Monday, March 13, 2006
Random things I need to tell you
Well, yesterday was my birthday. It was quite uneventful, actually--which was nice. We went to church and then small group. I made a birthday cookie and the boys and I ate it. When you're the mother, sometimes you have to take care of your own birthday cake, heehee. But it's all good--I would rather have a birthday cookie that I made myself than a store-bought cake that's way too sugary.
A huge thank you to all of you who remembered! You made me feel special. But, it's also ok if you are reading this and didn't know it was my birthday, or forgot. I don't mind. One time Crissy and I were talking about all the stuff we have on our plates--that life is almost like a cup. There's only so much you can put in it, and when you start trying to put too much in it, it overflows and you lose some details, and some important things you were trying to remember--like folks' birthdays. So, I completely understand.
I got so many calls yesterday, in fact, that it made me really homesick and I cried last nite. Just from sheer missing everyone that I love in the whole world, and the actual places too. It is a physical hurt in my gut sometimes--how can a person miss something so much? I know I do. For the first couple of months we were here, we were getting busy settling in, and then after that, the sadness hit. Then the next few months, I started grieving and cried about once or twice a week. Now it's down to once a month or around special holidays that the sadness hits. Thank the Lord for the internet--what did they do 150 years ago when folks left on the wagon train to never return to the East, and all they had was the Pony Express--WORSE than Snail Mail. :o) Anyway, we have Email, Blogs, and Instant Messenger, for Pete's Sake! So, I know it could be a lot worse. And we are learning so much out here.
Speaking of missing home, Sarah, my sister is coming out here!!!! yey!!!!! I am so excited. This is her first visit to CA, so she will get the grand tour. She is staying for 10 days, so there will be time to do and see everything. Sarah just finished up Madama Butterfly with Opera Birmingham.
I'm very proud of her: she teaches voice lessons and also does opera and sing for 2 choirs: East Lake United Methodist Choir, and Colla Voce of Birmingham. She is so busy! I am glad that she is able to get some time off to come out here. I like the thought of introducing my sister, and one of my closest friends to my new life out here.
Well, I guess that's enough for now. Goodness! Don't know what got into me, getting all nostalgic all of a sudden. Oh well, more later. Miss you all and love you!!
A huge thank you to all of you who remembered! You made me feel special. But, it's also ok if you are reading this and didn't know it was my birthday, or forgot. I don't mind. One time Crissy and I were talking about all the stuff we have on our plates--that life is almost like a cup. There's only so much you can put in it, and when you start trying to put too much in it, it overflows and you lose some details, and some important things you were trying to remember--like folks' birthdays. So, I completely understand.
I got so many calls yesterday, in fact, that it made me really homesick and I cried last nite. Just from sheer missing everyone that I love in the whole world, and the actual places too. It is a physical hurt in my gut sometimes--how can a person miss something so much? I know I do. For the first couple of months we were here, we were getting busy settling in, and then after that, the sadness hit. Then the next few months, I started grieving and cried about once or twice a week. Now it's down to once a month or around special holidays that the sadness hits. Thank the Lord for the internet--what did they do 150 years ago when folks left on the wagon train to never return to the East, and all they had was the Pony Express--WORSE than Snail Mail. :o) Anyway, we have Email, Blogs, and Instant Messenger, for Pete's Sake! So, I know it could be a lot worse. And we are learning so much out here.
Speaking of missing home, Sarah, my sister is coming out here!!!! yey!!!!! I am so excited. This is her first visit to CA, so she will get the grand tour. She is staying for 10 days, so there will be time to do and see everything. Sarah just finished up Madama Butterfly with Opera Birmingham.
I'm very proud of her: she teaches voice lessons and also does opera and sing for 2 choirs: East Lake United Methodist Choir, and Colla Voce of Birmingham. She is so busy! I am glad that she is able to get some time off to come out here. I like the thought of introducing my sister, and one of my closest friends to my new life out here.
Well, I guess that's enough for now. Goodness! Don't know what got into me, getting all nostalgic all of a sudden. Oh well, more later. Miss you all and love you!!
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Ad for Boudreaux's
I was reading Crissy's post from the other day, about her kids coming up with "Alternative uses for Everyday Foods". I thought the month old milk in the sippy cup was esp. true; and really found the $6 bottle of virgin olive oil quite painful. I even laughed my socks off at the ice cream sandwich paint, while thinking to myself: "thank God my kids haven't done anything that crazy, cuz I would sure be ticked off...oh well, happened to Crissy, heehee."
Well that thought has seriously come to bite me in the butt. almost literally. Ok, let me just say 'boudreaux's butt paste'. !!!! :oO uh oh.
Wellllllll, let me share--this is how it happened: Night before last, kids were REALLY cranky, and so were we (poor kids), so we decided to put them to bed early--YIPEE!! Bad move. 1 hour later, Frank walks down the hall to check on them cuz everything had gotten really quiet...come to find out, they'd gotten into the hall cabinet and opened the butt paste and smeared it all over everything. The ENTIRE 16 oz. cannister. Oops. Now, for those of you who don't know what butt paste is, it has the consistency of car wax. and that was the only way we got it off--half a roll of paper towels, with the classic "wax on, wax off". Shoot, I think it took me 30 minutes just to get the goop off the cabinets, and shelves; and I still haven't got it out of the carpet. The stuff is great on chapped bottoms cuz it's so oily--if any of you readers happen to know how to get it out of carpet, please let me know.
I guess it'll teach me not to laugh at my dear friend's misfortune...
