miss me?

Things are hectic here, to put it mildy. I don't even feel like 'writing' that should tell you something.

I am physically exhausted. Even by my 'good' stress. My sales team has sold a bit over $10,000 this month, the highest ever. I will be getting a promotion. (this is my direct sales biz, link is in 'married musings')

Also have an Improv Show coming up...I barely know when rehearsals are...much less when my performance dates are. H was so sweet this morning, he called to remind me that *I* had rehearsal tonight & I am actually show captain. (he's also in the show) Which means I have to set the show, decide on formats & call it. I HATE 'calling' it. It's my performance 'weakness'.

The topper is my grandma has been in the hospital since last week. She is nearly 91 years old. Her alzheimers/dementia has been decreasing her mental capacity, rapidly lately. She stopped chewing a few weeks back & last week stopped swallowing, walking or verbally responding @ all. She couldn't really talk anymore but would still respond occasionally. All that stopped last week.

A trip to the doc determined she was dehydrated---so into the hospital she went. Every time is like: 'this could be the end' And I have realized that THAT is very emotionally & mentally draining. She had a feeding tube surgically placed this past weekend. I have not seen her since Friday.

The ktbunch & I went to the hospital & spent a good 3-4 hours there. I didn't go sooner cause the 'rules' are: no visitors under 12 yo. Well, I decided to take my chances & walk in like I knew what I was doing & was 'supposed' to be there. Noone said anything to us. ;o)

The ktbunch was great. They sang to her. Helped me rub lotion on her arms & hands. Drew her pictures & talked to her. She whined most of the time. It's obvious she does not want to be there. But the littles did get one cognizant smile out of her...but then she was gone again, to wherever she goes. lol Poor thing. She is lonely 'in there', I think. My ktbunch is so much better than I am. But I will give myself credit as a parent, I must be doing something right for them to be so compassionate, even @ thier young ages. {sniff, sniff}

I am brain dead today....feel like I can barely function. H is working so much that it has now become common for me to stay up past midnight (or later) waiting for him. I woke up today @ 10:20 AM! Our mom's group was @ 10 am......I went, but barely. I didn't even have the mental energy to crochet.

I think my stress tolerance level has gone way DOWN.

The only reason I will have my Thursday 13 up this week is because I wrote it LAST week. lol SEE? I thought TODAY was Wednesday? lol I don't even know where I am anymore. lolololol

thursday 13

Thirteen Things I CAN'T RESIST! 1. My 5.5 yo ds smile (he's got daddy's dimples) 2. My 13 yo ds tears 3. My DH charm 4. Hanging my clothes on the 'nice colored' hangers 5. Checking my emails numerous times through out the day 6. Library books, LOTS of them! 7. Waiting up late for Dh....even if it's 2am! 8. LOTS of Christmas lights 9. Clearance items 10. New yarn 11. Painting my 3.5 yo dd toenails 12. Freebies 13. Rearranging my furniture every few months Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

God Given Talents

Last night, @ church, the writer & director of the movie Hoodwinked spoke & did a Q & A. It was great. He is a Christian. This is his first feature film. And it's his dream come true, not to mention turning into a big hit & success!

The biggest thing he touched on was the fact that God gives us each talents & gifts & BIG DREAMS! And it's OK to follow those dreams. Sometimes it might even be scary & we gotta take that 'leap of Faith'. Also that the path to our dreams might not always be the way God has intended for us to reach our dreams.

It was so refreshing to hear that. So often, I think 'arts' in general are overlooked in 'the church'....unless it's singing & 'worship'. kwim? Where does that leave the painter, actor, quilter, film maker & writer? As if these other endeavors are forgotten or overlooked as 'acts of worship'.

The week before the pastor read & spoke on these scriptures:

Exodus 35: 30-35 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftmanship. And he has given both Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiders in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers-all of htem master craftsmen and designers.

