Early Morning Injury

I was busy drying my hair when Allan came into the bathroom to tell me he had to pick Cade up from school. He had just gotten a call that Cade had been injured in PE. Cade apparently had two gashes on his side that might require stitches.

I told Allan I'd finish drying my hair and wait for him to come home with Cade. While I waited I tried to prepare myself for the worst.

Cade limped into the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, I asked him to show me his injury. Thank goodness it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. His wound was bloody, but I didn't think it warranted stitches. We had Cade step into the shower and we cleaned the wound.

Allan was all for simply bandaging the wound. The second gash wasn't deep but it was bad enough that I preferred to take Cade to the doctor. I just didn't want to risk infection.

Dr. Anderson was wonderful. He asked another doctor to come in to consult. We all agreed Cade wouldn't need stitches and decided to Dermabond the second gash. In addition, he'd need a tetanus shot.

With the doctors out of the room momentarily, Cade asked if the Dermabond would hurt. I told him it was like superglue. He was a little wide eyed about that, but was relived it wouldn't hurt. He then asked if the tetanus shot would hurt. I took me a few seconds, but I decided to tell him the truth. He weathered the glue and the shot like a trooper.

After the doctor we went to McDonald's for breakfast and then to school to pick up his bookbag. He'd decided to convalesce at home with Commander.

A Book Report

For as long as I can remember I've secretly wanted to be a rock star. As a little girl I used hairbrushes as microphones while singing along to my records. Even now, if you're stopped beside me at a stoplight, you can see me singing at the top of my lungs and rocking out to whatever song I'm currently obsessed. Not having a drop of natural singing talent hasn't stopped me from my rock star fantasies or living vicariously through characters like Abigail Kelly.

Abby is a major rock star truly caught between life and the horrors of the music biz. We meet her taking the summer off at her sister's place in Florida, badly in need of healing from emotional wounds stemming from their brother's murder the year before. Abby meets Todd Camford, an ex-Marine with a wealthy family, who is understanding and more than capable of protecting her from the local autograph hounds. Despite her manager insisting she return to LA immediately, the two begin a summer relationship that sustains the first 3 months back in LA. Eventually Todd returns to Florida as he doesn't like how Abby's manager treats her, nor how Abby allows it.

Abby Road is a very quick read that does not get bogged down in the minutiae of Abby's and Todd's budding relationship. Our hearts are warmed as they fall in love, but I'm more than ready to skip the schmaltzy summer details and move back to life in the recording studio. Certainly Max is more interested in the revenue Abby and bandmates bring in, but he never really rises to the Svengali heights we are lead to believe. Max was not the only participant in the central betrayal, so the book's climax ultimately fell flat.

Minor flaws aside, Abby Road is still a very enjoyable and satisfying read. My personal rock star fantasies remain intact.

Disclosure: This e-book was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.

Last Night's Features

Not as good as the original, but still highly enjoyable.

Such an interesting study in psychology. Gertrude, her kids, and several neighborhood kids tortured Sylvia to death.

Another interesting study in psychology. The premise is so unbelieveable, but the movie is based on a true event. An event that happened 70 times in 30 states!

Click here to see Cade's latest artwork.

Books To Review!

Dansko

Due to the bulging disks in my back and the upcoming sales training in April which would require me to be on my feet for hours, I decided to invest in a pair of Danskos.

I read hundreds of Amazon reviews for the Sophie and Donna sandals. I really wanted something dressy like the Donna, but the reviews for the Sophie were better. So, off to the Mall I went, to The Walking Company so I could try on both sandals.

The Walking Company has this machine that you step on and it measures the amount of pressure you put on your feet. Here's a picture of my feet. You can see my left foot takes the most pressure, and it affects both the heels and balls of both my feet. My arches are high and are apparently good. The salesperson told me the Danskos would definitely help.

I first tried on the Sophies and all the reviews were right. It felt like I was walking on a cloud. The only con: too casual for work.

Next was the Donna in patent black leather. It was a little dresser, but with a lower heel. It didn't feel as good as the Sophie.


The salesperson then suggested I try the Tasha. It had a higher heel and walking around the store, it felt almost as good as the Sophie.

Ultimately I decided to go with the Tasha, pictured here. It's cute enough to be worn with capris, skirts and shorts. And it will work fine for work.

Next up, a pedicure to get my toes ready for my new Danskos!

A Night At The Theatre

A friend of mine recently became a Pure Romance consultant and invited me to her "trial run" party. I was all excited about attending, until I realized her party was the same night as Theatre Alliance's staged reading of God of Carnage.

When I first learned of the cast I was very worried. With Ken Ashford as Michael and Neil Shepherd as Allan, I knew the guys would be great. What really concerned me were the ladies; Steffanie Vaughan was playing Veronica and Sherri Masters was playing Annette. I've seen several of these ladies' shows and I've never been impressed with their acting. Still, I figured working with Ken and Neil would help raise Steffanie's and Sherri's performances.

