Happy Holidays!

I hope that your Holiday Season is filled with an abundance of JOY!

Calista's Diary Entry - Sweet Homecoming

Dear Diary,

Bob asked me to dance at the Homecoming Dance. I said yes!!! We danced to a beautiful slow song. My heart was beating so hard and so fast. He told me that I looked beautiful! :-))))))) I keep thinking about it... I keep replaying it over and over again in my head.

It was a good night.

Calista's Diary Entry - The Dance

Dear Diary,

Kana has been sick with the flu. Thursday after school she called me and asked me to do her a big favor. She asked me if I would go to the Homecoming Dance with Dave since she would not be able to make it. I said no at first. She said "Please Calista, I'm too sick to beg. Dave has already bought his suit and everything!" I said "Dave is wearing a suit? I've got to see this!". So I asked my parents if I could go. They said that since they know Dave's parents from church and since this is a chaperoned event, I could go. So I called Kana and let her know. She said "Do me one more favor okay?" so I said "What?" She said "Have fun. Have fun enough for the both of us!"

So then I had to figure out what I was going to wear. My mom told me that she has a dress that might look good on me. She brought the dress out and I fell in love with it. She said that the dress is probably a little mature for me, but I didn't think so. When I put it on, I felt like a movie star! My mom had to make some alterations to the dress, but that didn't take long.

Friday night my mom helped me with my hair and my nails, and I put on my dress and it fit perfectly. I felt so pretty! When Dave came to the door to pick me up, his jaw dropped. Dave's dad drove us to the dance and picked us up afterwards.

When Mikey saw us at the dance, he said to Dave "I thought you were bringing Kana?" and Dave said "You know she's been sick" and Mikey said "So you two coming here together was a last minute thing?" and Dave said "Yes." Mikey turned to me and said "Calista it's a good thing that you're not wearing pants because they would have burst into flames." Nobody laughed. I don't think that they got it but I got it. Mikey was calling me a liar right to my face. I wasn't about to let him ruin my night though, so I just ignored him.

I thought that Dave looked kind of cute in his suit.

Skipper looked amazing and made a great Homecoming Queen.

Bob was looking quite cozy with Hadley and Isla.

Bob even danced with Skipper.

I tried not to focus too much on him though. I just wanted to enjoy myself with my friends.

There are more photos on Flickr.

Something pretty major happened at the dance last night. I'll write about that later.

Calista's Diary Entry - Gossip Girls

Dear Diary,

Skipper told Kiara that I cried when I found out that Bob was going to the dance with Hadley, and Kiara told Sharpay, and Sharpay told Nakia, and so on and so on.

Briana Joy told Janet that I had been waiting on Bob to ask me to the dance, and Janet told Mira, and Mira told Linh, and so on, and so on.

Along the way, some girls added their own speculation and opinions, and all of that got retold as fact. So by the time the story got back to Bob, it only slightly resembled the truth.

Bob told me that we need to talk and he asked me to meet him in the library and I agreed. I got there before he did and as soon as he arrived I asked him why he was going to the dance with Hadley and why hadn’t he asked me. He had this really puzzled look on his face and he said “I didn’t ask you because I thought that you were going to the dance with someone else.” I asked “Who told you that?” and he said “Mikey told me that weeks ago. Now I’m hearing something different from everyone else…”.

So I told Bob everything, about how I had lied to Mikey, just everything. I asked him if he could cancel with Hadley and go to the dance with me. He said “No, of course not! I’ve given her my word. I wouldn’t do that to her or to anyone else.” Bob told me “You should have just told Mikey the truth."

My mom always tells me that lies have consequences. She's right. :(

Calista's Diary Entry - Drama Queen

Dear Diary,

Last Friday it was announced that Skipper was voted as our Homecoming Queen. I'm happy for her. She was busy most of the weekend shopping for things that she would need this week for the various events. We finally got a chance to talk.

