To interrupt this holiday break...

Ok, so I can't stay away.


Munchkin is sitting in the tub, singing at the top of her lungs about her Snow White bubble bath that she got for Christmas. The cats are vying for their turn atop the Christmas boxes that are all filled and waiting to be carried upstairs but are, for the time being, sitting in between the kitchen and my bedroom. I am sitting in my dark bedroom, at the computer, knowing that I'm further exacerbating my increasingly poor eyesight and I should turn on a light. Sounds like a lively Saturday night in Crazyville, huh?


Oh, she's done in the bath....Be back in a bit....












[insert elevator music]










Ok, I'm back. The great reorganization is complete. In addition to the advent wreath, the putting up and the taking down of decorations, the reading of The Night Before Christmas and all of our other holiday traditions, I have learned to anticipate a great reorganization within a week after Christmas. Munchkin, you see, makes out like a bandit every Christmas and, therefore requires more space to store her beloved toys. Because I stubbornly refuse to give over my already cramped living room to the Disney Princesses, a little creative storage and decorating is required. So, we inventory every barbie shoe, every bangle and every Care Bear for "downstairs worthiness." If a suitable home can be found, the item can stay. If, however, it is one of the trillion or so plastic eggs still cluttering up Munchkin's room from Easter, or some other mostly ignored toy - upstairs it goes. (And then, in the spring, we have a garage sale.)


Whew. Luckily, this time it wasn't such an onerous task, as we just did one after Munchkin came home from her dad's. She is now happily playing with her barbie castle and one of the cast of thousand barbies that she has. Thankfully, she didn't get any of THOSE from Santa.


Being that it's almost 2007, I've been thinking about making my resolutions. Knowing full well that I'll either 1. forget I made them and, therefore, utterly fail to carry through on them or 2. make them so unrealistic as to require some sort of divine intervention to get them done, I'm keeping things real. Here are some ideas that I'm throwing around:

1. paint the living room
2. start saving money (like grownups are supposed to do)
3. find a mentor-type person to help me wait out J's deployment.
4. get that @#$% flowerbed in the back yard cleaned out
5. tear the carpet out of the upstairs loft
6. paint the kitchen


This list is made up of lots of home improvement, it appears. *grin* I might actually get these things done.. I'll let you know what I come up with on Monday.


Church tomorrow and we're back from a week off from Sunday School. Funny, isn't it? A few months ago, I was complaining about teaching 20-month olds. Now, I go two weeks without seeing them and I miss them. *shrug*


Night, y'all. I'm off to wrangle Munchkin into bed.

Emerging from the Wrapping Paper

It's OVER! The packages have all been liberated from their gift wrap, the toys have all been broken in and the mommy needs a nap.

Six loads of dishes and laundry later, I'm ready to take down the decorations. Tradition demands the tree stay up until after the first of the year. So, Monday it is. *grin*

It was a great Christmas. I'm SO glad it's over, but it was great.

And now, I'm going to bed. Until next Thanksgiving. I'm going to take a couple of days off but I'll be back next week. Until then, happy New Year!



ps. J is in the Middle East. As far as anybody will tell us, it's going to be July 2008 before he's home. So, the waiting begins. *sigh*

From All of Us...

Silent Night

Holy Night

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon virgin, mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

From all of us here in Crazyville, Merry Christmas. God bless you.

fridaynightgirl

A Time and Place for Everything

It occurs to me that there are people in this world so wrapped up with themselves that they will use anything or anybody to get what they want. There is no such thing for these people as a selfless love; they are unable to give that freely of themselves because they are slaves to their own malcontent.

So hung up on making sure everybody else "does the right thing" they inexplicably miss the fact that they so egregiously overlook good decisions in their own life. They go on the warpath when they perceive some slight against them, with no thought to their own offences against others. Content with pointing fingers instead of fixing themselves, they are a trial to every human being in their world. They draw in others for the sole purpose of borrowing from their resources, rather than find their own. They suck the life out of those around them, they belittle and demean those with more strength, more character and more life because they themselves are a very small person of strength and character.

I am a survivor of such an attack. I look in the mirror today and see the battle scars but I also see a restoration of spirit only possible through the grace of God.

Tonight, when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I will remember that He came not only that I might live an abundant life through His saving grace, but also that those miserable souls that inhabit this world in a haze of unhappiness, sorrow, regret and anger might also be saved.

Finished....FINALLY!!

The last of my Christmas shopping is done! I made one last little purchase today and I'm done!! WHEE!!

Munchkin is tucked in bed for her afternoon nap and I'm going to play a little playstation.

I have this fantasy about J showing up on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I'm pretty sure it's just that but I don't want to pester him about it, just in case. I know my brother talks about his wife (the one that is my carbon copy) and how she always ruins his "best" surprises because she needs to know all of the details. Lord, that sounds familiar. *grin*

Anyway, day before yesterday, Mom and I went to town for the day. We saw the Nativity Story. OH MY GOODNESS, it was WONDERFUL. IF you haven't seen it, please do - it is the most magnificent representation of the Christmas story I've ever seen. The level of detail the filmmakers included was marvelous. The dialogue is straight out of Luke's Gospel. Simply beautiful. Many came out of the theatre a little quieter and certainly more in the true spirit of the season. I said to one red-eyed woman, "now we can have Christmas."

Also while we were in the mall, we walked through Macy's as I was still searching for the "perfect" gift for J. I suggested some warm pajama pants but, thinking aloud, mentioned that I thought that might be interpreted by some to be inappropriate. Mother just looked at me and, in a move straight out of Star Wars said, "these are not the drawers you're looking for." Thank you, Obi-wan Kenobi. *gigglesnort*

So, we are just relaxing today - building up our strength for tomorrow.

ugh...finally

When the big day arrives and you are too tired to care...that's me. *grin* Actually, I'm so excited about today being the last day of work for 2006 that I can hardly see straight.

I still have enough to do that I'll have to come in at least one day during the break to finish it all up. Oh well. I'll be in jeans or, better yet, my wind pants and tennis shoes. YES!

Tomorrow, I'm taking Munchkin to school and then going home and getting back into bed. *evil laugh* I LOVE IT! Actually, who am I kidding? I'll have been up and dressed and outside already. I'll probably end up on the couch getting in my dose of Ratchet & Clank for the day. I just love that game.

