Into The Fire

Life is about to get insane this week. I apologize now if I'm unable to keep up with the blog during this time.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire - finished with Thanksgiving and now the Christmas play production is this week. We're having full runs, tech rehearsals, and dress rehearsals all week. First performance is Friday night.

After church today was set-up. It's always neat getting to see all the pieces come together. Was a little surprised there were so few who showed up, but it made it all the more fun - at least that is what my son thought. However, after four hours we had to step away and drive on home. They were getting the final set pieces into place so that tech can work out the lighting issues during the day tomorrow. Then we'll have our first big run-through tomorrow night.

The days will be long. The nights longer. It will be so nice when it is all said and done. That satisfied feeling is always a tad bittersweet.

What in the world will I do with myself once this is finished?

Sure I'll figure out something - I always do!

Peace

Well the family is all gone save Mom. She decided to stay and help us with getting our Christmas tree tomorrow.

It's an annual tradition we like to keep. :-)

Never have I felt so truly blessed with the joy of having most of my immediate family around me in my own home. My beautiful new dining table looked even more exquisite with my loved ones gathered around it. I believe everyone was comfortable with sleeping arrangements. The kids had fun playing video games, running around outside playing a version of hide and seek in the dark with black clothes, and then running out to our special movie theatre last night.

My sisters and our mom puttered around the kitchen with meal preparations and cleanup duties. Chores are so much more fun with family around. While the guys commandeered the television in the family room, Mom, my sisters, and I plopped like dollops of Cool Whip on my bed and watched our movies.

And I'm so glad I went the extra mile with two ovens!!!! We'd also have never survived without the extra fridge. The leftovers are packed in both, but we made a substantial dent in them today before everyone left. Out of seven pies we have just a few more pieces to finish off.

The smoked turkey went over great - was so glad I decided to have two different turkeys. Even got an amazing compliment on the dressing (thank you Stove Top for the base from which to start). Pam's cranberry salad was superb. Angie's chocolate pies were excellent, as usual. Then, of course, Mom's cream cheese mashed potatoes - aaaah! It was all heaven on a plate.

Now for the tree. Next weekend the play. Then we can relax and enjoy the Christmas season.

Tonight the snow is falling in lazy swirls. My hope is that with the holiday season upon us you will find joy and peace.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving

It's been a Happy Thanksgiving.

I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. Right now my mattress is calling.

Product Recommendation

Arrival day has arrived!

That sounded weird.

Oh well - Mom and Dad arrived safely last night while I was at play rehearsal (which is going pretty good, despite my unruly lungs). My sisters and their families will be arriving this afternoon into the early evening hours.

Still trying to get a few last minute things taken care of and have started tonight's dinner of chili with all the fixins. I'll try and get the turkeys in the oven today so they can be filling the air with the smells of Thanksgiving (no, I'm not getting up at 5:00 in the morning to cook the blasted turkeys tomorrow).

I finished up with the decorating yesterday when dusting was completed. Washing the china at the moment. It's times like these that I wonder why I bought so much china!

Nah, I love the stuff and getting it out to use. I'm not one of those who just likes displaying my wares - heck, the stuff was made to use so I grab every opportunity to pull it out and eat off of it. It'd be an awful waste of funds otherwise.

By the way - product recommendation!!!!! For all of you who have animals and are constantly trying to keep the furniture fur free, I have a solution. My niece, Abbie, is terribly allergic to cats and bunnies, and of course we have two cats (though they are indoors all the time and wonder if that makes any difference for her). So I've been trying to clean fur off of everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) for the past week or so.

When I went to Wal-mart on Sunday for my veggie items I came across this thing called a Fur Fighter from Scotch and remembered seeing something about it on TV recently. Snapped it up and figured it was worth giving it a try.

LOVE IT!!!! I used to use one of those roller sticky things that don't work that great, but this thing is AWESOME! It has these teeny tiny pricklies that grab the embedded fur and pulls it out with only a few swipes without damaging any sort of fabric. I used it on all the furniture and pillows and everything around the house and it worked like a charm. The real test will see how Abbie does when she sits down. :-)

Better run and finish my chores before everyone starts to get here in a few hours. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Off To The Races

The final push is on. I've spent all day today cleaning and preparing for guest arrivals. Mom and Dad come in tonight, while everyone else will be coming tomorrow afternoon/evening.

