One Perfect Couple: A Riveting Read by Ruth Ware with a Personal Connection

It’s not every day you get to meet one of your favorite authors in person, but I was lucky enough to cross paths with Ruth Ware at work the year before last. She was traveling back home to the UK and let me tell you—she was as wonderful and personable as her writing. It's taken quite a while before I was able to get around to reading One Perfect Couple, her latest thriller. I couldn’t help but think back on that encounter and how it added an extra layer of excitement to diving into her book.

Ruth Ware has always had a knack for creating suspenseful stories that leave you second-guessing everything and One Perfect Couple is no exception. The premise might seem simple at first: a seemingly perfect couple, secrets simmering below the surface and an unexpected tragedy that turns everything upside down. But as Ware does so well, the deeper you go the more tangled the web becomes.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The couple at the heart of the book—Alice and Tom—appear flawless on the outside, but as you peel back the layers, their carefully curated image begins to crack. The alternating perspectives between Alice, Tom and the people around them add depth and intrigue, making it impossible to put the book down. Ware’s ability to weave suspense with emotional complexity is nothing short of masterful.

What really struck me about One Perfect Couple was the exploration of human vulnerability. It’s not just about the twists and turns (though there are plenty of those!); it’s about how people navigate love, trust and betrayal when their world is crumbling. Ware’s characters feel so authentic, you can’t help but empathize with their struggles—even when their decisions make you want to scream. That balance between suspense and raw emotion is one of the reasons I keep coming back to her books.

Meeting Ruth Ware in person gave me a glimpse into the warmth and creativity behind her stories. She had this way of making everyone around her feel at ease and that charm comes through in her writing, even when she’s crafting heart-pounding mysteries. To meet her without knowing who she is and what her work is like, you would never think such a person could create the stories she does. Knowing how personable she is only deepens my appreciation for the talent and care she puts into her work.

As I turned the final page of One Perfect Couple, I was left with that satisfying mix of closure and curiosity. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you, making you rethink your own perceptions of relationships and the secrets people keep. And let’s be honest—Ware’s ability to leave you questioning everything is one of the reasons she’s earned a spot on my favorite authors list.

Have you read One Perfect Couple or any of Ruth Ware’s other books? If you love a good thriller packed with suspense, emotion and impeccable pacing, this one’s for you. I’d love to hear your thoughts, theories or even your own encounters with authors that have made an impact on you. Drop a comment below—let’s keep the conversation going! And hey, if this review sparked your interest or brought a little joy to your day, consider supporting the blog. Every contribution helps keep these personal stories alive and fuels more great book discussions. No pressure—your readership is what truly matters. Let’s continue celebrating incredible authors, captivating stories, and the magic of the written word. 📚

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Today, March 4, is an awesome day—it's Terry’s 64th birthday!

Today, March 4, is an awesome day—it's Terry’s 64th birthday! While we don’t have anything as grand planned as in past years when we sailed the seas with our dear friend Jeanne and the lovely ladies and fans of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, today is still special in its own unique way.

We're not doing anything as extravagant as past years when we sailed the seas with our dear friend Jeanne and the lovely ladies and fans of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, but today is still special in its own unique way.

On my birthday, we were both feeling a bit under the weather, so we kept it low-key. But Terry still made it memorable by getting me an incredible cake from Publix. Today, like on my own birthday, I have to work, but that won't stop us from celebrating in our own way.

A few months ago, I found the perfect gift for Terry that goes perfectly with a Christmas gift I gave him. It’s been hiding in my office since it arrived, and I can’t wait to see his reaction. I hope it gives him something fun to do on his days off and makes some of his ideas a little easier to bring to life. For dinner, I’m hopeful we’ll both feel up to going to a place Terry would enjoy. Although I wanted to try a new Korean spot near us for my birthday, we saved that adventure for today. Terry loves everything about Korean culture and is even learning a bit of the language, which I’m picking up by proxy.

Last year, we celebrated his birthday on the Norwegian Encore. Terry received a card signed by our friends Jeanne and Cheryl (Hollywood and Lightning from GLOW) and other friends who were cruising with us, including James, Vanessa, Manny, TeLisa, and many more.

Thank you for joining us in this celebration. Your thoughts and comments mean the world to us. If you feel inclined to send a little something our way, it would be deeply appreciated but absolutely not expected. Here's to many more years of laughter and unforgettable moments. 