Anyhoo. I can't really say that I won't be working as I have a postcard to put together and a little work on the website to do over the holiday. But, for the most part, I'm finished. *whew*

Work on memorizing lines for the show is coming along. It's rather remarkable, actually. I found memorizing the lines for King & I terribly tedious and difficult as it was an exercise in certain futility. Paige was no more going to be sick or otherwise out of commission during that show. I was simply there as insurance. It was a great opportunity to learn the workings of the show, don't get me wrong but still.... The difference, though, between learning lines in that script versus this one is amazing! I'm hearing the scenes in my head and am remembering more and more in between readings - I'm hardly even trying and the lines seem to just stick! *grin*

Well, I'm going to try and put the postcard together in the couple of hours I have left at work. *sigh*

oh, great god, be small enough to hear me now ther...

oh, great god, be small enough to hear me now
there were times when i was crying
from the dark of daniel's den
and i have asked you once or twice
if you would part the sea again
but tonight i do not need a fiery pillar in the sky
just wanna know you're gonna hold me if i start to cry
oh, great god, be small enough to hear me now

oh, great god, be close enough to feel you now
there have been moments when i could not
face goliath on my own
and how could i forget we've marched around
our share of jerichos
but i will not be setting out a fleece for you tonight
just wanna know that everything will be alright
oh great god, be close enough to feel you now
all praise and all honor be
to the god of ancient mysteries
whose every sign and wonder turn the pages of our history
but tonight my heart is heavy
and i cannot keep from whispering this prayer "are you there?"

and i know you could leave writing on the wall
thats just for me
or send wisdom while i'm sleeping,
like in soloman's sweet dreams
but i don't need the strength of samson
or a chariot in the end
just want to know that you still know how many hairs
are on my head
oh great god, be small enough to hear me now

"Small Enough" - Nichole Nordeman

Two More Days!

I only have to survive Tuesday and Wednesday and then are CLOSED for the holidays. WHOO HOO!!!

Still no word from J since last week. You can't see it but I'm pacing. God has these patience lessons planned in spades, apparently. I trust he is safe and sound and will be home any day now.

I really should take up yoga. Or some other mind-altering drug. Then I wouldn't mind it so much. Of course, then I'd be a skitzo but that's going to happen anyway if I don't hear from him soon. *grin*



We did almost nothing on Saturday and it was very nice. After the rush of the past two weeks it was great to have a day to relax and spend with Munchkin.

And play Playstation. My. Turn. Finally. *giggle*

Sunday was the blessed Open House. It was a smash success much to the credit to our new friends. They did a great job getting the acts and making personal invitations. We estimate that there were around 300 in attendance which is pretty darn great for a Sunday afternoon event the weekend before Christmas.

I have a list of about 230 things that have to be done before we close so I'm going to sign off and get ready for bed. Goodnight, friends.

Finally Friday

So, after a week that has lasted a month, it is finally Friday. It has been exciting, tedious and filled with both exhilarating adventures and dreadful tasks completed only out of an overblown sense of duty. I finally got the floors clean at the house, rearranged my office at work, narrowed down my Christmas shopping to just the Munchkin and J and became resolutely convinced that I probably won't get my Christmas cards out on time. Again.

I am never going to try and make them again. My list is too big, my time is too short and my patience and imagination are limited. Let's just leave the cardmaking to my Godmother and Sweetpea. I'm just writing this off as a fairly expensive little learning experience. *sigh*

Rehearsals are on their way. Everywhere I go, I am told that the Director is "giddy" about the cast and how excited everyone is to see the show. Not bad for a mid-season musical that not very many people have heard of - even though they know the story (You've got Mail). I'm thrilled. This Director puts on wonderful shows so I know it'll be oodles of fun.

I'm hungry. Oh my! It's already 1pm! WHOO HOO! That means this week is OVER in 3.5 hours. YEE HAW!

*smoothing hair* That was dignified.

Have You Ever Noticed?

That food at company Christmas parties is all the same? Every party I've been to this season (so far) has very similar items on the menu. No offense, because they are all tasty, but enough is enough! If I eat one more Southwest eggroll before New Year's I think I'm going to die.

No rehearsal tonight but I do have rehearsal tomorrow night. Yippee! I'm looking forward to seeing everybody again. I don't want to take two weeks off for Christmas. I want to play NOW! *grin*

I'm going to take those two weeks and memorize all of my lines.

Oh, I heard from J. He said he is alive but wouldn't commit to being safe. *frown* The natural worrier in me is worried about him. He made me laugh, though, because he said that all the men I see while working had better keep their hands to themselves. *giggle* I like that he's jealous. Not that he has any reason to be - I'm a true blue girl. Besides, trying to juggle is more complicated than my little heart can deal with.

*YAWN* I am beat. Christmas partying is hard work. All that glad-handing.

Tomorrow is FRIDAY.

Spin Cycle

Did I mention that my washing machine died? Yep. And, naturally, it was when I was already pushing it in the clean clothes department. So, it's a week later and STILL Dad hasn't come over to look at it. Now I'm in trouble because I'm down to tshirts and pajama pants. Yeah, I don't think my Exec. Director would think that was a good decision.

In a move right out of college, I bundled up every piece of clothing I own (practically) and drove our happy butts down to the laundromat. Two hours and $17 later, ALL of our clothes, towels, sheets and blankets are clean. *sigh*

The good news is I think Santa is going to bring us a new (kind of) washing machine before Christmas - make a special delivery - just for us. The better news is that all of the clothes are clean so I don't mind if it takes a few more days. *grin*

I'm exhausted. Wish me luck tomorrow. If I survive eight meetings before noon, I'll update after lunch.

zzzzzzzzz... *yawn* g'night.

A Great Place For Coffee

A very good friend of mine (we'll call him Everyday Joe) has started a blog and I hope you'll all go by and visit. He is a dear friend of mine - he's put up with my Craziness for 15 years and still loves me. (and he isn't even related!)

So, stop by the Corner Cafe and visit Joe. He makes omelettes to DIE for.. *wink*

Only Funny since 2002

I ran across this article this morning and thought I'd share.

The first time I ever saw it, I didn't believe that the kid who stuck his tongue on the flag pole was really stuck. Much to my chagrin, it was. You see, I went into the kitchen that night, after the house was quiet and tried my little experiment on the freezer door where the ice cube trays sat. Of course it stuck. Fortunately, I learned that lesson without too much bloodshed. And, to date, you (my dear blogger friends) are one of the first people I've ever told that story to. Don't you feel special? Ah, youth.

I never liked this movie until I became a parent. It would come on every Christmas and I would immediately change the channel. Partly because of the freezer door incident but also, I think, because I just didn't get it. From a child's standpoint, I'd never asked for anything as stupid as a BB gun (leave that to my brother) and I probably would have thought bunny pj's were pretty cute - hey, I am a girl! I certainly didn't understand why his father would put that awful lamp in the window and why those Elves at the department store were so mean. I just didn't get it.

Until I became a parent. Suddenly, this movie became the funniest movie EVER. The transformation is really quite unexplainable. But I love this movie. I can't wait to watch it. In fact, I may watch it tonight. In between updating a blog template. *grin*

I think I've recovered from my sore stomach so I am headed to French Quarter for lunch. Yum.

Whew!

Tonight was my first music rehearsal and boy am I beat! I had forgotten how exhausting singing two hours straight is! Now, I know I was in King and I over the summer but that was different. I wasn't a principal and, therefore, had very little actual singing (I don't think Getting to Know You counts). But Amalia's is the singer role and all of her songs are pretty strenuous, both vocally and dramatically. But, they so much fun! (you can't see it but I'm still kind of doing a happy dance.)

