Let them eat Cake!

One thing that I'd really miss if I got on Survivor is the ability to eat whenever I wanted to, and of course sweets! The cool thing about Jeff Probst and Julie Berry getting together is the names. My sister who means the world to me is Julie as well, so two cool pairs of Jeff and Julie's in this world. Julie's photo she sent eating cake makes me crave for some chocolate and I haven't even been deprived food for a single minute :)

Finding the good in the bad

Peter Harkey was the first voted off Survivor Marquesas, mainly because of his talking about the different "holes" in the body. I tend to find people who look at things differently cool to be around. I love to hear and see new points of view but can be pretty stubborn in my opinions. Unfortunately for Peter, being different on Survivor is usually the ticket to an early boot, but as Peter signed in his photo to me "Being voted off first has its rewards". Good way to look at it. Find the good in the bad!

Close, but no cigar

Other than the Allstars, only two Survivors have got to live my dream TWICE. Bobby Jon and Stephenie. Stephenie is one tough cookie. Way to go fellow dago! Steph played the game hard both times she was on and almost came out victorious the second time around. I don't think she should have apologized for playing the game the way she played it. She didn't do anything differently than anyone else on the show, but somehow she was held to a higher standard. No surprise there. That's how life goes. When I used to waiter in college, I learned quickly...always give good service and make a small mistake, you pay for it. Mess up all the time and make big mistakes and rectify them and you're a hero. Being the fan favorite Steph was I think fans and the other castmates had high expectations in how she'd play the game, thus making it almost impossible to win a jury vote. She's still one of my favorites!

Believe in Yourself

Butch Lockley's luxury item in Survivor Amazon was a banner stating "Believe in Yourself". This is something I've had a hard time with my entire life. I've sold insurance and was great at it, sold long distance and was great at it. Did charity work raising money, was great at it; and have worked for bloodbanks the last 12 years and have been phenomenal at it, all because they were all things I believed in. Granted insurance wasn't the most interesting thing to sell, but I believed in the company I worked for and was able to sell that. However, one thing I've always had a hard time selling is myself. I've never looked at myself in any "great" light just because I think, well what I'm good at is how I was made, so how can I take any credit for that. But believing in myself and being conceited about myself are two totally different things, and I think I've confused one with the other for quite a long time.

Overcoming insurmountable odds

Christy Smith is a role model for mankind. Many people would consider being deaf or any other physical handicap as a reason to whine and complain that life isn't fair, but others like Christy choose to take risks, go the extra distance and make the most out of life. Granted, she wasn't the greatest player of the Survivor game, but doing what she did, given the cards she was dealt is phenomenal. I still wonder though if she misunderstood the instructions at the Final Tribal Council voting for Jenna over Matthew, not that it made any difference in the game.

Learning to swim

I've never been a very good swimmer, and its one thing I'm worried about if I ever get on Survivor. Rodger in the Outback had the same situation in one of the challenges, but he jumped of the cliff into the water and gave it his all. His tribe and I'm sure all of America that was watching gave him a lot of credit for his positive can-do attitude. It was also a noble gesture on his part to sacrafice himself up so Elisabeth could stay in the game. He is truly a class act!

True to my word

I have gotten to a point in my life where the whole concept of church really has me questioning stuff. The whole self-righteous, judgmental, hatred stuff I see in many churches has really gotten me questioning my faith, beliefs and spirituality. When people claim to be good Christians, I think they should be as Lisa put it "true to their word", non-judgmental, caring, non-hating, non-destructive, and I saw all those qualities in Lisa. To me, that's how people should be irregardless of their religious beliefs. Lisa also has a really cool website where she sells her Survivor inspired soaps. It definitely shows her creativity and craftsmanship. Check it out: www.tribalsoap.com

Learning what's important

Funny, how I learn so many life lessons from watching Survivor. Matthew impressed me with his knowlege of so many languages, his worldwide travels, and many accomplishments, but he stated somewhere, either on the show or after, that as we get older, a lot of that stuff doesn't matter, and its the relationships we make along the way that carry much more weight. Great advice! Sidenote: Matthew's piranha imitation made me laugh and gave me nightmares all in one :)

Love, Peace and Tenacity

I had emailed Scout Cloud Lee of Survivor Vanuatu quite some time ago asking for words of wisdom on how to fulfill my dream of getting on the show. Something she saw in me was "tenacity" and it was so accurate. Other than flying by in school up until college, most stuff I've accomplished in life, I've had to prove myself much harder than most people do, which is ok. It makes the effort all the more worthwhile. Scout has a great way of bringing calm to a situation and signed her collage with a heart and peace sign. She truly demonstrates the meanings of love and peace.