I should've taken pics to prove how bad it was. And just moments ago, I discovered boudreaux hand prints all over the closet walls. Beautiful. *note to self* I love my life. :o)
Well that thought has seriously come to bite me in the butt. almost literally. Ok, let me just say 'boudreaux's butt paste'. !!!! :oO uh oh.
Wellllllll, let me share--this is how it happened: Night before last, kids were REALLY cranky, and so were we (poor kids), so we decided to put them to bed early--YIPEE!! Bad move. 1 hour later, Frank walks down the hall to check on them cuz everything had gotten really quiet...come to find out, they'd gotten into the hall cabinet and opened the butt paste and smeared it all over everything. The ENTIRE 16 oz. cannister. Oops. Now, for those of you who don't know what butt paste is, it has the consistency of car wax. and that was the only way we got it off--half a roll of paper towels, with the classic "wax on, wax off". Shoot, I think it took me 30 minutes just to get the goop off the cabinets, and shelves; and I still haven't got it out of the carpet. The stuff is great on chapped bottoms cuz it's so oily--if any of you readers happen to know how to get it out of carpet, please let me know.
I guess it'll teach me not to laugh at my dear friend's misfortune...
I should've taken pics to prove how bad it was. And just moments ago, I discovered boudreaux hand prints all over the closet walls. Beautiful. *note to self* I love my life. :o)
Friday, February 24, 2006
My silly, wonderful kids...
These are my boys at their finest...they're the sweetest, most exasperating, crankiest, loving, funny, silly, hilarious kids in the whole world and I wouldn't trade them for anything. This is a couple of days ago while they were just being kids. One day about a month ago, Steven was quoting Monsters Inc and I realized how smart he was, so I started working with them to memorize some Scripture. We are working on Psalm 8 right now, because it has lots of word pics in it: "fish of the sea, birds of the air, children and babies", etc. In four weeks, they've memorized the first 2 verses. I am glad to get the opportunity to teach them early...I remember all the Scripture I memorized as a kid, but now that I'm an adult, it is SO hard to memorize stuff! But what I do have memorized from my childhood is never going away. Thank the Lord I have some Scripture committed to memory--but not enough! "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deut. 11:18-19)
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Tracy's having a boy!!!
I am very excited...my sister-in-law, and one of my closest friends, Tracy, is having a baby boy!! She is due June 23rd. Isn't she cute? Please pray for Justin, her husband--he is fighting in Iraq. Pray for God's protection and also that Justin will be able to come home for the birth of his son.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Bummer!
Well, I'm kinda bummed...
I won't be able to take classes at Biola after all. Allow me to elaborate on this drama:
First of all, applying was a headache. So many hoops to jump thru when you apply for school...references, transcripts, statement of faith (for a Christian school). Shooooot....the application itself is about like writing an autobiographical thesis! Ugh! I can't believe I'd forgotten what a pain it is...about like the pain of childbirth...you know how you forget? And, because I am also an employee, had to check several times to make sure I was getting that tuition discount--very important!
Well, finally got accepted--on to registration! Now for the nightmare. Registration is not easy at Biola. I think they make it as difficult as possible to test your faith. Either that, or it's oppression. It is absolutely THE definition of "getting the runaround". I felt like I was wading thru knee deep mud the whole time. When I got in line, (I got to be first because of the employee status), they put me thru to the computer registration line. Biola has electronic registration for everyone except first timers--but what no one explained to me is that the first timers still register online, they just get the permission for the classes from their specific dept. before going thru registration. So...the music dept gave me this archaic little yellow card with my 2 classes listed on it, and told me to take it with me on reg day and the reg folks would know what to do with it...well, come to find out, after 3 times of trying to register--going thru the line ALL three times!--I had to have an "electronic" signature...so had to call the Music dept AGAIN, and get them to submit my classes electronically...sigh.
So, finally got registered, but then could never get the voice teacher to set up a lesson time. Emailed her twice, who said just "sign up". Then called the music office (twice!) to find out how to sign up, and they said "email your voice teacher" aggghhhhh!!!!
My frustration really went thru the roof Monday morning: got an email from my voice teacher: "Everyone signed up for voice lessons except for you...maybe you can get in after voice workshop". Basically saying: maybe I can work you in since you didn't get to the signup in time....
It's irritating, b/c I checked her door twice last week (following what the music office told me to do) in order to sign up; but never saw a sheet. Also, had emailed the head accompanist (per the music office's instructions), to see if she could get in touch with my voice teacher to set up lessons. Anyway, called the music office one more time: who said to contact my voice teacher via email, and see if I could get this all straightened out....While I had the music office on the phone, I asked about voice workshop. The conversation went something like this:
Me: "Hey, can you also explain to me what voice workshop is?"
MO (Music Office) pause. "Ooooohhhhhhh.... No one ever told you about voice workshop requirment, did they?"
Me: "No.... can you tell me what it is?"
MO: "Well, voice workshop is a requirement as a member of the music program in the Conservatory...you have to show up on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30. It's required for all voice students."
Me: panic at this point
See, I'd signed up for 3 units: 1 hour of voice lesson a week and a 2 hour Music history class, = a total of 3 hours out of the office...right? WRONG! Come to find out, I was required to be have 3 hours of class time for the one unit of voice and 3 hours of class time for the 2 unit history class--on top of labs and homework on my own time! Not to mention, (but I'll mention it anyway:o), Concert Music Requirement: a non credit requirement for graduation--basically attendance to about 20 or so concerts throughout the semester at different locations; mainly Biola, other area colleges, and a couple of big productions in downtown LA--to be completed every semester.
