extended weekend

Too bad this couldn't be a long weekend. Instead, today almost doesn't exist. "Yay" for nauseating migraines that dissolve the day into nothing more than a dream-filled marathon nap.

The actual weekend was pretty nifty, though. The ChildShare gala was amazing. I was late getting there after navigating the one-way streets of downtown Los Angeles, but once I got to the California Club, it was like stepping into an old movie. The high ceilings were ornately carved in intricate designs. The carpet and the curtains were red and gold. The tables danced in candlelight, seated with men in tuxedos and black ties, and women in beautiful dresses and sparkling jewelry. And it was all a benefit to raise money for this organization that finds home for kids in need.

We had fun at our table. My friend who invited me for some reason stuck me between herself and her husband. Despite the great awkwardness potential, I was glad to get to know him a little better. There was a lot of laughter among the whole table, which included another lady I knew through my ChildShare friend, my friend Lara and her husband, and three ladies who were sign interpreters. I wished I were more fluent in their quick sign. I only understood tidbits here and there... but it was fun. Add sign language fluency back to my perpetual to-do list...

I wore a simple black dress and black heels (thank you, Kohl's card, for bailing me out again. Note: must NOT make a habit of using this, despite the incredible deals). I had a silver chain that was shaped into different-sized stars and silver bangle bracelets. Soph and I tried to curl my hair (when will we ever learn?), and when it was obvious it wasn't going well, her mom and aunt stepped in. The three of them curled, sprayed, pinned, and with the final touch of Sophia's butterfly barrette, I was read to go. Sadly, I'm not satisfied with the pictures we hurriedly snapped, so I'm not posting them. Your imagination is probably more flattering anyway.

I didn't so much feel like a fish-out-of-water but for a few moments. My friends are remarkably down-to-earth, despite colorful lives of super-mom-sign-interpreter or radio-personality-married-to-tv-producer, which is one of the many reasons i love them. I did have to laugh as I waited for the valet to bring my car (free valet parking- maybe the first and only time i experience THIS luxury). I waited with the fancy-dressy men and women who just moments before were bidding thousands of dollars on the charity auction as their Lexus' (Lexi?), Mercedes', and Audi's pulled up. Then appeared my dirty Cavalier with the busted front license plate. I had to hide my chuckle as I claimed my vehicle. And I do admit those moments driving downtown, I envied my married friends whose husbands safely drove....

So yes, great fun. Also included in the weekend: teachers' appreciation luncheon at church, change in Christmas play plans, an afternoon at Boomer's with teen-boy-cousins, and the low-key season premiere of Desperate Housewives. Today i finished the last book in the "Twilight" series. And can anyone believe it's almost October?

i think i need another NOvember

Is it bad when your first thoughts in the morning are "Make it stop!!!" and you aren't referring to your alarm clock? And how is it that after i cut down things in my schedule that I'm just as busy? It must be a gift.

Last night at church we had the Disciple Awards- basically Kids Kingdom Oscar night. I'm quite happy with how the fellowship hall turned out. I stand by my philosophy- there is no such thing as too many christmas lights. Sophia was in charge of the menu and kicked butt as usual. The other teachers pitched in, and the best part was how happy the kids were to get their awards for things like "Most Courageous", "Best Scripture Memorization", and "The Good Samaritan Award". Nevermind that a fistfight briefly broke out. One little girl gave me a big ol' hug when I told her I was proud of her. I got two synchronized high fives from twins (despite our small numbers, we have three sets of twins. go figure). And Daylene loudly announced how much fun she had as she gathered her things at the end of the night. So what if the standards are high for next year? It gives them something to look forward to- and work for.

Now to finish that darn assistant directors training application! I have three essays to go, and I want them to be good. The writing is what will express my personality and hopefully convince them that my presence in an interview would be a beautiful thing.

Tonight is the season premiere of The Office. Happy.

This weekend I'm going to a gala benefit for an organization a friend is involved in. I'm quite excited to hang out with her, and this is a black-tie optional affair... I have never been to anything so fancy! So while I'm a little nervous about that, i'm mostly excited. Every now and then, even I look forward to dressing up and going out.