Its ok to be different

What a Cinderella story Angie of Survivor Palau turned out to be. Because she had tattoos and piercings, she automatically got labelled in that "different" category, and was one of the last picked in the gym class method of picking tribes. She had to prove herself both personally and physically to her tribemates. She kicked butt in the challenges, became endeared to her tribemates and was a good role model to the people out there who feel they don't fit in. You shouldn't have to give up your own personality to fit into society's mold, and it would be nice if we lived in a world where people spent more time getting to know people on the inside instead of making decisions and judgments based on what you see on the outside.

Ray of Light

There are very few movies that I would put in the "WOW" category. I was blown away by the movie "Ray". It was one I just didn't get any vibe to have to go see, and when I did, wow, what a total package, and what an honest look at the trials and triumphs of Ray Charles. Harry Lennix Jr was one of the many actors who shined in this movie and I'm glad to see he's found a home on "Commander in Chief". I'd been emailing with his PR Manager for about a year, and it was a nice surprise to receive this signed photo from this talented and spiritual actor.

Living the dream.....twice

Well, everyone knows by now that I've been dying to get on Survivor, and some people (Allstars plus Bobby Jon and Steph) got to do it twice! Instead of an Allstar edition I would have liked to see a "Second chance" Survivor with people with interesting characters getting a second chance at the game. Bobby Jon and Stephenie got that chance from being the last two left of an Immunity Losing tribe, but I'm not bitter. I'm glad to see them both get their due, and I'm glad Steph helped Bobby Jon get onto the jury at least instead of being the last boot before the jury two seasons in a row...of course I wouldn't have minded filling one of those slots! But how can you get mad at Bobby Jon for that...he is the epitome of the American good guy!

Todd and "the Todd"

Rob Maschio's character "the Todd" on "Scrubs" reminds me a lot of my college best friend Todd, both are know for crazy antics, flirting with the girls and just being a hell of a lot of fun to be around...Ahhh..the good old days!

Blindsided

The one thing I really worry about if I get on Survivor is the old blindsided boot. Some that it happens to on the show take it with anger, some with class. One example of someone who took it with class was Gregg Carey in Palau. With the editing on the show I thought he had a good plan together with Coby/Janu/Caryn and I'm not sure why he didn't go through with it. I should have asked in my letter :)

Taking one for the team

In Survivor Vanuatu, when Brady was able to climb the greased pole, with the prevalent spiritual themes on the show, I was sure he was destined to win the whole thing, but when he didn't, I was pretty sure one of the men would take the whole thing. I guess sometimes you have to "take one for the team" at least that's the lesson I've learned in life. Sometimes one person on the team does the hard work and someone else gets the glory, but I guess that's how it goes and as long as the team wins, nothing was in vain.

Less is "More"

Funny how many of my autographs make me think of things that are so off topic to what their autograph means to me, but in my "looking at my life" moments I've been having, I've been constantly thinking that sometimes "less is more". People sometimes find me too intense to handle, so whereas my intensity is normal to me, to others it can be overwhelming so I've had to learn to tone it down a bit. Christina Moore is another one of those up 'n coming actresses and was a great presence in "That 70's Show", "Without a Paddle" and the sadly canceled "Hot Properties." I look forward to seeing more of this rising "Moore".

Not giving in to Stereotypes

There are a lot of stereotypes in life. The two things I personally try to live life without using are stereotypes and labels. They tend to limit what one can and cannot do in life, so I give a lot of credit to those who persevere against them. Daniel Lue has overcome the misconception of the small Asian male and found himself a place in Survivor history and most definitely a role model. Now I need to get on the bandwagon and fix that connotation of the fat 40 year old Italian male!

Aging Gracefully?

I'm one of those people who fights the aging process, at least the mental and emotional part of it kicking and screaming. I've had a receding hairline ever since I was about 25 and have been torn on whether to just shave it all off. I had TONS of hair when I was in my teens, and my barber would often say there is very little chance that I would ever grow bald. Well, the barbers were wrong. I almost didn't recognize Howie Mandel in this photo he sent me, and besides being a funny guy myself, I had crazy, wild hair, but maybe its time for me to make a change, take the plunge and shave it all off!

She Works Hard for the Money

I grew up in a house where my mom had to work hard at work, around the house, with us kids, and she loved that song "She Works Hard for the Money." You can't help be amazed and appreciative of Twila from Suvivor Vanuatu. You can tell she's had to work hard her entire life and I really admire that she's a "what you see is what you get" kinda person. She also seems like a real cool lady, someone you could just hang with, have some beers with and shoot the sh... Here's a toast to all the hard working mom's out there! May you always have the love you need to get by!

