Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Ringing In The New Year

Ringing in the New Year soon.

I think I'll go to bed.

When I was younger we used to stay up as late as possible. My parents would invite alot of family to the house and we'd toast in the New Year with Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice.

The red grape, of course.

Then when I had a place of my own I'd invite a ton of friends and whoever would come, we'd end up having a smashing time playing cards and board games, singing along with my CD's (actually cassettes back then - didn't have a CD player yet), and then toast in the New Year with - of course - Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice.

Some traditions never change.

But the last few years I've not made it until the wee hours of the 1st of January. Sometimes we'd go over to a friend's house. Sometimes we'd have friends over. Generally we haven't stayed late and get home and to bed before the dropping of the ball in Times Square.

This year we find ourselves home and alone. I'm not at all upset by it, as we've had a wonderful time with family and friends already the last several days. Saturday we're going to my boss' house for a special celebration with all my co-workers and their families. It's always so nice and alot of fun.

So spending this evening alone, just the two of us watching movies and eating Christmas candy (my thighs will hate me in the morning), I'm perfectly at ease. It's been a busy season for the last several months, so it's quite comforting to be spending time at home with my son.

So whether you are gathering with family and/or friends, hosting a party of your own, or finding yourself alone tonight, may I wish each of you a wonderful, blessed, and prosperous New Year.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

You Go Girl

I just had the most wonderful phone conversation!

For the last several days I've been emailing with a high school friend who was like a family member when we were all growing up. She's actually the same age as my oldest sister, but there was a whole group of them that hung out at our place. Thence the ability to develop my own friendship with her over the years.

After high school we ran into each other here and there from time to time. But then I got married and moved away and lost track of her.

Well thanks to my sister insisting I get a Facebook page, she found me and we've been emailing off and on of late.

Recently we exchanged phone numbers. Since my life has finally slowed down, I picked up the phone and gave her a call this evening. It was so great hearing her voice after all these years and talking for more than an hour. Did NOT mean to tie up her time that much.

She ended up waiting to get married until her thirties. Now she has three young kids (well, at least younger than mine) and her time is tied up in being a wife and mother.

Oh how I envy her (and my sisters) for being able to stay home with her kids. Yes, there are sacrifices that must be made when you live on one income, but the benefits you reap in your children no price can be affixed to. She and her husband have made a very wise decision.

The time will eventually pass and become a memory. Someday again she'll have a life outside the home if she desires.

In the meantime, you go girl!

Monday, December 29, 2008

The Lines of Life

You know, this Facebook stuff my sister got me started on isn't so bad. No, I don't have alot of time to mess with it. My blog is the most important thing to me.

But it's been fun having a chance to "talk" to people I don't normally have time to shoot the breeze with. It's been an interesting walk down memory lane, touching base with people I haven't seen or talked to in twenty/twenty-five years.

My how time flies!

This evening I pulled out and got to looking at old photo albums, remembering who I once was and who I've now become.

There are some things about myself that I miss - maybe it's just because of the responsibilities I've borne for so many years. But for the most part, I like who I've become. I love being a mom. I really enjoy several of my deep friendships that took alot of pain and time to find.

Just had lunch today with one of my best friends and talked about some things with her I hadn't thought about in years. It was wonderful to be able to reminisce about parts of my life that she knew nothing about and yet she's seen those components in me in other ways I've lived my life around her.

Another of my friends is going through a dark valley experience right now. I can relate, even though the circumstances are completely different. Life has allowed me to take what I've learned and just be there for her and reassure her that she will come through this. Most of the time, that's all we truly need is just that person to reassure us that life is still good out there somewhere even though we're in the bad at the moment.

That's what I like about who I've become. It isn't so much what I've done as much as living life through and beyond the circumstances. It's made me strong, though it is true that sometimes being strong is exhausting. If I hadn't lived my life and become who I am today, I wouldn't BE who I am today.

And I have to admit - even through the pain and trials I don't think I'd change a thing. Otherwise I may have just turned out to be nothing more than a wet blanket or an empty smile.

