I just finished reading Anne of Green Gables for the first time, and I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to read all of the rest of them. This is not my first introduction to Anne Shirley. I've seen the movies dozens of time, and played Ruby Gillis in a play version of Anne of Avonlea, and Anne of the Island is one of my favorite books. But I've never actually read that first book.
The little Anne-girl has bewitched me, just as she has so many other girls. No wonder the books are so popular. I already want to be more like her when I grow up... even though she's only eleven years old at the start! She is so quotable and optimistic! I couldn't resist grabbing a highlighter and marking up my paperback copy.
And now, for my favorite quotes so far:
"People laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas you have to use big words to express them, haven't you?"
"It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. Of course, you must make it up firmly."
"When the Lord puts us in certain circumstances He doesn't mean for us to imagine them away." - Marilla
"Oh, what I know of myself isn't really worth telling. If you'll only let me tell you what I imagine about myself you'll think it ever so much more interesting."
"There's such a difference between saying a thing yourself and hearing other people say it. You may know a thing is so, but you can't help hoping other people don't quite think it is."
"Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them. You mayn't get the things themselves; but nothing can prevent you from having the fun of looking forward to them."
"Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world."
"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"
"You'll hardly fail completely in one day and there's plenty more days coming." - Marilla
"That seems too good to be true -- but it's something pleasant to imagine after you go to bed."
"Have you ever noticed that when people say it's their duty to tell you a certain thing you may prepare for something disagreeable? Why is it that they never seem to think it a duty to tell you the pleasant things they hear about you?"
"I'd like to add some beauty to life... I'd love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me... to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn't been born."
Thursday, April 22
Monday, April 19
Cool with Being Uncool
Every time I walk into the store Hot Topic, I remember that I'm not a teenager anymore. I am so very uncool in my bland, grown-up, I-work-a-desk-job clothes. I ignore the awful music, buy one or two of the less wacky things in the store, and chat with the workers who dress all intimidating and trendy but are so nice. Then I leave the store and wear the clothes I bought in a preppy way that would probably make the original designers cringe. But I like to think the cute clothes I bought at the trendy Hot Topic make me a little more edgy and I forget for awhile that I'm not even in my twenties anymore. I'm not old... I'm just not a teenager anymore.
I no longer need to be cool or to fit in.
Thank goodness.
I no longer need to be cool or to fit in.
Thank goodness.
1st Day
Started my new, full-time job today! It went pretty well, especially since I didn't allow myself to have any expectations starting out! My manager introduced me around and helped me get situated. I have a cubicle with a window! The view is of the roof, but it's still enough to see that it's sunny outside :) I spent most of the day setting up my computer, and will continue to do the same tomorrow. They'll give me a few weeks to get to know the software and the company before they start giving me stuff to write about. Apparently they have a lot for me to do! Everyone was glad to have me there and they are excited for the documentation. I was surprised and a little disappointed to learn that I'm the only technical writer working out of that office; the others are located around the globe -- back East, London, Canada, India, etc. Still, the people in the office are friendly and it's a nice location. I'm right next to my favorite shopping center! I took a walk during lunch and I loved it. My manager joked at the end of the day that he'd see me tomorrow unless they'd scared me away. I smiled and shook my head. Of course I'll be back! I'm excited to see what happens! Everything's new, but I have plenty to do. It's lovely to be useful and wanted!
Sunday, April 18
Single Rider Ticket
I learned this week that being a Single Rider at Disneyland completely ROCKS!!
A couple of months ago, I sort of made a plan in my mind that when I got a full-time job, I'd celebrate by going to Disneyland before starting -- sort of a "last vacation before being tied down again" idea. Well, I got the new job, and two weeks to kill between the contract job and the new one, so I decided to make it a reality.
I invited a bunch of friends, but because the trip was so last minute, and in the middle of the week, and expensive, none of them could come. I decided to go anyway. Why not?
Turns out, Disneyland is fun even if you go alone. This is just another one of the many reasons why it is billed as the "Happiest Place on Earth."