Ex. 36: 1 .........are to do the work just as the Lord commanded. (emphasis, mine)

He explained that God has commanded that we use our gifts & talents. TO NOT use them would be in direct defiance of God. WOW!

It's OK to use these 'other gifts'. Even if you can't sing but you can make great movies, or sew or act or whatever---to NOT do so would be defying God. Can you believe it?

Maybe to someone else this seems like such a no brainer....but in some churches they really don't know what to do w/ 'other talents' that the congregants have. It's easy to place someone who can sing in the worship group. What do you do w/ a dancer?

Using your gifts IS an act of Worship to the one who GAVE you these gifts. It was so inspiring & affirming & encouraging to hear this message.

Also it was great, as a parent, to hear that it was OK to encourage these gifts in your children. To be their biggest supporter. If it's what God has directed them to do, it's OK if junior wants to be a stand-up comedian & NOT a doctor OR pastor. kwim?

I have MORE thoughts on this that I want to share but ds needs to use the puter to upload HIS latest 'movie' he made today! ;o)

Word CLoud of MY common words!

Tea & Scones anyone?

I mentioned that I made scones on Valentine's & they were delish! VERY easy & simple to make.

You can find the recipe @ All recipes.com** I added dried cranberries to mine & used milk instead of cream.

The ktbunch & I are enjoying them right now w/ my favorite, Peppermint Tea! ;o)
Won't you join me?




** this site is great. Since I'm not very 'big' on cooking & experimenting w/ recipes, I found this site to be wonderful. You can create your very own online recipe box to store your favorite recipes from the site. You can contribute your own to share w/ other users, as well as leave a review & rating! Although, the only one I have saved so far is the scone recipe......lol

I'm OVER it!

Really.

My H made a good comment, he reminded me that I was NOT the only one that did not get cast. True.

The funny thing is....is that it FEELS like your the ONLY one was that got REJECTED!

But as soon as he said that, my logical, rational mind clicked in & I was like...'oh yah!'.

I am surrounded by sweetness....on my first trip to check out the cast list, when I returned to the car, my 5.5 yo ds said: 'Momma, I prayed for you to get it.' On my 2nd trip, before I left the car he said: 'I hope you kick some luck.' {he merged the idea of: break a leg w/ good luck. lol}

Our improv professer/ol' friend, was kind enough to ask DH how I was, knowing I didn't make it, he was concerned I would be 'heart broken'. He made sure to tell DH that he was pulling for me w/ the director....but there were so many deciding factors. Like the fact that I was not a 'student' there.

I emailed the director to thank her for the call-back & to let her know......if they still needed a 'Ms. Lynch' to look me up. (it said TBA on the cast list) It would not be my preferance...but it could still be fun. She was kind enough to respond & let me know that I was in the running & the decision was difficult.(to cast) And that she was hoping to cast a faculty memeber as Ms. Lynch but she didn't know who & if not, would keep me in mind.

While I was @ the theatre, the other night, I went to say hello to the costume professer/designer. She had a picture out from when I was in Westside Story, in the dress I designed/built & wore. I had forgotten how nice it was. I am half-way tempted to join the costuming class to help design & build costumes for Grease. I made sure to let her know how much I learned from her class & that I actually sew occasionally & have made a few clothing items.

There's NO 'ensemble'?

Nope! Only 'lead' & 'supporting' roles!

I guess it's not like the movie where there are all these 'extras'!

So I can't feel TOO bad since my chances were1 in 7 of being cast. (there were only 7 female roles, not counting the teacher) I thought for sure there would be an 'ensemble' like in Westside Story. Maybe if I had realized I was vying for a 1 in 7 spot....I might have put more effort into it. Oh well.

Oh well. I'm REALLY bummed! Now I have to let everyone know that I DIDN'T make it. I take some consolation in the fact that there are @ least 30 other girls totally bumming out right now too.....if not more.

Thanks for all the support anyway.

