It was one of those weekends where you just want to do high kicks all over the place because you're having such a good time. It included THREE outrageously fun parties, special occasion French Toast, a dance-off, karaoke, cheesy potatoes, a house full of Knechts, an apartment full of some of my favorite people, and lots and lots and lots of women in sequins dresses and fur stoles.
Just a couple of highlights:
1.) I wrangled a gig working the check-in table at a large hospital company Christmas party. Lucky, right? Because I LOVE doing stuff like that. Seriously. I love talking to total strangers, mostly because they give me great material. Like the doctor who came up and told me he was late because his Pomeranian didn't want him to leave and then he had to spend fifteen minute brushing pom fur off of his suit and thank goodness he didn't wear his tux like he did one year only to show up and feel totally over dressed so he just settled for his more subtle and suitable Christmas tie, which, it must be said, had dancing reindeer on it. Also, I love seeing what other people wear to parties. Oh, the sequins. And the sparkle. And the shorty short dresses. Some of their dresses were so small I was afraid they would catch pneumonia down there. Someone asked if I was having a good time and I said I was having the time of my life. And then they asked if I was being facetious and I said no because being paid $50 to sit around and people-watch with dinner and unlimited Shirley Temples included is my idea of a good time.
2.) I will just say this about karaoke. I love it and if you invite me and Camille to come along with you the next time you go we will sing a rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart that will make you weep.
3.) The annual Knecht Family Christmas Spectacular was on Friday. And I think that most of us all left feeling like it was one of the best we've ever had. Maybe Grandma and Grandpa were sending out double the party vibes now that they've teamed back up on the other side. Grandma loved her parties. And Grandpa loved basking in how much fun we all were capable of. I missed seeing him sitting in his chair and giggling at all of our antics. And you know there were antics. Antics are what we do best. And jazz hands. Which there were a lot of in this year's Knecht Sisters Holiday Number. (Some background: we took this from our favorite SNL Christmas skit that cannot be found anywhere on the internet. Trust me, we've all searched and search. Fortunately, it has worked it's way into our souls.) Enjoy, enjoy,enjoy.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Handel at the Nixon
Just like most families, the Knechts start the Christmas season off with a trip to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library.
(Note - it's been a few years since I've been through the place but I remember loving how they simply glossed over the whole Watergate business. "Well, there was this thing with some tapes, but LOOK OVER THERE! Is that the White House china??!)
We actually go for the Messiah Sing-along that is held there every year. It is magical in many ways.
1.) It's a sing along. This blog is riddled with examples of my deep love for them. People who like to sing along to things are just more fun. We all know it's true.
2.) People dress up in period clothing. What period, you ask? Oh, any period. There were people in mid 18th century dresses - which is the period Messiah was written - with lots of bustles and ruffles and powdered wigs and tri-cornered hats, and then there were people dressed like Jane Austen. And a few more dressed like they were from ye olde Dickens novel. Basically any kind of Days of Yore attire is permitted. Which makes me want to dress like a hippie next year.
3.) The music is divine. And I mean that in the literal sense of the word. Every year the conductor tells the same story of how Handel was destitute and he came home one night and found several verses of scripture a friend left on his doorstep to give him comfort and within six weeks the entire thing was written and Handel tells everyone that all of Heaven was revealed to him as he wrote. Then the conductor always says, "I wonder what he saw," and then we sing, "Behold the Lamb of God". And then I weep like a baby.
4.) The clarinetist had the BEST toupee. I mean, it was epic. He was clear across the room from us when we first spotted him and even from that distance we all were like, "niiiice."
5.) The orchestra and choir are all volunteers so there's always a few squeaky and out of tune violins. Which I love because it just reminds me that people do this sort of thing because they love it. My voice is also squeaky and out of tune most of the time. There is no judging here.
6.) We sang the Hallelujah Chorus twice because it was so much fun.
(Note - it's been a few years since I've been through the place but I remember loving how they simply glossed over the whole Watergate business. "Well, there was this thing with some tapes, but LOOK OVER THERE! Is that the White House china??!)
We actually go for the Messiah Sing-along that is held there every year. It is magical in many ways.
1.) It's a sing along. This blog is riddled with examples of my deep love for them. People who like to sing along to things are just more fun. We all know it's true.
2.) People dress up in period clothing. What period, you ask? Oh, any period. There were people in mid 18th century dresses - which is the period Messiah was written - with lots of bustles and ruffles and powdered wigs and tri-cornered hats, and then there were people dressed like Jane Austen. And a few more dressed like they were from ye olde Dickens novel. Basically any kind of Days of Yore attire is permitted. Which makes me want to dress like a hippie next year.
3.) The music is divine. And I mean that in the literal sense of the word. Every year the conductor tells the same story of how Handel was destitute and he came home one night and found several verses of scripture a friend left on his doorstep to give him comfort and within six weeks the entire thing was written and Handel tells everyone that all of Heaven was revealed to him as he wrote. Then the conductor always says, "I wonder what he saw," and then we sing, "Behold the Lamb of God". And then I weep like a baby.
4.) The clarinetist had the BEST toupee. I mean, it was epic. He was clear across the room from us when we first spotted him and even from that distance we all were like, "niiiice."
5.) The orchestra and choir are all volunteers so there's always a few squeaky and out of tune violins. Which I love because it just reminds me that people do this sort of thing because they love it. My voice is also squeaky and out of tune most of the time. There is no judging here.
6.) We sang the Hallelujah Chorus twice because it was so much fun.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Speaking of the End of the World
Confession time: I've had Britney Spears' new song Till the World Ends stuck in my head for days...and I really like it.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
This post brought to you by the show Hoarders
I am blessed to live in a wee small apartment. Blessed because I only have so much room to put things. If I had more space I would have more stuff because that's just my nature. But every so often I'll catch a few minutes of that show Hoarders and suddenly I'll get it into my head that I need to throw everything I own into the trash because I CANNOT END UP LIKE THAT!
(Side note: have you seen Animal Hoarders. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS!! And also EGADS! I actually can't watch it. Because I already think that cats will eat my face when I sleep. So I start to hyperventilate when I see the title, "Person living with 42 cats.")
So tonight I attacked the upper quadrant of my closet and I got rid of so much stuff. I love to look at something and decide that I don't need it anymore. Let freedom ring!
But here's a brief list of things that I found that survived the purge.
1.) My Best of Dolly Parton CD, which I am listening to right this very minute. I contest that Jolene is one of the greatest songs ever written. And not just because it's fun to sing along to but because I like to imagine that if Jolene did actually try to take Dolly's man and they got into a scuffle over it that Dolly would be the hands-down winner. I'm sure even Jolene is smart enough to know you don't mess with a woman with hair like that.
2.) My sophomore yearbook. Speaking of hair, what were we thinking? Oh, the hours we spent on our bangs.
3.) This picture of me and Amanda in front of a giant chicken.
I will report that there is a very similar picture of the two of us wearing those glasses on the Grassy Knoll. In fact, there are dozens of pictures of us in those glasses all over the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. It was a trip that involved, among other things, the attempted theft of a fallen highway sign, Gina threatening to punch a tollbooth lady in the face, and the Greatest Meal of My Life. It was a pretty great weekend. And just so you know, if I'm given the opportunity to wear funny glasses and take a picture in front of a giant chicken, I'll do it every single time.
