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Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Every kid deserves a gift....


Ok, I've been remiss in posting, caught up in my own little dramas.

But I can't stay that way. Not at this time of the year.

This article was posted in today's Toronto Sun, and it made me think long and hard about everything I have.

Sure, I've got problems. We all do. Mostly monetary, and it affects everything we do. It affects our attitude, our moods, our lives.

But what if you didn't have anything?

I made a vow last Christmas to myself that this year, I would do things to make a difference in people's lives. And somehow I am finding the strength to do just that.

My first Christmas wish, as I posted on Facebook this morning, is that everyone on my friends list, and everyone that reads here, find a way to donate at least one unwrapped toy to a program in their city. If this article is an indication of anything, it's a pattern that is emerging this holiday season.

Here are a few links to programs here in Toronto, in case I have any readers in the area.

Chum City Christmas Wish

Salvation Army Canada

Kidsbank (not just for Christmas)

Good Shepherd Toy & Food Drive (out of Hamilton, but still applicable)


I know that times are tough. And people are getting more and more cynical as the days go by. Speaking with a good friend last night, he reminded me that Christmas is just one day where everyone is kind to one another, and then society as a whole goes back to being selfish assholes.

One of my changes I plan on making in myself this year is a change from within. I no longer want to be a selfish asshole in tune with the rest of the world. I want to make a difference, even a small one, in someone's life, every chance I get.

Not just at Christmas, but all year round.

I hope you'll join me.

EDITED TO ADD: I love this movie, but this part is definitely my favourite.




Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Blog Blast for Peace




Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Monday, October 26, 2009

HELP! I need somebody...

Ok, but not in the way you guys think.

More time for explanations later when I'm not under the watchful eye of the boss. But if ANYONE out there can get me a copy of the piano music for Lee Aaron's "What'cha Do To My Body?" and can get it to me before Wednesday 4pm EST, I'll love you forever!



Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Monday, October 19, 2009

BlogBlast for Peace...Join the Cause


It's almost time kids. Of course I don't have to tell most of you that.

But, in case you've been under a rock for the last two years, or you're new to the blogosphere, this is what Blog Blast for Peace is all about:



BlogBlast For Peace Meme ~ Join The Revolution

Here are the rules and the story.

Copy this into a post and tag as many people as you'd like.

The Peace Globe project began in the fall of 2006 with a simple post from one blog. The post ignited a flame in the bloggosphere. The flame became a passion. The passion became a movement. It amazingly traveled from blog to blog to blog across the globe. Bloggers wrote passionate articles on what peace means to them, along with the promise of three Latin words scribbled on a globe - Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace) - branded with the integrity of their names or blog names. It was positively ins
piring to watch. And it began to happen all over the world - from Singapore to China to Afghanistan to Brooklyn.

It was simple. And powerful.

We will speak with one voice. One subject. One day.

Won't you join us?


On 5 November 2009, DISPLAY YOUR GLOBE IN A POST. Title your post "Dona Nobis Pacem". This is important. The goal is for all blog post titles to say the same thing on the same day. Write about peace that day or simply fly your globe.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE TAGGED TO PLAY.

Please consider passing this meme through the bloggosphere.

This is Mimi Pencil Skirt reporting from the lovely land of the Peace Globes.

Memeing the Movement.


End quote from Mimi Writes...


Photobucket


So there you have it kids. I've been participating since the inception (I don't think I've missed one) and to go through the blogosphere and see the globes, from one end of this world to the other, is so heart warming, and gives a real sense of hope for the future of this planet. And for the future of mankind.

For a post that truly does this cause justice, pop on over to the Couch and have a seat. Vinny never fails to find the right words to truly bring it all together.


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

cold....

The distance between us is overwhelming.
I used to be able to see
your heart from anywhere I was.

Now the wall around it is so high
I can barely see the top.

I used to be able to feel your love
just by coming home.
Now it's just a house.
Cold.
Angry.
Empty.

Nothing.

As long as your anger smoulders
I'll never feel warmth.

As long as your hatred builds
I'll never feel love.

As long as you cannot forgive
I'll always be alone.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Johnny Castle is immortal




The blogo-sphere is probably filled with pictures and tributes to the man who made dancing cool for guys to do.

Patrick Swayze made Dirty Dancing what it was. There was a great supporting cast, but he just shone right through as the star.

I loved him from the very first moment I saw him in The Outsiders. Playing Darry, the big brother, doing his best to keep his family together.