Ok, so i just received more writing projects here at work. So...... that means must step away from the blog.............

i will write you a song

15 minutes til freedom. My brain is fried. I have a list of things I want to do tonight..... Does anyone else try to live the meaningful parts of their lives in the few hours in the evening? Does anyone else think this is nuts??

P.S.- calling someone, insulting them, and then requesting information is not a good idea. Do you really expect good customer service after you harrass me for not picking up your call on the first ring? Please. You're lucky I don't transfer your rude self to the voicemail of a former employee.

Appreciated thing of the week: Blockbuster, for their lack of late fees. God bless you. Sorry I don't reward you by being more timely with my movies. But thank you for rocking.

I wish i had copies of old video projects from childhood. I did mention them in my assistant director training application. What i wouldn't give to laugh at "The Bare Witch Project", "Ghetto Medea", "The Night Before Christmas at Mamaw's House", our Rosie O'Donnell tribute, or even the news report that Heidi Hammontree and I put together.

I wrote a letter to a random member of the Air Force through http://www.anysoldier.com/. It was kind of cool to do and I hope it helps. You guys should do it, too. Let me know how it goes. This week's project is about hunger. I'm thinking about how I want to approach it. I might do a creative project. Details to follow once I think it through some more.

I want to do "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at church this year. I need to pull more team members on board. It will be a big project with a large cast of mostly kids... and most of the young actors at my church are almost too old to play kids. We'll see... it might be interesting.

I get to leave here in five minutes. So i shall save this entry, close the blinds in the conference room, and tell my carpool buddy to be ready- because i'm ready to actually spend my time on something that matters.

you decide

Was my weekend fruitful? You decide:

The plans were to take a couple 13-year-old boy cousins to play laser tag on Saturday, then tag along with Sophia and her work friends to celebrate a birthday at the beach on Sunday. In between, I would finalize my Assistant Director's Trainee application.

None of those things happened.

However, this is what I DID accomplish:

-I finished my book on screenwriting and read through Ephesians.

-Spent quality time with the old school nintendo- specifically Super Mario Bros. (the first one). In my lifetime, I have never actually beat the game. This is appalling and I set out to remedy this immediately. Thanks to ill-timed Starbucks, I was up until two this morning. I got to the part in level 8-4 where you go down the pipe and go through the water. I'm not sure how close I am to the end. Perhaps tonight, when I return to battle Bowser again, we shall see. I hope to report back with good news of a rescued princess. Wow, I sound like a twelve-year-old boy.

- took my car through a car wash. Those of you who see me regularly know how pathetically amazing this is. Those of you who don't: imagine a car that needs a chisel to remove the dirt. Apparently, parking next to a sprinkler does not equal "free car wash".

- significant Target/Trader Joe's shopping. Spent a lot of money, but it was for a carefully planned list of necessities, and it was budgeted (two points i remind myself when the checkbook-balancing-guilt approaches)

- rented Penelope, Anchorman, and A Beautiful Mind. Didn't actually watch any of them yet. Instead, finally saw Knocked Up, and discovered that it is exactly what everyone says- sweetly funny, yet so very vulgar. Incredible how the two can coexist.

- skipped church, but slept a lot

- discovered the boy I used to like before distance cruelly reminded us about reality is now engaged. Pondered why I was so sad. Came to the conclusion that it was because I really did like him and had let myself imagine him living here and it working out (however unlikely) combined with the fact that I'm still so very alone (and current object of fancy just doesn't feel the same way). My sister pointed out how similar we are to Bridget Jones. Sigh. She's right. Pathetic.

-Recieved free samples of cat food, tampons, and two chicken soft tacos from Del Taco, as well as the book I ordered using my latest Blingo Amazon.com gift card. Yay for savings!! Forgot to secure the CVS flier from Cali Grandma's Sunday paper to start exploring the extra care savings. :( I wonder if you can get the flier in-store? Maybe I can convince Sophia to walk there tonight by bribing her with Jamba Juice?

- hung out with baby Beverly for a bit. Sophia's mom watched her while the rest of the family went to the beach.

