So, like in Mark's post below...I am also a loner. I don't like people much, they can be rather annoying. So I live a solitary life, mainly seeking refuge in TV shows and Movies. Everything is always better in the movies! The romance, the friendships, the jobs.
Sometimes I feel like I want to be in a relationship and get married and have kids. It seems like the normal thing. But I really think about it and I am selfish in I like to do what I want to do when I want to do it. Being in a relationship requires some if not a lot of bending towards what the other wants to do.
And what if I change? If I change myself into being that person everyone wants me to be, and who I would like to be what will happen to my current life? Will I lose the friends I have?
I just have no idea what I want to be or who exactly I am. It saddens me but I don't know how to find out who I am. I have been told numerous times by my brother as we grew up that I was a loser. You know if someone tells you something over and over again, you begin to believe it.
AH LIFE!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
A Loner
I was (and am) a loner. I probably always be.
I think I'm way too introspective most of the time.
I probably spend too much time looking back, but I'll be 30 in a few months. Whatever that means. And I remember being 22 and arriving in New York City. I knew nobody, but I had just graduated and I was going to be a writer. It was exciting. I grew up in a small town and went to a small college.
I've had a blessed life (hardships like anyone), so I always feel like such a bad person when I admit that I'm unhappy or stuck. I know every minute is a chance to turn it all around. But making a living as writer hasn't been easy ( I write screenplays ) and even though I have the means to try it all (which makes any complaints infuriating to some I'm sure) it isn't that easy.
Okay, it's not suppose to be. But I bit the bullet. I got a desk job 2.5 years ago. I have health insurance. And I'm unhappy. And I want to just quit (I could), but what would I do next? Maybe I have to quit to figure it out (because who isn't just so tired at the end of a nine hour work day?).
I never saw myself as much. Certainly not as fearless, but I look back at the person I was when I was 22 and I think, maybe I was fearless. I look back at 26, when I could finally say that I was gay and think, maybe I was fearless?
I'm not a slut. I don't want to be (well sometimes). Some say I'm good looking (but many don't). I don't have the social skills or the expectations that you need to be somebody that someone wants. I have gotten better at it all, but I wonder. I wonder if I'm meant to be alone. This makes me sad. I've been alone my whole life.
I fell in love (look at a blog from May to read about that). I'm stronger because of it. It wasn't the traditional kind of love, but was real (more then just infatuation or lust). I think I always knew I had an attraction to this person, but I always thought I was in control of it. It wasn't until I could admit to this person that I was in love with him that I gained some control back. It amazed me how far down the rabbit hole I fell without ever realizing it. I think because I've always been in control. That's one thing I could always say. To climb back out of that hole hasn't always been easy, but I'm getting there.
And my point is? I need a break. I'm tired. I'm tired of wishing. I'm tired of the guilt I feel about my feelings. I'm worried about the possibility of maybe being fearless, and having lost that.
How do I get that back?
I think I'm way too introspective most of the time.
I probably spend too much time looking back, but I'll be 30 in a few months. Whatever that means. And I remember being 22 and arriving in New York City. I knew nobody, but I had just graduated and I was going to be a writer. It was exciting. I grew up in a small town and went to a small college.
I've had a blessed life (hardships like anyone), so I always feel like such a bad person when I admit that I'm unhappy or stuck. I know every minute is a chance to turn it all around. But making a living as writer hasn't been easy ( I write screenplays ) and even though I have the means to try it all (which makes any complaints infuriating to some I'm sure) it isn't that easy.
Okay, it's not suppose to be. But I bit the bullet. I got a desk job 2.5 years ago. I have health insurance. And I'm unhappy. And I want to just quit (I could), but what would I do next? Maybe I have to quit to figure it out (because who isn't just so tired at the end of a nine hour work day?).
I never saw myself as much. Certainly not as fearless, but I look back at the person I was when I was 22 and I think, maybe I was fearless. I look back at 26, when I could finally say that I was gay and think, maybe I was fearless?
I'm not a slut. I don't want to be (well sometimes). Some say I'm good looking (but many don't). I don't have the social skills or the expectations that you need to be somebody that someone wants. I have gotten better at it all, but I wonder. I wonder if I'm meant to be alone. This makes me sad. I've been alone my whole life.
I fell in love (look at a blog from May to read about that). I'm stronger because of it. It wasn't the traditional kind of love, but was real (more then just infatuation or lust). I think I always knew I had an attraction to this person, but I always thought I was in control of it. It wasn't until I could admit to this person that I was in love with him that I gained some control back. It amazed me how far down the rabbit hole I fell without ever realizing it. I think because I've always been in control. That's one thing I could always say. To climb back out of that hole hasn't always been easy, but I'm getting there.
And my point is? I need a break. I'm tired. I'm tired of wishing. I'm tired of the guilt I feel about my feelings. I'm worried about the possibility of maybe being fearless, and having lost that.
How do I get that back?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ally McBeal: The Complete Series
You can own this now!
It is iconic. It is groundbreaking. It is my favorite tv series of all time.
It is iconic. It is groundbreaking. It is my favorite tv series of all time.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Frankie Says Relax!
Frankie Says RELAX!
It was a shirt Ross gave Rachel when they were dating. She loves it. They broke up. He wants it back. She's mad. But their on a break!
But after ten seasons they wind up together (and with a baby). Why? Because their each others "lobsters."
I rewatched "Friends" just like Lindsay. I own seasons 1-6 plus 8. For me season 7 is a disappointment (save for a terrific Winona Ryder). And season 9 and 10 were a bust (but who would turn down $1M an episode?). And okay, Christina Applegate was really funny in her Emmy winning performance.
Lisa Kudrow was by far the best actor of the bunch (I LOVED THE COMEBACK!). And not just because Phoebe was my favorite character.
Courteney Cox was the worst actor. And not just because Monica was my least favorite character (Oh, Cougar Town is so very lame).
My favorite reoccuring character had to be Janice. Why doesn't Maggie Wheeler get more acting gigs?
The clothing is terrible until season four (aka 1997). They all finally look somewhat normal (save Matthew Perry as Chandler from time to time).
All in all - I enjoyed it. I still like the show.
Season 5 was their strongest season.
And if anyone wants to know how Jennifer Aniston became the movie star out of the cast just watch season 8. She won that Emmy for a reason. She anchored the show. She gave funny, nuanced performances every week. Everyone else took a back seat.
Favorite episodes (in no particular order)
The One With the Candy Hearts (Season 1)
The One With All the Poker (Season 1)
The One With Ross' New Girlfriend (Season 2)
The One With the Prom Video (Season 2)
The One Where No One's Ready (Season 3)
The One With All the Football (Season 3)
The One With The Embryos (Season 4)
The One Where Ross Gets Married (Season 4)
The One Hundredth (Season 5)
The One With All the Thanksgivings (Season 5)
The One Where Everyone Finds Out (Season 5)
The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6)
The One With Unagi (Season 6)
The One With Rachel's Big Kiss (Season 7)
The One With the Videotape (Season 8)
The One With the Rumor (Season 8)
The One With Rachel's Other Sister (Season 9)
The One Where the Stripper Cries (Season 10)
It was a shirt Ross gave Rachel when they were dating. She loves it. They broke up. He wants it back. She's mad. But their on a break!
But after ten seasons they wind up together (and with a baby). Why? Because their each others "lobsters."
I rewatched "Friends" just like Lindsay. I own seasons 1-6 plus 8. For me season 7 is a disappointment (save for a terrific Winona Ryder). And season 9 and 10 were a bust (but who would turn down $1M an episode?). And okay, Christina Applegate was really funny in her Emmy winning performance.
Lisa Kudrow was by far the best actor of the bunch (I LOVED THE COMEBACK!). And not just because Phoebe was my favorite character.
Courteney Cox was the worst actor. And not just because Monica was my least favorite character (Oh, Cougar Town is so very lame).
My favorite reoccuring character had to be Janice. Why doesn't Maggie Wheeler get more acting gigs?
The clothing is terrible until season four (aka 1997). They all finally look somewhat normal (save Matthew Perry as Chandler from time to time).
All in all - I enjoyed it. I still like the show.
Season 5 was their strongest season.
And if anyone wants to know how Jennifer Aniston became the movie star out of the cast just watch season 8. She won that Emmy for a reason. She anchored the show. She gave funny, nuanced performances every week. Everyone else took a back seat.
Favorite episodes (in no particular order)
The One With the Candy Hearts (Season 1)
The One With All the Poker (Season 1)
The One With Ross' New Girlfriend (Season 2)
The One With the Prom Video (Season 2)
The One Where No One's Ready (Season 3)
The One With All the Football (Season 3)
The One With The Embryos (Season 4)
The One Where Ross Gets Married (Season 4)
The One Hundredth (Season 5)
The One With All the Thanksgivings (Season 5)
The One Where Everyone Finds Out (Season 5)
The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6)
The One With Unagi (Season 6)
The One With Rachel's Big Kiss (Season 7)
The One With the Videotape (Season 8)
The One With the Rumor (Season 8)
The One With Rachel's Other Sister (Season 9)
The One Where the Stripper Cries (Season 10)
Monday, October 26, 2009
Life
Ugh, life is not like a box of chocolates! It is like a box of chocolates that have all melted into a gooey chocolately mess! I am so bored and complacent with life, and sometimes I like the monotony of it all, the every day grind (well not the work part of it, but the at home part). Where I sit home and relax and watch TV, which is an escape from my real life. Watching the shows I love takes me to that place and I imagine what it would be like to be 'lost' on an island, have a 'flashforward' of what my future is like on april 29, 2010, go on a manhunt for someone with a 'criminal mind', speak to ghosts and help them 'whisper' their way over the 'medium' white light.
I am aggravated at the crappiness I feel on a mostly every day occurance, and even in my dreams I make a fool out of myself in certain circumstances, like seriously? In my own dreams?!
I was supposed to go to lunch with a co-worker Frank today. We were going to go to China Buffet, which I love and haven't been to in many years. Now he tells me that he might not be able to go because one of our vendors is coming in to discuss molds for a display. We made this plan on Friday. I am pissed. 1. why can't people come AFTER LUNCH! WHy must they come during lunch. 2. WHy can't Frank just tell him he's busy at lunch and to come later? People do this to me all the time, they make plans and then something else comes up. Just plain aggravating.
I am aggravated at the crappiness I feel on a mostly every day occurance, and even in my dreams I make a fool out of myself in certain circumstances, like seriously? In my own dreams?!
I was supposed to go to lunch with a co-worker Frank today. We were going to go to China Buffet, which I love and haven't been to in many years. Now he tells me that he might not be able to go because one of our vendors is coming in to discuss molds for a display. We made this plan on Friday. I am pissed. 1. why can't people come AFTER LUNCH! WHy must they come during lunch. 2. WHy can't Frank just tell him he's busy at lunch and to come later? People do this to me all the time, they make plans and then something else comes up. Just plain aggravating.
Friday, October 23, 2009
San Francisco
OK so I went to San Francisco. I had never been. I was so excited. My first vacation in over a year. I went with Bryan (yes the one I said I love you too - more on that another day). How to describe it? I love fall. And it was fall. So I loved the weather. I think I would probably love the weather year round. But every time I visit a new city (Chicago comes to mind) I recognize how much I love New York City. No other city compares (though I have been dreaming about Seattle recently).
We walked through Haight (you could smell the body odor). We stayed in the Castro (Harvey Milk! - go watch that movie Amanda). We went to San Jose and visited Wine Country. We got lost a few times. I had to rent the car, but Bryan always drove. He likes to be in control (and he's an awesome at parallel parking).
I got hit on a few times. I got a new zit. But the people there (friendly - don't you just hate that? LOL). Not just friendly though, but unattractive. It's uncomfortable being hit on by ugly people. I called it the island of misfit toys (Christmas is coming - it's on a Friday this year!).
We had a room with a sink, but no bathroom. A bathroom with a toilet (but no sink or shower). And a room with a shower with no sink or toilet. It was a strange inn. An even stranger inn keeper. His name was Jamie. But was he a he? I think at one time. He was a She-Ra! (remember her from He-Man?). And of course he had to have an androgyunous name. But it was a story.
All in all a fun time. I don't think I could live there. Where can I live besides New York? Maybe Seattle (though I've never been LOL).
I need a new job. Anyone accepting resumes?
We walked through Haight (you could smell the body odor). We stayed in the Castro (Harvey Milk! - go watch that movie Amanda). We went to San Jose and visited Wine Country. We got lost a few times. I had to rent the car, but Bryan always drove. He likes to be in control (and he's an awesome at parallel parking).
I got hit on a few times. I got a new zit. But the people there (friendly - don't you just hate that? LOL). Not just friendly though, but unattractive. It's uncomfortable being hit on by ugly people. I called it the island of misfit toys (Christmas is coming - it's on a Friday this year!).
We had a room with a sink, but no bathroom. A bathroom with a toilet (but no sink or shower). And a room with a shower with no sink or toilet. It was a strange inn. An even stranger inn keeper. His name was Jamie. But was he a he? I think at one time. He was a She-Ra! (remember her from He-Man?). And of course he had to have an androgyunous name. But it was a story.
All in all a fun time. I don't think I could live there. Where can I live besides New York? Maybe Seattle (though I've never been LOL).
I need a new job. Anyone accepting resumes?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The One With All Ten Seasons
I began "PROJECT FRIENDS" on August 22, 2009, a journey I had wanted to take for a few years and hadn't had the time. Now it was time. The project you ask...to re-watch all ten seasons of the hit sitcom "FRIENDS". It was no easy feat, but it was a helluva lotta fun!
It amazes me how much the stars of the show changed from season 1 - season 10. Especially the season by season weight loss/gain of Matthew Perry and the high pitch of Jennifer Aniston's voice in the earlier seasons to the normal sounding voice she has in later seasons and today. Out of all six actors, Lisa Kudrow was the one that changed the least in terms of looks wise. The fashion in the earlier seasons are hideous! Especially Carol & Susan's wedding dresses (AND HATS!) in The One With The Lesbian Wedding.
Here are a few notes.
Ross broke up with Phoebe's bald friend, Julie, and Emily all for Rachel and then the result is him and Rachel not working out. Question - does Rachel like Ross when he's NOT seeing someone?
In order to get Joey to forgive him after making mistakes in their friendship Chandler has - lived in a box, gotten an ugly bracelet for joey and worn blue lipstick.
The chick & the duck disappear without a word and we don't find out what happened to them until the series finale!
Why in all 10 seasons has Jennifer Aniston's dad (John Aniston) never guest starred? Especially because he's on Days of Our Lives, which is the soap of FRIENDS!
