Tuesday, September 30
All is Well
Hooray! Turns out, my car issue was just a couple of wires rubbing against the dashboard stuff. It burnt through the wires which effectively stopped my car from moving. It's already been fixed, I picked my car up, and it all cost less than $100. I'm a happy girl.
An Adventure in Magna
Last night I saw Seussical the Musical at the Empress Theatre. I have a two friends in it, and since I have missed most of both of their shows in the last 3 years, I decided to make the effort to go.
I left work at about 6pm and grabbed a sandwich at Subway (yum!). I then drove down to Magna and parked at Magna Park, which is just a few blocks away from the theatre, so I could eat and read and have a few moments of quiet before the play. All was well until 7:13pm when I went to turn my car on... and it wouldn't start. The lights came on, there was electronic beeping involved, but no revving, no catching, nothing. Ack! I'm not going to pretend I didn't see it coming -- my car died randomly last week at a traffic light, but managed to start up again after a minute and I haven't had the chance to have it checked out -- but, really? My car waits to die until I drive all the way out to Magna?
Well, I had three options: 1) I could call AAA right away and have them take a look; 2) I could call my dad and take a look; 3) I could go to the play and deal with my car later. I opted to see the play because -- as mentioned before -- I knew it would mean a lot to my friends, and I figured one of them could give me a ride to the park and maybe use jumper cables on it. I knew whatever I chose to do would be inconvenient because, well, are car problems ever convenient? Of course not. That's why they're called problems.
So, I walked to the theatre and ended up sitting next to a creepy and chatty guy who didn't get the hint that I just wanted to read the program and feel sorry for myself. I enjoyed the play very much! I don't think I stopped smiling during the entire first act. The actors were obviously having a great time, the music is wonderful, and the costumes were fun and inventive. It was delightful seeing my friend Aubrey play Miss Gertrude McFuzz. It's her ultimate dream role, and she was gorgeous and hilarious! My other favorite characters were the Sour Kangaroo and the Mayor. Cyndi has such a fantastic, strong voice, and her frown was straight out of a Seuss book. The actor playing the Mayor had a ton of personality and didn't hold anything back! I've seen Seussical a few times, and this was the first time I saw a Mayor I'd actually vote for.
I called home during Intermission to let my parents know what was going on. My dad guessed there might be something wrong with the starter (that was my guess too) and he told me to call him when the play was over so he could come and take a look. And then, when I sat down for Act II, I had a terrible thought: what if my car was stolen or vandalized?! I'd left my stereo and iPod in there. I was pretty sure they were in the glove compartment, but what if they weren't? If someone did break into my car, they could open the glove compartment easily enough anyway. What if I had to buy a new car or repair this one because it was stripped? I spent much of the second act trying to figure out if I can afford a new car. I considered leaving so I could check on it, but by that time it was dark and I really didn't feel safe walking around historic Magna by myself in the dark. I did a lot of praying instead. I managed to pay some attention to and even enjoy the second act. Aubrey completely stole the show because she was so adorable, and I was very impressed by the tap dance number performed in the dark with just black lights illuminating the white gloves the dancers wore.
When the show ended, I called Dad and asked him to pick me up at the theatre so we could drive over to the park together. By that time I was also worried that someone might have locked the park up and towed my car! (I know, I know. If it isn't one thing, it's another.) I got to talk with Aubrey and Nolan and tell them how much I enjoyed the show. Even with all my car issues, I was glad I'd stayed to watch. It had a lot of energy and a good message over all, though if you think about it, the show is a little contraversial. Bullying? Child abandonment? Drugs? Genocide? What are we trying to teach our kids?! Thank goodness it all ends well and everyone learns their lesson. In so many ways, I wish life were more like musical theatre.
Dad picked me up and -- hallejulah!-- we found my car untouched! It still wouldn't start, though. My dad checked a few things and we both realized neither of us had jumper cables. While I was calling Triple A, the park caretaker drove by and my dad explained what was going on. The caretaker left and came back about 10 minutes later with some jumper cables, so we gave that a try. Nothing doing. At that point, he needed to lock up the park, so I called Triple A back to cancel the appointment. The caretaker, Gail (I want to say his name is Gail Weathers, but I think that's only because I saw Scream a few weeks ago; that movie is SCARY!), promised us the car should be safe and he'd open the park again at 7am. Dad drove me home about 11pm.
I got up this morning at 6:30 and Dad picked me up about 7. We drove back to the park, I called Triple A, and then we grabbed breakfast at the drive thru at McDonalds. We arrived back at my car at the same time the tow truck did. It only took 20 minutes for the truck to come! That's got to be some kind of record! I was grateful. The truck took my car to a place my dad recommended in Murray, and Dad dropped me off at work, where I am now.
I'm more than a little nervous about what the problem with my car may be and how much it may cost to fix it, assuming it can be fixed. I really hope it can be! I don't want to have to buy a new car! I do have a little money saved, so I'm hoping at worst I have to put off buying the washer and dryer for my condo.
I guess I'll keep you all posted.
I left work at about 6pm and grabbed a sandwich at Subway (yum!). I then drove down to Magna and parked at Magna Park, which is just a few blocks away from the theatre, so I could eat and read and have a few moments of quiet before the play. All was well until 7:13pm when I went to turn my car on... and it wouldn't start. The lights came on, there was electronic beeping involved, but no revving, no catching, nothing. Ack! I'm not going to pretend I didn't see it coming -- my car died randomly last week at a traffic light, but managed to start up again after a minute and I haven't had the chance to have it checked out -- but, really? My car waits to die until I drive all the way out to Magna?
Well, I had three options: 1) I could call AAA right away and have them take a look; 2) I could call my dad and take a look; 3) I could go to the play and deal with my car later. I opted to see the play because -- as mentioned before -- I knew it would mean a lot to my friends, and I figured one of them could give me a ride to the park and maybe use jumper cables on it. I knew whatever I chose to do would be inconvenient because, well, are car problems ever convenient? Of course not. That's why they're called problems.
So, I walked to the theatre and ended up sitting next to a creepy and chatty guy who didn't get the hint that I just wanted to read the program and feel sorry for myself. I enjoyed the play very much! I don't think I stopped smiling during the entire first act. The actors were obviously having a great time, the music is wonderful, and the costumes were fun and inventive. It was delightful seeing my friend Aubrey play Miss Gertrude McFuzz. It's her ultimate dream role, and she was gorgeous and hilarious! My other favorite characters were the Sour Kangaroo and the Mayor. Cyndi has such a fantastic, strong voice, and her frown was straight out of a Seuss book. The actor playing the Mayor had a ton of personality and didn't hold anything back! I've seen Seussical a few times, and this was the first time I saw a Mayor I'd actually vote for.
I called home during Intermission to let my parents know what was going on. My dad guessed there might be something wrong with the starter (that was my guess too) and he told me to call him when the play was over so he could come and take a look. And then, when I sat down for Act II, I had a terrible thought: what if my car was stolen or vandalized?! I'd left my stereo and iPod in there. I was pretty sure they were in the glove compartment, but what if they weren't? If someone did break into my car, they could open the glove compartment easily enough anyway. What if I had to buy a new car or repair this one because it was stripped? I spent much of the second act trying to figure out if I can afford a new car. I considered leaving so I could check on it, but by that time it was dark and I really didn't feel safe walking around historic Magna by myself in the dark. I did a lot of praying instead. I managed to pay some attention to and even enjoy the second act. Aubrey completely stole the show because she was so adorable, and I was very impressed by the tap dance number performed in the dark with just black lights illuminating the white gloves the dancers wore.
When the show ended, I called Dad and asked him to pick me up at the theatre so we could drive over to the park together. By that time I was also worried that someone might have locked the park up and towed my car! (I know, I know. If it isn't one thing, it's another.) I got to talk with Aubrey and Nolan and tell them how much I enjoyed the show. Even with all my car issues, I was glad I'd stayed to watch. It had a lot of energy and a good message over all, though if you think about it, the show is a little contraversial. Bullying? Child abandonment? Drugs? Genocide? What are we trying to teach our kids?! Thank goodness it all ends well and everyone learns their lesson. In so many ways, I wish life were more like musical theatre.
Dad picked me up and -- hallejulah!-- we found my car untouched! It still wouldn't start, though. My dad checked a few things and we both realized neither of us had jumper cables. While I was calling Triple A, the park caretaker drove by and my dad explained what was going on. The caretaker left and came back about 10 minutes later with some jumper cables, so we gave that a try. Nothing doing. At that point, he needed to lock up the park, so I called Triple A back to cancel the appointment. The caretaker, Gail (I want to say his name is Gail Weathers, but I think that's only because I saw Scream a few weeks ago; that movie is SCARY!), promised us the car should be safe and he'd open the park again at 7am. Dad drove me home about 11pm.
I got up this morning at 6:30 and Dad picked me up about 7. We drove back to the park, I called Triple A, and then we grabbed breakfast at the drive thru at McDonalds. We arrived back at my car at the same time the tow truck did. It only took 20 minutes for the truck to come! That's got to be some kind of record! I was grateful. The truck took my car to a place my dad recommended in Murray, and Dad dropped me off at work, where I am now.
I'm more than a little nervous about what the problem with my car may be and how much it may cost to fix it, assuming it can be fixed. I really hope it can be! I don't want to have to buy a new car! I do have a little money saved, so I'm hoping at worst I have to put off buying the washer and dryer for my condo.
I guess I'll keep you all posted.
Monday, September 29
Fondue is Fabulous
Once upon a time, I almost starved to death waiting for our server to stir the cheese...
Steph and Candice helped me to achieve another goal this weekend: I finally got to eat at the Melting Pot! Director Steph, dancer Stephanie and I all went to Stephanie's Stake Center to watch the General Relief Society Conference beforehand. It was soo good! We all needed those talks, especially President Uchtdorf's message about being creative and serving others in our own way. Candice had rehearsal until after 7pm, so we picked her up after the Conference and met Candice's mom and sisters at the Melting Pot about 8pm!
I was a little surprised when the hostess led the seven of us to a cozy little booth, fortunately we're all friends and didn't mind sitting so close to each other! I wasn't able to reach one of the burners, fortunately, everyone was willing to help me out so I could try both of the cheese, meat, and chocolate options. It was fun to mix and match the sauces and try new things. It was all so yummy!
Candice's mom and sisters are awesome, by the way. I had a great time getting to know them, and chat with my friends. I very much needed the night out and enjoyed the excuse to get dressed up and be social with women I adore. I'm greatful to Steph and Candice for making it happen. Thank you both, and thanks Stephanie, Melanie, Rebecca, and Liz for a terrific experience!
Meanwhile, Candice's play opens tomorrow, and her first performance is on Wednesday, I believe. Break a leg, Candice! You'll be brilliant and I can't wait to come and cheer for you!
PS. Yes, my hair is straight in this photo. It's been six months since the last time I straightened it, and I felt a little Marcia Brady-like on Saturday, so I gave it a shot. Good times!
