Is it a poem? Is it a song? I have no idea.

A fun, silly tribute to the memories I have of someone I'll never get to keep. And I'm totally okay with that.

Good Luck Week

I met you on my good luck week.
You sat there bored in a crowd.
Should've known you're not local.
The haircut and Stones shirt screamed it loud.
Had no idea where you'd take me.
Red wine limo ride, the night was wild.
Grabbed our bags as we ran from the pack.
I only knew I was lost in that space in your smile.

Shakin the palms, lost count at eight.
Fuzzy slippers, hotel rooms, airports and pools.
I was a hard rockin mess but you make me calm.
Tears in my eyes, taxi rides, Thanksgiving sodas.
You're always so quiet and cool.

Hey you. The smile's in your eyes.
Chicago, how you light me up.
Then you say "oh you're gonna."
The smell of midwest rain and California skin.
Intoxicating, breath-taking, amazing.
Peaceful in the thunderstorm haze,
as I cherish that cute little space in your smile.

My good luck week went on for years.
Now you sit there with your cigarette out the window.
After confessions are made, I wonder will it ever be the same.
I can't look away when I see your face.
I know my place-don't ask, don't tell.
Just one more time, can I light up your eyes?
I'm still crazy 'bout that space in your smile.

Summer Vacation 2009

I don't think I've ever needed a vacation more than I did this year. Everything in my life got way too difficult and I needed to step away to see the forest for the trees. Thank God for my summer vacations in the Midwest! This year's trip, one of the best ones yet, started off with a bang...

Thursday
I flew into South Bend on July 9th and was able to round up 8 family members for a big dinner at my favorite Mexican place, La Esperanza. Afterwards I had my folks drop me off at Vikie's new salon location. It's amazing how she transformed the 7-11 where I used to get nachos from in high school into a gorgeous Aveda boutique salon!

We discussed our plans for Chicago over drinks and dessert at Bonefish and then I headed off to bed, trying to adjust to the 3 hour time difference. I've been having a lot of crazy dreams lately and I woke up in the middle of the night with no idea where I was. Then I realized I was in the same old bedroom I'd slept in throughout the '70s and '80s and all my stress just melted away. I slept like a rock and was ready for a road trip!

Friday
Although Chicago is only 90 miles away, there was another time zone change for me which bought us an extra hour...bonus! A fabulous client friend was able to hook us up with a room at the Crown Plaza downtown which was such a luxurious treat that I'm truly grateful for.
The reason for our trip to Chicago was to see some friends of mine who are in a band called Fountains of Wayne. (If you haven't heard of them, crawl out from under that rock and Google them now.)

Collective Soul just happened to be performing in Chicago that same day, but since I get to see them all the time, I didn't think much of it. Not to mention, how many times in 10 years can you meet and talk with a band and have them still act like they couldn't care less to know you? (Apparently it's at least 12 times.) Even though CSoul has been a favorite of mine since the early '90s, I was a thousand times more interested in seeing Fountains of Wayne because their music is so fun & groovy, I rarely get to see them live, and they consistently treat me and my friends with such genuine kindness and respect. FOW wins that competition, no contest. With that said, this next part gets quite amusing...
When we jumped out of the car at Crowne Plaza's valet, I distinctly heard the sound of a guitar coming from far away. We checked into our room and then went out in search of a tasty bite to eat. We walked all of 2 blocks and right there in front of us were 3 of the Collective Soul guys sound checking for their outdoor festival gig. How ironic, they were right there! So we hung around and watched their sound check. I waved at Will but he didn't appear to recognize me, probably because we were not in Las Vegas, which I can't fault him for. Nonetheless, Vikie and I were the only ones around and they refused to so much as walk to the edge of the stage to say hello to their 2 fans. Like I said. So, we ended up wandering back to the hotel where I had the best scallops dish I've ever had in my life at this restaurant called Dine. Finally, we headed off to Lincoln Park to an incredibly cool venue called Park West and so our exciting night began!