Tomorrow I tackle the lower quadrant of the closet and, if I survive that, under my bed. Oh the treasures that await.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Desperado, why don't you come to your senses.
1. Not once, but twice today I turned on the radio in my car and heard Witchy Woman. Or should I say Witch-ay Woman. Did you know that for years I thought I hated the Eagles. It was because Hotel California was so overplayed. I feel like for about a decade I couldn't go a day without hearing it. So naturally I thought they were no good because they just would not leave me along. Except that they're awesome. Desperado, Take it to the Limit, Lyin' Eyes. All classics. Any group that comes up with a line like, "She was headin' for the cheatin' side of town," is okay in my book.
2. I was putzing around on my work computer and noticed that there is a stats manager on the desktop so I clicked the icon and up popped the program with a message on the title page that said, "...based on the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard." For real?! My work computer is a Scientologist! Does anyone remember those commercials from the 80s for Dianetics? With the exploding volcano? Rad.
3. Before I left on my trip last year I was on the hunt for the Perfect Bag. I had very specific requirements for it. It had to be sturdy but not ugly. It had to be big enough to hold all the essentials (wallet, camera, note pad, book, and about 50 pens) but not too big to be obnoxious. It had to have a long strap for all day schlepping. It had to have a few secure pockets. It had to be a good color. I had to be under $40. I didn't find it and ended taking a far inferior bag. Well, last week, I found it in the clearance rack at Target. All the requirements were met, including the price which was $15.99. Score! But about 5 months too late. Tonight I was having dinner with Emily and mentioned that when I look at a picture of myself on the trip I'm a little sad that I don't have my Perfect Bag with me. And she suggested I photoshop it in. (Since I have such talent for stuff like that).
So, for Emily:
2. I was putzing around on my work computer and noticed that there is a stats manager on the desktop so I clicked the icon and up popped the program with a message on the title page that said, "...based on the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard." For real?! My work computer is a Scientologist! Does anyone remember those commercials from the 80s for Dianetics? With the exploding volcano? Rad.
3. Before I left on my trip last year I was on the hunt for the Perfect Bag. I had very specific requirements for it. It had to be sturdy but not ugly. It had to be big enough to hold all the essentials (wallet, camera, note pad, book, and about 50 pens) but not too big to be obnoxious. It had to have a long strap for all day schlepping. It had to have a few secure pockets. It had to be a good color. I had to be under $40. I didn't find it and ended taking a far inferior bag. Well, last week, I found it in the clearance rack at Target. All the requirements were met, including the price which was $15.99. Score! But about 5 months too late. Tonight I was having dinner with Emily and mentioned that when I look at a picture of myself on the trip I'm a little sad that I don't have my Perfect Bag with me. And she suggested I photoshop it in. (Since I have such talent for stuff like that).
So, for Emily:
4. So there's only a few hours left to it but Happy Groundhogs Day! I'll meet you down at Cobbler's Knob.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Mad Dancing - the Universal Language
A few weeks ago I noticed a billboard for the Mika concert here and thought it would be fun. I like Mika. He's just the right kind of Euro-Pop that is fun to dance to without being utterly obnoxious. But I don't think I would go out of my way to see him back in the states. Tunis, on the other hand, sure, I'll do that. Alone even - as I couldn't find anyone who was free to come along. So I hopped in a cab and headed into the city and using rudimentary French and exaggerated hand gestures managed to get to the place.
Oh my, was it fun. I mean FUN. Me and 5000 Tunisian teenagers and their good natured parents - plus the six British kids I chatted with in the security line. There was a balloon drop and a confetti gun and a giant inflated pink high heel that was bounced around the floor and strobe lights and glow sticks and at one point a line up of what I can only describe as can-can dancers in a Dia de los Muertos parade. And Mika was wearing sparkly sneakers and was a master at the rock-and-roll split kick. Everyone I sat around was friendly and fun. This cute couple next to me would lean over and scream something French in my ear then I'd lean over and scream back in English and then we'd shrug and do mad dancing.
I came home smelling like an ashtray (It was so smoky in the arena you would think they had turned on the fog machine. Let's hear it for American smoking laws!!!), and I think I may be permanently deaf in my left ear, but what is lung cancer and hearing loss to a night of fun?
Oh my, was it fun. I mean FUN. Me and 5000 Tunisian teenagers and their good natured parents - plus the six British kids I chatted with in the security line. There was a balloon drop and a confetti gun and a giant inflated pink high heel that was bounced around the floor and strobe lights and glow sticks and at one point a line up of what I can only describe as can-can dancers in a Dia de los Muertos parade. And Mika was wearing sparkly sneakers and was a master at the rock-and-roll split kick. Everyone I sat around was friendly and fun. This cute couple next to me would lean over and scream something French in my ear then I'd lean over and scream back in English and then we'd shrug and do mad dancing.
I came home smelling like an ashtray (It was so smoky in the arena you would think they had turned on the fog machine. Let's hear it for American smoking laws!!!), and I think I may be permanently deaf in my left ear, but what is lung cancer and hearing loss to a night of fun?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I promise, I haven't shimmied once.
1.) I'm beginning to think that maybe in the Arab world a girl sitting alone on a bench is the equivalence of a shimmy in a halter top and go-go boots, and possibly a "Hello there, sailor." Because yesterday afternoon I was sitting on a bench overlooking the water, reading a book and enjoying the solitude and two guys came up within 20 minutes of each other and started chatting, and then asking if I would like to go for coffee, and then inviting me over for couscous later on, and asking if I was married. One even asked if I would consider marrying an Arab.
2.) I went to a concert last night with Walli, who teaches math here at the American school. She's 70 and she has traveled all over the world. I want to be her when I grow up. It was up at Sidi Bou Said in this glorious old mansion that has been converted into a museum and music venue. I'm determined to go back so I can take pictures because it was unbelievable inside. We had no idea what type of music we were going to be hearing but were pleasantly suprised to hear these guys who sing traditional Occitan songs. What, you don't know what Occitan is? Neither did I. And I didn't actually find out until I got home and looked it up because all the chitchat in between songs was in French. They must have been hilarious because they had the crowd rolling. And at one point I made out that they were talking about the Dalai Lama and then everyone broke out into sincere and earnest clapping.
3.) I have given up on doing my hair. It is so humid here (well, certainly more so than back home) that my hair refuses to stay straightened. It just isn't worth the effort. So it's usually back in a ponytail or I throw in some defrizzer serum to dry naturally and let the tumbleweed take over. Speaking of humidity, it is so humid in the embassy gym that I think my eyeballs were sweating this morning.
2.) I went to a concert last night with Walli, who teaches math here at the American school. She's 70 and she has traveled all over the world. I want to be her when I grow up. It was up at Sidi Bou Said in this glorious old mansion that has been converted into a museum and music venue. I'm determined to go back so I can take pictures because it was unbelievable inside. We had no idea what type of music we were going to be hearing but were pleasantly suprised to hear these guys who sing traditional Occitan songs. What, you don't know what Occitan is? Neither did I. And I didn't actually find out until I got home and looked it up because all the chitchat in between songs was in French. They must have been hilarious because they had the crowd rolling. And at one point I made out that they were talking about the Dalai Lama and then everyone broke out into sincere and earnest clapping.
