Blah moment...

I graduated from college four years ago...four years before that, I graduated from high school....

It's been four years, so...what am I graduating from now?

InterroWHAT‽

I just learned what an interrobang is. Can you believe it ‽

An Interlude.

New Book, New Layout

I started reading a new book this morning:

You can now check out what I've read over there, to the right ----->

It's a montage of 200 books I've read and listed on Goodreads.com...Pretty sweet, yes?

I've also updated the look and layout of the blog, nothing drastic, just to freshen things up. Let me know what you think!

Hope all is well, and I'll update soon [I WILL!]

Here's what we did today.

We watched the film:

After seeing this film and reading some of the books we've all heard about [Eating Animals, Fast Food Nation, I've decided that I need to stop being lazy about my food. It's time.

Here's what you can do. See this film, learn more about where your food comes from, how/if it's farmed and how the animals are treated.

Something else you can do:



Sign this petition. Let's get healthy food in our schools.

You can also visit these sites for more information about the film and any organizations they recommend:

http://www.foodincmovie.com/

http://eatinganimals.com/

The latter lead me to this great site, which allows you to find products from the progressive, small farmers based on your ZIP Code:

http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?pd=Home

Make a pledge to yourself for the New Year/Decade. Being healthy is a great gift!

One's in the Works: A Teaser, if you will

I'm working on getting more and more inspired to blog again. Make that: blog regularly.

This post is just to start the countdown: 1 Month until I'm officially on the latter half of my 20's. I'm literally tipping over to my late 20's....just need to get that out there.

It's out there.

A new post is in the works, so hold tight to your britches, chickens!

To keep you in the know...

I'm currently reading:

And I'm currently listening to [Non-Stop]:

Reading Reading Eating Reading Eating Animals

I've finished my first sock, and I couldn't be more proud of the result!

Lovely, no?

In other news: I've started sock #2, but I haven't been working on it in the last few days because I'm frantically trying to finish reading this book:

It's alright. I've found spelling errors, some grammar issues, and it's not making me want to be a vegetarian. But it's giving me some information that I hadn't thought about before, and I find that to be interesting. I described to my hubs that I felt like this is a very smart book on Jonathan Safran Foer's behalf. He's merely writing what he researched in making the decision to raise his son vegetarian. And I feel that this book is perfect for vegetarians. They'll grab this book and eat up every word, feeling fully justified in their own personal choices. But, meat eating omnivores will have a sense of justification, too. They'll read this book, as I am, and feel that the choices that they have made can't be swayed by the author. He's going to make his money, and not have to really worry about change. Because nothing in this book is all that shocking or new.

I digress.

I'm in the throes of reading this book, because he'll be in town TONIGHT to hold a discussion and signing session! I've read his two works of fiction

and loved them!
I'm hoping he'll sign all three books tonight. And I'm hoping to finish Eating Animals before then! I'd like to be informed well enough before any discussion of the book takes place. I only have a few hours left, and about 100 pages [or so] to tear through. Wish me luck! And get out of here! You're too distracting!
I'll resume the sock tomorrow :-D

I'm not...afraid.

B'okay, chickens. I've gone out, bought a pattern, bought new DPNs and some yarn for my socks. I just have to get the nerve to START them!

Jenny's afraid of water, Katie's afraid of darkness...I'm afraid of starting these socks!

Who knows. I don't, that's who.

I also signed up for Etsy, and made my first purchase! I'm pretty dorky, excited about this...because after two [2] attempts at making my own knitting-needle roll, and failing, I bought one. It's uber cute! I can't wait for it to ship so I can start filling it UP!



Don't go looking for another just like it, just yet! It's SOLD, nachos!

In other news...

Mr. Rochester just made some fairly exciting news for Jane Eyre.

Again, I know how this ends up,

but I'm still anxious to see all the bits in between!

That's all for now, I'm afraid. I hope all is well with you!