Within the first 5 minutes I realized it was going to be a very long night. I quickly glanced at the "program" and inwardly groaned to learn there was no intermission. I was stuck.

I never got the sense that Steffanie had read the script, at all, until that very night. She had no characterization and simply read Veronica's lines. She was absolutely terrible; the weakest link in a role that won Marcia Gay Harden a Tony.

Sheri didn't fare much better. Instead of acting, she frequently swung her head which resulted in her hair being tossed around. This made her appear childishly petulant. The fact that she couldn't maintain eye contact, instead looking over the head of her scene partner as if there was an invisible someone (Harvey, maybe?) standing behind them, was extremely distracting. I won't even mention the lame vomiting scene.

Neil was the strongest in this ensemble. Having seen the show on Broadway, I always thought Veronica was the central voice. Not so in this show. Neil made Allan the strongest and most believable voice.

Walking to my car after the show was over I silently berated myself. I had traded fun discussions of adult toys and flavored lubes for an hour and a half of drek.

2013 Goals - Monthly Update

  Looks like February was a bad month for my goals.

See a minimum of 5 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows in NYC
- Lots of talk about going in April, but nothing firmly decided or planned.

Read 65 books for my Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
- I read only 1 book toward my goal: Hidden. This is the first time within this series that I really struggled. The entire book was just, well, boring.


- I've read a total of 13 books toward my goal of 65.

Read a minimum of 9 books off the BBC Reading List
- I've been reading Atonement for several weeks now. So much exposition and not enough dialogue means a very slow read for me. Ugh.

Increase my daily steps at work to an average of 3,000
- We are no longer tracking steps for work, so I need to change this goal. I'll be thinking on it and I'll let you know next month.

Visit:
1.The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA
- We talked about going to see I'll Never Be Hungry Again on March 2. I had to cancel. Tentatively rescheduled for sometime in April.

2.The Moulin Rouge in Paris, France
- Originally talked about May 11-18. Possible Paris trip has been pushed back to September.

3.Walt Disney World or Disneyland
- Maybe EuroDisney?!?!?!?

4.Boston, MA
- Nothing planned.

5.Pittsburgh, PA
- It's been discussed but nothing planned.

Yes, I Can Be Bought!

It's no secret. Anyone who knows me knows I love Skittles. My family, my friends, my co-workers and everyone who attends my training classes. Especially those in my training classes.

You see, in order to promote classroom participation, I tell them that I am willing to add time to their breaks and lunches/dinners. If they don't want to participate to earn the additional break time, I tell them that I can also be bought. With Skittles. It's mostly a joke, as the class does laugh, and the ice is broken at that point.

In each class I usually get a small vending machine bag or movie box sized Skittles. Most of the time the bribes are anonymously left at the instructor position.

This morning I arrived to class and squealed in absolute delight when I saw this. A full sized bag of pastel colored Skittles! Pastel. Colored. Skittles. I would have given the class half a day off, if I could have!

Cade and His Classmates Did It!

Remember this post?

Forsyth County students set Zumbatomic world record
UPDATED 3:45 PM EST Feb 26, 2013

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A group of exercising Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school students now owns a Guinness World Record.

More than 1,100 fourth- and fifth-grade students set a record Feb. 1 as the largest Zumbatomic class in a single venue. Zumbatomic is a version of Zumba meant for children under 15.

The students completed a 30-minute class featuring two certified instructors and dozens of helpers. Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines also participated in the class.

The record was part of a month-long challenge to get students at 19 schools to move at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, as well as perform one nutritional practice each day this month.

The previous record was a class of 383 children in a Texas class last year.

Cade had to write a story and provide artwork. Here's what he turned in, A Snowman Story.

From Today's Journal

Bill would require teaching cursive writing

David Rolfe/Journal
A second-grade student at Jefferson Elementary School in Winston-Salem practices cursive handwriting.

Posted: Saturday, February 23, 2013 8:45 pm
Updated: 8:58 pm, Sat Feb 23, 2013.
Associated Press

In the age of texting, tweeting and other technological ways of communicating, North Carolina’s elementary school students could soon have to master a more old-fashioned craft: writing in cursive.

A bill introduced in the state House this week would once again make cursive handwriting a part of the curriculum in state elementary schools.

The “Back to Basics” bill also would require elementary students to memorize multiplication tables, though state education officials say that’s already part of the curriculum.

North Carolina’s move to bring back cursive comes at a time when other states from California to Massachusetts also are trying to revive what’s become a lost skill.