Because I have already learned the music (thanks to a very well-listened-to CD) we began digging in to Amalia's character tonight! WOW! This character hits me so close that it is almost painful. When I have to reveal the innermost vulnerabilities of this girl that, on the surface has it pretty much all together, it kind of pokes me in the eye. It's awesome.

Anyway, I know this is a short update but I'm totally beat. I think I'll put in Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and work on going to sleep.

Re-arranging My Office ... Again

Yes, I know I just rearranged things in here a few months ago. So?

Actually, I think I'm going to like this new arrangement once I get over giving up all of the open space that I had with the previous arrangement.

The downside to the previous arrangement was that I was turned so that most of my back was to the door. For someone that is very easily startled (I hyperfocus on the object of my concentration), this was a recipe for disaster. So, to combat this, I angled my computer so that I would only be partially turned and could see incoming traffic in my peripheral vision. Well, this created a strain in my right shoulder that has begun throbbing all day - even when I'm not at work. Knowing my pre-disposition to stress fractures, joint problems and repetitive motion injuries, I knew that I HAD to rearrange things before I hurt myself.

So, giving up all of my lovely open space, I turned my desk around. It's not too bad. Very..um, cozy, but still room for a visitor to sit down and, well, visit.

I have a big meeting tomorrow and a presentation on Wednesday so I'd better get back to work. Later, gators!

All the Details You Didn't Need to Know

Friday night we sat around and did nothing. It was fabulous. Saturday we did a little more nothing. Mom and I went out and dropped off a gift at a bridal shower but didn't stay. Her mother called me a couple of weeks ago and said she saw me on television and tracked me down through Mother (her phone number will never change). I haven't seen this friend since college and, even then, it was only in passing. When she and I were at Sam Houston, I was already well into my wild phase and she was an RA (I'm never sure whether to use "a" or "an" there) so we ran in different circles. But we were great friends in high school. 100 years ago. (ok, so it was *gulp* 14 years ago but who's counting?)

Saturday night was awful. I started feeling bad before bed and tossed and turned with a terrible stomach ache all night. I kept thinking, "if I could just throw up, I'd feel better." You know you are sick when you are hoping to throw up. YUCK. Well, I got my wish on Sunday morning. Great. So, I stayed in bed pretty much all day. That means that I missed taking Munchkin to The Nutcracker. Her Nana and K took her. Bummer. They said she was enthralled. I'm sorry I missed it but am glad she got to go.

Yesterday evening was the big banner program/Christmas pageant at church. Well, it's finally over. *grin* Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful and, after it all, I'm glad I was able to take part but I am GLAD it's OVER.

Last night was the first walkthrough for She Loves Me. That was SO fun! Well, it started on a humorous, if a little embarrasing, note. See, apparently, rehearsal began at 6pm. Well, so did the church program. Somewhere, in my brain, I had that it began at 7 (regular start time) so I didn't even bat an eyelash when they announced the readthrough on Sunday. At 6:40, I left the church to head to rehearsal when I noticed a missed call on my cell. It was the vocal director calling to "remind" me that "we started at 6." EEK!! I think I made it to Temple College in about six minutes (normally a 12 minute drive). As I come running in the room, the cast begins laughing because I arrived right on cue for my first entrance. In that scene, Amalia is trying to get a job. She's scatterbrained, flustered and more than a little nervous. It was perfect! I just told the Director that this just proved he type cast me because I seem to run a little late for everything I do! (more laughing ensued)

The run-through was terrific. The cast is really solid vocally and you could see the characters already beginning to click with each other. I am super excited (can you tell?).

I feel fine today but I think I'm going to leave the food one more day. I did try a cup of coffee this morning but was too scared to drink it. I think I'll make some tea in a bit.

Well, y'all have a loverly day. Later, gators.

Christmas Meme

This is from Don't Try This At Home - if you've not visited this blog, YOU SHOULD. It's a definite winner. fridaynightgirl gives it 2 thumbs up (like anybody cares).

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
Hot Chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa is quite the showman because he sets the gifts out, all assembled and ready to be played with on Christmas morning.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White. There is a house up the street that has red lights. They do kind of a Texas Christmas theme but, still y'all, it looks like a house of ill-repute. I laugh every time I go by it.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
yeppers. everybody needs more kissing. I think the world would be a nicer place if we all kissed more.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
It is a holiday tradition to start pulling boxes down after Thanksgiving lunch. We decorate the day after Thanksgiving. I have confessed, however, that we decorated early this year. That's not going to happen again, though... I promise.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
My mother's dressing. It's unlike any I've ever tasted. I could eat an entire meal of JUST dressing. Yum. Part of the fun of the dish is that we all stand around in the kitchen and make it together.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child:
One year, Santa brought me a keyboard. It had some preset tunes on it. The volume was set all the way up and one of these tunes played on a loop until my brother and I woke up and staggered down the hall. Then, in a scene similar to 2001, we stood around this black monolith (keyboard) wondering 1. what it was (I told you we were just waking up) and 2. how to turn it OFF. *giggle* I can still hear that tune, 20 years later, in my head. Sometimes, when I go by a keyboard, I'll test out the presets just to see if I can find that tune again. I would SO buy it.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
What, that he doesn't wear that red coat the rest of the year? What are you talking about?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, we open the family gifts on Christmas Eve, after church. Christmas Morning is all Santa's show.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
This year, I have enough family ornaments that I didn't have to put any of what I call the stock ornaments (glass balls). Our tree is something out of Country Sampler - decorated with ribbon, red berries (K, that's the best idea we've ever had!) and (mostly) homemade ornaments.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Well, living in Central Texas, we don't see much snow EVER but the pictures are very nice. Now, I can't see myself living somewhere that I'd have to deal with accumulated snow - I have seen it after it's been there a while. Yuck.

12. Can you ice skate?
No. And I'm not at all bitter about it. *pout*

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
Well, even though the delivery wasn't until September of 2002, God gave us Munchkin on Christmas Eve, 2001. That was a pretty great gift.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Celebrating the birth of Christ

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
chocolate pie

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Lighting the Advent Wreath. Even though we attend a baptist church, it is such a wonderful way to keep the focus on Christ's birth throughout the season. We are going to do a Jesse Tree next year, I think.

17. What tops your tree?
An angel. She used to move her arms but she stopped doing that a few years ago. She still lights up, though, so we've kept her.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving?
Oh definitely giving. The thrill of the hunt for that perfect gift is only surpassed by the joy of giving it and seeing the excitement over the gift.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
O Holy Night, O Come O Come Emmanuel, For Unto Us a Child is Born (Messiah), Santa Baby (Ertha Kitt singing), Silent Night... Should I continue? (I like Christmas music)

21. Favorite Christmas movie? Santa Claus is Coming to Town, A Christmas Movie (surprisingly enough, I never "got" this movie until I became a parent. Now, I roll around on the floor with laughter. I can so see putting on a jester hat to jeer at my kid "You'll shoot your eye out!" I'm kidding. Maybe.)

