Success Sunday

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

I’ve discovered a new favorite breakfast joint. Kolache Factory, you are my pride and joy!

My Super Bowl snack!

On Sunday I saw Ted off on his quick jaunt to Philadelphia, went to 8 a.m. Mass, mowed down on a kolache, deep cleaned the apartment, reorganized the pantry and fridge, took all our Christmas boxes back to our storage warehouse (Our tree came down on February 4th. Overachievers, we know.), recycled the recycling, spent five hours at Caribou Coffee sitting by the window drinking a sweet mango black iced tea while I prepared my acting & musical theatre lesson plans for this week’s teaching gigs (they’re pretty excellent), submitted multiple theatre job applications, and wrote someone a letter of recommendation. Then I came home for some Super Bowl action, planned our meals for the week, made the grocery list, clipped the coupons, printed all my lesson plans, scanned paychecks, did some research on a theatre company that has expressed some interest in us, and watched the Super Bowl.

Did I mention it was another glorious, sunny, mild day?

It’s amazing how much I can accomplish when I have just one full day off, to myself, to get stuff DONE.

Success.

And I saw a cat sitting on the windowsill next door. Which always makes me happy.

Speaking of kitties, my new favorite commercial is this Geico commercial with the rescue panther.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O1SX4x7uUE]

What did you do this weekend?

Share Button

A Day Two Different Ways

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

(via)

(via)

(via)

Avocado and hummus sandwich, a clawfoot tub, and A Year With Frog & Toad, the musical.

(via)

(via)

Aye Aye dress, Indian Brave hideout, and go with the flow.

Share Button

Dear Punxsutawney,

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

Dear Punxsutawney:

(via)

Aghghghghgh!!! You are SO adorable!!!! When can I hold you!?

Would it help if I wore a top hat?

Anyhow, Phil, for as handsome as I think you are (and you are!), I’m not quite so sure about your six more weeks of winter prediction.

See, normally this would make me supremely cranky.

However, if “winter” is going to continue as it has of late with highs in the 60s, sunny skies, and lots of comfy breezes…

…then I think we can come to an agreement.

Again, thank you for being adorable beyond measure.

I intend to spend the rest of my day, whenever possible, looking up photos of how cute you are.

And also of the history of Groundhog’s Day because, bad American, I really haven’t the fainest idea where this tradition came from.

Sincerely,

I Would Like A Groundhog Please

Share Button

Nixing the Blahs

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed lately. With four jobs to keep up with, plenty of “homework” to do, the endless job hunt and accompanying applications for that one special full time job that I know is out there – somewhere – for me, a house to keep clean, meals to cook, errands to run, Ted’s truck and my car are both acting up again even after all the money we just put into repairs for them in November and December (I guess this just becomes habit around 150,000 miles), and a sudden schedule change that takes away even more of my precious and rare time to throw a wrench in my otherwise ideal routine, who can say they’d feel any differently? I’ve been doing my best to keep my spirits up and cope with it all in stride. It helps me to spend a few moments each day taking note of all the things that I have to be thankful for and to remember that I’m a work in progress, not a finished product, so it’s okay for my schedule to be overwhelming and for me to still keep my hopes up on the full-time job front. Also, my friends Katie, Allyson, and Rachel all sent me some love, encouragement and reassuring words this week, which always makes me feel better!

Here’s some other things I’m feeling good about today:

1. It’s 60 degrees out – and it has been for the past three days! Others may be complaining “Where’s the snow?” “What happened to winter?” “It’s only February!” but I’m going to take it and run with it for as long as this good fortune wants to stick around! Sunshine does a spirit good.

2. We’re going on the Cincinnati Subway Tour on May 12! We just booked our tickets as soon as they went on sale this morning and we are so, so excited! Thanks mom and dad for the awesome Christmas present! If you didn’t know, back in the 1920s Cincinnati started to build an underground subway system and it was almost complete when they had to halt construction and cease tunneling because of the depression. They never did anything with it, so there it all sits, underground, unused, and just aching for us to explore her history. As soon as we found out about the subway’s existence over a year ago we knew we HAD to be on that tour this year (they only do one tour a year and it usually sells out in a matter of hours). Ted even has this great Cincinnati Subway shirt that says “The Cincinnati Subway – taking you nowhere since 1928.” Again, SO excited!!