I really really DESPISE all the filler episodes (or the clip shows that are in every season).
In practically every season you can see Jennifer Aniston's nipples through her shirt, so either she doesn't wear a bra or she's always cold.
I realized that in one of the seasons Matt LeBlanc talks out of the right side of his mouth.
The ages of the characters on the show are SO WRONG! It bothers me. Also, the continuity of the scenes need to be better, in one scene Monica is pouring a glass of juice. She puts the pitcher on the table and holds the glass. In the NEXT shot she is holding the pitcher and the glass is on the table. In another episode Joey goes into Monica & Chandler's fridge and gets a bunch of sodas. In his left hand are an Orange juice and another type of juice. in the NEXT shot in his left hand he is holding a diet coke and a regular coke.
Some favorites I've learned through watching the series:
Joey's favorite book is 'The Shining'
Rachel's favorite book is 'Little Women'
Chandler loves the drink yoo-hoo
Joey loves lasagna
My favorite characters listed from fav to least fav
1. Phoebe
2. Joey
3. Rachel
4. Monica
5. Chandler
6. Ross
A few of my favorite episodes:
1. The One Where Everybody Finds Out
2. The One With Unagi
3. The One Where No One's Ready
4. The One With the Birth
5. The One With the Prom Video
6. The One With the Jellyfish
7. The One Hundreth
8. The One with Phoebe's Birthday Dinner
9. The One Where the Stripper Cries
Over the course of the 10 years there have been many many guest stars. I have made a list of them for your entertainment:
Arden Myrin
Emily Osment
Robin Williams
Billy Crystal
Helen Hunt
Brad Pitt
Danny Devito
Denise Richards
Alison Sweeney
Kristian Alfonso
Susan Sarandon
Eva Amurri
Julia Roberts
Jean Claude Van Damme
Christina Applegate
Reese Witherspoon
Soleil Moon Frye
Tom Selleck
Sean Penn
Giovanni Ribisi
Christine Taylor
David Arquette
Cole Sprouse
Paget Brewster
Elle Macpherson
Eddie Cahill
Bruce Willis
George Clooney
Noah Wyle
Marla Sokoloff
Krista Allen
Charlie Sheen
Winona Ryder
Kristin Davis
Alec Baldwin
Rena Sofer
Debbie Mazar
Paul Rudd
Susan Ward
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Ben Stiller
Hank Azaria
Gregory Itzin
Selma Blair
Dermot Mulroney
Melissa George
Jon Lovitz
Jeff Goldblum
Jonathan Slavin
Phill Lewis
Aisha Tyler
Kyle Lowder
John Stamos
Daryl Sabara
Jennifer Coolidge
Greg Kinnear
Anna Faris
Ellen Pompeo
Gregory Jbara
Donnie Osmond
Dakota Fanning
Jane Lynch
Scott Adsit
It amazes me how much the stars of the show changed from season 1 - season 10. Especially the season by season weight loss/gain of Matthew Perry and the high pitch of Jennifer Aniston's voice in the earlier seasons to the normal sounding voice she has in later seasons and today. Out of all six actors, Lisa Kudrow was the one that changed the least in terms of looks wise. The fashion in the earlier seasons are hideous! Especially Carol & Susan's wedding dresses (AND HATS!) in The One With The Lesbian Wedding.
Here are a few notes.
Ross broke up with Phoebe's bald friend, Julie, and Emily all for Rachel and then the result is him and Rachel not working out. Question - does Rachel like Ross when he's NOT seeing someone?
In order to get Joey to forgive him after making mistakes in their friendship Chandler has - lived in a box, gotten an ugly bracelet for joey and worn blue lipstick.
The chick & the duck disappear without a word and we don't find out what happened to them until the series finale!
Why in all 10 seasons has Jennifer Aniston's dad (John Aniston) never guest starred? Especially because he's on Days of Our Lives, which is the soap of FRIENDS!
I really really DESPISE all the filler episodes (or the clip shows that are in every season).
In practically every season you can see Jennifer Aniston's nipples through her shirt, so either she doesn't wear a bra or she's always cold.
I realized that in one of the seasons Matt LeBlanc talks out of the right side of his mouth.
The ages of the characters on the show are SO WRONG! It bothers me. Also, the continuity of the scenes need to be better, in one scene Monica is pouring a glass of juice. She puts the pitcher on the table and holds the glass. In the NEXT shot she is holding the pitcher and the glass is on the table. In another episode Joey goes into Monica & Chandler's fridge and gets a bunch of sodas. In his left hand are an Orange juice and another type of juice. in the NEXT shot in his left hand he is holding a diet coke and a regular coke.
Some favorites I've learned through watching the series:
Joey's favorite book is 'The Shining'
Rachel's favorite book is 'Little Women'
Chandler loves the drink yoo-hoo
Joey loves lasagna
My favorite characters listed from fav to least fav
1. Phoebe
2. Joey
3. Rachel
4. Monica
5. Chandler
6. Ross
A few of my favorite episodes:
1. The One Where Everybody Finds Out
2. The One With Unagi
3. The One Where No One's Ready
4. The One With the Birth
5. The One With the Prom Video
6. The One With the Jellyfish
7. The One Hundreth
8. The One with Phoebe's Birthday Dinner
9. The One Where the Stripper Cries
Over the course of the 10 years there have been many many guest stars. I have made a list of them for your entertainment:
Arden Myrin
Emily Osment
Robin Williams
Billy Crystal
Helen Hunt
Brad Pitt
Danny Devito
Denise Richards
Alison Sweeney
Kristian Alfonso
Susan Sarandon
Eva Amurri
Julia Roberts
Jean Claude Van Damme
Christina Applegate
Reese Witherspoon
Soleil Moon Frye
Tom Selleck
Sean Penn
Giovanni Ribisi
Christine Taylor
David Arquette
Cole Sprouse
Paget Brewster
Elle Macpherson
Eddie Cahill
Bruce Willis
George Clooney
Noah Wyle
Marla Sokoloff
Krista Allen
Charlie Sheen
Winona Ryder
Kristin Davis
Alec Baldwin
Rena Sofer
Debbie Mazar
Paul Rudd
Susan Ward
Freddie Prinze Jr.
Ben Stiller
Hank Azaria
Gregory Itzin
Selma Blair
Dermot Mulroney
Melissa George
Jon Lovitz
Jeff Goldblum
Jonathan Slavin
Phill Lewis
Aisha Tyler
Kyle Lowder
John Stamos
Daryl Sabara
Jennifer Coolidge
Greg Kinnear
Anna Faris
Ellen Pompeo
Gregory Jbara
Donnie Osmond
Dakota Fanning
Jane Lynch
Scott Adsit
Monday, September 21, 2009
Writing
So as most of you know. All three readers of this here blog...I have written one novel entitled "Amber Shades of Grey". It has been a few years since the publishing of that book and I have had a hard time getting back into the swing of writing. It is so difficult to not only come up with a great idea, a great story and great characters but to put that all together into one novel that captures people's attentions. I want so badly to write another book, but I just have no motivation.
My favorite author, Jodi Picoult said in one of her interviews that she writes every day, no matter what. She writes two maybe three books at the same time. Yeah, well she's amazing! She is an incredible author/writer and I can only dream to one day be as great as her.
So I shall start writing every day, no matter what it is about. Does this blog count? No? Okay FINE! Be that way, I'll write something meaningful and get back to you at my progress.
My favorite author, Jodi Picoult said in one of her interviews that she writes every day, no matter what. She writes two maybe three books at the same time. Yeah, well she's amazing! She is an incredible author/writer and I can only dream to one day be as great as her.
So I shall start writing every day, no matter what it is about. Does this blog count? No? Okay FINE! Be that way, I'll write something meaningful and get back to you at my progress.
Friday, September 11, 2009
No Toppings!
I just ordered a PLAIN hamburger from the Outback on 23rd and 6th.
Plain means no toppings. We've been over this. I'm sure they read the blog? Well they screwed up my delivery. And it's raining out. And summer Fridays are over. And I went to the gym during my lunch break. What's that mean?
I"m hungry!!!
P.S. Don't mess with Lindsay this afternoon.
Plain means no toppings. We've been over this. I'm sure they read the blog? Well they screwed up my delivery. And it's raining out. And summer Fridays are over. And I went to the gym during my lunch break. What's that mean?
I"m hungry!!!
P.S. Don't mess with Lindsay this afternoon.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Projects
Lindsay here. So back in July I had decided to embark on a fantastic adventure and start a new project. This project was to re-read all seven Harry Potter books (Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows) and after reading each book to re-watch the corresponding movie. I recently finished 'Project Harry Potter' (took a little over one month) and I had so much fun with it. Those books are amazing...definitely my favorite book series ever. I have harped upon "Prisoner of Azkaban" being my favorite book of the series and "Half Blood Prince" being my favorite movie of the series. Severus Snape is my favorite character and Dolores Umbridge my least favorite character. I need to meet Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and J.K. Rowling. Just putting that out there.
So after finishing that project I decided I needed to start a new one. So my current project is to re-watch all 10 seasons of the hit show 'FRIENDS'. Let's see how long it takes. I started on Saturday and am on disc 3 of 4 discs of season 1.
So after finishing that project I decided I needed to start a new one. So my current project is to re-watch all 10 seasons of the hit show 'FRIENDS'. Let's see how long it takes. I started on Saturday and am on disc 3 of 4 discs of season 1.
(500) Days of Summer
This is my favorite movie of the summer. It really reminded me of Annie Hall in the best possible ways.
What was your favorite movie of the summer?
(This is where our readers leave a comment).
What was your favorite movie of the summer?
(This is where our readers leave a comment).
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Play Is The Thing
Lindsay hasn't blogged about her production of "Beauty and the Beast" so I thought I should tell you -- it was a success!
It wasn't just a success for a first time director, but it pulled in more money for the program then any other year.
Broadway is next for Ms. Dias :)
It wasn't just a success for a first time director, but it pulled in more money for the program then any other year.
Broadway is next for Ms. Dias :)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Dear California, I love you!
My heart belongs in California
My week in the greatest state in the country:
So, my trip had finally arrived. After one long year of waiting and waiting to go to visit my beautiful cousins in California, the time had finally come. August 5, 2009. I awoke that morning with a need to get out of Rhode Island and a huge smile spread across my face as I realized that I was on my way out! Out of the rain, out of the boring dull everyday life that I was leading and onto a brighter happier time. A place where the sun shines and the people grand! I hopped out of bed, took Gracie for a walk and finished up my packing. My mom picked me up and we headed to the airport. T.F. Green that is, which as most people in RI know, is NOT in Providence but in Warwick. But apparently the state itself wants to pretend the airport is in Providence. Never understood that. Also don't understand - the Pina Collada song! This song is basically about a married man who puts in a personal ad in the newspaper to find someone else (to cheat on!!) and at the finale he meets the person who answered his ad and it's his wife...so both of them were planning on cheating and then forgave each other??
Anyways, back on topic - I read some of my book (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince) while waiting for my plane. I boarded and started my journey. On the first flight, connecting in Atlanta I listened to my iPod and slept. We landed in Atlanta and I made my way through the 'busiest airport' but wasn't too bad. I found my gate and then got some lunch at Dunkin Donuts. Yum flatbread sandwiches! The flight from Atlanta to San Diego was fine. Uneventful and pretty decent. I do love airplanes. I watched Sweeney Todd and then read Harry Potter. I arrived in San Diego Airport and met up with my cousins Debbie and two of her boys Johnny and Eli downstairs. Got my bag and headed on out. We stopped at a mexican place and got some food to go. I got some yummy chicken quesadillas. After that we went to Debbie's house in Temecula.
Now, Debbie's house is gorgeous! I've been there, lived there for half the summer after college and visited for a day a while back. But they did some work on it since my visit and if it was beautiful before it was even more so now. The whole house and outside grounds are inviting and peaceful. A resort like feel! The pool in the back is just breathtaking. A swim-up bar like area, a hot tub up higher with a waterfall over stones leading into the pool, two more waterfalls - one falling from where the fire pit area is and another along a stone wall. They have a nice couch/table setup underneath a wooden canopy type thing, with a flat screen TV overlooking the comfy set. All of this outside! We hung out there and played Apples to Apples, which was a lot of fun. Then Rick and Anthony came home from football and we watched 'I survived a japanese game show' on the outside TV. Now that is what I call a vacation! That show is pretty funny. But rather dumb. I hit the pillows after that and feel sound asleep.
On Thursday (the 6th) I awoke to the sound of kids playing, love that sound!!! Well, I was already awake but I thought I'd put that. I went out into the family room and watched TV with the boys waiting for Debbie to come back from Tennis. We then went mini-golfing at a place called Mulligan's. It was so much fun! We had a LOT of laughs - A LOT! I forget the scores at the end but I do remember that Debbie and I both got the same exact score, haha. We went back to the homefront and went swimming and then watched movies and had delicious dinner (more about the food later!!!).
Friday (the 7th) I woke up and watched TV with the kids again. Becky and Ben had come in late Thurs. night and slept over so they came down about 15 minutes after I woke up. I was so excited! Ben and the kids went swimming and Becky and I caught up before Debbie came home. We hung out at the pool all afternoon and it was magnificent! I will say it once and then more haha I love that pool! Later on we took Eli to his hockey clinic and then ate dinner and then went to see Anthony play football, which we missed it all. After football we ate more food and then made smores out on the fire pit! I am in love with the entire house and outside.
Saturday (the 8th) ... I kind of forget what we did all day. We swam and played Wii with the boys. Then while Becky & Ben went to a party for Becky's friend and Debbie and Rick went to a birthday party for their friend I took the boys to dinner and then to see Transformers. The movie was pretty good. Lots of action. After the movie we hung out until Debbie and Rick came to pick us up. I gave Anthony, Johnny & Eli each $1.00 to play games and then we got picked up. Coincidentally we all arrived home at the same time (all of us and Becky & Ben). The boys went to watch TV upstairs and Ben and Rick sat on the couch. Debbie, Becky and I had our own lil party in the kitchen. Debbie made us these lemon drop martinis. OH MAN! They were good. Needless to say all three of us girls (the "sisters with attitude" we called ourselves) were very 'happy' I'll say. :) I am going to keep this night between the three of us because it was just too fun and too good to share! We had MANYYYY laughs and it was a night of great memories. I had so much fun. (THANKS DEBBIE!!!!)
We went to bed at 1:30am, and I immediately fell sound asleep. Sunday (the 9th) the lovely Bertran family went to church and Becky, Ben and I slept. Becky and Ben had to leave as they were headed up to Santa Barbara for another party. When they left we all went in the pool. I spent the entire day relaxing on the pool float (and playing catch with the entire Bertran clan) Such a wonderful relaxing fun day. We watched movies and then went to bed.
