Today is our 10th anniversary. Been quite a day--week, actually.
But I wanted to say that I didn't forget, amidst all the other stuff.
To Frank:
Thanks for being there for me, babe, through thick and thin, sickness and health. Thanks for being my rock. I am sorry from one grieving person to another the loss we have suffered this week and the ones in the past. I am glad that we've had each other and that we have the boys. Maybe through God's grace we'll get through this one too, and live to celebrate our 11th, 12th, 20th--well why not? let's just shoot for 50 or 60. Thanks for being my Edward. Who else would get up every 4 hours and make sure I had my meds and some food to take it with in case my stomach was upset? Who else would help me clean up after surgery, ugh? Who else would hold me while we both cry and fall into exhausted sleep? Nobody but you. I love you. Happy Anniversary.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
going to the hospital now
I'd also wanted to post on facebook before we leave, but it is "temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance and will be back on in a few hours." argh. Don't they know that people need to post at 6:30 a.m.? I guess I have nothing to say, since it is a FREE service, haha.
Just wanted to say thank you for your love and prayers. We've gotten so many phone calls, fb postings and emails. We love you too, and we are thankful for the Body. It IS a hard time, but God will bring us through it.
We are leaving for the hospital now. Wow. Had no idea I'd be going to the hospital 4 months early. Dang. It is so hard not to bring a baby back home! why do I have to have meals brought to me now? I wanted them the first week in May! I keep seeing my baby on that screen and wishing/praying that he would have moved, just a little. He was like a perfectly formed doll...head was already headed to the right proportion to the body, with legs and arms curled just so. I like to think that it was a boy, but only the Lord really knows. Dr. Adcock warned me that we probably would not be able to find out gender, even after it's over. Nor will we be able to definitively say exactly how/why he died. I may only find out after this life, and by then, it probably won't matter.
I may never know... Only God does and he has not given it to me to know. I keep trying to trust that he is good and loving and I know that we live in a fallen world. It still sucks though.
To God be the glory.
Just wanted to say thank you for your love and prayers. We've gotten so many phone calls, fb postings and emails. We love you too, and we are thankful for the Body. It IS a hard time, but God will bring us through it.
We are leaving for the hospital now. Wow. Had no idea I'd be going to the hospital 4 months early. Dang. It is so hard not to bring a baby back home! why do I have to have meals brought to me now? I wanted them the first week in May! I keep seeing my baby on that screen and wishing/praying that he would have moved, just a little. He was like a perfectly formed doll...head was already headed to the right proportion to the body, with legs and arms curled just so. I like to think that it was a boy, but only the Lord really knows. Dr. Adcock warned me that we probably would not be able to find out gender, even after it's over. Nor will we be able to definitively say exactly how/why he died. I may only find out after this life, and by then, it probably won't matter.
I may never know... Only God does and he has not given it to me to know. I keep trying to trust that he is good and loving and I know that we live in a fallen world. It still sucks though.
To God be the glory.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sad News
Just wanted to let you know that we received some sad news today. We went for our ultrasound appt and found that the baby is no longer viable, and has been gone since 16 1/2 weeks, even though my dates say 19 weeks. The doctors are not sure what the problem was, only that it was probably not genetic, but an issue with the umbilical cord being tangled or knotted. Needless to say, we are grieving pretty hard; also, we were not able to tell the gender, which I was personally sad about as well. I go in for surgery Thursday morning. I would appreciate your prayers. Thanks. Love you all.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Return to the Land of the Living
Ok, I'm back. (Cousin Kevin, this is for you). And for all the people who've posted a link to my blog on their blogs. I kinda owe them, you know? Plus it's just time.
Lot going on. Most of which is: I am NOT SICK ANYMORE, YIPPEEEEEE. Part of my haitus from blogging is that I have been pregnancy sick. but no more--going on 19 weeks now and feeling pretty good. We find out gender on Tuesday 9 a.m. I will post on blog and FB as soon as I can get to a computer and the internet. Just so you know, I am predicting a boy based solely on the heartbeat. No, not because it is a specific rate unto itself, but because it matches the heartrates of my other 2 boys. This one is 156/minute and the other 2 were in the 150's. But I guess we'll know for sure on Tuesday. We already have the names picked out; one or the other, but I'll share after we know. Due date is May 12, but I also predict that I won't make it to that date. My experience with labor is that it gets faster each time. With the first it lasted 8 hours, the 2nd was 4 hours....so....if we stay on the present course, does that mean the next labor will be 2 hours? I would like to think so, except please let me make it to the hospital in time for some pain meds. My kids also come about 10 days early. I never make it to 40 weeks. We'll see.
Been working a lot. I have a great job teaching voice and piano. If I have to work, I'd rather do that than anything else in the world. It is draining, yet energizing at the same time. I come home tired, and some days are better than others, but it is what I am made to do. I'm also doing a p/t data entry job where I drive around the greater Birmingham area, collect building permit information from all the city halls (13 in all) and data enter the information, which is then compiled into a report, and the report is sold to companies like Home Depot and Lowes. Then these companies can know how to market to their target areas. Pretty interesting. But another reason to keep me from the internet world. I added it up, and between the 2 jobs, I am working 40-45 hours/week. But it is work I enjoy, so it's not so bad.
Recently set up a facebook account. Wow. how addictive is that. But, a lot of fun!
Got LOTS to do during Christmas break. It's my last free 2 weeks before the baby comes as I want to teach until about 2 weeks before the due date....which means at that point I could come anytime. But Kim and Crissy are going to come over and help me get it done. thank God for friends who help pregnant friends get their lists accomplished! if you are reading this and are in the area and aren't doing anything Monday the 22nd, feel free to come on over...
Frank is working as a patient care assistant at St Vincent's East (aka Medical Center East). It is interesting. I think he likes the job ok, but it can be stressful. It's weird to have a 7 on/7 off schedule. He works the night shift, so on his "on" week, he pretty much works and sleeps. But on his off week, he basically has a week off. Pretty neat, although I think he's going to look for some p/t work to bring in a little extra $$.
We joined Community Pres a few weeks ago. Yey! Finally. Just took us a little while to work thru the doctrine, as neither one of us were raised with reformed theology. But after 16 months of attending the church, along with Bible studies and sunday school, we really believe this is where God wants us to be. And I LOVE the church family. None of us are perfect, but they really come alongside us and encourage us in our growth. Now we are wanting to help with a church plant in Springville, which is where Frank and I would like to one day live. (after student debt is paid off, of course.)
ok there's prob a lot more catch up to do, but it's not going to happen tonight. Going to bed now....
Lot going on. Most of which is: I am NOT SICK ANYMORE, YIPPEEEEEE. Part of my haitus from blogging is that I have been pregnancy sick. but no more--going on 19 weeks now and feeling pretty good. We find out gender on Tuesday 9 a.m. I will post on blog and FB as soon as I can get to a computer and the internet. Just so you know, I am predicting a boy based solely on the heartbeat. No, not because it is a specific rate unto itself, but because it matches the heartrates of my other 2 boys. This one is 156/minute and the other 2 were in the 150's. But I guess we'll know for sure on Tuesday. We already have the names picked out; one or the other, but I'll share after we know. Due date is May 12, but I also predict that I won't make it to that date. My experience with labor is that it gets faster each time. With the first it lasted 8 hours, the 2nd was 4 hours....so....if we stay on the present course, does that mean the next labor will be 2 hours? I would like to think so, except please let me make it to the hospital in time for some pain meds. My kids also come about 10 days early. I never make it to 40 weeks. We'll see.
