buy tickets - April 28th Makin' Whoopie Comedy Show in Easton, MD

http://www.nightcatmusic.com/Workin' That Skirt...: April 28th Makin' Whoopie Comedy Show in Easton, MD

April 28th Makin' Whoopie Comedy Show in Easton, MD

Makin' Whoopie Comedy Show, Sunday 11/6, 6:30p

Awkward Family Photos

Seems like the dog is the only one who knows something is off.

Millions of people will take family pictures this Easter weekend. My parents are visiting, and as I write this entry, we are planning a deggcorating party which will involve a photo shoot where I'll ask them all to smile, say cheese, look this way, ok nevermind, just ignore the cam. The oh-so-desired traditional picture seems to elude the Maryland Braggs; we put on wigs during a sitting or draw tattoos on the holiday card. It just isn't us. Well, here is a site that takes the cake in the off-kilter kin snapshot, discovered by Tully Bragg, Dan's sweet bro. http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

It's a good thing they're not into hamsters!

Happy Easter! We are off to Italy while the parents hold down the fort. Ciao!

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

Ok, I gotta brag because I'm a proud mama and I like living up to my last name! My little man, David Dean Bragg, wrote an essay on the most beautiful place in the world and he won! It was for the Bethesda Literacy Festival and the ceremony is this Saturday where he will stand on stage and read his work.

The entry came home in the homework folder and I asked him if he wanted to do it. "NOOOOOOOOO!" was his response. So I left it on the counter for a week, primarily because I'm lazy and like my piles. Then it disappeared and showed up on the dining room table with a few lines. I could cry with pride not because he won but because he appreciates the most beautiful place in the world - nature. Here it is in all it's glory.

Happy Spring!

Nature By: David Bragg
"Hi, I'm David Bragg and the most beautiful place in the world is nature because there's waterfall's, trees and much much more! The Deer's eyes are so beautiful you'd whant to have them for you self. Frogs tongue's are so sticky, it could probably stick to snow! Oh! My favorite, the Bunny's ears are so big, it could probably hear 40 miles away! I also like the grass becuase it's my favorite coler, green! I love the rain because it makes tiny pudles for you to splash in! The mud, oh the best, it's so sticy, gooey, slymy, and wet! The best place of all natur, the rainbow, it has lot's of colers like, blue, green, (my favorite), red, yellow, and much, much more! I love to see nature because its so beautiful!

Whoopie Love

Whoopie, it's such a great word! It is an interjection - a shout of exuberant joy. It is a verb - to make whoopee is to engage in uproarious merrymaking. And it is a noun - the best chocolate cream dessert on the planet. There's also another meaning. See/listen to the song by Nat King Cole about "Making Whoopie." Weeelllll, here's a song and video about BAKING whoopie, hosted by Gigi. >>>>

Whoopielove is also in my heart for the new Whoopi Goldberg commercials. She portrays lots of historical women such as Mona Lisa, Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, Lady Godiva, Princess & the Pea who all dealt with a piddle in their panties. The Posie Pads are for the "spritzer" that comes when the pelvic floor has fallen and it can't get up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCaRxm-V6gE

If pads are not your thing, here are some other options:

Exercise with the Kegelmaster 2000, that as Terri Hatcher said on The Tonight Show, she has a "very strong kitty cat." http://www.kegelmasters.com/kegelmaster-video/

Get educated. Sheri Winston wrote THE BOOK on women's anatomy & sex - it was the 2010 Book of the Year by The American Assoc. of Sex Educators, Counselors & Therapists. http://intimateartscenter.com/

Surgery for vaginal rejuvenation. Always knew plastic surgery was in my future but...

Can't bring sexy back...

...cause it never left. Actually, there was a time when the steam was zapped out of my hot pocket. It was a few years ago after moving to the burbs and becoming a SAHM. Yes, there's even an acronym for the Stay at Home Mom. The peculiar thing is that there are lots of other ladies in the burbs who are not getting it on and most of them are married, which means they could have as much sexy as they want. Well, I had a meeting with myself and decided I would not end up as a prude who couldn't enjoy a good poke.

I'm grateful to have a love affair with my hubby. We celebrated his 50th birthday last weekend and had a blast with friends, a limobus, and wigs. After extensive research, therapy, books, and Womanly Arts training, here are some things I've learned about workin' that skirt.

* Pretend you're not married. Date. Call. Text, or sext for those of you who feel adventurous. Write notes. Make the most of the minivan w the stow-away seats - hello!