:o(

Hey....maybe Patty Simcox will break her ankle....& I'll get a call? ;o)

I want to cry....I think I'll just go finish off my giant bag of P-nut m&m's instead. :o( ;o)

This is INSANE!

I went this morning....after 10 am...it took awhile for the ktbunch to get ready. Didn't they realize how nerve wracking this was?

Finally, we are there......NO cast list! The call-back sheet is still up though, indicating to me that noone had even been there yet.

They said it would be up in the MORNING. Less than 2 hours & it would already be AFTER NOON! What is wrong w/ these people?

I drove back home & took the ktbunch to the library....deliberately NOT paying attention to the time. As I went to check-out....the check-out girl told me one of my 'reserved' items was 'in'. The Grease Original Broadway Soundtrack. I wanted to tell her, "A little late, the audition was LAST night!". I didn't.

I drove back to the school....the call back sheet was down but NO cast list! aarrrggghhh! I wondered if someone would actually steal it or something? I called H & gave him the latest including my hair brained thoughts.

I saw a guy drive up & go check....nope, still not there. I saw a guy that works in the theatre department, drive up. He stayed in his car for quite awhile, talking on his cell phone. HE was obviously in NO hurry! I waited. He didn't have anything in his hands....like a WHITE piece of paper, aka: the cast list!

I saw him look in a trashcan....could it be? NO WAY!

Finally he came walking down the steps....still on his cell phone...& asked me if I was waiting for the cast list...YES! Apparently somone DID steal it. He thinks someone was NOT too happy by it.....He assured me it would be up by 3:00 PM!

I'm gonna have NO nails left or be horribly sick by all the nervous munching {on a huge bag of P-nut M&M's} I'm doing!

Biting my Nails....

The 'call-back' was tonight. I looked for a familiar face, a guy who's in our upcoming improv show, but I remembered his name & he seems friendly. He pointed out that we were supposed to 'dress the part' THIS week! Guys in jeans & white t-shirts & girls in skirts, form fitting blouses & make-up!!!

EEEEK! I looked like that LAST WEEK! He didn't know about it either! Strike ONE! They didn't tell me that when I had called in last week. I ran upstairs to the costume room & asked the costume designer/professer if she had something I could finagle in the way of a skirt. She wans't very helpful {which is quite the way I remembered her, but she is nice & I learned a lot in her class! ;o) }

Well, I noticed other girls were in jeans too...so I wouldn't be the only one breaking the rules.

Things started out well, enough. We had to sing again, but in groups. Then in a group of 4, 2 girls & 2 guys. We sang Summer Lovin'. A girl & guy sang Danny & Sandy's part then the other 2 of us, sang the "tell me more, tell me more" part w/ the one line: "like does he have a car" & the guy sang the guy part. I sang my 'low' part a bit too high. And my 'like does he have a car' was't too nice either. Strike TWO!

Time to dance. I had been practicing ALL week. You better believe it! BUT of course it couldn't be THAT easy....they had to add 4 more turns to the end of what we learned last week. SHOOT!

This time we danced in groups of 8 & I stupidly ended up in FRONT! Can you say strike THREE!?! I was dancing so well in the wings too! :o( I know I fumbled pretty badly, forgot the turns & when I remembered was way behind on the count. I didn't even realize that I had forgotten to change my clothes & was dancing in JEANS!

There were a few 'hopeful' moments though....like the fact that the group of ladies that danced before us...TOTALLY fell apart @ the end...they got the 'sympathy' clap! {but so did we} They didn't do ANY turns.