I can't believe it is finally almost here.

Lost alot of time yesterday running around trying to find my last few costumes for the play, but I cannot complain. DAV had some great period piece tweed suits actually from the 1940's. Found one that fit almost perfect, so my friend Lori is going to do a small amount of tweaking for me.

She should get a byline in the program for costume mistress. I'm a little hard to fit in a particular area so nothing fits quite right off the rack, especially clothes cut from a less generous time in our history, fashionably speaking. So Lori has gone with me on all my costuming expeditions since she's an expert seamstress. Great eye for details and tucks.

It's all beyond me.

Anyway, don't have alot of time to write tonight. The dinner bell is about to ring and the house still has a few areas that require attention.

Off to the races!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

The week I've been waiting for has finally arrived. I had this week in mind more than a year ago when I finalized plans for my house. Those months seemed to drag on forever, then lo and behold, we moved into our new house last year the day before Thanksgiving.

Don't remember much from that holiday except how exhausted I was. Somehow I managed a small feast with Mom's help.

But this year all the stops have been pulled out. I've not only filled my regular fridge and freezer but have now stocked up the new one as well. Okay, I went back to Wal-mart last night for a few (just a few) last minute veggies and ended up with over a hundred dollars again. You know, it's like a miraculous event everytime I walk in that store - POOF! - my cart is suddenly full and my bank account lighter.

Can't help it - I'm busting at the seams with excitement and anticipation. Gee, I hope I'm not setting myself up for a let down.

Nah, how can you end up with a let down when you've got all fifty-bazillion of us together in one house???

We manage a good time regardless of where we lay our heads at night, as long as we're together.

You know, I think that's what I love the most. My mom, sisters and I are close after all these years. Yeah we've all had our struggles but all-in-all we really do seem to enjoy each other's company (of course, I can't speak for my sisters but hey, they're coming aren't they?).

Then there's the kids. They too go though their ups and downs and yet are so happy to see each other and spend time together. I can hardly wait for them to get to hang out in Tyler's man cave. We'll probably have to drag them out for dinner!

I hope everyone is comfortable. I hope everyone is satisfied at every meal. But you know what, I'm just honored that they are going to grace my home with their presence.

And I pray blessings for each of them this Thanksgiving.

My Apologies!

My apologies, oh faithful readers. I failed to make a post last night.

Vacation time officially started after work last night. Only problem was I've had so much work fall in my lap these last two weeks that I knew I'd never get it done.

I just hate leaving on vacation knowing there are ten bazillion things left unfinished that will all be clammoring for my attention upon return. So I stayed late last night to finalize all my loose ends and left contact information for my clients that may call checking on file status in process.

So the clock ticked close to seven before I could wrap it all up. Actually I thought that wasn't quite so bad, considering all Friday entailed. Felt pretty good when I pulled out of the parking lot - tired but satisfied that I'd accomplished everything intended.

I even ordered the pizza before I left, picked it up, and arrived home with piping hot pepperoni and BBQ for supper. Crashed on the sectional with pizza in hand and watched our new DVD acquisition - WALL-E.

It was a good evening.

Now the fun begins!

The Fridge Is In The Building

We're getting the last few legs on the Thanksgiving celebration next week.

I'm so excited! Wait, I think you probably know that by now.

This evening we went to Lowe's to pick up a cute little fridge for extra goodies and storage space for all the food both before Thanksgiving and after.

My freezer will thank me.

Next week I'm taking off so that I can finish up my preparations for the big party. Need to run to Wal-mart and pick up some last minute veggie items. Didn't want to pick those up last weekend and have them wilt before next week. The house is in desperate need of a good scrubbing since I worked on sets all day last Saturday. My poor house is feeling very neglected.