I flew in Thursday afternoon and dropped my stuff off at my hotel room. Speaking of, my hotel room was awesome! The hotel was across the street from the park, and with my brother's employee discount I got a great room for really, really cheap. And now I want to travel more often and live in hotel rooms.
But I digress. I was at Disneyland by 4pm and was surprised and thrilled to find that Mickey was waiting right inside the gates. Mickey was pretty stoked that we were wearing matching colors (I am very impressed by those actors' abilities to mime whatever they want to say with no words or facial expressions). Hooray for Mickey!
Unfortunately, I forgot to pick up a map, but I didn't really mind wandering around the park. I started with the Disney Railroad attraction, and rode to New Orleans Square. I literally walked right onto the Haunted Mansion ride. I thought of my character in the Secret Garden and wished I could take a picture of the last ghost "Hurry back!" because that was always my joke with the director. I didn't want to be that creepy ghost! I next went on Pirates of the Caribbean before I discovered the beautiful, beautiful, perq to going to Disneyland alone:
With this ticket, I was allowed to walk up the exit, and practically walk onto the ride. It was faster than even the Fast Pass. I could make some comment about my being lumped into the same group as the handicapped riders, but I talked with some of them, and we all agreed it was good to have an excuse to go right to the front of the line! Hooray for being single at Disneyland!
They only offer this option on the Indiana Jones Adventure and Splash Mountain at Disneyland, and Soarin' Over Calfornia and California Screamin' -- the two best rides at California Adventure. Sa-weeeeeeet!
The only roller coaster I rode on was Thunder Mountain Railroad, and that was because the line was so short. I wandered around and looked at shops and rode on a couple random rides. I think It's a Small World is one of my new favorites -- I like that they added a Southwest America space! Finally my culture is represented at Disneyland! (What? I like cowboys... even if I'm not technically a cowgirl.)
Before I left on the trip, I contacted a friend of mine who lives in California, Stanley, and asked if he'd like to join me at the park or go to dinner or something. We met up at Downtown Disney (just outside the park) and ate at a really yummy cajun restaurant called the Jazz Kitchen. Stanley and I have known each other since I was about 6 and he was 4, and it was nice to catch up and talk about whatever came to mind. Turns out he, too, recently lost his job. It's kind of amazing to me how many of my friends have gone through this lately. When I expressed sympathy he said, "Why does everyone always assume it's a bad thing? I was miserable at my old job!" He's been at his new firm for a month and loves is. It made me hopeful that I'll love my new job, too!
This photo below is of a restaurant in front of my hotel. I just thought it was funny, because I"m playing Milly in 7 Brides and she's a cook...
I decided to start Friday morning doing all of the roller coasters. I was at the park by 8:30am and ran to Space Mountain, where there was practically no line! It is my FAVORITE RIDE!!! I nearly started crying when it got to the triumphal music at the end. I would have gone again right away, but was afraid I would hit long lines at the other coasters, so I grabbed a fast pass so I could walk on later in the day. I walked onto Thunder Mountain Railroad, and then made my way to Splash Mountain.
There was literally NO ONE over there! No line at all. The six or seven logs in front of mine were all empty, and I had my log all to myself. Even if I had known about the Single Rider option on that ride when I went it would not have been necessary. This was me before I went over the big waterfall:
This is me after:
Turns out, you still get wet, even if you're the only person in the log. Phooey! I was thinking I didn't especially need to go again, and then I got to the place where you debark. The line was still so meager the attendant asked if I wanted to go again. I said, "Sure!" Why not? How often do you get to go a second time without even having to get off the first time? This is what I looked like after the second time:
Of course, I had to see the Captain Eo tribute. It felt so good to see the movie again in its original 3D! I was distracted by the weird "flight simulator" stuff rocking the theatre during the big dance sequence, but it the movie was still awesome. Michael Jackson was definitely a great performer.
The second time I went on Space Mountain, I asked to sit in the front of the front car. I love it, because there is no one in front of me, and I can pretend I'm all alone flying through space. Seriously, it's the BEST RIDE EVER!
