Sigh. . .

My phone has died and my computer is coughing its last (and has been since Thanksgiving).  I may be slightly quiet for a while.  Good news, after being without a phone since Thursday, I have my mom's old flip phone.  If you texted me in that time, sorry, I completely missed it.  Until Verizon gets the iPhone (please be soon!), I'm stuck with this one.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thankful

Frog-eye salad

Turkey

Paper plates

Friends

A Sister who has inherited her dad's need (and means) to procrastinate.

Remembering the stories behind our platters--or what we have served on them the most

A little lady butter dish that Dawna Larsen would covet 

Catching up on my tv shows

Brothers

Clean clothes*

A good book or a bunch of them

Fairy Tales

The prospect of many days off

Sleeping in (even if it is only 8 am)

Cooking for a bunch of people

Cyber Monday

Seeing someone you are excited to see

Playing games

Being surrounded by amazing people--and longing for others

Contemplating who will be visiting soon

Deciding where to put the Christmas tree in a few days.

Ziploc

"The Ru Sisters have a problem with scale." 

"We just have generous hearts."

"But we are broke."

Happy Thanksgiving, all.

Making yourself feel better

How not to cheer up your sister when no one shows up for the church activity she has planned:

"You plan too many activities, anyway."

I'll go cry in my room now.  It is definitely time to rethink my approach.

On Your Porch

I forgot how much I love sitting around a guitar and harmonizing.  I'm trying to talk someone into doing an open mic night with me at Broad Street Cafe.  Probably in November.  I'll let you know if we end up doing it.  

Don't count it out yet

They like me. They really like me!  Everything is still up in the air at work, but I have now gone from having very little choice to a wide range of choices.  Blessings come in mysterious ways, my friends.  Very, very mysterious.

At peace

I thought I was supposed to take it.  Turns out, I wasn't.  I was ready to say yes.  I haven't really been happy since deciding it, and a million things have come up to make it a horrible decision.  Luckily, the Lord is looking out for me, and today, I feel like a new person.  I may be able to handle my life. . . (knock on wood).

Melt my heart to stone

I've been addicted to Adele lately.  The Pandora station I set up with she and Amy MacDonald just makes me happy. Sigh. . .

Adele:

Chasing Pavements (I love the dance sequences--gorgeous!)



Hometown Glory


Cold Shoulder


Her cover of Sam Cooke's That's It I Quit, I'm movin' on.


Amy:

Love Love


Mr. Rock and Roll


L.A.



Enjoy!

Cash Cab

My sister secretly (well not so much now) LOVES this show.   The last time we went to New York, she would look around, hoping that the Cash Cab would pull up and make her day.  We were never so lucky.  Imagine my complete and utter amusement when Cash Cab became a plot point (kind of) on 30 Rock this past episode.  I laughed and laughed.  And then thought, my sister may have to watch just this episode!

So, for those of you who need a laugh (It is Tracy, so it may be a teensy bit racy), and also for Miss Ruby, here we go:

The introduction of the game.



A trivia question.



A few random trivia questions.



The winning moment and a funny post-script!



My other favorite moment, was a little lovely bit with Brian Williams.  I love him on Jon Stewart and I feel like he has a great sense of humor that he doesn't get to show on the nightly news.  Tina Fey has used him a bunch of times on 30 Rock, and he is consistently funny.

Life Changing Decisions

Today I was asked to make a choice.  Tomorrow I will go to the temple to make sure I am right.  Part of me does not want to take the step.  It is much easier to live in your comfort zone and stay the easy course.  But sometimes it is time--even if you will miss certain people horribly.  It is what you do to grow up.  Even if we think we are old (or getting older), we always have new moments to grow up.

The Nephites went through their pride cycle over and over and over again.  And I am going to have to take my steps out into harsh reality.  I know the Lord will watch over me. I know that what I decide will be right for me, but I also am a little sad to say goodbye to an important chapter in my  life.  I feel a little like I did when I left Provo--not that I am going anywhere.  It is more a state of mind, and a little bit like moving from one end of Southfork to the other.  Say a little prayer for me. . .

Life in the fast lane

A few weeks ago (possibly over a month! Shocker!),  I was called to be the midsingles (28-45) rep for our stake.  I know that it is important, and there are people out there who need to feel like the Lord loves them, so I was alright saying yes, but a little nervous.  I think my first activity went well.  I'm working on my second.  

Three days later, one of the departments at work imploded.  Years of weird interpersonal communication had lead to craziness, paranoia, and incivility.  My boss asked me to step in and Tim Gunn it.  And I have.  I have stepped it up big time.  10-12 hour days time.  Brain gymnastics. Learning a whole new vocabulary.  And I'm good at it.  I forgot how good I am at it.  Thank you, Heavenly Father for talents.

But it also made me realize that I miss certain things in my life.  So here they are--my goals for the rest of the year, and as my birthday is coming up, a new year.

• Cook something from scratch at least once a week.
• Find a local community theatre troop that I can try out for--be in a production of something.
• Look for a jazz band that needs a singer, or put together my own and head to an open mic night. 
• Be less snobby about who I am friends with--when did I decide I was too cool for some people?  My new ward has made me realize that I had become a little too hipster detached.  Genuine passion. Earnestness.  Vulnerability.  These things aren't bad, we just become cynical.
• Plan something cool for my Primary kids for the holidays (maybe a couple of things).
• Take deep breaths and meditate more.
• Start writing again--even if it is just short stories.  This Amazon contest may be interesting in a year or two. 
• Reconnect with friends I haven't talked to in a while (Hey, anyone I haven't talked to in a while! Let's chat!).
• Be more creative.  I was the artsy one first! What happened to that?
• Write more here.  A lot more.  About anything and everything. What is it for if I don't use it?