Steph and Candice helped me to achieve another goal this weekend: I finally got to eat at the Melting Pot! Director Steph, dancer Stephanie and I all went to Stephanie's Stake Center to watch the General Relief Society Conference beforehand. It was soo good! We all needed those talks, especially President Uchtdorf's message about being creative and serving others in our own way. Candice had rehearsal until after 7pm, so we picked her up after the Conference and met Candice's mom and sisters at the Melting Pot about 8pm!
I was a little surprised when the hostess led the seven of us to a cozy little booth, fortunately we're all friends and didn't mind sitting so close to each other! I wasn't able to reach one of the burners, fortunately, everyone was willing to help me out so I could try both of the cheese, meat, and chocolate options. It was fun to mix and match the sauces and try new things. It was all so yummy!
Candice's mom and sisters are awesome, by the way. I had a great time getting to know them, and chat with my friends. I very much needed the night out and enjoyed the excuse to get dressed up and be social with women I adore. I'm greatful to Steph and Candice for making it happen. Thank you both, and thanks Stephanie, Melanie, Rebecca, and Liz for a terrific experience!
Meanwhile, Candice's play opens tomorrow, and her first performance is on Wednesday, I believe. Break a leg, Candice! You'll be brilliant and I can't wait to come and cheer for you!
PS. Yes, my hair is straight in this photo. It's been six months since the last time I straightened it, and I felt a little Marcia Brady-like on Saturday, so I gave it a shot. Good times!
Thursday, September 25
Mr. and Mrs. Busath
Today, my cousin Natalie married the man she loves. I had a fun time at the reception, and Natalie and Rich both looked delightfully happy and beautiful. They could give any Hollywood couple a run for their money they are so gorgeous. Of course, they are also two of the nicest people I've ever met.
You all would be so proud of me: I stood in the toss-the-bouquet group and I almost caught the bouquet! It really does make me feel better knowing that none of the girls wants to be there. But, the bride asked me personally to stand in the group, and when I'm honest with myself I realize that I want to toss the bouquet at my own wedding reception, so I did it, and I'm glad I did. The bouquet went right over my head and through my fingertips and then hit the girl behind me and fell to the ground. She didn't even catch it! I personally felt that was tacky. The girl couldn't have been older than 24 -- waaaay too young to be such a poor sport! Lame. I picked up the bouquet and could have claimed it, but I and the other girls in the group made the girl who let it drop claim it, even though she was so adamant. Wasn't about her, it was about our darling Natalie. Oh, how I love that elegant girl!
My favorite thing about family weddings is seeing some of the family members from Wyoming and Washington and even here in Utah that I don't get to see very much. It just gives us a convenient excuse to get together and catch up and ooh and ahh all over each other. I liked telling everyone about my new place, and talking with my cousins Spencer and Garen who both returned from their missions this summer, and Dallin and Mikell who told me all about their wedding in Washington D.C. I am related to a group of interesting, fun, and thoughtful people, so any reason to get together is a good one.
And, hey, a wedding is the very best reason of all!
I took my camera and had a blast taking photos in the dark. I literally could not see anything in the viewer, so I feel very lucky and pleased to have taken some fairly decent ones. Hooray!
Natalie and Rich
Jesse and Emily
Bryce and Andrew roast marshmallows at the S'mores Bar
cutting the cake
Sheridan and Peter
Garen and Adam
Sheridan, Gram, Peter, and Garen
Alisa, Bryce, and Spencer
David and me
Kim, Darin, and Andrew
Gunner and Dad
Grandma Craven
Mikell, Evan, JoEllen, and Dallin
Natalie and me
Elaine, Stephanie, and Mom
Dad and me
Grandma and Sheridan
Mr. and Mrs. Busath
Congratulations to you, Natalie and Rich! I am very happy for you, and I am excited to see how your life together progresses. There is so much to look forward to! Good luck. I love you!
You all would be so proud of me: I stood in the toss-the-bouquet group and I almost caught the bouquet! It really does make me feel better knowing that none of the girls wants to be there. But, the bride asked me personally to stand in the group, and when I'm honest with myself I realize that I want to toss the bouquet at my own wedding reception, so I did it, and I'm glad I did. The bouquet went right over my head and through my fingertips and then hit the girl behind me and fell to the ground. She didn't even catch it! I personally felt that was tacky. The girl couldn't have been older than 24 -- waaaay too young to be such a poor sport! Lame. I picked up the bouquet and could have claimed it, but I and the other girls in the group made the girl who let it drop claim it, even though she was so adamant. Wasn't about her, it was about our darling Natalie. Oh, how I love that elegant girl!
My favorite thing about family weddings is seeing some of the family members from Wyoming and Washington and even here in Utah that I don't get to see very much. It just gives us a convenient excuse to get together and catch up and ooh and ahh all over each other. I liked telling everyone about my new place, and talking with my cousins Spencer and Garen who both returned from their missions this summer, and Dallin and Mikell who told me all about their wedding in Washington D.C. I am related to a group of interesting, fun, and thoughtful people, so any reason to get together is a good one.
And, hey, a wedding is the very best reason of all!
I took my camera and had a blast taking photos in the dark. I literally could not see anything in the viewer, so I feel very lucky and pleased to have taken some fairly decent ones. Hooray!
Natalie and Rich
Jesse and Emily
Bryce and Andrew roast marshmallows at the S'mores Bar
cutting the cake
Sheridan and Peter
Garen and Adam
Sheridan, Gram, Peter, and Garen
Alisa, Bryce, and Spencer
David and me
Kim, Darin, and Andrew
Gunner and Dad
Grandma Craven
Mikell, Evan, JoEllen, and Dallin
Natalie and me
Elaine, Stephanie, and Mom
Dad and me
Grandma and Sheridan
Mr. and Mrs. Busath
Congratulations to you, Natalie and Rich! I am very happy for you, and I am excited to see how your life together progresses. There is so much to look forward to! Good luck. I love you!
Wednesday, September 24
Chaosity (or Chaos City)
My goal over the weekend was to get my clothes all unpacked and put my bedroom in some semblance of order. That didn't happen. It is now Wednesday, and I'm still half living out of a suitcase. At least as of last night I'm pretty sure where everything is. I had issues on Friday when I literally couldn't find anything that matched!!
What did I do instead? I spent pretty much all of Saturday trying to hook up the new VCR/DVD player, and new printer/scanner/copier. Now, I pride myself on being the one person in my family who rarely has trouble with setting up electronic devices. I've either helped someone else or done the hook-ups myself on at least seven different occasions. You might say it's sort of a hobby of mine. I had almost no problem with the printer, though the set-up CD seemed to take forever to install.
No, the issue came with the VCR/DVD player, because I had a foreign element thrown in there: the DVR cable box. Hmmm.
I'll back up. My old DVD player has been having issues for about 2 years. It would play a movie, but if I stopped it or shut off the machine, and then tried to go back to it later, the DVD player would tell me it didn't play that type of disk. Then, I'd have to put in two or three other DVDs before the player would recognize one. "Cleanse the palate" as it were. I'd let the recognized movie play for a few minutes, and then put in my original disc, at which point I'd have to find again where I had been when I shut it off. All very frustrating. More than once I wanted to throw the stupid thing at the wall. The VCR worked fine, but that blasted DVD side...!!!
My parents, heaven bless them, bought me a new VCR/DVD player for my birthday. Awesome!! As I looked over the description of functions on the box, I wasn't sure it would do all I needed it to, so on Friday night I returned that one and asked those clever blokes at Best Buy which machine would best fit my needs: plays DVDs and VHS, records television shows from t.v. to VHS, and records from VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS. Ah, Best Buy. How I love that store! It's curing me of my fear of talking to strangers for fear of bothering them even though they work there and they EXPECT me to ask questions. And yet, for some reason there wasn't anyone in the department that night -- the one time I go specifically to talk to someone! So, I stood around trying to look confident but also like I needed help, and eventually two guys from another department came over. One was pretty knowlegeable, and told me that if I planned to hook up the machine to the cable box, I could get a machine that was $100-$150 cheaper than one I'd have to hook up to an antenna! Score!! I picked one of the two he recommended and took it home.
Then I did something I almost never do with electronics: I opened the box the first night I owned it. I don't know why, but I like to sit on them (figuratively speaking) for at least a week or two before opening them up and playing. I grow attached to the old stuff and want to get in "one more" use, and setting up the new stuff can be such a hassle.
One of the reasons I am generally successful setting up electronic devices is because I read take absolutely everything out of the box, and then read the directions. In theory, this works well (and often does in practice). However, this time there were two different options for set up. And since someone decided that words are not necessary, even to describe what the heck the outlets are that I'm plugging wires into, I got frustrated with trying the decipher the pictures pretty fast. This, compounded with the directions' assumption that I have a high-def television, which I don't. And, of course, the DVD player/VCR didn't come with all of the wires I needed. Sigh. I tried to devise which wires I needed and made a 10 o'clock trip to Wal*Mart. I'm sure I looked a little crazy tromping through Wal*Mart at 10pm on a Friday lugging around a step ladder and a bunch of t.v. connection wires. I got more than a few odd looks.
Saturday I took a break to set up my new printer which, as I said earlier, wasn't too difficult. I came back late that night to finish up with the VCR/DVD player. I managed to get all the wires in the right place, and only opened one too many boxes of cords. I'll have to return the rest this weekend.
So, to make a long story short -- too late! -- I'm all set up and ready to watch movies, DVDs, DVR, and all that jazz. The rest of my house still looks like all of my boxes exploded, but I have time, right?
What did I do instead? I spent pretty much all of Saturday trying to hook up the new VCR/DVD player, and new printer/scanner/copier. Now, I pride myself on being the one person in my family who rarely has trouble with setting up electronic devices. I've either helped someone else or done the hook-ups myself on at least seven different occasions. You might say it's sort of a hobby of mine. I had almost no problem with the printer, though the set-up CD seemed to take forever to install.
No, the issue came with the VCR/DVD player, because I had a foreign element thrown in there: the DVR cable box. Hmmm.
I'll back up. My old DVD player has been having issues for about 2 years. It would play a movie, but if I stopped it or shut off the machine, and then tried to go back to it later, the DVD player would tell me it didn't play that type of disk. Then, I'd have to put in two or three other DVDs before the player would recognize one. "Cleanse the palate" as it were. I'd let the recognized movie play for a few minutes, and then put in my original disc, at which point I'd have to find again where I had been when I shut it off. All very frustrating. More than once I wanted to throw the stupid thing at the wall. The VCR worked fine, but that blasted DVD side...!!!
My parents, heaven bless them, bought me a new VCR/DVD player for my birthday. Awesome!! As I looked over the description of functions on the box, I wasn't sure it would do all I needed it to, so on Friday night I returned that one and asked those clever blokes at Best Buy which machine would best fit my needs: plays DVDs and VHS, records television shows from t.v. to VHS, and records from VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS. Ah, Best Buy. How I love that store! It's curing me of my fear of talking to strangers for fear of bothering them even though they work there and they EXPECT me to ask questions. And yet, for some reason there wasn't anyone in the department that night -- the one time I go specifically to talk to someone! So, I stood around trying to look confident but also like I needed help, and eventually two guys from another department came over. One was pretty knowlegeable, and told me that if I planned to hook up the machine to the cable box, I could get a machine that was $100-$150 cheaper than one I'd have to hook up to an antenna! Score!! I picked one of the two he recommended and took it home.
