The Porch

Please see me at my new address

2011-09-06T12:25:00.001-07:00

My new blog address is http://www.angigrrrl.com

SEE YOU THERE!

Moving cyberhouses...?

2011-08-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Seems I own a domain. Somehow this means I need to ditch blogger and head over to WordPress. Hmmm.

Change is the only constant in my life.

2010-11-17T12:39:00.000-08:00

As I continue my journey with Cirque I have taken time to reflect on the changes my life has taken. No longer am I the world traveling gypsy. No longer do I constantly think ahead to my next job, my next ship, my next city. I have sprouted a few roots here in Lasvegasland. I am learning my neighborhood and don't rely solely on Daniel (my GPS) to get around. I have a general idea of where things are located.
In my not-so-distant past I lived several lives at once. I was really three different people. (All me, but different incarnations.) In one place I was a Suzy Homemaker type, wife and step-mother. In another I was Queen of the Seas where I mothered my brood of dancers and singers while living it up on my ships. Lastly I was the Stage Manager who was slightly jaded and who pined for the past "Glory Days."
As I try to weave these three together into the "new me," I have taken lots of time to reflect. It got me thinking of my whole life and all the "different people" I have been. You know what I mean, that person you were in high school while you struggled to find your identity, that slightly bolder person you were in college, the one who thought they knew it all after graduation. These are only my versions, everyone has their own path.. but I hope you see what I am saying.
I used to tell people, "I resist change." And I suppose that was true. But I realized several years ago that change is the only constant in my life. I actually seek out change. I still haven't really figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I am always up to try something new. This is not a bad thing, it's just how I live my life.
When I took the job at Cirque I knew things were going to change a lot. My lifestyle is different now. I have the excitement of an ever-changing job but coupled with a place to call home. Things have not all fallen neatly into place....yet. My husband, dog and the home I own are still all far away in Florida. I still have itchy feet because the travel bug is deep in my system. But so many of my "forever friends" live here that I feel connected and solid and loved.
A great friend of mine has been teaching me about living in the HereNow. This was an alien concept to me a few short months ago. I was programmed to always look ahead to my new job, my new ship, my new cast. Live this moment right now? Right this second? Why? I need to think about next week, next month, next year. Yeah.....no. It's hard work living in the moment. I am getting there. I'd say I live 70% in the HereNow. Not too shabby, as I think before it was maybe 10%. Seriously.
So here I am. In my living room, listening to Jane Says on the ipod while my roomie makes a sandwich in the kitchen. What will I do with the rest of my day off? Eh. I'll decide as it comes. I am right here, right now. Living and loving and BEING.
I am content. Thank you, Universe.
(and thank you, Sarah, for requesting a new blog post.)

Awakening

2010-10-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have been focusing on making some changes in my life. I just found this online while Stumbling. It's pretty cool. eh?

The Awakening

A time comes in your life when you finally get it...when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out...ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.
This is your awakening.
You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon. You realize that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you... and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.
You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.
You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself... and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you - or didn't do for you - and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.
You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that everything isn't always about you.
So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself... and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.
You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties... and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.
You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.
You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.
You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.
You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.
You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.
Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.
You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.
You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.
You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise.
You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.
You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.
More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it's OK to risk asking for help.
You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.
You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.
You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people... and you learn not to always take it personally.
You learn that nobody's punishing you and everything isn't always somebody's fault. It's just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.
You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.
You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.
Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.
You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.
You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.
Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.
- - by Sonny Carroll

Birthday!

2010-09-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Zumanity's 7th anniversary! Hooray for Zumanity!!!

I also got the honor of running my track almost solo. I don't have my Emergency Response classes so I can't be alone when the High Risk (read: aerial artists) are onstage because if something happens, I would not know exactly what to do. It was still pretty awesome and I felt very good about it!

(insert some icky faces at the hotel/casino for cleaning out the grease traps and sewage tanks near the end of the show. The Wall of Stench crept into the theater and we basically ran for our cars at the end of the champagne toast!)

However... work is still going well. I still love it. I still think I have the best job in the world and couldn't be happier.

Today is also the last work day before my weekend. We are dark Wednesday and Thursday. Can I just take a moment to rave about how awesome it is to have two days off in a row??? I didn't know how much I missed it until it came into my life. I honestly can't remember the last time I had a two day weekend (on a REGULAR BASIS) in my line of work. It was probably a fall season at Utah Shakes. But even then, I am not sure it was on a regular basis. It's so nice to have both a day to relax and do nothing AND a day to get all my personal stuff done.

Hooray for growing up and getting a "real" job. Now don't get upset, all my Regional Theater peeps. I'm not saying a real job... I'm saying a "real" job. As is the majority of the population would not consider my job real any more than they consider your job real. Ha! Seriously, have you read this note? It's been making the rounds on Facebook. *facepalm*

Anyway, no need for this to turn into a rant. This is a happy space where I revel in my luck (skill??) at getting an awesome job with a fantastic company who cares deeply about their employees.

Even when I wake up in a black mood, I can still work myself out of it by talking about my work. I'm pretty lucky because I am willing to bet there is only a small percentage of the population who can do that!

Happy Birthday Zumanity! May you have a long and exciting life!!!!!!

Laugh

2010-09-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Working at Cirque is one of the most awesome jobs I have ever had in my entire life. It is interesting, fun, exciting although I still don't know half of what I will eventually. Sometimes being the n00b can be funny.....to others...

Allow me to relate this story from last night.

Niki and I are Stage Right. The show is maybe halfway over. We have just finished a cue and returned to the podium where we are stationed. (I should mention Niki is with me because I am still new and am still learning the ropes....read: she handles all the major problems while I blithely run the track cues.)

We are quiet, but it is warm backstage and we turn on the fan at our station. A few moments later a voice comes over radio: "Hey Rovers (that's us). One of you is sitting on the All Page button."
This is a button that makes our voices travel all over the theater/greenroom/offices. We aren't actually talking but the sound of the fan and the show are broadcasting in a This Is Spinal Tap way.

We look at each other. We look at our headsets. No lights are on. We are confused. I turn off my headset. Niki turns off her headset. (We discuss how the All Page button can get stuck sometimes)

"Stage Management, we can hear you over All Page. Turn it OFF"

We have eyes as big as saucers (at least I did) and we take our batteries out of our headsets. We discuss possessed headsets and what we can do. I giggle nervously.

Our boss appears next to us. We tell him we can't figure it out. We show him our headsets and blink in confusion (at least I did - Niki is much more seasoned that me and is not that freaked out.)

"Stage Management, you have GOT to turn off the All Page" says our Calling Stage Manager. Our Admin Stage Manager reports we are still broadcasting.

Niki and Gruber (boss) walk off to talk to Sound and try to figure out what has happened. As they are leaving I hear them say "fan" and "All Page Button". This makes me look at the fan. I suddenly notice there is a rack behind the fan. I look closer and I see one button is a brighter red than the others. It says ALL PAGE. I press the button, it goes back to regular red.

"I got it!" I hiss. Gruber and Niki come back over to me. "Oh yeah, there is an All Page button there" one of them remarks.

Gruber leaves. Niki and I blink at one another. We go off to do our next cue which brings us through the greenroom. Laughing artists tell us they could hear us trying to figure it all out. We blush and apologize. They tell us we are funny.