What do you miss about yourself that you haven't had time for?

Teaching the Valiant 8/9 class: part singing

This week we had Naaman and Elisha.  So we wrote our own verse to Follow the Prophet:

Naaman was a leper, wanted to be clean.
Went unto the prophet, but would not be seen.
Elisha the prophet told him to obey,
"Wash in Jordan seven times, and you'll be clean today!"

Okay, it is harder than it looks.  Here were my practice ones:

Elijah the prophet, sent to cause a drought
Israel would know their God without a doubt
Prophet of the Lord or Prophet of Baal?
They knew the true prophet when rain began to fall.

Joseph was a young boy, but he was confused.
Reading in the scriptures, he knew just what to do.
If we want the truth, all we need to do is pray!
That's what Joseph learned in the Sacred Grove that day.

Abinadi the prophet, testified of truth
Though they tried to take him, he would not be moved.
Through his testimony, Alma saw the light.
He and the good people fled into the night.

I also learned that surprises should probably wait until the end of the lesson (the glow-in-the-dark bracelets, though a hit, also were incredibly distracting).  They were a big hit (thanks, Thells!), but oh heavens.  Though I am pretty sure half of the primary thinks I'm really cool now, so that is a plus.

I also got my primary program CD.  I feel silly in Primary half the time because I am half a second behind as I have no idea what most of the words are.  It has been playing on a loop in my car since yesterday's church.  If I never get Follow the Prophet out of my head, it is my own darn fault!

I'll introduce the boys next week as we won't have class.

P.S.  You should try to write one yourself in the comments.  There are a ton of prophets that haven't even been touched upon.

Teaching the Valiant 8/9 class: part sharing time

This week I didn't have to teach (Yay!).  At the same time, I always feel a little awkward interjecting during the lesson here and there--but I did make sure everyone who wanted to participate got to (I feel like you can see more in among them).

I am still working on the boys, but I have the girls won over.  In fact, this week's sharing time was kind of crazy.

Here are my girls:

• M is a little bit of a know-it-all, but she is eager to learn.  As smart as she is, you can tell she really likes stories of beautiful women--and why not? She is gorgeous! I am a little worried that she may equate beauty with power and intelligence.  She is the one whose favorite story was David and Bathsheba. . . 
• L is the second oldest of a big family and smart but not a show off. She is very what you see is what you get.  She and I trade books (I bring her one a week from a large bag of them, and she brings me a few).
• F is a fairy princess, all pink and blond, she loves a shiny, gauzy white dress, and looks like she stepped out of a fairy story.  She is one of the youngest, and so she is more nervous in class.  She also struggles the most with reading out loud.
• H is quiet and book smart.  She is going to be a writer--writing down all her observations.  She is more comfortable with adults than kids, she waits until the very end so she can walk down to primary with her teachers.  I can tell she is a little lonely.
• K is fun and playful. Quiet, with the most gorgeous head of long red hair imaginable.  A little bit of a tomboy with a mischievousness streak, she has been the hardest to get to know, but I was almost more excited when I won her approval last week.
• E is another one of our youngest, which makes her nervous in class.  A little bit sarcastic and snarky, Miss E likes to be contrary, but she is also extremely clingy and likes me a lot.  She has a hard time settling down, and likes to get into mischief when possible.

I walk in a little late to sharing time.

"I wanna sit by you!"

"I want to sit by her!"

"Can I sit by you?"

I haven't been fought over as a seat partner in years.  I slide in between E and F, knowing they are the youngest and the rest will be okay.  We are a big class, so we are already pushing the boundaries of the row. K is out this week, so there are only 5 of the girls, but the boys are easily settled around Sister B, so I figure they are fine.

Little E suctions herself to my side with a little "I'm cold!" whine and I am immediately reminded of church next to Karita.  I hold her hand on the other side of her body so she won't be too nestled next to my cleavage.  Little F who skipped last week to go to her mom's class (one class younger), but who I made sure to say, "We missed you!" to last week, snuggles in on the other side. Her mom eyes her incredulously, and delightedly asks, "Do you like your teacher?"

Poor H gets back from the bathroom and sits by herself on the far side of our row (alone again, sigh).  I ask her to sit by me when some of the others are volunteering during singing time and get her a seat on the row behind us, but she is still isolated and it makes me kind of sad.  Out of everyone, I was more of an H.  Though L and I have many similarities, too.

Anyway, halfway through, I reach my hand back to wave at H, and she grabs my hand.  So here I am, one child attached to one side, another carbuncled on the other, my hand stretching way behind to a third, and I look over to my co-teacher with wide eyes.  She is just taking it all in.

"I'm not sure how this happened. . . " I mouth to her.

"It's really cute!" is her semi-stunned response.

F chooses that moment to pipe up and say, "We should have a sleepover!"

Teaching the Valiant 8/9 class: part bribery

Sunday, September 12th will be burned into my brain.  It is the day I won over all the boys.  The girls are still more attached to me, but the boys were completely sold. Why? Bribery.  

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  And they are right--even if those men are only 8, 9, or 10.  Elijah and the Priesthood was the lesson.  The Lord punishes the wicked by causing a drought, and Elijah asks a widow woman for a cake.  And so I brought cream puffs.  

"Wait, did you make these yourself???" was the incredulous question.

"Sister R is a very good baker," my co-teacher responded. 

"Can you be my mom? She never bakes us stuff like this!"

At that moment, I hung my head in shame.  His mom is amazing.  What is more? She is the Bishop's wife.  Heaven forgive me!  But thank you, Heavenly Father, for getting little T to like me.  Because that is the first moment he has shown actual acceptance of me as his teacher or friend.  Mostly I get indifference from that one.