“Every child should know cursive,” said state Rep. Pat Hurley, an Asheboro Republican and a primary sponsor of the bill. “Our children can’t write a simple sentence. They think printing their name is their signature.”

But others see teaching cursive as a waste of time. James Cunningham, a retired UNC-Chapel Hill professor and former director of literary studies, said teaching manuscript — or print — handwriting make more sense for the modern world.

“The research says that adults who write manuscript, they write just as quickly as adults who write everything in cursive, but it’s more legible,” Cunningham said. “It’s just a simple matter that there aren’t any advantages to cursive handwriting.”

Hurley disagrees. She said learning cursive helps children with their brain development and motor skills. And she thinks it aids students in reading documents such as the Declaration of Independence or simply letters from an older relative.

State Rep. Chris Malone, one of the bill’s sponsors, said teaching cursive makes students more well-rounded, both in terms of disciplining them to learn it and in helping them express their creative side.

“It lends to our humanity to know cursive,” said Malone, a Wake Forest Republican who was a Wake County school board member until January.

Traditionalists have bemoaned how cursive has been getting less attention in North Carolina public schools for years, even though it was officially part of the curriculum in grades 3 through 5.

But this school year, cursive supporters became more upset when North Carolina became one of 45 states to implement the “Common Core” standards in language arts and mathematics. Common Core — aimed at providing uniformity in what’s being taught in classrooms nationally — doesn’t mention cursive.

The elimination of cursive as a part of North Carolina’s curriculum made the front page of The Wall Street Journal last month.

Maria Pitre-Martin, director of K-12 curriculum and technology for the state Department of Public Instruction, said Common Core doesn’t explicitly prevent schools from teaching cursive. But she said the state doesn’t know how many school districts still teach the skill.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported in December that the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system has no written policy requiring cursive instruction, according to Jane Costello, the school system’s program manager for English and language instruction in K-12. Some teachers instruct children in cursive and some don’t.

The backlash over the lack of cursive in Common Core has resulted in California, Georgia and Massachusetts reinstituting cursive as a requirement. Such legislation is being considered in Indiana and Idaho.

Hurley’s bill, which would go into effect next fall if approved, says that public schools should be required “to provide instruction in cursive writing so that students create readable documents through legible cursive handwriting by the end of fifth grade.”

“It’s not going to be inappropriate for students to learn something we learned, and be able to stay connected with their grandparents,” Hurley said, adding that she became interested in writing the bill after noticing that all the letters she got from children were written in manuscript.

But Cunningham, the retired professor, said lawmakers should be “spending their time on something that really matters” instead of requiring cursive.

“I think manuscript handwriting is superior as a system for teaching children because then the letters they write look more like letters in books that they learn to read,” he said. “If you pick up a book to try to read it, it is almost never written in anything vaguely similar to cursive handwriting.”

I found this article to be very interesting. Sam was taught cursive (though it wasn't called "cursive" in school, it was "handwriting.") and so was Cade. Sam's cursive is teeny tiny and barely legible. I wish he'd print more so I could read it easier! Cade rarely writes in cursive. My own handwriting, including my signature, is a combination of cursive and printed letters. Before reading the article I agreed with Cunningham. I don't think there is any real merit in teaching cursive writing. I disagree with Malone in that I don't think knowing cursive writing "lends to our humanity," but I do understand the importance of reading historical documents.

Still, I'm not sold on this bill. What do you think?

23 Adult Truths

I saw this on Facebook recently...

1. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind-of tired.
10. Bad decision make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue-Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. 
21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
22. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the  snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.
23. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important. 

Last Night's Feature

Martha Marcy May Marlene is a powerful psychological thriller starring Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a young woman rapidly unraveling amidst her attempt to reclaim a normal life after fleeing from a cult and its charismatic leader (John Hawkes). Seeking help from her estranged older sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy), Martha is unable and unwilling to reveal the truth about her disappearance. When her memories trigger a chilling paranoia that her former cult could still be pursuing her, the line between Martha's reality and delusion begins to blur. -- (C) Fox Searchlight

I saw the previews for this movie early last year and immediately added it to my Netflix queue. Cult movies have always fascinated me and the preview really drew me in.

While I do agree that Elizabeth Olsen gave a very good performance, this movie is not a “powerful psychological thriller” and there was no “rapidly unraveling.” It was a rather boring story, at times extremely tedious, with a very abrupt ending.

I found it laughable that Marcy May would happily prepare a drugged drink for the new recruit’s “special night” with the leader, participate in several home invasions and then “unravel” at seeing a man stabbed (all assume to death). The cult allows Marcy May to leave and up until the (possible) murder Marcy May is content.

The filming is beautiful and simple. Still, I was disappointed as I was hoping for something more meaty.

I Am Loved

I had a very nice Valentine’s Day yesterday.

I was surprised by a flower delivery at work.
(I love the red vase!)

