Atonement=Being EFFED in the brain with misery.

Ok, this here is a double post from Earhart and myself on our adventures my first night in The Burque. GET READY!!

First off, Atonement may be the most depressing movie ever made. We can't even really go into it. Let's just say that someone gets flushed to death. Seriously.

After we left the theatre, which is located in a somewhat dodgy part of town we came across three fellows, each with a dog in tow. The following is the conversation, verbatim, we had with them:

Guy 1: "You ladies know where we can get some rock?"

Earhart: "Excuse me?"

Guy 1: "Some rock!"

Guy 2: "Crack!!"

Earhart; "Are you serious?"

Guy 1: "A rock the size of my ear!!!"

Earhart and Q; "Ummm...no."

Guy 2: "Hey, you ladies wanna come to a slumber party?"

Earhart: "Ok, you guys have fun with your dogs!"

Earhart and Q: "Go! Run!"

Good times, good times...

P.S. I ended the night by saying that I would in fact go see The Great Debaters, if someone bought me a pickle. I'm being completely serious.

in the new year

My suggestion in the new year is to get a copy of the CD my mom made me, which I titled Winter 07, play it at a comfortable level and dance it out in the kitchen while cooking and/or organizing.

no good deed goes unpunished

Um, I believe that's a track from the Wicked soundtrack, oh and also my life. I let this sweet gal from school use my apartment over the holiday while she dumps her cheating husband, however I'm dumb enough not to get her cell number.
What happens? The police call me, in Corpus 8 hours away, to inform me that my apartment has been broken into. Awesome. Nothing taken, just signs of a domestic disturbance - including a broken door frame. Merry Christmas!!

What?

Britney Spears' 16 year old sister Jamie Lynn is pregnant by her 19 year old live-in boyfriend? It's been possible to point at the fame Britney achieved so young as the reason for her wild and crazy ways, but now? Watch out Mama Lynne, the backlash is going to sting.

the wrap it up survey

1) Where did you begin 2007?
On Bre's couch in Austin, TX. And then on to Corpus Christi, TX.

2) What was your status on New years day?
Single, and the same will be for 2008.

3) Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Yes!! In August I started grad school at the crazy and dramatic TWU. Women and gays, what are you gonna do?

4) How did you earn your money?
Oh, here we go: first I was a substitute teacher which answered life's big questions, then I worked on the markdown team at Macy's which was awful, then I worked in the Sears footwear department for a short stint and now I am the Box Office and Marketing Assistant for the TWU Drama Department.

5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
Gosh no, thank goodness!

6) Did you have any encounters with the police
Once again, gosh no, thank goodness.

7) Where did you go on holidays?
Either in Corpus or in the Golden Triangle.

8) What did you purchase that was over $1,000?
My security deposit and my tuition.

9) Did you know anybody who got married?
No, but I did see some divorce.

10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
No.

12) Did you move anywhere?
Denton, TX

14) What concerts/shows did you go to?
I saw some theatre: Wonder of the World, Alice in Wonderland, Sound of Music, What Would Dolly Do?, Anatomy of Grey.

15) Are you registered to vote?
Yes.

16) Who did you want to win Big Brother?
Jessica! Boo-yah!

17) Where do you live now?
La Colina in Denton, TX

18) Describe your birthday?
I cleaned, ate Applebees car side to-go, acted in an Albee Festival, greeted Bre and Dale upon their arrival to my crib, and went to a party thrown just for me where I guzzled champagne and shoved my cake into my face.

19) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007?
Ask to be Costume Designer for Proof, and get it!

20) What has been your favorite moment?
I've actually had some really hard laughs with Seth and Amelia on the phone this fall, it's nice when you can call someone and they understand why you think you are surrounded by crazy people. Also the giggles that came out of the costume fiasco and watching everyone pull together was pretty touching.

21) What's something you learned about yourself?
That I in fact can act.

22) Any new additions to your family?
Vivien Leigh, March 17, 2007. And my cousins are constantly having babies.

23.) What was your best month?
February/March

24.) What music will you remember 2007 by?
Rhianna "Umbrella" and Alicia Keys "No One"

25) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Tristan, Dan, Christina W., and Taylor.

26) Made new friends?
Tristan, Dan, Christina W., Taylor, Kami, Emily, Sherrie, Audrey, Gerald, Elizabeth, Jill, Crystal, Samantha and Colleen.

27) New best friend?
Taylor and I are pretty close, we consider our friendship to be that of kindred spirits, like Anne Shirley and Diana Barry.

28) Favorite Night out?
First night out with grad kids after fall auditions.

29) Did you find love?
From my cat Ginger and then from Vivi.

30) What was your proudest moment?
Run of Albee and Proof Auditions, and getting an A on all my school projects.

31) What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Single, I spent it with my parents. My dad got my mom and I teddy bears from Vermont.

32) Did/Do you like someone?
Not in the way I believe you are asking.

33) Where did you go on vacation?
Golden Triangle, the Valley and Austin. I'm going to New Mexico in 2007 and 2008!

34) What did you do for 4th of July?
I worked at Sears, then came home and helped grill a pork loin and some corn.

35) Describe an experience when you were the most drunk.
Oh, gosh. Friday December 7th, Drama Department Christmas party. 2 bottles of champagne, 2 shots of tequila and 3 shots of some premixed egg nog, blech!

36) Are you in a relationship with someone you met this year?
Once again, not in the way I believe you are asking. I will say that I love my family, friends and Vivi, happy holidays to you all!

heaven?

Monday night I was having a very vivid dream. Like all my dreams a lot of people were involved. There was an obvious nod to my nerves about the final I had the next day. But then there was a shift . . .
First I saw the death of a girl on my soap, which is in fact going to happen. It has leaked that the character of Georgie will meet her death in the next few weeks. But here is when I question my location: I was talking to John Spencer (of West Wing fame, who past at the end of 2005). While we were talking I see out of the corner of my eye Larry Hovis, Larry approaches John and I and I introduced the two. I've never had a dream about Larry, but I think he was wearing the perfect Larry outfit, pale yellow button-up shirt with a green vest and a tweed suit. They carried on their conversation as I backed away. Did I dream I was in heaven helping people make friends?

Sandwiches

I believe sandwiches are personal, like salads and coffee. It's hard for me to make someone a sandwich if I don't know their likes/dislikes, if I don't I end up asking them about seven questions.
I happen to have a secret obsession with looking in other people's grocery carts, and in my heavy Subway phase of the past two weeks, I realized I also have a crazed fascination with what other people put on their subs.
I've been quite adventurous at the Subway recently which I give credit to my love for an independent sub shop here in Denton called New York Subs. It's one of those places that has sandwich choices and then a big wooden sign that says what they put on their subs - usually I would cut a few things or add something - but when I ate there I didn't. I felt adventurous, mostly because I ate a sandwich with oil and vinegar for the first time - which is good y'all!
Back to Subway, I usually get about the same thing there however I decided to get whatever the sub of the day was and try new things. So I have now tried quite a few subs - all with oil and vinegar and all while watching the person in front of me and behind me order their sandwiches.

Feed my weird hobby and tell me about your sub . . .

Amen.

Sagittarius Horoscope for week of November 29, 2007

"I need a strategy for bringing constructive change into my life on an ongoing basis," a Sagittarian reader named Ursula wrote to me. "I want to figure out how to arrange for a never-ending series of gentle wake-up calls. When that happens, I will have mastered the sinewy magic of being permanently unstuck. I will have made it a habit to be highly alert and wildly responsive in the most relaxed ways possible. The world will look completely different to me then; reality itself will have mutated. I won't cling to little scraps of hope that make me feel secure, but will instead be on the prowl for fresh challenges that constantly expand my love for life." Ursula's longing is a brilliant articulation of what I think all of you Sagittarians should quest for in the coming weeks.

lucky lucky girl

I am so blessed. Not only do I have my health, great friends and a beautiful family, but . . . BB and Flamingo are road tripping it to Denton for my birthday and to see the show I am in. (They also get to meet my Vivi.) AND my fantastic new friend T is throwing me a birthday party, which just so happens to fall on the eve of my actual birthday AND the opening of my show. AND thanks to the generosity of E<3 I get to go to Albuquerque for New Year's Eve! I can't believe how lucky I am right now, it's truly beautiful.

question

What if your costume designer has it out for you? I think the only response is - danger. Then you just shut your mouth and trust that come first dress you director will pull through for you and nix stuffing you like a sausage in black and white plaid golfing pants.

