THE UGLY TRUTH

The Good Girl

The other day hanging out with a friend we got to the subject of Arnold Schwarzenegger's infidelity revelations. After the obligatory "Sperminator" joke, he said that he had seen a recent photo of the woman in question and was surprised by how unattractive the woman was and wondered why Arnold would have chosen her to cheat with.

My reaction went along the lines of: Excuse me? Your more surprised at the unremarkable looks of the woman as opposed to say the fact it was such a long relationship with an employee or that his wife and mistress were pregnant at the same time? Oh I forgot, celebrities (and non-celebrities for that matter) only cheat with people who are better-looking than their current mates. Otherwise, why cheat at all?

I have come to the sad realization that my friend is not alone in his attitude. Apparently, analyzing the attractiveness of the lady Arnold cheated with is going on everywhere. Since she doesn't look like a model, people wonder what could possibly possess him to sleep with her. He has a very attractive wife at home, it only makes sense that his lover should be hotter and younger. But she's not, so what's going on with him? There must be some other reason. One theory is that being the center of attention is so essential to Arnold that he didn't want to compete with someone too strikingly pretty. I have a couple of theories myself: maybe Arnold actually found her attractive and maybe some guys have different ideas of what makes a woman attractive. Radical, I know.

After a celebrity cheating scandal, the woman in question usually come under great scrutiny. And woe to the woman that doesn't live up to traditional Hollywood standards of beauty.

And, besides... She's OLD & UGLY!!!

Cheating on your wife with a conventionally hot woman is totally understandable, but not if you do it with somebody who doesn't look like she stepped out of a Vogue spread (or porn movie). When stories broke about Bill Clinton, there was a lot of snipping about Monica Lewinsky's weight and Paula Jones's nose. More recently in discussions of Jesse James and Tiger Woods, the women they cheated with were held up against the untouchable beauty of their wives. And the question was if you have someone like Sandra Bullock at home, what are you doing with Bombshell McGee?

Of course it goes back even further. I remember after the revelation of the true relationship between Prince Charles and Camilia Parker-Bowles, it was quite common to hear remarks about how old and ugly Bowles was. And many seemed incredulous that Charles would cheat on his hot young wife with a dried-up old hag. I clearly recall a talk show host seemingly stunned at this. But Diana is beautiful, why would he cheat on her with someone less attractive and older? That doesn't make sense.

All this seems to be saying that cheating is one thing, but there's something really wrong with you if cheat with someone who isn't even hot. I'm not sure why so many are willing to overlook the fact that infidelity often isn't just about sleeping with someone better-looking than your partner, and that an especially attractive lover doesn't make it more or less of a betrayal. The pain is just as deep and the devastation just as real no matter what the other person looks like. And that is the ugly truth.

Editors Note:  Other posts to check out by "The Good Girl"
Just Say No
The Good Girl's Dilemma

WHAT DOES HIS GIFT REALLY SAY?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

So many women find that after a while the gifts become impersonal and are given without thought or concern. Some find the gifts don’t come at all. And some wind up receiving the worst gift a husband or lover can give – the dreaded GIFT CARD!  This says “I just want to grab something and not think about it.”  It ranks right up there with the toaster, vacuum cleaner or blender for a gift. (unless of course that’s what your heart really desires!)

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I need expensive gifts to feel loved. I just love the thought and time that goes into the choosing of the gift. The financial value truly doesn’t matter as much as knowing that my husband knows me, knows my likes and dislikes, my hobbies and habits. Many times the gift is not jewelry or flowers, but something I longed for but never mentioned because I really didn’t need it. Somehow he knows what’s in my heart and it magically appears under the Christmas tree or in my Easter basket!

When I was first married, I didn’t have the money for a set of good china. Besides that, I preferred a good sturdy set of stone wear. A few years ago I decided that I really wanted that delicate, classy china! But because of my love of history and all things from the past, I wanted antique china! My husband found a set of Noritake Azalea China from 1929 in perfect condition.  He surprised me with it on my birthday and had my mother in law get me the serving set to match.  Go on girls; tell me you can top that?  I don’t think so!