So.....this was looking more and more daunting for someone who only wanted a couple of classes. And the sinking feeling in my stomach was only getting more sinking. So after a few tears of total frustration, I went to talk to my boss, and we agreed it was just TOO much work when we added all up. Hence, I am no longer a student of Biola University. Yeah, I was extremely disappointed...I kept asking myself why is God not letting me have fulfillment from what I truly love? But, He keeps reminding me that it's not about me, and maybe I'm trying to find my identity in something else aside from Him...He sustains me--and keeps trying to remind me that anything can become an idol, even something He created. And, He has something better for me--in fact, He has my best in mind--even if it's not another degree. I was getting so wrapped up in getting more education that it was taking away from my personal life--and that is much more important. So, I'll be all right. God is still in control, and I can take comfort in that.
I won't be able to take classes at Biola after all. Allow me to elaborate on this drama:
First of all, applying was a headache. So many hoops to jump thru when you apply for school...references, transcripts, statement of faith (for a Christian school). Shooooot....the application itself is about like writing an autobiographical thesis! Ugh! I can't believe I'd forgotten what a pain it is...about like the pain of childbirth...you know how you forget? And, because I am also an employee, had to check several times to make sure I was getting that tuition discount--very important!
Well, finally got accepted--on to registration! Now for the nightmare. Registration is not easy at Biola. I think they make it as difficult as possible to test your faith. Either that, or it's oppression. It is absolutely THE definition of "getting the runaround". I felt like I was wading thru knee deep mud the whole time. When I got in line, (I got to be first because of the employee status), they put me thru to the computer registration line. Biola has electronic registration for everyone except first timers--but what no one explained to me is that the first timers still register online, they just get the permission for the classes from their specific dept. before going thru registration. So...the music dept gave me this archaic little yellow card with my 2 classes listed on it, and told me to take it with me on reg day and the reg folks would know what to do with it...well, come to find out, after 3 times of trying to register--going thru the line ALL three times!--I had to have an "electronic" signature...so had to call the Music dept AGAIN, and get them to submit my classes electronically...sigh.
So, finally got registered, but then could never get the voice teacher to set up a lesson time. Emailed her twice, who said just "sign up". Then called the music office (twice!) to find out how to sign up, and they said "email your voice teacher" aggghhhhh!!!!
My frustration really went thru the roof Monday morning: got an email from my voice teacher: "Everyone signed up for voice lessons except for you...maybe you can get in after voice workshop". Basically saying: maybe I can work you in since you didn't get to the signup in time....
It's irritating, b/c I checked her door twice last week (following what the music office told me to do) in order to sign up; but never saw a sheet. Also, had emailed the head accompanist (per the music office's instructions), to see if she could get in touch with my voice teacher to set up lessons. Anyway, called the music office one more time: who said to contact my voice teacher via email, and see if I could get this all straightened out....While I had the music office on the phone, I asked about voice workshop. The conversation went something like this:
Me: "Hey, can you also explain to me what voice workshop is?"
MO (Music Office) pause. "Ooooohhhhhhh.... No one ever told you about voice workshop requirment, did they?"
Me: "No.... can you tell me what it is?"
MO: "Well, voice workshop is a requirement as a member of the music program in the Conservatory...you have to show up on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30. It's required for all voice students."
Me: panic at this point
See, I'd signed up for 3 units: 1 hour of voice lesson a week and a 2 hour Music history class, = a total of 3 hours out of the office...right? WRONG! Come to find out, I was required to be have 3 hours of class time for the one unit of voice and 3 hours of class time for the 2 unit history class--on top of labs and homework on my own time! Not to mention, (but I'll mention it anyway:o), Concert Music Requirement: a non credit requirement for graduation--basically attendance to about 20 or so concerts throughout the semester at different locations; mainly Biola, other area colleges, and a couple of big productions in downtown LA--to be completed every semester.
So.....this was looking more and more daunting for someone who only wanted a couple of classes. And the sinking feeling in my stomach was only getting more sinking. So after a few tears of total frustration, I went to talk to my boss, and we agreed it was just TOO much work when we added all up. Hence, I am no longer a student of Biola University. Yeah, I was extremely disappointed...I kept asking myself why is God not letting me have fulfillment from what I truly love? But, He keeps reminding me that it's not about me, and maybe I'm trying to find my identity in something else aside from Him...He sustains me--and keeps trying to remind me that anything can become an idol, even something He created. And, He has something better for me--in fact, He has my best in mind--even if it's not another degree. I was getting so wrapped up in getting more education that it was taking away from my personal life--and that is much more important. So, I'll be all right. God is still in control, and I can take comfort in that.
Monday, January 16, 2006
I finally have a chance to sit down and post on California Dreaming. Welcome, and my apologies for waiting so long to post. We have just been so busy...I almost don't know where to start. I'll just do a few bullet points to fill you in on the past couple of months, and hopefully I won't forget anything. Here they are in a somewhat chronological order:
--I got a job at Biola University. I am very blessed: I was able to land a job in the accounting department, as a clerk. I find that I am actually pretty good with numbers, (gasp!) and I very much enjoy working with my fellow employees. It's great to be able to work in a Christian environment. I have several different responsibilities; including, but not limited to: all wires, incoming and outgoing; cashflow and several other related reports, and clerical support for other staff members. This is also the only job I've ever had where I've been told I need to "talk and socialize more"...Hahaha...Because we work in accounting, the department wants us to be friendly and socialize with each other, so we won't be so wrapped up in numbers...it is probably the easiest part of my job...heehee; I just can't believe they WANT me to talk more!!