22. What do you leave for Santa? Cookies and Milk.

Total Drivel

Feeling a bit touchy about touchy-feeley today, apparently.

This was in my MySpace bulletins this morning. (yes, I am completely hooked now) I've added my commentary to each of these points. What does this say about me? Hmmm...something to ponder. *grin* either way, I thought you might like this.

21 ways to keep a girl

1.DON'T FORCE HER TO DO ANYTHING.[Oh, I don't know. Sometimes it's nice to know that somebody has a stronger will than I do.]

2. Grab her hand when you walk next to each other.[Holding hands is terrific - I'll give 'em that much.]

3. When standing, wrap your arms around her.[Depends on the situation. In a private, home setting, sure - but we're not teenagers. Let's keep things dignified for the most part when we're in public, ok?]

4. Cuddle with her.[Again, all fine and good unless I'm trying to get things done or I'm working or I'm asleep.]

5. Hug her from behind[I love hugs - just don't be surprised if you scare me - it's easy to sneak up on me.]

6. Write little notes.[It's nice to know that you are thinking about me, that's true.]

7. Compliment her Honestly.[No girl likes a liar and no girl likes a person who lies about it when you compliment her] - Ah, now that is true but a man who compliments ALL the time makes a girl vain. Save your best compliments to surprise her. Then you'll get the most bang for your buck -- literally. *wink*

8. When you hug her, hold her in your arms as long as possible.[Negative. Loving me means loving my almost constant motion. Being held too long is a sure way to suffocate me. The ONLY exception to this is when you KNOW I've had a rough day and could use the physical reassurance of your presence.]

9. Be super sweet to her. = ) (All girls like a super sweet guy)[Not all girls. When someone is super sweet to me, I begin to wonder why. I would rather have someone be honest with me, even when it is sometimes not so sweet.]

10. Call her at night to wish her sweet dreams.[I'd have to say that's a no. Send me a text message or IM. - some nights I go to bed at 1am and some nights it's 8:30pm. Because I'm a mother, I am a fairly alert sleeper (most of the time) and a phone ring at 10pm if I'm already asleep will just wake me up very very cranky. Not a pretty voice on the other end of your sweet wishes, I promise.]

11. Comfort her when she cries.[Ask if there is anything you can do to help. If I say no, leave me alone. Sometimes I just have to get it out. I also cry when I'm really REALLY angry so just tread lightly.]

12.Wipe away her tears[see above. If I'm angry, touching me in general is dangerous. Putting your hand that close to my face is likely to get your fingers bitten off. *giggle*]

13. Love her with all your heart.[If you are truly the man I'm seeking, then you love the Lord with all your heart. I'll fall into the right place and I don't need all your heart anyway. Save some of it for your parents, your siblings and any children that we might have.]

14. Pick her up and flirt with her (she'll scream and say put me down but really she loves it).[NEGATIVE. I don't like being picked up.]

15. Be a gentleman (hold the door for her).[It's so sad that we have to say this. It is true. But don't be a jerk about it, either. If I get there before you or you have something in your hands, I'm just as likely to grab the door for you. A true gentleman is one who is also gracious.]

16. DON'T let your friends talk trash about her, it'll get back 2 her[No girl likes to be talked about. Be a stand-up guy and stick up for your girl. Having said that, I'm always interested in feedback and I have been known to get in a snit about something or other and stay bent out of shape longer than is necessary. Stick up for me but then, if they have a point, tell me about it (in private) and let me fix it.]

17. Take her for a long walk at night![Negative. Let's go for a drive.]

18. When it's cold outside hold her close[Ooh, this is a good one. I like this.]

19. Draw on or rub her back as she is trying to rest or sleep[Negative. Once I am seriously trying to sleep, I don't really like to be messed with. Now, an arm draped around me is great but if you are going to complain about how much I move around, get out of my side of the bed. And, for goodness sakes, don't DRAW on me or rub on my back. MAYBE EVER.]

20. Most importantly be yourself don't be fake, if its a true kind of love she'll love you for you not for what you have of the type or material items you can give. [Well, it's not about gifts, if that's what this is referring to. BUT, true love doesn't keep the lights on and you'd better be financially holding up your end of the bargain or it doesn't really matter how much love you have to give. Want my love? Be dependable. Dropping the ball and letting me struggle to carry the weight of full responsibility for the family pisses me off (excuse the coarseness). Having said that, yes, be real. Don't pretend to be something you aren't, feel something you don't or do something you can't or won't. You may not be the hero lover of the day but I guarantee you I'll respect you for being honest. End of lecture]

21. Kiss her on the forehead , it makes her feel like a princess. :)[Oh, this is good. I like this one.]

Like I said, a total drivel post, but it's still pretty funny. Some might say it's the closest thing to really spelling out "the Rules of fridaynightgirl" I've ever done. *shrug* Happy Friday!!

We are doing NOTHING tonight. NO-THING. I am so excited. It will be the first night in a week that I've not had some other activity or something at night and I can actually just go home and relax. I miss J and wish I could say I'll get to see him this weekend but I haven't even talked to him in a week so I'm not holding my breath.

Finally 5:00

This has been the longest day in the history of work. Seriously.

This has been the longest week in the history of the world. No Kidding.

Is it time to close for Christmas yet? I'm as bad as a little kid. Ya know?

Thump

I have these cute little signs in our front lobby, advertising this weekend's production of The Nutcracker. I have Nutcracker posters, flyers, email blasts and newsletter inserts all over the place. Naturally, it's the most visible pieces (the lobby signs) that have an error. UGH. The show starts at 2, not 2:30. Details. Details. Everything else is right but those two idiotic signs.

There are some days that I just want to thump myself.

Is it afternoon yet? Better yet, is it Sunday yet?

Munchkin has her little choir program tonight, at church. It should be totally adorable.

I'm taking Munchkin to see the Nutcracker this weekend, at work. (have I mentioned I love my job?) She is really excited about seeing a ballet and is already talking about wanting to take ballet classes. Maybe I'll get a raise next year and she can start them next fall. Ballet Classes. Tomorrow it will be driving lessons. She is growing up so fast! *sigh*

Y'all have a happy day!

Casting Call

Here I was, standing at Business After Hours and my phone rings. It's Him! "Are you still interesting in playing the part of Amalia?"

So, I'm jumping up and down in the lobby of the Convention Center because I've just been given the news that I got the female lead in the musical!!! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited!!

The Director said that the walkthrough has been moved to Sunday night but that I could pick up my script tomorrow afternoon, if I wanted. I told him that I'd see him tomorrow afternoon then. He just laughed and said, "I kind of thought I might." *big dumb grin*

I'm beat. I'm going to bed. Night, kids. I'll keep you posted on the progress. la la la la la

It's a Purse!

In response to this post over at the Laundry Pile, here is a picture of my purse.

I'd like to think it's pretty organized for such a cavernous bag. I'd get that job for sure! Thanks, Heth - that was a fun little distraction.

