Hope you are well

I have not had much blogging time lately. Neither to read or to write.

When I get a moment, I pop into a couple and try to catch up, but it's not like it used to be.

I go back and forth about just shutting my blog off, but it is a sort of record of my life for the past few years. Not hugely transparent, but still. There's stuff there.

And who knows. I may all of the sudden have fabulous observations to write about, and where would they go if I didn't have this little space?

So, even though you don't hear from me, know that you are still in my heart. I may not read about your life everyday, but I know you are there and that is comforting.

Big Hair

I've been busy memorizing for Steel Magnolias. I've never been in a show with so many words that weren't put to music. I keep waiting for my big song and dance but it never arrives!

We are practicing hair-dos. Here is there first attempt.

It's pretty darn big. County western singer big.

I'll be back with attempt number two. I have to learn to do it myself, so I think I won't go for so much heighth next time.

Today for lunch...

I am planning on a filet-o-fish, with fries and a diet coke. My body is craving junk, but I am avoiding candy so I can splurge on McDonalds.

Sometimes, it's just the only thing that will do.

Have you seen Julie and Julia? So sweet. Meryl Streep is so great. So full of energy and fun.

The show I'm in had a great review in the paper this week. So proud to be part of something like this. It's so much fun.

Looks like I'm just, so - s0 -so today!

My hair so needs a trim, I so need to lose some weight (after the filet-o-fish) and I so need a raise. And a nap.

So, how's your day?

Feeling Grumpy

I woke up just fine, ate some granola, got dressed, came to work.

Then the copy machine ate an original document.

And I kicked the copy machine with my knee.

And I swore a little bit. Which is disconcerting, because I don't swear all that much.

My eyebrows are furrowed, making those lovely "elevens" on my forehead that we all hate.

I need to snap out of it.

I'll drink some water and see what happens. :)

I went to Iowa

And now I'm home.

I saw friends and went to the most fun wedding!

I spent time with my special friend, Linny and wish it could have been longer, but next time I'm bringing my whole family so I don't get lonely for them.

Pictures soon!

I just realized...

that I've never had a fish taco. I don't know why that seems significant, but I think that I will have to remedy that situation at my earliest convenience.

What kind of fish do they use? Is it shredded up like beef? Are there ever bones? Do they use salsa and sour cream and lettuce? Flour or corn? Spicy or mild? Tomatoes on fish? Do they serve it with a side of beans?

Also, I've made many a pie in my day, but it occurred to me that the last time I made a blackberry pie was in the summer between 3rd and 4th grade in my friends kitchen across the street. I remember my mom commenting that my crust was flaky and thinking it was a negative thing.

With blackberry season almost upon us, I'm thinking that I need to use up last summer's blackberries that I have in the freezer and I think a pie is in order.

But I also have an 'event' in a few months and I would like to not have the little bit of extra chub that I've been carrying around when they day rolls around. So pie and fish tacos might not be the thing for me.

But maybe it's not anything that an extra 30 minute walk wouldn't take care of, eh?

UPDATE on the Goodwill dress: I did, indeed, try to take it back but the tag had been labeled over six months ago and could not be looked up. But that's okay. I think I'll wear it. I was up front with the lady and said that I wasn't sure it was returnable, but would like to try and if it wasn't possible then I was happy to keep it. She was friendly and I didn't feel weird about it at all. But I didn't get my skin care.

Me and Dolly have things in common

We both like to sing and play the gee-tar.

We both have rather large you-know-whats. Although mine are a little more tame than hers.

And, since my last audition was a success, I will get to play Truvy Jones in Steel Magnolias... Just like sweet Dolly!

P.S. Dolly's picture was swiped off the internet. Mine is from last month at an open mic at my favorite coffee shop.

This is super cute!!

It made you smile, didn't it?

Say it, don't spray it...

I'm learning to sing Gilbert & Sullivan.

It ain't easy.

It's so fast and so many words and the word order is so different than how we talk. For example, we say, "The blue sky is beautiful". G & S say, "How beautifully blue the sky".

But it's so much FUN! And for some reason it's so much easier to hit the high notes when one is trying to sound like an opera singer.

