Original Post Date: December 29, 2006
We got another foot of snow last night!!! OH, THE HUMANITY!!!!!!!!
More expected today and tomorrow. I'm just SO excited. We finally got our street plowed, and now here we go again!!!!!!
Seriously, I stopped dreaming of a white Christmas, and I never said ANYTHING about a white New Years.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Blizzard of 2006: The Saga Continues
Original Post Date: December 22, 2006
First off, I have all the pictures in one handy album:
Some pictures are of our house, some are of my grandparents' house.I just barely got my car out this afternoon. That's a fun story, with pictures of course:You're seen the first day, when I was saying "Dude, where's my car?"Well, this was this morning:
Okay, so I dug around the back end. I got a little ways and was in serious pain. My muscles were screaming "WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO US AGAIN?!" So, I opened up the trunk, and climbed in that way. Only one side of the backseat would go down, so I had to crawl through that narrow space and then maneuver around to get the other side down. Once that was accomplished, I crawled into the front seat and got the car started. Then with much rocking and revving, I got the car out:
I can't enter or exit from the driver's side, but at least the car isn't buried anymore!!! I can at least get it out onto the street now! We are not so lucky with Shauna's car, or the truck:
More Snow Pictures!!
Original Post Date: December 21, 2006
This is the snow shoveled off our driveway. To give a little perspective, I'm 5'3".
Here's the backyard. We have what we called the "Grassy Knoll" back there. It's about three feet high and it's just to the right of that box that's visible. As you can see, it's almost covered!!!
I LOVE SNOW!!!!!!!!!
This is the snow shoveled off our driveway. To give a little perspective, I'm 5'3".
Here's the backyard. We have what we called the "Grassy Knoll" back there. It's about three feet high and it's just to the right of that box that's visible. As you can see, it's almost covered!!!
I LOVE SNOW!!!!!!!!!
Oh, the weather outside is frightful!
Original Post Date: December 21, 2006
Dude, where's my car?
Dude, where's my car?
More pictures to come, after I venture outside!
Ye Olde Paper Route
Original Post Date: December 16, 2006
I used to have a paper route. I had it up until I started college. So yeah, that's been 10 years ago. (Speaking of...I just realized I had my wisdom teeth out 10 years ago. Wow. 10 years sans wisdom. That explains a lot!) Anyway, we still have the paper route in the family. It's bigger than when I did it, and the papers are all morning papers now, but my dad does it before he goes to work. Well, my dad is sick with the flu or something equally nasty right now. My brother usually does the route when Dad can't, but he's up in the mountains this weekend.
So it fell to my mom, my sister, and me to deliver the papers this morning. Picture this: My mom has an arthritic knee and all sorts of problems stemming from that. My sister is just getting over the flu, and I'm just getting over a sinus infection. So there we are, driving up and down the street, jumping out with armfuls of papers. Must have been quite a sight. Of course, it was five freaking thirty in the morning!!!!!!!!! My sister can sometimes chuck the paper out the window of the car and get it on the porch. I have to get out of the car and walk almost up to the porch before I can throw the paper. I think I got one from the sidewalk, but it was a clear shot. It's hard to toss the papers this time of year. Too easy to take out a Christmas decoration.
Thank goodness it wasn't TOO cold this morning. And we got done in about half an hour and then I went back to bed for several more hours. Sometimes it's cool to relive the past, but when it comes to paper routes, I'm happy to have moved on!!!!!!!!!!!!
I used to have a paper route. I had it up until I started college. So yeah, that's been 10 years ago. (Speaking of...I just realized I had my wisdom teeth out 10 years ago. Wow. 10 years sans wisdom. That explains a lot!) Anyway, we still have the paper route in the family. It's bigger than when I did it, and the papers are all morning papers now, but my dad does it before he goes to work. Well, my dad is sick with the flu or something equally nasty right now. My brother usually does the route when Dad can't, but he's up in the mountains this weekend.
So it fell to my mom, my sister, and me to deliver the papers this morning. Picture this: My mom has an arthritic knee and all sorts of problems stemming from that. My sister is just getting over the flu, and I'm just getting over a sinus infection. So there we are, driving up and down the street, jumping out with armfuls of papers. Must have been quite a sight. Of course, it was five freaking thirty in the morning!!!!!!!!! My sister can sometimes chuck the paper out the window of the car and get it on the porch. I have to get out of the car and walk almost up to the porch before I can throw the paper. I think I got one from the sidewalk, but it was a clear shot. It's hard to toss the papers this time of year. Too easy to take out a Christmas decoration.
Thank goodness it wasn't TOO cold this morning. And we got done in about half an hour and then I went back to bed for several more hours. Sometimes it's cool to relive the past, but when it comes to paper routes, I'm happy to have moved on!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christmas Letter - 2006
Original Post Date: December 7, 2006
This is my annual Christmas letter. I'm mailing and e-mailing it, but I figured I'd blog it as well! Enjoy!
Christmas 2006
Dear Friends,
As I sit here, writing my Year in Review for 2006, I'm thinking..."Where did the time go?" This year sure has flown by!
I'll start with my biggest, bestest news of the year: I finally got to go on my dream vacation! That's right...I went to New York City! My sister Shauna's roommates paid her way as a graduation present, and I got to tag along (at my own expense, of course)! We were there for almost a whole week in March. We saw most of the sights, went to a show every night, and came home totally and utterly exhausted! I can hardly wait to go back! Oh, and in case you're wondering, we saw Wicked, Blue Man Group, Cyranno de Bergerac at the Met (with Placído Domingo!!), The Light in the Piazza, the Wicked Backstage Tour, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
There's not much else to tell for the year, since the trip to NYC was the highlight of my entire life. Just kidding!! It's been a busy year, theatrically and operatically! I spent the first couple of months working on some opera scenes with the Loveland Opera Theatre. We had two performances in May. I played the role of Dorabella in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte Act 1 finale, Meg Page in Verdi's Falstaff Act 1, Scene 2, and chorus in Strauss' Die Fledermaus Act 2 Party Scene. I had about 2 weeks off after our final performance before I started rehearsals for Anything Goes with Front Range Music Theatre. I played Reporter #1 and a ship passenger. The show was loads of fun! My brother Craig and my cousin Brian were both in the cast as Sailors. My sister Shauna built the set in our driveway, which was an adventure. In September we had a fundraising Gala for Loveland Opera Theatre, and I sang the Lakmé Flower Duet with my friend Mary Beth. November kicked off vocal rehearsals for Loveland Opera Theatre's next production, Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers. I am playing Vittoria and I'm understudying Tessa. We start full rehearsals in January and will perform in early March. Add to that, I am involved with LOT's "What is Opera?" school outreach program. When I say I had a busy year, that's no joke!
I quit my job at Falcon Properties in September. I needed a change. I was totally burnt out. I thought I'd be able to find a new job quickly, but alas, that has not been the case. I'm enjoying the vacation, but the lack of income is catching up to me fast!! I am working as the Administrative Assistant for Loveland Opera Theatre, but it doesn't pay much and some of the work I'm trading for voice lessons!
I am very much enjoying being an aunt to my absolutely adorable niece, Emily. She's now 21 months old and as cute as a button! I sometimes go up to Wellington (where they live, it's north of Ft Collins) and kidnap her for the afternoon. It gives my sister-in-law Robin a break and gives me an Emily fix.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
LOVE, ANGELA
This is my annual Christmas letter. I'm mailing and e-mailing it, but I figured I'd blog it as well! Enjoy!
Christmas 2006
Dear Friends,
As I sit here, writing my Year in Review for 2006, I'm thinking..."Where did the time go?" This year sure has flown by!
I'll start with my biggest, bestest news of the year: I finally got to go on my dream vacation! That's right...I went to New York City! My sister Shauna's roommates paid her way as a graduation present, and I got to tag along (at my own expense, of course)! We were there for almost a whole week in March. We saw most of the sights, went to a show every night, and came home totally and utterly exhausted! I can hardly wait to go back! Oh, and in case you're wondering, we saw Wicked, Blue Man Group, Cyranno de Bergerac at the Met (with Placído Domingo!!), The Light in the Piazza, the Wicked Backstage Tour, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
There's not much else to tell for the year, since the trip to NYC was the highlight of my entire life. Just kidding!! It's been a busy year, theatrically and operatically! I spent the first couple of months working on some opera scenes with the Loveland Opera Theatre. We had two performances in May. I played the role of Dorabella in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte Act 1 finale, Meg Page in Verdi's Falstaff Act 1, Scene 2, and chorus in Strauss' Die Fledermaus Act 2 Party Scene. I had about 2 weeks off after our final performance before I started rehearsals for Anything Goes with Front Range Music Theatre. I played Reporter #1 and a ship passenger. The show was loads of fun! My brother Craig and my cousin Brian were both in the cast as Sailors. My sister Shauna built the set in our driveway, which was an adventure. In September we had a fundraising Gala for Loveland Opera Theatre, and I sang the Lakmé Flower Duet with my friend Mary Beth. November kicked off vocal rehearsals for Loveland Opera Theatre's next production, Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers. I am playing Vittoria and I'm understudying Tessa. We start full rehearsals in January and will perform in early March. Add to that, I am involved with LOT's "What is Opera?" school outreach program. When I say I had a busy year, that's no joke!
I quit my job at Falcon Properties in September. I needed a change. I was totally burnt out. I thought I'd be able to find a new job quickly, but alas, that has not been the case. I'm enjoying the vacation, but the lack of income is catching up to me fast!! I am working as the Administrative Assistant for Loveland Opera Theatre, but it doesn't pay much and some of the work I'm trading for voice lessons!
I am very much enjoying being an aunt to my absolutely adorable niece, Emily. She's now 21 months old and as cute as a button! I sometimes go up to Wellington (where they live, it's north of Ft Collins) and kidnap her for the afternoon. It gives my sister-in-law Robin a break and gives me an Emily fix.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
LOVE, ANGELA
How to Like Opera 101
Original Post Date: December 5, 2006
I am totally addicted to Yahoo! Answers. I'm on there several times a day. The majority of the questions on there are totally lame. So much txt tlk you can't tell what the question is. But I keep going to back because there are real gems sometimes. This one I spent about 15 minutes composing the answer to. (Normally I'll fire off an answer in a couple of seconds)
"How does one develop an appreciation for Opera?