Finally it was time to 'read'. The director broke us into groups of girls for the opening scene. I am assuming she had us read for parts we actually wanted cause she had me read for Patty Simcox which is the part I want. I only had 3 lines to say @ the end of the scene, but I did them better than anyone else. {toot! toot!}

Later though, when she had us read again for another scene, there was a Patty Simcox part & she did NOT have me read for that scene @ all. I don't know if that meant anything or not. Like her mind was made up but she was trying to make it look fair for the other people OR if she was still deciding or WHAT! But she did have the other 2 girls (possibly 3, I can't remember exactly)that had read for Patty Simcox read again! :o(

Us girls then had to sing AGAIN! We first sang as a group, Freddy My Love, from the musical. Ok, like earlier, not too bad since we're in a group. Until...we had to sing it ONE by ONE! AND I had to go after these 2 girls who sing perfectly & will probalby be cast as Rizzo & Jan, the parts they want.

But I have to say...it may have been my redeeming moment! It was the best singing I had done through the entire audition process. Then we were free to leave. There were ALOT of girls there...@ least 24 if not more....& only about 10-15 guys...so cuts will definatly be made.

The theater office will be closed tomorrow & Monday. The director said the cast list WILL be posted tomorrow though, in the morning. We are free to come to the school & check it out ourselves OR call in on Tuesday! Shyah right! Who's really going to wait until Tuesday?

I'm totally prepared to take that 'walk of shame' tomorrow......I don't know how I'm going to even get a wink of sleep tonight! I'm STILL nervous thinking about it! I'm on pins & needles!!!!!

A Monster Under My Bed!

In the middle of last night...I awoke to some wierd sounds under my bed. I was sure it was a rat or mouse or something.

The mear thought of that made me cringe. It must've been chewing through boxes or building a nest or something sinister. I couldn't stnad it any longer, I woke up H. He said, there was nothing he could do about it in the middle of the night. True...but STILL!

DH even suggested that maybe it was just the dog....chewing through boxes? I don't think so. (her 'room' is right next to ours) I could NOT get back to sleep thinking about it.....& hearing it.

I kept imagining my blankets falling on the floor & the rat climbing up onto my bed & onto ME! EEEEEKKKK! I wondered if rats could climb up poles, like my bedposts & get on my bed? How long it had been here. How did it get in. How gross it was. What if it was building a nest for babies!...MORE rats! How icky, scary & every other negative word I could think of & associate w/ RATS!

OR it was a giant spider making some kind of giant web!

Some how I fell back asleep.
When I awoke, tired & groggy, this morning, I went to let the dog out.
And I SAW a styrafoam strip next to the door that goes to my room and where she was laying.

So the RAT was really the sound of the styrafoam against the door, vibrating to the dog's breathing! gggrrrr! lol ;o)

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen of my Favorite Days 1. Valentines 2. My Wedding 3. The day my first ds was born 4. The day my 2nd son was born...& we didn't know he was a 'he' 5. The day my dd was born 6. The day we renewed our wedding vows 7. The day{s} we spent in SF {only H & I, last year} 8. The day I went to Knott's a few weeks ago w/ my 'Pink Ladies' 9. The day we moved into our current home 9. The day{s} we spent camping @ El Capitan 10. The first day of school...every year! 11. The day/night that Survivor is on {it's our family night} 12. Sunday nights {our 'Halogen' church service} 13. Mondays, really! { cause it feels like a return to 'order'} Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Learning for Lifetime 2. Treasure of Jewels 3. Red Headed Rants & Rambles

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Happy Balemtimes Day!

That's how my littles pronounce it! It's so cute.

Dh was working late so it was just me & the ktbunch. We spent the morning exchanging Balemtime's w/ our mom's group. All the littles sat @ the kids tables & passed out their goodies to each other. My favorite part was when S was sitting there & he had his Balemtimes box in front of him & he said: "This is SO exciting!" w/ a sincere grin of awe & wonder on his face.

