One of the things I don't like about where I work is that they expect us to be there, even in inclement weather, no matter what. If we call in and say we can't make it because of the weather, we get an occurance and we lose our attendance bonus. Since we're dealing with a winter storm right now, we're still expected to go into work. *rolls eyes* Even if it means taking our lives into our own hands.
I'm looking out my window right now, and the snow is coming down lightly. It makes for a very beautiful scene, but it is a deadly beauty. I guess Dana (secretary at TLCA) is getting her white Christmas.
Slan go foill...
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Changes coming in the New Year...
I'll be making some changes come January. One of them is that I won't be going to the IC 3rd Branch anymore. I've been there long enough and it's time for me to move on to a family ward. Thankfully I'll still be able to hit singles activities and hang with my friends there.
I'll be going to the IC 1st Ward. I already called the bishop there and told him about what I wanted to do. Bishop Sheffield is very cool. And Melissa goes to 1st ward as does Keith so I won't feel completely out of place there.
Another change is that I'm going back to school, sort of.
I'm going to take an Institute class starting January 19th. The class is on the New Testament Acts to Revelations, and will be taught by Brother Murdock. Sadly, with my work schedule, it's the only class I can take. *snif* I'd love to take a class being offered that's being taught by Bro. Mulherin, but my work schedule gets in the way. Maybe next semester.
Slan go foill...
I'll be going to the IC 1st Ward. I already called the bishop there and told him about what I wanted to do. Bishop Sheffield is very cool. And Melissa goes to 1st ward as does Keith so I won't feel completely out of place there.
Another change is that I'm going back to school, sort of.
I'm going to take an Institute class starting January 19th. The class is on the New Testament Acts to Revelations, and will be taught by Brother Murdock. Sadly, with my work schedule, it's the only class I can take. *snif* I'd love to take a class being offered that's being taught by Bro. Mulherin, but my work schedule gets in the way. Maybe next semester.
Slan go foill...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Where did the Spirit of Christmas go...?
This is what I want to know...
On Sunday night, my roommate and I were putting up the tree. I had some Christmas music on as we worked. She mentioned that she really didn't like the season. I asked her why, and what her response was really made me stop and think. She said that all people cared about in the season was giving gifts and getting gifts. They've forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, which is celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and loving one another. The commercialism is a major turn off for her.
As I essentially work for J.Crew as a CSR, the commercialism is becoming a turn off for me too. These people with disposable incomes are calling in, wanting to order what the scriptures refer to "fine apparel" for exhorbitant amounts of money. The best thing I can do from here on out is cling to the Gospel and remember why we're celebrating Christmas, remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, and to love my fellow man.
Slan go foill...
On Sunday night, my roommate and I were putting up the tree. I had some Christmas music on as we worked. She mentioned that she really didn't like the season. I asked her why, and what her response was really made me stop and think. She said that all people cared about in the season was giving gifts and getting gifts. They've forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, which is celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and loving one another. The commercialism is a major turn off for her.
As I essentially work for J.Crew as a CSR, the commercialism is becoming a turn off for me too. These people with disposable incomes are calling in, wanting to order what the scriptures refer to "fine apparel" for exhorbitant amounts of money. The best thing I can do from here on out is cling to the Gospel and remember why we're celebrating Christmas, remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, and to love my fellow man.
Slan go foill...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Rest in peace, Peter Press. Your music and creativity will be missed...
Back in March of 2007, I auditioned for a new musical called Muscatine! The Musical and got in the chorus. It was a new musical written by Peter Press and Dan Warschauer. The experience was one I will never forget.
But it wasn't until we really started rehearsals in September 2007 that I became aware that Peter Press had cancer. It wasn't until we performed that I learned his prognosis was terminal; that he was dying of cancer. From looking at him during rehearsals, he seemed fine. But then again, I didn't live in the Press household so I didn't know how debilitating the treatments and effects of the cancer were eating away at him.
He passed away this morning in a hospice house up in Davenport and funeral arrangements are pending. While I won't be able to go down to Muscatine for the funeral, his family are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm reminiscing about my own time working on the musical and learning from Peter and his music.
Peter you will be missed, you, your music, and your creativity. And may you rest in peace now.
Slan go foill...
But it wasn't until we really started rehearsals in September 2007 that I became aware that Peter Press had cancer. It wasn't until we performed that I learned his prognosis was terminal; that he was dying of cancer. From looking at him during rehearsals, he seemed fine. But then again, I didn't live in the Press household so I didn't know how debilitating the treatments and effects of the cancer were eating away at him.
He passed away this morning in a hospice house up in Davenport and funeral arrangements are pending. While I won't be able to go down to Muscatine for the funeral, his family are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm reminiscing about my own time working on the musical and learning from Peter and his music.
Peter you will be missed, you, your music, and your creativity. And may you rest in peace now.
Slan go foill...
Saturday, November 29, 2008
An adult goody-two-shoes...
I guess I could be described as the subject line in this post. I try to obey the rules as best I can, and get clarification when I need it.
There are rules and regulations in life, in the Church, and at work. I made a covenant with my Heavenly Father to obey the rules and laws set before me. As a result, I stick out like a sore thumb sometimes.
Last night, I was at work sitting at my cubicle. There's a rule up there on the calling floor that we can't have food up there so we can keep things neat and tidy (not to mention that it wouldn't do for us to have food in our mouths when we get calls!). I saw one of the other girls eating at her cubicle and I mentioned that I had gummy bears but that I was waiting until I was downstairs on my break to have one.
Her reply: "You can break the rules."
She just doesn't get it. I'm hanging onto the job with everything I have, and I will do whatever I can to stay on so I can stay out on my own.
That said, I need to finish getting ready for work.
Slan go foill...
There are rules and regulations in life, in the Church, and at work. I made a covenant with my Heavenly Father to obey the rules and laws set before me. As a result, I stick out like a sore thumb sometimes.
Last night, I was at work sitting at my cubicle. There's a rule up there on the calling floor that we can't have food up there so we can keep things neat and tidy (not to mention that it wouldn't do for us to have food in our mouths when we get calls!). I saw one of the other girls eating at her cubicle and I mentioned that I had gummy bears but that I was waiting until I was downstairs on my break to have one.
Her reply: "You can break the rules."
She just doesn't get it. I'm hanging onto the job with everything I have, and I will do whatever I can to stay on so I can stay out on my own.
That said, I need to finish getting ready for work.
Slan go foill...
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Bittersweet...
Don't get me wrong. I love living in Coralville. I love being on my own; it's been a long time coming...
It's just very bittersweet, and tonight I was reminded of another sacrifice I had to make. When I made the move and took this job, I had to give up the monthly pilgrimage to Pat McGuire's to see Stephen's Green. I love Stephen's Green more than I can possibly say.
Tonight would've been another pilgrimage for me and I found myself thinking of what it would have been like to go to Davenport and see the guys, be on the stage as a Unicornette, kissing Andy and Martin goodbye. When I kissed them goodbye back in September (days before the Nauvoo conference), I had no idea it would be the last time I'd see them in concert.
All I have now are pictures, memories, and their CD's, and it will have to be enough.
Slan go foill...
It's just very bittersweet, and tonight I was reminded of another sacrifice I had to make. When I made the move and took this job, I had to give up the monthly pilgrimage to Pat McGuire's to see Stephen's Green. I love Stephen's Green more than I can possibly say.
Tonight would've been another pilgrimage for me and I found myself thinking of what it would have been like to go to Davenport and see the guys, be on the stage as a Unicornette, kissing Andy and Martin goodbye. When I kissed them goodbye back in September (days before the Nauvoo conference), I had no idea it would be the last time I'd see them in concert.
All I have now are pictures, memories, and their CD's, and it will have to be enough.
Slan go foill...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Every member a missionary...
That's the motto of the church...every member a missionary. My main problem is that I don't like to push my beliefs on people, so I'm pretty quiet about it. I figure I can try to set a good example for people I'm around, especially at work.
Recently, I was able to use my singing talents as a missionary tool. The branch had a musical fireside this past Sunday. I sang a solo song "Only One (Jessa's Song)" from The Ten Virgins. A couple of months ago, I had participated in the Stake Relief Society's presentation of it. I played Malka, one of the foolish virgins, but her song wasn't very appropriate for this particular fireside. I also sang with the choir and I hope I helped plant some seeds of faith, especially in my nephew's heart. He's only 11 and he came up with my mom to hear Jeremy play his violin. Brannen just started taking violin lessons this year so I wanted him to hear an almost professional and see what happens when he applies himself. He liked it and I took him to meet Jeremy when it was over.
But a small part of me can't help but hope that seeds of faith were planted in Brannen's heart too. :) This lass can hope.
Slan go foill...
Recently, I was able to use my singing talents as a missionary tool. The branch had a musical fireside this past Sunday. I sang a solo song "Only One (Jessa's Song)" from The Ten Virgins. A couple of months ago, I had participated in the Stake Relief Society's presentation of it. I played Malka, one of the foolish virgins, but her song wasn't very appropriate for this particular fireside. I also sang with the choir and I hope I helped plant some seeds of faith, especially in my nephew's heart. He's only 11 and he came up with my mom to hear Jeremy play his violin. Brannen just started taking violin lessons this year so I wanted him to hear an almost professional and see what happens when he applies himself. He liked it and I took him to meet Jeremy when it was over.
But a small part of me can't help but hope that seeds of faith were planted in Brannen's heart too. :) This lass can hope.
Slan go foill...
Monday, November 17, 2008
It's been almost a month...
It's been almost a month since I moved here to Coralville, at least it will be a month in two days. Since then, I've been marveling at being on my own. It's nice sharing an apartment with Kristy, a fellow convert to the church. I was talking with my buddy Jeremy last week about how great it is to be able to have pictures of the Savior, the temple, and a framed Proclamation to the World on the family hanging up on our living room walls. Back in Muscatine at my parents' house, I would've only been allowed to have those things hanging up in my bedroom. And it's also going to be nice to be home taught at home for once! Back at my parents' house, that wouldn't have happened (even if Josh would've felt comfortable making the trek to Muscatine). Dad always hated when I needed my home teachers to come over and give me a priesthood blessing if I was sick, or if they wanted to come over to home teach me. He always kept insisting that the house was a Catholic house. *rolls eyes*
It's also got its downs. I'm putting together a budget, and I'll be sacrificing some of the things that I like so I can live within my means. My trips to Bath and Body Works will be few and far between. It's okay; I have several things from past trips there and I'll be able to use them up. By the time I do in a few months, maybe I'll be able to splurge and make a special trip to stock up. I also won't be buying CD's as they come out. I'll be checking the coupons and bargain shopping for groceries. It'll be a challenge, but so worth it. :)
Slan go foill...
It's also got its downs. I'm putting together a budget, and I'll be sacrificing some of the things that I like so I can live within my means. My trips to Bath and Body Works will be few and far between. It's okay; I have several things from past trips there and I'll be able to use them up. By the time I do in a few months, maybe I'll be able to splurge and make a special trip to stock up. I also won't be buying CD's as they come out. I'll be checking the coupons and bargain shopping for groceries. It'll be a challenge, but so worth it. :)
Slan go foill...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Mixed feelings about Prop 8 and the protests...
I'm a good Mormon girl. I try to obey the commandments as best I can.
But when it comes to Proposition 8 in California, I have some mixed feelings.
Here's why... I have friends who are gay, one of whom is a friend from high school. Why shouldn't they be allowed to make the lifetime commitment to who they want, even if it's someone of the same gender?
However, I understand the Church's stance on it: Marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman. That's what it says in the Bible and the Book of Mormon (not to mention the Proclamation to the World on the family that was brought forth a few months before my baptism). I even got an email from a friend today about her feelings on Prop 8, that marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman and that's it. Satan is making efforts to destroy the family and if gay marriage is allowed, that would be another step in that direction.
I guess I have some serious thinking, study, prayer, and pondering to do...
Now here's where I'm getting disturbed, I just heard about protests being done at the Oakland and Los Angeles Temples. I may have mixed feelings about the whole thing, but I get offended when our church is being singled out about their stance on it.
That said, I'm heading for my bed.
Slan go foill...
But when it comes to Proposition 8 in California, I have some mixed feelings.
Here's why... I have friends who are gay, one of whom is a friend from high school. Why shouldn't they be allowed to make the lifetime commitment to who they want, even if it's someone of the same gender?
However, I understand the Church's stance on it: Marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman. That's what it says in the Bible and the Book of Mormon (not to mention the Proclamation to the World on the family that was brought forth a few months before my baptism). I even got an email from a friend today about her feelings on Prop 8, that marriage is supposed to be between a man and a woman and that's it. Satan is making efforts to destroy the family and if gay marriage is allowed, that would be another step in that direction.
I guess I have some serious thinking, study, prayer, and pondering to do...
Now here's where I'm getting disturbed, I just heard about protests being done at the Oakland and Los Angeles Temples. I may have mixed feelings about the whole thing, but I get offended when our church is being singled out about their stance on it.
That said, I'm heading for my bed.
Slan go foill...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Coralville Lass!
After a few weeks' hiatus, I'm back!
A lot has been going on during this time. I guess I can start from when I first came here.
I made the move the same day we had church on October 19th. After the fellowship meal, my buddy Tim, who happened to also be a friend of the couple taking me in, took me and my stuff over to the Welchs' apartment. It was in the complex that another friend of mine, Travis, used to live. Anyway, I got settled in and the apartment was within walking distance where I work, so it worked out very well for the first two weeks.
Kristy and I found an apartment of our own at the Scotsdale Apartments on Sixth st. As soon as we signed the lease and paid the deposit and first month's rent, we were able to move in. My parents helped some and we had some help from the gang in the branch.
We finally have cable and Internet. The only drawback on the 'Net is that my laptop is tethered down by cables, but it's okay. I rarely ever take it anywhere anyway. We also have a sofa and recliner, given to us for free by a family back in Muscatine, the Reicherts.