Acting is so weird. That's all I have to say on that right now.

Ah, vices.

At least I've got November sweeps! General Hospital has stepped up it's game once again, and I must say just in the nick of time. Everyone is dressed to the nines all while a mad man is on the loose in a mansion killing people like it's a classic game of Clue. Victims have gone down by way of phone cord, a sword, an ice pick and of course a few guns. The black and white gowns and the torrential rain storm are definitely the sweet icing on the cake.
Next week Grey's is going to step it up and Project Runway is back - it's a great time for vices.

Nailed it!

Occasionally my lovely Jazzercise offers speciality dance lessons on Friday nights. There was country western dancing night, swing night, etc - I did not participate in these classes. However when I saw that they were offering a hip hop class on November 9th for $5, I was the first to sign up. And it has to be said that I nailed it. It was a real good time, even if one of the songs was that weird lip gloss song - the Black Eyed Peas lets get it started totally made up for it. Anyway, it was fun.

Let me tell you a story

I was eighteen, sitting scared like a deer in headlights at a theatre fraternity meeting, when suddenly I saw a finger come out of the crowd of the pledges I was sitting with. I would come to greatly admire this sassy pointed finger in the coming years, how it could tell a person off, how it could act with endless talent, how it could tell me what I needed to hear, how it could stand up for itself or a friend, how it could order something that always sounded better than what I had. The voice behind the finger asked a witty and brilliant question and officially made herself known to myself and everyone in the room.
Seven years later, I can't believe I get to be friends with this woman. There have been many times I've put her on a pedestal and she deserves every pedestal that will come her way.

the season

It's coming! The weather changes, Halloween starts things off and then we are full steam ahead till January 1st. Very exciting, I hope everyone is taking advantage of the numerous activities offered the season, I'm sure going to try! Halloween costumes? I'm going as an overly decorated Christmas party guest. Others??

Sebastian Bach

"If somebody tells me I rocked too hard . . . you're fucking right I fucking rocked too hard."

I have love for you Sebastian.

Loves it!

It was fate . . .

. . . that I have a good time in my car today. After a pretty good Jazzercise session I was ready to hop onto the freeway to get my self home and in the shower; but the freeway was backed up so I made a quick decision to go through the T-dub campus to avoid traffic and get my self home. As I passed the stalled cars I kept seeing maroon flags, finally I saw what they said, OU - half of Oklahoma has obviously driven three hours south to be at the UNT football game.
So it was kismet I took the "long" way through town. Which quickly became my pleasure, the radio was on my side. First "Stronger" by Kayne West came on, which makes me bop my head and I just can't stop dancing. This was to the pleasure of the T-dub students walking past me and the visiting high schoolers whom also caught a glimpse of me dancing my heart out in my car. I find a lot of enjoyment giving people a giggle when I've got a groove in my heart. It was fun and I knew it was time to settle when it ended, only what did I hear? But the sweet sweet drum sounds of Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me." How beautiful is that? It was one of the best car rides of my life.
Screw Cd's and ipods, it's so fun to pump up the volume and scream "that's my jam!"

crazy

It's crazy to me 1) that it's October and yet 2) that I've only been going to school for five weeks. The past month has felt like the equivalent of about three months. I forgot how consuming it is to be involved in a show, the twelve people that you spend three hours with every night begin to be all you know. So when crew and designers show up, not only are you trying to put final touches on a show - but the vibe completely changes. It's a very strange shift.
A break is definitely needed. I just wanna be home and make my self dinner at a normal dinner time. I wanna know who falls on Dancing with the Stars. And I'm done with sitting in the audience this semester, I'm ready to hit the stage.

luck be a lady

What a great morning! A great morning was much needed after the hurricane that was the last two days. (I signed up for this. I signed up for this. I signed up for this.) Yesterday things were really blowing up in my little world, I was running all over town trying to save my job which is fine except major back pain was slowing me down. Twenty-four hours ago I was doing a standing sit-up in Jazzercise, cursing the teacher in my head because I think standing sit-ups are so lame (just get on the floor and crunch it people!) Any way, I obviously wasn't instructed properly because two hours later I couldn't stand up straight with out some serious pain. On top of everything that has been going on, I thought I was in for endless pain and trips to the baffled student health center.
But I woke up this morning - HEALED!! No pain, complete movement, the works! It's gone! Yippee!
Then I was putting on some jeans I haven't worn since January, and I was thinking to my self - oh, these are my Chicago Saturday jeans, these are my go to Evanston with DD to see a movie and eat at Chili's jeans. So when I felt something in my pocket, I almost got emotional because I thought it was a movie stub - NOPE - TWENTY DOLLARS!!! Yippee!
I feel like a champ this morning.

grey lesson

You have to learn to readjust your expectations.

The Ology Quiz

MOUTH-OLOGY

Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Restaurant Ranch, yes there's a difference.

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. I'm going to go with Chick-fil-a.

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Right now, I like this place in Denton called The Greenhouse

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. I'm in the 20%-30% range right now.

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Thai Lagoon's Crispy Rice NamSod.

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Pineapple and Pepperoni.

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Apricot Jam

TECHNOLOGY

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. My cat next to my purse looking like a cat calender model.

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. 2

BIOLOGY

Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. right

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. wisdom teeth

Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A. my TV, when the cable guy told me I had to rearrange my whole living room, and then sat there.

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. No!

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A.nope

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A. Natalie York

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. This is constantly changing for me, but I get a surprisingly good response to powder blue.

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. People swallow bugs everyday and never know it.

Q. Have you ever saved someone's life?
A. Maybe, in that "they don't know it yet" way.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. I'm sure, sometimes I'm just not looking.

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket?
A: Polly Pocket.

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. Never saw it! I go against the grain.

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A: carpet, I live in a Texas apartment.

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A: stand

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A: I don't want to.

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A. four

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A: At this dumb ass party a few weeks ago. Drunk freshman smoking cigarettes, there's always that one girl who can't control her volume.

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. I have a visionary sentence of what I want and it's under construction. And happy is obvious.

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8
A: Seth

LASTOLOGY

Q: Friend you talked to?
A. Amelia

Q: Last person who called u?
A: Mom

Q: Person you hugged?
A: My new friend Chris, we had a tiff.

FAVORITOLOGY

Q: Number?
A: 16

Q: Season?
A: Fall

CURRENTOLOGY

Q: Missing someone?
A: Seth and Amelia - a lot.

Q: Mood?
A:ready for bed.

Q: Listening to?
A: Cheers.

Q: Watching?
A: Cheers.

Q: Worrying about?
A. Did I order the banner in time for Wonder of the World?

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
A: Shower

Q: What can you not wait to do?
A. Be home on a weeknight and make myself dinner.

Q: What's the last movie you saw?
A: Becoming Jane!!!!! I love, love, loved it!

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A: Yes, and even more so since I've been working on being friendly to everyone lately.

Q: Someone you wish you never met?
A. It's a tie, that can only be broken by a crow bar.

What?

I'm going to Delaware. Who goes to Delaware?
Well, probably a lot of people. However on my quest to hit up all the states I never thought Delaware would come so quickly! But when you have a fabulous brother going to school there, it makes sense to visit The First State.
Like on my journey to Boston, I'm hoping to see something historic - maybe I can work it in to my theatre history paper, "did the witch trials pause early American theatre?"
But really I just want to have fun with my brother and see this place he's been living in for over a year that no on has seen!!

This town I live in

Denton is populated by an estimated 109,561 people and the entire area of the town is 62.4 square miles. As I've driven around in the past few days all I keep seeing are Sonics. I've counted six so far and I haven't even been to the UNT section, six! I'm starting to wonder if Sonic was born here.

Girls in my Circle

When I was little,
I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
And then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, "Let's cry together,"
Another , "Let's fight together,"
Another , "Let's walk away together."

One friend will meet your spiritual need,
Another your shoe fetish,
Another your love for movies,
Another will be with you in your season of confusion,
Another will be your clarifier,
Another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,
On whatever the occasion,
On whatever the day,
Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back,
Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ..
Those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman,
But for many, it's wrapped up in several..
One from 7Th grade,
One from high school,
Several from the college years,
a couple from old jobs,
On some days your mother,
On some days your neighbor,
On others, your sisters,
And on some days, your daughters.