3. Because of the unseasonably warm winter this year, the produce section of the grocery store is my oyster! Hard orange balls of clementines, ruby red stalks of rhubarb, sacks of leafy green brussel sprouts, large healthy artichokes, and plump juicy blueberries have been gracing my cart. Now that the warmer weather seems to be on it’s way (Nobody likes a tease, Cincinnati!) Ted and I want to focus a little more on the exercise we enjoy – running 5ks, biking, roller blading, bowling, going for walks, etc. (you know, in all our free time….HAHAHA) and we’re also watching a little more closely what we put in our bodies. And all this delicious, fresh produce that comes in the spring and summer makes me so happy I could drool!

4. In a few weeks we’ll be driving up to Chicago for two days for my grandpa’s memorial service and burial – though it’s always a sad occasion, I’ll be happy for the opportunity to see my family again. Tomorrow night we’re going to see Spring Awakening at CCM, and Sunday is Superbowl Sunday! Despite all the stuff we have going on, I’m going to try to just relax on Sunday and enjoy the day.

5. On Monday I got a free oil change and tire rotation (free because I spent so damn much money on flushes and repairs and new tires for the Buick in November that they felt bad for me and gave me a gift card) and I took my engagement ring and diamond wedding earrings in for their six month warranty inspection and cleaning so now they’re all nice and sparkly again…just the way I love them to be!

6. I treated myself to a big, fat, delicious Chipotle burrito for lunch today. And it was divine.

What little things have made you happy lately?

Share Button

Caught My Eye

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

This week I have an eye on…

(via)

7 Little Words – it’s a free iPad game and I can’t. stop. playing. it. Fortunately, it’s at least beneficial because it exercises your brain with sequencing and vocabulary building.


(via)

Modcloth Dresses – Pretty frocks with color and personality for a professional career woman – so awesome I can hardly stand it! You know, for all those full-time arts education/artistic theatre administration jobs I’ve been applying for.

(via)

Uh, more Modcloth Dresses – Then there’s these beauties, perfect for weddings, parties, and date nights. I say this like I actually ever go to any of these events. Dream big or go home, right?

(via and via)

Homemade Quesadillas and Chipotle Burritos – I’ve been craving these hard this week. I could probably snarf up a few of each with some salt & lime seasoned tortilla chips and a healthy dose of corn salsa, if I put my mind to it.


(via)

Children’s Books – I’m always on the hunt for great children’s books that I can use to teach acting to the youngest kids I work with. I spend a few hours a week in the library sprawled out on floor beneath a patch of sunlight reading dozens of highly creative, funny, and well-illustrated stories. Obviously, I still read age-appropriate material, but they are so many great kids books out there to enjoy! Also, our library offers 3 free music downloads a week, so I’m beefing up my music library on the cheap, which makes me happy :-)

(via)

A Getaway – Not that everyone couldn’t use a vacation, but I’ve been seriously craving a weekend getaway for weeks. For some reason the Arizona Sonoran desert is piquing my interest. Gorgeous landscapes, mountains, cacti, sand, sunsets, nothingness, warmth, luxury, relaxation, exotic desert wildlife, authentic eats, sweet icy drinks by the pool, and desert exploration. Groupon Getaway, please (cheaply and luxuriously por favor!) come to our rescue!!

What’s on your mind this week?

Share Button

While The Husbands Away…

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

…the wife will play!*

Dinner at Mi Casa – Black bean patties with corn relish and avocado cream sauce (recipe here) and a strong margarita.

A hot date with Peter Pan, the movie.

(via)

And a sexy dessert of freshly baked lemon bars.

Now that’s what I can an ideal Saturday night!

*Let me be clear: By “While the husbands away” I mean at load-in for a show until midnight, and by “the wife will play” I mean cozy up in oversized sweats, cook a dinner of delicious foods I love but that he hates and won’t eat, and plant myself on the couch with a blanket, a plate of lemon bars, and Peter Pan.