What has been your most memorable birthday celebration? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below! 🎉❤️

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Saturday GLOWcase: A Tribute from a Loyal Fan - Jennifer Chiola

Welcome to another Saturday GLOWcase! Today, I'm thrilled to feature not just the incredible Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) and their production team, but also the loyal fans who have a deep connection to GLOW from its original run. Meet Jennifer Chiola, whose story beautifully captures the impact of GLOW on her life.

Jennifer has been a GLOW fan since she was 8 years old. Now 48, she reflects on how glad she is that GLOW was around when it was. Her dad, a tugboat captain, was often away, so they only got to spend about three months together each year. During those precious times, their shared love for wrestling, including GLOW and Saturday Night's Main Event, became a cherished bonding experience. They would sing the main rap song for the opening of the show as soon as it came on, creating lasting memories.

Jennifer’s dad knew the late Johnny Weaver, and they would always go to an old high school gym where Mr. Weaver would give them ringside seats. They saw several male legends of wrestling together. Jennifer fondly remembers, "His favorite thing he ever saw was when Hulk Hogan slammed Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania. We had to go to a special auditorium to see it on the big screen because pay-per-view was not available."

Jennifer fondly recalls the skits where the ladies of GLOW would answer "fan" letters sent to them. One of the greatest joys of her life has been connecting with Jeanne Basone (Hollywood) on Twitter a couple of years ago. Hollywood's sincerity, honesty, and kindness have touched Jennifer deeply. I can attest to Hollywood’s character as well; she’s a great friend to me too. Jennifer knows her dad, who passed away when she was 13, would be proud of this connection. Despite never meeting in person, Jennifer and Hollywood have become genuine friends, showing that the GLOW wrestlers are real people, just like us.

GLOW changed Jennifer's life and helped create memories that she'll always cherish. She believes the younger generation of women wrestlers should always remember the trailblazing efforts of the GLOW ladies. Without their paving the way, modern female wrestlers would still be walking on dirt. Jennifer's gratitude to the ladies of GLOW, and especially to Hollywood, is boundless.

Jennifer’s story is a testament to the profound impact GLOW has had on its fans. Over the years, Jennifer and I have also become friends, and I hope to one day meet her, perhaps at one of the GLOW events.

As we celebrate these incredible memories, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences of G.L.O.W. Whether you met any of the wrestlers in person, watched their mesmerizing performances, or were inspired by their strength and charisma, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave comments and share your memories of GLOW. Let's honor these incredible women, crew and fans together! If you feel inspired to support our efforts in keeping the spirit of G.L.O.W. alive, your contributions in any form are greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps me continue sharing these stories and celebrating the legacy of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community!

Show and Tell: My Beloved Tupperware Impressions Tumblers

For almost 20 years now, my Tupperware Impressions Tumblers have been a trusty part of my daily life. Three sets strong, and they’re still holding up like champions. These tumblers aren't just durable—they're practically indestructible!

My Love Story with Tupperware

I’ve loved Tupperware since I was really little. Some of my earliest memories involve Tupperware when Aunt Beverly's mama Eleanor or her sister was a representative. I was even given a few Tupperware toys back then! My sister still has my mom's classic Tupperware Tumbler set in the original vintage pastel colors from the 1970's.

I first got my hands on these Impressions Tumblers nearly two decades ago when I was a Tupperware rep. They’ve been a part of my life ever since. Although I'm not a rep anymore, my loyalty to the brand remains strong, and I absolutely adore my Tupperware lady, Aunt Barbara. Whether I'm indoors or out and about, these colorful tumblers, with their Drip-Less Straw Seals, have made serving drinks a breeze. They reduce waste, help me stay hydrated, and let’s be honest—they look pretty stylish too!

What Makes Them Great?

Tupperware really outdid themselves with these beauties. Each set includes four 16-oz tumblers with matching seals. Here are some of the standout features:

• Easy Packing & Transporting: Impressions Tumblers nest neatly, making them super easy to pack and take with you wherever you go.

• Spill-Proof: Thanks to the Drip-Less Straw Seal, I never have to worry about spills. If the tumbler tips over, there’s no mess. Believe me, I've tested this theory inadvertantly many times. I just wish I was using one the day I spilled Sprite on my laptop keyboard. 5 sticky keys drive me crazy.

