Wednesday, December 31, 2003

Financial Mishaps

OH OH OH OH! So, now I know why I'm supposed to use the little worksheet to balance my checkbook. I've been very conscientious for the past six months. Trying to be responsible for a change and all that. Every few days I check my online statement to make sure I haven't forgotten to write down any ATM charges. I go through my checkbook every other week to see what checks are still out in la la land. But I hadn't gone through with the little book.

So now I have my fabulous ledger, and I'm basically transcribing all of my accounts into it. First, I found a $20 addition error in the bank's favor. Darn it.

Now I have a bigger snafu, that's taken me three hours to figure out what I did exactly. It seems that I took out a $100 cash back that I didn't write down about two months ago. Then for the crowning achievement, I saw some "shopping" money that I'd actually paid cash for....at the time I'm sure it made sense to put in that missing hundred dollars as shopping. Well, I found it when I was perusing my checkbook a month later, and said to myself, "I paid cash for that! Free money" So I credit myself that money. So, for those that followed that and realised the ramifications...I'm now officially $200 in the hole once everything goes through. Crap. At least, for a change, I am aware of the problem before the overdraft kicks in, and 2, (also for a change) I have money in savings to cover the money I've now spent. Twice. Drat.

Oh so tired.

Gave an 35 minute concert last night in the "lounge" (sounds nicer than 'bar' doesn't it?). I've never had so many encores. Six, I think. And then several groups wanted to buy me a drink. I forgot I'd been too busy singing to eat anything. Blech....only two fruity little things and I'm rather.....unwell...this morning. Blech. Blech. Blech. Reminds me why I don't do that very often. Blargh....stupid stupid stupid. It was fun singing though. I forget, sometimes, how much I love doing it. And it is nice to have people clustered around telling you how wonderful you are. Liking that! If only we had cuter uniforms. And some makeup...by midnight I was a little bit flushed and shiny! I prefer to perform looking cool as a cucumber....and slightly aloof....or something. So I sang, and handed out my cards, and enjoyed being fawned, instead of run over.

Friday, December 26, 2003

Doing things the Judy Garland way...

Last night I once again had to resort to sleeping pills. I haven't had to do that since the week before Thanksgiving. I only have one pill left, so off to the health food store after work I go. Apparently Matt Leblanc also shops there. Now that I know that, I'm going to spend more time in the supplements section. My favorite combo is one "sleep aid" pill with a cal/mag and vitamin C back. Listen to me talking like a bar wench! I'm going to have to start some time of multivitamin regumin in the mornings too. And perhaps buying actual breakfast food...a bagel at work is about half an hour late.

I know it would be far better for my system to get up, have breakfast, do some yoga to wake myself up, devotions, and then get ready for the day. Ha. That would mean waking up at 4:30. Doing this my way (get up, jump in shower, head to coffee place before work) lets me sleep in until 5:45. Woohoo. Believe me though, those extra minutes make all the difference.

Logic says that the two hours between one job and the other would be perfect time for excercise and devotions. Body says: sleep.

Logic also says, "go right to sleep after work at 10, or 11, or 12....Body says, "ha ha. Don't want to....1am sounds better."

Curse it all....Sleeping aids really don't help a person go to sleep, but they do keep you asleep once you're there. And thank heavens they recommended one that doesn't give a hangover. If I wanted to be sleepy the first few hours of work, I'd just stay au natural...And to stay awake at the night job...ah yes...the wonders of EmergenC's -- the all vitamin upper...fabulous stuff that. Mix it in with some fruit juice, and you're both exhausted and wide awake simultaneously! But it takes two sleeping pills then to get down from them.

Seriously...if anyone can think of a better way to do this, New Year's resolutions are coming....

Thursday, December 25, 2003

Baylor's PBS Broadcast

Hey Guys, if you want to see pain and humiliation, check out the Baylor University Christmas Concert. I was in the front row, and wound up on camera a lot. Partly because of my wonderful riser placement, and partly because I (thanks to years of Melody Lane) can smile for 15 hours of filming. And I was smart enough to remember to do my hair the same way both days of shooting, and kept the same lipstick color. So watch it. It'll be fun for you. I just want to see if I look as bored as I felt. (If I had working archives today I'd bring back some of the posts I made around that time last year....oh there were so many rant-fests!)

Friday, December 06, 2002: (republished)


Wow, let me pause a moment to unscrew my smile. Heeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaarrrrghghg. Ok. Better now. I just got done with a recording session for our Christmas Concert PBS premier (set for christmas, 2003). We're being videotaped. So we have to look happy, and joyful, and greatful to be there.



ha. Dr. Bailey looked at the dress rehearsal that they taped to fix problems, and he said it looked like we were chained to the risers. Pretty close. We were just trying to make an acurate portrayal. We recorded in front of an audience, and then locked them in so they couldn't leave for our re-recording of several songs. Ha. When they paid for their tickets, I bet they didn't know they'd be held hostage. I'm sure whoever watched the concert next year will really enjoy it. It will look great, and be very uplifting. Look for me up and to the right of the mezzo soloist smiling away. Looking happy, and joyful and greatful to be there.



Especially during the symphonic pieces that we were, essentially, a curtain to mask the risers. No other reason for us to be there -- we could have filed off and come back on after three movements of Vivaldi, but no. We had ugly risers to mask. So we stood there looking happy, and joyful, and greatful to be there.



Especially on the camera close ups -- then we were positively glowing. At least during the Forest scene from Tchaikowsky's Nutcracker I could envision all of the beautiful dancing. I made up whole ballets this week in dress rehearsals. So, it wasn't too bad tonight...but tomorrow we have to hold the audience longer to make up all the mistakes they find tomorrow in the review of tonight's performance. Oh goodie. (ok, now can we do measure 30-35 of the Sir Krisemas piece...ok that was great..thanks) Oh, and in between concert segments, we have a sing along with the audience. But...someone forgot that WE don't have words in front of us (the concert is memorized). So here we are three verses into "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" -- and the cameras are doing closeups of us going: Hail the ...hm hm....prince of peace...la la la la righteousness....light and life to something bring..........watermellon in his wings......mild he something something by...la la la la hmmmmmm hmmmmmmmmm la la la la la la la la.....HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING! GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING! That ought to look wonderful. Ok, I'm going to bed. I have a recital dress to finish for Jen's dress rehearsal tomorrow afternoon. Then I have to head to part two of happy, and joyful, and greatful to be there.


It's the Thought that Counts

"Did you have a good Christmas?" they ask the girl who's been sitting behind a desk fourteen hours of the last twenty-four.

"When, exactly?" she wishes to reply.

Merry Christmas to all.....

Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope today finds you with plenty of relaxation, family gathered round, and a good nap thrown in.

After making it to the midnight mass last night, I'm in a bit more of a Christian mindset about Christmas. I found the priest's sermon a tad naive, as he described how a sentimental story brings tears to even the most callous person at the holidays. I must confess, I haven't seen many gruff old men misting up at the tables I'VE been waiting...but I'll give points for creativity...Oops, slipping back into cynicism. I'll quit while I'm ahead.

Merry Christmas again!

Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Eleven is nearly here. The long vigil is over. The inn is quiet, save the sound of the waiters clearing the last of the tables from the lingering guests. Outside all is dark. The only break is a strand of christmas lights around the porch of the cafe across the street. Lady Marmalade filters in from the kitchen.

In a few minutes I will go back home and pick up andrea, and we'll rush to the sing-a-long at the Old Mission Santa Ines and the midnight mass. Neither of us are Catholic, but its the only service late enough. We'll both be up before six tomorrow. Work two shifts, then fall into bed. In the few hours between jobs we'll head to Ken and Grandma's to open a few presents. The rest we'll save for later.

I wish everyone could cook at home for Christmas. Gather their families around them in their own houses. Enjoying being hospitable and hosting. Instead, around here, precious few have the luxury of a day off. For the shopkeepers, and waiters, and clerks, and drivers, can look forward to impatience and rudeness and clamour all of this best of days. We did choose our lot, I suppose. But wouldn't it make sense on just one day for everything to close. So everyone could equally enjoy their families and relaxation...and not just another day of drudgery and frustration. And the drunks that just won't leave at the end of the night. When all you want to do is go home, walk right past the Christmas tree and stocking still brimming with presents you've neither had the time nor energy to open, and sleep until St. Patricks day. But the next morning you've got to check out the post-Christmas hangover crowd, with their children wild from the sugar-high. Or go to work three hours early to make signs for the day-after-Christmas sales. Or wait on tables who have the post-holiday-my-presents-weren't-as-great-as-the-ones-I-gave-blues.

So bah-humbug everyone! I'm sure my spirits will align themselves at church this evening...and I'll be able to celebrate the season with the best of them....until the first idiot tomorrow night complains about how crappy house wine is. You GET what you PAY FOR!

On the plus side, we do get time-and-a-half.....Merry Christmas!

Part Eight:

To make my french hen look more like a chicken or a goose...that is the question...

Stocking Saga, Part Seven:

My goose does not lay golden eggs, but freshwater pearl instead. And even she can't be too proud for a silk grass nest....if she's that picky, tis the season for foie gras....

Part Six:

My Lord of the Dance is unhapily missing a leg, due to my running a bit short of teal ribbon. Perhaps he is not mearly a-leaping, but the little tin soldier as well. Hopefully he will stick to the story, as the Disney version did not.

I'm at work. On Christmas eve, and Christmas, and every day after. Why are patrons at this time of year more unbearable than any other? Is it the peace on earth or goodwill towards men which makes them cross, impatient and demanding. It must be the Christmas Spirit which possesses the screaming children and posturing parents. Truly, if this is the best we can do for the Season, we'd do better to forget it entirely.
Part Five:
I've now got everything done but the left leg of my Lord-a-leaping, One goose-a-laying, one french hen, and a drummer boy....I have eight hours ahead to finish it though....Merry Christmas Eve to all!

Sunday, December 21, 2003

Part Four:

One Swan-a-swimming...

Stocking Saga Part Three:

Now I have one very elegand lady dancing, and several sketches of various birds and people. Have you guys realised how many BIRDS there are? I'm only doing one of each (two turtledoves though)...all there are are birds and people. The people are the most fun! Costumes galore. My lady dancing is exquisite! Humbly.....