They have a few weeks of being very reverent in sharing time and remembering the topic of one talk in General Conference, and they get treats again.  We'll see if they can make it.  

Either way, there was some new respect for me--if only for my cream puff skills.  

It is raining, and I can't sleep. . .

Do you ever just want to go run in the rain by yourself?  At 2:46 you are fighting with your not-asleep self about what to do.

A meeting tomorrow has me nervous and excited.  It has put my brain in overdrive, and I am thinking a lot about my life.  I've had at least ten conversations with the Lord in the last few hours.  And then I've waited for answers.  And now I sit listening to the rain. . . Praying for sleep.

I may hate myself in the morning... Sigh. . .

Teaching the Valiant 8/9 class: part awkward

Teaching intelligent, inquisitive 8-10 year olds about King David and Bathsheba?

.

Teaching the Valiant 8/9 class.

First day teaching.  Not too nervous. My co-teacher is going to do the opening activity, and then I just have to tell the story and get to the point.  No big deal.

My co-teacher doesn't seem to be here.  Okay, getting nervous.  A couple of my kids are gone, and there are four new kids for my class (some are just visitors).  Deep breath.

The boys are hitting each other.  Tell them they shouldn't hit, but they can if they are gentle and only if they fist bump. Once.  Dumb idea.  The "cool teacher" is not working.  They sense I am trying too hard.  Move them over, sit in between.

"Where is our other teacher?" Snide inquiry, trying to cut me deep.

"I believe she is on vacation." Trying not to show my annoyance.

"What?" Devastated disappointment.

Bulls-eye.

Opening exercises.  They are super wiggly today!  Off to class.  Herding sheep.  12 kids spread out, meandering down the hallway to the very far end where we are tucked away from view.  Somehow we have an extra--a stowaway who wants to be with her sister. Send her off to the right class. Set up more chairs. Boy-girl-boy-girl--it is just easier.  Review names--mostly for the visitors, but some for me.

Start with the game I had prepped for the end of class--need a distraction to hide my nerves.

Send: Looking next to you, please say one thing about that person that makes them a good friend.  If you really don't know that person, what have you observed?

Tell stories about my friends.  Tell about K, who I knew I would be friends with the moment we met.  They are enraptured by stories of  my playing with her hair until it was huge.

I tell about B.  How we weren't necessarily friends at first.  She was too girlie, and I was more of a tomboy.  She was annoying, and I was too busy.  Over the years, we became close friends after going through a lot of stuff together, watching each other's back, providing moral support.  A collective gasp when I reveal that she is also my sister--and that we live together.

Do: Each person choose one thing they can do to be a better friend.

Be a better listener.  Serve.  Give good advice. Be patient.  Encourage them to be better.

Read: 1 Samuel 18-24ish, David and Jonathan.

Start with a little backstory--recap.  Samuel, the boy prophet. Saul, the king.  David and Goliath from last week.  Work on the story.  Their eyes are getting big, and they are hanging on my every word.  They smile as I explain the friendship of Jonathan and David--knit together, bffs.  Their little brows furrow as I talk about Saul's festering jealousy (and I explain festering).  We read a little, and when I stop the reading, little F says, "But I wanna know what happens next!"

When I get to Saul's betrayal and attempt not just on David's life, but his treatment of Jonathan, they are filled with righteous anger and a slight need for justice.  And then I get to David's reaction when it is all over, upon hearing of Saul and Jonathan's deaths--a stunned silence fills the room.

A tiny voice, "But how did they die?"

"In a battle. Fighting the people that David had been protecting them against."

Quiet as I have yet to experience from them. They are like different people. Transfixed by the story, lost in their own imaginations, each one's expressions play out as if they are watching a film.  This moment, I love.  This moment, I'd like to freeze frame.

A quick recap of the friendship, and why we should be good friends, and who is our ultimate best friend--Jesus Christ.  My testimony of my friendship with the Savior. They are still completely with me--I'm not sure what to think of it--where are the kids I came in with?

Interrupted and told it is time to go back to primary.  Half of them aren't ready to leave yet.  They want to know more.  To know why.  To ask questions.

I may be able to handle this.

Saturday

Saturday started in line at 5:15 to get into the 10:00am Chuck panel.  We were 6 rows from the front.  I heart you, too, Adam Baldwin.

More to come.  We are going to be in line at 3:30am tomorrow.  Cheers!

Quick Picture

This is how our Friday started. . .

More to come. . .

Face Time and much more!

We walked the exhibition hall for a while, taking pictures of random things on the floor.  As you can see if you check out my picasa pictures.  Then we waited in line for ballroom 20 (where I will live most of the days).

Amanda Arrived! We were both worried it would take her a while to get here, and I opened the door to the maid screaming, "Yay!!!"  But we made it! We got checked in, grabbed the wrong WB complimentary bag (Looney Tunes, really?), and were soon heading toward autographs.

I met Dirk Benedict (Face from the A-Team, the original Starbuck on Battlestar Galactica)! He signed a photo of the A-Team. (It is a horrific picture, and when I have recently commented that my dye job went arwy, you can see the proof--it matches the Wonder Woman pin I have on--argh.)  But I am standing next to him.  He was nice, but a wee bit curmudgeon-y--it was his first (and probably last) time at comic-con.  He said there were too many people.  It is pretty crowded.

Burn Notice (Bruce Campbell is hysterical), White Collar (I heart Mozzy!), and Psych (Tears for Fears Cameo by Kurt Smith--singing Shout with Shawn and Gus!).  Then we were off to a British Sci-Fi panel discussion on British fiction in the comic book, TV, and literary worlds (there were writers from Doctor Who and Being Human there).

We ended up at the EW & CBS fandemonium party where I met Ausiello who I have been following since 2002 when he was with TV Guide!

