The girl I mean to be

Meet the Julep!

2012-01-31T18:31:00.001-05:00

Thanks for your help! After many suggestions N's brother and Ash get the props for the suggestion! The Mint Julep rides--a perfect blend of our life in the semi-south, and the minty refreshing spritz of a julep.

Also, I am official. I got my license plate (a few days late), and I realized that I forgot a phillips-head screwdriver. Luckily, my student at work was a doll and helped me out.

PS. We didn't get great video at Guglhupf, but it went well.

Going Downton

2012-01-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

Yes, we're totally addicted at our house. . . But I had to laugh at these spoofs that they did for Comic Relief. All your favorites are there--and they blend Upstairs Downstairs with Downton Abbey for Upton Downstairs Abbey. I loved the Lark Rise to Candleford allusion, as well as the "looks" moment. Hi-larious.

Slate's TV Club has been debating it, and I've loved all of their comments! I especially enjoyed the "Most Hated Crawleys list." B wailed last night, "We can download it illegally, right?" No, we're going to wait it out. . . Only three episodes left--but will we get to see the Christmas episode?!? I just looked it up--February 19th! Sigh. . .

Reading. . .

2012-01-26T12:53:00.000-05:00

I realize my mental health lately has taken a blow, and I just figured out why. I haven't read a new book since Christmas! Sigh. . . It must be withdrawal. . .

This one is for Jeff

2012-01-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

We keep having this conversation....

B made me look it up--Batemen is older (by two years).

Thursday Update

2012-01-24T06:59:00.001-05:00

After talking to John, the guitarist about Thursday night, he mentioned that you may need to get reservations if you are going to come--it sells out (if you email me, I'll happily add you to mine).

See you soon--hopefully!

Monday Morning Musings. . .

2012-01-23T12:00:00.001-05:00

I was a late adopter of the cassette tape. I usually just listened to records (while roller skating in the basement). The Chipmunks sing the Beatles, Early Whitney Huston (super early it seems), and the Footloose soundtrack (turns out 84-85 were my years for records)--among others. I remember a lot of spinning to Let's Hear it for the Boy!

On the way to work today, I heard music from my first cassette tape (along with Amy Grant's Heart In Motion). I was shocked to find I still knew every word.

Wish me luck at noon--I get to be radioactive again. Lovely.

Oh Etta. . .

2012-01-21T15:42:00.000-05:00

Etta James died this week. . .

She had an extremely tumultuous life. Though more popular for At Last--

but I've been singing the blues with her for the past two weeks (as I learn a new song for Broad Street).

You will be missed, Miss Etta, your voice makes my heart ache in all the right ways. . .

Upcoming "Shows"

2012-01-17T12:29:00.007-05:00

I tease that I was born too late and, wish I could wear sequins and sing torch songs on top of a piano. Well, I'm doing that a little lately. Here are the upcoming "show" times:

Wednesday, January 25th - Broad Street Cafe, around 8:30 or 9 (open mic starts at 8)--I'll be singing Loverman and St. Louis Blues, and possibly playing my fiddle with a little bluegrass band.
Thursday, January 26th - Guglehupf, around 8 (the band starts at 7, and I will be sitting in on the second set starting at 8)--I'll be singing Loverman, St. Louis Blues, and Bewitched.

Swing on by if you are free--it should be a good time.

I went down. . . to Broad Street Cafe.

2012-01-11T22:32:00.001-05:00

Broad Street was really full when I got there tonight, but then it ended up being an intimate night with not that many people. The earliest I have ever left! We went through 14 performers, and I got home before 10:15! I was number 8--and John K. (the amazing guitarist) played with me again. Realize we don't practice these, so this is totally off the cuff.

I have never been one to go in for drugs or things that medicinally alter your state of being. But I love the high of performing. There is nothing quite so freeing and fun, and yet terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Here you go (Many thanks to Dave-from-work for his fine videography--it's my iPhone):

If you are going to be around on January 26th, I may sit in with his band at Guglehupf! I'll let you know the time closer to it.

New Car Smell

2011-12-29T06:20:00.002-05:00

Okay, cats and kittens, I need help! I bought a new car on Tuesday, and after driving it all the way down to NC, I need to give it a name. First, here is the car.

Second--it's polling time! Help me choose a name, and I will send you some Andes Mint Chocolate Crinkles--they are still soft after they have been frozen. Go to!

easypollmaker.com - get your free poll

Broad Street Postponed

2011-12-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

Due to extreme exhaustion. And the fact that getting my car took longer than anticipated. But now there is a mint green Prius parked outside. Yay for reliable transportation!

Bewitched?

2011-12-19T06:58:00.001-05:00

ETA: Cancelled until Jan.

Pencil in December 28th. I have to be back that day for work. And that evening, I will be Broad Streeting it again. 8pm open mic--here are the things we are thinking of . . .

See you there! Or not. Happy Christmas!

All of Me. . . Broad Street Redux

2011-12-15T06:09:00.003-05:00

Remember the guitarist I talked about last time? The one with the Jazz band I would love to join? We started an email conversation, and long story short, he said "Let's jam together on the 14th." So last night I did this. . .

and this

Sorry, they are taken with B's IPhone, so not the best video quality, but you get the picture. Also, it is a cafe, so you can hear people eating and drinking and chatting in the background. Because it was an open mic, John said we didn't need to practice--so this is us playing together for the first time ever. Good thing he is amazing.

KdeW-H came (she gives the best hugs) and some work and non-work friends, too--so I feel like a good time was had by all. We may even do it again. My favorite comment by a random woman at Broad Street was that I really light up when I am on stage. I will admit, I'd love to light it up more often. Many thanks to all who made it or who sent good vibes my way!

Sweet, Sweet Mariah

2011-12-08T12:25:00.003-05:00

I have a lovely friend, and when she comes to visit, we watch fun ABC Family movies, or cheesy (but not skanky) Lifetime movies. In fact, when we watched this recently, we thought our friend MJ, would totally love it!

Anyway, MJ, recently made a video for a cover contest she is entering, and she needs as many hits as possible by the end of the month to win. So, if you have a chance, take a listen. And if you like it, pass it on to other friends. Good luck, MJ (and EL, GC, and LT)!

The stars haven't completely lost their glitter. . .

2011-12-01T06:11:00.002-05:00

Last night I did a Broad Street Open mic, and I think it went well. Here were my songs (in their original format, not in mine):

They both went well--it is so awesome when you watch your audience respond favorably to you. There was this woman jamming with me at every step. And I even got the group to clap to the beat to Put the Blame on Mame. It was just glorified karaoke, but it was fun.

Other things that happened:

Though sitting all alone, I was approached by a few other players who have noted my two other appearances, so it was nice to be known.
Being known meant the guy next to me sat and talked my ear off because he assumed I was good if they cared enough to come talk to me. He actually made the wait to perform fun, but it was an interesting evening.
The cute older guy next to me on the other side (who had a gorgeously-toned tiny guitar) waited around an extra hour and a half to hear me! Which is a pretty sweet compliment considering he may have only seen me twice before.
The sound guy and half the wait staff came up to tell me I was awesome.
A random person asked me if I would give her singing lessons (not sure how that would work).
I nearly joined a band (of two old men--I would be their fiddle player) who totally play porch music (a banjo player and guitarist). We'll see if that happens.
I'd love to join the bad of Tea Cup Gin, as the guitarist is amazing (Love their cover of Lover Man)! He played a base line with a separate melody all the while modulating through a host of Christmas tunes. Gorgeous!