Opera: how to appreciate?I would like a guideline to appreciate opera, besides going to one. And where would be a nice city to live that's full of classical music, etc? Are we to read about an opera before going? Is knowing the plot/understanding Italin necessary? Tell me what is prerequisite in appreciation of opera. And...don't forget to recommend some.. And oh, I want to know because others have loved opera and I never really had the knowledge to understand why.thanks in advance."
Here is my thought out reply:
I didn't get into opera until I started singing it. But that's just me. For others, I recommend buying a CD that is a compilation of "Essential Opera" or "Opera for those who think they hate opera". Something along those lines. I know they are out there. Those CDs are full of well known arias, choruses, etc. I also agree with the person who answered previously and said to start with English. I also recommend you start with light opera. Look around for a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. They are fun! The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, Pirates of Penzance, The Gondoliers are just a few. Be sure to read the full synopsis of each act. It's often hard to understand the words, even when they are in English. That's because the singers have to modify vowels to get the best resonance. We have to sing over the orchestra, so we try to get our pronunciation as clear as possible, but sometimes it doesn't come out just right. And sometimes the music is just really fast!
If you're ready for a foreign language opera, I recommend sticking to a opera or composer that sounds familiar to you. You don't want to be stepping into the unknown, after all. That comes later. Once again, read the synopsis that should be listed in the program. If you know what's going on, then you'll be able to follow the story. You can almost tell what's going on, even if you can't understand the words.
I don't know where you live, but if there is a university close by with a good opera program, they will probably do a performance of opera scenes at least once or twice a year. This is the very best way to get your feet wet in the world of opera. They will perform scenes from a selected operas, tell you exactly what's going on, and will most likely do the scene in English. Some will be in their original language, though. Still, it's one scene, fully explained, and will give you just a taste of opera, not a whole heaping plate full. If there's not a university close by that does it, check with the nearby opera companies. They might do Opera Scenes as a fund raiser or community outreach. It's definitely worth checking out!
Finally, check with local opera companies to see if they have a special lecture before or after a performance. Opera companies are all about education outreach and might have a director or professor talking about that particular opera or parts of it. Also, find out which of your local radio station broadcasts the live performances from the Met in New York. That's a wonderful way to hear the music and have the story explained to you. Then when you actually see that opera later on, you'll be somewhat familiar with it.
Some of my favorite operas:
The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart)
Cosi Fan Tutte (Mozart)
The Secret Marriage (Chimarosa)
Die Fledermaus (Strauss)
La Traviata (Verdi)
The Barber of Seville (Rossini)
The Bartered Bride (Smetana)
The Gondoliers (Gilbert & Sullivan)
The Magic Flute (Mozart)
Carmen (Bizet)
The Merry Wives of Windsor (Nicolai)
Lakme (Delibes)
The Tender Land (Copland)
Anyone can learn to appreciate opera, even if they don't love it. It's an amazing genre of music & theatre. At the very least, they can be impressed by the fact that one singer can outsing a full orchestra. Now THAT takes some pipes!
I am totally addicted to Yahoo! Answers. I'm on there several times a day. The majority of the questions on there are totally lame. So much txt tlk you can't tell what the question is. But I keep going to back because there are real gems sometimes. This one I spent about 15 minutes composing the answer to. (Normally I'll fire off an answer in a couple of seconds)
"How does one develop an appreciation for Opera?
Opera: how to appreciate?I would like a guideline to appreciate opera, besides going to one. And where would be a nice city to live that's full of classical music, etc? Are we to read about an opera before going? Is knowing the plot/understanding Italin necessary? Tell me what is prerequisite in appreciation of opera. And...don't forget to recommend some.. And oh, I want to know because others have loved opera and I never really had the knowledge to understand why.thanks in advance."
Here is my thought out reply:
I didn't get into opera until I started singing it. But that's just me. For others, I recommend buying a CD that is a compilation of "Essential Opera" or "Opera for those who think they hate opera". Something along those lines. I know they are out there. Those CDs are full of well known arias, choruses, etc. I also agree with the person who answered previously and said to start with English. I also recommend you start with light opera. Look around for a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. They are fun! The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, Pirates of Penzance, The Gondoliers are just a few. Be sure to read the full synopsis of each act. It's often hard to understand the words, even when they are in English. That's because the singers have to modify vowels to get the best resonance. We have to sing over the orchestra, so we try to get our pronunciation as clear as possible, but sometimes it doesn't come out just right. And sometimes the music is just really fast!
If you're ready for a foreign language opera, I recommend sticking to a opera or composer that sounds familiar to you. You don't want to be stepping into the unknown, after all. That comes later. Once again, read the synopsis that should be listed in the program. If you know what's going on, then you'll be able to follow the story. You can almost tell what's going on, even if you can't understand the words.
I don't know where you live, but if there is a university close by with a good opera program, they will probably do a performance of opera scenes at least once or twice a year. This is the very best way to get your feet wet in the world of opera. They will perform scenes from a selected operas, tell you exactly what's going on, and will most likely do the scene in English. Some will be in their original language, though. Still, it's one scene, fully explained, and will give you just a taste of opera, not a whole heaping plate full. If there's not a university close by that does it, check with the nearby opera companies. They might do Opera Scenes as a fund raiser or community outreach. It's definitely worth checking out!
Finally, check with local opera companies to see if they have a special lecture before or after a performance. Opera companies are all about education outreach and might have a director or professor talking about that particular opera or parts of it. Also, find out which of your local radio station broadcasts the live performances from the Met in New York. That's a wonderful way to hear the music and have the story explained to you. Then when you actually see that opera later on, you'll be somewhat familiar with it.
Some of my favorite operas:
The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart)
Cosi Fan Tutte (Mozart)
The Secret Marriage (Chimarosa)
Die Fledermaus (Strauss)
La Traviata (Verdi)
The Barber of Seville (Rossini)
The Bartered Bride (Smetana)
The Gondoliers (Gilbert & Sullivan)
The Magic Flute (Mozart)
Carmen (Bizet)
The Merry Wives of Windsor (Nicolai)
Lakme (Delibes)
The Tender Land (Copland)
Anyone can learn to appreciate opera, even if they don't love it. It's an amazing genre of music & theatre. At the very least, they can be impressed by the fact that one singer can outsing a full orchestra. Now THAT takes some pipes!
My niece is BRILLIANT!!!!!!
Original Post Date: November 29, 2006
Emily is a genius. I'm totally serious. Last week, I sat there for at least 15 minutes watching her put her little books in their box. She was putting him in so they were facing the same way. When it got to the last space, she couldn't get the last book in, so she would dump them out and start over again. Each time, the books were all facing the same way. They were Disney books, and I said that I'd be really scared if she put them in the order that the movies came out in theaters, but she didn't do that. Maybe next time!
The New 7 Wonders of the World
Original Post Date: November 25, 2006
Have you heard that they are trying to choose new 7 Wonders of the World. I think it's only fair, since of the old 7 Wonders, only 1 survives (the Pyramids). The list is pretty interesting. You can check it out and vote here: http://www.new7wonders.com/index.phpHowever, I have my own list of 7 Wonders of the World. I'll share it with you now (and they are in no particular order):
1. Hugh Jackman
2. Gerard Butler
3. Orlando Bloom
4. Ewan MacGregor
5. Antonio Banderas
6. Josh Groban
7. Brian Stokes Mitchell
Interesting...6 of those can sing (I don't know if Orlando can or not. I've never heard him.) 5 of those have foreign accents (I'm a sucker for an accent, you know.) 2 of them are Scots. (I'm a REAL sucker for a Scottish accent.
And yes...I was just reading People Magazine issue of the Sexiest Man Alive. Why do you ask?
Have you heard that they are trying to choose new 7 Wonders of the World. I think it's only fair, since of the old 7 Wonders, only 1 survives (the Pyramids). The list is pretty interesting. You can check it out and vote here: http://www.new7wonders.com/index.phpHowever, I have my own list of 7 Wonders of the World. I'll share it with you now (and they are in no particular order):
1. Hugh Jackman
2. Gerard Butler
3. Orlando Bloom
4. Ewan MacGregor
5. Antonio Banderas
6. Josh Groban
7. Brian Stokes Mitchell
Interesting...6 of those can sing (I don't know if Orlando can or not. I've never heard him.) 5 of those have foreign accents (I'm a sucker for an accent, you know.) 2 of them are Scots. (I'm a REAL sucker for a Scottish accent.
And yes...I was just reading People Magazine issue of the Sexiest Man Alive. Why do you ask?
Why me?
Original Post Date: November 21, 2006
So, sometime between the time I went to sleep Saturday night and woke up Sunday morning, I managed to hurt my back. I have no idea how this happened. Maybe I was trying to do yoga in my sleep or something. I don't know. All I know is, I am in major pain!!! I dealt with it on Sunday, and then yesterday it felt a ton better. However, this morning I woke up in pain again. I need to go to chiropractor. Here's the thing, though....it's expensive to go to the chiropractor. And I have no money. I have been unemployed since the beginning of September. I guess I'm just going to have to buck up and deal with the pain. Stupid back. Normally it's my neck and shoulder that give me fits, but now it's my middle back. Darn it all!!!!!!!
So, sometime between the time I went to sleep Saturday night and woke up Sunday morning, I managed to hurt my back. I have no idea how this happened. Maybe I was trying to do yoga in my sleep or something. I don't know. All I know is, I am in major pain!!! I dealt with it on Sunday, and then yesterday it felt a ton better. However, this morning I woke up in pain again. I need to go to chiropractor. Here's the thing, though....it's expensive to go to the chiropractor. And I have no money. I have been unemployed since the beginning of September. I guess I'm just going to have to buck up and deal with the pain. Stupid back. Normally it's my neck and shoulder that give me fits, but now it's my middle back. Darn it all!!!!!!!
I need to have more clout
Original Post Date: November 15, 2006
Sometimes I wish that I could just snap my fingers and things would happen. Like, for instance, Josh Groban isn't coming to Denver on his upcoming tour. I just need to wave my magic wand and POOF! A concert at the Buell and front row seats for me. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?