Then I did something I almost never do with electronics: I opened the box the first night I owned it. I don't know why, but I like to sit on them (figuratively speaking) for at least a week or two before opening them up and playing. I grow attached to the old stuff and want to get in "one more" use, and setting up the new stuff can be such a hassle.
One of the reasons I am generally successful setting up electronic devices is because I read take absolutely everything out of the box, and then read the directions. In theory, this works well (and often does in practice). However, this time there were two different options for set up. And since someone decided that words are not necessary, even to describe what the heck the outlets are that I'm plugging wires into, I got frustrated with trying the decipher the pictures pretty fast. This, compounded with the directions' assumption that I have a high-def television, which I don't. And, of course, the DVD player/VCR didn't come with all of the wires I needed. Sigh. I tried to devise which wires I needed and made a 10 o'clock trip to Wal*Mart. I'm sure I looked a little crazy tromping through Wal*Mart at 10pm on a Friday lugging around a step ladder and a bunch of t.v. connection wires. I got more than a few odd looks.
Saturday I took a break to set up my new printer which, as I said earlier, wasn't too difficult. I came back late that night to finish up with the VCR/DVD player. I managed to get all the wires in the right place, and only opened one too many boxes of cords. I'll have to return the rest this weekend.
So, to make a long story short -- too late! -- I'm all set up and ready to watch movies, DVDs, DVR, and all that jazz. The rest of my house still looks like all of my boxes exploded, but I have time, right?
Monday, September 22
Josh Groban is Funny!
Last night I watched the Emmy Awards with my mom and Lindsey. There were good moments and bad ones (the idea to have the nominated Best Reality TV Show Hosts host the show was not a good one), and I think my favorite was Josh Groban singing snippets from a bunch of T.V. theme songs. I like his songs though I've never been to a concert. I may have to go to one, however, if Josh is as much fun as he is on this clip:
Kudos to Tina Fey, who won for Best Writing in a Comedy, Best Actress in a Comedy, and 30 Rock the Best Comedy. Not only is she delightful on screen, but she seems to be a very giving, kind person. I like to think we'd be friends if we ever met. She completely deserved to win, and I don't think anyone minded that she gave three Thank-You speeches. My favorite quote from her is: "I thank my parents for somehow raising me to have confidence that is disproportionate with my looks and abilities. Well done. That is what all parents should do." Hooray for Tina Fey!
Meanwhile, Dancing with the Stars starts tonight!! It's a three-night event and I'm totally excited. Maks is back! Julianne is back! Oh, how I missed them.
Other shows I like that are starting this week: Heroes, The Big Bang Theory , The Office, and Desperate Housewives. I am so, so glad I opted for DVR with my cable package...
Kudos to Tina Fey, who won for Best Writing in a Comedy, Best Actress in a Comedy, and 30 Rock the Best Comedy. Not only is she delightful on screen, but she seems to be a very giving, kind person. I like to think we'd be friends if we ever met. She completely deserved to win, and I don't think anyone minded that she gave three Thank-You speeches. My favorite quote from her is: "I thank my parents for somehow raising me to have confidence that is disproportionate with my looks and abilities. Well done. That is what all parents should do." Hooray for Tina Fey!
Meanwhile, Dancing with the Stars starts tonight!! It's a three-night event and I'm totally excited. Maks is back! Julianne is back! Oh, how I missed them.
Other shows I like that are starting this week: Heroes, The Big Bang Theory , The Office, and Desperate Housewives. I am so, so glad I opted for DVR with my cable package...
Saturday, September 20
Victory!
I am finally caught up on my posts from my birthday week. Check out "Family and Dinner" and "Spoiled by my Girlfriends". I apologize for not having them up sooner, and hope you enjoy reading my rambling happy memories from a great week!
This last week was not a good one. Work has been stressful, and although I am living in my condo there is still much to be done to get it liveable, and I'm not used to sleeping in my bed, and a few of my neighbors are noisy. Change is good but hard!
Thursday was by far the worst day at work. I missed a meeting and then through a misunderstanding missed a lunch out with the entire office. I was frustrated and angry and tired.
No doubt that's why my Heavenly Father sent me a blessing: my Comcast bill. If you'll recall, after 8 hours and two technicians, I was told I would not be charged the $50 fee for the internet and cable hook-up. Alas, when I opened the bill, the charge was there. I was so mad! Are you kidding me? I've already been through so much aggravation with the company I was somwhat ready to chuck Comcast and find a new cable/internet company.
On Thursday I called Comcast, and calmly explained to Latonya in Billing that I'd been promised I wouldn't have to pay the $50 fee because it had taken 8 hours to finish the installation. I could have been Angry Megan and yelled and taken my frustration out on this girl who was trying to help me, but I don't really like Angry Megan. She's mean and scares people, and she's always followed by those obnoxious cronies Remorseful Megan and Guilty Megan. I will do my best never to introduce any of you to Angry Megan. I chose to be calm and pleasant because I was grateful just to be heard and have the charge removed. Latonya said to pay my bill, and they'll credit the $50 to the next month. Because the whole 8 hour experience had been so bad, I asked if I could have a month free. She said No, but then said she'd see what else she could do and put me on hold for a few minutes. When she came back, she said she could give me three coupons for free Pay-Per-View! Admittely, that's not a huge deal, but it felt like a victory anyway! I felt so good when I hung up the phone! I complained; I was nice; I got what I wanted!
I think Heavenly Father knew I'd need something to feel good about this week -- something to boost my self-esteem. It came in an odd way, and I am thankful for it! I was bold! Hooray!
This last week was not a good one. Work has been stressful, and although I am living in my condo there is still much to be done to get it liveable, and I'm not used to sleeping in my bed, and a few of my neighbors are noisy. Change is good but hard!
Thursday was by far the worst day at work. I missed a meeting and then through a misunderstanding missed a lunch out with the entire office. I was frustrated and angry and tired.
No doubt that's why my Heavenly Father sent me a blessing: my Comcast bill. If you'll recall, after 8 hours and two technicians, I was told I would not be charged the $50 fee for the internet and cable hook-up. Alas, when I opened the bill, the charge was there. I was so mad! Are you kidding me? I've already been through so much aggravation with the company I was somwhat ready to chuck Comcast and find a new cable/internet company.
On Thursday I called Comcast, and calmly explained to Latonya in Billing that I'd been promised I wouldn't have to pay the $50 fee because it had taken 8 hours to finish the installation. I could have been Angry Megan and yelled and taken my frustration out on this girl who was trying to help me, but I don't really like Angry Megan. She's mean and scares people, and she's always followed by those obnoxious cronies Remorseful Megan and Guilty Megan. I will do my best never to introduce any of you to Angry Megan. I chose to be calm and pleasant because I was grateful just to be heard and have the charge removed. Latonya said to pay my bill, and they'll credit the $50 to the next month. Because the whole 8 hour experience had been so bad, I asked if I could have a month free. She said No, but then said she'd see what else she could do and put me on hold for a few minutes. When she came back, she said she could give me three coupons for free Pay-Per-View! Admittely, that's not a huge deal, but it felt like a victory anyway! I felt so good when I hung up the phone! I complained; I was nice; I got what I wanted!
I think Heavenly Father knew I'd need something to feel good about this week -- something to boost my self-esteem. It came in an odd way, and I am thankful for it! I was bold! Hooray!
Friday, September 19
Quirky is the new Black
Thanks, Amy, for the tag! I like reveling in my own quirkiness once in awhile. It reminds me why I'm so special and loved (or, on the flipside, reminds me to be grateful for being loved in spite of my weirdness).
I'm supposed to list 6 quirky things about myself.
Link back to the person who tagged me.
List the rules on my blog.
Tag 6 "unsuspecting" bloggers to complete, see the end of the post.
1. I often get car sick during short trips, but not for longer ones. We used to take a lot of vacations as a family where we'd drive long distances (Billings, Montana; Spokane, Washington; Disneyland) and I could sit in the very back of the Suburban and read and not have any problems. But driving to Holladay to pick up my grandma before heading over to my cousin's house -- I get ill. It's not as bad if I'm in the front seat, and I have no problems if I'm driving. If a trip is less than, say, an hour I get horrible headaches. I haven't ever thrown up, though. At least, not in a car. I did throw up on a plane once, but that's another story.
2. I eat M&M's in a color-themed pattern. Let's imagine that I pour out a bunch of M&M's onto my desk. The M&M's spill out in a random pattern: for example, 3 red ones, 2 blue ones, 3 orange ones, 1 yellow, 1 green, and 2 brown. I don't like to have more than one of each color at one time, so if there are duplicates, I eat them first, leaving 1 red, 1 blue, 1 orange, 1 yellow, 1 green, and 1 brown. Then I eat the brown one 'cause it's ugly. Usually I eat the red and green ones next. That leaves the blue, orange, and yellow M&M's sitting on my desk -- my current favorite M&M color scheme. I debate whether to eat the yellow or orange one next -- they both look so good with blue! The blue is always last. I have no delusions about the blue one tasting differently than any of the others. It's just a pretty color.
3. People tend to find it really weird that a girl like me, who absolutely loves Pride and Prejudice, enjoyed Alien v. Predator. I even went by myself because none of the guys I invited wanted to go. The action sequence between the alien and the predator was awesome! (By the way, I have never seen any of the other Alien or Predator movies. Alien v. Predator was the only one in either franchise rated PG-13.)
4. I am a fan of Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus's songs, but I don't feel the need to see her perform live. The songs are happy and carefree and positive, but when I saw her sing "See You Again" on American Idol Gives Back last year, she just looked angry. I prefer imagining that she's happy-go-lucky when singing the happy songs.
5. For some reason, I remember obscure actors. First time I saw Flight of the Conchords, I looked at the actor playing Bret and thought, "Where have I seen him before?" I looked him up on imdb.com. Yep. He was a featured extra in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. He only had one line and I still recognized him without the long, flowing hair.
6. I cannot sleep unless all doors in the room I'm sleeping in are closed. This includes doors that lead to the hallway, closet, bathroom, et cetera. In college I trained my roommates to close the doors (one admits it is a habit she's maintained to this day). I don't know if this compulsion has to do with a fear of unknown beings entering my room, or knowing there's probably a mess on the otherside, or what, but the open doors drive me nuts. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I wake up just about any time someone opens the door to my room. That way, if someone comes to attack me, at least I'm awake and can prepare...
I tag Wendi, Erica, Kate, Emily B, Jenna (I am aware that's only 5 people). If you choose to take up the challenge, hope you have as much fun as I did!
I'm supposed to list 6 quirky things about myself.
Link back to the person who tagged me.
List the rules on my blog.
Tag 6 "unsuspecting" bloggers to complete, see the end of the post.