Oh! The drama!

What I am about to reveal is unbelievable. There has recently been some drama within the show I am ADing, no surprise right? But the lengths it has gone to in the past 48 hours blow my mind. Last night a group of us went out for drinks after rehearsal and found out through the ASM that the SM and an actor in the show quote "were taking care of the lead actress, and she will never work in the department again." Like they are mobsters. They did this, they claimed, by going to all the faculty separately and told them of the problem with the lead and how horrible she was to work with. They even told the ASM that it would be awesome if they could get her to quit. And to boot, had told people in the cast if they were second choice or not because he had been involved in this semester's casting.

WHAT????? Are we not working on the same show with hopes of its success? Are the majority of us not adults? Where is professionalism, or at least maturity? UNBELIEVABLE!

I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but we all knew we had to attempt to squash it for the sake of the show. The four of us (2 actors, the ASM and myself the AD) went early to rehearsal today to have a meeting with the director. He calmed the situation down, was of course shocked at what had been going on and promised to deal with it with the 2 involved and the department chair. The SM was there lurking in the hall and of course was scrabbling to find out what was going on. Rehearsal went really well and we all left. Then, the shit hit the fan. The dumb ass actor found out what the SM thought was going on and proceeded twenty minutes later to send the following to the entire cast and the director:

Good Evening everyone. I wanted to write this email to you all to say that I am aware of a meeting that took place today. I am also certain that my name was brought up in this meeting and I feel it a little unfair that I was unable to defend myself. Now, I am putting this out there that if you have an issue with me I would appreciate it that you take it up with me, for I will do the same. I thought that all of these little issues were done with. I am very much over all of it and I wanted to let you all know that I am here for the show and to help make it a damn good one, that is where my focus is and not on all of the petty personal issues floating around. So, again if you have an issue with me then please take it up with me, I will listen....oh and I am not a diva, even though you may think that I am. I can tell you if any one is less than a diva it is me. If you know me, then you know that I am right.

If there was a fable to go with, "can dish it out but can't take it," this story would be perfect. How embarrassing, we are three weeks in - it's a little early to be drawing the line in the sand.

I had no idea these existed.

A sweat thong. I saw one live and in person today. You have got to be working really hard to get a perfectly outlined sweat thong. Good for her.

Bah!!

Thanks Bubba, it took me to the floor from laughing so hard.
Sunkist, I'd like to see this as a monologue from you. I think you've got it in you.

Hey Britney! Who you calling a bitch?

Oh goodness. That was, as those of Project Runway would say, completely underwhelming. I had hopes, people had hopes, your fans had hopes, people who would go to their grave before admitting to liking one of your songs - had hopes. Rosie O'Donnell even envisioned your amazing comeback. Maybe the pressure got to you? Maybe you forgot how to perform? Maybe you don't want to do this anymore and should go home to Louisiana? Maybe you forgot you're Britney and that your value is in your performance?

You didn't even try to make us believe you were singing. You didn't even dance full-out, it might as well of been your rehearsal. You didn't even drink water the night before instead of red bull, so you wouldn't be so bloated. Just quit, Britney, just quit. We saw the comeback, the anticipation is no longer, go home and go to bed.

Oh Big Brother!

This house! This game! These people!

What a summer CBS. After last years All-Stars I was hesitant about this season but once again I have been sucked in to secret alliances and never-ending strategies. It's getting down to that point in the game where the people who truly entertain you are gone and the game shakes down by pure luck and it just is what it is. But I've truly enjoyed it, it's taken over a chunk of my brain for the past few weeks and it's definitely time to replace that with the never ending to do list of assignments I have coming at me. But Eric and Jessica, I have to say I was smitten.

Soon it will be the excitement of Thursday nights with GA, but I have to say I would like to get into a sitcom - it's been a while. Yes, I realize there are funny ones out there but not ones I don't want to miss every week. Has the classic sitcom been lost?

PS I heart Sunkist.

In the eyes of the new grad kid:

Well, that was interesting. I've seen a lot of things in my first week of school, you see so much more when you stand back and watch instead of play tag-type games in the theatre lobby.
The work I will be doing for classes and my job is going to be intense, I had my moment of being overwhelmed, and now it's all about one day at a time. It's about getting a master's education not just a master's degree.
Thursday was a day. There was a major's meeting followed three hours later by the semester's auditions. That's a lot to take in. Auditions were a whirlwind of running back and forth and filling out endless paperwork, however they answered many questions for me. I did what I wanted to do, proved myself as a worthy actor and made bold choices, so no matter what I could walk away satisfied.
After those wrapped up I went to a great bar on the Denton Square with some fellow grad students, it was a really great night and I expect there to be many more.
It was there I found out I was cast in The Zoo Story/The Sandbox, a fellow grad's thesis project along with two of my new found friends. It was exhilarating, not only was I cast but I was told I was the best female who auditioned for him - you know that feels good. I had one too many Cape Cod's and was driven home, perfect.
Last night I went to my first Theatre party thrown by the director of the shows I'm in and his roommate. There were moments where all you can say is, interesting, but then the kids would go outside and good conversation would ensue. I saw a few girls that reminded me of what it was like to not handle your shit, to make out with the straight guy who shows up - I told one of em she needed to go shove a marker down her throat so she could throw up. All in all it was really fun and I met some people that I genuinely like, boys and girls, undergrads and grads.
I'm very happy, forecast is fantastic.

Watch out at the box office!

Watch out. This fall is bringing some seriousness to the big screen. I was floating around on one of my favorites, moviefone.com, when I decided to get trailer-watching happy. I love a good movie trailer.
Here's the thing about fall movies, it usually consists of horror movies, frat movies and Oscar contenders. The trailers I saw (except saw 4) were not the usual horror flicks, it was more a balance of the frat flicks and some seriousness. Here are the serious fall flicks:
George Clooney as Michael Clayton (The truth can be adjusted)
Rendition (Jammed packed with Alan Arkin, Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal.)
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (really intense preview, might be an award show sweeper)
Across the Universe (will probably be a big deal to indie kids but it's not 2004 and I am no longer high)

My favorite previews were more light hearted:
The Jane Austen Book Club (with the amazing Emily Blunt)
Feast of Love ( I just enjoy Greg Kinnear, I do.)
Into the Wild (A Sean Penn made movie, will probably get a lot of attention.)

Movie that looks like it could be really bad: The Assassination of Jesse James . . .

It's time to get serious about movies people.

End of Summer Survey, a review.

Best movie of the summer: Knocked Up
Best summer blockbuster: Pirates 3
Summer produce obsession: It's a big tie between nectarines and yellow bell peppers.
Summer tv obsession: Big Brother, every summer. Team Jessica!
Favorite summer accessory: The up do, which ever form it may take, as long as it's outta my face and off my neck.
Best part of summer: The week my brother came home, we traveled, we played games and we indulged in bbq and tex mex.
Worst part of summer: Working in retail again, but at least I knew it would be the last time.
Something you constantly reminded yourself of: Soak up the joy.
Something you constantly forgot: That though I was moving again, it wasn't that far this time and so leaving wouldn't be so tragic.
Proudest moment of the summer: Getting the big check of approval from BK, even though I knew it, it was nice to hear.
Your title for this summer: Summer of 2007, the summer that almost flooded Texas. Seriously, Texas has never had such wet summer, which also made it the summer of mosquitoes.
Happiest moments of summer: Laughing so hard at the kitchen table, one time yellow pepper juice came out my nose.
Saddest moments of summer: Watching one of my best friend's marriage fall apart in less than a month.
Did you try something new this summer: So much! A lot of it had to do with seafood. Like fish tacos, seared ahi tuna, the Katz Meow; I was in Corpus it was appropriate.
Are you looking forward to the end of summer/beginning of fall: Yes. Every year as a matter of fact. People don't know this but right now for me, walking into Hobby Lobby and seeing the seasonal aisle is like Star Jones walking into Golden Corral - trouble.
The question you are left with at the end of the summer: Tomorrow's my first day of grad school, do I do the back pack - or the over sized Liz Claiborne tote?

And the season is up!