Random Notes regarding events

2011-11-10T17:12:00.002-05:00

Please RSVP by the date we ask you to RSVP.
If you are coming and not staying for lunch, you still have to pay the registration fee.
You cannot call the day before and expect a seat.
No, I cannot take your credit card over the phone.
When sorting excel spreadsheets, you must select all the relevant cells.

Random comment by my student when we noted there are more staff coming than usual:
"It's a recession, maybe people are hungry?"
Brilliant.

Broad Street Cafe. . . My first time. . .

2011-11-08T17:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is visiting an old one just for fun. I know, I know, we were nervous. I wish I had our mashup--that was golden. Though my Jolene the second time was far, far better. :) And I could actually play my fiddle when we practiced--I swear.

Here is Rue Johnson. . .

Halloween

2011-11-08T12:57:00.000-05:00

This year for Halloween, I went a little overboard. . .

At work, I was a 1950s/60s assistant, and I did a little dance:

The words (read while listening to the song):

“Our SAVC” – The Executive Assistants
(To the tune of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B by the Andrews Sisters)

She was a little Texas gal from Nacogdoches way.

Matt needed someone who could make us nicely play.

She was the top gal at her craft.

So when UNC called; she was there in a flash!

And now the office jumps, when she says anything!

She's our crazy, fearless leader—she’s our SAVC!

She makes us print our paper for a second time;

We even make the soap that only costs a dime;

No one seemed to understand

How the office began to start a-lookin’ so grand.

She's even great at de-co-ra-a-ting!

She's our crazy, fearless leader—she’s our SAVC!

A-toot, a-toot, a-toot-diddelyada-toot

She loved her vege-ta-bles, an even vegan!

Now she can't have a meal unless there’s some brisket seved with 'em.

And for Friday Lunch, she’s watchin’ BBC.

She's our crazy, fearless leader—she’s our SAVC!

She's our crazy, fearless leader, oh, our SAVC!

And when you look at her cal-en-dar, she is as busy as a "bzzz" bee.

It's Elizabeth Dunn, just jump eight-to-the-bar!

She's our crazy, fearless leader—she’s our SAVC!

Toot toot toot-diddelyada, Toot-diddelyada, toot-toot

At least she pays for the bar!

It is not at all crazy just being her assistant!

She really breaks it up, when she gets ornery. . .

She's our crazy, fearless leader—she’s our SAVC!

(instrumental)

She wanted to retire when it looked alright;

Matt thought about the office—it gave him a fright!

We clapped our hands and cheered ho-ray!

When ask-Matt came around, and he begged her to stay.

Just call Alison for an “Ask E-D;”

She's our crazy, fearless leader—she’s our SAVC!

Dat-da da-da-da da-dup

ha-ha-hand the office jumps when she says anything!

She's our crazy, fearless leader—she’s our SAVC!

For work:

Then my ward trunk or treat lead me to being oddly competitive in the trunk department. . .

Yes, I am a creepy substitute teacher. And yes, I am posing with one of my old Primary kids in the picture above. And yes, I won the trunk contest. Because at the last minute I got creative.

It is amazing what you can do with a sharpie, 2 balloons, a foam core board and a sharp knife, some non-permanent mounting squares, and a cheap red table cloth. I even have next years totally planned out--using the same wig.

But I couldn't stop there, so I used all the items for my trunk and on Halloween night, this was my door.

B decided I was out of control. But it was fun. . .

Gimme Gimme. . . an update?

2011-11-07T22:44:00.004-05:00

House of Ru, Dessert Party Style

So, this summer has been a musical one. In late June, I won the battle of the bands with my little Blue Grass Band, Rue Johnson (someday that video--which isn't great, but is fun) will go up. We followed it up with a couple open mic nights at Broad Street Cafe and an impromptu porch performance at my friend Elizabeth's house (see the porch in question on my fourth of July post). I even have a couple groupies--thank you JK and EC (and D, Ash-es, CS, LL, S.Roux, CC, CC's friend, Marty's friend, LC, MC, BC, and B)!

Then my friend J studied for the bar (and I made him watch all of Firefly--as you should no matter who you are) as a break from taking it. And then B and I celebrated his passing it with deliciousness from Guglehupf--and I found out that sweet corn ice cream is AMAZING! And then we lost our wing man because he moved away.

Lindy deployed to Afghanistan, and though she had been in Ohio, it felt like she was even farther now (which she is), though we are planning Hershey in the spring when she gets back. And she is looking for a cute Brit for me--as she is embedded with the Marines and the Brits. Though, personally, I would take either--a marine or a Brit, though of course, I prefer the Brits. Though, again, not picky. . .

Then we picked up Boojie (B's nickname, not mine) from Montana. And B, Sug (my nickname--the Southern pronunciation), and I rode a horse (more pictures coming up from that). And we met my Daddy's high school friend (I LOVED his ranch), and we met a lot of good people. And I got to have a small moment in Bear Lake, which will always have my heart.

I had a delightful birthday with so many friends visiting (Pants! J! Scout and the Wades!--which should totally be a band name--and sooo many others). And a sweet oatmeal pancake breakfast and some Just Dance 2 with one of my favorite families. . .

I swear I dance better than this. . .

And then Halloween--which is a post all its own. Seriously, it will go up shortly. . .

And finally, I got to be a little theatrical at our Church talent show (Stake-wide). Realize I performed this after I performed with a large choir, where we went totally Southern-Revival-meeting with guitars and tambourines, and call-outs and everything. I wish I had video of that. I hate watching myself; but since most people said I did an awesome job, I think I am going to let you critique it (and I'll just cringe in the corner).

I even got a rose from one of my primary kids. And all of my little girls that I teach came up to tell me that I did a good job--and my favorite story came from the Mom of a present primary kid and a former primary kid--in her words:

'[T]hey both agreed that when they grow up they want to be a mixture of Selena Gomez (their fav Disney actress/singer) and Sis. [Ru]. I told them that was so sweet and asked why those two people...they said, "Well, Selena is famous and Sis. [Ru] has the most beautiful voice and she's the best teacher!".'

Too funny! Also, awesome for my ego. Me and Selena Gomez. . . Who I kind of liked in Monte Carlo. . . Oh, and I totally went to that movie with Miss Sunni this summer (it was cute--don't judge!), while at a mid-singles conference in DC (now, you can judge). And I spent a couple weekends with AL (I miss you, AL!) who now lives in DC. Oh, yeah, and KW-H came to visit, and I am so very, very excited that she is moving back! And the new TV season started without my TV friend, so sometimes it is sad. . . (Watch Chuck!). And I got a new IPhone which may be running or ruining my life--I haven't decided yet (too much Words with Friends).

And now you are up to now (well, that was Saturday). So, yeah, that has been my life. Halloween will go up soon, and I really will find the cord for my camera and give a play by play of Montana (and our dearly awkward RM), and Five Rus in a Silverado stories, though B talks about it a little.

We'll be in NC for Thanksgiving--come join us if you are in town. And then in IL for Christmas (a short stopover--stupid having to earn a living!). Hopefully, from now on, I will better and keeping this up. If I am going to someday write my novel, I need to actually spend some time writing, right??? Loves!

Technical difficulties

2011-11-07T17:21:00.000-05:00

Due to two broken computers in the House of Ru, I've been lax. Well, I've been lax before that, but it is nice to have an excuse. I promise to catch up soon. And maybe put up some videos. Incredibly embarrassing videos. . . Thank goodness no one reads this.