So..... productive weekend? Lazy weekend? I'm not sure either.

Meanwhile, this week's project is to write a letter to a soldier. Tell them a little about yourself, then thank them for their sacrifice and service for our freedom. Check out www.anysoldier.com for more details (it seems a bit confusing at first, but read the FAQ's and it becomes clear). Let me know if you send a letter, too! :)

collection

I took the outgoing mail downstairs to the mailbox, a usual task in my day. Today, there was a small white post-it note on the big blue box. I wanted to take a picture but I did not have a camera handy. It said something along the lines of, "I dropped an envelope mailed to Wendy Ramos in the box, but neglected to put a stamp on it. Could you please be so kind as to add the stamp when you open the box? Thanks!" Attached was the required postage.

When I turned back to the elevators to go back to our floor, I noticed Larry the UPS delivery guy outside. He usually has a break at mail-time, and has a packed lunch at one of the small tables outsitde our building. Often, he has a book in hand and his UPS scanner lying on the table in front of him. Today, I stopped to ask what he was reading. "The Egyptologist", i believe was the name of the book. He said it was about a guy who conned a whole bunch of people out of a large sum of money to go raid the tomb of some unknown Egyptian pharoah.

On my way back to the elevators (again), I passed the girl who does security in the mornings at the front desk of our building. Only now she wasn't wearing her standard collared shirt and name tag. Her shift was over, so now she had on a black t-shirt with a skull on it and a plaid bookbag. She looked happier.

i put up some more pictures. Some of Jolie and my old-school nintendo i hooked up again this weekend. Some are pictures I took near the library (i revived my library card again this weekend! woohoo!). I was going to post them in here, but i'm kind of pressed for time. Sorry. But you should go look anyway. Some of them i'm proud of because they're pretty, haha.

sing like Madonna.... holidaaay!

Yay for long weekends!
Double-yay for long weekends with nothing going on!

We spent Saturday doing deep cleaning, and yesterday was supposed to be more of the same. Though I did something weird to screw up my back, and even yawning, sneezing, or the occasional deep breath was excruciating (still sort of is but i'm bored of sitting still). So onward I go! I have a to-do list that's long, but in a good way. It consists of things I've been meaning to accomplish (like bathing Jolie- check- and catching up on reading) and fun things (playing guitar, hooking up my old school nintendo). And it's beautiful out, so maybe i'll go for a walk or something. We're supposed to have a barbecue at Sophia's grandma's, but i've yet to hear those details.

Saturday when we were cleaning, I came across a rock on the shelf. Soph's mom, Rosalie, collects Betty Boop, and I'm staying in the room designated for her collection. But i could not figure out the purpose of this random rock about the size of a fist....Apparently, Rosalie's mother-in-law visited Ground Zero a few years back. She picked up the rock and gave it to Rosalie.... So all this time, I've been staying in a room with a piece of Ground Zero. Crazy, huh?

I half-heartedly looked at last week's "Every Monday Matters" so i'm just going to pick it up again today. We are waging a war on junk mail! It's a waste to print, and a waste when it's not recycled. So when you get it, recycle it! But better yet, try not to get it. Opt-out of mailings every chance you get. Go paperless when you have the option. Call the phone number on the junk mail you DO get to ask them to remove your name and address from their list.
I tried to look online for a simple way to opt out of stuff, but one site made you pay $3 a month (no thanks) and another seemed complicated. So i guess i'll try the one-item-at-a-time option and make sure to note "please don't sell/rent my name" whenever I sign up for anything. I'll start with the Oriental Trading catalog that always shows up!

so so much....

I can't keep up with all that's going on... so instead of a cleverly crafted, well-written entry, you're just going to get the run down. I hope you won't mind. I'm tired.

Today: I started my day with an email from my dad with a scanned-in newspaper clipping. It showed a picture of our former house in the W- on fire. It's eerie to see a place you called home in flames. No one was home or hurt, so i'm glad for that.

A public service announcement came across my desk at work. It's for an assistant director training program. It sounds amazing and I will be applying. But please please pray. I feel like it's a real long shot, but i really want to do it.