Been working a lot. I have a great job teaching voice and piano. If I have to work, I'd rather do that than anything else in the world. It is draining, yet energizing at the same time. I come home tired, and some days are better than others, but it is what I am made to do. I'm also doing a p/t data entry job where I drive around the greater Birmingham area, collect building permit information from all the city halls (13 in all) and data enter the information, which is then compiled into a report, and the report is sold to companies like Home Depot and Lowes. Then these companies can know how to market to their target areas. Pretty interesting. But another reason to keep me from the internet world. I added it up, and between the 2 jobs, I am working 40-45 hours/week. But it is work I enjoy, so it's not so bad.
Recently set up a facebook account. Wow. how addictive is that. But, a lot of fun!
Got LOTS to do during Christmas break. It's my last free 2 weeks before the baby comes as I want to teach until about 2 weeks before the due date....which means at that point I could come anytime. But Kim and Crissy are going to come over and help me get it done. thank God for friends who help pregnant friends get their lists accomplished! if you are reading this and are in the area and aren't doing anything Monday the 22nd, feel free to come on over...
Frank is working as a patient care assistant at St Vincent's East (aka Medical Center East). It is interesting. I think he likes the job ok, but it can be stressful. It's weird to have a 7 on/7 off schedule. He works the night shift, so on his "on" week, he pretty much works and sleeps. But on his off week, he basically has a week off. Pretty neat, although I think he's going to look for some p/t work to bring in a little extra $$.
We joined Community Pres a few weeks ago. Yey! Finally. Just took us a little while to work thru the doctrine, as neither one of us were raised with reformed theology. But after 16 months of attending the church, along with Bible studies and sunday school, we really believe this is where God wants us to be. And I LOVE the church family. None of us are perfect, but they really come alongside us and encourage us in our growth. Now we are wanting to help with a church plant in Springville, which is where Frank and I would like to one day live. (after student debt is paid off, of course.)
ok there's prob a lot more catch up to do, but it's not going to happen tonight. Going to bed now....
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Still here but not all there
Just wanted to let you know that I have not abandoned the blogging community forever, just for a season. Lot going on right now, and a lot that has gone on these past few months. Too much to share, so I have, and am taking a break from blogging. Little bit too much emotion going on and I have absolutely zero drive to share over the internet. But have no fear, when I'm ready, I'll come back, don't worry. See ya around...If ya need me, call or email.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Strugglin'
Struggling to see God's hand in my life.
Struggling with my stupid pride and unbelief.
Struggling with trusting Him with the things I don't understand and can't control.
God, I repent of my arrogance, un-righteous indignation, distrust, and selfish need to defend myself. I am completely loved and forgiven in Christ. You delight in me and claim me as a daughter. Demonstrate your perfect love through my horribly imperfect self--whether it be through compassion and/or tough love. Help me to preach the gospel, first to myself, then to those around me. Help me to trust. And Lord, help my unbelief.
I know the Lord is nigh,
And would but cannot pray.
For Satan hears me when I try,
And frights my soul away.
I would but cannot love,
Though I endeavor oft.
The stony heart can ne'er relent,
Til Jesus makes it soft...
Til Jesus makes it soft.
Help my unbelief.
Help my unbelief.
Help my unbelief--my help must come from Thee.
Struggling with my stupid pride and unbelief.
Struggling with trusting Him with the things I don't understand and can't control.
God, I repent of my arrogance, un-righteous indignation, distrust, and selfish need to defend myself. I am completely loved and forgiven in Christ. You delight in me and claim me as a daughter. Demonstrate your perfect love through my horribly imperfect self--whether it be through compassion and/or tough love. Help me to preach the gospel, first to myself, then to those around me. Help me to trust. And Lord, help my unbelief.
I know the Lord is nigh,
And would but cannot pray.
For Satan hears me when I try,
And frights my soul away.
I would but cannot love,
Though I endeavor oft.
The stony heart can ne'er relent,
Til Jesus makes it soft...
Til Jesus makes it soft.
Help my unbelief.
Help my unbelief.
Help my unbelief--my help must come from Thee.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
fun
We went to Burt and Anita's for lunch to host visitors at our church. It was a lot of fun and the first time I've ever really visited the Boykin family. (I had been once before but only to the pool). Well this time I got the grand, 3-hour tour--thanks Anita! It was very cool and the company was good too. We got there and Laura was already chopping veggies, so we all just jumped in and helped, made ourselves right at home. Anita is so laid back--she was handing us stuff to do and somehow we got lunch on the table for about, oh 30 or 40 people including children. Or that's what it seemed like, anyway. I made coffee cake, brownies, and bread. Laura and Anita did salad stuff, fresh garden vegetables and dip, and Crissy did mac/cheese and hotdogs for the kids. We talked about the education system in St. Clair Co vs. Jefferson Co., the book "The Catcher in the Rye" (strange, btw), the probability of starting a group of CPC'ers in Springville, being a firefighter, and the rising cost of gas. Think we covered just about everything.
Well, now that Camp Cornerstone is over, I really must get down to business. Time to start thinking lesson plans and teaching schedules.
Now that it is the 2nd year of homeschool, we are adding to the list of subjects. We'll see how well I do with that, much less Frankie. Steven will be going to ClearBranch's k-4 program. We've decided to let him experience school--he is so social, and we want him to have a fun time, like Frankie was able to do in CA. Also, it will help me be able to focus on Frankie and get some structure established. Last year, being the first year, was a teensy bit challenging with the whole 2 kids in 2 different learning ages/grades. I am hoping (*wink, wink* fingers crossed) that I can get Frankie trained to be more independent this year and then be able to start homeschooling Steven next year. We'll see. It would be nice in a perfect world.
Got another gift from my secret pal. Wow, whoever you are, you sure are generous! 3 gifts in 2 weeks! 2 last week and 1 today! 'Course it could be that I always forget to check the table and those gifts may've been sitting for a while... Really good gifts to0--a great cd, cookies, tea, 2 shirts(!) that I really like and some other stuff that I can't remember!!! Wow! thank you secret pal. Agh. trying to assuage the guilt of not being nearly so thoughtful to mine. Must try to do better.
Tomorrow Frankie has a dentist appt. Poor Steven is sick. Again. That poor boy, he has been doing so well for the past 3 months or so, but here we go again. I thought it was allergies, but thinking now it may be a cold. Probably something he picked up at CC. I swear he has no immune system. And Frank looks at me and says, "and we want to put him in school 3 days a week?" ugh. I say to him, "well, maybe it will help strengthen his immune system". To which hubby replies, "yeah, so's licking the floor".
sigh.