--Tracy and Justin spent Thanksgiving with us. It was so much fun. We took them down to Legoland (Justin really likes legos) and we did the cooking thing; turkey, dressing, and all the bells and whistles. It was great to hang out with them, and we got to see family for the holidays.
--We went home to AL for Christmas....yey!!!!!! It was wonderful to see everyone again. We love you all so much, and it makes life out here easier since we were able to see so many of you. (For those we didn't get to see, I am sorry...and miss you too!!!) Frankie and Steven really had fun hanging out with cousins, and we got to see the latest member of our family: Ashlyn Ewing, my brother Jacob's little girl. She is so special and we were glad to get to know her! I also got to spend a lot of time with my best friend, Crissy and all our other sister chicks. It was neat to go to the New Year's Eve Party and see all the Community Pres gang...I got there and it felt as if I had never left. Love that feeling of being able to pick up where I left off!! Many thanks to Crissy and Kim for throwing a great party! We also had a blast celebrating the boys' birthdays: Steven on 12/30 and Frankie on 01/01. So....holidays were full....
--Got back to CA and routine, and then got a fun call from Justin and Tracy: Tracy's having a baby!!!!! Yey...more cousins...:0) She's due late June, so we are looking to come back to AL for a visit then. Please pray for Justin and Tracy: he's in Iraq, and it would be great if he can come back to the States early for the birth of his child. Thankfully, Tracy is back in AL and close to lots of friends and family, so she has a lot support.
--I applied to the Conservatory of Music at Biola U and got accepted! Because I work at Biola, I get a huge tuition break, and I'm allowed to take up to 6 credits/semester...so...I'm looking at working on a music ed degree while we're here in CA.
--Frank is having the time of his life in a Philosophy class with William Lane Craig. I am so proud of him; he got the required reading done for his class: 1800 pages! He is determined to do his best; we are of a mindset of get as much out of school as we can while we're here. I think although the work is hard, Frank is content to be pushing toward a goal and thankful to be learning so much.
--Frankie and Steven also have "jobs"--kid jobs of course. Frankie goes to school every day, and loves it. He told me the other day that he doesn't miss any of us when he goes to school--he likes school too much! Steven goes to Melinda's house (a neighbor) while Frank is in class. He does fairly well, although he is a mama/daddy's boy; he would rather stay with us. But, he lets us know that he want to go to school with Frankie--he doesn't realize that he's not old enough.
So, that's life right now...kind of busy, but God is good. Let us know how it goes with you...
--I got a job at Biola University. I am very blessed: I was able to land a job in the accounting department, as a clerk. I find that I am actually pretty good with numbers, (gasp!) and I very much enjoy working with my fellow employees. It's great to be able to work in a Christian environment. I have several different responsibilities; including, but not limited to: all wires, incoming and outgoing; cashflow and several other related reports, and clerical support for other staff members. This is also the only job I've ever had where I've been told I need to "talk and socialize more"...Hahaha...Because we work in accounting, the department wants us to be friendly and socialize with each other, so we won't be so wrapped up in numbers...it is probably the easiest part of my job...heehee; I just can't believe they WANT me to talk more!!
--Tracy and Justin spent Thanksgiving with us. It was so much fun. We took them down to Legoland (Justin really likes legos) and we did the cooking thing; turkey, dressing, and all the bells and whistles. It was great to hang out with them, and we got to see family for the holidays.
--We went home to AL for Christmas....yey!!!!!! It was wonderful to see everyone again. We love you all so much, and it makes life out here easier since we were able to see so many of you. (For those we didn't get to see, I am sorry...and miss you too!!!) Frankie and Steven really had fun hanging out with cousins, and we got to see the latest member of our family: Ashlyn Ewing, my brother Jacob's little girl. She is so special and we were glad to get to know her! I also got to spend a lot of time with my best friend, Crissy and all our other sister chicks. It was neat to go to the New Year's Eve Party and see all the Community Pres gang...I got there and it felt as if I had never left. Love that feeling of being able to pick up where I left off!! Many thanks to Crissy and Kim for throwing a great party! We also had a blast celebrating the boys' birthdays: Steven on 12/30 and Frankie on 01/01. So....holidays were full....
--Got back to CA and routine, and then got a fun call from Justin and Tracy: Tracy's having a baby!!!!! Yey...more cousins...:0) She's due late June, so we are looking to come back to AL for a visit then. Please pray for Justin and Tracy: he's in Iraq, and it would be great if he can come back to the States early for the birth of his child. Thankfully, Tracy is back in AL and close to lots of friends and family, so she has a lot support.
--I applied to the Conservatory of Music at Biola U and got accepted! Because I work at Biola, I get a huge tuition break, and I'm allowed to take up to 6 credits/semester...so...I'm looking at working on a music ed degree while we're here in CA.
--Frank is having the time of his life in a Philosophy class with William Lane Craig. I am so proud of him; he got the required reading done for his class: 1800 pages! He is determined to do his best; we are of a mindset of get as much out of school as we can while we're here. I think although the work is hard, Frank is content to be pushing toward a goal and thankful to be learning so much.
--Frankie and Steven also have "jobs"--kid jobs of course. Frankie goes to school every day, and loves it. He told me the other day that he doesn't miss any of us when he goes to school--he likes school too much! Steven goes to Melinda's house (a neighbor) while Frank is in class. He does fairly well, although he is a mama/daddy's boy; he would rather stay with us. But, he lets us know that he want to go to school with Frankie--he doesn't realize that he's not old enough.
So, that's life right now...kind of busy, but God is good. Let us know how it goes with you...