I have nothing deep to say today about his passing, nothing that I can type out at this time. I knew once I heard that he had pancreatic cancer that his death sentence had been proclaimed. My aunt - God rest her - passed away from it within a year of being diagnosed. I can only imagine how much pain he was in towards the end.

My heart is in sorrow. His performances meant more to me than I will ever be able to say. Each one struck a chord in me.

Johnny Castle, Darry Curtis, Dalton, Sam Wheat, Derrek Sutton, Vida....all those roles will live on in my heart, as will Patrick.




It's amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you.




I hope so. Rest in Peace Patrick.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Friday, June 26, 2009

and as the world mourns....

It's one of those times when you realize how much you need the people you care about, and who care about you.

Michael Jackson's passing was, to say the least, a total and complete shock to most. But as was pointed out to me, he was never in the best of health, and rumor has it that he only ate once a day, consuming minimal calories in order to keep his weight down.

This week, the entertainment world lost three icons. And wives lost husbands, children lost parents, parents lost a child....it happens daily but we don't hear about the tragedy of it all because 99% of them aren't famous. It doesn't make their deaths any less important. And just because the world feels that entertainers belong to the public doesn't mean that they do. They still have families, friends and private lives.

I honestly hope that people respect that fact and allow those closest to mourn their own way, in their own places, without being under a microscope. For a much better tribute than I could ever produce, please go have a seat on the Couch and check out Vinny's amazing post about Michael.

This was passed on to me this morning, and rather than pass it on to all my women friends, and clutter up your inboxes, I decided to post it here, to also share it with those that visit.

To all the men in my life, this isn't to say that we don't appreciate you, and all you do for us. But sometimes, a girl just needs her sisters.



You may have seen this before, if so enjoy, if not, enjoy! How true it is. Each of you, for your own reasons are important to me and I appreciate and value your friendship and support.


A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marrriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter..

'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them..'

'Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women...your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.'

' What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'

But she listened to her mother. She kept contact with her sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her mother really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, sisters are the mainstays of her life..

After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

THIS SAYS IT ALL:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end..

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family: all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other..



Y'all know who you are. I can't thank you enough for being my sisters.





Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

i fell to the dark side.....

I can hear the chorus already. YOU LIVE THERE.

Yes, my address is
666 Dark Side Lane,
Somewhere Across the Universe, Section 8
Planet Transexual 90210

But I am now on Twitter (OH yeah - THAT dark side).
Come find me, if you dare.





BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.






Ok, so look under angellz. There, I made it easy for ya.




PS - let me know who amongst you gets the address references. Tank you veddy much.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Fifteen again....

First off, would like to say I LOVE YOU GUYS. Thanks for the wonderful comments on my last post. I shall take all advice.

Now.....for the reason I feel fifteen again. I was working this show last night, and was about five feet from the stage.



Jonathan Knight is the oldest member of that boy-band sensation known as New Kids on the Block. I adored them when I was younger. Jon was my favourite because he was the shy, quiet one with the undeniable presence, and a voice like an angel. He shied away from the spotlight, and it was later revealed that he suffered from panic attacks which is why he rarely did one-on-one interviews, both during the bands hey-day and afterwards.

When he came out of the closet, and revealed he was gay, everyone turned to me and said “I told you so.” But to me, it didn’t matter. Why should it? Even if he was straight, the odds of hooking up with him were so incredibly astronomical that it didn’t even bear thinking about. I just wanted him to be happy. When the cameras did capture him, even when smiling, there was a sadness behind his eyes.


I was never sure if he was actually going to go back on tour with the guys. I’d always hoped for at least a solo album from him, but it was never meant to be.

The last time they came through Toronto, I was working backstage, where all five members and their families were constantly walking right by me. But, security tends to be invisible to performers, and Jon didn’t even smile in my direction, although Danny, Donny and Joe did.

To be able to stand in the pit, and actually watch him onstage last night, knowing about his attacks, knowing the courage it must take for him to get up and perform every night, in front of thousands of people, it brought tears to my eyes. The other guys made sure to make him laugh, jostle him around, even causing him to miss a few steps in the tight choreography. They did their best to make him comfortable up there.

It was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. And no matter how much people make fun of me, I am always proud to be a Blockhead.



Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Friday, June 19, 2009

GAHHHHHHHRRRRGGGHHH

Wow.