I'm just looking forward to have a few moments go relax too. Been pushing it pretty hard this week both in work, the play, and final prep mode. The cough is still nagging at me like a bitter old woman. Getting kinda tired of her presence, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, hoping to get some much needed sleeping in Saturday morning and maybe a moment to relax.

Come next week there will be no time for anything but partying!

Gettin' Interesting

Tonight was the final play rehearsal before adding the choir. They'll come in next week.

This might just get interesting.

There's all sorts of music cues and timing issues that have to be spot on. Of course, we haven't had the opportunity to work out any kinks. That's where Monday comes into play. Rehearsal is only supposed to last for two hours. I've a feeling it could go a bit long.

Those of us in the cast know just how important bringing the two components together is going to be. Don't think those in the choir have a CLUE! Plus once the sets go up we won't be able to cheat and watch each other. That's for the tech crew to worry about when they come in the following rehearsals for production week.

It may be dicey. It may not be pretty. But you know what? Every single play or musical I've ever been in, no matter how bad it may have been right up to performance, has always turned out just fine.

There's always a first time for everything though!

Dreaming of a White Christmas

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!

Well I've got two more Christmas presents to buy for extended family and one more to buy for my son.

Time is running out.

No, I'm not one of those kind of people who relish the idea of getting up at 4:00 in the morning to attend the 5:00 door-buster sales the day after Thanksgiving (though I may have to do it this year if my family wants to since they don't know where all the stores are around here). I usually have all my shopping done by the first of November.

There've been a few distractions the last few months. Maybe?

So now that we're getting close to Thanksgiving and I won't have any time next week for shopping purposes (except as they relate to FOOD!), there's a sense of desperation building up. I've just got to finish up this week.

Those crazy Christmas shoppers scare me - or get on my last nerve. I have a tendency to think it is probably more of the later, in all honesty. I've no patience for idiots.

The Christmas season is something I truly relish. Can't help it. I think my secret middle name must be Claus or Kringle. Anyway Christmas is rarely far from my mind no matter the time of year. Therefore I refuse to let idiot impatient shoppers step all over my season of joy.

Which is why I generally boycott stores after Thanksgiving. Don't care about the sales, bargains, or special early-morning discounts.

It's having the time to appreciate the crisp, nose-tingling air - the cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows - carols (why don't people do more of that?) - the beauty of the lights - the hope of Christ.

And if we get a white Christmas, that's just frosting on the cake!

Set Building Insights

Our second set build for the play was today.

Missed the first one when I was sick.

Since my son was at his dad's, I wasn't overly concerned about the time. Left the house at 9:30 this morning. Didn't return home until almost 4:30.

I'm beat.

But the thing is we had so much fun together. After we finished up with all we could do today, a couple of us decided to go out to a late, late (did I say late?) lunch. Haven't had that much fun in paint splatter for a long time. Ruth told me I really needed to join the Impact Players on a regular basis, but she understood that I couldn't just now. Choir is my commitment, but my plan is to get back into theatre more after my son is done with school.

That's only going to be two and ahalf years now. Can you believe it? I still remember the day the doctor placed him in my arms, I whispered his name, and he turned his head and looked at me with wide eyes. Gave me goosebumps then and the memory gives me goosebumps now. Seems like it was not all that long ago, but sixteen years passes so quickly when you're having fun.

But I digress.

For the last couple of years I've been realizing that my time as a needed mother is rapidly drawing to a close. That leaves me looking forward to the time that I can start pursuing some of my own interests again. When we have kids it is important for them to have as much of us as possible. When our kids are growing up it is their time - time for us to nurture them, guard their hearts and minds, guide them, and just plain enjoy life with them. It's that season of life when our priorities need to shift a little from "us" to "them".

Then once they flap their wings and fly from the nest it's time once again to nurture those interests that were placed upon the shelf for a time. Maybe they change. Maybe they don't seem all that important anymore. But then that gives us the opportunity to explore what we will do with the enormous amount of life still yet to live.

I'm going to look forward to more set builds in a few short years.

Can I Hear A Hallelujah?