All in all, I'm loving my new life here in Coralville. I can feel that my Father in Heaven loves me and is mindful of me. It was He who gave me that prompting all those weeks ago to drop out of the play so I could get my job and move up here. I also love my roommate, even when she teases me. I can tease her right back. It's great!
That said, I must away so I can get ready for church. Watch this blog for pics of the new pad, and of me in my Halloween costume for the contest at work.
Slan go foill...
A lot has been going on during this time. I guess I can start from when I first came here.
I made the move the same day we had church on October 19th. After the fellowship meal, my buddy Tim, who happened to also be a friend of the couple taking me in, took me and my stuff over to the Welchs' apartment. It was in the complex that another friend of mine, Travis, used to live. Anyway, I got settled in and the apartment was within walking distance where I work, so it worked out very well for the first two weeks.
Kristy and I found an apartment of our own at the Scotsdale Apartments on Sixth st. As soon as we signed the lease and paid the deposit and first month's rent, we were able to move in. My parents helped some and we had some help from the gang in the branch.
We finally have cable and Internet. The only drawback on the 'Net is that my laptop is tethered down by cables, but it's okay. I rarely ever take it anywhere anyway. We also have a sofa and recliner, given to us for free by a family back in Muscatine, the Reicherts.
All in all, I'm loving my new life here in Coralville. I can feel that my Father in Heaven loves me and is mindful of me. It was He who gave me that prompting all those weeks ago to drop out of the play so I could get my job and move up here. I also love my roommate, even when she teases me. I can tease her right back. It's great!
That said, I must away so I can get ready for church. Watch this blog for pics of the new pad, and of me in my Halloween costume for the contest at work.
Slan go foill...
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Last posting for a little while...
Well tomorrow I'll be moving to Coralville. I finally have a place to temporarily crash until Kristy and I find an apartment.
I start work on Wednesday. Yeah, it got pushed back, but it's okay. I'll be able to hop a bus Monday morning and see where it takes me, explore Coralville a bit so I can get to know my new home town better; so I'll also be able to see which routes get me to my work the best for the moment.
I don't know the family who's taking me in, but they know some friends of mine, Abby and Tim, and that's more than okay. We're all brothers and sisters in the gospel. Yes, they are members of the Church; that's how Abby found them for me. They attend the University ward.
The reason I'm saying this will be my last posting for a while is because it's going to be a little while before I can post again. The place I'm going to doesn't have Internet access yet. And while I'll be taking my laptop with me, it's more because I don't want to leave it behind with my boxes in Muscatine, but I won't be using it until Kristy and I get our own place and cable and Internet access.
That said, I must away but until we meet again, let me sign off with an Irish blessing...
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm on your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Slan go foill...
I start work on Wednesday. Yeah, it got pushed back, but it's okay. I'll be able to hop a bus Monday morning and see where it takes me, explore Coralville a bit so I can get to know my new home town better; so I'll also be able to see which routes get me to my work the best for the moment.
I don't know the family who's taking me in, but they know some friends of mine, Abby and Tim, and that's more than okay. We're all brothers and sisters in the gospel. Yes, they are members of the Church; that's how Abby found them for me. They attend the University ward.
The reason I'm saying this will be my last posting for a while is because it's going to be a little while before I can post again. The place I'm going to doesn't have Internet access yet. And while I'll be taking my laptop with me, it's more because I don't want to leave it behind with my boxes in Muscatine, but I won't be using it until Kristy and I get our own place and cable and Internet access.
That said, I must away but until we meet again, let me sign off with an Irish blessing...
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm on your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Slan go foill...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Two very different concerts in a 24 hour period/Lucky Stiff cast reunion...
In the space of 24 hours, I went to two very different concerts: The MCC Variety Show last night (for the last time), and the University of Iowa Chamber Orchestra concert this afternoon.
First off, the MCC Variety Show last night also became the Lucky Stiff cast reunion. Scuba and Chase were performing in the show, and Courtney, Keeny, Savannah, Dane, and I were sitting in the audience. In fact, the only ones missing were Lauren, Zach, James (our stiff!), Tyler, Brooke (my friend during the summer and my ride during that time), and Brooke O. It was nice to see the old gang again, especially since I'll be moving soon. However, Keeny will be at Coe College, so she might come down to Iowa City or Coralville, wherever Kristy and I end up settled at, to visit me.
The show itself had the 80's and 90's theme to it. There were parts in it that were hilarious! And I ended up dancing the Macarena with my friends as part of an audience participation thing.
Today, I hit the UI Chamber Orchestra Concert with Melissa. It was quite interesting. First on the agenda was a piece by David Diamond called "Rounds for String Orchestra". And like that one concert Jeremy and I went to together, the movements were fused together with no breaks in between (I for the life of me can't remember the actual term for it!). The next piece was "Evocations for Viola and Orchestra" by Michael Kimber featuring solo violist Christine Rutledge. She was very talented. There are no words. =) And Mr. Kimber was in the audience too!
There was no intermission this time around, so they went straight into the last piece "Symphony No. 40, K. 550, G Minor" by Mozart. At last, one composer I recognized. =D Mozart is one of the few composers I remember from my Music Appreciation days! I'm sure Jan will be happy about that. ;)
After the show, we all stuck around to wait for Jeremy. When he finally came out, we all converged on him. "We" meaning me, Melissa, Kristy (my soon-to-be roommate), Nicki, Amy, Emily, and Nicki's boyfriend. We thought he'd done a good job. He's been a busy guy, but the results are amazing. He plays so beautifully. For those reading this, you might think I'm being biased because he and are friends, but I'm not. I know awesome when I see and hear it. In fact, my nephew Brannen is starting violin lessons, and I was hoping to get him to one of Jeremy's concerts so he could hear him play and have something to aspire to.
It was quite a weekend, now I have to get back to work, sorting through my life here and deciding what I'm going to take with me to Iowa City/Coralville once Kristy and I find a place!
Slan go foill...
First off, the MCC Variety Show last night also became the Lucky Stiff cast reunion. Scuba and Chase were performing in the show, and Courtney, Keeny, Savannah, Dane, and I were sitting in the audience. In fact, the only ones missing were Lauren, Zach, James (our stiff!), Tyler, Brooke (my friend during the summer and my ride during that time), and Brooke O. It was nice to see the old gang again, especially since I'll be moving soon. However, Keeny will be at Coe College, so she might come down to Iowa City or Coralville, wherever Kristy and I end up settled at, to visit me.
The show itself had the 80's and 90's theme to it. There were parts in it that were hilarious! And I ended up dancing the Macarena with my friends as part of an audience participation thing.
Today, I hit the UI Chamber Orchestra Concert with Melissa. It was quite interesting. First on the agenda was a piece by David Diamond called "Rounds for String Orchestra". And like that one concert Jeremy and I went to together, the movements were fused together with no breaks in between (I for the life of me can't remember the actual term for it!). The next piece was "Evocations for Viola and Orchestra" by Michael Kimber featuring solo violist Christine Rutledge. She was very talented. There are no words. =) And Mr. Kimber was in the audience too!
There was no intermission this time around, so they went straight into the last piece "Symphony No. 40, K. 550, G Minor" by Mozart. At last, one composer I recognized. =D Mozart is one of the few composers I remember from my Music Appreciation days! I'm sure Jan will be happy about that. ;)
After the show, we all stuck around to wait for Jeremy. When he finally came out, we all converged on him. "We" meaning me, Melissa, Kristy (my soon-to-be roommate), Nicki, Amy, Emily, and Nicki's boyfriend. We thought he'd done a good job. He's been a busy guy, but the results are amazing. He plays so beautifully. For those reading this, you might think I'm being biased because he and are friends, but I'm not. I know awesome when I see and hear it. In fact, my nephew Brannen is starting violin lessons, and I was hoping to get him to one of Jeremy's concerts so he could hear him play and have something to aspire to.
It was quite a weekend, now I have to get back to work, sorting through my life here and deciding what I'm going to take with me to Iowa City/Coralville once Kristy and I find a place!
Slan go foill...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Major changes going on in my life...
There are going to be some major changes in my life very very soon.
First off...
I got a job.
I got a job!
I!!!! GOT!!!! A!!!! JOB!!!!
That's right, my faithful readers. After months of searching, hoping, and praying, I got a job. Starting October 20th, I'll be training for a position at Thomas L. Cardella & Associates as an Inbound Customer Service Representative. Here's the other part now; the company I just mentioned is in Coralville, IA.
Guess what that means...
I'm moving out of my parents' house in Muscatine, at last! I should be scared of this unknown, like where am I going to go? How will I live? But I'm not. One of my friends in the branch and I are looking at the classifieds starting now. But if we don't find something by the time I have to be up there to start work, then I have another friend who will let me stay with her for a bit until we find a place and I build up a bit of a nest egg.
All this happened because I had made a decision to drop out of the play Murder By Poe. I felt a prompting during General Conference Sunday afternoon to drop the play. I told Melissa about it, and she thought it was a good idea. She later told me that I would be blessed for it. She was right. As soon as I let the director know of my decision, I applied for the job opening at Thomas L. Cardella & Associates, had the interview yesterday, and now I'm contemplating my imminent relocation (oh boy; I'm starting to sound like my buddy, George).
I honestly believe that my Heavenly Father has been guiding me this week; and if I trust in Him, everything will work out great.
Slan go foill...
First off...
I got a job.
I got a job!
I!!!! GOT!!!! A!!!! JOB!!!!
That's right, my faithful readers. After months of searching, hoping, and praying, I got a job. Starting October 20th, I'll be training for a position at Thomas L. Cardella & Associates as an Inbound Customer Service Representative. Here's the other part now; the company I just mentioned is in Coralville, IA.
Guess what that means...
I'm moving out of my parents' house in Muscatine, at last! I should be scared of this unknown, like where am I going to go? How will I live? But I'm not. One of my friends in the branch and I are looking at the classifieds starting now. But if we don't find something by the time I have to be up there to start work, then I have another friend who will let me stay with her for a bit until we find a place and I build up a bit of a nest egg.
All this happened because I had made a decision to drop out of the play Murder By Poe. I felt a prompting during General Conference Sunday afternoon to drop the play. I told Melissa about it, and she thought it was a good idea. She later told me that I would be blessed for it. She was right. As soon as I let the director know of my decision, I applied for the job opening at Thomas L. Cardella & Associates, had the interview yesterday, and now I'm contemplating my imminent relocation (oh boy; I'm starting to sound like my buddy, George).
I honestly believe that my Heavenly Father has been guiding me this week; and if I trust in Him, everything will work out great.
Slan go foill...
Friday, October 3, 2008
What the hell is wrong with people?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Sorry, for those with really sensitive eyes, you may want to turn away now, because there's going to be some serious VENTING going on!!!!
Okay, Lizzy was in West Liberty for most of the day and I was in charge of the office. Things went smoothly, and by the time I went home for an hour, Liz had come back. It wasn't until after I went back for another couple of hours that I got frustrated.
I was making calls to let people know about the satellite voting at Garfield School, and I got a couple Obama supporters. But most peeps weren't home, or if they were, they weren't for Obama. I know I can't get everyone to our cause, but the reasons they aren't for him hardly make any sense. There was one woman who said she wouldn't ever vote for "that man", meaning she was probably racist. I mean, come on! This is the twenty-first century! It shouldn't be about the color of a candidate's skin; it should be about his ability to do the job! Sheesh!
The last contact I had really took the cake though. She said outright after I asked if she'd consider supporting Obama that she was for McCain and Palin. I asked what her concerns were, and she replied that she didn't think Obama could do the job, and that she'd been paying attention to the news and debates and she could see that McCain and Palin are on top of the game.
WTF?!?!?!?!?! SEND SOME OF THOSE MIND ALTERING DRUGS MY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been watching those same debates and I'm getting a different idea here. We'd get more of the same that we've been getting for the past eight years. What is she thinking?!?!?! Oh well! I'll just work hard to make sure she doesn't get her way!
Okay, rant's over. I must away! I need to pack for my trip to Iowa City for the weekend. :)
Slan go foill...
Okay, Lizzy was in West Liberty for most of the day and I was in charge of the office. Things went smoothly, and by the time I went home for an hour, Liz had come back. It wasn't until after I went back for another couple of hours that I got frustrated.
I was making calls to let people know about the satellite voting at Garfield School, and I got a couple Obama supporters. But most peeps weren't home, or if they were, they weren't for Obama. I know I can't get everyone to our cause, but the reasons they aren't for him hardly make any sense. There was one woman who said she wouldn't ever vote for "that man", meaning she was probably racist. I mean, come on! This is the twenty-first century! It shouldn't be about the color of a candidate's skin; it should be about his ability to do the job! Sheesh!
The last contact I had really took the cake though. She said outright after I asked if she'd consider supporting Obama that she was for McCain and Palin. I asked what her concerns were, and she replied that she didn't think Obama could do the job, and that she'd been paying attention to the news and debates and she could see that McCain and Palin are on top of the game.
WTF?!?!?!?!?! SEND SOME OF THOSE MIND ALTERING DRUGS MY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been watching those same debates and I'm getting a different idea here. We'd get more of the same that we've been getting for the past eight years. What is she thinking?!?!?! Oh well! I'll just work hard to make sure she doesn't get her way!
Okay, rant's over. I must away! I need to pack for my trip to Iowa City for the weekend. :)
Slan go foill...
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Getting the college kids to vote early wasn't as easy as I thought it would be...
Yesterday was the day that we had a satellite voting booth at MCC for the kids (and faculty) who wanted to vote early. Liz and I were there from 9 to 3 (I cut out thirty minutes early to run some errands with Mom and then go home). I thought it would be easy and that the kids would take advantage of the opportunity given them to vote early. But there were a few problems...
One: Some of the kids were still undecided. Because it was a neutral place, we weren't allowed to do any campaigning for Obama.
Two: Some of the kids aren't registered in Muscatine County. If they wanted to vote yesterday, they would've had to re-register in this county.