She told me that she felt that I had placed her in a bad position when she was planning her slumber party because she had to choose between me and the twins Hadley and Isla, and she has been friends with them longer. So she invited them, and then we they couldn't come she invited me. She actually started crying, saying that it's so hard to know the right thing to do sometimes, that it seems like even when you think you know, things turn out wrong. I felt really bad when she cried but she told me that she was okay, that she cries a lot more easily these days. She said that her mom tells her it's because of hormones.

We came to the conclusion that whenever we're planning something, we should invite everyone so that no one feels left out, and that we should just do the best that we can to encourage all of our friends to get along.

Skipper showed me the dress that she is wearing to the Homecoming Dance. I think that it's pretty, but a little old-fashioned.

Skipper asked me what I was wearing to the dance and I told her that I'm not going. I started rattling on and on about how Bob had not asked me and how I didn't know why because I thought he liked me and how I had tried to give him hints but that didn't work and how I tried to build up my nerve to ask him and how I was going to ask him after church on Sunday but I lost my nerve. Skipper said "He wouldn't have said yes anyway." I said "Why would you say such a thing?" She hesitated, then said "Because he's going to the dance with Hadley." I said "What?!!" She told me that Hadley asked Bob to go last week and he said yes.

My eyes filled up with tears and I got up to leave. Skipper asked "Calista are you okay?" and I said "Your hormones must be contagious!".

Calista's Diary Entry - Awkward Moments

Dear Diary,

Today we had a substitute teacher. We were supposed to review Chapter 7 but Mikey told the substitute that Mr. Smith always lets us read on our own and talk about the chapter amongst ourselves on review day (which is not true). The substitute believed Mikey, so we basically talked and played around all during class. Mikey misbehaved a little.

Kana and Briana Joy have been telling me that I need to ask Bob to the dance. They say maybe he's too shy to ask me. I don't know, he wasn't too shy to write me that note a while back. They say I need to go ahead and ask because the dance is a week from Friday! I didn't want to ask him; I felt that he should be the one to ask me. Kana kept leaning back and whispering "Ask him! Ask him!" So I decided to just drop a few hints to Bob. I said "Sooooooo, the big Homecoming Dance is next week..." and he said "Yep." I said "You know, girls have a lot to do to prepare for a dance like this, so they really need to make plans in advance..." and he said "I imagine so." And he turned around and started reading his book. I don't understand him!

I saw Mikey coming my way and I had this feeling of dread because I just knew that he was coming to crack jokes about me. I was surprised when he stopped at Layla's desk and ignored me completely. He said "What's up Looooooooong Legged Layla!" Layla giggled and said "Mikey why do you always have to comment on my legs every time you see me?" Mikey said "I don't know. I guess because your legs are the first thing that I notice about you. And I notice because I like your legs." Then Layla let out this high pitched giggle and I felt my stomach turn. I was so ready for class to be over.

I saw Skipper in the hallway and I tried to go the other way but she started calling my name. She told me that we need to talk and asked me why I have been avoiding her. I told her that I wasn't doing it on purpose and she said "Come on! You don't even reply to the text messages that I send to you!" I tried to think of what to say. She said "Calista I thought that we were friends!" I said "I thought so too!" and she said "Well this isn't a very nice way to treat a friend!" So I told her "Okay, let's talk, but not now. We can talk for as long as we need to. I promise!" She said "Okay." As she was walking away, I told her "By the way, I've been meaning to tell you congratulations on being nominated as Homecoming Queen." She said "Thanks." and kept walking.

Calista’s Diary Entry – New 'Do

Dear Diary,

Layla has the cutest little twists in her hair and I started wondering what my hair would look like in twists. I asked her where she gets her hair done and she told me about her beautician. She said that she would do a great job on my hair. I was a little hesitant at first. I like my ponytail (more accurately - my ponypuff). But I decided to try something new. I can always go back to my old style later.