After Space Mountain, I still had about three hours before I had to grab my stuff at the hotel and catch a ride to the airport. So, I decided to make an extremely brief trip to California Adventure. I started with Soarin' Over California, then wandered over to Mike and Sully's wacky ride, where I ran into Goofy's son, Max. He got all bashful when I asked to take a photo -- it was cute! I'm always a hit with teenage boys :) Goofy himself walked away when my turn for a photo came. Humph!
I next went over to California Screamin' which is a GREAT roller coaster! I took advantage of the Single Rider ticket and went twice in a row, again not having to wait in line for more than a minute. Hooray!
I finished up on the Tower of Terror, and was waaay more surprised and entertained than I remember. I think I've only been on that one two or three times in my life. It could become a favorite, too! I'd recommend it to thrill-seeking friends! Different than your average hydraulic-elevator ride.
Anyway, about that time I'd done everything I absolutely needed to, so I wandered through the shops and bought a few things, then lunched on a $12 burger, fries, and drink. I needed to go back to the hotel, but I wanted one last churro, so I walked back over to Disneyland where I knew there was a cart right inside the entrance. It was decadent of me, but I didn't care. I only had a few minutes left of my vacation and I wanted a churro!
Then I walked back to the hotel, grabbed my bag, and waited for the shuttle that took me to the airport. Just a two-day trip. It was a good one though! I'm so glad that I went, and glad there was so much to do! I may not want to go to Disneyland alone often, but it's nice to know I'd have fun if I did!
My new job starts tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect and I am trying not to think about it, lest I incapacitate myself and keep myself awake all night with nerves. Que sera, sera, right? ("What ever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see! Que sera, sera!")
A couple of months ago, I sort of made a plan in my mind that when I got a full-time job, I'd celebrate by going to Disneyland before starting -- sort of a "last vacation before being tied down again" idea. Well, I got the new job, and two weeks to kill between the contract job and the new one, so I decided to make it a reality.
I invited a bunch of friends, but because the trip was so last minute, and in the middle of the week, and expensive, none of them could come. I decided to go anyway. Why not?
Turns out, Disneyland is fun even if you go alone. This is just another one of the many reasons why it is billed as the "Happiest Place on Earth."
I flew in Thursday afternoon and dropped my stuff off at my hotel room. Speaking of, my hotel room was awesome! The hotel was across the street from the park, and with my brother's employee discount I got a great room for really, really cheap. And now I want to travel more often and live in hotel rooms.
But I digress. I was at Disneyland by 4pm and was surprised and thrilled to find that Mickey was waiting right inside the gates. Mickey was pretty stoked that we were wearing matching colors (I am very impressed by those actors' abilities to mime whatever they want to say with no words or facial expressions). Hooray for Mickey!
Unfortunately, I forgot to pick up a map, but I didn't really mind wandering around the park. I started with the Disney Railroad attraction, and rode to New Orleans Square. I literally walked right onto the Haunted Mansion ride. I thought of my character in the Secret Garden and wished I could take a picture of the last ghost "Hurry back!" because that was always my joke with the director. I didn't want to be that creepy ghost! I next went on Pirates of the Caribbean before I discovered the beautiful, beautiful, perq to going to Disneyland alone:
With this ticket, I was allowed to walk up the exit, and practically walk onto the ride. It was faster than even the Fast Pass. I could make some comment about my being lumped into the same group as the handicapped riders, but I talked with some of them, and we all agreed it was good to have an excuse to go right to the front of the line! Hooray for being single at Disneyland!
They only offer this option on the Indiana Jones Adventure and Splash Mountain at Disneyland, and Soarin' Over Calfornia and California Screamin' -- the two best rides at California Adventure. Sa-weeeeeeet!
The only roller coaster I rode on was Thunder Mountain Railroad, and that was because the line was so short. I wandered around and looked at shops and rode on a couple random rides. I think It's a Small World is one of my new favorites -- I like that they added a Southwest America space! Finally my culture is represented at Disneyland! (What? I like cowboys... even if I'm not technically a cowgirl.)