Loves!

Rainy Days and Mondays. . .

2011-09-24T08:24:00.001-04:00

Are some of my favorite days--well Rainy Days. . . I hate Mondays.

Doesn't it just make you want to go jump in a puddle. . . Or sing?

I tried my hand at Broad Street's Open Mic Night again. I was getting nervous, and we headed on up to perform. I'm tuning my fiddle, taking a deep breath, waiting for the first chord, and as I start in on Jolene, I look up to see B sitting there--she had barely made it, but it made all the difference. I was calmer after I knew she was there, and I think I killed it. I've almost got my rendition of Jolene set.

We also did our Fast Car/Bad Romance Mash-up, and that is always crazy--it makes me feel more vulnerable than I like. But isn't that what music is supposed to do--get you out of your comfort zone? I did get a snide remark from the guy after us about using covers, but pooh, pooh, Mr. Whiny, tweeny, rocker voice.

The beat box flute was off the hook! My guitarist is leaving, so I am a little sad about it, but, hey, maybe I'll mix it up and throw in a little jazz soon. Or maybe I can get Cface to come visit and play for me. Or I can actually learn how to play all these songs myself. . . Who knows. . .

Yes, I know what starts today.

2011-07-21T06:01:00.019-04:00

And my heart hurts over it. So you are going to get a bunch of links about all things San Diego related. . .

But first, my list from last year. . . (starting backwards, of course). It is much better in the actual twitter feed.

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Grrr....Argh...

25 Jul

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And a sad final moment, but joyous--singing Buffy's Once More With Feeling with 4500 people!

25 Jul

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Danny Devito is really that short!

25 Jul

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So jealous! Holding seats while my cousin Amanda gets our swag, and she runs into Nathan Fillion. I may cry.

25 Jul

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Every time Ron opens his mouth, I hear Hellboy.

25 Jul

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Cute Mother / Son vibe between Katy Segal and the kid who plays her son.

25 Jul

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Ron Perlman is here!

25 Jul

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People getting surly and much less polite. Sigh...

25 Jul

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Glee panel fun--wanted more music! It's Always Sunny In Philly and Sons of Anarchy next--mostly because the Buffy musical after.

25 Jul

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Artie's safety dance filmed in an occupied mall! Go Joss!

25 Jul

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@GLEEonFOX: Has all the Glee news! Pretty awesome! Brittany, Santana, Tina, Artie, Mercedes, and Curt.

25 Jul

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Crazy woman in front of me. HATE!

25 Jul

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Glee is next! Swag ticket! Yay!!!

25 Jul

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It is extremely uncomfortable. And somewhat obscene. Sigh...

25 Jul

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Sitting through a panel to see Glee!

25 Jul

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The way Dean grows... fan yells, "He tucks in his shirt."

25 Jul

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Jensen likes the funny ones.

25 Jul

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Fan Member, What's your favorite episode??? Jared, What is yours?

25 Jul

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Jared, "He just wanted to call me Dumbo." Jim "Who doesn't?"

25 Jul

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Jared and Jensen, Is your chemistry real or just acting. Jared, for me it's just acting.

25 Jul

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"Come back to us Jeff! Come back to us!" Jensen to Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

25 Jul

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Cute Jim and Jensen moment!

25 Jul

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Misha does a good Russian Accent.

25 Jul

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Mark Shepherd back as the crossroads demon.

25 Jul

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Nevermind, 4th episode all about Bobby!

25 Jul

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Supernatural panel: Jensen, Jared, Jim, and Misha!vJensen directing the premiere! And introducing the clip!

25 Jul

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Tom Welling and John Schneider have the same hair.

25 Jul

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Action comics 297 - Chloe introduced in the comics!

25 Jul

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"Throw the Tractor"

25 Jul

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John Schneider didn't have a name tag, so he put up his driver's license, until someone said, "um, that's also your address..."

25 Jul

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What is your favorite super hero? Justin, "Aquaman?"

25 Jul

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john schneider in the house!

25 Jul

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Darkside is the new villian for the season of Smallville. Though Lionel may make an appearance.

25 Jul

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Center section10 back, first 3 rows reserved for Smallville!

25 Jul

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Pretty close to the front of the ballroom 20 line! So glad we got here early!

25 Jul

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Bags checked, out of the hotel, laying on the concrete, contemplating the Smallville/Supernatural/Glee, and other panels coming.

25 Jul

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A little sad that there is only one day left...

24 Jul

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Last full night at comic con. The convention center is gorgeous illuminated at night.

24 Jul

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The MythBuster crew is really funny!

24 Jul

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Guillermo Del Toro geeked out over MythBusters!

24 Jul

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Poor Tory cannot stop blushing.

24 Jul

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Sign the baby!

24 Jul

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@CraigyFerg, Geoff was fabulous introducing the MythBusters panel!

24 Jul

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And now it is time for Mythbusters!

24 Jul

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Leverage and Human Target Panel swag today!

24 Jul

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Chi Mcbride just did a Shatner impression.

24 Jul

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Chi McBride - hysterical in real life!

24 Jul

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Human Target!!! I heart Chi McBride!

24 Jul

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Human Target up next! Keen Eddie and Emerson Cod!

24 Jul

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Shane West a no-show.

24 Jul

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Maggie Q is gorgeous, but needs to eat a hamburger.

24 Jul

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New Nikita is interesting - whole 1st episode.

24 Jul

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Sadly late to the syfy stuff, but hopefully making Nikita.

24 Jul

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Walked the floor a little more--lots of free books stuff!

24 Jul

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I'm walking behind a giant bunny.

24 Jul

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Felicia Day is a little hoarse.

24 Jul

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Fabulous new guild music video--bollywood style! Game on!

24 Jul

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The ever present (this year) at Comic-con Wil Wheaton will be here again.

24 Jul

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Do you wanna date my Avatar playing as the intro to the Guild panel. Yay, Felicia Day!!

24 Jul

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Robin Dunne is just charming.

24 Jul

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Last year, I found out that Amanda Tapping is not British. It was a shock!

24 Jul

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@MichaelAusiello: Why? Why? Why? are Smallville/Supernatural overlapping with Castle??? It is just mean!

24 Jul

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Patrick Warburton in the house!

24 Jul

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V and Fringe too hard to get back into. Sanctuary and the Guild, here we come!

24 Jul

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The leverage crew was pretty cool. Christian Kane got a bigger reception than Timothy Hutton.

24 Jul

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Aldis Hodge is really cute and chil in real life.

24 Jul

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Leverage Panel! The whole cast is supposed to be here!

24 Jul

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Adam Baldwin - "My Puppy."

24 Jul

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"Morgan, what do you like most about John Casey?""You have very soft hands."

24 Jul

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The old spice guy is going to be on Chuck!

24 Jul

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I heart them all--especially Adam!

24 Jul

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Linda Hamilton is Chuck's mom!

24 Jul

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Jeffster Lady gaga video!

24 Jul

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6 rows back for Chuck! 30 feet from the stage. Let's see if they can top last year's Jeffster performance of Queen!

24 Jul

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My evil villian name--freezer burn.

24 Jul

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Up at 4 to get out of the hotel by 5ish and in line for Chuck!

24 Jul

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Watched tonight's episode of Eureka with members of the cast and Wil Wheaton sitting 2 rows in front of me. Wee bit surreal.