I am tired. Got up today, early, and excercised. Had not excercised since Monday of last week. Darn it. I was doing real well with the whole eating and excersing thing. Made it all the way through the 1st day of CC without being bad, but went down hill from there--shot to you-know-where. Probably had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I helped with the food for CC... Oh well, back on track starting yesterday, with a video workout this a.m. I like videos the best, because I can excercise in the comfort and privacy of my own home. I find that as hellishly hot as it is right now, excercising outdoors is NOT going to happen. I do also like the treadmill if I've got a good movie that needs watching.
Speaking of good movies, stayed up til 11 the other night watching Jane Eyre with Kim and Melissa. Who are now my Jane Eyre buddies, along with Crissy Sharp and all Sr. High girls.
Yippee. Just about the best chick flick ever made. Even if it is 4 hours long. When we were watching it at the pool house, I did feel the teensiest bit guilty for keeping Kim H up so late past her 9 bedtime--I kept watching to see if she was falling asleep. But she never did! Then I felt completely guilt free when at the end, when it was almost 11 p.m., she said, "That was a really good movie." Sweet. You know it had to be good if Kim stayed awake through it. It was a lot of fun.
Speaking of more good movies, Crissy and I watched "Girl with the Pearl Earring". Strange but pretty good. Although, she had to keep stopping the movie and explaining what was happening. She calls it the girl version of "the Good the Bad and the Ugly." I agree. Not a lot of dialogue happening in that movie. Although it does have Colin Firth, who does very well playing a spineless man with very little character. I do like him better in Bridget Jones. Then Kim came over and we talked about co-op. Which I may do this year as it is our 2nd year of homeschool. But I have to be careful not to commit to too much--I do have a regular job, I have to keep reminding myself. And I am real good at over-commitment.
Well, speaking of over-commitment, this post is done. Must needs go to bed now.
Well, now that Camp Cornerstone is over, I really must get down to business. Time to start thinking lesson plans and teaching schedules.
Now that it is the 2nd year of homeschool, we are adding to the list of subjects. We'll see how well I do with that, much less Frankie. Steven will be going to ClearBranch's k-4 program. We've decided to let him experience school--he is so social, and we want him to have a fun time, like Frankie was able to do in CA. Also, it will help me be able to focus on Frankie and get some structure established. Last year, being the first year, was a teensy bit challenging with the whole 2 kids in 2 different learning ages/grades. I am hoping (*wink, wink* fingers crossed) that I can get Frankie trained to be more independent this year and then be able to start homeschooling Steven next year. We'll see. It would be nice in a perfect world.
Got another gift from my secret pal. Wow, whoever you are, you sure are generous! 3 gifts in 2 weeks! 2 last week and 1 today! 'Course it could be that I always forget to check the table and those gifts may've been sitting for a while... Really good gifts to0--a great cd, cookies, tea, 2 shirts(!) that I really like and some other stuff that I can't remember!!! Wow! thank you secret pal. Agh. trying to assuage the guilt of not being nearly so thoughtful to mine. Must try to do better.
Tomorrow Frankie has a dentist appt. Poor Steven is sick. Again. That poor boy, he has been doing so well for the past 3 months or so, but here we go again. I thought it was allergies, but thinking now it may be a cold. Probably something he picked up at CC. I swear he has no immune system. And Frank looks at me and says, "and we want to put him in school 3 days a week?" ugh. I say to him, "well, maybe it will help strengthen his immune system". To which hubby replies, "yeah, so's licking the floor".
sigh.
I am tired. Got up today, early, and excercised. Had not excercised since Monday of last week. Darn it. I was doing real well with the whole eating and excersing thing. Made it all the way through the 1st day of CC without being bad, but went down hill from there--shot to you-know-where. Probably had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I helped with the food for CC... Oh well, back on track starting yesterday, with a video workout this a.m. I like videos the best, because I can excercise in the comfort and privacy of my own home. I find that as hellishly hot as it is right now, excercising outdoors is NOT going to happen. I do also like the treadmill if I've got a good movie that needs watching.
Speaking of good movies, stayed up til 11 the other night watching Jane Eyre with Kim and Melissa. Who are now my Jane Eyre buddies, along with Crissy Sharp and all Sr. High girls.
Yippee. Just about the best chick flick ever made. Even if it is 4 hours long. When we were watching it at the pool house, I did feel the teensiest bit guilty for keeping Kim H up so late past her 9 bedtime--I kept watching to see if she was falling asleep. But she never did! Then I felt completely guilt free when at the end, when it was almost 11 p.m., she said, "That was a really good movie." Sweet. You know it had to be good if Kim stayed awake through it. It was a lot of fun.
Speaking of more good movies, Crissy and I watched "Girl with the Pearl Earring". Strange but pretty good. Although, she had to keep stopping the movie and explaining what was happening. She calls it the girl version of "the Good the Bad and the Ugly." I agree. Not a lot of dialogue happening in that movie. Although it does have Colin Firth, who does very well playing a spineless man with very little character. I do like him better in Bridget Jones. Then Kim came over and we talked about co-op. Which I may do this year as it is our 2nd year of homeschool. But I have to be careful not to commit to too much--I do have a regular job, I have to keep reminding myself. And I am real good at over-commitment.
Well, speaking of over-commitment, this post is done. Must needs go to bed now.
new blog link
As most of you know, my mom and I have a garden. Well, that is, she has a garden and I help. (Look mom, it's "shake 'n bake" and I helped!). Anyway, she is always telling me neat gardening tips that I will never remember, and I am always telling her she should start a blog w/all her good info. Well, she did! So I added her link to the left. Check it out when you get a chance. Now I am trying to talk her into doing a gardening workshop at our next ladies' event.
Like, "Beginner gardening" or "How to have a garden if you don't have a lot of time". Or something like that.
Like, "Beginner gardening" or "How to have a garden if you don't have a lot of time". Or something like that.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Good Times
Remarks heard between my child and the pastor today at Camp Cornerstone:
Set-up: John W. had asked Burt how to get to heaven. From what I could tell, Burt was explaining to all the 4-year-olds how Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. To which my son piped up and said loftily, "Oh I've already seen that movie." And Burt, without missing a beat, replied, "Well there was a book first."
Guess I might better get that one for him from the library huh? chuckle, chuckle.
I love Camp Cornerstone.
This is my first experience with it. I am helping Kim P. with the food. It is very fun to do the food. I think our job is the best. Here are my reasons why:
1. Elizabeth comes to see us and brings us funny email print-outs to make us laugh.
2. We get to see and talk to everyone.
3. Kim is so good at organizing. She has me, Mary Gill, Melody, and Tanner running around getting it all done--and she makes it fun!
4. We get to hang out with Mary Gill. She is cool.
5. We got to choose the food for the kids.
6. We got to choose the food for the teachers and helpers--even better.
7. We get to man the teacher table, and run off hungry teenage guys who like to eat too much. All the brownies got gone in the first hour.
8. We get to see all the kids play the games at game time, and we get to hear them all sing at opening assembly and closing assembly.
9. We get to eat.
10. We get to serve.
I love my job.
And for those of you who might be interested in the food job for next year--too late, Kim and I have already put in the bid--we get first dibs, hehe.