Things get back to normal and Niki says casually, "How many Stage Managers does it take to turn of an All Page?" We figure out the number is 5. More if you count the initial radio calls from non-Stage Managers.

I love my never-boring, sometimes-intimidating, crazy-silly-funny job. One day I will be good at it. One day....

Revive

2010-09-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well my weekend was lovely. Lots of nice time off and great conversations. Gruber's birthday party was fun! Mon Ami Gabi was YUM!

I have to be at work in an hour. Hope I remember my track! heh heh nah... I'll be okay. That's why I made a cheat sheet.

This week my semi-normal rotation has started. I am liking my schedule!

My BFF Nykol, got a job as Production Stage Manager of Blue Man Group in Chicago! She is moving there right this second. I just got off the phone with her. I am so excited for her. She deserves this awesome new adventure. I hope to find out more about her new gig as she gets integrated.

Not much circus stuff to talk about since I have been off for two days.

As for Life stuff. Yeah. Life is cool. I'm learning so much right now that I occasionally have to sit back and reflect so I don't lose any of it. I have been reading and re-reading a lot of emails this week as well as revisiting several conversations. So if I suddenly bring something up from before, know I am still processing it!

Blessings for a fantastic day!

Relax

2010-09-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

So Wednesday and Thursday is my weekend. We are dark at work. (No shows) It is MOST EXCELLENT to have two days off in a row. I can't tell you the last time I worked in a job that was only 5 days a week. Regional theater is usually 6 days a week and cruise ships are 7 days a week while I am doing the install out on the ocean. I woke up early this morning and reveled in the thought that "today is mine too." All for me to do whatever I want. Ahhhh. Yup...still loving the job. Still raving about how awesome it is. Still grateful to the Universe (and the people largely responsible for getting me here).

Today is my dear friend Gruber's birthday. This is the first time I will have the chance to celebrate with him. Gruber was a summer pal until he hired me at Cirque. Back in the day he was my Production Assistant at Utah Shakespearean Festival. Then he was my Production Manager at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Now he is my General Stage Manager at Zumanity.

I like it when friends stay in my life. Being a gypsy, that doesn't always happen. Wow. Remember what it was like before facebook when we had to call/text friends to stay in touch? I was even a letter-writer! Now I have lots and lots of old friends at my fingertips. Yeah, this is a lot easier....

Anyway, a small group of us are going to Mon Ami Gabi for dinner - it's in the Paris hotel. Hooray for French cuisine. After that there is a huge party at our place. Should be fun!

Happy Birthday JohnnyVirgo! I celebrate your existence every single morning. I LOVE YOU!!

Ok. That being said, it's time to go back to sleep. Or maybe make coffee and swim... or maybe work on my run sheet.... or watch 30 Rock.... soooo many choices. Ahhhhh... *contented sigh*

ohhhh psst... Wanna listen to what I am listening to right now? Go Here. (Richie's newest online track. Cool mashup. I believe he's calling it Zee Bob Cast)

Opening Doors

2010-09-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well here I am, at the last day of my first week as part of the Zu krew. Still loving it. Still wanting more.

Last night was interesting. We had an artist go out moments before she was to be onstage. Mayhem ensued. Not the SM's. They were all calm and quick and moved like a force of nature. I was grateful to Robin, who was backstage with me. I had earlier in the night been very cocky and said..." I'll be fine. You don't need to shadow.?" She did anyway, THANK GOODNESS. Whoa. Once I learn who everyone is and where they are at every given moment, I'll be ok too. They tell me last night was what is more normal for this show. Things happen quick and line up changes come fast and furious. I had been lulled into a false sense of security earlier in the week. Well I know better now! This is a fast-paced world I have stepped into. It's sink or swim for sure. I feel like I am doing ok. I'm keeping my head above water, which is all I can do right this minute. I'll get better at this. I have no doubt.

One of my pals recently noted: Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls. (Joseph Campbell). This seems to be holding true for me these days. The world is my oyster. I can do anything I set my mind to. It's pretty cool to Feel this way. I like this Dance.

You should try it.......

Swimming

2010-09-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

So I live in a house with a pool. I LOVE THIS. (I'm so lucky Jamie is letting me stay with her!!!)

Today while I was swimming the song Beautiful Stranger came on. This is when I came to the realization that I am in love with a beautiful Stranger - - Zumanity. It's like a love affair. I have had a crush on it for quite a while. I think I saw it for the first time about 3 or 4 years ago. Clark gave me tickets so Matt and I could go for our anniversary. It was SO COOL! The acts that I remembered most were Waterbowl and Straps. I just couldn't get it out of my mind. Then when Gruber offered me the chance to play in his sandbox, my lust for Zu intensified. I had to know it. I had to experience it. When the kind SM team invited me to shadow, I was in heaven. Gone was the puppy love and in was the obsession.

Now here I am. Dancing with Zu every night. Swimming into deep waters, if you will. I can see a long relationship with this place. The people are fantastic. The job is interesting and exciting. Even though I know it will become routine, I don't think I will get into a rut. There are too many variables.

Thank you Zu. Thank you Gruber, Emily, Robin, Jess and Niki. (My SM team). Thank you Matty and Clark and Jamie and all of you who encouraged me to take this plunge!

Life is good. Enjoy.

Dancing

2010-09-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

As I dive into this new life of mine, I have been thinking a lot of about Dancing. Life is a dance. Relationships are a dance. Even everyday interactions between people are a dance. I never thought about life like that before. Music is all around me and has been for most of my adult life. I call cues from music. I take cues from music. But I had not really Listened to music.

This new gig of mine is even more entrenched in music that any other gig before. Everything is a Dance and everyone Dances. I love it!

Day two complete and was even more fun than day one. I am looking forward to going in and learning MORE MORE MORE. I am so far out of the rut that I had dug in my life that I can hardly See it anymore. This is an awesome feeling.

Just have time for a swim before work. Lovely weather here. The locals tell me it will stay like this for the rest of this month. What a lovely month to move to Las Vegas. What a lovely life I have. THANK YOU, UNIVERSE!!!!

Benford’s Law of Controversy: Passion is inversely proportional to the amount of real information available.

First day... CHECK!

2010-09-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

No easy day learning the space for this grrrl! My boss is a very old pal. He feels like "getting your feet wet" is for sissies. I'm no sissy. Which way to the deep end??

Day = Arrive, Company Meeting, Meeting two (can't spell it yet; something like Taperouge), Get ready for first show, do first show, scarf some dinner, do second show, clean up. Go home like I'm floating on air. Sleeeeeep.

I was so excited for the last week or so that I had been sleeping about 5 hours per night. This grrrl needs a bit more time to recharge her batteries. Last night I fell into bed around 2am and didn't get up until noon! Finally a release from all the nervous tension.

I'm still getting my bearings. I am sure I will be for a while. This job is, in fact, everything I wanted it to be. I feel like I can do this for a while. I like all the fast-paced, figure it out, DO IT NOW parts. I just need to get the layout of the building in my muscle memory. Lots of running around to be done. Lots of running up and down stairs. (Those of you who know me; stop snickering!)