After work I came home to a very nice dinner: salad, french bread, raviolis (not the Chef Boyardee kind!), a glass of my favorite white wine. Pink, white and red cupcakes for dessert. So delish!

After dinner I opened a box carefully wrapped in heart studded paper. I squealed in delight opening each of these little cuties. It’s the Bunny Cupcake Stand and Bunny Egg Cup I wanted from Pottery Barn. I will be using these on my dresser as display pieces for all my Sabika jewelry.

Cade was equally happy with his Valentine’s Days gifts. He got the Hotel Transylvania DVD, a Hot wheels car and two Pilot G2 Gel pens. 

All in all it was a very nice Valentine’s Day.

It's Official!

The New American Is Arriving

We are pleased to announce that American Airlines and US Airways will combine to create a premier global airline. Our combined airline joins two highly complementary networks with access to the best destinations around the globe – offering you increased choices, improved efficiency and better options to explore the globe with our oneworld® Alliance.

The combined company will retain the iconic American Airlines brand name, and will provide you with more choices and better service throughout the world. The combined company will be headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth and will maintain a significant corporate, operational and hub presence in Phoenix.

I invite you to learn more about the American Airlines-US Airways merger and its many benefits by exploring this section of our website. For additional information, you can also visit newAmericanarriving.com.

Thank you for your business and your support – we look forward to continuing to serve you on US Airways and on the new American Airlines.

Sincerely,

Doug Parker
Chairman and CEO, US Airways

I received my catalogs in the mail today. I AM SO EXCITED! Oh. My. Goodness. I have spent an hour pouring over the new items. I am salivating over two particular trays. I cannot wait for my party on Monday so I can try on the bracelets and chokers.

Art Hearts

Cade made this in Art today. Perfect for Valentine's Day.

I'm Hosting a Sabika Party!

Sabika’s NEW Spring/Summer Collection, plus select items from the Classics Collection will be there to see and try on!Also, remaining items from Fall/Winter ’12 will be available.

This is your first chance to see Sabika’s NEW Spring/Summer Collection in person!

Come take advantage of February’s Specials.Buy one item at full price ($69 or more) and receive 5 Fall/Winter items at 50% off!


Enter to win a pair of Strength Vienna Earrings!

1. Wear Sabika jewelry to the party – 1 ticket
2. Arrive by 5:15 p.m. – 1 ticket
3. Bring a friend – 2 tickets
4. Place a jewelry order – 1 tickets
5. Bring an outside order – 2 tickets (for each order)
6. Book a show – 5 tickets

US Airways, American Airlines Close To Merger Deal

A new American Airlines 737-800 aircraft featuring a new paint job with the company's new logo sits at a gate at O'Hare Airport on Jan. 29, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.

US Airways and AMR, the parent of American Airlines, are close to reaching a merger agreement, in a deal that would create the world's largest airline, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The deal is close to being complete, CNBC learned, but an announcement of the deal could come in the next couple of weeks.

People close to the discussions said an all-stock deal between the air carriers would be executed as a reorganization plan that takes AMR out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The combined company would be worth more than $10 billion.

Under the deal, American creditors would own about 72 percent of the airline and US Airways shareholders would own about 28 percent, according to people with knowledge of the deal.

The air carriers' unions have already approved the specifics of the deal, sources said. But the transaction is still awaiting the finalization of certain financial deals and approvals from creditors.

Thinking About Going To This On Sunday...

Tonight's Feature

I guess Cade had a good time watching a movie with me last night that tonight he simply asked what we were going to watch. He was a bit disappointed that Hotel Translyvania wasn't on Netflix yet. He was ready to watch Rango again but then we saw The Lorax was available, so we settled on that.

It's a very cute story. Boy likes Girl. Girl would do anything to see a tree. Boy leaves the safe city to go find a recluse who knows about trees. In the flashback story there were cute cuddly bears and singing and dancing fish that made Cade and I laugh. Once the flashback story caught up to the present day, Cade's attention waned a little. A little chase and a musical number reeled him back in.

I think we both liked last night's feature better, but this was thoroughly enjoyable and colorful.

Tonight's Feature

When your 10-year little boy asks if you want to watch a movie with him, you immediately drop everything and excitedly reply, "Yes!" It doesn't really matter the movie. Singing chipmunks, racing cars, talking dogs, escaping hamsters, etc. It's about the time spent sitting side by side on the couch.

Tonight's movie was actually a very good one; and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Faraway adventure, pirates, ships, boats, planes, cars, motorcycle, lost treasure, intrique, and a cute little dog called Snowy.

The animation is absoultely astounding. I was amazed at the level of emotion in the characters.

If you haven't had a chance to see it, I highly encourage you to rent it or watch via Netflix. And if your son (or daughter!) asks if you want to watch, you won't be disappointed.