Whereas now my smile is full and genuine and full of life.

And surrounded by the lines of life. :-)

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Head Shots







Okay, Mom just sent a couple of pictures from the family Christmas. The second is of one of my sister's and myself (see bows on heads). This shows a decent shot of my new haircut if you don't let the black velvet collar fool you into thinking it's part of my hair. The first picture is of most of Mom and Dad's grandkids and great-grandkids.

Family Fun Forever

Like I said - didn't have a chance to commandeer the computer while at the extended family Christmas gathering.

So I'll let you know all about it today!

There were some great shots taken that show my hair, so by popular demand I'll be posting an updated photo with my new updo as soon as my mother emails a few to me or my son gets on our computer and downloads some from his camera.

Speaking of the new digital camera - we apparently got an AWESOME deal! It was something that was available only for the Christmas season and when they sold out they sold out (and they're sold out). It takes incredible pictures and my son has had a great time learning how it works.

By the way, he's actually a pretty good photographer, unbeknownst to me. He was watching scenery on the way down and back and taking some really neat shots with the lengthening shadows and golden sunbeams over the browning landscape. I'm looking forward to having a chance to see them full-size.

There's a couple of me and one of my sisters when we were being silly with our coffee mugs. I'll see if one of those turn out with a good shot of the haircut. Otherwise I'll just grab a few choice shots to share with you of our family fun.

My great-niece, Madison, was in full-walking-swing. She's become quite the little ham for the camera. There'll hopefully be some good photos to show of her too.

It was a busy and full weekend. Wouldn't trade those moments for anything. After all, friends come and go - family stays with us forever.

Wait a minute! Is that a good thing?

Friday, December 26, 2008

Smooth Sailing

In a couple of hours we'll be heading down to Oklahoma to visit the family. I'll probably be out of commission for a few days, unless I'm actually able to commandeer the computer from the kids.

Doubtful.

So our Christmas continues with (thankfully) clear skies and clear roads. Just the wind is present today to tickle our ears and noses.

It's Kansas - what can you expect?

So here's once again wishing you continued blessings with your families and friends as the Christmas season winds down and the New Year approaches.

Hopefully we won't have anymore strange roadway episodes with four new tires. Smooth sailing, you here?

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Evening Observations

The household is winding down this evening from a wonderful and relaxing day. In my finite mind that's the best way to spend it.

When my son was young we used to go down to my parents' home on Christmas Eve and spend Christmas morning opening our gifts with them. Yet somewhere along the way I decided that my son and I needed to establish our own Christmas Day traditions in our home. He needed to see that even just the two of us were a family in our own right.

Those first couple of years were a little difficult. It felt lonely with no one else around. We'd open our gifts, I'd take a million pictures, and then I'd fix this fabulous Christmas dinner that only the two of us ate. Still it was important to me to establish ourselves as a bonafide family.

It was also important to me that we have some time to just relax without running hither and yon and feeling rushed to get this item checked off our list so we could do this and this and that and then leave to go here and there. Feels exhausting even now to think about it.

Over the years we've taken to occasionally inviting any other alone friends to come and eat Christmas dinner with us. Hey, we always have plenty of leftovers, so why not spread it around a little bit? Plus it helped for the day to feel less lonely.

However, now we've come to enjoy the slow and easy pace that has become our Christmas. Yes, we still get up early to open presents (after I fix my coffee). Yes, I still take a million pictures. And yes, I still cook an enormous (and fabulous) Christmas dinner. Sometimes we have friends join us and sometimes not.

This year was once again just the two of us and couldn't have been more wonderfuler (hee, hee). We were a little lighter on the presents but not on the love.

I spent the entire day in my new lavender lounging set (it IS my signature color, after all), cooked and ate Christmas dinner, then settled back for "It's a Wonderful Life" and another Hallmark Channel Christmas show. My son set up his great new stereo, played new games, and enjoyed all of his new stash.

Tomorrow we'll travel and be with others of our extended family. For today we were just our family.

And that was more than enough.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A Christmas Eve Memory

And so it is Christmas Eve.