• Comfortable Grip: The horizontal waves on the tumblers ensure a comfortable grip, even when my hands are wet.

• Perfect for On-the-Go: They fit in most car cupholders, making them great for road trips and commutes.

• Kid-Friendly: The tight seal and virtually unbreakable material make them perfect for kids.

• Hygienic: The seal keeps bugs, dirt, sand, and anything else out of my drink. It also helps prevent evaporation when storing drinks in the fridge.

• Space-Saving: The tumblers nest together, making storage a breeze.

• Color Variety: The colors randomly change as new batches are made, so if you see colors you like, buy them right away—they may be discontinued for a few years before they come back into rotation.

Specs and Care

• Volume: 16 oz

• Material: PP, PE

• Colors: Colors randomly change

• Care: Dishwasher safe (not safe for freezer or microwave), and recyclable

Long-Lasting Love

After all these years, my Tupperware Impressions Tumblers are still going strong. They’ve survived countless dishwasher cycles and road trips, proving their durability time and time again. If you're considering getting some for yourself, I highly recommend them. They’re a perfect blend of practicality and style.

If anyone out there has more Tupperware stories or tips, I'd love to hear them in the comments. And hey, if anyone’s looking to get rid off or thinking to gift some VINTAGE Tupperware, I wouldn’t mind adding a few more pieces to my collection. 😉

The Magic of The Bangles' "Different Light"

Back in the magical era of the '80s, The Bangles' "Different Light" album was nothing short of a revelation for me. Released on January 2, 1986, this album became an instant classic in my world, filled with catchy tunes, heartfelt lyrics, and those incredible harmonies that only The Bangles could deliver.

I can vividly remember the first time I heard "Walk Like An Egyptian." Released as a single in September 1986, this track's quirky and infectious rhythm had everyone mimicking the distinctive dance moves. I was completely obsessed with it! My sister, Becki, knowing my newfound infatuation, gifted me the 45" single for Christmas that year. It was pure magic, and I couldn't have been happier. I almost wore it out on my brand new Emerson stereo system I got from Santa the same Christmas.

The music video for "Walk Like An Egyptian" was another obsession of mine. It was nominated for Best Group Video at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards and featured the Bangles performing the song at a concert, along with scenes of people dancing in poses similar to those depicted in Ancient Egyptian reliefs. I watched it countless times, mesmerized by the visuals and the energy of the song.

A few months later, my collection expanded when I got the full-length "Different Light" album on cassette tape. That cassette became my prized possession. I obsessed over the album for months into a year, listening to it from beginning to end, again and again. I learned all the lyrics, and the vocal parts, not just the lead vocals but the harmony parts too. Tracks like "If She Knew What She Wants," "Walking Down Your Street," and "Angels Don't Fall in Love" were the soundtrack of my life during those formative years.

I also loved the remixed version of "Walking Down Your Street" that was used for the music video. The extended remix version added a fresh twist to the song, making it even more captivating. The music video for "Walking Down Your Street" was another visual treat, showcasing the Bangles' charm and the vibrant '80s aesthetic.

I've always thought it would be amazing to re-record the entire "Different Light" album using my own vocals for all the parts. It would be a tribute to an album and a band that I have loved since my elementary school days. Imagine transforming those familiar melodies and harmonies into a unique version with my voice! Even if it's just for myself, it would be a beautiful and fun way to honor The Bangles and the impact their music had on my life.

The album "Different Light" was produced by David Kahne and released by Columbia Records. The songwriters for the album include a mix of Bangles members and other talented artists. For example, "Manic Monday" was written by Prince under the pseudonym "Christopher," while "Walking Down Your Street" was penned by Susanna Hoffs, David Kahne, and Louis Gutierrez. Each track brings its own unique flavor to the album, contributing to its timeless appeal.

Who knows what the future holds? Maybe one day I'll meet the right musicians, and together, we'll create something magical. For now, I'll keep the dream alive and let the music of "Different Light" continue to inspire me. And if anyone feels like adding to my Bangles collection, I've got the album on CD and had it on cassette, but never got it on vinyl. Just putting it out there! 😉

From Mama's Kitchen: The Story and Recipe—Celebrating My Mama's Spaghetti

Hello, dear readers! (and my sister, Becki),

Today, I want to share a special entry dedicated to my mama's spaghetti, a dish that was loved by many in our family, even though it wasn't my personal favorite due to my aversion to tomatoes. This story is meant to highlight the uniqueness of my mama's cooking and to clarify that her spaghetti was truly cherished by those who enjoyed it.