Set-up: John W. had asked Burt how to get to heaven. From what I could tell, Burt was explaining to all the 4-year-olds how Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. To which my son piped up and said loftily, "Oh I've already seen that movie." And Burt, without missing a beat, replied, "Well there was a book first."
Guess I might better get that one for him from the library huh? chuckle, chuckle.
I love Camp Cornerstone.
This is my first experience with it. I am helping Kim P. with the food. It is very fun to do the food. I think our job is the best. Here are my reasons why:
1. Elizabeth comes to see us and brings us funny email print-outs to make us laugh.
2. We get to see and talk to everyone.
3. Kim is so good at organizing. She has me, Mary Gill, Melody, and Tanner running around getting it all done--and she makes it fun!
4. We get to hang out with Mary Gill. She is cool.
5. We got to choose the food for the kids.
6. We got to choose the food for the teachers and helpers--even better.
7. We get to man the teacher table, and run off hungry teenage guys who like to eat too much. All the brownies got gone in the first hour.
8. We get to see all the kids play the games at game time, and we get to hear them all sing at opening assembly and closing assembly.
9. We get to eat.
10. We get to serve.
I love my job.
And for those of you who might be interested in the food job for next year--too late, Kim and I have already put in the bid--we get first dibs, hehe.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Closure
Well, I have good news and bad news no matter how you look at it. I got an email from Disney and didn't get the job. But, they kindly let me know that I am still on the list, hehe. Good news b/c we don't have to leave, yippee! Bad news, b/c we don't get to leave, boohoo.
Seriously though, it is God's will, and I am glad. Steven cried. He was so sad we weren't moving to D-land. I wanted to cry a little on the inside, not only because he was so pitifully sincere in his sadness, but b/c I could feel a little of his sadness too, as I realize it is somewhat of a death of a dream. I don't mean that in a fatalistic way....but, you know how it is--every one of us has secret desires, dreams, or goals that would be SO cool to do--usually they consist of worldly ideals or pleasures that are not necessarily good or bad, just not what God has for you at that point in your life. Like, an injury preventing you from playing college ball, or not getting the dream job you thought you'd be so good at, or not getting that perfect house you always wanted, or not going into the type of ministry you'd always imagined you'd be so good at. So, yes I am slightly disappointed as I come to realize that it may never happen--I may never get paid to sing professionally (aside from teaching voice lessons, that is). But I can still work in AL, pay off debt, live my life and most importantly, share the gospel where I am right now. And know that I am in the palm of his hand.
Seriously though, it is God's will, and I am glad. Steven cried. He was so sad we weren't moving to D-land. I wanted to cry a little on the inside, not only because he was so pitifully sincere in his sadness, but b/c I could feel a little of his sadness too, as I realize it is somewhat of a death of a dream. I don't mean that in a fatalistic way....but, you know how it is--every one of us has secret desires, dreams, or goals that would be SO cool to do--usually they consist of worldly ideals or pleasures that are not necessarily good or bad, just not what God has for you at that point in your life. Like, an injury preventing you from playing college ball, or not getting the dream job you thought you'd be so good at, or not getting that perfect house you always wanted, or not going into the type of ministry you'd always imagined you'd be so good at. So, yes I am slightly disappointed as I come to realize that it may never happen--I may never get paid to sing professionally (aside from teaching voice lessons, that is). But I can still work in AL, pay off debt, live my life and most importantly, share the gospel where I am right now. And know that I am in the palm of his hand.
Monday, June 09, 2008
thoughts on gardening
I am helping my mom with her garden, with hopes that our combined effort will produce enough produce for us to eat pretty good all year. Here are some things I've discovered:
1. Gardening is hard work.
2. Ants like mulch.
3. Ants like people too.
4. Fish emollient stuff (fertilizer) smells terrible--like dead fish. But reminds me of going camping/fishing when I was a kid. That and the smell of gasoline.
5. Compost is very disgusting but very good for the garden.
6. Gardening is hard work.
7. But it is worth it.
8. It is hot in June in the summertime.
9. Working at 6 a.m. is early. But not hot.
10. Trying to teach your child the value of a hard-earned dollar at 6 a.m. is difficult, if not completely impossible.
11. Older children usually pick up the concept faster than younger children.
12. If you don't use gloves, you will develop blisters.
13. Sweat drippage will begin to occur no later than 8 a.m.
14. Frozen water takes longer to melt than you think it will.
15. Even if you put it in the sun.
16. Children are sooooo much fun to have around when working in a garden.
17. Wheel barrels are heavy and tip easily. Do they have any with 4 wheels and a swivel? Good grief.
18. One should stop and rest periodically.
19. Baby corn looks like baby weeds.
20. A shower is so nice after working in a garden.
21. Air conditioning is a good thing.
22. Gardening work is never done.
Truly, it was a good day--fairly productive: we've gotten almost everything planted and are to the point of doing the "upkeep". It is amazing how there's always something on the list to do. But it is a rewarding feeling to know that you are doing something good for yourself and the family. If I come up with any more gems of wisdom, I'll let you know.
1. Gardening is hard work.
2. Ants like mulch.
3. Ants like people too.
4. Fish emollient stuff (fertilizer) smells terrible--like dead fish. But reminds me of going camping/fishing when I was a kid. That and the smell of gasoline.