After drinks and the first real food we had all day, and a pretty nifty goodie bag, we headed back to the Con to see if we could get in to the Doctor Who/Being Human screening.  Sadly, not.  But the cast walked right behind us to go into the room.  They were all together like a tiny army getting ready to take on a hoard of scary people. . . which I guess is true.

Random moments:

• I ran into 3 people I was on the shuttle with.  One in costume!  Out of 150,000 people, how do you do that??? And they weren't all together in a party, they were random single individuals.  
• I got my Doctor Who bag without being trampled this year and was able to grab one for Ruth!
• Somehow we were easily able to get the Comic-Con Special Edition TV guide with the collectable covers.  I'm pretty sure Melinda is going to be ecstatic! 

Well, we'll see you tomorrow! 

Comic-Con: The Trip to San Diego

Yesterday's flight was horrendous.  During both flights there was a lot of sitting on the tarmac--the second flight from Atlanta equaled 2 hours of it before we started the 4 hour flight.  By the time I landed in San Diego, I was not the most pleasant person to be around.  Luckily, I was blessed with a good seat mate (it was his second year of comic-con, too!) and the baby right behind me (and her 2 or 3 year old brother) was an angel. I don't know how--I wasn't feeling angelic by the time we landed.  

But I landed in San Diego, and for some reason that wiped away all the meh.  The shuttle system was pretty easy, and I headed to the Sofia Hotel, which is very pretty in real life. I forget how much I love the keys that all of the Comic-Con hotels give out (see above).  I settled in and ordered dinner, while trying to track down my poor cousin from Madison, WI, who was now stranded in Denver, and was going to be until Thursday morning at 8:30.  We both sighed in frustration. We're here for a good time, and not even lame travel complications are going to stop us!

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow:

• Signing possibilities with the cast of Farscape, Charlaine Harris, and the original Face from the A-Team!
• Burn Notice, White Collar, Psych (or possibly the Quantum Leap retrospective with Scott Bakula!--we'll see how bad the line is).
• A British Sci Fi panel
• And then an exclusive party, thanks to one Michael Ausiello, with the cast of the Big Bang Theory and a bunch of our other Comic-con crazies. 

So excited!!!

Getting Ready to fly my geek flag. . .

Last year at this time, I was about to do this (read from bottom to top for more correct timeline--it was also sent from my phone, so no judging on spelling or coherence!):