My friend Patty won on Blingo again! Which means i, who referred her, won, too! Thanks, Patty! Amazon, here I come with my $5.....

Monday: I spent the day in the mountains at Camp Joy, for homeless kids. It was amazing for a lot of reasons. I wanted to stay all week with those kids. I know a couple days at summer camp won't change their situation.... but i do believe it could change their life. Jesus is a powerful dude.

Saturday: Chalk contest! Check my pics section for this year's entry... i'm too lazy to stick it in here, sorry. I'm proud of our picture, and thanks to Patty for being part of the idea conceptualization! They didn't have places this year, only one prize per category and one overall grand prize. The grand prize winner had a great drawing. The winner in our category.... well, at the risk of having a bad attitude, i say check out my pics section and see for yourself. We'll be back and ready to try again next year!

There's a lot more in between the "big events"- like church and dogsitting and work and such.... and I had been meaning to blog and really expound on a lot of these things. But the days have been so dang full, and when i get home i'm exhausted. At least you're not totally in the dark!! :) And a holiday weekend with no plans is on the horizon, so expect better blogs soon.

now i lay me down to sleep

Sometimes i just want to close my eyes and stop. Just for a minute. To rest. Not that i don't rest ever, because I do. And as crazy as life is, I take moments to stop or nap or play or what have you... But there's always a deadline looming or the knowledge that time is limited before I have to get up again and keep going. I realize this is normal, this is adulthood, and I have nothing to complain about. But sometimes, I just want to have a day with nothing to do, no expectations, no responsibilities, no accountability.

The chalk contest is Saturday and I'm v. excited. We're drawing a sunset in a clamshell. We practiced last night... and have a LOT of work to do. The competition time has been shortened to only three hours to draw, so we need a very strategic game plan. We're doing a run-through on Friday night... but i'm actually a little nervous, because i'm less confident at the moment. I know the remedy for that is preparedness.....

This week's project is eating healthy. I won't bore you with the rundown, because it's nothing you haven't heard, and it's usually something on my mind anyway. So yay healthiness. I did invest $20 in an emergency kit for my car though. I figure when Soph and i are back in an apartment i'll put aside emergency supplies there. At least my car is ready to go. The kit has first aid stuff, jumper cables and tow rope, gloves, blanket, and poncho, a flashlight (and i added glowsticks so as not to depend on batteries) and a year's free roadside assistance. I might add a couple bottles of water, an index card of emergency numbers, and some cash. I feel a bit more prepared now.

saturday in flight

i really have no business being on the computer right now. There's a big reunion tomorrow for my adoptive family, and i should be helping or at least finishing my house-cleaning duties. But i was working on a project on the computer anyway, and i am weak!! So i blog.

God got my attention over my bad attitude on Wednesday. As we sat in McDonald's for a late post-church dinner, I complained to Sophia about various church-related injustices. I felt they were valid laments- Kids' Kingdom limitations because we can't spend a dime, small-group let-down, frustration over drama ministry (or lack there-of). As I paused to take a bite of my high-calorie comfort chicken mcnuggets, Daylene turned to me and said, "I'm so lucky."
"Why is that?" I innocently asked.
She shrugged and said, "I love my life."

Darn kids.

*******

Sometimes my co-workers and I walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch. We take a short-cut through the bottom level of our parking garage. One day as we were coming back, we saw a lady emerge from the dumpster. However, she didn't appear to be homeless, and had a friend in the car nearby. My oh-so-outgoing friend, Shelly, of course asked her what she was doing.As it turns out, she was bringing food and fresh water to stray cats. Since then, we've seen her a couple of times. Her name is Fran and she's a very sweet lady. And it's awesome that she puts time and money into taking care of neighborhood cats (and no notes about how she's contributing to the pet population. At least she's doing SOMEthing, and who knows, i wouldn't put it past her to care for sick ones or invest in getting them fixed. )

*****

Traffic was unbelievable light on Friday morning, and I got to work 45 minutes early. That means Jamba Juice! And thanks to my little punch card, i was treated to a free breakfast smoothie! Nothing beats a twenty-minute miracle commute and free Jamba Juice! As I walked back to my car, I saw a woman with blonde hair piled on top of her head and huge sunglasses.... it was Fran the cat lady! I am always surprised to run into familiar faces in the city- it's not like it's a Wal*Mart in small-farm-town. When i expressed my surprise, Fran just said, "There are no coincidences". I hope i run into her again.