So if you’re wondering what the gift he gives you is saying, here’s a partial interpretation:

He got you: Holiday-themed chocolates

What it says: “I bought this at the supermarket on the way over here, probably because I’m surprised that we made it to the holidays and hadn’t planned on getting you anything.”



He got you: Plane tickets for a romantic getaway What it says: “I think our relationship is strong enough to withstand non-stop quality time and hearing/smelling each other’s bodily functions through the hotel’s bathroom door.”


He got you: A couple-friendly sex toy
What it says: “I’m tired of being on top.”



He got you: A solo sex toy just for you
What it says: “I’ve been fantasizing about this since the first time I saw you naked.”



He got you: A gym membership, after you’ve been complaining about how you want but can’t afford a gym membership

What it says: “I’m a little clueless, but thoughtful.”



He got you: A gym membership, despite you never mentioning your weight, exercise, or visiting a gym

What it says: “I’m clueless, and I’ll be sleeping on the couch this week.”



He got you: Anything he made himself

What it says: “If you weren’t sure how into you I am, the answer is very.”



He got you: A promise that your gift is on its way, coupled with mumbling about it being held up at the post office What it says: “I just ordered it yesterday and didn’t even splurge for overnight shipping.”



He got you: Lingerie that’s totally your style

What it says: “I know what makes you feel sexy and I’m willing to spend an hour at Victoria’s Secret looking creepy to give it to you.”





He got you: A framed picture of the two of you
What it says: “I’m a cheesy romantic.”



He got you: A framed picture of the two of you, blown up to the size of your bedroom wall

What it says: “I hope the cheesy romance factor conceals the fact that I have a shrine to you in my room and am knitting mittens out of your hair.”



He got you: A pet for the two of you

What it says: “I’ve already booked a caterer and reception hall for our wedding, just in case. Don’t mind the shelf of baby name books in my living room.”



He got you: A pair of earrings

What it says: “I think you’re worth a million bucks—but I could only afford $79.99 at Zale’s.”



He got you: A gift certificate to a spa

What it says: “I want you to feel completely pampered while I picture you being oiled up and rubbed down.”

List compiled by Diana Vilibert

I remember the Mother’s Day right after my daughter was born. My husband surprised me with a beautiful gold necklace and red roses. I felt special and loved, as I’m sure was his goal. As my children grew older and were able to buy gifts for themselves, I expected the Mother’s Day gifts from my husband to stop. They didn’t. Each year he gives me something personal, thoughtful, and beautiful. It means SO much because it tells me he still cares.

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

A woman decided to have a face lift for her birthday. She spent $5000 and felt really good about the results. On her way home she stopped at a dress shop to look around. As she was leaving, she said to the sales clerk, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but how old do you think I am?"

"About 35," was the reply.

"I'm actually 47," the woman said, feeling really happy.
After that she went into McDonalds for lunch and asked the order taker the same question. He replied,

"Oh, you look about 29."

"I am actually 47!" she said, feeling really good.

While standing at the bus stop she asked an old man the same question. He replied, "I am 85 years old and my eyesight is going. But when I was young there was a sure way of telling a woman's age. If I put my hand up your skirt I will be able to tell your exact age."

There was no one around, so the woman said, "What the hell?" and let him slip his hand up her skirt.

After feeling around for a while, the old man said, "OK, You are 47."

Stunned, the woman said, "That was brilliant! How did you do that?"

The old man replied, "I was behind you in line at McDonalds." 

WELCOME HOME ENDEAVOR!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Endeavor ended its 122 million mile career with a bang this morning at around 2:35 am. I was sitting at my computer typing when two shotgun like blasts scared about 2 years off my life before I realized that the shuttle was due back. I switched on the TV to witness a smooth landing for Endeavor and the end of its 16 day mission.

Commander Mark Kelly spoke of the amazing design of the shuttle and how Endeavor, even though its career is at an end, leaves a great legacy.