Three: Some of the kids aren't U.S. citizens. I put my foot in my mouth a couple of times asking them if they would like to vote. Oops.
I'm wondering what the final count was. We had just crested 50 voters when I left. Guess I'll find out today. Tomorrow, we'll be having another satellite voting booth in West Liberty. I won't be going there, so I'll be at the office all day tomorrow. It will be interesting and a little scary, but I want to see if I can really do it; be in charge of the office all by my lonesome all day. Now if that isn't a crash course in self reliance, I don't know what is. :)
Slan go foill...
One: Some of the kids were still undecided. Because it was a neutral place, we weren't allowed to do any campaigning for Obama.
Two: Some of the kids aren't registered in Muscatine County. If they wanted to vote yesterday, they would've had to re-register in this county.
Three: Some of the kids aren't U.S. citizens. I put my foot in my mouth a couple of times asking them if they would like to vote. Oops.
I'm wondering what the final count was. We had just crested 50 voters when I left. Guess I'll find out today. Tomorrow, we'll be having another satellite voting booth in West Liberty. I won't be going there, so I'll be at the office all day tomorrow. It will be interesting and a little scary, but I want to see if I can really do it; be in charge of the office all by my lonesome all day. Now if that isn't a crash course in self reliance, I don't know what is. :)
Slan go foill...
Monday, September 29, 2008
What a weekend!!!!
This past weekend had its highs and lows, for sure...
I'll start with Friday night. I went to HQ and met Lizzy's parents before making more calls. We stopped around eight pm for the debate. For that, we all went to the Brew just down the street from HQ. Watching the debate was interesting, that's for sure. Obama was confident in his answers, and McCain wouldn't make eye contact with anyone, least of all Obama. He was also condescending in his remarks. I think public opinion is that Obama did the best in this debate. Now we're just waiting for the Veep candidates' debate, which will be Thursday. Once again, we're all going to converge on the Brew for the action. =)
After the debate, Lizzy took me home. During the ride, Melissa called. She and I gabbed long after Lizzy dropped me off. I can talk to her about the work I do as an intern for the Obama campaign not worry about being labeled a liberal. Melissa knows the reasons I'm so involved. She understands where I'm coming from.
So I went to bed Friday night in a good mood. I was planning on working a few hours at HQ on Saturday before going home to finish packing for the overnight trip to Iowa City. Unfortunately I was in for a nasty surprise.
I woke up Saturday morning to find that someone had vandalized our front yard and had taken the Obama/Biden yard sign I had put there and threw it away into the neighbor's yard. Whoever had done this had even bent the wire rods. Mom told me not to stress about it; that she could fix it. But that really wasn't the point. The point is that I have the right to show my support for a candidate by having a yard sign on my property and that nobody, NOBODY should be able to take that away from me!
I called Lizzy to let her know what had happened. Even she thought it wasn't cool at all. But it only strengthened my resolve to not let whoever had done it have their way and I went to work for three hours. After that, I came home and got ready for the trip to Iowa City. The game plan was that I would be up there to perform "The Ten Virgins" and then I would stay up there for the Relief Society General Broadcast and spend the night with Melissa at her place.
The performance went perfectly. The other girls and I had our lines down pat. Not bad for the lasses who'd only gotten their scripts a couple of weeks ago. I had a lot of fun working on it.
The broadcast was exactly what I needed. I sat with Melissa and her sister and we listened to the talks. The one that really stuck out for me was President Uchtdorf's talk, especially the part where he told us that we should never find anything lacking in ourselves, never put ourselves down. After the broadcast, Melissa and I talked about that at length in the car. She won't ever let me get down on myself again.
Since we'd only snacked and were famished, we stopped at Hy-Vee and did some grocery shopping. Just as we were leaving, Jeremy called, wanting to come over and so we invited him over for dinner, a late dinner, but it was still dinner. Once he got there, he helped us in preparing dinner, and I had a chance to share with him what I had learned from working on "The Ten Virgins": that if I don't use the gifts I've been given the way they're intended and/or to glorify my Heavenly Father, what's the use of having them. I had also learned that being a loyal friend can be a fault if that loyalty supercedes my loyalty to my Father in Heaven.
After dinner, we played one game and then Jeremy headed home, leaving Melissa and me to get ready for bed and gab a little more. I love her so much. She's like a sister to me.
Amid all of this, I had been trying to ignore the fact that my body was run down. But yesterday morning, I couldn't really ignore it any longer. I woke up feeling warm, slightly feverish, and with body aches that I could barely handle. Melissa even noticed that I was running a temperature. So I called Josh (my new home teacher) while I was still at her house and asked if he'd be able to give me a priesthood blessing after church. He was able to, and I went back home to Muscatine with the faith I'd be feeling better before long.
I'm actually feeling better now. I had a lousy day at work and ended up leaving early today. But after a nap and an evening in, I'll be going back tomorrow bright and early at nine am.
Slan go foill...
I'll start with Friday night. I went to HQ and met Lizzy's parents before making more calls. We stopped around eight pm for the debate. For that, we all went to the Brew just down the street from HQ. Watching the debate was interesting, that's for sure. Obama was confident in his answers, and McCain wouldn't make eye contact with anyone, least of all Obama. He was also condescending in his remarks. I think public opinion is that Obama did the best in this debate. Now we're just waiting for the Veep candidates' debate, which will be Thursday. Once again, we're all going to converge on the Brew for the action. =)
After the debate, Lizzy took me home. During the ride, Melissa called. She and I gabbed long after Lizzy dropped me off. I can talk to her about the work I do as an intern for the Obama campaign not worry about being labeled a liberal. Melissa knows the reasons I'm so involved. She understands where I'm coming from.
So I went to bed Friday night in a good mood. I was planning on working a few hours at HQ on Saturday before going home to finish packing for the overnight trip to Iowa City. Unfortunately I was in for a nasty surprise.
I woke up Saturday morning to find that someone had vandalized our front yard and had taken the Obama/Biden yard sign I had put there and threw it away into the neighbor's yard. Whoever had done this had even bent the wire rods. Mom told me not to stress about it; that she could fix it. But that really wasn't the point. The point is that I have the right to show my support for a candidate by having a yard sign on my property and that nobody, NOBODY should be able to take that away from me!
I called Lizzy to let her know what had happened. Even she thought it wasn't cool at all. But it only strengthened my resolve to not let whoever had done it have their way and I went to work for three hours. After that, I came home and got ready for the trip to Iowa City. The game plan was that I would be up there to perform "The Ten Virgins" and then I would stay up there for the Relief Society General Broadcast and spend the night with Melissa at her place.
The performance went perfectly. The other girls and I had our lines down pat. Not bad for the lasses who'd only gotten their scripts a couple of weeks ago. I had a lot of fun working on it.
The broadcast was exactly what I needed. I sat with Melissa and her sister and we listened to the talks. The one that really stuck out for me was President Uchtdorf's talk, especially the part where he told us that we should never find anything lacking in ourselves, never put ourselves down. After the broadcast, Melissa and I talked about that at length in the car. She won't ever let me get down on myself again.
Since we'd only snacked and were famished, we stopped at Hy-Vee and did some grocery shopping. Just as we were leaving, Jeremy called, wanting to come over and so we invited him over for dinner, a late dinner, but it was still dinner. Once he got there, he helped us in preparing dinner, and I had a chance to share with him what I had learned from working on "The Ten Virgins": that if I don't use the gifts I've been given the way they're intended and/or to glorify my Heavenly Father, what's the use of having them. I had also learned that being a loyal friend can be a fault if that loyalty supercedes my loyalty to my Father in Heaven.
After dinner, we played one game and then Jeremy headed home, leaving Melissa and me to get ready for bed and gab a little more. I love her so much. She's like a sister to me.
Amid all of this, I had been trying to ignore the fact that my body was run down. But yesterday morning, I couldn't really ignore it any longer. I woke up feeling warm, slightly feverish, and with body aches that I could barely handle. Melissa even noticed that I was running a temperature. So I called Josh (my new home teacher) while I was still at her house and asked if he'd be able to give me a priesthood blessing after church. He was able to, and I went back home to Muscatine with the faith I'd be feeling better before long.
I'm actually feeling better now. I had a lousy day at work and ended up leaving early today. But after a nap and an evening in, I'll be going back tomorrow bright and early at nine am.
Slan go foill...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A day in the life of an Obama Campaign for Change Intern...
As I find myself thinking of how I got myself into this internship with the Obama Campaign, my mind drifts back to the movie The Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith about this man who had taken an unpaid internship at a brokerage firm with the possibility of employment at the end of training. Amid it all, Smith's character ended up homeless with his young son. In the end, however, he ended up getting the job and eventually started his own brokerage firm.
Now, I am well aware that I am better off in my life and my own internship than that character in the movie. I still live with my folks, and I have a warm place to sleep at night. And I am learning a lot about politics, and discovering why I need to get involved and be passionate about it (those closest to me are well aware of some of the reasons so I won't go into details on this very public blog!).
In other ways, this internship is becoming my refiner's fire. For one thing, I don't know if I'm going to be able to find a job after the campaign is over. The training and experience is invaluable to my resume, but will there be avenues open to me to show it off? Plus, there's some hostility to the cause. I found this out quickly as I made phone calls to persuade people to Obama (see earlier post).
One thing I am aware of, however, is that my Heavenly Father loves me and is mindful of me. He knows I can handle this internship with my body and spirit intact. And hopefully, by the end, I'll be in a position to take my life and become more self reliant.
Slan go foill...
Now, I am well aware that I am better off in my life and my own internship than that character in the movie. I still live with my folks, and I have a warm place to sleep at night. And I am learning a lot about politics, and discovering why I need to get involved and be passionate about it (those closest to me are well aware of some of the reasons so I won't go into details on this very public blog!).
In other ways, this internship is becoming my refiner's fire. For one thing, I don't know if I'm going to be able to find a job after the campaign is over. The training and experience is invaluable to my resume, but will there be avenues open to me to show it off? Plus, there's some hostility to the cause. I found this out quickly as I made phone calls to persuade people to Obama (see earlier post).
One thing I am aware of, however, is that my Heavenly Father loves me and is mindful of me. He knows I can handle this internship with my body and spirit intact. And hopefully, by the end, I'll be in a position to take my life and become more self reliant.
Slan go foill...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The phone call from HELL!!!!/Life of an intern for the Obama campaign...
I was making calls yesterday afternoon before I went home for a break, and I called an older woman's number. A man answered and when I asked for her, he asked me who I was. I told him who I was and what I was up to.
His response: "Obama?!?!?! That no good, lying SOB and you're calling for him?!?!?!?!?! Don't ever call this number again!!!!! Take it off your list!!!!!!!!!!"
I did so, and he kept badgering me. Because of my training from when I worked as a telemarketer, I didn't feel right about hanging up on him, so I had to listen to his verbal abuse until he finally deigned to hang up on me! By the time I got off the phone I was so shaken and was more than ready to go home and take a nap. Lizzy told me if I get yelled at like that again, then I should just go ahead and hang up on the jerk! Ah, the life of an intern...
I ended up going back last night and helped getting things ready for our trip to West Liberty to canvass today. I don't feel comfortable canvassing, but Lizzy and others will be with me. That said, I must away to get ready, but will leave you with a pic of me at my new home away from home. =)
Slan go foill...
P.S. the two fellas with me in the pic are Rep. Nathan Reichert (big brother figure to me!!!) and fellow volunteer Tracy
Thursday, September 18, 2008
What the hell is going on here?!?!?!?!
Okay, I don't get it. I really don't get it!
Yep, those with really sensitive eyes might want to turn away now because I'm about to do some serious VENTING!!!!
At first the week started out fun. I had just gotten home from the Nauvoo Singles conference for my church and it really recharged my batteries, so I was ready to really work on the Obama campaign. So first thing Monday, I went with Lizzy to MCC so we could get some more signatures from the students and faculty for our petitions for satellite voting booths (for early voting) at various places around the county, including MCC. As we went all over campus, I told Lizzy about some of my experiences at MCC, first as a music major, and then as an Administrative and Office Support major. We ended up at the choir room, getting a signature from Jan Phillips, MCC Music Director/Muscatine Civic Chorale director, and of course she razzed me a bit for not being a part of the Civic Chorale concert this time around. I admit I told her a half truth, that I was busy with Murder By Poe, and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to juggle both the play and Civic Chorale. I just didn't tell her I also was going to be busy volunteering with the Democratic Party.
So that was Monday. Tuesday was pretty uneventful, and yesterday was probably the wtf day so far this week.
Yesterday, I got there around ten am and started with preparing mailings. When that was done, I started making calls around my precinct and other places. For the first time since I got started this time around, I got yelled at by someone, got a lecture how I shouldn't be asking people how they're going to vote come November, and was told by someone else that they weren't going to vote at all. But the call that really took the cake was the last one I made before going to meet my mom at the hairdresser's.
This woman, Mandy*, was a fellow Edwards supporter during the caucus days (like Yours Truly), and she said she was leaning toward McCain because she's curious about Sarah Palin.
WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
She basically told me (after I tried oh so gently to persuade her to our side, even appealing to the common link we share as fellow former Edwards gals) that if she had to vote tomorrow, she'd vote for McCain. After I got off the phone and was gathering my junk, I vented to Lizzy a bit and gave her the gist of the call. She was understandably shocked. I'm running out of ideas to bring these people to our cause.
We can't have four more years of Republican policy. We just can't!!!!!!!
Slan go foill...
*Name has been changed
Yep, those with really sensitive eyes might want to turn away now because I'm about to do some serious VENTING!!!!