Monday (the 10th) we all woke up and got ready to go to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. What a fun place!!!!!! We saw Lions, and baby cheetahs!!!! SO CUTE! We went on a really cool "African Safari Tour" through the grounds and saw giraffe, zebras, gazelles, rhinos, ostrich etc. We went into some bird enclosure where Debbie and the boys fed nectar to the birds, on their arms. I get freaked out by birds so I was the designated photagrapher. We saw some fake dinosaurs, that was cool. I took the boys on a dinosaur 4D simulator ride, fun!!! But the most amazing thing for me was...we had the opportunity to go back into the elephant enclosure (THANKS DEBBIE!!!!!) As the only 2 people who read this blog know - I LOVE ELEPHANTS!!!! They are my favorite animal ever. We were really close to them and we got to see a little baby one. SO CUTE! I was mesmerized. On our way out we went to the store so I could get my statue elephant (I collect them from everywhere I go, if they have them) and Debbie bought me a little cute elephant figure. I named him Radje (The first letter of all of their names - Rick, Anthony, Debbie, Johnny, Eli). Out of my elephant collectables he is my favorite, mainly due to the sentimental value of him. In fact, in that saying, if ever there was a fire, and you can only save one thing, I would totally grab him above all other things (this is not including Gracie.) We got back from the park and Anthony went to football. Then we took Johnny to his guitar lesson and I went to Target and bought the boys a gift...one for each of em. Then we ate dinner and hung out and went to bed.
Tuesday (the 11th) woke up and got ready for the beach. When Debbie got back from Tennis we were on our way. We went to Oceanside Beach (I think) I again relaxed. I had more color on my front so I layed on my stomach so that my back could get color so I didn't look like a down right fool! haha. Johnny and Eli dug a hole while Anthony and Debbie boogie boarded. After a little while we walked down the boardwalk to a place called Ruby's and had some DELICIOUS milkshakes and fries. I got Strawberry-Banana. Anthony got Butterfinger, and I tasted that and wished I had gotten that instead. SO GOOD! Next time though!! ;0)
After that we went back to my california home (yes, I've decided I live there!! In Spirit {FOR NOW!!} ha) and Eli and I played chess while Anthony went to football. Debbie helped me out with the scavenger hunt I had planned for the kids to find their gifts. We ate dinner and played Wii. I beat Eli in baseball 1-0, Johnny beat me in baseball 6-3 and then Debbie, Johnny, Eli and I played tennis. SO FUN! Oh and we also played bowling. Once Rick and Anthony came home and ate dinner I put up all the scavenger hunt clues and then gave them the go ahead. They seemed to have a lot of fun looking for their next clue...I know I had a blast watching them!!! Sadly after they found their toys and played for a little while it was time for bed. :( I didn't ever want to go to bed, because it meant the next morning I would be leaving this fantastic place!
Sunday (the 12th) I woke up early :( and got dressed and packed up. Said goodbye to Rick :( and got in the car. :( We played the game I got Anthony (Would you Rather?...) in the car, which was funny and hard because of the movement of the car. It took us an hour and fifteen / half to get to the San Diego airport. Glad for the long drive to spend the last few moments of my vaca with my favorite people. We arrived at the airport :( and Debbie and the boys got out and gave me hugs goodbye :( I waved them off as they drove away :(((((( Then waited in line at the curbside check-in and then got to the gate 45 minutes later. That airport was BUSY!
I must have looked a mess cuz I seriously was crying my eyes out in the airport!!! And on the plane!!! (both of them!) Oh man, I must have cried the entire trip back home. I was soooo sad. I still am. I feel like my heart belongs there in California. I feel it and I know it. In fact, I am 85% sure I'll be moving there in the near NEAR future...possibly next year or maybe even sooner.
So the food. OMG Debbie is the most amazing-est cook in the whole entire universe (and pluto!) Wow. I don't think I've ever had more delicious food. She made homemade pizza (yummmmm), homemade tacos (best ever...deliccccciiiiioooooussssss), Chicken cutlets / potatoes (WOW! And she made a secret sauce that was to. die. for.) We also had ribs and corn. Loved all the foooood. Oh and she made nachos and quesadillas for like pickies.
I miss everything about that household. But most of all I miss my family. The best part of the entire week was spending time with them and I would give anything to be there right now.
My week in the greatest state in the country:
So, my trip had finally arrived. After one long year of waiting and waiting to go to visit my beautiful cousins in California, the time had finally come. August 5, 2009. I awoke that morning with a need to get out of Rhode Island and a huge smile spread across my face as I realized that I was on my way out! Out of the rain, out of the boring dull everyday life that I was leading and onto a brighter happier time. A place where the sun shines and the people grand! I hopped out of bed, took Gracie for a walk and finished up my packing. My mom picked me up and we headed to the airport. T.F. Green that is, which as most people in RI know, is NOT in Providence but in Warwick. But apparently the state itself wants to pretend the airport is in Providence. Never understood that. Also don't understand - the Pina Collada song! This song is basically about a married man who puts in a personal ad in the newspaper to find someone else (to cheat on!!) and at the finale he meets the person who answered his ad and it's his wife...so both of them were planning on cheating and then forgave each other??
Anyways, back on topic - I read some of my book (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince) while waiting for my plane. I boarded and started my journey. On the first flight, connecting in Atlanta I listened to my iPod and slept. We landed in Atlanta and I made my way through the 'busiest airport' but wasn't too bad. I found my gate and then got some lunch at Dunkin Donuts. Yum flatbread sandwiches! The flight from Atlanta to San Diego was fine. Uneventful and pretty decent. I do love airplanes. I watched Sweeney Todd and then read Harry Potter. I arrived in San Diego Airport and met up with my cousins Debbie and two of her boys Johnny and Eli downstairs. Got my bag and headed on out. We stopped at a mexican place and got some food to go. I got some yummy chicken quesadillas. After that we went to Debbie's house in Temecula.
Now, Debbie's house is gorgeous! I've been there, lived there for half the summer after college and visited for a day a while back. But they did some work on it since my visit and if it was beautiful before it was even more so now. The whole house and outside grounds are inviting and peaceful. A resort like feel! The pool in the back is just breathtaking. A swim-up bar like area, a hot tub up higher with a waterfall over stones leading into the pool, two more waterfalls - one falling from where the fire pit area is and another along a stone wall. They have a nice couch/table setup underneath a wooden canopy type thing, with a flat screen TV overlooking the comfy set. All of this outside! We hung out there and played Apples to Apples, which was a lot of fun. Then Rick and Anthony came home from football and we watched 'I survived a japanese game show' on the outside TV. Now that is what I call a vacation! That show is pretty funny. But rather dumb. I hit the pillows after that and feel sound asleep.
On Thursday (the 6th) I awoke to the sound of kids playing, love that sound!!! Well, I was already awake but I thought I'd put that. I went out into the family room and watched TV with the boys waiting for Debbie to come back from Tennis. We then went mini-golfing at a place called Mulligan's. It was so much fun! We had a LOT of laughs - A LOT! I forget the scores at the end but I do remember that Debbie and I both got the same exact score, haha. We went back to the homefront and went swimming and then watched movies and had delicious dinner (more about the food later!!!).
Friday (the 7th) I woke up and watched TV with the kids again. Becky and Ben had come in late Thurs. night and slept over so they came down about 15 minutes after I woke up. I was so excited! Ben and the kids went swimming and Becky and I caught up before Debbie came home. We hung out at the pool all afternoon and it was magnificent! I will say it once and then more haha I love that pool! Later on we took Eli to his hockey clinic and then ate dinner and then went to see Anthony play football, which we missed it all. After football we ate more food and then made smores out on the fire pit! I am in love with the entire house and outside.
Saturday (the 8th) ... I kind of forget what we did all day. We swam and played Wii with the boys. Then while Becky & Ben went to a party for Becky's friend and Debbie and Rick went to a birthday party for their friend I took the boys to dinner and then to see Transformers. The movie was pretty good. Lots of action. After the movie we hung out until Debbie and Rick came to pick us up. I gave Anthony, Johnny & Eli each $1.00 to play games and then we got picked up. Coincidentally we all arrived home at the same time (all of us and Becky & Ben). The boys went to watch TV upstairs and Ben and Rick sat on the couch. Debbie, Becky and I had our own lil party in the kitchen. Debbie made us these lemon drop martinis. OH MAN! They were good. Needless to say all three of us girls (the "sisters with attitude" we called ourselves) were very 'happy' I'll say. :) I am going to keep this night between the three of us because it was just too fun and too good to share! We had MANYYYY laughs and it was a night of great memories. I had so much fun. (THANKS DEBBIE!!!!)
We went to bed at 1:30am, and I immediately fell sound asleep. Sunday (the 9th) the lovely Bertran family went to church and Becky, Ben and I slept. Becky and Ben had to leave as they were headed up to Santa Barbara for another party. When they left we all went in the pool. I spent the entire day relaxing on the pool float (and playing catch with the entire Bertran clan) Such a wonderful relaxing fun day. We watched movies and then went to bed.
Monday (the 10th) we all woke up and got ready to go to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. What a fun place!!!!!! We saw Lions, and baby cheetahs!!!! SO CUTE! We went on a really cool "African Safari Tour" through the grounds and saw giraffe, zebras, gazelles, rhinos, ostrich etc. We went into some bird enclosure where Debbie and the boys fed nectar to the birds, on their arms. I get freaked out by birds so I was the designated photagrapher. We saw some fake dinosaurs, that was cool. I took the boys on a dinosaur 4D simulator ride, fun!!! But the most amazing thing for me was...we had the opportunity to go back into the elephant enclosure (THANKS DEBBIE!!!!!) As the only 2 people who read this blog know - I LOVE ELEPHANTS!!!! They are my favorite animal ever. We were really close to them and we got to see a little baby one. SO CUTE! I was mesmerized. On our way out we went to the store so I could get my statue elephant (I collect them from everywhere I go, if they have them) and Debbie bought me a little cute elephant figure. I named him Radje (The first letter of all of their names - Rick, Anthony, Debbie, Johnny, Eli). Out of my elephant collectables he is my favorite, mainly due to the sentimental value of him. In fact, in that saying, if ever there was a fire, and you can only save one thing, I would totally grab him above all other things (this is not including Gracie.) We got back from the park and Anthony went to football. Then we took Johnny to his guitar lesson and I went to Target and bought the boys a gift...one for each of em. Then we ate dinner and hung out and went to bed.
Tuesday (the 11th) woke up and got ready for the beach. When Debbie got back from Tennis we were on our way. We went to Oceanside Beach (I think) I again relaxed. I had more color on my front so I layed on my stomach so that my back could get color so I didn't look like a down right fool! haha. Johnny and Eli dug a hole while Anthony and Debbie boogie boarded. After a little while we walked down the boardwalk to a place called Ruby's and had some DELICIOUS milkshakes and fries. I got Strawberry-Banana. Anthony got Butterfinger, and I tasted that and wished I had gotten that instead. SO GOOD! Next time though!! ;0)
After that we went back to my california home (yes, I've decided I live there!! In Spirit {FOR NOW!!} ha) and Eli and I played chess while Anthony went to football. Debbie helped me out with the scavenger hunt I had planned for the kids to find their gifts. We ate dinner and played Wii. I beat Eli in baseball 1-0, Johnny beat me in baseball 6-3 and then Debbie, Johnny, Eli and I played tennis. SO FUN! Oh and we also played bowling. Once Rick and Anthony came home and ate dinner I put up all the scavenger hunt clues and then gave them the go ahead. They seemed to have a lot of fun looking for their next clue...I know I had a blast watching them!!! Sadly after they found their toys and played for a little while it was time for bed. :( I didn't ever want to go to bed, because it meant the next morning I would be leaving this fantastic place!
Sunday (the 12th) I woke up early :( and got dressed and packed up. Said goodbye to Rick :( and got in the car. :( We played the game I got Anthony (Would you Rather?...) in the car, which was funny and hard because of the movement of the car. It took us an hour and fifteen / half to get to the San Diego airport. Glad for the long drive to spend the last few moments of my vaca with my favorite people. We arrived at the airport :( and Debbie and the boys got out and gave me hugs goodbye :( I waved them off as they drove away :(((((( Then waited in line at the curbside check-in and then got to the gate 45 minutes later. That airport was BUSY!
I must have looked a mess cuz I seriously was crying my eyes out in the airport!!! And on the plane!!! (both of them!) Oh man, I must have cried the entire trip back home. I was soooo sad. I still am. I feel like my heart belongs there in California. I feel it and I know it. In fact, I am 85% sure I'll be moving there in the near NEAR future...possibly next year or maybe even sooner.
So the food. OMG Debbie is the most amazing-est cook in the whole entire universe (and pluto!) Wow. I don't think I've ever had more delicious food. She made homemade pizza (yummmmm), homemade tacos (best ever...deliccccciiiiioooooussssss), Chicken cutlets / potatoes (WOW! And she made a secret sauce that was to. die. for.) We also had ribs and corn. Loved all the foooood. Oh and she made nachos and quesadillas for like pickies.
I miss everything about that household. But most of all I miss my family. The best part of the entire week was spending time with them and I would give anything to be there right now.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Lindsay Is In Love
Lindsay is in love.
His name is Snape. Write in bloggers if you want to hear all about it!
His name is Snape. Write in bloggers if you want to hear all about it!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
And Then I Said I Love You
I'm in love.
He might be my best friend.
Saying those three words nearly made my heart stop.
I didn't want to fall in love with him. I tried not to be. I was told to just get over it. We've been through everything together. I couldn't imagine my life without him. I felt guilty and wrong and bad for the feelings that I had. But it's how I felt and I had to allow myself to feel them in order to move on.
I knew deep down he didn't see me the same way. But I had to say it. I had to risk the friendship.
I decided it would have to be done before he went on vacation for a week. This would give us space.
So, on May 20th at roughly two in the morning I said it. I was nervous and jittery and making him nervous. I couldn't sleep. He came out of his room (he's living with me since he lost his job to make things even more complicated).
I said I have something to say and it's not easy for me to say it. He thought maybe I was sick. That maybe I wanted him to move out. That maybe he did something wrong or that I did something wrong. I said none of those were true. You did nothing wrong.
I paused. I then said I understand you, respect you and love you as much as anyone. His sat in the computer chair in his room in his underwear. He was not expecting that.
My voice cracked. I looked up at the ceiling. I wasn't going to cry. I didn't cry.
I said I know you have never thought of me this way. I know that I won't ever have the perfect body or be the most popular.
I then looked at him straight in the eye and said:
But I like you just the way you are.
