Stitch In the Ditch

Gone Retail

2010-10-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Lucky Zelda has gone retail. South Coast Repertory, a regional theatre in Costa Mesa, California now offers several Lucky Zelda purses in their gift shop. As I work as South Coast Repertory's costume cutter/draper, Lucky Zelda occasioanlly uses scrap fabrics from productions to create purses. Audience members & customers alike can now take a piece of a favorite production with them.

Salt Vessels

2010-07-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

A Taste of Wisdom
A yogi grew tired of his apprentice complaining, and so one morning, sent him for some salt. When the apprentice returned, the mater instructed the unhappy young man to put a handful of salt in a glass of water and then to drink it. “How does it taste?” the master asked. “Bitter,” spit the apprentice. The master chuckled & then asked the young man to take the same handful of salt & put it in the lake. The two walked in silence to the nearby lake, & once the apprentice swirled his handful of salt in the water, the old man said, “Now drink form the lake.” As the water dripped down the young man’s chin, the master asked, “How does it taste?” “Fresh,” remarked the apprentice. “Do you taste the salt?” asked the master. “No,” said the young man. At this, the master sat beside this serious young man, who so reminded him of himself, & took his hands, offering: “The pain of life is pure salt; no more, no less. The amount of pain in life remains exactly the same. However, the amount of bitterness we taste depends on the container we put the pain in. So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge your sense of things. Stop being a glass. Become a lake.

While listening to this parable being read aloud during my yoga class's closing Savasana I smiled (a perfect ending to a great class by the way). As a follower of Jesus, this parable spoke to my faith. Perhaps because I have ones precious to my heart that are currently in pain. That of course pains me. I realized that I, we, are the glass. But we have no need to become the lake, something we don't have the ability to be. By allowing Jesus to be the lake He desires to be in our lives our salt will be surrounded & washed away by His freshness.

"Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Luke 4:13b

If They Have No Bread To Eat...

2010-05-28T22:53:00.001-07:00

They should come to my house! You see, I got a hankering for a bread machine. I found one cheap on Craigslist not too far from home (I love me some Craigslist). Pictured here is the maiden loaf. Pretty, huh? I opted for your basic white bread thinking that'd be the easiest. Sure 'nough! It's tasty!

I informed Kaisara that said breadmaker was not purchased to increase our bread intake. His response was, "Why not? We'll just put alot of butter on it & less meat." While I would be more than happy to acquiesce to such direction, I don't think it's healthful. My hope is for a healthier product due to the absence of preservatives & ick in my bread. My theory is that making my own bread (or having my machine do it for me) will be a healthier & delicious choice for Kaisara & I all the while being a greener choice for my environment.

Did I mention it has a timer so I can have fresh bread waiting for me when I get home from work? It's hard being me.

Ooops! It's Been A While

2010-02-28T18:22:00.000-08:00

Wow. November. Really? It's been that long? I blame Facebook for my lack of blogging. Not that I spend alot of time there but apparently it's more time than here. So, if you're out there & are interested, here's an update of the life of Cate:

I'm only 4 shows away from finishing my 1st season as staff cutter/draper at the theatre. I was a little leary going in, you know, without my safety net of the staff cutter that I had as over-hire. Now I'M the safety net. Yikes! Turns out, I think I'm doing pretty well. Given, this has been a pretty easy season. No big builds. No really complicated periods. But still, parts of my job have been challenging & I think I'm succeeding at my new post. I'm fired for the summer the 1st week of June & am looking forward to summer break.

Summer break. Aaahhhhh. I love that I still get summer break as an adult. Not many of us do. Theatre folk & teachers. Anyone else? And that's only if you don't teach summer school or do summer stock (Did it once. That's enough. At least it taught me about cherry lime-aid. Thanks Cat!). My 1st day off Kaisara & I are heading up to North Hollywood for a wedding & are planning on staying up there for the night. Who needs that drive that late? The following weekend is our church's camping trip that I'm planning. It scares me that I need to be doing that now. Oy.

Kaisara & I are once again turning over a new leaf in our life-style as it concerns our chub-ness. Things have gotta change. AND THEY WILL!! We're eating better, moving more & have been enjoying it. Though we'd enjoy chips & cookies more. But alas, it's not to be. Sigh. I find it interesting that I loathe exercise when I think about doing it. But during & after the fact, I love it. I love it more than clicking away at solitaire or FB & yet, those things usually beat exercise out. Why is that? So, it's been about a week. Progress will be slow. But it will be.

We took our 1st advanced level Lindy Hop class. We decided we needed to do it. In the intermediate classes we haven't been challenged & while the intermediate/advanced class was more fun, it seemed to be review. We've got a laundry list of moves that we can do & do well. In class. It's on the dance floor as a lead & follow that we sort of loose our finesse. Our instructors told us that the advanced class would help. It's less about moves & more about dancing. Sweet. We liked it & are planning on going back.

So that's what I've got for now. I'll try to do better at the posting. Cheers!

Am I Vulcan?

2009-11-29T19:41:00.000-08:00

I am really starting to wonder if I'm part Vulcan. You know, Spock was a half-breed. Though I don't go as heavy on the blue eye-shadow as Great Uncle Spock, maybe I've got a little Vulcan-ocity in me too.

According to the all-knowing & ever accurate Wikipedia, Vulcan's "are noted for their attempt to live by reason and logic with no interference from emotion." Now mind you I'm not ATTEMPTING, it's just been happening. It's most apparent during the holidays. I'm not using "the holidays" as a P.C. term but really do mean the holidays as in: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Independence Day, and even vacations. As the years go by I just don't see the point of all of the hoopla. I want to celebrate each holiday and remember it's meaning but why must those be the days you MUST spend with family, you MUST decorate your house, you MUST have a generic gift at the ready to give to someone that might give one to you, you MUST have nasty macaroni salad at the bbq before the fire works even though no one eats it because it's gross? It's all illogical.

While I haven't decorated my home for any holiday including Christmas for several years now, my family has been understanding. They see it as, "if you don't wanna, don't." Have I mentioned I LOVE my family? I do however wanna buy them gifts & spend time with them. But with as awesome as my family is, I wanna do that all year 'round. It's not the holiday traditions, it's my family & friends that I want to remember the reason for the holiday with. And here's a shocker: it doesn't have to be one the actual day of the holiday.

My Vulcan bend does have to be knocked down a peg or two from time to time. For instance when I'm sitting out on a pear in beautiful Monterey having a lovely lunch with my amazaing husband while on a road trip celebrating our wedding anniversary, the Vulcan in me starts saying, "Why are you doing this? This money could be better spent? This is illogical. You should be paying bills with the money you're spending on this trip." Shut up Vulcan. What you say is true but this is good for my marriage & it's good for me. Or, when I'm asked what I would like for a birthday or Christmas gift and the Vulcan in me says, "You don't need anything. You've got more that most people in the world could ever dream of. It's not logical for them to buy you a gift". Shut up Vulcan. These people love me & want to shop it. The truth is, these things are illogical but they're good for me and the people involved in them with me.

I want to get all gushy over the holidays. I really do. I'd love to get bundled up to brave the chilly 68 degree evening to find the perfect Christmas tree. But I'm just not interested. The Vulcan in me says it's a silly way for me to spend the time, money & stress of putting it up, watering it, taking it down & cleaning up after it. I'm not saying all of this is not logical for all. I'm saying it's not logical for me. I'm just not that sentimental I guess.

Part of the Vulcan way of life that does not apply to me is the lack of emotion. Anyone who knows me can attest to that. But I'm not emotional about holiday traditions for traditions sake.

One Down, Over A Dozen To Go!

2009-09-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was opening night of our first show of the season, "Putting It Together". It was also my first show as the theatre's staff cutter/draper. I'm really happy with the work I did for this show (tangible & otherwise). I made a killer red dress (I think there's one in almost every show in the history of the world). It's red. It's super quality silk. The actor totally rocked it. That's always nice.

Now to breath for 1 second. We load the next show out next week. I've got Sewing Circle, Sew What, 3 craft shows & 3 photo shoots to prepare for. Wait, when did I get to breath?

Life's Busy

2009-08-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

So I started back to work this week. So far so good. I was out of work for about 2 1/2 months and it's really nice to get back to a routine (and a paycheck).

Before returning to work I starting beating myself up that I didn't get more accomplished. I did alot but I also "wasted" alot of time in which I could have been doing something enriching or productive. Why does that time spent always seems to burn into my memory. I started asking myself, "What could you have done or gotten accomplished to not feel this way?" The honest answer to myself was, "Nothing". I have come to realize about myself that I feel as though I am never productive enough. That's so sad! I need balance in that area of my life.

I got Lucky Zelda up & over 100 items this summer (and maintained the over 100 items while making 20 sales in the process). I built a dress for a friend, 2 shirts for myself & did many alterations for another friend. That's alot of stuff. But that's not 2 1/2 months worth of stuff. I could have been riding my bike for exercise. I could have been visiting more friends & family. I could have been cooking more meals & cleaning the house. I could have gotten the shop to 150 items. I could of, I could of, I could of... sigh.

While I may sound defeated I do feel rested. So that's good. While I may sound as though I feel I wasted alot of time I do feel like I used it well. Not the most productively. But well. So that's good. I need to have that be as okay in my unconscious mind as in my conscious mind.

Neglectful

2009-07-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

It has been pointed out to me by a couple of friends that I haven't blogged in a while. Holy cow! May was my last post! That's horrible! Though there's been much goin' on I guess I have felt like I'd be being redundant in blogging since I've started using the black-hole-of-motivation known as Facebook. But one of the the things me no like-y about FB is there doesn't seem to be a place for writing posts. All the more reason I should not have neglected my blog. So with the probability of being redundant, here's what's been going on.

I've been off from SCR since the last week of May. I'll be starting up there again on August 10th. While I love being off & doing whatever I please, I do tend to miss the routine of a work week (paychecks make it nicer too).

I've been doing tons of sewing with my almost 2 1/2 months off. I've done lots of alterations for a friend from Bible study. I've built a bridesmaid's dress for another friend and I've built up Lucky Zelda to over 100 items.

June was Lucky Zelda's best month in it's 2 year history with 10 sales. That was awesome and very encouraging. Sometimes I'll go a long time without selling something that I've made & the little negative voice starts to hiss "why bother?". Because I enjoy it that's why. So shut up little pitiful voice!

The last bit of June & 1st couple days saw Kaisara & I on a road trip. We stayed in Monterrey for a couple nights. Rode our bikes over 20 miles, went to the aquarium & ate some delicious BBQ. We stayed at a lovely little B & B that we won't be returning to due to after hearing a conversation the manager was having on the phone. Horrifying. That really put a dent on what had been such a nice stay until then. After Monterrey, we headed further north to Ashland, Oregon with a dual purpose: finally see a show at the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival and to visit several friends that now work up there. Ashland is beautiful, the show was great and catching up with old friends was soooo nice. From there we headed south to the Sacramento area to stay a few days with my Uncle Jack & Aunt Debbie (Mom & Dad's BFF's from high school). It was so great to see them & my cousins. It'd been shamefully too long since we'd seen them & we don't plan on that being the case next time.

My Dad & I were planning on road tripping cross country on his motorcycle but that has since been postponed. Maybe next summer.

Kaisara & Daryl have been officially hired at our church, Arbor Christian Fellowship as co-worship leaders. They've been playing together for over 12 years and they just keep getting better and better.

July 12th Kaisara & I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary making that 20 years together. We even still like each other.

Other than some walks with Zelda (including our maiden voyage to the dog beach), that's pretty much it. Though I'm sure I've left something out.

Wearing Jesus

2009-05-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

I've been in the best Bible study for years now. Our teacher, Marci, is amazing. I've learned so much from her and her passion to teach God's word within culture & context. I'm sad we're almost done for the season. Sigh...

We've been studying the writings of Paul. He's been very difficult. The "Pharisee of Pharisees" has been hard to understand. I'm glad I've stuck with it though.

This season, we've been in Romans. This week was, I think, I'm first real "Ah-ha" of the season. Not that I haven't learned anything because I have. But this week was neat. I thought I'd share it with you. Whomever you are.

