So I drive to one of those swanky movie theaters, the kind where you don’t even have to go up to the counter for your popcorn. It’s one of those where the smiling popcorn boy brings it to you at the light of a buzzer. That and a glass of wine, and I’m set.

And happy, very happy for what should be an enjoyable few hours. I’m all relaxed in the comfy, spacious leather lounge chair. The theater goes dark, the credits roll. Julia Roberts spends more than two hours eating, praying and loving, but I can’t pay attention.

Wanna know why?

Smart phones, I tell you! The equivalent of a hand-sized flashlight keeps shining in my eyes. Not once, not twice but multiple times by multiple people.

How to deal with this rudeness…how to correct what is becoming epidemic…how to make it stop.

For some of the Gen Y-ers who can’t make it for less than two-and-a-half hours without the stupid phone, could we have a separate theater? Could I get them to pay me on a pro-rated basis the parts of the movie I miss because of their flashes of light? Could I bring my own flashlight and just point them out?

Which brings me to another question. Do movie theater ushers exist any more? They could have job security with this movie light problem, and if they’d straighten it out, I might even reach into my pocketbook for a tip like I gave popcorn boy.

If you haven’t heard, Metroport Meals on Wheels is giving its first ever LINKS award to Roxann Taylor on September 24^th at their annual fashion show and luncheon.  The award honors a community advocate who embodies the characteristics of the LINK Award:   L – Leadership, I – Inspiration, N – Nurturing, K – Kindness and let’s face it, Roxann has done a ton for the North East Tarrant County community.  Way to go Roxann Taylor!

Reservations are now being taken and because seating is limited, you want to get your spot locked in now.  To purchase a table, inquire about sponsorships or even honor Roxann Taylor with a donation in her name, just email Karen Malone at kmalone@metroportmow.org or call 817-491-1141.

It is time for the 2011 Miss Colleyville and Miss Teen pageant, and all are welcome to enter.  First check out the Miss Colleyville website, www.misscolleyville.org for the application and specific information needed to enter.  Very important; applications must be filled out and received by the organization by Sept. 13^th. 

Miss Teen Texas 2010 Madison Fuller

The Pageant will be held Sept. 19^th 2010 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the newly remodeled Colleyville Center.  The Miss Colleyville Scholarship Organization is a local preliminary to the Miss Teen Texas, Miss Texas, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen and Miss America Organization. These Organizations are the largest provider of scholarships for young women today.   

Miss Texas 2010 Ashley Melnick and Miss Teen Texas 2010 Madison Fuller will be on hand to perform and crown our winners. Also performing and emceeing will be Miss Texas 2009 Kristen Blair and Miss Texas 2008 Rebecca Robinson. One of the highlights of the evening will be the song Halo performed by the master of the ivories, Danny Wright, and Miss Blair. 

Miss Texas 2009 Kristen Blair

Contestants will compete in four areas of competition: Interview, Swimsuit/Physical Fitness, Talent, Evening Gown and On-Stage Question. The Colleyville Center is located at 5301 Riverwalk Dr Colleyville, Tx 76034. The Doors will open at 1:15pm and tickets will be available at the door for $20. Additional information can be found at www.misscolleyville.org or by contacting Executive Director Ed Huckfeldt at 214-208-8500 or by email info@misscolleyville.org. 

Miss Texas 2008 Rebecca Robinson

Date: 2010-12-03

Location: Ridglea Country Club, Fort Worth

Description: Benefit for the Presbyterian Night Shelter. Call Josie Hill at 817-632-7417.

Date: 2010-09-21

Location: Anejo\’s, 9159 Blvd. 26, North Richland Hills

Start Time: 5:00 pm
End Time: 7:30 pm

Description: Party with free appetizers benefiting the Community Enrichment Center\’s Open Arms program.

Date: 2010-09-09

Location: Colleyville Center, 5301 Riverwalk

Start Time: 5:00 pm
End Time: 7:00 pm

URL: Click here
Description: Join Colleyville\’s mayor and city council for entertainment, food and festivities.

Date: 2010-10-23

Location: Marriott Solana, Westlake

URL: Click here
Description: Dining, dancing, auctions and raffle to benefit adults with intellectual disabilities.

Date: 2010-10-16

Location: Hilton Hotel, Fort Worth

URL: Click here
Description: 50th anniversary fundraiser with a Monte Carlo theme.

Date: 2010-09-14

Location: Tierra Verde Golf Club, Arlington

URL: Click here
Description: Fundraiser for River Legacy Foundation.

Enough is enough, so officially let me make it very clear that I’ve had quite enough of this weather.

I’ve never been a “summer” person. Don’t like the clothes, and I definitely hate the heat. I love a good rainy, winter day–you know the kinds where the chili’s on the stove and you can spend a Saturday afternoon reading a great book.

My theory is that we like weather based on our genetics. I’m mostly Irish, so consequently, wearing a sweater on a cold, rainy day is just fine with me.

But here I am in Texas, and I’ve got to cope. How are you coping? Snow cones? Swimming pool? Astronomical air conditioning bills?

My way of coping is not turning on my oven. It hasn’t been clicked to “on” since July, maybe June. (The one time I had to bake a cake does not count.)

Anyway, I thought I’d help those of you who, like me, are coping by sharing a “too-darn-hot-to-heat-up-the-kitchen recipe. Let me know how you like it:
Janet’s Chicken and Rice Salad
4-5 Chicken breasts, boiled and cubed
1 4-ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained
2 C. cooked rice, cooled
1 C. sliced celery
1/2 C. sliced black olives
1/2 C. chopped fresh parsley
3/4 C. creamy Italian salad dressing (I can’t find this any more so I subbed creamy Caesar, and it was fine)
1/4 C. mayonaise
2 T. mustard
Combine first six ingredients in large bowl, mix well. combine dressing, mayo, mustard and salt to taste. Mix well and stir into chicken mixture. Chill at least four hours. Serves 4 to 6.