24 Jul

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And (bless his heart) show-killer Eric Balfour.

23 Jul

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Wil Wheaton in the house!

23 Jul

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Last year you had to wait 3 hours to get into this, and I didn't get in. This year it is barely full.

23 Jul

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Getting wayyyyy too punchy. I don't know if we are going to make it through this eureka/haven screening. Barbie Legs!

23 Jul

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Zombie crossover jokes, and now a full battle has ensued.

23 Jul

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I may cry. It is so very bad. 4 klingons, a ferengi, 3 people, 1 vulcan, and some random slavegirl aliens. Heaven help us.

23 Jul

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Amature theatricals from people in full star trek costumes. Really. really. bad.

23 Jul

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A ferengi just walked by.

23 Jul

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A guy is yelling Klingon into a video camera. Crazy.

23 Jul

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Klingon Lifestyles panel while waiting for the one after it. There are a ton of people in full klingon costume.

23 Jul

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Being Human panel!!!

23 Jul

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Dick & Jane and vampires is coming out next month!

23 Jul

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Rachel Caine is sitting in front of me...

23 Jul

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Penguin Books panel--Free books!

23 Jul

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Anna Torv and Elizabeth Mitchell have cute chemistry.

23 Jul

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Women who kick ass panel--Anna Torv, Elizabeth Mitchel, Jena Malone, and more.

23 Jul

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I tweet and he appears. I heart him. So charming!

23 Jul

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Nathan Fillion at Joss Whedon panel!

23 Jul

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@NathanFillion: Come say, "Hi!" at the Joss panel!

23 Jul

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"too bad, Tudyk, you're still dead."

23 Jul

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Joss Whedon - "I don't make this stuff up! It happened!"

23 Jul

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Victor from dollhouse just sat down two rows ahead of me for the Joss whedon panel.

23 Jul

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David: "they're partners, they are like together..they're like..." Emily: "a sandwich."

23 Jul

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David Boreanaz has a fear of double decker buses. It is actually really cute.

23 Jul

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They have fun chemistry together.

23 Jul

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And Emily Deschanel is here! Yay!

23 Jul

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David Boreanaz in the house!

23 Jul

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Cast sing-along, "soft kitty..."

23 Jul

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The bare naked ladies are about to play the big bang theory theme song for a theme song sing-along!

23 Jul

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Made it into the Big Bang Theory!

23 Jul

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Inigo Montoya has a sign that reads, "Will kidnap princess for sword money."

23 Jul

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Best T-Shirt so far "if I wanted a sparkly vampire, I'd bedazzle one."

23 Jul

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@MichaelAusiello - Your shirt was fraktastic! Thanks for signing my Entertainment Weekly!

23 Jul

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Captain Jack Sparrow walked by. And even better Inigo Montoya

23 Jul

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Han Solo and Indiana ;ones in line in front of me for ballroom 20.

23 Jul

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Hornet. Green Hornet.

23 Jul

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Lots of free stuff from the floor! Tanner could fit in the green hirnet bag.

23 Jul

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Breakfast at Cafe Diem (SyFy decked out the Hard Rock Hotel Cafe) after a grocery run to Ralph's!

23 Jul

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Didn't make it into Doctor Who/Being Human. Going home to soak my feet! Thank goodness for the Blue shuttle!

22 Jul

______________________

The cast of Being Human just walked by! Yes, Russell is that cute. And I <3 George!

22 Jul

______________________

The cast of the big bang theory was surprisingly nervous around the crowd.

22 Jul

______________________

I met Michael Ausiello!

22 Jul

______________________

"There's a lot of references to tea."

22 Jul

______________________

British SciFi Panel.... They can just talk forever.

22 Jul

______________________

RT @Psych_USA: RT to win exclusive ComicCon swag>> I'm following the PSYCH Comic Con Panel! I'm here for the bloopers!

22 Jul

______________________

Tap off! Go Dule!

22 Jul

______________________

RT @Psych_USA: RT to win exclusive ComicCon swag>> I'm following the PSYCH Comic Con Panel! http://ow.ly

22 Jul

______________________

Kurt Smith at the Psych Panel! So surreal!

22 Jul

______________________

"Shout, Shout let it all out... Comic-con..."

22 Jul

______________________

Tears for fears cameo at Comic-con!

22 Jul

______________________

Psych is next!

22 Jul

______________________

"It's not Lifetime for women it's USA for Women."

22 Jul

______________________

Matt Nix from Burn Notice just asked a question of the White Collar guys.

22 Jul

______________________

Tim is actually hysterical. Matt is somewhat quiet, but still wearing a hat.

22 Jul

______________________

Peter Burke doing the single ladies dance.

22 Jul

______________________

The erstwhile Kelly Kapowski is on the panel. Weird.

22 Jul

______________________

White Collar panel--yes. he is that hot!

22 Jul

______________________

Mozzy is moderating the panel!

22 Jul

______________________

There is a panel on Klingon Lifestyles. Hee!

22 Jul

______________________

Gilroy moderated the panel.

22 Jul

______________________

Carmen Sandiego just walked by.

22 Jul

______________________

"Never kidnap Fiona!"

22 Jul

______________________

Bruce Campbell is a God!

22 Jul

______________________

Bruce Campbell, "Jeffrey Donovan is a sexy, sexy man."

22 Jul

______________________

chuck findley t shirts! I <3 Bruce Campbell!

22 Jul

tkangaroo tkangaroo

Ballroom 20, halfway back for Burn Notice.

22 Jul

tkangaroo tkangaroo

Standing in the monstrous line for ballroom 20. oh yeah.

22 Jul

______________________

Specialized WB Entertainment Weekly. Check.

22 Jul

______________________

Doctor Who bag. check

22 Jul

______________________

Just met and took a picture with Dirk Benedict (Face from the A-Team)!

22 Jul

______________________

SPvsCC Scott Pilgrim

by tkangaroo

RT @mtvmoviesblog: 2010 San Diego Comic-Con: MTV Partners With MySpace For LIVESTREAMING Coverage! http://bit.ly/d3hW0s

21 Jul

______________________

MoTancharoen Maurissa Tancharoen

by tkangaroo

Come see us at the #FOX booth on Fri from 11-12 and at #DARKHORSE booth on Sat from 5-6. #DOLLHOUSECOMICYUPYUP!

21 Jul

______________________

SPvsCC Scott PilgrimThe awesomeness of The Scott Pilgrim Experience opens tomorrow!! Doors open at the Hilton Gaslamp at 12PM!! http://t11.me/P38TPT

21 Jul

______________________

Psych_USA Psych_USA For those asking, YES! The #ComicCon panel will be recorded & put on the official website [most likely live next week]

21 Jul

______________________

Eating cold pizza and getting ready!

22 Jul

______________________

Waiting for food to get here and looking out the window at the Tron Posters hanging on the streetlights. Exhausted but really excited.

22 Jul

______________________

Poor Amanda's flight delayed until tomorrow morning. Poor thing. She is stuck in Denver overnight.

22 Jul

______________________

Gorgeous boutique hotel. I LOVE the comic-con keys. . . Now we just have to get Amanda here!

21 Jul

tkangaroo tkangaroo

And I'm in the ATL airport waiting for the flight to San Diego. Awesome.

21 Jul

tkangaroo tkangaroo

Biker dude just walked by wearing a Harley davidson-like shirt with the superman logo worked in and a matching S belt.