Wonder of the World
Nothing will prepare you for the dirty little secret Cass discovers in her husband's sweater drawer. It is so shocking that our heroine has no choice but to flee to the honeymoon capital of the world in a frantic search for the life she thinks she missed out on. It's a wild ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel of laughs as Cass embarks on a journey of self-discovery that has her crossing paths with a blithely suicidal alcoholic, a lonely tour-boat captain, a pair of bickering private detectives and a strange caper involving a gargantuan jar of peanut butter, all of which pushes her perilously close to the water's edge.

Alice in Wonderland
An adaptation with puppets, music and movement.

Proof
On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness—or genius—will she inherit?

Hedda Gabler
Ibsen's most beguiling antiheroine is given a new twist in Jon Robin Baitz's acclaimed adaptation of HEDDA GABLER: She's no longer the chilly, inscrutable manipulator but a woman with, as the New York Times put it, "a context and a persuasive raison d'être." Ibsen's classic play here emerges with renewed vitality and newfound dramatic resonance.

I know it's redundant, but come on - I need to moat it out!

Three Statements

1. Big Brother is the biggest drama in my life, and I am thankful for it everyday.

2. When I first bring the glass (from my brother) of Pinot Grigio to my mouth, I really want hot buttered popcorn. I feel like this is an unconventional wine connection.

3. In a week I will be a graduate student. I will be in a whole new theatre department with new faces, new faculty and new traditions. They want me to call it a drama program and I don't know when that can truly happen.

I need a two hour cigarette fit on the moat with a fountain drink real bad.

survey says

1. The phone rings. Whats your ring tone?
Provincial.
2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart?
Yes, I don't want to be the person who left their cart in a parking space, therefore taking away a space for the next guy. I really don't like it when I'm trying to park, so if we could just all work together it wouldn't happen anymore, okay?
3. If you HAD to kiss the last person you kissed, would you?
My heart couldn't take it.
4. Do you take compliments well?
I could do better.
5. Do you play Sudoku?
No, I'm a crossworder.
6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness would you survive?
I would try really hard, but if a wild animal came into the picture I'd have some difficulties.
7. Do you have a Girl/Boy friend?
no
8. Do you want a Girl/Boy friend?
Sure, but I'm pretty picky these days.
9. Where do you wish you were right now?
No where, it's only my third day in my new apartment and there's more organizing to be done - I would never leave that.
10. Which do you prefer: Regular milk, or chocolate milk?
I did have this chocolate milk phase last fall in Chicago. I'd get one my way home after work, I guess we'll see what happens this fall.
11. Have you ever dated one of your best friends?
In high school for 16 days.
13. Do you still read Harry Potter?
Do I still? That's a bold assumption, I never did.
14. Do you have a facebook?
no
16. On anything right now?
a chair
17. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?
No, I've seen some addictions to it out there and didn't wanna join in the PM club.
18. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you would do?
Grab my kitty and if I could run back then I'd get my scrap books.
19. Who was the last person you shared beds with?
my mom
20. Who do you text the most?
Seth
21. Favorite children's book?
Goodnight Moon
22. What color are your eyes?
brown
23. How tall are you?
5'7"
24. What do you wanna be when you grow up?
More than one thing.
25. Do you like your parent(s)?
Yes.
26. Any secret admirers?
Daily, but only in my head.
27. What are you thinking about right now?
Which season of SATC to watch, every time I move somewhere I always watch a good chunk of it - I think that is a really odd habit.
28. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden?
When J picked up Amelia and I at the airport after DC. 2003?
29. Favorite ex?
Stoney Jones.
30. Where were you an hour ago?
in my living room plugging things in.
31. What's the closest thing to you that is purple?
my Jazzercise water bottle.
32. Do you like mustard?
In my tuna salad.
33. Do you prefer to sleep or eat?
Going out to dinner with friends is a big favorite of mine, and I think it's true what they say, "You can sleep when you're dead."
34. Do you look like your mom or dad?
People have said I look like my mom, we nod and grin at them.
35. How long does it take you in the shower?
15 minutes.
36. Can you do splits?
The only time I could go all the way down was in my drill team days when we were tested on them every Friday.
37. What movie do you want to see right now?
Becoming Jane. I won't even get started on how much I wanna see it, but when I do see it there will probably be a blog.
38. What did you do for New Year's Eve?
Visited old pals. Indulged in steak and champagne.
40. Do you think The Grudge was crappy?
Yes, that's why I didn't go see it.
42. Do you own a camera phone?
a gold one.
43. Was your mom a cheerleader?
Uh, no.
45. Any tattoo's?
nope.
46. Are you wearing shoes?
no way.
47. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
6-7. Fact: women need 6-7 a night, men need 7-8.
48. Do you like care bears?
Yes, I like the one when they go to camp with the totem poles and they have to do a care bear stare.
49. What was the last movie you saw at the theaters?
Knocked Up. Thank you Katherine Heigl.

One last thing.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a youth she's content to leave behind.......


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny..


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect..but it's over...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone ... even if she doesn't like it...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
whom she can trust, whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...


EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

- Maya Angelou

A-holes

First, we all have to be honest with ourselves. Sure myspace might have of first been formulated to keep in touch with friends and to network with new people if that's your thing, however, that is not why people get zoned out on it for hours when they have nothing else to do. It has turned into a way to look at people's pictures and who they are friends with and who's commenting on their pages; now when I say people I am talking about ex boyfriends, arch nemesis', people from high school that got under your skin. But now people are getting so sensitive about other people looking that they are setting their shit to private - what is the fun in that? Now, I used to have mine set to private but that was because I was a substitute teacher at a junior high school being asked every day if I had a myspace, that is a good reason. If you are saying something so personal or sensitive on something as public as myspace, then maybe you should pick up the phone, get a journal or better yet get a blog.

I'm a fan.

Yep, I pre-ordered Grey's Anatomy Season Three, the Seriously Edition. Some people pre-order Harry Potter, I pre-order the Grey's. Once again it came with the same reluctance that came when I purchased Dawson's Creek Season Two, the Lame Edition.
I've still got hope though because I think there were some gem episodes in there, I just can't remember - but I know I've gotta have it. And you've gotta love a creator who thought to open the season and close the season with the main character getting her two best friends out of dresses, one a prom dress and the other a wedding dress.
So, I'm a fan. In fact I call myself a charter fan, which I brag about to myself quite often.

Hoodlums

Just another experience in retail:

Scene: A young man is caught stealing sneakers from the footwear department where I work. The security guard comes to me, hands me shoes and tells me to bring him the box they came from because it will have the thief's shoes in it. That's what these people do, they give up their shoes to walk out with the ones they "tried on." This guy had a friend with him who went to the restroom while the deed was done, he asked me where it was and I kinda think that was him distracting me. So, the friend comes back and approaches me.

Friend: Can you show me the shoes my friend just tried to steal?

Me: Um, why? I'll tell you where he is.

Friend: Can you just show them to me? If it's over $50 then he goes to jail and there's no reason to stay around.

Me: (I walk him over to the box where I just found his friend's shoes.) Uh, I like that you know that.

Friend: Oh, yeah, I guess that's bad huh?

Me: $64

Friend: Yeah, but they're on sale. Oh, $54. Man! He's gonna go to jail for $4.

Me: Um, I think he's going for more than that.

Friend: Oh, well yeah. I wonder if I should go wait for him.

Me: Why don't you leave, go get an Icee or something.

gets me every time

Ferocious.

Look at her. All precious and exhausted in her cat condo. That is until I'm trying to get those precious last fifteen minutes of sleep and she decides to wake me by biting my nose like she's going to pierce me like a hog. It used to be just my nose, like I had a red blinking light on the tip, but now it is inside my nose! Not so precious in moments like that.

It's a classic.

Family Pride

I made bread! I made my great grandmother's Belgian Raisin Bread. It took five hours and going into it I wasn't to sure if I knew how to knead. Apparently I do, my dad who fiercely loves this stuff, mostly as a nostalgic memory of Sunday mornings at Ma's house with raisin bread and coffee, said it was perfect - taste and texture.
I'm really proud.

Go Fug Yourself!