Stocking Saga Part Two:

Success! I now have one rather disgruntled partridge in a somewhat sideways pear tree. On to the blasted turtledoves on a branch!!!

Stocking Saga Part One:

I've started with a scrap of leftover red velvet and a few pieces of antique lace. Then I had to decide what else to do with it. AHA! I have a whole bag full of silk embroidery ribbon. I'll do some of that. And what to do.....I know! I'll make a 12 days of Christmas stocking. So far I have a partridge-less semi-lopsided pear tree. Very exciting...

Saturday, December 20, 2003

From Eddie Izzard: Dress to Kill

That “Partridge in a pear tree” song, the only bit we like of it is that, ( singing )"Five gold rings!" People go berserk at that point! People come running in from other rooms, ( singing ) "Five gold rings!" The rest of it, we don't know; above that, it's just, ( singing, uncertain ) "Twelve… monkeys mating, eleven… donkeys dancing, ten pigmies farming, nine… socks… a swimming… ( certain ) five gold rings!" This is a human thing. We only like to learn a little bit of a song. We can't be bothered, yeah.

In honor of the season, 'TIS, one of the best Christmas pages. Also linked to Little Red Boat as she is one of the authors.
Look everyone at my new guestbook which I've just added! Feel Free!
Good morning everyone!

The headache that was plaguing me all day yesterday is gone, and the day looks brighter...except for the cloudcover outside.

It is so difficult to get into the Christmas Spirit when one has all of this working to do.

Things that Dampen the Season...

1. Elevator Christmas Music. Both Jobs.

2.Christmas parties. Drunk people that get riled up and won't go home.

3. Cats that pull down the lights in the window. And again once you've just put them back up.

4. Ditto the aforementioned cats pulling down ornaments, garland, lace, and chewing on the sides of all the packages.

5. Did I mention that all bows are looking the worse for wear?

6. Too little sleep.

7. Too little eggnog!

Things wonderful about the Season!

1. The obvious and ensuing birthday celebrations. (No, not mine)

2. Godiva and Hot Chocolate!

3. My first Christmas tree on my own. Sort of. Drea's here too.

3.Eggnog. The real stuff.

4. The Muppets Christmas Album. Which I don't actually have, but can sing from beginning to end (except for the one about the Christmas Tree). Including all 12 days of Christmas.....FIVE GOOOOOOLD RINGS.....(ba dum bum bum)

5. Ditto The Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas CDs, Barbra Streisand, and the Oakridge Boys.

6. And the Beach Boys.

7. The Final Lord of the Rings is out in theaters. Not particularly Christmas-ey but still a reason to Celebrate!

Friday, December 19, 2003

WHY OH WHY OH WHY is a night person working a 7am job? "Good freaking morning" is the best I can do...

I'm in a bit of a slump recently (or perhaps its more a panic). I've officially been out of school for eight months now. I haven't practiced in so long I can't remember (oh wait, I sang my something-or-other off the week before the Magnificat), have no immediate plans for any auditions. I want so badly to be doing a show this summer. I'm not sure if I can audition asking for a week off in the middle of the run to go to my sister's wedding. So is it better to just put it off for a while? I fear if I put it off much longer I'll stay out permanently. I don't want to look back over my life and regret that I never tried...Oh, yeah, except for singing for Renee Flemming in the end of January....(hence the panic). I know I've been saying I'm going to sing for her for a long time...but this time the tickets are bought, and it's too late to back out now........ARRRRRGHGHG!

I saw a picture of myself from the christmas party....boy do I need to start working out. Somehow my self image is still stuck in high school eating disorder mode, and thinks I weigh 100 pounds. When I see actual pictures I tend to panic. Sure, I'm rather thin-ish, but from the lack of working out combined with sitting around all day for at least one of my jobs (I do walk a LOT for my other) I ...... lack definition. There's a good way to put it. Being in singer mode for four years was a GREAT excuse not to work out. "Don't lift weights, you'll start grunt reflexing! Don't do sit ups, you'll tighten muscles that need to be loose to breathe!" Except for a rather long stint of yoga. I think I must go back to it. Nice work out, not a lot of sweating and spitting and huffing.....Must not eat chocolate chip muffins for breakfast, must drink water! (Actually, having been on that pseudo-diet with Andrea for months, I've not been craving a lot of Pepsi recently. I think I only had one last night at work -- yay for abstaining!)

I'm taking a break to go refil my water bottle....

GACK! I've never ben a "water bottle snob." This is terrible water back to back. Almost sweet. Ah well, for the sake of clear skin and, you know, health I can do it......ack ack ack...

We had the most atrocious people in the restaurant last night! They came in hours before we open with about a dozen children who'd been cooped up in planes and cars all day. The parents couldn't remember exactly how many children they'd brought with them, and so kept re-rering until poor Wendy was going out of her mind. They were screaming, knocking over the display train, touching the gingerbread sign less-than-subtly labled "DO NOT TOUCH" and running into the bar and the tennis club party in the other room. I hid in the bar for most of the carnage. Then the parents came in, and how I longed for the children. Their table was reset, and reset again. "One long one, no two round ones!" "17 people, no 10 and 8 children, no 12 and 4 kids, and two highchairs, and a booster seat......" and on and on. They belched. One self styling actress bored us to TEARS with her performance of the Vagina Monologues (not the play itself, just her commentary on how groundbreaking it is....hasn't that show been out FOREVER now?).....ack! Waited a while and the water is still bad....Anyway, I was laughing at Wendy's bad luck to have to deal with them, and I was beckoned with "Oh, Nurse..." I was in shock. I actually went to the table and took his order (the belcher). They left me a slight tip, but they had a huge bill. The matriarch wouldn't speak above a whisper, nor request anything with actual words....."Excuse mblblblb....I'd like some mbmbmbmbmbmbl (indistinct gesture in the general direction of her wineglass)." Oh yes, they were peachy!

Everyone, check out THIS new blog I've found. He's apparently started a book deal off his blog, and I've found the website at least to be very entertaining. It's nice to know that people with performance careers can be "real people."

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

I had posted a rather long rant about the information on this website. While looking online for more information (and some definitions) on this article, I have found several other websites of people who think this article MUST be a hoax. This website hopes that it is a hoax, but isn't sure. Some of the links in the site seem to be geniune. Some seem to be conglomerations of Saturday Night Live Sketches. I'll keep poking around. What do you think? Real or not?
A woman goes to the post office to buy stamps for
her Christmas cards.


She says to the clerk, "May I have 50 Christmas stamps?"
The clerk says, "What denomination?"


The woman says, "God help us. Has it come to this? Give me 6 Catholic,
12 Presbyterian, 10 Lutheran and 22 Baptists.

Monday, December 15, 2003

I want to take this moment to do a plug for my favorite bookshop in the world, the inspiration for my webpage, and the best resource for the collected works of Inkings Authors....The Inklings Bookshop. While searching for links to the Inklings, I came across their webpage, discovering that they also provide online sales. Please do your book shopping with them, instead of with large scale franchises! Small bookstores are going out of business right, left, and center -- and I'd really like to keep this one around!

..We now interrupt this Lord of the Rings tribute (extended edition) to bring you another rant by Rachel...

I want to cry! I am too tired, and working too hard....the weather changed so of course that precipitates all sorts of lovely "face" issues -- girls, you know what I mean...that dry skin, deathlike palor until your skin adjusts again..Why is it that wet weather makes your skin dry out?

So two days ago, my plan for this weekend was to: work, finish my dress, Sunday night run to Santa Barbara for some shoes and tights, and after work monday get a manicure and rest....Today my schedule has been amended to: work, finish dress, maybe take short nap...or perhaps even: work, go home and determine that dress is good enough as is, take 3 hour nap then pull self together for party....right now that sounds pretty good to me...

I am soooooooooooooo tired. I was supposed to have today off completely except for the company party, then someone at work just 'had' to switch shifts. I'll stop whining one of these days.

Saturday, December 13, 2003

Chapter Seven

Pippin finds Gandalf, and tells him of Denethor's plan to burn himself and Faramir in the crypt. Gandalf rushes to the tombs to stop him. Some of the King's men are trying to follow the orders and start the fire, others are trying to stop them. Several men have already killed each other. Denethor is clutching one of the remaining palantir and defies Gandalf, saying that he will not live to see the throne he has been steward over be handed to an upstart and a usurper, even if he is from the line of Isildur. He claims that Gandalf has been playing them all like pawns in order to gain the rule of middle earth for himself. (It seems also to suggest that, like with Theoden, Saruman may be posessing Denethor for a while). Gandalf tries to pursuade him that he will not lose any honor by relinquishing the kingdom. He jumps on the pyre and rescues Faramir, still unconscious, whose garments have been soaked with oil for the fire. Gandalf tries once more to reason with Denathor, but he grabs a torch and lights the fire, jumps onto the pyre clutching the palantir and dies. Gandalf sends Faramir to the infirmary with Pippen. Later, he and Pippen look out over the battlefield at all who have fallen. Gandalf sends Pip to guard Faramir, and goes himself to meet 'those who are coming.'

Chapter Six. Oy. If you don't want to ruin at least half the plot of the movie, stop reading now. I'm going to continue to summarize.

The Lord of the Nazgul realizes he is defeated and vansihes. King Theoden rides to battle against the Southorn men. In the midst of the fight, the Nazgul reappears, mounted on those flying creatures. Durnhelm and Merry are not far behind him. His horse is wounded, and Theoden falls. The Nazgul is letting his creature eat Theoden's horse when Durnhelm challenges it. He laughs and declares that no man has ever hindered him. Durnhelm replies that he is not a man, takes of his helmet, and (duh) reveals a head of blond hair. Eowyn has joined the battle after all. The creature attacks, and she fends it off, cutting off its head. The Nazgul brings down his mace and shatters her shield, breaking her arm. Merry rallies his courage, takes his sword and stabs the Nazgul in the back, allowing Eowyn to cleave the Nazgul's head from its shoulders. Her sword shatters, and Merry's dissappears.