A few days ago, I wrote about my humorous journey with spaghetti and how it was never really my thing. If it seemed like I was making fun of my mama's cooking, I want to set the record straight, that was not my intent. The story was not about her cooking, but rather my general dislike for the dish, no matter who cooks it. While I may have a love-hate relationship with spaghetti, I have great respect for my mama's culinary skills. She excelled in Home Economics during her junior high and high school years, and many of her recipes were based on what she learned during the 1950s and 1960s. Her spaghetti sauce was homemade, and though ketchup was added sometimes, it was never the main ingredient. This addition of ketchup was likely due to the occasional absence of tomato paste, adding a bit more acidity and texture to the final product.

To be fair, my dislike for spaghetti somewhat stems from my dislike of tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions—all of which my mama loved and used generously in her cooking. Despite my distaste for these ingredients, there were some dishes my mama cooked that I absolutely loved, like her fried pork chops, tuna casserole, and even liver and onions, which I enjoyed despite my usual dislike of onions.

Back to the tomato thing—although I didn't like tomatoes, I did love lasagna and pizza, both of which my mama and my sister were amazing at making. My sister, Becki Manning Dannelly, especially loved our mama's spaghetti. This post is dedicated to her.

Pheroldine “Dee” Manning Lyons' Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef (the ratio doesn’t matter because we got whatever was on sale or cheapest)

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 cup of bell peppers, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (she usually just used minced garlic from a jar or garlic powder)

• 1 14-ounce can of whole tomatoes, drained and cut up

• 1 14-ounce can stewed tomatoes, cut up, reserve the liquid to add to sauce

• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste

• 1/4 cup parsley (I don’t think she ever had any on hand and since you don’t taste it, it’s not important)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (dark or light, she used whatever was on hand)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed

• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine onion, bell pepper, meat, and garlic; cook until meat is browned and onion is tender.

2. Skim off excess grease; add the rest of the ingredients along with 2 cups of water.

3. Simmer, uncovered, until sauce is thick, which usually takes a few hours. Your house will have a distinct tomato-ish smell; stir occasionally.

4. Remove bay leaf.

Serve over hot spaghetti pasta, or like my mama would do, just dump the hot spaghetti into the pot as a one pot wonder and stir it all together then serve on a plate…with a squirt of ketchup on top or grated parmesan cheese if we had it (and if the container wasn’t empty from my sister and I randomly eating handfuls of it).

Don't forget the garlic bread! Mama would use whatever bread we had on hand for garlic bread—hot dog buns, hamburger buns, sandwich bread, and if we were lucky, she made some from her delicious homemade sourdough bread.

This sauce recipe was sort of the same she used for her lasagna but without the bell pepper, which we didn’t get often because it involved a bit more work. But when we did, it was basically party night for our family. Especially since she doubled the ingredients to ensure she had enough meat sauce to fill her 9x13 baking pan that she used for everything from cake to casseroles. I’ll share her actual recipe for lasagna in the future, but for now, enjoy my mama’s spaghetti and feel free to make your own tweaks.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I'd love to hear your thoughts and memories about your own family recipes in the comments below. If you enjoyed this story and recipe, feel free to share it with your friends. Your support, whether through comments or contributions, means the world to me and helps keep this blog going!

Happy cooking!

Saturday GLOWcase: Helena Cameron, AKA Daisy from GLOW

 

This weeks Saturday GLOWcase is all about the Awesome Daisy of GLOW. I chose Daisy for this week in honor of her upcoming birthday, December, 25. Happy Birthday Daisy, I hope you enjoy your day.

When I first saw Helena Cameron, who played Daisy on Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), during her match in season 3, she instantly became one of my favorites. For nearly 30 years, I've admired her work, and I was thrilled when we became friends. Our time together at Knott's Berry Farm, shoe shopping, and hanging out on the Queen Mary are memories I cherish. Helena graciously shared her story years ago, and here's a refined version of her journey.