Even as Endeavor landed for the last time at KSC, Atlantis sits on the pad awaiting its final flight and the end of an era in Space Travel.  I don’t know how it is elsewhere, but here on the Space Coast, there is great sadness and disappointment at the coming end of the shuttle program.

We hope that new plans and programs will soon help restore our area to the vital, thriving, center for space exploration and research that it has been since President Kennedy first set the goal of reaching the moon. We also hope that people everywhere will remember all the advances in Science, Medicine, Technology, Diet and Nutrition, and so many other areas that came about because of the work that was done in the space program.

Lunch Time Poll

Dawn Boyle

What will be next? This morning I was watching the news and heard that if you use your cell phone for more then 30 minutes a day that you might get brain cancer....this new study says that you should never have the phone closer then a few inches away from your head or use earphones. Don't let children play with phones either.

Will this study make you change your cell phone use?

CASEY ANTHONY TRIAL DAY 6

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Today’s spectacle in court held some tense and chilling moments for the jury. When Cindy Anthony took the stand and related the finding of Caylee’s favorite baby doll and backpack in the car, she wept and touched everyone’s hearts with her grief. Then when she recounted the events of her 911 phone calls and the jury listened to the tape, it was like time stood still in the courtroom. Cindy Anthony sobbed and could not hold her head up while she relived the horrific moments when she first learned Caylee  was really missing and had been for 31 days. The real shocker came when a cold, almost annoyed   Casey Anthony got on the phone and matter of factly said, yes she was missing, but she was with the nanny. It was later learned that this nanny never existed. The jury stared as tapes were played of jail phone calls with the “F” word scattered liberally in her speech. Some jurors cringed as the words flew. You could almost hear a gasp when Casey announced in one call “Nobody in my family is on my side. … That's all they care about right now, finding Caylee."  Some jurors were reported to have scowls on their faces after this testimony.


As you know, only 50 people from the general public are admitted each day to witness the trial. Tuesday morning a huge line was already forming outside the Orange County Courthouse. (No one is allowed to assemble there before that time). There was a mad scramble to be one of the first 50 and it was compared to the mad dash to get into the stores on Black Tuesday. Luckily, no one was injured in the rush, but I believe we can expect more of the same each day of the trial.

People rush for one of the 50 spots at the Orange County Courthouse


What do you think so far? Were you shocked at all of Casey’s “Imaginary Friends”?  What did you think of her “best friend’s” testimony and slip about Casey acting like a 16 year old who felt guilty over doing something wrong? 
We’ll all have to tune in again today for another episode of:
The Casey Anthony Trial, a Soap Opera in the Making!

MYSTERY HUSBAND ILLNESS

Dawn Boyle

There are certain things that I pick up immediately, others take a while. When I say a while I mean years... years and years. This year I finally picked up on something that has been going on for so long in my house, it is almost comical as I write this.

This past weekend we celebrated Memorial Day weekend on our boat. We stayed over night. I have to admit my nerves were high as I have a kid that sleepwalks, so I didn't really sleep great. My husband slept like he was dead. He was up on the bed, I was down on the couch with the cushions and two kids.

I guess it all caught up with me. I went to bed the other night thinking I strained my voice from yelling at the kids, but when I woke the next day I was full blown sick. No voice, chills, the whole nine yards. I was up coughing my brains out and spent the entire day sleeping on and off.

My husband called early in the morning and he could tell by my voice that I was not good. Even after I told him that I was going to try to rest for the day, he called three other times. He came home and suddenly was sick and that's when it hit me.....I can NEVER EVER be sick.

His "tummy ache" trumped my fever. He got into bed and didn't have to lift a finger. "The Mystery Husband Illness".

I started to think about the last few times I was sick and realized that every time the exact same thing goes on... even when I had surgery - he was suddenly not feeling good.

So to me there is nothing more wicked then a summer cold or how wickedly odd it is that my husband comes down with a bizarre illness just to not have to deal with helping me out! UGGGH!!!!

Have you ever experienced this? Has "The Mystery Husband Illness" ever struck at your house??