Theoden regains consciousness and sees Merry. He tells him that he wishes to speak to Eomer (remember, cool blonde guy with the flowing helmet). He declares that Eomer is to be king of Rohan. He tells Eomer to send a message to Eowyn telling her of his death. Theoden dies. Eomer gives orders for Theoden's body to be carried from the plain, and turns and sees his sister's body lying nearby. Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth sees the procession, and declares that Eowyn is still living, but just barely. She is sent to the infirmary. Merry is left behind, his right hand numb from when his elf blade stabbed the Nazgul.

The battle is once again turning against the combined armies when they see the ships of the corsairs coming. They dispair. Then, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas come bounding (especially in Legolas' case) out of the ship leading a whole host of the Dunedain, Rangers of the North. So the battle is won, every enemy is slain, and the three Princes...Aragorn, Eomer, and Imrahil are united.

Chapter Five

Merry is still riding with the mysterious rider and the host of Rohan. Theoden is in counsel with a wild man to determine the best way to approach Gondor unexpectedly. They decide on a footpath, that leads through an orc wall. The wall was destroyed, and there was no ambush. They discover along the trail the body of the messenger who was sent to them from Gondor. He never made it back to tell Denethor that Rohan was coming to aid them. As they draw closer to Gondor, Sauron's dark magic almost makes them lose hope, but the light from Gandalf's staff beams through the air 'piercing the darkness' and hope is restored. Rohan makes a grand entrance into the battle.

Chapter Four

Pippin is still in Gondor. The forces are gathering around the city. Denethor, Boromir and Faramir's Father, berates Faramir for the way he mishandled the situation with Frodo and the Ring (Remember, in the book Faramir tells Frodo that even if it fell in the gutter, he would not reach out a hand to pick it up -- the only complaint I have in the movie!). Denethor tells Gandalf that He would have been strong enough to keep the ring and not use it, for his strength is greater than Gandalf. Gandalf replies that it might be so, but he refused the ring even when offered to him. Gandalf and Pippin hear news that Frodo and Sam have made it that far at least. Mordor is unleashed upon Gondor. The fighting begins, and there are not enough men. Denethor sends Faramir out to battle without blessing. Faramir is injured and brought back. Denethor realises how poorly he has treated his son, and his mind breaks. He orders his servants to carry them both to the tombs and set fire to them. Pippin rushes off to find Gandalf to make him stop the suicide. Gandalf is fighting off The Lord of the Nazgul when a horn sounds and the Riders of Rohan come in the last hour.

Friday, December 12, 2003

I will be selling my cheat sheet on ebay for $1,000.
Break out your Trilogy! Dust off the Hobbit. Scrounge for your Silmarillion! Go out and splurge for an atlas and Guide. It's time for the Quiz so hard that I've spent several hours at it and I'm still stuck on the Sixth Level.

ENJOY!

I passed it finally....

Rachel


Total Correct Answers: 80


Total Wrong Answers: 31


Evaluation
"An okay performance with just over the half of the questions answered correctly. I am not impressed and I am sure you could do a lot better if you just study some more. You did win however and that is already quite an achievement. Perhaps you should try again and really impress me..."

Further in Honor of the opening of The Return of the King, I am reading, or rather rereading the last book in the Trilogy. I'm only four chapters in, but I'm finding it a much easier read than I have in the past.

Let me qualify that statement. I'm not dumb. I feel dumb reading Tolkien sometimes, though. Have you ever REALLY tried to follow all the names, titles, lands, kingdoms, rivers, lakes, streams, and names of stories that come up in casual conversation between characters? Not to mention the ridiculously minor characters who walk into the story, are referred to as if you know their back history, one event in the history is glibly mentioned in passing, and then the story moves along without a hitch. It would take at least three reference books to follow every piece of information that Tolkien throws off in passing; the Silmarillion, the Atlas of Middle Earth, and The Maps of Tolkiens's Middle Earth. I lied. You'd also need This.

So anyway, as I was saying. I am still finding it easier to read this time. I am very much in favor of reading any book before you read the movie that is based on it, but the converse is sometimes true as well. I find watching the movies for any Jane Austin book will keep all of the characters straight in my mind, as well as identifying who is speaking in the pages of back and forth dialogue with no names attached. Having the Lord of the Rings movies as reference, for me, makes the battle scenes more bearable. I hate fighting scenes. I can't picture it, can't keep track of who's on what side. The first time I read LOTR I skipped nearly the entirety of part 5 (The final battle for Middle earth). All the human kingdoms had united...The kingdoms of Rohan, Gondor, and the Riders from the North are there. Each person is fighting for their own nation, region, state, city, family.....oh brother! So I missed it and skipped directly to Frodo and Sam's journey to Mordor.

This time I'm trudging my way through. It is very slow going. I started last night and, as I mentioned, am only on chapter four. So far, Pippin has ended up in Gondor with Gandalf. He is there to "stay out of mischief" after touching one of the palantir. (Those round seeing stones that aren't all accounted for. By the way, for those interested in reading the last book before seeing the movie, you have to start several chapters from the end of the last book. The movie broke off in a different place.) He has sworn his allegiance to Boromir's Father. Merry is riding with the horsemen from Rohan. Eowyn was guarding the women and children in a place of safety. Aragorn and his host rode past on their way to Gondor. She begged to be taken along and not left to wait, but Aragorn said that she is the steward of her people and must stay with them. He leaves to travel through the road of the Dead. Theoden (King of Rohan) and his host arrived several days later. Again Eowyn begs not to be left behind, but she is refused. Theodin rides off to battle, and Merry is left behind. He catched a ride, however, with a very young and small young soldier on horseback and they follow the host. So now you're up to date.

IN HONOR OF THE OPENING NEXT WEEK OF THE FINAL INSTALLMENT OF LOTR, MY BLOG IS GOING TO CONSIST ENTIRELY OF TRIVIA, QUIZZES, CAST NEWS, ETC ... AT LEAST UNTIL I GET BORED OF IT..... HERE'S THE FIRST

legolas
Congratulations! You're Legolas!


Which Lord of the Rings character and personality problem are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Thursday, December 11, 2003

What do I love best about working? Lunch break! Oh yes....went across the street and had onion meatloaf and chive mashed potatoes and a few sips of wine for lunch...only 15 minutes between the end of my lunch break and the end of my shift. I figured it would be fine....very very good!

As for the rest of my shift, I've been beading the dress to wear for the Alisal Christmas party....I hope it goes well...I have a lot of ideas that i"m not sure how its going to pan out....

Good morning everyone!


I'm back at work again after having a couple of days off, which thankfully coincided with my birthday! YAY! Sorry to all those who couldn't come!

Drea outdid herself with the planning. We went to Disneyland -- Grandma's birthday present was a season pass, and best of all, when we went we didn't have to feel pressured to "get our money's worth." So we hit all of the rides we wanted, ate in the Blue Bayou Restaurant (that's the one that overlooks the beginning of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride...I'd always wanted to eat there...

So we went on the Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, Indiana Jones (with John Rhys-Davies narrating), and Pirates of the Caribbean....all my favorites. We tried to go to Toontown, but Minnie was there, along with southern California's entire population of under three year olds. Then we walked around downtown Disney for a while, and hit an outlet mall on the way home...far too much fun!

Saturday, December 06, 2003

And this would be nice too...Isn't IT pretty?

Ok guys, did you notice that now my ads page has switched from Lord of the Rings ads to Stationery? I'm going to have to start picking completely random subjects for a while, just to see what pops up. Perhaps Flying Purple People Eaters, or maybe vegetarian vampires.....(did any of you ever read Bunnicula?)

Thursday, December 04, 2003

Everyone read the column below. I think it's great!!!!!! Write letters! It takes a long time, sure, but it's something more tangible than something that's going to be deleted from your inbox...just one letter a week means 52 people a year that have opened their mailbox and found something more than ads and bills. Isn't it worth it?


The Written Word
By Christina Frausto


The goal of this column is to renew an interest in the written word. Through letter writing, investigating books and literature, and renewing our reading and writing we are able to add to our character and enlighten our minds.


"The Gift of a Letter"





"Distance and time is shortened by your letters."



In tribute to the pleasures of letter writing (and receiving) I want to encourage others to renew this wonderful art form of writing personal letters. And I do consider it an art form. There is not only self-expression in the words chosen, but the entire letter and envelope can become an art form in itself. The act of writing and sending a letter can actually be seen as the giving of a gift. A letter can become more than just a means of conveying information to another. A letter can carry qualities of individuality and care. A reflection to the extent that the letter can be seen as a gift is carried out in the amount of individuality, time and thought put into the process of letter giving. Care can be mirrored in every step of the letter writing process.



Before even beginning to put words onto a page thought should be given to a "theme." Is the receiver a gardener or lover of cooking? Then make the letter a reflection of their interests. Whatever the receiver’s hobbies or interests are, it is fun to let them know, not just in words, that you are thinking of them. Enclose along with your words what you think they might enjoy receiving.



To begin, the gift of sending a letter to someone should start with the paper. Chose one that reflects your "theme." Stationary can be as basic as the type purchased at any card shop, or as extravagant as personally monogrammed stationary ordered from the stationer of the British Royal Family, Smythson of Bond Street in London (071-629-8558). A letter written on personalized stationary conveys an entirely different image than a letter written on a sheet of yellow, lined paper from a pad. The image on a particular sheet of stationary could just simply impart your message or be the catalyst for your gift of a theme or topic. If you have a friend that gardens, your letter could reflect the image of a plant or flower. You can even be creative by hand painting your theme onto your stationary.


The gift of sending a letter can continue by enclosing small, special items with the letter, a newspaper clipping, a photograph, a pretty bird feather, coupons, fortune cookie notes. The letter to the gardening friend could have a pressed flower enclosed or a packet of seeds. Your message can be made especially different by taking a calligraphy class and peppering your words or envelope with flourished letters.


The Calligrapher’s Project Book by Susanne Haines is a great book, providing ideas for types of paper, inks, and projects. Pendragon catalogue (1-800-775-PENS) offers art supplies, books, and fine papers. They can send you a sample packet of beautifully handmade papers. Consider making your own envelopes from these great papers. Simply unglue an envelope of desired size to use as a pattern, trace it onto your own paper, cut and glue!