I remember last year - our first year in our lovely new home. I was still so exhausted from the move and associated stressors that I didn't do a whole heck of alot of decorating except the tree.

It's kinda funny - this year we got our tree on time but due to rushing right from Thanksgiving to the play, we did not decorate it for two solid weeks. Felt a little bad, but the play took a bit of time (duh!).

So what do I find myself doing this Christmas Eve? Finishing decorating, of course. My boss was so kind since the weather was so bad last night that he told us since it was only going to be a half day to not worry about coming in this morning.

What a Merry Christmas present that was!

So with the extra time around the house today, I'm finally putting up a few more decorations and getting the stockings hung with care (we have no chimney). Then I'm going to bake a pumpkin pie, since it is the only kind my son likes, and then tonight we'll make Christmas cookies for Santa.

Okay, okay - I know my son is sixteen, but there are just some traditions that are still fun. We never did the "Santa" thing much anyway, but it's still neat to bake cookies together and spend that time having conversation or just being silly.

Isn't that one of the reasons for celebrating Christmas? Isn't family time what it's all about?

Makes me think of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. Even before they were married, God started their family and still brought them together to raise His son as their own. Reminds me that God is as much in the little, ordinary, mundane things of life as much as the big things.

So enjoy this Christmas celebrating the gift of family as we remember the Holy Family this season.

Merry Christmas from Kansas!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tire Tales

All is good in my universe.

My son is home safely from having his Christmas with his dad and that side of his family.

I say that because we had an interesting trip getting him to his dad on Saturday. Ended up that his dad had to come here to pick him up.

We had a blow-out on the highway.

You know what though? God's hand was with us throughout the whole ordeal.

We were only about fifteen or twenty minutes down the highway when the tire blew. Before the tire blew, it started to shimmy, so I'd already started to slow down and pull over to the side of the road.

Shudder to think what might have happened if we'd been going full speed when it blew. There was a huge hole in the side that smoked and smelled of burned rubber. Ew!

It's been a long time, but I've had experience before with changing tires. Since I'd never had to do so in this car, it took me a few minutes to find the donut, jack, etc. Perfect opportunity to teach my son how to change a tire.

Couldn't get the lug nuts loose. Both of us tried for ten minutes to loosen the crazy things (Lefty Loosey/Righty Tighty). Froze our tails off. I even grabbed my son's saline bottle out of his bag and squirted it all over the nuts just to try something - anything at that point.

We ended up hopping back into the car to get warm before trying again. At that moment a policeman drove by and took pity on us.

I'd just prayed that the Lord would send us a kind soul, preferrably a policeman. He loosened the lug nuts, we finished jacking up the car, my son popped off the old tire and put on the donut, tightened the nuts and threw everything back in the trunk.

It's nice having a strong strapping son to help out when necessary.

We were off and running - and the policeman even wished us a Merry Christmas.

Turned around and drove back home. Just did not feel like taking anymore chances. Ended up stuck by the side of the road for no more than twenty minutes. Got home, called his dad, then ordered some new tires from Sears.

Picked up my son tonight in the pea-soup foggy skies and icy roads. I never seem to get a break this time of the year.

Well, I guess that's what guardian angels are for. And sometimes they're dressed as policemen.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmas Clip

Well it's two and ahalf months late, but I finally did it.

My hair is cut!

My hair has been long or just below my shoulders since I can remember. I think the last time I had short hair was when I was maybe four or five and my parents ran the city swimming pool. My mom proceeded to take all three of us girls into the salon for super short hair cuts (I think they were called shags).

I was mad at my mom a long time for that one.

Needless to say, I've had my hair long since I've been able to care for it myself. So when I got a wild hair to go with a funky short cut, I didn't want to put it off too long and lose my nerve. After all, it is only hair. It'll always grow back if I don't like it.

My original appointment was the first Saturday in October. However, when I got the part in the play in September, I realized very quickly that I was going to have to cancel that appointment and wait to go with the quirky hairstyle. I don't think that would have fit with the 1940's era. It gave me a few months too in order to grow it out even longer for the stylists to have a little fun with my updo.