My dress is being built right now, so I'll be sure to post pictures when it's done.

And now, an ethical question:

Today was 1/2 off dresses at the Goodwill. Found a couple I like. One in particular I like and it fits, and I think that even though my daughter was not crazy about it, I would probably wear it.

Anyway... One of the dresses still has a Macy's tag on it and has the little sticker on it that says "Receipt Free Return". I have a feeling that I could take it back to the department store and be a little richer.

Is that Kosher? It's brand new with the tag on it. I spent five dollars, but suppose I could get a $30. credit at Macy's? I have my eye on some skin care at Clinique and this dress might just pay for it.

I'm just wondering what you think?

My girl and a boy

My girl likes a boy and the boy likes her back. And what does this mean?

It means matching jersey's, of course!

Let's see if this works

Having trouble with pictures lately. Let me try a few!!

A morning in the life of Amy

I tried to do a day in the life, but by about 10:30 I got really busy and then all was lost.

But here is a little collage of my morning.

As you can see, I am thirsty. I make a water for my drive and have a coffee when I get to work.

You see my hand scrounging for change? That is for my daily slurpee because WE HAVE NO AIR CONDITIONING at work. Also, notice the raisinets? This is a secret code from my husband that we will be attending the theat-ah soon. :)

There is me driving. Notice I leave at 7:35 and arrive at work right on the dot.

MMMMMmmmm, coffee.

The leafy drive is my driveway. Pretty, huh?

The bag is my lunch. Only two kinds of salad dressing for me, a bag of lettuce and some frozen patties. No frills.

My desk is messy. I think I will have to work on that tomorrow. I am queen of the stickies.

I will try to do a day in the afternoon sometime soon!

Yuck

Today I noticed that I've become the kind of office worker that never rinses out their coffee cup.

It just gets used and used and used.

I'm very disappointed in myself and vow to make a change.

I will also start turning off the closet light when I am finished getting dressed in the morning.

I think that's enough progress for today.

The news arrived...

I was waiting to see if I got cast in the next show. I hope you didn't think I was pregnant!

I did, but in a way lesser part than I have now. But I think that's okay. The music is way harder and I think it will be a growing and learning experience. I wasn't really right for most of the scripted parts, but I'm happy to be in the chorus.

I'm really aiming for a big role for the show that will be next spring. A whole year away, but all of this practice will pay off, I hope and I will get the part of my dreams next year.

We'll see.

Waiting...

and waiting and waiting. It's so hard.

I keep checking my email for a little piece of news that I'm waiting for and I'm still waiting.

Argh, Matey. It's enough to make me talk like a pirate. Which is better than a sailor.

Because we all know sailors have potty-mouths.

Ukulele's Rock

Love it.

She won, by the way. :)

The show gets reviewed...

So, the review was pretty good. Words like charming and cozy and well-developed are used for the over-all performance of the show. The daughters in general were praised, as well as the song we all sing together. That's all happy.

And then... "Amy A. plays and sings the role of Tzeitel (wait for it) CAPABLY.

Every girls dreams of being called CAPABLE.

Don't get me wrong, the review was good. Other actors were described as able and suitable. So I'm in good company.

But, man. Capable is kind of a let down.

Things I've done this a.m to avoid the BIG PROJECT

Made three trips to the front desk.

Went to help someone else on a database issue.

Bought Orange Juice from the machine

Ate half of my lunch (Currently 9:56)

Set up files and filed (Wow, you know I'm really practicing some avoidance tactics if I'm filing).

Put on my Blistex Lip Tone lip balm. Subtle color with SPF 15.

Looked at one or two blogs. Wrote a really long comment. I don't usually do this at work, but I'm having a little focus issue.

Decided to post here.

Erased my white board

Did the running man while singing the Stayin' Alive. Don't worry, no one saw me.

Examined skin in poorly lit bathroom. Sheesh. I need some better eye cream.

Had two cups of coffee with French Vanilla Creamer - This could explain the running man incident.

Played with the color and font size buttons.

And now, I will sign off and FINISH the BIG PROJECT.

Happy Friday!

Today I...

Got a sheet out of storage, put it on the picnic table and forced everyone in the lunchroom outside to eat their lunch on the most beautiful day of spring (so far).