I am bored. I don't know why they have me here at work today. The phone has rang MAYBE ten times all day (it's now 3:30 est and I've been here since 8am). Production is closed down in the back. Both the managers are here, so WHY DO THEY NEED ME???? They're all about saving money these days - so for the hour & a half I've got left please send me home!



Onto something that is JUST as frustrating....I probably wouldn't mind being stuck here with no phones ringing if it wasn't for the fact that I .... CAN'T .... WRITE. Not a thing. I can't string one sentence together that has any artistic merit, or even erotic merit.

I have a notebook full of ideas, and about ten more in my head, but when it comes to translating that onto a screen, or the page - NOTHING comes out. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Complete emptiness. All the ideas in the world are useless if you can't follow them up. It's incredibly frustrating for me, because then I sit at home, and berate myself. "I should be writing, I should be creating, I should be getting this stuff down." So I sit in front of the keyboard and......


Yah, I got nuttin. I seriously just want to cry. It's hurting my brain to even type this out. I don't know what the hell is wrong with me. And I'm sorry. To all of you, I am so sorry that all my posts seem to be nothing but negativity on top of negativity. I'd write about good things happening in my life if there WERE any. But right now it's just one frustration on top of another.

I know I'm not the only person going through things right now. Dana, love, I'm sorry I haven't been there for you during your time of agony with your back and knee and with your dad. And for all my darling friends in the blogosphere - I try to visit. I really do. I don't know why I don't get there. It's not like I don't have time. Ok, well, maybe I don't have a lot of it, but I do have time.

My brain seems to be shutting down, and turning my insides to mush, and it bothers the hell out of me. Scares me too. I seem to have problems comprehending the tiniest little things these days. And that is definately scary.

SIGH. Rant is over. Thank you for stopping by.


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Happy Birthday Vinnie!!


To someone who's always been there for me.

To a man who has both my love and my respect.

To my friend, Vince, I wish you nothing but the best

this birthday and every day for the rest of your life.



(psst - I promise not to sing this year!)


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Friday, May 15, 2009

random bored musings....

I'm at work on the Friday before a long weekend and the phone has rang MAYBE fifteen times since eight this morning, and most of the calls were for our accoutant.

My brain has atrophied into something resembling frozen vomit - at least that's the picture I get when I try to look inside. Nothing creative is coming out, which sucks because I'm always saying that if I had the day off I could get so much writing done. Well, this was the equivilant and I DIDN'T. I think it might simply have to do with the atmosphere around me. Half the company has an extra long weekend, because we're in a slow period. At this moment, there are a total of five people here. And two of them just walked out. LOL.

I've been surfing and checking out some blogs. One that I found and has me laughing is Why Mom Drinks Rum . I don't have kids, but that doesn't matter. She's a Canuck too which is a major bonus. Highly recommended reading. (Boy I'm so good at reviews I should make a living at this)

So I don't know how many of you are aware of the Tamil protests that are holding the streets -and citizens - of Toronto hostage. The Sri Lankin community is protesting the genocide occuring in their homeland and wants the Canadian government to send troops over there to stop the war. You know, the CIVIL war that's been going on for the last fifty years or so? Turns out that our fair city has the largest Tamil immigrant population in all of North America (or so they're saying). Last Sunday, they started a peaceful protest at our government buildings in Queens Park - SUNDAY cuz you know, that's when all the gov't guys go in for extra credit *roll eyes* - and somehow it managed to spill onto the highway. Like WTF? They blocked eight lanes of traffic going in either direction. They refused to move until someone from our government met with them and told them, in detail, what they were going to do to stop the war over there.

The police were on site, but refused to use tear gas. Why? Well, A - they wanted it to be peaceful and try and settle things without violence and B - what did those brave protesters do? They put all the WOMEN AND CHILDREN on the front lines. Oh yeah, and their elderly. All the able bodied men were behind the infirm and children. They blocked traffic for hours, stranding motorists in their vehicles, and not caring about the inconvenience caused to the rest of the people that live and work in this city. For the last little while they have blocked traffic, closed down streets and caused general chaos. I can sympathize with their cause, but there has to be a better way of getting your point across. No one feels any sympathy for them now - there's just anger and they've created more enemies.

The fact that they want our government to send our troops over there to stop this war is disgusting to me. Our government needs to start taking care of shit at home first. We have an increasing homeless population, we are in a major recession, and we have troops already in a country fighting a war we have no business being involved in. We have problems here at home that need solving. They want to stop the war so badly? A very smart man I know had an idea on how we can help that. All the able bodied men that fled here from there are trained in combat, we'll pay for weapons and training and THEY can go back and fight and die for their country. Why should our troops fight and die in a civil war that we have nothing to do with? They sign up to protect their own country. I'm tired of every country in the world making fun of our troops, but when it comes down to fighting, they want us to get involved.