A couple months ago, I told one of the FOW guys to expect me there but was unable to reach him for a reminder. I was really excited to surprise them. Vikie and I found good center stage seats about 5 rows from the front. It was an acoustic show and they had Jon Auer from The Posies as opening act doing a cool alternative folk thing. Fountains played many of my favorites ("Radiation Vibe" "Someone To Love" "Hackensack" "Bright Future In Sales" "Hey Julie") in a very Las Vegas lounge act kind of way which was quite different but I liked it. They pulled it off well. Brian is such a crisp, hard hitting drummer, it seemed strange to see him all mellow, playing with brushes and a light touch but he appears to master that ability just as well. Honestly though, he looked a little bored or maybe sad. I should have mentioned it.

I was stoked that Vikie enjoyed their performance as much as I did. Afterwards we headed outside to greet them in the alley. What a reception I got! All of them seemed genuinely happy to see me. I got hugged, kissed, picked up and swung around and so much attention that I hadn't felt the love like this in ages! Although I've known them since 2004, it occurred to me I hadn't seen them for nearly 2 years. I keep in touch with one of them occasionally so I guess it didn't really feel like that long. We waited for all the fans to disperse and then we got the FOW red carpet treatment the rest of the night. I was easily impressed when the guys remembered what Vikie and I were drinking and just automatically ordered for us. These guys have class and were so sweet to us. I thoroughly enjoy each one of their personalities and was so glad to get some good conversation time with each of them individually. I was dying to talk to Adam about his new project Tinted Windows (love it!) and it sounds like they may get a Las Vegas gig this year! Gave Chris a hand massage. Of course it wouldn't be a night with FOW if the subject of the band we all love to hate, Nickelback, didn't come up. My secret dislike for Nickelback (and all the bands that sound like them) was finally made public and acceptable that first night I met FOW in 2004. It feels really good to not be alone in that opinion and I would proudly wear my dislike for that kind of music like a badge if I could. Jody seems to think Nickelback has a huge Christian following but I begged to differ with him. I don't know any Christians who listen to them and I think there's a big difference between real Christians and redneck Americans...'nuff said! We had a great time roaming the streets of downtown Chicago, commenting on all the gothic buildings, checking out bars, chatting with drunk people along the way. The streets of downtown Chicago in the summertime look just like a comic book, quite surreal. A late night thunderstorm made it even more incredible. It was a night to be remembered...so glad I didn't drink too much this time!


Saturday
After hanging out on the balcony all morning Vikie and I headed back to Lincoln Park, which I've decided is like the Melrose of Chicago, for some shopping and a late breakfast. We found a fabulous cafe full of hipsters and yuppies and did some damage at the Lush, Metro Park and Lululemon stores. The FOW guys were headed to Milwaukee and it was unclear whether they wanted us to road trip with them or not. I figured since they didn't really push the issue, we'd duck out of that one and just catch them again on Sunday in Munster.
Upon returning to South Bend, Vikie and I met a friend of hers at another excellent Mexican restaurant, Hacienda. Why can't they make food like this in Las Vegas, why??

Sunday
Vikie ended up having a lot of work to get done at the new salon so it was just me and my good ol' concert bud Jynni that made the quick drive to the Munster Music Festival to see Fountains again. The festival was surprisingly small. The bands were all so boring. FOW was MIA all day. They finally arrived by the skin of their teeth. When I asked them how Milwaukee was, I only got grunts, shrugs and head shakes. Brian, although looking absolutely amazingly gorgeous in a fabulous hipster hat, also looked a bit scruffy and worse for wear, complaining about what a shitty day it had been...but he got a new phone, so yay for new phones! I have no idea what happened but nobody was talking and they headed for O'Hare immediately following the show.

They took the stage right before sunset and played for 90 minutes, basically an instant repeat of Chicago's show, to a crowd that appeared to only want to hear "Stacy's Mom". (That must be so frustrating.) During the last half, I was in the front row screaming along to all the lyrics like a goofball fan. I have to admit...not only do I love them as people but I really do love their music too. They're right up there with Butch Walker when it comes to songwriting and performance. Like Butch, Fountains of Wayne are leagues above everything else going on in music right now.
Jynni and I got home at a reasonable hour and I couldn't resist getting cheese fries at Steak n' Shake. Again, why don't we have any of these places in Las Vegas??