To Whom It May Concern:


I have decided to resign from my position at Macy’s. The job description I agreed to with Human Resources and Mr. Murphy is why I took the job and after a few weeks of working at Macy’s I came to realize that the job description was no longer a possibility. While I question whether it is my responsibility to adjust or the new manager’s responsibility to check new employees job descriptions, I have to be the one responsible for taking myself out of unpleasant situations.
In all my work history I have never quit a job without more than two weeks notice, I find it unprofessional and I apologize. The short time I have here in Corpus Christi left me no time to give two weeks notice and then start a new job.
For whatever reason she might have, Ida the new merchandising team manager, made my time at Macy’s miserable. There were occasions when I felt she unnecessarily isolated me, times when she spoke abrasively to me and times when she seemed to be punishing me because I told her when I wanted to work after being asked. I have worked in retail since I was sixteen and I have never worked with a manager who didn’t appreciate what positive words could motivate out of people; and as a twenty five year old woman I can’t believe that isn’t common sense to a person in a manager’s position.

Good luck to you,
Belle

good night, and good luck.

Grey's Anatomy, drama.

On screen and off screen, Grey's has offered up plenty of drama this year (even though the off screen was a wee bit more entertaining than season three.) I'm telling this tale with the assumption that the general public knows the majority of the backstage drama that has leaked out this year.

Last night I sat myself down and listened to Isiah Washington tell his side of the story on Larry King, post-his option not being renewed, about his fight with Patrick Dempsey, using the F word and saying it again publicly at the Globes press conference.

Now that he is no longer an ABC employee, he is no longer gagged to make comments on anything that has gone on in his work environment. Did you hear that? Gagged. That means any story, comment, anything stated about the situation was either a leak that was translated by a tabloid (National Enquirer was the first with the story) or made by publicists, managers, etc. So Isiah Washington is the first to be able to speak openly about it.

NOW, what Isiah said about the situation is completely different than the story I bought in Fall 2006. I'm not going to go into the whole he said she said of it, but it all comes down to Patrick Dempsey being a 45 minute late diva like he's effing Marilyn Monroe. Which if anyone has ever seen the Barbara Walters interview with Mr. Dempsey, it's not a far stretch to say that he's a bit of a diva.

The F word: Isiah's story, he said to Dempsey, after making Isiah wait on set, I'm not your bitch, I'm not a pussy, I'm not a little F. (using it in a schoolyard term, which he now knows is not okay.)
T.R. Knight's story, which he went on the Ellen Degeneres show to tell America, Isiah called me (a gay man) a F in front of the cast and crew.
The 2 stories have no connection, and it makes me wonder:
Why do so many people think Isiah is a liar? Is it because we love T.R. Knight? No, GA fans love George, but George is not T.R. and T.R. is not George. What if T.R. is just a little queen who wanted some publicity?

Nice.

So I'm looking for couches, I'm shopping around and utilizing craigslist. I found a good deal on craigslist for a couch and loveseat for $150. I inquired, and I got shot down - the guy said he had sold them.
Today I emailed another seller, he was selling a couch and loveseat for $200 and said he could email pictures if interested. I emailed him to ask for the pictures. And just now he emailed me back.
What couches were they? The same ones I had looked at a few days ago for $150.
This is my email back:

Oh, those couches, the ones I inquired about a few days ago on craigslist that were going for $150. Nice.

Twenty Questions

1. if you won an award at work except you won it in the type of setting like the tony awards, who would you thank / furthermore, what would you say?
I would thank all the teacher's I've always wanted to thank and then I'd sing a song to Asheville and Chicago.

2. what's the one household chore that you can rationalize paying someone else to do?
cleaning windows.

3. unusual circumstances warrant the trusting of privileged information with a friend you have yet to place confidence in with such important matters; who do you choose?
Gareth, I haven't used him to store secrets yet, but I know he's up for the job.

4. your best friend is in town / out of a coma / whatever, and wants to hang out on a Saturday night, but doesn't want to go to the bar. what do you end up doing?
I would make a cozy dinner, put on some background and break out a good game. But if it's my best friend out of a coma or visiting - we're gonna be chatting up a storm.

5. if you were to switch lives with someone, like on vice versa, what areas / people in your life would people find downright insurmountable to improvise with?
Well, I think my answer is Stina or Sunkist but this question, geez!

6. when you're stressed beyond reason, what do you do to calm your nerves / bring you back down to earth?
I drink a soda and call my mom or Sunkist or e<3 or Bebe - it all depends on what area in my life I'm stressing over.

7. pick one ex from the past (names and dates add interest & satisfy curious minds) and tell him or her something.
-Hey! Long-Haired hippie fella, go fug yourself. And no I don't wanna hear a song.

8. if someone accidentally backed into your vehicle, causing body damage, as you were walking up to it in a parking lot, how would you handle the situation?
I'd jump on the hood of the car and say Hey! Then once I got their attention we'd discuss how they were going to fix it.

9. name a less-than-desirable location you'd really like to visit:
Abingdon, VA. Doesn't seem as desirable as Savannah, but I'd be there in a second if I could.

10. what car / truck do you think is just so beautiful / cool, you actually stare at it?
an ice cream truck.

11. what car / truck is just so friggin' ugly, you wish the president would immediately halt its production.
The ones that look like a hearse.

12. if you owned a boat / yacht / ship, what would you name it & why?
Scuttle

13. what milestone event / experience in your past do you consider to be something that changed your life forever.
Clinging to Christina my senior year/cotillion and riding her all the way to San Marcos.

14. there's probably something you want to say to someone, but you just can't bring yourself to say it; tell it here, say it now:
C.E. dump your wife and let's run off to Graceland, after you clean yourself up.

15. do you enjoy a group dynamic or would you rather hang out with a few close friends?
Sometimes I like a gathering and sometimes I like a party, but I don't like going to a party and it is really a gathering, that's when people start spinning the bottle and I have to step outside.

16. how are you on alone/ having alone time?
I enjoy it, but too much is too much.

17. what's your favorite thing to do with your family?
BBQ chicken, watch the sunset, play with Trixie, watch Dad zap bugs with his new bug zapper. There's also been some pretty funny stuff during some car rides.

18. someone in your office needs to be grabbed & told:
I am a 25 year old woman who's about to go to Grad School and you can go talk to a child like that - but not me. Good luck to ya!

19. I'm a stranger trying to strike up a conversation with you when you're alone, where are we at & what would i need to talk about in order to get your attention?
I'm usually pretty open on a plane. One time me and this lady talked about how we were going to make our Thanksgiving stuffings - I was into that. Bring up General Hospital and I could love you or hate you in about 2 minutes.

20. what quirks emerge when you're happy, nervous, upset and angry.
happy - my voice goes up and I get pretty hyper.
nervous - I get quiet and inward, but very polite.
upset - cry, I've thrown a few things.
angry - red face happens, crying, but it's hard for me to be angry for very long - my body can't hold that emotion very long.

Thanks e <3, for introducing me to freewillastrology.

Sagittarius Horoscope for week of June 21, 2007

Now that we're almost halfway through 2007, it's time to assess how well you're capitalizing on this year's unique opportunities. So let me ask you a few pointed questions. Have you been reinventing yourself from the ground up at least once a week? Have you been shedding old shticks and learning new tricks? How relentlessly have you committed yourself to the arts of liberation? There's still a lot of time to become even more receptive and responsive to the steady stream of wake-up calls that life is sending your way. For the next six months, you'll have cosmic luck on your side whenever you actively court the fertile blessings of future shock.

This is embarrassing.

The brilliant minds at Soapnet have decided to do a summer spinoff of General Hospital to run on the Soapnet channel.

This is how the promo goes:

There is so much drama in this hospital . . .
it's hard to keep it covered up.
(As Dr. Robin Scorpio strips and camera pans up her legs to reveal her holding a x-ray over her torso)
BRING . . . ON . . THE . . . NIGHT.
NIGHT SHIFT
drama exposed.

I know it's hard to imagine but this is worst than a spinoff based on vampires and angels. They are basing the whole show off of the most boring couple in daytime history.
It's really about the promo (soapnet.com) The way the guy says, "there is so much drama in this hospital." It's like, stop it you're embarrassing me.

The Crowbar Game

A certain beautiful group of people know this game, to play it best - ashtrays, gross 5% alcohol drinks, the Shalamar and an understanding that what's said here stays here - are all required. I love this game because I need to believe that there is someone who needs to be hit over the head with a crowbar, for every person. I don't even know where the weapon of choice came from but I would put money down in Vegas on J.
Sometimes things aren't so severe and feelings aren't completely swayed to one side, and this is where I believe the "Who would you flick on the forehead?" Game should come into play. And let it be said for the record, if this game came up, I would be ready to go first.