The gift of a letter continues with words that are well chosen. Even if your subject matter is newsy and informal, the letter can be flavored with quotes from the reader’s (or your) favorite author or poem. A message can be formed by clipping out words, symbols, or pictures and glue sticking them to your letter.



Another nice touch is to seal your letters with wax and a stamp. Sealing wax comes in many different colors. Try sealing with red wax stamped by a rubber stamp that has been pressed in gold ink.



Before placing the letter and special enclosures into the envelope spray it with a fragrance that can continue the theme. Place a few petals from a potpourri into the envelope. Just because the letter and the special enclosures are sealed in an envelope doesn’t mean the gift of your letter has ended. The envelope can continue to convey the spirit of the message. The United States Postal Service catalogue (1-800-stamp-24) offers many beautiful thematic stamps. I always keep a box of different stamps around to go with different themes.



If you are still feeling creative, continue to decorate the envelope with stamp art, pen and ink drawings, cutouts, or even watercolor a scene. Interesting rubber stamps and inkpads can be used. Address the envelope with a pen that echoes the colors of your theme.


The title "Gift of a Letter" was taken from Alexandra Stoddard’s book of the same name, a wonderful book dedicated to "one of the most intimate and touching of human expressions": the letter.






Winter 2002 Publication
Copyright © 2002, For You Magazine, All Rights Reserved

So I'm sitting here at work. Again. Doesn't it seem to anyone else that this is all I ever do? That's what I thought.

FA LA LA LA LA!!!! TIs the season for all of our respective jobs to start playing Christmas music. And not just any Christmas music. Bad Christmas music. Ok, not really bad, because the one at Fess Parkers is Bill Powel, but we do only have ONE CD, and it plays constantly all morning...And the decorations have gone up. Rumor has it that they don't take the tree down every year, just wrap it in plastic and hide it away until next year. We also have white poinsettias in the lobby. Thirty two of them. Excessive much? Until this morning we had one on the counter, which effectively blocked any guest from view. Actually, I'd like that one back. We have some nuts here today. AND SOME VERY NICE PEOPLE TOO!!! (Covering my @$$, just in case my bosses stumble across this....)

I work a double today, but its an easy double. Plenty of time to make it home and shower. Which I didn't do this morning. Don't gross out. As the french know, perfume covers a multitude of evils...have you ever had one of those mornings where you start rationalizing staying in bed...longer and longer until there's no way you're going to make it out of the door on time. Wake up. Breakfast is the first thing that goes. Right? That's 10-15 minutes extra. Go back to sleep. Wake up ten minutes later. Half asleep start planning what to wear so as to eliminate the "standing in front of the closet" five minutes. Sleep for five minutes. Wake up. 40 minutes til you have to leave. This is the moment of truth. The latest possible time that one can wake up and still have a shower. After eliminating the shower, that also gets rid of "drying the hair" time, and the "drying off" time. So, in total, almost twenty minutes extra sleep. That's what happened this morning. The extra minutes won out. Of course, my hair is flat and I'm hungry, but dang it, it seemed like a good idea at a time...

Another good idea is This right here.

5 days left....

Wednesday, December 03, 2003

Hello everyone! I made it home safely! It sure was good to see all of you again! My parents said their house hasn't been that much chaos since the last time I was home and you all were over!

Jeff, I'm now wearing black shoes with my black suit, so you can stop making fun of me....one can't be picky when one is borrowing winter clothes that one no longer ownes..

Denise, what will I do without you popping in at all hours. May I say to everyone, life is much more boring here where we all work too hard to pop in and out!!!!

Audrey -- I know you don't read this, but great to see you anyway!

Keven, nice hat, and I have your 3-D glasses here somewhere. I'll mail them to you!

Eric, I didn't get to hook up with you, sorry! But I'll be back in January and we can Ice skate then!

Did I get everyone? STAY IN TOUCH all of you!!!!

My birthday is in 6 days....look at this.

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

I'm going home. Call my cell phone if you want to see me while I'm there! I hear its snowing! See you guys on Wednesday!

Sunday, November 23, 2003

I met Dr. Dobson yesterday! How exciting is that? He signed a book for me and everything (note: I did not ASK him to sign anything. He said hi and then told his bodyguard/president of the company, someone, to go get a book for me and he signed it!). Very nice evening!

Saturday, November 22, 2003

Numenorean
Numenorean


To which race of Middle Earth do you belong?
brought to you by Quizilla
Who are you?Your Harry Potter Character

I'm Hermione Granger (Did anyone have a doubt? I mean really.)


You are intelligent, gifted, and confident. You strive to be the best in everything you do.

Who are you? Star Wars Character I'm in order of appearance: An astrometric droid, Admiral Akbar, A wampa, Empiror Palpatine, and C-3PO.

Someone please tell me I'm not as neurotic as all that!!!

Who are you? Your Star Trek Character I'm Odo, or Wesley Crusher....

People like you are generally extremely logical and pragmatic, to the point of being somewhat aloof. When you need to be, you can function in a highly objective and unemotional manner, but you also tend to be impulsive and incredibly curious about the world around you. You love to explore, to find out how things work, and you believe you have the abilities needed to deal with what you find.

You don't feel the need to tell others about your abilities. You like your work to show your stuff for you, so you tend to be quiet and unassuming in your manner. You are also flexible and resourceful. You do your best work when left alone. You're highly self-reliant, and may have some trouble working as a member of a team. You cannot stand people who nag or who demand to know what you're feeling when you don't feel like "sharing" right now.

Your primary goal in life is being granted the freedom to act independently and follow your impulses. Your reward is to be appreciated for your ability to solve problems and to have others go along with your impulses and have fun with you.

Friday, November 21, 2003

A man I know walked into the Inn today and said, "Oh I forgot you work here. You should go back to singing." As if I'm working this hard for FUN! Yes, I did choose to work my butt off outright as opposed to working one more job than I'm working now plus assistanceships, plus classes and lessons, and teaching in order to afford to pay for grad school. Nope -- I decided to give up my dreams to work behind a desk. Right.
Thanks to all of you who responded! YAY!

I work a double shift today, but it's a double 4.5 hour, so I'm off by 4 or so this afternoon. Aren't days like that nice. I'll work double shifts all weekend through tuesday, then I'm OFF FOR A WEEK!!!!!!!! Ah, the sweet knowledge that a much needed vacation is coming. It's getting so I look forward to being sick so that I can have a legitimate day off. Sad, no?

So my sister and I were driving to Santa Barbara a few days ago to meet our grandmother at the mall. Shopping and all that! Five newsvans passed us going the opposite direction, back to Los Olivos. Drea and I laughed and said "Neverland must be burning, Michael Jackson is the only person around here to merit this much attention." As I'm sure you've heard on every station around the world, we were right. What do you all think from your side of the world? My boss said the last few days you couldn't walk down the street without having a camera in your face asking for "your reaction to the raid." I do say, Kudos to the police for hauling him in, and shame on the lawyer wanting "advance notice" of police action. More brownie points to the opposing commentator who said "if some Joe down the street had a warrant for their arrest, they wouldn't get advance notice. Neither should he."

Sunday, November 16, 2003

Saturday, November 15, 2003

Actual Phone Conversation with Morning Guest:

Me:Front Desk, how may I help you?

Him: Hello. I need a bellman.

Me:I'm sorry sir, there's not a bellman on duty yet this morning. Let me see if I can find someone to help you with your bags.

Him: There's not a bellman?

Me: No sir, he's scheduled to be on in a few minutes, though. I'll send someone else right over.

Him: I need the bill.

Me:Of course. I'll have that ready for you at the front desk.

Him: I'm not coming down.

Me:Sir, I really need you to sign a copy for me.

Him: Just send it with the bellman.

Me: Of course sir.

Him: *hangs up*

Two minutes, and three people on hold while I try to find someone in the kitchen to help the man with his bags, later.

Me: Front Desk, how may I help you?

Him: It's been two minutes. Where's my bellman?

Me: I'm sorry sir, someone will be right with you.

Him: A bellman?

Me: No sir, but I'm sending someone right over.

Him: With the bill?

Me: Yes sir, no problem. Someone will be right over.

Him:*Hangs up*

Less that one minute later...

Him: I'd like to speak with a manager, or an assistant manager.

Me: Of course sir.

Him: You're really incompetant.

Me: Thank you sir. *I hang up*

35 seconds later, and several irate customers who have now been on hold through this whole exchange...

Him: Is anyone coming?

Me: Yes sir, he's on his way over with your bill.

Him: And what's his name?

Me: Oscar.

Him: And he's really coming?

Me: Yes sir. With your bill.

Him:*hangs up*

And people wonder why I want a vacation....

Ok, so last night I bartended, with another bartender, at a special event. Splitting the tips we both made $122. That's crap really for a bartender, but as a cocktail waitress I MAYBE, on a GOOD night, take home $30 extra. So why do I stay at my job, you ask? $100 a month rent and everything-but-optical benifits. But I think I'm going to haul my tushie to bartending school at some point in case I need a job besides singing (and who here doubts that I'll have to work like a dog for a while...). Bartending, even at the alisal, is excellent money!
Go see ELF. It's silly, it's cute, and tis the season to throw off our pretentions, and enjoy a good cheesy, get-you-in-the-spirit Holiday Movie! It starts out a little slow, but it picks up once he gets where he's going...

Friday, November 14, 2003

So after throwing a MAJOR hissie fit at work last week, and threatening to quit (who knew I could be such a diva? No comment Jeff) They changed everything about the horrible continental breakfast delivery by the time I came in this morning. YAY to my job for fixing the thing that has caused more complaints than anything since I started working here. Now the guests can come down themselves if they want breakfast, and we have a way to accommodate walk ins if they are desperatly dissappointed that no one serves anything around here! KUDOS!
A note to my email carrier:



Dear Internet service provider,

I want to thank you for the excellent level of junk mail protection you provide. Directing all of my personal mail to my junk mail box does make sure that I actually look over that inbox before deleting. And I so appreciate the excitement of thirteen new messages, only to find four letters guaranteeing me cheap flights or hotels, two Victoria's Secret coupons, Several half.com/ebay/amazon.com promotions, and at least one website offering enlargements for anatomy I do not currently possess...nor could I without some serious surgery. It does, however, make life interesting I must say. Thank you for anticipating the spice that is so missing from my life!