A REALLY Productive Day

Today, in anticipation of the casting call, I am having a hard time focusing on WORK. So, because I don't have anything else to do (um, NOT), here are a few of the funniest things I've found online today:

1. This is quite possibly the funniest thing I have seen in a while. Maybe ever. Even funnier than dance move #2 on the Kandoo Wipes CD.

These are the most miserable lookin' kids I have EVER seen. *gigglesnort* You would think, at this point, their mother would have said, "ok. this isn't going to happen. We are going to go get some lunch and then try again another day." But, NO. Let's try one more.

2. And for you myspace users, here's the best rendition of "O Holy Night" I've ever heard. I was literally CRYING I was laughing so hard. This guy sounds like he's been crying. Surely he's doing it on purpose. That, or he's so tone-deaf that he can't hear how bad he sounds. Either way, it's just good internet.

Anyway, that's all for now. I'm sure there will be more. It's going to be that kind of day. *giggle*

Another Update

Night 2 of auditions. There were more people there (thankfully) but I still feel pretty good about my chances. Made a new friend. He was there to audition and he did great. I'm excited to see if we are cast. That would be fun. If nothing else, I've found a new friend with whom I can talk about Harry Potter.

The Director seems pretty sure that he'll make calls on the cast tomorrow but no later than Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed. I'll update as soon as I know something.

Audition Update

Last night was the first night of auditions for She Loves Me. The turnout was smaller than I imagined it would be. Maybe they are all waiting for tonight. Needless to say, I'll be there again tonight. One, because I'm curious as to who else is coming and, two, because I want to read again.

The audition went well. I sang pretty well and, although it wasn't my best audition ever, I still feel good about it. The only hitch on the song was that the lady that played the piano played the song at about 1/2 tempo. It was WAY too slow and it kind of took the sparkle out of it. Plus, it made the finale almost impossible to do correctly so it came out a little crackly (dang allergies). Oh well. I could critique my singing all night but the vocal director and the director were smiling when I finished so I guess that means it was ok.

Reading went really well. One of the two scenes I read I had already pegged to be in the audition, when I scanned the script beforehand. It tickled me that I got to read that scene too, because Amalia goes from being snippy and downright mean to terribly disappointed when she realizes that she's being stood up. It's a great range of emotions.

Movement was a breeze. This show isn't dance heavy anyway (thank God) so she just had us do some simple steps and then put them all together. She said she was looking for cooperative people. I can learn anything but dancing on the spot makes me nervous and I tend to trip over my own feet.

The first read-through is Wednesday, so I should know something tomorrow (hopefully). I think I can wait. *grin* I guess I have J to thank for this new level of patience. Waiting on him all the time has expanded my horizons. Ah, growth.

Funniest Thing I've Ever Seen

This was inside the package of Kandoo Wipes. Munchkin has pretty much got the potty thing mastered, but still needs a little help in certain areas. (if you take my meaning). Kandoo understands this and has come up with five dance moves to help kids get down all the steps. *giggle* This is SERIOUSLY brilliant. Who comes up with this stuff? I'm totally digging move #2. *gigglesnort*


Awesome.


Today we, as a family, went to Lord Acre at my grandfather's church, First Methodist in Nolanville. Nolanville is this LITTLE bitty town just west of my hometown. It's kind of a family tradition, stretching back as far as my memory goes and, I'm sure, well back into even my grandparent's younger days (they have both gone home to Heaven). Lord's Acre is their annual Bazaar. $5 buys a bowl of chili and a piece of pie. They sell homemade crafts and food. It's not big, it's not fancy, but it's a part of my childhood. I only recognized a few of the members; many of them have joined my grandparents in Heaven. But, as long as any of them are still alive, I'll go. And, at least for a while, I'll give my daughter a little peek into the past.


Went grocery shopping for the first time in a long time this morning. . Oh don't get me wrong, we go to the store at least once a week for the necessities but we've been eating a LOT of takeout and, in this area, that gets SO old. So, I made a menu and started my list.


I cleaned the house today. Well, now that Munchkin is in bed, I can do the floors and the bathroom. So, tonight, before I go to bed the house will be totally clean. I've kind of let that go too. Come to think of it, I've really kind of neglected my REAL job, taking care of the house and kiddo. *sigh* If only I could clone myself - then maybe I could get everything done.


Well, the floors are calling my name, saying, "Please, save us from this filth." *grin*

BBBBRRRRRRRR!!!!

I am always amazed when the end of November rolls around and Texas finally realizes that it's not supposed to be 80 degrees out. Overnight, the temperature drops 50 degrees and the next morning you wake up to sleet on your car. AWESOME!

I'm listening to Perry Como sing the Latin text to O Come All Ye Faithful. It's actually kind of funny. Anybody that went through TMEA in 1994 remembers the voice on the TMEA accompaniment tapes and the pronunciation of the Agnus Dei, Kyrie, and other movements from Mozart's Requiem. It was awful (but hilarious).

I wonder if J is back yet from San Antonio. I hope he makes it back tonight. It's hard to believe I miss him already, since I just saw him on Monday. Oh, speaking of, he told me that he is being deployed to Kuwait in February and, from there, he'll go to Iraq for a year. *GULP* I'm not really ready to think about all of that at this moment and I don't really have to for a while. But I know that I've stopped denying to myself or anyone else (for that matter) that this guy is anything but the greatest thing since sliced bread to me. For the record, I'm in love. (DUH)

Ok, I'm going back to work. Now if I can only defrost my fingers... Time to turn on the heater!!

Ah, the joys of Public Life

Not that I'm a politician or anything, but I do have to watch what comes out of my mouth or, in the case of a blog, out of my fingers.

I had a scathing post all ready to go about my day at work. Today was a simple day. We decorated for Christmas. "How," you may ask yourself, "could that deserve anything deemed scathing?" Well, it's very simple. I, and one of my co-workers, have a VERY different opinion about how an arts center should be decorated for the holidays. And that is as far as I'm going to go. Otherwise, I might as well post the entire rant and then deal with the possible PR fallout if any one of our members or staff or board or well, you get the picture, wanders over to here. No thank you.

Anyway, suffice it to say that I would really love nothing more than to be at home, in front of my pretty tree.

And They Danced

Saturday night, I had Mom & Dad over for a little holiday socializing. Mom is a regular fixture at the house, but Dad is more formal and isn't as comfortable just "hanging out," preferring an actual invitation. So, bearing that in mind, I invited them over for music, food and a movie. I pulled out all the stops, setting the table with a pretty Christmas tablecloth, using all of the holiday dishes to serve little snacks. Mom discovered a really yummy hickory smoked cheese ball, coated in sliced almonds - YUM!!

We sat and ate and visited - it was so fun...

Then, I put on my vintage CD and my dad just lit up. He really loves Big Band, you see. It was fun watching him smile and hum along with the tunes. When the last song came around, "It's Been a Long, Long Time" by the Harry James Orchestra, I slyly suggested to Mother that she and Dad should dance. You should have seen the look on his face. And then, they danced. It was so sweet. Sweet doesn't even begin to grasp the scope of the emotion. I left them to their dance and the music and went into the other room.