FUCK YOU ALL. Y'all have military for a reason. Use them and leave our troops to us.

Sorry. This is a bit of a sore subject for me in case you couldn't tell. LOL. I'm not a very political person, and I usually try to stay away from posting stuff like this. Mainly because I don't like hate mail, and I only express my opinions around those with similar ones. I think someone - and I can't remember who - got me scared about expressing opinions like that because sometimes they get people hurt. So I generally avoid these topics online. But this one just fucking gets my blood boiling. Mainly because I know too many people who's lives constantly are disrupted by these damn protesters. Yes, they have the right to protest, but PEACEFULLY. The phrase "holding the city hostage" was batted around a lot, but it's too true. Once you start doing that, you lose all rights to protest. You do, however, have the right to a fair trial, because I think you should all be arrested. And the fact that they used children as their shields on the highway makes me sick. All I can say is they're a bunch of fucking cowards.


K - next topic before I scream. Let's talk IDOL. I didn't do much watching this season, because, well, it was on at the same time as The Biggest Loser and frankly, their contestants were much more interesting. However, I did love two on Idol this year. Allison, who, unfortunately, got the boot earlier than I thought she would, and of course Adam. Now, anyone who knows me isn't surprised that I was backing this superstar. Come on. He's gorgeous, talented, and completely theatrical and over the top. What's not to love?

I can appreciate that some of my friends didn't appreciate him as much as I do, and that's ok. It's what I love about IDOL. Differences of opinion are actually welcomed. Yes, minor kerfuffles break out, but hell, music and love are what make the world go round, and we've got an abundant amount of love amongst us to argue safely about music. :P I personally loved his version of Ring of Fire that he did (I think it was week 2). Absolutely brilliant in my opinion. But I tend to like things that veer away from the norm. Do I think Johnny would have enjoyed it? Actually, I do. Do I think his was better? No arguement there. I do. But anyone with a decent voice can stand up there and do a bad JC imitation. It takes someone with guts to take a classic and twist it. And Adam's got guts.

So while I didn't watch it all, I did see his highlights. I started out liking Danny Gokey, but he just proceeded to get on my nerves. I think the show overused his widow status. So the final comes down to Kris Allen - who's adorable in that aw-shucks-thank-you-m'am kind of way - and Adam Lambert (whom BeckEye calls Madame Glambert and it just fits), who's so over-the-top he's back at the bottom. Who's it gonna be America?

My apologies to not getting to and commenting on blogs as of late. I kind of have been distracted by stuff happening at home - as evidenced by my last couple of entries. But I'm trying to get better. I did see a councellor. SURPRISE - she said I need help. Ummmm - DUHHHHH. No shit honey chile. But the good news is that she said medication was not the answer for me. I'm thankful because I have a seriously addictive personality. I can just see that meds would be a bad idea from the get-go. So now I have to wait to see my family doctor, so he can give me the information for the groups that she wants me to check out. FUN FUN huh?

See, I wanted this entry to be pithy and witty and filled with funny little quips that would make you all laugh. But I just can't do it. I guess that stuff just doesn't come naturally to me.

One final and somber note, I'd like to send all my love out to my friend Anndi, who just lost her father today. To both her and her daughter, I would just like to say that they're both in my thoughts and prayers at this awful time.












Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

One year ago...

This happened to me.

All sorts of things were supposed to change. I was supposed to lose weight by exersizing and taking better care of my diet.

I was supposed to be happier. Living life to the fullest, and never taking anything for granted again. I was supposed to stress less and enjoy more.

I was supposed to get a move on in my life. Be in a better job doing something I love.

Sad to report, nothing's changed.

I mean, it did for awhile. But once I was allowed to go back to work, reality kicked in HARD. It's tough to plan meals when you're busy. And when you've conditioned yourself to hating exersize, well, old patterns are tough to break.

I'm still stuck in the same dead end job, only now they're piling more crap on top of my usual duties. My boss sits across from me, when he has his own perfectly good office down the hall. I used to have my own office, but they decided that I goof off too much, and maybe they're right. But still...when you get all the work done you have to, and they're still piling more shit on...