Albeit Brief...an update.

Last night I fell asleep...upright...in my favorite chair, while reading "Jane Eyre." It was bliss!



Thankfully, my hubs came and woke me up to head to bed [don't you love when that happens?] saving me from neck pains today!

But, I'll tell you a little about a pain I have today. Maine. Maine is the pain. I thought we were making strides, moving forward. But the [not-so] Great State of Maine has taken about 42 steps in the wrong direction by repealing the gay marriage law.

Shame on you.

Seriously, people. Get over yourselves.

In other news, I'm in a knitting block. I have no idea what I want to do. I'm going to visit a new yarn store tomorrow, to see if that clears anything up. Here's hoping.

I hope you're all well!

A brief update...

We moved! We're in the new building, and it's amazing!

There have been only a few oddities...out dishwasher started spewing suds as though we were in a Disney movie of the late 60's...our living room air conditioner has decided that IT will decide when to blow out cool air, not us.

What...else...

The premieres of So You Think You Can Dance and Glee are upon us. Tomorrow night should be magical.

What's next, you ask? Well:

This coming weekend, I'll be auditioning, sitting through a read-through for an alumni show at Dominican University, going to a birthday party, praying for a call back, and packing packing packing for my brother's wedding. I'm trying to find an approp. monologue right now...yeah...I know...and thinking up some sort of speech I can give for the wedding - I'm the best man.

I'm also praying that the man behind me in this cafe didn't watch me type in my card number to get my train tickets home. Hopefully, people are still decent, and my foolishness will not have caused a little drama later on. It's only my bank card, though, and good luck trying to find any money in THAT. Maybe he'll deposit some?

Wishful thinking.

And..now I'm nervous. Ok...time to get a move on. I'll write more, later.

Loves and puppies!

K1 P2

What's new? What's new?

Well, this summer has been pretty heavy, that's for sure. A lot of emotional events took place - for the full story, you'll just have to ask. However, one thing is for sure: This is a summer of transition.

Tom and I are about to move into our own place - 3 Days left in The Countdown! I'm a mess because of it, but Tom's cool as a cuke, so there shouldn't be any worries [tell that to my tummy]. We're moving just a few miles north to the Buena Park/Uptown area, back to the lake! It should be just happiness :-D We've only a few more rooms to pack up here, and we'll be on our way.

So, I've seen others blogging about the items they've knitted, and I must say...it looks like fun! I've decided to add some updates and pics from my ravelry page.

Here we go, with my latest project, a woman's scarf. I found the pattern in the Vogue Stitchionary, Vol. 1. It's Pattern #30, The Moss and Diamond Brocade. I think it turned out rather lovely! But, please, share your thoughts!





Lovely, no? Next up, a really cute hat...it'll be something that is fun and simple, while allowing me to try out a new technique I've learned. After that...I will start Christmas Stockings [I hope!]!

In other news, I've downloaded the Google Chrome. I'm loving it. 'Nuff Said.

I've also purchased the Lacie IAMAKEY:



This little, tiny USB Flash Drive is literally the size of a key. It fits right on to my key ring, and is VERY durable! I still can't believe that this little thing can do so much - if you're shopping around for a new jump drive, I recommend this one!

What...else...


Tom, his mother, younger brothers and [our] friend Maria all went to see Julie & Julia. I can't stop raving about the film. Meryl Streep - just beyond herself! Her chemistry with Stanley Tucci was just a delight! Amy Adams was more realistic in this performance than any other of hers that I've seen. And the food was just beautiful. I've said it before, I'll say it again - I can't wait for this to come out on DVD. And YES, I'll be one of the many, many people who go out and buy an edition of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1. Bite Me.

[WELL...not me...the delicious food I'll be preparing...]

That's about all for now, I'll try to begin posting more regularly once we've moved!

I'm-a'comin

[back, that is.]

You may notice that I've changed things around on my sidebar...can't remember what it was like before? Me either.