So, with the rock n roll portion of my vacation behind me, it was now time to relax, get my head together and begin brainstorming a re-prioritization of my life...


Monday
Mom & Dad made BBQ ribs and Aunt Carol and I went to see the Bruno movie. I never saw Borat so I had no idea. I don't question comedies-if it's funny, I'll see it no questions asked. Well, I should've asked. Thankfully Aunt Carol has a great sense of humor, probably better than mine. That movie was offensive on so many levels I couldn't wrap my brain around it. I chose, however, to not allow myself to be offended and found some of it amusing. Nonetheless it was one of the dumbest movies I've ever seen. Afterwards I went to see the new place where Vikie is living and meet her roommates. We drank a lot of wine...okay I drank a little, they drank a lot! I have to admit, I miss her big old house so much, but if she's happy, then I'm happy. Just as I was heading to sleep I got a surprise call from my Blue Man friend MK who I hadn't heard from in ages. Somehow, he always creeps into my summer vacations. I have a feeling he just happens to think of me every July and I'm ok with that.

Tuesday
I leaped out of bed super early on Tuesday morning and made the short drive up to Buchanan, MI to see my old high school friend Jane who lives in a great house on the St. Joseph River. We drove up to Weko Beach in Bridgman, MI and carved out our territory in the sand. We were later joined by an old grade school friend, Ann, who brought me a stack of letters that I had written to her pen-pal style after she had moved away when we were barely teenagers. Wild! They did much of the chatting while I mostly napped! We went back to Jane's for some grilling and a most beautiful boat ride on the river. I was haunted the entire day by the Cheap Trick song "Tonight It's You" and the lyrics just kept playing over and over in my head. It's a good thing I really dig that song. Nonetheless, it was the most perfect day!

Later that evening I met my dear friend Mike for beers, good conversation and more Mexican food! I finally got to sleep at a reasonable hour since the sun wore me out.

Wednesday
I got up early again to run some errands and I took a drive up and down the streets of downtown South Bend. I was testing myself to see if my emotions would spring up and they didn't. I didn't feel a thing. I guess the only things I really miss about South Bend are a few people, a few restaurants...oh, and the squirrels and fireflies too! I drove over to Jynni's office where she works for a facial plastic surgeon. I tried out a little botox in the brow and so far, I love it. It's amazing the facial expressions you're forced to come up with when you are physically unable to frown. Not frowning is awesome!! Jynni and I had lunch at the Chocolate Cafe and then later Mom and I went shopping. I was supposed to meet Jynni and some other friends at the place formerly known as Heartland to see Candlebox. I like Candlebox but not enough to pay $26 to see them on a night when I just really wanted to sit on the porch and try to start thinking out all the things that had been troubling me in Las Vegas.













So, that's what I did, and when I felt satisfied with my progress I walked over to Vikie's new salon. She did her best to fix up this godawful haircut I've been trying to grow out, I gave her a manicure and then we headed back to my parents' house. We sat in the back yard and talked and laughed and almost cried. She's the greatest friend in the world, she's blood to me.













Thursday
I woke up that morning feeling like a new person! I ran over to Salon Nouveau to say hello to Cheryl for a few minutes since I missed her at the Candlebox concert. The place looks so different from when I used to work there. I really wish we had cute little Aveda salons on every corner in Las Vegas the way they do in the Midwest. I like my salon but it's just so generic in comparison.
Anyway, I rounded up my aunt and my folks and we took a late morning drive up to my favorite little beach town St. Joseph, MI. Mom and I took a walk up and down Silver Beach. I got asked where I was from--guess I don't dress like the people around there!