1. I often get car sick during short trips, but not for longer ones. We used to take a lot of vacations as a family where we'd drive long distances (Billings, Montana; Spokane, Washington; Disneyland) and I could sit in the very back of the Suburban and read and not have any problems. But driving to Holladay to pick up my grandma before heading over to my cousin's house -- I get ill. It's not as bad if I'm in the front seat, and I have no problems if I'm driving. If a trip is less than, say, an hour I get horrible headaches. I haven't ever thrown up, though. At least, not in a car. I did throw up on a plane once, but that's another story.
2. I eat M&M's in a color-themed pattern. Let's imagine that I pour out a bunch of M&M's onto my desk. The M&M's spill out in a random pattern: for example, 3 red ones, 2 blue ones, 3 orange ones, 1 yellow, 1 green, and 2 brown. I don't like to have more than one of each color at one time, so if there are duplicates, I eat them first, leaving 1 red, 1 blue, 1 orange, 1 yellow, 1 green, and 1 brown. Then I eat the brown one 'cause it's ugly. Usually I eat the red and green ones next. That leaves the blue, orange, and yellow M&M's sitting on my desk -- my current favorite M&M color scheme. I debate whether to eat the yellow or orange one next -- they both look so good with blue! The blue is always last. I have no delusions about the blue one tasting differently than any of the others. It's just a pretty color.
3. People tend to find it really weird that a girl like me, who absolutely loves Pride and Prejudice, enjoyed Alien v. Predator. I even went by myself because none of the guys I invited wanted to go. The action sequence between the alien and the predator was awesome! (By the way, I have never seen any of the other Alien or Predator movies. Alien v. Predator was the only one in either franchise rated PG-13.)
4. I am a fan of Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus's songs, but I don't feel the need to see her perform live. The songs are happy and carefree and positive, but when I saw her sing "See You Again" on American Idol Gives Back last year, she just looked angry. I prefer imagining that she's happy-go-lucky when singing the happy songs.
5. For some reason, I remember obscure actors. First time I saw Flight of the Conchords, I looked at the actor playing Bret and thought, "Where have I seen him before?" I looked him up on imdb.com. Yep. He was a featured extra in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. He only had one line and I still recognized him without the long, flowing hair.
6. I cannot sleep unless all doors in the room I'm sleeping in are closed. This includes doors that lead to the hallway, closet, bathroom, et cetera. In college I trained my roommates to close the doors (one admits it is a habit she's maintained to this day). I don't know if this compulsion has to do with a fear of unknown beings entering my room, or knowing there's probably a mess on the otherside, or what, but the open doors drive me nuts. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I wake up just about any time someone opens the door to my room. That way, if someone comes to attack me, at least I'm awake and can prepare...
I tag Wendi, Erica, Kate, Emily B, Jenna (I am aware that's only 5 people). If you choose to take up the challenge, hope you have as much fun as I did!
Monday, September 15
Latest Christmas Carol audition
I auditioned for A Christmas Carol and HCT-WVC on Saturday. I didn't feel it was my best audition (I was inexplicably really nervous, and I think that came through in my singing and my reading), so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when I wasn't called back. I was surprised though. To be honest, I'm a pretty upset about it. It's my sixth audition for this particular show in a row, and the third after having been in the show in 2005. I've auditioned for all of the people on that pro-team for other shows as well and done very well. They know me, and seem to like me as a person, which just makes it worse. I can understand not being cast, but not even calling me back feels like a slap in the face.
Anyway, I'd mentioned to some of you I was planning to audition; just wanted to let you know you don't have to worry about getting tickets specifically to see me. However, it is always a great show so if you want to make A Christmas Carol at HCT one of your family traditions, I say go for it! You won't be disappointed.
Anyway, I'd mentioned to some of you I was planning to audition; just wanted to let you know you don't have to worry about getting tickets specifically to see me. However, it is always a great show so if you want to make A Christmas Carol at HCT one of your family traditions, I say go for it! You won't be disappointed.
Sunday, September 14
Hymn #243
Let Us All Press On
Let us all press on in the work of the Lord,
That when life is o'er we may gain a reward;
In the fight for right let us wield a sword,
The mighty sword of truth.
We will not retreat, though our numbers may be few
When compared with the opposite host in view;
But an unseen pow'r will aid me and you
In the glorious cause of truth.
If we do what's right we have no need to fear,
For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near;
In the days of trial his Saints he will cheer,
And prosper the cause of truth.
Fear not, though the enemy deride;
Courage, for the Lord is on our side.
We will heed not what the wicked may say,
But the Lord alone we will obey.
The Middle/Chaos Phase
Saturday, my two youngest brothers, Peter and David, and my parents helped move the rest of my furniture and boxes out of my storage unit, and into my third-floor condo. I was surprised and grateful that with their help it only took about two hours.
I have to say, watching the three men get my over-stuffed couch (complete with attached cushions that caused them a lot of grief) up those three not-terribly-wide flights of stairs was awesome! It took all three, and they'd start with two at each end and one person in the middle (holding up the cushions), and as they lifted the couch around the corner of the bannister, the guy on the bottom end would crawl underneath to grab the top end, making the previous top-end person, the guy in the middle, and the previous middle guy the person handling the bottom end. I was very, very impressed at their ingenuity, and even more grateful for their help. Of course, they created a rule that from now on no one else is allowed to have an over-stuffed couch in the future if they want to live on the third floor...
My cousin Emily and her husband, Jesse, live in my new complex and came to help. I really appreciate their help moving the last of the boxes and putting together some of the furniture. Even though the place is a mess, I loved getting to show it off! My brothers hadn't seen the condo either, and I was gratified by their approval. I did get teased about calling the front room the "great" room. Okay, so it's not big enough to be called "great", but what else do you call a room that's a combined living room, dining room, and kitchen? David suggested the "livey-diney-kitchen room", so now every time I walk in there that's how I think of it (I'll probably call it the "front" room, though). How I love my David!
So now, except for a few essentials 'cause I'm still sleeping at my mom's house while I organize and make the condo liveable, I'm moved in to my place. I like to call this part of settling in the "Middle/Chaos" phase. The painting is done, the walls and ceiling are fixed, the rest of the home improvement projects can be postponed, and the furniture and boxes are in but scattered all over the place and largely unpacked. This is the fun part where I get to remember what I actually own, decide where to put it, and throw out the stuff I really should have given to Deseret Industries years ago.
Thanks everyone for all your help so far. I really couldn't have done all this on my own. My home is looking fantastic, and it's such a relief to have everything there. I hope to have my miscellanea organized enough to be sleeping there by Wednesday, and to have a housewarming within the month. I can do it!
I have to say, watching the three men get my over-stuffed couch (complete with attached cushions that caused them a lot of grief) up those three not-terribly-wide flights of stairs was awesome! It took all three, and they'd start with two at each end and one person in the middle (holding up the cushions), and as they lifted the couch around the corner of the bannister, the guy on the bottom end would crawl underneath to grab the top end, making the previous top-end person, the guy in the middle, and the previous middle guy the person handling the bottom end. I was very, very impressed at their ingenuity, and even more grateful for their help. Of course, they created a rule that from now on no one else is allowed to have an over-stuffed couch in the future if they want to live on the third floor...
My cousin Emily and her husband, Jesse, live in my new complex and came to help. I really appreciate their help moving the last of the boxes and putting together some of the furniture. Even though the place is a mess, I loved getting to show it off! My brothers hadn't seen the condo either, and I was gratified by their approval. I did get teased about calling the front room the "great" room. Okay, so it's not big enough to be called "great", but what else do you call a room that's a combined living room, dining room, and kitchen? David suggested the "livey-diney-kitchen room", so now every time I walk in there that's how I think of it (I'll probably call it the "front" room, though). How I love my David!
So now, except for a few essentials 'cause I'm still sleeping at my mom's house while I organize and make the condo liveable, I'm moved in to my place. I like to call this part of settling in the "Middle/Chaos" phase. The painting is done, the walls and ceiling are fixed, the rest of the home improvement projects can be postponed, and the furniture and boxes are in but scattered all over the place and largely unpacked. This is the fun part where I get to remember what I actually own, decide where to put it, and throw out the stuff I really should have given to Deseret Industries years ago.
Thanks everyone for all your help so far. I really couldn't have done all this on my own. My home is looking fantastic, and it's such a relief to have everything there. I hope to have my miscellanea organized enough to be sleeping there by Wednesday, and to have a housewarming within the month. I can do it!
Thursday, September 11
Spoiled by my Girlfriends
I am still reeling over all that happened on Tuesday and Wednesday night. I can't say anymore that my 30th birthday was "blah"!!
Mandee and Laren had both let slip that they were planning something for me. I can't fault either of them, since I tend to have a big mouth sometimes and accidentally stumbled into it both times. So, since the secret itself was blown and I knew something was up, they made darn sure that I had no idea what was actually going to happen. Laren told me very emphatically that there was no party. Since I'd wanted a surprise party my whole life, I was happy to just go along and marvel at their ingenuity. And golly -- I wasn't disappointed!
Laren picked me up about 5:30pm and drove zigg-zaggedly so I'd have no idea where we were going. She had warned me ahead of time that I'd want my camera, so I took the opportunity to take the only photo of Laren I got that night:
Our first stop was director Steph's house. Steph opened the door and gave me a huge hug and invited Laren and I to sit in the chairs on the front porch. She then presented me with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers*! Oh how I love flowers! Then Steph told me to look inside, and I saw that she had hidden a little bottle blue hair gel in there! Yay! How perfect that the woman who made sure I see the Star Trek Experience before it closed also helped me in my desire to bluify my hair. I really appreciate that she doesn't want me to have any regrets! She said that using this stuff I could either just streak a few curls at a time, or use it as a gel which would turn it all blue at once (it washes out). I wish I had put in a streak then and there, but I chickened out. I did put some in about 10 minutes later though -- loved it! It was the perfect way to start the evening.
*Editor's note: As of Saturday 9-20-08, these flowers are still alive and lovely.
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Next, we went to Mandee's house. Mandee said later that she made sure to be otherwise occupied so that her husband, Scott could be the one to present me with a pink rose; she really wanted a man to give me flowers! Then Mandee gave me a STACK of gifts! I was so surprised! Each one was lovely and hand-picked for me. I nearly started crying as I opened them. Scott had baked an awesome chocolate cake drizzled with caramel -- dude! I could have eaten two or three slices! But we were apparently on a time table, so we each just had one before we were off again!
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Emily H's daughter Grace greeted us at the door, followed directly by her mother. Yay! I hadn't seen Emily since Birdie closed! I love her new haircut! Emily started off by saying that she is Miss America for Halloween every year, and then she proceeded to crown me "Miss Amazing 2008". It was hilarious! She dressed me in a crown a "Miss Amazing 2008" sash and presented me with a certificate. I couldn't believe it when she gave me even more gifts -- the crowning was already so wonderful! I will definitely be putting up the candle and the photo of her, Kate and I from Birdie, and using that photo album. It was just too perfect that it was Emily who thought to make me to be a princess! Loved it! Love her! I was only too happy to acquiesce to Mandee's command that I wear the crown and sash for the rest of the evening.