Us mom's exchanged lovley items too. One friend gave everyone a lotion from Victoria's Secret, another: a personal box of See's Candies Chocolates, & one gave a Victoria Secret lip gloss! I LOVE lip gloss! (& it's yummy)

I tried something new. I crocheted a bookmark for each lady. It was a red heart, trimmed in white, w/ a long white 'tail'. (I will post a pic later in ktz krochet) They were cute. It was nice. I also made scones, I hadn't done that before either & they were absolutley delish! I think they might be my new favorite thing, more than my bluebery muffins. lol To go w/ the theme of things, they were cranberry scones, of course! I also made marshmallows, dipped in pink white chocolate, w/ Valentine themed sprinkles. (for mommies only) We gave the kiddies: Balemtimes cups, stickers, licorice pieces & Lisa Frank pencils, the ones w/ the giant themed erasers on top. I love those! Later some friends/neighbors sent over delish oatmeal raisin cookies too.

That morning, before he left for work, H presented me w/ a gorgeous, deep red colored vase of flowers. Beautiful. I bought my DH 4 Valentines cards...I couldn't pick just one! I still have 3 more to give him. ;) We had bought our Valentine gift the week before anyway....a NEW entertainment center. We'd never had a new one & the one we had was just so depressing looking & falling apart. This one is gorgeous & looks very nice. It encourages me to keep the living room looking nice too.

I figured the best way to end the night was to eat some of my delish chocolate, crochet some more & watch Moulin Rouge! I was quite disappointed that I could NOT find it! aarrghh!

But this morning, H was nice enough to wake up EARLY w/ me & head to Target to scope out all the Balemtimes on clearance! I wasn't able to get my ktbunch anything earlier, cause everytime I was shopping---they were w/ me! So we loaded up w/ adorable soft & cuddly stuffed animals...ok, well only ONE really. For 5.5 yo ds, it's a white & red puppy dog w/ a bone in it's mouth that says, 'I Wuff You'! I knew he would just love it & a special Valentines Care Bear & Valentine My Little Pony for dd. Then for oldest ds, they didn't have the Star Wars Valentine tin anymore, so we got him a new little lego set & #2 ds too. Oh & some Valentine gum...they love gum!

I got a Valentine string of lights, a set of cookie cutters & I couldn't forget the giant bag of P-nut M&M's that was only $1.39! & I also snagged a couple Valentine Scrap book kits, either to save as gifts or keep.

I just LOVE being in love! <3<3<3

Oh! Good Grief!!!

When we first got our DSL, something happened & we could get online but the phone suddenly stopped working, there was only a buzzing sound. Friday morning the phone was fine, when I got home later, it was only buzzing but our internet access was still working.

I didn't feel like dealing w/ it, I have a cell so I put off calling until Sunday. They gave me an appointment between 8am-12pm for a 'phone guy' to show up on Monday.

Promptly & early I get a knock on my door. The guy needs to check the phone, ie: listen to the sound it's making & then try & figure it out. I'm creeped out that I have to let a male stranger into my home & I'm in mismatched PJ's?

Soon enough the phone is fixed...I had a fleeting thought that I should make sure the DSL connection was ok, but I fuigured he knew what he was doing. He gave me a reciept w/ his cell # on it & instructions to call him directly if we had any problems.

I turn on the 'puter...sure enough NO connection! AArrgghh! I call his cell #---DISCONNECTED! Can you believe that? So I call the phone company....I am stuck in an automated maze of a nightmare. Finally the computer generated voice recognizes my request but says that FIRST I must pay my bill. Now I am in NO mood to pay my bill since my service is not even working. I finally get a live person, in the 'collections' department.

He asks me if I would like to pay my bill today & I responded curtly, NO! I want my line fixed! I explained the sitch & he transfered me to the responsible party. That guy informed me that the # they had for the technician was different so they would call him & have him call me back.

No call, so I called again, again I was stuck in the automated maze so I hung up. Called back, called the DSL # directly, they would send a tech out on Tues....the next day! Between 12pm-4pm. So I'm spendign Valentine's waiting for the 'dsl guy'.

He finally shows up, a little too chipper for my tastes. Extra freindly even, did I mention how I HATE having creepy male strangers in my HOUSE? This guy has to even come in my bedroom cause that is where the internet connection is. He was nice & all but...heebie jeebies! I explain the situation. I know it's not an 'inside wiring' problem, cause it was fine the other day AND cause it is the same problem we had when we first got the dsl!