Putting off the cut was hard to do. I wasn't sure I could hang onto my nerve that long. But I rescheduled anyway for this past Saturday.

I almost didn't go through with it, but after talking it over with Julie she convinced me that she thought it would look great on me.

That first snip just about made my knees shiver. Then she held up the thick strand of about five inches she'd whacked off the back. My son about had a cow. He's never seen me with my hair short. Have to admit, I didn't stop to think about that until Julie started cutting, so she let him stay back with me and watch the process.

After it's all said and done, I love my new cut. It's short in the back tapering to longer tresses in the front that frame my face quite nicely.

I still surprise myself in the mornings when I go to get in the shower. Not sure how long it will take to get used to. Maybe in a few weeks I won't be shocked everytime I see myself in the mirror.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Thanksgiving Memories


Glory be! Mom just sent me this picture of we girls at Thanksgiving. I love it!

After a busy morning of cooking and afternoon of eating and then cleaning up, we girls crashed on my humongous bed and watched sweet and sappy Christmas movies.

By the way, I really DO need to get my pictures back up on my walls in my bedroom. That wall behind us is completely blank. Did not realize how awful that looked. I need to take advantage of some coming time off to deal with the blank walls all around my house.

Anyway this picture sure does bring back the memories from those wonderful couple of days. Yes, I was tired when it was all over with but it was so absolutely fun while everyone was here that I didn't notice it at that time. I think everyone was happy and comfortable while here and we all had different areas of the house we could hang out in without crawling over each other and getting on each others nerves.

I know I'm quite capable of that, thank you. No comments from the Brian or Gary section in that regard.

Sure hope I have the luxury of hosting my family again. Well I do know I will in a couple more years when my son graduates from high school. Everybody better the heck come back or I'm going to hunt them down and drag them here!

Have a happy evening now, you here?

Friday, December 19, 2008

Movie Night Special

Tonight we watched an old movie for our movie night special.

Pirates of the Caribbean!

Once again I'm reminded of why I liked the franchise when it first came out. The first movie had something the sequels were completely lacking.

That fun-loving orneriness that so endeared me to the original.

The funny word play, the honorableness of Will Turner, the sword sparring, the adventure, the pirate you couldn't help but love in the end when he showed his true colors.

They ruined that with the second and third. They were darker. The "fun" felt contrived. The lighthearted orneriness was completely absent.

Did you ever also notice that Will Turner was virtually absent from the third one? They completely left behind the Will and Elizabeth component and threw it in at the end as an afterthought. Instead of the show being about the unlikely pairing of Will and Jack and Will and Elizabeth it became the Jack and Elizabeth farce.

Maybe I'm being a little harsh, but I really missed the spirit of the first adventure. Plus to me it would have made more sense for Jack to have been the one sailing the afterlife, not Will.

Yes, it's all subjective, but I prefer to watch the first one and remember what could have been instead of what the franchise became.

So I'll go on living the adventure through the first. Capt'n Jack, you were a hero then.

That's how I like to remember them all.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Dark Recesses of the Night

The creative juices are finally flowing again.

Yeah, like I finally have time to THINK again - hello!

The other night I had a really interesting dream that was so enormously engaging and intriguing that when I woke up, it stayed with me most of the day. I knew immediately upon awakening that it would make a great storyline if I could figure out how to make a full-scale novel out of it.

Getting back into writing again has my blood pumping.

Well not that I'm actually writing anything at the moment, just having the time to think about it and let the brain relax and wrap around an idea when it hits.

You know, it's kinda funny now that I think about the dream. There's several of my books that got their start from a dream I had. Sometimes I take just one nugget from that dream and create a whole story from it, while at other times pretty much the entire dream worms its way out onto the page.

The story I finally finished earlier this year actually had its beginnings in the dark recesses of the night. Ended up that I didn't even use that scene in the story, merely the essence of the character. Heck, it was even a year or two after I had the dream and wrote that scene out that I got back to it and created "Running Into The Darkness".