21 Jul

______________________

USA today has a big spread on Comic-con. I can't help but smile as the guy in front of me reads it.

21 Jul

______________________

Comic-con ho!

21 Jul

______________________

3 hours until takeoff!

21 Jul

Why I was emotionally unprepared. . .

2011-07-17T09:27:00.000-04:00

For the Harry Potter movie. And didn't even know it. . .

A perfect fourth of July

2011-07-07T12:31:00.014-04:00

Recipe:
Helping visiting friends set off okay
Hugs from little ones
Brunch with delightful friends and (their) family in a new (to them) house
Holding a new baby
Cooking bacon with JJO's perfect pancakes
Making popsicles
Blueberry-Lavender Lemonade
Teaching kids to blow bubbles with bubble gum
Watching a movie with kids piled all around you
Chocolate Cake!
Garlic, spinach, feta burgers, corn on the cob, pasta salad, watermelon
Rain that makes you think about gathering two of every animal
Bubbles, glow-in-the-dark things, fireworks, and sparklers
Making friends with your pillow

Not my favorite picture, but a perfect end to a fabulous day. . .

R, T, P, B, Me, L, and M using the last of the sparklers.

Truth in the oddest places. . .

2011-07-02T14:52:00.000-04:00

Picking blueberries and little girls holding your hand equal perfect summer days.
Catching up on TV shows is a decadent but delightful post-lunch activity.
It is nice to just lie on the floor with your sister.
If someone doesn't pay for a hotel room, they get what they get depending on my exhaustion level.
I need to do laundry.
"Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination." -- Mark Twain

Song I cannot seem to get out of my head

2011-07-01T16:02:00.000-04:00

I sometimes don't love her, but this is cute--and completely stuck in my head.

I also like this one. . .

Miracle of miracles

2011-06-26T00:05:00.000-04:00

Many thanks and bless you to all well wishers and battle of the bands attendees. I didn't chicken out--and I didn't throw up due to nerves (though I was close). I did, however, flub my whole fiddle section on Wagon Wheel due to not being able to read the music, but we did okay (not that you could hear yourself at all--you just had to have faith). Jolene helped us into the second round. And then our mash-up was delightful (we're thinking of recording it--if we do, I'll post it here). My favorite, though, was our encore (after we won!). We got up everyone who knew Wagon Wheel (four guitars, a bunch of singers, and me on fiddle), and we all just sang to our hearts' content. Perfection.

Anyway, thank you! The various texts and love were just what I needed.

Say a little prayer for me. . .

2011-06-23T23:27:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine is putting on a Battle of the Bands on Saturday. And I have been coerced into playing in a band. Rue Johnson (our little blue grass band) takes the stage this Saturday at 7:30pm. I will be playing my fiddle (violin) in public for the first time since 1997. I haven't played in public this century!!! I'm nervous as all get out, but with a little bit of luck and a couple of prayers, I may just make it.

We're opening with Wagon Wheel and Jolene (obviously with our own little spin on them). And then if we make it through the voting in the first round (top three of eight), we're playing our crazy mash-up of Tracy Chapman's Fast Car and Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. Hopefully, we'll get to play it. Fingers crossed. It really is pretty awesome.

I am starting to get super nervous, so I need prayers just so I can make it on stage (And not completely chicken out). And so it isn't too hot. Here goes nothing. . . .

Random Specificity

2011-06-23T06:30:00.001-04:00

Recently I have off-the-cuff offered up some threats over the course of casual conversation. People have looked at me funny as these threats are rather specific.

But I learned very well from Willow that "a vague disclaimer is nobody's friend." And I fully believe that.

Movie, anyone?

2011-05-29T08:17:00.002-04:00

For anyone who knows me, they know that I am a little bit of a nerd. I'm a pop culture junky, I have been to Comic-Con, twice, and Abed from community and I would get along a little too well. In the summer of 2000, I dragged a little 10-year-old to a PG-13 movie because I didn't know who else would go with me to an oddly-named, comic-book movie. My little brother and I sat in that little theater in Normal, IL with maybe 20 other guys. There was not a single other female in the place. And yet it ended up doing okay for itself (4th highest grossing movie of the year).

This next weekend (June 3), another sequel comes out (technically a prequel), and I am giddy as a school girl once more, though really sad that my buddy won't be off his mission for another few months (His Mission! I am getting old).

Anyone who wants to join me, I am thinking Wynnsong, 4:15, Saturday.

ETA: Super good. LOVED the cameos. Two gorgeous leads, and a gorgeous cameo. Perfection!

Delicious

2011-05-28T00:50:00.002-04:00

Reading a perfectly fey book while the weather is doing other-worldly things right outside your door. It makes you want to wander in moonlit paths while getting lost amongst the creatures that lurk in the woods--the ones we can no longer see because we have grown up too much...

Happiness is. . .

2011-05-25T23:17:00.001-04:00

Dancing with kids for a few hours until you can barely breathe, but are undeniably content.
A piece of chocolate cake in a bowl of milk.
Introducing a new friend to an old one--even if the old one is a TV show.
Goldilocks Swiss Spinach Soup--a large pot of it. . . To bathe in.
The surreal experience of watching the Oprah Farewell with your sister and three guys, two of whom have never watched Oprah before.
The anticipation of a baptism
Teaching kids how to make an origami boat, so they can build a boat like Nephi.
Talking to a friend on the phone you haven't talked to in a while.
A perfect musical moment.
A well-done season finale.
A perfect haircut (I don't have one, but I would like one).
Your yearly review going well.
The prospect of a three day weekend.

Me 101

2011-04-25T20:32:00.000-04:00

Dear well-meaning, but completely oblivious friend,

When I am upset, crying, and slightly irrational--obviously scared about handling my life--you cannot run away--not even literally. I really need you to stay. I won't ask, but I need you to give me a hug, sit me down to play with my hair, and put in a silly movie I can obsess over and lose my worries in. Probably something that lets me cry but has a happy ending--on the really bad days, not-so-happy. . . Please. And I need to not have to explain it.

Love,
Me.

Day Off

2011-04-22T12:24:00.000-04:00

sleeping in
Doris Day
reading
Doctor Who. . .

Heaven

Adventures in Primary

2011-04-10T23:39:00.000-04:00

Today was a rough one. I don't know, they just couldn't settle today, and I felt as if I had ran a marathon by the end our class period.

At the very end of primary, I had an interaction that lifted my spirits. I was packing up all of my bags, and TK--one of the boys from my old class--turned to one of the kids in my new class and said, "You have the best teacher in Primary. You better be nice to her!"

I nearly started crying. I didn't hug him right then and there and embarrass him, but it was close. Bless you, TK, you totally made my day. And made my train wreck of a Sunday so much better. Thank you.

My stupid head

2011-03-29T22:01:00.000-04:00

Drives me crazy. I am so tired of it. I may need a M or a K to play with my hair. . .

Bye-Bye, Baby!

2011-03-01T06:20:00.001-05:00

Dear Jane,

You were amazing--an original. I've had a girl-crush on you since I was a kid. You were always the smart-mouthed, curvy brunette who called it like it was. I wanted to grow up to be you. And many times I was--a little.

B and I regularly perform as you and Marilyn. We are pretty good at it, too. We're still trying to track down your costumer, though.

My heart hurts a little that you are gone now, but we'll always have a few of your films to smile over--and every time I hum one of your songs, you won't be very far away. Bye-bye, Baby! You were fabulous!