Finished up a couple of projects at work, which will enable me to finish up a couple more projects tomorrow.

Watched my son play second base, in which he rocked.

At another BK veggie burger, which also rocked.

Listened to my youngest read a speech and helped my middle one polish up some writing.

Admired the callus on the tips of my left hand fingers which are allowing me to make better sounding chords on the guitar.

Wore a really cute skirt.

And that, my friends, pretty much sums it up.

L.M. Sunshine - I want to hear your song.

what I'm loving today

KEXP 90.3 Seattle. Great programming

Capris pants! Springy weather

My guitar

That I discovered my oldest has Tears for Fears and Men in Hats on her ipod. I couldn't be prouder.

Veggie Burgers from Burger King. Who would've thunk?

Baseball season

My hair is finally growing out of that bad cut.

The cha-cha slide. It's awesome.

I can make the girls at work laugh really hard, and that it feels great.

Even though I had some Easter candy, I didn't go crazy insane with it like is my wont to do.

It's Friday!!

Have a great weekend.

In which I find out that I'm not as accepting and loving as I always thought I was...

So, there is this lady at work. Kind of cranky. But I like cranky people, mostly. I find them a challenge and enjoy when I win them over to my side, which is usually all rainbows and candy canes, with only the occasional bad mannered outburst.

But that's beside the point.

Here is the point.

I work in a place where all kinds of people come in. Mostly people come in looking for help of some sort, but others come in just to have a place to sit for awhile, or get out of the cold, or use the phone or whatever.

So there was a man standing against a wall and I really didn't think much of it. All of the sudden he just falls over. BAM!! Big fall.

I call out to the receptionist to call 9-1-1 because I think he's having a seizure.

Cranky lady intercedes and says to put the phone down. He's just drunk.

I feel bad right off, but I just kind of look at him. What do you do with a full grown man sprawled out on the floor? I wasn't real proactive.

Then cranky lady goes over and literally scoops him up and helps him stand up. Me, I'm trying to find a place on his coat to pinch and so I don't have to slip my hands under his pits to get him up off the floor, as well as stay behind him because I just KNOW that he's going to throw up all over me. (He doesn't). But I take a big swallow and follow Cranky's lead and help to get him in a chair. He does not smell good.

Then Cranky goes all soft and reaches out and touches the guys face. Asks if the bruise there was from before of if he got it during this fall. She gives him a gentle lecture about going easy on the drinking and gives him a pat when he apologizes for coming in that way.

It was so, so heart wrenching. Not so much for the man, but to see a different side of Cranky than I ever had before. She was such a blessing for this man, who probably had not been blessed for awhile.

And Cranky blessed me. She is not a woman who I would naturally look to for leadership or inspiration. She is not an easy woman to work with (although she frequently partakes of my rainbows and candy canes), but she was such a good example to me this day.

And I hope that the next time I'm faced with a big chunk of humanity, that I follow her lead and get it right. Do better. Be willing to touch a strangers face.

Today I saw...

Bare legs at work.

Bare chested kid on a bike.

Bare shoulders on the sidewalk.

Bare feet!

And it's 'bare-ly' spring!

Ha. Sometimes I crack myself up.

I'm really not a cat person

My husband thinks our cat is 'entitled'. When she meows for more food, he complains that she thinks more food is her right.

He talks to her about rights versus priveleges. It's quite cute.

So what if she has already had her bowl of food, I say. She can lick the inside of the tuna packet. But he says, no. That would be spoiling her and letting her think she can eat whenever she wants.

But really, she is a lonely cat. We all leave for the day with barely a glance at her over our shoulders. She deserves to be let into the apron drawer every now and again.

She is so much less hassle than the dogs were. (Who are not dead, but live on acreage in the country with people who love them).

Even though she is spoiled the least by my husband, it is he who she snuggles up with during TV watching time.

How is that for grateful?

Have you seen these???

They are not ugly anymore! Where were those black shoes when I was waiting tables, I ask you?

I might just have to wait some more tables just for a reason to get the super cute, non-slip crocs!