3.) I have given up on doing my hair. It is so humid here (well, certainly more so than back home) that my hair refuses to stay straightened. It just isn't worth the effort. So it's usually back in a ponytail or I throw in some defrizzer serum to dry naturally and let the tumbleweed take over. Speaking of humidity, it is so humid in the embassy gym that I think my eyeballs were sweating this morning.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Some Enchanted Evening
We went to another sing-along at the Music Center last night. I'm just going to throw this out there and don't think too much about it because I say stuff like this all the time but I'm pretty sure that sing-alongs are my most favorite summertime activity ever. Please take into consideration that I say the same thing about going to Dodger games and the Hollywood Bowl and beach trips. Basically anything that is outdoors and involves music and/or hot dogs is a winner in my book.
There was dancing and shimmying and we belted the high notes and, in my groups case, wore party hats and ate cupcakes (Happy Birthday Week!!) and made up hand motions to "Tomorrow" and when they told us that the time was up we mutinied and wouldn't leave until we had sung the remaining 6 songs. It should not surprise you that people who make the drive into downtown LA on a Friday evening and wait in line for an hour to sing a bunch of show tunes are highly dedicated to the cause and will not be deterred.
I am officially inviting you to the Christmas Sing-Along on December 17th. And if you're feeling really adventurous, come to the Messiah Sing Along at the Nixon Library on November 28th (my Welcome Home Weekend. You can give me a hug and I can put you into a coma with tales of my exotic travels.) They suggest we wear baroque costumes but I say we get crazy and wear matching Christmas sweaters.
There was dancing and shimmying and we belted the high notes and, in my groups case, wore party hats and ate cupcakes (Happy Birthday Week!!) and made up hand motions to "Tomorrow" and when they told us that the time was up we mutinied and wouldn't leave until we had sung the remaining 6 songs. It should not surprise you that people who make the drive into downtown LA on a Friday evening and wait in line for an hour to sing a bunch of show tunes are highly dedicated to the cause and will not be deterred.
I am officially inviting you to the Christmas Sing-Along on December 17th. And if you're feeling really adventurous, come to the Messiah Sing Along at the Nixon Library on November 28th (my Welcome Home Weekend. You can give me a hug and I can put you into a coma with tales of my exotic travels.) They suggest we wear baroque costumes but I say we get crazy and wear matching Christmas sweaters.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Cure Appreciation Day
Is this The Cure Appreciation Day or something? Because just this morning I have heard "Pictures of You", "Lovesong" and "Close to Me" played on the radio.
To celebrate let's all put on our Docs and heavy eyeliner and mope around while we mumble about how disaffected and angsty we are.
Man, I love the Cure.
To celebrate let's all put on our Docs and heavy eyeliner and mope around while we mumble about how disaffected and angsty we are.
Man, I love the Cure.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hallelujah!
The Hallelujah Chorus is done! Done! Done! Done!!!!! And I didn't have a heart attack or pass out or throw up, as expected, because a miracle happened (as it always does).
The miracle came in the form of my dear friend Sara. I got the simplified music and even that was beyond my skills so I practiced a lot. Basically until my fingers fell off and I had to grow new ones. Poor Katie. Poor neighbors. I owe them all cookies for having to put up with it. The entire last two pages were nothing but sixteenth notes (for non-musical people: sixteenth notes=ludicrous speed) which means that you play 8 pages of challenging music and then, just when you want to take a little nap, it ramps up and you have to plow full speed ahead to the end. So even with all the practicing I still wasn't close enough to decent and near the middle of last week I started to get a little panicky about the whole thing. And then, like an angel from heaven Sara, who heard of my woes, called and volunteered to make it a duet. She played the left hand and I played the right and besides those few measures on page 6 when we both got a little lost, it worked out like a dream. I even got most of the sixteenth notes. Thank you, thank you, thank you Sara!
In other news, it's cold and rainy today. Like 40 degrees cold. Which, in my book is like arctic weather. I half expect to see ice flows with penguins on them. That's how cold I am! It wouldn't be so bad but my space heater blew out and our office heater is broken and the repair guy was suppose to come today but had to cancel because of the rain so I went home on my lunch break and changed into warmer pants and warmer socks and warmer shoes and a warmer shirt and then layered a fleece pull-over AND a fleece lined hoodie on top of it all. Because I'm a wimp. And I am not ashamed. Chiquita has on a hoodie and a down coat. And her space heater works. So basically what I'm saying is, it's cold in here and if this is my last post you will know that I froze to death. Please see if you can get Wayne Newton to sing at my funeral.
The miracle came in the form of my dear friend Sara. I got the simplified music and even that was beyond my skills so I practiced a lot. Basically until my fingers fell off and I had to grow new ones. Poor Katie. Poor neighbors. I owe them all cookies for having to put up with it. The entire last two pages were nothing but sixteenth notes (for non-musical people: sixteenth notes=ludicrous speed) which means that you play 8 pages of challenging music and then, just when you want to take a little nap, it ramps up and you have to plow full speed ahead to the end. So even with all the practicing I still wasn't close enough to decent and near the middle of last week I started to get a little panicky about the whole thing. And then, like an angel from heaven Sara, who heard of my woes, called and volunteered to make it a duet. She played the left hand and I played the right and besides those few measures on page 6 when we both got a little lost, it worked out like a dream. I even got most of the sixteenth notes. Thank you, thank you, thank you Sara!
In other news, it's cold and rainy today. Like 40 degrees cold. Which, in my book is like arctic weather. I half expect to see ice flows with penguins on them. That's how cold I am! It wouldn't be so bad but my space heater blew out and our office heater is broken and the repair guy was suppose to come today but had to cancel because of the rain so I went home on my lunch break and changed into warmer pants and warmer socks and warmer shoes and a warmer shirt and then layered a fleece pull-over AND a fleece lined hoodie on top of it all. Because I'm a wimp. And I am not ashamed. Chiquita has on a hoodie and a down coat. And her space heater works. So basically what I'm saying is, it's cold in here and if this is my last post you will know that I froze to death. Please see if you can get Wayne Newton to sing at my funeral.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
If I Pass Out, Keep Singing
Every Christmas my stake puts on an enormous creche festival. It runs for 3 nights and people can wander around looking at the hundreds of nativities on display or they can listen to the musical numbers the community puts on and there are poinsettias and twinkle lights and a miniature town of Bethlehem and cutout plywood sheep and it's big, big, BIG. The grand finale is the Hallelujah chorus. The music is passed around and everyone joins in and sings. And this year I have to play the piano for it.
And I'm trying really hard to not curl up and die. Because this sort of thing terrifies me.
You see, I have fooled everyone into thinking that I can play the piano well because I can play the hymns well. But I play the hymns well because I've had 20 years of practice. And, hymns are easy. The Hallelujah chorus = the opposite of easy.
Now, there are some things to be thankful for. The first and most important is that I don't have to play it on the organ. Because you can't imagine how many heart attacks I would have if I had to. The second is that the missionary choir will be the last group to perform which means they will be up on the stand and everyone knows that the one thing missionaries are good at besides eating their weight in lasagna is singing really loud. So I'm hoping they will drown me out. The third is that when people sing the Hallelujah chorus they either know it and sing it with gusto, no matter how muddled the piano playing is, or they don't know it and are so engrossed in keeping up that they don't pay attention to the pianist passing out.