Thursday, December 08, 2005
A Day With Thomas
This was our trip to see Thomas mid-November. It was fun. We drove to the middle of the desert about an hour outside LA, to an old railway museum, who was hosting Thomas for the day. This is us and a combination of our favorite things to do: Thomas and Legos!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
People work here.
People work here.
You know that sign that you see along the freeway where major construction is going on? It’s orange and it says “People work here”. I used to see it all the time on 459 around the Summit when I worked at Southeastern. I used to think it was so random and kind of dumb; but now I like it b/c it fits this post perfectly: yup, you guessed it! This is the celebrities post. And my point being that celebrities are people too, and their job just happens to be our entertainment. Case in point: Arnold Schwarzenneger. He is my governor! Ha. Ha. I STILL cannot get over it. Every time I see him come on tv on one of those little promotional political ads begging us to give him a second chance, I have to crack up. The Terminator asking for my vote! (A second chance from what, I don’t know. I guess you just had to be there…)
Anyway, as you may’ve guessed from my last post, we have had several encounters with these people. You know about that time we were at Dodgers’ Stadium downtown L.A., and I walked by so close to Pat Sajak I could’ve stuck my foot out and tripped him. I didn’t though, and wouldn’t have, b/c that would just be mean. But, Frank and I laughed all afternoon about that encounter, and decided that getting stuck in traffic both TO and FROM the stadium just might’ve been worth it.
And in the middle of August, I drove to downtown Hollywood to audition for Disney. I got to sing in the Debbie Reynolds Rehearsal Studios! That is a big deal to me—I know some of you are wondering, who is she again? Well, she’s Singin’ in the Rain, and Tammy, and most importantly, she is Princess Leia’s mother!!! AAAGGGGHHHHHH, and I parked directly across from her reserved parking spot! But, believe it or not, it was just an old brick warehouse building. We looked it up online, and it used to be a U.S. Post office, until D.R. bought it and turned it into a rehearsal/dance studio. Inside, in the office, they told us she drops in every once in a while, but she is busy right now performing onstage in Vegas.
Biola hosts some pretty cool celebrities: Michael Chang, the tennis pro, is a student at Talbot, and one of the princesses of Swaziland is also a student in the undergrad at Biola. Not to mention some pretty big names in the world of philosophy and theology: J.P. Moreland, William Lane Craig, and Robert Saucy.
The best story I am saving for last, but here it is:
Frank took the boys to Disneyland last Friday, (Oct. 28th, to be exact) during the day while I was at work. (Sigh, I was a little sad, but I had gotten to go the week before). Well, there Frank was, in the park, in the crowd, with 2 little boys, ages 4 and 1, and no stroller…anybody else’s nightmare, but Frank is a trooper. So, Frankie’s running ahead, and Frank’s trying to keep a hold on Steven, and Frankie just keeps moving further and further away. At this point my husband is getting concerned b/c Frankie has managed to infiltrate himself into someone else’s group about 10 or 15 feet ahead. Just as Frank opens his mouth to call Frankie back, one of the guys in the crowd kind of trips over Frankie and tells the little girl with him, (in an English accent!) “be careful and watch the little boy”—meaning Frankie. Knowing Frank, I know he was probably a little embarrassed that our kid was tripping up this guy, until he looked up and saw who it was…it was PAUL MCCARTNEY!!!!!!
I know you’re going “AAAAGGGGHHHHH!”, b/c that’s exactly what I did when Frank called me a few minutes later to relate the incident. My next question, and I’m sure yours is/was “Did you get his autograph?!!” Sigh….nope. Frank said it happened just too quick, and about the time he realized who it was, the moment had passed. Besides, he (Paul) was surrounded by an entourage of Disney people and he had a small girl with him…so it would have been kind of hard to approach him. Frank tried to follow him for a little while and thought he was headed for the Pirates of the Caribbean, but they kept going. And since the Pirates is a cool ride, with a relatively short wait, Frank and the boys decided to leave Mr. McCartney alone. I was so mad that he didn’t get his autograph, but Frank was more worried about the fact that he wished he’d had a chance to share Christ with him. Had to go and get spiritual on me. But, I agree, and the point I wanted to make is that people do work (and live) here.
When we drove down to Hollywood, it really looks better on film than it does in person. It’s just an old rundown city. I mean, it was cool and everything, we saw the Chinese Theater and drove down Sunset Boulevard, but I was a little disappointed and disillusioned that there was no glamour. We drove by several movie studios, Paramount or Universal, I’m not quite sure which; they are near LAX airport; and they are nothing more than big white warehouses, and you absolutely cannot tell anything about them from the outside. Celebrities –esp. tv actors, get up every day and go to work just like we do—except they work in a big ugly white warehouse. They usually have 5 day work weeks where they rehearse the show the first couple or 3 days and then film the last 2. And, b/c life is so expensive here, everyone except the really big stars are still struggling to make ends meet. And keeping up with Hollywood’s lifestyle is hard—esp. on Christians. It just does not jive with the life of Christ, which is who we are trying to follow. When I first got out here, I was sure that entertainment was the life for me. But, God in His providence, knew that was NOT up my alley, esp. as it would seriously hinder my Christian walk. Not to say that there are not Christians in the entertainment industry, who work in Hollywood, and are wholeheartedly following Christ—I just know it is not my path. (In case you were wondering, I work at Biola now. But that’s another post.)
So, although I was disappointed to know that we didn’t get Paul McCartney’s autograph, I know that it would drive me crazy to BE a celebrity and not be able to go to Disneyland w/o being recognized and have to have an escort to run interference for me. I’ll take my anonymity, thank you very much! And certainly, the most important point I want to make is that celebrities are people who need Christ’s redemption just as much as us nobodies.
