Original Post Date: September 22, 2008
That has to have been the LAMEST Emmys I have ever seen. Could it have gotten much worse? Next year, just let Tom Bergeron host the whole dang thing and ditch the other 4. Seriously. And he SHOULD HAVE ONE!!!! Why the heck did Probst win? Geez.....
There were some good things, though. My favorite moment of the night was the exchange between Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell. That was ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!!!!!! Especially when Steve pulled the Emmy out from under his seat!!!! I laughed so hard!!!
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's presentation. They have to be the funniest women on TV right now. "I thought you said you were going to practice this!" "I LIED!!!!!"
Yay for the wins for "John Adams". If you have not watched that miniseries, you MUST WATCH IT SOON!!! It was amazing. If Paul Giamatti had not won, I would have done something really drastic...like eat my hat or something. There was no one better than him in ANYTHING this year. Hands down. Laura Linney was amazing, too, and I'm glad she won (though Phylicia Rashad was equally amazing in "A Raisin in the Sun". If you haven't that...SEE IT!) I say BOOOOO that Audra didn't win, though. She rocks!
Josh Groban's musical tribute to TV Theme Songs was great! He does some pretty dang good impressions! That was...impressive. I'm sorry, I couldn't think of a better word. :)
All in all, the evening sucked, though. I'm very glad that I came in late and was able to fast forward through most of it. Thank heavens for DVR.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Lessons Learned
Original Post Date: September 20, 2008
So, I've learned something this year. Last year, I auditioned for something and I wanted a specific role. I didn't get the role, and I was devastated at first. I moved on and did the role I was cast in, but it kind of threw me for a loop. But there was another show I auditioned for last year, where I would only accept one of 2 roles. And if I didn't get cast, that was okay, too. I got that role. (Well...I got one of them, and then ended up playing the other role instead. Yes, I'm talking about Fiddler.) But then there was another show...I said I'd take any role, and I didn't get called back for a specific role that I would have liked. I asked to be considered for it, which was a big step for me. I'm usually not that forward at auditions. I didn't get it, but that was okay. I had at least taken a chance. And I had a blast in the ensemble! Finally, I auditioned for another show and I wanted a specific part. I didn't get it, even though I thought I was the best for it. That made me more than a little frustrated, but I did as I was cast...and stressful as the show was, it was a good experience, on so many levels.
Then this year rolled around....
I had one week in between Savior of the World and Fiddler rehearsals. Before Fiddler was even done, I auditioned for The Miracle Worker. I didn't expect much out of that. I do musical theatre, and that was a play. So I went in with no expectations, just looking for a little audition experience. Especially, since I am notoriously bad at cold readings. It was a dream show, so I went. And I got Kate Keller. Turned out to be a HUGE growth experience for me. I'm much more comfortable with speaking lines on stage now. I really needed that! (Tzeitel helped with that, too. I'm not as stiff onstage as I once was. I still have a loooooooooooong way to go, though.) Well, the weekend before Tech Week started, I auditioned for Little Women. Again, I had no expectations. I knew I was too old to play one of the girls. But, I love the show to pieces, and would just be happy to be involved. If I got it, great! If not, I could have a break and cut my hair!!! I got it. I'm very excited to be playing Aunt March. Character Cameos are my forte!
So what have I learned? Not to take stuff so seriously. Go in with zero expectations. Don't go in wanting a specific role...and if I do, be okay with not getting it. I don't need to think it's life or death if I don't get the part. Because it's not. I don't work professionally, so I won't starve if I don't get the part. But at the same time, I have to show I have confidence. I still need to go in and give the best audition that I can...which is easy when I'm not super nervous about it. Okay, I don't really get nervous anymore...I get anxious. And I can get really worked up about stuff. It's all about getting the butterflies to fly in formation. That's all it is. And when I'm not worried about whether or not I'll get the part, it's easier to get the butterflies to do what I want them to.
So that's what I've learned. When I start taking stuff too seriously, theatre ceases to be fun. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't do it. And if I wasn't doing theater...well, let's not go there. ;)
So, I've learned something this year. Last year, I auditioned for something and I wanted a specific role. I didn't get the role, and I was devastated at first. I moved on and did the role I was cast in, but it kind of threw me for a loop. But there was another show I auditioned for last year, where I would only accept one of 2 roles. And if I didn't get cast, that was okay, too. I got that role. (Well...I got one of them, and then ended up playing the other role instead. Yes, I'm talking about Fiddler.) But then there was another show...I said I'd take any role, and I didn't get called back for a specific role that I would have liked. I asked to be considered for it, which was a big step for me. I'm usually not that forward at auditions. I didn't get it, but that was okay. I had at least taken a chance. And I had a blast in the ensemble! Finally, I auditioned for another show and I wanted a specific part. I didn't get it, even though I thought I was the best for it. That made me more than a little frustrated, but I did as I was cast...and stressful as the show was, it was a good experience, on so many levels.
Then this year rolled around....
I had one week in between Savior of the World and Fiddler rehearsals. Before Fiddler was even done, I auditioned for The Miracle Worker. I didn't expect much out of that. I do musical theatre, and that was a play. So I went in with no expectations, just looking for a little audition experience. Especially, since I am notoriously bad at cold readings. It was a dream show, so I went. And I got Kate Keller. Turned out to be a HUGE growth experience for me. I'm much more comfortable with speaking lines on stage now. I really needed that! (Tzeitel helped with that, too. I'm not as stiff onstage as I once was. I still have a loooooooooooong way to go, though.) Well, the weekend before Tech Week started, I auditioned for Little Women. Again, I had no expectations. I knew I was too old to play one of the girls. But, I love the show to pieces, and would just be happy to be involved. If I got it, great! If not, I could have a break and cut my hair!!! I got it. I'm very excited to be playing Aunt March. Character Cameos are my forte!
So what have I learned? Not to take stuff so seriously. Go in with zero expectations. Don't go in wanting a specific role...and if I do, be okay with not getting it. I don't need to think it's life or death if I don't get the part. Because it's not. I don't work professionally, so I won't starve if I don't get the part. But at the same time, I have to show I have confidence. I still need to go in and give the best audition that I can...which is easy when I'm not super nervous about it. Okay, I don't really get nervous anymore...I get anxious. And I can get really worked up about stuff. It's all about getting the butterflies to fly in formation. That's all it is. And when I'm not worried about whether or not I'll get the part, it's easier to get the butterflies to do what I want them to.
So that's what I've learned. When I start taking stuff too seriously, theatre ceases to be fun. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't do it. And if I wasn't doing theater...well, let's not go there. ;)
If you can't say something nice...
Original Post Date: September 17, 2008
It never ceases to amaze me. People will say the most horrendous things about people they have never met. Just because a person is a celebrity, or person in the public eye...why does that make them fair game for people to say such awful thing about them? Would you EVER say those things to their face? I don't think so. Would you say those kinds of things to people you know? Probably not. Everyone just needs to follow the advice of Thumper's dad: If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Oh, yeah...Thumper's dad didn't say this, but it also applies: People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. When you're perfect, go ahead and judge. Until that time...QUIT SAYING AWFUL THINGS ABOUT PEOPLE YOU DON'T KNOW! And while you're at it, don't say mean things about people you do know. JUST BE NICE, PEOPLE! GEEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/steps off soap box
It never ceases to amaze me. People will say the most horrendous things about people they have never met. Just because a person is a celebrity, or person in the public eye...why does that make them fair game for people to say such awful thing about them? Would you EVER say those things to their face? I don't think so. Would you say those kinds of things to people you know? Probably not. Everyone just needs to follow the advice of Thumper's dad: If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Oh, yeah...Thumper's dad didn't say this, but it also applies: People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. When you're perfect, go ahead and judge. Until that time...QUIT SAYING AWFUL THINGS ABOUT PEOPLE YOU DON'T KNOW! And while you're at it, don't say mean things about people you do know. JUST BE NICE, PEOPLE! GEEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/steps off soap box
The Dream Plays List
Original Post Date: September 10, 2008
I have put out a list a couple of time of shows I want to do, but they were all musicals. There are a handful of plays that I would like to do. Way more musicals, but the list of plays is pretty nice in and of itself.
Arsenic and Old Lace (This is my all time favorite play!!!)
Candida
A Christmas Carol
The Crucible (I want to play Elizabeth Proctor)
The Diary of Anne Frank
A Doll's House
I Remember Mama
The Man Who Came to Dinner
Much Ado About Nothing (My favorite Shakespeare)
Noises Off (I want to play Poppy, the Stage Manager)
Our Town
Steel Magnolias
The Taming of the Shrew
That's just a list from off the top of my head. I'm sure I missed a few. But those are the ones I'd really like to do!!!
I have put out a list a couple of time of shows I want to do, but they were all musicals. There are a handful of plays that I would like to do. Way more musicals, but the list of plays is pretty nice in and of itself.
Arsenic and Old Lace (This is my all time favorite play!!!)
Candida
A Christmas Carol
The Crucible (I want to play Elizabeth Proctor)
The Diary of Anne Frank
A Doll's House
I Remember Mama
The Man Who Came to Dinner
Much Ado About Nothing (My favorite Shakespeare)
Noises Off (I want to play Poppy, the Stage Manager)
Our Town
Steel Magnolias
The Taming of the Shrew
That's just a list from off the top of my head. I'm sure I missed a few. But those are the ones I'd really like to do!!!
Politics, Schmolitics: or Just Leave Me the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks ALONE!
Original Post Date: September 8, 2008
Yesterday (Sunday afternoon…not even an hour after I got home from the theatre), someone came to my door representing the political party that I am not registered with. They asked for me or my sister. Well, since I was home, I went to the door. I immediately told him that I was registered with the other party. He asked me if I intended to vote along those party lines in the election. I said that at this point, I probably would. He then asked me what I thought was my most important issue in the election. I replied that I really didn't know yet. I have been really busy and I usually don't start paying attention until mid-October. He thanked me for my time and left. I was pretty mad that he had come to my door at all. Where does he get off? And where the HECK did he get my name and address?! I get enough junk mail and phone calls from the party I am affiliated with. I don't need the OTHER party harassing me!
Call me ignorant if you want, but I don't pay attention to politics if I can at all help it. I've got enough to worry about. I don't need to get sucked into the mud slinging mess that IS politics. I call myself a Flaming Moderate. (A term I stole from a History professor I had in college.) I don't always vote along party lines. There are certain issues I agree with on both sides. I registered with a party when I was 18, because I agreed with more of their issues, and so that I could participate in Primaries and Caucuses. (Fat lot of good that did me this year: the Caucus was the biggest snooze fest I've ever been to, and the Primary had no contested races, so I didn't even take the time to drive to the polls.) I probably should re-register as an Independent, but that just takes too much work. Especially when I don't give a rat's left toenail about politics.
Have I mentioned that I HATE POLITICS?! Seriously, people need to just get over themselves. Every time I hear an ad come on the radio, I change the station. I mute the TV when they come on there, or change the station. I have to feel very passionate about an issue or candidate to get involved at ALL. (And my candidate of choice dropped out of the race months ago, and didn't get the VP nomination.) And I'm really sick of hearing "I'm going to get in there and CHANGE WASHINGTON." That makes me laugh every single time. My response is "Yeah, you do that. Let me know how that works out for you." While I definitely agree that Washington needs to change, I have yet to see or hear from anyone again who made that promise to do so. The only way you will change Washington is to replace every single senator and congressperson. Everyone who gets elected goes in their with all their plans for change, and within a couple of months they have been influenced by the senior members of their party to lock arms with the party and do whatever everyone else is doing. It happens all the time. Don't tell me that it doesn't. This is why I hate politics. Nothing good comes from it…at least not very often.
I plan on waiting until mid to late October to really sit down and look at the issues. By that time, the dust is starting to settle and everything is laid out. There aren't many surprises. I will take the time to study it out then. If I start paying attention now, everything will change by the time November rolls around. I'll drive myself bonkers if I try to figure it all out now! I have enough on my plate right now. I don't have the time or energy to even care what's going on. So I'm going to ignore the political ads, skip over the commentary section of the paper, and stop watching TV. Oh, wait…I already stopped watching TV. There's nothing on yet, and I don't have time to watch it anyway.
So, please note: don't bug me about anything political. I don't want to hear it. Just leave me alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yesterday (Sunday afternoon…not even an hour after I got home from the theatre), someone came to my door representing the political party that I am not registered with. They asked for me or my sister. Well, since I was home, I went to the door. I immediately told him that I was registered with the other party. He asked me if I intended to vote along those party lines in the election. I said that at this point, I probably would. He then asked me what I thought was my most important issue in the election. I replied that I really didn't know yet. I have been really busy and I usually don't start paying attention until mid-October. He thanked me for my time and left. I was pretty mad that he had come to my door at all. Where does he get off? And where the HECK did he get my name and address?! I get enough junk mail and phone calls from the party I am affiliated with. I don't need the OTHER party harassing me!
Call me ignorant if you want, but I don't pay attention to politics if I can at all help it. I've got enough to worry about. I don't need to get sucked into the mud slinging mess that IS politics. I call myself a Flaming Moderate. (A term I stole from a History professor I had in college.) I don't always vote along party lines. There are certain issues I agree with on both sides. I registered with a party when I was 18, because I agreed with more of their issues, and so that I could participate in Primaries and Caucuses. (Fat lot of good that did me this year: the Caucus was the biggest snooze fest I've ever been to, and the Primary had no contested races, so I didn't even take the time to drive to the polls.) I probably should re-register as an Independent, but that just takes too much work. Especially when I don't give a rat's left toenail about politics.
Have I mentioned that I HATE POLITICS?! Seriously, people need to just get over themselves. Every time I hear an ad come on the radio, I change the station. I mute the TV when they come on there, or change the station. I have to feel very passionate about an issue or candidate to get involved at ALL. (And my candidate of choice dropped out of the race months ago, and didn't get the VP nomination.) And I'm really sick of hearing "I'm going to get in there and CHANGE WASHINGTON." That makes me laugh every single time. My response is "Yeah, you do that. Let me know how that works out for you." While I definitely agree that Washington needs to change, I have yet to see or hear from anyone again who made that promise to do so. The only way you will change Washington is to replace every single senator and congressperson. Everyone who gets elected goes in their with all their plans for change, and within a couple of months they have been influenced by the senior members of their party to lock arms with the party and do whatever everyone else is doing. It happens all the time. Don't tell me that it doesn't. This is why I hate politics. Nothing good comes from it…at least not very often.
I plan on waiting until mid to late October to really sit down and look at the issues. By that time, the dust is starting to settle and everything is laid out. There aren't many surprises. I will take the time to study it out then. If I start paying attention now, everything will change by the time November rolls around. I'll drive myself bonkers if I try to figure it all out now! I have enough on my plate right now. I don't have the time or energy to even care what's going on. So I'm going to ignore the political ads, skip over the commentary section of the paper, and stop watching TV. Oh, wait…I already stopped watching TV. There's nothing on yet, and I don't have time to watch it anyway.
So, please note: don't bug me about anything political. I don't want to hear it. Just leave me alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another check mark on the "Dream Shows List"
Original Post Date: September 2, 2008
I must be living right. I've put 3 check marks on the list this year. First came Fiddler on the Roof. Then The Miracle Worker (one of the few plays that I have ever really wanted to do.) And now....(drum roll please)....
Little Women!
I will be playing Aunt March! Up In Lights Productions is putting it up in mid November at the Rialto! I'm super excited. I simply adore this show! We drove all the way to Salt Lake City to see the tour a couple of years ago, since it wasn't coming to Denver. Best geek trip ever...okay, 2nd only to the trip to NYC.
Just had to share the news! I expect to see you all there! :)
I must be living right. I've put 3 check marks on the list this year. First came Fiddler on the Roof. Then The Miracle Worker (one of the few plays that I have ever really wanted to do.) And now....(drum roll please)....
Little Women!
I will be playing Aunt March! Up In Lights Productions is putting it up in mid November at the Rialto! I'm super excited. I simply adore this show! We drove all the way to Salt Lake City to see the tour a couple of years ago, since it wasn't coming to Denver. Best geek trip ever...okay, 2nd only to the trip to NYC.
Just had to share the news! I expect to see you all there! :)
Dancing with the Stars Season 7!!!
Original Post Date: August 25, 2008
I'm very excited! They announced the cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 7 today!!! As I learned last season, if I don't watch the show while it's on, I don't watch it. I was so busy with rehearsals that I missed most of season 6. But I did catch the finale, which was great. But here are my thoughts on the stars for Season 7:
Susan Lucci: Should be good. I think I've seen her dance with Regis before. Of course, I could be totally making that up.
Toni Braxton: She played Belle on Broadway. That makes her cool in my book.
Lance Bass: Boy Band-ers do well! Should be one to watch.
Cloris Leachman: Um...how old is she? Don't get me wrong, I love her work, but...how old is she?!
Kim Kardashian: Am I supposed to know who this person is?
Ted McGinley: Yay! He's cool! Gettin' a little Love Boat on DWTS!!!
Brooke Burke: Who?
Warren Sapp: again...who?
Misty May-Treanor: Sweet! I watched her win both of her Gold medals!
Maurice Green: Well, at least he'll do well on the fast footwork.
Rocco DiSpirito: I'm a broken record. WHO?
Cody Linley: Not sure who he is, but they say he's on Hannah Montana. I've watched that show once or twice.
Jeffrey Ross: Again...WHO?!
Wow...dancing with the C-Listers yet again. Oh, well. It's worth watching just to see how Tom Bergeron handles everything. He's great! I don't know how much I'll get to watch this season, as I'll have more rehearsals, but I'll do the best I can!!!! I do love that show!
I'm very excited! They announced the cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 7 today!!! As I learned last season, if I don't watch the show while it's on, I don't watch it. I was so busy with rehearsals that I missed most of season 6. But I did catch the finale, which was great. But here are my thoughts on the stars for Season 7:
Susan Lucci: Should be good. I think I've seen her dance with Regis before. Of course, I could be totally making that up.
Toni Braxton: She played Belle on Broadway. That makes her cool in my book.
Lance Bass: Boy Band-ers do well! Should be one to watch.
Cloris Leachman: Um...how old is she? Don't get me wrong, I love her work, but...how old is she?!
Kim Kardashian: Am I supposed to know who this person is?
Ted McGinley: Yay! He's cool! Gettin' a little Love Boat on DWTS!!!
Brooke Burke: Who?
Warren Sapp: again...who?
Misty May-Treanor: Sweet! I watched her win both of her Gold medals!
Maurice Green: Well, at least he'll do well on the fast footwork.
Rocco DiSpirito: I'm a broken record. WHO?
Cody Linley: Not sure who he is, but they say he's on Hannah Montana. I've watched that show once or twice.
Jeffrey Ross: Again...WHO?!
Wow...dancing with the C-Listers yet again. Oh, well. It's worth watching just to see how Tom Bergeron handles everything. He's great! I don't know how much I'll get to watch this season, as I'll have more rehearsals, but I'll do the best I can!!!! I do love that show!