The Caan man

One of the actors I've really admired growing up who still gets to play some great roles is James Caan. From crying my eyes out in "Brian's Song" to almost getting to meet him when he was filming "Hide in Plain Sight" to criniging in pain in "Misery", James Caan can play any type of role that he faces with believability, character and emotion. Truly, a remarkable actor!

WHEEL....OF.....FORTUNE

Everyone knows me knows that I'm dying to get on Survivor or Amazing Race, but if I don't (well, even if ..uh...when I do) I want to do "Wheel of Fortune". I've watched the show since I was a kid and have been amazed that sometimes I could get the puzzles with no letters there at all. Of course I'm sure its all different when the pressure of being there on the set faces you. Vanna White helps make the show more enjoyable. Now if I could only find a job that pays that much to turn letters!

The girl next door

Many beautiful faces have graced the screen of "Survivor" through the seasons, but of all of them, none have had that perfect girl next door look of the Kate Hudson type as Jenn Lyon. She also laid low when she needed to an played hard when she needed to. Its always bothered me when contestants get tossed off the show without literally being voted off. I think Jenn may have had a chance to go all the way had she won the fire starting challenge or Ian's saving grace came one tribal council earlier. Its wonderful also to see someone who smiles and stays positive through adversity. I was real sad to learn Jenn is fighting breast cancer, and if anyone has a chance to donate money to the fight against it, please do so. Its definitely a worthwhile cause! I know Jenn will beat this thing...after all, she's a Survivor!

Trick Photography

I love doing photography and one of my favorite shots to take is anything that incorporates a mirror to make an interesting image with a reflection; so it was really neat to find this photo of Jonathan Pryce to have him sign doing "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in NYC. Hmmm...photography another hobby I love that I let go to the wayside...Time to rekindle that passion too!

Cuchi-Cuchi

Some people just have catch phrases that when you hear them, you know exactly who's being talked about. And ever since I was a kid, I knew, if I heard Cuchi-Cuchi, that could only mean one thing..."Charo!". There's just something about this woman you have to love!

The busy and successful get things done

I've never personally met Caryn Groedel of Survivor Palau, but I can tell she is the kind of lady that gets things done. On Survivor, she was always working around camp, trying her best in challenges, staying loyal to her friends; she's a lawyer, and she finds the time to reply to requests quickly. I've found through my career life that the people that manage to find the time to get stuff done are usually both successful and very busy. I personally am not an "excuse" kind of person. It amazes me how many people always say they never have time for anything, yet what you usually see them doing is nothing. Caryn seems really cool and I have not doubt is successful, and probably lives by the motto Work Hard, Play Hard, and is someone that has a very well rounded life.

House or Home

When I was younger I never really understood the phrase "A house does not make a home", but that was because my house was also my home. Now, living in South Texas, I understand the term very well. I've lived in my condo for 5 years and it has not felt like a home to me. I don't get excited to go there. It kinda feels the same as it does to go to work. Time for some changes. I related to things oddly, being that the motivation for this post was this signed photo from Hugh Laurie of "House".

Dear ole Dad

"That 70's Show" is one of those shows that I don't pay mind to when its on but always enjoy it when its on. Kurtwood Smith does a great job of playing a cool, yet nerdy dad. Its kind of fun to look back and reminsisce about the 70s when i (gasp) became a teenager...they ain't lying when they say time flies, but its irregardless of whether you're having fun or not :)

Dumping the fish

One of my favorite Survivor scenes ever was when, after Rupert was booted, Sandra went and dumped the fish that he caught. They booted him, so why let them eat his fish. Way to go Sandra, and she was definitely a deserving winner. She made the show dramatic, entertaining, and I just loved her in your face honesty. Many would probably look and say dumping the fish wasn't the smartest move when their wasn't much food to be had, but loyalty is a passing virtue in this day and age, and though she was loud, you can't deny Sandra from being passionate, loyal, driven, and a helluva a lot of fun.

Central Park West

Going to college 30 minutes north of NYC in Pleasantville, NY and staying a year after I got to go to Manhattan quite a few times. I just loved going and never got tired of it. The pace. The food. The people. Even the crazy taxi cab drivers. After being in South Texas for five years, I've been contemplating more and more the move back to the The Big Apple. And funny, one of the areas I like the best is Central Park West, which was also a short lived night time soap starring the talented John Barrowman.

I'll Be

If I ever get married, Edwin McCain's beautiful ballad "I'll Be" would most definitely be my choice for a wedding song. The soul behind his voice and the words of commitment are just so strong. Its one of those songs I'll never get sick of hearing, and hopefully be able to feel them for another person before I die.