*****

We finally have our chalk idea! Sketches coming soon...... Also in random notes... i found out my blood type after donating last month. I am A+! I have no clue why but i've always wondered about my blood type...


Alright, if I don't get my booty off this computer, I'm going to be in for it! Besides, there's a toilet that needs scrubbed and a carpet that needs vacuuming....

thursday, eh?

Does your internal calendar ever get thrown off? You forget what day it is, Monday feels like Friday, everything is scattered... and you're not sure what comes next...

What would it be like without clocks and calendars? Without routines and obligations and bills? No credit cards, just a barter system? Simplicity is something the Amish got right.

No update on the complicated life situation. And i don't want another whiny entry, so i'm just not going into it. Meanwhile, a co-worker just walked by holding a bunch of phones and a weird look on his face. Hmmm....

Nine days until chalk contest '08! The theme is "Fanta-Sea". We're anxious to expand the sunset from a section of last year's turtle, but not sure how to make that fit the theme. Suggestions and inspiration are welcome.

i feel like doing a survey. Just because i want to type and make it look like i'm working, even though most of my work (besides incoming phone calls) is done for the day. So here it is. A survey from the latest on the bulletin board expressly to make me look busy.

*************************
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Red Lobster. Olive Garden. Does Souplantation count? Cracker Barrel. Joe's Crab Shack. California Pizza Kitchen.

geez, no wonder i'm chunky.

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
speaking of.... cheese, mushrooms, various veggies

What do you like to put on your toast?
maranatha organice peanut butter on one, trader joes organic strawberry preserves on the other, please

What is your wallpaper on your computer?
the picture i took of the stone steps at the Pasadena park

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
blue recycling bin full of empty glass bottles

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
nope. though it's a little fuzzy around the time i fell during a KWC theatre audition

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
i like my name. Always have, even as a kid. My last name however... i'm looking forward to changing that with marriage. Not that i'm ashamed of my last name, people just have a hard time pronouncing it

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000
Do I have to chug it? Can I go at my own pace? If so, yes. Otherwise, i'll chug it for $5000 and you have a deal.

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?at least seven but probably more

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?last year, giving a police report when my friends' purse (then car, now that they had her keys) were stolen from church

Favorite:
Season?
summer summer summer summer!

Holiday?
Christmas. My birthday (yes, i think it counts). Easter. Fourth of July. Thanksgiving. Memorial Day. Labor Day. New Years. In that order. And yes, other holidays were omitted because i do NOT enjoy them. (Though in case anyone's taking notes, i'm looking forward to someone changing Valentine's Day into a day to look forward to instead of dread)

Day of the week?
Any day i'm not at work

****
Mood?pick one

First place you went this morning?the bathroom. it's weird- it's the first thing i HAVE To do when i wake up. seriously. no exceptions.

What can you not wait to do?
be financially stable again

What's the last movie you saw at home?
French Kiss

How about at the theater?
Mamma Mia

Whats the most random thing in the room you are in right now?
the awesome sort-of real-looking fake orchid on my desk

Talked to a jerk today?
It's why they pay me

Do you like anyone?
does it matter?

Can you do a cartwheel?
yup. Daylene asked me to teach her last summer. then she revealed she already knew how, she just wanted to see if i'd do it.

Do you have a piggy bank shaped like a pig?
Do i? I might. I haven't seen most of my belongings in over a year, so i'm starting to forget what's in those boxes in storage. Though it's pretty telling, isn't it? Amazing what we really can live without.

ARE YOU:
A Daydreamer:
please. must you even ask?

Sarcastic:
just another service i offer.

Shy:
actually, sometimes yes

Talkative:
yeah, you ask my second-grade teacher that question and report back to me when she stops laughing