Sometimes I wish that I could just snap my fingers and things would happen. Like, for instance, Josh Groban isn't coming to Denver on his upcoming tour. I just need to wave my magic wand and POOF! A concert at the Buell and front row seats for me. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?
Of cute babies and gigantic potatoes
Original Post Date: November 12, 2006
My niece Emily is the cutest kid ever. She's 20 months old now. Her latest word sounds like "Puh puh" and it means "Pizza." Her favorite word is "No."
My niece Emily is the cutest kid ever. She's 20 months old now. Her latest word sounds like "Puh puh" and it means "Pizza." Her favorite word is "No."
Anyway, the other night I had to give her some medicine for her cough. She hates the stuff. At first, tricking her didn't work.
"Emily, do want some fruit snacks?"
"Uh huh"
"Let's take your medicine first and then you can have the fruit snacks."
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" Wailing ensues.
"Emily, do you want your cough to go away?"
"Yeah" still wailing
"Then we have to take your medicine."
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" The crying continues for awhile as this conversation is repeated.
"How about a cookie? Do you want a cookie?"
"Uh huh"
"Medicine first, then cookie."
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!"
"How about cookie first and then the medicine?" This seemed to work, especially when I showed her the cookie, which had pink frosting and sprinkles. Then, inspiration dawns.
"Emily, how about you take a bite of cookie, and then we take the medicine. Then you get two bites of cookie and then more medicine."IT WORKED!!! She stopped crying and took the medicine without a fuss. She finished the cookie and was fine the rest of the time. Go me!!!!!!!
That was Friday night. On Sunday night, Shauna and I went up to their house to deliver some potatoes (more about the potatoes later.) They had company over for dinner, so we were just going to stay a minute or two. Well, Emily made me get her up from the table. She wanted me to take my coat off and play with her. I complied, of course, because she really does have me wrapped around her little finger. I played with her for a minute or two and then we needed to leave. Well, she was just certain that she was coming with us and started bawling. We ended up sneaking out quickly and then waving at her through her bedroom window. I guess I'm just going to have to go up there more often to play with her. I must be her best friend in the whole world. Here's a picture of this cute girl:
Now for the potato story:Dad and Shauna went to Utah last week for my Aunt Jean Ann's wedding. They came home with a huge sack of Idaho potatoes courtesy of Uncle Alton. Well, as I was digging through the bag last night while we were doling them out to various family members, I came upon the potato that I am now calling Fezzik. It's the mother of all potatoes. Comparable in size to a standard Nalgene. Seeing is believing:
Welcome to Colorado!
Original Post Date: November 9, 2006
Welcome to Colorado! Here are some things you have to know to survive here:
1) First, take note of the topography of the entire state. Contrary to popular belief (of people who have apparently never looked at a map), Colorado is NOT completely mountainous. I know this will come as a shock to you, but there are people have lived here their entire lives and have never skied. And some of them will get offended if you pester them about it. (And try not to make the mistake of confusing a ski resort with a town of the same name. Loveland the Ski Resort is very far away from Loveland the City.)
2) I understand that you have 4 wheel drive. That's nice. But you know what? The ice doesn't care. You will slide just as easily, no matter what kind of car you drive. SO SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!! The only thing 4 wheel drive is good for is getting you out of the ditch you're stuck in, assuming you didn't flip the car.
3) Yes, I know it's sunny outside. But just because the sun is out, that doesn't necessarily mean it's warm outside. Check the temperature. And put some clothes on.
4) FYI: After a snow storm, you're going to have to stop at every service station you pass to top off your window washer fluid. Trust me on this.
5) You're welcome to watch the weather report on the news, but you're much better off to just always have a light jacket, a heavy jacket, and an umbrella handy. You will become a Certified Weather Cynic within a month or so of living here.
6) If we are not in a drought, plan on two weeks of rain in June. Don't complain about it. Enjoy the moisture, because you're in for a VERY DRY SUMMER!!!!
7) You don't have to be a fan of the Denver Broncos. However, you are NOT allowed to be an Oakland Raiders fan. Ever. The same goes for Nebraska. Buffaloes eat Cornhuskers for dinner.
8) Forget about that whole March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb nonsense. March will more than likely come in like a really angry lion and go out like an even angrier one.
9) Did I mention that the worst snow storms will come in mid-Spring? Usually after a few weeks of warm weather, so all the flowers will die. It's a fact of life.
10) Just because it snows on December 23rd, this does not automatically insure that we will have a White Christmas.
11) Most Coloradoans are, if you haven't noticed, extremely sarcastic. Get used to it. If you can't take it, then get out.
This is a joke!!! If you take it seriously, you need to lighten up, okay?
Welcome to Colorado! Here are some things you have to know to survive here:
1) First, take note of the topography of the entire state. Contrary to popular belief (of people who have apparently never looked at a map), Colorado is NOT completely mountainous. I know this will come as a shock to you, but there are people have lived here their entire lives and have never skied. And some of them will get offended if you pester them about it. (And try not to make the mistake of confusing a ski resort with a town of the same name. Loveland the Ski Resort is very far away from Loveland the City.)
2) I understand that you have 4 wheel drive. That's nice. But you know what? The ice doesn't care. You will slide just as easily, no matter what kind of car you drive. SO SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!! The only thing 4 wheel drive is good for is getting you out of the ditch you're stuck in, assuming you didn't flip the car.
3) Yes, I know it's sunny outside. But just because the sun is out, that doesn't necessarily mean it's warm outside. Check the temperature. And put some clothes on.
4) FYI: After a snow storm, you're going to have to stop at every service station you pass to top off your window washer fluid. Trust me on this.
5) You're welcome to watch the weather report on the news, but you're much better off to just always have a light jacket, a heavy jacket, and an umbrella handy. You will become a Certified Weather Cynic within a month or so of living here.
6) If we are not in a drought, plan on two weeks of rain in June. Don't complain about it. Enjoy the moisture, because you're in for a VERY DRY SUMMER!!!!
7) You don't have to be a fan of the Denver Broncos. However, you are NOT allowed to be an Oakland Raiders fan. Ever. The same goes for Nebraska. Buffaloes eat Cornhuskers for dinner.
8) Forget about that whole March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb nonsense. March will more than likely come in like a really angry lion and go out like an even angrier one.
9) Did I mention that the worst snow storms will come in mid-Spring? Usually after a few weeks of warm weather, so all the flowers will die. It's a fact of life.
10) Just because it snows on December 23rd, this does not automatically insure that we will have a White Christmas.
11) Most Coloradoans are, if you haven't noticed, extremely sarcastic. Get used to it. If you can't take it, then get out.
This is a joke!!! If you take it seriously, you need to lighten up, okay?
A Thespian's Guide to Standing Ovations
Original Post Date: November 9, 2006
There's nothing quite like a standing-o. But you have to know how to read them. They are different. I'll list a few, in no particular order...
1) The applause is good, but the only people standing are the ones heading for the door: Your show still needs some tweeking, and you might want to have a pick-up rehearsal before your next performance.
2) One or two people stand up immediately, followed by most of the crowd: This means you did an okay job. The first people who jumped up are probably parents of cast members. But the rest of the audience was appreciative, so they stood up.
3) Many people stand up within 5 seconds after the close of the show, before the curtain call begins: Your show was wonderful! The audience loved it! They think that you did a marvelous job, and are probably planning to stop by the box office on their way out to buy tickets for another performance.
4) The entire audience is on their feet the instant the show is over: Your show as the best ever seen by these people and probably the best ever done by your school, theatre company, or whatever you are. Not only was the audience transcended by your marvelous acting, but they loved everything about the show from the script to the lighting. Those people not applauding wildly are on their cell phones, calling their friends to tell them to get tickets immediately!!!
5) The audience is silent and unmoving for several seconds before bursting into thunderous applause and jumping to their feet: You have just done the best show ever in the history of theatre. You totally blew the audience away with your absolutely magnificent. You should consider this your Broadway tryout and head straight for New York the morning after you close.
I've had many 3s, some 4s (Yay, Titanic!), and I've witnessed a 5 (not my show, though.)
There's nothing quite like a standing-o. But you have to know how to read them. They are different. I'll list a few, in no particular order...
1) The applause is good, but the only people standing are the ones heading for the door: Your show still needs some tweeking, and you might want to have a pick-up rehearsal before your next performance.
2) One or two people stand up immediately, followed by most of the crowd: This means you did an okay job. The first people who jumped up are probably parents of cast members. But the rest of the audience was appreciative, so they stood up.
3) Many people stand up within 5 seconds after the close of the show, before the curtain call begins: Your show was wonderful! The audience loved it! They think that you did a marvelous job, and are probably planning to stop by the box office on their way out to buy tickets for another performance.
4) The entire audience is on their feet the instant the show is over: Your show as the best ever seen by these people and probably the best ever done by your school, theatre company, or whatever you are. Not only was the audience transcended by your marvelous acting, but they loved everything about the show from the script to the lighting. Those people not applauding wildly are on their cell phones, calling their friends to tell them to get tickets immediately!!!
5) The audience is silent and unmoving for several seconds before bursting into thunderous applause and jumping to their feet: You have just done the best show ever in the history of theatre. You totally blew the audience away with your absolutely magnificent. You should consider this your Broadway tryout and head straight for New York the morning after you close.
I've had many 3s, some 4s (Yay, Titanic!), and I've witnessed a 5 (not my show, though.)
It's safe to watch TV again!!!!
Original Post Date: November 8, 2006
Can I just say that the first Wednesday in November is probably my favorite day of the year? The day AFTER the election. Now the mudslinging will stop and there will be normal, happy commercials on TV again! And the junk mail will stop! I'm soooooooooooooooo happy!!!!!!!!! It was especially bad this year in Colorado, but I've heard it was worse in other areas of the country. Seriously, politicians, you should follow the advice of Thumper's Dad. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
Can I just say that the first Wednesday in November is probably my favorite day of the year? The day AFTER the election. Now the mudslinging will stop and there will be normal, happy commercials on TV again! And the junk mail will stop! I'm soooooooooooooooo happy!!!!!!!!! It was especially bad this year in Colorado, but I've heard it was worse in other areas of the country. Seriously, politicians, you should follow the advice of Thumper's Dad. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
Why High School Reunions Suck
Original Post Date: November 1, 2006
My 10th Class Reunion was this past summer. I did not attend. I had other things to do and decided not to go. I'm sure there was a fun time had by all, but I didn't really care. I'll go to the next one. There's just something about still being single and still living in my parents house that made a high school reunion seem like...well.....torture.