• Grrrr... Argh...Sun Jul 26 2009 20:03:29 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• This is slightly surreal. And of course I'm sitting next to the dancer in the front row.Sun Jul 26 2009 19:45:24 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Once More With Feeling!! Sing-a-long. Our finale. Sad & Happy Sun Jul 26 2009 19:10:32 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• "Oh Yes!"Sun Jul 26 2009 18:08:14 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Torchwood!!! I adore them!Sun Jul 26 2009 18:07:39 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• "Cheers" Cutest thing ever.Sun Jul 26 2009 17:57:15 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• being human panel - lots of fun accents - sudden urge to work rubbish, Bristol, and stuff...Sun Jul 26 2009 17:41:05 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Eric McCormack (Will!) just came out! on stage...Sun Jul 26 2009 16:39:42 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Having to sit through some crazy stuff for Torchwood.Sun Jul 26 2009 16:36:40 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Some Questons are special.Sun Jul 26 2009 15:58:42 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Paper Heart panel! It looks fantastic!Sun Jul 26 2009 15:42:36 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Punk versions of Boyz II Men playing. So odd!Sun Jul 26 2009 15:22:38 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I can't believe it--I just switched to the front row for Torchwood!Sun Jul 26 2009 14:15:11 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• He really is that sexy.Sun Jul 26 2009 13:45:54 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• The 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is 2013... Maybe?Sun Jul 26 2009 13:42:35 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• David's petting peoples' hair.Sun Jul 26 2009 13:26:29 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Gorgeous accents Sun Jul 26 2009 13:24:31 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I can't seem to stop screaming! I love them!Sun Jul 26 2009 13:17:36 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Melinda 6th row in Smallville!Sun Jul 26 2009 12:26:34 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• 2nd row from the front just to David's right!Sun Jul 26 2009 12:25:53 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I heart heart NNY...Sun Jul 26 2009 11:49:15 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Laying on concrete, not that fun-powowing about how to see favorite characters/actors-perfect Sun Jul 26 2009 11:41:35 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• David Tennant look-alikes everywhere. Crazy mad crush--Do Not mess with Who fans!Sun Jul 26 2009 10:30:55 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Ankles swollen, extreme exhaustion, but I am here!! I will see David & John & Russell T.Sun Jul 26 2009 09:20:30 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Ahhhh... That's a 100 lbs of crazy ina 5lb bag...Sun Jul 26 2009 08:52:43 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Last day... Part of me is so sad it is almost over. I may have to preregister for next year.Sun Jul 26 2009 08:51:32 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• We are also standing behind the scariest fanboy I have yet to meet.Sun Jul 26 2009 08:49:46 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• In line by 5:30-luckily we've made friends--Yay, Mayra!Sun Jul 26 2009 08:49:06 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Home again, home again. jiggetty jig. It starts again tomorrow (in line by 5)Sun Jul 26 2009 01:29:20 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• 2 1/2 hrs was totally worth it, but Damn You, Russell T!!! I sobbed like a little girl.Sun Jul 26 2009 01:20:10 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• John Barrowman is fantastic.Sun Jul 26 2009 01:16:41 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• David Tennant is "taking Awesome back to London..."Sun Jul 26 2009 01:15:42 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• BBC may be filming us...Sat Jul 25 2009 22:38:00 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• David Tennant is here!!!Sat Jul 25 2009 22:34:28 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Wow, I thought I could be cool!Sat Jul 25 2009 22:20:30 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Penny just walked by!!! I love her--I promise I won't kill you like Joss...Sat Jul 25 2009 22:20:07 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I involuntarily shouted, "I love you!"Sat Jul 25 2009 21:58:52 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I have had a few fan-girl reactions, but that, by far, was the most insane.Sat Jul 25 2009 21:46:05 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Captain Jack just walked by!!!Sat Jul 25 2009 21:44:17 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• the original.Sat Jul 25 2009 19:45:31 (Eastern Daylight Time) 
• the real one!!!Sat Jul 25 2009 19:44:40 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I just walked by Spock!Sat Jul 25 2009 19:44:21 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• More Jack Coleman is always a good thing...Sat Jul 25 2009 19:07:38 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• The line for questions is full of 12 year olds...Sat Jul 25 2009 19:05:37 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• The worst part of Comic Con panels are the Bad fan questions...Sat Jul 25 2009 19:03:27 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Jack Coleman is my favorite hero-"power of impaired vision..."Sat Jul 25 2009 19:01:43 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Zack whispers into Adrian's ears...Sat Jul 25 2009 18:59:26 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Zachary Quinto is making a paper airplane...Sat Jul 25 2009 18:57:43 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• And Greg couldn't be here because his son is having his Bar Mitzvah... Mozel Tov!Sat Jul 25 2009 18:51:52 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Ali Larter is getting Married, so she is not here...Sat Jul 25 2009 18:49:51 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• There will be Carnies next year on heroes!Sat Jul 25 2009 18:39:19 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Wow. Milo, too.Sat Jul 25 2009 18:36:25 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Anytime Zack talks it is like strobe lights in here.Sat Jul 25 2009 18:35:54 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Also, the amazing Jack Coleman!!! Masi, Hayden, Adrian, Milo, Ali, and a few others...Sat Jul 25 2009 18:22:30 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Zachary Quinto is here!Sat Jul 25 2009 18:19:46 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• glee was awesome--next is Heroes!Sat Jul 25 2009 18:04:01 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Rhianna's Take a Bow is pretty intense...Sat Jul 25 2009 17:39:55 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Gold Digger was as awesome as I thought it would be!Sat Jul 25 2009 17:27:46 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• He sang! Will sang!Sat Jul 25 2009 17:26:52 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Glee Pilot was better, but a lot of great songs!!Sat Jul 25 2009 17:16:42 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Glee! Glee! Glee! Glee! Glee!Sat Jul 25 2009 16:31:02 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Curt got the watcher from Fringe in some of my Chuck cast picture. Creepy! Love it!Sat Jul 25 2009 16:29:20 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Robin Dunne is gorgeous--and charming.Sat Jul 25 2009 16:28:28 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I had no idea that Amanda Tapping isn't British!Sat Jul 25 2009 15:51:18 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Will from Sanctuary really is that cute.Sat Jul 25 2009 15:50:39 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Chuck panel (the whole ensemble--but Anna Wu) was one of the best!Sat Jul 25 2009 14:50:58 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Adam Baldwin rocks my socks!Sat Jul 25 2009 13:56:31 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• "From the Duh Files..."Sat Jul 25 2009 13:54:31 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• A musical Chuck episode?Sat Jul 25 2009 13:53:48 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• A little girl just asked Zachary Levi who his best friend is...Sat Jul 25 2009 13:45:41 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Awesome! In person!Sat Jul 25 2009 13:37:14 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Adam just paid Jeffster not to sing...Sat