I am starting a new life. It is happymaking! I seem to be rising to the challenge. Heh. One of my pals used the phoenix legend to describe his yesterday. Yeah. I think so too. I was reborn out the ashes of my old life in the past 48 hours. I like it.

Here is a photo from the Zumanity 7 year Birthday party two nights ago.

(Left to right, back to front) Emily, Angi, Robin, John, Niki, Jess, Jamie

Theses are the characters in my new life Game! Of course there are more. My Clark is here and was hovering near me when he can...giving me encouragement and silliness.

I am missing some of the old (and not so old) players in my Game. But I always am. Being a gypsy means leaving people/places/things behind is the norm. Luckily in this age of technology I can reconnect as often as possible. Skype has been my bestie for a while now. Even more since I moved to Vegas.

I should go. Must shower, buy a belt, buy some insoles and run back to the circus! Yay Circus!

xoxo

Settling into my new space

2010-09-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

I'm starting my second full day as a Las Vegan today. Time to get my room in order. Piles of bags and boxes messes with my chi. What a lovely morning it is. Its breezy and cool by the pool as I listen to "A Portrait of You" by Of Porcelain.

Tonight is the dress rehearsal for Zu. They do this after coming back from The Dark (aka vacation) to get back in the groove. I think I will go, even though I don't start work until tomorrow. Tonight is also the birthday party for my new job. They are 8 years old...I THINK. Should be fun!

Must buy a floating shelf for my stuff. Need more surface space in my new digs!

P.S. I love my roomie. She rocks!

Change it is a'commin'

2010-08-27T12:08:00.001-07:00

Well well. The summer is drawing to a close. I am putting understudies on for the actors who negotiated to leave before the season is over. I have had two rehearsals this week and one more tomorrow. My understudies are doing great! They will be on all next week. I can't believe the Randall closes tomorrow! Where did the summer go?

I hope you all had a chance to see shows if you were in Southern Utah. Even if you aren't, it is worth the trip!

I have just over one more week. Three more performances of Merchant and five more of Much Ado. I am telling you, I can't believe how fast its gone!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my crews, casts, designers, and fellow stage managers for making this a fantastic summer. The administration rocks, the box office is awesome... I am filled with love for the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

I also have some news....

This will be my final season at the Festival. I have been here 10 years. I worked on 13 seasons with over 30 shows! I can't believe my time here has come to an end.

My new adventure begins on September 10 when I start working as the On Call Assistant Stage Manager for Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity in Las Vegas. This is a permanent position, which has been my dream for many years. Although I enjoyed my gypsy lifestyle, I'm ready to settle down and live in the same city as my husband.

This blog will need to change a bit. I'll still talk about my adventures, but I think I need to reevaluate the exact content.

I hope everyone's life is going well. I'll update you more when I start training for Cirque.

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!

xoxo

Understudy Rehearsals

2010-07-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

The excitement of opening has past and now we are in it for the long haul here at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. The weeks after opening aren't as calm as you might think as we have understudy rehearsals for all of the shows as well as fittings to make sure the understudies have costumes.

What is an understudy, you ask? Well each role in each show has to have a person to cover it in case the actual actor gets sick or hurt or has some other emergency that prevents them from being in the show. Our understudies are (for the most part) already acting at the Festival. They have to learn these additional parts (usually larger roles OR several smaller roles) in case they are needed to step in.

We have been rehearsing the understudies for the last two weeks. My rehearsals are just about done. I have a couple of music and dance rehearsals left and one more hour of onstage rehearsal for the big court scene in Merchant of Venice.

Now, one might think "oh this probably goes fast because the actors are already in the show and they know the blocking." WRONG! The actors have been concentrating on their OWN blocking while in the shows and may not even be in the scenes with the character they are understudying.

... Did I mention these same actors are also participating in Camp Shakespeare, doing publicity things, Curtain Call luncheons, etc? Yeah, we all keep very busy here over the summer. Needless to say conflicts arise and the ladies who do all of our scheduling have a hard time making it all work. Luckily for us, our scheduling Stage Managers are super awesome and they make it work.

I am looking forward to being done with understudies. I know the actors, costumers and crew are ready for this to end too. But we all recognize the importance of having understudies and understudy rehearsals. After all, the show must go on.

On a personal note... my hubby and puppy are visiting this week! It is so nice to have them here when I get home from work. Husband Matt has seen Merchant of Venice and will see Much Ado this week. Next week we will squeeze in "Mackers" as we USFers affectionately call MacBeth. We have also been to Zion (we hiked the Narrows), Cedar Breaks, Brian Head, Panguitch Lake and the Petroglyphs. It's always so much fun to explore out here and even better to do it with someone you love.

We have opened!

2010-07-15T09:02:00.001-07:00

I am back at the Utah Shakespearean Festival this summer. Rehearsals/build were very challenging, but we have opened and the shows are getting rave reviews! (Well mostly, and those that aren't are picking up steam and I am confident their critics will be raving soon enough!)

(Emily Trask as Portia, Chelsea Steverson as Nerissa, Tony Amendola as Shylock, Ryan Imhoff as Gratianio, Grant Goodman as Bassanio and Gary Neal Johnson as Antonio - - Photo by Karl Hugh USF 2010 ©)

I have Much Ado about Nothing and The Merchant of Venice. Both shows I have done before, both have their own challenges. I really like both of my shows. Really. I realized over the course of rehearsals that this is my 7th time doing Much Ado!!! Only my second for Merchant. Yes, I like old Willy (fine, Mr. William Shakespeare if you must) enough to do his plays over and over and over. I really do!

This summer I have two Shakespeare's. I have never done this track before and will probably never do again!!! Having two giant shows in the outdoor theater is the hardest thing I have ever done... and I have done quite a bit, thankyouverymuch! I have a cast of 21 and a cast of 24 actors to shepherd through this journey. It wasn't easy but luckily for me I have great casts and fantastic crews.

For those of you who are new to this blog... (as if anyone reads this - - ok, ok I know at least ONE person reads it AND thank you for that, Mr. Vice President!!)...

I am a Stage Manager. I make sure the play happens. I call the light and sound cues as well as keep the actors on track and make sure the artistic vision of the director and designers is maintained. I flip the cue lights that make the actors enter on time and do a lot of other Manager-type stuff to keep my two shows running smoothly. (Reminder: We have six main stage shows and two Greenshows so I am one of a tribe of Stage Managers) My job is not easy but it is really fun if you like to be organized and in charge.

Ummm... yeah... I like both of those things....

More to come. I was accosted by a "fan" on opening last week for not keeping up the old bloggy so I wanted to bang one out.

Click here to go to the Utah Shakespearean Festival web site

If you have any reason to be in Cedar City, Utah this summer, you will be horribly remiss if you do not at least see one show at the Festival. HORRIBLY.

(Matt Tallman as Claudio, David Ivers as Benedick, Gary Neal Johnson as Don Pedro, Robert Ramirez as Leonato - - Photo by Karl Hugh USF 2010 ©)

Meatfest West and brunch

2010-05-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Meatfest West is starts tonight! If you don't have directions, please send me a message and I will help you out. I can't stay the night because I have some friends coming in from Florida tomorrow but I'll be there tonight. Also, we are doing brunch tomorrow so come on by. If you would like to bring something, please message me privately. If you will be at brunch, please let me know. I like to get a head count. xoxo

Photos to follow.