Much Love,
T

Bless you, Betty Garrett!

2011-02-14T17:41:00.001-05:00

Betty Garrett died this weekend. She is one of those funny gals of old Hollywood that I looked up to growing up. I would have been her if I was born in a different time and had more spunk.

I sing along with this musical whenever I hit New York, and one of my favorite songs from it, is Betty's. I wish I was this assertive. . . Just kidding. She is fantastic!

I love that she was in original Baby, It's Cold Outside (the first verse is reversed from this one and sang by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban in Neptune's Daughter).

You will be missed, Betty! I adored you in all of the movies I ever caught you in, and I wish I could have seen you on the stage!

Heaven

2011-02-12T18:44:00.002-05:00

five excited little girls
their first crepes
savory and sweet
dancing around to the wii
singing Proud Mary
at the top of their lungs.

Sigh. . .

2011-02-04T06:35:00.002-05:00

I've felt a little like this all week.

Please pray that I make it through the day. . . . I am dragging!

Watching your life change

2011-02-02T12:30:00.007-05:00

Last May I entered the family ward after 7 years in a singles' ward. Making friends was hard. I had a few friends who had just gotten married who switched over at the same time, but were also struggling. I also struggle to make good friends. I have always had one or two really close friends, and a lot of acquaintances. It takes me a little to warm up to people. But, I figured the Lord had something to teach me, so I plunged right in. I was appalled when in the second or third week I got a calling to teach Primary. I thought it was going to be glorified babysitting, and I was not pleased.

I taught myself to get over the noise (sit near the front), how to deal with it when I can't (sit alone on the left side, and slide all the way in, a small family with one or two kids will sit next to you and bam--you have a kid to entertain you when you still cannot hear), and that it is fine if the only person you know is the Primary President and 8 fantastic kids. You also slowly get to know their parents, so turns out, you end up getting to know half the ward council. Now, I am teaching the 7-going-on-8-year-olds, and I miss my first set of kids a ton--they were my only friends at church!

In the last few months (and mostly last week), three of my extremely close friends have left NC for new adventures in their lives, and I'm at a bit of a loss at the moment. I am still forcing myself to have a social life (thank you, Stake MidSingles calling--sigh--talk about love-hate relationship), but I am also trying to make friends among the women of my ward. Luckily I have taught kids of both the RS president and the Primary president, and sadly, those are the two women in the ward I have truly grown to love (and I think would worry if I didn't make it to church). There a few others.

I really look forward to hanging out at the P-pres's home. All of her kids adore me, and she is extremely genuine. B thinks I am nuts and burdening an already busy mother. What does it say about me, that the thing I am looking forward to most this week is a Saturday night spent with 7 kids and an amazing woman, watching a movie, making pizza, and Just Dance 2-ing it up (her honey is going to be at work--doctor)? It is kind of shock to see the change in your life, just from the change in your ward.

I know this is somewhat babble-y--sorry. Happy Wednesday. Is it Saturday yet?

Triangle Hotspots

2011-01-28T06:36:00.000-05:00

So, despite my lack of computer, I was able to put this together for my ward's RS meeting last night. My extra thanks to AP, the biggest Charity Pants I know, for the service section. Happy day-tripping. For those of you not in NC--sorry!

Triangle Hotspots

1. Places to eat

Durham: http://www.durham-nc.com/dining/eat/index.php

Taste of Durham always has a delicious variety: http://www.tasteofdurham.org/

Chapel Hill: http://www.visitchapelhill.org/dining
Raleigh: http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/restaurants/
The Indy’s Triangle Dining Guide: http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/LocationSearch?locationSection=1218750
Open Table: http://www.opentable.com/
A splurge for foodies: http://www.tastecarolina.net/files/tours.php

2. . Places to serve

Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina—lots of different jobs; good for 12 and up; youth groups or families: http://www.foodbankcenc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FBCENCHome
SEEDS—community gardens are healing: http://www.seedsnc.org/
Achievement Academy of Durham—help young adults that have dropped out of school increase reading skills, get a GED, and enroll & succeed in postsecondary program: http://achievedurham.org/
Piedmont Wildlife Center—help with animal care! Fun! http://piedmontwildlifecenter.wordpress.com/
Urban Ministries of Durham—provides food, clothing, and shelter to folks in need; help prepare and serve breakfast and lunch at the Community Cafe; evenings and weekends are reserved for groups: http://www.umdurham.org/
WelcomeBaby—providing parenting education and support to young families: http://www.welcomebaby.org/
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival—It's coming in April! Manage venues, sell tickets, watch movies: http://www.fullframefest.org/
SeeSaw Studios—an afterschool program teaching design and entrepreneurship skills to teenagers: http://www.seesawstudio.org/SeeSaw_Studio/Home.html
AnimalKind—the more volunteer hours worked at the ReTail thrift store, the more strays that are spayed and neutered. Everyone wins!: http://www.animalkind.org/retailsvolunteers.html
Volunteer Center of Durham—find all sorts of orgs that need volunteers; match to your age, interest, and time commitment: http://www.thevolunteercenter.org/tp42/Default.asp?ID=139710

3. Events - Sign up for their RSS feeds, e-newsletters, or just link to their calendars, but it is fun for everyone!

Durham: http://www.durham-nc.com/things/
Chapel Hill: http://www.visitchapelhill.org/calendar/events/
Raleigh: http://www.visitraleigh.com/visitors/events.search.php

4. Attractions

NC Fairgrounds - These fairgrounds are THE place to be in mid-October, but you’d be surprised how many other events take place there (Yay--Roller Derby!): http://www.ncstatefair.org/events/calendar.htm
Museums:

Nasher Museum (Free to all on Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of SunTrust): http://nasher.duke.edu/
Ackland (free): http://www.ackland.org/index.php
NC Museum of Life and Science (membership or one-time fee, but look for deal days--Admission waived for Durham County residents on Wednesdays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., though a $2 per person contribution requested): http://www.ncmls.org/
Morehead Planetarium (pay per show, but discount if you hit multiple shows on various days—a household membership is a tax deductable $60, so if you are taking a largish group, and would want to come back, get the membership): http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/
NC Museum of Art: http://www.ncartmuseum.org/ (Admission to the Museum’s permanent collection and Museum Park is free. There is a charge for some special exhibitions and programs, such as concerts, films, classes, and performances.)
List of all the area museums can be found on the visitor’s bureau websites.