Titanic: The Freaking Amazing Musical
Original Post Date: August 16, 2008
You know, I always forget how fun it is to see great productions of shows that I love. Especially shows that I know backwards and forwards. I can sit back and enjoy the minute details. Most people don't notice the little things...they are trying to take in the show as a whole. But when I know every line and every song...when I have been in the show before...I can focus on those little things. That is one of the reasons that I so thoroughly enjoyed Augustana Arts production of "Titanic: The Musical" today. There are so many big things that make that show amazing. The build up to "Godspeed Titanic" is one. (That was the first time I cried, by the way.) But there are so many little details that make that show even more incredible. And Bryan...you're my hero for bringing them out. I knew I was a goner when I started with the waterworks 10 minutes into the show.
It was a little surreal today. I did that show 5 years ago. And some of the same people who were in that show were also in this one. 2 played the same roles, 4 played different roles. At times, I felt like I should have been up there with them. It's been so long since we did that show...but it all came back today. But that's only part of why I bawled throughout the entire show. Titanic is such an emotional show. You spend Act One getting attached to all of these characters. You know that the ship is going to sink, you know that some of them are going to die. But you really don't know who. The ship hits the iceberg at the end of Act One (Awesome sound effect, by the way. I like how my seat vibrated with the rumble. Felt so real!!!!) You spend the first half of Act 2 still wondering who is going to live or die. The class distinction is still there. (One of those little details I liked was during "Dressed in Your Pyjamas in the Grand Salon". After the teacart has its moment, the class distinction dissolves...it's everyone together after that.) Then the Lifeboat scene hits you right between the eyes. The separations start, and as you watch the passengers realize that they are going to be leaving their loved ones (or watch their loved ones leave on a lifeboat), the emotions go nuts. (This was Bawl-fest 2...and I pulled it together a bit by the time "We'll Meet Tomorrow" started, up until Seth's solo. Then it was all over for me. Watching him break down made ME break down!!! And the Strausses didn't help either!!!) And then there's the end. I loved the added touches to "Mr. Andrews Vision." Having cast members act out bits and pieces of what Andrews was describing made it that much more real and heart wrenching.
Can you tell that I just adore this show and adored this production? It was well done, from every aspect! I especially loved the use of the pit. The "fire" for "Barrett's Song", watching the lifeboats lower, seeing passengers jump off the ship at the end. All incredibly effective! I'm all about effectiveness on stage.
So a big THANK YOU to Augustana Arts for a wonderful performance of a wonderful show. I'm going to stop gushing now before I run out of adjectives. But first, KUDOS to: Aaron, Alison, Britta, Bryan, Jessica, Jimmy, Kendra, Lee Ann, Robert, Seth, & Staci. You guys ROCK MY SOCKS!!!!! Love you all!
You know, I always forget how fun it is to see great productions of shows that I love. Especially shows that I know backwards and forwards. I can sit back and enjoy the minute details. Most people don't notice the little things...they are trying to take in the show as a whole. But when I know every line and every song...when I have been in the show before...I can focus on those little things. That is one of the reasons that I so thoroughly enjoyed Augustana Arts production of "Titanic: The Musical" today. There are so many big things that make that show amazing. The build up to "Godspeed Titanic" is one. (That was the first time I cried, by the way.) But there are so many little details that make that show even more incredible. And Bryan...you're my hero for bringing them out. I knew I was a goner when I started with the waterworks 10 minutes into the show.
It was a little surreal today. I did that show 5 years ago. And some of the same people who were in that show were also in this one. 2 played the same roles, 4 played different roles. At times, I felt like I should have been up there with them. It's been so long since we did that show...but it all came back today. But that's only part of why I bawled throughout the entire show. Titanic is such an emotional show. You spend Act One getting attached to all of these characters. You know that the ship is going to sink, you know that some of them are going to die. But you really don't know who. The ship hits the iceberg at the end of Act One (Awesome sound effect, by the way. I like how my seat vibrated with the rumble. Felt so real!!!!) You spend the first half of Act 2 still wondering who is going to live or die. The class distinction is still there. (One of those little details I liked was during "Dressed in Your Pyjamas in the Grand Salon". After the teacart has its moment, the class distinction dissolves...it's everyone together after that.) Then the Lifeboat scene hits you right between the eyes. The separations start, and as you watch the passengers realize that they are going to be leaving their loved ones (or watch their loved ones leave on a lifeboat), the emotions go nuts. (This was Bawl-fest 2...and I pulled it together a bit by the time "We'll Meet Tomorrow" started, up until Seth's solo. Then it was all over for me. Watching him break down made ME break down!!! And the Strausses didn't help either!!!) And then there's the end. I loved the added touches to "Mr. Andrews Vision." Having cast members act out bits and pieces of what Andrews was describing made it that much more real and heart wrenching.
Can you tell that I just adore this show and adored this production? It was well done, from every aspect! I especially loved the use of the pit. The "fire" for "Barrett's Song", watching the lifeboats lower, seeing passengers jump off the ship at the end. All incredibly effective! I'm all about effectiveness on stage.
So a big THANK YOU to Augustana Arts for a wonderful performance of a wonderful show. I'm going to stop gushing now before I run out of adjectives. But first, KUDOS to: Aaron, Alison, Britta, Bryan, Jessica, Jimmy, Kendra, Lee Ann, Robert, Seth, & Staci. You guys ROCK MY SOCKS!!!!! Love you all!
No Vacation for You!
Original Post Date: August 15, 2008
So, apparently, I'm not meant to take a vacation. Not even for one night! I have been so busy with shows this summer, that I haven't gotten to go anywhere but the theatre and home. Pretty much. The only "vacations" I've gotten this year are as follows:
-Winter Park/Granby for 1 night in January. But that was for a What is Opera? gig, so it's hardly a vacation.
-Utah for the weekend in April. 3 days off work and 16 hours in the car...it's vacation-ish.
-Laramie for the evening to see Katrina in "A Chorus Line." Totally not a vacation, but it was leaving the state, so I had to include it.
I didn't get to go to Nauvoo with my family in June, because of Fiddler. Now, I'm supposed to go camping tonight. And it's raining. And possibly snowing in the mountains. So even if the camping trip is still on, I probably won't go. We ALL know what happens when it snows when I'm camping. We are NOT reliving that, thanks. But, even if tonight's camping trip falls through, there's always next Friday night's camping at Grand Lake, right? RIGHT? Well, maybe not. Because of Back to School night next week, our Thursday rehearsal of "The Miracle Worker" might get changed to Friday night. Great. JUST GREAT!!!!!!!!! I am NOT driving by myself over Trail Ridge at 9:00 pm just to turn around come home the next morning. NO WAY!!!!
I guess I'm just going to have to resign myself to the fact that I am not getting away at all for the rest of the year. I wouldn't trade away my amazing shows, but a little break would be REALLY NICE!!!!!! I'm mentally exhausted, that's all there is to it. And now I'm thinking of auditioning for another show that will run in November. But it's one of the few shows I would drop everything to do, so I have to audition. I don't know when I'll get another chance to do the show, because it's widely known around here.
I kind of feel like young Jenny in Forrest Gump. "Dear Lord, make me a bird, so I can fly far, far away from here." Not for the same reason that she was praying for that, but I just want to get away. Too bad I'm poor and a) can't afford to go anywhere and b) really can't afford to take off work until I get my paid vacation time back. ACK!!!!!!!!!
So, apparently, I'm not meant to take a vacation. Not even for one night! I have been so busy with shows this summer, that I haven't gotten to go anywhere but the theatre and home. Pretty much. The only "vacations" I've gotten this year are as follows:
-Winter Park/Granby for 1 night in January. But that was for a What is Opera? gig, so it's hardly a vacation.
-Utah for the weekend in April. 3 days off work and 16 hours in the car...it's vacation-ish.
-Laramie for the evening to see Katrina in "A Chorus Line." Totally not a vacation, but it was leaving the state, so I had to include it.
I didn't get to go to Nauvoo with my family in June, because of Fiddler. Now, I'm supposed to go camping tonight. And it's raining. And possibly snowing in the mountains. So even if the camping trip is still on, I probably won't go. We ALL know what happens when it snows when I'm camping. We are NOT reliving that, thanks. But, even if tonight's camping trip falls through, there's always next Friday night's camping at Grand Lake, right? RIGHT? Well, maybe not. Because of Back to School night next week, our Thursday rehearsal of "The Miracle Worker" might get changed to Friday night. Great. JUST GREAT!!!!!!!!! I am NOT driving by myself over Trail Ridge at 9:00 pm just to turn around come home the next morning. NO WAY!!!!
I guess I'm just going to have to resign myself to the fact that I am not getting away at all for the rest of the year. I wouldn't trade away my amazing shows, but a little break would be REALLY NICE!!!!!! I'm mentally exhausted, that's all there is to it. And now I'm thinking of auditioning for another show that will run in November. But it's one of the few shows I would drop everything to do, so I have to audition. I don't know when I'll get another chance to do the show, because it's widely known around here.
I kind of feel like young Jenny in Forrest Gump. "Dear Lord, make me a bird, so I can fly far, far away from here." Not for the same reason that she was praying for that, but I just want to get away. Too bad I'm poor and a) can't afford to go anywhere and b) really can't afford to take off work until I get my paid vacation time back. ACK!!!!!!!!!
Paper or Plastic: A New Musical
Original Post Date: August 1, 2008
Have you ever wanted to change yourself just to you can be with someone? Have you wanted someone else to change for you? Have you ever found out something about someone you like that was a total deal breaker? Have you ever laughed so hard watching a musical that you almost fell off your chair? (Wait...that last one was just me.)
I had the opportunity...nay, the privilege of attending the World Premiere of a brand new musical tonight. Paper or Plastic, by Spencer Townshend Hughes, is WONDERFUL!!!! It's funny, witty, charming, touching, and an all-around awesome musical. It really speaks to those who have ever been in a relationship like that what I mentioned above. Doug hates singing, dancing, people who write songs, people who sing and write songs, etc....but yet, everyone around him sings and dances. Poor guy! He really likes Marilyn, and finally starts dating her, only to find out that she sings, too. What's a guy to do? You'll just have to go find out. Get yourself down to the Union Colony Dinner Theatre tomorrow night (Saturday, August 2) and see what happens. And if you can't make it, throw some money Spencer's way so he can get it produced! It's a piece that needs to be shared. The music is so wonderful, and the message is strong: What would you SACKrifice for love? The singing and dancing are a metaphor, and the cool thing is that they have a different meaning for each person. It's not just one specific thing. Each individual can see themselves and their own experiences. Now THAT'S something theatre should do: Speak to everyone, no matter what their situation.
So BIG KUDOS to Spencer for writing an amazing show! When it's on Broadway someday, I get to say that I saw it first. :)
Props to Spencer, Erin, Nick, Alison, JT, & Jalyn for a great show! Oh, yeah...and Raja's cameo. Loved the Fiddler references!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Have you ever wanted to change yourself just to you can be with someone? Have you wanted someone else to change for you? Have you ever found out something about someone you like that was a total deal breaker? Have you ever laughed so hard watching a musical that you almost fell off your chair? (Wait...that last one was just me.)
I had the opportunity...nay, the privilege of attending the World Premiere of a brand new musical tonight. Paper or Plastic, by Spencer Townshend Hughes, is WONDERFUL!!!! It's funny, witty, charming, touching, and an all-around awesome musical. It really speaks to those who have ever been in a relationship like that what I mentioned above. Doug hates singing, dancing, people who write songs, people who sing and write songs, etc....but yet, everyone around him sings and dances. Poor guy! He really likes Marilyn, and finally starts dating her, only to find out that she sings, too. What's a guy to do? You'll just have to go find out. Get yourself down to the Union Colony Dinner Theatre tomorrow night (Saturday, August 2) and see what happens. And if you can't make it, throw some money Spencer's way so he can get it produced! It's a piece that needs to be shared. The music is so wonderful, and the message is strong: What would you SACKrifice for love? The singing and dancing are a metaphor, and the cool thing is that they have a different meaning for each person. It's not just one specific thing. Each individual can see themselves and their own experiences. Now THAT'S something theatre should do: Speak to everyone, no matter what their situation.
So BIG KUDOS to Spencer for writing an amazing show! When it's on Broadway someday, I get to say that I saw it first. :)
Props to Spencer, Erin, Nick, Alison, JT, & Jalyn for a great show! Oh, yeah...and Raja's cameo. Loved the Fiddler references!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Having a hard time letting go
Original Post Date: July 23, 2008
I thought it might be easier than this. I really did. But I am suffering some severe Fiddler on the Roof withdrawal. I miss everybody! I'm so sad that I won't be playing Tzeitel again...at least not with the wonderful people I've spent the last 3+ months with at the UCDT!
I was doing really well. I changed my profile pictures on Myspace and Facebook. I changed my name on Myspace (and I'm even waiting a bit to put up my next character name.) I changed my signature on my e-mail. But today...I had to take the Fiddler music off my iPod. The past 2 days at work, I've had Musicals on random. Every time a song from Fiddler came on, I skipped through it. I couldn't bear to listen to it without getting a little misty-eyed. And then what did I go and do? I changed my desktop picture on my computer to a picture of me and my Fiddler sisters. I couldn't help myself!!!!
It's not like I'm going to see everyone again. We've got the Tiny Awards this Saturday, and Spencer's musical the next weekend. And I'll be going back to see more shows at the UCDT. But we will never be all together, performing Fiddler on the Roof, ever again! That is so sad! It's been an amazing ride, from beginning to end. I think the biggest struggle I'm having is coming to grips with the fact that it's finally over. It took so long for it to finally come, and now it's gone. I initially auditioned for the show in March of 2007. Callbacks were in June, and I found out soon after that I would be playing Fruma Sarah. I then spent 9 months waiting. Then came the fateful call from Seth in the middle of March. Would I play Tzeitel? Heck, yes! Then rehearsals started. Then we opened. Then we extended. And now....it's all over! Where did the time go? What happened? I'll tell you what happened! I had the most amazing theatrical experience of my entire life. I never thought I'd have that again after Titanic. And yet...here it was. Amazing cast, amazing show, amazing theatre...a cosmic boom of Theatrical Perfection. Okay, it wasn't perfect. Louise reminded us of that just last Saturday night. (RIP Louise). Then there was little baby Aizik. He was so abused. You'll all be interested to know that the abuse will continue. I'm going to use the doll as Mildred Keller in "The Miracle Worker." He is now a she, and she gets tossed out of the cradle by Helen.
I'm going to be okay. Rehearsals are in full swing for "The Miracle Worker" and I'm focusing on memorizing all my lines. After that I go right into rehearsals for the Loveland Opera Theatre Gala. And we have "The Elixir of Love" starting up right after that, so I'll be keeping very busy! No time to dwell on my Fiddler withdrawal. It'll help when I can scrapbook the show. The pictures are ordered. I'll be able to start soon! That always helps in the healing process. I can feel real closure once a show is fully scrapbooked.
I still can't believe it's over! Can't we do it one more time? No, we can't. I'm not hauling the sewing machine back into my van and back over to Greeley. I guess we're done, then!!
*sniffle*
I thought it might be easier than this. I really did. But I am suffering some severe Fiddler on the Roof withdrawal. I miss everybody! I'm so sad that I won't be playing Tzeitel again...at least not with the wonderful people I've spent the last 3+ months with at the UCDT!
I was doing really well. I changed my profile pictures on Myspace and Facebook. I changed my name on Myspace (and I'm even waiting a bit to put up my next character name.) I changed my signature on my e-mail. But today...I had to take the Fiddler music off my iPod. The past 2 days at work, I've had Musicals on random. Every time a song from Fiddler came on, I skipped through it. I couldn't bear to listen to it without getting a little misty-eyed. And then what did I go and do? I changed my desktop picture on my computer to a picture of me and my Fiddler sisters. I couldn't help myself!!!!
It's not like I'm going to see everyone again. We've got the Tiny Awards this Saturday, and Spencer's musical the next weekend. And I'll be going back to see more shows at the UCDT. But we will never be all together, performing Fiddler on the Roof, ever again! That is so sad! It's been an amazing ride, from beginning to end. I think the biggest struggle I'm having is coming to grips with the fact that it's finally over. It took so long for it to finally come, and now it's gone. I initially auditioned for the show in March of 2007. Callbacks were in June, and I found out soon after that I would be playing Fruma Sarah. I then spent 9 months waiting. Then came the fateful call from Seth in the middle of March. Would I play Tzeitel? Heck, yes! Then rehearsals started. Then we opened. Then we extended. And now....it's all over! Where did the time go? What happened? I'll tell you what happened! I had the most amazing theatrical experience of my entire life. I never thought I'd have that again after Titanic. And yet...here it was. Amazing cast, amazing show, amazing theatre...a cosmic boom of Theatrical Perfection. Okay, it wasn't perfect. Louise reminded us of that just last Saturday night. (RIP Louise). Then there was little baby Aizik. He was so abused. You'll all be interested to know that the abuse will continue. I'm going to use the doll as Mildred Keller in "The Miracle Worker." He is now a she, and she gets tossed out of the cradle by Helen.
I'm going to be okay. Rehearsals are in full swing for "The Miracle Worker" and I'm focusing on memorizing all my lines. After that I go right into rehearsals for the Loveland Opera Theatre Gala. And we have "The Elixir of Love" starting up right after that, so I'll be keeping very busy! No time to dwell on my Fiddler withdrawal. It'll help when I can scrapbook the show. The pictures are ordered. I'll be able to start soon! That always helps in the healing process. I can feel real closure once a show is fully scrapbooked.
I still can't believe it's over! Can't we do it one more time? No, we can't. I'm not hauling the sewing machine back into my van and back over to Greeley. I guess we're done, then!!
*sniffle*
I could ask one question
Original Post Date: July 19, 2008
So, I was just over on Yahoo! Answers. They have this thing going right now where you can submit one question to ask Christian Bale. They'll pick the best one and he'll answer it. Well, I, of COURSE, had to submit something. Hmm...what to ask, what to ask. Something about Batman perhaps? Or what's it like to work with Hugh Jackman? No, I asked the following question:
With all your success in movies, especially with the Batman franchise, does it bother you at all that I (and most girls around my age) will always think of you as Jack Kelly from "Newsies"? It's one of my favorite movies!!
I don't think they'll pick that one, but given the chance I just HAD to ask!! No matter what movies he does, Christian Bale is Jack Kelly. That's all there is to it. Just like Neil Patrick Harris is always Doogie Howser, Johnny Depp is Sam from "Benny and Joon", and Leo DiCaprio is Luke on "Growing Pains"! It's just the way it is.
So, I was just over on Yahoo! Answers. They have this thing going right now where you can submit one question to ask Christian Bale. They'll pick the best one and he'll answer it. Well, I, of COURSE, had to submit something. Hmm...what to ask, what to ask. Something about Batman perhaps? Or what's it like to work with Hugh Jackman? No, I asked the following question:
With all your success in movies, especially with the Batman franchise, does it bother you at all that I (and most girls around my age) will always think of you as Jack Kelly from "Newsies"? It's one of my favorite movies!!
I don't think they'll pick that one, but given the chance I just HAD to ask!! No matter what movies he does, Christian Bale is Jack Kelly. That's all there is to it. Just like Neil Patrick Harris is always Doogie Howser, Johnny Depp is Sam from "Benny and Joon", and Leo DiCaprio is Luke on "Growing Pains"! It's just the way it is.