I work six days a week, on a good week. I think a little relaxation is more than deserved.

On next week’s edition of “While The Husbands Away…”: Pad Thai, The Notebook, and turtle brownies.

P.S.: Out of the kindness of my little heart, I did save him a lemon bar. I know, I’m too kind.

Do you make wild & crazy plans when you know your S.O. will be working late?

Share Button

Ruining A Good Thing

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

I hate it when the writers of your favorite show screw up everything.

Especially when it was just starting to get really good and the plot twists a long time in the making were finally starting to fall into place and you started to have a fond affinity for the characters, then WHAM! In one ridiculous episode, the writers decide, why don’t we simply ruin the integrity of the entire show by unexpectedly killing off a main character and sending the show’s other main character away, never to return. Won’t that be nice? Won’t that boost our ratings?

No.

Because you’ll be left with a hacked off audience, no characters anyone recognizes or cares about, and no closure for any of the characters or situations that were offed. It doesn’t even make sense. And it will suck royally. You watch shows because you become invested in the characters and when, in one fell swoop, all your characters disappear just as things are heating up, don’t expect your audience to be pleased as punch or to stick around.

As a side note, there are in fact, other ways to phase actors out of a show other than offing them unexpectedly, then providing no clues or further explanations to help tie up the loose ends. If you spent three years writing a clever show, don’t take the cheap way out. Use a little grace and creativity please!

I realize this is just a TV show. An Irish comedy/drama from the late 90s that has long since ended (likely because the writers were fools and expected the show to continue with an entirely different cast and a plot that goes against the founding principals of the series)…

…but I’m still mad!

So mad that I don’t even want to watch the last three seasons. So mad that I actually went online and read up on what happens in the rest of the series (which i hate doing because I like to be surprised) and decided that I hate what they did with the rest of the series too.

I also realize that this is what we refer to as profound overreacting but the show used to be SO good and I’m extremely disappointed by the writers’ lame cheap shots to mix things up, which ruined the charm that we all loved about the show.

Poor Ted was beside himself with laughing/horror/confusion/concern as I sat balled up on the couch, angry and crying. He still wants to get and watch the last three seasons because he wants to know what happens next. He’s a man and men are sensible. I’m willing (but only marginally willing) to give it another try once I take a few months to get over my anger and bitterness, but I think the show’s hey day is over.

UGH.

Share Button

Oscar

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

Meet Oscar

(He hasn’t yet been convinced to keep the phone cords out of his jaws…silly gator)

Oscar is one of my co-workers.

He makes an otherwise bleak day cheery.

I think he would make an excellent stapler or Pez dispenser.

But he’s technically one of those clapper things. You hold him by the tail and his mouth drops wide open and snaps closed, creating a clapping sound. If you set him on a counter and use your finger to rapidly press his tail down over and over he actually moves across the counter and his mouth opens and closes, just like a real gator.

He’s pretty awesome.

I’ve also discovered that he makes a pretty decent carrier pigeon.

That, in Oscar’s mouth, is a note. A happy, funny little note for another co-worker to find.

I told you, Oscar is a major day-brightener!

He keeps me way entertained and out of the clutches of an otherwise incredibly dull work-life existence. Can you guess which job he lives at?

Do you have a special co-worker?

Share Button

Second Star to the Right, Then Straight On Til’ Morning

Peter Pan has always been one of my most favorite stories. The book is brilliant. I was beyond ecstatic to be cast as Wendy in my high school’s production senior year – a dream role come true. The movie Finding Neverland is stunning – still one of my all-time favorite movies. And I was overjoyed when the “new” non-animated movie version came out in 2003.

J.M. Barrie’s beautiful story will always hold a magical, wonderful place in my heart.

It’s a story of grand adventure and keeping your childlike belief in the power of your own imagination.

I would just about die from excitement if I were ever granted the opportunity to play Wendy again onstage.

Seriously, cast me.

I think we could all take a life lesson from Mr. Barrie.