Well Thanksgiving is getting closer each day. My preparations are in full swing. I'M ABOUT TO EXPLODE WITH JOY!

For the last couple of paychecks, I've been stocking up on certain items necessary for my big family Thanksgiving extravaganza - you know, stuff that will go in the freezer or in the pantry. I didn't want to have a heart attack at the last minute with an enormous grocery bill that threatened to put me in the hospital.

So for the last two weeks I've been composing my final grocery push. Took up a freaking entire page. I estimated about how much I should spend just so I was mentally prepared.

After taking my son down to see his dad for the weekend, I decided to go ahead and get the grocery shopping done tonight instead of tomorrow to avoid trying to maneuver an overstuffed cart through the maze that is Wal-mart. Saturday shopping is stressful enough without throwing that into the mix.

I was a little concerned about any freezer items. After the last grocery trip there wasn't an inch to spare in my freezer. We've been trying to eat as much chicken and steak as humanly possible the last two weeks in order to free up a little space. Looking into my cart tonight had me a little worried. I need that new extra fridge/freezer yesterday.

The loaves of bread kept falling off the piled up cart in my final run to the registers. Really needed my son around to help pull while I pushed. Somehow I managed. Think there were a few snickers as I lumbered along - the jerks!

Unloading onto the treadmill took about thirty minutes - well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but the poor cashier was trying to find floor space to put the full bags before I even had my cart emptied at the other end.

I dreaded the total, but thought I just had to be pretty close to my estimate. When I shop, I have a tendency to keep a mental calculation going in my head of the approximate amount I'm spending. Hey, after all these years I can almost determine based upon how full my cart is and how many above average items I throw in.

To my delight the total came to $9.20 less than I had anticipated. Didn't blow my budget. I'm not skimping on anything either. We're going to be eating GOOD!

Can I hear a hallelujah?

The Nail Polish Salute

I'm feeling all girlie-girl tonight.

For part of my costume for my character in the play, I decided to buy some red nail polish. Since it's been so many years since I've even worn nail polish, figured I could use a little bit of practice putting it on. So I played dress-up tonight. :-)

It's amazing what pretty nails can do for a girl's outlook on life. Problem is I haven't taken good care of my nails for so long that they look ridiculous and the polish just emphasizes their misshapen characteristics. The thought always seemed like an unnecessary expense before. Now I wonder.

I have nails that are overly long, nails that have broken down to the quick, and just plain nasty nails that curl either over the tip of my finger or one side curls down while the other continues growing straight.

Yes, I have very strange nails. Each nail must have captured separate DNA from my ancestors all the way back to the time of Christ.

Wish all my nails were like the ring finger on my left hand. That's the only truly pretty nail I possess. The audience won't be able to see the oddities that are my fingernails, this I know. Gee, they probably won't even be able to tell I have polish on. For that matter, they won't even know I have nails!

Now I'm beginning to question why I even thought nail polish was going to be an important accessory for my 1940's character.

The fumes must be getting to me.

One Step Closer

Wow! My son received his passport in the mail already. We just ordered it about two weeks ago (right when I was coming down with the junk).

The site said it could take up to twelve weeks. I was sweating it because he has to have a copy of his passport into the organization by February 1st when the last payment is due.

Nothing like cutting it close and living on the edge.

Guess I shouldn't have worried. Maybe this time of the year is a bit slow and they don't have a backlog. Maybe they just liked his picture and some young lady got his application and decided to rush it through in hopes she might get to meet him some day.

Okay, okay - you never know what a girl will do for a cute guy.

So much for the weird thoughts. Anyway I almost fell out of the car when I realized what it was. Figured it might be the copy of his birth certificate. Nope - out fell his passport booklet.

My son was ecstatic!

I think for the first time since all this started the trip became very real, and the passport meant he was one step closer to getting there. It's hard to believe we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving in two weeks. Christmas will be here and then the New Year. My annual writer's retreat in February, spring break and the Memphis choir trip in March, Easter in April, end of school in May and then he's off to London and beyond come June.

My gosh - I better get busy saving some more. He's going to need some spending money too.

