Wow. My 100th blog entry. Pretty momentous, eh? Or not... The truth is -- I'm not even sure anyone actually reads these anymore. Yet, somehow, I felt compelled to write. Perhaps, it's the fact that I took some much needed time to pamper myself this evening by going to get a wonderful facial at a relaxing spa including time in a sauna, steam room and heated pools. I suppose I should stop promising to "be better about writing more often" because I just set myself up for failure. Life gets busy, I get exhausted, and writing this blog is, unfortunately, not a top priority.

I'll try to keep this one short (no guarantees), though I cannot promise it'll be sweet. ;-)

For those of you who do not know, I'm currently working for The Recording Academy in Santa Monica, CA (A.K.A. "The GRAMMY's"). We're in the middle of what is referred to by my colleagues as "GRAMMY Season," and things are, to put it mildly, very hectic right now. Not only are we crossing our fingers that we find a way to go forward with the telecast despite the writers' strike, but we're in the midst of planning another huge event, MusiCares' Person of the Year Tribute to Aretha Franklin (two days prior to the 50th GRAMMY Telecast). I'm on the fundraising and special event planning side, so.... this is a busy time for my department!

Other than that, I'm living happily in sunny Santa Monica where people don't look at me like I've got two heads when I tell them I'm a vegetarian. It's been an interesting time in my life. 2007 was full of loss and significant change. I moved 2,000 miles across the country from Nashville back to L.A., left one job and began another, took some serious steps forward in my relationship, and have had to take inventory of my life and everything and everyone in it as I've begun to strengthen my own voice and identity as a strong, grown woman. We lost our infinitely loved family pet, "Teddy," and later lost my beloved grandmother "Maria" in September. I really don't know how long grief is supposed to last or what is considered to be "normal," but I'll be honest and say that it's been tough... and it's still tough. My grandmother and I were very close. She lived with us for a portion of my childhood and facing the world without her smiling face and embracing hugs has been a seemingly insurmountable challenge. After not picking up my guitar for the better of two years, I played and sang at her funeral and it was probably one of the most difficult moments of my life. I know she loved it though.

Speaking of my grandmother, she and all of the strong women in my family have all been inspirations in my other venture. I've officially launched REVOLUTION OF REAL WOMEN™ www.RevolutionOfRealWomen.com" -- an advocacy group for women of all origins, ages, races, religions, sizes, and orientations. We're a company that speaks up for those whose voices cannot be heard. We're for the young girls who have had to grow up in a world where most of their role models are airbrushed, anorexic celebrities who often live secret lives behind the scenes in order to look a certain way. Still, we're lead to believe that images such as these represent the way we're supposed to look. The truth? Most of the women who look like this are starving themselves, exercising to the extreme, and binging and purging their meals behind closed doors.

So... more information to come soon as things begin to pick up in all areas of my life. However, while I'm on a semi-public platform, I'd like to wish my brother a very happy early 21st birthday! I can hardly believe my little brother will legally be able to walk into a bar and order a drink. It was weird enough having to move him into his first college dorm and then have to walk away, let alone being able to grab a beer with him now! Then again, I'll be honored to continue my life's journey with a wonderful brother to stand by my side and support me. I love you, Dave! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Alright -- time for bed. Gotta go rest these old bones so I'm ready for another big day tomorrow! ;-)~

Mahalo, my friends...