And what about those berry colored sandals. I LOVE love, lOvE them. I need them. I want them. I must have them.

And a couple of skirts to match.

Tweet, tweet

I joined twitter a while back, and maybe twittered, twice? three times?

I just didn't get it.

But now that I'm in my little office all day long, I think it might be nice to pick it up and give it another whirl...

Only to discover that Twitter has been blocked at my work because it is considered a social network site. But I know some of you consider it crucial and necessary to your work day.

So, do I ask for it to be unblocked? Should I bring my laptop to work? Can I even get wireless here?

I don't know. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise.

What do you think? Is twitter beneficial to you and your work day or is it just one more distraction?

I have a coffee drinking problem...

I never get to finish a whole cup.

Can you guess which one is the warmish cup?

A clue: It's not the pink one with hearts with the scum around the edge. Gross. I think that one's from Monday.

My daughter comes to visit me on Fridays and cleans my mugs for me. She's a peach.

I can assure you, however, that if there is a cup labeled starbucks there is no way that it will sit with even one drinkable drop left. I pay for those suckers!

...

I worry that my pretty, shiny little blog is shriveling up and dying.

It's been so sporadic, lacking in focus or direction. No pictures, no new knitting or crafting to show you.

Working full time has been good but I miss my long walks and my clean toilets. I never was much of a big meal preparer, but we've had even less sit downs at the table all together. But part of that is the fault of after school sports, so we can't blame it all on the rat race.

So, the blog. I like it. I'm keeping it. I hope that my 'e-friends' will keep popping by even when they know there probably won't be a new post this week.

I pledge to take some pictures and spice things up again, soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Caught in a loop or What is Deja Vu, really?

Do you experience feelings of Deja Vu?

I do, and often. Sometimes in a very creepy way. Like I know I have definitely done something or been somewhere before, even though I know for a fact, that I haven't.

Just today, I was sitting at my computer, looking at a conference website, wondering if I should volunteer, and BAM! I remember myself, sitting at the same computer, wondering if I should be a volunteer, but in the remembering of it, my emotions were all different.

I was pretty happy, sitting here contemplating being a volunteer, but in my 'Deja Vu' I was angrily jabbing at the keys.

My husband thinks that when we have feelings that are very similar to feelings that we have had before is what causes feelings of Deja Vu.

I think that we are caught in some kind of space-time continuum. That God's time is not like our time and that time is stretched out like a piece of string, and sometimes the string touches... or wait. That's not a theory, that's a children's book.

Anyway. My point is... Deja Vu is weird. And I'm wondering what you think about it.

25 Random things, but we'll see how far I get

Well.

I've not been a very good little blogger lately. I have been reading your blogs, though! So that's good.

1. I've fallen in love with a lot of mormon bloggers, especially single mormon gals who sing and dance. I'm not mormon, but I like the mormons.

I have one negative mormon story, though. One of my bridesmaids was mormon. She is totally awesome. However, right after my wedding (and I mean, right after! I was going to the receiving line) she took me aside and told me how sad she was because I had not been married properly and that she was upset that my husband and I would not be together forever after this life. It was kind of a downer.

(I'm actually okay with not being a family forever. I love my husband and I totally lucked out in the kid department but I know there's good things in the hereafter for us).

But other than that, I've got no complaints. Yay, Mormons! (Don't leave me any mean comments - I really like you! and I still really like my bridesmaid, so don't get all offended).

2. My skin is a wreck. I don't know what to do. I think I have a real case of acne. It's not just break outs any more. It's full on zit wars. What should I do? I just bought the zit line of Boots, so I hope that kicks in soon. Proactive did nothing for me.

3. My middle daughter has this habit of always putting her sticker from her McDonalds crispy chicken ranch snack wrap (say that ten times fast) on her shirt. It says something about being a special order. It makes me smile.

4. I was wondering this week if anyone has ever tattooed the good housekeeping seal of approval on their skin. How's that for random?

5. I was told today that we will be hiring someone for me to supervise that will actually get paid more than me but I will be their boss. Supposedly it's a one to two year job, but it will be more of a government position, hence the pay bump. I'm trying to decide if I want to keep my job with future security or apply for this temp job for the increase in salary. I'm 99% sure I'll keep my job, but it stinks, ya know. But as I said, it's really none of my business what anyone else makes.

