A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded, "Rome: Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded and dirty and full of Italians. You're crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?"
"We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!"
"Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. "That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they're always late. So, where are you staying in Rome?"
"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's Tiber River call Teste."
"Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and esclusive, but it's really a dump, the worst hotel in the city! The rooms are small, the service is surly and they're overpriced. So, whatcha doing when you get there?"
"We're going to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope."
"That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. "You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."
A month later the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to Rome.
"It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked and they bumped up to first class.The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28 year old steward who waited on me hand and foot. And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us the owner's suite at no extra charge!"
"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "That's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."
"Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder and explained that the Pope like to meet some of the visitors and if I'd bo so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."
"Oh, really! What'd he say?"
Well, he said, "Where'd you get the shitty hairdo?"
First I would like everyone that has taken the time to read my journal, those that left comments and to those that have e-mailed me. Everyone's kind words have brightened my life a bit. I have gotten many questions about where I find the quotes and poems I enclude in this journal. I love reading, so when I am scouring book stores (new and used) I also keep an eye out for poerty books, or ones that have quotes. I have also found some quote sites on-line, and I steal from the occasional catalog or thinking of you cards. 
Secondly, I want to wish everyone a very Happy & Safe New Year! Entry 2 will give you some ideas on what to do if you are not going out this New Years Eve.