He then checks the outside box...yep, it's not MY problem...that's the good news. The bad news is that it's a 'phone line' problem. He's only a 'dsl guy' not a 'phone guy' & only the 'phone guys' are allowed to work on phone problems. So I have to wait for a 'phone guy' to come back THE NEXT DAY to fix it.

{sigh} I checked it this morning....woohoo! Back online! But you'd be amazed how MUCH I got done these past few days.....hhhmmmm...I wonder why? ;o)

Hitting the Ice

Whew! Had so much to do today. Seriously.

I had a business sales meeting in the morning. Got a ride, thanks to SIL! Then we had plans to go ice skating @ the local rink w/ our Sunday night church service. We have what's called 'Connection Events' & it's an opportunity to connect w/ others & invite friends.

My ride fell through w/ that, so I loaded up the littles in the trailer & we took off on our bikes.
It was a nice ride. My brother called me as soon as I left, on my cell...he was about to arrive @ the rink. He didn't want to go in w/o us...so he doubled back, picked up the littles, loaded the trailer into his Element & then 'stalked' ds & I all the way there. lol

Amazing how fast you can ride when you're not pulling 90 lbs behind you. lololol Whew! Talk about 'feeling the burn', I'm not used to riding so fast! lol

Finally we got there & were all skated up. 4 adults, 1 teenager, 2 three yos & 2 kindergartners....oh & a chiawawhua (sp?) puppy, sneaked in too! We met up w/ all our other friends.

Not so easy to skate w/ a 5 yo hanging on your sweater. And it's MORE of a work out going around bending over, cause you got to hold your 3.5 yo dd's hands, both of them, while she tries to 'skate' in front of you.

I'm going to look into lessons for my littles. They're not exactly cheap...but I figured if they took the lessons & actually learned to skate, then we can just keep coming back for the public skate time. kwim? lol

It was fun though. My 5.5 yo could actually go for a foot or two w/o holding on before he fell. I think we might start ice-skating more often. Tuesdays are family nights, only $5 a person! And for some reason the skating rink (or the Zamboni family themselves?) gave us AL, these cool baseball caps w/ a big Z insignia on it!

I didn't want to leave. I wanted to skate around in circles, the cool air blowing on my face forever.

I....think....I actually....want.......to be...... a figure skater when I grow up. ;o)

Kooking w/ Kt

So...after all these years, you'd think I'd know more by now. I do know a bit about cooking, but it is my 'weakness' & baking is really my specialty...cause you know, everyone loves dessert! :o)

But I've determined to cook dinner EVERY night this week.
Last night was night 1. I bought some chicken & this 'seasoning mix' thing...it comes w/ a plastic bag to put it all in together.

It sounded easy enough & hey, easy clean-up too, right? So first thing, I tear open the packet, only the bag was on the 'other side' of the packet so some seasoning flew out. eerrgghh. There should be a notice on the package so you know which end to open first.

So I put all the chicken in the bag, which wasn't too easy...cause I don't want to touch it or anything...that's just eeewwee! So I somehow get it all in there, toss in the seasoning, then the potatoes, as suggested. I couldn't tell from reading the directions if the vegetables were supposed to go IN the bag or just IN the dish next to the bag, but I think you're supposed to add the chicken, lay it in the pan & then toss the taters on top of the chicken in the bag...somehow...but too late for that.

Trying to lay it all flat in the baking dish was not that easy. I tried to moosh & smoosh it down as best as I could. Also I had a heck of a time getting all the seasoning evenly distributed. Oh! I forgot the greenbeans. (the package suggested potatoes & greenbeans & that is exactly what I had) I grabbed some I had frozen the freezer & plopped them in there too.