A few thoughts on the Emmy Nominations
Original Post Date: July 17, 2008
I don't watch a lot of TV anymore...don't really have the time. But I know enough about what's going on. Here are my thoughts on the Emmy nominations that were announced today. (Bear in mind that I'm scrolling through the 40+ pages of nominations while I'm writing this.)
First of all: The HBO miniseries "John Adams" is freaking amazing! I've been watching it recently (thank you, Netflix) and it's AWESOME!!!!!! I'm going to watch the 7th and last installment tonight. Paul Giamatti recently trumped Tom Hanks as my favorite actor, and he ABSOLUTELY deserves to win the Emmy for his portrayal of John Adams. Laura Linney should win for Abigail Adams, too. She was awesome! The show deserves to win as well.
Oh my gosh! Julianne Hough is nominated for Best Choreography for Dancing with the Stars! Yay! She has to win. She just has to!
Hey!!! I didn't know they gave Emmys for commercials! The FedEx Carrier Pigeons commercial is nominated. That was a good one!
Aww....Chuck got nominated. I love that show. It's just for Outstanding Main Title Design, but still!!
Aw crap...Phylicia Rashad is up against Laura Linney. A Raisin the Sun totally rocked, too! OH, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY! Rainn Wilson is nominated! Go Dwight!!!!
Oooh! Double yay!!! Michael Emerson is nominated. He better win, or Ben will move the island again. :)
Nice...Tom Wilkinson, David Morse, & Stephen Dillane are all nominated for John Adams. :)
AUDRA! AUDRA!!!! She's nominated for A Raisin in the Sun! An Emmy would look so great next to her 4 Tonys! (And one of those Tonys she won for playing Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun!)
Outstanding Comedy Series...THE OFFICE
Outstanding Drama Series...LOST
Outstanding Miniseries...JOHN ADAMS
Outstanding Made for TV Movie...A RAISIN IN THE SUN
Outstanding Reality Series...THE AMA....wait...WHERE'S THE AMAZING RACE?!?!? Oh, wait...there it is. Reality Competition Program. WHEW!!! Oh, and Dancing with the Stars is there, too. Cool!
Man, there are a lot of Emmy categories. They should give an Emmy for Outstanding TV watching or something. I wouldn't win, but I know a few people who would.
I don't watch a lot of TV anymore...don't really have the time. But I know enough about what's going on. Here are my thoughts on the Emmy nominations that were announced today. (Bear in mind that I'm scrolling through the 40+ pages of nominations while I'm writing this.)
First of all: The HBO miniseries "John Adams" is freaking amazing! I've been watching it recently (thank you, Netflix) and it's AWESOME!!!!!! I'm going to watch the 7th and last installment tonight. Paul Giamatti recently trumped Tom Hanks as my favorite actor, and he ABSOLUTELY deserves to win the Emmy for his portrayal of John Adams. Laura Linney should win for Abigail Adams, too. She was awesome! The show deserves to win as well.
Oh my gosh! Julianne Hough is nominated for Best Choreography for Dancing with the Stars! Yay! She has to win. She just has to!
Hey!!! I didn't know they gave Emmys for commercials! The FedEx Carrier Pigeons commercial is nominated. That was a good one!
Aww....Chuck got nominated. I love that show. It's just for Outstanding Main Title Design, but still!!
Aw crap...Phylicia Rashad is up against Laura Linney. A Raisin the Sun totally rocked, too! OH, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY! Rainn Wilson is nominated! Go Dwight!!!!
Oooh! Double yay!!! Michael Emerson is nominated. He better win, or Ben will move the island again. :)
Nice...Tom Wilkinson, David Morse, & Stephen Dillane are all nominated for John Adams. :)
AUDRA! AUDRA!!!! She's nominated for A Raisin in the Sun! An Emmy would look so great next to her 4 Tonys! (And one of those Tonys she won for playing Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun!)
Outstanding Comedy Series...THE OFFICE
Outstanding Drama Series...LOST
Outstanding Miniseries...JOHN ADAMS
Outstanding Made for TV Movie...A RAISIN IN THE SUN
Outstanding Reality Series...THE AMA....wait...WHERE'S THE AMAZING RACE?!?!? Oh, wait...there it is. Reality Competition Program. WHEW!!! Oh, and Dancing with the Stars is there, too. Cool!
Man, there are a lot of Emmy categories. They should give an Emmy for Outstanding TV watching or something. I wouldn't win, but I know a few people who would.
Why you shouldn't believe everything you see on the Internet
Original Post Date: July 14, 2008
The picture is down now, but the website for Channel 7 gave us quite the chuckle this afternoon. Their 5 top story was that Ft. Collins was ranked one of the top places to live in the US. It was a nice article. However, their picture was a little...well...off. In the foreground of the picture, it was clearly Ft. Collins. You could see the dorms and the Key Bank building. However, the picture made it look like Ft Collins was right at the base of Longs Peak! Like literally in the shadow of it! My first response was "Where did the mountains come from!" Then I was like, "wait, you can't get a picture of Longs Peak like THAT in Ft. Collins." It was hilarious! They have a new picture up now, one of Old Town. But for awhile, it was quite the misrepresentation of just how close FoCo is to the mountains...and specfic mountains at that!!!
The picture is down now, but the website for Channel 7 gave us quite the chuckle this afternoon. Their 5 top story was that Ft. Collins was ranked one of the top places to live in the US. It was a nice article. However, their picture was a little...well...off. In the foreground of the picture, it was clearly Ft. Collins. You could see the dorms and the Key Bank building. However, the picture made it look like Ft Collins was right at the base of Longs Peak! Like literally in the shadow of it! My first response was "Where did the mountains come from!" Then I was like, "wait, you can't get a picture of Longs Peak like THAT in Ft. Collins." It was hilarious! They have a new picture up now, one of Old Town. But for awhile, it was quite the misrepresentation of just how close FoCo is to the mountains...and specfic mountains at that!!!
A show that's NOT a musical?!
Original Post Date: July 11, 2008
Yes, it's true! I am going to be in a play! Not a musical, not an opera...A PLAY!!! Craaaaaaaazy!!!! I haven't done a play in years! And the last one, I was the stage manager and a musician. That was "Tom Sawyer" the summer after I graduated from high school. The last play that I was actually in was "Charlotte's Web" in 8th grade. Let me do the math...that would have been the Spring of 1992. 16 years! Daaaaaang!! (Wow, I'm old.) I have only done musicals and opera for the past 12 years. And now I'm branching out!!!
I will be playing Kate Keller in Loveland Community Theater's production of "The Miracle Worker". I'm really excited! This is a dream show for me. I did a school project on Helen Keller when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade and she's been a hero of mine ever since! I have always wanted to do this play! And now I get to!!! Yay!!!!
The downside is that now I can't cut my hair like I had planned. I've been saying since Fiddler started that I was chopping my hair off as soon as we closed. Well, now I have to wait until the middle of September. It's for a good cause, though, so I guess I'll be alright. Oh, and I also don't get a break. We start rehearsals on July 14th. Fiddler closes July 20th. (I had one week off between Savior of the World and Fiddler rehearsals.) We start rehearsals for the Loveland Opera Theatre Gala on the Monday in between our weekends of performances. And then right after the Gala, chorus rehearsals start for The Elixir of Love. This has been a busy year!! It's good for me, though. Keeps me off the streets and out of the bars.
"The Miracle Worker" will be the first two weekends of September at the Rialto Theater in Loveland. Be there!!!!
Yes, it's true! I am going to be in a play! Not a musical, not an opera...A PLAY!!! Craaaaaaaazy!!!! I haven't done a play in years! And the last one, I was the stage manager and a musician. That was "Tom Sawyer" the summer after I graduated from high school. The last play that I was actually in was "Charlotte's Web" in 8th grade. Let me do the math...that would have been the Spring of 1992. 16 years! Daaaaaang!! (Wow, I'm old.) I have only done musicals and opera for the past 12 years. And now I'm branching out!!!
I will be playing Kate Keller in Loveland Community Theater's production of "The Miracle Worker". I'm really excited! This is a dream show for me. I did a school project on Helen Keller when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade and she's been a hero of mine ever since! I have always wanted to do this play! And now I get to!!! Yay!!!!
The downside is that now I can't cut my hair like I had planned. I've been saying since Fiddler started that I was chopping my hair off as soon as we closed. Well, now I have to wait until the middle of September. It's for a good cause, though, so I guess I'll be alright. Oh, and I also don't get a break. We start rehearsals on July 14th. Fiddler closes July 20th. (I had one week off between Savior of the World and Fiddler rehearsals.) We start rehearsals for the Loveland Opera Theatre Gala on the Monday in between our weekends of performances. And then right after the Gala, chorus rehearsals start for The Elixir of Love. This has been a busy year!! It's good for me, though. Keeps me off the streets and out of the bars.
"The Miracle Worker" will be the first two weekends of September at the Rialto Theater in Loveland. Be there!!!!
I just read the BEST BOOK!!!!
Original Post Date: June 24, 2008
If you are a Jane Austen fan, or have ever been obsessed with Mr. Darcy...you have to read this book! It's called "Austenland" and it's by Shannon Hale. Here's what the back cover says:
Jane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man - perhaps because of her secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths to her a trip an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Recency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined. Is this total immersion in a fake Austenland enough to make Jane kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own? In this addictive, charming, and compassionate story, Shannon Hale brings out the Jane Austen obsessive in all of us.
Addictive is right. I got the book from my cousin at about 3:45 pm yesterday. I finished it at 8:00 pm tonight. I couldn't put it down! I knew who I wanted Jane to fall for, and I couldn't wait to find out if it worked out or not. This book is amazing! It's so funny! The author is clearly obsessed with Jane Austen and she knows that all of us that share that obsession can't believe how obsessed we are...and that we wallow in the silliness of it all. And she plays right to us with is great book. It's a wonderful tribute to Jane Austen fans everywhere...especially to those who know what I mean when I say "Colin Firth in a wet shirt."
Get it....read it....LOVE IT!!!!!
If you are a Jane Austen fan, or have ever been obsessed with Mr. Darcy...you have to read this book! It's called "Austenland" and it's by Shannon Hale. Here's what the back cover says:
Jane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man - perhaps because of her secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths to her a trip an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Recency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined. Is this total immersion in a fake Austenland enough to make Jane kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own? In this addictive, charming, and compassionate story, Shannon Hale brings out the Jane Austen obsessive in all of us.
Addictive is right. I got the book from my cousin at about 3:45 pm yesterday. I finished it at 8:00 pm tonight. I couldn't put it down! I knew who I wanted Jane to fall for, and I couldn't wait to find out if it worked out or not. This book is amazing! It's so funny! The author is clearly obsessed with Jane Austen and she knows that all of us that share that obsession can't believe how obsessed we are...and that we wallow in the silliness of it all. And she plays right to us with is great book. It's a wonderful tribute to Jane Austen fans everywhere...especially to those who know what I mean when I say "Colin Firth in a wet shirt."
Get it....read it....LOVE IT!!!!!
Nature's Power and Majesty
Original Post Date: June 21, 2008
So, I got the show of a lifetime on my way home from Greeley last night. There was a HUGE storm going on between Loveland and Greeley. And I got to watch the most amazing lightning I think I have ever seen! It was better than the 4th of July! (Okay, maybe not...) Huge bolts of lightning, and they lit up the ENTIRE sky! It was gorgeous!!!!!!!! And then the rain hit. I started getting drops falling about the time I got to the State Farm building. And then the torrential downpour started. There was so much water on the highway that I kept hitting huge puddles. I thought I was going to start hydroplaning. It was pretty scary there for a few minutes. Then I thought there was something wrong with my tires, because I was hearing weird noises. I think there was debris on the road from the preceding wind storm. Well, by the time I crossed the interstate, the rain was over. And as I got further into Loveland, everything was totally dry. It hadn't even rained there!!!! Gotta love the mountains...storms shoot right over Loveland dump on Greeley!
So it was a fun drive last night! Nice to break up the monotony of my 45 mile (round trip) drive!
So, I got the show of a lifetime on my way home from Greeley last night. There was a HUGE storm going on between Loveland and Greeley. And I got to watch the most amazing lightning I think I have ever seen! It was better than the 4th of July! (Okay, maybe not...) Huge bolts of lightning, and they lit up the ENTIRE sky! It was gorgeous!!!!!!!! And then the rain hit. I started getting drops falling about the time I got to the State Farm building. And then the torrential downpour started. There was so much water on the highway that I kept hitting huge puddles. I thought I was going to start hydroplaning. It was pretty scary there for a few minutes. Then I thought there was something wrong with my tires, because I was hearing weird noises. I think there was debris on the road from the preceding wind storm. Well, by the time I crossed the interstate, the rain was over. And as I got further into Loveland, everything was totally dry. It hadn't even rained there!!!! Gotta love the mountains...storms shoot right over Loveland dump on Greeley!
So it was a fun drive last night! Nice to break up the monotony of my 45 mile (round trip) drive!
The Updated Dream Roles/Dream Shows List
Original Post Date: June 5, 2008
Last year, I wrote a blog listing the shows I want to do (but have never done) with the roles I'd like included. Well, it's time to update the list. This time, I'm going to list my dream roles and dream shows separately. I'm still a little bit in awe that I finally got to check off a dream role this year. Tzeitel is a BLAST AND A HALF!!!!! 10 performances down, 17 to go! I don't want it to end!!!
Anyway, here is my list of dream roles:
1. Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress
2. Eliza in My Fair Lady
3. Annie in Annie Get Your Gun
4. Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly!
5. Carrie in Carousel
6. Adelaide in Guys and Dolls
7. Beth in Little Women (Jason Howland version)
8. Sister Amnesia in Nunsense
9. Eulalie in The Music Man
10. Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music
And now my list of Dream Shows (just the ones I haven't done yet!)
Annie Get Your Gun
Carousel
Guys and Dolls
Hello, Dolly!
Kiss Me, Kate
Les Miserables
The Light in the Piazza
Little Women (Jason Howland version)
My Fair Lady
Nunsense
Once Upon a Mattress
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Thoroughly Modern Millie
And a quick list of some shows I'd really like to do again:
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (I was 13 when I played Lucy. I'd love another shot at that!)
The Music Man
Into the Woods
The Secret Garden
Beauty and the Beast
Consider this my wish list to my favorite theatres in the area. You know who you are.
Last year, I wrote a blog listing the shows I want to do (but have never done) with the roles I'd like included. Well, it's time to update the list. This time, I'm going to list my dream roles and dream shows separately. I'm still a little bit in awe that I finally got to check off a dream role this year. Tzeitel is a BLAST AND A HALF!!!!! 10 performances down, 17 to go! I don't want it to end!!!
Anyway, here is my list of dream roles:
1. Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress
2. Eliza in My Fair Lady
3. Annie in Annie Get Your Gun
4. Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly!
5. Carrie in Carousel
6. Adelaide in Guys and Dolls
7. Beth in Little Women (Jason Howland version)
8. Sister Amnesia in Nunsense
9. Eulalie in The Music Man
10. Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music
And now my list of Dream Shows (just the ones I haven't done yet!)
Annie Get Your Gun
Carousel
Guys and Dolls
Hello, Dolly!
Kiss Me, Kate
Les Miserables
The Light in the Piazza
Little Women (Jason Howland version)
My Fair Lady
Nunsense
Once Upon a Mattress
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Thoroughly Modern Millie
And a quick list of some shows I'd really like to do again:
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (I was 13 when I played Lucy. I'd love another shot at that!)
The Music Man
Into the Woods
The Secret Garden
Beauty and the Beast
Consider this my wish list to my favorite theatres in the area. You know who you are.
Karaoke Mania!
So, a couple of weeks ago, I did something that I had never done before in my entire life: KARAOKE!!! How I've gone this long without doing Karaoke, I'll never know. But whatever...I've done it now! Saturday night is Karaoke Night at the Island Grill across the street from the Union Colony Dinner Theatre, where I'm currently doing Fiddler on the Roof. We head over there after the show and have a blast!
Here's my problem, though: I was raised on classical music and Broadway musicals. I know a little Pop, but not much. Not enough to be comfortable singing it. Some people don't care whether they know the song or not. I, on the other hand, care a LOT. Luckily, my first time out I did have a song to sing: "Save the Best for Last" by Vanessa Williams. Didn't do too shabby. Well, the next week I didn't go, because I was sick. But last Saturday night, I went again. I was prepared this time. I had some showtunes in mind that I thought they might have. Turns out they didn't. I had wanted to do "Gimme, Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie. Nope..didn't have it. My second choice: "The Wizard and I" from Wicked. Didn't have it either. I had to choose a new song immediately...and I couldn't think of anything! So I did "Save the Best for Last" again. But we did end up staying late enough that I got to sing again. And I did "I Won't Say I'm in Love" from Hercules. Yes, that's right. I did Disney Karaoke. And you know what? That's what I'm going to do from now on! If they don't have the showtunes that I want to sing, I'll just do Disney. Who cares? I don't!
I have a video of me singing, but the sound is awful. My camera doesn't do very well when the audio is too loud. But here's a picture:
Here's my problem, though: I was raised on classical music and Broadway musicals. I know a little Pop, but not much. Not enough to be comfortable singing it. Some people don't care whether they know the song or not. I, on the other hand, care a LOT. Luckily, my first time out I did have a song to sing: "Save the Best for Last" by Vanessa Williams. Didn't do too shabby. Well, the next week I didn't go, because I was sick. But last Saturday night, I went again. I was prepared this time. I had some showtunes in mind that I thought they might have. Turns out they didn't. I had wanted to do "Gimme, Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie. Nope..didn't have it. My second choice: "The Wizard and I" from Wicked. Didn't have it either. I had to choose a new song immediately...and I couldn't think of anything! So I did "Save the Best for Last" again. But we did end up staying late enough that I got to sing again. And I did "I Won't Say I'm in Love" from Hercules. Yes, that's right. I did Disney Karaoke. And you know what? That's what I'm going to do from now on! If they don't have the showtunes that I want to sing, I'll just do Disney. Who cares? I don't!
I have a video of me singing, but the sound is awful. My camera doesn't do very well when the audio is too loud. But here's a picture:
Extreme Weather!
Original Post Date: May 22, 2008
I didn't see any tornadoes, but I saw an awful lot of amazing clouds moving in really strange ways. I did get caught in a hailstorm...the hailstones were at the very least marble sized. They were exploding as they hit my car!!! I had to sit in my driveway for a few minutes waiting for the hail to pass. The chance of more storms this afternoon is pretty high, so I left work early and I'm hanging out in my basement for awhile. Being on the computer is probably not the smartest idea, but hey...I'm not the sharpest crayon in the shed!
Extreme weather can be cool to watch, not so much fun to be in. Scary stuff!!!!
I didn't see any tornadoes, but I saw an awful lot of amazing clouds moving in really strange ways. I did get caught in a hailstorm...the hailstones were at the very least marble sized. They were exploding as they hit my car!!! I had to sit in my driveway for a few minutes waiting for the hail to pass. The chance of more storms this afternoon is pretty high, so I left work early and I'm hanging out in my basement for awhile. Being on the computer is probably not the smartest idea, but hey...I'm not the sharpest crayon in the shed!
Extreme weather can be cool to watch, not so much fun to be in. Scary stuff!!!!
Do I really need a REASON to blog?