We were at the end of chapter 13 of Romans. In verse 14 it says to "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ...". As Marci often does she asked us a "Reflect" question: "What do you think Paul was saying when he told the believer to, "Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ"? At first I was going to rush right by it. I never know what Paul means. He's Paul. He's difficult to get. Then I worried, "I don't know, I just make costumes." But I reflected a little longer. I'm glad I did. Here's what I wrote & shared with my small group:

"Clothes are a way to reflect & communicate who you are to yourself & to others. Especially in those (Biblical) times, you are what you wear."

Other people in my group had great answers too. Me being a costumer, I was the only one who went to actual clothes. That made us smile. But a group member told Marci, the gist of what I said & after class, she wanted to hear exactly what I said. She liked it too. On my drive home I kept reflecting (I guess I liked that people liked what I said).

As I drove I was reflecting on my answer. I needed to get my thoughts in a row. I decided to write Marci an email further explaining my thoughts. Again, I thought I'd share it with you too. Here it is:

I was reflecting more about my "reflection" for question #14 on my drive home from tonight's study. I was considering it even more in the world I work, the theatre. I guess I came to my answer to your question not only by worrying to myself "I can't answer that. I just make costumes." But by then reflecting on what a costume and clothes do.

A costume not only tells the audience who an actor is playing (that's, I guess, a given). But it (the costume) has told and continues to tell the actor how to portray their character. How to become that character. An actor recently told our shop, "I'm so glad when the costume does all the work." He saw his costume as a direction of how to stand, sit, walk. His costume dictated to him how he could interact & move around his fellow actors and even set pieces. A costume can prevent an actor from doing some things they thought may be good for the character and then give them insights into other ways of becoming their character that they hadn't thought of prior to their costume fitting.

I guess when I read Paul's message to "clothe yourself in Christ" I'm considering what Christ is and how do I clothe myself with him. How do I wear Jesus? And why? I was reminded of your teaching that a disciple's goal is to become their rabbi. By clothing myself in Jesus I am training myself to become my Rabbi as an actor does a character. I am making a statement to myself of how to live. How to treat myself & others. How I behave, and how I move throughout this life among my cast mates and set pieces. As with an actor, it's a continual process that continues far past fittings, rehearsals and opening night. It continues throughout the run of the show and doesn't end until the final curtain of the final show and they no longer need that costume. They then move to the next role in their life.

To the audience a costume is an immediate communicator of who that actor has become. Only of course if it's a good one. A poorly designed and/or poorly worn costume doesn't communicate very clearly. My cast mates and audience members should know by the "clothes" I wear that I am a disciple of my Jesus. They should know instantly that I am different from the other characters in the play and be drawn to that difference and want to discuss that difference after the show over coffee with one another.

This of course is not to belittle the practice of one's Christian life to the level of putting on a play. The clothing oneself in Jesus, of course, needs to be genuine of heart and a life changing deed. Not a deed that we take off when the crowds are gone & the spotlight is off. But this was the analogy (is that the right word?) that spoke to me.

Thanks for letting me indulge what may be a narcissistic post.

Selling our Wares

2009-04-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, April 25th my friend Bronwen & I are participating in San Gabriel's 20th annual Grapevine Festival & Car Show which is an awesome craft show and this is the 2nd year they've added a classic car show. In the past it's been a 3-day event seeing 10,000 people walking through. This year the event is only one day but we're hoping all of those 10,000 still show up. If you're in the area or are ready for a road trip, please stop by to see us.

We're also participating in a show in May 17th. Our goal is to sell ALL of our inventory this weekend so we'll be freaking out (on a pile of cash) to get more inventory ready for May's show.

Should you choose to swing by Google this address for directions: 620 W. Santa Anita, San Gabriel, CA.

Having A Great Time

2009-04-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

My mom today said something that made me happy. She was told that many people in their mid-thirties aren't happy since their not in their twenties any more & life is really responsible and such. Not that I'm in my mid-thirties (after all, I'm only 34) but it still made me smile. No, I'm not in my twenties. So what. Sure they were fun but so is this. I'm having a great time. Despite a bulging C7 disk & buzzing legs, I'm having a great time. I've got work doing something I absolutely love, a super cute swing dance partner who finds me amazing (& me him), a funny dog that thinks I'm the center of the universe & last-but-not-least a growing relationship with my Creator. An amazing family and group of friends (those are really one in the same aren't they) that loves me for me and that loves to laugh helps to make my life awesome even in the ever approaching mid-thirties. People in their 30's are sad? I'm sad that they're not (or don't realize) that they're as blessed as me. BRING ON 35! I'm gonna ROCK IT!

Rug Cutters

2009-04-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

Kaisara & I have 1 more week in our Lindy Hop class. We're having a blast. It has really paid off. We've gotten sooo much better. Kaisara's a better lead & much to his relief, I'm a better follow (I was pretty awfull in the following a lead catagory). We still crack ourselves up, but won't that always be the case? We try not to be too disruptive & even our instructors giggle at us. We'll have to check out the finances but we wanna take the next series. I think we're ready to actually dance a little outside of class (I'm sure spectators will laugh almost as much as we will).

Queen DeLuxe

2009-03-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier I wrote about my friends new Etsy Store, Queen DeLuxe. Well now you REALLY have to check it out. If your a geek, she's got boxers made from vintage Star Wars sheets. If you know a baby, she's got totally cute onsies & matching burp cloths. I've added her Etsy mini right below mine so you can get a little looksie. Check her out!

To Keep or To Sell

2009-03-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Probably anyone reading this blog also reads my facebook. Therefore you probably know that I've added a section to Lucky Zelda named "Clothing with Vintage Style". I can't call them vintage since all the pieces are brand new but they will all be vintage styles. After all, anyone can shop at Target but only a few will buy "A Lucky Zelda Original" (as my tags read). So far I've got 2 wool skirts and a pair of wide legged wool trousers (all 1940's style). Now I'm working on a 1950's style dress. White with navy blue polka dots. It looked larger than I expected so I put it on. Yeah, it fits me (with a minor take-it-in alteration). It's totally cute! I wanna keep it. I wanna sell it and have the cash. Sigh. It's hard being me.

Litter Bugs

2009-03-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

I went for a bike ride today. It's been a while that I've riden around to run errands. Lately I've just been pedaling in my living room while watching "All Creatures Great & Small" or from Kaisara's work to mine (when I'm working that is).

This morning I had some errands to run, all very local, so I decided to run them on the good ol' bike. It was great. The breeze I created for myself was cool but not cold & by the end of my ride it was sunny and gorgeous. Great ride. I got over 13 miles in so that's good too. Here's the thing that irks me. The amount of rubbish in the streets, bushes, gutters, etc. is ghastly! I don't understand this. Why do people throw their trash out of there car? Or if they're walking or bicycling why do they just drop it where they are at the time? I don't think I've ever understood this, even as a small child. Where ever you are (esp. in Southern CA) there's a trash can right there! When you get out of your car next, there'll be a trash can there. The next bus stop you pass on your walk/ride, there'll be a trash can there. It cheeses me off! THROW YOUR TRASH AWAY PROPERLY PEOPLE!!!

I did make a frustrating situation work for my benefit though. Being my grandmother's granddaughter I did stop for every plastic bottle & soda can I saw & put them in my pannier. I figure I made at least 50 cents.

Here's Koadie

2009-02-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

Some of you have been asking to see a photo of the horse that I've been working. Well, there he is. Handsome guy isn't he? My sis works with a girl, Tracy, that owns a horse, Nick & Tracy's sister owns Koadie but is out-of-state for school. Tracy needed help working Koadie since she's got Nick, school, work & not enough time for Koadie. The stables is just over 1/2 mile from my house & of course my arm had to be twisted to have horses re-enter my life after an 18 year absence. I'm not really sure how I survived that long.

The wound on my leg from my first ride a month & a half ago has finally healed up enough that it's not painful to ride. The ol' tail bone's still a bit sore but that'll take months to be completely gone. Koadie has now had some stubborn wounds that I've been caring for. Between those & the rain, there hasn't been much riding. It's been awesome to learn that I don't NEED to ride as much as I just NEED to be around horses & working with them even if it's just on the ground. They're large, gorgeous, stupid animals but it's rewarding when I can tell I've connected with them in some way. Even if it's just that he sees me as the treat lady (yeah, I got bit for that).

Today was my first ride in a couple weeks. It was great to be back up there. Hopefully tomorrow morning has another ride in store for me.

Long Time Coming

2009-02-16T21:42:00.001-08:00

So I finally got all of my photos of our Thanksgiving trip to Creede, CO organized & uploaded onto Shutterfly. There are those out there who have been pestering me to get this done. You know who you are :-). If you're interested, click here to take a look.

Our Favorite Show Didn't Dissapoint

2009-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

Kaisara & I went to opening night of "Noises Off" last night at SCR. It was awesome. It's our favorite show so we were excited when I found out last year that SCR was doing it this season. I worked on the costumes & the cast is all super sweet. Having only seen 2 different college productions of "Noises Off" (both were great by the way) Kaisara & I couldn't wait to see what a professional company could do with this incredibly difficult, complex play. I say it again, it was awesome.

For those of you who don't know the show, it's silly on top of funny. Slamming doors, pants falling down, tripping, falling down stairs, running into doors. Did I mention one of the characters spends 98% of here time in her chonnies?

All who are in the local vicinity and love good acting, a funny show and a great production should go see this show. Here's a link to a slide show. Enjoy!

Burning Rubber Now

2009-02-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

I've been looking into getting an indoor trainer for a while now. Last week, Sione sealed the deal for me. He said he never had time to work out after working 10 hours a day but now realized he had time for 3 hours of television every night. I thought to myself, " Man! I've been sitting here for 2 hours watching this show."

After work on Monday, we picked up this new trainer (wish we didn't get the magnetic one. it's pretty noisy). Kaisara fixed my flat & set up the trainer for me. Ta-da! I peddled my little heart out for 1 1/2 hours of my 2 hour show (I had to take a 30 minute break after the first hour. my butt was killing me!). Now I need to get a cyclometer that connects to the rear tire so I know for sure how many miles I peddled (because really that's how I'm motivated). For now I'll just have to estimate.

See you on the road! (or in my living room) :-)

Always Hard to Ask

2009-02-09T13:40:00.001-08:00

I need prayer. My body needs prayer. Not sure if I'm being attacked or if years of being a chubster is catching up on me. I just keep getting sick, injured or some other bizarre thing (I'll tell you about my astro-turf feet later). Seems like it's one thing after another in the last month and a half & each one isn't gone before the next one hits. They're starting to stack up. It's wearing & frankly, it's a little scary. I'd appreciate your prayers guys.

Thanks.

Get Some Green By Going Green!

2009-02-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

I just sold my vintage dress form. She was too beat up to serve my purposes. I figured someone could use her & I didn't need to keep her just cause she was free. I posted an ad on Craig's list a few days ago, now I've got a few extra bills in my pocket & a little more room in my house. Now I've sold: a drafting desk & chair, a travel bbq & a dress form. I've still got a men's 34 dress form listed. I figure he'll take a while to sell. Not many in the market for him.

I encourage you all to use Craig's List. By purchasing used goods you're helping the environment and by purchasing local you're helping your local economy. You're also helping your cash balances because you can find some great stuff for much less than buying it new. Not to mention the extra cash you get by selling stuff you don't need anymore. Once you sell one thing you'll start looking around your house for what else you're willing to give up for some cash. It's a little addicting.

Happy shopping/selling!

Take a Look You Star Wars Fans

2009-02-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

Just opened earlier this week is a new shop on Etsy named Queen DeLuxe. My great friend from work, Bronwen, opened this shop & it is going to be one you'll want to keep an eye on. She's only listed two items so far but they're both AWESOME! Perfect for your Star Wars fan Valentine, boxer shorts made from vintage sheets from A New Hope & Empire Strikes back. Bronwen has other great items (you know that baby needs a Star Wars onsie) that will be listed soon. Please go take a look & tell a friend!

Walking Funny

2009-01-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

So I've been riding twice now. I'm thankful I've done so much bike riding the last couple of years. This could have been SOOOOO much worse. Really only my adductor muscles are what's screaming at me. But boy are they screaming loud!