Before I left on the trip, I contacted a friend of mine who lives in California, Stanley, and asked if he'd like to join me at the park or go to dinner or something. We met up at Downtown Disney (just outside the park) and ate at a really yummy cajun restaurant called the Jazz Kitchen. Stanley and I have known each other since I was about 6 and he was 4, and it was nice to catch up and talk about whatever came to mind. Turns out he, too, recently lost his job. It's kind of amazing to me how many of my friends have gone through this lately. When I expressed sympathy he said, "Why does everyone always assume it's a bad thing? I was miserable at my old job!" He's been at his new firm for a month and loves is. It made me hopeful that I'll love my new job, too!
This photo below is of a restaurant in front of my hotel. I just thought it was funny, because I"m playing Milly in 7 Brides and she's a cook...
I decided to start Friday morning doing all of the roller coasters. I was at the park by 8:30am and ran to Space Mountain, where there was practically no line! It is my FAVORITE RIDE!!! I nearly started crying when it got to the triumphal music at the end. I would have gone again right away, but was afraid I would hit long lines at the other coasters, so I grabbed a fast pass so I could walk on later in the day. I walked onto Thunder Mountain Railroad, and then made my way to Splash Mountain.
There was literally NO ONE over there! No line at all. The six or seven logs in front of mine were all empty, and I had my log all to myself. Even if I had known about the Single Rider option on that ride when I went it would not have been necessary. This was me before I went over the big waterfall:
This is me after:
Turns out, you still get wet, even if you're the only person in the log. Phooey! I was thinking I didn't especially need to go again, and then I got to the place where you debark. The line was still so meager the attendant asked if I wanted to go again. I said, "Sure!" Why not? How often do you get to go a second time without even having to get off the first time? This is what I looked like after the second time:
Of course, I had to see the Captain Eo tribute. It felt so good to see the movie again in its original 3D! I was distracted by the weird "flight simulator" stuff rocking the theatre during the big dance sequence, but it the movie was still awesome. Michael Jackson was definitely a great performer.
The second time I went on Space Mountain, I asked to sit in the front of the front car. I love it, because there is no one in front of me, and I can pretend I'm all alone flying through space. Seriously, it's the BEST RIDE EVER!
After Space Mountain, I still had about three hours before I had to grab my stuff at the hotel and catch a ride to the airport. So, I decided to make an extremely brief trip to California Adventure. I started with Soarin' Over California, then wandered over to Mike and Sully's wacky ride, where I ran into Goofy's son, Max. He got all bashful when I asked to take a photo -- it was cute! I'm always a hit with teenage boys :) Goofy himself walked away when my turn for a photo came. Humph!
I next went over to California Screamin' which is a GREAT roller coaster! I took advantage of the Single Rider ticket and went twice in a row, again not having to wait in line for more than a minute. Hooray!
I finished up on the Tower of Terror, and was waaay more surprised and entertained than I remember. I think I've only been on that one two or three times in my life. It could become a favorite, too! I'd recommend it to thrill-seeking friends! Different than your average hydraulic-elevator ride.
Anyway, about that time I'd done everything I absolutely needed to, so I wandered through the shops and bought a few things, then lunched on a $12 burger, fries, and drink. I needed to go back to the hotel, but I wanted one last churro, so I walked back over to Disneyland where I knew there was a cart right inside the entrance. It was decadent of me, but I didn't care. I only had a few minutes left of my vacation and I wanted a churro!
Then I walked back to the hotel, grabbed my bag, and waited for the shuttle that took me to the airport. Just a two-day trip. It was a good one though! I'm so glad that I went, and glad there was so much to do! I may not want to go to Disneyland alone often, but it's nice to know I'd have fun if I did!
My new job starts tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect and I am trying not to think about it, lest I incapacitate myself and keep myself awake all night with nerves. Que sera, sera, right? ("What ever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see! Que sera, sera!")