It also advised making 4 slits in the bag to allow for it to 'expand'. Ok...how do you make a slit? So my slits were more like big 'holes'...but whatever.

Then it said to bake for about 20-30 minutes...so I started it to be done around the time Dh would be getting home. The timer went off & he called that he would be working late. Good, since it wasn't done. The green beans were still frozen in the center of the dish. A half hour later than it should've been done....I don't know what was wrong.

It was finally finished, I served it on a bed of white rice, @ least that came out better than normal. It wasn't nearly as tasty as I hoped. Noone ate the green beans. I LOVE green beans, I don't know what their problem is. Half of the potatoes were only half baked.

I was going to make some pasta w/ Italian sausage tonight, but I forgot to set it out this morning from the freezer. I am a bit leary of cooking that, I never have before & it looks gross. But I know it tastes good cause my friend made it before & it was yummyliscious! :o)

Not to be discouraged...I grabbed the frozen pizza from the fridge & baked that tonight. Hey, I put it in myself, that counts right? ;oD

oh yah! THIS is for susan! lol

Thirteen of my FAVORITE Things 1. 17 is my absolute favorite #. 2. Valentine's is my absolute favorite 'holiday'. 3. Pink is currently my favorite color. 4. P-nut m&m's is my favorite 'treat' 5. Trail mix is my favorite snack...(or breakfast...or lunch) 6. Peppermint is my totally favorite flavor of tea. 7. Crochet is my favorite hobby. 8. Riding my bike is my favorite form of 'excercise'. 9. Moulin Rouge is my favorite movie. 10. I *think* October is my favorite month. ;o) 11. Scrubbing the bathtub/shower is {really} my favorite chore. 12. A hamburger & fries is my favorite meal. 13. In-N-Out is my favorite place to get food. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Learning for Lifetime 2. Treasure of Jewels 3. Red Headed Rants & Rambles

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Moment of Truth

Ok, so I am a GREASE freak.

Ever since elementary school, when I spent every weekend @ my grandma's house & she had a Video Disc Player & the movie choices were limited to a bunch of Elvis flicks, Grease & Zapped, I watched Grease EVERY weekend. I probably know the entire movie by heart...ok, so I DO know the whole thing.

In jr. college there was talk of doing Grease that year, but Westside Story was chosen instead. I was a "Jet". I even made my own dress/costume cause I was also in the costuming class @ the same time.

Ok fast forward....some odd years...& for the colleges 50th anniversary they are doing Grease, The Musical.

There was no doubt I was going to audition...I even finagled a few friends from church to join me...all flaked but ONE good sport.

I got the information, I knew well in advance & I did not prepare to my satisfaction enough to feel self-confident. Oh well! I dressed the part, noone else did, but I figured I needed all the help I could get...plus the fact that I am probably OVER a decade older than all the other auditioners...iykwim!

It was finally my turn to sing...ugh! I felt the nervousness take over my body as soon as I walked into the theatre...... for some reason I could not follow along w/ the pianist. I kept either starting too soon or I don't know what! It was horrible. Choked---is an accurate description. The director had me stop & stand next to the piano & do the 'scales'...which is saying ahahahahaha then the pianist hits the next note & sing you higher, then higher, then higher on & on. They were nodding their heads when I did that...like I was doing ok. My friend said I sounded much better doing that...but THAT is what they made you do if you could NOT sing!

That part was over & I was SO embarrassed cause there were a few people in there that knew me. That could possibly work in my favor. And the fact that I only wanted to be in the ensemble anyway. I just want to be IN it.....or be Patty Simcox. :o)

Ok, that part was over, time to focus on the dancing part of the audition. It seemed that most of the auditioners there @ that time were dancers more than singers...which might also work in my favor.

I felt SO clumsy & ungraceful. aarrgghh! The moves were fast, the stage was crowded. I couldn't even see the choreographer. I was turning in wrong directions...I think. I couldn't even tell. Again, I was so embarrassed.