6. It's Survivor Night! Yay.

7. I told the costumer that I would be losing weight, but as of yet, I haven't made any progress in that area. I hope she sews my costume last.

8. I need to think of something awesome to sell on etsy.

9. Whenever my daughter leaves my company for the company of her peers, I always say... No gin tonight, son. And she says... Ah, pop. And I say... Not one drop. And then we say together... Boys and Girls and Music. Why do they need gin?

10. Bonus number ten. If you tell me where number 9's quote comes from I will send you a little prezzie. Well, the first one who tells me, anyway. It's not that hard.

11. I have become the self appointed ambassador of goodwill and employee morale at work. I had a little valentines challenge. If you sent someone a letter of appreciation, I entered you into a drawing. Lots of people participated and lots of fun was had by all. The prizes were pretty good, too.

12. Have you tried the new liquid flair pens? I think they are my new favorite.

13. Have you seen the new spring skirts from Boden? I want them all.

14. Have you seen the new show "Lie to Me" ? I like it.

15. Last night, on American Idol, the three people that I really wanted to win the round actually made it. I am usually disappointed with these things, but not last night. Very happy.

16. I have been obsessed with McDonald's fries lately. I think I've had them four times this week. I hereby pledge to not have any more McDonald's fries for at least two months.

17. I have not eaten meat, other than the occasional fish sandwhich, which sometimes accompanies my fries, for over a month. I like being meat free, but I am not political or fanatical about it. If I decide I want to eat meat tomorrow, I will and not feel one little bit of guilt about it. I just find that I like the way I feel better without meat coursing through my bod. However, filet o'fishes make me feel totally gross so I will ban those, as well.

18. My 30 day shred has been more sporadic than I care to admit. I did four days in a row and then did some walking on the days since. I will get back on it again. I really do want to do 30 days in a row to see if I get the results that are advertised. I need to think of it as a consumer rights project.

19. Oooh, 19. I am so close!

20. My daughter came home from a friends house where she had lunch. She explained her sandwhich as having cheese, bologna with a sweet and delicious mayonnaise. It was Miracle Whip. Gag.

21. We just got a Christmas card in the mail that was postmarked Dec. 18th. I wonder where it was all this time.

22. I like to take a can of black beans, a diced tomato, a diced onion and a can of corn and mix it all together and eat it on top of a lettuce salad. It is very delicious and has replaced the taco salad that I used to eat almost everyday.

23. If I could, I would eat out every day. For lunch and dinner.

24. Tomorrow is Friday and I am very happy about that. I get to wear jeans to work. I will also clean up my office piles to make Monday a pleasant thing to think about.

25. And for number 25... The first thing that popped into my head was Liz Lemon. I think she has my dream job.

I did it. 25 things. I'm off to use my new skin care regime and maybe I'll pair up the basket of socks while I watch Survivor. TTFN.

Fun Stuff

Jillian Michaels just tried to kill me

Yes, I've jumped on the 30 day shred band wagon.

I've weighed. I've taken my measurements. I've made myself a 30 day calendar.

I'm approaching the next 30 days scientifically. I will healthfully and I will shred everyday.

I'm hoping for the 20 pounds the box says, but I'll be happy with any improvement I get.

There's a lot of jumping jacks, jumping rope and a lot of general jumping. I may have to strap down the girls. I don't want to get a black eye or encourage any more sagging in my chestal region.

I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm tired, people!

That's why there's been so much you tube lately!

I'm fighting a cold and am out of the house from 7:15 am until 9:00 pm on a regular basis. That's just too long of day. A full work day and then a full day of sitting in bleachers. It's just not good for a person.

I'm ready for sports to be over. At least baseball will be outside, with fresh air and sunshine, we hope.

Work is hard, but I'm getting better at it. I'm almost finished with a big batch of end of the year reports and I'm getting better at the big, bad database, so there is light at the end of that tunnel.

I had a hearing test and I need hearing aids! Can you believe that? My family can and they are eager for me to stop saying 'huh?' to them all the time. But have you seen the price of hearing aids? They may have to put up with me holding a little Victorian horn shaped doo-hicky until I come into a large legacy.