(But I still think it was cool that Frankie ran into Paul McCartney!)
You know that sign that you see along the freeway where major construction is going on? It’s orange and it says “People work here”. I used to see it all the time on 459 around the Summit when I worked at Southeastern. I used to think it was so random and kind of dumb; but now I like it b/c it fits this post perfectly: yup, you guessed it! This is the celebrities post. And my point being that celebrities are people too, and their job just happens to be our entertainment. Case in point: Arnold Schwarzenneger. He is my governor! Ha. Ha. I STILL cannot get over it. Every time I see him come on tv on one of those little promotional political ads begging us to give him a second chance, I have to crack up. The Terminator asking for my vote! (A second chance from what, I don’t know. I guess you just had to be there…)
Anyway, as you may’ve guessed from my last post, we have had several encounters with these people. You know about that time we were at Dodgers’ Stadium downtown L.A., and I walked by so close to Pat Sajak I could’ve stuck my foot out and tripped him. I didn’t though, and wouldn’t have, b/c that would just be mean. But, Frank and I laughed all afternoon about that encounter, and decided that getting stuck in traffic both TO and FROM the stadium just might’ve been worth it.
And in the middle of August, I drove to downtown Hollywood to audition for Disney. I got to sing in the Debbie Reynolds Rehearsal Studios! That is a big deal to me—I know some of you are wondering, who is she again? Well, she’s Singin’ in the Rain, and Tammy, and most importantly, she is Princess Leia’s mother!!! AAAGGGGHHHHHH, and I parked directly across from her reserved parking spot! But, believe it or not, it was just an old brick warehouse building. We looked it up online, and it used to be a U.S. Post office, until D.R. bought it and turned it into a rehearsal/dance studio. Inside, in the office, they told us she drops in every once in a while, but she is busy right now performing onstage in Vegas.
Biola hosts some pretty cool celebrities: Michael Chang, the tennis pro, is a student at Talbot, and one of the princesses of Swaziland is also a student in the undergrad at Biola. Not to mention some pretty big names in the world of philosophy and theology: J.P. Moreland, William Lane Craig, and Robert Saucy.
The best story I am saving for last, but here it is:
Frank took the boys to Disneyland last Friday, (Oct. 28th, to be exact) during the day while I was at work. (Sigh, I was a little sad, but I had gotten to go the week before). Well, there Frank was, in the park, in the crowd, with 2 little boys, ages 4 and 1, and no stroller…anybody else’s nightmare, but Frank is a trooper. So, Frankie’s running ahead, and Frank’s trying to keep a hold on Steven, and Frankie just keeps moving further and further away. At this point my husband is getting concerned b/c Frankie has managed to infiltrate himself into someone else’s group about 10 or 15 feet ahead. Just as Frank opens his mouth to call Frankie back, one of the guys in the crowd kind of trips over Frankie and tells the little girl with him, (in an English accent!) “be careful and watch the little boy”—meaning Frankie. Knowing Frank, I know he was probably a little embarrassed that our kid was tripping up this guy, until he looked up and saw who it was…it was PAUL MCCARTNEY!!!!!!
I know you’re going “AAAAGGGGHHHHH!”, b/c that’s exactly what I did when Frank called me a few minutes later to relate the incident. My next question, and I’m sure yours is/was “Did you get his autograph?!!” Sigh….nope. Frank said it happened just too quick, and about the time he realized who it was, the moment had passed. Besides, he (Paul) was surrounded by an entourage of Disney people and he had a small girl with him…so it would have been kind of hard to approach him. Frank tried to follow him for a little while and thought he was headed for the Pirates of the Caribbean, but they kept going. And since the Pirates is a cool ride, with a relatively short wait, Frank and the boys decided to leave Mr. McCartney alone. I was so mad that he didn’t get his autograph, but Frank was more worried about the fact that he wished he’d had a chance to share Christ with him. Had to go and get spiritual on me. But, I agree, and the point I wanted to make is that people do work (and live) here.
When we drove down to Hollywood, it really looks better on film than it does in person. It’s just an old rundown city. I mean, it was cool and everything, we saw the Chinese Theater and drove down Sunset Boulevard, but I was a little disappointed and disillusioned that there was no glamour. We drove by several movie studios, Paramount or Universal, I’m not quite sure which; they are near LAX airport; and they are nothing more than big white warehouses, and you absolutely cannot tell anything about them from the outside. Celebrities –esp. tv actors, get up every day and go to work just like we do—except they work in a big ugly white warehouse. They usually have 5 day work weeks where they rehearse the show the first couple or 3 days and then film the last 2. And, b/c life is so expensive here, everyone except the really big stars are still struggling to make ends meet. And keeping up with Hollywood’s lifestyle is hard—esp. on Christians. It just does not jive with the life of Christ, which is who we are trying to follow. When I first got out here, I was sure that entertainment was the life for me. But, God in His providence, knew that was NOT up my alley, esp. as it would seriously hinder my Christian walk. Not to say that there are not Christians in the entertainment industry, who work in Hollywood, and are wholeheartedly following Christ—I just know it is not my path. (In case you were wondering, I work at Biola now. But that’s another post.)
So, although I was disappointed to know that we didn’t get Paul McCartney’s autograph, I know that it would drive me crazy to BE a celebrity and not be able to go to Disneyland w/o being recognized and have to have an escort to run interference for me. I’ll take my anonymity, thank you very much! And certainly, the most important point I want to make is that celebrities are people who need Christ’s redemption just as much as us nobodies.
(But I still think it was cool that Frankie ran into Paul McCartney!)
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Life here...