I paused and then walked back to my room. He jumped up and asked what happens next. I didn't have words left in me. He said he needed time to process this. I said I understood. It took me a long time to figure out just how I felt with everyone telling me how I felt. I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. He was my best friend. I felt guilty.
But I also told him that I had to say something because if I didn't I would feel like a coward. He said he respected that.
I went to bed.
I couldn't sleep. I cried in my room. I was overwhelmed. I was so afraid, happy, sad, proud -- he didn't sleep either.
We ate pancakes together in the morning. It wasn't so weird. We've texted since. He's pretending like everything is normal. That's okay with me for right now. It's a lot to take in.
But if he never says anything can the friendship survive? He is getting involved (again) with a verbally and physically abusive man. He has issues. We all do. Can I be his friend even if this other man in his life? Can we still live together? We have a friendship with no boundaries. What if there are boundaries now? Can I live with that?
I'm seeing him tonight (or tomorrow) for the first time. I'm nervous. I don't want to be mean or jealous or angry.
I also don't want to be wrestless. And I can honestly say that the week he was gone I was at peace. I felt content and rested and I didn't miss him. Whatever happens, life goes on. I can live without him. I know that now.
And I don't regret saying I love you. I might not get the ending of a Julia Roberts movie. It might make me pathetic in someone's eyes. But for me it allowed me to grow and move on and be brave and be in the moment.
It's so hard to be in the moment. But a week ago I was. I took charge of my life. I did that. No one else.
I have a reason to be proud of myself and I haven't been proud of myself in a really long time.
He might be my best friend.
Saying those three words nearly made my heart stop.
I didn't want to fall in love with him. I tried not to be. I was told to just get over it. We've been through everything together. I couldn't imagine my life without him. I felt guilty and wrong and bad for the feelings that I had. But it's how I felt and I had to allow myself to feel them in order to move on.
I knew deep down he didn't see me the same way. But I had to say it. I had to risk the friendship.
I decided it would have to be done before he went on vacation for a week. This would give us space.
So, on May 20th at roughly two in the morning I said it. I was nervous and jittery and making him nervous. I couldn't sleep. He came out of his room (he's living with me since he lost his job to make things even more complicated).
I said I have something to say and it's not easy for me to say it. He thought maybe I was sick. That maybe I wanted him to move out. That maybe he did something wrong or that I did something wrong. I said none of those were true. You did nothing wrong.
I paused. I then said I understand you, respect you and love you as much as anyone. His sat in the computer chair in his room in his underwear. He was not expecting that.
My voice cracked. I looked up at the ceiling. I wasn't going to cry. I didn't cry.
I said I know you have never thought of me this way. I know that I won't ever have the perfect body or be the most popular.
I then looked at him straight in the eye and said:
But I like you just the way you are.
I paused and then walked back to my room. He jumped up and asked what happens next. I didn't have words left in me. He said he needed time to process this. I said I understood. It took me a long time to figure out just how I felt with everyone telling me how I felt. I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. He was my best friend. I felt guilty.
But I also told him that I had to say something because if I didn't I would feel like a coward. He said he respected that.
I went to bed.
I couldn't sleep. I cried in my room. I was overwhelmed. I was so afraid, happy, sad, proud -- he didn't sleep either.
We ate pancakes together in the morning. It wasn't so weird. We've texted since. He's pretending like everything is normal. That's okay with me for right now. It's a lot to take in.
But if he never says anything can the friendship survive? He is getting involved (again) with a verbally and physically abusive man. He has issues. We all do. Can I be his friend even if this other man in his life? Can we still live together? We have a friendship with no boundaries. What if there are boundaries now? Can I live with that?
I'm seeing him tonight (or tomorrow) for the first time. I'm nervous. I don't want to be mean or jealous or angry.
I also don't want to be wrestless. And I can honestly say that the week he was gone I was at peace. I felt content and rested and I didn't miss him. Whatever happens, life goes on. I can live without him. I know that now.
And I don't regret saying I love you. I might not get the ending of a Julia Roberts movie. It might make me pathetic in someone's eyes. But for me it allowed me to grow and move on and be brave and be in the moment.
It's so hard to be in the moment. But a week ago I was. I took charge of my life. I did that. No one else.
I have a reason to be proud of myself and I haven't been proud of myself in a really long time.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tie-Dye & Parade a go-go
Yay...Carrie came for the weekend. It was mad fun yo. Here is what we did.
Friday night. I picked up Carrie from the train station and then we went to my hizzouse. We watched "Alive" which I had seen before many times. Carrie enjoyed it. Craziness what they went through! Then we went to bed I believe. I never can remember what exactly we do. My brain isn't what it used to be.
Saturday morning we awoke and went to Dunkin Donuts for some coffee and bagels. Then we headed over to Custom Design to set up for the tie-dye shirt making. My dad and I spray painted and glitterized the forks/spoons and knives before the kidlings arrived. Then Vickie, Lexie G and Miranda came. They helped us finish the set up. Allegra, Vivian, Lauren, Stephanie, Shannon, Lexie L, Abbey, Meghan, Nicole, Adeline, Clara, Chayton, Nicholas, Daniel, Jillian, Chris C, Megan M, Chelsea, and more came. Let me just say that tie-dying - NOT MY THING. HA. I am not good at it at all. Some of the kids made amazing shirts and others came out great as well. Mine looks like i just squirted ink onto it. But i like it cuz the kids signed the back of it. Needless to say all the kids and myself were covered with tie-dye on our hands (and for Chayton, on his feet!)
When that ended Carrie and I walked Gracie and then went to eat at Kon in EG where we sat at the hibatchi grill table and the chef put way too much pepper in our food. it was good though. Then we went to the movies and did a double feature - 'Dance Flick', eh was funny at parts but overall pretty dumb, and 'Night at the Museum 2' which was great. I loved it and would totally see it again. Amy Adams - I<3you. Then we went to my house where carrie spent a while on the computer while i caught up on my tv, watched criminal minds (the episode from the 13th) and the two hour Ugly Betty finale. That show and the color orange need to break up. Carrie went to bed before I finished watching but when I was done i went to bed too.
Sunday we woke up late and then went shopping. We went to Kohl's where I bought the most comfortable flip flops made in the history of flip flops! Also bought some cute shirts and jeans. Damn you Kohl's for stealing my money! Then we went to Target where I bought parade candy and bubbles. Target stole all of carrie's money and we left. I dropped off costumes to a parent so she could bring them to the parade the next day for me and then Carrie and I went home. We tie-dyed the shirts I forgot to tie-dye for the kids and then while I worked on cutting string for the forks/spoons/knives we watched the special features of "Alive." then we went to bed.
Monday morning we woke up earlyyyyyy 7am BOO! and got ready for the parade. We went to hOney dew for some breakfast where i saw shane's mom and then the albins, Debbie and her kids Tori and Kayla.
Then we headed to Wilson park for the parade. We got the kids in their costumes (THANKS ALL WHO HELPED OUT!) and got them on the float. We were moved to the front of the parade! WOW. and then we were off. The music shut off a few times cuz of the generator and the power invertor but we fixed it in a jiff and it was fine. It was a lot of fun! At the end of the parade Carrie put on the song 'Don't Stop Believin' from 'Glee' and all the kids flipppped out! so excited. So we jammed out to that song twice and then the parade was over.
After we left we dropped off the costumes to Ann O'Grady and then went to Del's to get some lunch and their delicious lemonade. Then we went to my house and watched the season finale of Criminal Minds with Gallant. Then I drove Carrie to the train and said goodbye :( I then traveled to my aunt's house and had some food.
The. End.
Friday night. I picked up Carrie from the train station and then we went to my hizzouse. We watched "Alive" which I had seen before many times. Carrie enjoyed it. Craziness what they went through! Then we went to bed I believe. I never can remember what exactly we do. My brain isn't what it used to be.
Saturday morning we awoke and went to Dunkin Donuts for some coffee and bagels. Then we headed over to Custom Design to set up for the tie-dye shirt making. My dad and I spray painted and glitterized the forks/spoons and knives before the kidlings arrived. Then Vickie, Lexie G and Miranda came. They helped us finish the set up. Allegra, Vivian, Lauren, Stephanie, Shannon, Lexie L, Abbey, Meghan, Nicole, Adeline, Clara, Chayton, Nicholas, Daniel, Jillian, Chris C, Megan M, Chelsea, and more came. Let me just say that tie-dying - NOT MY THING. HA. I am not good at it at all. Some of the kids made amazing shirts and others came out great as well. Mine looks like i just squirted ink onto it. But i like it cuz the kids signed the back of it. Needless to say all the kids and myself were covered with tie-dye on our hands (and for Chayton, on his feet!)
When that ended Carrie and I walked Gracie and then went to eat at Kon in EG where we sat at the hibatchi grill table and the chef put way too much pepper in our food. it was good though. Then we went to the movies and did a double feature - 'Dance Flick', eh was funny at parts but overall pretty dumb, and 'Night at the Museum 2' which was great. I loved it and would totally see it again. Amy Adams - I<3you. Then we went to my house where carrie spent a while on the computer while i caught up on my tv, watched criminal minds (the episode from the 13th) and the two hour Ugly Betty finale. That show and the color orange need to break up. Carrie went to bed before I finished watching but when I was done i went to bed too.
Sunday we woke up late and then went shopping. We went to Kohl's where I bought the most comfortable flip flops made in the history of flip flops! Also bought some cute shirts and jeans. Damn you Kohl's for stealing my money! Then we went to Target where I bought parade candy and bubbles. Target stole all of carrie's money and we left. I dropped off costumes to a parent so she could bring them to the parade the next day for me and then Carrie and I went home. We tie-dyed the shirts I forgot to tie-dye for the kids and then while I worked on cutting string for the forks/spoons/knives we watched the special features of "Alive." then we went to bed.
Monday morning we woke up earlyyyyyy 7am BOO! and got ready for the parade. We went to hOney dew for some breakfast where i saw shane's mom and then the albins, Debbie and her kids Tori and Kayla.
Then we headed to Wilson park for the parade. We got the kids in their costumes (THANKS ALL WHO HELPED OUT!) and got them on the float. We were moved to the front of the parade! WOW. and then we were off. The music shut off a few times cuz of the generator and the power invertor but we fixed it in a jiff and it was fine. It was a lot of fun! At the end of the parade Carrie put on the song 'Don't Stop Believin' from 'Glee' and all the kids flipppped out! so excited. So we jammed out to that song twice and then the parade was over.
After we left we dropped off the costumes to Ann O'Grady and then went to Del's to get some lunch and their delicious lemonade. Then we went to my house and watched the season finale of Criminal Minds with Gallant. Then I drove Carrie to the train and said goodbye :( I then traveled to my aunt's house and had some food.
The. End.
Monday, May 18, 2009
I found the Love of my Life
May 15, 2009. Took the high speed train to Georgia..erm...I mean New York/Penn. Poor Gracie, she came to see me off...and while her and my mom and I sat patiently waiting for my train, the Acela train sped past at over 150mph, Gracie freaked out and cowered between her two favorite people. Poor lil munchkin lou! Then she calmed down and my train arrived. I got on and sat with some girl. I slept for most of the trip (THANK GOD!) and then arrived at Penn. Immediately getting off the train I walked up a staircase...and found myself in a random part of Penn Station. I was lost. Oh boy! So I called Carrie and she found me! YAY.
We went straight to her apartment and after I read an article about Jon & Kate Gosselin we went to bed.
May 16, 2009. Took the subway to the city, I got money and we met Leah at the Rock of Ages theater to try the lotto for tickets to the 2:00pm performance. Carrie got called second, YAYAYAYAYAY. And seeing as we won and didn't need any more tickets, Leah left. (Thanks Leah for coming to help us win!). The way the ROA lotto works, is the first two people called get front row seats, everyone else gets whatever seats are given. So both Carrie and myself were super psyched for getting front row. HOLLA.
Let me just tell you that people are morons! Seriously, idiots! DUMB, STUPID! The lady doing the lotto had told everyone that after their name is called to line up. You would think that was pretty easy right? Apparently it wasn't. As people joined the line, behind the first person and Carrie and it got to the end people started lining up like next to carrie, as if the line went into THE STREET instead of down the sidewalk. And they were like 'well it doesn't matter what order you're in' I wanted to be like 'umm, yes it does you fucking idiot, you're supposed to line up in the order your name is called!' but i didn't. And there was this old lady, let's call her Erma. She randomly appeared out of nowhere as the woman was saying she has one ticket left for the lotto and all the groups were saying they didn't want it because they were in a group (but they kept standing there like tickets were going to appear from the woman's earlobe). So Erma, is standing there and says to me 'I would love to go but I only have $20.00.' I tell her 'I have no money.' Because clearly she was asking me. And then she tells THE LADY RUNNING THE LOTTO the same thing. The lady quite rightly says 'did you put your name into the pile?' and Erma says 'no, I just got here.' Weirdo.
So anyways, after Carrie the Awesome got her tickets we moseyed our way to Cosi, the best little lunch place ever. I had my usual, a tuna melt. It was as delicious as I remembered. As we left I reminisced about when I met Kristin Chenoweth in that same place a f
ew years back. Oh the mems. We went to the theater and took our seats. MAN were we close! Check out our view!:
I was a tad nervous because I don't like being called on to do things or being talked to - basically to be put on the spot, and this seemed like the kind of show to do just that. (luckily it didn't happen...although I wouldn't have minded if a certain someone had randomly made out with me! ;) hehe). So back to the story. The show was rock'n! I loved it...so much fun. Constantine Maroulis was in it, he was really good although I'm not normally a fan of his. But I give him mad props yo. Amy Spanger was out, does she ever actually perform in the shows? So we saw her u/s Savannah White. She was very good. The guy who played Franz (Wesley) was fantastic! SOOO funny. "I'm not gay, I'm just german!" HA! The Narrator / Lonny was hysterical, and as Carrie told me beforehand, looks, sounds and makes the same facial expressions as Jack Black. He was great.
Now, here is where I first laid eyes on the new love of my life. His name is James Carpinello and he is one hunka hunka burnin' love baby! He played Stacee Jaxx, the stereotypical lead singer of a rock band wantint to make it big on his own. I swooned over him the entire show. Wow. Now, the one sinkin' clincher here is...he's married. :( And of course - you know...ON BROADWAY and impossible for me even if he wasn't married. But a girl can fantasize right! I stage doored the show after, to have them all sign my 'save your strip' paper that i caught in the show. Here are a couple of things:
1. Savannah White looks a lot different in person than she does on stage and wears these kind of 'Frenchie from Grease' glasses, she is adorable.