Helena as the awesome Daisy circa 2000

Helena Cameron's journey into the world of entertainment is unique and inspiring. Back in the late 1980s, she was working at Northrop but decided to take a leap of faith and switch to background work and extra roles in movies. One day, while filling out paperwork in a casting office, she had a chance encounter with Matt Cimber that changed everything. Matt came out of the back and asked if she wanted to be on a TV show. He asked if she wanted to join GLOW. Helena knew about the show because her ex's daughter watched it and always said she should be on it. Helena used to joke that if they pulled her hair, she’d get really pissed off. But the opportunity just kind of fell into her lap.

Matt gave her the details, and without hesitation, Helena and her friend Kell’e, who would become known as Beastie the Road Warrior, loaded up their car and headed to Las Vegas to sign up. Daisy, Helena's character, was created by either Matt or Steve. Daisy was pretty much your standard character: "You don't know where you live, you don't have any relatives, you don't know how old you are," Helena says. None of the wrestlers had characters when they arrived. Everyone wanted to be a beautiful, sexy someone. Helena jokes that she wanted to be a mermaid. No one wanted to be attached to a midget, especially one with a mole on her face, she laughs.

Daisy surrounded by the awesome ladies of GLOW

Helena's character started off as a “Bad Girl” doing the bidding of Gremlina, played by a woman half her size wearing snakeskin tights, a Gremlina-like hairstyle, and, as Helena stated, a huge mole on her face with hairs hanging from it. Daisy turned babyface when she turned on Gremlina, stuffing her into a trash can. But within the same season, she seemed to be back as a Bad Girl, though Helena perceives her more as a loner, someone on no one’s side. Daisy eventually became the GLOW champion during the season 4 finale, taking the crown from Cheyenne Cher. This was the final episode of all time. When GLOW ended, it was really sudden and unexpected. Helena and the other cast members didn’t find out until it was already over. They did a Pay Per View show featuring a few of the original GLOW girls along with new wrestlers who may have continued if the show had continued. Daisy’s last match was with Ninotchka during the Pay Per View, and she retained her crown. To this day, she is the current reigning Champion of GLOW.

Daisy's Family Feud Appearance

After GLOW ended, Helena went back to doing background work for a while. Eventually, she tried different jobs, including limo driving and stunt shows. Matt reached out to her again with a crazy request: "I want to blow you up in a box." She trusted him and went to Vegas to do a live stunt show at the Aladdin, where she reconnected with her friend Godiva.

Terry and I with Daisy at Knott's Berry Farm

Reflecting on her experiences, Helena acknowledges both the good and bad times. You're always treated horribly at one time or another in your life. Does the horrible outweigh the good? Sure, everyone has bad times. Helena had good times with Matt; she was fortunate. He was only bad to you if you let him be. They didn’t make any money, but it was an adventure. She met wonderful people and visited places she never would have otherwise.

Helena shared some insights into GLOW’s inner workings. They got their room and board, airfare, and a little per diem covered. During training, they made $100 a week for eight hours a day, and it went up to $250 a week when they started filming. They didn’t get residuals or any money from appearances like on Phil Donahue, which would have been SAG wages. Casinos recognized them because they looked so fake and ate there every day. They often got in trouble because they weren’t supposed to be around each other. The GLOW House was a house in Ventura. Helena's first roommate was Fiji. Later, she roomed with Godiva, Stinky, and Zelda. Eventually, Cher and Helena moved out of the GLOW apartments and got their own place.

Angel helping Daisy adjust the crown I presented to her

Since her GLOW days, Helena has embraced a new chapter in her life. She is now a proud mother of two beautiful children. She has also remained active in entertainment, popping up in episodes of shows like Pushing Daisies and Friends. Despite GLOW being all-female, Helena was also part of the “Transgender” choir featured in an episode of GLEE thanks to her beautiful Amazon-like stature.

A New York Holiday: An Unexpected Date and 'Home Alone 2' Adventure 1992

Home Alone 2 Lost In New York

This story is part of a chapter from my book. It recounts a sweet moment during a time when I wasn't getting along with Erik, who was more of a friend but sort of my boyfriend. In this story, I meet a random man in an arcade, lie to him about being stood up by a blind date and he steps in as my date for the night. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed living and reliving the moment while writing it.

In December of 1992, I found myself in the heart of New York City, a place brimming with holiday magic and bustling energy. Amidst the bright lights of Times Square, I was on my own, in my own personal Winter Wonderland. While playing pinball at the Playland Arcade, an older gentleman kept coming over to watch me play and try to converse. I had no clients for the night and wasn’t interested in hanging out at bars or doing any sort of "work," so I told him I was there for a blind date who never showed.