Things that make you forget about flicking and crowbars: A man in his forties showing up at Jazzercise in black shoes, white knee high socks, khaki shorts and a blue tie-dyed shirt. And glasses to boot.

I need to speak on the Daytime Emmys

This is a big award show to me, sure there's a level of C-list to it, but to me these people are superb.

First, there's lifestyle show awards and I hope Rachael Ray and Paula Deen sweep em.

Second, The View. This is in fact the year the View blew up - literally. First it blew up in ratings and talk about factor, then on May 23rd it BLEW UP and now all that's left is Elisabeth's pregnancy and Barbara Walter's inside connection with Kathy Hilton. This is the View's 10th season, they have always been nominated but never took home the gold. Now, Joy says it's because there's always been one of them to hate - but I don't think that's the case this year. I think they're going to win and Rosie won't be there (previous engagement with son) and those ladies are going to have to suck it up and thank her. Thanks ladies, I've loved every minute of it.

Third and most important - my opinions on daytime dramas. First of all, in a year where GH celebrated the anniversary of the highest rated daytime event ever with the second wedding of Luke and Laura AND had a kick ass hostage crisis that blew my mind like nothing ever has - General Hospital is NOT nominated for best show? Right there you know people are just tired of them sweeping. But let's talk about best show because I found an odd connection this week. One Life to Live is a quirky little show sandwiched between AMC and GH, stocked full of Broadway crossovers and some of the best comedic actors in the daytime business. (Please don't confuse it with a satire like Passions, they've just really figured out a good blend of comedy and drama) So OLTL is nominated for best show, which doesn't happen very often. The award show is always on a Friday, the last time they won was the week when OLTL was live all week and that Friday a live love scene was aired. Now tomorrow is the Daytime Emmys and OLTL is airing a very special episode "Prom Night, the high school musical." (includes eleven original songs) Something tells me OLTL is going home with the gold tomorrow night.
Let's talk, when people get snubbed. Back to OLTL, Trevor St. John plays Todd Manning; he gave the most gruesome 'i can not believe this isn't real' performance this year of his own execution, it almost made me sick is was so good - not nominated. Nancy Lee Grahn on GH plays Alexis Davis - caught her daughter sleeping with her new husband the same week she found out she had lung cancer, donned the bald cap and rocked that sound stage with countless breathtaking performances - not nominated. Maurice Bernard on GH plays Sonny Corinthos 'the godfather,' took his real life maniac depressive story to the screen and did things I never thought were possible in Daytime - not nominated.
The only saving grace will be if Julie Berman who plays Lulu Spencer on GH takes home her very first Emmy. Casting was dead on with this girl, she is the perfect amount of Laura mixed with the perfect amount of Luke and to boot she's a phenomenal actress.

Ok, I'm excited.

Intimates

Today I marked down all but three rows of bras in the intimates section, by myself, which leads to lots of thoughts about intimates. It was really in the pj/gan-gans section that I was thinking about all the different women I know and the different sleep attire they wear. There's me - the capri pj panter with a tank top, CareBear - tshirt and girl's pj boxers, E<3 - short cotton nightgown, Aunt M - short satin nightgown, my mom - long knit nightgown, and BeBe - long tshirt nightgown. Whew! See what happens when you are left alone for six hours with nothing but retail? You realize how much you know - is it creepy or am I just observant? Isn't that weird there's no repeats?
But here's the pj choice that makes me go - blech!! A short satin COLLARED nightgown. Who wants to hit the hay in a collar?

Oh, Martha.

I did a lot of things yesterday that Martha Stewart could do and probably better than me, I rearranged a guest bedroom and then got crafty in the kitchen three times with migas, broccoli cheese soup, smashed potatoes and even a cherry crisp. But there was something I did yesterday that she probably talks about doing but really pays someone to do; I stripped shag green paint from a dresser that was painted in the 1970's. Having my grandmother's college furniture in it's natural state is worth all the hard work, so hard it put me to sleep before Alec Baldwin even came close to his goodnights on SNL.
And I still have a desk, a stool and a side table to do.

Bragging on Bebe

OH MY GOSH! Exciting news, my friend Bebe won an acting award last night from the Austin Critic's Table. She was up against herself for another role and multiple other actresses from the Austin area, but this was her first nomination and she won!!!
So not only is she getting paid to act, she's getting recognized all over the place and now has won an award! And I get to be friends with a famous person.
I'm also super excited about her next project, "Matt and Ben," where she will be portraying Ben Affleck. Even more exciting? I'm catering the cast party.
What does all of that equal? Not wasting away in Austin, that's in fact called taking over Austin, and I think it's pretty damn fantastic.
Good job Bebe, I'm so proud (obviously.)

My Memorial Vacation

A list of happenings:

- I got an apartment! I really like this one, it had all the things I wanted and then some. Loads of storage room, fireplace with mantle, and those thick wood blinds! The complex is a mix of UNT and T-dub (that is how I will now refer to my school, like a local) students, so who knows who I can meet in the laundry room. They are also super animal friendly so much so as to offer an "Bark Park." Love it! So come August I will be living in La Colina.

- I had a rowdy time at a bbq in Plano and met some fun people whom I hope to see again. Good food, good margaritas and a good ole round of presidents and assholes. I also witnessed my first Wii, I gave it a test drive and really enjoyed the boxing.

- I sat caddy-corner to Elijah Wood at a soul food restaurant in Austin and I was wearing Croc flip flops. But at least I had on earrings and some lipstick. And let it be said that he and his dinner guests were not shy about talking shit about Topher Grace. It was one of the most nerve-wracking meals of my life, but not too bad - considering he sports a murse.

- My first experience at the Alamo Draft House was great! I saw Pirates, which I thought was fantastic, while eating chips and salsa and a burger - glorious! I really appreciated the added crab cakes and jerk pork chops to the menu, rounded out the fun.

- BeBe and I headed South on very fun night to hit up some old favorites. Rose Garden is classic for her and I and talking theatre and goals makes that ring even truer. Then, we drove by it. It is the ash and rubble pile alongside a lone bush that was once the Pike House.

A special message from Jessica Simpson

I was reading a book about Michelangelo and there were 2 quotes that caught my attention -
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." Michelangelo

"Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing."

These quotes inspired me to write the below passage. I hope you can find your own individual meaning in it, as I keep coming back to it and find new strength.

"Sometimes we are all so afraid to be honest with ourselves because we know that honesty will lead us somewhere off the path of the life we've mapped out in our minds. Today, I challenge us to ask ourselves this...
What if we allow our fear to provoke us into action?
Can facing our fear be what walks us to somewhere better?
I do not have your answers, but in the quest to find my own, I've discovered somewhere worth traveling to...
In my life, I ignore my fears too often, but then I'm left with nothing to challenge the best of me. I just remain cowering from my true identity. There is no discovery."


If your mind feels like it is going in circles right now, that's because John Mayer has officially gotten Jessica Simpson stoned out of her gourd.

What I know for sure

Today is the last day of school. From my experience, this is what I know for sure . . .

childhood obesity is a frightening fact. Where there was once two severely obese kids, there's now ten times that and countless others look like they got hit with the freshman fifteen and then some. As a future teacher it makes my efforts all the more meaningful to be an example of a healthy lifestyle.

it is in fact weird to hear a thirteen year old boy sing Fergie's "Glamorous" to you while doing a little dance in his chair.

there are still some bitches out there, and I'm not talking about other teachers.

gay and proud fourteen year olds strike me as fantastically brave.

my myspace page shames me because it is these kids lives. They love it, live it and it is where shit goes down these days. If you don't have the right top 8 you might be eating lunch alone.

substituting is the hardest thing I've ever done and I'm incredibly proud of myself, which feels nice.

the entertainment you can get from these kids makes the day go by so much faster.

I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.

Have a cool summer!

The other day

. . . my front yard turned into Animal Planet! I was hanging out with Vivien Leigh, when we decided to go hang out on the front porch swing.

Right as we were getting settled, four ducks waddled across the street, into the yard and right up to us.

At the same time, this scoundrel decided to join the zoo, right after I saw him a hummingbird flew by to say hello.

One of the ducks stepped up and held class.