A Shout Out To Our Veterans

With it being Veteran's Day today, I thought I'd give a shout-out to our brave men and women in uniform wherever they may be stationed.

A couple of years ago, I came across a website called www.anysoldier.com and was immediately hooked. I was looking for a way to make a difference to so many who willingly place themselves in harm's way to keep the rest of us safe. For the life of me, I still can't remember exactly where we found this information, but it came about when I was talking to my boss about sending stuff overseas to our military members.

The boxes quickly piled up and we filled out the customs forms, etc. and mailed out a ton of stuff on behalf of our company/office at that time. I remember standing in line at Wal-mart and reviewing my list (I was the pick up stuff girl) and a lady standing behind me noticed and asked about what I was doing.

Suppose my excitement attracted a bit of attention because the lady ahead of me listened in too and after she paid for her things, she turned around and handed me a twenty dollar bill and asked me to put it toward our packages. I was so shocked and touched that I teared up immediately and could hardly talk. She even said she wished she had more to give. We made sure to mention that particular occurance in our letters included in the boxes.

After that I couldn't get enough of it, so I started doing small packages here and there on my own. When my boss found out about it he handed me a hundred dollar bill and told me to buy some sweat pants with it (we were supplying a small medical unit because they ran out of gowns and there were soldiers with little to wear except their sheets). I had a constant stash going in my spare bedroom, a mini Wal-mart if you will. My dad got involved too and sent money to help purchase items as needed and to help with the shipping costs.

When we were getting ready to move approximately a year ago, we had to wind down our stash. With my son's trip coming up, that has taken a bit of the priority there. However, as soon as I'm finished paying for the trip I've already decided to get the mailing ramped back up. It takes alot of time, but with my son getting a job soon I should have more time on my hands in the evenings (at least after the play).

Just watch out - it's addictive and might make tears well up in your eyes if you choose to participate on your own. After all, aren't they worth in the least a little bit of sacrifice on our part?

Another Interview!

Well the calls have started.

My son has another job interview.

His interview with Braum's went well. They told him the slot would probably be open in about two weeks. Figured someone had just given their two week notice.

Then Pizza Hut called. He's got an interview set up for next Tuesday. I asked him how it felt to get a call from the potential employer instead of making the call himself. Actually he preferred making the call himself because he felt more prepared. The direct call left him feeling a little ill-prepared for the discussion.

Hey, I told him it was still a plus because they scheduled him for an interview. That would be his opportunity to dazzle once again.

He only hopes they don't judge him based upon the phone call.

Thanksgiving Traditions

I'm going to cheat on my blog tonight. My sister Pam is the one responsible for making me sign up on facebook so I could answer her monthly question about what everyone is planning to do for Thanksgiving, traditions, favorite foods, etc. Therefore, for my blog post tonight I'm copying my response to her. I'd love to hear comments from any readers out there on what their plans are for celebrating Thanksgiving!


Okay, Pam, for you I'm taking a break from planning and chores to answer your question (thank you very much, by the way, for guiding me to the proper section here).

So for the first time in my adult life - I GET TO HOST OUR FAMILY THANKSGIVING DINNER!!!!!!

No, I'm not a bit excited.

Last year we moved into our big new house the day before Thanksgiving with the plans that since this year would be the B--- "on" year that I would be the one to host the entire immediate family. Expecting seventeen counting baby Madi. :-)

Of course we have to have turkey - I'm going to have a smoked turkey and a standard version. Hello, cranberry sauce! Mom's pumpkin pie, Pam's apple, Angie's chocolate, and my cherry (yes, the pies are the most important food group on the menu). Then all the trimmings of mashed potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, broccoli rice, dressing, you name it.

Thanksgiving morning we girls will kick the guys out to go play golf or just walk/drive the course while we get ready to serve up a good turkey coma. The kids can run around the yard or walk down to the park to play some basketball. We'll go around the table and mention what we're thankful for (Angie's got something up her sleeve). After dinner the guys will watch football and talk about how they overate (while running for that second helping of pie) while we girls go pile on my mile high bed and watch a girlie movie (maybe a Boyfriend For Christmas!) while the chicken/turkey and noodles are cooking for supper. That night we'll either go out to see a movie or stay in and watch Silent Night.