It took a while to do my hair so we had a lot of time to talk. The topic of the Homecoming Dance came up. Layla asked me if I already had my dress and I told her no. She told me that she already had her dress, shoes, purse, hairstyle, and accessories already picked out. I asked her who she was going with and my chin nearly hit the floor when she said Mikey! Apparently, he asked her to go just a few days after he asked me, but I don't think that she knows. I told her that I couldn't believe that she was going with him and I asked if she liked him. She said yes, she thinks that he's hilarious. I told her that she wouldn't think so if he was constantly teasing HER. She said "Calista, Mikey teases everyone! That's just how he is. He calls me Long Legged Layla every single time he sees me, but you don't see me crying about it. You're just too sensitive."

I told her that I didn't want to talk about it anymore. She asked me who I was going to the dance with and I told her "I don't want to talk about it." She let out a big sigh and changed the subject.

I like my new hairstyle! I will have to get used to it, but I do like it.

Layla gave me her hair clip. She said "This is to keep your thick pretty hair back so that everyone can see your pretty face."

Calista's Diary Entry - Babysitting Horror

Dear Diary,

Saturday night, there was a big Halloween party for adults and some of them needed babysitters. So Kana, Layla, and I decided to babysit together and split the money.

Since it was Halloween, we decided to let the kids watch scary movies. The scariest one was about a big purple dinosaur who preys on young children. I will have nightmares about that one! **shudders**

After that, we gave them snacks. We let them eat some Halloween candy, cookies, soda pop, etc. It was a challenge getting them all fed, but Little Janet was a big helper to us.

The children became a bit unruly! They were running around and jumping on the furniture. Finally we got them to calm down and we gave them some activities. We drew, played games like Musical Chairs, etc.

Eventually the young ones fell asleep. Me and my friends sat around talking after that. At one point my cell phone fell out of my purse and Layla grabbed it. She pretended to talk on the phone, saying "Hello? Hello?... Okay, just a moment." Then she handed the phone to me and said "Calista, 1999 is on the phone and they want their cell phone back." Kana and Layla giggled but I didn't think it was very funny. I hope that I get a new cell phone for Christmas.

A couple of the children woke up, so Layla played a video of one of her performances at school for us all to watch. That put them right back to sleep. LOL! I saw myself in the audience!

Scary Movie Moments

Just in time for Halloween! Here is my version of some scary movie moments. Can you name the movies?

1. "They're here!"

2. "Come play with us Danny. Come play with us forever...and ever...and ever."

3.

4. "I'm scared to close my eyes. I'm scared to open them."

5. "One, two..."

6.

7.

Dollar Store Dolls

Feast your eyes on my dollar store guys!

Let's take a closer look, shall we? First up, it's a brown skinned guy with a pompadour. He was a bargain even by dollar store standards. I think that I paid around 60 cents for him. He was a companion to one of the few Barbies that I had back then. I already had 2 Kens that looked just alike and I did not want another with that same face, so I decided that this doll would be a stand-in until I could find a different doll. This was in the mid 1990's before I began my internet shopping spree that has not ended. He used to have a name, but I forgot it long ago (in fact, I don't remember the names of any of these guys).

Next we have a guy with a crew cut. He was purchased to serve as a companion to my blonde Barbie, but the union was short-lived because of the next dollar store guy.

This one's a keeper! Here we have a fully articulated male figure that only cost $1. He had a long relationship with blonde Barbie - her longest relationship to date. She left him earlier this year though for 40th Anniversary Ken.

I've posted this in response to Johnny, Bargain Ethnic Fashion Doll. Because of this post, I have rescued these dolls from my Bin of Forgotten Figures. If you have dollar store dolls, do not be ashamed, post pics for everyone's enjoyment!

Calista's Diary Entry - Beauty Interrupted

Dear Diary,

Fall is my favorite season. I love looking at the multi-colored scenery. The beauty of the land just takes my breath away.

Today me, Kana, Briana, and Big Janet went on a nature walk. Oh yeah, I'm over what happened last weekend with them leaving me out of their plans. Last Monday they acted like nothing had ever happened, and I just went along. I haven't spoken to Skipper much. I just don't know what to say.