Packing for Nashville

2010-02-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

I leave for Nashville in the morning. EARLY morning. Ugh. But I needed it to be an early flight so I can actually work tomorrow. I hope all the flights are present and accounted for - I have been reading about pals who are stranded here and there due to weather.

Packing is not that fun, you know?? I used to love it as it meant I was going somewhere cool. Now that I am always going.... well it gets old. Coordinating outfits to conserve space? Check. All my electronic gadgets? Check. Photos of family and dog? Check. Toiletries? Check. Vitamins and medicines for every possible situation? Check. Books? Check. (Soon I will be able to change this to Kindle but not just yet... C'mon tax check!) Then the rest of the evening thinking - What did I forget? Oh my jewelry box... better grab it now. Oh my emergency cash, better put that in my wallet. This goes on for hours.

I'll be in Nashers for 6 days. I have to help get everything ready for the NCL Gem cast changeover. The cast starts arriving on Sunday, so I have only a few days to make the contact sheets, send out the "what to do on arrival" emails and get myself oriented before I begin my airport pick-ups.

I'm excited to see some old pals who will be leaving on the Celebrity Summit just after I arrive. I love seeing dancers and singers I have worked with before. It's cool to catch up and see how they have changed. I think they feel the same way.

I'm staying with my good friend and boss, Mindy, for the first few days of my trip. It will be nice to not just sit alone in a hotel room in the evenings. I do enough of that while I am there!

I will also be prepping for Shotgun at Orlando Shakes while I am there. I actually started yesterday so I don't get overloaded with my insane schedule. I feel bad for my poor ASM who will be on her own at the first production meeting. I am trying to conference call in but I don't know that it will happen. The meeting got moved up to while I am flying home instead of after I get home. *sigh* Such is life.

Ok, time to finish packing... now... where did I put that luggage scale I got for Christmas? :D

Next stop: Nashville

2010-02-11T08:14:00.001-08:00

I leave for Nashville in a week. This time I am heading in for the start of the NCL Gem rehearsals instead of the end. I will be picking up the cast members from the airport and getting them installed in their hotel. I'm looking forward to seeing some old faces and meeting the newbies.

I'll only be there for a week and then I have to rush back to Orlando for Shotgun rehearsals. As soon as I open and hand off Shotgun to the resident PSM at Orlando Shakes, I will drive to Ft. Lauderdale to join the Gem in progress. I don't get to shepherd my cast to the ship like I normally do, but I will be there 2 days later. That will be a little crazy, but such is my life. Seems I am always running to one gig or another.

I am not looking forward to the cold and snow in Nashville! After all, I live in Orlando for a reason. But it will be fun to see everyone and I am thankful to have a job at all considering the recent lay-offs at my dear GMP. Now that we have less ships, I will be lucky to keep the Gem, let alone get the other NCL ships back. I just got spoiled having so many ships last year. It was a wake up call to go from 4 ships in fall season to 1 ship in spring season.

So my calendar is filling up quickly. I have the Gem, then Shotgun, then the Gem redeux, a visit to Indiana to see my family and then the looong drive West to work at Utah Shakes all summer. Who knows what the fall will bring, hopefully more work!

I'm working at Orlando Shakes again

2010-01-15T19:57:00.000-08:00

Hey check it out. I got a job with Orlando Shakes doing SHOTGUN. It looks like it will be a cool show. I'll post some pictures and updates after rehearsal starts.

Shotgun

		March 17 - April 11, 2010 By John Biguenet A National New Play Network World Premiere "If this was a normal world, we'd know what to do. I don't know if a set of rules exists for what we're living through..." Four months after Katrina, a white man and his teenage son rent half of a shotgun duplex apartment from an African-American woman and her father. Seething racial tensions bubble to the surface when love begins to bloom. [get tickets] Drama - Ages 14 & Up

Showtimes
In the Goldman Theater WED & THURS 7 p.m. FRI & SAT 8 p.m. SUN 2 p.m. SENIOR MATINEES: Wednesdays at 2 p.m. March 24 & 31 and April 7 POST-SHOW TALKBACK: Thursday, April 1

Looking for summer work

2010-01-12T12:16:00.002-08:00

Full resume with Director names can be acquired by leaving me a comment with your email address.

Angi Weiss-Brandt

(contact information upon request)

Experience

(all cruise ship work is for Gary Musick Productions, Nashville, TN)

Production Manager: Two shows onboard the Spirit for Norwegian Cruise Lines, 2009

Production Manager: Three shows onboard the Jade for Norwegian Cruise Lines, 2009

Production Manager: Three shows onboard the Gem for Norwegian Cruise Lines, 5/2009, 10/2009

Production Manager: Four shows onboard the Summit for Celebrity Cruise Lines, 2008 and 2009

Production Manager: Four shows onboard the Constellation for Celebrity Cruise Lines, 5/2008, 9/2008, 11/09

Production Manager: Four shows onboard the GTS Infinity for Celebrity Cruise Lines, 2007 and 2008

Production Manager: Four shows onboard the GTS Millennium for Celebrity Cruise Lines, 2007

LORT B+

Othello	Utah Shakespearean Festival 2008	AEA Stage Manager	J R Sullivan
The School for Wives	Utah Shakespearean Festival 2008	AEA Stage Manager	Robert Cohen
The Mousetrap	Utah Shakespearean Festival 2007	AEA Stage Manager	Brad Carroll
Johnny Guitar	Utah Shakespearean Festival 2006	AEA Stage Manager	Brad Carroll
Stones in His Pockets	Utah Shakespearean Festival 2005	Deck Manager	J R Sullivan
Camelot	Utah Shakespearean Festival 2005	Deck Manager	Brad Carroll
Forever Plaid	Utah Shakespearean Festival 2004	Deck Manager	Russ Treyz
My Fair Lady	Utah Shakespearean Festival 2004	Deck Manager	Marc Robin

LORT C

Much Ado about Nothing

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival 2009

AEA Stage Manager

Fontaine Syer

LORT D

Julius Caesar

Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival 2006

AEA Stage Manager

Dennis Delaney

Small Professional Theatre (SPT)

As You Like It	Orlando Shakespeare Theatre 2008	AEA Stage Manager	Dan McCleary
Every Xmas Story Ever Told	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival 2006	AEA Stage Manager	Jim Helsinger
Trapezium	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival 2005	Stage Manager	Russ Treyz
Dracula	Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival 2004	Stage Manager	April Dawn Gladu
The Guys	The Vine Theatre 2003	Stage Manager	Rus Blackwell

Education

B.S. in Technical Theatre (emphasis in Stage Management) Ball State University 1996

References

Upon request

Utah Shakespearean Festival 2010 line up

2010-01-11T14:04:00.006-08:00

Here is the play line up for this summer at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Hope you can make it. I know I am trying to be there! Are you working there this summer/fall? Let me know. I will be posting updates as they come in.

Shakespeare Rocks!

And so do Charles Dickens, Jane Austen,

and Alfred Hitchcock—all featured in the

2010 season of the Utah Shakespearean
Festival.

Summer Season 2010

June 28 – September 4

Fall Season 2010

September 16 - October 23

Go see Hamlet!