Friday is my traditional day to go get my Christmas tree, but I'll probably wait until saying goodbye to everyone (waaaah!). Wait, that doesn't count as a Thanksgiving tradition, does it?

Making Fun of Gary...and Other Fun Pastimes

The last vestiges of illness are finally starting to die out. Just have a little nagging cough, but otherwise I'm definitely on the mend. Been thinking alot this week.

I sure miss my critique group.

Okay, guys, you can all laugh at me now, but I do miss you (hey, Mighty Bri, even you!). I miss teasing Gary about having no other shirt than his light blue El Paso, Texas t-shirt. I miss whispering to Bri-Bob-Rectangular-Pants (porky pig!). Been missing celebrating Julie's publishing accomplishments (hey, girl, I was even thinking this week about your "appearance" on Fox News). And Tonya, I missed seeing your Halloween costume this year in person (loved the pictures though).

Even though we all have different backgrounds, have different likes and dislikes, various views on the world, and completely opposite genres we like to read and write, you've all become so much more to me than a mere critique group.

You're my friends.

Heck, maybe you would rather not claim me. I get that alot. Oh well, I still miss talking to you and having our second and fourth Thursday gatherings. I look forward to the day the play is over (in a way) and I can get back into the swing of things - chew the fat, offer my two cents (if it's even worth that much), make fun of Gary, see a whole new side of the supernatural, etc.

Yup, it's now official. I truly have no life. ;-)

Blessing in the Midst of Tragedy

There's been a terrible tragedy in our neighborhood.

Our neighbors three houses east of us lost their home in a fire this evening. The firemen think it had something to do with the wiring in their jacuzzi, which was sitting on the deck right next to their house. Happened about 4:30 today.

It was a complete loss.

When I drove in about six o'clock this evening, my street was packed with firetrucks, paramedics, and other vehicles that couldn't get through. The flashing lights scared me half to death when I rounded the corner. By that time the fire was already out, but they were staying put for a few more hours to ensure there were no additional flareups.

Thank God no one was hurt or even home when it happened. They didn't have any pets to worry about either.

Made me wonder about my son. I would always consider myself blessed as long as we escaped safely from tragedy. Around here tornadoes are a serious annual threat, and I've always told my son that our lives were what was important. Even though I'd be sad about my kitties and probably terribly distraught over the circumstances for a time, I learned not so long ago that the important thing was that my son and I would be safe.

Tonight makes me once again realize how quickly things can change in regard to our material circumstances. My neighbors have family they're staying with tonight. They're rightfully upset over the loss of their home and possessions. But they also know that the most important thing is that their lives were spared.

And they realize that is the blessing in the midst of their tragedy.

Facebook???

For some reason my family has taken Facebook by storm. I created a profile real quick to satisfy.

Doubt if I'll have much time to deal with it until after the play. Heck, I've been hardly able to keep up with my blog, much less another site. Anyway, blogging is my passion because it involves actual writing.

Blogging has served a well-defined purpose for me - to keep up on my writing without being able to write. Did that make sense?

Since I haven't had much time nor brain function lately for writing my stories, the blogging helps to keep writing pumping through my veins, keeps the function fresh. It's also a great way to connect with other people of like interests (and keep connected with my fellow critique'ers while I'm away).

Still not sure exactly what the Facebook thing is all about anyway, but someday I'll find some time to figure it out.

Maybe in the New Year.

Interviewing 101

Since my son has his first job interview this week, I've been trying to prepare him for it with a bit of coaching.

In my life I've interviewed several times but I've probably been the interviewer alot more. So I figure I have a little bit of experience in what to guide him to be prepared for when the questions come.

First - eye contact, very important. My son has a tendency to glance around alot when he's nervous or not comfortable with someone. Talk to the person not the floor, wall or ceiling. So because of that...

Two - it's okay to start the interview with letting the manager know that he's a little nervous, it being his first interview and all. That will be a good ice-breaker and help to clear any tension in the air.