I had so much fun with my friends today. I'm just glad that things seem to be back to normal between all of us. My mom says that whenever there's conflict, that people need to talk things out. She says that communication is key. Maybe that's not always true. Maybe if people just hang out and look at the beauty of nature, they will realize that their problems are not so important after all.

I got separated from the rest of the girls for a while and I was just enjoying myself, looking at my surroundings when I heard "Calista! Calista!" I looked up and it was Mikey. I braced myself for his teasing. He said "You know the homecoming dance is less than 3 weeks away right?" I said "Yes I know." He said "I was wondering if we could go to the dance...together." I said "Ha ha Mikey, very funny." He said "I'm serious." And I looked at him and I saw that he really was serious! I was stunned! I tried to talk and my words came out in a jumble. "I...welll it's, you see..I just, I can't go with you." He said "Why not?" and I said "I'm already going...with someone else." I couldn't believe it when I heard that lie come out of my mouth. Well it's not really a lie, I do WANT to go with someone else, he just hasn't asked me yet. And in spite of everything, I just really didn't want to hurt Mikey's feelings.

Mikey said "Ok, that's cool. I didn't really want to go with you ANYWAY!"

An Elegant Affair

The guests arrived and were impeccably dressed for the occasion. They found that the table had been set with the greatest of care and that the best china and silver were used.

The host spared no expense in getting only the finest wine and champagne for this evening of fine dining. Only the best for these ladies and gentlemen of distinction.

When the main course arrived, some of the guests were a little taken aback.

Not to worry! Alternatives were offered.

New(er) Body for Barbie

The first Barbie that I got as an adult collector was 1988's Fun-To-Dress Barbie. I decided that she needs a new body so that she can finally pose in ways that she's only dreamed about until now.

Her new(er) body is from DML Amy. It's not a perfect color match but it is okay for now. The good thing is that Barbie can still wear most of her old clothes. One day Barbie will have a brand new fully articulated body.

Action Figures in Ken Doll Clothing

They do NOT approve.

Calista's Diary Entry - Payback

Dear Diary,

Saturday night I texted Kana to see what she was up to. We (me, Kana and Briana Joy) normally hang out on the weekends. So she texted me back saying "can't talk, movie starting, turning phone off". So then I sent a text message to Briana Joy and she did not reply. I even sent a text to Janet (we call her Big Janet or BJ, because we have 2 Janets). No one answered. I figured that they had all gone to the movies together without telling me anything about it, and I was pretty upset.

The next day I went over Kana's house and they were all there - they had spent the night! I asked why they had made plans without including me and Kana said "We figured you would be busy hanging out with your new BFF Skipper." What?! I was shocked. I told them that they did not have to be upset that I had made a new friend. They told me that's not what upset them. They said that it upset them that I had gone to a slumber party that they were not invited to. I told them that it was a last minute thing that Skipper threw together and they told me no, she had planned it for at least a week! They said that the only reason Skipper even invited me is that Hadley and Isla couldn't go.

Ok, all of this is news to me. I'll have to ask Skipper about this at school. Meanwhile, my feelings are really hurt. I do NOT want to have to choose between my friends. :(

8" Barack Obama Figure

Heroes in Action has produced a very nice 8 inch fully posable Barack Obama figure. I ordered one and it arrived yesterday.

This figure has a pretty good resemblance to President Obama. The suit is well made and uses Velcro closures. The suit jacket has a lining on the inside. The suit and shoes are removable.

I am very pleased with the articulation of this figure. His head and arms rotate, his waist swivels, his arms rotate at the bicep, he has jointed elbows and wrists, he is jointed at the hips, his legs rotate at the upper thigh, he has double jointed knees, and he has jointed ankles.

The only flaw that I see is that the paint comes off of the wrist joint. It is minor and barely noticeable.

Here is the Heroes in Action figure next to my 12" DiD Barack Obama figure.

Lt. Uhura and Michael Jordan figures come out to greet him.