Duke Chapel (free unless there is a wedding, funeral, or other special event): http://www.chapel.duke.edu/calendar.html
Botanical Gardens

Duke Gardens (free admission): http://www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens/
UNC (free admission): http://www.ncbg.unc.edu/

The Forest Theatre: http://ncbg.unc.edu/pages/40/ with http://www.paperhand.org/

Farmer’s Markets

Carrboro: http://www.carrborofarmersmarket.com/
Durham: http://www.durhamfarmersmarket.com/
Raleigh (and they have a restaurant): http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/
CSAs in the area: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/csafarms.html

The Arts

DPAC: http://www.dpacnc.com/
Memorial Hall (Chapel Hill): http://www.carolinaperformingarts.org/
Progress Energy Center (Raleigh), includes Carolina Ballet, opera, and the NC Symphony: http://www.progressenergycenter.com/event-calendar.
Art Walks:

Chapel Hill (Second Friday)—free!: http://2ndfridayartwalk.com/
Durham (Spring and Fall): http://www.durhamartwalk.com/index.php
Raleigh (First Friday)—free!: http://www.godowntownraleigh.com/firstfriday/index.htm

Music

Cats Cradle: http://www.catscradle.com/
Jazz: NCCentral or the Beyu café: http://www.beyucafe.com/
Bluegrass, Friday’s on the Front Porch at the Carolina Inn (usually throughout the summer): http://www.carolinainn.com/hotel-events/chapel-hill-event-calendar.php?year=2011&month=6 or Broad Street Café: http://www.thebroadstreetcafe.com/ —Irregardless Café even has dancing after 9pm: http://www.irregardless.com/.
The Lincoln Theatre: http://www.lincolntheatre.com/
Live music venues: http://www.trianglesource.com/venues/category/live-music/
Music in general: http://eventful.com/raleigh/events/categories/music

Books

Libraries:

Durham: http://www.durhamcountylibrary.org/
Chapel Hill: http://chapelhillpubliclibrary.org/

Used Book Stores (my favorite is the readers corner in Raleigh): http://www.raleigh.com/used-book-stores/business-directory

Movie Theaters

Regular Theaters: http://www.fandango.com/
Raleighwood (Restaurant and Theater—new movies, old movies, and charity screenings): http://www.raleighwoodmovies.com/
Independent and Foreign film venues

Chelsea (Chapel Hill): http://www.thechelseatheater.com/
Carolina Theatre (Durham): http://www.carolinatheatre.org/

Outdoor Movies (mostly during the summer)

Lumina (Southern Village, Chapel Hill—they also have fun kids events and other community things, so subscribe to their newsletter): http://www.thelumina.com/
Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre: http://www.boothamphitheatre.com/movies.htm
NC Museum of Art: http://ncartmuseum.org/calendar/type/films/ (they are showing the Red Shoes in March!)

Blue Ridge Theater (Raleigh--$1.50 a movie): http://raleigh.mrmovietimes.com/movie-theaters/Carmike-Blue-Ridge-14-Cinema.html

Sports:

Carolina Hurricanes: http://hurricanes.nhl.com/
Nascar (technically this is in Charlotte, but if you like that sort of thing, it is a good ol’ boy time): http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/lms/
Durham Bulls (Minor League baseball that is fun for the whole family all summer—take advantage!): http://www.durhambulls.com/
Roller Derby (really, it is a fun experience): http://www.carolinarollergirls.com/
University Sports:

Area trails

Bike/Walk Durham: http://www.bikewalkdurham.org/
Chapel Hill: http://www.trails.com/city-trails.aspx?keyword=Chapel%20Hill&state=NC

Area 5Ks

Race for the Cure (I try to do this every year—let me know if you want to start a team): http://www.komennctriangle.org/
Area 5Ks: http://www.runnc.com/Race_Schedule.htm

5. Websites:

Durham: http://www.durham-nc.com/
Chapel Hill/Carrboro/Hillsborough: http://www.visitchapelhill.org/
Raleigh: http://www.visitraleigh.com/index
General NC: http://www.visitnc.com/
The Indy: http://www.indyweek.com/ (great food and event reviews)
Coupon sites (Don’t be afraid to take advantage):

Living Social: http://livingsocial.com/
Groupon: http://www.groupon.com/

General North Carolina

1. Attractions

Biltmore: http://www.biltmore.com/
Civil War spots:

Near the coast: http://www.coastalguide.com/attractions/NC_civil_war_military.shtml
throughout the state: http://www.visitnc.com/journeys/articles/history-historic-sites/1/on-the-north-carolina-civil-war-trail
NC Civil War facts: http://www.visitnc.com/journeys/articles/history-historic-sites/1/north-carolina-civil-war-facts
Reenactments: http://www.civilwarhome.com/reenact.htm

Blueridge mountains:

the parkway: http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=69
the mountains: http://www.blueridgeonline.com/
Smokey Mountain Railroad: http://www.gsmr.com/:

The beach! http://www.ncbeaches.com/

the aquariums: http://www.ncaquariums.com/

The outer banks: http://www.outerbanks.org/

Lighthouses: http://www.carolinalights.com/

The zoo! http://www.nczoo.org/

The Conservator’s Center: http://www.conservatorscenter.org/about.cfm
Tiger preserve: http://www.carolinatigerrescue.org/
The Western North Carolina Nature Center: http://www.wildwnc.org/
Highland games: http://www.gmhg.org/events.htm

Highland games: http://www.gmhg.org/events.htm
Pirate stuff: http://www.ncmaritime.org/Blackbeard/default.htm
Gems: http://www.suite101.com/content/dig-your-own-gems-in-north-carolina-a94925
Art: and Antiques:

PIttsboro: http://pittsboronc.gov/
Pinehurst
Carrboro

Farms

tours: Tour various local farms and get the skinny on the best places to get locally grown food: http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/
Pick your own farms: http://www.pickyourown.org/NC.htm

Hiking: http://www.trails.com/stateactivity.aspx?area=10008
State Parks: http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/by_activity/main.php
Festivals: http://www.ncfestivals.com/events/default.asp

NC Jazz Festival: http://ncjazzfestival.com/
Bluegrass festivals throughout the state: http://www.bluegrassfestivalguide.com/nc.htm
Seafood festival: http://www.ncseafoodfestival.org/events.htm?id=1
Balloon Festival: http://www.carolinaballoonfest.com/

Old Salem (our NC version of the Pennsylvania Amish—fantastic at Christmas, etc.): http://www.oldsalem.org/

Sigh. . .

2010-12-29T09:47:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-25T15:14:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-21T20:31:00.002-04:00

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

2010-10-15T06:37:00.001-04:00

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

2010-10-11T12:52:00.001-04:00

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

2010-10-08T06:52:00.005-04:00

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

2010-10-07T19:30:00.001-04:00

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

2010-10-05T06:28:00.006-04:00

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

2010-10-04T19:08:00.002-04:00

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

2010-10-02T09:56:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-26T21:59:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-19T21:51:00.032-04:00

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

2010-09-12T21:45:00.009-04:00

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. . .

2010-08-24T02:48:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-23T18:47:00.000-04:00

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

Teaching the Valiant 8/9 class.

2010-08-15T15:40:00.001-04:00

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

2010-07-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-07-24T02:21:00.000-04:00

This is how our Friday started. . .

More to come. . .

Face Time and much more!

2010-07-22T22:57:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-21T23:55:00.003-04:00

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. . .

2010-07-18T10:17:00.002-04:00

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

2010-07-09T06:01:00.002-04:00

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. . .

2010-06-20T03:42:00.000-04:00

A girl can dream, huh?

Ah, Adele. . .

Glee of the Week (6/8/10)

2010-06-17T12:42:00.002-04:00

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. . .

2010-06-17T00:05:00.004-04:00

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

2010-06-04T06:11:00.002-04:00

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)

2010-06-02T06:26:00.004-04:00

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)

2010-05-26T12:53:00.001-04:00

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

2010-05-25T12:36:00.006-04:00

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

2010-05-20T06:35:00.001-04:00

Mmmm. . .

Glee of the Week (5/18/10)

2010-05-19T00:41:00.003-04:00

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)

2010-05-18T17:29:00.001-04:00

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!

2010-05-12T17:49:00.005-04:00

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

2010-05-11T06:16:00.000-04:00

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. . .

2010-05-10T06:38:00.001-04:00

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!

2010-05-09T00:00:00.004-04:00

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,

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. . .