And then they were done with me.

blogs r us

Well you are checking my blog, but did you know I check Rosie's blog everyday? Bet you didn't. Sometimes she writes but what I really love is a good ole video blog. It's really become obsessive, yet I'm entertained and my mind is occasionally opened. She does it M-Th mornings before the View with her producer and hairstylist (who is in fact my fave.) They don't know why it is such a hit and neither do I, but I still wanna see it everyday. Sometimes, like yesterday, people on the View stop in and say hello - like Kathy Griffin. Joy Behar, who has always been my favorite co-host, stops in regularly. At the end of today's blog she almost made me piss myself.
"Those fucking confetti guns. Gonna give me a heart attack."
- Joy Behar

Netflix

Netflix is fantastic!
In the last few months I was able to see all the movies I wanted to see last fall in the comfort of my own living room. Sure, I like going to the movies - but not in Chicago. (Every picture I had of a Chicago movie theatre was made up of sticky floors, babies crying and no where for me to prop my feet. This all ceased when I found the beautiful suburb of Evanston.)
Anyhoo, I got to see all the movies I didn't make it to, here's a taste:
Invincible
The Devil Wears Prada
Hollywoodland
Goodnight and Goodluck
Little Miss Sunshine
The Departed
Shut up and Sing
Bobby
Some were better than others, but a lot of them were really stand out in my opinion. Which isn't a hard thing necessarily because I don't ask a lot from a movie and with Netflix you don't have to get pissed off about the eight dollars you blew on Invincible.
I also believe Netflix can make us a bit more true to our word. Like E<3 told me to watch The Philadelphia Story, have I yet - no. But it's on my list and someday I really will.
My new favorite feature is that you can befriend someone on Netflix, like Sunkist, he and I can scope each other's selections and ratings. I think it's a wonderful feature, just don't do it with a judgemental friend or you may never here the end of being on the waiting list for the release of the new Jennifer Garner romantic comedy.

No, thank you ABC

That is what I've said after many a Grey's, I've even clapped - and that is what I did tonight. Finally!

First I should address last week's "spin-off." I quote the spin-off because I believe it is hard to have one with one foot in and one foot out - which is what they did. Also, magic doesn't happen because you make a TV show with 3 out of work actors who had sizable hits in the 90's (i.e. Wings, how stella got her groove back and one of those small town CBS shows.) And as Sunkist pointed out, a new show doesn't equal Addison making weird facial expressions for an hour.
Now, my biggest problem with the "spin-off" is it's obvious part in the lack of yummy goodness on Grey's this season. My fear from day one was Shondra's split focus because of trying to get a new show going while doing Grey's. And I was right! It's been like Dawson's Creek Season 2 all over again - dullsville.

Until tonight! Oh it was magic! My heart soared with deep excitement and love for my precious Grey's. There was a moment where Meredith was shunned in public, the intern's status was in jeopardy, crazy patients pulled from a mountain (I thought we might have had a cannibal story on our hands for a second,) someone passed out on a floor, and a wonderful moment of the realization of infidelity. Classic!
Thank you Grey's, fantastic job.
Bravo!

When life knocks you down . . .

well of course you get back up, but there's usually some complaining before you do. Things were going a little too well for quite some time for me, so well that you start looking around going, "wait, somethings off . . ." Don't get me wrong I soaked all the goodness up because trust me it was my time. (don't get a flashback E<3)
But life gives you little troubles so you can continue the growth and I appreciate these challenges. So, my cat died, I lost my Denton apartment, I think my kneecap is floating and school is ending therefore I have to start looking for a job - bleh!
So first I got a new kitten, now I've gotta work on the rest. Good thing my current theme (anyone? let's bring back the themes?) is "I'm in it to win it."

Oh, the odd things junior highers will say.

She let's me do whatever I want. . . because I'm so gangsta.

Emo! You're so emo.

Am I even going out with him anymore?

She let's us say 'shit' all the time.

I've gotta go change my tampon.

And my all time fave from this morning, from a conversation between two overly flat-ironed girls:
You should go out with that other guy, the other gay guy.

Let's try this again

This is Vivien Leigh.

Ginger Rogers past away late Thursday night. We were having a normal day when she suddenly became very ill. My dad and I rushed her to the vet hospital, but she didn't make it - she died in the car on the way there. It all happened within an hour. She either ate some poison that we didn't know about or severely injured herself, either way her lungs were bleeding out and she choked on a blood clot.
I sobbed with her on the floor as she went through this pain, and held her as long as I could on the drive. I don't know when the horrible images will be erased from my memory. I don't know when I was last so depressed. Everyday is easier, but I hate the way Ginger had to go. I made a commitment to her, I promised I'd always take care of her and that it was me and her from then on out. She was my everyday companion, my future roommate for Denton, my precious Ginger. I loved her very hard.

Seriously.

I'll jazzercise to a remix of Annie Lennox's "Why." Sure.

I'll stay in warrior pose for a cool down to Barry Manilow's "Young at Heart." Absolutely.

But sweating my ass off doing core/ab work while Jessica Simpson is screaming that she is loving angels instead?

That's asking a lot.

Beware: I'm judging down below.

This evening I was checking craigslist listings for furniture to fill my new place. As I was looking at all the things you can post, I decided to see what Waterfront was offering in the men seeking women department. My suspicion was correct in that it was filled with middle aged men basically looking for no-nonsense sex. However I was shocked at how upfront they were with how "hot and sexy" they were and how "hot and sexy" you better be and they were very specific with what they wanted to do to you once you got to their hotel room. I started thinking, I thought no way would a girl post something so boastful and obvious - so I checked it out and this is the first and last one I saw. And I'll never peek again.
I had to erase some, she posted 79 for goodness sake!
(My faves are #20 and #37.)

1. I'm six foot tall
2. I have beautiful long dirty blonde hair.
3. I love wearing jeans and t shirts- but I clean up really well.
4. I can cook- and I don't mind making dinners, or breakfast.
5. I am not a vegan or vegetarian!
6. I love animals- I have a dog.
8. I don't mind if you go out with the boys for fun.
9. I won't get pissed if you look at that chicks tits.
10. I'll point out that girls ass and laugh because my ass is not flat like hers, and you'll agree and stick your hand in my back pocket.
11. Oh yeah I have great tits too.
12. I won't embarrass you in front of your guy friends- and they will all be envious of you- because you have me!
14. On Saturdays we can wash our trucks together...you can have a car I suppose-lol
15. I'll let you squirt me with the water hose and won't get pissed.
16. As long as you don't get pissed when I hurl a soapy sponge at your head.
17. After we clean our vehicles- we can clean each other up.
18. I won't force you to watch a chick movie.
19. I won't bitch if you watch sports, as long as I can steal kisses from you during commercials. 20. I smell real good.
21. My legs are always shaved.
22. So are a few other things.
23. I like fishing
24. I like camping.
25. I don't know how to hunt- but would like to learn and could keep quite. Shh!
26. I drive with my windows down and sing to the radio.
27. I sometimes sing in the shower.
28. I give a mean back rub.
29. I like stubble on a man every once in a while.
30. I can keep a secret.
31. I'll write you little love notes and hide them for you to find through out the day.
32. I'll fit just right in your arms.
33. You won't be able to resist my pout.
34. I'll answer the door naked.
36. I love sex as much as you do!
37. I'll make out with you in H-E-B.
38. I'll whisper sweet nothings in your ear.
41. I won't break your heart.
42. I appreciate the little things.
43. Your family will adore me.
46. I don't snore.
47. I love beer.
49. I know CPR and first aid- so I can doctor your bumps and bruises.
50. A man that can work with his hands is HOT.
51. I can change a flat tire.
52. I'll bring you water when your doing something outside and offer to help.
53. I'll check out your butt when you bend over and whistle.
54. I look good in a tank top.
55. I love the beach
56. I'll make you a mixed Cd
57. It won't be cheesy.
58. You'll actually want me to make you another one.
59. I'll understand if you have to work late
60. I'll be waiting for you when you get off.
64. I'm not dainty.
65. I'm not a bean pole- I'm not a fat ass either.
66. I like older men
67. I like men my age
68. I like men in between.
69. please don't have girly hands or long nails- eww.
70. I don't do drugs.
71. I cuss a little bit too.
72. I am a christian- just not a perfect one.
78. I won't disappoint you!
79. did i mention I have a dazzling smile and award winning personality?

new word for the day, compliments of BK

cull
–verb (used with object)
1. to choose; select; pick.
2. to gather the choice things or parts from.
3. to collect; gather; pluck.
–noun
4. act of culling.
5. something culled, esp. something picked out and put aside as inferior.