This Afternoon's Feature

I

Just finished watching this on Netflix and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the spectacle of the movie - Julia Roberts' dresses, the costume ball, the pre-wedding ice skating festivities. I also loved the dwarfs and the plucky Lily Collins as Snow White.

Overall a very cute movie with a very happy ending. Make sure to continue watching the credits. There's a little musical number that sure to make you smile.

Cade's School Participated

Forsyth County students attempt to dance into record book with Zumba
Posted: Friday, February 1, 2013 7:53 pm | Updated: 12:39 am, Sat Feb 2, 2013.
Arika Herron/Winston-Salem Journal

Nearly 1,200 area students attempted Friday to shake, shimmy and shuffle their way into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Fourth- and fifth-grade students from six Winston-Salem/Forsyth County elementary schools took part in what was billed as the world’s largest Zumbatomic class – an aerobic program for children under the age of 15 – at the Benton Convention Center Friday morning to kick off the Go Red and Get moving initiative.

Go Red and Get Moving is designed to get children active and healthy and raise awareness of heart disease during the month of February.

Event coordinator Cheryl Lindsay said the event had three goals: break the world record for largest Zumbatomic class, start the Go Red and Get Moving campaign and teach kids about making healthy choices. It’s a lesson Lindsay said she hopes the students will adopt now and continue a lifetime.

“It’s something that contagious,” Lindsay said. “So it’s important to get people started early.”

Mayor Allen Joines joined the 1,121 students and their teachers for the 30-minute dance workout. As dance music blared, students followed choreographed routines performed by instructors on stage.

“It was really fun,” said Cecilia Beck, 9, a fourth-grader at Kernersville Elementary. “I’ve never done this before, so it was a new experience for me. I loved it.”

She wasn’t alone. At the end of the 30-minute session, students showed their enthusiasm with hugs, cheers and high fives. Many kept dancing to the music and rushed to the center of the floor for the finale balloon drop.

“Keep moving,” encouraged Forsyth County District Judge Denise Hartsfield.

Keeping the kids moving for the rest of the month will be the focus now. The six schools that participated Friday - Cash, Diggs-Latham, Kernersville, Lewisville, Sherwood Forest and Meadowlark elementary schools – are just a few of the 20 schools that will participate in the Go Red and Get Moving campaign for the next month.

Students who participate commit to exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week and adopt one new healthy habit for the month of February. Students have been encouraged to set goals such as drinking more water, getting more sleep and eating more fruits and vegetables.

“I’m going to play and exercise and eat healthy food,” said Jaemarius Harper, 9, a fourth-grader at Kernersville Elementary.

Lexi Lovelace, 9, a fourth-grader at Lewisville Elementary, had a different idea.

“I’m going to drink tons of water,” she said, raising a half-empty water bottle.

Those are all good ideas that school administrators hope last longer than just the next 28 days.

Go Red and Get Moving is a way to keep health top of mind for students even after the challenge is over. Nancy Sutton, health and physical education specialist for the school system, said lifestyles today make it harder for students to be healthy. It’s never been more important to instill the importance of making healthy choices, she said.

“We’ve got a lot of things to fight,” Sutton said. “The younger you’re practicing healthy habits, the more likely those will carry into adulthood.”

The official designation of the world record attempted Friday should be announced in the next few weeks. The previous record for the largest Zumbatomic class was 383 participants, set in April 2012.

Musings of a (Bored) Boy

I am goofing off........ well here's my story Just eating at Nacho Daddy's . I'm finished with the cheese Roll over. It is very good but sits as it is a lead ballon In my gut. We got a huge boat in our driveway that looks like a tower against the 4 runner. It is pulled by a huge 2500 Dodge truck. But looks like we are going to talk about different things right now , MAYBE!!!! So we are talking about different things and counting! Standing outside by myself all alone. Well were in the car going to Target to get things maybe. Well my hope didn't come true so now I'm not so happy right now because we had to put back everything in our cart. And one was my Hot wheels and also my Legos I'm mad right now or not that happy so that is bogus stuff right there in Target. But at least we're on our way to our house to see my dog Commander. Maybe he's eating his bone! Well he was eating the bone. So today me and the daddy are hanging out downstairs watching TV and its commercials, darn! Well we're headed to theater alliance to work box office. Well my friend Chad is her because my mom is at work and so is daddy so that is why he is here right now. And we are going to the golf tournament today. Well the golf tournament wasn't in store for today so well we didn't do the tournament. But one good thing is I get to see my sister tomorrow so that's good. We're in he car right now and hopefully we make it to New Jersey and we think we're going to make it and well to tell you the truth I think we will.but.....um..........oh yeah we are in the car in Virginia so were half way to New Jersey. But jeez I mean it's a long darn way to our destination. It was a good trip to New Jersey because we got to see Sam. So now were on our way to Charlotte for a wedding. Of course I have to be a Jr. Groomsmen. I'm not happy because I look so stupid in the tux that I'm in.