I wonder, if the heart attack didn't force me to change my life, what the hell will?

Until I have an answer, I'm still stuck in a rut. And hating every stinking minute of it.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Monday, April 13, 2009

la tristesse....

Been feeling this way for awhile. No real energy to do anything, or to write. As my life is falling apart, I have to help one of my best friends plan the rest of hers. As maid of honor for her wedding, it's my job to be there for her during the madness that is planning. And I don't feel up to it - I feel like I'll let her down.

I just feel like crawling into a hole and not coming out for a very, very long time.



Image courtesy of http://codezila.bloxode.com/images/118270602947.jpeg





Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Wishes

If wishes came true
you would wake up every morning
happy to be beside me
excited for the possibilities
the new day brings
eager to share them together.

If wishes came true
angry words would never have
been spoken or heard,
mistakes that can never be erased
would not have been,
and only mundane problems
would mar our little world.

If wishes came true
you would hold me tight as I cried
whispering soft words of comfort;
every tear would be kissed away
by lips sure and steady, and
strong hands would caress my back,
pulling me against you,
conveying all that words can't.

If wishes came true
you would fall in love with me
every sunrise and sunset
and you would know in your heart
that all is right,
that this is real,
that we are one,
forever.


©Angell 2009

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

dealing....

Hey everyone.



Been awhile since I've really blogged. It’s not for lack of things to say, but an over abundance of it. I don’t know where to begin.

First off, my resolutions have gone to hell in a handbasket. My health sucks, my energy level is non-existant, and what I do have I have to fake my way through. Emotionally, I’m a wreck. For reasons I’ve mentioned before, it looks like my husband and I might be separating. It’s actually to save us, because there are a lot of issues right now that I don’t think even councelling would help. But it’s heartbreaking, because I thought we’d been getting along better than ever lately. But lately doesn’t erase the damage years of fighting and mistrust has caused. I’m hoping that we can bounce back from this. I know I’m supposed to convince myself I’m a strong individual and I can bounce back from anything, but I can’t make myself believe it. Part of me thinks he’ll be a lot happier without me and my insane family.

I don’t think I’ve fully dealt with my heart attack. There are days I’ll just start having panic attacks at the slightest twinge in my chest. I can’t seem to keep it together. And then there are days that I feel that I should never have survived it. Because I don’t feel my life is worthwhile. I honestly can’t seem to think of one thing that I’ve done right in my thirty-four years here on this Earth. And some will say that I say that to elicit pity or wring complements from people. But I’m just stating a fact. To be honest, it disturbs me sometimes that I feel that way. But how do you stop the way you feel? I wish it was simple to turn feelings off – my life would be SO much easier.

Again, my job is a major source of stress for me, as is money. But I have to keep reminding myself to be thankful that I’m employed. Even if I am underpaid, and overworked, and there’s a ton of shit that finds its way into my job description daily. It’s better than being at home all the time. I did that during recovery. One or two days is nice, but then it’s boring because everyone’s either at work or taking care of their kids. And as much as I say I love being alone, I get lonely very quickly.

My house is a mess. No matter how hard I try to clean and organize, we just have too much stuff and too little space. I’ve gotten rid of bags of stuff, and thrown out what could be. I’ve tried downsizing wardrobes and stocked items. But it still always looks like a disaster. Which stresses me out too. I honestly don’t like messy things. I do like being organized. I just don’t have the tenacity that this giant mess needs. I get fed up very easily and just give in to the urge to pile it all up and sit and watch tv. Which is how I’m spending most of my time these days, despite having a notebook full of amazing (if I do say so myself) ideas for writing. Plus I still have the bachelorette party of the century to plan.

Logically, I tell myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. Logically, I believe it. However, somehow the message gets lost in the translation when I try to make my heart believe and agree. My heart seems to want to give up on everything, like it’s tired and can’t be bothered anymore. So my body follows suit. I feel old, and used up. A failure. The only saving grace is that I’m too chicken to actually take myself out. And I can’t afford a hit man (feeble attempt at a joke). As much as I’m miserable in my life, I simply cannot do that to those that love me.

I though that getting all this off my chest would make me feel better, but it doesn’t. Because I’m sure I’ve now caused some of you to worry about me, and that really wasn’t my intention. I could, in all honesty, not post this, and just keep it as a draft, but isn’t this what blogs are for? Sharing with your readers, and getting things off your chest? So I will keep it up, and hope that I haven’t caused any of you worry. Because there really is no reason to worry. Despite all this, I have no plans on going anywhere for a long time.