5. Compost is very disgusting but very good for the garden.
6. Gardening is hard work.
7. But it is worth it.
8. It is hot in June in the summertime.
9. Working at 6 a.m. is early. But not hot.
10. Trying to teach your child the value of a hard-earned dollar at 6 a.m. is difficult, if not completely impossible.
11. Older children usually pick up the concept faster than younger children.
12. If you don't use gloves, you will develop blisters.
13. Sweat drippage will begin to occur no later than 8 a.m.
14. Frozen water takes longer to melt than you think it will.
15. Even if you put it in the sun.
16. Children are sooooo much fun to have around when working in a garden.
17. Wheel barrels are heavy and tip easily. Do they have any with 4 wheels and a swivel? Good grief.
18. One should stop and rest periodically.
19. Baby corn looks like baby weeds.
20. A shower is so nice after working in a garden.
21. Air conditioning is a good thing.
22. Gardening work is never done.
Truly, it was a good day--fairly productive: we've gotten almost everything planted and are to the point of doing the "upkeep". It is amazing how there's always something on the list to do. But it is a rewarding feeling to know that you are doing something good for yourself and the family. If I come up with any more gems of wisdom, I'll let you know.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Biola on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Baby--Angel--Cricket
The little white kitty has finally been christened her for-real name. When the sharp kids got home (yey, we missed them so much! and we miss the Hills even more!!), white kitty got a new name--Angel. But it became grossly obvious that this cat is only an angel when she's asleep. She is showing some promising aggressive tendencies that are putting her in the running for first place for staying at the Sharp/Ellis bunker. Namely, she can catch small creatures and eat them. This morning as I was cleaning up from breakfast, I looked down and saw the kitty eating/gagging on a stick (?) hanging out of her mouth. The gagging part stopped and she swallowed the "stick". Then I looked over and saw one of those humongous crickets--you know the fat brown ones that are speckled, and have HUGE legs? And they usually jump AT you, not away from you? We called them hoppy bugs when I was a kid, and they were my least favorite of all insect pests (not that I have any favorites, except for maybe lady bugs b/c they are pretty and they help farmers). I've heard some folks refer to these hoppy bugs as camel crickets. Anyway, the cricket was missing a leg and was in dire straits indeed as it was lying kind of lop-sided at a crazy angle, with the whole weird reflex/jerky motion going on that happens when a bug is slowly dying. Anyway, the little kitty finished off the leg and then went back for the rest of it. She had the WHOLE thing eaten in about 2 minutes flat. YESSSSS!!! That was the whole point for getting another cat--that we wanted one that could catch and kill vermin. So I made an executive decision and dubbed the cat "Cricket". Of course I pulled my "I paid for the food and the litter, and I am doing most of the work to take care of these kitties, so I get final say on what to name them" card. But it worked. And I think it is a nice name and shows her character. And it doesn't fit into the normal plethora of names for cute white cats, such as snow ball, whitey, or Angel. We gotta get Stripey to catch up. I told the kids if she catches a mouse, maybe we can call her mouse.
My little Steven woke up this morning throwing up. He got up, got a drink of water, and immediately went to the garbage and threw it back up, along with last night's supper, poor baby. And this is after 2 of the Sharps and Ellas spent the night with us in the living room floor. Great. Now we will prob pass it to everyone. If anyone is going to get sick, it'll be Steven--he seems so susceptible to stomach bugs and respiratory virus's (virusi?) This past winter, I think he got sick about once a month, ugh. He started asking for food a couple of hours ago and said he's feeling better, but I bet we will be up in the middle of the night puking. That is just his way. So if you don't see us at church in the morning, you'll know why.
Practiced piano for 2 and 1/2 hours yesterday morning. Got a lot done. I love this whole being off work thing. At least I have time to practice piano. Oh, and to blog, hehe. Aren't you proud of me? 4 posts in 3 days. I may even set up a playlist.
My little Steven woke up this morning throwing up. He got up, got a drink of water, and immediately went to the garbage and threw it back up, along with last night's supper, poor baby. And this is after 2 of the Sharps and Ellas spent the night with us in the living room floor. Great. Now we will prob pass it to everyone. If anyone is going to get sick, it'll be Steven--he seems so susceptible to stomach bugs and respiratory virus's (virusi?) This past winter, I think he got sick about once a month, ugh. He started asking for food a couple of hours ago and said he's feeling better, but I bet we will be up in the middle of the night puking. That is just his way. So if you don't see us at church in the morning, you'll know why.
Practiced piano for 2 and 1/2 hours yesterday morning. Got a lot done. I love this whole being off work thing. At least I have time to practice piano. Oh, and to blog, hehe. Aren't you proud of me? 4 posts in 3 days. I may even set up a playlist.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Pride and Prejudice and Pianos
Yippee!!! It's here. The "free" piano cost us a tank of gas ($42--it was in Arab), and the manpower of 4 people including me. But, it is a spinet and a nice little piano. Thanks to Jacob and Tansy for letting me borrow it!! Sat down and played through some Beethoven and Clementi, and actually made it through most of it--a little rusty but not too bad. The groove came back faster than I thought it would. It doesn't even really need to be tuned either, the pitch almost matches the pitch on my electric keyboard. Which is good, b/c I didn't really have the $$ to pay a piano tuner to drive out to Odenville to tune it. Some of the left hand keys stick a bit, so I gotta get online and see if there's any way I can fix it w/o calling a technician. One website said sticking piano keys is most likely attributed to humidity. Oh dear. I may just be stuck then.
Finished Pride and Prejudice. I realized Mr. Darcy did mention that he ardently loved Lizzy--I guess his delivery was so pompous that I didn't catch that part. But the second half was even better than the first, and of course everyone lived happily ever after. It is Jane Austen after all. I think one of my favorite characters was the mother--she was so sincere. yet completely over the top--think that would have been a very fun character to play. I love the way folks in 19th century Britain talked too--takes them forever to get to the point, but they do it so eloquently. Anyway, if you haven't seen it, you should put it on your blockbuster queue and get it. Or borrow it from Crissy like I did. Just don't plan to keep it long, b/c I think she watches it at least once every 3-6 months.
Hating me some junk mail. And the bad thing about it is, I signed up for most, if not all of it! Airline tix, real estate quotes, ways to save money, Webster's word of the day, etc. etc. etc. Agh!! stop the madness!! the last few days have been spent UN-subscribing myself to all this stuff I've signed up for. I only want to get mail from people I know!!! So, I figure that the 2 hours or so that I've spent getting rid of this mess will be worth it in the long run, right? Though, I think I will keep the Michael's ad and Webster's word of the day....
Don't forget Friday night at my place. Bring something to eat, of the potlucky sort. I will prob make a main dish of some kind? who knows, whatever strikes my fancy. We'll eat maybe round 6ish?
Finished Pride and Prejudice. I realized Mr. Darcy did mention that he ardently loved Lizzy--I guess his delivery was so pompous that I didn't catch that part. But the second half was even better than the first, and of course everyone lived happily ever after. It is Jane Austen after all. I think one of my favorite characters was the mother--she was so sincere. yet completely over the top--think that would have been a very fun character to play. I love the way folks in 19th century Britain talked too--takes them forever to get to the point, but they do it so eloquently. Anyway, if you haven't seen it, you should put it on your blockbuster queue and get it. Or borrow it from Crissy like I did. Just don't plan to keep it long, b/c I think she watches it at least once every 3-6 months.
Hating me some junk mail. And the bad thing about it is, I signed up for most, if not all of it! Airline tix, real estate quotes, ways to save money, Webster's word of the day, etc. etc. etc. Agh!! stop the madness!! the last few days have been spent UN-subscribing myself to all this stuff I've signed up for. I only want to get mail from people I know!!! So, I figure that the 2 hours or so that I've spent getting rid of this mess will be worth it in the long run, right? Though, I think I will keep the Michael's ad and Webster's word of the day....
Don't forget Friday night at my place. Bring something to eat, of the potlucky sort. I will prob make a main dish of some kind? who knows, whatever strikes my fancy. We'll eat maybe round 6ish?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
couple more things
K, now that I've got all that huge important stuff off my chest, so to speak, here's all my random stuff I wanted to say.
Went up to Crissy's while they are gone and raided their movie closet. Haha. thanks Crissy. I am now immersed in the 6-hour mini-series of Pride and Prejudice. I knew it was good b/c she said it was, but I mean it is SO good!! I am glad they took 6 hours to get in all the details and everything. I just reached the end of the first disc, and am trying to make myself wait til I get on the treadmill again, since that was the idea in the first place--to watch it while walking on the treadmill. Sigh. I know how it ends, but it's killing me how Mr. Darcy declares his admiration for Lizzy--against his better judgement no less, but never says anything about love. And Lizzy's indignation and rage is very palpable. I am feeling it right along with her. It will be so delicious to watch the last half. but alas, lunch is waiting to be cooked, a unit study is waiting to be studied and a piano is desperately calling to be moved. And I would never put my husband through the agony of watching it with me tonight. sigh....so I probably won't get to it till tomorrow, agh. Ok, trying not to think about it.