Updates:

• I changed my profile pic. Neat, yes?
  
• Right now, you can follow my Tweets from Twitter, if you choose!
• I've added a link to start following my Twitter.
  
• I've added another blog I've been following.
• I got rid of banners/links to podcasts/websites I'd been following. I don't follow them anymore. So, I removed them.

That's all for now...be prepared, I'll be back - posting as I used to...as I used to...

Currently,

I'm reading:










I'm Listening to:

The times...they've a-changed...

Wow. My last update was Oct. '07...sorry kiddles.

So. What's new? Too much, that's what.

I'm reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle...and it's...interesting. I'm reading it because my momma, Marta and Oprah all told me on the same day that I needed to read it. You know...you never say 'no' momma. I'd just finished What's Eating Gilbert Grape and cried and cried and cried....and after said Eckhart book, I've got my sights set on Christ the Lord Out of Egypt.

Wow. That was boring paragraph! You'll have to forgive me, I'm out of practice.

FORGIVE ME.

you have to.

What....else....

I've been eating an atrocious amount of Fried Egg Sandwhiches lately...blame it on the fact that you can buy 1 18ct. pack of eggs and get 1 free...what is that...b118poeg1? I don't market...just shop there. Goooooo Easter!

American Girls Place announced that are closing all AG Theatres by Sept. 1, 2008. That means...I'll be out of steady work! Yay. It means that if you want to see the show for free, let me know and I'll get you in...you only have 5 months. It also means that I had a little mental breakdown. Double yay. At least I'm going to kick my butt into gear and work on getting ready for auditions and what not...it's just sad that we're all leaving each other all at once...

"Move on," Sondheim said. Shoot...if I had a following like Sondheim...would I even have to [move]?

Jesus dies in two weeks and I haven't even been to a fish fry ALL LENT. Some friends I have...jerks.

That's about all I have to offer right now...sorry it's a rather blah posting, but you only get what you give. Sorry to hear you've got the Dreamer's Disease.

Ouch.

Until later....

Sweet vid

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!An actual blog is on its way...but for now, enjoy this video, courtesy of Jon and Cameren!

About time...

It's about time, right? It's only been...what...4 months since my last post?

I know, I know.

"What's new?" you're asking....well, quite a bit. But I won't be able to tell you all of it, because I can't. You should know, already, anyway.

Some highlights, however, include: Seeing The Light in the Piazza [Edited for FOOLISH content], taking on a new show for 'fun,' and spending time relaxing and enjoying the summer.

[Edited for FOOLISH content] People may ask "how does that make things with you and Chris?" Well. It hasn't caused a problem yet. I don't know what his true feelings are about the situation, but here are mine: I think we're doing better now, as roommates and friends, then when we were in a relationship. He's got something planned for himself next year, something rather exciting, and I hope it works out for him! We've not fought in quite a while, and I don't feel the need to know exactly what he's doing with himself each night, where he goes...that sort of thing.

You know.

The musical was amazing to see live. I have the taped version of a live performance [surprisingly NOT a bootleg] and I love it, but there's something about being in a live place and hearing everything in person that just makes the evening magical.

Speaking of musicals, I've been getting a kick out of Grey Gardens. Yes, it's closed. No I didn't see it. But I have the documentary it's based off of, and I think it's a brilliant piece. I can't imagine how good the show was, but everyone that I've talked with just loved it. London's lucky to receive something so wonderful. Or do they say 'wondreful?'

The world may never know.

London will, of course.

I've taken on a role in a benefit production of Godspell at a local church. It's weird, because I feel like I was supposed to take it on. For a few weeks I'd been commenting to a friend that as we were walking down the street, I felt like we were in a scene of the movie. People would be wearing goofy clothes, have odd hair, and be gathered around a soup bus. And on a Wednesday a few weeks back, I was walking home from the store, after a long day's work, and got the most overwhelming need to sit in a church. Any church. One that was open. Sadly, I didn't act on that. But the very next morning is when I received a call from someone looking for a replacement. The fun thing is is that it will be performed in a church!