Update: This was written by Cade on his Kindle during the course of 2012. 

Saw this on Sam's tumblr and decided to copy the picture here. I've been trying to explain this very thing, and the picture does it so simply.

I am very proud for not being the mother standing behind this daughter. Instead, I am a mother standing behind her son; the one in front of her and the one reflected in the mirror.

 

2013 Goals - 1st Month Update

See a minimum of 5 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows in NYC
- So many shows I want to see, but nothing planned. Maybe April or May...

Read 65 books for my Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
- I've read 12 books toward my goal: Peter and the Star Catcher,  Milk Like Sugar, Maple and Vine, Love, Loss and What I Wore, God of Carnage, Marbles, Gone Girl, The Vow,; Where We Belong, Letters from My Sister: On Love Life and Hair Removal, The Book of Mormon: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical and Children of the Fog
- Loved, loved. loved Peter and the Star Catcher, The Book of Mormon and really liked Children of the Fog
- I did not like The Vow at all.
- Gone Girl was thrilling and creepy and creepy...

Read a minimum of 9 books off the BBC Reading List
- I need a new book starting today, so perhaps I'll chose one of this list. We'll see...

Increase my daily steps at work to an average of 3,000
- I didn't hit this goal at all in January. I had two big projects to work on which meant a more sedintary work focus. Hopefully I'll do better for February.

Visit:
1.The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA
- Tentatively scheduled to see I'll Never Be Hungry Again on March 2.

2.The Moulin Rouge in Paris, France
- Tentatively scheduled May 11-18, just not sure of the actual date.

3.Walt Disney World or Disneyland
- Maybe EuroDisney?!?!?!?

4.Boston, MA
- Nothing planned.

5.Pittsburgh, PA
- It's been discussed but nothing planned.

Would Love To See This...

5th Grade, 2nd Q Report Card

Once again I'm proud of Cade. He maintained his A in Math from last quarter and his B in Science. He did go down in Reading and Social Studies - from an A to a B. He got 3 B's and 1 A. Still very, very good.

I did ask Cade what he thought of his grades in Reading and Social Studies. He likes to read so he said he just needed to keep reading more to work on comprehensive. He said he does not like Social Studies, but he recognized he needs to study more.

Because of his great report card his afternoon Playstation 3 activities are fine. He really is regimented to do his homework first before playing. I just sometimes worry he rushes through the homework to get to the PS3.

But with grades like this, I can let him have his fun.

A Dog Who Loves His Boy

Too Cute

Cade and Commander taking a nap on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

New iPhone 5 for the New Year?

Sadly, no.

 

After looking at the overall cost to upgrade my HTC Incredible to an iPhone 5, I decided to wait. Right now I have the unlimited data plan, because I’ve had my phone for 2+ years. Not only would I have to spend $200 on the iPhone 5, I’d have to upgrade my plan to a limited data plan, which would mean a monthly increase.

 

I talked with Sam last night and we decided that we'd get him switched to his own phone plan when he turned 21. The theory, “If you're old enough to pay for alcohol, you're old enough to pay your own phone bill.” It'll be $100/month for him, and we both think that's doable. Then, once he's off my plan, I'd upgrade to the iPhone 5.

 

Now, I've been very happy with that decision. Until Amanda and Kenny. They got iPhone 5’s for Christmas and they are FB posting (frequently!) about how much fun they are having with Siri. Did you know that Siri can actually update your FB status? I didn't, and she can.

 

I'm green with iPhone 5 envy. And while green is my favorite color, as a pallor, it does not look good on me. 

Sabika January 1/2 Off Sale

As I mentioned last month, I ordered two Sabika pieces and a couple of my co-workers also took advantage of the sale. I just got an email from Brittany that my items were in stock and have been ordered. (Yay!)  Brenda's and Vicki's items were also in stock. I was able to get one of Bridget's items, but a necklace she wanted was sold out.

I still have one item left on my "5 at 1/2 price" option. Brittany will email an updated availability list next week. I'm interested to see what will be left of the Fall/Winter inventory!

A Night At The Movies

As soon as I got home I walked up to Sam who was quietly reading on the couch. "How could you not have fallen in love with Les Miserables?" As Sam looked up he immediately saw the dreaminess in my eyes. He smiled. I sat down and we discussed the movie.

I loved it. I mean loved, loved, loved it. Now to be fair, I've never ever seen the staged version so I had no preconceived notion as to what the movie "should have" looked like. I've heard the music but not enough times that I feel like a song "belongs" to a particular actor. I was able to view the movie objectively and honestly.