I will tell you this, if I do make it through without passing out, I will shimmy with joy.
In other musical news: My Reign of Terror on the organ has come to an end. The good people of my ward can give a collective sigh of relief. Although I secretly believe that they will miss my super slow rendition of "True to the Faith"* and my sometimes questionable stop combinations. Don't worry folks, once an organist, always an organist. I'll be back.
*The Hardest Song in the Hymnal. Also, the Song Our Chorister Loved to Have us Sing on a Regular Basis until I Put the Eternal Kibosh on Her Ever Choosing it Again.
And I'm trying really hard to not curl up and die. Because this sort of thing terrifies me.
You see, I have fooled everyone into thinking that I can play the piano well because I can play the hymns well. But I play the hymns well because I've had 20 years of practice. And, hymns are easy. The Hallelujah chorus = the opposite of easy.
Now, there are some things to be thankful for. The first and most important is that I don't have to play it on the organ. Because you can't imagine how many heart attacks I would have if I had to. The second is that the missionary choir will be the last group to perform which means they will be up on the stand and everyone knows that the one thing missionaries are good at besides eating their weight in lasagna is singing really loud. So I'm hoping they will drown me out. The third is that when people sing the Hallelujah chorus they either know it and sing it with gusto, no matter how muddled the piano playing is, or they don't know it and are so engrossed in keeping up that they don't pay attention to the pianist passing out.
I will tell you this, if I do make it through without passing out, I will shimmy with joy.
In other musical news: My Reign of Terror on the organ has come to an end. The good people of my ward can give a collective sigh of relief. Although I secretly believe that they will miss my super slow rendition of "True to the Faith"* and my sometimes questionable stop combinations. Don't worry folks, once an organist, always an organist. I'll be back.
*The Hardest Song in the Hymnal. Also, the Song Our Chorister Loved to Have us Sing on a Regular Basis until I Put the Eternal Kibosh on Her Ever Choosing it Again.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Class was cancelled - due to lack of hustle
1.) Bronwyn, the Diplomat's Wife, just posted on her blog that she is looking for baby clothes and supplies for a hospital she volunteers at. If you have some stuff that isn't getting used in the near future or if you just want to help you can go over to her blog for the info on how to contact her. She lives in Tunis, which is in Tunisia, which is far, far away. But she has an American address so you can let the government pay for half the shipping. Let's help babies!!
2.) My drumming class was cancelled due to lack of interest. Sigh. There were only 3 people signed up and they needed at least 4. So to cheer ourselves up Lindsay and I went to Bert & Rocky's. The night was not a bust.
3.) I'm driving to Phoenix tomorrow. Cynde and I are going to the Pink Martini concert in Tucson. Exotic! The last Pink Martini concert I went to was at the Hollywood Bowl and during their finale they played Bolero and they had stilt walkers and clowns and unicyclists and jugglers dancing on stage while giant balls of fire exploded over the bowl. It may have been the greatest moment of my life. So I don't know how they're going to top it, but my money is on them finding a way.
2.) My drumming class was cancelled due to lack of interest. Sigh. There were only 3 people signed up and they needed at least 4. So to cheer ourselves up Lindsay and I went to Bert & Rocky's. The night was not a bust.
3.) I'm driving to Phoenix tomorrow. Cynde and I are going to the Pink Martini concert in Tucson. Exotic! The last Pink Martini concert I went to was at the Hollywood Bowl and during their finale they played Bolero and they had stilt walkers and clowns and unicyclists and jugglers dancing on stage while giant balls of fire exploded over the bowl. It may have been the greatest moment of my life. So I don't know how they're going to top it, but my money is on them finding a way.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Birthday Weekend!
I began my birthday celebration this morning not with biscuits and gravy, as I would have liked, but with a 5:30 trip to the gym, where I typed in 34 when the eliptical asked me my age. I don't know why the eliptical needs to know my age. But it asks every time. Cheeky.
I actually started the celebration on Friday night. Katie, Laura and I went to the Disney Concert Hall for a Broadway sing along. I LOVE sing alongs. LOVE THEM! First of all, you can always count on a good crowd, because generally people who go to sing alongs are fun. (The exception being people from Orange County. Years ago we went to the Sound of Music Sing Along (the Mother of All Sing Alongs) at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and it was a drag. We were so relieved when it moved back to the Hollywood Bowl.) People who go to sing alongs sing with gusto! And they sway and cheer and hoot and shimmy. It is basically my kind of crowd. The event was held outside the hall in the amphitheater. Have I mentioned how much I love that place? It's just so beautiful. You can look at the hall at any angle at any time of day and you will always get a lovely view. So there we were, in the amphitheater with 300 other people, as the sunset reflected off the walls of the hall, singing, with gusto, songs from West Side Story and Les Miserables the Little Mermaid (Disney, natch). It was wonderful! I may or may not have shed a small tear as we all belted out "I Dreamed a Dream".
And then there was the ice cream social. Thanks so much to everyone who came out!!! You're the loveliest people I know. It was exactly as I hoped...friends, ice cream, pinata, crown and sash, wonderful weather. And bonus, extra ice cream! Come on over for a cone any time.
Last night I had my birthday dinner with the Fam and 5 strangers. Casey is down from school for the next few weeks and he brought along 5 friends for the weekend. I grew up with a couple of brothers and I know how boys can eat, but seeing 6 of them together was like watching one of those food eating competitions. You feel both awed and slightly full just watching them. Impressive.
My plan for today was just work and the Dodger game tonight. But I decided that I wanted to get a Disneyland pass because they knock off a chuck of the price on your birthday. So I asked Chiquita if I could take a 2 hour lunch and she said to just take the whole afternoon. Happy birthday to me!
I actually started the celebration on Friday night. Katie, Laura and I went to the Disney Concert Hall for a Broadway sing along. I LOVE sing alongs. LOVE THEM! First of all, you can always count on a good crowd, because generally people who go to sing alongs are fun. (The exception being people from Orange County. Years ago we went to the Sound of Music Sing Along (the Mother of All Sing Alongs) at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and it was a drag. We were so relieved when it moved back to the Hollywood Bowl.) People who go to sing alongs sing with gusto! And they sway and cheer and hoot and shimmy. It is basically my kind of crowd. The event was held outside the hall in the amphitheater. Have I mentioned how much I love that place? It's just so beautiful. You can look at the hall at any angle at any time of day and you will always get a lovely view. So there we were, in the amphitheater with 300 other people, as the sunset reflected off the walls of the hall, singing, with gusto, songs from West Side Story and Les Miserables the Little Mermaid (Disney, natch). It was wonderful! I may or may not have shed a small tear as we all belted out "I Dreamed a Dream".
And then there was the ice cream social. Thanks so much to everyone who came out!!! You're the loveliest people I know. It was exactly as I hoped...friends, ice cream, pinata, crown and sash, wonderful weather. And bonus, extra ice cream! Come on over for a cone any time.