Things haven't always been easy for them and it was so great to be a part of such a tender moment. Thank God for Dancing.

On Your Mark...

Get set... GO! Tomorrow is Monday of a super short holiday week. As if that didn't guarantee an insane day add on top that I've been out of the office since LAST Tuesday! WHEW! I am tired and it's still Sunday!

It was a good weekend. Rested quite a bit, as I certainly won't get another chance once the week starts. I think I'm back to "normal" (whatever that means). Still feel a little woozy at times but I hear antibiotics will do that.

You should see K and Munchkin. K is putting every clip and hair barrette in Munchkin's hair. Munchkin looks a little like a blonde Fraggle.

I made some cards today. Have I mentioned that I had the crack-headed idea to make my own Christmas cards this year? (don't ask) Well, I'd already bought all of the stamps, ink and paper when I counted up my list. If I actually make all of the cards for everybody on the list, I have 80 cards to make. EIGHTY! Are you kidding?!? I'm doing pretty well if I get eight cards made in a sitting because I run out of patience and it's hard for me to sit still for more than about an hour and a half.

So, I figure if I make at least eight cards EVERY DAY for the next two weeks, I'll have all of the cards made in time to send them out the first weekend of December. HA. Me? Actually stick to a schedule? Yeah, more likely I will be sitting at She Loves Me auditions, putting together cards because I waited until the very last minute - as usual.

Anyway, it's getting time for a certain spaz (um, I mean Munchkin) to get ready for bed.

Wish me luck tomorrow!

You know you're sick when...

1. almost 31 years old, the first thing you think to do is call your mother and cry into the phone.
2. even with a massive hero complex, you plan on missing at least two days of work.
3. you pass on mom's humpty dumptys.
4. you don't check your email or blogs ALL DAY.
5. you actually break down and go to the doctor.

I have strepp throat. That's why I've had this dry, scratchy cough, sore throat, chills and fever for the last week. great.

Yesterday was the worst day. I felt like I'd been hit by a train. It hurt to move, blink or breathe. Taking one look at me, K said, "you are NOT going to work." (as if that was possible) I called my mother and, when she saw me she said, "you are going to the doctor." Well, you know what I told her? "yes ma'am."

The upside was that I finally met my new doctor. *whistle* Boy, he's a looker. (not that I was really looking because I felt like run over maltomeal and probably looked the part, too) Mother was certain to mention, "he's not wearing a ring." *grin* What is this with everybody "mentioning" single men to me? What about J you say? Well, you know the phrase, out of sight.... They never see him so they never think of him. We're going to have to do something about that soon, I think. But, when I'm feeling puny and needy is NOT the time to think about it.

Today I feel better. Still weak and achy, but nowhere near as bad as yesterday. I'm glad I don't have to try and work feeling like this, even though I have an entire newsletter to do.

Ok, I've been sitting upright for 10 minutes and I'm worn out. Going back to the couch.

Weekend Update

Overall, a great weekend. The weather was pretty, church was good and we got the house all decorated for Christmas (well, the inside anyway).

Munchkin and her Nana went to see a live production of Cinderella and, according to my mother, Munchkin really enjoyed it. (naturally) She's looking forward to Snow White coming sometime around Christmas.

I felt rather under the weather for part of the weekend but it didn't keep me from enjoying it anyway. I've been sick a lot this fall and I don't know if it's that my allergies are worse this year than in other years or if there is some psychosomatic reason that I haven't thought of yet.

Well, I'm off to enjoy a nice, quiet HOT bath and then I think I'll tuck myself into bed. 'night, kids.

feel like...

..curling up in bed and sleeping for three days
..running off to the circus (except that would mean working harder than I already do)
..cutting my nose off to get the congestion out of my head

My throat hurts. I'm tired. It's hot. It's only 3pm. I haven't seen J in almost a month. Wah.

This weekend is going to be fun. It will be even more fun if J can come along. I hope he'll be home in time to join us.

Oh, I can't wait to go to bed. My ears hurt. Don't you just hate that feeling?

December 3

Mark your calendars, people - the Theatre has announced auditions for She Loves Me (finally). December 3 & 4 at 7pm. The show I've been listening to and falling in love with since July is finally upon us. Oh, I hope I get the part.

Anyway, work is good. Busy crazy hectic insane frustrating maddening but good. *laugh* I hope that makes sense.

J is terrific. We were supposed to get together last night but work interfered - again. *sigh* Story of this romance, I think. That's ok. We are going to try again this weekend. SSHHHH! I can't say it too loudly or Uncle Sam might hear! *giggle*

*girlysigh*

vote for fridaynightgirl!

If elected, I promise to outlaw political ads, campaigns, publicly broadcasted mud-slinging and all other forms of pre-election nonsense that has plagued citizens since June.

One more day and the commercials will be OVER!!!

Ok, so I'm a pushover

We're decorating for Christmas next weekend. K is having a get-together and I thought that the very least I could do was offer a cute holiday house. Actually, it really isn't for K at all, if I'm honest with myself.

I have this thing about first impressions. Most of these people will be people with whom I interact at work; volunteers, friends, and even (maybe) some board members - most of whom have never seen my house. *gulp*

Because I am such a public person during the week, I am intensely private at home. I love opening my home but it is always a very planned affair. So, I was surprised when K told me she'd booked a jewelry party and planned to invite all of these people. *grin* Have I mentioned how I am with surprises? Not to say that this won't be fun but I am still adjusting to sharing my space with another human and I still like to call the shots around the house. Have I also mentioned that I'm rather possessive? *giggle*

Now, I have a verycute little house. It's a "charmer" as the real estate ads might say. The rooms are all painted in very cheerful colors and the closeness makes it cozy. The house is not the problem. Ok, let me explain.

When I was married, we had a gorgeous house. It was big, new and most of the furniture was brand spankin' new. What wasn't new was beautiful so nobody noticed anyway. My ex had (has) fabulous taste in home decor and we always had lots and lots of fun decorating. Needless to say, I never worried about having guests because I lived in a showplace. Being an at-home mommy, the house was immaculate. (yes, even with a very young child at home)

Now is quite a different story. When I left, I left it all - he bought most of it anyway, so I didn't feel like I should take it. So, putting a house together has been a piece at a time. I've got my bedroom and Munchkin's room the way I want it but my living room is still pieced together with furniture that doesn't all match and a sofa that has seen better days. I have a beautiful pedastal dining room table but mix and match chairs. Some would say that the mix and match is oh so shabby chic but I just see it as a project unfinished and, for an uber-perfectionist like myself, that just IRKS me.

I guess it's a pride thing. I don't make the money I need to have extra left over to make improvements to the house (like the floors) or make big purchases like six matching dining room chairs and a new sofa (actually, I want a loveseat and big chair).