My boots haven't yet arrived and since their not tall anyway AND after the NASTY wound on my calf (I'll spare you a photo) from the stirrup leather & my jeans fighting, I've invested in a pair of half chaps (weird, costumers call them gators). I think they're ugly especially the pair I bought (pictured earlier) but that's what the store had to fit my gargantuan calf. Back to the ride!

Thursday went well. I felt sloppy but not all over the place. Better than alot of people riding in the background of a movie (i.e. the kid who ratted out the bad guy in "Appaloosa". it was only 2 seconds of screen time for his ride but it was ugly). Koadie is a gorgeous horse and moves nicely. We'll get on fine together. I did end up bruising the ego a bit though during my dismount. My feet hit the incredibly hard-packed dirt by the tack room & my body kept going. The ground hit me where the good Lord split me. That's still sore.

I rode again on Saturday. Half chaps, healing wound, sore adductors & butt and all. I ended up riding longer than I thought I would. I already felt an improvement so that was nice. It's amazing how much work it is when at one point in my life it was very little mental or physical work. But as Kaisara so lovingly put it (as he always does), "You're not 13 anymore."

I'm going back to the stables tomorrow after work but don't think I'll ride. I really want my wound to heal & my adductors to recover from the recent abuse.

My boots should arrive on Tuesday which will give me a little time to break them in for a ride on Thursday. I'll keep you posted!

I'm one happy girl. Am I totally blessed right out of my socks or what?!?!?

Childhood Dream Come True

2009-01-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

It's funny when a childhood dream comes true and in what form. Funny enough for me this week it's in the form of paddock boots. Crazy, I know. But I have wanted a pair since grade school. When I was riding every weekend I had a rubber version of dress English riding boots. A gorgeous boot that leaves much to be desired when in the form of rubber. But they were a practical, inexpensive, functional solution to needing riding boots. When I was riding everyday after school I eventually saved up & got a cheap pair of leather ones that weren't nearly as gorgeous as the ones linked earlier in this paragraph. My dream was a pair of Effingham Field Boots. In my mind, the most gorgeous riding boot a girl could ever want. And one Christmas it finally happened. I got my Effinghams. Of course they were back ordered and didn't arrive for a couple months and were therefore referred to as my F-ing hams by the entire family. But they eventually showed up and they were GORGEOUS. I loved my boots. I wore them to numerous horse shows just knowing they looked awesome. I mean really, anyone wearing such a rad pair of boots had to be taken seriously as an equestrian (did I mention I was in junior high? that explains alot of this whole thing).

But if I what I wanted so bad were field boots how do paddock boots fulfil a dream? You see, those were a luxury (this is not necessarily the case just how it was in my junior high aged brain saw it). One didn't ride in paddock boots, duh. That's what tall boots were for. When one was finished riding but still mucking about the stables, one wore their paddock boots not last year's sneakers from p.e. like I did. Paddock boots were what rich, truly devoted riders had. Wow, to be like them...

I JUST ORDERED A PAIR OF PADDOCK BOOTS!!!!! They should arrive by Thursday. Here's the funny part. I ordered them because they're WAY cheaper than tall boots. Life cracks me up sometimes :-)

Here's the part that is the real story: One of my sister's coworkers needs help taking care of her sister's horse (that lives at the bottom of my hill). You mean you want me to ride & play with your gorgeous 17.2 hand bay Thoroughbred and I don't have to pay you? OKAY!

I'm so excited. Literally I'll be back in the saddle. I met the beauty boy after church on Sunday. My first ride is Thursday night. Not sure that I won't cry with joy.

Held on Tight

2009-01-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

It's sideways but you'll get the idea. No that's not me screaming like an 8 year old.

We had a great time.

Going Sledding

2009-01-07T07:05:00.001-08:00

After years of wanting to hit the sledding slopes, I'm heading up today! I'm taking Kaisara's mom & 2 cousins visiting from New Zeland (this is there 1st visit to the U.S. & will be their first time seeing snow). I'm excited! I'll let you know how it goes!

Close But No Cigar

2009-01-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

I finally tallied up my mileage for 2008. I knew I was short. I was smoking the first 2/3 of the year & then hit the brakes. Flat tire, getting a cold, rain and just plain not riding my bike is what caused me to loose my lead.

My goal was 700 miles. I did 661.5. That's not bad. That's almost 100 more miles than last year. 661.5 is also a very modest total. That doesn't include any day-to-day walking around (of which my job has alot). I feel good about my 661.5.

My 2009 goal is the same; 700. I'll make it this year.

Eat my dust!

Sicky Part II

2008-12-29T16:16:00.001-08:00

I'm a bit better. Despite going into tech this week I skipped out on work today. I figured I wouldn't be able to be very productive and I KNOW they don't want my coodies. We'll see how tomorrow goes. I'll keep you posted.

Sicky

2008-12-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

I've got a cold. Me no happy. Every day and a half is a new symptom. They're not adding on to one another. Just switching out with each other so that's good. Still pretty horrible though. Today is the day of no voice. I hate being sick. I hate being allergic to cold medicine.

My sis is on her way with soup. Yeah, she's pretty much the best. Kaisara & Daryl brought me soup earlier today. Sure wolfed it down for not being hungry.

I repeat, I hate being sick.

If You're A Member, Go Comment

2008-12-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

Hey! One of my baubles has been included in an Etsy treasury! Click here to check it out while it lasts. If you're an Etsy member (it's totally free), sign in & comment on the treasury. The more comments, the more etsy admin notices the treasury & the more likely it is that I could be on the front page.

Thanks for indulging me!

Baubles Galore!

2008-12-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

Many of you who read this blog already have one of my awesome baubles. You are not my target market (sorry). But you know people who need a great little gifty idea. Hostess gifts, company gift exchange, whatever. Really, how many candles & cookie mix in a jar does one need?

Tell your peeps who need a little somethin' to stop by my shop. I've recently added a bunch of new baubles that are lookin' for good homes.

Market me people!

Dancin' Machines

2008-11-16T14:38:00.000-08:00

Yeah that's right. After a summer of not much dancing Kaisara & I have both jumped in with both feet. We started a West Coast series on Thursday nights where we've been taking the beginning (mostly a review) and the intermediate (holy cow that's some new territory!) classes. Most weeks we've even been staying for the dance afterwards just to cement our new moves into our little brains.

Two Saturdays ago we took a beginning Lindy Hop intensive course that was over 3 hours of class. It was a blast! We were totally tuckered by the end of it but we learned alot. Not many new moves but how to do them better & all the more important how to link them together. It was great!

I think we're going to be brave & try the intermediate Lindy class this Tuesday. Hopefully our toes (and egos) won't be too bruised after that experience.

In these last few dance filled weeks I've learned something about myself as far as dancing goes....I'm not very good. I can do coreography & be where you want me on what count you want me there. But social dancing? Not so good. Poor Kaisara has to lead me with an iron fist. He practically has to shove me around (& I've almost eaten it a time or two). But I'm learning to read his lead & he's learning to lead. So that's good.

The best part is we sure are laughing alot. Sometimes at each other. Sometimes at "us" being total goof balls. I think the teachers get a kick out of us and we really try not to be too disruptive but come on people, we're supposed to be having fun! Most of our classmates are so stoic & serious. I've been wearin' one of the most stoics down though. He's smiling now!

So we're having fun. We're learning alot. We don't look like much other than a couple having a great time with one another while trying not to fall down or knock each other out.

Oh Yeah. You Don't Know This Yet.

2008-11-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to post this but then think of myself as being a little narcissitic. Then I think I'll post it anyway & then I forget. Thus is the cycle of the Cate brain. I've started a Lucky Zelda blog. Not much goes on there but I'm trying. Anything to increase traffic of buyers to the shop ya' know. Anyway, I occassionally post things there Etsy related so if you'd like stop by from time to time.

Oh yeah, here's the link.

Pheww!

2008-10-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! I'm glad that's over!

Yesterday was the big craft faire up in Claremont. It was crazy hot with no breeze but I had a good time. Lots of family & friends made the trek to stop by & say "hi" & encourage me. Priceless.

After the price of my booth & my sales I took home just over $250 so that's cool. I sold more than I ever have at a show (which was $0). So it was a good day & I'm glad I did it.

Thanks to everyone who supported me by stopping by with a smile, buying things (you're bad), letting me crash at your place, etc, etc. I love you guys!

Almost Here

2008-10-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

The big shoe (as Ed Sullivan would call it)is this Saturday, October 25th. Some of you have expressed an interest in attending so I thought I'd give you my info.

I (We actually. I'm sharing a booth with another Etsian) will be in booth #494 which is located near the intersection of Bonita & Harvard Avenues in downtown Claremont. The show is open from 9am to 5pm rain or shine (I'm praying for shine!).

There's absolutely no pressure but if you do end up going to the show please stop by to say "Hey!"

More Famouser By The Minute

2008-10-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Check out this slideshow. The Orange County Register came & took some photos in our shop last week.

Irritated/ing

2008-10-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm finding that when people as a whole are irritating me I'm actually irritated with myself. I hate that.

Totally Hooked!

2008-10-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little slow. I've been hearing about it for years. Daryl & Bronwen are both total geeks about the show. I've been hearing about it from Daryl while hanging out & from Bronwen at work. You'd think it would have happened sooner but I just watched it. BATTLESTAR GALATICA IS AWESOME!!! I love me some science fiction. I wish I could go back to the conversations of Daryl talking about it & now it would make sense & I'd get a glimpse of what is to come (and to be honest, I'd care a little more).

I borrowed Daryl's season one DVD's and blasted through them (though not as quickly as Kaisara). I could do without what I consider too graphic sex scenes. Adds nothing to the show other that "Man! I don't need to see that!!!" being said (not every episode). Other than that I've no complaints. It's exciting, good entertainment.

Now I've just gotta pry season two outta Dana's house.

Supporting Boobs

2008-09-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Yep. Today was the day. Today Team Galatians 6:10 participated in its 3rd Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure.

New to the team this year was Kathy, Ursula & our youngest member at 4 months of age, baby Avea. After a year off (of racing not supporting) Kathy & Becca returned to race with us. And three year veteranos Cat & I returned.

The weather was great. The event was awesome. The company couldn't have been better.

If by chance you're sad because you hadn't a chance to donate, buck up! You still can. Donations are being accepted until October 17th. Just click right here & you too can support boobs. Come on, whether you got 'em or not, I know you like 'em!

Sewin' Like a Crazy Person

2008-09-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Haven't had much time to post. I guess I've been sewing lots to take that time up. But come to think of it, I've been doing all of my sewing at work. I've been getting there early to sew on my purses & am sure to bring my lunch so I can eat quicker & have time to sew while still on my break. All of this to get ready for the giant craft show a little over a month from now. Anyway, I guess that doesn't explain my lack of posting. Perhaps I've not much to share. So in true Cate fashion I'll give you a list. Stream of conciousness of what's been on my mind:

Super excited Sharon's parents are soon to be here permanently.
Thankful that Emma's had her trach out for over a week & is doing great.
My workroom is a total disaster & I've been trying to make a dent in the mess.
Been sewing alot not knowing if it will sell.
Dana & Jeremey find out this week if it's a boy or girl. I'm betting boy.
Kaisara's cute, huh?
Nina the Ninja Kittie is feeling much better after a nasty kidney infection.
I'm glad summer Bible study is over & can't wait for Marci's study to start.
I miss Dani.
I wanna go dancin'. Haven't been in months, literally.
We (and by "we" I mean Kaisara) are going to install a ceiling fan in my workroom.
I gotta get started on Daryl's drapes. The elusive traverse rod is finally in possesion.
Sent Melanie off to South Africa for a year via Oregon for 4 months. Sad face/happy face.
Feel blessed that Daddy's feeling better but am still scared of the unknown. That's great for the prayer life though.
Start a HUGE show at work on Monday.
I should eat breakfast now.

I'm in! Come Up & Shop!

2008-09-01T20:56:00.000-07:00

Several of you know, many may not. Back in June I sent an application to be a vendor at a huge craft show in the fall. I got a fellow etsian to share a booth with me 'cause the booth fee was crazy expensive & we sent in our applications & photos of our goods. We got in! It's the Village Venture in downtown Claremont.