We wandered around the cobblestone streets shopping and watching people prepare for the Venetian Festival. We had the best lunch ever at the Pumphouse Grille where I fell in love with a Chardonnay wine by Butterfield Station. Mom bought me the most gorgeous silky turquoise and brown beach dress!
Once I got back home, I sat in bed til stupid o'clock writing in my journal. After talking to Vikie, Mike, Jynni, Jane, Ann and my family, considering all advise and opinions and then consulting my own heart in prayer, I came up with the blueprints for building the life I really want to have. I changed my work schedule, set goals, crunched numbers, completely rearranged my priorities to properly reflect the person I'm becoming, not the person I was 8 years ago.

Friday
The next day I flew back to Las Vegas. On a side note, I just want to say that I always feel like Led Zeppelin when I have to walk outside onto a runway to board a plane with the wind blowing my hair. Anyway, just like last year, I wasn't ready to go back. If I continue planning things right, God willing, I will eventually one day be able to spend several weeks at Lake Michigan with friends and family every summer. Even if I never find a companion that will help ease my burden and share my goals with me, I am still determined to find a way to make this happen. Until next year...












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"I don't know why you mean that much to me. You don't know what it feels like lovin' you. We all know a change is good for you. That's alright, gotta do what you gotta do anyway. All I want is a place in your heart to fall into. All I need is someone to love, and tonight it's you..." ~Cheap Trick

Poetry & Pain

I have tons of hand-written journals. Today I was reading through one of them. I stumbled upon one of the most poetic things I've written, though at the time I'm quite sure it wasn't my intention to be artistic. I remember exactly how I felt. I wonder if anyone else has ever felt this way.

"Once I had his undivided attention, I became extremely self-conscious. I realized there was nothing I could say or do to impress him or make him like me more than he does, and yet I was getting sucked into the spiraling vortex of his beauty and energy. I felt as though I were dying slowly and yet needing his very presence beside me every second just to stay breathing. When he's near me, I need him like air and I want to be with him every second, every breath forever. Yet knowing I can't be with him is the heaviest suffocating choking pain."

Wow. I guess I should put my old journals away and go exercise or something.

Grease 3

This afternoon while grilling veggies on the balcony, I turned on the TV to find Grease 2 playing. Most won't agree with me but I liked the second Grease movie better than the first. The first Grease by far had the best music, I'll give ya that. The music in Grease 2 was indeed a little wimpy, but for me it wasn't about the music. To this day I still don't like motorcycles, and for me Grease 2 wasn't about the bikes either. It was about a man who was smart enough, determined enough and creative enough to do whatever it took to win a special girl's heart.
In 1982, the romantic 12 year old that I was completely fell for actor Maxwell Caulfield's tough, smart and dreamy character Michael. Michael was everything a man is supposed to be. So, there I sat on my sofa with my grilled veggies, butterflies in my stomach, feeling like I was 12 again, wishing God would make my life into a Grease 3.
So, what would MY "cool rider" be like? He would definately play guitar. He might enjoy restoring old cars. He'd definately have great hair and a unique, eccentric, retro-vintage 1970s style. He'd be one who reads a lot and is more cerebral than physical (that means smart for those of you who aren't). But most importantly, he would put God above all else in his life. When a man does that, it shows in his work ethic and it appears as integrity in every area of life.

So anyway, I'll stop dreaming now and share this related random observation. While watching Grease 2, I realized immediately why I'm just smitten stupid over actor Robert Pattinson (Twilight)! Instead of "Michael", this guy is "Edward" but it's the same kind of character--nearly identical!! They even look alike:




SEE??!! Crazy isn't it! At least I finally understand my obsession with Twilight now. I realize these guys play fictional characters but I believe that men like this do exist in a less dramatic way. Maybe I'm not 12 anymore but I'm still looking for my cool rider. He'll find me someday....

Minx Nails!

Since April I've been feverishly practicing a new trendy nail service called Minx nails. I'm proud to say that I'm one of only a handful of nail technicians in the Las Vegas area providing the service!