Monday, November 10, 2003

Sunday, November 09, 2003

Today has been the day from Hades

I woke up this morning with Chloe having an accident all over my bed. Lovely. I'd just gotten the place cleaned up from the last mess....

I got to work, and everything was chaotic. The breakfasts were all running late. Then they ran out of orange juice. Then people who weren't supposed to have breakfast because their wedding party was having a hosted brunch decided they wanted room service anyway. Then people who did have breakfast were calling because it was late, or there wasn't enough coffee...and they wanted it right now, and hung up on me when I told him it would be a little while....So, in other words, I caught the brunt of it all morning. Occupational hazard of sitting by the phone labeled as "operator." I'm a little stressed. And I have to go to the Alisal at 5:00. Drea and I didn't work out the car schedule well, so I'm stranded here until Drea gets off at the Alisal....which leaves me less time to nap.

On the plus side, the sleeping pills kind of worked. It took forever to get to sleep, but once I was asleep I only woke up once...which is about 10 times less than the night before. So tonight I'll take two, and see if I can't get both benifits....yay health food store.

Hey guys, Now that I'm empowered enough to start playing around with html code, I went nuts with colors.....don't you all feel special to be the recipients of this much pink? I thought so.

Saturday, November 08, 2003

YAY to Jerah! Who looked at my template and finally fixed the problem!!! Apparently, when I'd deleted my old comments link code, I deleted the code for the last section....and thus why my text was screwy! Isn't this lovely! Life is beautiful! La vita e bella!
ALRIGHT EVERYONE!!!! I HAVE COMMENTS AGAIN!!! I still haven't managed to solve the shrinking text problem, but at least I've fixed one problem. So now, your job is to write comments so I know you're out there! Tell me if it sucks! Tell me if it's good! Whatever! Just imput!

Still Sick. Is anyone counting? How long is this cold going to last? I'm getting sick of it. Of course, working four double shift days in a row and not being able to sleep at night isn't HELPING!

I've been having the worst of all possible starts to a morning -- besides waking up ever 15 minutes all night.......Chloe is not taking well to being potty trained. Caiaphas has it all figured out as far as we've gone. Chloe proceeded to have an accident this morning, and then another when I shut her in the bathroom to clean up the first one. So half of our house is finding its way to the laundry room this morning, and of course, I was running late to work....big suprise..

Today we have a party of 50, a party of 20 and the regular walk ins for brunch, plus a meeting in the board room this morning, so its going to be a veritable zoo around here. Hopefully I can go home and sleep for a few hours before I have to go to my next job. So sleepy. I'm stopping by the health food store to see if they have some kind of pill that won't leave a hangover. Even before the cold I wasn't sleeping well -- I'm a light sleeper in the best of nights -- and between Caiaphas playing with paper bags, or shoes, or whatever else he happens to find amusing, and Andrea grinding her teeth all night, I'm beginning to look slightly more like the witch from Wizard of Oz -- but with larger bags under my eyes, and a smaller nose (thank heavens). Yes Indeed, I am green...but I'm blaming that on the Camomile tea.

I really love the health food store! Drea and I have started shopping there because, 1. Albertsons is still on strike, and 2. It's on the way home from our mutual jobs. Drea can get food for her lactose intolerance, and I can buy things that actually contain vegetables. That's my biggest failure with this new diet we're both on...no sugar, no problem. No fast food, ok. No junk food, I can eat balance bars...but eating vegetables just because -- blech. We did buy vegetables. And they are sitting quite happily in the freezer section of our fridge. Right where we put them a month ago....

Speaking of the Albertson's strike. Enough is enough already people! Go find a new job if you're that pissed. But Albertsons's is the only place to shop that isn't a mom and pop shop...Which are, of course, great for produce and such, but FREAKISHLY EXPENSIVE for anything prepackaged, and then it only comes in the smalles possible quantity. So, to all the ALbertson's strikers out there....I'm going broke supporting your strike! Plus, I'm wasting all sorts of gas money driving half an hour to my bank, which is conveniently located in your lobby.

Thursday, November 06, 2003

Never doubt the power of tea to sooth an otherwise rocky morning.

From the beginning -- I've been sick for two days. Finally dragged myself out of bed this morning to go to work again, armed with a box of Celestial Seasonings Camomile Tea and a jar of honey. Ahhhh....

So far this morning, everything has gone wrong. They're training a new night auditor, so one mistake gets compounded into several, and I, as the representative to the public, get to take the brunt end of it. Every person I've checked out.

Then the GM and I spent an hour trying to figure out where the mistakes were made, and by whom, and WHY the *&#% did that happen, and I hate when people *#&$^%*#(@ mess things up like this!

So, now it's 11 o clock. I have two hours left, another cup of tea with honey, and some beef jerky that was brought me by our fabulous maintenance man, and a breakfast burrito from Margerita -- the morning waitress....I'm thinking most of this is a sympathy gift, but the way I feel this morning, I'll take it any way I can get it!

P.S. I'm having a great hair day for no apparent reason! It adds one or two molecules of happiness to the day!

Monday, November 03, 2003

Oh it's november! The temperature is in the 40's -- which in California after 6 months of endless summer feels very very cold. I'm wearing a wool plaid skirt, cotton sailor sweater (oh how I wish I'd kept my wool ones!) and knee high boots. Still cold. Not nearly as cold as all of the natives ... this weather feels like fall for the first time. Hard to tell time around here with no identifiable seasons. Probably why I've been unable to grasp the fact that its officially November, and my birthday is a month off.

On another note. 7:00am doesn't feel nearly as early as it used to. And sleeping until 8:00 feels very refreshing. 5:30 -- still a bear to wake up that freaking early. And it's not the waking up thats so difficult. It's the convincing yourself at 10:00 that instead of watching another rerun of "Whose line is it anyway" you should really go to bed because you're going to feel it in the morning if you don't." And every night its the same thing. You stay up for just ONE more episode, or ONE more chapter. And then 5:30 gets earlier and earlier. And earlier still when the damnable cat decides to play with a bit of plastic bag at 4am. Oh yes. At that point, lying in bed listening to crinkle crinkle.............crinkle....you begin to with that everything you've ever heard about plastic bags being dangerous were TRUE! That would at least save you the trouble of getting up again and taking it away from him so he can find something new to get into. Last night he slept on a loaf of bread. Does that make any sense? And why only the paper plates that we use, and not the stack that are too flimsy to use? And why does he sit in my lap only when I have a notebook on it, but then gets off when I pull it out from under him, and then crawls back on top of the notebook once I think he's really gone.....? Ah the mysteries of cat ownership.

Monday, October 27, 2003

Good morning everyone. The sun is shining, the air is......orange. Oh yes. The fabulous California Fires which are raging out of control two or three hours south of me, have decided that it isn't enough to close down the freeway from San Bernadino to San Diego, it has to send smoke and ash several hundred miles north. (Although, as a true Washingtonian, this fire has nothing on Mt. St. Helens...take that forest fires.) My sister has begun the middle stages of a rather nasty ahsmatic attack (last year during the fires, she was almost hospitalised....). Everyone around here has red eyes and a runny nose at least, even me -- and I didn't even have allergy problems in Waco.

In other rather girly news, in sort of a sad way, I've had to start wearing night toning moisturiser. Yay to too little sleep and too much work. I've also started an anti stress vitamin regamin...yay also to too little sleep and too much work. Yay, also to Oil of Olay for making anti stress women's vitamins. They smell terrible, but hopefully they'll work. OH! And on a totally girly note (guys turn away, I'm warning you)...Did you know you can go to the sale section of the Victoria Secret website, and buy their discontinued merchandise for 70% off? They have body by victoria underwear for 2.99 apiece.....screw fighting the store during the sale, I'm going online from now on....

Ok guys, you can look again. My cats are fighting again. Last night I locked them both in the bathroom, figuring that in the morning they'd either be friends, or one of them would be dead. I didn't care. Does anyone have a surefire way to keep them on good terms?

I'm at work again, but I don't have to work at night -- is that nice or what? I'm off at two and have my whole evening to myself. Lucky me! Except that I'm sewing a Halloween costume for a friend tonight. Oh yes. Thrilling, huh? It should be cute. I haven't made a costume in an age and a aeon.....ok, 6 months since the last opera scenes costuming I did.

Saturday, October 25, 2003

Sorry it's been a while.....I just have nothing about which to write. Yes. How many times on the same page can you write "still working....and more work, and even more work...." That's how my life is these days.

I got business cards printed up yesterday. They look very pretty. I'm so pleased...so now I can give people something rather professional looking when they want to hire me, instead of scribbling down stuff on scratch paper..

Getting headshots taken on Wednesday. These aren't going to be terriffic, I don't think, but at least when people want something they have it. She's a good photographer -- I hope it goes well. Don't want to spend obscene amounts of money otherwise...

I realised the other day that once my sister gets married I will be officially car-less. So, instead of "paying off the student loans" goal, I'm having to switch to "saving money for a car instead." If I can put away one thousand dollars a month, I'll have plenty of money for a pretty nice car by the time Drea leaves me without hers. Oh boy do I ever want a convertible! Now for the insurance...hmmmm...

Thursday, October 16, 2003

It's been quite a long time since I've blogged, or at least it feels like it. Two jobs isn't that many hours, but it sure takes up your day. Plus, my hours are never the same, so I can't even get into a routine. Enough complaining, though, I really do like my job...s....both.

I bought new stationary the other day -- anyone who wants to start corresponding, email me your address! I'm gung-ho on the whole real, written, actual letters. It's way cooler than email, even if it is slower -- it's more personal and it lasts longer!

And speaking of new purchases! I bought a watch yesterday! I'd been wearing my broken one for three months just to cover my tan line. So, finally, I had some extra cash, and I went and bought a Fossil Silver link watch with a rectangular face surrounded with "diamonds." I'ts very pretty -- blue irridescent face...and best of all, it tells time...which my other watch didn't.

