Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sodalicious

I love soda.* Diet soda of the Dr. Pepper or Coke varieties.
I am also a water addict.
I drink 44 oz. of soda each day as well as almost a gallon of water.
I can pinpoint my soda love to one certain situation. I hardly touched the stuff (maybe 3 times a year) until I was 26. I dated a great guy who just didn't like me drinking soda - even if only 3 times per year. When we parted ways? BAM - daily walks to the gas station during lunch break for a liquid treat. Just because I could. Now I can't stop. Yum.

*I apologize to all those Ohio natives who may notice I have diverted from my roots of "pop" to a more West coast "soda." I hang my head with shame.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Little Debbie Returns

Remember this post?
All appearances indicate Little Debbie heard my pleas. On my quest through the bread aisle to get Sandwich Thins, I saw a bright, illuminated box as the Hallelujah Chorus began playing over the intercom in my mind. There they were in all their glory - a treat I love is back on the shelves (and three boxes in my cupboard)! Hooray!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Cancellations

This past weekend I had plans:
Friday - 10pm
Saturday- 8am
Saturday - 9am
Saturday - 6pm
Saturday - 7:30pm
Saturday - 10pm
Sunday - 11am
Sunday - 11:30am

After everybody was done canceling, I ended up with:
Saturday - 6pm
Saturday - 10pm
Sunday - 11am

I appreciate the extra time, since that is probably my most precious commodity as of late. And as humorous as this is, I can't believe that we accept this world where nothing is set in stone. I know some of the cancellations were beyond personal control, but I'm just curious - What happened to giving your word and keeping it?
I did end up having a fabulous weekend watching 2 movies, doing all my chores, and snuggling with the purring kitster.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Spitting Toilet

I flushed the toilet at the theater last night only to discover the toilet thinks it is a dancing fountain - it shot this burst of water straight up at me. Sprinkles of potty water covering my pants is not my idea of a good perfume.

Good Enough

My favorite moment of rehearsal last night:
Dearest "Benny" (names have been changed to protect the innocent) sidles up to my side, then kneels down on one knee in front of me. He reaches both hands towards my face, resting one hand near my temple and one just under my chin. I find my neck being angled' just so,' accompanied by a request to look down. Needless to say, I'm a little intrigued by this point.
I sat there, baffled, looking in the appointed direction while being examined for about 30 seconds.
He speaks: "Alright, good enough," and walks away.
What the?!
Made me laugh. Hard. And now I have ammunition. Delectable.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Be Yourself

I come home from rehearsals each night plum tuckered out - even when we haven't done any heavy choreography.
I found myself saying to a friend, "Man, pretending to be someone else sure is exhausting."
Immediately a light bulb materialized over my head. I finally understood why the world needs caffeine so much.
How many of us are exhausting ourselves walking around out there pretending to be someone we aren't?
I'm much better at being Larissa Villers than any character I've played in a show - and I have much more energy while doing it. Forget caffeine, just be yourself.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Shabby Apple

Girls - we all love modest dresses, right?
There is this amazing place, Shabby Apple, having a Garden Party (re: Mega Sale) this Saturday from 8am-12pm.
I'm gonna go at 8am before rehearsal just to check it out - one of my favorite bloggers swears by these dresses and I'd love to try one out for size.
If you like modest dresses, you should come:-)

Honda Emblems

Alright you little scalawags. ENOUGH!
What is so exciting about the Honda* emblems on my car? It wasn't enough that 4 years ago you had to steal the one off the back, now you have felt the need to snitch the one off the hood? Seriously?
Call me crazy, but I'm sure you could think of some much more exciting to do than steal my Honda emblems.
Any car guys out there making a trip to a pick-n-pull/junkyard anytime soon?

*Quick shout out to Honda- I love my car! It is 18 years old and still as reliable as ever!