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Not the most Thrilling Post....

As a musicals fan, and a HUGE fan of the movie itself - I'm not quite sure how I feel about this.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090312/stage_nm/us_stage_heathers_1

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Get ready for "Heathers: The Musical."

The influential 1988 dark comedy about high school, which launched the careers of Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and writer Daniel Waters, is stagebound in a production being developed by Andy Fickman, director of "Race to Witch Mountain," who is returning to his musical roots.

Fickman, who directed the musical "Reefer Madness," is working with "Reefer" partner Kevin Murphy, who is writing the "Heathers" lyrics and the book, and composer Larry O'Keefe, who earned a Tony nomination for best score for the Broadway version of "Legally Blonde."

The trio has worked on the production under the radar for some time. In a recent reading, "Veronica Mars" star Kristen Bell played the lead and Christian Campbell was J.D., with Jenna Leigh Green ("Wicked"), BrokeDown Cadillac lead singer Corri English and Christine Lakin (the CW's "Valentine") as the three Heathers.

The actors doing the reading will not necessarily do the musical; that depends on their availability when the play is mounted.

The project has the blessing of Waters, who controls the underlying rights to the material. Fickman said he sat down with the screenwriter early on "to make sure we were on the same page" and that Waters has seen the readings.

"He understood that our goals were to be creatively attuned to his original work," said Fickman.

The film offered many over-top-moments as well as choice lines, something Fickman is eager to bring out musically.

"'I love my dead gay son,'" Fickman quoted. "If you can get that into a song, then that is just perfect."

The creative team hopes to have a fully mounted regional production ready for 2010, followed ideally by a Broadway run.



What say you movie/theatre fans? Any thoughts?

(and yeah, I promise to get a better entry out soon...possibly tomorrow)


Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Friday, February 06, 2009

WOAH - I'm a slacker...

K - I know I've been neglectful. It happens. I just have way too much to say, so much so that it clogs up in the brain and I'm left a drooling, stammering moron with no clue how to string together four simple words, let alone articulate everything that's been going through my head. So, let's start simply.

It's been brought to my attention that tomorrow is an important day in the blog-o-sphere. It is the celebration of the birth of that smooth talking, Wild Irish Rose drinking, soon to be no meat eating, chain smoking, Schmoop loving, Jeebus worshiping deity known as MATT MAN. For a truly fitting tribute, as obviously mine does not do him justice, go sit for a spell on the Couch and check out Vinny's wonderful words of praise and celebration. Matt, if you happen to read this dude, just know one thing. If it wasn't for your blog, and the in-your-face-tell-it-like-it-is-hold-nothing-back way in which you reveal the truth about life to us, my reservation at the Coo-Coo (ka-choo - I am NOT the walrus) Inn would have been filled a long time ago. Thank you for keeping me laughing when it feels like there's nothing left to laugh about. I might not always comment, but I'm always reading. Schmoop is definately one lucky lady - or at least she will be when she gets to claim the life insurance.

Ok, next thought out of my head. I HATE MY JOB. I know that in this economy I should be grateful to even be working, but all that keeps happening is that the men in my office decide to dump all the shit on my desk that they dont' feel like doing. I've been there for over two years and when I got the job, it was just doing collections. I was told though, that I would get a raise after a little while. I never did. NOW, I'm doing sales, collections and a whole bunch of other shit that was NEVER in my job description. It looks like I might finally get a raise, but yesterday, I just about had a nervous breakdown. Not only was I doing my regular job, answering the phones and collections, the guys just dumped all sorts of paperwork on me. And then proceeded to DO NOTHING. The phones were ringing off the hook - we have ten lines - and one of the guys was standing there just talking to someone. He couldn't take two seconds to say to the guy "Excuse me, I need to get this." and then just put the damn call on hold. No, I'm trying to take an order with three lines ringing in my damn ear. I just about flipped out, and I almost was in tears. This job is going to be the death of me, I can feel it.

And it doesn't look like I'll be able to move out in June either. With Hubby's hours at work getting cut down, and me having as many sick days (see below) and dr's appt's (therefore missing hours), I wasn't able to put any money away last month, which already puts me $500 behind my goal. I can't get anything to go right for me. I'm going to be doing my cardiac class through to May the way things are going. I'm not supposed to go to the hospital (for class) when I'm sick. And with my muscle injury (again see below) I wasn't able to walk. So I've missed three classes so far this year, and we're only coming up on the sixth Monday. So my weight loss is behind as well.

