Wednesday, March 10, 2010

It's Like Burying the Survivors

So do you see anything wrong with this sentence written by our 12 y/o son for a report on the World War II Battle of Bastogne?

"Some of these German spies escaped, were found and sent to court, or executed."


My husband said, "It's like burying the survivors". Really?

Friday, March 5, 2010

Big Week

This was a BIG week for me, so much so that my bloggy time took a major hit. Work, family, and home stuff really gets in the way of important things like blogging, doesn't it?? *Sigh*.

I Finally took the Case Management Certi.fication exam after studying for the last 6 weeks. I think I did well, I should know the results in a week or so. And if I Never take another standardized test again, that's OKAY. Actually, that would be really Good. Really, really Good. Oh, and please share your opinion re.communication techniques, which is the more effective interview skill, maintaining constant client eye contact or leaning forward slightly?? Yowzah.

My parents live in Rancho Bernardo, near Poway and the site of the murder of high school student, Chelsea King. They were on their way home during a candle light vigil for this child and were stopped at a intersection for thirty minutes while the hundreds of vigil attendees crossed the street. My parents didn't complain, (atypical of my mother btw), and my mom said, "It's terrible enough to lose a child to cancer like we did, but to violence, it's unspeakable and horrible." So true. Rest in peace, beautiful girl, our hearts goes out to you and your family.

On a happier note, our family went to see Bon Jovi last night at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. (My husband got all of us tickets for a Christmas present, is that cool or WHAT??) It was our sons' first Rock Concert and they loved it. Bon Jovi put on Great Show and man, they sound Good. It was really touching at the end of the show to see the band members embrace and express genuine appreciation and thanks to the audience. Jon Bon Jovi said, "I know it's not 1984 anymore and to still be filling up a stadium in 2010 is not something I take for granted." Right On, Jon and Thanks to all of the band for showing us the love and sharing your wonderful music!

I am taking today off to get ready for our annual community wide yard sale. In my little tract, we have about 400 houses and something like 100+ families participate in selling for this yard sale. We have been cleaning out toys and our garage for the last month and have lots of great stuff, so come on by! Plus, it will be a refreshing break from the weasels and whackadoodles that come out of the woodwork during these sales. Please Wish me luck and more importantly, Forbearance, so I don't deck anybody if they are ridiculous in their offers or try to steal. Grrr! This is why I don't Usually EVER, Ever do yard sales, it's so much easier on my nerves to just donate our castoffs to charity and not deal with these scumbags, but the timing worked out, so I will give it another try.

So how was your week? Big, Medium, or Small? Or maybe SuperSized? What are you up to this weekend? Thank you!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Out of The Closet Thrift Store for a Pink Saturday Color Carnival

Thank you for joining me for a Pink Saturday Color Carnival.

Last weekend, our family went to a few thrift stores to get ready for a costume bowling party. (Hey, what can I say? We know how to live LARGE!) One of our stops was at The Out of The Closet Thrift Store in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, California.
This is the entrance where it's not everyday you see a mannequin wearing a bikini and a gas mask.
These panels were hung from the ceiling throughout the store.
This Mona Lisa was my favorite.

I love everything about this peach pink mod dress, the color, the cut, the peekaboo neckline, it just says the early 1970s to me.

To see this peach pink in a gorgeous sunrise this week, please visit a Happily Retired Gal.

Any unexpected treasures come your way recently? Thank you so much.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Real Glee in Show Choir

Our oldest son joined the Show Choir at his high school last Fall and is really enjoying himself despite the hard work. There is something like 40 guys and 150 girls in Show Choir, so I can understand his interest. Plus, he is a natural born performer and enjoys the singing, dancing, and camaraderie, even with the long rehearsals and pulled muscles.

The amount of work and preparation for the performances is amazing. It is like putting on a Broadway production with blingy costumes, fun props, and intricate choreography, in addition to demanding singing. I am so impressed with the level of talent and dedication, not only on the part of the students, but also the Choir director, choreographers, and parent volunteers.

The Show Choir's first competition is this Friday and I volunteered for several hours on Monday to help finish up the costumes with the other parents and Wardrobe supervisor, "Miss Mary". I spent two hours ironing 15 women's jumpsuits and I have a new found appreciation for my dry cleaners who press clothes all day. That is back breaking work for sure.

Recently, there has been an emerging interest in high school Show Choirs due to the TV show, Glee. (Which I've never watched unfortunately.) This interest isn't just confined to the U.S. where the show originates, but also in other countries like the U.K. where it airs on Channel E4.

Apparently, there is so much interest in the U.K., that this past week, a documentary film crew from Channel E4 has been taping the preparations and rehearsals for our Show Choir. They will also be videotaping the upcoming competitions this weekend in Los Angeles. I chatted with the producer of the documentary, Celia, and she informed me that there is Nothing like Show Choir in the U.K. There, student choirs stand on risers and sing, no dancing, choreography, or props, but she anticipates a change due to the increasing popularity and interest there in Show Choirs and their competitions.

The film crew was there Monday night while we worked on the costumes and the documentary will be aired on U.K. Channel E4 on April 16th after the Season Finale of Glee. Please look for me, I'll be the brunette ironing the brown jumpsuits. More importantly, if you see a handsome curly haired boy singing and dancing, he might be mine.

Have you had any intersections of Life Imitates Art recently? (Or is this Art imitating Life?) Thank you.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Cat on a Tole Tray for The Color Carnival

I wanted to share a vintage tole tray for dear Martha@Menagerie's Color Carnival, but my cat, Abigail had other plans.
There she goes, she rolled a little out of the way to show you the pretty painted flowers.
Oh, to be a cat, where laying around is an art form.

I won't be laying around this weekend though. I'm off to see Chinese Acrobats perform tonight after work, then tomorrow, cleaning out some garage cabinets, (Le Sigh), and chaperoning the High School Winter Formal. (I am bringing ear plugs and a book for the dance, and no, as a Freshman, our son is Not Attending.)

I wish you a Colorful week whether you are laying about or on the go, ear plugs not included.
What are you up to this weekend? Thank you so much.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Signs of Spring for Almost Wordless Wednesday



(This photo has nothing to do with the Spring Season, it's just a cute picture of our dog sitting in his favorite spot.)

For more Signs of Spring, please visit me over at

where I dish the dirt on my garden and outdoor space. Thank you!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Drive By Blogging - Monday minutiae*

I've been sick with a cold and have a new found appreciation and love of soft tissues. How did people survive without ibuprofen? I guess they went straight for the good stuff like opium tincture which was available from your local chemist.

The weather here was 80 degrees last weekend. I apologize if you've been hit by Snowpackolypse or whatever they are calling it. Give me an earthquake or wildfire anyday over having to warm up the car and clean off the windshield. I like grabbing my keys and going, something which is quite an undertaking in snowy climes.

Half of getting ready to take a certification exam is learning how to retake standardized tests. Words like Except and always and multiple choice multiple choices = prepared to be crosseyed and Caution ahead for The Most Correct Answer.

The best part of the Olympics is checking out the fashion. Let's face it, after I've seen a few ski jumps or mogul runs, (which hurts my knees to watch), I'm good for four more years. I enjoyed the parade of nations and colorful outerwear, and now love all the lycra and sequins of the figure skaters.

St.Valentine's Day was lovely, (well except for the cold), love is truly all around us.**

So, what's new with you?

*Shamelessly derivative of Mrs.Spits, Monday Miscellany.
**The Troggs Song