Monday, August 23, 2010

30 Things

I will be hitting a very eventful milestone in my life in 30 days. In honor of this occasion, I am presenting a list of 30 things I would like to have for the special day (if I were rich or had rich friends, natch). Materialistic? Absolutely. But it did take me about a month to come up with this list - that's gotta count for something:-)

1. Ticket to Elf the musical on Broadway over Thanksgiving (on Nov. 25) (Check!)
2. Ticket to Spiderman: Turn off the Dark on Broadway over Thanksgiving (on Nov. 28) (CHECK! - got one for me and one for sissy)
3. Lippmann Happy Birthday nail polish & Ruby Red Slippers nail polish (Check!)
4. A killer carwash inside and out (as of January 11, 2011, I've still only managed the "outside" part)
5. Watch "Thirteen Going on Thirty" and/or the episode of Friends where Rachel turns thirty (Check! Julie brought me the episode of Friends)
6. Down Pillows (Check!  I bought some for myself the first week of January 2011 as a reward for getting a raise)
7. Nice Paddle Brush of some kind (Check!)
8. Hair Dryer that doesn't smell like burnt hair and actually works (Check! Although it makes a really high-pitched noise - guess that's what I get for $10)
9. Chi Flat Iron (Check! Sissy bought one for me!)
10. An iron that can really show those wrinkles who is the boss (Check!  Arrived via Amazon January 10, 2011)
11. Roxberry Juice (Check! Got one on the way to my show)
12. Smart Cookie lemon & sugar cookies
13. See's Raspberry cream and truffle chocolates
14. Dairy Queen ice cream cake
15. ClearPlay (now with 1080P upconvert? Be still my heart! MegaShark v. Giant Octopus here I come!) (Check! Thanks to the amazing individual who gifted me this without even seeing this list!)
16. "Letters to Juliet" DVD (Check!)
17. Disney's "Princess and the Frog" DVD
18. To run five miles (I've done this every birthday for 6 years.) (Check! And in under 50 minutes!)
19. Abundant 2-liters of Diet Dr. Pepper
20. Netflix Subscription (Streaming movies? Yes, please.)
21. Dyson Animal HEPA Vaccuum or a Roomba (after viewing consumer reports, looks like the vacuum I already have is just as good, so no go on this)
22. Invisalign and whitening
23. 5 new sports bras (Check!  Got them for Christmas '10)
24. A day off work (Check!)
25. Brown Sugar and Fig foaming hand soap or wallflowers from Bath and Body works (sold online only) (Check!)
26. Soft Paws for little Conor (Check!)
27. Leatherby's (Check! Bekah and J Albert are gonna take me out after my show on the big day!)
28. Reta Pumps - Teal, Black, and Grey (Check!)
29. To Perform (Check! I have a show on my bday)
30. Season Tickets to Capitol Theater's Broadway Series (Check!)

Bonus Round!
Glee Season 1

Friday, August 20, 2010

Attitudes

Friends are great. Conversations are great. Great conversations with Great friends? Greater!
I was conversating (yes, I made it up) with an oldie but a goodie about how I was once reprimanded for giving people too much the benefit of the doubt. Response?
"I think our attitude towards others is the attitude the Lord will take with us when we're judged. I feel that way about our attitude towards anything with the gospel actually. There are people who pay exact amounts in tithing, doing precise calculations, giving just the exact amounts. And then there are those who are more relaxed, rounding up, maybe giving a little extra when they can, etc. So when judgment day comes, the Lord will either review the individual precisely, making sure they met the requirements exactly, or He'll be more relaxed, forgiving, and generous, giving a little extra."
Perfect.

Three Things

1. I should not be trusted alone with someone else's french fries. I'm just sayin'.
2. Things with Lemon and Poppyseed, preferably both, are akin to angel kisses (yes I really know what angel kisses are like).
3. I forgot my socks in my gym bag yesterday. There are few things in the world that can compare to the nastiness of a sockless gym shoe situation. I felt like I had swamp foot all night.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Last night I saw what may very well be the best community theater production I've seen to date.
Murray Arts put together quite the ensemble under the direction of Jim Smith at Murray Amphitheater.
I made call-backs for the show, but declined the opportunity thanks to being cast as Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. I am relieved to say that I would have had an amazing summer experience whatever I chose - I just loved Seven Brides for Seven Brothers*.
I've seen several productions of this show in various states. As far as entire production, this is definitely the best of the show I've seen**. If you love choreography, you will flip - I couldn't get enough.
Special shout out to my friends Jon and Michael Scott, as well as my new fav's Josh Durfey (Gideon), Julie Blatter (Milly), Alexia Steed (Alice), Natalie Fortie (Dorcus), Mary-Martha Jackson (Sarah), and Joshua Lloyd (Caleb)!
And random - ends up I am on the same concept recording CD of "The Raven" as Milly (Julie) and met her years ago - who knew? I heard her sing one song once three years ago and recognized her voice. How 'bout them ears?