There are several things I've been wanting to share about life in Southern CA. It is sooooooo different from the South! Some of the obvious differences are: the smog, the traffic, no sweet tea, and total absence of any Bama food products, including mayonnaise--I miss my mayo!!! (I get my mom to bring 3 or 4 jars in her suitcase every time she comes--bubble wrapped of course!:>)
I know you've all heard rumors about what it's like to live on the West Coast, so here's the low-down from someone who knows:
1. People here do not shop at Wal-Mart on purpose. There are no Wal-Mart Supercenters, and generally people avoid it like the plague (including me), because all of them here are really dirty, run-down, and ALWAYS out of carts. (there is no such thing as a buggy here--that is what you find on Main Street Disney, where you get in and ride behind a horse.) Wal-Mart here is like the old K-Mart in Roebuck before they shut it down.
2. Yes, things are more expensive here. Before we left AL, we had pipe dreams about buying a house when we got out here, building the equity for about 2 or 3 years (b/c we'd heard that prices are rising very quickly every day, which is true), and then selling and using our saved-up equity to pay off student loans. Sounds like a plan, right? Uhhhhh....no. Or as they say here, "Um, yeah, no. (Don't ask me how that one works.)
Yeah....so, houses out here are AT LEAST $600,000. I am NOT joking. A 3 bed/ 2 bath house built in the '50's and remodeled is NO LESS than that! And, if you think, well, I'll just look into getting a town home....hahahahahaha, think again. We can't find a condo for less than $400K! Ok folks, we are talking about 1100 square feet in a 30-year old building--2 bed/1 bath. Needless to say, we are very excited to be renting an apartment for a steal of $1225/month! There are not many cheaper than our apartment complex. We are very blessed to be in a good complex where we've made friends, and we like the landlady. Anyway, I think we'll be here a while...
Other things that are really expensive: gas. It's fluctuated over the past 4 months from $2.49-3.10/gallon. But, since Katrina happened, our gas is cheap compared to the South! Right now, it's around $2.65/gallon.
Also, some food is more expensive: I bought a 6 oz. bag of walnuts from the grocery store and paid $4.00 for them! and that was the generic. And you're thinking: yeah, well, she should have bought the bigger bag. Well, the bigger bag wasn't any cheaper per ounce--it was $8 for the 12 oz. bag! Maybe I just won't put nuts in the brownies...
However, produce is significantly cheaper here, esp. fruit. I guess b/c mostly everything is grown in CA and shipped out; local produce would be cheaper here, which is nice. There is also no sales tax on food, which is really nice.
CA has every kind of entertainment under the sun. Several major baseball teams, Disney (which is as good as or better than the one in FL--take it from someone who's been to both), the San Diego Zoo, downtown Los Angeles (that's an adventure!), Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Beach, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland (that's a blog by itself), Basketball, Hockey, etc. etc. We've experienced all the fun kid stuff, and it's not uncommon for folks to get off work in the afternoon and then use their season pass and spend the evening playing at Disney. And yes, we've succumbed to that pressure too--we are annual pass holders to Disney and we usually go once every 2 or 3 weeks.
As far as the traffic goes, we just try not to get on the freeway. When people joke about the traffic in Los Angeles, they are really not kidding. There are just so many people here that the interstate is frequently bottle necked, except it lasts the entire length of the freeway! Think of the worst stop-and-go on I-59 right around the airport, or, even better, on I-65 trying to get Birmingham at 7:45 in the morning. Multiply that frustration by about 10 million more people and you have LA traffic. heehee. But, good for us is that we don't have to get on it very often unless we want to go sight see downtown or in Hollywood, which are both about 30 miles away.
Well, that's about all I can think of right now, except for, oh...I know! Everyone wants to know about the celebrities. but, it's late sigh....so I'll save that one for another blog. ttfn.
I know you've all heard rumors about what it's like to live on the West Coast, so here's the low-down from someone who knows:
1. People here do not shop at Wal-Mart on purpose. There are no Wal-Mart Supercenters, and generally people avoid it like the plague (including me), because all of them here are really dirty, run-down, and ALWAYS out of carts. (there is no such thing as a buggy here--that is what you find on Main Street Disney, where you get in and ride behind a horse.) Wal-Mart here is like the old K-Mart in Roebuck before they shut it down.
2. Yes, things are more expensive here. Before we left AL, we had pipe dreams about buying a house when we got out here, building the equity for about 2 or 3 years (b/c we'd heard that prices are rising very quickly every day, which is true), and then selling and using our saved-up equity to pay off student loans. Sounds like a plan, right? Uhhhhh....no. Or as they say here, "Um, yeah, no. (Don't ask me how that one works.)
Yeah....so, houses out here are AT LEAST $600,000. I am NOT joking. A 3 bed/ 2 bath house built in the '50's and remodeled is NO LESS than that! And, if you think, well, I'll just look into getting a town home....hahahahahaha, think again. We can't find a condo for less than $400K! Ok folks, we are talking about 1100 square feet in a 30-year old building--2 bed/1 bath. Needless to say, we are very excited to be renting an apartment for a steal of $1225/month! There are not many cheaper than our apartment complex. We are very blessed to be in a good complex where we've made friends, and we like the landlady. Anyway, I think we'll be here a while...
Other things that are really expensive: gas. It's fluctuated over the past 4 months from $2.49-3.10/gallon. But, since Katrina happened, our gas is cheap compared to the South! Right now, it's around $2.65/gallon.