My sister and I had the day from Hades on the way back from shopping. Her car, if it says low gas, means it. Halfway down the hill the engine started sputtering out. We made it to the turnoff to our place, grandma brought gas, and we were ready to go -- til Drea closed the trunk with the keys in it. So I had to wait with the car for the pop-a-lock guy while Drea dashed off to work. And hour later they came and we got the car started, and Grandma followed me to the gas station...so alls well that ends well. But we're never letting the gas get low ever again

Saturday, October 11, 2003

Theres something positivly indecent about going to bed with the moon out, and going to work the next morning with the same moom smiling down. Anyone see anything WRONG with this picture?

P.S. 16 hour day on 6 hours of sleep. That would be today.

Saturday, October 04, 2003

Living in a state of disrepair: California


DAVE BARRY




CASSATT & BROOKINS






CALIFORNIA - I came out here because I've been reading disturbing reports that my state, Florida, is about to lose the coveted title of ''The Doofus State,'' which we Floridians worked so hard to win following the 2000 presidential election by not being able to figure out whom we voted for. We have been The Doofus State for just two lousy years, and now these greedy Californians, who had the title for decades, are trying to get it back.



I regret to say that they have an excellent shot. The political situation out here is very bad.


Q. How bad is it?


A. One of the saner-sounding people involved is Larry Flynt.


How did California get into this mess? Everybody agrees that the root cause is a person named ''Gray'' Davis, who has the warm personal charm of a sea urchin. Incredibly, Californians elected him governor twice. It's still not clear how this happened. Apparently, from time to time the entire California electorate goes to a bar and chugs industrial quantities of margaritas, and it gets late, and one thing leads to another, and the next morning the electorate wakes up in a dingy motel room, and there, snoring next to it, is: Gray.



To make matters worse, Gray lost the state budget surplus. California had this gigantic surplus, billions and billions of dollars, and now it's gone. They've looked everywhere, but nobody can find it. It is the Weapon of Mass Destruction of budget surpluses.


So now Gray is spectacularly unpopular. Everybody despises him. When he tries to get into the governor's house, his own dog attacks him. When he calls for his security personnel, they side with the dog.



Of course California is not the first state to find itself being led by a known bonehead. Many other states have gone through this ordeal, and the way they have traditionally handled it is to pretend that the bonehead is competent and popular, thus causing him to be so impressed with himself that he resigns from the governorship and runs for president of the United States.



But California has a unique system of government, known technically as the ''Any Random Loon Can Put Any Random Thing On the Ballot If Enough Random Loons Agree'' system. If you're a Californian, and you want to put something to a statewide vote, all you have to do is gather a couple of million signatures. That sounds like a lot, but in California you can get that many signatures in 45 minutes merely by approaching disgruntled motorists gridlocked on a freeway during rush hour (6:30 a.m-11:30 p.m.) and having them pass your petition from car to car. As a result, Californians are constantly voting on things. They have repealed gravity several times.



So now there's going to be an election to decide whether to recall Gray, and it is causing massive political turmoil. Gray is a Democrat, so the Democratic Party pretty much has to support him, although its support has been less than enthusiastic, as indicated by the party's official campaign slogan: ``Gray Davis: Maybe He'll Improve.''



If Gray gets dumped, there are literally hundreds of candidates vying to replace him. Under California election law, virtually anybody can run for governor, except of course smokers. Porn King Larry Flynt has courageously thrown his hat into the ring, despite the very real risk that he will draw attention to himself. (Larry's hat is still in the ring; nobody wants to pick it up, because who knows where that thing has been?)



Also on the ballot are Arnold Schwarzenegger (who has promised to straighten California out by, quote, 'Not making any more movies''); Arianna Huffington, former wife of former congressperson Michael Huffington; the Huffingtons' former cat, Puffington Huffington; Demi Moore; her cute new boyfriend; the Oakland Raiders; the late Bob Hope; and Harold R. Wankmilker, a resident of Nevada who accidentally got on the ballot when he attempted to pay a California speeding ticket by mail.



Gray's campaign strategy is to remind the voters that if they dump him, they'll wind up being governed by some wingnut. His opponents' strategy is to remind the voters that if they don't dump Gray, they'll wind up with: Gray. Opinion polls show that the voters currently favor Puffington.



But the point is that California is embarrassing itself hugely, and people are starting to forget about Florida, and all the hard work we Floridians did to become the top national laughingstock. Well, I have a message for you Californians: We're not going to take this lying down. You're in the limelight now, but there's another presidential election coming, and we're going to be ready.



We're bringing back the chads.


Wednesday, October 01, 2003

6 days to the recall. Californians are all going nuts. I'm very glad that I haven't lived here long enough to cast a ballot...The conservatives all have to vote for Schwartzenegger or else throw their vote away on McClintock...who may as well not be there. And the democrats are throwing about lots of "the republicans have voted against everything good for the past age and aeon." Anyway...is there anywhere one can live without campaign commercials?
Things I love about living here:

1. Two jobs that I really like most of the time.

2. The weather is terriffic.

3. Having time to do nothing, or something, and sew, and not have to go to classes all day, and rehearsals all night, and work in the middle (though, may I say I'd love to be in rehearsals again...I miss the stage time).

4. Two cats...that sit around and get in my way, and get on my stuff, and sleep all day and play all night.

5. Living with my sis the last year we're both un-married. No jokes from the peanut gallery -- I know I'm likely to be unattached for some time. Just waiting to find a guy who's main topic of conversation doesn't start "dude. I was sooooo wasted."

6.Lots of time to do devotions, and read inspirational books, and do all the God stuff I've not had time or energy for before.

7. Getting my debts paid off! NOt yet, but within the year.

8. Great neighbors and friends. A community.

9. Lots of really good thrift stores! YAY to that!

Tuesday, September 30, 2003

What do I love about my Morning Job?

1. Lots of down time, where I can do devotions, or read, or pray if I haven't gotten around to it yet...horrible thought isn't it?

2. LOTS of chances to develope PATIENCE with demanding customers (actually, I don't like that part, but I know its good for me)

3. Great co-workers that I can throw sarcastic comments at..around..too. whatever!

I survived. Survived what did you ask? I survived the bloody day from Hades. And then yesterday I slept in far too late, went to Oxnard to pick up my sister's wedding veil and slip, then to buy her shoes for the blessed event. THEN we came home and I watched far too much TV without any sewing to justify the waste of time. I miss the days when I had no TV. I was so much more productive. It's far too easy when I get off work and am tired to just plunk down and watch TV. Although, I used to spend a lot of non-tv time playing around on the computer. Today I woke up late again (because I was up until 1 watching tv), but did get in both devotions and breakfast before work. I do feel good about that. Tonight I'm going to work on my quilt. I'm only about 10 hexagons away from being able to put the whole thing together. Then I'm going to put on the batting and the backing, baste them together, and put it away for a while until I have the time and space to hand quilt it. I think my priority for the next months is going to be between learning new repertoire for auditions, and making Drea's bridesmaid dresses. We'll see how that goes.

Sunday, September 28, 2003

Oh yes, today is the day from Hades. Or, as the old song says that just popped into my head: This is the day (This is the day) That the Lord has made (that the Lord has made), I will rejoice (I will rejoice) and be glad in it (and be glad in it) THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE! I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT...This is the day (this is the day) That the LOOOOOOORRRD HAAAAAASS MAAAADE. Everyone sing along. Do the motions. Jump up and down.

I had 6 hours of sleep last night. Maybe. The cats were on a roll. I'm going to start throwing them to the raccoons. Chloe is good at night, unless she has a hairball attach. Then I have to throw her off the bed quickly. Cai is just demon possessed. Oh yes. He'll only cuddle with you when you need go go somewhere.

Saturday, September 27, 2003

Oh my gosh it is sooo early. I got off work last night at 11, I work one job from 7-3, and the other from 5:30-10:30. Very tired. Tomorrow it's even worse. 7-10:30, 11-4:30, 5-10. Isn't that going to just be a blast and a half? Luckily several hours of my shift will entail overtime. It's not a lot, but every little bit helps. PS. If my dumb cat doesn't let me sleep tonight, heads are going to roll. He has a darn bell on his collar so I can find him in the dark, and he runs around the aparmtment all night jingling. I got mad this morning and tore his collar off...so he decided to play with a bag of chips and then stood on the fan meowing to get out. The cat will die if it doesn't muzzle it tonight. I'm going to get very little sleep this weekend. Let's hope the magic mountain trip pans out. I could use the break!

My devotional life has gone to Hades in a handbasket the last couple of days. For one thing, getting up earlier than my sister is difficult, and I hate doing devotions with her sitting there. It's like a privacy invasion. I try getting up early and sitting outside, but 1. It's fripping cold here in the mornings, and 2. Working double shifts I don't wake up early easily. I'm going to get back into the habit. If only the Nanny didn't come on at midnight. Rarrrgh.

Tuesday, September 23, 2003

I'm taking a break. Taking a break from what, you ask? I'm cleaning someone's house that isn't mine. No, not out of the goodness of my heart. I'm getting paid. It's my grandmother actually. She doesn't have a weekly cleaning lady anymore, so I'm having to suffice. Oh yes, I hear the chuckles in the background (Adrian I can hear you -- snicker softer). I CAN clean. I just don't do it often. Especially back in my lovely apartment which lived in a perpetual danger zone. Anyway. It will bring me several hundred dollars a month closer to paying off my student loans, so I can deal with a little drudgery.

My bloody phone bill came this month. I called them to lower my plan to less minutes now that I'm not using my Texas number as much. Well, they lowered my plan, but left all of my features. So, for my effort, my phone bill is a grand total of $13 less than my previous plan. So much for savings.

My sister and I made an impromptu trip to Santa Maria (Well, Lompoc first, then Santa Maria - we found out too late there isn't a hardware store in Lompoc). We picked up two pieces of planking, and then had Grandma drop by a whole stack of attachable crates. We made a sewing station for all of the bridesmaids dresses. I made a great little skirt to cover the crates, and covered the planks so the fabric doesn't catch on the particle board. And, for the miracle of the day, When I threaded my serger, it worked the first time. Normally one has to fight and coax a serger into working, and then baby it so it doesn't break.

So, I'm back to cleaning. All I have left is dusting and vacuuming. Then I'm going to go home and sew some more, since I'll have everything done that I needed to do today! Huzzah for a day off!