At first the week started out fun. I had just gotten home from the Nauvoo Singles conference for my church and it really recharged my batteries, so I was ready to really work on the Obama campaign. So first thing Monday, I went with Lizzy to MCC so we could get some more signatures from the students and faculty for our petitions for satellite voting booths (for early voting) at various places around the county, including MCC. As we went all over campus, I told Lizzy about some of my experiences at MCC, first as a music major, and then as an Administrative and Office Support major. We ended up at the choir room, getting a signature from Jan Phillips, MCC Music Director/Muscatine Civic Chorale director, and of course she razzed me a bit for not being a part of the Civic Chorale concert this time around. I admit I told her a half truth, that I was busy with Murder By Poe, and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to juggle both the play and Civic Chorale. I just didn't tell her I also was going to be busy volunteering with the Democratic Party.
So that was Monday. Tuesday was pretty uneventful, and yesterday was probably the wtf day so far this week.
Yesterday, I got there around ten am and started with preparing mailings. When that was done, I started making calls around my precinct and other places. For the first time since I got started this time around, I got yelled at by someone, got a lecture how I shouldn't be asking people how they're going to vote come November, and was told by someone else that they weren't going to vote at all. But the call that really took the cake was the last one I made before going to meet my mom at the hairdresser's.
This woman, Mandy*, was a fellow Edwards supporter during the caucus days (like Yours Truly), and she said she was leaning toward McCain because she's curious about Sarah Palin.
WTF?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
She basically told me (after I tried oh so gently to persuade her to our side, even appealing to the common link we share as fellow former Edwards gals) that if she had to vote tomorrow, she'd vote for McCain. After I got off the phone and was gathering my junk, I vented to Lizzy a bit and gave her the gist of the call. She was understandably shocked. I'm running out of ideas to bring these people to our cause.
We can't have four more years of Republican policy. We just can't!!!!!!!
Slan go foill...
*Name has been changed
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Getting discouraged and a little scared in the Obama campaign/The usual fun with Stephen's Green last night...
First off, I officially started volunteering on the Obama campaign on Saturday. I went there for a couple of hours, making calls and then went home. Monday was cold and rainy, and I trekked down there to put in some hours, and then I put in a few hours yesterday before going to Pat McGuire's for the last time until November (since the guys are going to Ireland next month).
I'll get to the pilgrimage in a minute. Let me talk a little bit about my experiences volunteering for the Obama campaign so far.
The woman in charge of our branch, Liz, is close to my age, and very nice. Like in the past when I've volunteered and gotten along well with the employees for the Democratic Party, this time is no exception, and I have a feeling that she and I are going to be friends even after the election.
Monday, I helped with getting mailings ready to send to people. Some wanted some absentee ballot request forms; others wanted more info on Senator Obama. As I was folding those briefs and stuffing envelopes, I found myself reading about his ideas for health care. Those close to me know why this issue is near and dear to me, so I won't go into details on this blog. After Liz ordered lunch, I spent some time making calls, mostly to women because I feel like I can connect with them more on the issues.
Yesterday, I went back. I started out with the mailings again, which was great. Contrary to popular belief, I don't like to spend all of my time on the phone. It's cool to mix it up some. =) Rep. Nathan Reichert stopped by, so I had a chance to gab with him. His signs are popping up everywhere in town now (I was lazy and didn't take my Reichert sign down after the primary in June!). ;)
My parents and I had the usual fun with Stephen's Green last night. Of course, the Cubs lost last night so that kinda put a damper on things, but not too much. I'll just be avoiding Tracy for a couple of days.
I wish I had gone with my gut and worn my Obama button to Pat McGuire's last night. I had told Andy I almost had decided to.
His response, "Why not?"
I replied, "Because of him." (pointing in Barney Barnhill's general direction)
Andy's response, "Screw him!" (meaning I shouldn't care about Barney's opinion about my button)
I was really tired for some reason last night and couldn't stop yawning near the end of the night. By the time we got home, I was practically asleep on my feet and took to my bed by midnight. I slept in this morning, and will be heading off in an hour to put in my time down at HQ. That said, I will away. Must go help with the Obama campaign today! :)
Slan go foill...
P.S. The reason I'm getting discouraged is because I see the polls and Obama's slightly behind. I'm getting scared. I DO NOT want four more years of Republican policy!
I'll get to the pilgrimage in a minute. Let me talk a little bit about my experiences volunteering for the Obama campaign so far.
The woman in charge of our branch, Liz, is close to my age, and very nice. Like in the past when I've volunteered and gotten along well with the employees for the Democratic Party, this time is no exception, and I have a feeling that she and I are going to be friends even after the election.
Monday, I helped with getting mailings ready to send to people. Some wanted some absentee ballot request forms; others wanted more info on Senator Obama. As I was folding those briefs and stuffing envelopes, I found myself reading about his ideas for health care. Those close to me know why this issue is near and dear to me, so I won't go into details on this blog. After Liz ordered lunch, I spent some time making calls, mostly to women because I feel like I can connect with them more on the issues.
Yesterday, I went back. I started out with the mailings again, which was great. Contrary to popular belief, I don't like to spend all of my time on the phone. It's cool to mix it up some. =) Rep. Nathan Reichert stopped by, so I had a chance to gab with him. His signs are popping up everywhere in town now (I was lazy and didn't take my Reichert sign down after the primary in June!). ;)
My parents and I had the usual fun with Stephen's Green last night. Of course, the Cubs lost last night so that kinda put a damper on things, but not too much. I'll just be avoiding Tracy for a couple of days.
I wish I had gone with my gut and worn my Obama button to Pat McGuire's last night. I had told Andy I almost had decided to.
His response, "Why not?"
I replied, "Because of him." (pointing in Barney Barnhill's general direction)
Andy's response, "Screw him!" (meaning I shouldn't care about Barney's opinion about my button)
I was really tired for some reason last night and couldn't stop yawning near the end of the night. By the time we got home, I was practically asleep on my feet and took to my bed by midnight. I slept in this morning, and will be heading off in an hour to put in my time down at HQ. That said, I will away. Must go help with the Obama campaign today! :)
Slan go foill...
P.S. The reason I'm getting discouraged is because I see the polls and Obama's slightly behind. I'm getting scared. I DO NOT want four more years of Republican policy!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Another play...
I auditioned for another play last night. This one is called Murder By Poe and it's definitely NOT a musical. And it's a far cry from the fun of Lucky Stiff. I read for some of the female parts and I enjoyed it very much. I'm ready to do something different, something not a musical and/or a comedy.
Chad (the director) told us all that we were in it; he just wants to do another read-through so he knows better what roles to assign us. This is going to be fun. =)
Slan go foill...
Chad (the director) told us all that we were in it; he just wants to do another read-through so he knows better what roles to assign us. This is going to be fun. =)
Slan go foill...
Friday, September 5, 2008
I have a confession...
Yes, my faithful readers, I have a confession...
I was a New Kids on the Block fan back when I was a teenager! *lol*
I found out about their music when I was thirteen, during the summer of 1989. I drove my brothers insane because I loved NKOTB so much. I first fell for Jordan Knight, but then I started liking Jonathan and Joe. So from 1989 to 1992, I was into NKOTB.
They're back together now and have come out with a new album. I'll eventually pick it up, but not right now. I'm older, and I'm not as teenybopper toward them as I was back then.
And I'm such a terrible liar!!!! They totally rock!!!!! =D
Slan go foill...
I was a New Kids on the Block fan back when I was a teenager! *lol*
I found out about their music when I was thirteen, during the summer of 1989. I drove my brothers insane because I loved NKOTB so much. I first fell for Jordan Knight, but then I started liking Jonathan and Joe. So from 1989 to 1992, I was into NKOTB.
They're back together now and have come out with a new album. I'll eventually pick it up, but not right now. I'm older, and I'm not as teenybopper toward them as I was back then.
And I'm such a terrible liar!!!! They totally rock!!!!! =D
Slan go foill...
Monday, August 25, 2008
It's time to raise some HELL!!!!!
Okay, now I'm mad!
I was watching Hardball with Chris Matthews just now, live in Colorado at the DNC and there was this woman he interviewed, a former Hillary Clinton supporter, mind you, and she said there was a report that Barack Obama had gone to a Muslim school in Indonesia. When Chris asked where this report came from, she was all, "I'm not going to tell you that."
WTF?!?!?!?!
Okay, lady! First of all, if you're going to go on national television and make allegations like you just did, then you better be pretty damn sure you're ready to back it up!!! I'm sorry, but if you say something like that on National TV in front of God and everyone within earshot and then say you're not going to tell us where you got the information, that just doesn't sit well with me!
My next gripe, there were some McCain supporters there protesting, which is their right, I know. If only they knew the person they're supporting is another Bush puppet... Oh well, we can bring them to water, but we can't make them drink.
Oh, I'm all fired up now!!!! I'm going to start volunteering more down at our local Dem HQ. I want to do everything I can to get Obama elected as our President, and get Nathan Reichert re-elected to the Iowa House, and every other Democrat running I can think of.
Slan go foill...
I was watching Hardball with Chris Matthews just now, live in Colorado at the DNC and there was this woman he interviewed, a former Hillary Clinton supporter, mind you, and she said there was a report that Barack Obama had gone to a Muslim school in Indonesia. When Chris asked where this report came from, she was all, "I'm not going to tell you that."
WTF?!?!?!?!
Okay, lady! First of all, if you're going to go on national television and make allegations like you just did, then you better be pretty damn sure you're ready to back it up!!! I'm sorry, but if you say something like that on National TV in front of God and everyone within earshot and then say you're not going to tell us where you got the information, that just doesn't sit well with me!
My next gripe, there were some McCain supporters there protesting, which is their right, I know. If only they knew the person they're supporting is another Bush puppet... Oh well, we can bring them to water, but we can't make them drink.
Oh, I'm all fired up now!!!! I'm going to start volunteering more down at our local Dem HQ. I want to do everything I can to get Obama elected as our President, and get Nathan Reichert re-elected to the Iowa House, and every other Democrat running I can think of.
Slan go foill...
Friday, August 15, 2008
Now that the musical is over...
Now that the musical is over, I'm going to be throwing myself into politics. I volunteer at Muscatine County Democrats making phone calls for Representative Nathan Reichert's re-election campaign. I'll probably take it even further by helping out with the Obama campaign. All I know is that we can't have another Repub as president. If that happens, bye-bye-bye America! Hello Canada!
It's recently come to light that John Edwards had an affair with a videographer. But I also heard that John McCain had an affair on his wife years ago and ended up leaving her for his mistress. However, no one's tsking at him for it. When a Republican has an affair, it's no big deal; but when a Democrat has an affair, everyone's up in arms!
WTF?!?!?!
I think there's a major double standard going on here, and I don't like it. If they're going to air Edwards' dirty laundry, then they should air McCain's as well. Just MHO, mind you.
Slan go foill...
It's recently come to light that John Edwards had an affair with a videographer. But I also heard that John McCain had an affair on his wife years ago and ended up leaving her for his mistress. However, no one's tsking at him for it. When a Republican has an affair, it's no big deal; but when a Democrat has an affair, everyone's up in arms!
WTF?!?!?!
I think there's a major double standard going on here, and I don't like it. If they're going to air Edwards' dirty laundry, then they should air McCain's as well. Just MHO, mind you.
Slan go foill...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Stephen's Green and Michael Phelps; what an interesting combination...
That's what happens when the Olympics are going on at the same time as the monthly pilgrimage to Pat McGuire's. There was supposed to be a Cubs game last night as well; Cubs vs the Atlanta Braves, but the manager of Pat McGuire's came up to Mom and me before the band took the stage and let us know it had been rained out. It was okay; there was always the Olympics. =)
First set was without the distraction of the Olympics, at least for the most part. And for some reason, Andy and Martin played all our family's requests in the first set. I had requested "German Clock Winder", "Carrick Fergus", "Boston Rose", "A Rainy Night in Soho", "Danny Boy" (for my dad), and "Wild Colonial Boy" (for Mom).
Coverage for the Olympics started at seven p.m., near the end of Andy and Martin's first set. I soon found myself listening to the band with my ears and watching the Olympics at the same time. Yet another feeble attempt made by Yours Truly to multitask. Sadly, I can't do it very well. And when the coverage started, I moved over to the "Cascade" table so I could see better. Katie McGuire didn't mind.
Ann was there this time and she arrived sometime during the second set. Since she hadn't been there last month, I was very happy to see her! She's one of my best friends outside of the church, and she and I have had a few conversations about my faith. She understands my limitations and doesn't tease me about them.
During the second set, I was listening to the band again, watching the Olympics, and eating my dinner. They played the usual stuff during the second set, like "Finnegan's Wake", "Charlie and the MTA", and "The Unicorn". For "Finnegan's Wake", when we screamed "LUNCH" during the third verse Martin, anticipating some edible ammo, opened an umbrella! I regret not being able to get a picture of that to put up here because it was HILARIOUS! And I was able to tear my attention away from the Olympic coverage long enough to be a "Unicornette" and dance to "The Unicorn". It was Ann, me, Katie, Emily (from Clinton), Eve (her sister), Em's daughter, Megan (Barney Barnhill's granddaughter), and some of the other Cascade gals. The stage was packed, but it was fun!
During the third set was when I was the most distracted. And that was because that was when Michael Phelps was swimming in the 200m Butterfly to get his tenth gold medal in his entire career. So the race was going on, and I can't even remember what song was being played, but when he hit the wall first, everyone cheered in the middle of the song. Martin just looked at us, and at the end of the song, Andy asked, "Did Michael Phelps win the gold medal?" The answer was a resounding "YES!" accompanied by cheers. =)
Of course, they ended with their usual Irish patriotic songs "The One Road", "A Nation Once Again", and "Amhrain na bhFiann", the Ireland National Anthem (I think) and that is sung in Gaelic. Martin emailed me the Gaelic lyrics a long time ago and I use them on occasion, but the Gaelic is getting easier for me to pronounce. Now if I could just learn Spanish with the same greatest of ease, I'd be happy. =)
I'm really looking forward to next month once again. And maybe I'll have something to celebrate then too. =)
Slan go foill...
First set was without the distraction of the Olympics, at least for the most part. And for some reason, Andy and Martin played all our family's requests in the first set. I had requested "German Clock Winder", "Carrick Fergus", "Boston Rose", "A Rainy Night in Soho", "Danny Boy" (for my dad), and "Wild Colonial Boy" (for Mom).