Not to mention that I'm working full-time so the house is NOWHERE near as clean as I kept it when I wasn't working. There is always laundry to do or floors to sweep or trash that needs to be taken out. *sigh*

So, to compensate, I will decorate for Christmas and keep everyone, as much as possible in the kitchen. *grin* It's the cutest room in the house, anyway.

All that aside, I'm really stoked about getting the Christmas stuff down! *giggle* I'll post pictures when I'm done.

Celebrity Lookalike

Thanks to Chilihead for this post - isn't this funny? Silly. THIS is what I do on Friday nights. Isn't it sad?

Four Things

FOUR THINGS you may not have known about me.....

A) Four Jobs I have had in my life:
1. Marketing Director for a non-profit arts center
2. Nursing Recruiter
3. Employee Benefits Broker
4. Wal-mart cashier (my very first job)

B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Band of Brothers
2. Lord of the Rings (entire trilogy)
3. Chronicles of Narnia
4. Pride & Predjudice

C) Four places I have lived:
1. Allen, Texas
2. Bedford, Texas
3. Belton, Texas
4. Huntsville, Texas

D) Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Washington, D.C.
2. New York City
3. Galveston, Texas
4. San Antonio, Texas (love that city!)

E) Four web sites I visit daily?
1. dooce
2. Everyday Mommy
3. Sarah's Blog
4. CAC

F) Four of my favorite foods:
1. Starbucks - Cafe Mocha
2. Chicken Parmesan
3. A nice fresh salad with all the fixin's (bacon bits, cheese, croutons, cucumbers and LOTS of ranch!)
4. Steak

G) Four places I would rather be right now...
1. At home - in bed
2. At home - on the couch
3. At home - playing with my stamps (thanks a LOT, K)
4. Hobby Lobby (K says they've put out their new scrapbook stuff!!)

Why Does He Do That?

I said to my mother today, "God must really want me to make this banner because I SOOOOOOO do not want to do it." Why does He do that?

The more pertinent question is, how do I always get myself into these projects that I then struggle to finish? Why am I such an overcommitter? Where is that little voice of reason that says, "hey MORON, when are you possibly going to have the time, patience and the funds to create a 6'x4' banner made out of only the best fabrics and the best effort?" YOU CAN'T EVEN SEW!

*deep breath*

Now that I've ranted, let me explain. Our church is doing a Christmas program. One of the ladies of the church has a vision to do a banner program and needed people to do banners. I had planned to do the banner over the summer while Munchkin was gone but King and I became all-encompassing far sooner than I imagined it would have. On top of that, I drew a blank every time I would sit down to seriously think about what I wanted to do. For months I had no inspiration. The church lady would ask, "what's your banner?" My dumb look must have alarmed her because she kept asking about it - EVERY TIME I SAW HER.

Of course, here I am, scrambing at the very last minute to get this thing done. I'm frazzled because I have a terrific inspiration (the burning bush "I AM" Exodus 3:14) but I CAN'T SEW. DUH. Wish me luck. If it looks like anything other than a cat put it together with masking tape and pipe cleaners, you can give all the credit to the Almighty.

*sigh*

Well, Of Course I Forgot!

Happy Daylight Savings Day! *grin* Did you forget too? I jerked awake this morning and almost had a heart attack when my clock blinked at me 8:00am. I jump out of bed in a near panic because I teach sunday school (as I mentioned last night) and it starts at 9am. YIKES!

Then I remembered - today is Daylight Savings Time. Oh yes, I knew that. It is 7am. Sighing a happy sigh of relief, what do I do? Crawl back into bed, of course! *giggle*

Then, of course, my mother calls at 7:05 to remind me that it's Daylight Savings Time.. *grin*

I guess I'm up. What time is it? 8am..

The Underside of the Dragon

Post Note: 10/28 11:06pm - I just ran over this draft I started on Thursday morning. It looks like I was about to reveal some of my insecurities, which I consider chinks in my armor but decided not to. I thought I would post it here anyway, even though it is incomplete. Maybe one day I'll finish what I started.


"I've always understood that Dragons were soft underneath - vunerable." - The Hobbit

Dragons are soft underneath. In fact, the strongest armor could not keep out that one fatal arrow shot that brought down the terrible dragon in the story of The Hobbit.

Why am I talking about dragons this morning, you ask? Well, in some ways I feel like a dragon.

clean sheets

I'm waiting on the dryer to finish so I can put my fresh, clean and oh-so-soft clean sheets back on my bed and go to sleep.

Worked the show tonight at work. It was fun. The crowd wasn't as big as I'd hoped, but I think we probably will come out alright because some of the seats we sold were to season ticket holders that didn't come.

Well, they missed a really fun show. Munchkin really enjoyed it and my mother went on and on afterward. The crowd that was there seemed to really have fun and I got a BIG kick out of seeing all the families - which was my primary marketing goal. Score one for target marketing! *grin*

We stopped at Starbucks on the way home - something we don't do very often anymore.

Church tomorrow, of course. I'm looking forward to seeing my sunday schoolers - they are so cute. They've really grown on me. At first, it wasn't really what I thought I was looking for - I wanted to teach an older class that could really interact with me but I was assigned to a class of not even 2-year olds. A couple of them are starting to develop more language, but it's still early. Only one of the little girls is anywhere near as talkative as Munchkin. Considering she's the only small child I've ever really been around, I had no idea she was as verbally advanced - even though people have been telling me that since she was six months old - when she started talking.

Anyway, the kiddos are growing on me. I look forward to pulling out their little smiles from their shy little faces and hearing them figure out the bible songs that we are teaching. A couple of them are beginning to learn the words and mouth along. We are planting seeds, that's all.

Well, I can hear Munchkin fussing in there about something. Even with a long nap this afternoon, I kept her out too late tonight and now she's having trouble settling down. I like taking her to things and she loves going but I feel like a total reprobate of a mother keeping a four year old out until 9:30. *sigh* I shouldn't be so hard on myself - I know I'm still learning too.

night, friends.

what is this weather?

It's cold

It's hot

It's cold

It's hot

YUCK.

Nightime Ritual

It was so much easier when we did the gummy princess vitamins. But NOOOOOOOOOO. Mommy wanted to do Flintstones, "they were so great when I was a kid." I don't even think I TOOK vitamins as a kid. I think that was my secret fantasy about what every other kid in America did before bed.


So, living vicariously through Munchkin, I picked up the almighty Flintstone vitamins.

Every night since then, there has been a rigorous selection process - purple, red, orange or blue?



This is a hard question.


First, they must all be laid out flat, so she can examine each character. Then, she goes through a disertation of her recent choices, "last night, I had orange..." Finally, a choice. Usually, she puts the Chosen Flintstone in her mouth, screws up her little face and says, "yuck."


I think we'll go back to the gummy princesses. *rolling eyes*

Complete Abandonment of Maturity

This is what happens when you put three adults and a camera on a playscape at 9am on a crisp, Saturday morning.