Last night I had my birthday dinner with the Fam and 5 strangers. Casey is down from school for the next few weeks and he brought along 5 friends for the weekend. I grew up with a couple of brothers and I know how boys can eat, but seeing 6 of them together was like watching one of those food eating competitions. You feel both awed and slightly full just watching them. Impressive.
My plan for today was just work and the Dodger game tonight. But I decided that I wanted to get a Disneyland pass because they knock off a chuck of the price on your birthday. So I asked Chiquita if I could take a 2 hour lunch and she said to just take the whole afternoon. Happy birthday to me!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
McCarthy Park is Melting in the Rain
Is there anything worse than a bad piece of fruit?
Okay, cancer. Cancer is definitely worse.
But after cancer is a bad piece of fruit.
And this morning I had two (Bad pieces of fruit. Not cancer. Knock wood.) I diced up a banana into my Rice Krispies and it had that too ripe mushy taste to it. And now I just bit into a nectarine and it tasted like a dirty sock. I actually had to spit it out. I hope Gary the CPA doesn't look too closely when he takes my trash out tonight.
On the plus side of things: aren't Rice Krispies so comforting? I still lean my head toward the bowl to hear the snap-crackle-pop.
************
The location of the ice cream social has been determined:
McCarthy Park in Upland on the corner of San Antonio and 20th. Here, I've mapquested it for you.
Aren't you a little sad that it's not called MacArthur Park? Wait, does anyone who isn't 80 even know that song? The classic Richard Harris (Dumbledore #1) song about someone leaving the cake out in the rain? It's awesome! My sisters and I use to listen to that song all the time when we were kids. We really belted it during the dramatic part. "And I don't think I can TAKE IT, 'cause it took so long to BAKE IT, and I'll NEVER HAVE that RECIPE AGAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIN...OOOOOH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" There was also a great upbeat middle section where we did mad dancing. We were adorable children.
Where was I? Right, ice cream social...
Saturday from 2-4. McCarthy (not MacArthur) Park. Come any time.
And there will be a pinata. And maybe mad dancing.
Okay, cancer. Cancer is definitely worse.
But after cancer is a bad piece of fruit.
And this morning I had two (Bad pieces of fruit. Not cancer. Knock wood.) I diced up a banana into my Rice Krispies and it had that too ripe mushy taste to it. And now I just bit into a nectarine and it tasted like a dirty sock. I actually had to spit it out. I hope Gary the CPA doesn't look too closely when he takes my trash out tonight.
On the plus side of things: aren't Rice Krispies so comforting? I still lean my head toward the bowl to hear the snap-crackle-pop.
************
The location of the ice cream social has been determined:
McCarthy Park in Upland on the corner of San Antonio and 20th. Here, I've mapquested it for you.
Aren't you a little sad that it's not called MacArthur Park? Wait, does anyone who isn't 80 even know that song? The classic Richard Harris (Dumbledore #1) song about someone leaving the cake out in the rain? It's awesome! My sisters and I use to listen to that song all the time when we were kids. We really belted it during the dramatic part. "And I don't think I can TAKE IT, 'cause it took so long to BAKE IT, and I'll NEVER HAVE that RECIPE AGAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIN...OOOOOH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" There was also a great upbeat middle section where we did mad dancing. We were adorable children.
Where was I? Right, ice cream social...
Saturday from 2-4. McCarthy (not MacArthur) Park. Come any time.
And there will be a pinata. And maybe mad dancing.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The evening started with a show and ended with a walk through a cow farm at midnight. Awesome!
I went to an Eric Hutchenson concert last night. Funny story: I only vaguely knew one song of his but because I like going to shows with fun people in small venues I decided why not. Right? Except that it was on a school night. And my school night bed-time is 10. So is my weekend bed-time. But I'm 80. I'm telling you this because if this post ends up being just an incoherent bunch of letters that means I have fallen asleep on the keyboard and as my head fell forward my nose managed to hit the right keys to publish the post.
So there I was, 80 years old, at a concert of a guy I had barely heard of, having a really fantastic time. Because his songs are super fun and catchy and he and his band were great performers and I was with Camille and my cousins Sarah and Allie. Win-win-win.
A few observations:
1.) I was standing behind the TALLEST COUPLE ON THE PLANET. They were easily 8 feet tall. They were the Jolly Green Giants of Young Love. Except that they were both wearing orange. Interesting. I managed to have a good view between their heads but they were in love and they liked to show it by kissing after every verse. And sometimes at the beginning and ending of the chorus. And all the way through the bridge. So a lot of my view consisted of them making out.
2.) Mormons love Eric Hutchenson. Just in my immediate surroundings there was my group, and the Giants (we noticed a CTR ring) and then when I was mentioning the ring the girl standing next to me was all, "Are you Mormon? So am I! Well, I was. But I'm not anymore. Obviously," as she had just spilt her cocktail on the floor.
3.) Can we please be done with the headband craze? Pretty please? You know what I'm talking about right? Not the demur ones that go on top of your head but the retarded ones that go across your forehead. Like your Pocahontas. Or an extra in Hair. There were like 20 girls there with them on (including the Giantess in front of me. Hers had feathers dangling from it!) and, sure, they're kids, and this is what kids do, they follow trends like this, but golly they look ridiculous to me. Because I'm 80.
At this point of the story it is important to note that we met up at Sarah & Allie's family's home. My uncle works for a school/farm for wayward boys and their home is on the property. Well, the gates were closed by the time we got back and neither of the girls had their remotes to get in and my car was still up at the house so Camille just dropped us off at the gate and we ended up walking up the hill to the house. In order to save a half mile or so on the walk we decided to cut through the farm. Did I mention it was midnight? And there wasn't a moon? And we were all in flip-flops. We had to cut across a ditch and walk through some pine trees with enormous spiderwebs and it smelled like skunks and manure and I had the vague feeling that I was this close to stepping in cow pies. It was pretty hilarious. I love it when fun nights end in unexpected ways.
So there I was, 80 years old, at a concert of a guy I had barely heard of, having a really fantastic time. Because his songs are super fun and catchy and he and his band were great performers and I was with Camille and my cousins Sarah and Allie. Win-win-win.
A few observations:
1.) I was standing behind the TALLEST COUPLE ON THE PLANET. They were easily 8 feet tall. They were the Jolly Green Giants of Young Love. Except that they were both wearing orange. Interesting. I managed to have a good view between their heads but they were in love and they liked to show it by kissing after every verse. And sometimes at the beginning and ending of the chorus. And all the way through the bridge. So a lot of my view consisted of them making out.
2.) Mormons love Eric Hutchenson. Just in my immediate surroundings there was my group, and the Giants (we noticed a CTR ring) and then when I was mentioning the ring the girl standing next to me was all, "Are you Mormon? So am I! Well, I was. But I'm not anymore. Obviously," as she had just spilt her cocktail on the floor.
3.) Can we please be done with the headband craze? Pretty please? You know what I'm talking about right? Not the demur ones that go on top of your head but the retarded ones that go across your forehead. Like your Pocahontas. Or an extra in Hair. There were like 20 girls there with them on (including the Giantess in front of me. Hers had feathers dangling from it!) and, sure, they're kids, and this is what kids do, they follow trends like this, but golly they look ridiculous to me. Because I'm 80.