Coverage for the Olympics started at seven p.m., near the end of Andy and Martin's first set. I soon found myself listening to the band with my ears and watching the Olympics at the same time. Yet another feeble attempt made by Yours Truly to multitask. Sadly, I can't do it very well. And when the coverage started, I moved over to the "Cascade" table so I could see better. Katie McGuire didn't mind.
Ann was there this time and she arrived sometime during the second set. Since she hadn't been there last month, I was very happy to see her! She's one of my best friends outside of the church, and she and I have had a few conversations about my faith. She understands my limitations and doesn't tease me about them.
During the second set, I was listening to the band again, watching the Olympics, and eating my dinner. They played the usual stuff during the second set, like "Finnegan's Wake", "Charlie and the MTA", and "The Unicorn". For "Finnegan's Wake", when we screamed "LUNCH" during the third verse Martin, anticipating some edible ammo, opened an umbrella! I regret not being able to get a picture of that to put up here because it was HILARIOUS! And I was able to tear my attention away from the Olympic coverage long enough to be a "Unicornette" and dance to "The Unicorn". It was Ann, me, Katie, Emily (from Clinton), Eve (her sister), Em's daughter, Megan (Barney Barnhill's granddaughter), and some of the other Cascade gals. The stage was packed, but it was fun!
During the third set was when I was the most distracted. And that was because that was when Michael Phelps was swimming in the 200m Butterfly to get his tenth gold medal in his entire career. So the race was going on, and I can't even remember what song was being played, but when he hit the wall first, everyone cheered in the middle of the song. Martin just looked at us, and at the end of the song, Andy asked, "Did Michael Phelps win the gold medal?" The answer was a resounding "YES!" accompanied by cheers. =)
Of course, they ended with their usual Irish patriotic songs "The One Road", "A Nation Once Again", and "Amhrain na bhFiann", the Ireland National Anthem (I think) and that is sung in Gaelic. Martin emailed me the Gaelic lyrics a long time ago and I use them on occasion, but the Gaelic is getting easier for me to pronounce. Now if I could just learn Spanish with the same greatest of ease, I'd be happy. =)
I'm really looking forward to next month once again. And maybe I'll have something to celebrate then too. =)
Slan go foill...
Monday, August 11, 2008
The matinee finale...sad it's over...
Because Hwy 6 going to Atalissa finally opened up, I was able to get to Iowa City for choir practice and sacrament meeting at least, so I decided to go ahead and do it. I was able to get out in time to get back to Muscatine for the matinee performance yesterday. And when I walked into our "dressing room", I was greeted by Guns and Roses singing "Sweet Child of Mine" on YouTube. Quite a jarring contrast to the nice spirit I was feeling as I came back from church, that's for sure.
There were only a couple glitches this time around, the first one being that Courtney's gun didn't go off when she tried to shoot "the dead guy", aka James at the beginning. We just shrugged and went on with it. The second glitch was actually my fault. I had the wrong shoes on for the club scene. Hopefully no one noticed. ;)
Afterward the cast stayed to strike set, but I couldn't stay. I was still wearing my Sunday clothes and I had wanted my mom to help me take all the clothes I had brought for the production home (although I probably should've just donated them to the drama costume shed since I really can't wear them anymore).
All in all, I enjoyed working on the musical. I had a very cool experience playing four different characters onstage and I made some new friends. Now what am I going to do with my spare time besides look for a job? I could start exercising more and get my body back in shape since I do have to donate blood in a week. I could work on getting my 72 hour kit together. I got started on it while my parents were in Kansas.
Oh the possibilities! =D
Slan go foill...
There were only a couple glitches this time around, the first one being that Courtney's gun didn't go off when she tried to shoot "the dead guy", aka James at the beginning. We just shrugged and went on with it. The second glitch was actually my fault. I had the wrong shoes on for the club scene. Hopefully no one noticed. ;)
Afterward the cast stayed to strike set, but I couldn't stay. I was still wearing my Sunday clothes and I had wanted my mom to help me take all the clothes I had brought for the production home (although I probably should've just donated them to the drama costume shed since I really can't wear them anymore).
All in all, I enjoyed working on the musical. I had a very cool experience playing four different characters onstage and I made some new friends. Now what am I going to do with my spare time besides look for a job? I could start exercising more and get my body back in shape since I do have to donate blood in a week. I could work on getting my 72 hour kit together. I got started on it while my parents were in Kansas.
Oh the possibilities! =D
Slan go foill...
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Second night slump...NOT!!!
Usually we have to deal with second night slump, but last night was definitely not the case. I was really pumped up and ready to kick it, but that was because Melissa and Jeremy came to the performance, and they brought Seth and Alta with them. It was cool to see them again.
There were no glitches in Act 1 and my scenes went smoothly, as did the costume changes. I was a little worried about Kari because she was dizzy before the performance, but she was okay. Act 2 went smoothly as well, and afterward I met up with Seth, Alta, Melissa, and Jeremy. They gave me a card and a plant. It's the first time I've received flowers after a drama performance, ever, so I was pretty stoked.
After changing back into my street clothes, I went with Melissa and Jeremy to Tee's where they treated me to a shake and then the three of us shared Jeremy's banana split (which was awesome, btw!). We stayed there for about thirty minutes, and Melissa prompted me to tell Jeremy that I was thinking about going out for the Nauvoo Pageant next year. The incidents during rehearsal just drove home the fact that I need to do a drama production with others like me for once, good Mormon people.
I kinda felt bad that I ditched my castmates, but Brooke understood why I was leaving with my friends last night. I only see Jeremy once a week, plus I haven't seen him at all this summer, and I'm lucky if I get to see Melissa more than once in a while since she's no longer going to our branch.
Today's our last performance and it's a matinee. Mom's coming to this one, so I'm pumped up once again. I'm going to kick it one more time, after going to branch choir practice and sacrament meeting in Iowa City of course. :)
Slan go foill...
There were no glitches in Act 1 and my scenes went smoothly, as did the costume changes. I was a little worried about Kari because she was dizzy before the performance, but she was okay. Act 2 went smoothly as well, and afterward I met up with Seth, Alta, Melissa, and Jeremy. They gave me a card and a plant. It's the first time I've received flowers after a drama performance, ever, so I was pretty stoked.
After changing back into my street clothes, I went with Melissa and Jeremy to Tee's where they treated me to a shake and then the three of us shared Jeremy's banana split (which was awesome, btw!). We stayed there for about thirty minutes, and Melissa prompted me to tell Jeremy that I was thinking about going out for the Nauvoo Pageant next year. The incidents during rehearsal just drove home the fact that I need to do a drama production with others like me for once, good Mormon people.
I kinda felt bad that I ditched my castmates, but Brooke understood why I was leaving with my friends last night. I only see Jeremy once a week, plus I haven't seen him at all this summer, and I'm lucky if I get to see Melissa more than once in a while since she's no longer going to our branch.
Today's our last performance and it's a matinee. Mom's coming to this one, so I'm pumped up once again. I'm going to kick it one more time, after going to branch choir practice and sacrament meeting in Iowa City of course. :)
Slan go foill...
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Opening night hijinks
Well, our opening night didn't have a dull moment; that's for sure.
Brooke and I got to there around six and it didn't take me long to get into costume. Keeny did my makeup and I was ready to go by six-forty. Six-fifty, we were all in the theatre doing our warm-ups, and by seven, the doors were opened and we were interacting with some audience members in character. Since I started out as the spinster, I was wearing my frumpy dress and chatting up some ladies with an English accent. It was cute, at least I thought so.
We took the stage and during our opening number the lights went off and for the a couple measures, we were singing in the dark! Turns out the light box is duct taped on the floor of the light booth so Steve kept kicking it every time he moved and the lights went off. Another glitch was there weren't any chairs for me to grab for the train scene, so I did that scene standing up the entire time! We figured out a way to make that work. And then James (our dead guy) lost his sunglasses, so he had to keep his hat on over his eyes. Tyler covered and made it work, but it was frustrating.
There were a couple musical glitches as well. When Keeny did her solo number "Speaking French", our accompanist messed up slightly, but Keeny covered it pretty well. :) And then Courtney's solo was done in the wrong key and that threw her off, and us too, since we sing backups for her right behind the stage!
And all that was Act One!
Act Two went more smoothly than Act One (thank goodness!!!). No major glitches or drama, and afterward, we all went to McDonald's for a late dinner or dessert, and then the riverfront to walk the path. We finally ended up at James's apartment, just hanging out and talking and I didn't get home until after midnight, with my eyes barely able to stay open.
And that, my friends, is the story of our opening night hijinks. I'm hoping tonight goes better, especially since Melissa and Jeremy are coming. And they are going to be in for a surprise. :)
Slan go foill...
Brooke and I got to there around six and it didn't take me long to get into costume. Keeny did my makeup and I was ready to go by six-forty. Six-fifty, we were all in the theatre doing our warm-ups, and by seven, the doors were opened and we were interacting with some audience members in character. Since I started out as the spinster, I was wearing my frumpy dress and chatting up some ladies with an English accent. It was cute, at least I thought so.
We took the stage and during our opening number the lights went off and for the a couple measures, we were singing in the dark! Turns out the light box is duct taped on the floor of the light booth so Steve kept kicking it every time he moved and the lights went off. Another glitch was there weren't any chairs for me to grab for the train scene, so I did that scene standing up the entire time! We figured out a way to make that work. And then James (our dead guy) lost his sunglasses, so he had to keep his hat on over his eyes. Tyler covered and made it work, but it was frustrating.
There were a couple musical glitches as well. When Keeny did her solo number "Speaking French", our accompanist messed up slightly, but Keeny covered it pretty well. :) And then Courtney's solo was done in the wrong key and that threw her off, and us too, since we sing backups for her right behind the stage!
And all that was Act One!
Act Two went more smoothly than Act One (thank goodness!!!). No major glitches or drama, and afterward, we all went to McDonald's for a late dinner or dessert, and then the riverfront to walk the path. We finally ended up at James's apartment, just hanging out and talking and I didn't get home until after midnight, with my eyes barely able to stay open.
And that, my friends, is the story of our opening night hijinks. I'm hoping tonight goes better, especially since Melissa and Jeremy are coming. And they are going to be in for a surprise. :)
Slan go foill...
Friday, August 8, 2008
Tonight's the night!
This is it! Tonight and the rest of this weekend will show if all our hard work has paid off! I'm actually more excited than I am nervous.
Last night's rehearsal went smoothly, except for the fact that Brooke O wasn't there again. I'm really hoping she'll be there tonight, even though I'm becoming quite accustomed to talking to empty air. *lol* I remembered all my entrances and lines. I just need to not break fourth wall. I'm getting better at that. It's just been so long since I've done a musical like this. During MTM, everyone broke fourth wall at one time or another and it was no big deal.
So today I'm just going to do some things around the house so I can work off some of this nervous and excited energy. Then I'll watch the Cubs vs. Cardinals game this afternoon. And then, it's off to the theatre to kick it on stage tonight!
And hopefully, the day won't include a trip to the emergency room, either for myself or anyone else in the cast. We actually have two diabetics in the cast, so the possibility is there for one of them to wind up in the ER today, even though it's slim since they're good at managing their respective diabetes.
Slan go foill...
Last night's rehearsal went smoothly, except for the fact that Brooke O wasn't there again. I'm really hoping she'll be there tonight, even though I'm becoming quite accustomed to talking to empty air. *lol* I remembered all my entrances and lines. I just need to not break fourth wall. I'm getting better at that. It's just been so long since I've done a musical like this. During MTM, everyone broke fourth wall at one time or another and it was no big deal.
So today I'm just going to do some things around the house so I can work off some of this nervous and excited energy. Then I'll watch the Cubs vs. Cardinals game this afternoon. And then, it's off to the theatre to kick it on stage tonight!
And hopefully, the day won't include a trip to the emergency room, either for myself or anyone else in the cast. We actually have two diabetics in the cast, so the possibility is there for one of them to wind up in the ER today, even though it's slim since they're good at managing their respective diabetes.
Slan go foill...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Just one more day until opening night and counting...WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We almost had everyone at rehearsal last night. Kari was there, but Brooke O had youth group meeting for her church so she wasn't able to make it. But we made do with what we had. :)
And we had a bit of an audience. Marie Press (who I had worked with in MTM) was there and she watched us and took notes on what we needed to work on (she's in the Pearl City Players as well and I think she might be a board member, I can't remember).
On a more serious note, I did talk to Scuba about what Dane had said to me Tuesday night, and he did talk to Dane about it. While we were waiting to go on for a scene, Dane did apologize to me. Everything's cool now. :)
Oh my holy fudge! I can't believe we're opening in just one day!!!!!! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And we had a bit of an audience. Marie Press (who I had worked with in MTM) was there and she watched us and took notes on what we needed to work on (she's in the Pearl City Players as well and I think she might be a board member, I can't remember).
On a more serious note, I did talk to Scuba about what Dane had said to me Tuesday night, and he did talk to Dane about it. While we were waiting to go on for a scene, Dane did apologize to me. Everything's cool now. :)
Oh my holy fudge! I can't believe we're opening in just one day!!!!!! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A troubling incident at last night's rehearsal...
I didn't bring this up in the last post, because I was still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it actually happened. I'm now caught between a rock and a hard place, and I don't know what I should do.
It started when Brooke and I were running late to rehearsal. We finally got there around 7, and I started getting into my first costume. We have a coed dressing room, which is the lecture room in Strahan Hall, so the first thing I had to toss out the window was my modesty, because with several costume changes there's just no time for it. While we were getting ready, other cast members were messing around on the computer in the lecture room and had put on a video clip of Avenue Q, via YouTube. I finally said something about that not being very appropriate to watch, and Dane retorted with, "You need to open your mind, and open your legs!"