Original Post Date: May 21, 2008
No, I think not. Reasons? We don't need no stinkin' reasons! I'm sitting here at my computer, listening to Josh Groban. (Well, actually, I have the Showtunes and Vocal genres on random. "I Had a Dream About You" from the Maury Yeston Songbook is on now, sung by Betty Buckley...like you care.) Anyway, I have this overwhelming urge to write a blog. I usually wait until I have something important to share...or something funny...or something that made me really mad. But tonight, I'm just....tired. Yeah, that's all. Tired.
I am sporting a new haircut today, which is hardly something to write home...er, Blog...about. Although, it is a different color. I went red again. I wasn't going to, but I figured EH what the heck. No one REALLY sees my hair in Fiddler. It's mostly covered for most of Act 1 and the fake braid that I wear is ALMOST this color. No one will be able to tell. And you are are staring at my hair, then we are not doing our job on stage. And my hair is completely covered in Act 2...because I'm a married woman then! I really do like this hair color. I've had almost red hair for my entire life, so why not go all the way? Psh! I need to get out of the rut that is my incredibly boring existance. Sometimes all the drama in my life is OFF stage, but most times it's not.
So what else to ramble about...I am very glad that Kristi Yamaguchi won Dancing with the Stars. I didn't watch as much this season, because I didn't have any time. But I watched the finale last night. She was clearly the best, and I'm glad she finally broke the curse! Another girl wins! Yay! (Hey, I loved Helio last season, but Mel B. should have won!!!!)
Soooooooooooooo.....how about those Rockies? I should go to a game. Baseball games are fun to watch live. On TV, not as much fun.
I can't wait to see the new Indiana Jones movie. I didn't get tickets ahead of time, so I probably won't be able to get in tomorrow. I'll have to wait until next week. That's okay. I can be patient!!
So, yeah, Fiddler is going great! Between Nick and me dumping the Sabbath Prayer food all over the food during our scene and Spencer shattering the tray after the wedding...it was a fun weekend! And let's not forget Motel & Tzeitel's DEMON CHILD on Sunday!! LOL! 7 more weekends to go of fun, frivolity and fiddlers on roofs....YAY!!!!!!!!
Okay, I think I'm done rambling now. Mmmm.....yeah, I'm done. I can't think of anything else even MILDLY interesting to write about. Oh, and Josh Groban is back on.....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......what were we talking about?
No, I think not. Reasons? We don't need no stinkin' reasons! I'm sitting here at my computer, listening to Josh Groban. (Well, actually, I have the Showtunes and Vocal genres on random. "I Had a Dream About You" from the Maury Yeston Songbook is on now, sung by Betty Buckley...like you care.) Anyway, I have this overwhelming urge to write a blog. I usually wait until I have something important to share...or something funny...or something that made me really mad. But tonight, I'm just....tired. Yeah, that's all. Tired.
I am sporting a new haircut today, which is hardly something to write home...er, Blog...about. Although, it is a different color. I went red again. I wasn't going to, but I figured EH what the heck. No one REALLY sees my hair in Fiddler. It's mostly covered for most of Act 1 and the fake braid that I wear is ALMOST this color. No one will be able to tell. And you are are staring at my hair, then we are not doing our job on stage. And my hair is completely covered in Act 2...because I'm a married woman then! I really do like this hair color. I've had almost red hair for my entire life, so why not go all the way? Psh! I need to get out of the rut that is my incredibly boring existance. Sometimes all the drama in my life is OFF stage, but most times it's not.
So what else to ramble about...I am very glad that Kristi Yamaguchi won Dancing with the Stars. I didn't watch as much this season, because I didn't have any time. But I watched the finale last night. She was clearly the best, and I'm glad she finally broke the curse! Another girl wins! Yay! (Hey, I loved Helio last season, but Mel B. should have won!!!!)
Soooooooooooooo.....how about those Rockies? I should go to a game. Baseball games are fun to watch live. On TV, not as much fun.
I can't wait to see the new Indiana Jones movie. I didn't get tickets ahead of time, so I probably won't be able to get in tomorrow. I'll have to wait until next week. That's okay. I can be patient!!
So, yeah, Fiddler is going great! Between Nick and me dumping the Sabbath Prayer food all over the food during our scene and Spencer shattering the tray after the wedding...it was a fun weekend! And let's not forget Motel & Tzeitel's DEMON CHILD on Sunday!! LOL! 7 more weekends to go of fun, frivolity and fiddlers on roofs....YAY!!!!!!!!
Okay, I think I'm done rambling now. Mmmm.....yeah, I'm done. I can't think of anything else even MILDLY interesting to write about. Oh, and Josh Groban is back on.....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......what were we talking about?
The "Tech Week Diet"
Original Post Date: May 15, 2008
If this wasn't an unhealthy way to lose weight, I would totally patent it!!
Here is an example of the "Tech Week Diet" (Based on what I've eaten this week):
Monday
11:00 am – one S'mores Granola Bar
2:00 pm – Double Decker Taco from Taco Bell and small Sierra Mist
4:30 pm – one piece of Lasagna and a garden salad with ranch dressing
(Hmmmm…that's not so bad. Just wait…it gets better)
Tuesday
7:00 am – Bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats
10:30 am – one S'mores Granola Bar
12:30 pm – Turkey Pesto Wrap from Safeway Deli, Cool Ranch Doritos, Apple Juice
9:30/10:00 ish – one S'mores Granola Bar
Wednesday
7:00 am – Bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats
11:00 am – one S'mores Granola Bar
4:00 pm – one piece of Lasagna and a large garden salad with ranch dressing
9:30 ish – one S'mores Granola Bar
11:30 pm – a bunch of Chips Ahoy Mini Cookies
Thursday
7:15 am – Bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats
…I don't know when or what I'll eat today.
I pretty much have time to eat lunch or dinner, but not both. I drink about 2 liters of water throughout the whole day, and when I'm at the theatre I barely sit down. I actually think I sit down more onstage than off! Some shows, I run around like a chicken with my head cut off. The most weight I've ever lost during Tech Week is 10 pounds. Usually it's around 5. I was already down 10 this time around BEFORE Tech week, and I think I might have dropped another pound or two. Go me! But actually, I am eating better this show than past shows. I remember shows where I would eat breakfast, eat lunch, and then not eat anything except a granola bar and an apple sometime that evening in the middle of the show. And I wasn't hungry! Adrenaline is an appetite suppressant. Who knew? Well, I'm sure scientists know that. I'm just an actress. What do I know? I know that I'm hungry….and freaking tired!!!!!
I KNOW that this is not the healthiest way to lose weight, but it's what my schedule allows. I don't have time for anything else!!!! My show opens tomorrow, and I will be eating regularly again during the week! I'll have the time!
If this wasn't an unhealthy way to lose weight, I would totally patent it!!
Here is an example of the "Tech Week Diet" (Based on what I've eaten this week):
Monday
11:00 am – one S'mores Granola Bar
2:00 pm – Double Decker Taco from Taco Bell and small Sierra Mist
4:30 pm – one piece of Lasagna and a garden salad with ranch dressing
(Hmmmm…that's not so bad. Just wait…it gets better)
Tuesday
7:00 am – Bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats
10:30 am – one S'mores Granola Bar
12:30 pm – Turkey Pesto Wrap from Safeway Deli, Cool Ranch Doritos, Apple Juice
9:30/10:00 ish – one S'mores Granola Bar
Wednesday
7:00 am – Bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats
11:00 am – one S'mores Granola Bar
4:00 pm – one piece of Lasagna and a large garden salad with ranch dressing
9:30 ish – one S'mores Granola Bar
11:30 pm – a bunch of Chips Ahoy Mini Cookies
Thursday
7:15 am – Bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats
…I don't know when or what I'll eat today.
I pretty much have time to eat lunch or dinner, but not both. I drink about 2 liters of water throughout the whole day, and when I'm at the theatre I barely sit down. I actually think I sit down more onstage than off! Some shows, I run around like a chicken with my head cut off. The most weight I've ever lost during Tech Week is 10 pounds. Usually it's around 5. I was already down 10 this time around BEFORE Tech week, and I think I might have dropped another pound or two. Go me! But actually, I am eating better this show than past shows. I remember shows where I would eat breakfast, eat lunch, and then not eat anything except a granola bar and an apple sometime that evening in the middle of the show. And I wasn't hungry! Adrenaline is an appetite suppressant. Who knew? Well, I'm sure scientists know that. I'm just an actress. What do I know? I know that I'm hungry….and freaking tired!!!!!
I KNOW that this is not the healthiest way to lose weight, but it's what my schedule allows. I don't have time for anything else!!!! My show opens tomorrow, and I will be eating regularly again during the week! I'll have the time!
Tony Nominations Announced
Original Post Date: May 13, 2008
So, the Tony Award Nominations were announced today. The Tonys are like my Super Bowl. Seriously. I LIVE FOR THEM!! And you know what? I'm actually considering not watching them this year. Yeah. Don't worry...I'll watch. South Pacific is up for a bunch of awards...which totally rocks. But the new musical that I have already seen...twice...only got TWO!!!! WHAT THE CRAP?! Now, I know a lot of people don't like "The Little Mermaid", and to each his own. But I really love that show. It deserved more than it was given. Sierra, Sherie, Eddie, Tituss...in my opinion, all should have gotten nominations. It should have gotten a nom for Best Musical. The only two nominations it got were: Best Original Score for a Musical (and it rightly deserves to win. Alan Menken rules the WORLD!) and Best Lighting Design. HELLO?!?! THAT'S ALL?!?! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FREAKING KIDDING ME!!!!!!
I'm actually madder about this than I was last year when Ashley Brown got snubbed. She's an amazing Mary Poppins. (She's going to tour! I hope they come to Denver!!!!!!!!)
So anyway, just had to get my gripe out there. It's a well known fact that the Oscars let me down a lot. But the Tonys? COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, the Tony Award Nominations were announced today. The Tonys are like my Super Bowl. Seriously. I LIVE FOR THEM!! And you know what? I'm actually considering not watching them this year. Yeah. Don't worry...I'll watch. South Pacific is up for a bunch of awards...which totally rocks. But the new musical that I have already seen...twice...only got TWO!!!! WHAT THE CRAP?! Now, I know a lot of people don't like "The Little Mermaid", and to each his own. But I really love that show. It deserved more than it was given. Sierra, Sherie, Eddie, Tituss...in my opinion, all should have gotten nominations. It should have gotten a nom for Best Musical. The only two nominations it got were: Best Original Score for a Musical (and it rightly deserves to win. Alan Menken rules the WORLD!) and Best Lighting Design. HELLO?!?! THAT'S ALL?!?! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FREAKING KIDDING ME!!!!!!
I'm actually madder about this than I was last year when Ashley Brown got snubbed. She's an amazing Mary Poppins. (She's going to tour! I hope they come to Denver!!!!!!!!)
So anyway, just had to get my gripe out there. It's a well known fact that the Oscars let me down a lot. But the Tonys? COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't feel like OLD Tzeitel anymore!
Original Post Date: May 12, 2008
So I haven't felt too old to play Tzeitel for awhile. Totally gotten past that. I don't look or act my age. Most people will never know the age difference between Motel and myself. And none of it would bother me that much, except that I've had a hard time coming to grips with my age this year. I don't feel as old as I am, which is good. I don't look as old as I am, WHICH TOTALLY ROCKS...but I've still got this nagging little voice in the back of my head saying "You are FREAKING 30 YEARS OLD!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE!?!?" Shut up, voice. I hate you. I loathe you.
Today, I did a little research that I've been meaning to do for awhile. I have known for quite some time that, in the most recent revival of Fiddler on Broadway, Tzeitel was played by Sally Murphy. I'm sure that name means nothing to you, but it does to me. I absolutely adore my recording of the 1994 Lincoln Center Revival of "Carousel". She played a marvelous Julie. (Audra McDonald was Carrie, just for reference.) Anyway, it stuck me one day: If Sally was old enough in 1994 to play Julie, how old was she in 2004 when she played Tzeitel? I finally remembered to look it up today. She was 42. Suddenly, 30 doesn't seem so bad. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I haven't felt too old to play Tzeitel for awhile. Totally gotten past that. I don't look or act my age. Most people will never know the age difference between Motel and myself. And none of it would bother me that much, except that I've had a hard time coming to grips with my age this year. I don't feel as old as I am, which is good. I don't look as old as I am, WHICH TOTALLY ROCKS...but I've still got this nagging little voice in the back of my head saying "You are FREAKING 30 YEARS OLD!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE!?!?" Shut up, voice. I hate you. I loathe you.
Today, I did a little research that I've been meaning to do for awhile. I have known for quite some time that, in the most recent revival of Fiddler on Broadway, Tzeitel was played by Sally Murphy. I'm sure that name means nothing to you, but it does to me. I absolutely adore my recording of the 1994 Lincoln Center Revival of "Carousel". She played a marvelous Julie. (Audra McDonald was Carrie, just for reference.) Anyway, it stuck me one day: If Sally was old enough in 1994 to play Julie, how old was she in 2004 when she played Tzeitel? I finally remembered to look it up today. She was 42. Suddenly, 30 doesn't seem so bad. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lack of sleep for a very good cause!
Original Post Date: May 9, 2008
I am so freaking tired. I feel like my arms and legs weigh about 10,000 pounds each. My stomach is in knots because I'm so anxious...not nervous....just anxious. I want nothing more than to crawl back into bed and sleep until tomorrow night. My stress level is inching higher all the time. And you know what? I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING!!!!!! All the pain, the tiredness, the anxious...ness (is that a word?) are all worth it. Why? Because I'm doing something that I love!!! MUSICAL THEATRE!!!!!!!! Fiddler opens a week from tonight. (ACK!) I'm not totally ready, but I'm getting there. I felt like a zombie last night, (and not just when I was playing one in The Dream!) but I made it through. I think I almost fell asleep at the wheel on the way home (NOT COOL!!!) but I got home safe and sound and pretty much fell right into bed. Work comes early in the morning. Five rehearsals to go until we have an audience, and I'm getting so excited! I am having a BALL! This is has been a lot of fun, and the 2 months of performances are going to be even more fun! (Do you like how I'm psyching myself up before Tech Week?) YAY!!!!!
I am so freaking tired. I feel like my arms and legs weigh about 10,000 pounds each. My stomach is in knots because I'm so anxious...not nervous....just anxious. I want nothing more than to crawl back into bed and sleep until tomorrow night. My stress level is inching higher all the time. And you know what? I WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING!!!!!! All the pain, the tiredness, the anxious...ness (is that a word?) are all worth it. Why? Because I'm doing something that I love!!! MUSICAL THEATRE!!!!!!!! Fiddler opens a week from tonight. (ACK!) I'm not totally ready, but I'm getting there. I felt like a zombie last night, (and not just when I was playing one in The Dream!) but I made it through. I think I almost fell asleep at the wheel on the way home (NOT COOL!!!) but I got home safe and sound and pretty much fell right into bed. Work comes early in the morning. Five rehearsals to go until we have an audience, and I'm getting so excited! I am having a BALL! This is has been a lot of fun, and the 2 months of performances are going to be even more fun! (Do you like how I'm psyching myself up before Tech Week?) YAY!!!!!
Dear Abby printed me and I MISSED IT!!!!!
Original Post Date: May 7, 2008
So, I was having a particularly annoying day at work a couple of months ago. Someone kept trying to fax something to us, and they dialed the main phone line instead of the fax line. It wasn't the first time it had happened, but that day it just really got on my nerves. So I wrote to Dear Abby about it. Well, she printed my letter on March 1st. Except, I didn't know that she printed it. I don't read her column every day. Well, I found out today that it had been printed, because someone wrote a response and it got printed today! So I went online and found my letter! Yay!
You can read the original letter here:
http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20080301
and the rubuttal in today's paper (May 7) or here:
http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/
My response to the guy who wrote in: If I knew how to transfer calls to the fax line, I would do so. But our phone system is borderline archaeic.
On the plus side, it's been a couple of weeks since someone tried to fax to the main phone line. But I'm sure that, as I say this, someone will try today. LOL!
So, I was having a particularly annoying day at work a couple of months ago. Someone kept trying to fax something to us, and they dialed the main phone line instead of the fax line. It wasn't the first time it had happened, but that day it just really got on my nerves. So I wrote to Dear Abby about it. Well, she printed my letter on March 1st. Except, I didn't know that she printed it. I don't read her column every day. Well, I found out today that it had been printed, because someone wrote a response and it got printed today! So I went online and found my letter! Yay!
You can read the original letter here:
http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20080301
and the rubuttal in today's paper (May 7) or here:
http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/
My response to the guy who wrote in: If I knew how to transfer calls to the fax line, I would do so. But our phone system is borderline archaeic.
On the plus side, it's been a couple of weeks since someone tried to fax to the main phone line. But I'm sure that, as I say this, someone will try today. LOL!
True Friendship (None of that Sissy Crap)
Original Post Date: May 2, 2008
True Friendship - None of that Sissy Crap
Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, But never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.
1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in. Heh-heh
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy self.
9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask; 'because you are my friend'.
True Friendship - None of that Sissy Crap
Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, But never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.
1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in. Heh-heh
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy self.
9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask; 'because you are my friend'.
Welcome to the "Peaks and Valleys" yet again!
Original Post Date: April 30, 2008
So the week started off well enough. Rehearsal was good on Monday. Learned a few key things to work on in regards to my acting style. Got out early...it was actually still light when I left the theater. That was nice. Tuesday rehearsal was just for the guys, so I was looking forward to a relaxing evening. Well, that is, until I left work and drove to the post office...same as every day. Got back out to the car, and it wouldn't start. CRAP! It did the clicking thing it used to do when it was cold, and then just wouldn't make a sound at all. Luckily, I was in downtown Loveland not at freaking Red Rocks. So I call home...no answer. I call Shauna...no answer. I think "I'll call Neal....wait....can't call Neal. CRAP!" I call home again, and my dad answers. So he comes down with the truck and we try to jump start the car. No luck. I refuse to drive while we tow it (because I don't feel confident enough to NOT wreck the car.) So we go home and get Shauna so she can drive it. So....we tow the car to the mechanics. I'm hoping it's just a fuse problem like last time. I have the money right now in case it's a pricey repair, but that money was earmarked for my car insurance and credit card. CRAP!!!!!!!
So, Shauna says to me "How are you going to get to rehearsal tonight." I say "I don't have rehearsal tonight, actually." She says "YOU DON'T? Since when?" "Since last night." "Because Heather and I are going up to Laramie to see 'A Chorus Line.'" So, I gave up my relaxing evening at home to drive 1 1/2 hours to Laramie to see "A Chorus Line" at the University of Wyoming...starring my dear friend (and adopted little sister) Katrina Despain as Cassie! She was absolutely wonderful and it was totally worth the 3 hours in the car and the lack of sleep.
So...those are my current peaks and valleys. I know that we have to experience the valleys so that we can appreciate the peaks more, but I'm getting a little sick of having so many valleys. They are becoming a little more common than the peaks...and it's getting ANNOYING!!!!!!