It's a crazy big show. It's the 27th annual where last year 25 THOUSAND people walked through this thing. I'm excited. I'm scared. I've never done well at craft shows. I've never really sold a thing actually. If I don't sell anything at this one, I'm done with them. Now I've just gotta build up my inventory in hopes to sells some goods!

Here's a link to the show's sight. I'll post more info when the event's closer.

Gotta sew!

A Month To Go & Still Behind

2008-08-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe September's almost here. How did that happen?

I just got a reminder email from Susan G. Komen for the Cure that the Race for the Cure is just over one month away. For a third year, I'm heading up team Galatians 6:10.

With a month to go, I'm half way to my fundraising goal & am still looking for team members who would like to join me. Here is a link to my donation page where you can either join my team or financially support my participation to help find a cure for the "C" word.

Will It Ever Slow Down?

2008-08-21T19:47:00.001-07:00

I'm SHOCKED! Shocked I say! It's been almost a month since my last post. That's just nonsense! Kaisara & I had a busy summer & I thought that was unusual. Apparently not. We've got something going at all times. Hard to say "no" when it's all good stuff though.

I'm back at SCR working on a new musical, An Italian Straw Hat. It sounds very cute & silly & not at all what you want to watch if you're looking for a deep meaningful theatre experience. Right up my alley!

Tomorrow's my birthday. The big 3-4. Wow! Not sure how that happened. Something's happening to celebrate but as the birthday girl, I'm not in the loop. Guess I'll just have to leave work looking as cute as I can & be ready for anything. Thanks to Cat & Kathy for taking me to birthday lunch on Sunday. I had a WONDERFUL afternoon with you both.

I'm awaiting to hear if Lucky Zelda has been accepted in to a gy-normus craft show. In order to apply I had to get a seller's permit. So now I've got to charge sales tax & stuff. I'm sure it'll be mucho more money to get my taxes done now. Oi! Anyway, the craft show people mail out the notices 08/29. The show's in November. Cross your fingers for me. Just in case, I've been trying to add to my inventory. It'll be exciting if I get accepted. I'll keep y'all posted.

Daddy had surgery on Monday. It was a long wait to get to the O.R. (months, in fact) but now that it's over he's doing much better. It's so hard to see your invincible Daddy hurting & there's nothing you can do to make it stop. Thanks for those who knew & prayed. For those of you that didn't know, I didn't leave you out intentionally, I promise. Life just is too busy.

Again I ask. Will it ever slow down?

Even with the no-fun stuff with Daddy, I can look at my life of 34 years & smile. I feel unbelievably blessed and wonder what I did to get handed a life such as mine. I'm loved beyond measure by family, friends, and most importantly, Creator.

Life is good.

New Muscial

2008-07-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Man! Do I have some perks in my line of work! I make beautiful dresses with ridiculously expensive fabrics & get to keep the trash-scraps. I get to ask handsome actors, "Can I help you with your pants" and not only not get sued but am often taken up on it. And I get to see some really great shows for my favorite price...free.

Weeks before working at CTG Katie asked me if I wanted to be her date & see a show she's been really looking forward to, "The Drowsy Chaperon" at The Ahmanson Theatre. I'd heard of it from Bronwen (who loved it). I said sure. Katie mentioned she thought she could get $20 tickets. I said, "even better".

Then I got the job at CTG. I wasn't working on "The Drowsy Chaperon" but on a show for the Kirk Douglas Theatre. I thought I'd be brave & put some feelers out for some tix to The Ahamanson. That didn't really go anywhere.

A couple weeks later (my stint there was only going to be 2-3 days) management said they got an email offering tickets to "The Drowsy Chaperon" to all staff. Me no staff. Me over-hire. I still almost jumped up from my sewing machine. ANYWHOOO...Not only did I get 2 tickets to the show, one of my co-workers didn't want hers since she'd seen the show (and loved it) & gave hers to me. Awesome.

Called Katie. Said hey! Our date is free & by the way I'm bringing a couple other folks. Kaisara & Daryl were down. So there we were. Then Katie (who started this whole thing in the first place) went to Florida to visit the parental unit. I invited Cat. She's down. Then Daryl had a work emergency & couldn't go. Called Kathy since her & Cat could car pool. She's down too.

So off we go. Kaisara & I carpooled with Iris & Johnny. Cat & Kathy would meet us there.

THE SHOW WAS SO AWESOME I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU!!! The four of us were laughing out loud the whole time. We're still quoting it & laughing about it.

If you have an opportunity to see it, you should totally go. All I will say is don't wait for intermission to pee. And... there's a pair of roller skates.

I'd totally see it again right now. I'd EVEN pay for my ticket.

Kitty Background Story

2008-07-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

So here's the story: Kaisara & I went to see "The Drowsy Chaperon" at the Ahmanson Theatre a couple weeks ago (that's another post). We carpooled with my co-worker Iris & her hubby, Johnny. After the show they were dropping us off at Kaisara's work to pick up our cars when Johnny noticed a kitty under Kaisara's car. When we got out I called to her & she seemed interested. I walked up to her & she walked right up to me. I snatched her up & called my sis. Jen said we had 3 choices: 1 let her go 2. take her home for the evening & take her to the Santa Ana shelter in the morning 3. take her home for the evening & lie to a no-kill shelter saying that we found her in their city.

Couldn't let her go. She'd get mushed by a car or eaten. Couldn't take her to Santa Ana shelter 'cause that's never a good idea for several reasons. Couldn't lie to another shelter 'cause that's just wrong. Soooo, officially we're fostering the kitty. Unofficially we'll keep her if she's a good fit to the family.

Jen checked her out. She's about a year old. She had ear mites (they've been eradicated). She doesn't have any intestinal parasites & any other coodies. She may however be pregers. We won't know for sure for a while (no pee-on-a-stick tests for kitties apparently).

Zelda's pretty scared of her. Not Zelly's fault though. You know with the sneak attacks from behind & the ninja style attacks from under the bed and all. Who could blame the 70+ pound dog fearing the dread of the 5 pound kitty.

She's a tortoise shell with beautiful green eyes. I think her head's a bit large for her scrawny little neck but she's a pretty thing. Sorry folks. No pictures for now since the camera's gone AWOL. Kaisara's to borrow one from his work tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

I'll Start With A List

2008-07-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind of a couple weeks. The only way I can think to catch ya'll up without a mile-long post is a list. I'll try to come back with other posts to fill in the details. I'll start with the most recent flurry of activites & work backwards.

Mon., July 21st: Life's back to normal. Actually cooked dinner & started on Mt. Laundry. I'm officially out of clean chonies.

Sun., July 20th: Church, lunch w/new friends, tea w/Sewing Circle, dinner w/Kaisara's brother, Tony & his wife, Jennifer.

Sat., July 19th: Drop Kaisara off at worship team practice, go to pet store for kitty supplies, pick up Zelda from Mom & Dad's, pick up kitty from my sis' hospital, drop off Zelda & kitty at home, back to the pet store for proper kitty food, pick up Kaisara, go to Jeremy & Dana's for taco night/"Batman Begins", head to Big Newport for "Dark Knight".

Fri., July 18th: Work, head to OC fair for awesome fair food before seeing Train & The Wallflowers in concert, go on giant ferris wheel with Daryl.

Thurs., July 17th: Work & that's it! How'd that happen!

Wed., July 16th: Drop off kitty at my sis' hospital for a check up (she's probably pregnant), work, Bible study, dinner w/friends, realize it's Crista's b-day & I haven't sent her card (don't even have a current address).

Tues., July 15th: Work, call Mom to wish her a happy b-day, head to L.A. for dinner at Philepe's & show The Ahmanson, find stray kitty, take it home & start trying to find her a home.

Mon., July 14th: Work while recovering from 3-day weekend, water co-workers garden.

Sun., July 13th: Last day of vacation, enjoy 6 1/2 hour train ride home, unload car

Sat., July 12th: Happy 11th Anniversary to Kaisara & Me! 10+ mile bike ride (each way) to the beach & back again

Fri., July 11th: Leave for San Luis Obispo at 4:45AM, enjoyed the 6 1/2 hour train ride, rode 1 mile to our B & B.

Thurs., July 10th: Drop Zelda off at Mom & Dad's, work, call sis-in-law to wish her a happy b-day, water co-workers garden, pack for the weekend & realize the digital camera is lost.

Wed., July 9th: Work, Bible study, dinner w/friends

Tues, July 8th: Work, dance lesson in friends' livingroom, dinner afterwards

Mon., July 7th: Start new job, water co-workers garden & pick vegetables I wasn't supposed to.

Guess it's a mile-long post anyway. Oh no!!! Gotta go! Gotta pick up friend from airport! Guess it hasn't slowed down too much yet.

Doin' Great

2008-07-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Lack of posts have been due to a crazy-busy couple of weeks. Things should slow down a touch after this weekend. I'll fill you in then.

The great thing is, it's all been good stuff that's been keepin' me busy!

My First Treasury!

2008-06-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

There's a thing on Etsy called treasuries. There's a limited number of them but if your timing's right, any Etsian can make one. They're little galleries of 12 items usually with a theme. Someone used one of my bags to include in their treasury! Here's the link, take a look! At leaset that explains why it's been viewed over 250 times. Now all I need is someone to buy it!

Work Update

2008-06-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

I've been holding off on posting on all this because 1) I wanted to tell a dear friend before she just read it here but alas we haven't been able to end the game of phone tag & 2)I knew it'd be long & would take a while to type it all out. Now I've got you all excited about what it is, I'm sorry that it's not life changing news. Just news.

Here goes:
During my last 2 days at SCR my manager got a call from 2 costume shops that were looking for over-hire help. That's me! She gave them both my info since I was about to be fired there & would be available. The first was for Center Theatre Group (CTG). They're the shop for the Ahmanson, Mark Taper Forum & The Kirk Douglas. The second call was from Opera Pacific (who I worked for years & years ago as over-hire). I've been really wanting to get my foot in at CTG so I called them first. She didn't call back so I figured she wasn't interested. I took a week's worth of work at the opera. They're in Santa Ana (literally 1 1/2 blocks from my childhood house) so it's nice that they're close. The day before I started at the opera, CTG called & wanted me. Since I had already accepted the opera job I had to turn it down. Bummer. Longer gig, bigger shop. Oh well. I'm a woman of my word.

The week at the opera went great. No stress as I was just stitching & not making any decisions. Nice. At the end of the week the shop manager/designer asked if I had any experience cutting womens' wear or just mens'. I said that I almost exclusively do women's wear at SCR. She offered me the job of being the women's cutter for this opera (Barber of Seville). It's a really small show for women & she didn't want to hire a year-long contract just for this show. I said that I'm booked at SCR in the fall but if it was already cast & she had the measurements I could do it during the summer. She was so excited. I start that gig on July 7th (and I'll make more $ than I do at the office!). Super glad I got the Janet Arnold books as a SUPER generous gift, huh?!

After that I had 2 days at home & got a call from CTG. They had a last minute casting change & needed help. I've been up there for 1 1/2 weeks & have been invited back for their huge season coming up. My foot's in! The commute is a killer but I've been able to carpool with 2 other gals that I know from SCR. Still a long day. At 8am I ride my bike 4 1/4 miles to jump in the 1st car. We drive 1/2 hour up the freeway to pick up the next gal. Another hour on the freeway & we're there. Repeat in reverse for the way home except Kaisara picks me up at 7:30pm where I've parked my bike. As I said, I'm pretty booked at SCR in the fall but I told CTG I'd keep them posted.

While at CTG I bumped into another gal I've worked with & for in the past. She mentioned Laguna Playhouse might be swamped with work. I dropped an email (I worked briefly with them in the spring). I start there this Tuesday for 4 days of work. Awesome.

Three months of being unemployed has so for turned out to 2 days. I've only been to the office for 4 days. That reminds me, I need to call her & let her know it's gonna be a while 'til I'm back there.

I'm spoiled rotten I tell you. Spoiled rotten. Not taking a moment for granted.

Was Something Supposed To Happen?