I had seen this man around the village a few times. My crackhead friend Tim had even smooched at him once as we passed by him on the street. While he wasn’t the best-looking guy in the village, he was attractive and seemed nice. He asked what my date and I were supposed to do, and I told him we were meeting at McDonald's and then heading to the Loew’s movie theater to watch "Home Alone 2." I don’t know what possessed me to share a bit of the story about seeing the first movie with my mom during a time when we weren’t getting along well, but he listened.

Though not exactly, AI got pretty close to my date.

Since my date missed out on the company of a nice guy, he offered to take me to see the movie instead. Maybe this was a sign. Maybe it was my duty to make Tim's wrong my right for the night. I had no intention of being disrespectful to this man. Perhaps he was the one that Biscuit and Shane told me to look out for as an unexpected "Sugar Daddy." But here I was, picked up by a sort of random man in a video arcade that I’d seen around the city, and he was treating me as if we were on a proper date, not just dumped.

Let me just say for the record, there was no blind date—it was something I made up because I thought it sounded good. So this gentleman not only held my hand and led me to the movie theater, but he also bought us tickets to see "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" at the Lowes theater, along with two tubs of popcorn, a huge Sprite for me, and a Diet Coke for himself. I was on an unexpected date with a man who took pity on me and stepped in as my fake date’s understudy to my actual, not-really, fake date.

Years ago, while watching the first "Home Alone" movie, I never would have imagined there would be a second or that it would be set in the city I now call home. Not with my mom or even TK, who I felt was embarrassed to be seen with me, but with a sweet man who treated me as a proper date. Despite my initial disinterest in his company, thinking he would try to pull some funny business, we ended up having a pleasant time together. It was unexpected, and I think the hand-holding on the way to the theater was a sweet touch. I’m not sure if it was to give me the full effect of an actual date or if he was just affectionate with anyone.

When the movie began, he settled comfortably in his seat, watching the screen intently. As the film progressed, I found myself leaning my head on his shoulder. Surprisingly, he didn’t pull away or seem uncomfortable. Instead, he seemed to welcome the gesture, snuggling just a little closer. It felt unexpectedly sweet and genuine, almost as if he enjoyed the simple act of closeness as much as I did. His warmth and patience made me feel safe and cared for, turning what could have been an awkward situation into a comforting and memorable experience.

"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" follows the misadventures of Kevin McCallister as he finds himself stranded in New York City during Christmas. The film captures the spirit of the city beautifully, with iconic landmarks and festive decorations setting the perfect backdrop for Kevin's escapades. Watching the movie while being in the very city it was set in made the experience all the more magical for me. It felt as if I was wandering the same streets alongside Kevin, sharing in his wonder and excitement. The film itself was a delightful blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, with Kevin once again outsmarting the bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv. Macaulay Culkin's performance was as charming as ever, and the addition of Tim Curry and Rob Schneider added an extra layer of humor to the film.

As I watched, I couldn't help but think back to when I saw the first "Home Alone" movie in Pensacola with my mom shortly after its release. The memory of that special time, filled with laughter and joy, added an extra layer of nostalgia to my experience in New York. After the movie, the man took me to a place that served pancakes bigger than your head, around the corner from the Townhouse Bar. We enjoyed our pancakes, which we could barely finish, laughing and talking about where we were from. He was really interested in where I was from because my accent, at the time, had become a hybrid of Southern, mid-Atlantic, and a bit of New York thrown in. The whole experience was surreal, almost like living in a movie myself. Here I was with this strange man, showing me kindness just as Kevin and the bird lady found friendship within the city by chance. They were both exactly what each other needed at the time.

"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" is a sequel that truly stands on its own, capturing the essence of the holiday season while delivering plenty of laughs and touching scenes. The movie beautifully showcases the magic of New York City during Christmas, from the grand tree at Rockefeller Center to the bustling stores. It highlights the importance of finding others to share the joy of the holiday season, even amidst chaos.

Though I never saw the man who stepped in as the alternate to my fake date again, I often think of his kindness and hope he found someone to appreciate him the way he deserved. To this day, I look back on that night with a smile. The combination of being in New York City, watching a movie set in the same place, and the festive atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience. For a few hours, though I was really just a kid, I felt like a kid again, filled with wonder and excitement.