Good Guys Finish....Second

Nice guys finish last, but on Survivor good guys finish 2nd. Colby Donaldson was definitely a fan favorite in Survivor -the Australian Outback. He played a good clean game. Worked hard. Played the game hard. Won both mental and physical challenges, yet came in 2nd place, when he could have easily won the million bucks by taking Keith to the Final 2 instead, but he did something that seems to be less and less important to people in this day and age. He kept his word to Tina, whom he had a final 2 pact with from early on in the game. Many say he made a dumb move..a $900,000 mistake, but he's made many commercials, been in a few TV shows and movies and made a pretty good name for himself. That's karma for you.

Football, the way it should be

Growing up and into my 20s I was a huge football fan, but started to lose interest when it became over-commercialized, players didn't stay on the same teams very long, and to my complete shock, the commercials and entertainment for the Superbowl became more "what to watch" than the game. I just can't get into it like I used to but growing up in Buffalo, near Pittsburgh, Terry Bradshaw was one of my football heroes as a kid! Glad to have his signature onthis cool Hall of Fame/MVP collage!

Golden Boy

That was the nickname given to Blake Towsley by his other castaways on Survivor Guatemala because good things just seem to come his way. When I was little I had golden hair, and the foster home I was in before my parents adopted me called me the same...but most things in life haven't come so easy for me. People often think they do, but other than grades when I was in elementary and high school, I've really had to apply myself and work hard, which oftentimes people don't see. I've learned that a lot of times what some people view as a gifted life is often times a life filled with many, many personal struggles but overcome by a deep down desire to overcome all odds. We saw this with Blake on Survivor. He was down and out and sick as a dog, yet every challenge he went to he mustered up the energy to give it his all. I've learned anything that deems the word "golden" usually comes with a lot of hard work; hmmm..sometimes that even applies to hair color!

A dedication to my friend...

Through autograph collecting, I've met some wonderful people all around the world. One such friend is my friend Claudia from Peru. I played a joke on her once about a particular flavor of ice cream, that I will remember until I'm old and gray. Even though, we've never met, she's become an important part of my life, and when we sporatically IM each other, its always an enjoyable experience. Its amazing with the Internet, how we can connect with people in life, we'd otherwise probably never have the opportunity to meet. I hope my travels eventually get me to South America and the ruins of Macchu Picchu! Claudia was kind enough to pick up this autograph of Ricky Martin for me when she traveled long distance to go see him perform. It was a dream of hers come true and in her special moment, she took the time out to think of others...Here's lookin' at you kid!

A Rising Star

My sister got me Nip/Tuck on DVD for Christmas. I've heard so many people talking about it, I had to see what the hoopla was all about. I have to admit I'm hooked! I could do without the graphic surgery stuff, but the characters and the show itself I enjoy. One character who really stood out to me was that of Vanessa, played by Kate Mara. At such a young age, to be so convincing playing a sexually confused teenager and to be able to do it so realistically and with such maturity was truly amazing. Then, when I saw "Brokeback Mountain" she played Alma, Jr. a girl who unconditionally loved her dad, and she had that magic spark that Julia Roberts had. She just lights up the screen. This girl is going places!

If I Had a Hammer...

One of the things I've wished I had been better at is carpentry. I lack the patience, coordination, and time to put into it to be able to make cool furniture and stuff for my pad, well patio, was trying to be cool with the word "pad". I have a lot of respect for people who have that creativity in carpentry or any other household arts. When I cook, it always looks like a hurricane came thorugh the kitchen. Domestic I am not! Carter Oosterhouse, a carpenter with a lot of personality and creativity from "Trading Spaces - Family Edition" was kind enough to send me an 8x10 signed photo. Surprises in the mailbox sure help get through Monday!

Another crazy blond...

..but this time its in character. I absolutely loved Lesley Ann Warren's portrayal of Norma Cassaday in "Victor, Victoria". She was just over the top funny and stole the movie. I mailed her the photo of herself as she normally looks and was blown away that by reading my letter about how I loved Norma, she took the energy to add a photo of herself as Norma...whoever she has in her life are lucky people! There is something so special about thoughtful gifts like that!

Boy, was I wrong!

When I first started seeing the cast bios on CBS for Survivor Palau, I had picked out the three people I was rooting for...Wanda for her wacky personality and huge spirit, Jolanda for her strength and she just had a strong presence about her and Jonathan for battling and winning over cancer at such a young age, and what a shocker that all three of them didn't make it past the first episode...I wrote about this to Jonathan in my letter and how cool that he sent me a photo of all three of them!