2008-06-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

I was brave. I was taking one for the team. The team wanted to see The Happening. I was willing (last time that resulted in a freaked out, motion-sick Cate after Cloverfield). I was scared, but willing. As you all know, me no likey suspense/scary. However, I did like Sixth Sense & Signs albeit at home with ALL of the lights on & laundry to deal with when i needed a break. But I was strong & went to see M. Night Shyamalan's latest. I knew that something was wrong for sure when half way through I realize I wasn't scared. I hadn't been scared the whole time. I wasn't even all balled-up inside wondering if it all was gonna turn out okay. What's wrong with me? Oh wait. It's not me. It's the lame movie. I'm all for an action movie. I'm all for a movie that is, as my sis' in law says, "too much story". But this one didn't have either. Nothing really ever happened. No action. No suspense. No scary. No story. No acting. Sigh.... No acting. Oh well. Guess I'll get my Kung Fu Panda on next weekend.

We Were Awesome

2008-06-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Kaisara & I took back-to-back dance classes tonight. 1st was the Charleston Swing (which we'd done a couple times before months ag0). 2nd was your standard Charleston. Rather hard to switch gears after rocking at the swingin' style for an hour. We did soooo good. In the first class it was us, another chick & 2 other guys. Nice & small. The teacher (& new owner of the studio) said the whole class needs to move up to intermediate Charleston Swing next time 'round. Oh yeah!

We were a little squeaky with the standard Charleston but since it was our 1st time out I'd say that's allowed.

The studio got bought a couple weeks ago & this was our first time back since the switch. The changes they've made to the classes & the space itself I very much like.

Don't you worry boys, Kaisara said he's having fun too. Getting him there is the tough part. Once he's there he has fun (he's good too). But that's how it is with anything that's not going out to eat, a movie or paintballing. We're awesome. Can't wait to go back!

Every Time, Really?

2008-06-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

It frustrates me to no end that EVERY time (I don't even think I'm exaggerating much here) that there's a religious figure in a movie, play, or other work of fiction, it turns out that they're villainous, corrupt and/or sick & twisted. I'm not here to say that everyone in the church is without fault. (Oh please, don't get me started on that one! I'd be on the top of the list). I'd just like religious figures in fiction to not be the go-to when looking for something seedy. Priest does NOT equal child molester. Southern Baptist Minister does NOT equal wife beater. Rabbi doe NOT be sneaky. Heck! For that matter, a televangelist does NOT equal money grubber.

I know leaders in the church have caused pain. Hasn't everyone? I know that it's a relatively new thing for it to be socially accepted to even write fiction with such a statement. But please. Every time I watch a movie & there's a churchy type of someone in it, they're what's causing the drama. It bores me. It frustrates me. Frankly, it offends me.

To quote Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

What to do now?

2008-06-10T15:25:00.001-07:00

I'm fired again. I was fired from the usual place a week ago & worked last week at the opera. So this week I'm fired-fired. I know this is a luxury not many people ever get to experience but here's the trouble: I've got so many things I want to do, need to do, and/or should do I don't know what to do now. I think I go through this every time I'm fired. I spend my time being fired, walking in circles figuring out what to do and never get anything done. Weird.

I've got this office job starting tomorrow but that's not a 9-to-5 thing for me so there's still time for me to get all my stuff done. If only I could figure out what, how and when, I'd be stylin'!

Don't you yell at me! I know I'm a lucky girl to have such a "problem".

A Wish I Had A Raspberry Beret

2008-06-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Kaisara, Katie & I went to see a show at Cat's school. It was Hamlet. Sort of. Ya' see it was Hamlet laced with Prince songs. It's called Hamlet (The Artist Formerly Known As) the Prince of Denmark. It was rad. I'm really only familar with Prince's radio hits but the show had others too! The one we kept singing on the way home was a Chaka Khan song, "I Feel For You". The words were changed for the man rapping in the intro of the song. Instead of "Chaka Khan, I wanna rock you, Chaka Khan" it was, "Hamlet's mom, I wanna rock you, Hamlet's mom". Just one of the times we all were crackin' up.

The kids did great (some greater than others, as is the case with any show, student or professional). Cat had done a great job with the costumes (ya' gotta love Aardvarks!). Not only did Cat put together this show but they're also running the original Hamlet in rep with this one so of course, she had to do them both at the same time. In case you don't know, that's HUGE!!!!

Ladies & gentlemen...I give you...The Amaaaaaaaaaazingggggggggg Caaaaaaat! Well done, my friend. Thanks for a great show!

Best Opening Night Ever!

2008-05-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Friday was opening night at work for our last main stage show, Taking Steps. All of us in the shop were really looking forward to this one. It did not disappoint. But really, how could it? Set in the 1970's with a 6'3" actor in a sage-green double knit polyester leisure suit & bad hair piece while one of the other characters thinks she's a gifted dancer and demonstrates her moves for anyone who will humor her. It was awesome. It was only to be topped by the after party.

Opening nights always have a reception of sorts after the show. Offering appetizers and desserts that they somehow try to theme with the show and beverages. This was the best yet. As you may know (from your parents' photos) the 70's were quite fancy so they must have had money left over for some extras. The food included fare such as: deviled eggs, mac & cheese, celery filled with cheese whiz, meat loaf & mashed potatoes and fruit salad. Desserts were blue, white & pecan rolled balls (truffles), chocolate-dipped rice krispy treats and HUGE containers filled with candy. There were celophane bags & chinese to-go boxes to fill with the candy. Sour balls, candy neckalaces, fun dips, candy cigarettes, & pixi sticks. Ahhhh the childhood memories. To top it off there was a 70's d.j. complete with disco light ball & a photo booth. All was free & all was enjoyed by all.

Below are the photo booth pics of the night. Kaisara couldn't make it so Katie was my date. All of the pics aren't very flattering but when are they? Enjoy!

I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough & Gosh Darn It People Like Me

2008-05-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

A weird self realization I had recently:

I've been a long-time DDR fan thanks to Brendon. I'm a more recent Guitar Hero fan & an even more newbie on the Rock Band scene thanks to Kat & Cat. I've never thought of buying a game system though. WAY too expensive. More stuff to store, etc. But really I guess it's the cash-ola.

Kaisara mentioned a few days ago that he'd like to have a PS3. "Why?", I asked. "I like the games Jeremy has. I think I'd like them." "Oh." Instantly I found myself pondering purchasing said game unit. WHAT?!?!? Why do I give buying one 'cause Kasiara wants one some brain time but don't because I wanna get a little DDR on? That's so stupid! I'm worth a game system! I'm still not buying one but now I admit to myself that I'm worth one.

A Great Event

2008-05-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the craft show at Cal Poly Pomona. It was really the second annual Hot Rod & Tractor Show with the added feature of 15-ish craft vendors. Had I known it was going to be such a great event for families I'da pushed it more. There were the rods &tractors for the men, craft booths, farm store & nursery for the ladies, free horse rides, bouncer & petting zoo for the kids, and strawberry picking, ice cream, snow cones & kettle corn for everyone to enjoy together.

It was fun watching so many young families enjoying a great day together. Kids were given liberty to run wild in the fields to get all their wiggles & squeals out. Moms & dads could follow if they wanted or not. The staff was all super friendly & the weather couldn't have been better.

My mom came with me to keep me company. I was prepared to sit alone for 6 hours but wasn't looking forward to it. Mom was great. She helped me set up my tables, went oogling at the cars, sat with me quite a bit & I sent her out to work in the fields to pick strawberries. They're delicious by the way. Three big baskets full for $6. Kathy later stopped by for a bit so that was fun too. I also met a couple other etsy-ians. They were super nice. One even bought a couple a pieces from me. Check out their stores here & here.

I sold a total of 3 pieces (the grey polk-dot purse & 2 of my zipper bags) and handed out several business cards. At least it paid for my entrance fee (not by much) & I met several nice people. Who knows what a year can do but as of now, I'll do it again.

Doin' Good

2008-05-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

Haven't updated y'all in a bit. Here goes.

I LOVE being a first hand at work again. It's soooo much less stress. I'm workin' with Bronwen which I love. The show is set in the 1970's so the clothes are far-out & super fun. One might say they are RIGHTEOUS!!!

I rode my bike to work yesterday from home. Yep. Made it in 1 hour 45 minutes & wasn't totally sweaty gross either. If you'd like to see my route (& therefore what a total machine I am) just click here. I rode from Kaisara's work again today (that's the norm) but am riding from home again tomorrow. So, so far I'm totally kicking my 700 miles in 2008 goal's bootay! It'd be rad if I could hold to this pace.

I'm selling my wares at a craft show at the old alum, Cal Poly Pomona. Apparently its a tractor/hot road show that'll have some craft booths. My guess is that they're to keep the ladies entertained whilst the men drool over the rods. Anyone wanting to make the trek out there, here's a link. The show's at the farm store so I'm gonna stock up on some awesome produce too.

Up for this weekend is training on Saturday morning. I signed up to work the polls in OC's election in June. Not sure how long training will be but I can't imagine it's that difficult. Saturday night is a b-day party for one of my girls. Sunday morning will be week 2 at a church we're test driving. It was great last week so hopefully this week will be too. I hate church shopping. Don't know anyone who does. Gotta do it though. It's totally worth it later on.

All Good Things...

2008-04-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

My days of being fired are coming to an end. It's been almost 3 months that I've had to go to a job on a regular basis. It's been a great 3 months. At times I've accomplished alot and at other times I've enjoyed being still. Here's a list of things accomplished (being still included):

*Finished my harlequin quilt for Lucky Zelda
*Worked 3 days at Laguna Playhouse (super glad to get my foot in the door there)
*Went biking twice with Kat
*Took Cat out for her birthday (best friend + mani/pedis + tea = great day)
*Worked numerous hours at the old office job
*Racked up kick-butt mileage on my bike
*Hung out with the sister unit several times
*Got up to Fall '07 in my scrap book
*Went to the dentist (got an A+)
*Had my hair cut & colored (sooooo much better than last time)
*Went to band practice & sang at a gig
*Re-joined Weight Watchers on-line (I'm down 2)
*Had lunch with Kaisara
*Made costumes for Diavolo Dance Theatre
*Assisted the designer at A Noise Within for their production of "Night of the Iguana")
*Made 15" of progress on my knitted stole that I'm making from a 50's pattern

Next up:

*Make some produce bags for Lucky Zelda
*Remake my own purse 'cause it's nasty
*Go to Randy's birthday party
*Go to Kat & Jody's house (estate) warming party
*$end invoice$ for my $ide job$
*First-Handing for Bronwen at SCR for their production of Taking Steps

Soon I'll be buckling down like a real person. Back to the grind. I'm looking forward to it. I don't think staying in my pajamas 'til 3pm every day is a good thing. I almost got out of the habit of brushing my hair. Yikes! But come May 31st...I'm fired again!

Stretching That Comfort Zone

2008-04-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

The rumors are true. Here's a quote from Daryl's blog:

Oh yeah! The band and I will be leading worship at West Community Friends Church in Corona on April 6th. This will be a fun one because we're doing something new. For the first time ever, Cate Esera herself will be joining us on vocals! Dana won't be able to make this one so Cate stepped up to the plate. I think it'll be really cool. If you're inclined to come check it out, we'll be leading both the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.

Scary. Daryl & Kaisara have been helping me with my harmonies. I'm a really strong singer when I've someone to follow. BUT DANA WON'T BE THERE FOR ME TO FOLLOW!!! That's why I'm singing in the first place. I even had Dana help me on my parts on the way home from the Getty last weekend (more on that adventure later). She was awesome. Very helpful without making me feel lame. Kaisara was encouraging when he said he thinks I've of 60% of the notes & that if the sound man's good he'll just turn me down. Thanks hon'. Great.

So anyway...I'm singin' with the band. I'm excited. I love to sing. I'm scared. I hate to suck.

Goose & Gander

2008-04-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

I just got these pics from the production of Charolette's Web that I worked on in January. My favorite pieces I did were the Goose & Gander. The designs were awesome & the fabrics were great. This was my favorite kids show the theatre's done so far in the 5 seasons they've been doing them.

I also did the old sheep that's in the 1st photo. I didn't make the headpieces for any of them. They were great too! The show was alot of fun to work on.