Minx nails are the green alternative to nail polish, made of a flexible film that is not a liquid and does not use any hazardous chemicals during application. Minx requires no drying time, doesn't smudge or chip and there are no fumes! Removing Minx is easy and will not damage your nails! Minx is sold to professionals only and is applied to natural nails with the use of a heat source, much like the shrink wrap advertising you see on cars. Minxed toenails should last at least 4 weeks or longer! However, Minxed fingernails are best left for special occasions as they only last anywhere from 2 to 10 days, depending on your lifestyle, which is why this premium service is usually found only in high end salons around the country. Nonetheless, my prices are still a lot less than what you would pay elsewhere.
This new service is quite a treat for those with natural nails, but don't be sad artificial nail clients--you can get in on the Minx craze too! Minx has a competitor called TNU that manufactures Minx-like french tip designs that can be covered with gel or clear acrylic for more permanent wear. TNU's product also comes with a matching template for toenails!

Cari's Minx Nails Menu

Minx Manicure $45
Minx Pedicure $70

Application only:
Fingernails $25, or $3 each
Toenails $42, or $4 each

Minx Full Set (acrylic or gel) $70
Minx Fill In $45

Since there are over 300 different designs between the 2 manufacturers, I send my clients to either http://www.minxnails.com/ (natural nails only) or http://www.trendynailsunlimited.com/ (artificial or natural nails) to choose the design they want. I prefer a $10 deposit per design before booking an appointment, as most designs must be special ordered, however I do have some of the more popular designs in stock.

Call (702) 798-3070 (ext 26) for an appointment now and be one of the first in the Las Vegas area to get Minxed!

Photo of my own Minxed toenails (above) by Stacie Frazier. http://www.hauteshots.net/

Special Guest Appearance!

Hello loyal readers! I'm excited to tell you that I've made a special guest appearance at: http://www.hauteshots.net/blog/! Stacie did a fun little photo shoot of me last week and asked me to be a guest blogger on her website. In this blog I wrote a little about my career and explain the new Minx Nails trend.

Also, feel free to stop by my salon's humble Myspace page and add us as a friend: www.myspace.com/dhairtobedifferent

Hints from the Manicurist--Dry Winter Skin

After 17 years of doing nails, I've run across some ridiculously easy home remedies for dry cuticles, heels and skin in general.
1) olive oil 2) lip balm/chap stick

One of the most important things I learned from my years of working with Aveda is why some moisturizers work and some don't: molecule size. Any moisturizing product made with a synthetic ingredient like mineral oil or petroleum is nearly the most useless thing you can buy unless you're looking to prevent chaffing or wind burn. Plant oils/plant-based ingredients are the answer. The reason why is that plant oils have a much smaller molecular structure than mineral/petroleum oils. The smaller the molecule, the deeper it can absorb into the skin. Some plant oils, like jojoba, are so similar to our skin's natural oil that they can help dryed out skin repair itself. Mineral oils just sit on the surface of the skin and can sometimes end up drying it out even more. So that's why no matter how much you reapply that Vasolene Intensive Care lotion, your skin just keeps feeling dryer! It may protect the skin and make it feel better temporarily but it can't penetrate the skin deep enough to help repair it in the long term.
If you are fortunate enough to have the money in your budget to afford Aveda's products, run to your nearest Aveda Concept Salon now. http://www.aveda.com/templates/products2/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY10691&PRODUCT_ID=PROD5908&PSID=true&cm_mmc=Google-_-Exact-Brand-Body-Aveda-_-HandRelief-Lotion-MW-X-5908-_-Aveda+Hand+Relief%7C-%7C100000000000000719695&cm_guid=1-_-100000000000000719695-_-3649381189
If not, just grab some olive oil from your kitchen. I once healed a painful crack that was starting on my own heel by rubbing olive oil on it twice a day for 6 days. Hangnails or dry cuticles on hands/feet? Put some olive oil on a Q-tip and apply it twice a day. If your dryness is severe, dedicate an old tube of chap stick/lip balm to your skin care routine and apply it to the severely dry area every night before you go to bed. The olive oil will start the healing process by soaking in deep and the chap stick will coat the surface to protect from further chaffing. Chap stick is great for those office workin' people whose fingertips are dryed out from touching paper all day.

And of course, while such home maintenence can make a huge difference in how your hands & feet feel, nothing can replace the aesthetic perfection you get from a professional manicure & pedicure!