You should all go!
8pm Murray Amphitheater, $8 cash
August 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 28


*I don't love the plot, "Oh abusive husband, I love you so much for no reason at all, come back to me!" but this Murray production=love
**Yes, I have preferred others in certain parts (Scot & Megan Fetters, shout out for you). I'm talking whole ensemble here.

Dependable

I do not depend on other people enough.
Do you?
I have this strong opinion that many people in this world rely on others too much - we call them manipulators, moochers, and burdens. They are askers and takers, not doers and givers. I never want to be one of those.
But when I think of the experiences that have bonded me to those I love the most, there is almost always a situation where someone has reached out in need, be it me or the other. How can I deny myself and others the blessings of letting someone help me/helping someone that come along with friendship?
Recently I've taken this attitude that I need to do everything myself because I can depend on and trust myself more than I can anyone else. I know I am going to get somewhere on time, complete a task, etc. It isn't that I don't think someone else could, it is just that I can set the deadline or goal or need and hit it every time - why would I want to chance it?
Being independent is wonderful and necessary - I mean, we've all met those individuals that we wonder how they have Forrest Gumped their way through life this far - but there is nothing wrong with depending upon others, learning to trust, giving others an opportunity to come through...
What is the general opinion on this?

Friday, August 13, 2010

Purple Onions

One thing I particularly enjoy is - on any particular day when you know you will not be kissing someone - eating purple onions with my sandwiches. Not too many or too often, as one helping is enough kick your breath for a week, but ya know...they is derishous!

More Cocoon Stories

In yet another serious conversation, my sweet friend began telling me of a television movie she watched during some fit of boredom titled, "Warriors of Virtue."
There was a scene where a wise old Chinese man showed his young protege an empty cocoon. He explained to the child that as a young boy himself, he had helped free the creature from the cocoon because he saw the struggle it was having. The creature emerged and flew for a moment, then died. From that day forward, he realized, "it is the struggle to free ourselves that makes us who we truly are." We all must struggle to build the strength we need to get to where we need to be.
Cheesefest, but very pertinent.
I would like to believe we all can clearly see how certain difficult events for us have made us into the people we think are ridiculously amazing today.

Happiness

What makes a person truly happy?

I have been reading the most fascinating article.

We've all heard that money can't buy happiness. Obviously. We may think, "but money may buy me things that make me happy." Not so.

There is, however, an exception to this rule. The research in this article indicates that the only happiness money can actually buy is in an experience. Vacations are better than a new couch.
Think back on shopping as a younger person - you saved, you anticipated, the whole thing became an adventure that made your purchase seem to provide happiness. But it wasn't the thing, it was the resulting experience(s). As I've become an adult and purchased more and more things for myself, I've seen a noticeable difference in the "rush" I get from a purchase. I remember how I used to scrimp and save to buy myself two Disney DVDs for my birthday and how I ran home to watch them with my roommates and basked in the glow of my new treasures. Now? I own over 500 DVDs and the feeling just isn't the same. Purchasing is like a drug - the more you do it, the less impact each purchase has. And let's face it - I don't remember most of what goes on in those movies, but I remember who was watching with me and what we talked or did before and after.

One filmmaker, Roko Belic, has been making a documentary on what makes people happy and he said, "The one single trait that is common among every single person who is happy is strong relationships." I truly can't think of anything that makes me happier than relationships with loved ones (yes, including kitty). People are also quite likely to compare their possessions with another to try to "one up", but less likely to compare the joy of an experience for a "one up" because we are unique and different things make us happy.

What makes you happiest?