2. Angel signs her name with a halo over the 'A'. Cute.
3. Constantine Maroulis has no personality and when asked for a picture with him he said yes but walked away. Weirdo.
4. I fell even more in love with James Carpinello when meeting him and looking into his gorgeous entrancing beautiful eyes.
So anyhoo...not realizing that Carrie had her camera (and the fact that she wasn't near me and I didn't want to scream to her) I didn't ask for a pic with that hottie. So we left and headed over to Carrie's aunt's house. We ate a delicious meal (Thanks Auntie Ann!) and watched the three hour Lost finale. Second time around, even better than the first, which is saying a lot!
After Lost we headed on back to the deluxe apartment that Carrie lives in with Corinne and Nuwani. We watched SNL and went to sleep.
May 17, 2009. Slept in and then took the subway into the city. We went to Cari's apartment so I could leave my bag there whilst Carrie and I became secret agents throughout the day. Cari's roommate Ashley let us in and we chilled for a bit before we pulled a funny (to us, not to Cari) joke on Cari and then we left in a hurry before we were murdered in our sleep (sorry Cari!). Carrie and I (after saying see ya lata to Ashley) put on our camouflage outfits and slinked to an undisclosed location to do a little celeb stalking. We had no luck for the first part but then went to Rock of Ages stage door so I could get a picture with my dream man...HERE IT IS:
Isn't he Gorgeous??? YES!! I could stare into his eyes forever. and ever. Why can't he be my neighbor who always needs something and appearing at my doorstep?! Is that too much to ask for?
So after getting that gem of a picture Carrie and I headed on back to Cari & Ashley's apartment and watched Jeapardy with them and then the season finale of Bones. We chilled for a bit and then I left my bag down with the doorman and then Carrie and I resumed our roles as super secret Sydney Bristow like spies. This time it paid off (more for her than for me). We saw Anna ... from Fringe (who plays Det. Olivia Dunham) and Mark Valley (also from Fringe, but I know him as Jack Devereaux from Days of our Lives). Then we saw Jane Lynch who I know but can't place what she's been in...but she is in the upcoming awesome show "Glee". And we also saw the voice of many of the voices of The Family Guy (Stewie and Peter Griffin to name two) walk across the street. Awesome. Then I hadda leave so we got my bag and headed to the train.
On the sidewalk, we ran into Shoshana Feinstein! YAY SHOSHANA! Glad I got to see her even if it were only for a couple of minutes.
Great weekend! Can't wait for Carrie to come up this weekend. :D
We went straight to her apartment and after I read an article about Jon & Kate Gosselin we went to bed.
May 16, 2009. Took the subway to the city, I got money and we met Leah at the Rock of Ages theater to try the lotto for tickets to the 2:00pm performance. Carrie got called second, YAYAYAYAYAY. And seeing as we won and didn't need any more tickets, Leah left. (Thanks Leah for coming to help us win!). The way the ROA lotto works, is the first two people called get front row seats, everyone else gets whatever seats are given. So both Carrie and myself were super psyched for getting front row. HOLLA.
Let me just tell you that people are morons! Seriously, idiots! DUMB, STUPID! The lady doing the lotto had told everyone that after their name is called to line up. You would think that was pretty easy right? Apparently it wasn't. As people joined the line, behind the first person and Carrie and it got to the end people started lining up like next to carrie, as if the line went into THE STREET instead of down the sidewalk. And they were like 'well it doesn't matter what order you're in' I wanted to be like 'umm, yes it does you fucking idiot, you're supposed to line up in the order your name is called!' but i didn't. And there was this old lady, let's call her Erma. She randomly appeared out of nowhere as the woman was saying she has one ticket left for the lotto and all the groups were saying they didn't want it because they were in a group (but they kept standing there like tickets were going to appear from the woman's earlobe). So Erma, is standing there and says to me 'I would love to go but I only have $20.00.' I tell her 'I have no money.' Because clearly she was asking me. And then she tells THE LADY RUNNING THE LOTTO the same thing. The lady quite rightly says 'did you put your name into the pile?' and Erma says 'no, I just got here.' Weirdo.
So anyways, after Carrie the Awesome got her tickets we moseyed our way to Cosi, the best little lunch place ever. I had my usual, a tuna melt. It was as delicious as I remembered. As we left I reminisced about when I met Kristin Chenoweth in that same place a f
ew years back. Oh the mems. We went to the theater and took our seats. MAN were we close! Check out our view!: I was a tad nervous because I don't like being called on to do things or being talked to - basically to be put on the spot, and this seemed like the kind of show to do just that. (luckily it didn't happen...although I wouldn't have minded if a certain someone had randomly made out with me! ;) hehe). So back to the story. The show was rock'n! I loved it...so much fun. Constantine Maroulis was in it, he was really good although I'm not normally a fan of his. But I give him mad props yo. Amy Spanger was out, does she ever actually perform in the shows? So we saw her u/s Savannah White. She was very good. The guy who played Franz (Wesley) was fantastic! SOOO funny. "I'm not gay, I'm just german!" HA! The Narrator / Lonny was hysterical, and as Carrie told me beforehand, looks, sounds and makes the same facial expressions as Jack Black. He was great.
Now, here is where I first laid eyes on the new love of my life. His name is James Carpinello and he is one hunka hunka burnin' love baby! He played Stacee Jaxx, the stereotypical lead singer of a rock band wantint to make it big on his own. I swooned over him the entire show. Wow. Now, the one sinkin' clincher here is...he's married. :( And of course - you know...ON BROADWAY and impossible for me even if he wasn't married. But a girl can fantasize right! I stage doored the show after, to have them all sign my 'save your strip' paper that i caught in the show. Here are a couple of things:
1. Savannah White looks a lot different in person than she does on stage and wears these kind of 'Frenchie from Grease' glasses, she is adorable.
2. Angel signs her name with a halo over the 'A'. Cute.
3. Constantine Maroulis has no personality and when asked for a picture with him he said yes but walked away. Weirdo.
4. I fell even more in love with James Carpinello when meeting him and looking into his gorgeous entrancing beautiful eyes.
So anyhoo...not realizing that Carrie had her camera (and the fact that she wasn't near me and I didn't want to scream to her) I didn't ask for a pic with that hottie. So we left and headed over to Carrie's aunt's house. We ate a delicious meal (Thanks Auntie Ann!) and watched the three hour Lost finale. Second time around, even better than the first, which is saying a lot!
After Lost we headed on back to the deluxe apartment that Carrie lives in with Corinne and Nuwani. We watched SNL and went to sleep.
May 17, 2009. Slept in and then took the subway into the city. We went to Cari's apartment so I could leave my bag there whilst Carrie and I became secret agents throughout the day. Cari's roommate Ashley let us in and we chilled for a bit before we pulled a funny (to us, not to Cari) joke on Cari and then we left in a hurry before we were murdered in our sleep (sorry Cari!). Carrie and I (after saying see ya lata to Ashley) put on our camouflage outfits and slinked to an undisclosed location to do a little celeb stalking. We had no luck for the first part but then went to Rock of Ages stage door so I could get a picture with my dream man...HERE IT IS:
Isn't he Gorgeous??? YES!! I could stare into his eyes forever. and ever. Why can't he be my neighbor who always needs something and appearing at my doorstep?! Is that too much to ask for?
So after getting that gem of a picture Carrie and I headed on back to Cari & Ashley's apartment and watched Jeapardy with them and then the season finale of Bones. We chilled for a bit and then I left my bag down with the doorman and then Carrie and I resumed our roles as super secret Sydney Bristow like spies. This time it paid off (more for her than for me). We saw Anna ... from Fringe (who plays Det. Olivia Dunham) and Mark Valley (also from Fringe, but I know him as Jack Devereaux from Days of our Lives). Then we saw Jane Lynch who I know but can't place what she's been in...but she is in the upcoming awesome show "Glee". And we also saw the voice of many of the voices of The Family Guy (Stewie and Peter Griffin to name two) walk across the street. Awesome. Then I hadda leave so we got my bag and headed to the train.
On the sidewalk, we ran into Shoshana Feinstein! YAY SHOSHANA! Glad I got to see her even if it were only for a couple of minutes.
Great weekend! Can't wait for Carrie to come up this weekend. :D
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I am a distraction
So Rehearsals have been going on for about three weeks now. They are going pretty well, except for some rehearsals when people don't listen to me, and then I feel sad and an emotional wreck! And that's when I get all down on myself and lose my confidence. But that only happens once in a while, thank God.
Just recently I was interviewed for an article for The Villager, a local magazine that comes out once a month. I'm excited. I don't know if I did very well in the interview, I'm not very good at thinking up things on the spot; maybe my goal to be on Ellen should be extinguished. I hope that she got some good quotes from me and that I didn't come off as a complete idiot who doesn't know what the hell she's doing. I'm scared and excited to read the article. I took a picture for the article of the kids, the leads and the forks/spoons/knives. It came out great. The little kids who are the forks/spoons and knives are adorable! The costumes we made at Custom Design are perfect. I am going to spray paint them a chrome color and sprinkle glitter on them. So they can sparkle! We are going to be in the Memorial Day Parade on May 25th. So excited. Carrie's coming to visit that weekend and will help me with the music on the float cuz she rocks that way. I hope she will help me spray paint / glitterize the forks spoons and knives on Saturday. It'll be fun Carrie! We can rock out to awesome music!
So I love most of the kids, but some of them (mainly one) annoys the crap outta me. She hasn't been to rehearsal in a while, so I'm hoping she has quit because I sent an email to her mother. I have become really close to one of the girls - Lexie who is my Daisy cast Belle...she was in the shows in previous years in the ensemble and we didn't start talking till last year when she was in my Bewitching Hour show. Oh me and my favorites. I must try not to have them. It's going to be sad at the last show on Sunday because of all the 8th graders graduating.
Anyhoo...I'm excited for the show. :)
Just recently I was interviewed for an article for The Villager, a local magazine that comes out once a month. I'm excited. I don't know if I did very well in the interview, I'm not very good at thinking up things on the spot; maybe my goal to be on Ellen should be extinguished. I hope that she got some good quotes from me and that I didn't come off as a complete idiot who doesn't know what the hell she's doing. I'm scared and excited to read the article. I took a picture for the article of the kids, the leads and the forks/spoons/knives. It came out great. The little kids who are the forks/spoons and knives are adorable! The costumes we made at Custom Design are perfect. I am going to spray paint them a chrome color and sprinkle glitter on them. So they can sparkle! We are going to be in the Memorial Day Parade on May 25th. So excited. Carrie's coming to visit that weekend and will help me with the music on the float cuz she rocks that way. I hope she will help me spray paint / glitterize the forks spoons and knives on Saturday. It'll be fun Carrie! We can rock out to awesome music!
So I love most of the kids, but some of them (mainly one) annoys the crap outta me. She hasn't been to rehearsal in a while, so I'm hoping she has quit because I sent an email to her mother. I have become really close to one of the girls - Lexie who is my Daisy cast Belle...she was in the shows in previous years in the ensemble and we didn't start talking till last year when she was in my Bewitching Hour show. Oh me and my favorites. I must try not to have them. It's going to be sad at the last show on Sunday because of all the 8th graders graduating.
Anyhoo...I'm excited for the show. :)
Monday, April 27, 2009
I Saw Crazy Pants!
I saw crazy pants this weekend!
Yes, that would be Lindsay. We ate a lot of bad (good) food. We had nice weather. We visited Newport, RI. This is where we first met. Her dog Gracie is so well behaved. Lindsay is still grumpy in the morning. We saw her mom's college theater production. It was good, but long!
We didn't go to the movies, but we watched Wanted. I'm not an action film fan, but it was good. I was surprised by how much I liked it. What else did we do? I don't remember. It was so crazy! But that's crazy pants for you. Oh yes, she got me to watch Better off Ted and 30 Rock. And the ride home for me was hell. But it was the first time I rode in her Jeep. And what a jeep it is.
Yes, that would be Lindsay. We ate a lot of bad (good) food. We had nice weather. We visited Newport, RI. This is where we first met. Her dog Gracie is so well behaved. Lindsay is still grumpy in the morning. We saw her mom's college theater production. It was good, but long!
We didn't go to the movies, but we watched Wanted. I'm not an action film fan, but it was good. I was surprised by how much I liked it. What else did we do? I don't remember. It was so crazy! But that's crazy pants for you. Oh yes, she got me to watch Better off Ted and 30 Rock. And the ride home for me was hell. But it was the first time I rode in her Jeep. And what a jeep it is.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Whose Cold Today?
Why is it still cold outside? Why is it so much colder in my office?
Why is Lindsay tired? She's cold too! Who else is cold?
I'm seeing Lindsay this weekend. I think because she loves me she's letting me pick the movie and were seeing The Informers.
Why is Lindsay tired? She's cold too! Who else is cold?
I'm seeing Lindsay this weekend. I think because she loves me she's letting me pick the movie and were seeing The Informers.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Auditions wha wha WHAT!
Last night (April 6, 2009) I held the first set of auditions for my Beauty and the Beast production. I had been highly anticipating this day since the beginning of classes in January and I still can't believe it's here. I have a flurry of emotions; I was extremely happy and thrilled and yet stressed and anxious at the same time. I arrived at around 4:45 to set up and thinking I had a lot of time I didn't. About five minutes later Meghan and her mom came in. I was excited to see them. They helped me get things settled and then more kids came in followed by my crew, Heather, Rachel and Jill.
At 5:05ish I held a tiny meeting for the parents to sign the contracts and whatnot. We started the singing auditions and then the reading auditions. Some of those kids - EGADZ! They were phenomenal! Some of those girls - Lexie esp. have beyond amazing voices. And Lexie's been with us for a long time and I don't know where she was hiding! It took a long time and ended at 7:40 but the kids were allllll amazing.
Tim, who is the cutest little 3rd grader auditioned for Lefou and by george he was adorable! Jack auditioned for Gaston and was equally great. Everyone who auditioned was just wow. I don't know who is going to get any of the roles and Heather, Rachel, Jill and I have our work cut out for us in casting it!
It is going to be next to impossible casting this show. I am so not looking forward to it because of the backlash i'm going to get from those who did not get the role they wanted. OY. Why did I sign up for this again?
At 5:05ish I held a tiny meeting for the parents to sign the contracts and whatnot. We started the singing auditions and then the reading auditions. Some of those kids - EGADZ! They were phenomenal! Some of those girls - Lexie esp. have beyond amazing voices. And Lexie's been with us for a long time and I don't know where she was hiding! It took a long time and ended at 7:40 but the kids were allllll amazing.