What're the odds?

3:1? I don't know...I'm horrible at Keno.

Anyway...rehearsals are underway, and I'm having mixed feelings about it. I like where the show is going, I'm just not happy with the process at this time. I know the end product will be just fine, though! We'll see how the next few weeks go, though. It's just one weekend in September...and I'm learning very valuable life lessons!

3, 2, 1

And we're here to talk about the summer and different things. Well...there's been bowling, beaches, Moody's people leaving for London [love you Jweber!], friends are starting to get married...and of course...filming!

That's right, folks....someone actually captured this sorry soul on film. Yoni, a good friend and avid reader has put something brilliant on film, and I'm sure he'll start editing soon!

I'll keep you posted!

I've got more to say. But I don't want to share it now...my eyes are tired...it's been a long week. Let's just sum it up...what's today? Thursday, officially? Ok. Sunday: I don't remember; Monday: Hoo-da-ha followed by the [Adult] Hoo-dee-ha followed by a sleep over at Brian's; Tuesday: 3 AG shows, post Hoo-dee-ha [tearing my voice apart], then vocal rehearsal for the Gspell; Wednesday: Got called in for the 12.30 show...Brian's car needs repair [he was able to bike in for the 2 o'clock and 4.30 shows...so it was all good! And good to see him again!]

Tonight, I have rehearsal...and then...who knows...I might freak out or something!

Anywho...this wasa brief update...I'll try to stay more in touch!

Laters!

Jury Duty Scam...PLEASE BE CAREFUL

You all know I really don't like sending and receiving SPAM letters...but I think this one's legitimate. If not...then please bear in mind the actual lesson it contains...just don't give information out to anyone that contacts you...

Have someone send or resend you something in writing. If it's official, they'll do it.

Be careful!



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: EDo <eal.net>
Date: Apr 17, 2007 9:57 PM
Subject: FW: JURY DUTY SCAM (REAL; NOT A HOAX)
To: Erin Downs < erindowns@sbcglobal.net>

I checked this out on my own at snopes.com, and it is a real and active
scheme. I'm sure all of you know never to give out your social, but it's a
good reminder. Just an fyi...

-----Original Message-----

This has been verified by the FBI (Their link is also included below).
Please pass this on to everyone in your email address book. It is spreading
fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take summons for
jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a
new and omi nous kind of scam has surfaced. The caller claims to be a jury
coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty,
the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he
or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out
any of this information and bingo; your identity just got stolen. The scam
has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and
Colorado. This (scam) is particularly insidious because they use
intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information
by pretending they're wit h the court system. The FBI and the federal court
system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers
about the fraud.

Check it out here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel

How to Protect yourself -

Court workers WILL NOT CALL YOU to report you have missed jury duty or to
assemble juries or to prescreen jurors. If anyone calls with this premise it
is not legitimate.

NEVER GIVE OUT your Social Security Number, Credit Card Number or Address
over the phone if you did not initiate the call. If a caller insists on
"verifying" this information with you HAVE THEM READ IT TO YOU, never give
it to them to verify against their records.

Examine your credit card statements every month and look for unknown or
unauthorized charges.

upDATE

Not a whole lot to report this time around, chick-a-peas...

Becca [my sister] and Matt [her bf] came and visited about a week ago...we walked the Mile, stopped at Virgin Records and took part in the sale -- I bought What About Bob?; The Jerk; Benny & Joon; and For Your Consideration. We ate at Giordano's, as Matt's never been, nor had Chicago Style Pizza. Then we went to The Green Mill, my new favorite bar, and heard Alfonso Ponticelli, a fabulous Gypsy-Jazz musician [he performs there every Wed.].