So the week started off well enough. Rehearsal was good on Monday. Learned a few key things to work on in regards to my acting style. Got out early...it was actually still light when I left the theater. That was nice. Tuesday rehearsal was just for the guys, so I was looking forward to a relaxing evening. Well, that is, until I left work and drove to the post office...same as every day. Got back out to the car, and it wouldn't start. CRAP! It did the clicking thing it used to do when it was cold, and then just wouldn't make a sound at all. Luckily, I was in downtown Loveland not at freaking Red Rocks. So I call home...no answer. I call Shauna...no answer. I think "I'll call Neal....wait....can't call Neal. CRAP!" I call home again, and my dad answers. So he comes down with the truck and we try to jump start the car. No luck. I refuse to drive while we tow it (because I don't feel confident enough to NOT wreck the car.) So we go home and get Shauna so she can drive it. So....we tow the car to the mechanics. I'm hoping it's just a fuse problem like last time. I have the money right now in case it's a pricey repair, but that money was earmarked for my car insurance and credit card. CRAP!!!!!!!
So, Shauna says to me "How are you going to get to rehearsal tonight." I say "I don't have rehearsal tonight, actually." She says "YOU DON'T? Since when?" "Since last night." "Because Heather and I are going up to Laramie to see 'A Chorus Line.'" So, I gave up my relaxing evening at home to drive 1 1/2 hours to Laramie to see "A Chorus Line" at the University of Wyoming...starring my dear friend (and adopted little sister) Katrina Despain as Cassie! She was absolutely wonderful and it was totally worth the 3 hours in the car and the lack of sleep.
So...those are my current peaks and valleys. I know that we have to experience the valleys so that we can appreciate the peaks more, but I'm getting a little sick of having so many valleys. They are becoming a little more common than the peaks...and it's getting ANNOYING!!!!!!
Decisions, Dilemmas...and TOO MUCH STRESS!
Original Post Date: April 18, 2008
Why is it that I have so many choices to make? Darn that free agency. We are free to choose....but sometimes it's choosing between good things. It's not all black and white, good versus evil and all that. I have to decide what I want to do! AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO!!!!
I'm leaning more and more towards doing a solo recital. It's been 8 years since my senior recital in college (dang, I'm old). And I've been taking voice lessons from Juliana for 5 years now. It's about freaking time I allow myself to show off a little. Recitals are a lot of work, but they are really fun, too. And I'd be keeping my stress level to a minimum by titling the recital "Songs that I Love". So, I'd only sing songs that I already know. And with the list I have right now, I'd only have to memorize one...and who says I have to memorize it? Well, actually...it's the Habanera from Carmen. You have to ACT that piece, and being tied to the music makes that hard. Not that memorizing French isn't hard enough. Aw, craaaaap. But the other songs on the recital would be Una voce poco fa, which I've sung a BAZILLION times! And Danny Boy (Celtic Woman version). And Mr. Snow. And Adelaide's Lament. Fun stuff...that I already know. Okay, so...I will do this recital if I can go find that totally sweet red dress that Steph and I found last summer when we were shopping for my Gala dress. But alas, I don't have a lot of time to go shopping all the way in Centennial at that store.
So there's one dilemma...the recital. What's the other dilemma? Should I audition for "Jekyll & Hyde" at the UCDT? That's their next show. Auditions are two weeks from tomorrow. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that show! It won't open until late August, so I would have a tiny break after Fiddler. I would love to play Emma in that show...someday. Not now. I'm not comfortable singing HIGH that much. I pretend that I'm a soprano, but I'm really not. My range is now B below low C (one octave below middle C) and High C. Just over 3 octaves. Welcome to MEZZO-VILLE!!!!! The fun of being a mezzo is, you can either sing low or you can sing high. You can't do both at the same time...and if you can, not for long!!! And you have buy both the High Voice and Low Voice versions of EVERY music book. But I digress....should I audition for J&H? I don't know. I love the UCDT. I'm having a BLAST with Fiddler (and I promise to stop complaining about being a bad dancer. I'm getting better!!!!) The drive isn't so bad, either. Especially because I get to write the mileage off my taxes. SWEET! So, I don't know whether I'll audition for that or not. I'm still waiting to hear what the rest of the season will be at the Candlelight. But I can't wait around for that. And whatever I decide, I have to make sure that I'm available on October 18th to do the Loveland Opera Theatre Gala. We're doing an evening of George Gershwin and Cole Porter. I'm singing "Someone to Watch Over Me" and a yet-to-be-determined duet (possibly with Craig.) I'll move heaven and earth to make sure I'm available for that night. I'm super excited to be singing that song! I LOVE IT!!!!
And now for the stress....I haven't had a principal role in a show in a very long time. I haven't had to memorize more than a handful of lines in FOREVER! So I'm seriously stressing out over my lines in Fiddler. We haven't blocked any scenes yet, so I'm sure it will be fine once I know what I'll be doing. But being the freaker-outer that I am...I'm, well, freaked. It's going to be okay...I know it is...but I still have to wig out a little. It's just how I'm wired. My dancing is getting...less bad. Not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's not as bad as it was. I really should look into taking some dance classes someday. All this money spent on voice training has not been wasted, but I feel out of sorts when I am so far behind my fellow cast mates when it comes to dancing! Graceful I am not. Not even CLOSE!!!!! But I just need a little more confidence in myself. I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN SUNSHINE, I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN RAIN, I HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT SPRING WILL COME AGAIN! BESIDES WHICH YOU SEE, I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN ME!!!! Wow, Maria sure got that right.
Okay, I'm done freaking out now. I have learned recently that I cannot try to have ultimate control over every facet of my life...and everything that I want for my life. I really just have to go with the flow and let things happen as they happen. Everything is going to work out. I know that it will...I just have to have a little patience and faith.
Why is it that I have so many choices to make? Darn that free agency. We are free to choose....but sometimes it's choosing between good things. It's not all black and white, good versus evil and all that. I have to decide what I want to do! AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO!!!!
I'm leaning more and more towards doing a solo recital. It's been 8 years since my senior recital in college (dang, I'm old). And I've been taking voice lessons from Juliana for 5 years now. It's about freaking time I allow myself to show off a little. Recitals are a lot of work, but they are really fun, too. And I'd be keeping my stress level to a minimum by titling the recital "Songs that I Love". So, I'd only sing songs that I already know. And with the list I have right now, I'd only have to memorize one...and who says I have to memorize it? Well, actually...it's the Habanera from Carmen. You have to ACT that piece, and being tied to the music makes that hard. Not that memorizing French isn't hard enough. Aw, craaaaap. But the other songs on the recital would be Una voce poco fa, which I've sung a BAZILLION times! And Danny Boy (Celtic Woman version). And Mr. Snow. And Adelaide's Lament. Fun stuff...that I already know. Okay, so...I will do this recital if I can go find that totally sweet red dress that Steph and I found last summer when we were shopping for my Gala dress. But alas, I don't have a lot of time to go shopping all the way in Centennial at that store.
So there's one dilemma...the recital. What's the other dilemma? Should I audition for "Jekyll & Hyde" at the UCDT? That's their next show. Auditions are two weeks from tomorrow. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that show! It won't open until late August, so I would have a tiny break after Fiddler. I would love to play Emma in that show...someday. Not now. I'm not comfortable singing HIGH that much. I pretend that I'm a soprano, but I'm really not. My range is now B below low C (one octave below middle C) and High C. Just over 3 octaves. Welcome to MEZZO-VILLE!!!!! The fun of being a mezzo is, you can either sing low or you can sing high. You can't do both at the same time...and if you can, not for long!!! And you have buy both the High Voice and Low Voice versions of EVERY music book. But I digress....should I audition for J&H? I don't know. I love the UCDT. I'm having a BLAST with Fiddler (and I promise to stop complaining about being a bad dancer. I'm getting better!!!!) The drive isn't so bad, either. Especially because I get to write the mileage off my taxes. SWEET! So, I don't know whether I'll audition for that or not. I'm still waiting to hear what the rest of the season will be at the Candlelight. But I can't wait around for that. And whatever I decide, I have to make sure that I'm available on October 18th to do the Loveland Opera Theatre Gala. We're doing an evening of George Gershwin and Cole Porter. I'm singing "Someone to Watch Over Me" and a yet-to-be-determined duet (possibly with Craig.) I'll move heaven and earth to make sure I'm available for that night. I'm super excited to be singing that song! I LOVE IT!!!!
And now for the stress....I haven't had a principal role in a show in a very long time. I haven't had to memorize more than a handful of lines in FOREVER! So I'm seriously stressing out over my lines in Fiddler. We haven't blocked any scenes yet, so I'm sure it will be fine once I know what I'll be doing. But being the freaker-outer that I am...I'm, well, freaked. It's going to be okay...I know it is...but I still have to wig out a little. It's just how I'm wired. My dancing is getting...less bad. Not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's not as bad as it was. I really should look into taking some dance classes someday. All this money spent on voice training has not been wasted, but I feel out of sorts when I am so far behind my fellow cast mates when it comes to dancing! Graceful I am not. Not even CLOSE!!!!! But I just need a little more confidence in myself. I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN SUNSHINE, I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN RAIN, I HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT SPRING WILL COME AGAIN! BESIDES WHICH YOU SEE, I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN ME!!!! Wow, Maria sure got that right.
Okay, I'm done freaking out now. I have learned recently that I cannot try to have ultimate control over every facet of my life...and everything that I want for my life. I really just have to go with the flow and let things happen as they happen. Everything is going to work out. I know that it will...I just have to have a little patience and faith.
The Last 5 Years
Original Post Date: April 5, 2008
Can I just say how much I love this show? This is my second time seeing it, and I am amazed at the complex simplicity. Jason Robert Brown is a freaking genius!
The Last 5 Years chronicles the 5 year relationship of struggling actress Cathy and budding writer Jamie. Here’s the kicker, though: Jamie tells the story from beginning to end while Cathy tells it backwards, from end to beginning. The show is a series of solos, with a beautiful duet in the middle (that’s their wedding day.) The show is...well, it’s amazing. You start out wondering what a cute, nice, happy guy like Jamie could have possibly done to make Cathy so sad. By the end of the show, you know exactly what happened...from both sides. And you can totally see where it all went wrong. It’s not exactly a show I’d recommend for a first...or even a second...date. But couples should really see it. Seriously.
Anyway, the show I saw today was at the Denver Center. Johanna Brickey was Cathy and Chris Crouch was Jamie. (The roles are double cast, and anyone could be on at any time.) I really REALLY liked Chris’s portrayal of Jamie. He really nailed the exuberance of the early relationship Jamie. He was so cute singing "Shiksa Goddess". You could feel his excitement. As the show progesses, you can see his frustration and how tortured he becomes. He played happy as equally at ease as sad. And he had a great voice, too! He totally rocked the "Schmeuel Song"! I was less impressed with Johanna. She was too young and immature for the End of the Relationship Cathy. The pain we’re supposed to see just wasn’t ringing competely true for me. However, once we got to see the early Cathy, she was perfect. Her best song was "Summer in Ohio" which is my favorite of Cathy’s songs. She did great on that one. She did well overall, but just not as good as Chris. They didn’t seem like an even match, vocally and acting-wise.
The set was AMAZING! There were two apartments, one on either side of the stage. Each had boxes everywhere, waiting to be unpacked. When one character was singing, the other was in their apartment putting things away. Every now and then they would pull something out of a box and use it as a prop in their next song. Kind of like they were reminiscing about that item and the memory it evoked. By the time the show was over, the apartments were completely in order. It was like their lives were totally cluttered and as they told the story, everything got sorted out and put back together. This was a really cool concept, and every effective for the show. The Garner Galleria Theatre also has a revolve at center stage (For those of you non-theatre folks, that’s a part of the stage that rotates. They are super cool!) They made great use of that during the show. A clock was painted on it. At the surface, it represents the clock in the Schmueel song...but it really seemed like it was the clock ticking down the 5 years. Cool, eh? I thought so.
Overall, the show was really, REALLY GOOD!!! I want to go back and see the other two actors. It could be a totally different show! Oh, and a word of advice....if you’re going to sit on the front row, make sure you’re in the center. My neck hurts from looking back and forth so much!!!!!!!!!!
Can I just say how much I love this show? This is my second time seeing it, and I am amazed at the complex simplicity. Jason Robert Brown is a freaking genius!
The Last 5 Years chronicles the 5 year relationship of struggling actress Cathy and budding writer Jamie. Here’s the kicker, though: Jamie tells the story from beginning to end while Cathy tells it backwards, from end to beginning. The show is a series of solos, with a beautiful duet in the middle (that’s their wedding day.) The show is...well, it’s amazing. You start out wondering what a cute, nice, happy guy like Jamie could have possibly done to make Cathy so sad. By the end of the show, you know exactly what happened...from both sides. And you can totally see where it all went wrong. It’s not exactly a show I’d recommend for a first...or even a second...date. But couples should really see it. Seriously.
Anyway, the show I saw today was at the Denver Center. Johanna Brickey was Cathy and Chris Crouch was Jamie. (The roles are double cast, and anyone could be on at any time.) I really REALLY liked Chris’s portrayal of Jamie. He really nailed the exuberance of the early relationship Jamie. He was so cute singing "Shiksa Goddess". You could feel his excitement. As the show progesses, you can see his frustration and how tortured he becomes. He played happy as equally at ease as sad. And he had a great voice, too! He totally rocked the "Schmeuel Song"! I was less impressed with Johanna. She was too young and immature for the End of the Relationship Cathy. The pain we’re supposed to see just wasn’t ringing competely true for me. However, once we got to see the early Cathy, she was perfect. Her best song was "Summer in Ohio" which is my favorite of Cathy’s songs. She did great on that one. She did well overall, but just not as good as Chris. They didn’t seem like an even match, vocally and acting-wise.
The set was AMAZING! There were two apartments, one on either side of the stage. Each had boxes everywhere, waiting to be unpacked. When one character was singing, the other was in their apartment putting things away. Every now and then they would pull something out of a box and use it as a prop in their next song. Kind of like they were reminiscing about that item and the memory it evoked. By the time the show was over, the apartments were completely in order. It was like their lives were totally cluttered and as they told the story, everything got sorted out and put back together. This was a really cool concept, and every effective for the show. The Garner Galleria Theatre also has a revolve at center stage (For those of you non-theatre folks, that’s a part of the stage that rotates. They are super cool!) They made great use of that during the show. A clock was painted on it. At the surface, it represents the clock in the Schmueel song...but it really seemed like it was the clock ticking down the 5 years. Cool, eh? I thought so.
Overall, the show was really, REALLY GOOD!!! I want to go back and see the other two actors. It could be a totally different show! Oh, and a word of advice....if you’re going to sit on the front row, make sure you’re in the center. My neck hurts from looking back and forth so much!!!!!!!!!!
Those April Fool's Days Gone By
Original Post Date: April 1, 2008
I say that the 4th of July is my favorite holiday, but really...it’s April Fools Day. There is just so much satisfaction to be had for playing fun pranks, telling fibs, etc...and totally getting away with it. I love it! And I have played some doozies in the past. In fact, I couldn’t even come up with anything this year that could top what I’ve done in the past. Which is fine, because if I take a year or two off, then no one expects anything. Then BOOM! I hit ’em again. It’s great!
I’ve been reminiscing today about April Fool’s Days gone by. There was the year I told everyone I was engaged to a guy I had just barely met. Then there was the year that I told them my ex-boyfriend had called me out of the blue and wanted to get married. (That one lasted for months, because I forgot to e-mail out a retraction. 6 months after the fact, my aunt found out about it and called me. It was hilarious!) I don’t think I can play the "I’m engaged" joke anymore, because if I ever actually do get engaged, no one will ever believe me.
My favorite joke was I think my junior year of college. I told everyone that I had been accepted into a Study Abroad program in Africa, studying ancient choral music. It seemed like something I might have done, so more people believed that one. Another fun one was when I told my boyfriend at the time (no, wait...we had broken up by that point.) that I had lost the Les Miz tickets. He freaked! I think it was last year that I sent out a message saying that I was moving to New York City to try and make it as an actress. A couple people believed that one. I know there have been some other great ones, but I just can’t think of them. And I can’t think of a way to top any of them. So you guys are off the hook this year. Although, we did play a fun one on my boss. All 4 of us were supposed to call or text him and say we were in car accidents and wouldn’t be into work today. Only 2 of us remembered, so it didn’t have the full effect we were looking for. But it was still fun. And here is the sign that I made that is currently posted on the bathroom door:
So, Happy April Fool’s Day everyone! Sorry I didn’t play a trick on you this year. Seriously, you don’t know how sorry I am.
I say that the 4th of July is my favorite holiday, but really...it’s April Fools Day. There is just so much satisfaction to be had for playing fun pranks, telling fibs, etc...and totally getting away with it. I love it! And I have played some doozies in the past. In fact, I couldn’t even come up with anything this year that could top what I’ve done in the past. Which is fine, because if I take a year or two off, then no one expects anything. Then BOOM! I hit ’em again. It’s great!
I’ve been reminiscing today about April Fool’s Days gone by. There was the year I told everyone I was engaged to a guy I had just barely met. Then there was the year that I told them my ex-boyfriend had called me out of the blue and wanted to get married. (That one lasted for months, because I forgot to e-mail out a retraction. 6 months after the fact, my aunt found out about it and called me. It was hilarious!) I don’t think I can play the "I’m engaged" joke anymore, because if I ever actually do get engaged, no one will ever believe me.
My favorite joke was I think my junior year of college. I told everyone that I had been accepted into a Study Abroad program in Africa, studying ancient choral music. It seemed like something I might have done, so more people believed that one. Another fun one was when I told my boyfriend at the time (no, wait...we had broken up by that point.) that I had lost the Les Miz tickets. He freaked! I think it was last year that I sent out a message saying that I was moving to New York City to try and make it as an actress. A couple people believed that one. I know there have been some other great ones, but I just can’t think of them. And I can’t think of a way to top any of them. So you guys are off the hook this year. Although, we did play a fun one on my boss. All 4 of us were supposed to call or text him and say we were in car accidents and wouldn’t be into work today. Only 2 of us remembered, so it didn’t have the full effect we were looking for. But it was still fun. And here is the sign that I made that is currently posted on the bathroom door:
So, Happy April Fool’s Day everyone! Sorry I didn’t play a trick on you this year. Seriously, you don’t know how sorry I am.
Angela's Rant o' the Week
Original Post Date: March 27, 2008
Let me first preface this with a few things. You need to understand what exactly it is that I do for a job. I work for a property management company. We manage rental properties and homeowner’s associations. I have many job titles, but one of them is HOA Bookkeeper. I am in charge of all the accounting for 15 HOAs. Because of this, I deal a lot with Real Estate Agents and Title Companies. Many of them are very nice, very easy to work with, and we can work together quite nicely to get records transferred over for buyers. HOWEVER....
Stop trying to make it my fault and my problem when something doesn’t go right. If you had sent me the Status Letter a week ago, instead of the night before your closing, you would have known how much was owed in back HOA dues. Sure, under the superlien law I can only collect 6 months worth of dues in a foreclosure. But I can’t take the other dues off the account without specific documentation. Yes, I know there was also a bankruptcy, but I don’t take past dues and fees off unless I get the official bankruptcy discharge notice. If I just start writing off dues willy-nilly, I’m going to get in trouble. You are not worth me getting in trouble. Oh, I’m sorry? You didn’t know that the actual name of the HOA is something different that what you show as the registered Subdivision name. That’s too bad. I’m sorry that you missed the HUGE SIGN at the two entrances to the HOA that clearly say the official name of the HOA (not the subdivision.) The Title Company wouldn’t have been out there, but the Real Estate Agent sure as heck was there. Unless they are blind...in which case they shouldn’t be driving.