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Emily's husband -- also named Scott -- kindly agreed to put their kids to bed so she could come with us to our next stop: dancer Stephanie's house! Stephanie's kids were sick, but they poked their kids in and said "Hi" while she brought out her gifts. I was delighted by the pumpkin spice candle and absolutely beautiful orange roses. Seriously, I couldn't have been any more touched. She is such a sweetie, and I was grateful for some time with her, too! Stephanie then pulled out two of my favorite movies: Sense and Sensibility and the Keira Knightley Pride and Prejudice. That's when everyone told me we were going to go back to Mandee's house to watch one together! Hooray! I got to hoard those four fantastic women for at least two and a half more hours!
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Disaster struck as we left Stephanie's house, though. There's a light pole that the city decided to put in an awkward place in Stephanie's driveway, and Laren hit it with the front of her car! Emily said her husband might be able to help repair it cheaply -- he's good with that kind of thing -- but we all felt guilty about it. It was the one dark spot of the night.
Another surprise was waiting when we arrived at Mandee's house: Emily B. and Tiffanie were there! It didn't expect that at all, since Emily B. lives in Utah County and Tiffanie and I had emailed that afternoon saying we needed to see each other soon. She's so devious! After a few moments of chatting, Laren called everyone but me into the kitchen. While I sat by myself for the first time that night, the doorbell rang. Someone yelled for me to get it. I was shocked again when I opened the door and there was Rachael (Wretchel!!) with her baby Sabrina! Holy granola! I flung myself into her arms I was so surprised! Before long, the doorbell rang again, and before I could get to it, Amy had opened the door and peeked in! She and director Steph had come together. I don't know why I just couldn't believe that so many women that I love and admire had all come together to celebrate my birthday with me! And more incredible was that they all brought gifts! I have chocolate and yummy-smelling candles to last my new apartment for a good couple of months. That's a good start to a comfy home! Emily B. also gave me a Princess coloring book, just so I could color them all blonde! Oh my goodness, I laughed about that for awhile. Just brilliant. Everyone just seemed so happy chatting together. Most of us hadn't seen each other since the play had closed, and everyone wanted to hold the baby. I regret not getting a photo of everyone there together. It was so comfortable and easy-going and fun. I felt relaxed and loved and happy; what more could a person want?
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When I finished opening the gifts, Laren sat me in a special chair where everyone could see me, and explained that she had told me this wasn't going to be a party, because I and all the women there are Goddesses, and this was a gathering of the Goddesses. She said that since it was my birthday, I got to choose where we'd all go together for dessert. I choose the cheesecake factory, so after some hemming and hawing, we left Mandee's house. Tiffanie, dancer Stephanie, and Emily H. needed to get home, so I heaped good-byes and thank yous on them as much as I could. Really, there was no way to exactly convey how happy they had made me!
Laren wasn't able to stay at the restaurant, but she gave me a gift card to cover my dessert! The group at the Cheesecake Factory included Mandee, Amy, Emily B, Rachael and Sabrina, director Steph, and Mandee. What a fun group of ladies! We had a quite table near the back where Sabrina could sleep, and the rest of us could chat and laugh and flirt with our charming and energetic waiter. They made sure the waiter knew it was my birthday so he could flirt outrageously and try to make me blush in the low light. I had everyone try an appetizer I like, the avocado eggrolls. Soo good! Everyone laughed at my reaction when our waiter and a bunch of other servers sang "Happy Birthday" and brought out my slice of caramel turtle cheesecake. I saw they were coming, and people from other tables were looking around, so I waved and smiled enthusiastically so everyone knew the servers were singing for ME! My birthday! Yaaaaaaaaay!
from left: Emily B, Steph, me, Mandee, Amy, Rachael
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It ended too soon -- about 11pm -- and Mandee drove me and a huge stack of gifts home. I put all of the flowers in water, organized all of the other wonderful things into boxes to transport to my condo, and placed a huge bag of peanut butter M&Ms into my purse for work. I had a hard time sleeping that night. You know how sometimes you don't want to sleep because you're so happy you don't think even your dreams can compete? That's how I felt. It was such a great night!
I felt like the Hale Centre Theatre anniversary party on Wednesday was another extension of my birthday! At least, that's how my friends made it feel for me. Candice invited me to be her date, and Kate invited director Steph. I met Candice and Steph at Candice's house, and the three of us drove over together. Kate was running a smidge late and told us to start without her, but we had a tough time getting to the buffet tables because we kept running into people we knew! We first ran into Dave and Patti as we finally made our way into the hallway leading to the rehearsal rooms. That's when we had our first look at Patti's purple hair. She looked fabulous! I accidentally dyed my hair purple once and it did not look nearly as cute as Patti's. I am totally in awe of her bravery!
We grabbed some turkey, yams, rolls, butter, salad, potatoes and gravy (those mashed potatoes were so creamy!) and found a table. The three of us sat with Patti, Dave, Michael Hutch and his date, and Kate arrived after not too long.
I would now like to take the opportunity to say that Steph, Candice, and Kate looked absolutely stunning. They are beautiful women even on their worst days, but it was so fun to have all of us dressed up, and accidentally color-coordinated in black, cream, and gold. I really do need a copy of the photo we took with Patti. I wish I'd taken my own camera to the party, too. I seriously love these women. Seriously.
Before long it was time for the entertainment, so we all trooped into the theatre, and sat on the back row where we could heckle and talk and laugh at unintentially hilarous speeches without bothering too many people. It was awesome to see scenes from the shows run during this last year: I teared up when Kate, Brad Charon, and the octet sang "What Child is This?" from A Christmas Carol; we all laughed as Bredesen pretended to try to kill himself with a fork and a pillow in a scene from Lend Me a Tenor; I felt chills while the northern and southern armies from The Civil War the Musical sang "By the Sword/The Sons of Dixie"(the South was outnumbered during the number, but they did have brooms while the North was unarmed...); my friends and I laughed hysterically as Mary Parker Williams tried to convince the rest of the cast of The Curious Savage that the bathroom was on fire; we marveled at Danny's trampoline skills and jivved with Kate and the Big the Musical cast during cross the line; and looked forward to seeing Candice in Into the Woods while Josh Richardson and Brian Hague sang "Agony". Then we were in for a treat as four actors chosen at random used bumper cars, sticks, and whatever they could to pop the balloons on the other contestants' cars and hats in an attempt to win $500. The last one to have one balloon unpopped was the winner, and boy did they work for it! It was so, so funny!
The program ended with all of us singing "Happy Birthday" to the theatre. Except, I realized at the second verse that Patti, Dave, Candice, Steph, and Kate were all singing to me, and even sang "Happy Birthday, dear Megan". I nearly started crying. It was a very emotional moment for me. The lights finally came up; Candice and I slowly made our way to the German-chocolate cake. Sally Deitlein served us both, and I thrilled when she told me I remind her of Bernadette Peters. If only I were as talented as Bernadette! I felt pretty cool. Candice and I ate cake and chatted and wandered around trying to find Kate and Steph, who we'd lost before going for the cake. After we found them, we decided none of us felt like karaoke or dancing, so we went instead to Applebee's. We made up one of the two tables filled there. The server mentioned she was kind of bummed there weren't more people there, and we said that since it was the Hale party that night, there hadn't been a show which would probably explain the lack of post-show diners. We tried to make up for the lack of any other customers by being as wacky, loud, and fun as possible (so, basically, we were just ourselves). My friends made sure everyone knew it was my birthday and that the servers all sang to me and brought ice cream! Oh, how I loved the attention! I loved having those three women all to myself; I don't see them nearly often enough.
The best part of the evening was that everyone who hadn't been able to attend my surprise party was at the Hale party, so I really did get to celebrate with everyone! I couldn't have asked for more. There wasn't anything else I wanted.
This has probably been the best birthday week in my own 30 years! If only everyone could celebrate this way, no one would ever not look forward to that milestone! I was surrounded by people I love, and I was reminded of all that I have and am and am grateful for. Future birthdays sure have a lot to live up to!
Thanks again to all who made it what it was. Thank you Laren and Mandee for putting together and executing such a mind-boggling and surprising evening, to Candice for inviting me to the Hale party, and to everyone who came to both events and let me know how much you care for me. I truly am blessed to know each of you.
Let my 30th year commence!
Mandee and Laren had both let slip that they were planning something for me. I can't fault either of them, since I tend to have a big mouth sometimes and accidentally stumbled into it both times. So, since the secret itself was blown and I knew something was up, they made darn sure that I had no idea what was actually going to happen. Laren told me very emphatically that there was no party. Since I'd wanted a surprise party my whole life, I was happy to just go along and marvel at their ingenuity. And golly -- I wasn't disappointed!
Laren picked me up about 5:30pm and drove zigg-zaggedly so I'd have no idea where we were going. She had warned me ahead of time that I'd want my camera, so I took the opportunity to take the only photo of Laren I got that night:
Our first stop was director Steph's house. Steph opened the door and gave me a huge hug and invited Laren and I to sit in the chairs on the front porch. She then presented me with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers*! Oh how I love flowers! Then Steph told me to look inside, and I saw that she had hidden a little bottle blue hair gel in there! Yay! How perfect that the woman who made sure I see the Star Trek Experience before it closed also helped me in my desire to bluify my hair. I really appreciate that she doesn't want me to have any regrets! She said that using this stuff I could either just streak a few curls at a time, or use it as a gel which would turn it all blue at once (it washes out). I wish I had put in a streak then and there, but I chickened out. I did put some in about 10 minutes later though -- loved it! It was the perfect way to start the evening.
*Editor's note: As of Saturday 9-20-08, these flowers are still alive and lovely.
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Next, we went to Mandee's house. Mandee said later that she made sure to be otherwise occupied so that her husband, Scott could be the one to present me with a pink rose; she really wanted a man to give me flowers! Then Mandee gave me a STACK of gifts! I was so surprised! Each one was lovely and hand-picked for me. I nearly started crying as I opened them. Scott had baked an awesome chocolate cake drizzled with caramel -- dude! I could have eaten two or three slices! But we were apparently on a time table, so we each just had one before we were off again!
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Emily H's daughter Grace greeted us at the door, followed directly by her mother. Yay! I hadn't seen Emily since Birdie closed! I love her new haircut! Emily started off by saying that she is Miss America for Halloween every year, and then she proceeded to crown me "Miss Amazing 2008". It was hilarious! She dressed me in a crown a "Miss Amazing 2008" sash and presented me with a certificate. I couldn't believe it when she gave me even more gifts -- the crowning was already so wonderful! I will definitely be putting up the candle and the photo of her, Kate and I from Birdie, and using that photo album. It was just too perfect that it was Emily who thought to make me to be a princess! Loved it! Love her! I was only too happy to acquiesce to Mandee's command that I wear the crown and sash for the rest of the evening.