I've been in pain for the last three weeks. I did something to my trap muscle, and it's been in major pain. But because of the heart meds I'm on, I can't use anti-inflamatories. So the doc at the clinic put me on percs. I tried not to take them, and for the first two nights managed fine. But then day three came along and WOAH, I was in wayyyy too much pain to ignore it. I had to take two days off work and wasn't able to do anything. The doctor said that it could take weeks to work itself out. Even sitting on the phone was painful cuz I had to have my neck at a certain angle. The pain would start at any time, and it was so bad I almost wanted to go to sleep for three weeks. It's still a bit painful, and kicks in whenever it feels like it. I'm coping. What I can say about the percs is woooooah. NICE. I slept very well.


My grandfather has been in the hospital almost a month. It's unnerving because they don't know what's wrong with him. He went in because he couldn't walk, and they kept him on a gurney for five days. Then he had a high fever, and kidney stones that they apparently couldn't do anything about. My grandmother has been staying with us all this time, and as much as I love her, she drives me crazy. And my poor mother is about to crack under the strain of everything. She's working, taking care of my grandmother, going to visit my grandfather, listening to my aunt and uncle both bitch about their lives. My aunt has been miserable in her marriage the last five years at least, and now is finally getting the balls to do something about it. Unfortunately she's alienated pretty much all her friends, who only come around when she's throwing a party, so the only people she's got to bitch to are my mom, and my two cousins. And mom has no one to bitch to (because you don't bitch about family to friends, at least SHE doesn't) except myself and my cousins, one of whom is away at university, and the other who is the biggest drama queen in the universe. I swear he is. So it all falls on my shoulders cuz I live with her. And my dad's sick of listening to her about my aunt - after thirty eight years of the woman making EVERYTHING about her, he's had it. SIGH. I'm telling you, one day we're going to turn on the news and mom's going to be in a clock tower with a rifle.


Hubby's doing ok. We're going to see Happy Days - the Musical for his birthday tomorrow night. The critics didn't really enjoy it, but I've never been one to listen to them. And besides, he's a huge Happy Days fan. Ok, more specifically, he's a huge Fonzie fan. I think he'll enjoy it. He's been working his ass off too. The trouble with working for the same company is that you know when there's been problems in the other departments and you hear about it before the other person can tell you - which makes for some silent car rides home. But I figure that's ok, we're de-stressing, right?


I would like to know what is going on with this world though. I read in the paper yesterday about a 12 year old boy who was taken into custody because he brought - are you ready for this? - a double edged bayonet AND a gun to school. TWELVE YEARS OLD? Like what the hell? It really doesn't matter that the firing pin had been removed from the gun and that the barrel was stuffed. It's still a gun! The reason? Because he was bullied and verbally abused by other students. It makes me sick to think that kids are coming to this though. With no other way of dealing with this than turning to violence and weapons. I can understand why - there's no fear of authority in the kids today. At least not here. We've got this dumb ass thing called the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which protects those under the age of 18 who commit crimes. And yes, in most cases, that even covers murder. In 98% of all cases, when crimes are commited by a minor, they can't be identified by either their name or their image. To do so gives the defense a reason to have the case thrown out of court, and if there's need to do so, prosecutors have to jump through hoops to get permission. There's no fear of retribution, no fear of punishment. If they do get caught and sent to juvie, they're out by the age of 18. Then they're free to commit adult crimes. And what's even better? They're prior records can't be brought into court. Even if they're adults when they're caught for the crime, if it was done before the age of 18, they cannot be named. It's bullshit and there are days when I wonder if I really want to bring a child into this fucked up world. Not to say that there's anything wrong with doing so. Just not sure if it's right for me.

SIGH. So much more going through my head. I wish I could get it all out. Maybe then I could sleep properly. I've got ideas for writing, and I can't get any of them down. I'm currently in the market for a netbook. That way I can write and surf just about anywhere (I know - that has wireless). But also, that way I don't need the six million notebooks I've got. I'm tired of looking for something I've written, only to find part of it in one notebook and then I can't remember where I put the other part of it. My grandmother offered to pay for at least half of one for my birthday , which I know isn't until July, but I could get the present early.

Then there's Brenda's wedding, which I'm the maid of honor for. I haven't even started planning the bachelorette party yet. I had an idea about going to Niagara Falls (originally the plan was for Vegas, but that was if she was getting married in 2010). But she wanted to move it closer to in town that way more people could make it. I almost told her that she's the bride, she has no say in this. LOL. So there's that to do.