He reminds me not to take myself so seriously, but to be serious about my dreams and playtime.

So in honor of this magical story, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Peter Pan inspirations with you:

(via)

This would be the best nursery/kids room ever. Finally designing the bedroom of your dreams = best reason I can think of to procreate.

(via)

The new movie was so pretty I could hardly stand it.

(via)

You should know that the crocodile is my hero. My impression of him is killer. I spent a lot of time practicing it when I was four 16. I also think my apartment should seriously reconsider their shrubbery designs. For shame lame round boring shrubs…for shame.

(via)

A gorgeous modern day nightgown-inspired dress for grown up Wendys. Oh, if only I had somewhere to wear this!

(via)

This Neverland map belongs framed on my office wall.

(via)

Just as this beautifully illustrated book belongs on my nightstand.

(via)

A little Etsy art of one of my favorite quotes. I can see this sitting on my desk at work.

(via)

This bracelet is a stylishly work-appropriate way to remind yourself of Never Never Land when you need a little break from reality.

(via)

For my 26th birthday please?

(via)

This thimble and acorn “kiss” necklace is sweet!

(via)

Hand-painted wall art…perfect for any room!

Oh yeah…

Ah, to be 17 and Wendy again!

In college I suckered my poor friends into it for “theme day” when we taught theatre camp.

And, of course, the crocodile impression. Though these picture doesn’t even begin to do the real thing justice. Just ask Ted. It’s one of those “you have to see it” things.

You’re welcome for all of that, by the way.

Do you have a favorite story?

Share Button

Keeping Up

  • Post author:
  • Post category:Blog

Contrary to popular belief I am alive and well, though my blogging absence has, no doubt, concerned a few of you a considerable amount. Thanks for checking up on me!

It’s been a busy week.

There’s always work, and my in-laws were in town for the weekend visiting, and there’s lesson plans, date night, household responsibilities, and opening nights to attend to as well.

Whew!

Mom & Dad 2 drove down from Green Bay to visit us and, like she’s so good at doing, Cincinnati brewed up a fantastic ice storm to welcome them in with open arms. We braved the arctic temps and slippery slopes to catch a BBQ dinner at the Famous Dave’s in Florence, KY (this time sans witnessing a horse trailer accident) and two shows at the Omnimax on Friday night. Because life requires that you occasionally have to earn money to survive, I worked on Saturday and then that evening we went for a few rounds of indoor mini glow-in-the-dark lunar golf (because it was approximately -37 degrees with 1/4″ of ice on everything, remember?) and burgers at Butterbee’s. Sunday we did church and breakfast, went back to the pet store to see my blue lobster who had already found a loving home elsewhere (I was severely bummed since I’d already begun thinking of names for him and what color pebbles I would put in his tank) and made a day of watching football and playing board games. And the guys did an excellent job of hanging some pictures in our bedroom (bedroom makeover = pictures coming soon!). It was a great visit and we were really happy to spend some time with them.

On Monday we enjoyed breakfast together before Mom & Dad 2 drove back to Wisconsin in the balmy 50 degree heatstroke (Cincy weather is amazing like that) and I spent the rest of the day regrouping before teaching one of my theatre classes in the afternoon and finally taking down Christmas decorations that night. Last night after work Ted and I treated ourselves to a date night showing of The Descendents at the adorable little 3-screen theatre in Mariemont. Ted and I already love Mariemont and have long since decided that if we stay in Cincinnati we’ll be looking for a house in that neighborhood, but their sweet little movie theatre also scored some major points in my book for A) being located next to a Graeter’s Ice Cream parlor, B) for playing old 30’s sounding instrumental tunes, C) for selling hot roasted nuts, Cincinnati-made caramel corn, and gourmet herbal teas at the concessions stand, D) $6 Tuesdays, and E) small, cozy showing rooms! It was so relaxing! We really needed it! Tonight Ted is working late and I’m at opening night for a production at the theatre.

And now we’re back to the grind of daily life…work, job applications, cleaning, and more. Overall, we’re happy and life goes on. Which is a pretty awesome blessing in and of itself.

What have you been up to lately?

Share Button