Sam didn't think Hugh Jackman could sing. Ah, actually, yes. Yes, the man can sing and beautifully. As soon as he began "Bring Him Home" I was feeling around for my napkin as I knew I was going to cry. And cry I did. Tears running down my cheeks faster than I could dab at them. "Suddenly" was also great. Hugh Jackman was fantastic as Valjean.

Sam didn't have very nice things to say about Russell Crowe's singing either. True, he isn't a strong singer, but his singing didn't bother me at all. It was what it was and I was okay with that. What did bother me was his lack of understanding his character. He played Javert as very one-dimensional. The only time you saw his inner struggle was when the film cut to his feet walking on the edge of the structure. I was disappointed. Russell Crowe can, and should have, done better.

Anne Hathaway's Fantine was okay. I don't think she's a strong singer either, but her singing didn't bother me. "I Dreamed a Dream" was okay. What did bother me was that she chewed the scenery a bit during the prostitute scenes. A slight bit of overacting, in my opinion.

Every time Amanda Seyfried opened her mouth and sung I just wanted her to shut up. Her singing didn't bother me during "Mama Mia" so I just think Cosette's songs were out of her register. And the warbling! Don't get me wrong, she really was the perfect Cosette - innocent, sweet, angel face. She just couldn't sing it.

Sacha Baron Cohen and Helen Bonham Carter as the Thenardiers....basically the same characters they played in Sweeney Todd. Meh.

I really enjoyed seeing Aaron Tveit. I've been listening to his "Catch Me If You Can" CD since seeing the show back in November. Little Daniel Huttlestone was a cutie little moppet.

In addition to being very impressed with Hugh Jackman, I was also impressed with Samantha Barks. Eponine's "On My Own" also brought tears to my eyes and "A Little Fall of Rain" almost had them running down my cheeks. Eddie Redmayne's "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" started a fresh rain of tears.

I loved the movie and would go see it again in an instant. As soon as it comes out on DVD I'll be adding it to my collection.

Last Night's Feature

After last week's movie disaster I had Sam pick out the next DVD from Netflix. As he's taking a Shakespeare class next semester he suggested Anonymous.

Initially it was difficult keeping up with who was who between the present and the flashbacks. Young flashback Edward looked very much like Young (present) Henry. I was finally able to follow along by the length of their pretty blond hair.

We both really enjoyed the overall premise of the movie. Was Shakespeare a fraud as the movie and the poster suggest? According to the movie, Shakespeare was an asshole and it was Edward, Earl of Oxford who wrote the plays. It really does make you wonder...

I'm A Calendar!

Goals for 2013

Though I didn't publicize them I did have goals for 2012. Some I met, some I didn't. This year I've decided to post them so I can keep track of them and work toward achievement.

Last year I was lucky enough to see two Broadway touring shows (Bring It On: The Musical and War Horse) and one show off-Broadway (Bare: The Musical). Chad and I will be heading to the DPAC on the 12th for the touring of Jekyll & Hyde. He's also got tickets to see tours of Mary Poppins, Anything Goes, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and Sister Act. Originally my goal for 2013 was to see a minimum of 5 shows, but it looks like I'll have that one covered by May. So I'm going to modify this goal to make it more challenging:

See a minimum of 5 Broadway/Off-Broadway shows in NYC

I signed up for the 2012 Reading Challenge via Goodreads. My goal was 52 books, as I figured I could read at least a book a week. I surpassed that goal with 57 books. I got lots of books and scripts for Christmas so I think I can definitely improve:

My 2013 Reading Challenge is to read 65 books

Also, I'm still working on the BBC Reading List. Last year I scratched off a measly 4 books. Just 7% of the books I read last year were on this list! So this year I'm going to challenge myself:

Read a minimum of 9 books off the BBC Reading List  

In March last year US Airways introduced a Fit for US program which challenged us to get ResFit by keeping track of steps at work and participating in group fit activities. Figuring I could easily do the former, I bought a cheapo pedometer. My pedometer broke a few weeks ago, but thanks to Chad, I have a new digital one. As such, I'm going to challenge myself:

Increase my daily steps at work to an average of 3,000

For the most part I love to travel. There are times when I get bogged down with having to pack and what to pack to get through TSA. Last year I went to Myrtle Beach and took two trips to Maywood, New Jersey, with side trips to NYC. This year I know I'll be visiting Maywood and NYC, but here are other places I definitely want to visit this year:

The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA
The Moulin Rouge in Paris, France
Walt Disney World or Disneyland
Boston, MA
Pittsburgh, PA (Bridget is dying to show me around her hometown!)

 I do have other goals, but these are going to be the ones I mainly focus.

What are some of your goals for 2013?