Three - it's also okay to ask the interviewer to please repeat the question if you're not sure what they're asking for. In a previous job, we had a manager at one of our branches who asked the strangest question - "If you could be any sport, what would it be?" Not sure how effective a question that was and exactly what he was looking for but he usually got a few weird looks and blank stares. It's better to ask for clarification to be certain you understand than to stare like a deer in headlights.

Four - think of some of your strongest character traits and a few of your character traits that need a little work. Be ready to back up why you think these are important components of who you are. And above all, be honest (hey, isn't that a character trait too?).

Five - be a little flexible, but stand for your principles. I told my son that if Sundays are a sticking point between getting the job and not, offer himself on Sundays after three. Also, as soon as he's driving on his own, he'll be available a bit earlier in the evenings during the week. However, under no circumstances were Wednesday night or Sunday mornings available. That's our family/church time.

Certainly hope I've properly prepared him for this. He discussed his schedule availability on the phone with the manager and she thought they could work with it. Sounds like this might end up being a good fit.

Now it's a matter of getting through the interview. Suspect he may just do so with flying colors.

Hacking At The Moon - and other nighttime events

We've advanced to the coughing stage. Just when you need sleep to get over the junk, you spend your nights hacking at the moon.

Hey, there are still some things to be thankful for. My son has his first job interview this week!!!

I knew it would happen someday but just didn't think it would take this long. Thursday right after school he runs over to Braum's to interview for several positions they have open. Certainly hope they're willing to work with his schedule. I'm keeping Wednesday nights and Sundays open for church and family time, but the rest is up for grabs.

The last place he talked to on the phone wanted closers. Hello, he's still a student. Ain't no way I'm going to let anyone pressure job before school.

Gotta learn to keep the priorities in life firmly in place. That's why no Wednesday nights. I have told him that if they really need him that he could work after 3:00 on Sundays but Sunday mornings are off limits. That leaves Monday night, Tuesday night, Thursday night, Friday night (hey, that's a real plus in this town!) and Saturday. With school work thrown into the mix, I think that's enough availability.

He'll only be part-time for now anyway. After all, he's still got a life to live now. Then Europe next summer.

I'm thinking my evenings very soon may allow for a tad of free time. I could get used to that.

HSM 3 - A Brief Review

All my life I've loved musicals. Can't get enough of the oldies (one of my favorites is "White Christmas") with all the music, dancing, and show-stopping numbers. Of course they are all usually story lite, but they never were so much about the stories as they were about the music.

So now I have to admit something - I just love the High School Musical shows! Since I've been stuck at home sick most of the week, decided this afternoon that we'd take HSM 3 in (there was NO WAY I was going to try to see it opening weekend with all the tween girls screaming for a view of Troy and Chad). Once again, the musical numbers were outstanding.

Of the three, however, this one was definitely the lightest one in regard to the storyline. There were more songs and dance numbers galore. Yes, the story was about moving on with life, making choices, and following your dreams, but I gotta admit I missed more of the Sharpay focus on being the bad girl. They had a chance to pull away a bit from the Troy and Gabriella storyline and take in a broader scope, but they didn't take advantage of it. Little bit disappointing.

I do have to admit, I thought they used Ms. Darbus (sp?) very well in this one. There's a very poignant scene (I've noticed alot of those lately) where Troy opens up to her about his doubts about what choice to make and direction to take with his college focus. Some of her remarks were very much right on. She talked to him about this being the time to take the opportunity to explore and pursue those unexpected areas. Ten years down the road may be too late when life grabs ahold and drags one along.

My favorite song (and my son's too) was the scene where Troy and Chad reminisce about playing super heros at the auto junkyard when they were kids - "The Boys Are Back". Great percussian. Carried the beat. There was a cute little "aw" moment when Troy and Chad roll under a truck and come out the other side. I won't spoil it for you, but parents will absolutely love it. Completely adorable.

Just remember to stay into the credits. There are some great bloopers. I hope they have more on the DVD when it comes out.