* In the words of the Bieb, "Never say never." Or always. Or every time. This is the #1 Rule of fighting. No hyperbole, unless of course, you have 10 examples with dates and times. If so, bring it!

* Train the kids to give you private time. You like morning lovin? Have the rugrats get their own cereal and turn on the tube. Kids in the backyard? Quick, lock the door and go for a let's-do-it quick.

* Make your own fun. Have family dance parties. Play dress up with the kids. If you don't have kids, play dress up anyway. Wigs are always fun but I can rarely get Dan into one. However, on his birthday, the limobus brought out the crazy.



Kate Gosselin wig backwards which makes Dan look like his brother Eric:

After Me Lucky Charms

St. Patrick's Day - wearing green, drinking green, chasing after me lucky charms. It's all so magically delicious, quite enough to make me river dance! But as I dove into the historical pot o gold, I realized there's a bunch of blarney about this glorious holiday.

* 390 A.D St. Patrick was not Irish - he was actually a well-to-do British boy.
* He was kidnapped at age 16 and sent to Ireland to slave away as a shepherd.
* His English name was Maewyn Succat.
* He had visions where God told him to escape and that one day he would return to reform the pagans.
* He took the name Patrick after he became a priest.
* He used the shamrock to teach the trinity.
* There really aren't any snakes in Ireland.
* Leprechauns are from Irish folklore, used to warn people to stay away sacred spaces.
* Irish spring soap doesn't really smell like Irish spring.

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Life is short, live large.

With the tragedy going on in Japan, here's a note of inspiration from the Universe (by the site TUT - http://www.tut.com/resources/notes/.)
If speaking to a spiritual novice during the darker days of human evolution, one might explain God, metaphorically, as if "He" were angry, testing, and judgmental.

To someone a bit more savvy, during easier times, one might explain God, metaphorically, as if "She" were always loving, nurturing, and forever conspiring on our behalf.

And to someone on the verge of a total breakthrough, during the latter days of human evolution, one might explain God by asking them to turn up the music, take off their shoes, walk in the grass, unleash the dogs, free the canary, catch a breeze, ride a wave, dance every day, get up early, take a nap, stay out late, eat chocolate, feel the love, give stuff away, earn it back, give some more, and laugh.... Really.

Really, really.
Catch a breeze,
The Universe

Look Great Naked

With Spring just around the corner I find myself, like the Earth, leaning toward the Sun. I went outside the other day and stood in the back garden to let the golden orb shine on my face. Ahhhhhhhh. It's hard to get a little color in 40 degree weather, even lubed up in iodine and laying on a silver blanket. I was freezing my lady balls off! Since it was Fat Tuesday, I warmed up with a slushy drink and was inspired to mark the changing of the seasons. The Polish have a festival where they kick out the goddess of winter and walk around on stilts >>>. I am honoring Lent by giving up being "vanilla," meaning it's time to get real, not doing things just to please others, AND saying what I need to say. A unique pagan ritual to add some color and prepare me for the vernal equinox was in order - the spray tan.

Not only does the spray tan give you a fab glow, it takes away all cellulite, and since the winter chub has given me dunlaps disease (my stomach dunlaps over my belt), I gotta hide what fatty-my-tapeworm has not digested. And, and, and, it is safe - the only harm it can do is to your sheets IF you get the color coating. I opt for the invisible sheen so that it doesn't look like an oompa loompa died in my bed.

Now if you have never had a fake tan, keep a few things in mind. Ya gotta wear a sexy hair net. Put lotion between your toes & elbows or you'll reek of fake bake. Assume the four tan stances and turn when it is time or you'll get double sprayed and resemble a tanorexic.

Here's to looking good naked or clothed or with dunlaps. Mark the change of seasons this weekend by turning your clocks one hour ahead as we Spring forward.

The Sheen

We are rubber-necking the Charlie Sheen train-wreck and am a tad embarrassed to admit that I'm experiencing schadenfreude - pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. But in the words of CS - "I don't live in the middle any more, that's where you get slaughtered, that's where you get embarrassed in front of the prom queen." Well, I was the prom queen and let me tell ya, it's not all what it's cracked up to be. OMG, Charlie Sheen is he right about some things?!

This here is a whole lotta crazy going on and I'm high on Charlie Sheen. The rants are incredibly funny and it seems like a stand-up act. He is a comedian, right? The interviews are assembled at the bottom of this entry. As the week gets sheenier, the list will grow. Put any favs of yours in the comments.