Anyway, my point with this (and I do have a point)...
A high school reunion is geared towards one class. The Class of 1996, for example. Well, I had many friends in my class. I'm still friends with many of them, though I don't see them very often. Here's the thing, though....over the 4 years of high school, there were 6 other classes at the school. I had lots of friends in other classes, both older and younger than me. I'm not invited to THEIR reunions, though. And I'm rarely one to crash a party. I'm tempted next summer, though. I had many good friends in the Class of 1997. Maybe I'll just sneak in with my cousin.
I was heavily involved in band, choir, theatre, and the musical (at our school, the theatre department and the musical were VERY SEPARATE. Long story.) I knew kids from every grade because of my participation in those activities. In many ways, I was closer to them than the kids in my own class. So what's the deal with my rant? Here it is: Class Reunions are fine and dandy, but we should have Band Reunions. Choir Reunions. Theatre Reunions. I went to the UNC Band reunion at Homecoming last month. It was a BLAST!!!!!
This is a call to action. Someone should organize a Loveland High School Choir Reunion. Not me, though. I'm horrible at organizing stuff. I can't even organize my own life, let alone a reunion!!!!!! But seriously, we haven't gotten all the former choir folks together since Lois retired in 1998!!!
I know there are others out there who feel the same way I do. We have so many good memories of high school that aren't restricted to our specific class. Good times! Let's all get together and reminisce....
/rant
My 10th Class Reunion was this past summer. I did not attend. I had other things to do and decided not to go. I'm sure there was a fun time had by all, but I didn't really care. I'll go to the next one. There's just something about still being single and still living in my parents house that made a high school reunion seem like...well.....torture.
Anyway, my point with this (and I do have a point)...
A high school reunion is geared towards one class. The Class of 1996, for example. Well, I had many friends in my class. I'm still friends with many of them, though I don't see them very often. Here's the thing, though....over the 4 years of high school, there were 6 other classes at the school. I had lots of friends in other classes, both older and younger than me. I'm not invited to THEIR reunions, though. And I'm rarely one to crash a party. I'm tempted next summer, though. I had many good friends in the Class of 1997. Maybe I'll just sneak in with my cousin.
I was heavily involved in band, choir, theatre, and the musical (at our school, the theatre department and the musical were VERY SEPARATE. Long story.) I knew kids from every grade because of my participation in those activities. In many ways, I was closer to them than the kids in my own class. So what's the deal with my rant? Here it is: Class Reunions are fine and dandy, but we should have Band Reunions. Choir Reunions. Theatre Reunions. I went to the UNC Band reunion at Homecoming last month. It was a BLAST!!!!!
This is a call to action. Someone should organize a Loveland High School Choir Reunion. Not me, though. I'm horrible at organizing stuff. I can't even organize my own life, let alone a reunion!!!!!! But seriously, we haven't gotten all the former choir folks together since Lois retired in 1998!!!
I know there are others out there who feel the same way I do. We have so many good memories of high school that aren't restricted to our specific class. Good times! Let's all get together and reminisce....
/rant
Blue Man Group: How to be a Megastar Tour
Original Post Date: October 29, 2006
Can I just say how incredibly AWWWWWWWWESOME the Blue Man Group is? Totally, utterly SWEET!!!
Last night was the 2nd time that I have seen them perform live. The first was at the Astor Place Theatre in New York City. That was incredible. This time, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, was about 300 times bigger and louder...and every bit as cool!!! I saw a lot of the same things, heard a lot of the same songs (we have the DVD of their first tour, by the way), but it never gets old! The combination of multimedia, rock concert, and, well, basically vaudeville, is ingenious!
This is where I give a little shout out to Floppie the Banjo Clown. Peace, yo.
Seriously, I had a great time last night! No one should ever pass up a chance to see the Blue Man Group. Worth every penny!!!!!!
Can I just say how incredibly AWWWWWWWWESOME the Blue Man Group is? Totally, utterly SWEET!!!
Last night was the 2nd time that I have seen them perform live. The first was at the Astor Place Theatre in New York City. That was incredible. This time, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, was about 300 times bigger and louder...and every bit as cool!!! I saw a lot of the same things, heard a lot of the same songs (we have the DVD of their first tour, by the way), but it never gets old! The combination of multimedia, rock concert, and, well, basically vaudeville, is ingenious!
This is where I give a little shout out to Floppie the Banjo Clown. Peace, yo.
Seriously, I had a great time last night! No one should ever pass up a chance to see the Blue Man Group. Worth every penny!!!!!!
Wait Until Dark
Original Post Date: October 25, 2006
Have I mentioned that it's really hard to review shows that I'm "related" to? Well, it is. My sister designed and built the set for "Wait Until Dark" for the Greeley Community Theatre Troupe. She was also the Stage Manager. I had read the script for the show a couple months ago. I was thinking of auditioning for the role of Suzy, but ultimately decided to pass.
The show was very good! It's really scary in a suspenseful way. I'd kind of like to see the movie now, because it stars Audrey Hepburn as Suzy. If you're not familiar with the story, Suzy is a blind woman and some bad guys try to trick into giving them this doll that her husband brought home from Canada. It has drugs in it, but Suzy and Sam don't know that. In fact, they lost the doll. The bad guys think they can get away with tricking Suzy, since she's a "helpless" blind woman. Well, she's not so helpless as they think. Especially when she figures out what's going on and turns off all the lights so they are on an equal playing field. Well, not so equal really. It's a great show!
One character didn't impress me at first. Roat, the leader of the bad guys. When he first came, I didn't like his characterization at all. It seemed...well...phony. And when you're watching community theatre, phony doesn't always come off well. Well...when he came back posing as an old man, I thought "Wow, he's better than I thought." Then he came back a few minutes later posing as the old man's son. Again...better than I thought. When he returns later, after killing the other bad guys, he's a total psycho. He played that part REALLY well. I was super, super impressed then!!! It takes a good actor to play a convincing psycho.
The show was great! The set was awesome.
Have I mentioned that it's really hard to review shows that I'm "related" to? Well, it is. My sister designed and built the set for "Wait Until Dark" for the Greeley Community Theatre Troupe. She was also the Stage Manager. I had read the script for the show a couple months ago. I was thinking of auditioning for the role of Suzy, but ultimately decided to pass.
The show was very good! It's really scary in a suspenseful way. I'd kind of like to see the movie now, because it stars Audrey Hepburn as Suzy. If you're not familiar with the story, Suzy is a blind woman and some bad guys try to trick into giving them this doll that her husband brought home from Canada. It has drugs in it, but Suzy and Sam don't know that. In fact, they lost the doll. The bad guys think they can get away with tricking Suzy, since she's a "helpless" blind woman. Well, she's not so helpless as they think. Especially when she figures out what's going on and turns off all the lights so they are on an equal playing field. Well, not so equal really. It's a great show!
One character didn't impress me at first. Roat, the leader of the bad guys. When he first came, I didn't like his characterization at all. It seemed...well...phony. And when you're watching community theatre, phony doesn't always come off well. Well...when he came back posing as an old man, I thought "Wow, he's better than I thought." Then he came back a few minutes later posing as the old man's son. Again...better than I thought. When he returns later, after killing the other bad guys, he's a total psycho. He played that part REALLY well. I was super, super impressed then!!! It takes a good actor to play a convincing psycho.
The show was great! The set was awesome.
And now a word from our sponsor:
Original Post Date: October 15, 2008
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Do not adjust your monitor. There is nothing wrong with your computer. This is Emily Marie Johnson's first Blog. 19 months old...a new blogger record?
Oh, let me translate for you, since she speaks and types in Emilese. All of that means: "I'm so cute, I scare even myself."
Check back soon for an adorable picture I took of her!
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Do not adjust your monitor. There is nothing wrong with your computer. This is Emily Marie Johnson's first Blog. 19 months old...a new blogger record?
Oh, let me translate for you, since she speaks and types in Emilese. All of that means: "I'm so cute, I scare even myself."
Check back soon for an adorable picture I took of her!
You CAN go back again!
Original Post Date: October 14, 2006
I have just spent an absolutely FABULOUS day revisiting one of my favorite things in college. Marching band!!! It's Homecoming at UNC this weekend, and I went to be part of the Alumni Band! We got to play with the band during pregame. There weren't very many of us, but we hope to get more people over the coming years! It was a blast! Once the game started, we joined the band in the stands to play. It was so much fun! The game stunk, but then, I was at UNC during the National Championship years, so it's hard to compare. Still, it was great to be back at Nottingham Field, piccolo in hand, cheering on the Bears! I can't wait until next year!!!
I have just spent an absolutely FABULOUS day revisiting one of my favorite things in college. Marching band!!! It's Homecoming at UNC this weekend, and I went to be part of the Alumni Band! We got to play with the band during pregame. There weren't very many of us, but we hope to get more people over the coming years! It was a blast! Once the game started, we joined the band in the stands to play. It was so much fun! The game stunk, but then, I was at UNC during the National Championship years, so it's hard to compare. Still, it was great to be back at Nottingham Field, piccolo in hand, cheering on the Bears! I can't wait until next year!!!