Monday, April 12
Already Only a Memory
The Secret Garden closed on Saturday, and I already miss it... as per normal. I loved this group! Everybody was so different -- some really wacky, some quiet, some chatty -- and we meshed so well! I'm going to miss going to lunch inbetween shows, my fear of someone stepping on my train and ripping off my skirt (you can laugh, but I did step out of it once), watching Cameron/Colin cry backstage, listening to Lucy's stories in the dressing room, begging people to button my gloves, kissing Cameron in the hair so that I didn't leave ghost-lipstick on his face for most of the second act, sitting in the dark behind the stage, hoping that my performance didn't scare any little kids (I was a ghost, after all), playing with Cameron's hair, my one costume change from my "alive" leather gloves to my "dead" fancy gloves, staring longingly at my husband and son when they reunited at the end, "The lump! The lump!", helping Lucy with her costume changes, playing with Gibby the hamster, and willing hugs anytime I needed one.
Here are some photo memories of our fiercely awesome cast and show. It ended too soon!
Here are some photo memories of our fiercely awesome cast and show. It ended too soon!
Our freakishly talented lead actors. I am really excited to work with them again. Not only are they terrific actors, but they are hilarious, really nice people. Hopefully, our next project together won't involve me being invisible to all of the other characters... I'd love some onstage interaction with these kids.
Here our Mrs. Medlock is tying Colin's tie. I just love that it looks like she's choking him. Not that we'd blame her. The kid cried ALL the TIME (onstage, backstage... sure it was part of the show, but it was incessant)!
Backstage Babes. We decided to go out between shows one day while wearing part of our costumes (as shown in this picture). We took fliers for the show with us and even passed some of them out. No idea if any of the people we gave fliers to actually came, but we did run into some people who saw the show earlier that day. It's nice to get compliments from fans!
One of the reasons I love this photo is because I have one of my nieces making the same faces at each other; one yelling and one looking like "whoa! Chill out, doll!" Another reason is because these characters are soo different than the actresses playing them. Lucy is one of the nicest, most together, happiest people you've ever met, and Jessica is so strong and cool and wise. They ROCK!
I asked Ricky and Cameron for a "family" photo, and Ricky came up with this idea. Brilliant! Aren't we a pretty family? All that wonderful, curly hair!
I really, really loved this costume and character. There are worse things than having every other character describe you as a "sweet, pretty thing." As if I'm not already vain enough... :)
Cast photos -- which do you think reflects our personalities the most?
He's Just Not That Into Me
In the past four weeks, I have been asked some form of this question by at least 7 people:
"So... you and Calvin*... why aren't you dating?"
I can understand why they'd ask. Calvin and I are both single, good-looking, funny, smart, personable, and have some similar interests. We've been friends for several years, so why shouldn't we date?
Thinking about this question in my head is one thing. Trying to answer someone else's curiosity is quite another.
I should specify that all of the people who have asked are dear friends of mine. I have known them for years and years and I know they are only asking because they love me and they are truly stymied that Calvin and I are just friends. I am not offended by the question. They do not imply that there is anything wrong with me or my being single. I just never know how to answer these kinds of questions, especially since my loving friends are prone to place the "blame" on Calvin's side, and I don't want them to think badly of him. They wouldn't, but I don't want them to anyway.
There are plenty of reasons and possibilities. The main one is that Calvin has never asked me out. I've never asked Calvin the question, myself, so I can only guess. As far as I know, he's never thought about it (it's a wrench to my self-esteem, but it is possible). Or, he's just used to us being friends and likes it that way. Or, he's dating someone else. Or, he's just really busy. Or, I'm simply not his type. He's just not that into me.
Of course, I could ask him out. But, I always feel like Calvin holds me at arm's length, figuratively speaking, and though I have asked out men in this same friendship status before, it's never gone anywhere. I find that most men like to take the initiative. If they don't, it's because they're uber-shy or uninterested. They are flattered when I ask them out, but the reasons they didn't ask me out still apply. It's just the way it is.
I just think it's funny that SO MANY people in such a short period of time have all asked me about Calvin, in particular. I really, really hope they haven't asked him why he hasn't asked me out. I like my friendship with Calvin. I don't expect more and I don't want it to be awkward. I'm content.