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Improvement

I was having a discussion yesterday in which I asked, "I just don't get it - why wouldn't a person want to change if they knew that change would make them better?"
For people like me and most of my peers, who are constantly trying to improve, it is hard for us to realize that people are content with who they are when it isn't their best. If you could have the world, why would you settle for a blade of grass?
I've gone most of my life thinking certain people are lacking ambition, or perhaps lazy, because they appear to never change. But they aren't lazy or unambitious, they are simply content. They go from caterpillar to cocoon, but never emerge as a butterfly and take wing. I could simply never be alright knowing there was always something more I could be for myself and for others. While there is nothing wrong with being content with where you are in life (and is actually good sometimes), there is always room for improvement.
I am a huge advocate of being happy with who you are and realizing when too much is being demanded of you, so there is a fine line, but generally speaking...better is best!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Respect vs. Tolerance

Respect: To feel or show deferential regard or honor for; esteem

Tolerance: The capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others; the capacity to endure hardship or pain.

There is a fine line between tolerance and respect. Just because I have a capacity to recognize the practices of another does not automatically qualify me as supporting that behavior. I think too often we make assumptions pertaining to the connection of these two ideas.

If someone is being mistreated in the workplace, they may tolerate it, but they will not respect that individual. Just because I tolerate my messes once in awhile doesn't mean I honor them. I do not condone annoyances just because I grin and bare it.

I feel as if we are somewhat forced to tolerate, maybe because it is mostly associated with a painful experience or maybe because we must compromise if we want peace. I choose to respect. Earn it.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Wind

I love the feeling of letting my hair down and having the wind blow through my locks, like a million tiny little fingers caressing my scalp. As if Mother Nature is soothing and comforting me, giving me a rest from the cares of the world and a trip into bliss.

Off-Kilter

Where to begin?
Have you ever been a place you've been a hundred times and then all of a sudden you show up and feel the room moving about in a swirling jumble? You look around and see all of these loving, familiar faces you are so excited to see, but somehow feel you have nothing to say?
I do not like days like that.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Scottie

Sir Trevor Scot Villers - aka Scottie - passed away yesterday morning.
At 14 years old, I met my little puppy ruv when my parents escorted me into the living room to see a tiny bouncing white puffball. He immediately jumped up and nipped a hole in my favorite t-shirt, yet won my heart entirely.
I took him to many an obedience class, which worked quite well until his three-week vacation with Grandma Betty. He had been trained to sit when we stopped walking and one day we were walking through a muddy area of the Strawberry Festival and, needless to say, I had a brown dog instead of white by the time we left.
His favorite activity may very well have been escaping from his fenced-in area and running to the neighbor's horse barn to roll in the manure. Our least favorite was bathing him after. The neighbor's goat, Timmy, would often times wander over and stare in our door, sometimes knocking with his horns, until we let Scottie out to play.
The past few years I've only had Scottie time once or twice per year, but he never cared - he always greeted me with more excitement than I thought any creature could muster.
I think my favorite activity with him was "run Scottie run." We'd get him all worked up and then he'd run so fast around our L-shaped couch that he was literally running sideways. He'd bounce from object to object, defying all rules of gravity.
I could always count on my Scottie to come snuggle up by my side during a rough time or just for a nice nap.
I love you, Scottie, my ruv pup!


Thursday, August 5, 2010

Stephen King

Confession 1: I read Entertainment Weekly.
I know, I know. You are all silencing your gasps of sorrow and disdain. Experts say to clear your mind before bed. What better way to empty your head of all serious thought?
Confession 2: I am a huge fan of Stephen King. I even visited his home when I was in Bangor, Maine. My sister and I bond over cheesy made-for-TV movie marathons. I immediately connect with anyone who shares the same profound love as I for "Langoliers" or "The Stand."
In a "best of both worlds" scenario, Stephen King would write an article for EW. Coincidentally, he does.
His latest article had me giggling as he bashed the talking heads of Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh. As of late, there has been a debate about why Lindsay Lohan would receive more coverage than the Oil Leak in the Gulf. Good point.
Then, in a shocking turn of events (should have expected it from Stephen), Mr. King defended the coverage. Who would have thought the king of all things creepy is a softy?
He suggested that we don't follow celebrities because we are nosy and like to see the plight of the rich and famous and like to see them fail. We follow them because we sympathize. Because we really do want these people to succeed. Because we all know someone in our personal lives who has an addiction problem or an anger problem or is bad with finances.
Amazing Stephen King words it best, so I'll include an excerpt from his article published for the 8.6.10 issue, titled "Rush to Judgment."