Was very pleased to have actually finished - but the story has a sequel I'll need to get started on someday.

So for now I'll go ahead and pound out the first scene or two that I've got floating around in the grey matter and see where it goes. Perhaps I'll have some submissions for critique group again in a few months.

In the meantime, I'll keep on dreaming and hoping for that best-seller idea to pop into my subconscious. Then it'll be up to me to actually do the typing.

Man - osmosis would really be good here!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Life Imitates Art

I just got through watching another Christmas movie.

Made me mad!

The story basically goes that a woman who is the wife of a wealthy developer suddenly finds herself divorced and out on the streets.

For months her husband had been acting like his business was going down the tube, putting on quite an act that money was hard to come by even for food and gas. So when he fesses up about the affair, she thinks she's getting a halfway decent end of the stick when he offers her $25,000 equity in their home to settle.

Later on she finds out it was all a sham. He ends up with the house, the successful business, the money, and the daughter.

She ends up mugged and homeless on the streets.

And this is a Christmas movie???

It all ended up very nice in the end. However, it was very hard for me to watch to get to that point.

See I watched a dear friend of mine live nearly this nightmare. Throughout her marriage to Attila-the-Hun, he basically made it out that they were always short of money. She borrowed maternity clothes for each of her pregnancies and gave him three beautiful children. She had to make a tight grocery budget stretch. You wouldn't believe what she went through, but she did it because she loved him.

Then he divorced her for another woman. At least in her case the attorney discovered money that he'd only tried to hide. Most likely there was more. Ended up also with a nice alimony and child support payment that was more than she was used to having. She had no idea he made that kind of income while they were married.

But then he ended up screwing up the kids for life and fought her tooth and nail for their allegiance. For the kids' sake, she capitulated to his every whim. She gave up the alimony payments to try to placate him. Then she ended up pretty much giving up her children to avoid the constant court battles. She couldn't afford the attorney every few months like he could.

Why do I tell you this??? Because in the end, she's fought to regain her dignity. She's gainfully employed in her dream profession as a professional musician. There's not alot of money in that, but how many people in this world can actually say they are pursuing their dream???

No she did not end up on the streets, but she's struggled to keep a roof over her head. The key is that she HAS done it. She's even regained custody of one of her daughters and her son. Yes, there's still problems, but she's dealing with them and not letting the past continue to dictate her future.

It's been a long, hard struggle for her, but everyday she makes greater strides toward complete independence. I'm so proud to call her my friend.

Congratulations, L! You are a beacon of hope for us all.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Bow Brigade

I did something absolutely crazy today. I bought another Christmas present.

No, I don't usually go shopping for presents this late in the game, but events conspired against me to where I was forced to act.

I ran out of bows.

I just had to buy more to finish my wrapping. Guess I didn't plan so well this year.

Anyway, since I was in Wal-mart (planned it too to take a late, late, late lunch about 2:00 so the crowds weren't so big) to buy the bows, figured I'd pick up a little Christmas candy and stocking stuffers. Then got the big idea to go to electronics.

As part of my son's going away present this coming summer when he leaves for Europe (boy, that was a mouthful), I'd planned to buy him a reasonably priced digital camera for the trip. While in Wal-mart today, I decided why not look at any bargains available this time of the year.

Found one - nothing fancy, but it was a special that came with the camera (duh!), a case, and a memory card. Plus it can take short videos of about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Pictures AND video all in one tiny camera - what more could a Europe-bound body ask for?

Needless to say, he's going to get it for Christmas this year. That way he'll have some time to get adjusted to how it operates so he'll have smooth sailing come summertime. Figure too that by then he'll have enough money to buy himself another memory card.

Hey, I want to see Europe too - even if it is only from behind the lens.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Tinsel and Tree Sap

The tree is decorated!

Well, except for the icicles. It's Toby's first Christmas with us so I don't want to tempt him unnecessarily. We're doing all of this in stages just to get him used to the tree. Paws was well trained his first year.