Oh I think I feel an ulcer coming on. I KNOW I'm getting a migrane.



Enjoy the weekend kiddies. I hope to be back posting again really soon.

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Tunes to blog to...The Blogger Album Project

I caught this one over at Trav's Thoughts.

It's called the Bloggers Album Project, and it's being hosted by Robert Rouse, who enters the blogosphere from Left of Centrist.

Robert says this about his undertaking:

I started the Blogger Album Project to discover how diverse - or collective - the Blogosphere is when it comes to taste in music. So far, the choices are interesting - to say the least! Many great albums - most I have owned - some I have never heard of, but will check out because of this list.

So I figured why the hell not? I love finding all types of new music, so I'm going to join in on this wonderful endeavour. But how to choose just seven? So I checked out the most played list on my iPod and these are the ones that came up.

Jimmy Buffet - Feeding Frenzy Live!
Styx - Edge of the Century
Across the Universe - Soundtrack (Various Artists)
Moxy Fruvous - Bargainville
Lawrence Gowan - ...but you can call me Larry
Def Leppard - Hysteria
Moulin Rouge - Soundtrack

As my friends know, my taste in music is very eclectic, but these are a few of the albums I know the best. Pop on over and take a look at the diversity already in progress!

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

Thursday, January 01, 2009

HAPPY NEW BEER...I MEAN YEAR!

I hope that this post finds everyone safe, happy and relatively recovered from last night's festivities - whether it be alcohol induced coma's or just a late night of playing trivial pursuit with good friends (I have done both on New Years). Last night was alcohol induced for myself and the hubby, and a few good friends.

I was going to resolve not to make any resolutions, but I decided that they can't be all that bad. Resolutions, as a rule, are a plan to better yourself. And there's nothing wrong with that.

With that being said - I give to you, my friends, my resolutions for the year 2009:

1. I resolve that by my friend B's wedding, in which I am her maid of honor, in July, I will have lost an additional fourty pounds. I plan on doing this by increasing my cardio workouts and decreasing the amount of times I use the drive thru at fast food restaurants.

2. I resolve that by June of this year, I will have saved a minimum of $3000 in order to fulfill my dream of moving out of the suburbs and into the city. I have an area where I'd like to live all picked out, and it will then be a matter of finding a reasonably priced dwelling. I plan on accomplishing this by putting a portion of my paycheck into savings, plus maximizing my coupon usage, which I didn't this past year, taking more security shifts, and by cutting down on my "entertainment" costs. I also plan on renting a small storage unit and finding deals on furniture on craigslist and kijiji.

3. I resolve that I will finally finish the novella that I started. I plan on doing this by spending less time surfing the net, and watching tv, and more time writing and concentrating on my project.

4. I resolve to be a more generous person with my time and limited resources. I plan on doing this by juggling my schedule to work volunteering at a shelter or the animal shelter at least once a month. *This one I hope to accomplish, but I do have to remember to take care of myself*

5. I resolve to take better care of myself, not just my physical well being (see resolution #1) but my mental health as well. I plan to do this by deep breathing exersizes, and by not letting what I can't control stress me out. I plan to try to remember that I cannot control the actions or feelings of others, all I can control is myself. I don't need extra stress, I don't want extra stress.

6. I resolve to be a better friend. I plan to do this by making sure I touch base with all my friends at least once a week, whether it be through email or a phone call. I will listen more, give less advice - unless asked - and in general, will be the shoulder that they need, whether it's to laugh or cry on.

7. I resolve to read more. But not just the trashy romance novels that have overtaken my bookshelves. I plan on reading more classics and intelligent offerings. I plan to do this at night, before bed, and in the bathtub.

8. I resolve to keep a more organized house. I plan to do this by taking one day and just overhauling my closet, and by re-reading the how-to book on this subject that I have read once before, thought brilliant, and then discarded into the "already done" pile.


I'm sure there's more. But these are the ones that I can think of, and for the first time ever, I think I can keep them, because I have a plan of attack. Before, it was always just - I resolve to lose weight - but never a HOW I can accomplish it.

Putting it in writing makes it seem possible.

So tell me, what, if any, are YOUR resolutions? What can you do for your life that will make 2009 a better year than 2008?

Stay sane inside insanity ~ and never forget your towel.

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With love and pride