Jul 25 2009 13:27:38 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Jeffster is singing Fat Bottomed Girls!!!Sat Jul 25 2009 13:21:34 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• A kilted Storm Trooper--favorite costume today so far!Sat Jul 25 2009 12:55:28 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I am practically giddy to see Jayne!!!Sat Jul 25 2009 12:53:57 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Tomorrow's Dr Who may be insane...Sat Jul 25 2009 12:34:43 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• 3 behind reserve seating. Pretty close to the stage!Sat Jul 25 2009 12:33:23 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• "Hamster Claw" -- Joss Whedon (yesterday's dollhouse panel)-- on Eliza's fighting style.Sat Jul 25 2009 12:14:08 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Finale? Torchwood & Doctor Who screenings with the cast!!!Sat Jul 25 2009 11:48:33 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Dilemma - Heroes or Fringe???Sat Jul 25 2009 11:47:54 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Today's schedule: Chuck - check, Sanctuary - maybe, Glee -Definitely!Sat Jul 25 2009 11:47:20 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Shout out to T-squared!!!Sat Jul 25 2009 11:46:15 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• @NathanFillion - Yes! Yes! Yes!Sat Jul 25 2009 11:41:38 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Just noticed. So tired I spelled Mormon wrong, I am special.Sat Jul 25 2009 11:40:53 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Lots of Morgans in line--for a minute I mistook a Chuck for a Morman missionary.Sat Jul 25 2009 11:01:15 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Standing in a line next to a bird of paradise overlooking San Diego bay.Sat Jul 25 2009 10:59:59 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Have the Bones,' "Dancing Phalanges" in my head--mostly because Emily did it yesterday.Sat Jul 25 2009 10:58:32 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• So tired... Standing in line for Chuck... No sleep...Sat Jul 25 2009 10:56:00 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Harlequin just checked out Curt and winked, saying "Captain Hammer.." and nodding solemnly Fri Jul 24 2009 23:26:31 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Zachary Levi called Adam Baldwin Shiny!Fri Jul 24 2009 22:19:55 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Jim Parsons is fabulous!Fri Jul 24 2009 22:14:12 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Zachary Levi is Charming!Fri Jul 24 2009 21:54:04 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• I love Chuck!!!!Fri Jul 24 2009 21:30:18 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• @alitris--Zachary Levi is about to walk out!!!Fri Jul 24 2009 21:24:52 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• "Who doesn't love a good Zombie Apocalypse?" Joss Whedon Fri Jul 24 2009 20:54:06 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Topher and Sierra just came out!Fri Jul 24 2009 20:44:13 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Joss & Eliza have this nifty Older brother-kid sister vibe.Fri Jul 24 2009 20:38:46 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Fantastic!Fri Jul 24 2009 20:16:35 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• About to watch Epitaph One!!!Fri Jul 24 2009 19:13:37 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• David Boreanaz couldn't make it, but Emily Deschenel is gorgeous...Fri Jul 24 2009 18:30:44 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Kiefer Sutherland was interesting... I really wanted David Fury to sing about mustard.Fri Jul 24 2009 18:29:56 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Dom from Lost is coming back to ABC--on flash forward.Fri Jul 24 2009 16:43:30 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• TeleVision. Flouncy Shirts... Joseph can talk to me any day...Fri Jul 24 2009 15:29:52 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Joseph Fiennes and John Cho are maybe 30 ft from me.Fri Jul 24 2009 15:19:12 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Flash Forward Panel...Fri Jul 24 2009 14:54:56 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Mass riot for doctor who bags!Fri Jul 24 2009 12:52:05 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• ...and Thor just walked by...Fri Jul 24 2009 11:39:26 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Sorry, have to do something while waiting in line for the exhibition hall, There are at least 1000 of us in line...Fri Jul 24 2009 11:39:02 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• ...I flirted with a cute guy to get his extra "hero up!" button...Fri Jul 24 2009 11:37:57 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• ... a Middle Man, Burn Notice & Psych shirt (free!)--with a Psych magic 8 ball...Fri Jul 24 2009 11:37:20 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• So, what have I missed? Yesterday I got the special Comic Con edition Dollhouse DVD...Fri Jul 24 2009 11:35:40 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• @alitris-Chuck is tomorrow--I will scream myself hoarse, but mostly for Adam Baldwin!Fri Jul 24 2009 11:06:56 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• The Hard Rock Hotel's Cafe is dressed as a SyFy dream--and as Cafe Diem... fantastic!Fri Jul 24 2009 09:58:34 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• On the bus after day 1. Green route on a green (biodiesel) bus... Awesome.Fri Jul 24 2009 01:16:10 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Maurissa, jed, and Zack closed out the musical!Fri Jul 24 2009 00:42:30 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• just sang Dr. Horrible with a bunch of other people who all knew it by heart. Yes, I am officially a nerd.Thu Jul 23 2009 23:55:51 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Because I am wearing my Jayne hat...Thu Jul 23 2009 23:01:10 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• A California Browncoat just took my picture!Thu Jul 23 2009 23:00:39 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Just sat through a robotech panel so I can have front row seat to Dr. Horrible!Thu Jul 23 2009 22:59:34 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Dule Hill just tap danced...Thu Jul 23 2009 19:25:20 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• 2nd row, left of center fo Burn Notice! Psych is about to start...Thu Jul 23 2009 18:45:50 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Laughed til I cried. Yes, Bruce Campbell is that funny!Thu Jul 23 2009 18:40:37 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Those are for me my friend...Thu Jul 23 2009 18:22:43 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• "I could fight her." Bruce Campbell about Fiona on Burn Notice...Thu Jul 23 2009 18:17:33 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Bruce Campbell is a God!Thu Jul 23 2009 17:47:45 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Burn Notice!!!Thu Jul 23 2009 17:33:58 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Zoe Saldana-cool in real life Thu Jul 23 2009 16:55:51 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Is Elizabeth Mitchell wearing a jumpsuit? oh honey...Thu Jul 23 2009 16:45:30 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• strapless satin, Eliza? Really?Thu Jul 23 2009 16:37:01 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Echo, Uhura, Sigorney Weaver, and Elizabeth Mitchell!Thu Jul 23 2009 16:36:20 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Mother of Hello Dolly!Thu Jul 23 2009 14:30:28 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Sweet Crispy Won-Tons!Thu Jul 23 2009 14:23:07 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• More tweets from Comic-Con to come... look for posts on Psych, Burn Notice, and Dr. Horrible!Thu Jul 23 2009 13:39:17 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• waiting for the middleman!Thu Jul 23 2009 13:13:34 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Passed Captain Jack Sparrow, Harlequin (from Batman), and--I have arrived!--Darth Vader!Thu Jul 23 2009 12:42:26 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Dr, Horrible and Link from the Legend of Zelda just got on our shuttle.Thu Jul 23 2009 11:28:03 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• San Diego so far: Just missing the shuttle, then nearly dying in it...Thu Jul 23 2009 01:53:47 (Eastern Daylight Time) via txt
• Ahhh--Brennen. Maybe he'll send me a Christmas card...12:34 AM Jul 23rd, 2009 via txt
• First semi-famous sighting at Comic-Con: The villain who recently shot Michael's bro on Burn Notice!12:22 AM Jul 23rd, 2009 via txt
• Comic-Con!!!! Here I come.9:43 AM Jul 22nd, 2009 via web