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Emily's husband -- also named Scott -- kindly agreed to put their kids to bed so she could come with us to our next stop: dancer Stephanie's house! Stephanie's kids were sick, but they poked their kids in and said "Hi" while she brought out her gifts. I was delighted by the pumpkin spice candle and absolutely beautiful orange roses. Seriously, I couldn't have been any more touched. She is such a sweetie, and I was grateful for some time with her, too! Stephanie then pulled out two of my favorite movies: Sense and Sensibility and the Keira Knightley Pride and Prejudice. That's when everyone told me we were going to go back to Mandee's house to watch one together! Hooray! I got to hoard those four fantastic women for at least two and a half more hours!
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Disaster struck as we left Stephanie's house, though. There's a light pole that the city decided to put in an awkward place in Stephanie's driveway, and Laren hit it with the front of her car! Emily said her husband might be able to help repair it cheaply -- he's good with that kind of thing -- but we all felt guilty about it. It was the one dark spot of the night.
Another surprise was waiting when we arrived at Mandee's house: Emily B. and Tiffanie were there! It didn't expect that at all, since Emily B. lives in Utah County and Tiffanie and I had emailed that afternoon saying we needed to see each other soon. She's so devious! After a few moments of chatting, Laren called everyone but me into the kitchen. While I sat by myself for the first time that night, the doorbell rang. Someone yelled for me to get it. I was shocked again when I opened the door and there was Rachael (Wretchel!!) with her baby Sabrina! Holy granola! I flung myself into her arms I was so surprised! Before long, the doorbell rang again, and before I could get to it, Amy had opened the door and peeked in! She and director Steph had come together. I don't know why I just couldn't believe that so many women that I love and admire had all come together to celebrate my birthday with me! And more incredible was that they all brought gifts! I have chocolate and yummy-smelling candles to last my new apartment for a good couple of months. That's a good start to a comfy home! Emily B. also gave me a Princess coloring book, just so I could color them all blonde! Oh my goodness, I laughed about that for awhile. Just brilliant. Everyone just seemed so happy chatting together. Most of us hadn't seen each other since the play had closed, and everyone wanted to hold the baby. I regret not getting a photo of everyone there together. It was so comfortable and easy-going and fun. I felt relaxed and loved and happy; what more could a person want?
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When I finished opening the gifts, Laren sat me in a special chair where everyone could see me, and explained that she had told me this wasn't going to be a party, because I and all the women there are Goddesses, and this was a gathering of the Goddesses. She said that since it was my birthday, I got to choose where we'd all go together for dessert. I choose the cheesecake factory, so after some hemming and hawing, we left Mandee's house. Tiffanie, dancer Stephanie, and Emily H. needed to get home, so I heaped good-byes and thank yous on them as much as I could. Really, there was no way to exactly convey how happy they had made me!
Laren wasn't able to stay at the restaurant, but she gave me a gift card to cover my dessert! The group at the Cheesecake Factory included Mandee, Amy, Emily B, Rachael and Sabrina, director Steph, and Mandee. What a fun group of ladies! We had a quite table near the back where Sabrina could sleep, and the rest of us could chat and laugh and flirt with our charming and energetic waiter. They made sure the waiter knew it was my birthday so he could flirt outrageously and try to make me blush in the low light. I had everyone try an appetizer I like, the avocado eggrolls. Soo good! Everyone laughed at my reaction when our waiter and a bunch of other servers sang "Happy Birthday" and brought out my slice of caramel turtle cheesecake. I saw they were coming, and people from other tables were looking around, so I waved and smiled enthusiastically so everyone knew the servers were singing for ME! My birthday! Yaaaaaaaaay!
from left: Emily B, Steph, me, Mandee, Amy, Rachael
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It ended too soon -- about 11pm -- and Mandee drove me and a huge stack of gifts home. I put all of the flowers in water, organized all of the other wonderful things into boxes to transport to my condo, and placed a huge bag of peanut butter M&Ms into my purse for work. I had a hard time sleeping that night. You know how sometimes you don't want to sleep because you're so happy you don't think even your dreams can compete? That's how I felt. It was such a great night!
I felt like the Hale Centre Theatre anniversary party on Wednesday was another extension of my birthday! At least, that's how my friends made it feel for me. Candice invited me to be her date, and Kate invited director Steph. I met Candice and Steph at Candice's house, and the three of us drove over together. Kate was running a smidge late and told us to start without her, but we had a tough time getting to the buffet tables because we kept running into people we knew! We first ran into Dave and Patti as we finally made our way into the hallway leading to the rehearsal rooms. That's when we had our first look at Patti's purple hair. She looked fabulous! I accidentally dyed my hair purple once and it did not look nearly as cute as Patti's. I am totally in awe of her bravery!
We grabbed some turkey, yams, rolls, butter, salad, potatoes and gravy (those mashed potatoes were so creamy!) and found a table. The three of us sat with Patti, Dave, Michael Hutch and his date, and Kate arrived after not too long.
I would now like to take the opportunity to say that Steph, Candice, and Kate looked absolutely stunning. They are beautiful women even on their worst days, but it was so fun to have all of us dressed up, and accidentally color-coordinated in black, cream, and gold. I really do need a copy of the photo we took with Patti. I wish I'd taken my own camera to the party, too. I seriously love these women. Seriously.
Before long it was time for the entertainment, so we all trooped into the theatre, and sat on the back row where we could heckle and talk and laugh at unintentially hilarous speeches without bothering too many people. It was awesome to see scenes from the shows run during this last year: I teared up when Kate, Brad Charon, and the octet sang "What Child is This?" from A Christmas Carol; we all laughed as Bredesen pretended to try to kill himself with a fork and a pillow in a scene from Lend Me a Tenor; I felt chills while the northern and southern armies from The Civil War the Musical sang "By the Sword/The Sons of Dixie"(the South was outnumbered during the number, but they did have brooms while the North was unarmed...); my friends and I laughed hysterically as Mary Parker Williams tried to convince the rest of the cast of The Curious Savage that the bathroom was on fire; we marveled at Danny's trampoline skills and jivved with Kate and the Big the Musical cast during cross the line; and looked forward to seeing Candice in Into the Woods while Josh Richardson and Brian Hague sang "Agony". Then we were in for a treat as four actors chosen at random used bumper cars, sticks, and whatever they could to pop the balloons on the other contestants' cars and hats in an attempt to win $500. The last one to have one balloon unpopped was the winner, and boy did they work for it! It was so, so funny!
The program ended with all of us singing "Happy Birthday" to the theatre. Except, I realized at the second verse that Patti, Dave, Candice, Steph, and Kate were all singing to me, and even sang "Happy Birthday, dear Megan". I nearly started crying. It was a very emotional moment for me. The lights finally came up; Candice and I slowly made our way to the German-chocolate cake. Sally Deitlein served us both, and I thrilled when she told me I remind her of Bernadette Peters. If only I were as talented as Bernadette! I felt pretty cool. Candice and I ate cake and chatted and wandered around trying to find Kate and Steph, who we'd lost before going for the cake. After we found them, we decided none of us felt like karaoke or dancing, so we went instead to Applebee's. We made up one of the two tables filled there. The server mentioned she was kind of bummed there weren't more people there, and we said that since it was the Hale party that night, there hadn't been a show which would probably explain the lack of post-show diners. We tried to make up for the lack of any other customers by being as wacky, loud, and fun as possible (so, basically, we were just ourselves). My friends made sure everyone knew it was my birthday and that the servers all sang to me and brought ice cream! Oh, how I loved the attention! I loved having those three women all to myself; I don't see them nearly often enough.
The best part of the evening was that everyone who hadn't been able to attend my surprise party was at the Hale party, so I really did get to celebrate with everyone! I couldn't have asked for more. There wasn't anything else I wanted.
This has probably been the best birthday week in my own 30 years! If only everyone could celebrate this way, no one would ever not look forward to that milestone! I was surrounded by people I love, and I was reminded of all that I have and am and am grateful for. Future birthdays sure have a lot to live up to!
Thanks again to all who made it what it was. Thank you Laren and Mandee for putting together and executing such a mind-boggling and surprising evening, to Candice for inviting me to the Hale party, and to everyone who came to both events and let me know how much you care for me. I truly am blessed to know each of you.
Let my 30th year commence!
Monday, September 8
Dinner and Family
My birthday was a good day. Nothing out of the ordinary, but it was peaceful, and I was glad to spend it with the people I love most in the world.
After sleeping in that morning, I prepared myself for church physically and spiritually, and then watched some soccer with Peter. Truth to be told, I wouldn't have chosen to have my 30th birthday on a Sunday, but since it was I felt excited to go to church and feel the spirit there and talk with my Heavenly Father and thank him for these last 30 years. I have been very blessed. It felt right to share some of my special day with Him.
Turned out, the next week was Regional Conference at the Conference Center, so it was my last chance to be in that ward and say good-bye. I hadn't told many people I was moving, so it caused quite a stir during Good News Minute. My Relief Society President and I get along really well, and when I told her I was leaving she said, "Oh no! I'm going to miss you; you're one of my favorites." I'm going to miss her too! It was a good ward. I loved my calling (Relief Society choruster -- how perfect is that?!), the Bishopric was genuine and kind, and I made friends there that I hope to keep for life.
After church, I went home and asked Dad to take some pictures of me while I was still dressed up. I felt very pretty in my floaty while dress, and wanted a photo of myself dressed up on my 30th birthday!
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When Adam, Lindsey, and the G-unit arrived G was grumpy. To cheer him up, I told him we had chocolate-covered strawberries. I then said "G, we're going to have the Best Dessert Ever!" (That's what my family calls this incredibly fattening and delicious cream cheese and chocolate pudding dessert that I love). Well, G looked up at me with those big, blue, tear-filled eyes and said, "Cake?" I laughed and told him that the Best Dessert Ever is the name of the dessert. He's such a joy! How I love that little boy!
Mom served the dinner I'd been planning for a month:
It was, of course, excellent, and I was delighted when everyone liked it. Everyone took leftovers home and I still had enough for myself to eat for 3 lunches!
The gifts were terrific. I love to open gifts, and very much appreciated my family's thoughtfulness. Adam's family gave me the Stardust DVD, Dad bought me movie discount tickets, Mom gave me the Hairspray DVD, and Mom and Dad together gave me a new VCR/DVD player! I loved that Peter and David chose to give me the globe I'd hoped for. It will be nice to have a visual idea of where the places I read about actually are!
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In my honor, the G-unit sang "Do, A Deer" from the Sound of Music. Lindsey started him off, and he rattled off the song in silly, giggly fashion, ending in "Do-oh-oh-oh-oh!" I was impressed that even though he kept interrupting himself to giggle, he came back into the song at the correct pitch! He didn't even change keys when the tune seemed too high! It was awesome!
Aaron called after dinner to wish me a happy birthday. I love my Aaron and have kept lousy touch during the last year. It was nice to hear how his adventures are progressing and to have his encouragement for mine. He sounds happy. I miss him. I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas when he comes to visit! Yay! Two weeks! I hope he doesn't get bored...