Why I'm starting to hate the chorus
Original Post Date: October 8, 2006
I used to say that I loved being in the chorus. I could do whatever I wanted and no one cared. I was free, within the confines of show of course, to be whoever I wanted to be. Well, I suppose I've been in the chorus a few too many times now. Apparently, no one sees me as anything other than a chorus girl. No one will give me the chance to actually ACT. I hate to sound like a Prima Donna. That goes against every fiber of my being. I hate Prima Donnas. However, I'm sure feeling like one today. I wanted a certain lead role (and it wasn't even all that "leading". It was a supporting role.) However, I got called back for a chorus part with two freaking solos. Whoopee. I gave up a chance to audition for a show I would have been PAID TO DO, for two lousy, freaking, unmemorable solos. I wanted that other role so badly and I thought I had a decent shot at it. Well, apparently not! Now how to go back and say "Well, I put on my audition sheet that I would accept a chorus role because you needed mezzos. I thought I was going to be cast in the role I auditioned for, though. So, I'm going to go audition elsewhere and if that doesn't work out, I'm come be in the chorus. So what I'm saying is, I said I'd be in the chorus, but I really didn't mean it." That goes against everything I stand for to say something like that.
The director doesn't know me from Adam. Why should she care that I wanted that part? Apparently, I'm only good enough for the freaking chorus. Well, news flash...I'm bored with the chorus. Bored to tears. I want to stretch and learn, but I've gone as far as I can go as Ensemble Girl #1.
Venting complete. At least for now.
I used to say that I loved being in the chorus. I could do whatever I wanted and no one cared. I was free, within the confines of show of course, to be whoever I wanted to be. Well, I suppose I've been in the chorus a few too many times now. Apparently, no one sees me as anything other than a chorus girl. No one will give me the chance to actually ACT. I hate to sound like a Prima Donna. That goes against every fiber of my being. I hate Prima Donnas. However, I'm sure feeling like one today. I wanted a certain lead role (and it wasn't even all that "leading". It was a supporting role.) However, I got called back for a chorus part with two freaking solos. Whoopee. I gave up a chance to audition for a show I would have been PAID TO DO, for two lousy, freaking, unmemorable solos. I wanted that other role so badly and I thought I had a decent shot at it. Well, apparently not! Now how to go back and say "Well, I put on my audition sheet that I would accept a chorus role because you needed mezzos. I thought I was going to be cast in the role I auditioned for, though. So, I'm going to go audition elsewhere and if that doesn't work out, I'm come be in the chorus. So what I'm saying is, I said I'd be in the chorus, but I really didn't mean it." That goes against everything I stand for to say something like that.
The director doesn't know me from Adam. Why should she care that I wanted that part? Apparently, I'm only good enough for the freaking chorus. Well, news flash...I'm bored with the chorus. Bored to tears. I want to stretch and learn, but I've gone as far as I can go as Ensemble Girl #1.
Venting complete. At least for now.
The Lion King
Original Post Date: October 7, 2006
Last night I witnessed a masterpiece. I have never seen such a visually stunning show in all my life. The Lion King is a magnificent piece of theatre. I loved how it was kind of like the movie (which I've seen a million times, by the way!) and yet, different. The new stuff really added to the show.
Let me tell you, though, I wish I hadn't been sitting way up in the balcony. I wish I had been on the main floor, because then I could have seen all the animals go through the aisles at the beginning of the show. That whole first sequence is absolutely breathtaking! We did have two guys up there the beginning of Act 2 with some bird puppets, which was way cool, but I would have liked to have seen everything from further down.
My favorite characters were Rafiki and Zazu. The actress playing Rafiki was AMAZING!!!! I couldn't take my eyes off her, and WHAT A VOICE! Zazu was great, too. He was funnier than the cartoon, I think.
I'm still curious as to why the guy playing Timon was completely green, with the puppet in front of him. It worked fine when Timon was laying in the grass, but other times it was just weird.
Speaking of the grass, who thinks to have ensemble members dress up as grass?! And flowers? The costumes were AMAZING!!!!!!!! I can't believe those actors were doing flips and hand springs and cartwheels with those big masks on! That must have taken a long time to get used to! Kudos to them!
I had never seen a Disney stage musical up until last night. Now, I want to see them all! I'm very excited to be able to see The Little Mermaid when it's in Denver for its out of town tryout! I've always loved Disney musicals. Why shouldn't I have loved them onstage as well? I don't know why I hadn't seen any yet!!!
Last night I witnessed a masterpiece. I have never seen such a visually stunning show in all my life. The Lion King is a magnificent piece of theatre. I loved how it was kind of like the movie (which I've seen a million times, by the way!) and yet, different. The new stuff really added to the show.
Let me tell you, though, I wish I hadn't been sitting way up in the balcony. I wish I had been on the main floor, because then I could have seen all the animals go through the aisles at the beginning of the show. That whole first sequence is absolutely breathtaking! We did have two guys up there the beginning of Act 2 with some bird puppets, which was way cool, but I would have liked to have seen everything from further down.
My favorite characters were Rafiki and Zazu. The actress playing Rafiki was AMAZING!!!! I couldn't take my eyes off her, and WHAT A VOICE! Zazu was great, too. He was funnier than the cartoon, I think.
I'm still curious as to why the guy playing Timon was completely green, with the puppet in front of him. It worked fine when Timon was laying in the grass, but other times it was just weird.
Speaking of the grass, who thinks to have ensemble members dress up as grass?! And flowers? The costumes were AMAZING!!!!!!!! I can't believe those actors were doing flips and hand springs and cartwheels with those big masks on! That must have taken a long time to get used to! Kudos to them!
I had never seen a Disney stage musical up until last night. Now, I want to see them all! I'm very excited to be able to see The Little Mermaid when it's in Denver for its out of town tryout! I've always loved Disney musicals. Why shouldn't I have loved them onstage as well? I don't know why I hadn't seen any yet!!!
Job? I don't need no stinkin' job!
Original Post Date: September 27, 2006
I said those words today as I was at the park, swinging in the swings. Steph and I took Tyler and Emily to the park. The kids were swinging and Emily wanted me to swing, too. So I did. It was great! If I could play at the park for the rest of my life, I would be happy. Now, if I could just get someone to pay me for that, everything would be perfect.
I said those words today as I was at the park, swinging in the swings. Steph and I took Tyler and Emily to the park. The kids were swinging and Emily wanted me to swing, too. So I did. It was great! If I could play at the park for the rest of my life, I would be happy. Now, if I could just get someone to pay me for that, everything would be perfect.
The "Arts". (A Rant)
Original Post Date: September 22, 2006
There seems to be some confusion in my town about the definition of the terms "The Arts." It seems that "The Arts" only means "Art" around here anymore. Now I have no beef with the sculpters and artists. They have my deepest respect for what they do. I wish I could do that. However, I am a musician. And an actress. And I'm running out of opportunities in Loveland.
Everyone is so worried about all the sculptures around town. We almost had a civil war about a naked sculpture in a round-about. The Sculpture Show practically shuts down part of the city once a year. However, there is no theatre in town that is big enough to handle the large-scale musicals I have been involved in for the past 5 summers. The Loveland Music Guild put on a big show every summer in Loveland from 1976 to 2001. However, in 2002, the auditorium at Thompson Valley HS was being renovated. So, that summer's production of "Oklahoma!" was moved to Fort Collins to the Lincoln Center. A much better space for the caliber of musicals we were doing. And we never returned. However, the City of Loveland pretty much forgot about us. We left, therefore we were no longer worthy of their support. The die-hards came, of course, but the general public lost interest. It's just too far and too expensive to drive to Ft Collins. Never mind that it was the best and biggest show in Northern Colorado. It was too much of a hassle. Now, the future of Front Range Music Theatre (Loveland Music Guild's producing arm) is in question. There's no money. I'm also hearing that the Loveland Community Theater has gone by the wayside. There's only one theater in town that's nice enough to accomodate local performing groups. The Rialto. However, it's VERY SMALL. Thompson Valley is great for a high school theatre, but not for much more. It may be the Civic Auditorium, but it's still in a school. It's not maintained as a Civic Auditorium should be.
I don't have all the answers. I certainly don't have the money to support any theatre company from a financial standpoint. My support comes in my performing. I'm working hard with the brand new Loveland Opera Theatre. We aren't big enough yet to need anything bigger than the Rialto, but give us a few years. My point is, let's worry a little less about a naked statue and a little more about the fact that theatre is dying in Loveland!
There seems to be some confusion in my town about the definition of the terms "The Arts." It seems that "The Arts" only means "Art" around here anymore. Now I have no beef with the sculpters and artists. They have my deepest respect for what they do. I wish I could do that. However, I am a musician. And an actress. And I'm running out of opportunities in Loveland.
Everyone is so worried about all the sculptures around town. We almost had a civil war about a naked sculpture in a round-about. The Sculpture Show practically shuts down part of the city once a year. However, there is no theatre in town that is big enough to handle the large-scale musicals I have been involved in for the past 5 summers. The Loveland Music Guild put on a big show every summer in Loveland from 1976 to 2001. However, in 2002, the auditorium at Thompson Valley HS was being renovated. So, that summer's production of "Oklahoma!" was moved to Fort Collins to the Lincoln Center. A much better space for the caliber of musicals we were doing. And we never returned. However, the City of Loveland pretty much forgot about us. We left, therefore we were no longer worthy of their support. The die-hards came, of course, but the general public lost interest. It's just too far and too expensive to drive to Ft Collins. Never mind that it was the best and biggest show in Northern Colorado. It was too much of a hassle. Now, the future of Front Range Music Theatre (Loveland Music Guild's producing arm) is in question. There's no money. I'm also hearing that the Loveland Community Theater has gone by the wayside. There's only one theater in town that's nice enough to accomodate local performing groups. The Rialto. However, it's VERY SMALL. Thompson Valley is great for a high school theatre, but not for much more. It may be the Civic Auditorium, but it's still in a school. It's not maintained as a Civic Auditorium should be.
I don't have all the answers. I certainly don't have the money to support any theatre company from a financial standpoint. My support comes in my performing. I'm working hard with the brand new Loveland Opera Theatre. We aren't big enough yet to need anything bigger than the Rialto, but give us a few years. My point is, let's worry a little less about a naked statue and a little more about the fact that theatre is dying in Loveland!
Pirates. Yar.
Original Post Date: September 20, 2006
Yesterday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Yar. We had a Pirate Party, of course. Played some rousing games of Pirates Cove. Here's a picture of my very piratey face, make-up courtesy of my sister:
We had a piratey good time!
Yesterday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Yar. We had a Pirate Party, of course. Played some rousing games of Pirates Cove. Here's a picture of my very piratey face, make-up courtesy of my sister:
We had a piratey good time!