We have been needing to catch up on LOST. Thank goodness for internet and missed episodes posted on ABC. We'd just gotten too busy to watch it, but now we only have 2 episodes left til the finale.
We got two little kitties. My mom's cat had a litter, and Crissy and I'd been talking bout getting a another cat, as Bert d' cat is gettin' old. Although he did get me a dead chipmunk for mother's day, laid it right in front of the porch steps. We are only supposed to have one, but I couldn't decide, so took both, and will let the Sharp kids decide. They are so fun, and have been entertaining my children since the Sharps are not here to entertain them. I predict that there will be twice as much fun to be had when the Sharps get home! Anyway, I am *hoping* that Crissy will say we can keep both, b/c wouldn't they be lonely without each other? but, if not, we are in the market to get rid of one of them....hint hint. One is all white and the other is a striped tabby. They've already been named Baby and Stripey. Let me know if anyone in the blog world is looking for a fun, potty-trained play mate.
Went up to Crissy's while they are gone and raided their movie closet. Haha. thanks Crissy. I am now immersed in the 6-hour mini-series of Pride and Prejudice. I knew it was good b/c she said it was, but I mean it is SO good!! I am glad they took 6 hours to get in all the details and everything. I just reached the end of the first disc, and am trying to make myself wait til I get on the treadmill again, since that was the idea in the first place--to watch it while walking on the treadmill. Sigh. I know how it ends, but it's killing me how Mr. Darcy declares his admiration for Lizzy--against his better judgement no less, but never says anything about love. And Lizzy's indignation and rage is very palpable. I am feeling it right along with her. It will be so delicious to watch the last half. but alas, lunch is waiting to be cooked, a unit study is waiting to be studied and a piano is desperately calling to be moved. And I would never put my husband through the agony of watching it with me tonight. sigh....so I probably won't get to it till tomorrow, agh. Ok, trying not to think about it.
We have been needing to catch up on LOST. Thank goodness for internet and missed episodes posted on ABC. We'd just gotten too busy to watch it, but now we only have 2 episodes left til the finale.
We got two little kitties. My mom's cat had a litter, and Crissy and I'd been talking bout getting a another cat, as Bert d' cat is gettin' old. Although he did get me a dead chipmunk for mother's day, laid it right in front of the porch steps. We are only supposed to have one, but I couldn't decide, so took both, and will let the Sharp kids decide. They are so fun, and have been entertaining my children since the Sharps are not here to entertain them. I predict that there will be twice as much fun to be had when the Sharps get home! Anyway, I am *hoping* that Crissy will say we can keep both, b/c wouldn't they be lonely without each other? but, if not, we are in the market to get rid of one of them....hint hint. One is all white and the other is a striped tabby. They've already been named Baby and Stripey. Let me know if anyone in the blog world is looking for a fun, potty-trained play mate.
Just lazin'.........kinda
Been a pretty good day. I have Crissy's playlist going while we are working on school. We are starting a new unit study on space today, and I am reading through the material. It is so interesting. Did you know that all of the planets can fit into Jupiter many times over? And that if Earth were the size of a mini-van, Jupiter would be the size of the earth? Hard to wrap my mind around it. We are planning a trip to the Huntsville Space Center sometime this summer while me and Frank are working less. (I refuse to say unemployed teachers, haha.)
I went through a funk in the winter where I did NOT want to homeschool again. Thus, we did not get a lot done and I got very discouraged: why am I doing this? I am no good at this. I have no motivation. I am not smart enough. blah. blah. blah. Looking back, I attribute this attitude to a couple of things.
1. It was my first winter back home after living 2 winters in the land of eternal sunshine and very little rain, a.k.a. southern California.
2. Crissy said it's called the "february funk". And every homeschool parent goes through it at some point or another.
So for awhile we talked about public and christian school alternatives. But I think we are back to the homeschool groove. Frank is not going back to his teaching job next year, and is thinking of getting a part time job (Starbucks is at the top of the list b/c they offer benefits for part-timers), and going back to work on another degree part time. Thus, he would like to be more involved with the boys' education. Which is totally good with me. Also, something else I think will help us is to keep doing school for part of the summer (yes we will still take a break, don't worry!). But summer is so laid back for us b/c neither of us are working, and we can get more done, i.e. cool field trips and unit studies. Frankie asked me the other day when are we done with school, b/c he was tired of reading. I made a snap decision and told him we would be reading every day of the year and would never take a break from it! Nor would he ever take a break from it for the rest of his life. Thankfully now, he's starting to really enjoy reading and his growth in that area is taking off exponentially.
I have this tendency to underestimate my children, you know, like thinking they aren't smart enough to learn this or that yet...know what I mean? But the more I teach and interact with children (such as in music lessons), I realize how smart my own two are. I mean they aren't necessarily genius material or anything, but I'm beginning to think they will definitely be able to hold their own in the world. We started both of the boys taking piano and I am delighted at their progress and level of understanding. No, I am not teaching my own children piano. I do that all day every day, so my sister is teaching them, and doing a marvelous job.
Speaking of piano, I have really been wanting to brush up on my own piano skills. Yes, I can actually play (took for 5 years), just have a huge complex about playing in front of other people. I know, you would probably never know it based on my singing, haha! Singing just comes easy for me, but playing takes a lot more work and I never felt very good at it. But that is about to change. With Kim H. leaving, I'd very much like to pick up the students she left behind. They are all folks I know, and I would enjoy teaching them tremendously. Since this summer is sorta free for me, I've been wanting to just take this time to get going again with piano. I have a friend who will give me lessons over the summer--she is amazing, having played every day of her life since about the age of 4. The only thing standing in my way is that I need a real piano--not a 61-key keyboard, which I have already. I began praying for a piano, as being unemployed, we have no money to buy one. Low and behold, it only took a week! My sister-in-law's mother has a piano she wants to find a good home for!!!! It belongs to my sister-in-law, so I would actually be borrowing it, but since they live in CA right now, I can probably use it for awhile. Yay. God provides.
I know you are probably thinking, what is she going to do if Disney offers her a job? I've been thinking about that too. I don't know if they will call or not--but I can't put life on hold, b/c what if they don't call? We have to keep living life regardless, so I am not counting on anything. If they do call, yes, I will take the job. But if they don't, I won't be crushed. We are happy here and would be fine staying in AL. I think the Lord is mainly teaching me how to trust and be content wherever I am.
I love our church. We get the gospel intravenously fed to us. It is the central focus for every sermon, every song, every announcement, every act of love. I've never been to any other church that combines life and Christ so well. You know, when I was growing up, church was about separation of life and church--almost like separation of church and state. You had your times of dressing up to go to church, times of soul-winning and evangelizing, and times of youth gatherings and bible studies. And these things are not bad. But Community is the only place I've been where the gospel is lived, breathed, and interwoven into every aspect of your life. I am learning how to live and breathe the gospel every day. Not just for church day, etc.
