Could You Take My Picture? Cause I Won't Remember..

Well, that's exactly not true. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure and honor to be part of the crew on the movie Backstabber (coming Spring 2011). I've helped out on shoots before but this was quite different. One, there was a great camaraderie between the cast and crew. Two, the crew worked soooo well together and three, for a thriller/suspense movie, I think we had way more laughs than scares!

Usually on a film, you expect the cast to be in their little clique and the crew to be in theirs. It's a line that's not normally crossed. From the first day of shooting to the last, an instant family was born. During breakfast, lunch and dinner actors and actresses sat with grips, cameramen, gaffers and even, believe it or not, Tyler! Even during the shoot, crew was mixed with cast and vice versa.

Being as I was part of the crew, I was able to work with a great team. Some I had known before and some I had met for the first time. For those I had just met, we were instant friends. From my fellow Rosie the Riveter girl to Gator who didn't mind giving or getting hugs. Even Jonathan with all his geek knowledge was great to get to know, from one geek to another! It brought me closer to the ones I had known before and made shortened friendships feel like I had known them all my life. We were definitely a little family complete with quirks, giggles and a whole lot of TMI (too much information)!

We had stars on the set such as Lorenzo Lamas and Tammy Barr, but whilst still being professional, there was time for a lot of laughs. As a matter of fact, I believe Tyler is still looking for his slate and many of us are probably still walking around muttering "plane" under their breath when one flies over! We also reminisce about Gator's one liners said quietly but with such power to crack everyone up and who could forget Lightning Amen? Then there was Chuck's limericks, poems and dance with a little one, two punch thrown in at least once a day. Tammy, I can't forget you and our bathroom conversations. Who would've thought that one could have the majority of their talks in the toilet and not feel as awkward as writing this.

Even though we were only together for 9 days (albeit 9 long days), it is something that I won't forget and hope to work with these very talented actors and actresses and crew again and again.

See ya at the premiere!

Backstabber photos can be seen here

Flyin' (Drivin') me back to Memphis.......

It's our annual road trip to see (fight with) my family. You know the one. Everyone gets together, you have the big blowout once you get there and then everyone is all happy! That's how it usually goes with us! Oh, don't get me wrong. We all love each other, but we're just as dysfunctional as the next family is!

This time we're heading to Ohio and then onward to West Virginia! Ten hour days each and eight of them just to get out of Texas! A lot of driving but we have Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy downloaded, we have our towel, we're not going to panic. We're ready to go!

First stop in Memphis was Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken in Colliersville. A little deceiving as it's just a little house on a street, but don't let that fool you. The house is actually on the historic registry and the chicken is very good. Always fresh, never frozen. Although they say it is hot and spicy, this Texas girl needed to put some hot sauce on it, but the taste itself was very good. A very good recommendation from the Food Network and in a very good price range too.

Day two, we are on our way to Ohio. Next post then!

It's My Birthday, It's My Birthday!!

Name that song! I know one person out there that would probably know that answer!! Really, my only reader!! :)

On October 9th a long time ago, and sharing the date with a famous Beatle, I was brought into this fabulous world!

Through all the ups and downs, the most outrageous moments and the quietest of times, it has been an asbsolutely fantastic journey that I am still traveling. It's always fun and exhilerating to see what the next day will bring, whether it's just hanging out with my daughter and husband, or attacking rodents in the barn! There's always something going on in the Brown world!

Usually, over the past few years, my birthdays have been somewhat uneventful. The major ones such 16th, 21st, 30th, 35th, 40th have been marked with something special. Such as surprise parties, throwing myself a HUGE party, navel piercings, going platinum blonde, throwing myself another party to make sure it was done right!! The years in between passed quietly with family and friends. Don't get me wrong. Birthdays to me are ALWAYS a major occasion even if they are not celebrated with a grand hoohah every year, just as long as they are celebrated.

But this year was a little different. Turning 43 is a regular number, nothing to scoff at. It's in the middle. Just past 40, but not quite 45! The eyes seem to not want to work as well, but the fight for getting glasses goes on. I thought this year would be another quiet year, but surprisingly it has turned out to be a wonderful celebration week!

On my birthday, my daughter cooked up a nice little birthday party for me which started off with me locked in my room while she got everything ready!! When the time was right, I was blindfolded with my tiara on my head and led into the living room where she had filled the floor with balloons! My in-laws even came to visit and joined the party with my husband and daughter! I had a vase with some roses, and was regaled with a few gifts. I was even presented with a cake! It was very nice and cozy and I was pleasantly surprised. I was then taken to my favorite sushi restaurant where the owner and chef treated me to a wonderful birthday feast of all my favorite items and then some. It's great to know the chef who also happens to be the owner too!!

The next evening I went out with some girlfriends of mine who I haven't seen in years and years. Did I mention years!! Another fantastic birthday surprise!! We all looked like we did back then and it was if we had just seen each other a few week's ago. It was so wonderful and great to see them and catch up. Although it would have been fun to hear them sing karaoke!! :) Come on Johnna, you know you wanted to! :)

Tonight, is Mom's Night Out, done special for my birthday!! Guess where we're going!! Hmmmm...can we say sushi? Did you even have to guess? Back to my favorite restaurant we go! I've already informed the chef and he's ready!! I can't wait!! Even if it's just me that shows, I'll still be a happy camper!! Although, I know we'll have a great time!! Eatin' sushi!! Yummmm!!

Well, that leaves tomorrow!! Of course, the week couldn't end without being with family again. And my birthday week will finish with dinner with my dad and stepmom. Try as I might, I could not swing sushi again. I will have to eat cooked food and since I do, it will be Italian!! My dad has his favorite restaurant and that's where we will be going.

My birthday week started with family and it will end with family and for what I thought would be an unmomentous occasion turned out to be a very memorable celebration!!

I wonder what's going to happen next year?