Books, Books, Books...oh, and Books.
Original Post Date: September 17, 2006
I recently organized all of my novels. Alphabetically by author. Took up almost an entire, retail-sized bookshelf. Today, since I have nothing better to do, I catalogued them on the computer. I have over 300. And I've read most of them. And given that I sold a bunch of them earlier this year, that's a freaking load of books. What can I say? I'm addicted. I think I personally keep the LDS Fiction market in business. Craziness. If I catalogued my non-LDS books the total would be....way less than 300.
I recently organized all of my novels. Alphabetically by author. Took up almost an entire, retail-sized bookshelf. Today, since I have nothing better to do, I catalogued them on the computer. I have over 300. And I've read most of them. And given that I sold a bunch of them earlier this year, that's a freaking load of books. What can I say? I'm addicted. I think I personally keep the LDS Fiction market in business. Craziness. If I catalogued my non-LDS books the total would be....way less than 300.
Getting in touch with my Pioneer Roots
Original Post Date: September 15, 2006
am descended from good, hearty, pioneer stock. My ancestors crossed the plains. Some by wagon, some by train, some by Model-T (I don't know for sure on that one, though, but it sounds cool.) While I love reading about my forebearers (I didn't minor in History for nothing), reliving their exploits is something I'm not so keen on. I will not blow my hand off with nitroglycerin, just to get closer to my Great Great Grandfather, James Campbell Livingston. Although I think is WAY COOL that he kept his detached hand in a box in his basement and when he died, they put it in the casket. SWEET!!!!! I also don't intend to give birth in the dead of winter along the trail. My great great great grandmother did that. Yeesh!!!!
Anyway, the reason for my walk down Ancestor Lane today is because I have been doing something that I don't usually do. Today, I canned 7 dozen quarts of grape juice. I should say, am canning. I'm not done. they are processing right now, which takes a freaking long time. The juice will be heavenly, but the work sucks. I can't believe that my ancestors actually did this all the time, with most of their crops. Having Albertsons around the corner is a wonderful thing. My brother just went to go pick up pizzas for dinner. Brings a tear to my eye, that does.
It really amazes me that my female forebearers worked from sun up to sun down, bore litters of children, and did it all in long skirts and dresses. I was dying of heat in my tank top and knit capris!!! And I don't have 12 children to tend at the same time!!! And actually, we've only been working on this since noon, I think. Maybe it was 11:00. I think these will all be done by 7:00. I hope. (OHHHHH, how I hope!!)
So that's my story of the day. I'm going to read about my ancestors whilst eating Papa Murphy's pizza. And maybe I'll crack open some of last year's grape juice (that I didn't help can, because I conveniently wasn't around that day!!!)
Oh, and the other time I relived the past was on two separate hand cart treks. I am NEVER NEVER NEVER doing that again. At least not in May. 4 seasons in 4 days wasn't cool. Especially the SNOWING part. Ugh! I should add a funny picture of me from that trek. As soon as I'm on my actual computer (and not my sister's lap top), I'll add it on here.
am descended from good, hearty, pioneer stock. My ancestors crossed the plains. Some by wagon, some by train, some by Model-T (I don't know for sure on that one, though, but it sounds cool.) While I love reading about my forebearers (I didn't minor in History for nothing), reliving their exploits is something I'm not so keen on. I will not blow my hand off with nitroglycerin, just to get closer to my Great Great Grandfather, James Campbell Livingston. Although I think is WAY COOL that he kept his detached hand in a box in his basement and when he died, they put it in the casket. SWEET!!!!! I also don't intend to give birth in the dead of winter along the trail. My great great great grandmother did that. Yeesh!!!!
Anyway, the reason for my walk down Ancestor Lane today is because I have been doing something that I don't usually do. Today, I canned 7 dozen quarts of grape juice. I should say, am canning. I'm not done. they are processing right now, which takes a freaking long time. The juice will be heavenly, but the work sucks. I can't believe that my ancestors actually did this all the time, with most of their crops. Having Albertsons around the corner is a wonderful thing. My brother just went to go pick up pizzas for dinner. Brings a tear to my eye, that does.
It really amazes me that my female forebearers worked from sun up to sun down, bore litters of children, and did it all in long skirts and dresses. I was dying of heat in my tank top and knit capris!!! And I don't have 12 children to tend at the same time!!! And actually, we've only been working on this since noon, I think. Maybe it was 11:00. I think these will all be done by 7:00. I hope. (OHHHHH, how I hope!!)
So that's my story of the day. I'm going to read about my ancestors whilst eating Papa Murphy's pizza. And maybe I'll crack open some of last year's grape juice (that I didn't help can, because I conveniently wasn't around that day!!!)
Oh, and the other time I relived the past was on two separate hand cart treks. I am NEVER NEVER NEVER doing that again. At least not in May. 4 seasons in 4 days wasn't cool. Especially the SNOWING part. Ugh! I should add a funny picture of me from that trek. As soon as I'm on my actual computer (and not my sister's lap top), I'll add it on here.
I get my eyes back!
Original Post Date: September 13, 2006
Okay, so it's been HOW LONG since I was diagnosed with Chronic Conjunctivitis? (Pink Eye that doesn't go away, caused by my contact lenses.) I pretty much had an allergic reaction to the protein and junk on my contacts. That was in mid June.
Well, after an entire summer of wearing only my glasses (except for tech week and performances of Anything Goes), I am FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY cleared to wear my contacts again! I have to continue the eyedrops, only wear my contacts for short periods of time, and they have to be the 2 week disposable kind. But who cares? I get my eyes back!!! I haven't complained too much. I like my glasses. I'm so glad I got new cute ones just before this whole thing went down. But performing is soooooo much easier with contacts.
I CAN SEE, IT'S A MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, so it's been HOW LONG since I was diagnosed with Chronic Conjunctivitis? (Pink Eye that doesn't go away, caused by my contact lenses.) I pretty much had an allergic reaction to the protein and junk on my contacts. That was in mid June.
Well, after an entire summer of wearing only my glasses (except for tech week and performances of Anything Goes), I am FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY cleared to wear my contacts again! I have to continue the eyedrops, only wear my contacts for short periods of time, and they have to be the 2 week disposable kind. But who cares? I get my eyes back!!! I haven't complained too much. I like my glasses. I'm so glad I got new cute ones just before this whole thing went down. But performing is soooooo much easier with contacts.
I CAN SEE, IT'S A MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Man of La Mancha
Original Post Date: September 10, 2006
How is it that I had never seen "Man of La Mancha" before today? I've been going to the theatre since I was about 5 years old. How could I have missed this one? Maybe because it's not done very often. It's a very difficult show, emotionally. Amazing how the seemingly simple story of Don Quixote can pack a one-two punch of emotion.
But let me first say, THE SET WAS AMAZING!!!! Okay, okay, I'm partial. My sister built it, and I helped to put it up. (*GASP* Was Angela allowed power tools? No, OF COURSE NOT. I sorted two by fours and bolted on a lot of legs to the platforms. I am allowed a C-wrench, thank you.) Seriously, though, the set was super cool. Lots of levels and a twelve foot high wall that stairs magically appeared from. It really felt like the dungeon prison. We were worried that the cast would be dwarfed by the massive set, but they really weren't. It worked very well!
Okay, moving on. The cast did an INCREDIBLE job! Travis Risner was marvelous as the characters Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana. He changed his voice and mannerisms completely for the different characters. Don Quixote was so endearing. It made me think, if he can be that driven in his quest for good, why the heck can't I? That's what you take from the show. You feel emotionally fulfulled, like you're going to carry on Don Quixote's quest for him.
Britta Risner gave an amazing, emotionally charged performance as Aldonza/Dulcinea. Her wonderful voice was perfect for Aldonza's powerful songs. Britta always gets to the meat of her characters and brings them to life so beautifully.
Okay, I'd just like to say that Bryan Bell should never play scary characters. Bryan with a bull-whip was SCARY beyond on reason. I just had to say that. (He played Pedro, by the way.) Jimmy Miller was scary, too, Duke/Dr Sanson Carrasco. I don't think I can take the scary parts, guys! This is not the Bryan and Jimmy I know and love!!!! Robert Hubbard was scary as the Governor, but totally hilarious as the Innkeeper. I especially loved Knighting scene. (Knight of a Woeful Countenance is a great song!)
**side note** This is why I have a hard time reviewing shows that have people I know and have worked with in them. Partiality is thrown out the window. Example: Brian Murray, Aaron Quintana, and Mindy Bor were all great, too!!!
Alright, alright. Some props need to go out to some cast members I haven't worked with. Donald Tallman as Padre was wonderful. He has a great tenor voice that was perfect for the role. Sancho Panza, well-played by David Carrasco, was one of my favorite characters. A great example of a true, true friend. Also, since I'm all about characterization, I have to give a high-five to Carla Kaiser-Kotrc. She was very good as the Housekeeper, but it was when she was not playing the Housekeeper that I couldn't take my eyes off her. The woman never broke character! And she was doing this cool tic thing, which is hard to keep going for long periods of time. Amazing stuff!!
The cast as a whole did a wonderful job. Such an emotionally charged show needs a strong cast, and these folks delivered! I'd also like to thank Bryan for playing down the rape scene. He staged it very tastefully, and I'm grateful. It had the potential to get really bad, really fast. A very difficult scene for everyone (including the audience) and it was done well.
Now I'm off on my own quest for good. Everyone needs to dream the impossible dream, just like Don Quixote, and make the world a better place!
How is it that I had never seen "Man of La Mancha" before today? I've been going to the theatre since I was about 5 years old. How could I have missed this one? Maybe because it's not done very often. It's a very difficult show, emotionally. Amazing how the seemingly simple story of Don Quixote can pack a one-two punch of emotion.
But let me first say, THE SET WAS AMAZING!!!! Okay, okay, I'm partial. My sister built it, and I helped to put it up. (*GASP* Was Angela allowed power tools? No, OF COURSE NOT. I sorted two by fours and bolted on a lot of legs to the platforms. I am allowed a C-wrench, thank you.) Seriously, though, the set was super cool. Lots of levels and a twelve foot high wall that stairs magically appeared from. It really felt like the dungeon prison. We were worried that the cast would be dwarfed by the massive set, but they really weren't. It worked very well!