My favorite quotes:
*"I'm grandiose because I live a grandiose life. I'm tired of being awh shucks."
* "I've got tiger blood, man." - on why he hasn't OD'd
* "Dying's for fools."
* "I expose people to magic"on sharing his drugs.
* "You can't process me with a normal brain."
* "I'm Carlos Estavez"if he calls me that, does that make him anti-Latin American." - about the Chuck Lorre/Chaim Levine rant.
* "I'm a rock star from Mars."
* "I'm gonna ask for more, tons... all their gold, their toupees." - about how much he is going to sue.
* "The goddesses - I don't believe the term is good enough...when you are bound by these terrestrial descriptions you must use the best choice available...it's a marriage of the heartS."
* "Celebrate this movement" - to his fans "I will not let you down."
* "tired of pretending I am not special."
* CBS should apologize while "licking my feet"
* CBS "picked a fight with a warlock" "Vatican assassin warlocks"
* "I'm dealing with fools and trolls."
* "They lay down with their ugly wives and their ugly children and look at their loser lives and look at me and say I can't process it."
* "Score board doesn't lie"
* "Duhh" - about not being on drugs
* "I'm on a drug right now, it's call Charlie Sheen."
* "Not gonna work through my resentments - no dude, gonna use 'em to come at ya."
* "I don't live in the middle any more, that's where you get slaughtered, that's where you get embarrassed in front of the prom queen."

Today Show - http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41824830

ABC - http://www.masslive.com/mywideworld/index.ssf/2011/03/a_preview_of_abcs_2020_interview_with_charlie_sheen.html

TMZ radio - http://tmz.vo.llnwd.net/o28/newsdesk/tmz_audio/022411_sheen.mp3

Don't be a drag, just be a queen

I've got the vapors - tying up a tutu, putting on a wig, and glitterizing skin creates euphoria for a costume-loving, 40-something SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). Had to do it for my hang with Lady Gaga at the second stop on her Born This Way tour. Three things I said yesterday that I've never said before:

1. "Do you mind if I wear the same wig as you?"- to my friend Deb.
2. "I'll be ready in 10 minutes...I need to put on my tutu." - to the taxi driver.
3. "I hope I don't get pee on my ribbons" - tutu satin and urine not good.

I'm gaga for Gaga - she sings and dances for 2 hours in 10 inch heels AND plays the piano in a bikini and fishnets! Also noteworthy, lady was inspired to perform because she was bullied in school, doesn't lie about drinking whiskey & smoking weed while she writes, fights for equal rights, AND preaches while she performs, "don't leave here loving me more, leave loving yourself more." The 24 year old claims in the 60 Minutes interview that changing her name from Stefani Germanotta to Lady Gaga, inspired by Queen's Radio Gaga, allowed her to leave behind a massive amount of insecurities. http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7346544n Maybe I'll change my artist name to "Sizzle", which is a nickname that came about at a restaurant because the maitre d thought the "Cecil party" was actually the "Sizzle party." If I use the pseudonym, I'll honor Gaga's rules:

Don't lie about what you do when you write - there's a crawlspace involved but more on that in another entry.

Be eccentric...maybe I'll show up at the bus stop in my blue leopard pj's.

Write about provocative subject matter - The shrews in the drop-off line at school are getting a lot of air time on the town list serve.

Perform in something outrageous - At the next comedy open mic, game on! Forget the "TART" tube top. Anyone know how to make a spark-shooting bra and thong?

Until then, I'll keep workin' my skirt to live up to the words, "Don't be a drag, just be a queen...baby you were born this way!"

Five Minutes to Funny

What has been going on? Two months have passed since I last posted...been busy doing an adult swim - wading in the shallow end of comedy, treading the murky waters of joke delivery, and diving onto the stage. Many people say that doing stand-up is one of their biggest fears. For me, it is a rush to get a laugh. The "Five Minutes to Funny" class was taught at the DC Improv by comedian Chris Coccia, who sounds like a cartoon character, and should have his own show. He helped me craft the minivan into a sex machine.

It all started last year at The School of Womanly Arts* new-talent showcase. I told a cautionary tale about how I ended my "practice marriage" after I landed in the infectious and tropical disease center. The laughter was not expected. However, the laughs made me want more. From there, I took a Barbara Stanny** workshop and she asked us to do a "stretch" - something outrageous, something new. So, I did what 99.835% of the population would not do - try stand up. I'm a delusional mom thinking that the suburbs are full of humor, depending on your pov.

Here's a snipet of my "set" in the hopes that you are inspired to do a stretch and try something you never thought you'd do.