This year, I will be doing the same.  Please feel free to check it out at http://twitter.com/tkangaroo, starting next Wednesday! San Diego, here I come!!!!

Sultry Summer

North Beach

Raspberry Shakes

Walks to the mail

Lightening bugs

Beaver dams in mountain streams

Kool-Aid

Sprinklers

Canning jam

Reading in the tops of the box elder trees

Trout fishing

Bedroom #1

65 degrees

Straw hats

Bottles full of fresh raspberries

Ice cold mountain spring water

Cousins!

Sigh. . .

A girl can dream, huh?

Ah, Adele. . . 

Glee of the Week (6/8/10)

If my car hadn't given me fits last week, I would pre-order, but it is at least sitting in my cart. Plus I found out the whole cast will be at Comic-Con this year. . . Yay!!!!

The Glee of the week is pretty obvious--but the Faithfully moment was my favorite.


Points for Awkward/Awesome though, go to this one.  Definitely one of the most crazy Glee musical moments ever.

At the moment. . .

Sorry I have been a wee bit delinquent.  Here is what I am working on:

• Murder Mystery Dinner
• Foreigner & Styx Concert, with special guest Kansas
• Glee Finale post
• The Race for the Cure
• The Roller Derby
• A-Team Review
• My first experience with a Wii

Any preferences as to what I do first?

Haunted Irish Coastlines

Magical, gorgeously filmed, slightly melancholy with a vibrant sense of hope, Ondine is a simple fairy tale that is beautifully but poignantly acted. It makes you yearn to get lost in a remote fishing village in Ireland. And the music lingers with you for hours after.

Though it comes out today in limited release, you can rent it On Demand with Time Warner or through Amazon. I have kept my eye on this for a while (as I adore fairy tales), and was very excited that they were releasing it like this, as there is no date in sight at a theater near me. Gorgeous. I saw it last night, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since.  I will definitely be adding it to my wishlist. . . 

Glee of the Week (6/1/10)

Again, not my favorite episode. I even struggled with a favorite song this week. Though the cheerios losing it was probably a highlight (mostly Brit). And Kurt at the end of the Cheerios competition (14 minute Celine Dion medley in French--awesome!).

Will was mean. Jesse was evil. (I did enjoy watching the boys gang up to go stand up for Rachel--even Kurt!) But the pregnant dancing? Awkward (Christina Aguilera did it much better). The return of psychotic Terry? "Special" (poor Howard). The Will and Sue-ness--Gross! How are these people role models for kids???

The Glee of the Week, thanks to Puck and Finn's rampant vandalism (26 Range Rovers?!?):

Weigh in on the weirdness of this. Is it just that it seems so fakey fake that bugs me? Help a girl out.

Glee of the week (5/25)

So, Glee is very hot and cold for me. I LOVE the music, but sometimes I just want them off their soap box. And I want them to get better writers for the dramatic scenes so they don't play like a bad after-school special. I know it is a lot to ask, but it is driving me crazy. Also, note to the writers--a bunch of tweens watch your show! Do they (and we) need to see bizarrely sexual (Ewww!-inducing) moments between the teachers? Come on!

Also, lets have a pact that you will do music that actually has a point (though they sounded great--Ryan Murphy stop taking my eternal dibs songs!--the first not the second--high school nickname). Not just because you have the rights to it or are trying to kiss up to the artist. And though I like Puck's singing voice, I really feel like they shoehorned this in.

My favorite musical number:

After making fun of the actual lobster for months, I didn't realize I could love it. I kind of do now--what does that mean? Now if they can keep themselves from overusing Brit Brit and wearing down her charm, we'll be great. I also enjoyed the twilight/goth story line--so funny.

In response to the first moment, while I was laughing and rewinding, this was my living room:

B: You know, Twilight? Edward? Doesn't your sister read them?

C: Do I look stupid?

B: Sometimes?

All of the previous aside, my heart hurts that there are only 2 episodes left. Random note: how awesome is it that the last episode is entitled Journey? It is weird to think we started on this crazy road more than a year ago. . .

I Heart Chuck

I do. I know some people are whining about all the emo stuff this season, but I don't care. I LOVED the Remington Steele/Hart to Hart of the past few episodes (Just in case you want to compare). I loved that there was a complete twist at the end of the season that totally switched up everything and made it fresh, and the fact that even though the finale was 2 hours long, they did not pad that sucker even a little--so much happened! I laughed; I cried; B told me to breathe.

I even loved this:

Cheesy and Fabulous! Best finale of the season so far. LOVED it.

Cannot wait to see them in July.

Ah, I forgot that I really need to add this (among so many other things):

Chocolate Cake for Breakfast

Mmmm. . .

Glee of the Week (5/18/10)

Okay, last night was Awesome (Go, Joss, Go!). I have been waiting for Idina to sing since she was cast (or since speculating from the get-go that she was or could be Rachel's Mom), and they brought tears to my eyes with this:

I loved Artie dancing (though the end was harsh!). Also, the shout-out to a karaoke bar staple was priceless (and I LOVED the shout-out to Dr. Horrible--it was subtle, but it was there--"in the laugh"), but the true winner. . .

Especially this (pretty sure this was B's favorite moment):

Oh, and the Gaga episode next week? Can. Not. Wait.

Glee of the Week (5/11/10)

I know, I know, this should have gone up last week, not on the eve of this week's episode, but I've been busy (Congrats, Marti & Isaac!). So, here it is, my favorite from last week. Though part of me wanted to choose this one. And this is one of my favorites from Gypsy (the Roz Russell version is the best!!), and Kurt was fantastic!

But, closest to my heart was this:

I know, I'm predictable. But whatever. . . Oh, and Go Santana!

Daria!

When I was in High School, Daria helped get me through many a year of specialness (despite debuting at the end of my high school experience). I was a little bit of a chameleon in High School--I blended with whomever I was around. But in my head, I was Daria. One to two close friends and the continued sarcastic commentary in my head. I cannot wait to get my hands on this for a marathon. This writer understood my appreciation quite well. Welcome, back, my friend. Welcome back.

One more follow-up from Slate on the awesomeness of Daria!