That's when the water bottle was in full swing. We were back in our little house then and the tree was set up in the living room just off of the couch. I sat in the corner of the couch with the water bottle, waiting for the opportunity.

Everytime Paws even looked at the tree I squirted him with water. I think he eventually thought the tree was peeing on him.

Cats aren't too fond of water, you know.

From that time on, he's never bothered the tree. He'll look at it, get up close and sniff it. Maybe chew on a few low branch ends, but never try to climb the thing.

Since we've had it for a couple of weeks now, Toby will get underneath it and chew a few branches. So far he's not tried to get up inside it, just drink the water out of the base occasionally.

Can't use that tree life stuff with cats around. They must like strange flavors or something because it can't taste good with all that tree sap buildup.

Ew!

Anyway, the lights are up. The bulbs are pretty. The garland is wrapping it up nicely like a little present. But it's still missing the icing.

That's what icicles are for.

We'll wait until tomorrow to put them up. Don't want him ingesting a bunch of tinsel.

I'd rather he drink the tree sap.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Tree Time Tomorrow

After having it for two weeks now, tomorrow we are finally going to have the time to decorate our Christmas tree.

In all honesty, I've had a little time available to decorate - mainly on this past Sunday afternoon. Didn't execute good time management skills and ended up sleeping and relaxing the afternoon away. Have to admit, though, I really needed that time to recoup.

Better late than never - so tomorrow is Tree Time.

The bins are in the house and ready to go with the decorations and lights. We've gotten a few chores done tonight and then finish up a few tomorrow. Then it's off to decorate!

Christmas is my favorite holiday of all - the lights, the colors, the music, the movies, the family time, the church programs...

...the meaning.

I love it when it's time to get out Mannheim Steamroller and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. By the way, TSO was in town last weekend. I just had to be in the play! Oh well, it was there I wanted to be anyway. TSO can always visit me on my stereo anytime. It isn't every day that I have a chance to star in a musical.

Truth be told, if I had my druthers I'd do music theatre all my days. Never gets tiring (remind me next year in November that I said that).

But I digress.

The cold wind is blowing tonight. There's another chance for more snow coming. Let it snow - let it snow - let it snow.

It is the Christmas season, don't you know.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

I'm Back!

Tonight I officially rejoined my critique group. It was great to be back, though I'm still dealing with the effects of sleepiness.

Nothing like a group hug to get you in the mood for Christmas. Everyone looked great. Caught up on the family talk, the work discussions, and what all one can do with a camera phone.

Just ask Gary.

Since I still didn't have but one free night this week, I didn't get to do any critiquing. We all decided to shoot the breeze tonight anyway so the New Year will bring time to finish critiquing stories.

Got to hear about another new story idea Brian is cooking up. Not into horror personally myself, but I really like this new concept he's working on. Gave me goosebumps just to hear the skeleton of his ideas. Knowing Mighty Bri, it will be pretty interesting to see how he puts his conceptualizations onto paper.

Christmas is two weeks from tonight, so we won't be meeting at our regularly scheduled time. Gee, I finally show back up and we have to take an extended break. I feel so loved!

Well it will give me something to again look forward to in the New Year.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A Cozy Evening

Sure is nice having an evening to ourselves.

Hadn't realized how long it's been since I'd made a real home-cooked meal (Thanksgiving aside). My son had sandwiches all last week since I was out at rehearsals. The week before that we ate out a few evenings before the Thanksgiving extravaganza.

So tonight I put together homemade chicken, mashed potatoes, the works! What a great meal to cozy the tummy on a cold winter's night.

We're currently sitting around watching a Hallmark Channel movie. That's one thing I do alot of during the Christmas season is watch the Hallmark Channel Christmas shows. They're always so wonderful! Yes, I know each one practically by heart (except the new ones, of course) but I can't wait to watch them every year. I even own a couple on DVD and still we watch those same shows when they are on the telly.

Guess I'm an old sap that way.

The first big snowstorm of the season hit early this morning. Not sure what the accumulations ended up being but the drifts from the wind are great. Got the lights and decorations out so we could finally start decorating our Christmas tree this week. I'm looking forward to getting the season in full swing.