Also, some food is more expensive: I bought a 6 oz. bag of walnuts from the grocery store and paid $4.00 for them! and that was the generic. And you're thinking: yeah, well, she should have bought the bigger bag. Well, the bigger bag wasn't any cheaper per ounce--it was $8 for the 12 oz. bag! Maybe I just won't put nuts in the brownies...
However, produce is significantly cheaper here, esp. fruit. I guess b/c mostly everything is grown in CA and shipped out; local produce would be cheaper here, which is nice. There is also no sales tax on food, which is really nice.
CA has every kind of entertainment under the sun. Several major baseball teams, Disney (which is as good as or better than the one in FL--take it from someone who's been to both), the San Diego Zoo, downtown Los Angeles (that's an adventure!), Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the Beach, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland (that's a blog by itself), Basketball, Hockey, etc. etc. We've experienced all the fun kid stuff, and it's not uncommon for folks to get off work in the afternoon and then use their season pass and spend the evening playing at Disney. And yes, we've succumbed to that pressure too--we are annual pass holders to Disney and we usually go once every 2 or 3 weeks.
As far as the traffic goes, we just try not to get on the freeway. When people joke about the traffic in Los Angeles, they are really not kidding. There are just so many people here that the interstate is frequently bottle necked, except it lasts the entire length of the freeway! Think of the worst stop-and-go on I-59 right around the airport, or, even better, on I-65 trying to get Birmingham at 7:45 in the morning. Multiply that frustration by about 10 million more people and you have LA traffic. heehee. But, good for us is that we don't have to get on it very often unless we want to go sight see downtown or in Hollywood, which are both about 30 miles away.
Well, that's about all I can think of right now, except for, oh...I know! Everyone wants to know about the celebrities. but, it's late sigh....so I'll save that one for another blog. ttfn.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Wellp...aaahhh....here it goes....
Ok. all right already. I've succumbed to the pressure to be just like all my friends and create my own website. Wow this is a big step! I just got on Crissy's blog, and realized: "omigosh! even Brendan's blogging!" Oh now this is not right--I need to catch up. After all, I do live in the 21st century right? (Brendan, you've inspired me.) Well, I tell myself, "Self, you know EVERYONE's doing it" and "it's a way to be closer to all my friends, right?" Right. So....here I am taking that first step to post my words, thoughts, feelings--my soul-- to the WORLD (!!!) via the worldwideweb. Who would've ever thunk it? Why do I suddenly feel like I'm at the top of the Great American Scream machine about to plummet to my death? Well, maybe not that bad, except for the adrenaline rush.
Anyway, just so you know, our family lives in CA now and we used to live next door to Crissy, who managed to become my closest bestest dearest friend in the 5 years that we lived next door to her. (But I love you too, Kim, Angela, Jen, Terri, and all those other wonderful Nertz women out there.) So that, even though I now live in Southern CA (35 min. from Hollywood!) I still call Crissy to find out what color walmart brand triaminic I need to give Frankie for croup.
A little more need to know info: my husband, Frank is studying philosophy at Talbot School of Theology (which is why we moved halfway around the world in the first place; but hey, it's an adventure right? an adventure for the Lord. yeah. uh-huh.) And, my 2 daaaarrrrling little boys, yeah. uh-huh. the ones that hit each other and scream at each other and refuse to go to bed. yup those. Also the ones who climb up in my lap when the scary part of Monsters, Inc comes on, you know that part at the beginning where the monster is trying to scare the little kid, but is actually more afraid of the kid. And the boys who think I am wonderful when we get together in the kitchen to make sugar cookies. And the 2 little boys who are very forgiving of me when I yell after a long day at work and I feel very bad and realize that they don't deserve my grumpiness just b/c it was a long day. Ahh, the grace of God is a wonderful thing, especially when you see it exhibited by the closest members of your family. God is truly good.
I don't want you to think that I am completely just dying to get back home, and I hate it here. Not at all. When you are doing what the Lord wants, He tends to put your life into perspective for you, and give you blessings along the way. We are excited to be here and every day Frank and I talk about the ways we are blessed and how much we're growing in Him.
So anyway, comment and let me know what you think!!! more later....
Anyway, just so you know, our family lives in CA now and we used to live next door to Crissy, who managed to become my closest bestest dearest friend in the 5 years that we lived next door to her. (But I love you too, Kim, Angela, Jen, Terri, and all those other wonderful Nertz women out there.) So that, even though I now live in Southern CA (35 min. from Hollywood!) I still call Crissy to find out what color walmart brand triaminic I need to give Frankie for croup.
A little more need to know info: my husband, Frank is studying philosophy at Talbot School of Theology (which is why we moved halfway around the world in the first place; but hey, it's an adventure right? an adventure for the Lord. yeah. uh-huh.) And, my 2 daaaarrrrling little boys, yeah. uh-huh. the ones that hit each other and scream at each other and refuse to go to bed. yup those. Also the ones who climb up in my lap when the scary part of Monsters, Inc comes on, you know that part at the beginning where the monster is trying to scare the little kid, but is actually more afraid of the kid. And the boys who think I am wonderful when we get together in the kitchen to make sugar cookies. And the 2 little boys who are very forgiving of me when I yell after a long day at work and I feel very bad and realize that they don't deserve my grumpiness just b/c it was a long day. Ahh, the grace of God is a wonderful thing, especially when you see it exhibited by the closest members of your family. God is truly good.
I don't want you to think that I am completely just dying to get back home, and I hate it here. Not at all. When you are doing what the Lord wants, He tends to put your life into perspective for you, and give you blessings along the way. We are excited to be here and every day Frank and I talk about the ways we are blessed and how much we're growing in Him.
So anyway, comment and let me know what you think!!! more later....
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