Tim, who is the cutest little 3rd grader auditioned for Lefou and by george he was adorable! Jack auditioned for Gaston and was equally great. Everyone who auditioned was just wow. I don't know who is going to get any of the roles and Heather, Rachel, Jill and I have our work cut out for us in casting it!
It is going to be next to impossible casting this show. I am so not looking forward to it because of the backlash i'm going to get from those who did not get the role they wanted. OY. Why did I sign up for this again?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Favorite Sound
It's Wednesday. Tonight is the final episode of the second season of Damages. It wasn't as a great season as the first, but it picked up in the end and is still pretty damn good. I'm excited for the last episode.
It's raining in New York City. I'm sleepy. Late night last night. The rain got me thinking of my favorite sounds. My friend Bryan said he likes the sound of horns honking.
I like the sound of rain hitting against the window. Rain makes me sleepy, but also it comforts me. I like the grey skies. It's always a good excuse to be lazy. Maybe that's why I like it?
It's raining in New York City. I'm sleepy. Late night last night. The rain got me thinking of my favorite sounds. My friend Bryan said he likes the sound of horns honking.
I like the sound of rain hitting against the window. Rain makes me sleepy, but also it comforts me. I like the grey skies. It's always a good excuse to be lazy. Maybe that's why I like it?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Duplicity
You want to see a beautifully shot and well written film?
A film where the actors have chemistry. The locations and the costumes are beautiful. A film that actually surprises?
Go see Duplicity!
A film where the actors have chemistry. The locations and the costumes are beautiful. A film that actually surprises?
Go see Duplicity!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Life (or something like it)
What is the point of life? I ask myself that all the time, especially nowadays when ex-president bush 'broke the world'! They say money doesn't make you happy, but it sure does help! You need money to do the things that make you happy, so ultimately money is the source of happiness. Am I right ladies? Somehow I have no money left over after bills and am living month to month. I can't afford to buy food nevermind the things that make me happy or go on any trips, long or otherwise. This economy sucks like a blowhole. George W. always wanted to leave a mark on the world and have a legacy as president, so I hope he's happy that his legacy is going down in history as the worst president ever who caused all of this strife.
So I sit here at work and wonder if the future is going to be any brighter than the present, because if it stays like this I think I will cry. It's really the monotony of every-day life that brings me down. How is this life worth it if all I can afford to do is go to work and go home and watch TV. I honestly don't see the point!
And I don't know why but the death of Natasha Richardson really affected me. I mean, it is a very sad thing, but for some reason it really got to me. I loved her as an actress and am also a fan of her mother Vanessa Redgrave and her sister Joely Richardson. I feel terrible for Liam Neeson (and her mom/sister) and also for her two young sons. How horrible is it for them to lose their mother at a young age in a freak accident! I am truly heartbroken for them.
I thought to myself, that everybody has their time, but why did she have to die when she has everything going for her, an amazing career, a husband who loves her very much and two young sons who need her and here I am, alone, childless and living a mundane life. I don't know. I'm not saying that I want to die...I'm just...I don't know. Yesterday I had a horrible day and today is better but it still really upsets me. OH LIFE!
So I sit here at work and wonder if the future is going to be any brighter than the present, because if it stays like this I think I will cry. It's really the monotony of every-day life that brings me down. How is this life worth it if all I can afford to do is go to work and go home and watch TV. I honestly don't see the point!
And I don't know why but the death of Natasha Richardson really affected me. I mean, it is a very sad thing, but for some reason it really got to me. I loved her as an actress and am also a fan of her mother Vanessa Redgrave and her sister Joely Richardson. I feel terrible for Liam Neeson (and her mom/sister) and also for her two young sons. How horrible is it for them to lose their mother at a young age in a freak accident! I am truly heartbroken for them.
I thought to myself, that everybody has their time, but why did she have to die when she has everything going for her, an amazing career, a husband who loves her very much and two young sons who need her and here I am, alone, childless and living a mundane life. I don't know. I'm not saying that I want to die...I'm just...I don't know. Yesterday I had a horrible day and today is better but it still really upsets me. OH LIFE!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Life and Stuff
I work at an advertising award show. I'm in charge of opening the submission packages. It is not difficult work. It is tedious and never ending for a good two months. The packages are big and come from all over the world. The packaging itself can be very difficult to open. Sometimes the entries do not include all the material needed. I then have to go into the back end of our system and find out who submitted what and print out and fill out the paper work. This makes the process even longer. I do this for nine hours a day, five days a week.
Friday night I worked until just after 10pm. Bryan came and helped me open them. I just did not want to work on the weekend.
This past weekend I saw Lindsay. I forgot to give her the Christmas/Birthday/Valentine's dvds I had been waiting to give her. I'll have to send it to her. We saw Mary-Louise Parker who is by far one of the most compelling and interesting actors working today. She was nice too! Lindsay hurt my feelings with my picture taking inability.
I went to Target on Monday night. Bryan and I took a car. It was a good time. My birthday is Friday. I'm planning on dinner and drinks. And the day off from work and opening packages!
Friday night I worked until just after 10pm. Bryan came and helped me open them. I just did not want to work on the weekend.
This past weekend I saw Lindsay. I forgot to give her the Christmas/Birthday/Valentine's dvds I had been waiting to give her. I'll have to send it to her. We saw Mary-Louise Parker who is by far one of the most compelling and interesting actors working today. She was nice too! Lindsay hurt my feelings with my picture taking inability.
I went to Target on Monday night. Bryan and I took a car. It was a good time. My birthday is Friday. I'm planning on dinner and drinks. And the day off from work and opening packages!
Oh Lauren Graham, How I adore you
So it was finally the weekend of my ever so anticipated event of going to New York...FINALLY! I hadn't been to NY in who knows when, but it's been soooo long. I've missed it terribly. So saturday morning I boarded the train. I had my own two seats for a while, especially for the 45 minutes we were STUCK in CT cuz of the train in front of us breaking down. Blah. But I listened to my music and slept for a little bit. I arrived at Penn Station and met with Carrie.
We walked and took the subway to her apartment where I dropped my stuff onto the floor and chilled for a bit. We then left to meet her friend Rachel at the movie theater in the city where we saw "Confessions of a Shopoholic". The theater was jam-packed but luckily we got three seats, unlike the two guys who ended up sitting on the stairs next to me. Weird. I was anticipating this movie as I had read all the books (Confessions of a Shopoholic, Shopoholic Takes Manhattan, Shopholic and Sister, and Shopoholic and Baby). I enjoyed the movie, laughed many a time. I will see it again with my friend Sarah who also loved the books.
After the movie ended we parted ways with Rachel and Carrie and I headed over to the theater to see Hedda Gabler. Mark was supposed to meet us in the seats but he was late so he had to sit in the front row of the balcony so not to disturb people in the middle of the show taking place. The show itself was eh, I'm not a huge fan of straight plays, unless they are super interesting. I do have to say that Mary Louise Parker was hilarious in the role of Hedda Gabler and she made the show watchable. The guy who played the Judge annoyed me. I don't know, the actor seemed like he was a little slow maybe. Well, whatever.
After the show ended Mark, Carrie and I went to the stage door and awaited MLP to come out. Some crazy autograph fiend was there to gather autographs of the cast, so whenever someone exited the stage door he would yell and practically chase them down teh street "Are you in the cast?" CREEPY! So at one point the SD guy came out to tell us all (there were about five of us out there) that Mary Louise Parker wasn't taking pictures, just signing autographs. Then about ten minutes later he came out and said that again, followed by her coming out. She is really pretty and nice as well. She signed my Weeds season 1 DVD. I remember telling her she was great and her saying Thank You...but I don't recall actually looking at her much LOL. At least not when she was signing. Then once she signed for a few more people Carrie (thank the lord) was bold enough to ask her if she would take a picture with us. She looked at the SD guy for some back-up to say no but he was not helping haha so she said yes. :) So I got on MLP's right side and Carrie on her left.
I guess Mark was using the eye that DIDN'T have the contact in because he immediately told me to 'squish in' cuz he couldn't see me. (afterwards looking at the picture he had about twelve feet of space to carrie's right and could have MOVED the camera OVER to get all three of us.) So I said 'I'm just little' and moved in front of them. Mary Louise Parker said "you're petite" hehehe. :) Here's is where I should have said "yes, I'm petite!" But I said nothing. I wish I didn't get all tongue tied and shy around celebs! Carrie thanked her and she got into her car. Yay for getting a picture with her (even though it looks like I was photoshopped in!! :( sadness).
Then we ran over to the Guys & Dolls stage door because the awesome-awe inspiring Lauren Graham is in the show and I wanted to meet her. So we stood outside for a while. Carrie got a picture with Oliver Platt and then Lauren came out. The SD crowd of a million screamed their gilmore girl hearts out and I smiled. Lauren signed for people but somehow missed my dvd inserts. So Carrie and I made a pact to come back on Sunday to try again. Or rather I forced Carrie to take me back to the city on Sunday to try to meet her again.
After the Guys & Dolls SD, Carrie Mark and I walked over to Westway Diner where we met Cari, Shoshana and Shoshana's friends Karen and Jen for some yummy diner food and great company! Liotte made a guest appearance as did some creepy old guy who forced us to take a newspaper. (WTF?) We sat and talked for a while (with the crashing noise of the waiters THROWING the dishes into the dirty bin behind us). It was fun. We then headed out into the night and onto the subway train back to Carrie's humble abode. I said bye to Shoshana and Mark.
Back at Casa Carrie we went to sleep. Sunday morning we awoke and watched some of Lost season 1 (Sawyer - come to my bed and make sweet sweet love to me!). Then we went into the city. We had lunch at Cosi on 51st (ish) The one near Wicked, which brought back many memories of our Wicked days (or at least mine) especially the time I met Kristin chenoweth there. awwwww. The tuna melt was still as delicious as it ever was. Then we went to Pinkberry so I could see what it was all about. I had the small regular with strawberries. Yum. Then we went to the Guys & Dolls SD. Cari and her friend Ashley met up with us there.
We waited around and then through the torturous stage door, it was mobbed...and this girl who was about 49 feet tall was in front of me. haha. SO I was between Gigantor and some other girl (well behind and in between them) so I stuck my arm out once Lauren Graham came out the SD with my Gilmore Girls DVD covers for her to sign. We had a nice little exchange and she signed both. Then I tried my hardest to get through the crowd to Carrie and this other girl who I don't know. Mission Accomplished! :) I love Lauren Graham.
Then we went back to Carrie's place and watched many more episodes of Lost season 1, The Amazing Race and Cold Case. Then more Lost and then sleep.
Monday morning I took a shower and then we watched even more amazingness of Lost season 1. Then I took a train home.
The End.
We walked and took the subway to her apartment where I dropped my stuff onto the floor and chilled for a bit. We then left to meet her friend Rachel at the movie theater in the city where we saw "Confessions of a Shopoholic". The theater was jam-packed but luckily we got three seats, unlike the two guys who ended up sitting on the stairs next to me. Weird. I was anticipating this movie as I had read all the books (Confessions of a Shopoholic, Shopoholic Takes Manhattan, Shopholic and Sister, and Shopoholic and Baby). I enjoyed the movie, laughed many a time. I will see it again with my friend Sarah who also loved the books.
After the movie ended we parted ways with Rachel and Carrie and I headed over to the theater to see Hedda Gabler. Mark was supposed to meet us in the seats but he was late so he had to sit in the front row of the balcony so not to disturb people in the middle of the show taking place. The show itself was eh, I'm not a huge fan of straight plays, unless they are super interesting. I do have to say that Mary Louise Parker was hilarious in the role of Hedda Gabler and she made the show watchable. The guy who played the Judge annoyed me. I don't know, the actor seemed like he was a little slow maybe. Well, whatever.
After the show ended Mark, Carrie and I went to the stage door and awaited MLP to come out. Some crazy autograph fiend was there to gather autographs of the cast, so whenever someone exited the stage door he would yell and practically chase them down teh street "Are you in the cast?" CREEPY! So at one point the SD guy came out to tell us all (there were about five of us out there) that Mary Louise Parker wasn't taking pictures, just signing autographs. Then about ten minutes later he came out and said that again, followed by her coming out. She is really pretty and nice as well. She signed my Weeds season 1 DVD. I remember telling her she was great and her saying Thank You...but I don't recall actually looking at her much LOL. At least not when she was signing. Then once she signed for a few more people Carrie (thank the lord) was bold enough to ask her if she would take a picture with us. She looked at the SD guy for some back-up to say no but he was not helping haha so she said yes. :) So I got on MLP's right side and Carrie on her left.
I guess Mark was using the eye that DIDN'T have the contact in because he immediately told me to 'squish in' cuz he couldn't see me. (afterwards looking at the picture he had about twelve feet of space to carrie's right and could have MOVED the camera OVER to get all three of us.) So I said 'I'm just little' and moved in front of them. Mary Louise Parker said "you're petite" hehehe. :) Here's is where I should have said "yes, I'm petite!" But I said nothing. I wish I didn't get all tongue tied and shy around celebs! Carrie thanked her and she got into her car. Yay for getting a picture with her (even though it looks like I was photoshopped in!! :( sadness).
Then we ran over to the Guys & Dolls stage door because the awesome-awe inspiring Lauren Graham is in the show and I wanted to meet her. So we stood outside for a while. Carrie got a picture with Oliver Platt and then Lauren came out. The SD crowd of a million screamed their gilmore girl hearts out and I smiled. Lauren signed for people but somehow missed my dvd inserts. So Carrie and I made a pact to come back on Sunday to try again. Or rather I forced Carrie to take me back to the city on Sunday to try to meet her again.
After the Guys & Dolls SD, Carrie Mark and I walked over to Westway Diner where we met Cari, Shoshana and Shoshana's friends Karen and Jen for some yummy diner food and great company! Liotte made a guest appearance as did some creepy old guy who forced us to take a newspaper. (WTF?) We sat and talked for a while (with the crashing noise of the waiters THROWING the dishes into the dirty bin behind us). It was fun. We then headed out into the night and onto the subway train back to Carrie's humble abode. I said bye to Shoshana and Mark.
Back at Casa Carrie we went to sleep. Sunday morning we awoke and watched some of Lost season 1 (Sawyer - come to my bed and make sweet sweet love to me!). Then we went into the city. We had lunch at Cosi on 51st (ish) The one near Wicked, which brought back many memories of our Wicked days (or at least mine) especially the time I met Kristin chenoweth there. awwwww. The tuna melt was still as delicious as it ever was. Then we went to Pinkberry so I could see what it was all about. I had the small regular with strawberries. Yum. Then we went to the Guys & Dolls SD. Cari and her friend Ashley met up with us there.