What the flip?!?!?! Did he just say what I thought he said?
Of course, I pushed it to back of my mind because we had rehearsal and I needed to keep my mind on that. But now that I'm left to my own devices, it's been really bothering me and I don't know what I should do. I don't want to rock the boat and make trouble. I try to be the peacekeeper in the cast, but I am offended by what he said to me. I just don't know what to do. Should I tell Scuba about the incident? Should I let it slide and hope we don't have any repeat performances?
I have some serious thinking to do...
It started when Brooke and I were running late to rehearsal. We finally got there around 7, and I started getting into my first costume. We have a coed dressing room, which is the lecture room in Strahan Hall, so the first thing I had to toss out the window was my modesty, because with several costume changes there's just no time for it. While we were getting ready, other cast members were messing around on the computer in the lecture room and had put on a video clip of Avenue Q, via YouTube. I finally said something about that not being very appropriate to watch, and Dane retorted with, "You need to open your mind, and open your legs!"
What the flip?!?!?! Did he just say what I thought he said?
Of course, I pushed it to back of my mind because we had rehearsal and I needed to keep my mind on that. But now that I'm left to my own devices, it's been really bothering me and I don't know what I should do. I don't want to rock the boat and make trouble. I try to be the peacekeeper in the cast, but I am offended by what he said to me. I just don't know what to do. Should I tell Scuba about the incident? Should I let it slide and hope we don't have any repeat performances?
I have some serious thinking to do...
Two days until opening night and counting...
Last night's rehearsal went smoothly, even though Kari wasn't there (because she'd gone to a Cubs game that day) and I had slipped on the stairs during a scene change and am now sporting a bruise on my arm.
Something hilarious happened when we rehearsed the nightmare scene in Act 2. Brooke O decided to don her croupier's outfit and wear some facepaint to look like the Joker from The Dark Knight (and she's usually playing the landlady in that scene). Steve was left in stitches and I finally lost it when I heard Tyler say from the bed, "Why so serious?" It turns out that Steve's girlfriend had asked Brooke to do this and that she'd be there to see it. It was great. I even got a picture of her with all her Joker makeup on.
It's really coming together! Slan go foill...
Something hilarious happened when we rehearsed the nightmare scene in Act 2. Brooke O decided to don her croupier's outfit and wear some facepaint to look like the Joker from The Dark Knight (and she's usually playing the landlady in that scene). Steve was left in stitches and I finally lost it when I heard Tyler say from the bed, "Why so serious?" It turns out that Steve's girlfriend had asked Brooke to do this and that she'd be there to see it. It was great. I even got a picture of her with all her Joker makeup on.
It's really coming together! Slan go foill...
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Three days until opening night and counting...
It was a hot and steamy evening for rehearsal last night, and almost everyone was there. We even had our stiff, but Kari was gone because of a death in the family.
Because Steve was able to be there, things went along a lot more smoothly. I was even able to get some pictures of some scenes that I wasn't in. I hope we get some people to watch rehearsals so we'll have audience to practice playing off of. I was even talking with one of my friends about him coming down to be our audience for a rehearsal, and if he can I'm going to see if I can bribe him to take some pics of scenes that I'm in sometime this week.
We actually got out of there around ten last night, so when I got home I was able to just chill out and listen to music and read until I could barely keep my eyes open. And I don't know if anyone else noticed this, but on the Lucky Stiff recording the woman who's playing Rita really sounds like she's whiny! No wonder the Atlantic City croupier left her! Sheesh! And thankfully, Courtney is not portraying her like that in our production.
Three more days to go, and I'm getting excited! Slan go foill...
Because Steve was able to be there, things went along a lot more smoothly. I was even able to get some pictures of some scenes that I wasn't in. I hope we get some people to watch rehearsals so we'll have audience to practice playing off of. I was even talking with one of my friends about him coming down to be our audience for a rehearsal, and if he can I'm going to see if I can bribe him to take some pics of scenes that I'm in sometime this week.
We actually got out of there around ten last night, so when I got home I was able to just chill out and listen to music and read until I could barely keep my eyes open. And I don't know if anyone else noticed this, but on the Lucky Stiff recording the woman who's playing Rita really sounds like she's whiny! No wonder the Atlantic City croupier left her! Sheesh! And thankfully, Courtney is not portraying her like that in our production.
Three more days to go, and I'm getting excited! Slan go foill...
Monday, August 4, 2008
Song lyrics that describe me, well sort of...
I was surfing the web this morning and listening to my music player on Facebook as I sometimes like to do, and I found myself drawn to a song performed by Bethany Joy Galeotti (who plays Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill). This song is called "Halo". I don't know who wrote it, but whoever did must have been inspired because as I listened to the song, I realized these lyrics describe me pretty well. Read and decide for yourselves.
"Halo" as performed by Bethany Joy Galeotti, composers unknown.
Verse 1
I never promised you a ray of light,
I never promised there'd be sunshine every day.
I'll give you everything I have;
The good, the bad.
Why do you put me on a pedestal?
I'm so up high that I can't see the ground below.
So help me down; you've got it wrong.
I don't belong there.
Chorus:
One thing is clear
I wear a halo, I wear a halo when you look at me
But standing from here
You wouldn't say so; you wouldn't say so if you were me
And I, I just want to love you.
Oh, oh I, I just want to love you.
Verse 2
I always said that I would make mistakes,
I'm only human; and that's my saving grace.
I fall as hard as I try,
So don't be blinded.
See me as I really am.
I have flaws and sometimes I even sin.
So pull me from that pedestal.
I don't belong there!
Chorus
One thing is clear,
I wear a halo; I wear a halo when you look at me.
But standing from here,
You wouldn't say so; you wouldn't say so if you were me.
And I, I just want to love you.
Oh, oh I, I just want to love you.
Bridge
Why you think that you know me,
But in your eyes.
I am something above you
That's only in your mind,
Only in your mind.
I wear
I wear
I wear a halo
Chorus
One thing is clear,
I wear a halo; I wear a halo when you look at me.
But standing from here,
You wouldn't say so; you wouldn't say so if you were me.
And I, I just want to love you.
Oh, oh I, I just want to love you.
"Halo" as performed by Bethany Joy Galeotti, composers unknown.
Verse 1
I never promised you a ray of light,
I never promised there'd be sunshine every day.
I'll give you everything I have;
The good, the bad.
Why do you put me on a pedestal?
I'm so up high that I can't see the ground below.
So help me down; you've got it wrong.
I don't belong there.
Chorus:
One thing is clear
I wear a halo, I wear a halo when you look at me
But standing from here
You wouldn't say so; you wouldn't say so if you were me
And I, I just want to love you.
Oh, oh I, I just want to love you.
Verse 2
I always said that I would make mistakes,
I'm only human; and that's my saving grace.
I fall as hard as I try,
So don't be blinded.
See me as I really am.
I have flaws and sometimes I even sin.
So pull me from that pedestal.
I don't belong there!
Chorus
One thing is clear,
I wear a halo; I wear a halo when you look at me.
But standing from here,
You wouldn't say so; you wouldn't say so if you were me.
And I, I just want to love you.
Oh, oh I, I just want to love you.
Bridge
Why you think that you know me,
But in your eyes.
I am something above you
That's only in your mind,
Only in your mind.
I wear
I wear
I wear a halo
Chorus
One thing is clear,
I wear a halo; I wear a halo when you look at me.
But standing from here,
You wouldn't say so; you wouldn't say so if you were me.
And I, I just want to love you.
Oh, oh I, I just want to love you.
Four days to opening night and counting...
It's been said that laughter is the best medicine. After last night, I think I'm inclined to believe it.
I had come home from Iowa City after having hung out with Melissa and Jeremy for a bit and was in better spirits, but cautious about how rehearsal would go. I didn't really need to worry.
It started out tense. Scuba had to work so Anita was in charge, again. She was upset that not everyone was ready or there. I tried to defend Tyler because he'd been out of town at All State camp for the weekend and probably didn't get the emails letting us know the change in rehearsal times, but all I succeeded in doing was having Anita snap at me too.
And then, something happened during the nightclub scene that led to laughter. I think when we froze for Brooke's solo, some people did really weird poses, and that set Brooke and the rest of us off. We all just started laughing. In fact, Dane and I were laughing so hard that tears were squeezing out of our eyes. I tried to settle down and get back into character by taking deep breaths, but all that accomplished was some lightheadedness, so that really didn't help. We eventually got it together for Brooke's solo. But the laughter just killed the tension from the past few days and it was exactly what we'd needed.
Tonight Brooke and I are going early to practice so we can get into the habit of getting into makeup and costumes in time for curtain. Hopefully the tension won't be as thick with Scuba there, keeping things under control.
Slan go foill...
I had come home from Iowa City after having hung out with Melissa and Jeremy for a bit and was in better spirits, but cautious about how rehearsal would go. I didn't really need to worry.
It started out tense. Scuba had to work so Anita was in charge, again. She was upset that not everyone was ready or there. I tried to defend Tyler because he'd been out of town at All State camp for the weekend and probably didn't get the emails letting us know the change in rehearsal times, but all I succeeded in doing was having Anita snap at me too.
And then, something happened during the nightclub scene that led to laughter. I think when we froze for Brooke's solo, some people did really weird poses, and that set Brooke and the rest of us off. We all just started laughing. In fact, Dane and I were laughing so hard that tears were squeezing out of our eyes. I tried to settle down and get back into character by taking deep breaths, but all that accomplished was some lightheadedness, so that really didn't help. We eventually got it together for Brooke's solo. But the laughter just killed the tension from the past few days and it was exactly what we'd needed.
Tonight Brooke and I are going early to practice so we can get into the habit of getting into makeup and costumes in time for curtain. Hopefully the tension won't be as thick with Scuba there, keeping things under control.
Slan go foill...
Sunday, August 3, 2008
I interrupt this countdown to bring some awesome news...my best buddy's HOME!!!
Yep, one of my dear friends in the branch is home from music camp, and that means chances are pretty good he'll be able to come to Lucky Stiff!
He got home yesterday and ended up going to the Nauvoo Pageant last night (and with the way last night's rehearsal went, I suddenly wished I'd been there with him!). And this morning when I got to church, especially with the way I was stressed out over the play, seeing him for the first time since he'd left in June was almost like a Balm of Gilead to my sanity.
But I'm okay now. I got a priesthood blessing to help me deal with the stress of the coming week. Plus, I had my own problems during rehearsal last night, which was what prompted me to get a blessing today. I had missed an entrance during a number and I got so mad at myself that I let loose with a couple of expletives because I was so frustrated. I'm okay now, and I think if I keep what was said in the blessing in my mind somewhere, I'll be fine. :)
With that, I must away. I should be getting ready for tonight's rehearsal. Slan go foill...
He got home yesterday and ended up going to the Nauvoo Pageant last night (and with the way last night's rehearsal went, I suddenly wished I'd been there with him!). And this morning when I got to church, especially with the way I was stressed out over the play, seeing him for the first time since he'd left in June was almost like a Balm of Gilead to my sanity.
But I'm okay now. I got a priesthood blessing to help me deal with the stress of the coming week. Plus, I had my own problems during rehearsal last night, which was what prompted me to get a blessing today. I had missed an entrance during a number and I got so mad at myself that I let loose with a couple of expletives because I was so frustrated. I'm okay now, and I think if I keep what was said in the blessing in my mind somewhere, I'll be fine. :)
With that, I must away. I should be getting ready for tonight's rehearsal. Slan go foill...
Five days until opening night and counting...
Tensions are rising, as was shown at last night's rehearsal. I don't know what's going on, but now Courtney, Dane, and a few other cast members are mad at Anita, the music director. They think she's overstepping her bounds. Steve wasn't there; he had to work, so I guess he left Anita in charge. I don't know, but I'm just trying to stay out of it. Maybe Steve will be able to talk to Anita about her overstepping her bounds. She's been doing this for about a week now, and I guess it finally came to a head. It must have because I saw Dane totally mutilate a cardboard box in anger.
I will be glad when opening night comes and hopefully all of our efforts will pay off.
I will be glad when opening night comes and hopefully all of our efforts will pay off.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Six days until opening night and counting...
We had another minor setback yesterday in the form of a not very productive rehearsal. Courtney had to work; Keeny was sick; Tyler went to All State camp; and Kari and Chase had to leave early for work, so all we could do was run through a couple of the chorus numbers. But we worked on the set some afterward, so it wasn't a complete waste of time.
Right before practice, I called my friend Melissa and let her know about the complimentary ticket I had for her. It's actually for two, but she and I are both hoping another friend will be back from teaching at music camp in time for the play, so he could use it as well.
There are some friends that I guess I could consider my BFF's if I wanted to use high school terminology. Melissa is more than that. I would consider her kind of like a sister (and in a way we are, sisters in the gospel). We first met last summer when she was coming to the branch on and off. We exchanged e-mail addresses and phone numbers. We kept in touch off and on. And this year, because of struggles we're both dealing with, we've become closer. We even took the road trip down to Nauvoo together for the pageant right before rehearsals for Lucky Stiff picked up.
All in all, it's because of that I'm glad that she's planning to be there at the play, either on opening night or Saturday night. :)
Right before practice, I called my friend Melissa and let her know about the complimentary ticket I had for her. It's actually for two, but she and I are both hoping another friend will be back from teaching at music camp in time for the play, so he could use it as well.
There are some friends that I guess I could consider my BFF's if I wanted to use high school terminology. Melissa is more than that. I would consider her kind of like a sister (and in a way we are, sisters in the gospel). We first met last summer when she was coming to the branch on and off. We exchanged e-mail addresses and phone numbers. We kept in touch off and on. And this year, because of struggles we're both dealing with, we've become closer. We even took the road trip down to Nauvoo together for the pageant right before rehearsals for Lucky Stiff picked up.
All in all, it's because of that I'm glad that she's planning to be there at the play, either on opening night or Saturday night. :)
Friday, August 1, 2008
1 week until opening night...
