Before your read this...make a cup of tea

Simon Cowell is scrambling to put together enough dough to sign internet superstar Susan Boyle to a recording contract and Oprah is scrambling to get her on her show, and it turns out the lovely Susan has already made a recording. Her version of "Cry Me A River" was on a 1999 CD that was put together for a local charity. It will rock your socks off. So please, before you hit the play button, make a cup of tea. Or coffee, if you prefer. I would advise to throw caution to the wind, and if you've got sticky buns or coffee cake or cookies hidden in the house, toss 'em in the microwave for a few seconds to make them gooey and delicious. And then turn the volume up on your computer -- this will work best if you use the computer with the loudest speakers in the house, so if you have to use your husband's computer or one of your kid's computers -- go ahead and bust the code. Once you hear this chick sing, you won't feel guilty. Then pick out a comfy chair in the room and hit the play button. You're going to have to hustle to get across the room before the song starts -- but it'll be worth it. I promise you, listening to Susan Boyle will be the highlight of your day. Go ahead, hit the play button again and again until you're satisfied. Is it me, or does she sound a lot like Jo Stafford? I will be first in line for the Susan Boyle CD. She's one Scottish lass who gives spinster crazy cat ladies a good name.

Holding Out For A Hero

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I've read a lot of blog posts about Susan Boyle over the last few days. I personally got phone calls from readers after I posted her video on my blog. And I heard today that since the video of her audition on "Britain's Got Talent" was posted on YouTube, it's had more than 12 million hits. She's an international internet sensation. Some people think we're all shallow because we want our talent gift-wrapped in a visually pleasant package, and when someone like Susan comes along and isn't what we expect, we're all shocked. I guess I think my fascination with her is different. I'm fascinated with her because I identify with her. She is the personification of why I started a blog called "Cinderella After Midnight." What happens when you've reached the age when you're supposed to accept that your youthful dreams may not come true? I'm fascinated with Susan Boyle because she reminds me that it's never too late for dreams to come true...if you're willing to risk it all. I mean can you imagine the courage it takes to sing in front of Simon Cowell? Susan may look like a little wallflower, but I think Simon is right...she is a 'tiger.' And she continues to amaze me. I can hardly wait until she and Paul Potts go on tour together.

And They Call It Puppy Love

Today the new first dog, Bo Obama is going to take his first official White House photo op with the rest of his young family. His life so far has not been easy. His first family rejected him because he didn't get along with their older Portuguese Water Dog. So he was sent back to the breeder, just about the same time that Senator Ted Kennedy called to see if they had a dog that would be a good fit for the President of the United States. And just like that, Bo (who was formerly known as Charlie), fell into a big tub of butter. He will not be chained up in the sideyard of a mobile home. He'll be spending the better part of the rest of his days romping in the White House rose garden. He looks like he's worthy of his fate.

I was about the age of Sasha and Malia when I was given my first dog for Christmas. Angus was the best scottie dog ever. I loved him. Unfortunately, my Dad and Angus took one look at each other and fell madly in love. They adored each other. Angus was given to me, but he was my Dad's dog. He made his choice. And by the looks of the photo above, Bo may be making the same decision. I'm sure Sasha and Malia will still love him.

I Dream A Dream

The lovely Susan Boyle is my new hero. Watch the video and then find out more about her.

Who Moved My Sheep?

It's been a week. I hope you haven't forgotten about me. Things have changed in my world. I'm working in a different department on a different floor. Those who know me know that I'm not good with change. I don't believe in it.

A couple of years ago the company I was working for was sold to a larger company. We were all very worried about what would happen and if we would lose our jobs. Our fearless leader called us together and told us not to worry. She also said she had one copy of the best-selling book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" that we were all encouraged to borrow from her and read. I did. I found it inspirational to know that many other people don't like change either. A week later they called us all together again. Told us half of us would be fine and continue to have jobs -- and the other half would be herded out the door. I was in the flock that was herded out the door.

Did I mention that I don't like change?

This time, things look a little brighter. I have my own desk and a direct phone line. I'm starting to feel like a grown-up. The video above is actually an advertisement for Samsung...but it also looks like a whole lotta grown up guys with too much time and too many sheep on their hands. It could be worse...

Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'

Happy April Fool's Day! At least...I hope this is a prank.

To London, To London

President and Mrs. O are off to London for the G20 conference. And they've been invited to Buckingham Palace to have dinner with Queen Elizabeth. Oh! To have an invitation to that dinner party! What I wouldn’t give to watch the Obamas charm the royal lace drawers off of that old bird.

I must admit to a long-term fascination with the British Monarchy. I was eighteen when Diana Spencer became engaged to Prince Charles. I remember so well getting up at 5:00 am with my mom to watch the festivities. We had just settled on the sofa when my Dad came around the corner and settled himself into his La-Z-Boy chair so he wouldn’t miss out on a moment.

And that’s the thing about that wedding, I don’t know anyone who didn’t watch. It was like watching a real-life version of Cinderella. And Diana....she was one of us. She had never outgrown the desires of her thirteen year-old self. When it came to engagement rings, she picked out the biggest sapphire in the British Isles. Wouldn't you? When it came to wedding dresses, she picked up the one with the most ruffles, bows and longest train. Bring it on! When it came to flowers, she said, ‘more, more, more!’ Fortunately, she also had good taste.

Queen Elizabeth, unfortunately, did not enjoy having a daughter-in-law that was so completely in touch with her inner 'tween. It’s too bad. Diana’s wedding was an incredible moment of good publicity for HRH. They’ve certainly had to work hard to remake their image after Diana’s death. The whole world was devastated when Cinderella’s real-life marriage didn’t work, and Diana died after running off to Paris with a rogue.

But this is a new era for all of us. And our new President and his missus are off to London to see the Queen.

Not to be outdone by the Obama administration forcing the White House into the information age, HRH Elizabeth has recently gone out and gotten herself a website. There are some other websites that are even more intriguing -- full of gossip and photographs of the current young royals and their nuptials.