2010-01-10T23:21:00.001-08:00

Orlando Shakespeare Theatre (affectionately known as Orlando Shakes)is getting ready to do Hamlet. Go see it! All the info is below.


		January 27 - March 13, 2010 By William Shakespeare "To be, or not to be, that is the question..." Shakespeare’s great tragedy follows a young prince haunted by his murdered father’s ghost and driven to the edge of madness. To be or not to be is the question. [get tickets] Drama - Ages 12 & Up Click here to download the Study Guide.

Showtimes
Margeson Theater THURS 7 p.m. FRI & SAT 8 p.m. SUN 2 p.m. PREVIEWS: Wed. 1/27 and Thurs. 1/28 at 7 p.m. SENIOR MATINEE: Wed. 2/17 at 2 p.m. POST-SHOW TALKBACK: Thurs. 2/25

It's been forever...

2010-01-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I AM SO BAD.

I have not posted here in forever. 2009 ended well. I had 4 ships in 3 months and that almost killed me. It certainly killed my ability to blog.

I met some cool people, I met some sucky people. One friendship almost imploded but is now cool again. One friendship got a heckuvalot stronger and for that, I am so thankful.

2010 started ok but SLOW. As of this moment, I have only one ship (I had seven last year). Times are tough. I might go back to Orlando Shakes for a show. I am negotiating that now. I have a possible fundraiser in Phoenix with Nyk, which would be SUPER COOL but would overlap. I can only have two of my three offers. SAD. This always happens to me.

Talking about going back to my roots this year. I can't say more because I don't want to jinx it. Could be fun and exciting. I hope it works.

Dad is still sick. I wish I cold say the prognosis is good but I would be lying.

What else? Oh yeah... I have lost nearly 50 lbs. The stress is actually working for me this time. Well that and the 2.5 miles a day of walking. Plus the Wii. I got the Wii Fit Plus and it had some GREAT upgrades. I like that you can make a work out that is up to 60 minutes long.

I watched all the seasons of Heroes. I liked it but I hope it gets better. The first season was my favorite. I am almost caught up on LOST. Can I mention that Netflix OnDemand is the COOLEST THING EVER?? Yeah.

Well that is my update for now. More to come. No really. I might even get around to posting some photos.

xoxo

A quickie for you

2009-10-06T21:33:00.002-07:00

Well okay so I have been sucking at updating this lately. I have a good excuse though! I have been at sea for 5 of the last 6 weeks. I went on the NCL Jade for a month - home for a minute and then went to the NCL Spirit.

I have some photos but hubby gave me a new camera and I recently discovered I can't just plug it into my computer and transfer. I have to use his computer because it has a card reader. Yeah, like I am ever at home to use his computer!!!

Anyway, I leave Saturday for the NCL Gem and will be there 2 weeks. Then I am back in Nashville for a minute....and off to the Celebrity Constellation for a month. I know.... no rest for the wicked. That has become my mantra. (Yes, I realize that is a little screwed up....but I am a little screwed up so WHAT??? ) tee hee

Anyway - settle for some random shots of the ships and I will put some of my photos up as soon as I get home and settled. I get home on Nov. 22.

I will try to be better.... its just so hard to blog on the ship because the internet is expensive.

Love one another.....

Crazy times

2009-09-19T12:24:00.002-07:00

Ok so I have been in Europe for a while and its not over. I am home for a second but I leave tomorrow and will be heading to Canada, then back to Europe and then to the Caribbean. It should be some insane fun. I will post my NCL Jade photos in the next few days.... soon... I promise....

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Excerpts from the summer blog

2009-08-07T12:41:00.003-07:00

Oh hey,

So doing two blogs all summer was too much. I just didn't have the time or the internet connection to make it happen. I have copied some of my blogs from the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

May 28, 2009 Angi Travels Out West

Hello, I'm Angi, one of the Stage Managers. My dog, Cooper, and I are driving from Orlando, Florida to Reno, Nevada this week. We will be stopping to see some fun people on the way. I will be blogging about the trip here.

My journey to Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival officially started yesterday morning at 6am when my alarm starting blaring "Lean on Me.". Oy. I am not a morning person. This is why I work in theatre! But nonetheless, I put the last couple of items in the car, grabbed the dog, kissed Hubby and headed out.

Rain for the first two or three hours. No good. But it cleared up somewhere in South Georgia and I had a nice drive to Atlanta.

Friends Helen and Justyn live here in the ATL and put me up for the night. My adorable god daughter, Samantha has gotten so big! She is almost-six. She has two days of school left. She read me an entire book before bed. Yeah, she is the main reason I took the easy "only seven hours the first day" route.

Today, not so easy. I am going to make it to Salina, KS this evening. 15 hours of open road today. I'm up for it. I have tunes, Russian lessons, podcasts and snacks. Did I mention I love road trips?

Time to go! Gotta grab the dog.

Monday, June 1 Prep Week

Wow so we really are trail blazing here! Nykol and I came into a place where there was no Stage Management department in place and we made one up! It has been a crazy week but what a rush!

The first part of the week was so busy. I got here (Reno, NV) on Saturday and Nykol got in Sunday. We talked game plan, policy and Create-A-Company. We made a huge list over coffee and got to work.

Tuesday we went to the office. We have a conference room in the basement at UNR I have been thrown back into the world of Academia. The college is right down the street from Reno's city center. The Biggest Little City in the World.

We have scheduled meetings, attended meetings, stocked first aid, created paperwork by the ton. Yay new templates!

Shopping with Grüber is a blast. We had a field trip to Staples. I have really enjoyed working with him so far. I expect that will continue through the season!

I really like Team SM. We have a great group and will rock this summer out! The entire company is awesome, to be specific I am at the end of a loooooong prep week. I have to finish putting my book together, go shop for courtesy items and (of course) check Facebook.

Tuesday, June 9 TEAM SM

Well our first week of rehearsals are over. Team SM completed a marathon of paperwork and finished Sunday night distribution in 50 minutes. Stage Management updates all the paperwork on Sunday to reflect the changes that happened during the week. New props list, new line assignments, cuts and additions to the script, anything that is different.

We spent this week doing table work. That means the actors and directors (and Team SM) sit around a big table and talk through their parts. We explore character development and try to figure out what Shakespeare meant when he wrote each line. The actors get to know each other and try out bits to find the funny or the tragic. I don't have a lot to do while this is going on. I use the time to double check all my info is correct and all my ducks are in a row. I also make sure we stay on track and take breaks at the correct time.

Next week is when the fun starts for me. When we get on our feet.

Team SM continues to amaze me. My assistant, Claire, is fantastic. She is fun and smart and easy to get along with. She is the only new addition to this team, but you would never know it. She made the transition flawlessly and we feel like she has been part of our group forever!

My director, Fontaine, is also pretty amazing. She is a strong woman, but she isn't letting her feminism cloud the overall feel of Much Ado. If you don't know, women are treated like objects in most literature from this time period. This play is no exception. However, Much Ado has some strong women in it and could be played with bumbling fool men, leading to a whole different interpretation. I like that Fontaine has addressed this and also shared that she wants the antics of the show to reflect the relationships between men and women from all aspects and not either side of the "typical coin."