Last night's rehearsal was a little frustrating. Steve was showing it, because he thought he had some guys who would do lights for us. But they never showed. *sigh*
I can't believe it. We're going to be opening in a week. Hopefully I won't end up in the emergency room. ;)
Eight years ago in 2000, I was in a musical revue for the Muscatine Masquers; I was singing in the choir, and I had a solo number. However, the day we opened, I was feeling kind of sick and almost passed out in the mall while I was waiting for my ride. I had been experiencing abdominal pains off and on that day and was running low-grade fever. Needless to say I was taken by ambulance to the hospital where they ran some tests to rule out infection. Thankfully all I had to deal with was dehydration. After they released me two hours later, Mom took me home; I took the quickest shower in the history of showers; and then we went to the Muscatine Performing Arts Center, making it in record time. And then I went on to totally kick it with my solo number and the choral numbers. Not bad for a chick who ended up in the ER just hours before. :) The performer in me was all "The show must go on!"
It was a little scary, but it's a joke now. I sometimes tell my friends the day of opening night for shows, "I haven't ended up in the ER yet, but the day's still young." However, I hope I don't have a repeat performance of that incident anytime soon.
*keeping my fingers crossed*
I can't believe it. We're going to be opening in a week. Hopefully I won't end up in the emergency room. ;)
Eight years ago in 2000, I was in a musical revue for the Muscatine Masquers; I was singing in the choir, and I had a solo number. However, the day we opened, I was feeling kind of sick and almost passed out in the mall while I was waiting for my ride. I had been experiencing abdominal pains off and on that day and was running low-grade fever. Needless to say I was taken by ambulance to the hospital where they ran some tests to rule out infection. Thankfully all I had to deal with was dehydration. After they released me two hours later, Mom took me home; I took the quickest shower in the history of showers; and then we went to the Muscatine Performing Arts Center, making it in record time. And then I went on to totally kick it with my solo number and the choral numbers. Not bad for a chick who ended up in the ER just hours before. :) The performer in me was all "The show must go on!"
It was a little scary, but it's a joke now. I sometimes tell my friends the day of opening night for shows, "I haven't ended up in the ER yet, but the day's still young." However, I hope I don't have a repeat performance of that incident anytime soon.
*keeping my fingers crossed*
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
1 week and two days until opening night/It's all coming together now...
Last night's rehearsal went rather well. Everyone in the cast was there for the first time since we started, and we used our makeup and costumes because the Muscatine Journal was there, taking pictures and interviewing some of us.
It was kind of a rough mix with everyone there, but the show pretty much takes two hours. As soon as we smooth out some of the transitions (i.e. scene changes), we should be able to cut that down by a few minutes.
Now I do want my friends to come and see this. It's going to be great! :) Slan go foill...
It was kind of a rough mix with everyone there, but the show pretty much takes two hours. As soon as we smooth out some of the transitions (i.e. scene changes), we should be able to cut that down by a few minutes.
Now I do want my friends to come and see this. It's going to be great! :) Slan go foill...
Monday, July 28, 2008
What is the world coming to?
I don't understand it. What is the world coming to when a man can just walk into a church and open fire?
I was watching the Today show with my parents this morning and I heard about a man walking into a Tennessee church yesterday, and he just started shooting. 2 people are dead, and 7 more were injured.
I was just flipping through the August issue of the Ensign this morning and I got to the First Presidency message. It was by President Monson and he was talking about how we could die at any time, so what were we doing with today? I think I might go read it again now that I know about what happened in Tennessee. But I think the lesson I can take is this: life can end at anytime; but I can still do something worthwhile with whatever time Heavenly Father grants me.
Yes, I think I'll go read that article again. Slan go foill...
I was watching the Today show with my parents this morning and I heard about a man walking into a Tennessee church yesterday, and he just started shooting. 2 people are dead, and 7 more were injured.
I was just flipping through the August issue of the Ensign this morning and I got to the First Presidency message. It was by President Monson and he was talking about how we could die at any time, so what were we doing with today? I think I might go read it again now that I know about what happened in Tennessee. But I think the lesson I can take is this: life can end at anytime; but I can still do something worthwhile with whatever time Heavenly Father grants me.
Yes, I think I'll go read that article again. Slan go foill...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
1 week and six days until opening night of Lucky Stiff and counting.../I give my talk tomorrow...
I'm one exhausted lady...
First Brooke and I went to the Aquatic Center for a couple of hours just to hang out and cool off. We went down the slides, twice; swam some laps; had lunch; and then we went to rehearsal.
And that was a bit of a waste of time. Hardly anyone was there. It was just me, Brooke, Savannah, Lauren, Courtney, and Anita (music director). Keeny came a little later; and Dane didn't show up until an hour into rehearsal. Because a lot of people weren't there (Kari's in Wisconsin; Tyler's in Tennessee; I don't know where Scuba was; and Chase was at his father's wedding), we weren't able to get a lot done, other than one full cast number, and a couple solo numbers.
It is coming together. Now if only we could have everyone at rehearsals, it would be fine.
Tomorrow I FINALLY get to give my talk. I'm one very nervous lady. I don't think I'll want to do this again, this being preparing for a talk while working on a play. It doesn't work very well. It took a lot of discipline for me to put my script away so I could put my talk together. Hopefully, it will go well. *keeping my fingers crossed*
Slan go foill...
First Brooke and I went to the Aquatic Center for a couple of hours just to hang out and cool off. We went down the slides, twice; swam some laps; had lunch; and then we went to rehearsal.
And that was a bit of a waste of time. Hardly anyone was there. It was just me, Brooke, Savannah, Lauren, Courtney, and Anita (music director). Keeny came a little later; and Dane didn't show up until an hour into rehearsal. Because a lot of people weren't there (Kari's in Wisconsin; Tyler's in Tennessee; I don't know where Scuba was; and Chase was at his father's wedding), we weren't able to get a lot done, other than one full cast number, and a couple solo numbers.
It is coming together. Now if only we could have everyone at rehearsals, it would be fine.
Tomorrow I FINALLY get to give my talk. I'm one very nervous lady. I don't think I'll want to do this again, this being preparing for a talk while working on a play. It doesn't work very well. It took a lot of discipline for me to put my script away so I could put my talk together. Hopefully, it will go well. *keeping my fingers crossed*
Slan go foill...
Friday, July 25, 2008
Countdown to Opening night for Lucky Stiff...Two weeks until Opening Night and counting...
I'm officially starting the countdown to opening night, my faithful readers. Tonight it's exactly two weeks until Lucky Stiff opens at the MCC Bob Roach Little Theatre. :)
We worked on the set some today and I finally found a nun's habit and the blue gown I wore in one of the Variety Shows I did years ago. It still fits, and the zipper likes to stick, but it's okay. Hopefully, it will do. When we weren't working on set, we worked on some of the group songs, and Dane worked on his song which includes a duet with Courtney, but because she was on self imposed voice rest, I sang her part so Dane could run through it. It was fun being a bad girl, even if it was in song. ;)
I'm going to be unbearable. I usually am two weeks before an opening night. I was during Muscatine! The Musical. However, this time, I have something now that I didn't have during MTM.
And that is a sheet of recipes of "mocktails" courtesy of a friend of mine from church. And I will be utilizing the recipes a LOT, especially during tech week.
Hold on! It's going to be a bumpy, but exciting ride! :)
We worked on the set some today and I finally found a nun's habit and the blue gown I wore in one of the Variety Shows I did years ago. It still fits, and the zipper likes to stick, but it's okay. Hopefully, it will do. When we weren't working on set, we worked on some of the group songs, and Dane worked on his song which includes a duet with Courtney, but because she was on self imposed voice rest, I sang her part so Dane could run through it. It was fun being a bad girl, even if it was in song. ;)
I'm going to be unbearable. I usually am two weeks before an opening night. I was during Muscatine! The Musical. However, this time, I have something now that I didn't have during MTM.
And that is a sheet of recipes of "mocktails" courtesy of a friend of mine from church. And I will be utilizing the recipes a LOT, especially during tech week.
Hold on! It's going to be a bumpy, but exciting ride! :)
Nothing like a chick flick before play practice to bond with your castmate...
Brooke and I decided to go to the bargain matinee showing of Mamma Mia! and we tried to invite the other girls from the musical, but it ended up being just the two of us. Savannah couldn't go for some reason; Keeny was in Iowa City; Brooke O was unreachable; and Courtney was working.
It was fun and Brooke and I were the only ones in the theatre that were under 40. I could watch it over and over and never get tired of it. I'm still unsure of what Brooke thought of Meryl Streep's singing, but I personally thought she did a good job. I didn't know Pierce Brosnan could sing; ditto for Colin Firth. I did recall Christine Baranski singing in Chicago! so I knew she would do a good job in Mamma Mia!
After the movie, we went downtown because we had time to spare. After spending about thirty minutes just walking around downtown and checking out a couple of the shops, we had to go pick up Lauren (newest cast member and Savannah's friend) for practice. We then stopped at a Kum & Go and picked up water and snacks, and headed for rehearsal.
It was fun going to the movies with Brooke and she even caught a funny part (at least funny to us since it sort of has to do with Lucky Stiff). And I'll leave that for another post, because it's almost time for play practice. ;)
It was fun and Brooke and I were the only ones in the theatre that were under 40. I could watch it over and over and never get tired of it. I'm still unsure of what Brooke thought of Meryl Streep's singing, but I personally thought she did a good job. I didn't know Pierce Brosnan could sing; ditto for Colin Firth. I did recall Christine Baranski singing in Chicago! so I knew she would do a good job in Mamma Mia!
After the movie, we went downtown because we had time to spare. After spending about thirty minutes just walking around downtown and checking out a couple of the shops, we had to go pick up Lauren (newest cast member and Savannah's friend) for practice. We then stopped at a Kum & Go and picked up water and snacks, and headed for rehearsal.
It was fun going to the movies with Brooke and she even caught a funny part (at least funny to us since it sort of has to do with Lucky Stiff). And I'll leave that for another post, because it's almost time for play practice. ;)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I don't like the Old Maid label...
When I say I don't like the Old maid label, I mean it. A friend of mine was called a "Mormon Old Maid" just because she's not married yet. *sighs with annoyance*
Maybe I'm being a little oversensitive because I had to put up with that sort of nonsense my first couple of years in the church after being set up on dates and the dates not working out because they were nonmembers and weren't going to change their bad habits to make things work between us. Finally one day in the late summer of 1997, one of my friends at the time finally said that I was going to end up an old spinster because I was too picky.
Well, hello! I have to be picky if I want the kind of marriage that will definitely be time and all eternity material. Believe me; I know what it's like to see two people in an unhappy marriage. Case in point: my parents! My dad's a heavy drinker and smoker and he expects Mom to wait on him hand and foot (and he wants me to do the same!). He's rude, crude, and he's part of the reason I don't really date (I really, REALLY don't want to bring goodly Mormon men home to meet him!). And all he and Mom do is scream at each other and argue. I've tried to get them to stop, but Dad just retorts, "That's how we communicate!"
News flash to my parents: YOU ARE NOT SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR WHAT I NEED IN A GOOD MARRIAGE. I don't want to end up like them, screaming and shouting at my husband.
Maybe it is good I'm waiting a little longer than usual. Because when it's right, it will last. Case in point: my brother and sister-in-law. They're not Mormons, but they are an exemplary example of what a good marriage should be like. And my sister-in-law was in her late thirties when she married my brother.
Yep, I have time and so does my friend. We have plenty of time.
Maybe I'm being a little oversensitive because I had to put up with that sort of nonsense my first couple of years in the church after being set up on dates and the dates not working out because they were nonmembers and weren't going to change their bad habits to make things work between us. Finally one day in the late summer of 1997, one of my friends at the time finally said that I was going to end up an old spinster because I was too picky.
Well, hello! I have to be picky if I want the kind of marriage that will definitely be time and all eternity material. Believe me; I know what it's like to see two people in an unhappy marriage. Case in point: my parents! My dad's a heavy drinker and smoker and he expects Mom to wait on him hand and foot (and he wants me to do the same!). He's rude, crude, and he's part of the reason I don't really date (I really, REALLY don't want to bring goodly Mormon men home to meet him!). And all he and Mom do is scream at each other and argue. I've tried to get them to stop, but Dad just retorts, "That's how we communicate!"
News flash to my parents: YOU ARE NOT SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR WHAT I NEED IN A GOOD MARRIAGE. I don't want to end up like them, screaming and shouting at my husband.
Maybe it is good I'm waiting a little longer than usual. Because when it's right, it will last. Case in point: my brother and sister-in-law. They're not Mormons, but they are an exemplary example of what a good marriage should be like. And my sister-in-law was in her late thirties when she married my brother.
Yep, I have time and so does my friend. We have plenty of time.
Top ten favorite movies...
I've decided to venture into frivolous territory for a little while and list my top ten favorite movies of all time and why I like them so much. Here goes:
10. Mamma Mia!--just went to see this with Mom yesterday, because she and I share a mutual love for the music of ABBA. I didn't know Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan could sing and sing well, and I recognized Amanda Seyfried from the HBO series Big Love.
9. The Other Boleyn Girl--I saw this on my birthday and I also have the book. What can I say? I have a weakness for Natalie Portman with an English accent.
8. Saints and Soldiers--I picked this up on DVD last summer and while I'm not a huge fan of war movies, this one caught my attention because of the subject matter. It's also a good get a group together to watch movie.
7. The Work and the Glory series--I had actually read the books before seeing the three movies, so I had an idea of what to expect. The acting was great but I was a little let down that there was only one LDS actor in it (and that was during the third movie).
6. The Singles Ward--This was the very first LDS comedy I'd been exposed to, and also the first movie I'd seen Kirby Heyborne in. The first time I'd seen it, I laughed so hard I was in TEARS!
5. The Singles 2nd Ward--This was a Christmas gift from one of my friends at church. Another good group to get together to watch movie.