Okay, moving on. The cast did an INCREDIBLE job! Travis Risner was marvelous as the characters Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana. He changed his voice and mannerisms completely for the different characters. Don Quixote was so endearing. It made me think, if he can be that driven in his quest for good, why the heck can't I? That's what you take from the show. You feel emotionally fulfulled, like you're going to carry on Don Quixote's quest for him.
Britta Risner gave an amazing, emotionally charged performance as Aldonza/Dulcinea. Her wonderful voice was perfect for Aldonza's powerful songs. Britta always gets to the meat of her characters and brings them to life so beautifully.
Okay, I'd just like to say that Bryan Bell should never play scary characters. Bryan with a bull-whip was SCARY beyond on reason. I just had to say that. (He played Pedro, by the way.) Jimmy Miller was scary, too, Duke/Dr Sanson Carrasco. I don't think I can take the scary parts, guys! This is not the Bryan and Jimmy I know and love!!!! Robert Hubbard was scary as the Governor, but totally hilarious as the Innkeeper. I especially loved Knighting scene. (Knight of a Woeful Countenance is a great song!)
**side note** This is why I have a hard time reviewing shows that have people I know and have worked with in them. Partiality is thrown out the window. Example: Brian Murray, Aaron Quintana, and Mindy Bor were all great, too!!!
Alright, alright. Some props need to go out to some cast members I haven't worked with. Donald Tallman as Padre was wonderful. He has a great tenor voice that was perfect for the role. Sancho Panza, well-played by David Carrasco, was one of my favorite characters. A great example of a true, true friend. Also, since I'm all about characterization, I have to give a high-five to Carla Kaiser-Kotrc. She was very good as the Housekeeper, but it was when she was not playing the Housekeeper that I couldn't take my eyes off her. The woman never broke character! And she was doing this cool tic thing, which is hard to keep going for long periods of time. Amazing stuff!!
The cast as a whole did a wonderful job. Such an emotionally charged show needs a strong cast, and these folks delivered! I'd also like to thank Bryan for playing down the rape scene. He staged it very tastefully, and I'm grateful. It had the potential to get really bad, really fast. A very difficult scene for everyone (including the audience) and it was done well.
Now I'm off on my own quest for good. Everyone needs to dream the impossible dream, just like Don Quixote, and make the world a better place!
Blind as a Bat, and ready to sing!
Original Post Date: September 10, 2006
So, last night was the Loveland Opera Theatre Gala. It went very well. Not sure how much moolah we made yet, but I think we done good. Anyway, this was the first time in over 10 years that I had to perform on stage totally blind. I got contacts my senior year of high school so that I could see when I was performing onstage. Well, thanks to the incredibly fun eye infection I've had this summer, I can't wear my contacts. I wore them for Anything Goes, but I promised the doctor that I wouldn't wear them for this show. So, I went in blind. And good news! I didn't fall down, fall off the stage, or run into anything! Yay!!! I just hope I can start wearing my contacts again soon, because I don't want to perform like that anymore. That was DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, last night was the Loveland Opera Theatre Gala. It went very well. Not sure how much moolah we made yet, but I think we done good. Anyway, this was the first time in over 10 years that I had to perform on stage totally blind. I got contacts my senior year of high school so that I could see when I was performing onstage. Well, thanks to the incredibly fun eye infection I've had this summer, I can't wear my contacts. I wore them for Anything Goes, but I promised the doctor that I wouldn't wear them for this show. So, I went in blind. And good news! I didn't fall down, fall off the stage, or run into anything! Yay!!! I just hope I can start wearing my contacts again soon, because I don't want to perform like that anymore. That was DANGEROUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just doing my Civic Duty, sir.
Original Post Date: September 8, 2006
So I got called up for jury duty. I've been eligible for 10 years now and they've never called me...until now! I was supposed to report on Monday. How in the world could I weasel my way out of jury duty on freaking Patriot Day! I couldn't. I have no job, therefore I have no excuse to miss. Well, they give you this number to call ahead of time to see if you have to report. I called today and I don't have to go. My jury service for this calendar year has been completed. Wow! That was easy! All I had to do was make a phone call and listen to a recording. I did my civic duty over the phone. SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I got called up for jury duty. I've been eligible for 10 years now and they've never called me...until now! I was supposed to report on Monday. How in the world could I weasel my way out of jury duty on freaking Patriot Day! I couldn't. I have no job, therefore I have no excuse to miss. Well, they give you this number to call ahead of time to see if you have to report. I called today and I don't have to go. My jury service for this calendar year has been completed. Wow! That was easy! All I had to do was make a phone call and listen to a recording. I did my civic duty over the phone. SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our New Backyard Friend
Original Post Date: September 7, 2006
This little guy was in our backyard this morning with a flock of birds. Obviously, someone's pet flew away and is living quite happily in the wild! My cousin tells me that he won't survive the winter. I'm trying to figure out how to catch him, but I don't think I'll be able to!
This little guy was in our backyard this morning with a flock of birds. Obviously, someone's pet flew away and is living quite happily in the wild! My cousin tells me that he won't survive the winter. I'm trying to figure out how to catch him, but I don't think I'll be able to!
I am an ACTOR!!!!!
Original Post Date: September 5, 2006
So, I helped my sister load in the Man of La Mancha set today down in Lakewood. What was I thinking? I'm an actor. I'm a total wimp. I can't do that heavy lifting, power tools stuff. Yet...I did. Well, except for the power tools part, because I'm banned for life. But the C-wrench and I got along great. The bolts holding the legs to the platforms have very nice, tight washers and nuts because of me. I'm so proud. *sniff*
So then, we had to race up to Greeley for rehearsal for "Wait Until Dark". Shauna is the Stage Manager for that one. We were supposed to call Mom and have her come get me, but by the time we actually got to Greeley, it was only an hour until rehearsal would end, so I just stayed there and waited. And fell asleep on the floor. HOW EMBARRASSING!!!!! Well, at least I didn't snore.
Seriously, though, I keep trying to be a techie and just get my butt handed to me. I'm sooooooooo tired!!!! Back to acting! It's easier!!!!
So, I helped my sister load in the Man of La Mancha set today down in Lakewood. What was I thinking? I'm an actor. I'm a total wimp. I can't do that heavy lifting, power tools stuff. Yet...I did. Well, except for the power tools part, because I'm banned for life. But the C-wrench and I got along great. The bolts holding the legs to the platforms have very nice, tight washers and nuts because of me. I'm so proud. *sniff*
So then, we had to race up to Greeley for rehearsal for "Wait Until Dark". Shauna is the Stage Manager for that one. We were supposed to call Mom and have her come get me, but by the time we actually got to Greeley, it was only an hour until rehearsal would end, so I just stayed there and waited. And fell asleep on the floor. HOW EMBARRASSING!!!!! Well, at least I didn't snore.
Seriously, though, I keep trying to be a techie and just get my butt handed to me. I'm sooooooooo tired!!!! Back to acting! It's easier!!!!
CRIKEY!!!!!
Original Post Date: September 4, 2006
You have to laugh, just to keep from crying. Steve Irwin, aka The Crocodile Hunter, died from a Stingray barb to the heart. Well, at least he died with his boots on. After all the crazy stuff he's done over the years, I'm surprised he lived as long as he did!!!! I send my condolences to Terri and the kids. May Steve rest in peace.
You have to laugh, just to keep from crying. Steve Irwin, aka The Crocodile Hunter, died from a Stingray barb to the heart. Well, at least he died with his boots on. After all the crazy stuff he's done over the years, I'm surprised he lived as long as he did!!!! I send my condolences to Terri and the kids. May Steve rest in peace.
My Least Favorite Phrase
Original Post Date: September 3, 2006
I don't know why I'm on this kick so strongly today. I try not to be bitter. However, I'm going to share my least favorite phrase:
"Guess who's engaged!"
Now, if it's a family member, I'm thrilled for them. If I hear the phrase followed by the name of my cousin who has never been married but is dating a really nice guy, I'll be over the moon for her!
However, if that phrase is followed by some people who are much younger than me, I'm usually a little annoyed. Oh, sure, I'm happy for them. Yay. Go you. But I'd really like for it to be my turn.
Okay, moving past the bitterness. Hey! Look at me! I have all this free time to do whatever I want!!! That's why I'm in huge-dilemma-ville about the possibility of 4 shows. 2 that overlap in November and 2 that overlap in March. ARG!!!!
I don't know why I'm on this kick so strongly today. I try not to be bitter. However, I'm going to share my least favorite phrase:
"Guess who's engaged!"
Now, if it's a family member, I'm thrilled for them. If I hear the phrase followed by the name of my cousin who has never been married but is dating a really nice guy, I'll be over the moon for her!
However, if that phrase is followed by some people who are much younger than me, I'm usually a little annoyed. Oh, sure, I'm happy for them. Yay. Go you. But I'd really like for it to be my turn.
Okay, moving past the bitterness. Hey! Look at me! I have all this free time to do whatever I want!!! That's why I'm in huge-dilemma-ville about the possibility of 4 shows. 2 that overlap in November and 2 that overlap in March. ARG!!!!
Nunsensations!
Original Post Date: September 1, 2006
Tonight I had the pleasure of seeing on-stage chemisty in action! Not only has the cast of "Nunsensations" at the Nonesuch Theatre in Old Town Fort Collins been going strong on this show for over 3 months, but they played those very same characters in "Nunsense" at the same theatre a couple of years ago. I saw that production as well. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I like the original much better. Heck, I've seen it live at least 3 times and I own the video. It's not to be missed. A Musical Theatre Classic. Well, Nunsensations has all the pizazz of a Vegas show, but just didn't do it for me like the 1st one did. Now, don't get me wrong. The actresses were AWESOME, but it was the show itself that isn't as good. I still laughed my head off and had a grand time.