If the Odyssey's a rockin...

* Mama Gena's School of Womanly Arts http://www.mamagenas.com/
** Barbara Stanny http://barbarastanny.com/

Remember to Remember

Something popped off the TV the other day that I can't shake out of my mind. It was a story about a woman who, while on a safari vacation, wrote a desire in her journal. She noticed that the kids clothes were torn and filthy. She wrote, "I'd like to see if a women's group would like to begin to sew little dresses." The crazy part is that she didn't sew! And now she has a warehouse of volunteers stitching dresses and pants that are sent to 16 countries in Africa and the U.S.

Remember to remember. It is a line from The Secret, a book about the universal law of attraction. Remember to remember the little thoughts you have, the little desires, and signals from the universe. Rachael O'Neil listened and she is helping thousands.

Video from NBC, Making a Difference: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40153870/vp/40462050#40462050

The P Word

Pat downs! Ooooh you cheeky monkeys, you thought I was going to use the other p word right? And I will but not in this entry, although, being a graduate of the School of Womanly Arts, I encourage you to use it.

Today I'm thinking about those pesky pat downs that hundreds of thousands of people will experience next week as they travel to their Thanksgiving destinations.

I traveled through Dulles, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami airports last weekend hoping for a pat down. It was all in the name of research to report back to you. However, my lack of success in obtaining the airport touchy-feely is for all women who read my blog. So share it and pass this one around!

The way to avoid a pat down is to look eager for one! I had my "I'm ready" face on with a big smile for all security types. There were even eyebrow lifts and a conversation about wanting a pat down. Being forward is a guarantee they'll wave your ass through!

If only I could talk with someone at the TSA about those body scans! Homeland Security is really missing the boat by not allowing us to get a copy of our scans, similar to the system at an amusement park when you ride a roller coaster. People could pay for their picture - goodness knows we all look better in silhouette. And we could pose.

Lastly, I leave you with a quip if an airline gestapo goes up your leg to the nether regions. Tell 'em they'll have to pay you should they wish to get any closer to your "p".

Stay tuned for my turkey blog next week about the call in number at Butterball... Feeling very THANKFUL to all my friends reading Workin' That Skirt.

Few sites for travel advice:
http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-TSA-Body-Scan-or-Pat-Down

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm (how to get through quickly)

The Winking Witch

"At first I thought you were some crazy lady.” My witch cackle filled the air. "But, nahh, you look good,” said my garbage man this morning while the white sanitation truck passed with honking horn. I was walking home from the bus stop in full Halloween regalia. My shirt says: THE WINKING WITCH…COME AND SIT FOR A SPELL.

Now here’s the thing, anyone who knows me for five minutes, realizes I love to dress up. However, the last thing I wanted to do this morning was get up and put on a costume for the kids’ school parties. Gigi has a parade and David has a shin-dig for which I volunteered to orchestrate the freeze-dance festivities. I have been in bed all week with some kind of nasty bug that included a fever, sleepless nights, and a cough that has gotten my abs in shape.

Being ill is terrible and so I pose the question: How does one work her skirt when she needs to take to her sick bed? Well, Monday, I felt the stirrings of a cold brewing and I mustered up the energy to make homemade chicken noodle soup with dill, leeks, carrots, and parsnips. Soup was on hand whenever I needed nourishment. I also slept in the cutest, coziest pj’s. I showered and did my hair every day even though I didn't feel like it. I retired to the guest room and watched countless hours of TV and read half of THE FALL OF GIANTS, which is a thousand page book. The kids came in at regular intervals to cuddle (they already had the virus).

In my weakened state, I didn’t care very much about doing things "according to plan" and realized a few life lessons. Because I didn't have the energy to be the go-between with my kids sibling rivalry, they didn't come to me. Hmmm, staying out of their disputes is my next plan of action, or in-action. Saying "no" to volunteering or to a project that will max me out was easy because I was taking care of myself. The most enlightening reward was through my son David Dean, who is 7 years old. He stayed home one day with a "sore throat,” which might have been a sympathy move, but I didn't care because he is the best hugger. We watched movies about Greek gods/goddesses, ate ice cream in the morning, and snuggled all day. He said to me something I will never forget, "Mom, you know, I want to have kids one day and you are teaching me how to act when I have kids.” I asked him what he meant as I scooped more ice cream in his bowl. He replied, "You are showing me that even though you feel sick, you can still have fun and that it is OK to break the rules to make yourself feel better.” How’s that for some crazy lady?