last year was out of this world.
2. Falling Slowly-Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova from Once
Amazing movie, amazing lyrics. Goosebumps.
1. Always on My Mind-Willie Nelson/Michael Buble
This song really sums up the feelings we all have for the people who come in and out of our lives. The "what if's?" and the "If onlys." I prefer Buble's version over Nelson's. Garth Brook's, "The Dance" is probably number 0 on my list, but he refuses to put his videos on YouTube.
My next few series of blogs will be some of my favorites in a top ten list format. Calm down, this isn't Oprah's favorite things. You aren't getting a free car or a trip to Australia with John Travolta (maybe just a massage with him, am I right?) Anyways, along with cake and beer, I can't turn down a good movie. We all have our favorite movies, you may agree with some of mine or think I should be institutionalized. However, I think we can all agree movies have become a vital part of American society. They help us deal with our lives, escape to a magical world, and they even teach us lessons. Movies are one window into the human soul.
Enjoy,
R
Movies
10-Wizard of Oz
"Oh oh, rubbish, you have no power here! Be gone, before somebody drops a house on you too!"
I grew up in Kansas, this movie is a Kansas staple. When your teacher was sick, you watched The Wizard of Oz. When you had a "fun day", you watched The Wizard of Oz. When it was the last day of school, you watched The Wizard of Oz. Even as I travel around the country today and people ask me where I grew up, 9 times out of 10 they mention the Wizard of Oz. "No I don't have ruby slippers, but if I did I would shove them up your...." Also, to this day I can't get on a bicycle without humming that song that plays when the Ms. Gulch is riding her bike (I'm really annoying in a spin class).
9- A Few Good Men
"Don't call me son, I'm a lawyer and an officer in the United States Navy and you are under arrest you son of a bitch."
This movie is amazing and of course it is best known for the "You can't handle the truth line." This scene however, is my favorite.
8- Elizabeth
"Observe Lord Burghley, I am married, to England."
My favorite quote from this movie but can't find a good clip: Sir Robert Dudley: Remember who you are. Do not be afraid of them.
Favorite historical character of all time: Elizabeth I. Many actors in the past 10 years have played her including Helen Mirren. I believe hands down Cate Blanchett does the best job portraying the Virgin Queen. Long live the Queen.
7- Never Been Kissed
"I'm not Josie Grossie anymore!"
Even though this movie is largely a romantic comedy, I think this scene specifically mirrors the trials and tribulations we go through as teenagers and how they shape us as adults. We all were Josie Grossie once and as Drew Barrymore learns, it doesn't mean we have to be for the rest of our lives.
6- Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
"Watch out Tucson, here we come!"
This is definitely my favorite comedy of all time, followed by Drop Dead Gorgeous. High school reunions are all things we experience in our lifetimes and Romie and Michele guide us through our biggest fears: career, style, money, and body shape. These are all the things we fear going into a reunion and their story helps us realize that in the end we all fall short of perfection no matter where we are in life.
5- What Dreams May Come
"Do you still play chess?"
I consider myself to be more of a spiritual person than a religious one. Out of everything I have read and watched, I think this movie truly portrays my personal belief of heaven. I believe we will see our loved ones again and that heaven is something that we create for ourselves.
4- Steel Magnolias
"I can jog all the way to Texas and back, but my daughter can't, she never could."
One of the best scenes ever and one of the best movies of all time. I personally believe Sally Field was robbed for not getting an Oscar for this role. Even though this is just acting, you can feel her pain and you can see her grief, truly an amazing actor.
3- Stepmom
"Our dreams. We can still meet in our dreams."
If you want to ruin your day, just watch this scene. Ugh...
2- Jurassic Park
"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler, welcome to Jurassic Park!"
I loved dinosaurs as a child and I was in 2nd grade when this movie came out. To this day this scene gives me the chills. Also, I can't eat green jell-o without thinking about the Raptor scene (you know the scene....shaking spoon).
1-Contact
"A vision that tells us we belong to something greater than ourselves."
Contact is my favorite movie of all time not because I'm obsessed with space travel, but it asks life's biggest question: Are we alone?