This just makes me think of my friend Trudy*. She has been asked more times than she can count if she's ever thought about dating our mutual friend, Melvin*. The hard part is, she has a big crush on Melvin. She would date him in a minute. I know both of them really well and I know Trudy and Melvin would be fantastic together. I don't know why Melvin has never asked Trudy out. We know some of our friends have asked Melvin about it, but the fact remains that he has never asked her out. He might in the future, but until then, poor Trudy is having trouble moving on. She is distancing herself from him as much as she can, but it's hard on her. Poor Trudy. Poor Melvin. I hope they both find someone wonderful who loves them for who they are and will support them for forever.
Have you ever read the book, He's Just Not That Into You? It basically talks about how, in general, if a man is interested in a woman, he won't let anything get in the way of pursuing her. It was a demoralizing read in that if a guy is not interested, there's nothing I can do to make him ask me out. But, it was empowering in the realization that I am a great girl and I deserve a man who really wants me. A good guy that I am excited about, too. Chemistry is a difficult thing. It can't be forced.
It is flattering that my friends can't believe that I'm only friends with a terrific guy like Calvin. They believe that I deserve to be with someone wonderful, who will appreciate my quirks and awesomeness.
I believe I deserve that, too.
*Names have been changed.
"So... you and Calvin*... why aren't you dating?"
I can understand why they'd ask. Calvin and I are both single, good-looking, funny, smart, personable, and have some similar interests. We've been friends for several years, so why shouldn't we date?
Thinking about this question in my head is one thing. Trying to answer someone else's curiosity is quite another.
I should specify that all of the people who have asked are dear friends of mine. I have known them for years and years and I know they are only asking because they love me and they are truly stymied that Calvin and I are just friends. I am not offended by the question. They do not imply that there is anything wrong with me or my being single. I just never know how to answer these kinds of questions, especially since my loving friends are prone to place the "blame" on Calvin's side, and I don't want them to think badly of him. They wouldn't, but I don't want them to anyway.
There are plenty of reasons and possibilities. The main one is that Calvin has never asked me out. I've never asked Calvin the question, myself, so I can only guess. As far as I know, he's never thought about it (it's a wrench to my self-esteem, but it is possible). Or, he's just used to us being friends and likes it that way. Or, he's dating someone else. Or, he's just really busy. Or, I'm simply not his type. He's just not that into me.
Of course, I could ask him out. But, I always feel like Calvin holds me at arm's length, figuratively speaking, and though I have asked out men in this same friendship status before, it's never gone anywhere. I find that most men like to take the initiative. If they don't, it's because they're uber-shy or uninterested. They are flattered when I ask them out, but the reasons they didn't ask me out still apply. It's just the way it is.
I just think it's funny that SO MANY people in such a short period of time have all asked me about Calvin, in particular. I really, really hope they haven't asked him why he hasn't asked me out. I like my friendship with Calvin. I don't expect more and I don't want it to be awkward. I'm content.
This just makes me think of my friend Trudy*. She has been asked more times than she can count if she's ever thought about dating our mutual friend, Melvin*. The hard part is, she has a big crush on Melvin. She would date him in a minute. I know both of them really well and I know Trudy and Melvin would be fantastic together. I don't know why Melvin has never asked Trudy out. We know some of our friends have asked Melvin about it, but the fact remains that he has never asked her out. He might in the future, but until then, poor Trudy is having trouble moving on. She is distancing herself from him as much as she can, but it's hard on her. Poor Trudy. Poor Melvin. I hope they both find someone wonderful who loves them for who they are and will support them for forever.
Have you ever read the book, He's Just Not That Into You? It basically talks about how, in general, if a man is interested in a woman, he won't let anything get in the way of pursuing her. It was a demoralizing read in that if a guy is not interested, there's nothing I can do to make him ask me out. But, it was empowering in the realization that I am a great girl and I deserve a man who really wants me. A good guy that I am excited about, too. Chemistry is a difficult thing. It can't be forced.
It is flattering that my friends can't believe that I'm only friends with a terrific guy like Calvin. They believe that I deserve to be with someone wonderful, who will appreciate my quirks and awesomeness.
I believe I deserve that, too.
*Names have been changed.
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