Last Night's Feature

I received this DVD from my queue back the first of November. Things got busy with work and rehearsals, not to mention Christmas, and it still remained unopened on the desk. Not needing to worrying about going to work today, I asked Sam if he wanted to watch it with me late last night.

Two hours and five minutes. 2 hours and 5 minutes of complete drek. I just don't get why this movie was such the rage when it came out. Everyone I knew was encouraging each other to go see the movie. "It's hilarious!" they all said.

Hilarious? Uh, no. Not even close. It was absolutely ridiculous, tiringly awkward and astoundingly annoying. And Jon Hamm was just, ugh, filthy. The only redeeming part of the entire movie were the scenes with Officer Rhodes.

Sam said it best, "Unfortunately I can't unsee this movie." 

My Christmas!

As you can see, Santa apparently thought I was very, very nice this year!

Five books!

Five scripts!

The Once DVD and the Once: A New Musical CD!
(I'm dying to see this on Broadway.)

A Vera Bradley Hipster and Tote in my new favorite pattern, Dogwood.

Mousepad/notepad and 2013 calendar for my office.

A new straightener and a new pedometer.

I'm a VIP Customer!

From: Brittany
To: Cheryl Ann
Sent: Thu, Dec 13, 2012 8:24 pm
Subject: Sabika - January - 1/2 Off Special!

Hello everyone!

I wanted to let you know that January is Sabika's VIP month. VIP Customer Benefits allow you to buy at least one full price item of $69 or more from Fall/Winter or Classics catalogs, and you will be eligible for up to 5 additional Fall/Winter catalog items at 50% off!

1. Limit of one per article number for "Fun Chokers", "Manhattan Chokers" or "London Chokers" per order.
2. 50% only includes the Fall/Winter Catalog (not Classics)
3. Special applies while supplies last

I plan to submit an order on January 1 in order to secure as many items as possible before they sell out. If you would like to purchase some of the 1/2 price items please e-mail me your 'wishlist' early. I will not collect payment until after the order is placed. This is a great deal and a wonderful time to stock up on gifts for 2013!

Because I absolutely love my AB and Crystal Fun bracelets, I ordered the Celebrations Fun choker (d).

I love the whole Glamazon tray, but I didn't want to order it all, especially with it being Christmas. Instead I settled for the Glamazon 2-Stone Drop earrings (f).

I offered my 4 other items at 50% off to my co-workers and they did take advantage of the deal. Now we just have to wait and see if what we ordered will be available.

Public Dedication to Sam

The last 6 months have been a journey for sure. Through a few tears and some outside help, I learned to let go and to fully embrace. I wanted to let my world know of my committment and the perfect way was through a dedication in my Sordid Lives bio.

I took a picture and texted it to Sam. The flash may make the bio difficult to read. Here's what it says:

Cheryl Ann Roberts (Latrelle Williamson) is absolutely thrilled to return to the Theatre Alliance stage and reprise one of her favorite roles. She last appeared here as Willadean in the poignant "The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife." Cheryl Ann has appeared with Open Space Café Theatre, the Paramount Acting Company, CTG, Kernersville Little Theatre, Twin City Stage, Stained Glass Playhouse, Clemmons Community Theatre, Davie Theatre Company, and Hickory Community Theatre. She's also done commercial and voice-over work. Cheryl Ann would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support. She dedicates her performance to her grandfather (who always watches from the best seat in the house) and to her son, Sam.

Sam immediately responded:

Kindle Woes

I really do like my Kindle Fire. But sometimes it's a problem too.

You see, I've got several books on hold via the brick-and-mortar library and several on hold via the NC digital library. Two hardcovers came in 2 weeks ago: Tiger Lily and Baby Proof. With the show I could only finish Tiger Lily, which I just did Monday night. My plan was to renew Baby Proof. But, Monday afternoon, I get an email from the NC digital library that e-book Titan's Curse is ready. (It's the third Percy Jackson book. I am reading this series in an attempt to get Cade interested.) No problem. I knew I had 14 days to read the e-book, so I still planned on renewing Baby Proof, as I knew both would be fairly easy reads.

Wrong!

Yesterday I get an email from the brick-and-mortar library that The Casual Vacancy (by Harry Potter's author) is ready. Since that's an extremely popular book with a lengthy waiting list, I decided I'd return Baby Proof and get The Casual Vacancy. I knew I could quickly read Titan's Curse in 2 days and then I'd
have 12 days to read The Casual Vacancy before it came due. You'd think that'd be it, right?

Wrong!

This morning I get an email that Sugar Rush, another e-book I had on hold, has become available. So I downloaded that.

If you are keeping count, I've got Titan's Curse, The Casual Vacancy and Sugar Rush to read. Two e-books and one book book. All within 14 days.

Guess what I'm doing this weekend?