Each character got a chance to shine with their own number. My favorite was Sister Leo's song. Rachael McGaha-Miller did a wonderful job on "I Left Him There", about the guy she left behind to join the convent. Coming in a close second was Sister Robert Anne's 11:00 number. Amy Madden-Copp (who is a good friend of mine) did a bang-up job belting it out. And Sister Amnesia, my favorite nun, who is now Sister Mary Paul has a wonderful number with that naughty, foul-mouthed puppet, Sister Mary Annette. Gina Schuh-Turner is amazing, with her little girl character voice suddenly switching to her operatic soprano. Ann Foorman as the Reverand Mother and Nancy Conover as Sister Hubert are also great. All five ladies work so well together, you'd think they'd been nuns together 24-7 for the last 10 years! They make the show enjoyable and their energy expands far beyond the tiny space. I'm still a fan of the original, but I'm glad I saw this show.
Tonight I had the pleasure of seeing on-stage chemisty in action! Not only has the cast of "Nunsensations" at the Nonesuch Theatre in Old Town Fort Collins been going strong on this show for over 3 months, but they played those very same characters in "Nunsense" at the same theatre a couple of years ago. I saw that production as well. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I like the original much better. Heck, I've seen it live at least 3 times and I own the video. It's not to be missed. A Musical Theatre Classic. Well, Nunsensations has all the pizazz of a Vegas show, but just didn't do it for me like the 1st one did. Now, don't get me wrong. The actresses were AWESOME, but it was the show itself that isn't as good. I still laughed my head off and had a grand time.
Each character got a chance to shine with their own number. My favorite was Sister Leo's song. Rachael McGaha-Miller did a wonderful job on "I Left Him There", about the guy she left behind to join the convent. Coming in a close second was Sister Robert Anne's 11:00 number. Amy Madden-Copp (who is a good friend of mine) did a bang-up job belting it out. And Sister Amnesia, my favorite nun, who is now Sister Mary Paul has a wonderful number with that naughty, foul-mouthed puppet, Sister Mary Annette. Gina Schuh-Turner is amazing, with her little girl character voice suddenly switching to her operatic soprano. Ann Foorman as the Reverand Mother and Nancy Conover as Sister Hubert are also great. All five ladies work so well together, you'd think they'd been nuns together 24-7 for the last 10 years! They make the show enjoyable and their energy expands far beyond the tiny space. I'm still a fan of the original, but I'm glad I saw this show.
work schmerk
Original Post Date: August 31, 2006
T-minus 2 hours, 38 minutes until I'm officially unemployed. :)
Shauna tells me that I should become a Theatre Reviewer. I think you have to have actual journalism experience in order to get a job doing that. Does working on my middle school newspaper count? I think we got two editions out the whole two years I was there! (Wow...that's bad!!!)
Anyway, since I go to lots of shows around the area, and go to New York on occasion, I'm going to try my hand at reviewing. I'm going to post them here. Not that anyone will read them, but it will be a test of fair and balanced reviewing. (Wait...isn't CNN supposed to be Fair and Balanced Reporting. I watch The Daily Show too much to take CNN seriously at all!)
Maybe someone will read my reviews and hire me. Yeah, right. I can dream.
T-minus 2 hours, 38 minutes until I'm officially unemployed. :)
Shauna tells me that I should become a Theatre Reviewer. I think you have to have actual journalism experience in order to get a job doing that. Does working on my middle school newspaper count? I think we got two editions out the whole two years I was there! (Wow...that's bad!!!)
Anyway, since I go to lots of shows around the area, and go to New York on occasion, I'm going to try my hand at reviewing. I'm going to post them here. Not that anyone will read them, but it will be a test of fair and balanced reviewing. (Wait...isn't CNN supposed to be Fair and Balanced Reporting. I watch The Daily Show too much to take CNN seriously at all!)
Maybe someone will read my reviews and hire me. Yeah, right. I can dream.
Ah, the tragedy of being 18 months old
Original Post Date: August 29, 2006
At this very moment, I'm babysitting my niece, Emily. It seriously took her a whole hour to realize that her mom and dad were not here. And when she did...boy was it tragic.
We played, we watched TV, I got her to eat the rest of her dinner, we colored, and then I told her it was time to take a bath. Suddenly, she started wandering the house, obviously looking for her mom and dad. When I said "They'll be back soon" she started to cry. I managed to get her into the bath (not until after she peed on the floor, mind you. Ugh!) She wasn't in the bath very long before she started crying again. I barely got her hair washed before I had to haul her out. Oh, well. She bawled while I put her diaper back on and barely calmed down enough for me to put her jammies on. Thank heavens for the binkie. That ended the crying. Binkies are my friend!!!!!!
We watched "10 Things I Hate About You" for a few minutes (a great movie for a toddler, I know!) and then I asked her if she wanted to go to bed. She nodded. I told her to go get a story. She got two. (This girl LOVES her books!) So, I read both to her and she went to bed without a fuss.
Between the peeing on the floor and the eating of only the green Apple Jacks, you'd think I would rethink my desire to be a mommy. Are you kidding me? I still can't wait!!!!!
10 points and a cookie for Auntie Angela!!!!!!!!
At this very moment, I'm babysitting my niece, Emily. It seriously took her a whole hour to realize that her mom and dad were not here. And when she did...boy was it tragic.
We played, we watched TV, I got her to eat the rest of her dinner, we colored, and then I told her it was time to take a bath. Suddenly, she started wandering the house, obviously looking for her mom and dad. When I said "They'll be back soon" she started to cry. I managed to get her into the bath (not until after she peed on the floor, mind you. Ugh!) She wasn't in the bath very long before she started crying again. I barely got her hair washed before I had to haul her out. Oh, well. She bawled while I put her diaper back on and barely calmed down enough for me to put her jammies on. Thank heavens for the binkie. That ended the crying. Binkies are my friend!!!!!!
We watched "10 Things I Hate About You" for a few minutes (a great movie for a toddler, I know!) and then I asked her if she wanted to go to bed. She nodded. I told her to go get a story. She got two. (This girl LOVES her books!) So, I read both to her and she went to bed without a fuss.
Between the peeing on the floor and the eating of only the green Apple Jacks, you'd think I would rethink my desire to be a mommy. Are you kidding me? I still can't wait!!!!!
10 points and a cookie for Auntie Angela!!!!!!!!
The Emmys
Original Post Date: August 28, 2006
I'm an awards show junkie. Just thought I'd get that out there. I love love love awards shows!!!!! I was going to boycott the Emmy's, because they had given the shaft to my favorite show, Lost, but I just couldn't stay away. Well, and my other favorite show is The Office, so I had to see how they did. So here are a couple of thoughts on the Emmys:
-Conan rules! He did an awesome job, in my opinion. Especially in the parody of The Music Man. "We got trouble with a T and that rhymes with G as in Gee we're screwed." As soon as he started in on that, even from the very first line, my sister and I were on the floor. SO FUNNY!!!!
-Yay for The Office winning best comedy. I love that show!
-Yay for The Daily Show winning. It's so funny when they keep it clean.
-Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart presenting had me in stitches. Especially when he started crying about losing to Barry Manilow.
Okay, so I'm still upset that Lost got the shaft, but overall the Emmys were good.
I'm an awards show junkie. Just thought I'd get that out there. I love love love awards shows!!!!! I was going to boycott the Emmy's, because they had given the shaft to my favorite show, Lost, but I just couldn't stay away. Well, and my other favorite show is The Office, so I had to see how they did. So here are a couple of thoughts on the Emmys:
-Conan rules! He did an awesome job, in my opinion. Especially in the parody of The Music Man. "We got trouble with a T and that rhymes with G as in Gee we're screwed." As soon as he started in on that, even from the very first line, my sister and I were on the floor. SO FUNNY!!!!
-Yay for The Office winning best comedy. I love that show!
-Yay for The Daily Show winning. It's so funny when they keep it clean.
-Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart presenting had me in stitches. Especially when he started crying about losing to Barry Manilow.
Okay, so I'm still upset that Lost got the shaft, but overall the Emmys were good.
I'm a Slacker
Original Post Date: August 22, 2006
I took the day off work so that I could A) use up a sick day before I quit at the end of the month and B) to go to a walk-in job interview for an office job at the Jared Galleria of Jewellers here in Loveland. Well, I didn't make it to the interview. I could go right now, but I've got to be at rehearsal in Ft Collins in an hour and a half. DOH!!!! Tomorrow I start training the new me at work, so I won't be able to get away. Well, maybe I could. I don't know. I called the number in the paper for people interested, but who couldn't make the interview. Maybe they'll call me. That would be nice. Otherwise, I suck at job searching. LOL that's no surprise.
On the plus side, I organized all the novels today. By author and in order of release by author. We have four full shelves full of those, not counting the ones we are keeping upstairs. Dang, we have a lot of books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I skipped lunch, though. Guess I'd better go grab something to eat before I have to sing friggety high soprano tonight!!!
I took the day off work so that I could A) use up a sick day before I quit at the end of the month and B) to go to a walk-in job interview for an office job at the Jared Galleria of Jewellers here in Loveland. Well, I didn't make it to the interview. I could go right now, but I've got to be at rehearsal in Ft Collins in an hour and a half. DOH!!!! Tomorrow I start training the new me at work, so I won't be able to get away. Well, maybe I could. I don't know. I called the number in the paper for people interested, but who couldn't make the interview. Maybe they'll call me. That would be nice. Otherwise, I suck at job searching. LOL that's no surprise.
On the plus side, I organized all the novels today. By author and in order of release by author. We have four full shelves full of those, not counting the ones we are keeping upstairs. Dang, we have a lot of books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I skipped lunch, though. Guess I'd better go grab something to eat before I have to sing friggety high soprano tonight!!!
Brother Southwick
Original Post Date: August 21, 2006
I found out today that Brother Southwick died last week. He was only 49. Brother Southwick was the institute director when I was at UNC (for the 1st three years). He was an amazing man and an incredible teacher. I learned so much from him. I haven't seen him for several years, since they moved to Idaho, but his presence here on earth will be sorely missed.
I found out today that Brother Southwick died last week. He was only 49. Brother Southwick was the institute director when I was at UNC (for the 1st three years). He was an amazing man and an incredible teacher. I learned so much from him. I haven't seen him for several years, since they moved to Idaho, but his presence here on earth will be sorely missed.
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