THE EATERY IS OPEN - POLYNESIAN LUAU

Marion Ambrose Pellicano
How about starting summer off right with a Polynesian Luau?

Start with tropical fruit salad served in a hollowed out half pineapple for each guest. Serve frosty pina colada’s with little umbrellas and straws. For dessert, try Bananas Foster, Coconut cake or a plate of golden macadamian nut cookies!

Set the mood with lighted lanterns, tropical music and candlelight, and you’re ready to go!

Main Course:

Peachy Pork Picante Ribs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

8 boneless pork ribs (picnic style)

1 pkg taco seasoning mix

1 cup salsa

1 cup BBQ sauce

½ cup peach preserves

Shake ribs in plastic bag filled with taco seasoning. Place on rack in baking dish. Pour BBQ sauce evenly over ribs. Pour salsa over BBQ sauce and spoon peach preserves on each rib. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes or until brown and crispy.

 Makes 4 servings

Coconut Rice

4 cups coconut water

4 cups instant rice

Bring coconut water to a boil. Add instant rice. Cover and remove from heat. Allow to stand 6 minutes. Remove cover and stir. If rice is still wet, cover, heat for a minute or two longer.

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

Tony Walker

Every summer I take a trip to Lake George.

Whenever I talk about Lake George I think about my first visit there when I walked into a little country store.

They had this big sign that says, "Beware of dog."

But inside the store is harmless old hound dog who sleeps all the time right next to the cash register.

I asked the store manager, "Is that the dog we're all supposed to beware of?"

"Yep that's him," the manager replies.

Amused, I ask, "That certainly doesn't look like a dangerous dog to me. Why in the world would you post that sign?"

"Because," The manager says, "Before I posted that sign, people kept tripping over him."

The Casey Anthony Trial, A Soap Opera in the Making

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Well, the first week of the Casey Anthony trial was like the first season of a bad soap opera!  Actually, the soap began with jury selection!  I couldn’t believe the ridiculous things perspective jurors were saying to get out of serving! Then when the actual trial began it was even more of the ridiculous!

Ridiculous thing #1: (defense)   Caylee was never really missing, she drown in the family pool and Casey was in denial due to years of abuse from her father, George Anthony.  Friends of Casey testified that they saw no change whatsoever in her demeanor or behavior after June 16^th, 2008 (supposed date of the drowning). Her boyfriend also testified that nothing seemed wrong at all. Does this seem like someone who learned her baby drowned?  Oddly enough, she never mentioned Caylee except to lie about her whereabouts when anyone asked.

Ridiculous thing #2: George Anthony and the manager of the wrecker service that towed Casey’s car both testified that they noticed a “Stench” that emanated from the car and was the unmistakable smell of a dead body, yet neither called the police to investigate. What’s up with that, especially since Anthony was a detective and knew the proper procedure for investigating a possible crime scene!

Ridiculous thing #3: Judge Belvin Perry sided with the defense and did not allow jurors to see a sexually charged instant-message conversation between Casey Anthony and boyfriend, Anthony Lazzaro. The Prosecution claimed that the message revealed the motive for killing Caylee, which was supposedly to be free of the responsibilities of motherhood in order to be with her boyfriend. Why on earth would you not allow this to be seen by the jury! Clearly, Casey was more interested in being with her boyfriend than in being with Caylee! It seems to me that the conversation was extremely relevant to the case!

Ridiculous thing #4: Casey made up the fact that she had a job, dressed for “work” each day, sent herself emails from “work”, made up a nanny, and lied through her teeth on many documented occasions, yet the defense expects us to believe that now she’s telling the truth! Well, I’m sorry, but habitual liars rarely change their stripes. There is something seriously wrong with this woman and the jury cannot overlook her past behaviors because the defense wants them to!

There are so many more points to comment on, but I think I’ll wait and see what week two brings to light! So here’s to the upcoming second season of “The Casey Anthony Trial “. It will be interesting to see who gets nominated for a Daytime Emmy!

***Please note that this post reflects my personal opinions and not necessarily those of DRL.