I’m not going to do your job for you. If you want to put me on salary (with benefits, of course!) with your company, I will gladly do your job. But see...I have my own job for worry about. I can’t do yours as well. I won’t do yours. I will do everything in my power to help you, but there are times when I just have to draw the line and say "Look, this is not my problem. You get it figured out on your end and let me do my own job."
Seriously, most real estate agents and title companies are fine, good, nice people. But those few that are dumber than a box of rocks just really irk me.
Let me first preface this with a few things. You need to understand what exactly it is that I do for a job. I work for a property management company. We manage rental properties and homeowner’s associations. I have many job titles, but one of them is HOA Bookkeeper. I am in charge of all the accounting for 15 HOAs. Because of this, I deal a lot with Real Estate Agents and Title Companies. Many of them are very nice, very easy to work with, and we can work together quite nicely to get records transferred over for buyers. HOWEVER....
Stop trying to make it my fault and my problem when something doesn’t go right. If you had sent me the Status Letter a week ago, instead of the night before your closing, you would have known how much was owed in back HOA dues. Sure, under the superlien law I can only collect 6 months worth of dues in a foreclosure. But I can’t take the other dues off the account without specific documentation. Yes, I know there was also a bankruptcy, but I don’t take past dues and fees off unless I get the official bankruptcy discharge notice. If I just start writing off dues willy-nilly, I’m going to get in trouble. You are not worth me getting in trouble. Oh, I’m sorry? You didn’t know that the actual name of the HOA is something different that what you show as the registered Subdivision name. That’s too bad. I’m sorry that you missed the HUGE SIGN at the two entrances to the HOA that clearly say the official name of the HOA (not the subdivision.) The Title Company wouldn’t have been out there, but the Real Estate Agent sure as heck was there. Unless they are blind...in which case they shouldn’t be driving.
I’m not going to do your job for you. If you want to put me on salary (with benefits, of course!) with your company, I will gladly do your job. But see...I have my own job for worry about. I can’t do yours as well. I won’t do yours. I will do everything in my power to help you, but there are times when I just have to draw the line and say "Look, this is not my problem. You get it figured out on your end and let me do my own job."
Seriously, most real estate agents and title companies are fine, good, nice people. But those few that are dumber than a box of rocks just really irk me.
Another song that sums up my life!
Original Post Date: March 21, 2008
Every now and then, there is a song that totally sums up my life at that exact moment in time. Here’s the one for right now:
If only you could know the things I long to say. If only I could tell you what I wish I could convey. It’s in my every glance, my hearts an open book. You’d see it all at once if you would only look. If only you could glimpse the feeling that I feel. If only you would notice what I’m dying to reveal. The dreams I can’t declare, the needs I can’t deny. You’d understand them all if only you would try. All my secrets, you would learn them. All my longings, you’d return them. Then the silence would be broken. Not a word would need be spoken. If only it were true, if only for awhile. If only you would notice how I ache behind my smile. I guess you never will, I guess it doesn’t show. But if I never find a way to tell you so, Oh what I would give if only you could know!
I didn’t write them out as "lyrics", because this thing double-spaces when you hit enter. That song is from "The Little Mermaid". (Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater.) When I first heard that song, last summer, I cried. I could absolutely, totally and utterly empathize with Ariel. She can’t talk, she can’t tell Prince Eric how she feels. He needed to kiss her, and but he was looking for another girl...that voice. Now, I have full use of my voice (obviously...I out-sang an orchestra last night!!!), but I can’t tell a certain guy how I feel about him. I have been burned too many times in the past. I am scared to death of rejection. I have built this wall up too high around my heart. I protect it a little too fiercely, and I can’t stop...not yet. I know, I know...you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. But statistically speaking, you miss 99% of the ones you do. Ariel finally got her chance. Hopefully, I can get mine.
Every now and then, there is a song that totally sums up my life at that exact moment in time. Here’s the one for right now:
If only you could know the things I long to say. If only I could tell you what I wish I could convey. It’s in my every glance, my hearts an open book. You’d see it all at once if you would only look. If only you could glimpse the feeling that I feel. If only you would notice what I’m dying to reveal. The dreams I can’t declare, the needs I can’t deny. You’d understand them all if only you would try. All my secrets, you would learn them. All my longings, you’d return them. Then the silence would be broken. Not a word would need be spoken. If only it were true, if only for awhile. If only you would notice how I ache behind my smile. I guess you never will, I guess it doesn’t show. But if I never find a way to tell you so, Oh what I would give if only you could know!
I didn’t write them out as "lyrics", because this thing double-spaces when you hit enter. That song is from "The Little Mermaid". (Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater.) When I first heard that song, last summer, I cried. I could absolutely, totally and utterly empathize with Ariel. She can’t talk, she can’t tell Prince Eric how she feels. He needed to kiss her, and but he was looking for another girl...that voice. Now, I have full use of my voice (obviously...I out-sang an orchestra last night!!!), but I can’t tell a certain guy how I feel about him. I have been burned too many times in the past. I am scared to death of rejection. I have built this wall up too high around my heart. I protect it a little too fiercely, and I can’t stop...not yet. I know, I know...you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. But statistically speaking, you miss 99% of the ones you do. Ariel finally got her chance. Hopefully, I can get mine.
I can't take much more of the emotional roller coaster!
Original Post Date: March 18, 2008
First, I was sad about my birthday. Then my birthday turned out alright. Then I was devestated by the fact that my sister is going to NYC without me. THEN I find out today that I have been promoted from Fruma Sarah to Tzeital in UCDT’s Fiddler on the Roof. So, I’m over the moon right now!!!! Absolutely over the mooooooooooooooooooon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a week and a half. Seriously!
I'm Tired.
Original Post Date: March 13, 2008
I’m tired of:
-being the forgotten one.
-being left out of a lot of things.
-being left behind.
-being taken for granted.
-being ignored.
-being left in the dust.
-feeling like nobody but my family loves me.
-being trapped inside my own head because I’m just too freaking cautious.
-not being able to express my real feelings out loud sometimes.
-being a Party of One.
-being lonely.
-feeling alone in a crowd of people.
-not getting to do some of the things that I want to, because of money issues.
-spending evenings watching movies in my dark basement by myself.
-living vicariously through the books that I read.
-feeling like I’m treading water all the freaking time.
-feeling like the huge wall I’ve built around my heart is never going to be broken down.
-protecting my heart from being broken again.
-simply existing day to day.
-not feeling like I have a purpose.
-living so much inside my head.
-feeling sad about all of the above.
I’M JUST FREAKING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m tired of:
-being the forgotten one.
-being left out of a lot of things.
-being left behind.
-being taken for granted.
-being ignored.
-being left in the dust.
-feeling like nobody but my family loves me.
-being trapped inside my own head because I’m just too freaking cautious.
-not being able to express my real feelings out loud sometimes.
-being a Party of One.
-being lonely.
-feeling alone in a crowd of people.
-not getting to do some of the things that I want to, because of money issues.
-spending evenings watching movies in my dark basement by myself.
-living vicariously through the books that I read.
-feeling like I’m treading water all the freaking time.
-feeling like the huge wall I’ve built around my heart is never going to be broken down.
-protecting my heart from being broken again.
-simply existing day to day.
-not feeling like I have a purpose.
-living so much inside my head.
-feeling sad about all of the above.
I’M JUST FREAKING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Somebody talk me out of this!!!
Original Post Date: March 11, 2008
Quick! I need someone to give me some really good reasons why I should not do a solo voice recital. I've been on the fence about this for a couple of years now. It has been 8 years since I did my senior recital in college. I really am due to do another recital now. I sing WAY better now than I did then. And I've been taking lessons from Juliana for almost 5 years now. But recitals are just so stressful and a ton of work! While it is a great excuse to buy a new dress (I'm hoping that cute red one we found while looking for my dress for the Gala last year will be there in my size.) But no! Buying a new dress is no reason to go through the pain and agony of another recital. Okay, pain and agony might be a little...over the top. But have you MET ME? I'm always over the top. That's just me.
If I did a recital, it would be called "Songs that I Love". The stipulation for a song is that I have to love it...and I have to be able to tell you why I love it. So technically, I wouldn't have to learn any new songs. That's a bonus. But still...it's a lot of work. I don't have a lot of spare time these days. But if it's songs I already know....
ACK! SOMEBODY SLUG ME! HIT ME! DON'T LET ME DO THIS!!!!
I want to do a recital. No, I don't! But it would be fun! It would be stressful!
aiEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quick! I need someone to give me some really good reasons why I should not do a solo voice recital. I've been on the fence about this for a couple of years now. It has been 8 years since I did my senior recital in college. I really am due to do another recital now. I sing WAY better now than I did then. And I've been taking lessons from Juliana for almost 5 years now. But recitals are just so stressful and a ton of work! While it is a great excuse to buy a new dress (I'm hoping that cute red one we found while looking for my dress for the Gala last year will be there in my size.) But no! Buying a new dress is no reason to go through the pain and agony of another recital. Okay, pain and agony might be a little...over the top. But have you MET ME? I'm always over the top. That's just me.
If I did a recital, it would be called "Songs that I Love". The stipulation for a song is that I have to love it...and I have to be able to tell you why I love it. So technically, I wouldn't have to learn any new songs. That's a bonus. But still...it's a lot of work. I don't have a lot of spare time these days. But if it's songs I already know....
ACK! SOMEBODY SLUG ME! HIT ME! DON'T LET ME DO THIS!!!!
I want to do a recital. No, I don't! But it would be fun! It would be stressful!
aiEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Something funny
Original Post Date: March 9, 2008
Last night, my sister reminded me of something that happened a very long time ago. We were driving home from Greeley, listening to the Original Broadway Cast recording of "The Little Mermaid." She reminded me that when I was about 12 or 13, I wanted high heels really badly. My argument to my was this:
"Ariel had only had legs for a day, and she's wearing high heels. Why can't I wear them?"
Only smart-aleckly little Angela could come up with something like that and think it was a viable excuse. LOL! I had totally forgotten about that. I don't remember when I actually did get my first pair of high heels, but I do remember wearing some in a play in 8th grade, so it wasn't too long after that.
And the funny thing is, even though I am a vertically challenged individual, I now HATE high heels. With the burning passion of a thousand suns. I wear them if I have to...and it's usually just Character Shoes for shows. Even then, if I can get away without them, I do. They hurt my feet.
Last night, my sister reminded me of something that happened a very long time ago. We were driving home from Greeley, listening to the Original Broadway Cast recording of "The Little Mermaid." She reminded me that when I was about 12 or 13, I wanted high heels really badly. My argument to my was this:
"Ariel had only had legs for a day, and she's wearing high heels. Why can't I wear them?"
Only smart-aleckly little Angela could come up with something like that and think it was a viable excuse. LOL! I had totally forgotten about that. I don't remember when I actually did get my first pair of high heels, but I do remember wearing some in a play in 8th grade, so it wasn't too long after that.
And the funny thing is, even though I am a vertically challenged individual, I now HATE high heels. With the burning passion of a thousand suns. I wear them if I have to...and it's usually just Character Shoes for shows. Even then, if I can get away without them, I do. They hurt my feet.
Weird...just weird.
Original Post Date: February 29, 2008
So, I decided that I need to get my business card out to a few places...Bridal Shops, Funeral Homes, that kind of thing. I could probably get a few singing gigs that way. So, I get on the computer to print out some more cards. I haven't printed any in awhile, and I'm not sure exactly how long I've been out of them. Well, we got a new printer for Christmas. It's one of those fancy Scanner/Printer/Copier deals. It's been great, except for one thing. We have used WordPerfect for years, and the printer does NOT like that program. Not a bit. It prints right away when you're on Word, but with WordPerfect? FUHGEDDABOUDIT! I tried once to print, and it didn't work. So I tried again, and then let it sit. Still wasn't printing. I really need these business cards, so I went to VistaPrint.com to see about getting free ones. I didn't like the free ones, so I looked at the ones you have to pay for. I found a really nice one and got it set up. I was just finalizing it when all of the sudden, the printer starts making noises. It was going to print! Oh, no! I'd taken the business card paper out! If my cards printed on regular paper, I'd have to wait another hour to get the actual cards!!!! So, I yanked the paper out before anything started and shoved the business card paper in. I got the cards printed and, while they don't look as cool and professional as the ones on Vista Print, they will do for now. I have 8, and that should do me just fine. I was going to pay $19.99 for 250 cards. Which isn't bad, but if they suddenly became obsolete, I would have a lot of extra cards on my hands. And they aren't the kind you can cross stuff out on. They were all colorful and stuff.
So, apparently...I'm not supposed to have 250 business cards right now. Weird...just weird.
So, I decided that I need to get my business card out to a few places...Bridal Shops, Funeral Homes, that kind of thing. I could probably get a few singing gigs that way. So, I get on the computer to print out some more cards. I haven't printed any in awhile, and I'm not sure exactly how long I've been out of them. Well, we got a new printer for Christmas. It's one of those fancy Scanner/Printer/Copier deals. It's been great, except for one thing. We have used WordPerfect for years, and the printer does NOT like that program. Not a bit. It prints right away when you're on Word, but with WordPerfect? FUHGEDDABOUDIT! I tried once to print, and it didn't work. So I tried again, and then let it sit. Still wasn't printing. I really need these business cards, so I went to VistaPrint.com to see about getting free ones. I didn't like the free ones, so I looked at the ones you have to pay for. I found a really nice one and got it set up. I was just finalizing it when all of the sudden, the printer starts making noises. It was going to print! Oh, no! I'd taken the business card paper out! If my cards printed on regular paper, I'd have to wait another hour to get the actual cards!!!! So, I yanked the paper out before anything started and shoved the business card paper in. I got the cards printed and, while they don't look as cool and professional as the ones on Vista Print, they will do for now. I have 8, and that should do me just fine. I was going to pay $19.99 for 250 cards. Which isn't bad, but if they suddenly became obsolete, I would have a lot of extra cards on my hands. And they aren't the kind you can cross stuff out on. They were all colorful and stuff.
So, apparently...I'm not supposed to have 250 business cards right now. Weird...just weird.
My Thoughts on the Oscars
Original Post Date: February 24, 2008
I'm blogging as I watch. I should be easier this way...I hope.
First off: I LOVE JON STEWART!!!
Secondly...of the 24 categories, there are 15 categories in which I haven't seen any of the movies. I say boo! Read my previous Oscar blogs to see how I feel about THAT!!!!!!!!! So, yeah....I might zone out for awhile.
***Start Random Ramblings***
Who did Jennifer Garner's hair? Looks like she just threw it in a bun.
They keep making movies about Elizabeth I...how about a movie of "The Pirate Queen"? Cate Blanchett would be a great Elizabeth...can she sing that high? Hmm....
That was a very nice tribute to "80 Years of Oscar". Really nice!
Steve Carell rocks my world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, I was going to walk out if Ratatouille didn't win. YAY FOR RATATOUILLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was seriously the cutest movie of the year, hands down. I LOVE IT!!
I kind of want to see La Vie en Rose. But I'd have to be in the mood to read subtitles...which I'm usually not.
Amy Adams was nervous. Who wouldn't be? But she hid it really well, though. Kudos to Amy!!! I adore that song! I can't wait to learn it when I get the music next week! :) I'm not going to lie, though: I missed the dancing cockroaches. I'm making my prediction now that "That's How You Know" will win the Oscar. You just can't beat it! It's perfection.
Wow! Cate Blanchett is pulling a Catherine Zeta-Jones/Annette Bening. She looks like she could pop that kiddo out at any moment!
Is it bad to be happy when people win who don't speak English as their first language? Their speeches are shorter. And their accents are awesome!
Didn't see Javier Bardem's win coming. Not at all. SHEESH! That one was a sure thing. Whatever that was that he said in Spanish, his mom sure liked.
Oscar's Salute to Binoculars and Periscopes? ROFL!!!!!!!
I love "Raise it Up" from August Rush. Great movie! Great song!!!
Wait...what? When did Owen Wilson get nominated for an Oscar? Research time: Ah...The Royal Tenenbaums, for writing. Good to know.
Okay, note to self: stay off of imdb.com when I'm not watching the show live. I just saw who won Best Live Action Short before it was announced. Whoops!!
Someone ran off with Tilda Swinton's sleeve!!!! But hey, she's mostly covered!! And it's a shock she even won! I thought Ruby Dee had that one in the bag!!!
Can I put James McAvoy in my pocket? And keep him forever? He's freaking adorable. I am such a sucker for a Scot.
Blah blah blah....president of the Academy...blah blah blah
"That's How You Know"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kristin Chenoweth did a great job, but she's no Amy Adams. LOL! I never thought I would say that! I just checked, and this is supposed to be over at 9:30. HAH! Like THAT'LL happen. They still have 14 awards to present! We're not even half way through.
I think Seth Rogen does have a Halle Berry vibe, but that's just me. :)
The Bourne Ultimatum is a great movie. Yay for them winning Best Sound Editing! And Best Sound Mixing. I want to be a Foley Artist when I grow up.
Wait...isn't it a little early to be giving out Best Actress? It's only 8:10 pm! Oh, well...we all know it's going to Julie Christie. Okay, so I was wrong. Marion Cotillard won! Good for her. I really ought to check out that movie.
It's so refreshing to see winners that I just so overwhelmed that they can barely put two sentences together. I can't believe that won. I love that. It's not like they expected it (like so many do) and you can just see their utter bewilderment and excitement. I love it!
Sweet!!! Wii Tennis! I totally rocked that game the...one time I played it.
Okay...the song from "Once". They filmed the movie in 17 days. Sounds like they wrote the song in 17 minutes.
I'm glad that showed all the movies that have won Best Picture. It was fun to yell "THAT IS A GOOOOOOOD MOVIE!" several times.
Nicole Kidman's necklace is crooked. Don't they have people backstage to check that kind of thing?
Why is the guy winning the honorary Oscar wearing a scarf? Doesn't he know he's in LA?
"So Close"....sooooooooooooo amazing. Okay, so they can recreate Central Park and the Ballroom scene, but they can't recreate the dancing cockroaches? Seriously, people.
Here we go, people...the only category of the night that I really care about...Best Original Song:and the winner is.......... WHAT THE CRAP? THAT SONG SUCKED!!!! Falling Slowly had like three notes in it. I SAY BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am not amused. Boo. Again, I SAY BOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Boo.
I think if you took Kristin Chenoweth and stretched her, she would be Cameron Diaz.
You know..."there will be blood" is a turn off of a title for me. Usually, when I'm checking into a movie, that's one the things that will make me not want to see it. It's right up there with "there will be lots of swearing" and "there will be a sex scene."
That was cool to have servicemen and women in Iraq do one of the awards. Very nice!
4 awards to go, and only 10 minutes left in the "scheduled" broadcast. I don't think we're going to make it.
Diablo Cody just needs a bone in her hair and she's Pebbles. And apparently she's wearing $1 million dollar shoes that we can't see because her dress is floor length. Children are starving in Africa. Hellooooooooooo!!!
Helen Mirren's dress is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it.
And the Oscar for Best Actor goes to....Daniel Day Lewis. Didn't see that one coming. Pfffft.