Here's a Random Thought For the Day

2008-04-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Italian opera singers don't sing in a foreign language when singing most opera. They're just singing in the same language they speak. Must be easier for them to memorize their music.

Don't know why but that just occurred to me.

So Far, So Good

2008-03-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

I was really able to rack up the miles this month. February I did really well too. So far I'm above where I need to be for the year to reach my goal in December. That feels great since I got such a lousy start in January with the rain & being sick TWICE!

I'm not gonna start slackin' now though. Who knows when life will happen & I won't be able to pedal myself around so much.

FYI: Over 1 1/2 miles of this week was Kaisara & I walk/jogging. Go us!

I'm Looking Forward To This

2008-03-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm tired of Creationism not being viewed as a science as long as Evolution is viewed as such. A MAJOR requirement of science is OBSERVATION. No one that is around now was around then to observe. So, we must take what we can observe, scientifically, and draw conclusions and therefore beliefs from that. I've been called a "fundamentalist" as though it were a large red "A" to bear. When I inquired what a fundamentalist was & they explained, I just smiled with pride & said, "Yeah, I guess I am." I've no problem with the label some have given me. What I have a problem with is being viewed as less intelligent and close-minded. I've examined both sides of this science issue & have come to my conclusion. I am NOT close-minded. How many of those that consider me such have examined the side of the fence that I'm standing on? They wouldn't dirty their shoes with my turff. What many don't take the time to consider is that we ALL have to take SOMEONE'S word for it. We are not out in the archiological digs. We are not in the labs conducting experiements. We can not even begin to comprehend being in front of a computer cranking out the mathmatical equations that our scientist do. We must take their findings, roll them over in our brains and choose who is more correct than the other. You can label some who has gone through examination of both sides of this issue right or wrong but you cannot label them unintelligent or close-minded. Those are the labels reserved for those who have only examined one side.

No matter what side you're on, you choose to believe the science of one side over the science of the other. I'm positive that all who read this blog know what side I choose to believe & yes, I believe it is not only backed by scripture but by science as well. Someone whom I love, trust and admire for more reasons to count, who has studied both sides of this issue more than anyone else I know came to believe in creation over evolution through the study of evolution itself. In their words, "It's just not scientific." Anyway, this person has informed me of an upcoming film that I'm looking forward to "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed". Below is a quote from IMDB:

I got tickets to an advanced screening in Boston and showed up really not expecting anything or knowing much on the subject except 'Isn't Ben Stein that guy with the game show and does the visine commercials' This documentary is about the debate within the scientific community, or lack thereof, between Intelligent Design and Darwin's Theory of Evolution. Professors and journalists are interviewed who have lost there jobs for even the mention of ID with Ben Stein as our host to this all. That is the spring board from where the movie starts, from there it delves deeper into the underlying meaning and reasoning behind why people support or condemn each in an intelligent way. What got me was how he showed both sides of the argument and was not afraid to track down people who supported and denounced each side. And not only scientists. Everyone was given a fair voice unlike some other over rated documentarians who give you their own agenda. If you want something intelligent instead of the recycled garbage Hollywood cranks out, give this movie a watch.

I'm looking forward to what even this, I assume, non-Christian reviewer has viewed as a "fair voice" from both sides. Click here to view a trailer.

This movie isn't about Christians vs. The Science World. It's about scientists being shunned from their community & livelihood for believing, outloud, that their is a "divine spark" in our being. They're not claiming Jesus Christ is the Messaih for all people (I am), they're just questioning what they & we have been taught as science. Isn't that what science is?

For All You CCR Fans

2008-03-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

This one's funny too. I can't hear the right lyrics now. Thanks to Greg for sending it to me.

Mucho Silly

2008-03-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

This video cracked me up. Kathy emailed it to me months ago. I just looked it up on You Tube for another laugh. Enjoy!

More Photo Updating

2008-03-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

I've finally got our before/after pictures of our Master Bathroom. Here's a couple. If you'd like to see more, take a look at my Shutterfly account.

Happy (late) Birthday

2008-03-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Cat's birthday. I drove up to spend the day with her on Tuesday. I guess this post is late in more ways than one.

We dropped Alex off at day care. Went to pick up her hubby's car. It's a Dodge, Magnum. She let me drive it back to her place. SWEET! I love driving different cars. And let me tell you, that's one nice ride. It really likes going 80. What!?!? I had to stick my foot in it a little! Cat understood. I'm sure Randy'd be pleased. Kaisara just smiled.

Anyway... back to birthday celebration. We went over to Victoria Gardens & got mani-pedi's. Much needed for me. The gals did a great job & we walked out feeling a little spoiled.

Off to high tea for us. I made reservations for us at a tea house that was new to us. It was nice. The couple running it were nice too. Although we both agreed that our usual place was still our favorite.

We then hunted down a nearby yarn shop & Cat treated me to a ball of yarn that reminds me of mint julips.

We stopped back by Victoria Gardens to poke around Borders. Kathy dropped in, we chatted & I'm sure drove other customers crazy. We zipped over to Kathy & played a few songs on rock band. Yeah, we rocked it.

Then we had to race back to Cat's 'cause she had to get the kiddos.

It was an awesome day. Happy Birthday, friend. I love you!

Waylaid Again

2008-03-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

It was gonna be another great mileage week. Ride into the office on Thursday & ride along the beach today. Thursday I got all packed up, rode to the mailbox first. Good thing since I realized I had a flat. Bummer. Had to drive.

Today Kathy was gonna bring her bike down & we were gonna take on the boardwalk. She called to cancel 'cause she's a sicky. Note: don't drink grown-up beverages while eating cheesy fondue. It's not pretty. I'm sad we missed our ride. I'm even more sad that she's sick. Oh well. The beach woulda been chilly today anyway. Here's to mileage next week!

Photo Catch-Up

2008-03-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

Our main computer is back on-line (for now). I thought I'd used this opportunity to catch you guys up on some photos.

First off will be what is normally my New Year's post. Favorite photos of 2007:

On our 10th Anniversary cruise. We had a great time.

One of the many GORGEOUS sunsets on our cruise.

Dana, Melanie & me at Melanie's birthday dinner. Yes, Dana's presenting what you think she is.

Melanie, Katie & me at Katie's birthday dinner.

Daddy & me at the top of Sears Tower in Chicago.

Daddy walking through the snow and rain in Iowa.

My nephew, Savelio at his 1st birthday party with his Grandma Susan.

Greg, Mer, Me & Kaisara just finished sneak-attacking Mom & Dad's room while they were gone.

Me and two of my girls (Cat & Dani of course) out in the freezing tundra in front of Coeur D'Alene Lake in Idaho.

Wind + Bike = Me No Likey

2008-03-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

Well today's ride was poo-ey. Yes that's a term us cyclists use. At least this one, not that I'm really a cyclist. Poo-ey. It's when you go out on a ride that you know is challenging but you do it anyway 'cause you're a fatty but the wind is blowing in all directions except the one, singular direction that would aid you in getting your tookus to from point A to point B. THEN you get past what you know is the most challenging part of your ride (even when the wind is not whipping all around you except at your back) and come to find out the bike trail you need to take & went 1/2 mile out of your way for is closed & detoured another 1/2 mile out of your way. AAAAAAAAHHHH. Kathy, you would not have done on this one.

Good news is:

1. I did it. I kicked it windy butt it did not kick mine (oh wait that's not what I meant.
2. I got 13.6 miles in today
3. I spent the day with my sis'. She's rad. We scrapped & then played cribbage. She skunked me once (yes that's an actual term in cribbage, just ask Melissa, she's the queen of cribbage) and only mildly beat me the second game.

Any Ideas?

2008-03-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

So I'm putting this out to all of my peeps...yes that's you.

For whatever reason I've been feeling a need to increase my Lucky Zelda sales. Perhaps it's being outta work for a few weeks now and almost two full months to go. I gotta sell more things. NO I DON'T WANT YOU TO BUY MY STUFF!!!

I want any and all of your great ideas on how to increase traffic that pulls up to my shop. Obviously my product is great ;-p No really, I'll take product ideas too.

Let me hear ya' people!!!!

That Was A Good Day

2008-03-01T09:16:00.001-08:00

Yesterday started off on the right foot & continued that way all day.

First off: I slept in a bit but not too much. Next I finished up an alteration for a friend & dropped it off on her porch (I hope it didn't get stolen, I haven't heard from her). Then a headed up to Rancho Cucamonga to see Kathy & Jody's new house. Strike that. It's more of an estate really. GORGEOUS!!!

After getting the grand tour, Kathy took me to lunch & I had my favorite sandwich: Chicken Pesto at The Corner Bakery. We then took a bike ride that was more difficult than we bargained for. We did find what looks to be a brand new bike trail though & we want to explore it more on another day. After the last half of our 6.7 mile trek we collapsed on the couch with tall glasses of ice water & talked knitting and crocheting for a bit. Then it was back home before rush hour could consume my life.

Kaisara came home from working a side computer job (yeah) & we headed back to Atomic Ballroom's Friday swing classes. We continued learning the Charleston Swing & then get this...Kaisara said we could stay for the next class too!!!!! Learned a little of the Lindy Hop.

Lunch with a friend
A bike ride
2 dance classes

I LOVE being fired.

I Love N.Y.

2008-02-27T21:42:00.001-08:00

Stuff like this is why I LOVE New York. Where else would something like this happen. It would've been cool to be part of it or even to see it. I've been to the great hall at Grand Central Terminal (twice) & that would be something to see.

Dancing Machine

2008-02-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

Kaisara loves me. He loves me good. He went to a dance class with me. He HATES to dance. I LOVE to dance. I would dance everyday if I could.

My friemd Katie told me about the studio, Atomic Ballroom. We only learned one move. But it was still fun. We learned the basic step of the Charleston Swing. Since we only learned the one move we decided not to stay for the dance. I hope to get there someday. We'll see how willing my partner is.

True? Not sure.

2008-02-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

You Are a Pear

You are independent, intelligent, and a free thinker.

You can accomplish great things, especially when you do them on your own.

You are direct, honest, and sometimes even a bit brutal.

There's not much that gets in the way of you and your ambition.

While you are hard nosed, you do have a much sweeter side to you.

It takes times for you to soften toward someone, but once you do, you'll be their friend for life.

What Type of Fruit Are You?

It's Spreading

2008-02-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

Kaisara's got the plague now. Poor baby. Everybody's gettin' this thing. He never spiked a fever as high as I did & he seems to already be on the mend. That's good.

Soapbox Racer

2008-02-08T22:46:00.000-08:00

It seems I've picked up a couple soap boxes to hop onto lately. Seems weird for me. Maybe I'm becoming old and opinionated. Not necessarily a bad thing.

The first is regarding art. I learned alot about art while working at Pageant. Mostly I learned that you can like what you like & you don't have to like what you don't like. That fact that you like it or not is not what makes it art.

When creating (whatever the medium) things change. The concept evolves as you work and the end product is yours none the less. You change your mind about that brush stroke, that note, or as is often the case for me, that choice of fabric (I've recently been trying to view my work as art since other artists have told me it is). Your piece evolves while you're creating it and what you end up with can be quite different than your intial concept. That's part of the creative process. That's part of what makes creating so fun (or frustrating). My soapbox platform is this: if you tell someone to create art, approve their concept for your exhibit & later say, in affect, "your art doesn't fit my in my bubble. here's how you can change it so it will...." THAT'S NOT RIGHT. You said to be inspired & create. That's what was done. You stepping into someone's creative process to make it "fit" in the name of "helping" I feel is manipulative. When going to an exhibit of any sort I do not expect to like every piece. Even more so, I do not expect to like every bit of every piece that I do like. I can like the concert but not every song. I can like the painting but not the color of the house. Other's probably like the bits that I don't like. THAT'S WHAT'S SO COOL ABOUT IT! Different things speak to different people. Geeze! You'd think an artist would know that.

That's enough negativity for now. Perhaps I'll rant on my other soapbox later.

P.S. Mine was not the creative process stepped on. I was just a witness who not so successfully bit her tongue.