"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" remains one of my favorite Christmas movies, not just for its entertainment value, but for the cherished memory it created during my time in the city. It was a brief respite from the complexities of my life at the time, and the film, intertwined with that personal memory, has a special place in my heart.

Buy New & Used movies like this and others on DVD, VHS & Blu-Ray at eBay

A Movie Night to Cherish: 'Home Alone' and Motherly Love

Home Alone

Growing up, going to the movies was a rare treat for me. My parents preferred the comfort of home, where TV shows were free and movies often aired without the need for a ticket purchase. At the time "Home Alone" was released, my mom worked during the day at Hackbarth Delivery Service, and she had her evenings free. My dad, on the other hand, worked with Team, Inc. and spent his evenings at Murphy's Lounge on the Pensacola side of Escambia River. Their relationship was strained, their marriage on the brink, and their disagreements frequent.

During this tumultuous period, I was dealing with my own struggles. I found myself in the midst of a complicated friendship, wanting for it to be more. My friend, who I'd known since a bullying incident in the 6th grade, only wanted to keep things casual and secret due to fears of being "out" in our conservative area. I also suspected that he might have been embarrassed for people to know we were boyfriends, let alone friends. This added to my emotional turmoil, leaving me feeling isolated and misunderstood. My mom, in a misguided effort to help, had me attending Alateen meetings and counseling sessions, but all I wanted was to be left alone or to be comforted by my best friend.

In the midst of our constant bickering, my mom decided to treat me to a night at the movies. She went to the bank and withdrew money for our tickets and whatever snacks we wanted at the concession stand. We drove to Cordova Mall, parked near the cinema and bought tickets for "Home Alone," the new Christmas movie everyone was raving about. Despite our troubles, that night, something magical happened.

"Home Alone" was a breath of fresh air. It was entirely different from the other Christmas classic we loved, "A Miracle on 34th Street," but it brought us joy and laughter. Kevin McCallister's antics, as he defended his home from bumbling burglars, struck a chord with us. We laughed together, forgot our worries for a couple of hours, and simply enjoyed the film. After the movie, we wandered around the mall, savoring the rare moment of peace between us. For the first time in a long while, we didn't argue. The next day, we returned to our usual disagreements, but something good had come from that movie night. We had found another Christmas movie to cherish, and it gave us a memory of shared laughter during a time of unhappiness.

"Home Alone" remains a beloved holiday classic for many. Its blend of comedy, heart, and the timeless theme of family makes it an enduring favorite. The film's portrayal of a young boy cleverly outwitting would-be thieves while learning the importance of family resonates with audiences year after year. For me, it will always remind me of that special night with my mom, a night when we found common ground and shared a much-needed laugh.

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A Secret Date at 13: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at University Mall

One of my all-time favorite holiday movies is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Every holiday season, I make sure to watch this 1989 classic. It perfectly blends the chaos of the holidays with family fun, and it never fails to make me laugh.

I have a really special memory associated with this movie. It was one of the first movies I went to on an actual date. I was 13, and he was 12. The funny part is, it was a daytime date with the son of one of my mom's co-workers. Our moms had no idea it was a date—they just thought it was two kids going to see a movie. My mom drove us to University Mall in Pensacola, dropped us off, and went shopping.

We watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and I remember laughing so much at all the crazy things happening to the Griswold family. After the movie, his mom picked us up in her little Yugo. We were sitting in the back seat, still giggling about the movie. I often wonder if his mom saw us sneak a kiss back there. It's one of those sweet, innocent memories that makes me smile every time I think about it.

A blue Yugo just like the one his mom drove

Whenever I watch the movie now, it takes me back to that fun and innocent time. The movie itself is just as hilarious as ever. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, trying to create the perfect Christmas, only to have everything go hilariously wrong—it's so relatable. We’ve all had those moments during the holidays when things don't go as planned, and that's what makes it so funny and endearing.

And while Christmas Vacation is my holiday go-to, I also love Vegas Vacation. It was filmed not long after I worked in Las Vegas, so it always reminds me of my time there and brings back great memories.

Thinking about all this just makes me appreciate the movie even more. It’s not just about the laughs, but the memories tied to it. So, if you haven’t seen it in a while, or if you’ve never seen it, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is definitely worth a watch. It’s sure to bring some holiday cheer and maybe even remind you of your own special memories.