Well the week is done, its my day off and I am going to explore Reno! I like the "Biggest Little City in the World.". It does have a small town feel but with all the good stores. UNR is only blocks from downtown so I have had a chance to check out "the strip." It is no Vegas but it is good fun. I have a million picture of various friends having fun but I was not there. Work kept me away from Eurofest and $.99 margaritas. Soon, little city, soon.

Tuesday, June 16 BLOCKING THE SHOW

The phase after table work is called blocking. We stagemanagers have measured the plans for the set and laid down different colors oftape to represent the stage. This gives the actors a good idea where the wallsand stairs are. It shows them windows, doors, entrances and the like. Next thedirector tells the actors where to move to inside the scene. I keep track in myscript of where everyone moves to and how they get there. This is blocking. Itsimportant to keep a record of where everyone is during the show for a myriad ofreasons. The costumers need to know where the actor is going to exit so theycan be in the right place to do quick changes, the crew needs to know so the propscan be in the right place. I need to know so I can call light and sound whenthe actors say or do the cues. Blocking takes a bit of time. Last week we didPart One. Part one is everything that happens before intermission. Shakespeare wrote plays in five acts so part oneusually ends somewhere in the middle of Act three. In other words, we are abouthalf way through.

We tried to go roller skating on our day off yesterday, butit is not yet open for the summer. So we went to a huge outdoor mall, which wasfun.

We have two more weeks here in Reno before we move to the lake. Today is anexciting day because we find out where we are living when we move! Hooray!

Thursday, July 2

We made the big move! We finished out our last week in Reno, packed everyone up and headed to the Lake.

The last two weeks went by like a whirlwind. We managed to move into the Redfield theatre, the designers flocked in and we ran the show a couple of times. We found time for a million fittings and voice and speech sessions. We worked scenes and found new moments of laughter and tears.

Then we all packed up and headed to our new digs at the lovely Northstar resort. We have the cutest lodge with two balconies and sweeping views of the mountains. The move went very smoothly. We settled right in. A special THANK YOU to Company Management for making it easy. Can you imagine almost your entire company picking up and moving 40 miles away without missing a beat of work? Yeah. We did it!

We had a wonderful BBQ at the gazebo near our theatre. I think everyone is breathing a collective sigh of relief that the move is behind us and we can work on the actual stage.

My show is spending the first three hours of rehearsal at Tahoe School in a rehearsals space so the carpenters can have some extra time to work. I am heading to the school now to tape out the set and create a place to rehearse.

Bye!

Floating on the Sea

2009-05-01T03:31:00.009-07:00

Have been on the NCL Gem for a while. Lots to talk about but internet is SOOOO expensive on the ship. Even with the crew internet... it's still $20 for 200 minutes. Have been writing down snippets of info and will paste them all in here. I know.. this is normally for land based stuff but I want to talk about this!

(<== my incoming cast at my birthday party in Nashville!)

Finally got all the info I needed to get my cast on the ship. It was down to the wire! Igor's background check came in just an hour before my deadline. Whew!

It was an odyssey to get ON the ship. Something got mixed up and someone didn't scroll to the right....yes...seriously.. on an attachment.... and anyway, it kept us on the gangway for 4 hours. Just waiting. Finally got it sorted about 20 minutes before we sailed. Sad because Terry was just minutes away and I couldn't see him at all. I was really hoping to hang out, even if it was just in the cruise terminal. but NO.... I will know better next time and I will ensure that everyone looks at every Excel document correctly.....

Transatlantic voyages... this is my third. This is the smoothest I have had. NYC to the Azores. 5 days at sea. Don't envy me. Envy me when I get to the Med. Ahh the Med... I can see it coming. ...not really but in my mind!
(<== almost everyone in this photo is from the outgoing cast...there are more of them but I don't have one picture with all of them!) I am loving the Gem, The outgoing cast are all nice people. Living together in a confined space for 6 months can be taxing. I have been doing exit interviews for two weeks with them. I have not found one I don't like. :)

My incoming cast is a dream. I love them. LOVE. I have been with them now for almost 6 weeks. I can't believe I have to leave them in a little over a week. I am not ready. They are just wonderful. And TALENTED!

I have made a lot of new friends on this voyage. More than other ships, I think, since on here I can go into all the crew areas with my name tag. I actually interact with the crew on a regular basis and they see me in the crew bar! Casino Host, Adrian from Romanian - a friend to the END. I will always stay in touch.

The shows are coming together. The old cast is leaving in a couple of days and my new cast will start opening shows. I will miss the old cast! Oh guys, I don't want to name you all on here. You know who you are. Ports are beautiful. What I have seen of them anyhow. Hope to have some photos to post soon.

I am learning Russian! Roman (Russian) has been teaching me everyday. I am a terrible student but I am trying. He is very patient. I have known Roman since my very first Infinity contract in 2007. Back then he hardly spoke English. Now he is a pro. He has promised to email me to continue my lessons. I also have Igor (Ukrainian) to help me. He's a sweetie pie and has also been patient with me. We will see how long that lasts! Ha ha!

(<== This is Roman Bykov, my Russian teacher, a fierce dancer, and friend to the end.)

Ok enough for now. I will post again near the end of my journey.

Dasvedanya! (Until next time!)

Almost time....

2009-04-14T18:43:00.003-07:00

Well this year I will be moving the Porch to Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. I know, I know... what will happen to Utah... Don't worry. I have plenty of pals there who will update me. I will post for Utah on occasion.

However, here is the twist.... Lake Tahoe Shakes asked me to blog for them in an official capacity. I will be posting here in a personal capacity but there in a....less personal... sort of way.

I am looking forward to heading out to Reno and then on to Incline Village. I will post some photos and stuff about my cross country travels.

Have a great month! I'll be leaving for my cruise to the Mediterranean in a few days. I will have lots of photos and thoughts about that too!

I PLAN TO COME THROUGH UTAH ON MY WAY TO TAHOE SO I WILL SEE YOU THEN!

xoxo

Almost home

2009-03-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

I will be home in 3 days and I have a fantastic Goat Cheese Soufflé recipe to share with you. I might have a Chocolate Soufflé recipe by the end of the cruise.... we shall see. The Caribbean is nice but I am ready to be home again.

xoxo

Burning the Christmas Tree

2009-02-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

Ok so I totally forgot to post this video I made of the annual burning of the Christmas tree. Every year we head to Lakehaus on or around New Year's for the weekend. One of the fun activities we do is burn the all of our Christmas trees.

This is a 6' (or so) tree that we had in our living room. The boys built a stand out of wood and tossed in the tree. I would not recommend doing this if you live in a densely populated area. Lakehaus is in Ocala National Forest and doesn't have a lot of neighbors. We also had a hose standing by! I should point out that this tree went up in about 30 seconds. Remember that when you feel too lazy to water your tree at home....

Ok, enough blather... watch this sucker BURN!

Angi - Smoke Free and Healing for One Month, Four Days, 12 Hours and 58 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 2 Days and 11 Hours, by avoiding the use of 711 cigarettes.

A response to John McCain's lack of understanding.

2009-02-10T07:27:00.004-08:00

I got this message on Facebook today:

Today, John McCain said: “$50 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts — all of us are for the arts,” McCain said. “Tell me how that creates any significant number of jobs?"