Gettin' There

2008-01-31T18:47:00.000-08:00

So I'm better. I'm not well, but I'm better. I went back to work on Monday (went in late & left early). Tuesday was a little better still (went in late but finished the day out). Yesterday & today I've been there full days. Watch out! Here I come! Of course I'm wheezing the whole way but, here I come.

Treated myself to a new sweet pair of kicks. I love them. I'll love them even more when there fully broken in. They make me smile.

Almost finished cutting out the dress for the fashion show. It's supposed to be completed by the 9th. Not gonna happen with the contraction of the plague & all. It'll be done by dress rehersal though. Though there's been some changes to the overall presentation that I'm not pleased with, our dress is still gonna be the best one there.

Last night out of no where Zelda got bumps all over her face. They were gone by this morning. Not sure what that's about. I'm about to call my vet. Part of what she'll tell me is that I've got a freaky dog. Point taken.

Gotta go figure out what's to eat.

Miss me.

Ever Breathed Through A Soggy Towel?

2008-01-27T22:09:00.000-08:00

That's what I feel like I've been doing since Tuesday. Haven't had a fever for days though so that's good. My time clocks so jacked up though. I basically slept for 2 1/2 days straight. Tried to make myself get up at a decent time this morning so I'd go to sleep at a decent hour tonight. Apparently a decent hour to get up was after 12 noon.

Oi. I'm ready for this to be over.

This is 2

2008-01-25T14:35:00.000-08:00

I'm generally a very hearty person. I'm usually sick once a year MAYBE twice but that's not my m.o. Here it is not even the end of January & I've been sick since Tuesday. Thank goodness it's nothing related to the horrific stomach flu I had at the beginning of the month but this is horrible.

Started out Monday evening with a weight on my chest. By Tuesday morning I knew I had something but had to go into work due to fittings. By the end of my fittings I sounded like Froggy from "Our Gang". I could barely get up the stairs to leave work half an hour early. I seriously didn't know how I was going to get to the car. Ended up spiking a 103.5 fever that sent me to the walk-in. The dude gave me cough syrup. Thanks man but that's not gonna due the trick. Problem is I'm allergic to cold medicine so that's all he could give me that I wouldn't react to. At least it's got a little codeine in it so it knocks me out & I'm unaware of how miserable I am.

I'm on the mend. I don't feel as much like someone used me as a kicking bag. I guess that's good. The weight's still on my chest & my ribs kill when I cough. The rest of '08 had better show nicer things for me than January has.

Well that's a record!

2008-01-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

This morning Kaisara & the band played at Daryl's church. As usual, they were awesome. I got there early with Kaisara and, as usual, brought something to keep me entertained. I finished another beanie (Cat, Kathy & Dani, you know the type). Any way, I figured, what the heck, put up in the store. I kid you not, it wasn't even up there for 10 minutes before it sold. AWESOME! Now THAT'S the way to do it! Now I'll pack it up & it's off to Ohio (shout out to Crista's peeps).

Anyone who cares to see it can go to Lucky Zelda & click on sold orders. It's cute in a Charlie Brown sorta way.

2008-01-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

Most of my in-town readers know about this but I thought I'd let the rest of you know what I'm up to. I am building a runway fashion show gown for this, what should be , really neat event. It started over a year ago as a home school project but has grown into a full fledged multi media event.

I am working with a great girl who designed a dress inspired by Georgia O'Keefe's 1930 painting "Black Hollyhock Blue Larkspur" as well as O'Keefe herself. I've given some input to the design but it's mostly Dana's & I'm building it. Our gown is going to be AWESOME. I keep telling Dana that we're going to win and it's not even a competition.

This event is being supported by the Grove Center for the Arts & Media which is an amazing organization with a mission close to my heart. I'm supporting this event by donating my time to build this gown as a way to support the Grove. I'd love it if anyone who's available could attend. I know that it's a little pricey for an event that you'd normally not attend but it'd mean alot to me if you could make it.

And yes, I'll post pictures once I have them.

Here's the Haps'

2008-01-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

Since I'm sure you're all waiting with baited breath, I figured it was time for a true update.

Bicycle: I've settled on a goal of 700 miles for 2008. I'm a little scared I won't make it. But...it's something to shoot for. If I don't make it, no body's gonna yank my toenails out one-by-one. If I do make it, I'm gonna be super pleased with myself (& hopefully have a smaller pants size). The first week of the year sucked eggs but I tried to make up a few miles this last weekend by riding from Huntington Beach pier, down to Newport Beach pier & back again. Almost 12.75 miles. Kaisara went too. He peddled a little faster than our last trip (it's a good thing since I don't even know how he stayed upright last time since he was going so slow. I swear he defied the laws of physics or something.)

Work: It's going pretty well. I've had my mock-up fittings & the only thing that was totally wrong was the sleeve on one of the dresses. Couldn't even get the poor girl's arm in it. Oh well, it's fixed now. Oh yeah, I'm working on The Importance of Being Ernest. Never seen it but everyone tells me I'm gonna love it. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm fired after the 2nd week of February. I don't have anything else lined up yet. There's the office work that's always there. I'm hoping something else turns up.

That's all for now I guess. Oh wait! After almost exactly 1 year our church has a pastor. I'm super excited. I still miss our previous one but this new guy's my favorite of all the guest speakers we've had in the past year & he was with us numerous times. He doesn't just give topical sermons, he really gets into the Word. Yeah! I tend not to be a fan of the topical sermon. I've got a conconrdance. I can look up all the verses pertaining to this, that, or the other. I always try to get something of one but I'd rather just learn the Word of God & what it says. I think that's what Doug's gonna do. Again, yeah!

Ok. Now I think that's all.

How Many Miles?

2008-01-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hey guys I did it! I made 500 miles in 2007! 565 to be exact. November & December were pretty punie mileage but I rather expected that. June was my best mileage month at 118. That was when I was working at Chapman & biking from the train station twice a day. My butt's the same size though. Which leads me to my survey question. What should my mileage goal for 08 be?

btw: week 1 of the year is a big ol' goose egg due to stomach flu and rain. better double up next week.

Happy New? Blaaahhh!

2008-01-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

Not what I pictured for my evening of January 1st 2008. Warning...some yucky stuff to follow.

Kaisara & I went to bed at 11:30. 15 minutes later, Kaisara's snoring away. Clearly I won't be sleeping soon. It's way to noisy & I'm not sleepy. I get up to go to the couch. I wake up at 2am having to, well, you know. It comes to my attention that while sittin' on pot, I'm glad there's a trash can to my right for me to sit on my lap. That was my life from 2am to 7:30am. Sitting on the pot with a trash can in my lap. I HATE barfing! I haven't barfed in 15 years! Literally.

Anyway, Kaisara took me to the E.R. for fluids (because clearly I was dehydrated from the last 5 1/2 hours). I'm so thankful that there wasn't any wait. We were the only ones there. The started me on fluids, took a bunch of blood & a CT scan. Not related to any of this but it turns out I've got a gallstone.

We headed home after almost 2 bags of fluids (my pulse was up to 108 due to dehydration when they admitted me & down to 75 when they discharged me) and all the other tests turned out fine. I went straight to bed & slept for hours. Thought I'd be at work today. Then in the early evening realized I had a fever. 101.5. YIKES! That took it out of me. Apparently normal after a wicked case of stomach flu.

I slept pretty much all of today. In between naps I emptied half of the dishwasher, the exertion of which warranted a nap. I took in an episode of Sesame Street. Needed another nap.

So that's been my 2008 so far. How's yours been?

Bummer

2007-12-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Don't you hate it when you spend a bunch of money on your hair & you don't like how it turned out?

I can't be sure yet but it looks like I painted my hair. Tim usually does an AWESOME job. I've been going to him for about 8 years. Tried something new today with color. I think I hate it. I can't really tell because he had to split to his daughter's soccer game that he coaches so he didn't finish drying it & didn't style it at all. I don't mind that so much. He's a single dad of 4 girls & has alot going on. It's not so bad that I'll have to wear a hat for weeks. I just wish I liked the outcome of my $75.

I'm bummed.

Christmas Quiz (from Melissa)

2007-12-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both. I reuse gift bags but there's still nothin' like rippin' into that wrapping paper.

2. Real tree or artificial? We borrowed my parents artificial one this year. This is our 1st tree in out 4 years. btw: I don't like the smell of evergreen in the house. It's a scent that should only be out-of-doors.

3. When do you put up the tree? Apparently when ever I can get over to Mom's to borrow hers.

4. When do you take the tree down? Around New Year's.

5. Do you like eggnog? sick-o

6. What about Fruitcake? Only Iris' Australian Fruitcake. It's REALLY good.

7. Favorite gift received as a child? My Effingham Field boots. I waited FOREVER for those things.

8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, it came with twin shephers & only 2 wise men so we have Yoda staning in as the 3rd. He likes it!

9. Hardest person to buy for? Tony, Kaisara's brother. It's impossible.

10. Easiest person to buy for? My sis.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? The lack of a stocking.

12. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. btw: I didn't much care for this year's choices of Christmas stamps.

13. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

14. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Early fall is when I start thinking about it.

15. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, those just usually go to the Goodwill.

16. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I'm with Melissa on this one. Holiday M&M's (I like of the peanut variety).

17. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored, for sure.

18. Favorite Christmas song? Not really sure. I definately know my least favorite. "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" as performed by The Boss. AAAAHHHHH!!!!! I just turn & run.

19. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Home.

20. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Not usually but I just learned that in German, Donner means thunder & Blitzen means lightning.

21. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel. It's a man angel. My Mer made him for me. Every reference in the Bible to angels is male & "do not be afraid" so the must be an intimidating presence so it's silly that almost all art & Christmas tree toppers make them foofy ladies. If I couldn't have the man angel, I'd go star.

22. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Chrismas morning.

23. What is the one present you want most this year? Paniers for my bike.

24. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People saying "Happy Holidays". It's Christmas people. Chanukah ended over a week ago. Does ANYONE know ANYONE who celebrates Kwanza? Just say Merry Christmas.

5. What I love most about Christmas? But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL the people. Luke 2:10

I Know the Bad Guy!

2007-12-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I'm a huge fan of Heroes. I'm really bummed it's gonna be off the air for so long. Guess I'm lucky I've only got one show I'm really hooked on (right Melissa?).

Anyway, all last season we (the fans of the show) were wondering who the super-dooper bad guy was & what he did that Molly didn't want to find him. Earlier in the season we found out who the Nightmare Man was: Parkman's dad, Maury. Wow.

When watching those couple of episodes, I thought he looked familiar. But he looks like a character actor so I didn't think anything of it. At work this week we were discussing the upcoming show. One of my favorite actors of a couple seasons ago is coming back, Alan Bloomenfeld. He's only been in one show there but I got to do his costumes & he was a sweety. Just a fun, warm & fuzzy kind-a guy who was great in fittings & on stage. You can imagine my surprise when Laurie pointed it out to me. My response was, "AL'S THE NIGHTMARE MAN!!! oh my gosh...you're right!"

Super cool. I know a Hero. I can't wait to see him next week to let him know how creepy he was on the show. I hope Maury Parkman comes back to the show (even if he is a bad guy).

In less exciting, Heroes related news, the DHS officer guy in the future telling Peter about the mass deaths, has also been in shows at work. Lastly he was the title character of Cyrano de Berferac. I didn't work on the show but I saw it. Mark was great & apparently he's really nice too!

This is Major Tom to Ground Control

2007-12-05T06:51:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure how regularly I'll be able to post. Our internet service was payed for by Kaisara's old company. They shut us off immediately & since then we've been piggy-backing off of near-by unsecured networks. They're getting slim now-a-days. Since there's no money to be grown-ups & pay for it ourselves, it'll just be hit and miss for a while.

So please forgive me if my posts are slim.

Would You Buy It?