2010-05-07T06:58:00.004-04:00

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

2010-05-06T06:30:00.001-04:00

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.

Glee of the Week

2010-05-05T12:30:00.003-04:00

You knew I was going to cave and do this. We'll start back at the beginning of the second half of the season and go on week by week from now. When they time out on Hulu, I'll link to YouTube, maybe.

Bad Reputation (Last Night): I adored Rachel's video just because it was silly and over to top. But when they took one of my Karaoke staples and did that, I was hooked. Love. it. I still think Jesse is up to something (and he only is named that so Finn can sing Rick Springfield), but he seemed genuinely upset. It's a struggle.

Home: Yep, I already posted this. I don't care. It is gorgeous. A House is not a Home is from her current Broadway Show (Promises, Promises) with Sean Hayes.

The Power of Madonna: Like a prayer is probably one of my favorite Madonna songs of all time, but I think my favorite was the fact that they finally let Kurt and Mercedes have their own song.

Hello: So, I enjoyed a lot of these, but this was my favorite. His comment about "impromptu concerts for the homeless" made me love him.

Sectionals: I loved a ton of these, but my favorite were all call-backs to other songs via the choreography.

Sad

2010-04-28T17:28:00.002-04:00

As a singleton, sometimes you actually think this could be you (around 5:04). But then you laugh it off, and you know that somehow it won't be like that. Sadly, that isn't always how it happens. A good work friend of mine died this week. She got me through my first week of work and made my work-life a million times easier for many years until she retired a bit ago. My heart breaks because no one knew. She lived alone, and they think she had been gone for days and nobody knew.

I am heartbroken. Not to be trivial, but even the ever-cheerful Glee didn't help this week. Though this song's melancholy helps a little. There are no words. None. So sad.

Thanks, Sandra, for being my friend. I won't forget you.

Doctor Visits

2010-04-23T00:58:00.005-04:00

Many of you know I am so done with Doctors! Well, there is one I cannot get enough of. And I finally got to see him (Bless you, Ruth--and curse you undependable Time Warner Cable--why on earth do you just drop one channel???).

I laughed. I cried. I screamed (kind of out-of-body experience for that one), and I cheered. I cheered a lot. I thought the bow tie was going to bug. But no--"Bow ties are cool!"

At the same time, Ruthie also created a junkie. I cannot seem to get enough of this song. It has been running through my head (pardon the pun) since she played it for me. . . Happy Doctoring!

Julia Sugarbaker forever!

2010-04-12T12:43:00.003-04:00

Dixie Cater passed away this weekend at the age of 70. My heart breaks! I think I have watched nearly every episode of Designing Women in reruns. And I am pretty sure that the reason B is an Interior Designer (and Southern Belle hopeful) is because of the women of Sugarbakers.

As Julia, Dixie Carter was gorgeous, commanding, and a spitfire--everything a Ruch woman aspires to. Dixie did many other things and was an amazing individual, but I will always remember her like this:

Thank you, Dixie, for sharing Julia with all of us.

Hello Again

2010-04-09T17:51:00.002-04:00

Will I be having a viewing party? Will I be singing along? Do you really need to ask?

Wanna come? Can. Not. Wait.

Signs of Reality

2010-04-09T06:27:00.000-04:00

I haven't signed in ages, but I love stories like this--where you are given a glimpse at someone's life so profoundly different from yours. I agree with the writer at NPR who is shocked that it isn't on TV yet. We can have the testament to sterilization that is Jersey Shore and (sorry, Ari) 16 and Pregnant, but this show isn't TV worthy? That seems wrong!

Beautiful Pictures

2010-03-31T06:44:00.000-04:00

I've been on a photography kick lately. I think that now I am starting to feel like a person, the tiniest things are moving me (maybe I am just emotionally aware now I don't feel like my life is crap). I am especially drawn to the melancholic romantic vistas that make you catch your breath and feel just a bit wistful. These are not my pictures (I don't own a camera apart from my phone), but they have captivated me recently--mostly from here.

Architecture and weather. Weddings and celebrations. Food galore! Dancing and fashion. People and places. Maybe I am just dreaming of the places I'll go. . .

This entire post was luscious, but I could only put up so many and not look like I copied the entire thing! Make sure you click into it and zoom--each of the pictures is gorgeous on its own.

Odd obsessions. . .

2010-03-30T06:01:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, I watched a documentary of Broadway through the years. It was live streaming on Netflix (which I can do via my TiVo), and hosted by Julie Andrews. I was fascinated. I truly grew up in the wrong age. The Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hammerstein, Rogers & Hart, Jerome Kern, Bernstein--all gorgeous. Sigh. . .

After it, on Sunday, I ended up watching the 2006 revival of Sondheim's Company on Netflix (with a near-perfect Raul Esparza). The music is so lush, and he is so good as Robert. It is an odd musical written in an odd time, but I kind of love it. I've had this song in my head all day.

A lot of the songs I've heard before, but I didn't realize where they came from. This one is something I sometimes sing in my head when dealing with various family members. Or sometimes when I have to deal with "special" people in my job. Whole conversations with silly people have been tolerated with a smile because I had this song playing in my head (minus the teensy bit of salty language in this production).

The longing in some of the songs is completely heartbreaking but gorgeous. I watched an interview with Esparza where he talked about it being his favorite--or at least the best he thought he had ever done. He is incredible in it.

Many years ago, I watched a filmed version of a Bernadette Peters concert with an old roommate where Bernadette gorgeously sang the big finale song Being Alive. My roommate complained that the song wasn't good--that it just was a list and didn't go anywhere--that it was stupid. She was wrong.

The power of the song really comes from where it is staged--at the end of all the quibbles of a man's life, of the vignettes he's remembered during the course of a surprise birthday party. It is an amazing moment of realization--what it means to be in a real relationship with any person--not just having surface relationships with people. This is a little melodramatic if you haven't had to expend the emotion to get through the entire play, but I really loved it.

Yep, I've had the entire show in my head for three days now. I need to get more musical theater in my life. The last show I went to was Spamalot in New York over two years ago. That is just wrong.

I leave you with my favorite song from Company--possibly because the joy you must have to take in performing it. I really would love an excuse to perform it, but I have no idea how I could find that excuse. Heather Laws does a great version (and her diction!), but my favorite is Carol Burnett's. She is just so funny!

The end in the beginning

2010-03-27T08:51:00.005-04:00

Sometimes I think my life came to an end, and also began again on this date in 2002. My heart shattered. My relationships with my family deepened. I learned who my real friends were. I regretted a lot, and gave thanks for so much. Life inevitably went on, but I was never the same. Isaiah, speaking as Christ, says, "Behold I have refined thee, but not with silver, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (Isaiah, 48:10). I believe I am better for it, but the cost was very great.

This year I get to miss three brothers instead of two. Sean is mightily serving his mission in Montana (well, Riverton, WY at the moment). So, I thought I would post a picture of my boys. And say, "I miss you, Nate." I wish you were here. I really could use a hug--your hug.

T's car should be named:
	Ande - for Andes Mints
	MCC - for Mint Chocolate Chip (That is B's but it sounds like an 80's old school rapper)
	Scout - for Girl Scout Cookies Thin Mints (but technically is the nickname of A, J and E's cutie little girl)
	Grasshopper - for grasshopper cookies
	Bonny Lass - B's is the sexy Lexi (It's a Lexus), so that is the Irish version (Irish coffee is minty!).
	Other--post in the comments.
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