We were so busy acting any age other than our true age that we momentarily forgot all of the problems that come with being "grown-up." It was terrific.


Munchkin and I went up to North Texas to visit my brother and sister-in-law. They usually come to us but we wanted a weekend "away" so we went up there this time.


We only went for the night but it was enough to relax and rejeuvenate. A mini-vacation. So. Nice.

And Now for Something TOTALLY adorable

Look at what I did at work today.

*giggle*

Munchkin is going to LOVE this.

Moving Furniture

I rearranged my bedroom tonight. Again. All I did was turn the bed. Just that little change gave the room a whole new feeling. I love rearranging furniture. It reminds me that there are lots of ways to look at a problem.

>

Today was a good day. I finished my work to do list, came home and rearranged furniture and then made 3-cheese tortellini and garlic bread for dinner (yum!) and am now listening to Munchkin sing her dissertation about whatever it is she's playing.

Actually, I just stopped to listen to the words she's singing and she's singing the words to "Beautiful One," a popular praise and worship song. To hear that little girl sing praise music all on her own just makes my day. Makes me feel that, for all the times that I know I fail her, maybe I'm not such a terrible mother after all.

*smile*

I am tired. But it's a good tired. I'm ready for Munchkin to go to bed so I can curl up in my newly rearranged bed and read until I go to sleep. *yawn*

Now THIS is workin'!

On Friday, the CAC sponsored a bus trip to the Kimbell Art Museum's special exhibit on Hatshepsut.

Being a TOTAL Egypt nut, I volunteered to go. It was amazing! I have been to the Kimbell but I had not taken the time to really appreciate the architecture of the building.

The exhibit itself was wonderful. I am always just blown away by the precision of the carvings and the preservation of these pieces that are thousands of years old. The fact that so many of them were discovered by accident is remarkable.

We ate lunch at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, just next door. I had never developed an appreciation for modern art until I met my ex. He really introduced me to the beauty of strong color and dramatic statements of modern art. Art that challenged the senses, rather than soothed. Now, I am a modern art fan - even though I fail to comprehend the point of some of it. (hey, even I can paint straight lines!)

The Modern Art Museum is also a stunning piece of architecture. There is this really cool sculpture out front, called "Vortex." You can walk inside and make the tiniest whisper and it bounces around because of the design. While we were there, a school group of teenagers went into the Vortex and they were singing and making noise, as they discovered the sculpture - it was a happy sound.

I came home tired but satisfied. Our Visual Arts Director (partially pictured in the photo above) and I really had a good time together and came up with lots of ideas that we want to try at the CAC. It was a terrific day.

Rainy Tuesday

I woke up at 6:00am to the sound of thunder. Actually, I was shaken awake as thunder shook my little house. So much for 20% chance for rain. *grin* Gotta love those little weathermen. I'd hate to have that job.

It's been raining all morning. Driving was fun this morning as I'm sure there was about an inch of water on the highway. I saw no less than three wrecks. Why do people drive like idiots in the rain? The first HARD rain we've had this "fall" and people think they can drive like normal.

Dropping Munchkin off at school was HILARIOUS. Well, it is now. Then it most certainly wasn't funny - to either of us. Munchkin was SO excited about using her Disney Princess umbrella. The umbrella was a very cute accessory but what she REALLY needed were some Disney Princess Waders! After about 90 seconds getting her back wet, she wanted me to pick her up and carry her. So, here I am with her umbrella, my umbrella AND a soaking wet Munchkin in my arms. We had to cross what felt like the River Jordan to get into the school so we were both soaked through. But, once she was inside, she looked at me and said, "that wasn't so bad!"

I think this weekend we are going shopping for a rain coat and boots - for BOTH of us!

Yes, Virginia, it's Monday

But it's not a bad thing. See what having a day off will do for a woman's outlook? I've updated the work blog - go see! (No, I can't help myself)

We had a good weekend. The weather was really pretty and the weatherman said this morning that we are down to the last few days of warm weather and *drum roll, anyone?* then the cool weather would be upon us for real! It's only supposed to be 65 on Friday! WHOO HOO!!!

K is already getting itchy to start putting Christmas stuff out and, suprisingly enough, I'm resisting with all my might. I have tried to explain to her that six weeks is a LONG time to live in a Christmas shop. Seriously, that's what my little house looks like come the day after Thanksgiving. And that's just MY stuff. Now, we have a total shopaholic (yes, K, I'm talking about YOU) in the house and I predict a total decorating marathon if her Christmas collection is anything like her Stampin' Up or Tupperware collections. Where do you put TWO christmas trees in a 1400 square foot house?? *giggle*

Can you imagine if we started NOW?? Lord, that would be almost THREE months of stockings, holly berries, nativity scenes, garland and snowmen (not that we have ANY idea how to build snowmen here, in Texas). UGH. Even I, a Christmas die-hard have a limit to my holiday spirit.

One Word?

Ok, I'm bringing this over here from Sarah's place.

Here’s what I want you to do. Describe me in ONE WORD… just one word!

Reply in comments section.

Then you can email it to your friends or post on your blog to see what your friends say about you. I tag, of course, everyone on my links list...and anyone else who reads this and wants to participate.

Thanks, Sarah. This could be interesting! *grin*

Saturday Morning Cartoons

You know, a friend of mine and I were talking the other day about how we remember the ritual that was Saturday morning during our childhood. Get up far earlier than we should, wake up parents to help with breakfast (at least until we were old enough to make it ourselves) and then jockey for the best cartoon watching position. There we would remain until at least 11am, when the home improvement shows or the college football pre-game shows would start.

I went through Google this morning, looking for some of those old cartoons and I have had more fun remembering! Can you remember?

Munchkin turned four in September and I still haven't seen evidence of this - until this morning.

Munchkin has discovered Fraggle Rock. Now, to say to you that the idea was ALL hers would be untrue - fridaynightmommy might have something to do with the purchase of the ENTIRE four-disk collection of the Second season of Fraggle Rock. SWEET! (I really like the Doozers the best.)

This morning, Munchkin woke up at 7:15, proclaimed that she'd not had an accident, went into the kitchen and waitin to wait for me to drag myself out of bed to fix her oatmeal (Nana put butter in it and now it's ALL she wants to eat!) and postitioned herself in the rocker and declared she was "all ready for Fraggle ROck."

*laugh*

The torch has been passed.

Here is a little meme for Saturday morning:

1. Did you have a Saturday Morning ritual?
(see above)

2. What cartoons did you like to watch?
Well, my little brother and I were of like minds and pretty much shared television time. I liked what he liked (or found something else to do) and he liked what I liked (or found something else to do). Saying that, Bubba's cartoons were He-Man, Thundercats, Transformers, GI Joe and Superfriends. Mine were Jem, Smurfs, Snorks, The Jetsons, Looney Toons, She-Ra, Captain Caveman and Richie Rich.

3. Have you, now that you are an adult, ever searched for DVD versions of your favorite cartoons?

Oh yeah. See comments about Fraggle Rock. *grin*