Sunday, September 21, 2003

I'm here at work. I'm so excited. I have 20 and a half hours of work at Fess's this week -- before I've been getting 8. Next week I have 17. Then I have 20 some odd hours a week at the alisal. And I'm about to take on a third job. The faster I can pay off my student loans, the happier I'll be. Even if I have to nearly kill myself to do it. Who needs sleep anyway? My last paycheck didn't cover all of my bills. I had a lot of them this month. I'm not sure why. Oh that's right -- because my paycheck was almost $300 less than during the summer. Doesn't that suck???? Luckily I get paid again tomorrow for my second job. Enough money talk. It makes my skin itch.

LALALALALALLALALALALA

Brain fade. Can't think of a new topic. Oh yes..Catherine Marshall. Beyond Our Selves. I'm only two chapters into it, and its already right up there as one of the best books I've ever read. I'm reading about the simplicity of faith, and the necessity of exerting will over emotion. (In other words, just because we don't FEEL like God is with us at a particular moment, deciding to believe that he is because he promised he would be). Also, the most eye opening part was when she dispelled the common Christian myth that to be a Christian you either have to be born in the church, or have a dramatic road-to-damascas conversion experience. She said that sometimes its a simple as making a decision, asking, and then going on with life not feeling changed, but being changed none-the-less. I've been wondering for years if I could really be a Christian when I grew up in the church with typical "ask-Jesus-into-my-heart-once-a-year-at-summer-camp-just-in-case-I-didn't-do-it-right-the-last-time" conversion, and haven't had a tangible "God Experience" since my senior year in high school. Very comforting. (Of course, spending two years running away from a calling may have had SOMETHING to do with that). So, yes, everyone must read this book, or another by her. She's written something like 30...read her fiction also. Christy is a wonderful book filled with down to earth wisdom in a form that's easy to swallow.

My cats are driving me crazy. I've had to shut them in all day for the past couple, since my sister was stuck in LA and couldn't keep an eye on them while I was at work. (Must make sure Cai isn't getting hit by cars in the parking lot, and Chloe isn't eating everyone's food in addition to her own -- she's on a diet). So at night, they want to play. Chloe's pretty much content to curl up next to me while I'm sleeping and pur -- last night she did a stint on my pillow. So fat she takes up the whole darn thing. Cai however, was up, he was down, he was climbing curtains, chasing toys, climbing the bed to snuggle with Andrea, promptly thrown down because she doesn't like him playing with her toes while she's sleeping...I finally got fed up and tore his collar off so at least I couldn't hear his stupid bell (and don't tell me to take it off, because otherwise it's imposssible to find him in the dark).

In other news, I'm still working on my darn quilt. Oh yes. I'm seeing hexagons in my sleep. But I'm almost halfway to having the entire quilt top assembled (attaching the flowers together with rows of green). Once I'm done with that, I can fold it up and put it away for a while, until I have money enough to buy six yards of backing. One must prioritise when one is paying off loans. Yes. Aren't I good. It's been a whole week and I still know exactly how much money is in my accounts. HAHAHAHA. I'm feeling very proud of myself. Ok. I think I've given you guys plenty of nonsense for one day. I'll write back more next time I work...or next time I'm bored...whichever comes first.

Saturday, September 20, 2003

Anybody who can help fix my webpage and make the numbers stop shrinking...PLEASE HELP!
Dang it -- the one role I NEVER NEVER Want to play. Insipid little whiny spoiled brat.


I'm Cosette!
Sweet and sheltered, but not just another pretty face, I've overcome some tough times, and have nowhere to go but up. Only the most hardened sociopaths -- and, well, fanatical Eppie/Marius 'shippers -- have anything bad to say about me.

Which Les Miserables Character Are You?

Tuesday, September 16, 2003

I need a new journal. An actualy day to day journal. I've finished my last one, and have no money for a new one until payday. Isn't that exciting? I'm not spending money I don't have -- good for me! I also know exactly how much money is in my accounts. All of them. My credit card is payed off. All because of this fabulous book, which is over there in the "Books I'm reading" Section. I'll give the full title a little while later when I have the book in front of me

Sunday, September 14, 2003

Oh it's sunday. I was good -- got up and went to church. I had planned to do a little shopping around on churches...I may still go visit other denominations, but I really do like the pastor here, even if there are a few things I don't really like...but some of those could be gotten over with the right attitude adjustment. Namely my bad one.

I scoured the church library today for Adventures in Oddyssey tapes. I'm getting tired of playing the same 12 episodes over and over in my car. So I have 36 new ones...well, not new exactly. I've heard them all before. But at least I haven't heard them in a while...

My cats aren't getting along at all. I don't know what exactly they're on these past few days. My only guess is that they got spoiled by having me home incapacitated all week, and now are going off the deep end since I'm moving around again. Chloe seems to need to go outside for no particular reason every night just before midnight. Cai wants out before the sun comes up. Choe makes a point of jumping onto Cai when she gets on the bed, then growls and bats him around for being in her way. Cai only wants to sleep in the middle of a card game. Chloe acts neglected, but then won't actually COME to you for attention. Cai nestles up for attention, but then runs when you actually try to pick him up. Strange cats.

Thursday, September 11, 2003

So...I've settled into the work routine. Hard to believe this is going to be my life for a year. I would like very much to do something exciting after this -- travel, or SOMETHING. After Drea gets married I have no reason to stick around here...and oh yes, there's always grad school waiting. I forgot about that. More school...
I've paid off my credit card! I've been working on that all summer....or rather working FOR that all summer. Now, summer is over, and I've nothing to show for it --- except being finally debt free.....oh, wait -- student loans are going to kick in around my birthday. Happy birthday to me!
Oh my back feels sooooo much better. I'm in love with my chiropractor. I don't care if he's married and older than I am. Forget marrying for money, marry for a free back cracking. That's my new plan.

Monday, September 08, 2003

So Saturday at work, we had a huge function. Oh yes -- all the ritz and glamour, and hanger's on and lushes that you could want for a nights amusement. There was very expensive wine being poured -- the cheapest of which was $900 a bottle. The most expensive was $22,000. I got a glass of french dessert wine (we all got to taste the leftovers) at the grand total of $2,000/bottle. Anyway -- they brought on cocktail waitresses (presumably) to help pour all the expensive wine that the wait staff was uncomfortable pouring. Nope. Got there and the 'other' manager was in charge. "You. Help Abe. Pour the Dunn." That was all the instruction I got from her. No help there. I tried again later. She just looked at me like I was the dumbest thing that had ever crawled out from under a rock, then said that the WAITORS would handle the expensive wine so it didn't get mixed up. Needless to say, Tina and I were a little perterbed. Finally, late in the evening, when everything that coule possibly be considered "our job description" was being done by someone else, we begged for something to do. "You know what you could do if you REALLY wanted to help?.....Put knives on the cheese platters as they walk by." ? ? ? ? We were not pleased. So we went and ate dinner...she came tearing in to find out if we'd poured the second dessert wine....after spending the whole evening telling us not to touch the expensive stuff. I said, "Nope, the servers have it covered apparently." "Perfect", she said. Huh. I'm going to human resources today to discuss this turn of events. Don't you think I ought to?
Oh I love a neck brace. Stylish. White. Matches every possible wardrobe....blends in to an ensemble. Hides under a turtleneck -- assuming I own one, which I don't. Ah yes. The perfect conversation piece. Now available in multiple colors (listed in the catalogue). Oh yes...neck braces are wonderful!

Did I mention I threw my back out?

Wednesday, September 03, 2003

Well, I have screwed up my comments beyond reason...I have no clue how to fix them, and so I'll be working on that in between actual, you know, work at my other job. Yes.

So beyond that, life is pretty calm (and might I even go so far as to say boring) now that tourist season is over. Out at the Alisal we dropped from full occupancy to less than fifty people. It feels like sleepwalking around there. At my other job, I'm only getting about 8 hours a week for the time being. Just enough time to feel like I have to get up in the mornings, but not so many that I can get really confident about any of the extraneous miscellaneous weird things -- like a guest that wants to pay partially in cash and partially on a credit card. I've done it once, but that was two weeks ago, and I've only worked twice since then....

And speaking of new career: I trained last night to become a bartender. Or, at least that was the plan. Nobody ordered any drinks last night ... or at least none that I hadn't already made (rum and coke...ooooh...tough that one). So now I know how to break down the bar, and set up the bar, and clean the bar -- but if anyone actually orders a drink, I'm toast. But it was fun to get to stand around watching elimidate with the bartender. Oh yes, I forgot, I can make cappucinos. That's my other marketable skill! Except for foam. I suck at foam. I'm so bad Sergio is threatening to send me to Starbucks to learn. I got some good foam yesterday -- too late to put on an actual latte. Oh well.

Friday, August 29, 2003

Michelle Pfeiffer is very nice...tips well too. And Jennifer Aniston has very nice parents....

Thursday, August 21, 2003

Oh where, oh where did all of my faithful followers go? (all three of you!). Is it because the comments don't work? Or is that just at other peoples' sites? I'm BACK!
I'm alone at work! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I can check my email to my heart's content. Unless my boss walks in and catches me...in which case, I can go back to checking my email at the library.
Bloody Bank.

I deposited $600, some in cash, some in the form of a check, into the ATM. Someone decided that my handwriting didn't look like myself and sent the check to me in the mail. In the meantime, the money had shown up in the account, and I promptly opened another acount and transferred the total into said account. So now I'm overdrawn in my savings. with a fee to boot. So i go to the bank, freshly mailed check in hand, and tell them to deposit the check and take off the overdraft charge. I thought it was all taken care of. Suprise Suprise. The teller deposited the money to my CHECKING account, instead of into my overdrawn savings. So, the quandry is this. Just suck it up and absorb the overdraft fee, or waste another 15 minutes worth of gas to go back to the bank and get her to fix it.

Tuesday, August 19, 2003

And why aren't comments working anymore. Teri, if you read this, I've been trying to comment on your webpage, but it won't ever show up when I refresh.
On a sidenote, why can't broadway write a lead for a freaking soprano once in a while?
Yesterday I made a rather rash purchase of a CD just because I liked the title. "Jane Eyre: The musical." Have I mentioned how much I love that book? Probably only a hundred times to my nearest and dearest (not to be confused with 'Gone with the Wind:' which is not my favorite, merely an annual tradition). A few months ago I splurged for a CD of "Jane Eyre: the opera" for the same stellar reasoning as the binge in question. What have I discovered? There must be SOME WAY to hold the two together, shake REALLY HARD and combine them into something that resembles the actual story.