Finally our time to audition was up. You had to go out in groups of 5, say your name, the music starts & you do the dance. It was SO bad, that when we were done, everyone started clapping in sympathy! I KNOW it was out of sympathy, because they hadn't clapped for anyone before that time. All 5 of us, in our particular group were doing something different. It was awful! IT was nice though that the others tried to be encouraging anyway, by clapping & cheering.

I was really bummed. I left feeling really bummed. My friend was proud of herself for just going for it...even though she can't sing & cares nothing about acting. She had accomplished her goal. I was happy for her.

We told each other that if we didn't make it, it wasn't God's timing & if we did...we'd invite all these young people to church. lol I said, if I dont' make it...I will accept it as God's will BUT I will be VERY disappointed & not happy about it. Just being honest.

I told her that I had wished I didn't tell people about it so then I wouldn't have to go back & tell everyone how I choked. But then...I thought & said, well I am kind of a 'balls out' kinda person...I DO get my hopes up & if I get disappointed, I get disappointed & everyone will know it. So there ya' go. No holding back, ykwim?

I obviously wouldn't be @ the school today to see the posted call-back sheet. I needed to call in. I couldn't get through....kept getting a voice-mail. Finally I got through. I pretended I was someone calling for my friend & I, instead of calling for myself.

The girl seemed to take forever. Just get that stupid LIST! Finally...the moment of truth....there was NO kt m...there was a kRt m...I guess they spelled my name wrong & the girl was SURE it was meant to be kt m!!!!!!

My friend did not get a call-back but I knew she would actually be relieved & would not mind one bit. But it would have been fun to do it w/ her.

So I got a CALL-BACK! WOOOHOOO! Which means, that I have to audition again, sing again, dance again & then 'read' (the acting part, which they don't cover the first time). It's really to assign lead roles. I am pretty sure that means I will get in no matter what, @ least an 'ensemble' part which is all I care about ....or Patty Simcox! ;o)

No matter what happens in my life----ALL is right w/ the world today cause I got a call back for GREASE!!!!!!!

hand jive baby! It's all about the hand-jive! ;o)

Queen Bees & Wannabe's...

I believe that is the title of a book that inspired the movie Mean Girls. It is about the teen girl culture basically. I have not read it but I find the idea, fascinating.

Being @ that Winter Formal Saturday night...you could see the social order so clearly.
Senior girls a bit catty towards the freshmen. Freshmen girls, not quite grown into their skin yet, or thier dresses. I could have sat there for hours & just watched all the interaction.

Overall, they were a good bunch of kids. They enjoyed the show. The food was good. It was a private Christian school so there was no music or dancing. Good thing we were there. lol

We did 2, one hour shows. We included them as much as possible. Personally, I wasn't very on top of my game, but was good enough. E changed things up, in the middle of the show but it worked. He is good @ knowing what will work & not w/ certain crowds.

They all looked lovely, all had beautiful dresses.

I'm going to the Winter Formal tonight

I hope noone is wearing my dress & that my date remembered to get a WRIST corsage & that it matches my eyes. ;o)

Just kidding. DH & I are going to a Winter Formal tonight, that part is true. We are driving to SD, going on a boat & will be performing an improv show for a highschool Winter Formal. Apparently highschool entertainment budgets have really skyrocketted! lol

Part of the fee is because we will have to STAY the ENTIRE time, being on a boat & all. Normally we do a show & leave immediately after. No chance of that w/ this gig. We will be doing a 2 hour show.....that is a LONG show...& should be a real whopper {snort} of a good time. ;o)

Our 2 friends, also improvvers, (of course) will be performing w/ us. H's best friend & the 'queen of Improv': M. She is the best. And she's just a really nice & encouraging person over all. Always upbeat.

I don't know how she does that, being a naturally depressive person that I am, I don't know how ANYONE does it really. lol But yah, she's great.

I think it will turn out to be a great time.....I hope we get food. ;o)