Best Director was no surprise. And Best Picture probably won't be either. I've heard that the movie is awful. I don't know why they keep honoring it. Oh, well. That's Hollywood!
Yep...No Country for Old Men. No way I'll see that movie. And no way that I'll be happy it won. Bbbllllllllt.
***End Random Ramblings***
Overall, it was a fun night. Jon Stewart is hilarious! He did a great job as host. I hope they ask him back. He's no Billy Crystal, but then, who is? I'm still upset about Best Original Song, but I'll live. Happy 80th Birthday, Oscar!
I'm blogging as I watch. I should be easier this way...I hope.
First off: I LOVE JON STEWART!!!
Secondly...of the 24 categories, there are 15 categories in which I haven't seen any of the movies. I say boo! Read my previous Oscar blogs to see how I feel about THAT!!!!!!!!! So, yeah....I might zone out for awhile.
***Start Random Ramblings***
Who did Jennifer Garner's hair? Looks like she just threw it in a bun.
They keep making movies about Elizabeth I...how about a movie of "The Pirate Queen"? Cate Blanchett would be a great Elizabeth...can she sing that high? Hmm....
That was a very nice tribute to "80 Years of Oscar". Really nice!
Steve Carell rocks my world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, I was going to walk out if Ratatouille didn't win. YAY FOR RATATOUILLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was seriously the cutest movie of the year, hands down. I LOVE IT!!
I kind of want to see La Vie en Rose. But I'd have to be in the mood to read subtitles...which I'm usually not.
Amy Adams was nervous. Who wouldn't be? But she hid it really well, though. Kudos to Amy!!! I adore that song! I can't wait to learn it when I get the music next week! :) I'm not going to lie, though: I missed the dancing cockroaches. I'm making my prediction now that "That's How You Know" will win the Oscar. You just can't beat it! It's perfection.
Wow! Cate Blanchett is pulling a Catherine Zeta-Jones/Annette Bening. She looks like she could pop that kiddo out at any moment!
Is it bad to be happy when people win who don't speak English as their first language? Their speeches are shorter. And their accents are awesome!
Didn't see Javier Bardem's win coming. Not at all. SHEESH! That one was a sure thing. Whatever that was that he said in Spanish, his mom sure liked.
Oscar's Salute to Binoculars and Periscopes? ROFL!!!!!!!
I love "Raise it Up" from August Rush. Great movie! Great song!!!
Wait...what? When did Owen Wilson get nominated for an Oscar? Research time: Ah...The Royal Tenenbaums, for writing. Good to know.
Okay, note to self: stay off of imdb.com when I'm not watching the show live. I just saw who won Best Live Action Short before it was announced. Whoops!!
Someone ran off with Tilda Swinton's sleeve!!!! But hey, she's mostly covered!! And it's a shock she even won! I thought Ruby Dee had that one in the bag!!!
Can I put James McAvoy in my pocket? And keep him forever? He's freaking adorable. I am such a sucker for a Scot.
Blah blah blah....president of the Academy...blah blah blah
"That's How You Know"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kristin Chenoweth did a great job, but she's no Amy Adams. LOL! I never thought I would say that! I just checked, and this is supposed to be over at 9:30. HAH! Like THAT'LL happen. They still have 14 awards to present! We're not even half way through.
I think Seth Rogen does have a Halle Berry vibe, but that's just me. :)
The Bourne Ultimatum is a great movie. Yay for them winning Best Sound Editing! And Best Sound Mixing. I want to be a Foley Artist when I grow up.
Wait...isn't it a little early to be giving out Best Actress? It's only 8:10 pm! Oh, well...we all know it's going to Julie Christie. Okay, so I was wrong. Marion Cotillard won! Good for her. I really ought to check out that movie.
It's so refreshing to see winners that I just so overwhelmed that they can barely put two sentences together. I can't believe that won. I love that. It's not like they expected it (like so many do) and you can just see their utter bewilderment and excitement. I love it!
Sweet!!! Wii Tennis! I totally rocked that game the...one time I played it.
Okay...the song from "Once". They filmed the movie in 17 days. Sounds like they wrote the song in 17 minutes.
I'm glad that showed all the movies that have won Best Picture. It was fun to yell "THAT IS A GOOOOOOOD MOVIE!" several times.
Nicole Kidman's necklace is crooked. Don't they have people backstage to check that kind of thing?
Why is the guy winning the honorary Oscar wearing a scarf? Doesn't he know he's in LA?
"So Close"....sooooooooooooo amazing. Okay, so they can recreate Central Park and the Ballroom scene, but they can't recreate the dancing cockroaches? Seriously, people.
Here we go, people...the only category of the night that I really care about...Best Original Song:and the winner is.......... WHAT THE CRAP? THAT SONG SUCKED!!!! Falling Slowly had like three notes in it. I SAY BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am not amused. Boo. Again, I SAY BOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Boo.
I think if you took Kristin Chenoweth and stretched her, she would be Cameron Diaz.
You know..."there will be blood" is a turn off of a title for me. Usually, when I'm checking into a movie, that's one the things that will make me not want to see it. It's right up there with "there will be lots of swearing" and "there will be a sex scene."
That was cool to have servicemen and women in Iraq do one of the awards. Very nice!
4 awards to go, and only 10 minutes left in the "scheduled" broadcast. I don't think we're going to make it.
Diablo Cody just needs a bone in her hair and she's Pebbles. And apparently she's wearing $1 million dollar shoes that we can't see because her dress is floor length. Children are starving in Africa. Hellooooooooooo!!!
Helen Mirren's dress is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it.
And the Oscar for Best Actor goes to....Daniel Day Lewis. Didn't see that one coming. Pfffft.
Best Director was no surprise. And Best Picture probably won't be either. I've heard that the movie is awful. I don't know why they keep honoring it. Oh, well. That's Hollywood!
Yep...No Country for Old Men. No way I'll see that movie. And no way that I'll be happy it won. Bbbllllllllt.
***End Random Ramblings***
Overall, it was a fun night. Jon Stewart is hilarious! He did a great job as host. I hope they ask him back. He's no Billy Crystal, but then, who is? I'm still upset about Best Original Song, but I'll live. Happy 80th Birthday, Oscar!
I'm a Colorado Pioneer!
Original Post Date: February 20, 2008
Okay, so I'm actually descended from them. But still, that's pretty dang cool!
My sister just bought a car and she was researching the many different license plates that we have here in Colorado. She wanted to get a vanity plate that says "Elphie", because her car is named Elphaba. (It's green.) But those are really expensive...and you keep paying for them every year. So alas, Elphie will not bear her name on the tags. But in her research, Shauna found that in order to get the Colorado Pioneer plates, you have to prove that you've had family in the state for at least 100 years. We've been hear awhile, but I never knew the exact dates. I knew that my grandpa was born in Campion in 1914...and his cousin was born in Loveland in 1911. But we needed proof that someone was here prior to 1908. Well, we found it! We found a history written by my great-grandfather, George Milligan. He said that they left Nebraska in late September 1900 and arrived in Colorado in early October. They came by covered wagon (which they built themselves!) George was 10 years old. My great-great grandfather, John Milligan, died the following year and is buried Loveland. If we can find his death certificate, or a deed to the house they bought...or anything like that, we would be eligible for Colorado Pioneer plates! Cool, huh? We've always thought maybe we could get them, but now we know for sure! I don't know if Shauna is going to get them or not, but it's nice to know that we could.
Okay, so I'm actually descended from them. But still, that's pretty dang cool!
My sister just bought a car and she was researching the many different license plates that we have here in Colorado. She wanted to get a vanity plate that says "Elphie", because her car is named Elphaba. (It's green.) But those are really expensive...and you keep paying for them every year. So alas, Elphie will not bear her name on the tags. But in her research, Shauna found that in order to get the Colorado Pioneer plates, you have to prove that you've had family in the state for at least 100 years. We've been hear awhile, but I never knew the exact dates. I knew that my grandpa was born in Campion in 1914...and his cousin was born in Loveland in 1911. But we needed proof that someone was here prior to 1908. Well, we found it! We found a history written by my great-grandfather, George Milligan. He said that they left Nebraska in late September 1900 and arrived in Colorado in early October. They came by covered wagon (which they built themselves!) George was 10 years old. My great-great grandfather, John Milligan, died the following year and is buried Loveland. If we can find his death certificate, or a deed to the house they bought...or anything like that, we would be eligible for Colorado Pioneer plates! Cool, huh? We've always thought maybe we could get them, but now we know for sure! I don't know if Shauna is going to get them or not, but it's nice to know that we could.
Guys and Dolls at LHS
Original Post Date: February 16, 2008
Musical theatre excellence has returned to Loveland High School! They struggled for a few years...for reasons I will not go in to. But it's back, baby!
Tonight I saw "Guys and Dolls" at Loveland High School. It was a marvelous production! The kids had an amazing grasp of their characters....Adelaide and Nathan especially. Those too were incredible! I also got a big kick of out of Harry the Horse. He was, as his bio states "a ginormous freshman." Seriously, this kid was huge! And he stole every scene he was in. Hilarious!
I was surprised to see so many guys on stage, dancing that well. Kudos to John Garner for getting the guys back in the choir program. And kudos to the choreographer for making them look good! They danced great! I haven't seen that many guys, dancing that well, on that stage since...well, since "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1997! Granted, I haven't seen the LHS musical since 2004, due to my own performance conflicts, but I was involved in or I saw every musical from 1992 through 2002!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself tonight. It's fun to sit back and see high school kids having a ball on stage...and putting on a great show! Way to go, LHS!
PS. I now want to play Miss Adelaide more than ever.
Musical theatre excellence has returned to Loveland High School! They struggled for a few years...for reasons I will not go in to. But it's back, baby!
Tonight I saw "Guys and Dolls" at Loveland High School. It was a marvelous production! The kids had an amazing grasp of their characters....Adelaide and Nathan especially. Those too were incredible! I also got a big kick of out of Harry the Horse. He was, as his bio states "a ginormous freshman." Seriously, this kid was huge! And he stole every scene he was in. Hilarious!
I was surprised to see so many guys on stage, dancing that well. Kudos to John Garner for getting the guys back in the choir program. And kudos to the choreographer for making them look good! They danced great! I haven't seen that many guys, dancing that well, on that stage since...well, since "Fiddler on the Roof" in 1997! Granted, I haven't seen the LHS musical since 2004, due to my own performance conflicts, but I was involved in or I saw every musical from 1992 through 2002!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself tonight. It's fun to sit back and see high school kids having a ball on stage...and putting on a great show! Way to go, LHS!
PS. I now want to play Miss Adelaide more than ever.
My Fictitious Boyfriend
Original Post Date: February 11, 2008
Fictitious...wow, that doesn't even look like a real word. But that's what Spell Check told me...so we'll go with that.
ANYWHO...
So, I am usually logged into to 3 instant messengers when I am online at home. MSN, Yahoo, & AIM. Occasionally, I will have random people send me IMs. I usually respond, if they are just saying hi. I've had some interesting conversations. But 99% of them want to know if I am married, if I have a boyfriend, or if I'm looking for some internet lovin'. I hate the last one, and that's the one I get asked the most. It's pretty ridiculous. Crazy people. I usually block them after they start heading down THAT road. Well, I've discovered a way to get them to leave me alone if that's their intent. I told the one today that I have a boyfriend. He didn't even respond after that. WOO HOO!!!! So, now I have this fake boyfriend. I wonder if he'll give me a fake call so that we can go on a fake date on V-Day. Wow...if that isn't the story of my life. LOL!!!!
Fictitious...wow, that doesn't even look like a real word. But that's what Spell Check told me...so we'll go with that.
ANYWHO...
So, I am usually logged into to 3 instant messengers when I am online at home. MSN, Yahoo, & AIM. Occasionally, I will have random people send me IMs. I usually respond, if they are just saying hi. I've had some interesting conversations. But 99% of them want to know if I am married, if I have a boyfriend, or if I'm looking for some internet lovin'. I hate the last one, and that's the one I get asked the most. It's pretty ridiculous. Crazy people. I usually block them after they start heading down THAT road. Well, I've discovered a way to get them to leave me alone if that's their intent. I told the one today that I have a boyfriend. He didn't even respond after that. WOO HOO!!!! So, now I have this fake boyfriend. I wonder if he'll give me a fake call so that we can go on a fake date on V-Day. Wow...if that isn't the story of my life. LOL!!!!
My most anticipated movies of 2008
Original Post Date: February 9, 2008
I stole this idea from Levi.
Here they are in order of release:
Be Kind Rewind: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60934803/
Penelope: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60379958/
Horton Hears a Who: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451079/trailers-screenplay-E33915-314
Nim's Island: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60527969/
Leatherheads: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60563368/
Made of Honor: http://movieclock.com/aw/cvpa.aw/e/188240/Made_of_Honor.html
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60638658/
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: no trailer yet!
The Happening: No trailer..but it's M. Night Shyamalan. Nuff said!
Get Smart: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60843468/
Wall-E: my favorite trailer was during the Super Bowl!!!!!
Kit Kitridge: An American Girl: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60909068/
The Dark Knight: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me708114551/
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emporer
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2
There's more, but that was as far as they have them listed on imdb.com
I stole this idea from Levi.
Here they are in order of release:
Be Kind Rewind: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60934803/
Penelope: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60379958/
Horton Hears a Who: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451079/trailers-screenplay-E33915-314
Nim's Island: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60527969/
Leatherheads: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60563368/
Made of Honor: http://movieclock.com/aw/cvpa.aw/e/188240/Made_of_Honor.html
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60638658/
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: no trailer yet!
The Happening: No trailer..but it's M. Night Shyamalan. Nuff said!
Get Smart: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60843468/
Wall-E: my favorite trailer was during the Super Bowl!!!!!
Kit Kitridge: An American Girl: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me60909068/
The Dark Knight: http://www.imdb.com/video/trailer/me708114551/
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emporer
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2
There's more, but that was as far as they have them listed on imdb.com
The Democratic Process...
Original Post Date: February 5, 2008
...IS FRIGGITY BORING!!!!!!!!!!!
I participated in my government this evening. I attended my precinct Caucus. After sitting through that, I make a motion and second for Colorado to switch to Primaries. Seriously. It was interesting, but OH SO BORING!!! I would have taken a nap, but we had to vote and say "aye" a lot so I needed to stay awake to do that.
My precinct rocks, though. We had an overwhelming majority for the candidate I support. Sure, there were only 46 total people there, but it was still pretty cool. Right on, yo.
Anyway...I feel good about being part the process, but duuuuuude...I need a stiff drink after that. Yep...time for a milkshake.
...IS FRIGGITY BORING!!!!!!!!!!!
I participated in my government this evening. I attended my precinct Caucus. After sitting through that, I make a motion and second for Colorado to switch to Primaries. Seriously. It was interesting, but OH SO BORING!!! I would have taken a nap, but we had to vote and say "aye" a lot so I needed to stay awake to do that.
My precinct rocks, though. We had an overwhelming majority for the candidate I support. Sure, there were only 46 total people there, but it was still pretty cool. Right on, yo.
Anyway...I feel good about being part the process, but duuuuuude...I need a stiff drink after that. Yep...time for a milkshake.
My greatest fear realized!
Original Post Date: February 5, 2008
Okay, so it isn't my greatest fear anymore, but it was for 2 1/2 years. The bank where I used to work got robbed at gunpoint yesterday. I was so scared that was going to happen to me when I worked there. It's a constant fear for tellers. We used to blow it off, saying there was no way anyone would rob the place. It's too open and light on the inside, and you walk past about 20 people to get to the teller line. But that didn't deter this guy, apparently. Yikes!!!!! I'm a little wigged out about it today. It could have been me getting robbed! We were trained in what to do, but you just never know how you'll react. I'd like to think I would be levelheaded, but I'm sure I would have passed out on the floor or something.
Okay, so it isn't my greatest fear anymore, but it was for 2 1/2 years. The bank where I used to work got robbed at gunpoint yesterday. I was so scared that was going to happen to me when I worked there. It's a constant fear for tellers. We used to blow it off, saying there was no way anyone would rob the place. It's too open and light on the inside, and you walk past about 20 people to get to the teller line. But that didn't deter this guy, apparently. Yikes!!!!! I'm a little wigged out about it today. It could have been me getting robbed! We were trained in what to do, but you just never know how you'll react. I'd like to think I would be levelheaded, but I'm sure I would have passed out on the floor or something.
My favorite Super Bowl Ads
Original Post Date: February 4, 2008
Once again, the commercials were better than the game. (Well, until the last 2 minutes of the game.) Here are a few of my favorite commercials! Last year, I was able to imbed them in my blog, but it's looking like I can't do that this year. Oh, well.
Anyway, my favorite was the trailer for Wall-E (the new Pixar). I also enjoyed the Doritos one with the giant mouse, the Fed-Ex with the pigeons, the Bud Light with the breathing fire, the Bridgetone with the screaming animals, & the Career Builder with the singing firefly.
It was a pretty good year for ads. To see them all, visit www.myspace.com/superbowlads
Once again, the commercials were better than the game. (Well, until the last 2 minutes of the game.) Here are a few of my favorite commercials! Last year, I was able to imbed them in my blog, but it's looking like I can't do that this year. Oh, well.
Anyway, my favorite was the trailer for Wall-E (the new Pixar). I also enjoyed the Doritos one with the giant mouse, the Fed-Ex with the pigeons, the Bud Light with the breathing fire, the Bridgetone with the screaming animals, & the Career Builder with the singing firefly.
It was a pretty good year for ads. To see them all, visit www.myspace.com/superbowlads
President Gordon B. Hinckley: A Tribute
Original Post Date: January 27, 2008
What better way to learn of the passing of the Prophet than to be driving down the interstate at 80 mph and have your brother get a text message with the news. That's how I found out. I immediately called my other brother to confirm the news on the internet. It was true. President Hinckley had passed away an hour and a half previous, at the age of 97. You can read about his life in numerous news stories on the net. I'm going to share some personal experiences. I never got to meet him face to face, but I got to see him a couple of times over the years:
The first time was at the dedication of the Denver Temple. I was 8 years old, and sitting on the front row. I don't remember much, except that President Benson wasn't there. This was one of the later sessions, so he was gone by that time. This session was conducted by President Hinckley. During his talk, he talked for a minute or two about children. The camera-man focused on me and kept the camera on me for awhile. My image was broadcast to each room in temple (freaking out my mom and grandma, who were with the choir.) Pretty cool, eh?
The next time was one summer when my mom and I went to the Booksellers Convention in Salt Lake City. We went to a concert at the Tabernacle one night, and suddenly, everyone just stood up and it got really quiet. I remember asking my mom what was going on, and she said that President and Sister Hinckley had just walked in. I tried to see them, but they were on the other side of the Tabernacle. They were short...I'm short...so I didn't really get to see them. But I remember thinking how cool it was that they were there!
The year was 1997 (I think), and we were celebrating the 100 years of the church in Colorado. The Hinckleys had lived in Denver once upon a time (when he worked for the railroad), so they came to the celebration. I remember that they were presented with two trees (Blue Spruce?) and President Hinckley said that they didn't have any place for them, so could they be planted on the grounds of the Denver Temple? They were, and they are now lovingly called the "Hinckley Trees".