Allow me to explain. Starting with "the opera." The opera is very modern. It makes Marc Adamo's Little Women pleasing and melodic (another editorial comment here -- I LOVE that opera, and think it is very pleasing, and melodic when it should be. My sister says it drives her crazy). This is so modern that there doesn't appear to be a melody present in the entire two hours. It abandons the plot entirely, focusing on the section from Jane's entrance and Thornfield, and ending, well, at the end -- with several major leaps...it relies heavily on the hope that someone out there has actually read the book. The libretto consists mainly of instrumental cacophany, Jane singing frantic atonal recitatives, and Mr. Rochester staggering across the stage doing glissandos to the tune of "Jane." Even the happy moments with Adelle are underscored with tension. In fact, really, the whole point of the show seems to be -- lets make this show darker and more mysterious. Question: If the subtext is on top, doesn't it negate the mystery?

So, on to Jane Eyre: the musical. I like this better of the two...at first. It at least opens up more of the plot, introducing Jane at Lowwood school, and all, and starting with an orphan scene that tries it's best not to be the all female cast of Oliver. Kudos to the composer for giving Helen Burns a song to herself. Jump ahead to Thornfield, and introducing Mrs. Potts as Mrs. Fairfax (even Andrea thought that this role was obviously written with Angela Lansbury in mind). When she started going on about tea, and how her head was all muddled it just SCREAMED beauty and the beast...but maybe only in my twisted little head.

I love the song given to Blanche Ingram. I intend to sing it once I buy the score. Written for a coloratura soprano. The lady in the recording wasn't bad. I think I could do it justice. The only think I didn't like was that after a while all the music started to sound the same. And it failed to move me in the opposite way of the opera. It was all light and playful, and only once even tried to switch to a minor key. So where the first one was all subtext on top, the second had no subtext at all. It's like if you had "Titanic: the opera -- which played everything off kilter for the whole show, making it slightly more sinister than nightmare before Christmas; and then Titanic the musical (I am aware that there is one which is NOT like the comparison I'm making) that played everything happy, even with a nice "it's a little nippy in here' chorus when they're all in the water. Combine the two and it would be just about right. But that's only my 6am opinion.

It is false dawn now. Outside looks like 10am on a Yakima winter's morning -- all of you natives know the look. The light is a pearly gray. Almost too dark to even be called light. If there were snow on the ground it would almost be perfect.
Oh heavens. Morning came FAR TOO EARLY! Actually -- if it isn't light out, it's not morning. But here I am at 5:37 at work, standing in the lobby, typing on the computer. Because no one in this whole hotel is up at this hour, and we have 24 hour concierge service. The night auditor had to go early to catch a flight. Isn't that fun? I'm allowed to anything I want to except sleep. Oh, and get this. My original shift was suposed to start at noon. So, I'm wondering, am I supposed to be working both shifts now. If I am, will anyone mind if I simply take over a room for a couple of hours? We have a few free. I don't know if I can find enough to type to keep myself awake at this hideous hour. I shall try back later.

Sunday, August 17, 2003

Another fabulous night at the Alisal. One of the cocktail waitresses is often dissappearing to talk on the phone, or taking long breaks, or doing everyone else's job but her own. Anyway. So last night she spent 20 minutes in the kitchen searching for jalapenos for her burger, then another 15 minutes in the barbeque line (which we can't figure out, since burgers are located at the kiddie table -- apparently she was getting plates for bussers). So then she wanted to sit down and eat in a leasurely manner -- but Tiffany told her, sorry honey -- you already wasted your 20 minutes getting food. Go put it on the grill to keep it warm if you like. 10 minutes later she was still standing by the grill talking to the cooks. I walked by and said "Hey, get busy." Her response..."Sir, yes sir."

So, the managers told us to let them know when she takes long breaks like that, and we haven't been because we'd rather not have the hassle. Last night, enough was enough, and we grabbed a manager. He chewed her out. I found her later to deal with the whole "sir, yes sir" thing. It didn't go as planned. She's now out to get me -- told me I'm a slacker worse than she is, take longer breaks, and never do my job. Ok -- all of you know me. Does that sound a little suspicious? Yeah...she must be very desperate to accuse me of slacking off. Oh, and her parting shot was "People only like you because you go to their table and brag about what a great singer you are." Hmm....the sprouts of jealousy are rearing their ugly little heads.....Anyway -- still hate to think about how tonight is going to go. She's the type who is going to get desperate as she senses her empending state of unemployment.....Jason says I should hand her rope and let her hang herself -- figuratively speaking, of course

Adams, Samuel (1722-1803), American patriot, one of the leaders of resistance to British policy in Massachusetts before the American Revolution.

Friday, August 15, 2003

Oh, the not-so-amusing part of the evening. Drea came into the bar, and guys instantly swarmed around buying her drinks and begging for attention. Later, when I was about to clock out, I told one of the bartenders that perhaps she should be making her way home. He said, "She can stay - -she's selling drinks and you aren't." Ouch.
I was in the bar last night...it was so much fun. At first. One of the bartenders was inventing drinks, which of course had to be tested before he could market them to the public...my job. There were some really cute guys at the bar...most with their bimbo hangers-on. One girl was a genuine exhibitionist with delusions of being a stripper. She would mosey her way to the center of whatever crowd had gathered, and start dancing. They would within a few minutes all migrate to another part of the room. Eventually she would notice that she was alone and bob over to the group again. She chased them from one end of the bar to the other and never caught on. Later on Tiffany made a sarcastic comment about how bad a dancer she was, and the girl overheard. She she climbed up on the bar and challenged Tiffany to a dance off. We could not get her off the bar. Finally a guy coaxed her off by offering a drink. She climbed off and began giving lap dances to every guy that was sitting down. Then she walked over to where all of the employees had congregated and told Jeremy, who made her get off the table and turned off her music, that he was all talk and no "action." She then grabbed a guy at random and told him to prove that he was better than Jeremy. It was a very strange night.

Wednesday, August 13, 2003

An Englishman walks into a bar and orders a 'Samuel Adams.' Ironic?

Sunday, August 10, 2003

My first 8-hour shift. I am so tired. This is my third double in a row, and instead of being double 5 hour shifts, it's a double 8 hour shift since I close in the bar tonight. Probably I'll get off work at 2am, and I came on here at 7 this morning. My eyes are so red. Must get some visine on the way home. Luckily I have 3-6 off...naptime!

Saturday, August 09, 2003

The second job is working out Beautifully! Tomorrow is my first full shift alone. Let's hope I don't screw up too many reservations.

My cat's are so freaking annoying. Caiaphas only sleeps for an hour or two at a time, so at 2 and 4 in the morning he's playing with my toes. Chloe has finally decided that she might not mid having another cat around -- she even went so far as to lick his ears the other day (younger men -- how shocking!), but when he gets hyper she feels the need to beat him around a bit.

Drea is all into the wedding planning. She's lookin at reception sites, churches, florists, dresses, etc etc etc. I'm supposed to be making both the wedding dress and the bridesmaids' dresses.

Tuesday, August 05, 2003

Alright, so I've got a second job. I won't give a name, because if I end up complaining about it, anyone searching the internet for illegal references to this place can find out what I'm saying. And I don't want to be fired. So anyway. I am working front desk at a Four diamond Hotel 10 miles from the Alisal. Does that count as a conflict of interests?

Weird customers today. I thought the Alisal was the only place to get the rich and discontented. Nope. Same Clientel here. Had one lady that got mad because she said we confirmed their reservation by calling their house, and it was supposed to be a suprise (we never call unless asked...usually we fax confirmation). So she got an upgrade at not cost to our biggest and best room. Then, the spa doesn't work -- so she wants an extra $50 off. So, grand total, this woman got $150 off her room. And she till left lots of little comments like "Oh, it would have been so nice to sit in the lobby and listen to a piano or quitar every night." Strange lady. And I got sent running for 15 minutes by guests who wanted their room service breakfast to be served on the patio instead. And the needed sugar. And another napkin. And some tea bags. Anyway. It's a kick, really.
Alright, I'm somewhat back to the land of email and stuff. Nice huh? I'll be talking to you guys soon!

Wednesday, July 23, 2003

I have a new kitten. His name is Caiaphas. All black, very siamese in origin somewhere. Waaaaayyyy too much energy at 4 o clock in the morning.

Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Where did everyone go? I know I've been gone for a while and all.....! I even signed on to IM tonight, and nobody was online. very sad.

I'm back in LA again until tomorrow afternoon. Stacey starts chemo tomorrow morning. blech. They're determined to get this all over and done with. Seems early to be putting her barely functioning body through chemo within days of surgery, but then, what do I know? I have to work tomorrow night. My cat is going to be very very mad at my teasing by coming home for two evenings and then leaving again. Hopefully she'll still like me when I get back...

I'm in a design phase these days. I came home sunday night, and decided that I needed a new top. Something like a top I'd seen in Beverly Hills, but cuter. So, I made it. It's a strapless cropped bodice with three buttons on the back. Down the front I cut four streamers of the see through fabric that I'd used on the top (lined with a solid fabric, of course, so as not to be indecent). So the top is slightly backless, with streamers down the front. Got very good reviews today walking the mile from the hospital to the farmer's market. Took that as a good sign. Designed two more tops and one dress this afternoon. I can't say, after looking around at all the shops, that I'm very impressed with anything out there mainstream. It all looks the same. Anthropologie has some great fabrics treatments and embroidery, but it's so freaking expensive! I love that the 50's looks are coming back! YAY!!!!!! I'm thinking of designing my fall wardrobe around full knee-length skirts using vintage 30's fabric prints. Will that be cute or what?! With a white blouse and a sweater maybe. And I think it's time for folded-up-jeans-turned-capris again. With bright colored keds and boat neck tops. Oh yes. Very excited about my fall line up here.......hmmmm maybe should consider a second career....