4. The R.M.--This was my second exposure to Kirby Heyborne's acting and the beginning of my fandom of him.
3. The Star Wars saga--I really got into this a couple years ago. What can I say? I'm a late bloomer. Ewan McGregor is a very HOT Obi-Wan Kenobi. *purrs* :)
2. Sons of Provo--An LDS boy band! 'Nuff said. :)
And the number one fave movie of mine for all time is...(drumroll please...)
1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy-extended edition--The perfect way to spend a day off from work, especially if you're sick. Nice to have as background noise when you're trying to recover from the flu (and I should know; I've used it for that purpose a few times). Nice to have Orlando Bloom as the elf to drool over, or even Sean Bean and Viggo Mortensen if you prefer older men. Not to mention the underlying messages in the movies themselves; about tolerance for those different from you, and the damage of war, and the dangers of addiction.
There you have it; my one venture into frivolity for a little while.
10. Mamma Mia!--just went to see this with Mom yesterday, because she and I share a mutual love for the music of ABBA. I didn't know Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan could sing and sing well, and I recognized Amanda Seyfried from the HBO series Big Love.
9. The Other Boleyn Girl--I saw this on my birthday and I also have the book. What can I say? I have a weakness for Natalie Portman with an English accent.
8. Saints and Soldiers--I picked this up on DVD last summer and while I'm not a huge fan of war movies, this one caught my attention because of the subject matter. It's also a good get a group together to watch movie.
7. The Work and the Glory series--I had actually read the books before seeing the three movies, so I had an idea of what to expect. The acting was great but I was a little let down that there was only one LDS actor in it (and that was during the third movie).
6. The Singles Ward--This was the very first LDS comedy I'd been exposed to, and also the first movie I'd seen Kirby Heyborne in. The first time I'd seen it, I laughed so hard I was in TEARS!
5. The Singles 2nd Ward--This was a Christmas gift from one of my friends at church. Another good group to get together to watch movie.
4. The R.M.--This was my second exposure to Kirby Heyborne's acting and the beginning of my fandom of him.
3. The Star Wars saga--I really got into this a couple years ago. What can I say? I'm a late bloomer. Ewan McGregor is a very HOT Obi-Wan Kenobi. *purrs* :)
2. Sons of Provo--An LDS boy band! 'Nuff said. :)
And the number one fave movie of mine for all time is...(drumroll please...)
1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy-extended edition--The perfect way to spend a day off from work, especially if you're sick. Nice to have as background noise when you're trying to recover from the flu (and I should know; I've used it for that purpose a few times). Nice to have Orlando Bloom as the elf to drool over, or even Sean Bean and Viggo Mortensen if you prefer older men. Not to mention the underlying messages in the movies themselves; about tolerance for those different from you, and the damage of war, and the dangers of addiction.
There you have it; my one venture into frivolity for a little while.
Monday, July 21, 2008
A rude, but possibly needed wake up call...
This morning I was awakened by my weather radio with the news that Muscatine was under a severe thunderstorm warning. Turns out, it was more than that. Muscatine got nailed by the early morning storm, with heavy rains and 70 to 90 mph winds. As a result we lost power for the morning.
I took a walk down to the store to buy a newspaper, and there were branches and debris scattered everywhere! It made going to get the paper a bit of an obsticle course adventure.
We made it through, but this showed me that I should be better prepared for something like this if it ever happens again. I'll do whatever research I can to make sure I have an emergency supply of food, water, and whatever else I might need for a power outage or other disasters.
I took a walk down to the store to buy a newspaper, and there were branches and debris scattered everywhere! It made going to get the paper a bit of an obsticle course adventure.
We made it through, but this showed me that I should be better prepared for something like this if it ever happens again. I'll do whatever research I can to make sure I have an emergency supply of food, water, and whatever else I might need for a power outage or other disasters.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Gloria got her mission call!!!!!
I just found out via a video Gloria made for her Facebook. She got her mission call and will be serving somewhere in the Phillippines!
*does happy dance*
After all, it was the sister missionaries who taught me after the fateful trip to Utah twelve years ago...
I'm off to bed now. Sweet dreams, my faithful readers...
*does happy dance*
After all, it was the sister missionaries who taught me after the fateful trip to Utah twelve years ago...
I'm off to bed now. Sweet dreams, my faithful readers...
A girls' night out...to the Nauvoo Pageant!
Here are the photos from my jaunt to the Nauvoo Pageant on July 12th. I went with Melissa, a good friend of mine. :)
At the pageant pre-show...
At the pageant pre-show...
This was a round dance and it's always reminded me of Ceili dancing...
Here are the pipers; one of my favorite parts of the pre-show!
Both Melissa and I tried out the round dancing, but these were the only pics I was able to take of her dancing, simply because I desperately needed a break. At least I danced off the calories I had taken in at the Relief Society slumber party the night before and the morning of, and that was good, considering the fact that I'd overslept and missed an opportunity to play ultimate frisbee. *lol*
This year I was able to sit closer to the stage than ever and it was awesome so afterward we were able to get to some of the actors more quickly. A lot of them Melissa knew because she worked on it last year. This woman, Alex, played Leonora Taylor, wife of future prophet John Taylor. :)
He was portraying King Follett. "Your Majesty!" :)
I can't remember this woman's name, but she portrayed Vilate Kimball (I think!) and she was a sweetheart.
Johnny, aka Heber C. Kimball, was awesome! We talked for a bit, posed for a picture, and then he gave me a big hug! He was so sweet. :D
Sadly I wasn't able to get a picture of Paul, aka Parley P. Pratt, this time but maybe he'll be there next year. And who knows, I might be in it next year. :)
More pics from the Relief Society slumber party...
Here are some more pics from the Relief Society slumber party...
Michele and Jamie just chillin' out...
Some of the girls standing around, waiting for some more munchies in the oven.
While we were having fun inside, a couple guys from the branch decided to have a little fun outside. And these next few photos are evidence of their "wrongdoing". ;)
Some of the work was nice and artsy though...
It's the Republican brigade! (Yep, the liberal lass is poking through!)
None of the cars were spared, not even Michele's and she was our Relief Society president.
What the heck?!?!?!
What the heck, part deux?!?
That's it for the Relief Society slumber party. :) Pics from the girls' night out to the Nauvoo pageant with Melissa will be coming soon.
Michele and Jamie just chillin' out...
Some of the girls standing around, waiting for some more munchies in the oven.
While we were having fun inside, a couple guys from the branch decided to have a little fun outside. And these next few photos are evidence of their "wrongdoing". ;)
Some of the work was nice and artsy though...
It's the Republican brigade! (Yep, the liberal lass is poking through!)
None of the cars were spared, not even Michele's and she was our Relief Society president.
What the heck?!?!?!
What the heck, part deux?!?
That's it for the Relief Society slumber party. :) Pics from the girls' night out to the Nauvoo pageant with Melissa will be coming soon.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
More Lucky Stiff rehearsal pics...
Here are some more pics from Lucky Stiff rehearsals...
James, who's our "dead guy" posed for me in the wheelchair. He's an awesome dead guy!
Courtney as "Rita La Porta" is sort of like my friend's AK-47, Oksana. She doesn't fool around when it comes to dishing out the pain...
Working through one of the scenes at the beginning...Savannah didn't have her "Punk" outfit yet.
I was "Katie Loomis" in this scene with Chase's "Vinnie DiRuzzio".
Savannah and Lauren (who replaced Noel as the solicitor) are the true BFF's in this production. Savannah was tickled pink when Lauren was able to do this. :)
More will be coming soon...
James, who's our "dead guy" posed for me in the wheelchair. He's an awesome dead guy!
Courtney as "Rita La Porta" is sort of like my friend's AK-47, Oksana. She doesn't fool around when it comes to dishing out the pain...
Working through one of the scenes at the beginning...Savannah didn't have her "Punk" outfit yet.
I was "Katie Loomis" in this scene with Chase's "Vinnie DiRuzzio".
Savannah and Lauren (who replaced Noel as the solicitor) are the true BFF's in this production. Savannah was tickled pink when Lauren was able to do this. :)
More will be coming soon...
It's coming together...and Lucky Stiff rehearsal pics
I'm talking about the play. We worked on a few scenes, and it's coming together. I guess I just need to be patient and work with my castmates.
Here are some early rehearsal shots:
These pictures were taken at Anita's house when we first started working on this play. We were having music rehearsals here. After the flood, however, we've had to move them to MCC because Anita's piano sounded funny due to the dampness around her house.
More pics will be coming soon.
Here are some early rehearsal shots:
These pictures were taken at Anita's house when we first started working on this play. We were having music rehearsals here. After the flood, however, we've had to move them to MCC because Anita's piano sounded funny due to the dampness around her house.
More pics will be coming soon.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Something to make me smile...
Just when I'm getting discouraged about the play, this shows up on Michele's blog. I snagged it and I hope she doesn't mind. :)
I think I can echo her sentiment on her blog. I love my Relief Society sisters. :)
I think I can echo her sentiment on her blog. I love my Relief Society sisters. :)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Chaotic rehearsal...arrrrgh!!!!!!!!!!
When I said this blog would become my venting board so I don't have to unload on my friends and loved ones I meant it!
Last night's rehearsal did not go very well, in my opinion. A lot of people weren't there; most castmembers didn't know their lines; and we barely have a set! I can handle organized chaos, but last night wasn't even that. It was just chaos!!!! *screams*
I'm beginning to question my decision to majorly plug this play to my friends like Jeremy, Tim, and Melissa. If we don't get our act together, I DON'T think I want them to see the show.
Last night's rehearsal did not go very well, in my opinion. A lot of people weren't there; most castmembers didn't know their lines; and we barely have a set! I can handle organized chaos, but last night wasn't even that. It was just chaos!!!! *screams*
I'm beginning to question my decision to majorly plug this play to my friends like Jeremy, Tim, and Melissa. If we don't get our act together, I DON'T think I want them to see the show.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Costume fittings and river bugs...
Okay, it looks like this blog is going to be my venting board for the next few weeks.
Last night we had rehearsal, and the first thing we did was go to the costume closet. I have most of my costumes already, but I still need a nun's habit and I wanted to see if I could find any other dresses in case something happened to the stuff I already have. I found this yellow dress with black polka dots, but it was really, REALLY low cut. Just to be fair I used it for some of the scenes last night, but by the end of the night I felt so uncomfortable; I ended up discarding it.
We didn't get out of there until after ten and we hadn't even finished Act 2. We're going to pick it up tonight.
So Brooke took me home (carpooling is great!!!), and we decided to stop for gas first since the car was running on fumes pretty much. We pulled into a Kum & Go and the place was swarming with river bugs! Poor Brooke was freaking out because the bugs began to swarm all over her car and were landing on her as she filled up the tank. When she came back from paying for the gas, a couple of the bugs flew into the car as she opened the door. Yes they're harmless for the most part, but they were disgusting. Needless to say, we both freaked out a little, but we were able to get home without a whole lot of drama after that.
We're once again one castmate short. Noel, the girl I mentioned in an earlier post, ended up dropping out after all. We understand; she's really busy, but we'll extract a promise from her to come to one of the performances.*lol* We have a couple possibles to replace her, so I'm sure it will be okay. I am NOT asking anyone else from church to do it.
Look for pics from rehearsals to be coming soon to this blog, and they'll be on my Facebook too. :)
Last night we had rehearsal, and the first thing we did was go to the costume closet. I have most of my costumes already, but I still need a nun's habit and I wanted to see if I could find any other dresses in case something happened to the stuff I already have. I found this yellow dress with black polka dots, but it was really, REALLY low cut. Just to be fair I used it for some of the scenes last night, but by the end of the night I felt so uncomfortable; I ended up discarding it.
We didn't get out of there until after ten and we hadn't even finished Act 2. We're going to pick it up tonight.
So Brooke took me home (carpooling is great!!!), and we decided to stop for gas first since the car was running on fumes pretty much. We pulled into a Kum & Go and the place was swarming with river bugs! Poor Brooke was freaking out because the bugs began to swarm all over her car and were landing on her as she filled up the tank. When she came back from paying for the gas, a couple of the bugs flew into the car as she opened the door. Yes they're harmless for the most part, but they were disgusting. Needless to say, we both freaked out a little, but we were able to get home without a whole lot of drama after that.
We're once again one castmate short. Noel, the girl I mentioned in an earlier post, ended up dropping out after all. We understand; she's really busy, but we'll extract a promise from her to come to one of the performances.*lol* We have a couple possibles to replace her, so I'm sure it will be okay. I am NOT asking anyone else from church to do it.
Look for pics from rehearsals to be coming soon to this blog, and they'll be on my Facebook too. :)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Stephen's Green and the Relief Society Slumber Party!
Only I could put these two things together like this. Enjoy!
I believe they were playing "A Rainy Night in Soho" when I took this shot. Taken July 8th.
This miniature Irish dancer is Martin's daughter, Katie. She can bust a move, Irish-style.
A lot of good my hairpiece did. *lol* You can't even see it!
At the Relief Society slumber party, we also had a meeting of the baking club and learned how to make bread and cinnamon rolls. Rachael is demonstrating how to deal with the bread dough. Taken July 11th.
Michele is mixing...
And then I got in on the fun, kneading the dough...
Marla's showing off the rolls before they go into the oven...
The girls playing some games while some of our pastries are baking. :)
That's enough photos for one post. More will come later. :)
I believe they were playing "A Rainy Night in Soho" when I took this shot. Taken July 8th.
This miniature Irish dancer is Martin's daughter, Katie. She can bust a move, Irish-style.
A lot of good my hairpiece did. *lol* You can't even see it!
At the Relief Society slumber party, we also had a meeting of the baking club and learned how to make bread and cinnamon rolls. Rachael is demonstrating how to deal with the bread dough. Taken July 11th.
Michele is mixing...
And then I got in on the fun, kneading the dough...
Marla's showing off the rolls before they go into the oven...
The girls playing some games while some of our pastries are baking. :)
That's enough photos for one post. More will come later. :)
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