Then it's onto the presents!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Post Performance Blues

My son had his Christmas choir concert at school tonight. We're done with performances for the Christmas season!!!!!!

It's always a tad bittersweet when finishing a performance project. You work so hard for months on end and then - POOF! - it's over in what seems like a flash. Normally I get the post-performance blues for about a week or two, then all is back to normal.

Actually this time I'm not feeling quite so bad. Since I know it is out there, I was already half expecting the feelings. However, since I now will have a few evenings a week to spend relaxing at home, it doesn't sound quite so bad.

Sure will miss the comaraderie the cast all experienced - at least I hope they felt the same way. We all sort of became a mini-family (even though we were supposed to just be acting like one). I know I'll see them around church, but since I'm not an official member of Impact Players, I won't be attending their Monday night gatherings.

Someday I'll be a part - I've already promised Ruth. She kinda extracted it out of me (though I've wanted to for years).

Must have been those cattle-prods.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Ready To Enjoy The Season

My son and I have spent a well-deserved afternoon resting, playing, and just plain relaxing. We're getting ready to watch a movie I taped last night during the last play performance.

I think we deserve the relaxation time. :-)

It sure was hard to get up for church this morning, but I stayed home last Sunday to try and get some rest and leave the coughing behind once and for all. Didn't quite go away completely, but at least I made it through performances alright.

Ruth and Pastor Clint discussed it after Friday night's performance, and it's now official. We're doing "I'll Be Home For Christmas" again next year. They may even schedule two weekend performances instead of one.

The showtimes were better attended than expected. There weren't enough programs to hand out to each individual so they had to limit it to one per family. I think next year they might be more prepared for attendance. :-)

Who knows - we might even get more people to help out with the sets next year. Many attendees and performers were pleasantly surprised by how it all turned out. We even received some surprising comments.

Several of the ladies who came in to assist our hairdresser with styling (there were so many of us who needed 40's updos that one person couldn't handle it all) thought we were all paid performers after she saw the dress rehearsal. Made me laugh out loud!

But the best compliment of all came from a friend of our director, Ruth. This friend is the owner and director of a small theatrical company in a nearby community. In the twenty years since Ruth's been involved with Christian theatre, schedules have always conflicted and kept Ruth's friend from attending. However, schedules amazingly didn't coincide this year so the friend decided to show up Friday night.

What incredible accolades she placed on us! We were very touched to hear of her comments. All of this has truly been amazing, and it makes all the months of hard work and late nights so completely worth it.

No guarantees about next year, but if schedules work out I may try out for a part again. It's always wonderful to be a part of something that touches so many hearts.

For now, we're ready to just sit back and enjoy the remainder of the Christmas season.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

It's Final

Getting ready to leave to prepare for our final performance tonight. I'll be going against my norm and posting tomorrow to let you know all about it.

If you're bored and have nothing to do tonight (and are in the Wichita area), feel free to stop by Central Community Church before 7:00.

You'll be dazzled!

Friday, December 5, 2008

First Performance Down

The first performance is behind me. Sure going to miss it after tomorrow.

It's been very late nights all week. Last night I didn't get to bed until after midnight. Getting up for work this morning was just peachy.

Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from my voice? It's kinda hard for a girl who has learned to go to bed between 9 and 9:30. Maybe I should have taken vacation time this week too.

Couple of nights I left work and went straight to the church. Didn't see my son until breakfast the next morning. Kinda warned him that this was going to happen this week, but I have a feeling it's not just my kitties missing me.

It's kinda nice being missed, but I'll enjoy having a life with my son again.

Was very nervous early on but after the first scene I really got into it. Got into it so much that I cried more tonight in all the right places than I have any other time. Have to admit, I was afraid I'd be so nervous that I wouldn't be able to relax and get into the scene enough to cry.

No problemo.

Tonight some dear friends and co-workers came to see. Tomorrow there'll be even more friends, co-workers, and a little bit of family coming back to town to see the performance. I sure hope I can forget they're out there.

The pressure's on!