We waited around and then through the torturous stage door, it was mobbed...and this girl who was about 49 feet tall was in front of me. haha. SO I was between Gigantor and some other girl (well behind and in between them) so I stuck my arm out once Lauren Graham came out the SD with my Gilmore Girls DVD covers for her to sign. We had a nice little exchange and she signed both. Then I tried my hardest to get through the crowd to Carrie and this other girl who I don't know. Mission Accomplished! :) I love Lauren Graham.
Then we went back to Carrie's place and watched many more episodes of Lost season 1, The Amazing Race and Cold Case. Then more Lost and then sleep.
Monday morning I took a shower and then we watched even more amazingness of Lost season 1. Then I took a train home.
The End.
Second Class PART DEUX
Friday February 13, 2009
Second class for grades 3-5
Friday night was the second class for the 3-5th graders. Earlier in the day I had found out that none of my helpers could make it. Heather and Rachel were still in rehearsals for The Wiz, Elia had left for Las Vegas (or some other place) the day before and Jill couldn't come for an unknown reason. So I was freaking out about having to deal with 46 kids by myself. I got an IM from one of the 7th graders asking about her sister (who is in the 5th grade). So I asked her (Lauren) if she could come and help out. She promptly said yes.
So I arrived at the Community Center and started the class. One of the kids who was in Annie Jr. and Sound of Music and then stopped being involved with the program for Cinderella and Wizard of Oz walked in and I was like WOW! I couldn't believe how big he got! His name is Chad Chelo. And he's now in 5th grade!!!! We played Boom Chicka Boom for a half hour and then a few of the kids sang. Catie sang a song first and she has a phenominal voice! Seriously, that girl can sing! After they finished singing I had them stand in a line and put them into groups of 5 kids each. Each group filled out a scenario on a piece of paper and then the group leaders (Me, Lauren, Chris Cook, Shannon, Kayla, Elizabeth, Michaela, and a few others) picked the scenarios out of a hat so that the groups didn't get their own scenario. Then the class ended so the next class (which is on February 27th) each group will perform their little skit and at the end ask the audience (aka the rest of the class) "What would you do?" And the audience has to give them a conclusion to their skit and they have to act that out as well. Fun.
All in all the class went really well and I actually enjoy running the class by myself more than having Rachel, Elia, Heather and Jill there alongside me.
Second class for grades 3-5
Friday night was the second class for the 3-5th graders. Earlier in the day I had found out that none of my helpers could make it. Heather and Rachel were still in rehearsals for The Wiz, Elia had left for Las Vegas (or some other place) the day before and Jill couldn't come for an unknown reason. So I was freaking out about having to deal with 46 kids by myself. I got an IM from one of the 7th graders asking about her sister (who is in the 5th grade). So I asked her (Lauren) if she could come and help out. She promptly said yes.
So I arrived at the Community Center and started the class. One of the kids who was in Annie Jr. and Sound of Music and then stopped being involved with the program for Cinderella and Wizard of Oz walked in and I was like WOW! I couldn't believe how big he got! His name is Chad Chelo. And he's now in 5th grade!!!! We played Boom Chicka Boom for a half hour and then a few of the kids sang. Catie sang a song first and she has a phenominal voice! Seriously, that girl can sing! After they finished singing I had them stand in a line and put them into groups of 5 kids each. Each group filled out a scenario on a piece of paper and then the group leaders (Me, Lauren, Chris Cook, Shannon, Kayla, Elizabeth, Michaela, and a few others) picked the scenarios out of a hat so that the groups didn't get their own scenario. Then the class ended so the next class (which is on February 27th) each group will perform their little skit and at the end ask the audience (aka the rest of the class) "What would you do?" And the audience has to give them a conclusion to their skit and they have to act that out as well. Fun.
All in all the class went really well and I actually enjoy running the class by myself more than having Rachel, Elia, Heather and Jill there alongside me.
Monday, February 9, 2009
CSI: North Kingstown
Wow, it was like an episode straight out of CSI, but without the cool people like Marg Helgenberger, George Eads etc.
Sunday Morning (February 8, 2009) just down the street from my house there was a shooting in a house. Cop cars galore and yellow crime scene tape surrounding the front porch with channels 6, 10, and 12 news vans skulking every corner block with the cameras perched high above just waiting for a glimpse of the crime.
So here's what happened. At 9:30 am the police got a call about an 18 year old boy acting strangely and being verbally abusive to his girlfriend so the cops showed up at the apartment to see the boy yeilding a knife and pointing at the girl (who is from East Providence). The police man got out his gun and told the boy to drop the knife, but instead of being smart the boy turned towards the policeman with the knife now aimed towards the policeman. On the second request to the boy to drop the knife, the boy instead started moving closer to the police saying things to him. The policeman, had no choice but to shoot the boy. Then (don't know how) some other policeman accidentally shot another policeman in the arm. It ended up with both the boy and the cop at RI Hospital. The cop was fixed up and released last night. The boy is still in the hospital.
Luckily no casualties but the cops were there ALL DAY! It was crazy driving by the house.
Sunday Morning (February 8, 2009) just down the street from my house there was a shooting in a house. Cop cars galore and yellow crime scene tape surrounding the front porch with channels 6, 10, and 12 news vans skulking every corner block with the cameras perched high above just waiting for a glimpse of the crime.
So here's what happened. At 9:30 am the police got a call about an 18 year old boy acting strangely and being verbally abusive to his girlfriend so the cops showed up at the apartment to see the boy yeilding a knife and pointing at the girl (who is from East Providence). The police man got out his gun and told the boy to drop the knife, but instead of being smart the boy turned towards the policeman with the knife now aimed towards the policeman. On the second request to the boy to drop the knife, the boy instead started moving closer to the police saying things to him. The policeman, had no choice but to shoot the boy. Then (don't know how) some other policeman accidentally shot another policeman in the arm. It ended up with both the boy and the cop at RI Hospital. The cop was fixed up and released last night. The boy is still in the hospital.
Luckily no casualties but the cops were there ALL DAY! It was crazy driving by the house.
Lately, I've been thinking...
There is this show on at 11:30pm (starting February 16th - it moves to 11:00) on E! I love it. It's called "Chelsea Lately." It is like a late night talk show kind of thing where it starts off with the host and comedian-ess Chelsea Handler talking about something or other in the entertainment industry. Then she sits down at her table with three guest table-ers usually comedians and sometimes random people. They talk about hot topics of the day, Lindsay Lohan and Sam; Amy Winehouse etc. The topics and their conversation about the topics are HILARIOUS! Chelsea Handler has such a way with her comedic timing and such. I just laugh my badoncus off!
She also has her assistant, a little person by the name of Chuy there on the show and he is from Mexico and soooo funny, their exchanges are classic.
After two segments of the table talk Chelsea has a guest on the show and they talk about the latest movie/tv show/CD/book that the guest has out and she is just soooo funny when talking to them.
you just have to watch it. So hysterical.
She also has her assistant, a little person by the name of Chuy there on the show and he is from Mexico and soooo funny, their exchanges are classic.
After two segments of the table talk Chelsea has a guest on the show and they talk about the latest movie/tv show/CD/book that the guest has out and she is just soooo funny when talking to them.
you just have to watch it. So hysterical.
First Class part DEUX
Friday February 6, 2009
First class for grades 3-5
Friday was the first class for grades 3-5. I was highly anticipating it and arrived at the community center on time and set up for the enthrall of children. Chris Cook was the first to arrive followed by some newbies. As children came in one by one I noticed how many new kids had joined us! I saw many of our regulars, Rachel, Maisy, Adeline, Nicole, Chayton, Kayla, Elizabeth, Jocelyn etc. Jill arrived and we continued taking money from people.
This one mother (of a boy named James) came up to us and asked if parents could stay. I told her that I would prefer that they didn't and she looked at me with a nervous look. Then she proceeded to tell me that she didn't know what to expect and that made her worried. She (seriously! no word of a lie) asked what I do with kids who don't pay attention? WTF?! I gave her this look as if to say "are you a moron? Do you stay in your child's classroom just because he doesn't pay attention? idiot!" But I held back lol. Instead I said "Well, I've been doing this for five years, don't worry about it." Haha. So she stood by her song for a few minutes until I started the class and then left. A couple of parents went into the smaller room and read a book. Just go do errands people! lol.
I started off with an introduction game, that didn't go too well...the kids don't have a good memory ha. So I changed the game a bit and then had them play a Stage Directions game, which was amusing. Then we did a little bit of improv and then the class was over. Went by tooooo fast. There is this one girl in the class who is in my Forest Park class...her name is Abigail and I want her not to be in this production! She is a pain! BLURGH! But oh well.
So there ended up being 44 kids in the class...yup FORTY FOUR! And I know that a few of the kids weren't in class on Friday so they're coming this friday. Which brings the total kids up to this point to be EIGHTY THREE KIDS! YUP - 83! And that isn't including the 1st and 2nd graders! CRAZINESS! :) But I love it
First class for grades 3-5
Friday was the first class for grades 3-5. I was highly anticipating it and arrived at the community center on time and set up for the enthrall of children. Chris Cook was the first to arrive followed by some newbies. As children came in one by one I noticed how many new kids had joined us! I saw many of our regulars, Rachel, Maisy, Adeline, Nicole, Chayton, Kayla, Elizabeth, Jocelyn etc. Jill arrived and we continued taking money from people.
This one mother (of a boy named James) came up to us and asked if parents could stay. I told her that I would prefer that they didn't and she looked at me with a nervous look. Then she proceeded to tell me that she didn't know what to expect and that made her worried. She (seriously! no word of a lie) asked what I do with kids who don't pay attention? WTF?! I gave her this look as if to say "are you a moron? Do you stay in your child's classroom just because he doesn't pay attention? idiot!" But I held back lol. Instead I said "Well, I've been doing this for five years, don't worry about it." Haha. So she stood by her song for a few minutes until I started the class and then left. A couple of parents went into the smaller room and read a book. Just go do errands people! lol.
I started off with an introduction game, that didn't go too well...the kids don't have a good memory ha. So I changed the game a bit and then had them play a Stage Directions game, which was amusing. Then we did a little bit of improv and then the class was over. Went by tooooo fast. There is this one girl in the class who is in my Forest Park class...her name is Abigail and I want her not to be in this production! She is a pain! BLURGH! But oh well.
So there ended up being 44 kids in the class...yup FORTY FOUR! And I know that a few of the kids weren't in class on Friday so they're coming this friday. Which brings the total kids up to this point to be EIGHTY THREE KIDS! YUP - 83! And that isn't including the 1st and 2nd graders! CRAZINESS! :) But I love it
Monday, February 2, 2009
Fourth Class
Friday January 30, 2009
Fourth (and last) class for grades 6-8
Friday was the last class for grades 6-8 and I can't believe that four weeks have already passed by since the classes began. We played a warm-up game where I was the first one out :/ haha. Then we finished up the monologues, Haleigh and Rachel D. went and then I asked Chris to do his monologue again, which he agreed and was again incredible.
Then I had whoever wanted to sing, sing. And I have to say that this is going to be the most difficult casting ever! Everyone is sooooo talented and have amazing voices! OY! And we haven't gotten to the 3-5 graders yet!
Well the class went by fast, I explained auditions and then they all left. This friday starts grades 3-5.
Fourth (and last) class for grades 6-8
Friday was the last class for grades 6-8 and I can't believe that four weeks have already passed by since the classes began. We played a warm-up game where I was the first one out :/ haha. Then we finished up the monologues, Haleigh and Rachel D. went and then I asked Chris to do his monologue again, which he agreed and was again incredible.
Then I had whoever wanted to sing, sing. And I have to say that this is going to be the most difficult casting ever! Everyone is sooooo talented and have amazing voices! OY! And we haven't gotten to the 3-5 graders yet!
Well the class went by fast, I explained auditions and then they all left. This friday starts grades 3-5.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Third Class
Friday January 23, 2009
Third class for grades 6-8
The third class was upon us. I can't believe that it's almost the end of the first group of kids! Only one more class after this one! Oh how time flies!
So on the heels of learning that some of the kids (Tara, Gia, Jenna and Lexie) all felt as though Rachel and Heather were 'taking over' I decided to have a talk with all my helpers (Rachel, Heather, Elia and Jill) about making sure that I give out feedback on monologues first and then they can emphasize on what they thought. So I started the class with a hello and handed the 'warm up game' over to Elia. She explained her choice of the game and each child went up and did what they were supposed to do, which was to take an item out of a paper bag given to them and say something they will use it for besides what it is actually used for. For instance, if they see a pair of sunglasses in the bag, they take them out and say something like "Well, look what we have here! It's a bottle of hairspray. Good thing I found it so I could make my hair stay where I want it to!" It was funny what some kids came up with. Nick had some sort of ruler thingie and said "Oh! It's a ... plate ... that I eat on." It was amusing. And Daniel C. took out a fork and said "Hey! It's my HAND!" and put the fork in his sleeve. It's creativity like that that makes me giggle.
Once the game was completed we started up on the remaining monologues that needed to be done. I gave feedback first on most of them but then I got tired so I handed off to my helpers. Whatever to some kids thinking that Heather and Rachel are 'taking over'...I am giving them that responsibility, so in reality I am in charge.
The monologues went well and we finished them right in the nick of time. We have like two more monologues left from kids who weren't in class on Friday, but thank God we are done! I am not a huge fan of monologues!!!
So classes are going super well. I am very excited.
Now on another note - I am teaching a theatre class for grades 1-3 at Forest Park Elementary School in North Kingstown every Thursday for an hour (for four weeks). So I started on Thursday and there is this one girl Emma who is HIGHLY OBNOXIOUS! I wanted to scream she was driving me so nutty! I am not too keen on teaching that class. I am definitely saying no if they ask me to do it again next year!
Third class for grades 6-8
The third class was upon us. I can't believe that it's almost the end of the first group of kids! Only one more class after this one! Oh how time flies!
So on the heels of learning that some of the kids (Tara, Gia, Jenna and Lexie) all felt as though Rachel and Heather were 'taking over' I decided to have a talk with all my helpers (Rachel, Heather, Elia and Jill) about making sure that I give out feedback on monologues first and then they can emphasize on what they thought. So I started the class with a hello and handed the 'warm up game' over to Elia. She explained her choice of the game and each child went up and did what they were supposed to do, which was to take an item out of a paper bag given to them and say something they will use it for besides what it is actually used for. For instance, if they see a pair of sunglasses in the bag, they take them out and say something like "Well, look what we have here! It's a bottle of hairspray. Good thing I found it so I could make my hair stay where I want it to!" It was funny what some kids came up with. Nick had some sort of ruler thingie and said "Oh! It's a ... plate ... that I eat on." It was amusing. And Daniel C. took out a fork and said "Hey! It's my HAND!" and put the fork in his sleeve. It's creativity like that that makes me giggle.