Goodbye to Kim and Quinn and Fam. I am ok though, b/c having been there done that, I know it is not forever. We had a good-bye party for them on Sunday at the church. I tend to not get real emotional until it's over, after they've been gone awhile. Like, I'll start missing her in about 3 weeks, when I can't just call and come over. sigh. But, looking on the bright side, nothing lasts forever, and Lord-willing, they'll be back. I know Kim too, and she will make some good friends while she is there--friends that God provides that she'll need and that will need her. Chris and Crissy are with them in MS helping get them set up. Yet another example of the gospel. Speaking of which, we are still getting together on Friday night, though not at Crissy's. Just come to my place. Kim Poston and I will be there--come on over and be here to welcome the Sharps when they get back home. Then we can hear the low-down about Kim and Quinn's new house and how they are settling in. See ya there!
I went through a funk in the winter where I did NOT want to homeschool again. Thus, we did not get a lot done and I got very discouraged: why am I doing this? I am no good at this. I have no motivation. I am not smart enough. blah. blah. blah. Looking back, I attribute this attitude to a couple of things.
1. It was my first winter back home after living 2 winters in the land of eternal sunshine and very little rain, a.k.a. southern California.
2. Crissy said it's called the "february funk". And every homeschool parent goes through it at some point or another.
So for awhile we talked about public and christian school alternatives. But I think we are back to the homeschool groove. Frank is not going back to his teaching job next year, and is thinking of getting a part time job (Starbucks is at the top of the list b/c they offer benefits for part-timers), and going back to work on another degree part time. Thus, he would like to be more involved with the boys' education. Which is totally good with me. Also, something else I think will help us is to keep doing school for part of the summer (yes we will still take a break, don't worry!). But summer is so laid back for us b/c neither of us are working, and we can get more done, i.e. cool field trips and unit studies. Frankie asked me the other day when are we done with school, b/c he was tired of reading. I made a snap decision and told him we would be reading every day of the year and would never take a break from it! Nor would he ever take a break from it for the rest of his life. Thankfully now, he's starting to really enjoy reading and his growth in that area is taking off exponentially.
I have this tendency to underestimate my children, you know, like thinking they aren't smart enough to learn this or that yet...know what I mean? But the more I teach and interact with children (such as in music lessons), I realize how smart my own two are. I mean they aren't necessarily genius material or anything, but I'm beginning to think they will definitely be able to hold their own in the world. We started both of the boys taking piano and I am delighted at their progress and level of understanding. No, I am not teaching my own children piano. I do that all day every day, so my sister is teaching them, and doing a marvelous job.
Speaking of piano, I have really been wanting to brush up on my own piano skills. Yes, I can actually play (took for 5 years), just have a huge complex about playing in front of other people. I know, you would probably never know it based on my singing, haha! Singing just comes easy for me, but playing takes a lot more work and I never felt very good at it. But that is about to change. With Kim H. leaving, I'd very much like to pick up the students she left behind. They are all folks I know, and I would enjoy teaching them tremendously. Since this summer is sorta free for me, I've been wanting to just take this time to get going again with piano. I have a friend who will give me lessons over the summer--she is amazing, having played every day of her life since about the age of 4. The only thing standing in my way is that I need a real piano--not a 61-key keyboard, which I have already. I began praying for a piano, as being unemployed, we have no money to buy one. Low and behold, it only took a week! My sister-in-law's mother has a piano she wants to find a good home for!!!! It belongs to my sister-in-law, so I would actually be borrowing it, but since they live in CA right now, I can probably use it for awhile. Yay. God provides.
I know you are probably thinking, what is she going to do if Disney offers her a job? I've been thinking about that too. I don't know if they will call or not--but I can't put life on hold, b/c what if they don't call? We have to keep living life regardless, so I am not counting on anything. If they do call, yes, I will take the job. But if they don't, I won't be crushed. We are happy here and would be fine staying in AL. I think the Lord is mainly teaching me how to trust and be content wherever I am.
I love our church. We get the gospel intravenously fed to us. It is the central focus for every sermon, every song, every announcement, every act of love. I've never been to any other church that combines life and Christ so well. You know, when I was growing up, church was about separation of life and church--almost like separation of church and state. You had your times of dressing up to go to church, times of soul-winning and evangelizing, and times of youth gatherings and bible studies. And these things are not bad. But Community is the only place I've been where the gospel is lived, breathed, and interwoven into every aspect of your life. I am learning how to live and breathe the gospel every day. Not just for church day, etc.
Goodbye to Kim and Quinn and Fam. I am ok though, b/c having been there done that, I know it is not forever. We had a good-bye party for them on Sunday at the church. I tend to not get real emotional until it's over, after they've been gone awhile. Like, I'll start missing her in about 3 weeks, when I can't just call and come over. sigh. But, looking on the bright side, nothing lasts forever, and Lord-willing, they'll be back. I know Kim too, and she will make some good friends while she is there--friends that God provides that she'll need and that will need her. Chris and Crissy are with them in MS helping get them set up. Yet another example of the gospel. Speaking of which, we are still getting together on Friday night, though not at Crissy's. Just come to my place. Kim Poston and I will be there--come on over and be here to welcome the Sharps when they get back home. Then we can hear the low-down about Kim and Quinn's new house and how they are settling in. See ya there!
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Orlando update
The audition went well. I made it through all the cuts. There were about 80 people to start with, and there were maybe 12 or 15 left at the end. It almost felt like American Idol or something...They just kept cutting people throughout the audition until there were only a faithful few left. The suspense was terrible every time the directors would come out of their little discussion room to let us know who would be staying. After singing an initial solo so they could get a feel for individual sound, the audition mainly consisted of group singing (naturally). The music was glorious--we had to learn an 8-part arrangement of "Oh Shenandoah". It was very fun to sing with so many talented singers. AND! I never got cut!! Yippee!!! There were 2 other soprano 1's left besides me, so maybe I have a 1 in 3 chance? But then one of the girls told me that Disney will now negotiate contracts with their current cast to see who they're losing, and then fill in the empty spots from the audition pool. hmmmm. So it might be a long shot if they don't lose any sopranos. Oh well, it was a very fun experience, and the trip was great too. So I will be glad either way. I won't know til the middle of June, so I'll keep you posted...
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Pics, updates and domesticity
Sorry it's taken me awhile to post these.
I hate posting pics with my computer, as it takes FOREVER. I started this on 4/1, as you can see, but didn't get back to it til today. Oh well, it is worth it I guess. Thanks for your patience. I was Jack's Mother, and a bit of a nag--that is why I have my hands on my hips so much. I was either berating Jack for something (he was a little dim-witted), or nagging and/or patronizing other characters in the show. In the last pic I am yelling at the giant right before I get beaned in the head with the steward's staff and die. Good times.
It really was a fun show and I don't miss it a bit. So glad to have my life back and ever thankful for the experience of working with the other very talented cast members, director and staff.
Good news: have heard from Orlando!! I don't have to attend the open call (cattle call) audition on 4/18 for Voices of Liberty. I'd been checking online to see when they'd post the info about this audition, as this is the show the folks in CA told me I'd be good for. Orlando posted 2 dates: 4/18 and 4/24--a call back date. So I contacted my CA contact and asked if he was still willing to put in a good word for me and send my recording. He was quite accommodating, and said that he'd send the dvd asap, and had ALREADY called to let them know about me. yippee.