"... I really believe that the majority of people - i.e., the ones without talk shows - are pulling for Lindsay Lohan, just as they did for Robert Downey Jr. No one wants to read another Health Ledger/River Phoenix/John Belushi story. Or about Rush Limbaugh OD-ing for that matter. Some of us may not like the guy's opinions (or trust his sincerity), but very few of us want to see him hauled out of a hotel room on a stretcher, covered by a sheet.
There's a perception that people buy the Enquirer or go to TMZ on the Web because they want to see the rich humbled (or jailed), the famous humiliated (or jailed), the beautiful turned fat and ugly by excess (or jailed). It's crap. The cynics may believe ordinary folks are spiteful and envious, but that's probably because they are judging others by themselves.
Rush, you need to revisit the Lindsay Lohan affair. Now that you're clean, maybe you even ought to reach out to her and give her the benefit of your own experience. We're all in this little boat of life together, and none of us are getting out of it alive. Is Lindsay Lohan's substance problem as serious as the spill in the Gulf? No. Is she a bit of a twit? Yes, but so was I at 24. So were most of us, probably including you...Man up and pass on what you've learned."

This article truly made me ponder - enlightened me a little to my own ever-curious mind. I hope you feel the same.

Learn to Share

Last night, an individual in my life retorted, "Your lack of ability to share astonishes me."
I was immediately hurt - a knife to my very soul! I, in an ironic twist of humility, have always taken pride in my generosity. Want to come to NYC but can't afford it? I'll find a way to arrange an "exchange of services." Want to have my cookies for a special event but don't have time to make them? I'll stay up late to bake them for you. "Would you like to donate $1?" Man, I'm a sucker for that one every time. Need a place to stay for a month? By golly, I've even done that!

So what was this gentleman referring to? Food.

Call me crazy, but when I order food at a restaurant or make my own, I have done so because I want to eat it. That's right. Me. I want to eat MY food. What is so wrong about that?
I almost always hit a point in a meal where I'm not too interested in finishing what is on my plate, at which time I will offer it up for grabs. Or if I have ordered a size larger or cooked more so that I can share or ordered "family style," I will gladly offer it up.

If you have your own food that you ordered because you wanted to eat it, with no pre-established sharing clause, then why are you trying to steal my food? I keep thinking of the Friends episode where Joey ends a relationship with a girl because she keeps taking food from his plate. I'm not that extreme for goodness sakes, but I love food a lot and I want every tender little morsel I ordered. What is so wrong with that?

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

ENFJ

My co-worker had me take a personality test. He thought I'd be an ENTJ, which upon reading the description, I know I am quite clearly not.
What do you think? Is this me? I agree with some things, but others I'm not so sure about.

The Giver

As an ENFJ, you're primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is internal, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

ENFJs are people-focused individuals. They live in the world of people possibilities. More so than any other type, they have excellent people skills. They understand and care about people, and have a special talent for bringing out the best in others. ENFJ's main interest in life is giving love, support, and a good time to other people. They are focused on understanding, supporting, and encouraging others. They make things happen for people, and get their best personal satisfaction from this.

Because ENFJ's people skills are so extraordinary, they have the ability to make people do exactly what they want them to do. They get under people's skins and get the reactions that they are seeking. ENFJ's motives are usually unselfish, but ENFJs who have developed less than ideally have been known to use their power over people to manipulate them.

ENFJ's are so externally focused that it's especially important for them to spend time alone. This can be difficult for some ENFJs, because they have the tendency to be hard on themselves and turn to dark thoughts when alone. Consequently, ENFJs might avoid being alone, and fill their lives with activities involving other people. ENFJs tend to define their life's direction and priorities according to other people's needs, and may not be aware of their own needs. It's natural to their personality type that they will tend to place other people's needs above their own, but they need to stay aware of their own needs so that they don't sacrifice themselves in their drive to help others.