At this point of the story it is important to note that we met up at Sarah & Allie's family's home. My uncle works for a school/farm for wayward boys and their home is on the property. Well, the gates were closed by the time we got back and neither of the girls had their remotes to get in and my car was still up at the house so Camille just dropped us off at the gate and we ended up walking up the hill to the house. In order to save a half mile or so on the walk we decided to cut through the farm. Did I mention it was midnight? And there wasn't a moon? And we were all in flip-flops. We had to cut across a ditch and walk through some pine trees with enormous spiderwebs and it smelled like skunks and manure and I had the vague feeling that I was this close to stepping in cow pies. It was pretty hilarious. I love it when fun nights end in unexpected ways.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Mr. Las Vegas Visits Highland, CA
So let it be known: if Wayne Newton ever calls me up and asks me to be his back-up singer, I will leave all of you and spend the rest of my good years singing Viva Las Vegas with him.
Cynde and I came armed with our bedazzled granny panties (Thanks, Chris!) and we held them up with pride. Much to the amusement of the elderly around us. We were the youngest in the crowd by about 50 years but we were certainly not the most vocal. There were some women there who I think would have given up their first born to have Wayne blow them a kiss. 
I'm giving out awards to my sisters for orchestrating the whole thing. And to Cynde, who would drive across the desert in July to laugh through a show with me. To thank her I took her to the beach this morning, where we rented a tandem bike and ate gelato. Thanks C! I love that you love to be silly!
Words really can't describe it. He was everything I hoped for and more.
Well, strike that. He was everything but the singing. Wow, he has really gone down in that department. I felt incredibly awkward as he was singing the Kenny Roger's classic "Lady". Boy, that was bad. But everything else was TOP NOTCH.
His enormous diamond pinky ring was blinding. His hair was lacquered like a super shiny lacquered thing. His tuxedo was straight out of the 80s. He wiggled his hips and told slightly inappropriate jokes. He flirted with all the girls and called us dolls. It was magical! You know how sometimes you have an image of what something should be - something you've dreamed of and have high expectations for - and when you see it, it disappoints? This was not one of those times. It was exactly what I imagined it to be. Which was hilariously funny and wonderfully amazing and very, very entertaining. Because even though he sounded dreadful, the man knows how to put on a show.
And let's talk about the venue for a sec. If you ever get the chance to see a show at an Indian casino, you MUST go. Promise me you will. Because you will love all the 80 year olds there. LOVE THEM! I have never seen so many walkers, wheel chairs and jazzies in my life. One woman walked by with an oxygen tank. And everyone had on the same outfit: baggy polyester pants, orthopedic shoes or sneakers, and Hawaiian shirts in earth tones. It was a sea of yellow and green and brown floral print. It was like we were at a desert luau.
Cynde and I came armed with our bedazzled granny panties (Thanks, Chris!) and we held them up with pride. Much to the amusement of the elderly around us. We were the youngest in the crowd by about 50 years but we were certainly not the most vocal. There were some women there who I think would have given up their first born to have Wayne blow them a kiss. He spent a lot of time chit-chatting and telling jokes. And he also would read the occasional note from friends who were in the audience and then sing songs dedicated to them "and all the ladies." And about halfway through the show the weirdest thing happened. He was singing a song when suddenly (and I'm NOT making this up) Flavor Flav jumps up on stage, complete with his jumbo clock necklace and jester hat, and gives him a hug. Flavor Flav! At a Wayne Newton concert! At the San Manuel Indian Casino! And Cynde and I may have been the only people there who knew who he was. I bet the elderly were all wondering when security was going to come and take that crazy old woman off the stage. From the back he actually does look like a crazy old woman. It was surreal. And rad.
I'm giving out awards to my sisters for orchestrating the whole thing. And to Cynde, who would drive across the desert in July to laugh through a show with me. To thank her I took her to the beach this morning, where we rented a tandem bike and ate gelato. Thanks C! I love that you love to be silly! *******
Helpful Hint: if you're thinking of riding a tandem bike be prepared to never stop. It is much harder than it looks to get going. We almost had to kill a few small children because we couldn't muster the strength to stop, knowing that we would have to start again.
Picture Explanation: I just realized that it looks like I have a wee mustache in that picture of us at the beach. It's a shadow, people. A shadow!
News Flash: I've decided to have the ice cream social next Saturday 07/25/09 from 12 to 2. I can't decide if I want to have it at my place or a nearby park. What are you thought? Would anyone even come?
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I reached up and felt a spear lodged in my head
The CD was disk 1 of Troubadour by Donovan. I love this CD because 1.) It has one of my possible Top 10 songs on it - Catch the Wind, and 2.) there are a few songs on there that you listen to and you instantly can picture a gogo dancing scene from a movie. You know, girls in short dresses and white boots, guys in tight pants, love beads, side burns, psychedelic lights flashing, groovy man. Like that club in the movie Cactus Flower. What, you haven't seen Cactus Flower? You should. Really.
***
I had a rough night and now I'm feeling slightly loose around the edges and wobbly, like a bobble-head Rachel. I've been fighting off a sinus infection and last night it laid siege on my head. I woke up around midnight with a headache that was so bad I actually put my hand to my forehead and was surprised to find that there wasn't a spear lodged in it. It certainly felt like there should have been one. A big one, with splintery wood.
So I was up for a couple of hours waiting for the medication to kick in and for the room to stop spinning (does anyone else get dizzy when you have a sinus infection? I'm going to have to wear a helmet pretty soon from all the running into walls I've been doing.) and I ended up watching Jimmy Fallon's show. He was actually pretty funny. I generally think he's a little too ticky but he seems to have calmed down. He was interviewing Anne Hathaway and, I don't know, I just feel sort of awkward whenever I see her. Like she's this close to saying something embarrassing because she's the type of girl you don't expect to hear it from so she wants to shock you with her Worldly Knowledge. So then I turned it over to Craig Ferguson and he was interviewing Mary Louise Parker, who I also feel awkward watching because she comes off as actually having a ton of Worldly Knowledge and it's intimidating. Plus she was wearing the shortest dress I've ever seen which presented a scenario fraught with Worldly Knowledge.
I feel like I'm rambling. Am I rambling? This is the affect no sleep and a spear to the head have on me. But I wanted to point out that it wasn't just the sinus infection that made it a rough night.
***
I had a rough night and now I'm feeling slightly loose around the edges and wobbly, like a bobble-head Rachel. I've been fighting off a sinus infection and last night it laid siege on my head. I woke up around midnight with a headache that was so bad I actually put my hand to my forehead and was surprised to find that there wasn't a spear lodged in it. It certainly felt like there should have been one. A big one, with splintery wood.
So I was up for a couple of hours waiting for the medication to kick in and for the room to stop spinning (does anyone else get dizzy when you have a sinus infection? I'm going to have to wear a helmet pretty soon from all the running into walls I've been doing.) and I ended up watching Jimmy Fallon's show. He was actually pretty funny. I generally think he's a little too ticky but he seems to have calmed down. He was interviewing Anne Hathaway and, I don't know, I just feel sort of awkward whenever I see her. Like she's this close to saying something embarrassing because she's the type of girl you don't expect to hear it from so she wants to shock you with her Worldly Knowledge. So then I turned it over to Craig Ferguson and he was interviewing Mary Louise Parker, who I also feel awkward watching because she comes off as actually having a ton of Worldly Knowledge and it's intimidating. Plus she was wearing the shortest dress I've ever seen which presented a scenario fraught with Worldly Knowledge.