Please tell him about your job:

http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

Dear John--

I understand you are not aware of how funding for the arts creates jobs. So, I'd like to tell you what I do for a living. I am a...

Thank you so much for asking what I do.
Sincerely,

xxxx

Here is the letter I sent....

Dear Senator McCain,

I understand you are not aware of how funding for the arts creates jobs. So, I'd like to tell you what I do for a living. I am a Stage Manager. My job is to make sure everything happens during the production. Without me the lights will not go, the sounds will not happen, the set will not move, no one will be dressed and the actors will not enter.

In any given production I have a crew of at least 5 and upwards of 50 working under me to make the show run. This does not include the actors, the ushers, or the concessions people who work to make sure you have a good time while attending our production.

I am saddened to hear you do not believe we need more funding for the arts. I am saddened that you do not understand how giving money to the NEA can create more jobs.

Due to cuts in funding, the theatre I have worked in for the past 9 years has to cut 45-60 jobs this season. That $50 million could help give some of those people back their jobs. Additionally, the more money we have, the larger the production we can put on. We can do a musical with a cast of 50 instead of a straight play with a cast of 4. Larger shows mean larger scenery, more lights and costumes -- hence the need for more people. This is where the creation of new jobs comes in!

Saying you support the arts and actually doing it are two different things.

Thank you so much for asking what I do. I hope my note has helped you to understand how $50 million in funding for the Nation Endowment of the Arts can, in fact, create more jobs.

Sincerely,

Angi
AEA Stage Manager

Passing the one month mark!

2009-02-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Well it's official.... Hubby and I have been off the cigarettes for an entire month! I am so proud of Matt for sticking this out. He's put up with my bitching and moaning forever! (The best part is, he hasn't killed me....YET) Ha Ha, seriously... We were both whiny and crappy for a while but he is over it and I think I will be soon.

All in all, I gained 16.3 lbs in during my quit phase. I know I am beating it because since last Wednesday I have lost 6.1 of those pounds! I have a ways to go, but it is a start! I hate that we had to gain weight at all, but I understand the whole "healthy intestines absorb more nutrients" thing. But that doesn't mean I have to like it!!! (I should mention that I am very fat and losing 6 lbs. in 6 days in not a huge weight fluctuation...put your eyes back in your head and DO NOT comment that I lost weight too fast.) :)

Matt handled this whole thing better than me. I think it is because he doesn't have the fiery temper I have. He would just get quieter and quieter while I would yell louder and louder...
He also disappeared into his studio a lot (most likely to get away from me) to work on his photos. I should mention that you can see his fantastic work by clicking here.

I did a lot of cleaning the house, a lot of bitching and SOME exercise. I know I should exercise more, but I am sedentary by nature and I am doing the best I can! Okay, I did some cooking too. As evidenced by all the recipes I posted on here. But I think that also came from being on "vacation" for the past 3 1/2 months. *sigh* Vacation, my rear end! I am laid off. I just hate to put a negative spin on it. BUT the good news is I start working again in less than 2 weeks. The long, dark tea-time of my soul is almost over!

I have found that I talk about quitting smoking all the time. I think my friends are tired of hearing about it. The smokers think I am preaching and the non-smokers are tired of saying "good job!" But I can't seem to stop. Smoking was such a part of my life for so long that I think about it quite a bit. I am trying, pals, I am not trying to drive you insane. Actually, I am trying to keep myself from going crazy!

Another thing I realized is that we needed a period of time away from our smoker friends. Matt and I both have addictive personalities so we have a hard time saying no! I have only seen pals that smoke twice in the past month. Both times I had to run away to resist asking for a cigarette. However, I feel like a month is the right amount of time. Now I think I can go see smoking pals again. So any of you who I have been avoiding, chat me up, bitch me out, whatever...just call me so we can get together! :)

Ok, I think this blather has gone on long enough. Time to marinate some chicken. I am trying a new recipe tonight called Chicken with Roasted Lemon and Rosemary. I'll let you know how it turns out.

XOXO

Angi - Free and Healing for One Month, 10 Hours and 56 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 2 Days and 4 Hours, by avoiding the use of 629 cigarettes that would have cost me $143.62.

Sweet Boy

2009-01-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Look what daddy made! Matt cleared space in the office monster for a mini photo studio. Cooper loves to have his photo taken. That dog is sweet as pie.

Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Twenty One Days, 21 Hours and 44 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 1 Day and 12 Hours, by avoiding the use of 438 cigarettes!

Summer job

2009-01-30T11:44:00.003-08:00

Well it's official. Matt and I are going to Tahoe this summer. We are going to work for Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. I will be the SM of Much Ado About Nothing and Matt is the Lighting Supervisor.

I will be sad to not work for Utah Shakes this summer but working with Matty will be oh-so-wonderful! I think some others will be there too so I will let you in on them eventually.

I am interested in your feelings on this blog. Should I use it for Tahoe and the "Utahoes" (as Randy Handly has christened us) or should I end it since it is technically about the Porch and the Utah Shakes.

I will have the Porch in Tahoe. We will be having a superhero party, I imagine. So do you care about this blog for your connection to Utah Shakes or to me? Let me know what you think.

On the Utah front: Becky, Karen, Erin and TBA will the SM's. Seth is coming back as ASM. Devon is coming back in the Hair house.

I know more but have not cleared it with them to talk about. I'll let you know as I talk to people.

Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Twenty One Days and 14 Hours, while extending my life expectancy 1 Day and 11 Hours, by avoiding the use of 432 cigarettes!

Travel Map

2009-01-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

This is what your travel map looks like when you work on a cruise ship.

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Travel Info at TripAdvisor

Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Seventeen Days, 10 Hours and 19 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 1 Day and 5 Hours, by avoiding the use of 349 cigarettes!

Funny commercial!! (Dirty)

2009-01-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Want more info and out takes??? Go here: http://condomunity.com/entertainment/durex-get-it-on/

Pass this on!!!!

Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Fifteen Days, 11 Hours and 35 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 1 Day and 1 Hour, by avoiding the use of 310 cigarettes!

Fried Wii and Smokey Joe's Cafe at UCF

2009-01-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning we had a tiny little power surge in the living room. I heard on the news that the power company was experiencing overload because it got to *gasp* 30 degrees overnight. I know, I know.... my northern pals are rolling their eyes but remember I live in Central Florida and we are not used to those low numbers.

Anyway, so I go to turn on the Wii for my daily dose of humility (it makes that disapproving sound and says "That's obese!") and...... nothing. No light. No sound of the cd starting up. Hmmm... I unplug the wires from the back of the Wii and plug back in. Nothing. *sigh* Now I am a little scared because, as you all know, this system didn't come cheap. I call Hubby. He says he doesn't know what to do but will look at it later. In the meantime, my personal trainer (Lysa) says do yoga without it. I whine, she sympathizes, I start doing yoga.

Flash forward to the evening. I saw the final dress of Smokey Joe's Cafe at UCF. Cute! It's hard for me sometimes because I work in professional theatre so I am very critical - but for a college show, it was pretty good. The weakest part was the costume design. It was not good. NOT GOOD. But overall I liked the show.

Matty looked at the Wii this morning and told me to contact Wii customer service. I decided I will do that but first I google this phrase: Help, a power surge fried my Wii.