The last time was in 2003. President Hinckley was speaking down at DU in a non-religious event. I can't remember exactly what it was, but a bunch of us went down. It was the oddest thing in the world when he walked in. Everyone started clapping. I was with Robin and Sandy and we were like "Um...are we supposed to clap for the Prophet?" Awkward!!! It really was weird. I was so used to just reverently standing up when he entered. And singing "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" as he was leaving. But we were clapping? Umm...okay! His speech was awesome, of course, and I'm so glad I went!
A lot of people have "Their Prophet". The one that was president during your formative years, or when you joined the church. President Hinckley will always be "My Prophet". I vaguely remember President Kimball. He died when I was in 2nd grade. I remember being a little scared of President Benson. He died when I was probably 15 or so. President Hunter was the president for such a short time. But I was 17 and a junior in high school when President Hinckley become the president of the church. He was with me through all of college and since then. He was a very powerful man for a short guy, and had such a wonderful sense of humor. I loved to hear him speak. He had such a way of making you feel special and happy and that everything was going to be okay. I've felt bad for him the past couple of years since Sister Hinckley passed. He missed her a lot...he said so himself in Conference! And now they are together again.
It's hard to say goodbye to a beloved Prophet. It's sad, really. But it's a part of life...a part of the church. I'm thankful for what I know. Everything is going to be fine!
Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle way
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise they goodness, Lord above.
Each Life that Touches Ours For Good
Hymn 293
Text: Karen Lynn Davidson
Music: A. Laurence Lyon
What better way to learn of the passing of the Prophet than to be driving down the interstate at 80 mph and have your brother get a text message with the news. That's how I found out. I immediately called my other brother to confirm the news on the internet. It was true. President Hinckley had passed away an hour and a half previous, at the age of 97. You can read about his life in numerous news stories on the net. I'm going to share some personal experiences. I never got to meet him face to face, but I got to see him a couple of times over the years:
The first time was at the dedication of the Denver Temple. I was 8 years old, and sitting on the front row. I don't remember much, except that President Benson wasn't there. This was one of the later sessions, so he was gone by that time. This session was conducted by President Hinckley. During his talk, he talked for a minute or two about children. The camera-man focused on me and kept the camera on me for awhile. My image was broadcast to each room in temple (freaking out my mom and grandma, who were with the choir.) Pretty cool, eh?
The next time was one summer when my mom and I went to the Booksellers Convention in Salt Lake City. We went to a concert at the Tabernacle one night, and suddenly, everyone just stood up and it got really quiet. I remember asking my mom what was going on, and she said that President and Sister Hinckley had just walked in. I tried to see them, but they were on the other side of the Tabernacle. They were short...I'm short...so I didn't really get to see them. But I remember thinking how cool it was that they were there!
The year was 1997 (I think), and we were celebrating the 100 years of the church in Colorado. The Hinckleys had lived in Denver once upon a time (when he worked for the railroad), so they came to the celebration. I remember that they were presented with two trees (Blue Spruce?) and President Hinckley said that they didn't have any place for them, so could they be planted on the grounds of the Denver Temple? They were, and they are now lovingly called the "Hinckley Trees".
The last time was in 2003. President Hinckley was speaking down at DU in a non-religious event. I can't remember exactly what it was, but a bunch of us went down. It was the oddest thing in the world when he walked in. Everyone started clapping. I was with Robin and Sandy and we were like "Um...are we supposed to clap for the Prophet?" Awkward!!! It really was weird. I was so used to just reverently standing up when he entered. And singing "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" as he was leaving. But we were clapping? Umm...okay! His speech was awesome, of course, and I'm so glad I went!
A lot of people have "Their Prophet". The one that was president during your formative years, or when you joined the church. President Hinckley will always be "My Prophet". I vaguely remember President Kimball. He died when I was in 2nd grade. I remember being a little scared of President Benson. He died when I was probably 15 or so. President Hunter was the president for such a short time. But I was 17 and a junior in high school when President Hinckley become the president of the church. He was with me through all of college and since then. He was a very powerful man for a short guy, and had such a wonderful sense of humor. I loved to hear him speak. He had such a way of making you feel special and happy and that everything was going to be okay. I've felt bad for him the past couple of years since Sister Hinckley passed. He missed her a lot...he said so himself in Conference! And now they are together again.
It's hard to say goodbye to a beloved Prophet. It's sad, really. But it's a part of life...a part of the church. I'm thankful for what I know. Everything is going to be fine!
Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle way
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise they goodness, Lord above.
Each Life that Touches Ours For Good
Hymn 293
Text: Karen Lynn Davidson
Music: A. Laurence Lyon
It's all a conspiracy (Or the Oscars snubbed ME)
Original Post Date: January 22, 2008
Someone please tell my why they feel they need to honor films that the critics like and audiences hate? Seriously. I trust a critic about as far as I can throw him. And I have good reason. I hate critics...with a passion. Movie critics destroy good movies and theatre critics destroy theatre companies. Stupid critics.
Anyway...the Oscar nominations were announced today. I got one prediction right and one half right. I correctly predicted Ratatouille. I correctly predicted Johnny Depp, but just got the movie wrong. So I was half right. That still counts...right? RIGHT??!! Whatever.
I am EXTREMELY HAPPY that Enchanted's three nominations are for Best Original Song! If they cancel the ceremony and I can't see those songs performed...I'm going to be PISSED!!!!!!! Writers, I love you, but PLEASE don't boycott the Oscars. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PUH-LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!!!!
As for the REST of the categories...I counted. I've only seen six of the movies that have received any nominations. I haven't counted the total number of movies that received nominations, but it's a lot. And only six out of that? Geez. I've had way better years that that. I saw some great movies this year, and most of them get no recognition for being high quality films. I, as a lowly filmgoer in Nowhere, USA, do not feel represented by the film community. I see their movies, sometimes more than once. I help pay for their movies with the huge prices I pay for movie tickets. Why do they choose to reward crappy movies with highly inappropriate content when good, wholesome, entertaining films get left in the dust? WHY?! It's not fair, it's not cool, and I'm getting a little sick of it. I don't want to watch those movies, and I won't be guilt tripped into watching them, just because they are considered Oscar-worthy. You're not getting my money or my respect. And I'm not sorry. So there.
Someone please tell my why they feel they need to honor films that the critics like and audiences hate? Seriously. I trust a critic about as far as I can throw him. And I have good reason. I hate critics...with a passion. Movie critics destroy good movies and theatre critics destroy theatre companies. Stupid critics.
Anyway...the Oscar nominations were announced today. I got one prediction right and one half right. I correctly predicted Ratatouille. I correctly predicted Johnny Depp, but just got the movie wrong. So I was half right. That still counts...right? RIGHT??!! Whatever.
I am EXTREMELY HAPPY that Enchanted's three nominations are for Best Original Song! If they cancel the ceremony and I can't see those songs performed...I'm going to be PISSED!!!!!!! Writers, I love you, but PLEASE don't boycott the Oscars. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PUH-LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!!!!
As for the REST of the categories...I counted. I've only seen six of the movies that have received any nominations. I haven't counted the total number of movies that received nominations, but it's a lot. And only six out of that? Geez. I've had way better years that that. I saw some great movies this year, and most of them get no recognition for being high quality films. I, as a lowly filmgoer in Nowhere, USA, do not feel represented by the film community. I see their movies, sometimes more than once. I help pay for their movies with the huge prices I pay for movie tickets. Why do they choose to reward crappy movies with highly inappropriate content when good, wholesome, entertaining films get left in the dust? WHY?! It's not fair, it's not cool, and I'm getting a little sick of it. I don't want to watch those movies, and I won't be guilt tripped into watching them, just because they are considered Oscar-worthy. You're not getting my money or my respect. And I'm not sorry. So there.
How to tell how much of a Music Geek you are
Original Post Date: January 17, 2008
So, I've been importing all of my CDs onto my computer in preparation for my inheritance of Neal's iPod in April. I've discovered that I'm having a bit of a problem classifying stuff into genre. And it's because I am SUCH a music (and theatre) geek. Here are some examples:
Classical is a term that is used as an all-encompassing term for convenience purposes and for people who don't know the other musical eras. The Classical period in music really only ran from about 1750 (after the death of Bach) until the early to mid 1800s. A good reference point for the transition from Classical into the Romantic Era is Beethoven. His writing career spanned both Eras. Bach was Baroque, Mozart was Classical, Chopin was Romantic. So, as I'm putting my CDs into genres, I'm using Classical for all those eras, even into 20th Century. However, I have PDQ Bach. That is NOT Classical. That's modern, but it's instrumental. I can't bring myself to put his music in Classical, because it's not Classical. So, I started the genre "Instrumental". Also in that genre I put a recording of the music of Frank Tichelli, John William's American Journey CD (for the 2002 Olympics), and James Galway's "Unbreak my Heart" CD. However, James Galway's CPE Bach Flute Concertos and Lowell Liebermann's Piccolo and Flute Concertos went into Classical. They are Baroque and 20th Century, but I'm going to allow the generalized "Classical" genre to fly in this case.
Another problem I had was with the "Choral" genre I began. I put all of my Mormon Tabernacle Choir CDs in there, along with some John Rutter and Robert Shaw. No problem, right? Wrong. I have a PDQ Bach CD of the Lieberslieder Polkas. I don't want to be listening to "Choral" on random and go from listening to "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" into "Song to Celia" or something equally as silly. So I moved MoTab into their own genre "Mo Tab". Problem solved? We'll see.
I have a potential problem that I haven't come up with a good solution for yet. All of my Cast Recordings are in the genre "Broadway." Except, I have some London Cast recordings and the like. They aren't Broadway, even though the shows were on Broadway at some point. Do I change the genre to "Cast Recordings" or "Showtunes"? I haven't decided yet. Oh, and what about the movie soundtracks that are from Musical Movies? They are in "Soundtracks", but if I make the "Showtunes" genre, should they move there? The other part of the problem is that I've got some CDs of Broadway stars' solo albums. They are singing showtunes...should I put them in the Broadway category, even though they aren't cast recordings? I have them in "Vocal". That's too broad of a genre, in my opinion. I've got Josh Groban in there. And I have some CDs of Arts songs and stuff yet to be imported. They don't fit in with the other "Vocal" albums I have now, but I don't to put them in "Classical." I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I'm still trying to decide where to put Ryan Shupe and Rubber Band. They aren't country, they aren't bluegrass, they aren't pop, they aren't rock. They're a cool mixture of everything. Didn't they call their style Funkadelic NewGrass? I think so. So right now, they are in the genre "Music." Kirby Heyborne is in there, too, though I guess I could put him in "Vocal". I don't know.
This is why you should never be a music major. It causes you to think WAY too much about stuff like this.
So, I've been importing all of my CDs onto my computer in preparation for my inheritance of Neal's iPod in April. I've discovered that I'm having a bit of a problem classifying stuff into genre. And it's because I am SUCH a music (and theatre) geek. Here are some examples:
Classical is a term that is used as an all-encompassing term for convenience purposes and for people who don't know the other musical eras. The Classical period in music really only ran from about 1750 (after the death of Bach) until the early to mid 1800s. A good reference point for the transition from Classical into the Romantic Era is Beethoven. His writing career spanned both Eras. Bach was Baroque, Mozart was Classical, Chopin was Romantic. So, as I'm putting my CDs into genres, I'm using Classical for all those eras, even into 20th Century. However, I have PDQ Bach. That is NOT Classical. That's modern, but it's instrumental. I can't bring myself to put his music in Classical, because it's not Classical. So, I started the genre "Instrumental". Also in that genre I put a recording of the music of Frank Tichelli, John William's American Journey CD (for the 2002 Olympics), and James Galway's "Unbreak my Heart" CD. However, James Galway's CPE Bach Flute Concertos and Lowell Liebermann's Piccolo and Flute Concertos went into Classical. They are Baroque and 20th Century, but I'm going to allow the generalized "Classical" genre to fly in this case.
Another problem I had was with the "Choral" genre I began. I put all of my Mormon Tabernacle Choir CDs in there, along with some John Rutter and Robert Shaw. No problem, right? Wrong. I have a PDQ Bach CD of the Lieberslieder Polkas. I don't want to be listening to "Choral" on random and go from listening to "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" into "Song to Celia" or something equally as silly. So I moved MoTab into their own genre "Mo Tab". Problem solved? We'll see.
I have a potential problem that I haven't come up with a good solution for yet. All of my Cast Recordings are in the genre "Broadway." Except, I have some London Cast recordings and the like. They aren't Broadway, even though the shows were on Broadway at some point. Do I change the genre to "Cast Recordings" or "Showtunes"? I haven't decided yet. Oh, and what about the movie soundtracks that are from Musical Movies? They are in "Soundtracks", but if I make the "Showtunes" genre, should they move there? The other part of the problem is that I've got some CDs of Broadway stars' solo albums. They are singing showtunes...should I put them in the Broadway category, even though they aren't cast recordings? I have them in "Vocal". That's too broad of a genre, in my opinion. I've got Josh Groban in there. And I have some CDs of Arts songs and stuff yet to be imported. They don't fit in with the other "Vocal" albums I have now, but I don't to put them in "Classical." I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I'm still trying to decide where to put Ryan Shupe and Rubber Band. They aren't country, they aren't bluegrass, they aren't pop, they aren't rock. They're a cool mixture of everything. Didn't they call their style Funkadelic NewGrass? I think so. So right now, they are in the genre "Music." Kirby Heyborne is in there, too, though I guess I could put him in "Vocal". I don't know.
This is why you should never be a music major. It causes you to think WAY too much about stuff like this.
5th Annual Oscar Nomination Predictions
Original Post Date: January 16, 2008
I've done this FIVE TIMES?! Holy smokes! I need to get a life.
Well, anyway...here are my predictions, once again based solely on the movies I have seen this year.
Best Picture
Freedom Writers
Dan in Real Life
Becoming Jane
Enchanted*
August Rush
Best Actor
Freddy Highmore (August Rush)*
Dustin Hoffman (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium)
Johnny Depp (Pirates)
Steve Carell (Dan in Real Life)
Patrick Dempsey (Enchanted)
Best Actress
Hilary Swank (Freedom Writers)
Drew Barrymore (Music and Lyrics)
Keira Knightley (Pirates)
Anne Hathaway (Becoming Jane)
Amy Adams (Enchanted)*
Best Supporting Actor
Robin Williams (August Rush)
Rainn Wilson (The Last Mimsy)
James Franco (Spider-Man 3)
Justin Bartha (National Treasure: Book of Secrets)
James Marsden (Enchanted)
Best Supporting Actress
April Lee Hernandez (Freedom Writers)
Juliette Binoche (Dan in Real Life)
Kathryn Hahn (The Last Mimsy)
Abigail Breslin (No Reservations)
Helen Mirren (National Treasure: Book of Secrets)
Best Animated Feature
Shrek the Third
Ratatouille**
Bee Movie
*= really does deserve a nomination
**= will definitely win the Oscar
And here is the list of movies I saw:
Freedom Writers
Music and Lyrics
Amazing Grace
The Last Mimsy
Bridge to Terabithia
Spider-Man 3
Shrek the Third
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Ocean's 13
Evan Almighty
Ratatouille
No Reservations
Becoming Jane
Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
Lucky You
Evening
Dan in Real Life
Bee Movie
The Astronaut Farmer
License to Wed
Transformers
Meet the Robinsons
Enchanted
August Rush
The Flying Scotsman
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
The Bourne Ultimatum
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
P.S. I Love You
And if you're interested, there is a list of all movies eligible for Oscars here: http://www.oscars.org/80academyawards/reminder/index.html
I've done this FIVE TIMES?! Holy smokes! I need to get a life.
Well, anyway...here are my predictions, once again based solely on the movies I have seen this year.
Best Picture
Freedom Writers
Dan in Real Life
Becoming Jane
Enchanted*
August Rush
Best Actor
Freddy Highmore (August Rush)*
Dustin Hoffman (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium)
Johnny Depp (Pirates)
Steve Carell (Dan in Real Life)
Patrick Dempsey (Enchanted)
Best Actress
Hilary Swank (Freedom Writers)
Drew Barrymore (Music and Lyrics)
Keira Knightley (Pirates)
Anne Hathaway (Becoming Jane)
Amy Adams (Enchanted)*
Best Supporting Actor
Robin Williams (August Rush)
Rainn Wilson (The Last Mimsy)
James Franco (Spider-Man 3)
Justin Bartha (National Treasure: Book of Secrets)
James Marsden (Enchanted)
Best Supporting Actress
April Lee Hernandez (Freedom Writers)
Juliette Binoche (Dan in Real Life)
Kathryn Hahn (The Last Mimsy)
Abigail Breslin (No Reservations)
Helen Mirren (National Treasure: Book of Secrets)
Best Animated Feature
Shrek the Third
Ratatouille**
Bee Movie
*= really does deserve a nomination
**= will definitely win the Oscar
And here is the list of movies I saw:
Freedom Writers
Music and Lyrics
Amazing Grace
The Last Mimsy
Bridge to Terabithia
Spider-Man 3
Shrek the Third
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Ocean's 13
Evan Almighty
Ratatouille
No Reservations
Becoming Jane
Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
Lucky You
Evening
Dan in Real Life
Bee Movie
The Astronaut Farmer
License to Wed
Transformers
Meet the Robinsons
Enchanted
August Rush
The Flying Scotsman
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
The Bourne Ultimatum
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
P.S. I Love You
And if you're interested, there is a list of all movies eligible for Oscars here: http://www.oscars.org/80academyawards/reminder/index.html
Real Life vs. Video Games
Original Post Date: January 16, 2007
Last night I had my first true understanding of why video games are so popular. You can be really good at what you're playing on the video game while you totally suck at doing the same thing in real life. I understand that now, because of a little thing called Wii Bowling.
This past weekend, I played Wii Bowling a couple of times. I got pretty good at it, if I do say so myself. I'm usually not very good at video games, so this was a happy thing! Well...last night, I went bowling with my siblings and some folks from church. I don't know what happened...but I totally sucked. I bowled an 82...over 2 games. Yeah, I was throwing gutter balls like there was no tomorrow! SHEESH!!!! I did tons better when I bowled a couple of months ago. I blame my wrist...I've been having problems with it. My whole arm up to my shoulder, actually. I'm falling apart in my old age.
So anyway, I totally understand why someone would want to play video games all the time and not do the stuff in real life. I would much rather bowl on the Wii than at the bowling alley, after last night!!!!
Last night I had my first true understanding of why video games are so popular. You can be really good at what you're playing on the video game while you totally suck at doing the same thing in real life. I understand that now, because of a little thing called Wii Bowling.
This past weekend, I played Wii Bowling a couple of times. I got pretty good at it, if I do say so myself. I'm usually not very good at video games, so this was a happy thing! Well...last night, I went bowling with my siblings and some folks from church. I don't know what happened...but I totally sucked. I bowled an 82...over 2 games. Yeah, I was throwing gutter balls like there was no tomorrow! SHEESH!!!! I did tons better when I bowled a couple of months ago. I blame my wrist...I've been having problems with it. My whole arm up to my shoulder, actually. I'm falling apart in my old age.
So anyway, I totally understand why someone would want to play video games all the time and not do the stuff in real life. I would much rather bowl on the Wii than at the bowling alley, after last night!!!!
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