Culling is something we do to an assortment of things in our lives.
The visual BK gave me was that a farmer culls his tomatoes. He goes through the harvest and separates them, ones that are not appealing on the exterior or won't last a travel - he'll give to his friends/neighbors. Some will be just right to send to the market to sell. Some are so big they will go bad before they ripen. He separates them into different baskets and then decides which ones will earn him that blue ribbon.
So, as I go along figuring out what I want my life to look like and taking steps to accomplishing that, I'm culling.

I'm also going to try to use that word 5 times before April Showers turn to May flowers.

I'm going to do something I've never done before

. . . talk about American Idol. I haven't "gotten into it" in quite sometime because I personally feel it has gotten jaded or strayed from the innocence of that first season where America was glued to the television in amazement of this animal of entertainment. Remember Movie Soundtrack night? I wouldn't say I'm "into it" like I was with Kelly or Clay, it's there and it's entertaining - but I'm not routing for someone ( but there are people I dislike.)
I started watching this season because I'm around junior highers, they talk about it during stretch time at Jazzercise and my best gal pals talk about it. Now, what I'd like to speak on is the ladies at Jazzercise and their love for the Idol. They're all avid watchers, but one lady in particular really loves it. She's this really sweet older woman who sports cute matching workout clothes, is front and center position every afternoon - and p.s. she is doing push-ups, most of the time better than the rest of us. She really loves the Idol, has gotten emotionally upset for a whole day (she said) over the cast-offs, and always knows the theme of the week - which I appreciate.
Here's what I'm pissed about: She looks forward to Tuesday night every week, she loves being entertained and obviously wants one of her favorites to win. It saddens me that people can't just let her have her joy. They've gotta eff with it and follow Howard Stern or whoever is voting for the worst, because they hate American Idol and want to watch it crumble. They probably also hate McDonald's and Starbucks and blah blah blah.
American Idol was never going to last forever, just like variety shows didn't and even my beloved Grey's Anatomy won't. Things have their moment and they die or fade out.
I really thought about it today (obviously) and it upset me that people are messing with so many people's joy. It's like if General Hospital suddenly decided to turn into a joke like Passions or Days of Our Lives, I would be devastated.
She seems really upset by it and I empathized with her today. So for all of those out there that have nothing better to do with your time or nothing better to focus your attention on, change the channel you lazy effers.

An ode and a name change.

Today is Blondie's birthday. (happy birthday!!) In honor of his 25 years of brilliance, I'm upgrading his name to Sunkist. He does soothe me like a crisp orange soda, however that isn't why it's Sunkist. He is Sunkist because he will always be cemented in my brain as a golden Greek god in white board shorts, who is always sun kissed.

An Ode to Sunkist

- special moments-

The morning rides and unloads from the Carlise

Logan's and Jurassic Park 3

Shalamar, the fruit salad that took 2 hours, only to have me ruin it with too much lemon

That hot summer day we had to sit in our undies because "the ac was broken?"

Alexis and the red power suit

Chicken Breasts

The first night Robbie came over

Monday nights after Chicago with Jared and Icehouse

Going through the Wicked Witch's closet and "drawer"

Making Bre a cake out of peanut butter, oreos and bananas

Halloween I and Halloween II

Throwing Parties

Leaving Parties

Wishbone the pregnant cat

The summer you saved my feet and moved us - all in one night

Nautical

Art/Black n White

70's

The never ending creativity

Ah, my never ending love

for you Sunkist

Happy Birthday N!!!

love,

polly pocket

My heart is a little broken

I was the pike house princess.

Life is oh so good

Today is the first day of my break, not really sure what I'm breaking from, but ever since I got back from Spring Break I have been a'goin and my to do list has been important and everlasting.
I did my last big to do yesterday so now I can just glide through for a while. My to do list now consists of returning things, buying presents and clipping recipes - dreamy. Friday's my big housewife day and I am oh so excited.
I also just love spring right now. I wanna spring clean my whole life and soak up every second that it is eighty outside.
Peace and happiness in brightly colored clothing.

Austin Reunion Spring 2007!!!

What a wonderful Easter weekend I was blessed with. I feel almost like I've been lost in a black hole or a twilight zone for the past 4 days. It blows my mind to think that I just spent the weekend with Bre, Amelia and even a little Leia. It blows my mind that the four of us ran around the theatre building while Much Ado was rehearsing, and most of all it blows my mind that come next Friday Dr. Ney is going sit in his office because four students signed up "to talk" and no one is going to show. He'll go look at the sign up sheet to double check and realize that Susan, Bre, Amelia and Leia no longer are enrolled. It also blows my mind that the four of us sat down and had dinner at little ole place called Valentino's, and then drove by the Pike house.
It was a fantastic feeling being with those girls again, it revitalized me and sent me out into the world being reminded of who we were and where we've come from.
I had the best food in my life, the hardest laughs I've had in a very long time and I got something I can't explain - but I needed it and I'm grateful.
Where my girls at.

School Boy

Ok, I've been doubting/denying for a while now - but it's official. I am being flirted with. It's turned from a lovely hello in the morning to figuring out what room I'm in and calling me during the day for silly reasons and sending attendance kids back to my room with notes.
He got pretty blatant today on the phone. It's a strange thing to me though because he's like Mr. Gold's Gym, sneakers with Polo's and all, long eyelashes to contribute to some pretty sexy eyes. But he probably guzzles Rockstars and chomps on Cornnuts all day, and then takes shirtless pictures of himself for myspace.
However, he's entertaining me for the moment cause he does really make me laugh.

Early Registration

Not everyone does it, I always did though - never understood why you wouldn't. Today was my day, grad kids get to go first, I love being on top of my shit. That's what I am, on top of shit and wickedly organized, and I like it that way.
So I'm easing my way back into the theatre game, all while taking classes required or beneficial to my future. And check out my dreamsicle schedule:
Theatre in Performance: Log 40 hours in rehearsal during the semester.
Theatre History I: Tues. 6-9pm
Adv. Scene Design: MW 9:30-10:50
Make-Up: MW 11-12:20

I think it sounds fantastic.

The thing about Chicago is . . .

it spoiled me rotten on Asian cuisine. I will now be on a constant search for namsod from Thailand and Chinese food with real meat. It's completely embarrassing, but I used to think HEB Chinese food was a little tasty. I returned the other day, only to throw my food out five bites later. I was mistaken, and I now I know the difference.
I'm done looking in this town, its a waste of plasticware.
I've got high hopes for Denton.

PS A small fact. I've actually eaten Asian Cuisine 3 times in the new year, yet only partaken in 2 fortune cookies and here's what they said:
Rose Garden: A talent is not a talent unless it is shared.
Pei Wei (the day after I found my apartment): You will move into a wonderful new home within the year.

Hello? What did I say about 2007?!? Mmmhmm.

How to . . .

make $75 on a Saturday in under 5 hours while wearing flip flops.

Judge three rounds of oral competition at the Junior High UIL tournament, while being fed breakfast and lunch for free.
Watch. Judge. Fill out form. Turn form in. x3 = $75

Love it!!!

I just keep laughing to myself.

I feel like I've been giggling for the past 24 hours. It all started off with some good ole fashioned gossip with The Kid. Our conversation started out with proper catching up, but when we found our groove - well we started talking about people. Normally I might say talking shit, but that's not what me and him do - we just gossip. He's such a girl.
Anyway, so then I was giggling all the way to Jazzercise when trouble hit me. When I say trouble I mean a lady whom kept catching my eye in the corner because she looked like a cave woman or a t-rex doing these moves. Jazzercise isn't for wusses, and now I know it's even harder when you've got the church giggles and are trying to keep from busting a gut. If I had the gumption to make a video and put it on here I would, but alas I do not. But at anytime in the future when I am asked to make like a t-rex doing jazzercise, at least I know I'll be prepared.

something for the head

I have the amazing BK back in my life and I couldn't be happier. She's one of the fantastic women in my life that inspire me, move me and just generally ignite me.
I walked into her office and we just got the ball rolling again, I had to do a catch up of course - but them BAM! we were back on the progress train. It's a really good thing, and I have her a little longer this time.
But she did give me homework, wah . . .