I feel like I'm rambling. Am I rambling? This is the affect no sleep and a spear to the head have on me. But I wanted to point out that it wasn't just the sinus infection that made it a rough night.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Lost Things
Maira Kalman has another series on NYTimes.com. I think you need to check it out. There are four parts so far so make sure you read all of them. You'll thank me for it. Whenever I see her stuff it makes me wish we were neighbors so she could invite me over for scones. I, of course, would be too bashful to invite her over. She would have to make the first move.
Reading it made me remember that once upon a time I had a book of hers that has since vanished. I'm fairly certain it is not in my home which means that I have lent it out to someone. This is not unusual. I am always lending books out knowing that I probably won't see them again, mostly because I can never remember who I gave them to. But I kind of miss that book.
Now on the subject of things found: I spent part of Monday cleaning my room and found a CD that has been missing for years. Seriously, years. It was in a CD player that I never use that was tucked underneath my reading chair. When I noticed the CD player I instantly knew, after years of searching, that the CD was in it, and it was. Victory!
Would you like to make a guess as to which CD it was? If you get it right I'll send you box of brownies.
Reading it made me remember that once upon a time I had a book of hers that has since vanished. I'm fairly certain it is not in my home which means that I have lent it out to someone. This is not unusual. I am always lending books out knowing that I probably won't see them again, mostly because I can never remember who I gave them to. But I kind of miss that book.
Now on the subject of things found: I spent part of Monday cleaning my room and found a CD that has been missing for years. Seriously, years. It was in a CD player that I never use that was tucked underneath my reading chair. When I noticed the CD player I instantly knew, after years of searching, that the CD was in it, and it was. Victory!
Would you like to make a guess as to which CD it was? If you get it right I'll send you box of brownies.
Monday, May 18, 2009
A Mystery!
It's time for another installment of Rachel Knecht: Girl Sleuth, because we have a mystery on our hands.
Here's how it goes: Remember last week when I shamelessly requested mixed CDs? Well, a few of you have come through, and I thank you. You all have fine taste. But on Friday night Katie was going through the mail and pulled out a package for me. WOOT! Another CD! But who sent it?
And therein lies the mystery, because I don't know.
Here are the facts:
1.) The only clue to the persons identity was the name Spencer on the return address. There was no address.
2.) Inside was a CD that looks like it was from a McDonald's Happy Meal (I hope it was a cheeseburger happy meal, as those are superior). It had popular songs on it sung by kids. It is rather terrifying.
3.) Also inside was a recipe for cream cheese swirl brownies which look divine. Once the mystery is solved you are all welcome to come over and celebrate by eating them right out of the pan with me.
4.) The package went through the City of Industry center, which means that it's local.
5.) The writing looks suspiciously feminine (Sorry Spencer, if you are, in fact, a fella. You have lovely penmanship.)
Here are my guesses on the possible sender:
1.) A friend playing a joke - which, incidentally, is a good one. I'm basing this off of the girly handwriting. If this is the case, I'm on to you. You had better fess up now before any more time passes and then it gets embarrassing for you and you come to me one night, all sheepish like, and say, "Um, remember when you got that random CD in the mail? It was totally me." And then I have to shun you for holding onto that information for so long.
2.) My neighbor Spencer. He is the only Spencer I know. Wait, strike that. My cousin Sarah just married a Spencer.
2a.) My cousin Sarah's husband Spencer. Neither of these are very likely because I don't think either of them read the blog. Don't judge.
3.) A friend named Spencer whom I have completely forgotten exists. This is entirely possible as it seems that just about every day I get a request on facebook to be someones friend and I have to spend hours trying to remember them only to come to the conclusion that we must have been in the same book club in a former life. In which case, I'm really sorry.
4.) A friend who has a kid named Spencer and thought it would be cute to send me something from him. Do I have a friend with a kid named Spencer? See #3.
5.) A blog stalker who, months ago, found the brownie recipe and cut it out, knowing that I would love it but had no way of sending it to me and was too embarrassed to come out and just ask for a mailing address, and then I posted one on the blog and thought, "Finally! And I'll send her this charming but terrifying kiddie cd that I got out of my cheeseburger happy meal for a laugh!"
6.) An actual stalker. Which was Liz's immediate response. She happened to be over when I was opening the package and she gasped and said, "You have a stalker!" To that I would like to say: I have nunchucks and I am not afraid to use them. And realize that they are illegal outside of the class so if I knock you unconcious, WHICH I WILL, I will claim that they belong to you.
Fun mystery, huh? And one of you out there can solve it. Go to it, gumshoes!
Here's how it goes: Remember last week when I shamelessly requested mixed CDs? Well, a few of you have come through, and I thank you. You all have fine taste. But on Friday night Katie was going through the mail and pulled out a package for me. WOOT! Another CD! But who sent it?
And therein lies the mystery, because I don't know.
Here are the facts:
1.) The only clue to the persons identity was the name Spencer on the return address. There was no address.
2.) Inside was a CD that looks like it was from a McDonald's Happy Meal (I hope it was a cheeseburger happy meal, as those are superior). It had popular songs on it sung by kids. It is rather terrifying.
3.) Also inside was a recipe for cream cheese swirl brownies which look divine. Once the mystery is solved you are all welcome to come over and celebrate by eating them right out of the pan with me.
4.) The package went through the City of Industry center, which means that it's local.
5.) The writing looks suspiciously feminine (Sorry Spencer, if you are, in fact, a fella. You have lovely penmanship.)
Here are my guesses on the possible sender:
1.) A friend playing a joke - which, incidentally, is a good one. I'm basing this off of the girly handwriting. If this is the case, I'm on to you. You had better fess up now before any more time passes and then it gets embarrassing for you and you come to me one night, all sheepish like, and say, "Um, remember when you got that random CD in the mail? It was totally me." And then I have to shun you for holding onto that information for so long.
2.) My neighbor Spencer. He is the only Spencer I know. Wait, strike that. My cousin Sarah just married a Spencer.
2a.) My cousin Sarah's husband Spencer. Neither of these are very likely because I don't think either of them read the blog. Don't judge.
3.) A friend named Spencer whom I have completely forgotten exists. This is entirely possible as it seems that just about every day I get a request on facebook to be someones friend and I have to spend hours trying to remember them only to come to the conclusion that we must have been in the same book club in a former life. In which case, I'm really sorry.
4.) A friend who has a kid named Spencer and thought it would be cute to send me something from him. Do I have a friend with a kid named Spencer? See #3.
5.) A blog stalker who, months ago, found the brownie recipe and cut it out, knowing that I would love it but had no way of sending it to me and was too embarrassed to come out and just ask for a mailing address, and then I posted one on the blog and thought, "Finally! And I'll send her this charming but terrifying kiddie cd that I got out of my cheeseburger happy meal for a laugh!"
6.) An actual stalker. Which was Liz's immediate response. She happened to be over when I was opening the package and she gasped and said, "You have a stalker!" To that I would like to say: I have nunchucks and I am not afraid to use them. And realize that they are illegal outside of the class so if I knock you unconcious, WHICH I WILL, I will claim that they belong to you.