2007-12-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

Since the day I started sewing (or at least sewing well) I've heard it over & over again. "You should make that & sell them!" "That" has been a countless number of things. From maternity clothes to wet suit repair to seat covers & practically everything in between. I've heard it again and again. I some times get the nerve to ask back, "if I did, would you buy it?" Without exception I get a look of surprise followed by a look of confession because they & I both know their answer is "no". It's not no because they don't like it. It's no because that's not what they choose to spend their discretionary income on. They assume there are those out there that do. How to find "those" people. They've been allusive. I finally got off my duff and started making "that" to sell. Everyone oohs & aahs but to no avail. At the craft show I recently was a part of, I had a women pick up one of my purses and say that they were the best purses ever! So cute! So unique! So great! She then set it down and walked away. Of course that was also the same lady that said (and I quote) "it's the handles that make these". I'm sure she didn't intend on sounding hurtful. But it was. Just buy it! Don't tell me how great it is with excitement in your voice & then walk away!

This post is not intended to guilt my loved ones into buys any of my wares. In fact, I'd be ashamed of myself if you did after reading this. I'm just voicing my frustration I guess. I LOVE to make things. I make things while I'm making other things. I'm blessed to have a hobby that pays for itself. Not many can boast of that. I'm just tired of hearing how "they" would love my stuff and how "they" would hand over a bit of their discretionary income in exchange for "that". I'm thinking I'll slow production down & just wait for the perfect home for my "that" to come around & I'll just give it to them. Then I'll get hollered at by those that said "You should make that & sell them!" in the first place. I guess I'll just have to lovingly tell them to "Just shut-up & take it"

Well that was fun

2007-11-27T22:38:00.000-08:00

I can finally blog about this. It's been chewing at me since summer!

Cat & I decided to surprise our little far-away friend, Dani, for her 30th birthday. She's in grad-school as a writer in Washington. She misses us. We miss her. We thought we'd rectify the situation & bought plane tix after clearing it with her folks.

Here's the nitty-gritty of the weekend:

We arrived just before noon on Friday. The flight was nasty. We had the worst turbulance that anyone one the plane (including the flight crew) had ever experienced. The flight attendant & 2 others puked. That's how bad it was. The flight attendant people!! Anyway after getting off of the plane we had on our bright pink wigs (apparently now a birthday tradition for us) & survived the odd looks of the security. Dani was expecting one pink wig but not two (her mom had to leak that Cat was showing up but I was still a surprise). After hugs & smiles & meeting mom, Neva & Dad, Roy we stopped by a new little bakery/coffee house for a little lunch. Delicious. We headed to their house, got settled, played a game of "Scene It" & then headed out to dinner & then to a play. We saw "Souvenirs". A great little play. The costumes, however, left much more than a lot to be desired. At one point Cat & I actually cringed back in our seats, making the stinky diaper face before looking at each other in disbelief. Wow! But like I said. I great play. I'd see it again.

We woke up Saturday to fresh baked apples with craisins & cinnamon for breakfast. After leisurely getting ready we headed out into the frigidness that is known as Liberty Lake, Washington (have I mentioned it was rarely about 32 degrees the whole time we were there?) We drove by the beautiful lake, through beautiful country & headed to downtown Coeur de Laine, Idaho. Yep, crossed the state line. We shopped & lunched in the cute little downtown area after seeing the lake & stopping to take some photos. Got a couple stocking stuffers there so the Christmas shopping has officially begun. We ended the day with Dani's birthday extravaganza by heading out to some of her favorite haunts & she showed us off to her local friends. Tea at the coffee house, pizza at the Catacombs, dessert at Ella's with a side of jazz, a game of Sorry & 5 games of pool at the bar. Dani & her friend Heather won 4 games but Cat & I finally snatched a victory on the 5th game.

Dani made us crepes for breakfast on Sunday. We then headed to downtown Spokane to checkout a new store chalk full of vintage jewelry & clothes. We then headed to the historic Davenport & checked out the candy shoppe, ballrooms, Christmas tree raffles & had a little bite in the peacock room. I can't even wrap my head around a life style that would include such a place. After a stop at the neat-o book store & game shop we headed home for dinner.

We slept in on Monday, had homemade pecan pie for breakfast & were treated to hot stone massages by our dear little masseuse, Dani before heading to the airport. Pie for breakfast, the company of great friends & a free massage. Could it get better? I think not!

Thank you my friends for a great weekend. Dani, we miss you already. Cat, you're amazing. I love you both.

Late-Night Literature

2007-11-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

As promised, here's our masterpieces from Saturday night's Food On A Stick Night:

#1 Trotting ponies are cute & fiery and flames ruin stables. Ponies can't barf so they poop alot over grass covered lands. Riders guide many ponies through flaming fields of smoke. Hopefully the jockeys purchase ambulance insurance so they will survive eternally. Falling asteroids fall. Impact can often frighten riders' ponies. Now that the stables blaze brightly on their hellfire & tigers. Happenstance dictates the ponies exponential growth of mermaids. Oceanic tsunamis cause massive pony trauma. Veterinarians often chat with damaged ponies because therapy sometimes helps. However, usually the ponies bite seahorses. in the end, mermaids die without veterinary love.

#2 When children scream viciously to my mirror I retreat swiftly. Diagrammatically speaking, children posses an uncanny likeness of pigeons. Therefore we should all burrow vigorously under the bomb factory. Someday poop boy will relieve himself while skipping. Subsequently, holes from the droppings of elephants levitate. Until magical birds sprinkle seeps upon elves, raptors swim swiftly toward huge buoys. Furthermore, walruses' tusks tear open flesh. Somehow squires save the bananas extinction. Today, yesterday, and tomorrow bananas will triumph over evil.

and our favorite:

#3 Why does the rain fall so beautifully? I have never seen the dew form so quickly on the man. Therefore, hypothetically, when I sing gaily I look very gay. I sew blankets of wool for sheep. These animals are worthy of my efforts. So I continue my sewing endeavor at my leisure. Occasionally naked sheeplings run coldly through rivers of man dew. Consequently the water from farmers flows like on the asphalt. Once this group is over sheering they die.

Ya' know Dani, not everyone's gotta go to grad school to write brillliance. Maybe you learned a little somethin' somethin'. :-)

"Now there's somethin' you don't see every day"

2007-11-18T13:55:00.000-08:00

Nothin' brings a group a friends closer than a marshmallow war. I know. I live to tell the tale.

Last night was The 2nd Annual Food On A Stick Night to celebrate Daryl's 31st Annual Birthday. In a word...Delicious. We had much the same fair as last year. Fruit skewers for as an appetizer & added this year to the course was 'lil smokies on toothpicks (as requested/demanded by Kaisara). Our main course this year was the same. Grilled build-your-own kabobs with shrimp, tri tip, chicken & all the veggies one would need. For dessert was the gooey goodness know as fondue. Daryl requested a caramel fondue so I nixed last year's marshmallow cream recipe & found a caramel one online. Because of the change in fondue I added crisp granny smith apples & rice krispy treats to the dipping menu along with the typical strawberries, bananas, pound cake, oreos, marshmallows...aaaahhh the marshmallows.

After we were finished gorging ourselves and we couldn't find our Apples-to-Apples game, the night took an ugly turn. Dana innocently tossed a mallow at Daryl who innocently volleyed it back to her. This went on for a time or two & then somehow (I have to remain neutral here) there was a wrestling match for the mallow between Katie & Dana on my couch. Before too long there was all out war & mayhem in my living room, dining room, kitchen, entry way, & bathroom. It was awesome! 7 grown adults having a full on marshmallow war. Poor Melanie was sleeping on the floor & was forced to sleep in self imposed exile on the floor of my bedroom.

Our war came to a slow end as eventually all of our ammo got gooey (at which point each mallow was retired) or Zelda snatched them up before we could pick them up to fire them off again. They're the perfect thing to pelt at a loved one. When you get a good, square hit it makes an awesome sound to let you know you hit your target but it doesn't hurt the target (even when it's in the face after being thrown HARD by an avid softball player).

We followed the war with a story telling game (outside on the patio since we were all sweaty). Someone starts with 1 word & then each person around the circle adds only one word to make a sentence & eventually a little story is born. I'll post our literature soon. It was crazy. Of course it was 1am & we were on a sugar high, but at the time our stories seemed hilarious.

We're all looking forward to the tradition of Food On A Stick Night continuing next year. Perhaps a new little tradition was born too!

Now I'll close with a "Ghostbusters" quote that I'm sure came to your mind.

Dr. Peter Venkman: What is it?
Dr Ray Stantz: It CAN'T be!
Dr. Peter Venkman: What did you DO, Ray?
Winston Zeddemore: Oh, shit!
Dr Ray Stantz: [somberly] It's the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
Dr. Peter Venkman: Well, there's something you don't see every day.

Back in the Saddle, Again

2007-11-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

So after a pitiful mileage tally for October, (life just got a little nuts there), I'm back on the bike. I rode from Kaisara's new work to my work twice last week (it's 1/2 mile further than his old work) and rode to church this morning (4.35 miles with several hills). I just did a little adding & came up with just over 500 miles for my so far annual total. Yeah me! I did it! I've even got 1 1/2 months to go.

Due to Tuesday's beloved Sewing Circle I can't ride that morning but I'm hoping to do the comute ride at least thrice this week. I eventually want my bike's saddle bags to not actually be my very own.

I Need A Nap!

2007-11-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Mom & Dad asked Kaisara & me to dog/house sit for them while they went to Vegas to visit Daddy's cousin who was there for a conference. We said "sure". Then the scheming began of something we've wanted to do for them for a while now. We called up the sis' & we got started. We re-did their bedroom. For weeks before we've been buying paint, new bed clothes, fabric for curtains, crown molding, base boards, a couple new pictures for the walls, hinges & knobs for their cupboards. We knew we'd only have 4 nights to pull it off so we prepped as much as we could before hand.

Jen doesn't work Mondays & Greg took of Monday so they could do all of the moving out. Kaisara worked 1/2 day on Wednesday & had all of Thursday off. It's a good thing. We'd never have made it! After working all day then re-doing bedroom all evening 'til 12:30am-ish. I'm beat. We're all beat. Daryl even came over to help a couple nights.

The room's finished & the parental unit is home. They love it. It's so nice to be able to do something for the people who've done so much for me.

Here's a before pic. with a couple afters.

We're Safe

2007-10-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of updates. We're fine. We're all fine. Turns out that the fire got 0.6 miles from our condo & 0.3 miles from our friend Katie's condo. It would've only taken just the right gust of wind & just the right ember & we'd (correction, no we. our stuff) be done for. Super stinky but we're fine. Katie & her tiger-sized kitties only stayed one night. We were glad to have her & her boys. Somehow it's comforting to me to comfort someone else. I guess the caregiver, mom type emotions kick in & I just need to make sure my people are fed & have a place to sleep with a warm blankie.

Other than the fires life is CRAZY swamped. Halloween parties, surprises for others to prepare for, birthday parties to plan, work, laundry, extra office work for the extra mooola, preparing for my craft faire. yikes! gotta go.

Sorry again to leave you guys wondering if we were crispy critters or not!

Play it once, Sam.

2007-10-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Your Love Life is Like Casablanca

"Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time."
For you, love is never finished. If you've loved someone once, you'll always love them.You're an old fashioned romantic... even if your relationships don't end up as romantic as you'd like.
Your love style: Traditional and understated
Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Complicated and ambiguous

http://www.blogthings.com/whatmovieisyourlovelifelikequiz/">What Movie Is Your Love Life Like?

En Fuego! Really.

2007-10-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

So this is a little scary. The fire is about, as the crow flies, 1.5 miles away. We came home early from work & are ready to flee to mom & dad's if need be. Our friend Katie's house is right next to the fire so her & her 2 kitties are here with us.

Prayers would be good. I'll keep you posted.

The Birthday Boy's Back!

2007-10-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Today's my boy's birthday. The big 3-4! Wow we're gettin' up there! He got a chair from me for a gift. He has sat in it every time we're in Target for the last year or so. I figured it was time to make it his own.

In even better news...Kaisara gave notice at his job!!! His last day is the 30th & he starts his new job the 31st. This has been a HUGE burden on Kaisara for months (and therefore on me). So much so that he hasn't been him. He didn't know he wasn't him but trust me, he wasn't. I hated it. I wanted him back! The morning after he gave his notice, while I was readying for work, he was laying across the bed on his stomach and was trying to clap with his feet. I didn't say anything at the time, I just stopped what I was doing and watched with a smile. HE'S BACK BABY!

Happy birthday, Birthday Boy!!