ENFJ's tend to be more reserved about exposing themselves than other extraverted types. Although they may have strongly-felt beliefs, they're likely to refrain from expressing them if doing so would interfere with bringing out the best in others. Because their strongest interest lies in being a catalyst of change in other people, they're likely to interact with others on their own level, in a chameleon-like manner, rather than as individuals.

Which is not to say that the ENFJ does not have opinions. ENFJs have definite values and opinions which they're able to express clearly and succinctly. These beliefs will be expressed as long as they're not too personal. ENFJ is in many ways expressive and open, but is more focused on being responsive and supportive of others. When faced with a conflict between a strongly-held value and serving another person's need, they are highly likely to value the other person's needs.

The ENFJ may feel quite lonely even when surrounded by people. This feeling of aloneness may be exacerbated by the tendency to not reveal their true selves.

People love ENFJs. They are fun to be with, and truly understand and love people. They are typically very straight-forward and honest. Usually ENFJs exude a lot of self-confidence, and have a great amount of ability to do many different things. They are generally bright, full of potential, energetic and fast-paced. They are usually good at anything which captures their interest.

ENFJs like for things to be well-organized, and will work hard at maintaining structure and resolving ambiguity. They have a tendency to be fussy, especially with their home environments.

In the work place, ENFJs do well in positions where they deal with people. They are naturals for the social committee. Their uncanny ability to understand people and say just what needs to be said to make them happy makes them naturals for counseling. They enjoy being the center of attention, and do very well in situations where they can inspire and lead others, such as teaching.

ENFJs do not like dealing with impersonal reasoning. They don't understand or appreciate its merit, and will be unhappy in situations where they're forced to deal with logic and facts without any connection to a human element. Living in the world of people possibilities, they enjoy their plans more than their achievements. They get excited about possibilities for the future, but may become easily bored and restless with the present.

ENFJs have a special gift with people, and are basically happy people when they can use that gift to help others. They get their best satisfaction from serving others. Their genuine interest in Humankind and their exceptional intuitive awareness of people makes them able to draw out even the most reserved individuals.

ENFJs have a strong need for close, intimate relationships, and will put forth a lot of effort in creating and maintaining these relationships. They're very loyal and trustworthy once involved in a relationship.

An ENFJ who has not developed their Feeling side may have difficulty making good decisions, and may rely heavily on other people in decision-making processes. If they have not developed their Intuition, they may not be able to see possibilities, and will judge things too quickly based on established value systems or social rules, without really understanding the current situation. An ENFJ who has not found their place in the world is likely to be extremely sensitive to criticism, and to have the tendency to worry excessively and feel guilty. They are also likely to be very manipulative and controling with others.

In general, ENFJs are charming, warm, gracious, creative and diverse individuals with richly developed insights into what makes other people tick. This special ability to see growth potential in others combined with a genuine drive to help people makes the ENFJ a truly valued individual. As giving and caring as the ENFJ is, they need to remember to value their own needs as well as the needs of others.

Jungian functional preference ordering:

Dominant: Extraverted Feeling
Auxiliary: Introverted Intuition
Tertiary: Extraverted Sensing
Inferior: Introverted Thinking

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Refurgitation

My luck with all things grotesque continues.
I'm not the only one who wakes up all blurry-eyed and incoherent, right?
I'm not the only one who was barbarously and abruptly jerked out of incoherency by stepping in a pile of vomited hairball am I? Oh? I am?
My darling little poofy kitty only has this problem three or four times per year, which is not bad considering she is a fuzzbucket. And not bad considering I've never stepped in it before. And not bad considering there are usually not three piles and I usually am not late to work because of clean-up and I usually don't VIM*...
Sick. Sick. SICK!

*Vomit in mouth

Monday, August 2, 2010

Sneeze

What happens if you take a big bite of oatmeal and then immediately have a sneeze attack?
Let me tell you from personal experience a few moments ago...make sure you cover your mouth...