Once the game was completed we started up on the remaining monologues that needed to be done. I gave feedback first on most of them but then I got tired so I handed off to my helpers. Whatever to some kids thinking that Heather and Rachel are 'taking over'...I am giving them that responsibility, so in reality I am in charge.
The monologues went well and we finished them right in the nick of time. We have like two more monologues left from kids who weren't in class on Friday, but thank God we are done! I am not a huge fan of monologues!!!
So classes are going super well. I am very excited.
Now on another note - I am teaching a theatre class for grades 1-3 at Forest Park Elementary School in North Kingstown every Thursday for an hour (for four weeks). So I started on Thursday and there is this one girl Emma who is HIGHLY OBNOXIOUS! I wanted to scream she was driving me so nutty! I am not too keen on teaching that class. I am definitely saying no if they ask me to do it again next year!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Second Dates
I use to get the ick on the first date.
Amanda says I'm too picky. Lindsay just tells me to sleep with everyone.
Now I get the ick on the second date. So, I'm growing.
I had a second date with this guy. He was a nice guy. His body just turned me off. And looks matter. I don't need a great body, but I've gotten in pretty good shape. And good abs turn me on. I just need the stomach flip. I need to not to have to work into getting excited about a guy. It should just happen.
This is why I'm single. I've been single my whole life. I had a lot of issues to overcome and probably still do, but I'm ready for a relationship. The time alone has been great (and lonely), but I'm also not willing to settle. This might make me picky. I just know what I want.
I've had a crush or two -- and one crash.
I give guys chances. I have hope. Even if the first date is bad now I go on a second date with the hope that something will change.
But with this guy? On the second date I realized he had an accent that went from a nasal induced gay to Joan Cusak in "Working Girl."
"Working Girl" is a funny movie. I love it. It doesn't mean I want to sleep with Joan Cusak.
Second Class
Friday January 16, 2009
Second class for grades 6-8
Again the nervous jitters shot through my body and I shivered with emotions. I set up a little at the community center and waited. Heather arrived first and we chatted about stuff before the kids came. Leah arrived first...early as a bird. The three of us discussed and did a little chat for a little bit. Once the masses came in and took their seats we were revved up. (My nerves had dissipated once Heather showed up).
Rachel started everybody off on a game called Boom Chika Boom, which was a lot of fun! I thoroughly enjoyed that. Then we immediately started the monologues. Leah was the brave one and the first to volunteer. It took us the entire class to get through maybeeee half of them, probably less than that. We had 4 new peeps join us - Miranda, Baylee, Flynn and Nicholas. So that makes the total 39 kids..YEP that's right THIRTY NINE!
So everyone did a great job with their monologues (especially Chris, who blows me away! He is soo talented!) I hate to single people out because everyone is different and unique in their own way, but Chris is like professional good.
Class ended all too soon and I was left to the task of relaxing. I am highly enjoying myself! This is going to be an amazing year!
Second class for grades 6-8
Again the nervous jitters shot through my body and I shivered with emotions. I set up a little at the community center and waited. Heather arrived first and we chatted about stuff before the kids came. Leah arrived first...early as a bird. The three of us discussed and did a little chat for a little bit. Once the masses came in and took their seats we were revved up. (My nerves had dissipated once Heather showed up).
Rachel started everybody off on a game called Boom Chika Boom, which was a lot of fun! I thoroughly enjoyed that. Then we immediately started the monologues. Leah was the brave one and the first to volunteer. It took us the entire class to get through maybeeee half of them, probably less than that. We had 4 new peeps join us - Miranda, Baylee, Flynn and Nicholas. So that makes the total 39 kids..YEP that's right THIRTY NINE!
So everyone did a great job with their monologues (especially Chris, who blows me away! He is soo talented!) I hate to single people out because everyone is different and unique in their own way, but Chris is like professional good.
Class ended all too soon and I was left to the task of relaxing. I am highly enjoying myself! This is going to be an amazing year!
Monday, January 12, 2009
First Class
Friday January 9, 2009
First class for grades 6-8
It was the beginning of a long anticipated event, the first class of the NK Drama Program with me as the leader, the Queen, the Director of all. My nerves were fluttering all day between excitement and fear. Although I knew that I would know most everyone there and that I would have four amazing helpers there I was still second guessing myself. Why did I want to do this again? How in the world did I ever think that little me could lead these amazing kids through six months of rehearsals so they could put on an incredible show? What in the world did I get myself into?
As the day came to a close and it was almost time for me to surrender myself to 11-14 year olds my stomach was doing flips. But I couldn't back out now. So I took the wheel of my Jeep and drove to the Community Center to start setting up for the big night. I unlocked the door and the room brought back so many memories of the past years. In that room we had many laughs throughout the years and also a few tears, with scrapes and bruises. I turned on the familiar flourescent lights and dragged the metal chairs out. By the door stood a table where I put the extra flyers and the manila envelope to put the money in. I placed two or three pens for people to use to fill out flyers and write out their checks and waited. I was ready to start, even though I was still extremely nervous.
The first car pulled into the parking lot and my first students stumbled in, Ashley - a sixth grader who has been with us in the past along with a friend of hers, Erin - also a sixth grader. I took their money and flyers and told them to grab a chair and have a seat. Not too bad. Nerves eased only slightly. Following them another new kid. Chris Lysik. He is also a sixth grader. I had seen him in a couple of shows, he was Willy Wonka in his school's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and also as Gavroche in Les Miserables at URI with Fantasy Works. He had also played Young Scrooge in the Trinity Reperatory company's production of A Christmas Carol. I knew from seeing him in those shows that he was excellent! So I became excited that he decided to join us. Suddenly a slew of kids hopped in, excited and screaming. One by one I took their money and flyers and they took a seat. I saw many of 'my kids' who I have become close with. Leah, Tara, Gia, Katie, Jenna, Meghan etc. Tara ran to me and almost attacked me in a hug.
Ten minutes later it was time to start. I turned around and almost had to do a triple take. There were 34 kids sitting there! I was shocked! SHOCKED! So we began and I was still nervous. Thank God for Heather, Elia, Jill and Rachel, who were an amazing help! We stood in a ginormous circle and did an introduction game and then played "What the Heck are you Doing?" After that we talked about theater a little bit and then played some improv games. Chris Lysik and Ashley did one improv game together and I have to say AGAIN that Chris was great! Ashley did awesome too. I have some great talent this year. Casting is going to be TORTURE! After a few improvs I explained the homework somewhat and handed everyone a monologue for them to learn for the next class. Then class was over.
All in all I thought it went pretty well. Although when asked by a parent afterwards I answered with a "I don't know. I think it went okay." I think I have a fear of failure. So I set myself up so if it happens I won't be disappointed. I really need to get over this irrational stupid fear!
First class for grades 6-8
It was the beginning of a long anticipated event, the first class of the NK Drama Program with me as the leader, the Queen, the Director of all. My nerves were fluttering all day between excitement and fear. Although I knew that I would know most everyone there and that I would have four amazing helpers there I was still second guessing myself. Why did I want to do this again? How in the world did I ever think that little me could lead these amazing kids through six months of rehearsals so they could put on an incredible show? What in the world did I get myself into?
As the day came to a close and it was almost time for me to surrender myself to 11-14 year olds my stomach was doing flips. But I couldn't back out now. So I took the wheel of my Jeep and drove to the Community Center to start setting up for the big night. I unlocked the door and the room brought back so many memories of the past years. In that room we had many laughs throughout the years and also a few tears, with scrapes and bruises. I turned on the familiar flourescent lights and dragged the metal chairs out. By the door stood a table where I put the extra flyers and the manila envelope to put the money in. I placed two or three pens for people to use to fill out flyers and write out their checks and waited. I was ready to start, even though I was still extremely nervous.
The first car pulled into the parking lot and my first students stumbled in, Ashley - a sixth grader who has been with us in the past along with a friend of hers, Erin - also a sixth grader. I took their money and flyers and told them to grab a chair and have a seat. Not too bad. Nerves eased only slightly. Following them another new kid. Chris Lysik. He is also a sixth grader. I had seen him in a couple of shows, he was Willy Wonka in his school's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and also as Gavroche in Les Miserables at URI with Fantasy Works. He had also played Young Scrooge in the Trinity Reperatory company's production of A Christmas Carol. I knew from seeing him in those shows that he was excellent! So I became excited that he decided to join us. Suddenly a slew of kids hopped in, excited and screaming. One by one I took their money and flyers and they took a seat. I saw many of 'my kids' who I have become close with. Leah, Tara, Gia, Katie, Jenna, Meghan etc. Tara ran to me and almost attacked me in a hug.
Ten minutes later it was time to start. I turned around and almost had to do a triple take. There were 34 kids sitting there! I was shocked! SHOCKED! So we began and I was still nervous. Thank God for Heather, Elia, Jill and Rachel, who were an amazing help! We stood in a ginormous circle and did an introduction game and then played "What the Heck are you Doing?" After that we talked about theater a little bit and then played some improv games. Chris Lysik and Ashley did one improv game together and I have to say AGAIN that Chris was great! Ashley did awesome too. I have some great talent this year. Casting is going to be TORTURE! After a few improvs I explained the homework somewhat and handed everyone a monologue for them to learn for the next class. Then class was over.
All in all I thought it went pretty well. Although when asked by a parent afterwards I answered with a "I don't know. I think it went okay." I think I have a fear of failure. So I set myself up so if it happens I won't be disappointed. I really need to get over this irrational stupid fear!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Drama
So tomorrow - Friday January 9, 2009 is the beginning of everything I've been anticipating for since May of 2008. Ever since my Mom announced her decision to step down as Director of the North Kingstown Creative Dramatics Program and hand over the entire thing to me I have had a mixture of emotions. At first I was extremely nervous and scared and then I began to become more confident as I started thinking about what to do. Once I became confident in taking over I started getting excited and anxious for it to start (and the year hadn't even ended yet, Wizard of Oz was still in rehearsals!!). So I started planning and decided on doing Beauty and the Beast. I had been trying to convince my Mom to do Beauty and the Beast ever since we started five years ago but each year she would say no. So this year it was MY decision and nobody could stop me now.
So I requested a copy of the script from MTI (Musical Theater International) and they sent me a perusal copy for a few weeks. I looked it over and my insides were bursting in excitement. I started to become un-focused on Wizard of Oz and could think of nothing else but 2009.
After Wizard of Oz went up and the 2008 Drama Year had come to an end - of course I had that "Now What" kind of depression that follows me at the close of each production but I also had the knowledge that I had a LOT to do in the upcoming 7 months. And so I started planning. And planning. And then ... planning more. I contacted the North Kingstown High School to book the auditorium for the weekend I wanted (June 13th and 14th) but was told to call back in the fall - Columbus Day Weekend.
In September Elia (my musical director) and I stopped by Ann O'Grady's house to check out costumes. As I walked into the house Ann tells me that I'm crazy for doing Beauty and the Beast because it's a very difficult show, and has a very wide vocal range that makes it difficult for children to hit the notes. She said that even she had to get some of the older members of her group - upper year high schoolers to play Belle, Beast and Gaston (which she constantly called Gafreau - what??). So I went in to the house bursting with happiness and then was slammed in the face with a reality boot. I was deflated. She did however tell me that this year the Jr. version of the show was going to be available and I should do that version. I didn't want to do the Jr. version. I wanted to do the full version.
She went on and on about this and that and how everything I wanted to do wasn't the right thing. I told her about how I found a website that lets you rent a magical rose and a magic mirror, that are really amazing and cool. And she shot back with - 'Mike Hyde does a really neat magical rose so that it's floating, you should do that.' Eventually I stopped telling her anything. During the hour and a half we were there just perusing the billions of costumes she kept telling us about how she did the show and how it was hard and how it came out great but she's seen a lot of shows that have fallen flat and that she's the best and that she pays her helpers and how she has put on 117 shows and only 2 of which were awful. Her head was blowing up with her arrogance and I just wished it would pop so she would stop telling me what a failure I was going to be and the show was going to be.
I left - making up some excuse of having to do something or the other. I called my mom and complained to her about the entire experience and she told me to just let it go, that Ann liked to talk and to not listen to anything she says.
I decided to listen to my Mom. Ann does have a bit of an 'i'm better than you' attitude, and there's nothing I can do to change that. I have to give her credit, she has been doing this a long time and her shows are great. But I'm not her and I want to do things my way. I did listen to her on one thing, I gave in and decided to do Beauty and the Beast Jr. for two reasons - one the Jr. versions are always easier to Direct and easier for the kids to learn the lines and songs - two, the royalty fee was far less money than the full version's royalty fee so that would give me more money to spend on other cooler things.
So once that was settled I worked on everything else. I finally got in touch with the NK High School and booked the Auditorium and two Chorus rooms for June 25-28th. I booked the Community Center for classes and Rehearsals and found out how much costumes/set would cost, how much the magical rose and the magic mirror would cost, how much sound would cost, how much head sets / follow spots would cost, how much the cyc would probably cost and then filled out the Project Proposal form to send in to the North Kingstown Arts Council so they could approve my budget of $7,073.00 (or somewhere around there).
A couple of weeks later I was notified that my budget was approved!!! There's one weight lifted off of my shoulders...about twenty five more to go! I immediately filled out the royalty form for the show and brought in the paperwork to Stephanie at the Recreation Department for her to send in the payment to MTI.
In mid-December I talked to Al at the Rec. Dept. and he informed me that the sign-up sheet for the classes went out to both Middle Schools (WMS and DMS) to the kids. It made it all the more real and all the more that it's happening soon! Now all I had to do was wait.
In the interim between the end of Wizard of Oz and this moment I had made out a class syllabus for all the grades, made a prompt book of the script, bought and made some of the costumes, and worked on some of the assignments that are to be handed out...so everything is set.
On Tuesday (January 6th) I arrive home to find two boxes on the porch step off of my car port. I was wondering what they were. And lo and behold they were all of the scripts and necessary stuff for putting on the perfect show. I couldn't believe it. I thought it would take a few more months to get the scripts for the show! I don't actually need them until April! But there is about 3 weights off of my shoulders!
So now it's Thursday (January 8th) and finally - FINALLY - after seven months of torturous wait...tomorrow is the big day. The first day of the new NK Drama Program. The first day of classes for the 6-8th graders. I am all sorts of nerves and excitement.
I have these moments when I think - 'Can I really do this?' and other moments of 'This is so great! I can't wait to take the helm and make this the best year ever'.
So what do you think, my faithful Reader? Do you think I can do it?
So what do you think, my faithful Reader? Do you think I can do it?
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