Stormy Weather

It is supposed to rain today. Maybe the world is mourning the woman who made it famous. Lena Horne died yesterday. My favorite obituary was David Thompson's at the Guardian. She was amazing and deserved a much bigger career than she had (Ava Gardner was dubbed in Show Boat!--which was completely and utterly a part Lena was born to play). In fact, Ava's and her dubber's version of Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man was based on Lena's version.

Musings about music. . .

Side Note: I adore Craig Ferguson. I never really grew up as a late night person. In college I enjoyed watching Conan and Andy but only sometimes. And in the past few years (during the inauguration and the Olympics), I enjoyed myself some Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, but my favorite late-night personality these days is Craig Ferguson.

It could be his Scottish accent. Or the fact that he is patriotic in a lovely way (He and Madeline Albright--amazing!). Or that he likes accuse his audience of being hobos who are only in it for the promise of free chicken. Or that he'll bring on a moral philosopher just because it fascinates him. Or that his life used to be really messed up, but he cleaned up his act, and now has a late-night TV show (that recently won a Peabody!). Or the fact that he got the Mythbusters to build him a robot skeleton side-kick (which he kind of regrets now--I have a feeling he hoped it would be more terminator-y). Or the fact that a bunch of celebrities that I like seem to really enjoy interacting with him. Too funny.

Anyway, a few months ago there was a British Folk band on the show, and I've been obsessed with them ever since. Many times I'll listen to part of his musical guests, but then fast forward, but the song was catchy and gorgeous, and I couldn't stop listening. So, after all that, I would like to share Mumford & Sons. . .

Here is the song that caught me:

Here is another can't-get-it-out-of-your-head song that they sang on Letterman--though I wish they would release this version on itunes instead of their less radio-friendly version:

One of the videos that just makes me smile:

And the one that haunts me:

Also, Ruthie introduced me to Time Lord Rock, and those songs keep running through my head (no pun intended--mostly).

Blink:

An Awful Lot of Running:

I can't seem to stop humming them. . .

Happy Mother's Day!

Dear Mom,

You gave me your voice, your allergies, your massive ability to multi-task... the way I clasp my hands when speaking in public, and my need for everyone to "just get along." My genetic need to feed people? All you. A love of family and friends around the dinner table--yep--though I think your mother also contributed.

My love of reading started early with you and Danny and the Dinosaur. A love of dibble eggs and Barbra Streisand. A yearning to live in old movie musicals? Still you. A love of the cheesy and melodramatic? Mostly your genes--some daddy, but mostly you. My ability to talk to anyone is definitely learned from you.

A love of singing in the car, my knowledge of all Reba McEntire lyrics, a divine attraction to Karaoke? Mom written all over that! A desperate guilt about not being able to help everyone definitely mother-learned. My big feet and big mouth--genetically yours first. Not my height, but definitely my bone structure.

My love of the gospel. My relationship with Jesus Christ. My journal writing habits. My love of the scriptures--all demonstrated by you. You taught me what was important and why I should care about the world around me. Your example spoke volumes even if you didn't always. I am the way I am because of you. Good and bad. Happy and sad. Learned at my mothers knee.

Time warp--well, at least a terribly cheesy time of shoulder pads and over-sized sweaters with leggings--guilty pleasure moments, but so very, very cheesy. And yet, I remember learning so much from watching you sing them. Your testimony sang sweetly and earnestly.

Thank you for it all, Mom. I truly appreciate it. (Though we need to get more pictures of you scanned. I spent all week trying to track some down. If my scanner at work was working better, there would be some embarrassing pictures loaded here. Oh well, next time. ;) )

I love you, Mom!

Love,

T

P.S. This may be redundant if you get your card in time. Due to the unreliability of the post office, that is--though it did get into the mail.

P.P.S. A beautiful post on mothers.

P.P.P.S. As long as I am linking to Reba, I should really include these two.

Random readings. . .

• The Next Ten TV actors who should become movie stars - I agree with all of these, especially 10, 6, 5, 3, and 1.
• An intro to the A-Team Characters - the kid who used to have appointment TV with her two brothers and dad, cannot wait for this movie to come out.
• These make me giggle - mostly because I adore most of the characters wayyyyy too much.
• Tim Gunn judges Superhero costumes. Awesome.
• 10 Roald Dahl books you should read.
• Spike and Angel as Pinky and the Brain. (snicker)
• A Doctor Horrible prequel. Hmmm. . .
• As a childhood Star Wars fan, I adore this (May the Fourth be with you).
• Daddy-Daughter Reading. Gorgeous!
• A nifty piece on living next door to Greta Garbo.
• And just to make it unbalanced - A list of childhood movies that should be made into horror films--not that I want this to happen, but they are REMAKING THE DARK CRYSTAL! Sacrilege!

ETA, This one. Too funny!

TV Notes

TV things I am intrigued by, excited for, or cannot get enough of (besides Glee):

• Chuck! Chuck! Chuck! They get bonus points this week for reminding me of the genius ofAunt Lily. Also, Morgan + Casey = Comedy gold!
• This looks interesting. I am not sure about it, but it has one of my favorite adorkable creatures on it, and the girl from Coyote Ugly, so hmmm. . . It is a teensy bit Alias--which I loved, so maybe?
• A coworker told me to watch Lie to Me. I was skeptical. The "how to spot a liar" tips are intriguing though. Also, this song is catchy. And I am not just biased because I had a crush on the actor due to the Middleman and that the girl is Penny from Doctor Horrible.
  
  
  
• Drop Dead Diva is coming back June 6th! It sounds silly, but it is awesome!
  
  
  
• And finally, a sad note: They cancelled my 10 Things I Hate About You!!! Why???? I adore the actress who plays Kat who was in Aliens in America which also died too soon. I need to stop liking TV shows as they inevitably cancel them.