The rest of the evening went much the way most Sunday evenings do lately: Mom played with G, and the rest of us watched Project Runway and other stuff on t.v. When the others left I felt I should watch something Dad would like. Then Mom reminded me it was MY birthday, so I decided to watch what I wanted: Monk, Psych (both on DVR), and Spanglish (the only one my dad actually watched; I think he liked it!). I took today off from work (Yes, I took both Friday and Monday surrounding my birthday off. I think everyone should!) so I didn't have to worry about going to bed early. I love to stay up late! And it was my birthday; I wanted to wring every last drop of birthday-ness from it I could.
The day ended far too quickly, as they often do. Fortunately, I have something going on every night this week -- let the Birthday Week continue!
After sleeping in that morning, I prepared myself for church physically and spiritually, and then watched some soccer with Peter. Truth to be told, I wouldn't have chosen to have my 30th birthday on a Sunday, but since it was I felt excited to go to church and feel the spirit there and talk with my Heavenly Father and thank him for these last 30 years. I have been very blessed. It felt right to share some of my special day with Him.
Turned out, the next week was Regional Conference at the Conference Center, so it was my last chance to be in that ward and say good-bye. I hadn't told many people I was moving, so it caused quite a stir during Good News Minute. My Relief Society President and I get along really well, and when I told her I was leaving she said, "Oh no! I'm going to miss you; you're one of my favorites." I'm going to miss her too! It was a good ward. I loved my calling (Relief Society choruster -- how perfect is that?!), the Bishopric was genuine and kind, and I made friends there that I hope to keep for life.
After church, I went home and asked Dad to take some pictures of me while I was still dressed up. I felt very pretty in my floaty while dress, and wanted a photo of myself dressed up on my 30th birthday!
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When Adam, Lindsey, and the G-unit arrived G was grumpy. To cheer him up, I told him we had chocolate-covered strawberries. I then said "G, we're going to have the Best Dessert Ever!" (That's what my family calls this incredibly fattening and delicious cream cheese and chocolate pudding dessert that I love). Well, G looked up at me with those big, blue, tear-filled eyes and said, "Cake?" I laughed and told him that the Best Dessert Ever is the name of the dessert. He's such a joy! How I love that little boy!
Mom served the dinner I'd been planning for a month:
steak and chicken shishkabobs grilled with green peppers
hummus and pita bread
squash, tomatos, onions, and zucchinni baked in Italian dressing
chocolate-covered strawberries
Print Loft (cheese) soup
the Best Dessert Ever
It was, of course, excellent, and I was delighted when everyone liked it. Everyone took leftovers home and I still had enough for myself to eat for 3 lunches!
The gifts were terrific. I love to open gifts, and very much appreciated my family's thoughtfulness. Adam's family gave me the Stardust DVD, Dad bought me movie discount tickets, Mom gave me the Hairspray DVD, and Mom and Dad together gave me a new VCR/DVD player! I loved that Peter and David chose to give me the globe I'd hoped for. It will be nice to have a visual idea of where the places I read about actually are!
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In my honor, the G-unit sang "Do, A Deer" from the Sound of Music. Lindsey started him off, and he rattled off the song in silly, giggly fashion, ending in "Do-oh-oh-oh-oh!" I was impressed that even though he kept interrupting himself to giggle, he came back into the song at the correct pitch! He didn't even change keys when the tune seemed too high! It was awesome!
Aaron called after dinner to wish me a happy birthday. I love my Aaron and have kept lousy touch during the last year. It was nice to hear how his adventures are progressing and to have his encouragement for mine. He sounds happy. I miss him. I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas when he comes to visit! Yay! Two weeks! I hope he doesn't get bored...
The rest of the evening went much the way most Sunday evenings do lately: Mom played with G, and the rest of us watched Project Runway and other stuff on t.v. When the others left I felt I should watch something Dad would like. Then Mom reminded me it was MY birthday, so I decided to watch what I wanted: Monk, Psych (both on DVR), and Spanglish (the only one my dad actually watched; I think he liked it!). I took today off from work (Yes, I took both Friday and Monday surrounding my birthday off. I think everyone should!) so I didn't have to worry about going to bed early. I love to stay up late! And it was my birthday; I wanted to wring every last drop of birthday-ness from it I could.
The day ended far too quickly, as they often do. Fortunately, I have something going on every night this week -- let the Birthday Week continue!
Sunday, September 7
Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving
Today is my birthday!
I'm 30? Whoa! That's crazy! My life is not what I imagined at 16 that it would be, and while I could complain, I'd rather list 30 adventures and accomplishments that I have been privileged to experience:
1. I learned to walk, talk, read and write.
2. I have completed the run of 43 community and school plays in addition to many roadshows and one-acts for acting classes.
3. I earned all of the Young Women medallions.
4. I took ballroom dancing in 5th grade, and had a blast during the recital, during which Adrian Dayton and I jived to the Happy Days theme.
5. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in English.
6. I appeared as a stand-in and extra on Promised Land, and a featured extra on Touched By an Angel.
7. Travels within the U.S: Miami, Florida; Spokane and Coeur d'Alene (multiple times), Washington; San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, California (multiple times); Yellowstone National Park (at least three times); Billings, Montana (too many times to count); Disneyworld, Florida; Disneyland, California (at least six times);
New York City (at least 5 times) and Palmyra, New York; Washington D.C. (twice); Hershey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Williamsburg, Virginia; the islands of Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii; Lake Powell many times; Phoenix, Mesa, Prescott Valley, Williams, Winslow, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon in Arizona (technically, I lived at these places in Arizona); Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Idaho; Cedar City and Saint George, UT; Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park in Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada.8. I got an "A" in my beginning tap dance class at the Y and used those skills in 42nd Street the next year.
9. I served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Phoenix Arizona Mission.
10. I have read the Book of Mormon at least 7 times (probably more, but I don't really keep count).
11. I graduated from Cottonwood High School.
12. I learned to sew, and made several pillowcases in Junior High.
13. I have read all of the Harry Potter books at least four times...14. and the Lord of the Rings three times.
15. I have been good and kissed at least once.
16. I have been a Technical Writer for the last year.
17. Temples I have patronized: Salt Lake, St. George, Provo, Mesa Arizona, Jordan River, New York City, Billings Montana, Manti.
18. Other temples I've visited but not been inside: Idaho Falls, San Diego.
19. I've met an insane number of wonderful people, many of whom I'm still privileged to call my friends.20. I performed nearly every type of job available at DDN at one time or another during my 3 1/2 years there.
21. I have seen paintings by Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and da Vinci, and sculptures by Michaelangelo in person.
22. While in high school, I taught a session of dance classes for what was known at that time as City Rep Theatre.
23. I earned and have kept my driver's license.
24. Accents I mastered for one show or another (they were good during the runs at least): Cockney (Oliver!, My Fair Lady, the Secret Garden, Toad! The Wind in the Willows), French (the Phantom of the Opera, The Three Musketeers), Southern (Tom Sawyer, Inherit the Wind, The Haunted Mansion), German (Kindertransport), high British (Scrooge, A Christmas Carol), and Scottish (Brigadoon twice).
25. Travels outside the U.S: Paris (twice), the Loire Valley, and Normandy in France; London, Bath, and the Cotswolds in England; Cardiff, Wales; Cozumel, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Johns, St. Maartens, and St. Thomas.26. Behind the scenes work: Costume Assistant in the Masque of the Beauty and the Beast, Stage Crew for Crimes of the Heart, Sound Technician for the Princess and the Pea, Assistant Director for Wait Until Dark.
27. I learned how to french braid my own hair and other people's hair (though I cannot do both at the same time).
28. I bought a condo and had a sizeable amount of money saved for the down payment.
29. I was the 5A Regional Best Actress in a One-Act my junior year of High School. The play scored first place at Region.
30. I have played four of my dream roles: Hero in Much Ado About Nothing, Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Amy March in Little Women, and Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie.
I cannot imagine a different past -- it's been pretty terrific! I like who I am and I'm proud of what I've done. I am grateful for the people around me and the opportunities I have had so far. Thank you to everyone that has helped to make me who I am, and for the endless supply of fun! I'm excited to discover what will happen next!
Hooray for 30!
Saturday, September 6
The Kick-off
According to my grandmother, my mother has always been an advocate of "the Birthday Week". A person shouldn't just get to feel special for one day -- we need to stretch the celebration out. After all, every child of God is a unique and remarkable creature, right?
Well, my birthday week officially started on Thursday, when some of my co-workers took me to lunch. I chose Romano's Macaroni Grill, and invited two awesome women from IT, Cindy and Kim, to join Beth, Michele, Emily (who are all in my department), and me. The waiter was kind of slow -- we probably ought not to have taken a two hour lunch. But we ate our delicious food and chatted. It was nice! Beth was kind enough to treat me, and encouraged me to even get a dessert, which our waiter put a candle in so I could make a wish. It occurred to me that my birthday wish from last year totally came true. I usually don't remember what they are, but that one was rather special to me, so now I take great stock in the wish. I may make a different one on my actual birthday, though. Is it allowed to make a different wish if I have multiple cakes? Hope so. I'm doing it anyway!
The group all sang "Happy Birthday", and then the hostess sang it again in Italian... she changed keys about three times which made my smile kind of freeze on my face, but it was still a lovely song. She was singing for me! It's my birthday week! Woo-hoooooo!
And you better believe I finished that huge slice of chocolate cake... even if it was at 1 a.m...
After lunch, Beth, Michele, Emily and I briefly toured a Halloween costume store. That's a fun thing about my birthday: it heralds the approaching holiday! We laughed about the slutty female costumes (they even had slutty costumes for young teen girls, which is sad), and the funny and well-made guy costumes. These were not your plastic-bag-with-a-mask deals they had when I was a kid (thank goodness my mom hand-made all my costumes). Meanwhile, I may need to buy some fake eyelashes with feathers on them. Sleeping Beauty would totally wear feathered eyelashes, right?
Hooray! It's my birthday week!
me, Wendi, Michele and Beth last month at the Cheesecake Factory
Well, my birthday week officially started on Thursday, when some of my co-workers took me to lunch. I chose Romano's Macaroni Grill, and invited two awesome women from IT, Cindy and Kim, to join Beth, Michele, Emily (who are all in my department), and me. The waiter was kind of slow -- we probably ought not to have taken a two hour lunch. But we ate our delicious food and chatted. It was nice! Beth was kind enough to treat me, and encouraged me to even get a dessert, which our waiter put a candle in so I could make a wish. It occurred to me that my birthday wish from last year totally came true. I usually don't remember what they are, but that one was rather special to me, so now I take great stock in the wish. I may make a different one on my actual birthday, though. Is it allowed to make a different wish if I have multiple cakes? Hope so. I'm doing it anyway!
The group all sang "Happy Birthday", and then the hostess sang it again in Italian... she changed keys about three times which made my smile kind of freeze on my face, but it was still a lovely song. She was singing for me! It's my birthday week! Woo-hoooooo!
And you better believe I finished that huge slice of chocolate cake... even if it was at 1 a.m...