Fun mystery, huh? And one of you out there can solve it. Go to it, gumshoes!
Monday, May 11, 2009
I am not above selling my love for a mixed CD
Several years ago I somehow lucked into a close group of friends who are lovely, intelligent, hilarious, and up for anything remotely fun. We were always throwing themed parties and hootenannies (No seriously. Our hoots are legendary. You would weep if you heard us sing You're in Love by Wilson Phillips. Weep, I say!), and having grand adventures. Some of them have gotten married and had kids and moved away but they're the types of friends that you keep forever. We will totally be having hootenannies in heaven.
Well, this weekend Wendy came into town and we got the gang together (minus Gina and Amanda, (we miss you), who will be having their own Northern Contingency Get Together next weekend.) and we laughed and ate and had a nunchuck demonstration. It was a pretty spectacular night.
So I was already on a high after everyone left and Katie reminded me that I didn't have my bib for the race yet. So I went down to check the mail and found my bib in there...and bonus!, a package. I LOVE getting packages in the mail. It's like Christmas in my mail box.
The package was from my friend Valerie. I imagined it was a bag of brownies as a thank you for recommending the book Rebecca. I recommended it long ago and she bought a used copy online and when it came she was ashamed of the rather cheap cover (cheap, as in Woman-of-Easy-Virtue cheap) and had put off reading it until now and she loved it. Of course she loves it. It's a GREAT book. But it wasn't brownies. It was better! It was a mixed CD. And it came with a note that explained that while other people merely told me about their favorite songs when I asked for them a few weeks back, she was sending me a CD of them. Now they were actually favorite songs of her husband James. He had a birthday party, wherein they crafted a block of cheddar into a boombox, and the CD was a party favor. But regardless, it was a CD of music that I have enjoyed all weekend long.
There something so wonderful about getting mixed CDs. I think it's fascinating to hear what people deem worthy enough to put on one. Whenever I make a mixed CD for someone I usually put songs that I'm listening to right now as well as songs that are old favorites. There is almost always a Neil Diamond song on there because people never expect him but when they hear him that love him.
Now, I'm telling you all of this because I really care about your happiness. Let's say there's a contest going on - a contest called Make Rachel Love You More Than She Already Does - and you really wanted to win it. I'm not saying there is a contest, that would be ridiculous because I already love you all so much. But if there were a contest what would really put you ahead is if you made a mixed CD of your favorite songs and sent it to (redacted). It would be tough to beat Valerie, so it really wouldn't hurt your chances if you slipped a few brownies in there.
*********************************
In other news, the race was great. Tons of people and B-list stars. This is what happens when you go to charity events in LA. You always get B-list stars at charity events, but in LA you get a lot of them. Katie kept saying, "Who's that? He looks really familiar?" I was no help as I was a wee little bean sprout in a field of corn. All I could see were people's shoulder blades. This really is unfortunate when you're trying to catch a glimpse of That Guy Who Was In That Show. Because we got there insanely early we were able to make it up to the front of the pack. Which would have been great except that the front of the pack was for the runners so when Miley Cyrus counted us down and the confetti cannons went off we were forced to actually jog for a bit and then shoved our way to the side so we didn't get in the way of people who not only owned shorty jogging shorts but actually wore them without shame. We hustled around the USC campus and made our way to the Coliseum. If you ever get a chance to run onto the field of a major sporting area, I would highly recommend it. It is kind of exciting. If you throw in taiko drums as you run into the tunnel and someone standing at the finish line ready to put a medal around your neck than you have pretty great experience. Michael Bolton was slightly painful to watch because 1.) He's nothing without his awesome 90s mane and 2.) I can only remember 1 song that he sings so every time he started up a new one I would realize that I had completely forgotten that the song had even existed and then I would feel really sad for him. And he sang Nessun Dorma. Weird!'
I just checked my ranking on the race. I came in 6882nd out of 27738. I am clearly on my way to 5K greatness.
Well, this weekend Wendy came into town and we got the gang together (minus Gina and Amanda, (we miss you), who will be having their own Northern Contingency Get Together next weekend.) and we laughed and ate and had a nunchuck demonstration. It was a pretty spectacular night.
So I was already on a high after everyone left and Katie reminded me that I didn't have my bib for the race yet. So I went down to check the mail and found my bib in there...and bonus!, a package. I LOVE getting packages in the mail. It's like Christmas in my mail box.
The package was from my friend Valerie. I imagined it was a bag of brownies as a thank you for recommending the book Rebecca. I recommended it long ago and she bought a used copy online and when it came she was ashamed of the rather cheap cover (cheap, as in Woman-of-Easy-Virtue cheap) and had put off reading it until now and she loved it. Of course she loves it. It's a GREAT book. But it wasn't brownies. It was better! It was a mixed CD. And it came with a note that explained that while other people merely told me about their favorite songs when I asked for them a few weeks back, she was sending me a CD of them. Now they were actually favorite songs of her husband James. He had a birthday party, wherein they crafted a block of cheddar into a boombox, and the CD was a party favor. But regardless, it was a CD of music that I have enjoyed all weekend long.
There something so wonderful about getting mixed CDs. I think it's fascinating to hear what people deem worthy enough to put on one. Whenever I make a mixed CD for someone I usually put songs that I'm listening to right now as well as songs that are old favorites. There is almost always a Neil Diamond song on there because people never expect him but when they hear him that love him.
Now, I'm telling you all of this because I really care about your happiness. Let's say there's a contest going on - a contest called Make Rachel Love You More Than She Already Does - and you really wanted to win it. I'm not saying there is a contest, that would be ridiculous because I already love you all so much. But if there were a contest what would really put you ahead is if you made a mixed CD of your favorite songs and sent it to (redacted). It would be tough to beat Valerie, so it really wouldn't hurt your chances if you slipped a few brownies in there.
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In other news, the race was great. Tons of people and B-list stars. This is what happens when you go to charity events in LA. You always get B-list stars at charity events, but in LA you get a lot of them. Katie kept saying, "Who's that? He looks really familiar?" I was no help as I was a wee little bean sprout in a field of corn. All I could see were people's shoulder blades. This really is unfortunate when you're trying to catch a glimpse of That Guy Who Was In That Show. Because we got there insanely early we were able to make it up to the front of the pack. Which would have been great except that the front of the pack was for the runners so when Miley Cyrus counted us down and the confetti cannons went off we were forced to actually jog for a bit and then shoved our way to the side so we didn't get in the way of people who not only owned shorty jogging shorts but actually wore them without shame. We hustled around the USC campus and made our way to the Coliseum. If you ever get a chance to run onto the field of a major sporting area, I would highly recommend it. It is kind of exciting. If you throw in taiko drums as you run into the tunnel and someone standing at the finish line ready to put a medal around your neck than you have pretty great experience. Michael Bolton was slightly painful to watch because 1.) He's nothing without his awesome 90s mane and 2.) I can only remember 1 song that he sings so every time he started up a new one I would realize that I had completely forgotten that the song had even existed and then I would feel really sad for him. And he sang Nessun Dorma. Weird!'
I just checked my ranking on the race. I came in 6882nd out of 27738. I am clearly on my way to 5K greatness.
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