Burger Night, Burger Night...Work, Rehearsal, Shows....it all happened. :-)

Last night, we went to Spin to support our friend Matt in the "Bear's Night Only" shower contest. I screamed as loud as I could, but it didn't really work...he came in 2nd...to last. After that we went to Roscoe's [my first time] where people proceeded to laugh at my hat, point at me, and dump a bucket of pigs blood on me [I had come from two shows, my hair was a mess, hence...the hat]. After closing time [2A] we walked ourselves to Clark's and had some breakfast-type foods. It was nice to go out - Andrew was extra nice and drove all of us home. I still have to stop by Aaron and Greg's to get my backpack...

This week should be pretty exciting, event-filled, and fun all around! I have rehearsal Sunday, Monday, Tuesday...my regular Friday shows...and Brian took the weekend off, so I have 7 MORE shows between Saturday and Sunday! Then another rehearsal Sunday evening! YAY for THAT paycheck...I can't wait! [Sorry that sounded a little...hoitey toitey...but I'm excited about my job!]

Also, this week, we have book club: where we'll be discussing Life of Pi. I thought it was a very good read, very quick and I recommend it to anyone that's looking for something to pick up. I don't think that it lives up to the author's claim, that you'll believe in God after reading it...BUT, you decide!

I'll also be ordering my digital camera this week! I'll finally have pictures of the people and places I love, to share with the whole world [and to help me remember things...]! I've decided to grab the Sony Cybershot DSC-T100. For more info...research it yourself.

WINK.

Alright...that's about it. It was a little longer than I originally stated....but here it is! I'm going to go make something to eat, head out for my backpack, and probably head to Starbuck's to read.

I'll see you soon!



I'm currently reading: Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
[Excerpted from www.bn.com] Somali-born author Ayaan Hirsi Ali is one of the most controversial women on earth. For years, she has been forced to live in hiding; her life has been threatened numerous times; an anti-Koran script that she wrote provoked the assassination of filmmaker Theo Van Gogh; and a dispute over her citizenship indirectly brought down the Dutch government. This memoir about her family's travails living under strict fundamentalist Islamic precepts tracks the evolution of a world-changing radical feminist.

Ready to Run

I've gotta get out of this town.

If only for one day.

The last time I was anywhere other than Chicago was Dec. 25. The time before that, Thanksgiving. And both times, I was home in Fairview Heights.

I'd love to take a trip anywhere in the U.S., even if it's just to Ohio or Iowa or Indiana. I think I'm in such a mood because I haven't been out of here in a long time -- I need some sort of break.

At one point, Marta had been talking about how fun it'd be to spend one day in NY, all of us from AG on a Monday when the show's dark, no one's on and we just fly up walk around see things and then fly back home...no hotel time, nothing of that sort.

I've never been to NYC. I'm itching to go. I NEED to see it. I HAVE to see SOMETHING on Broadway...and soon. Maybe there is a day-trip for me in store...after all Jet Blue is flying at $39 one way.

Perhaps I will.

Anyone else interested?

¡Felíz Cumpleaños, Juan!

That's right.

I've posted a birthday wish to myself.

Get over it.


I hope y'all had a safe and wonderful Valentine's Day! But for now....it's MY day! Happy Birthday, also to my Birthday Buddies: Melissa V., Tony C., and Sophie M.!! I hope you all have a great day today ;-)

I'll post an update somwhere in the future. It'll be about American Girls and my experience there! I'm loving it there!

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Ok...though I can't always update in a timely fashion...I'd like to make this post. I really have started enjoying Brian Sharpe's music. He's a fantastic man, and his voice is incredible. Seriously check him out...I like him so much that I'm putting his banner not only on the side...but here at the end of this post.

Trust me, take a click and check out a few of his songs! [I'm not plugging him because I've met and worked a little with him...I'm plugging because it's something that should be heard by everyone].

This banner will always be located here, on the side, under "Sites to See" -------->