After lunch, Beth, Michele, Emily and I briefly toured a Halloween costume store. That's a fun thing about my birthday: it heralds the approaching holiday! We laughed about the slutty female costumes (they even had slutty costumes for young teen girls, which is sad), and the funny and well-made guy costumes. These were not your plastic-bag-with-a-mask deals they had when I was a kid (thank goodness my mom hand-made all my costumes). Meanwhile, I may need to buy some fake eyelashes with feathers on them. Sleeping Beauty would totally wear feathered eyelashes, right?
Hooray! It's my birthday week!
me, Wendi, Michele and Beth last month at the Cheesecake Factory
Saved by Michelle
I took Friday off work for several reasons:
1. I wanted to work a bit on my condo.
2. I needed to be there when the cable guy showed up.
3. My birthday is on Sunday and even though I didn't go out of town I wanted a vacation.
It was a rather busy day! I vacuumed and cleaned and painted with my mom. We arrived at the condo after lunch just in time to keep the cable guy from leaving (has anyone else had the people say "I'll be there between 1 and 5pm", and actually have him arrive at 1:10? No? Me neither. But of course, if I'm not there right on time... Silly Murphy's Law).
So, the Comcast cable guy, Eric, starts working, and checking my three cable outlets. I wanted cable, internet, and DVR. According to Eric's reader, non of the three cable outlets in my condo were active. Bad news: he isn't authorized to string cable in a 6-plex. Good news: he might be able to work around it to achieve an active connection. Bad news: he needs his reader to do it properly, but not only is it running out of batteries, the charger is at his house in West Valley. Bah! So, he had to leave for about an hour to get it and come back.
He was back by 3 and finished setting up the cable and DVR. We ran into a snag with the computer, though. My laptop wouldn't recognize that it was hooked up to the internet. Eric fiddled with it for quite awhile before admitting he was new and didn't have much experience with my type of computer. At 4:30 my mom left. About that same time, Eric decided there was nothing more he could do, so he called his supervisor, Jay, and asked me if I'd be willing to wait an hour or so for Jay to come and finish up. I said Fine. Whatever. I just wanted it done (maybe that wasn't the best attitude to have). I was fairly polite about the whole thing up to that point. After all, he was doing his best.
Eric left and I took a nap and then watched some t.v, and then read a little. Man, I was bored. About 6 o'clock, Eric shows up again, and says Jay is stuck at another job so Eric's going to give it another go, but has no more success than he did before. Now, also, he's complaining that he wants to go home, and is frustrated that he doesn't know what to do (hadn't he said that before he left the second time?). Yeah, this is not helping my confidence in him. At that point, I was glad that I didn't have a date that night, because I probably would have had to cancel.
I did have plans to hang out with my best friend, Michelle, who I hadn't seen in months. I called Michelle and told her I didn't know how long it would be, so she offered to bring dinner to me. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! She and her daughter Abbie brought some Little Caesar's Hot and Ready pizza, which we shared with Eric while we waited for Jay to show up. Jay finally did, and about 8 o'clock sent Eric home.
Are you paying attention? I have now been waiting for 7 hours.
I am so glad Michelle was there to get me through it. She and I chatted and I showed her around. I felt badly that there wasn't much for Abbie to do. She watched some Handy Manny for awhile, but she was obviously bored. She is such a good sport. Michelle is a terrific mom; I'm always impressed and a little jealous when I see them together.
Jay kept trying different methods, and finally told me I might have to reset my laptop in order to get the ethernet working. Then he decided it was something else, then thought of another something else. Bah!
At 9:20 he said, "it's 9:20, it's time I go home". He thought he knew what would get the connection working on my laptop, and so we scheduled ANOTHER appointment for Saturday afternoon. Oh joy, I get to spend even more time dealing with this. Jay did say since it's been such a hassle he was going to wave the installation fee. You bet he was! Doesn't he know I'm not getting any younger?
I can't help but think it may have taken less time if either one of these cable dudes had not have to leave the building every half hour for ten minutes to smoke a cigarette. Yeah, they're entitled to breaks and this was frustrating for all of us, but 8 hours? Seriously? And it's still not finished?! Grrr!
Michelle and I went to Cold Stone for the ice cream we'd promised Abbie for being so good (and also, I adore Cold Stone). We then went back to their house and put Abbie to bed. Michelle and I sang to her in harmony -- I haven't sung with her in so long! -- we said bedtime prayers, and then I left them alone while Michelle finished the routine. Then my best friend and I laughed more than we expected while watching What Happens in Vegas.
And, of course, we had to stay up and talk until a mildly ridiculous hour, which is what we do every time we get together. Michelle and I have been friends for 14 years. We understand each other and have been through a lot together. I love her. I'm so grateful she rescued me today! I don't know what I would have done if it had just been me and the chain-smoking cable guys all night!!
1. I wanted to work a bit on my condo.
2. I needed to be there when the cable guy showed up.
3. My birthday is on Sunday and even though I didn't go out of town I wanted a vacation.
It was a rather busy day! I vacuumed and cleaned and painted with my mom. We arrived at the condo after lunch just in time to keep the cable guy from leaving (has anyone else had the people say "I'll be there between 1 and 5pm", and actually have him arrive at 1:10? No? Me neither. But of course, if I'm not there right on time... Silly Murphy's Law).
So, the Comcast cable guy, Eric, starts working, and checking my three cable outlets. I wanted cable, internet, and DVR. According to Eric's reader, non of the three cable outlets in my condo were active. Bad news: he isn't authorized to string cable in a 6-plex. Good news: he might be able to work around it to achieve an active connection. Bad news: he needs his reader to do it properly, but not only is it running out of batteries, the charger is at his house in West Valley. Bah! So, he had to leave for about an hour to get it and come back.
He was back by 3 and finished setting up the cable and DVR. We ran into a snag with the computer, though. My laptop wouldn't recognize that it was hooked up to the internet. Eric fiddled with it for quite awhile before admitting he was new and didn't have much experience with my type of computer. At 4:30 my mom left. About that same time, Eric decided there was nothing more he could do, so he called his supervisor, Jay, and asked me if I'd be willing to wait an hour or so for Jay to come and finish up. I said Fine. Whatever. I just wanted it done (maybe that wasn't the best attitude to have). I was fairly polite about the whole thing up to that point. After all, he was doing his best.
Eric left and I took a nap and then watched some t.v, and then read a little. Man, I was bored. About 6 o'clock, Eric shows up again, and says Jay is stuck at another job so Eric's going to give it another go, but has no more success than he did before. Now, also, he's complaining that he wants to go home, and is frustrated that he doesn't know what to do (hadn't he said that before he left the second time?). Yeah, this is not helping my confidence in him. At that point, I was glad that I didn't have a date that night, because I probably would have had to cancel.
I did have plans to hang out with my best friend, Michelle, who I hadn't seen in months. I called Michelle and told her I didn't know how long it would be, so she offered to bring dinner to me. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! She and her daughter Abbie brought some Little Caesar's Hot and Ready pizza, which we shared with Eric while we waited for Jay to show up. Jay finally did, and about 8 o'clock sent Eric home.
Are you paying attention? I have now been waiting for 7 hours.
I am so glad Michelle was there to get me through it. She and I chatted and I showed her around. I felt badly that there wasn't much for Abbie to do. She watched some Handy Manny for awhile, but she was obviously bored. She is such a good sport. Michelle is a terrific mom; I'm always impressed and a little jealous when I see them together.
Jay kept trying different methods, and finally told me I might have to reset my laptop in order to get the ethernet working. Then he decided it was something else, then thought of another something else. Bah!
At 9:20 he said, "it's 9:20, it's time I go home". He thought he knew what would get the connection working on my laptop, and so we scheduled ANOTHER appointment for Saturday afternoon. Oh joy, I get to spend even more time dealing with this. Jay did say since it's been such a hassle he was going to wave the installation fee. You bet he was! Doesn't he know I'm not getting any younger?
I can't help but think it may have taken less time if either one of these cable dudes had not have to leave the building every half hour for ten minutes to smoke a cigarette. Yeah, they're entitled to breaks and this was frustrating for all of us, but 8 hours? Seriously? And it's still not finished?! Grrr!
Michelle and I went to Cold Stone for the ice cream we'd promised Abbie for being so good (and also, I adore Cold Stone). We then went back to their house and put Abbie to bed. Michelle and I sang to her in harmony -- I haven't sung with her in so long! -- we said bedtime prayers, and then I left them alone while Michelle finished the routine. Then my best friend and I laughed more than we expected while watching What Happens in Vegas.
And, of course, we had to stay up and talk until a mildly ridiculous hour, which is what we do every time we get together. Michelle and I have been friends for 14 years. We understand each other and have been through a lot together. I love her. I'm so grateful she rescued me today! I don't know what I would have done if it had just been me and the chain-smoking cable guys all night!!
Tuesday, September 2
Gold of Sunshine in Her Hair
I have a rant about how the only two blonde animated Disney princesses - Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty -- are the two who don't have any control over their destinys. They are lovely and sweet, but ultimately have to be rescued from their lives by someone else, be it a prince, fairy godmother, or both. I like to imagine this wouldn't irk me so much if at least ONE princess/heroine since then had been a blonde. Obviously, some have ethnic backgrounds where it isn't a possibility, but Ariel? Meg? Jane? Belle? All of these are strong characters who take charge of their destinys and win their true love and the right to be who they truely are. None are blonde.
(Yes, I know the three silly girls in Beauty and the Beast are blonde, but they aren't very good role models, either.)
This is not to say I don't like either of these films. Quite the opposite! I'm just annoyed that Disney hasn't represented the blonde community more kindly since they've started presenting take-charge women in their films. Then again, statistically speaking I suppose I should acknowledge there aren't that many natural blondes in the world. And I think it's very cool that the princess in the next Disney movie, The Princess and the Frog, is African-American. Equality is good. I just feel it's time to let a blonde character be the real hero instead of just a story-telling device!
Anyway, Sleeping Beauty is one of my all-time favorite movies and stories. Love the animation, love the characters, love the prince, love the villain, love the mandolyn player during the toasting scene, love the music. I even have a Princess Aurora Halloween costume (in blue)! So, I was thrilled with this:
You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)
Which Disney Princess Are You?
(Yes, I know the three silly girls in Beauty and the Beast are blonde, but they aren't very good role models, either.)
This is not to say I don't like either of these films. Quite the opposite! I'm just annoyed that Disney hasn't represented the blonde community more kindly since they've started presenting take-charge women in their films. Then again, statistically speaking I suppose I should acknowledge there aren't that many natural blondes in the world. And I think it's very cool that the princess in the next Disney movie, The Princess and the Frog, is African-American. Equality is good. I just feel it's time to let a blonde character be the real hero instead of just a story-telling device!
Anyway, Sleeping Beauty is one of my all-time favorite movies and stories. Love the animation, love the characters, love the prince, love the villain, love the mandolyn player during the toasting scene, love the music. I even have a Princess Aurora Halloween costume (in blue)! So, I was thrilled with this:
You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)
Thoughtful and loving. Authority figures probably have been sheltering you all of your life. Thankfully you're a very tranquil person who is content with what life has given you, but secretly you want to know how the outside world works.
Which Disney Princess Are You?
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