On Monday, as I was having an already good day at Jan's hanging out with all my friends to celebrate Kim's b'day; my phone rang and I looked down to check the number. I saw it was a 407 area code and immediately knew who it was...haha. (I don't know if y'all remember those old Disney commercials about booking a vacation there where they posted the number as 407-wdisney.)
I answered and the lady identified herself as part of the casting department, who wanted to let me know that they'd received my info from CA and were letting me know that this was my callback and I could attend the 4/24 audition. "And please learn the second soprano of the music we are emailing to you and here's your appointment time of 10:45 sharp." Sah-weet. She just saved me an extra trip to FL, as I'd originally planned to go down there for both dates if needed. But had really hoped that my CA contact could get me through the first round. It was so fun getting that call that day at Jan's --we had a little celebration right there. Jan said I shoulda held out for a plane ticket. Hahaha. Naw...I want the job too bad. So they emailed the music and it is "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess. It is a cool arrangement--check it out on youtube here.
Not the Fantasia Barrino version, but definitely right up my alley.
So, Frank and I are leaving the kids with grandparents and are going to head down there for 3 days. If the audition goes well, we will check out living info. We are also going to catch a baseball game, so that should be fun. I'll keep you posted.
On another note entirely, I love domesticity--to be at home as much as possible. I don't know what it is about spring, but I get in the cleaning mood and have completely purged our home. I got rid probably about 20 garbage bags and boxes full of stuff. It was so bad, I got rid of stuff we shoulda gotten rid of before we moved to CA. It is so nice to have an organized place. Free of clutter and looking more and more like home every day.
Another love of mine just recently discovered is making my own bread. I caught up with a good friend, Karen, about a month ago, who told me at our next get-together, she was bringing "bread". okay. So Karen's bringing bread. LOL! I had no idea what kind of BREAD she was bringing. Anyway, she brought quite possibly the best bread I'd ever tasted--whole wheat and completely home-made. Hand-kneaded even. I was hooked and she told me how she buys her own wheat and has a grinder and everything. I learned that wheat in its whole form retains all its nutrients, but once ground, it loses 90% of its nutrients within 72 hours due to oxidation. So, it's safe to assume that the bread you buy at the store probably does not have all the nutrients of a loaf of bread made from FRESH ground wheat. So, Frank let me get a mill and a bucket of wheat (my mom went in with me on the cost), and now I make all our bread too! It is SO good and good for you. I will never go back. I am a believer. It's really not that much work either. You mix the bread ingredients, knead it for 10 minutes, let it rise 2-3 hours, and bake it. Basically you just have to be at home for 3 1/2 hours or so. Also, the wheat is too dense to use a regular bread machine to knead it, so must either buy an industrial mixer or do it by hand. Which is actually quite a work-out; I think I am building upper body strength. haha.
Anway, to help off-set the cost of the mill, and if you want to try to homemade bread, I am selling it by the loaf for $1.50. So let me know if you're interested.
I hate posting pics with my computer, as it takes FOREVER. I started this on 4/1, as you can see, but didn't get back to it til today. Oh well, it is worth it I guess. Thanks for your patience. I was Jack's Mother, and a bit of a nag--that is why I have my hands on my hips so much. I was either berating Jack for something (he was a little dim-witted), or nagging and/or patronizing other characters in the show. In the last pic I am yelling at the giant right before I get beaned in the head with the steward's staff and die. Good times.
It really was a fun show and I don't miss it a bit. So glad to have my life back and ever thankful for the experience of working with the other very talented cast members, director and staff.
Good news: have heard from Orlando!! I don't have to attend the open call (cattle call) audition on 4/18 for Voices of Liberty. I'd been checking online to see when they'd post the info about this audition, as this is the show the folks in CA told me I'd be good for. Orlando posted 2 dates: 4/18 and 4/24--a call back date. So I contacted my CA contact and asked if he was still willing to put in a good word for me and send my recording. He was quite accommodating, and said that he'd send the dvd asap, and had ALREADY called to let them know about me. yippee.
On Monday, as I was having an already good day at Jan's hanging out with all my friends to celebrate Kim's b'day; my phone rang and I looked down to check the number. I saw it was a 407 area code and immediately knew who it was...haha. (I don't know if y'all remember those old Disney commercials about booking a vacation there where they posted the number as 407-wdisney.)
I answered and the lady identified herself as part of the casting department, who wanted to let me know that they'd received my info from CA and were letting me know that this was my callback and I could attend the 4/24 audition. "And please learn the second soprano of the music we are emailing to you and here's your appointment time of 10:45 sharp." Sah-weet. She just saved me an extra trip to FL, as I'd originally planned to go down there for both dates if needed. But had really hoped that my CA contact could get me through the first round. It was so fun getting that call that day at Jan's --we had a little celebration right there. Jan said I shoulda held out for a plane ticket. Hahaha. Naw...I want the job too bad. So they emailed the music and it is "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess. It is a cool arrangement--check it out on youtube here.
Not the Fantasia Barrino version, but definitely right up my alley.
So, Frank and I are leaving the kids with grandparents and are going to head down there for 3 days. If the audition goes well, we will check out living info. We are also going to catch a baseball game, so that should be fun. I'll keep you posted.
On another note entirely, I love domesticity--to be at home as much as possible. I don't know what it is about spring, but I get in the cleaning mood and have completely purged our home. I got rid probably about 20 garbage bags and boxes full of stuff. It was so bad, I got rid of stuff we shoulda gotten rid of before we moved to CA. It is so nice to have an organized place. Free of clutter and looking more and more like home every day.
Another love of mine just recently discovered is making my own bread. I caught up with a good friend, Karen, about a month ago, who told me at our next get-together, she was bringing "bread". okay. So Karen's bringing bread. LOL! I had no idea what kind of BREAD she was bringing. Anyway, she brought quite possibly the best bread I'd ever tasted--whole wheat and completely home-made. Hand-kneaded even. I was hooked and she told me how she buys her own wheat and has a grinder and everything. I learned that wheat in its whole form retains all its nutrients, but once ground, it loses 90% of its nutrients within 72 hours due to oxidation. So, it's safe to assume that the bread you buy at the store probably does not have all the nutrients of a loaf of bread made from FRESH ground wheat. So, Frank let me get a mill and a bucket of wheat (my mom went in with me on the cost), and now I make all our bread too! It is SO good and good for you. I will never go back. I am a believer. It's really not that much work either. You mix the bread ingredients, knead it for 10 minutes, let it rise 2-3 hours, and bake it. Basically you just have to be at home for 3 1/2 hours or so. Also, the wheat is too dense to use a regular bread machine to knead it, so must either buy an industrial mixer or do it by hand. Which is actually quite a work-out; I think I am building upper body strength. haha.
Anway, to help off-set the cost of the mill, and if you want to try to homemade bread, I am selling it by the loaf for $1.50. So let me know if you're interested.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
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