Today was positively spring-ish. 56 degrees and sunny. Go look at Boden for a really cute spring skirt. I think I could make it if I tried.

That's it. Thanks for bearing with me. I hope to get some bloggy mojo going soon. At the very least, you can count of me to bring you more amazing you tube discoveries.

Isn't the internet a wonderful place?

This makes me want to do something really creative. I just don't know what quite yet. I'll let you know when I get my epiphany.

Just Because

This week has been a doozy!

1. I laughed at a blind person - Story below.

2. I had to tell an employee to cover up - she was giving us all a show.

3. I had to fire someone. Oh, the humanity. It was so sad, but hopeful, because she will be in a better place for her skills.

4. I have to learn a data base and it's making me feel Stoopid.

5. Someone got mugged in our parking lot.

6. LOST started!!

Okay, so here is my embarrassing story...

I had been having a fairly hysterical day anyway, what with the stress of my job. So I took a little drive in my car and when I returned, there was this woman smoking right under the NO SMOKING ON OUR PROPERTY sign.

It just tickled me for some reason and I burst out laughing. The woman calls out, "What are you laughing at?" And I just told it like it was. "I'm laughing at you!" I said.

She asks why, and I said I find it hilarious when people smoke right there because of the sign.

Then she says, "Well, I wouldn't know. I'm blind."

And then I see the white cane.

She was really good natured and I just said that how was she supposed to know unless I told her, and then I gave her this sort of awkward sideways hug that she leaned into and then it was over.

I went inside and had a little wallow in my embarrassment and now I am telling you.

It's actually pretty funny. I hope.

I love you!

Go ahead and shake your boo-tay! You know you want to.

Only in community theater...

...will a mother and daughter play sisters.

Yep, me and my youngest are the youngest and eldest daughter of Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof. My other daughters have parts, too. I'm excited to get to share a theater experience with all of my girls.

A few things I should tell you

My mother in law found $100 bill in a snow bank on the side of the road a week after Christmas.

She gave it to us and we put it in the checking account.

Pretty cool, eh?

My job is very stressful this month. For the first time I am doing end of the year, and quarterly reports and there are lots of them. I am nervous about them and sometimes I sit and look at a question for a really long time and kind of zone out. It's probably taking four times as long as it needs to take.

Part of my job is pestering other people about giving me the things I need to do my job. I do not like to pester, confront, bother, interrupt, or otherwise interfere with other people. This whole asking people for things is a challenge for me. I am comfortable asking other people for help, though.

My son scored 13 points in his basketball game yesterday. He is absolutely blooming into this confident, awesome person. I love it. He is also getting peach fuzz, so I rub his face whenever I can so I will remember the smoothness of it when he is a stubbly-faced man. He just takes it, which is another thing I love about him.

I was invited to lunch with some ladies at work and I feel more at home there now. It's nice to make some friends.

My husband is awesome. He keeps cleaning the kitchen after I go to bed and it's so nice to wake up to an empty sink.

The minute Christmas is over, I am ready for spring. Even though I know that there is really a full season of winter to come.

I have knitted a whole lot of wrist warmers this season, but I haven't posted any pictures! I need to do that. I keep giving them away before I get the camera out.

That's about it. My life is full of work and basketball games and family stuff.

Here is a quote I will leave you with today that I like:

Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the common place, the slaves of the ordinary. - Cecil Beaton

Look, she made the paper!

I love it. It's HUGE on the front page of the sports section. Look at that concentration! I love to see my little gal go up against the six footers.

The other girl actually stayed at our house this weekend. She's on a traveling team from Australia and we hosted her and another girl overnight. We took them to Red Robin. That's about as all-American as you can get. They were pizza-ed out.

Australian accents are so different than the movie accents we hear from Hugh and Nicole. (Yes, I call them by their first names, we're that tight. After all, I do help fund their careers). Much more slangy and the words cut off way earlier. Takes a little getting used to, but very pretty.

I fixed tea, toast and eggs for breakfast and off they went. It was a quick visit and it was fun to learn a little about another culture.