5,670 results! All saying the same thing. Unplug the power cord from the surge protector and the Wii. Wait a few minutes. Try it.

It try it. IT WORKS! YAY!!!!!! Wii calls me obese and all is well in the world.

Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Thirteen Days, 11 Hours and 3 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 22 Hours, by avoiding the use of 269 cigarettes!

Props people needed!!!

2009-01-21T09:41:00.001-08:00

Hey so remember before when I told you John Gruber was the PM for Tahoe Shakes and he needed a Company Manager? Well now he is looking for Props people. All categories... Master, artisans, etc. Drop him your resume at jgruber@theatremaker.com and tell him Angi sent you!!!!

Vindication for my Northern pals

2009-01-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Twelve Days, 9 Hours and 11 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 20 Hours, by avoiding the use of 248 cigarettes!

It is freezing here in Florida! Actually cold, it was 34 degrees when I woke up. yes, I know I am from Indiana and I am supposed to be able to handle the cold but my blood is thin now... I have been here for almost 10 years!

Gotta go find a sweater.

Crabby

2009-01-18T18:10:00.000-08:00

Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Nine Days, 20 Hours and 11 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 16 Hours, by avoiding the use of 197 cigarettes.

Wii Fit strength training is HARD. My thigh muscles are so sore I can hardly stand it. Friggin' lunges and planks. Dude. But I guess it's good huh? It made me sweat AND now it hurts. Just like a real workout. I have managed to get the holiday weight off but the quitting smoking weight is a lot more stubborn. Oh, and there is all that fat on me too. Ahhh well, I will keep it up and maybe there will be more results.

We cleaned the garage today! Matt can fit his truck in again! YAY! We have a truckload of things to donate to the Goodwill. Hooray for tax write-offs and getting rid of things we no longer need. But mostly... hooray for organization. Hey, I am a stage manager..... I crave organization....what can I say?

:)

Quit counter

2009-01-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Six Days, 14 Hours and 37 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 11 Hours, by avoiding the use of 132 cigarettes!

Some news...

2009-01-15T10:19:00.003-08:00

Ok here is the big news.

I am not returning this summer.

I know, it makes me sad, but it is time to move on. I want to be with my husband this summer. I have been married 6 years and have NEVER spent a summer with him. Yeah, so I am selfish. Sorry.

I will continue to post Utah info up here as I hear about it. If you want to PSM or ASM at Utah, now is the time to be calling Karen. If you don't know Karen, you should have already applied to USF because the deadline was back in October! Ok, try FSM@bard.org

More later....

Quitting smoking can kill you

2009-01-12T05:09:00.000-08:00

I hate this emotional roller coaster that nicotine fits put me on. Shouting, bitching, crying and being awake a lot more. I don't know why that happens but I find myself awake no more than 7 hours after I go to sleep.

I am getting really annoyed at things I can't control. Things that normally don't bother me, like the fact that Debbie never returns my calls or answers her phone. Now I am pissed that I have tried to call her 8 times in the past 30 days to no avail. Whatever.

Here is my little quit counter's take on me.

Angi - Free and Healing for Three Days, 7 Hours and 15 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 5 Hours, by avoiding the use of 66 cigarettes that would have cost me $15.06.

So why don't I feel happy and healthy? I have gained 3 lbs. too. Nice. I just love that my already fat ass is going to get bigger before this is all over. Yes, I am exercising, BACK OFF! If one more well meaning person tells me to get out there and sweat...... well I might rip that person's brain out through their nose. (I know, not a good description but its the best I can come up with before the coffee is done brewing.)

And no, I am not breathing easier! It takes a few weeks for the ugly, hacking, smoker's cough to go away. I am only on day 3.

Day 3 of the rest of my life......

*sigh*

Ok it's not as bad as I make it out to be. Or at least in this paragraph I am not feeling as angry as I was up there near the top of the blog. - -

Oh good, coffee is done.

A new year... a new season....

2009-01-12T05:06:00.003-08:00

It's about that time. You have seen the new season, right?

Are you coming back? Let me know.

I have a few pieces of info but I am not quite ready to share them as of yet.

XOXO

Long while

2009-01-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Ok so it has been a bit since I blogged. I went to Indiana for a while and when I got back preparations for Christmas went into high gear. The chocolate covered oreos were a huge hit.

I had a great Christmas filled with high tech pressies and lots of love!

Next on the agenda was my sister in law's wedding. Lots of details to run down and pretty dresses to wear. Cool hair and makeup too!

A shout out to the Funky Monkey in Orlando! We had the "bachelor/bachelorette" party there and it was fantastic! I recommend the Sea Monkey roll if you are a sushi fan. Mmmmmm!! They have great wines too. Our pal, Seth, works there and he was awesome as server for the whole party.

Wedding day was great fun. It was a loooong day

Okay more new year blather later. I need to finally post this.

*Angi WB*
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Presents begin

2008-12-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Look at the cute slippers Judy and Zak got me!

*Angi WB*
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Indiana

2008-12-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

Sunset in Yorktown outside my sister's place. It is pretty here even if I am chilly!!

*Angi WB*
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Test

2008-12-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

Blah. Blah.

*Angi WB*
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Christmas cheer

2008-12-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

I am drinking a glass of wine and looking at our beautiful Christmas lights. Hubby put them up while I was making dinner. The photo above is an "in process" shot. You can see cool final product shots on hubby's photostream. (If you don't have the addy, let me know)

Yay Christmas! I got the rest of the stuff I need to make oreos and chocolate dipped spoons. I hope everyone is hungry when I see them!

*Angi WB*
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Today the Wii Fit made me sweat

2008-12-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

Seriously. I even got a finger towel to wipe my brow. Wow!

So I have played it long enough to open some of the medium range stuff. These games/exercises are only 5-6 minutes long. But the boxing is awesome! So is the step aerobics. Stop, I know, how 80's but it is cute and I think it gets you ready for the little Dance Dance Revolution game they have out. It is also not as easy as I would like. Don't get me wrong, my dancer pals would have it in a heart beat but the Wii actually asked me if I fell down a lot when I walk!!! Heh heh.

Today my Wii age is 34. Not too bad, but not as good as yesterday when it told me I was 31.

The crab stuffed salmon was delicious. I was not feeling so hot so I just had salad and bread but I tasted Matt's. Yum. He liked it.

Ok, break is over. Another round of hula hoop anyone?

*Angi WB*
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Late night blog

2008-12-02T21:06:00.000-08:00

Had some stuff to do today so I didn't have my normal coffee time. Things have changed a little. Matt does wii fit in the morning while I get his lunch ready and we have coffee together. I jump on the wii after he leaves.

Tee hee everyone wants to play the wii fit! We have to have people over soon.

Today was errands and grocery shopping. I got some nice salmon for dinner and we ate in the dining room amidst the Christmas decorations and boxes. Have to get the lights up. Garlands too. Maybe this weekend.

Stars are out and it is chilly! Matt covered our bird of paradise. The dog is loving the weather. He wants to be outside all day. I can see my breath as I type this. Brrrr!

Ha ha I just realized I called this Late Night blog but it's only midnight. My life is so different here. I'm in bed by 11p most nights. People who know me from Utah and the ships are laughing. 11p is when the evening begins when I am with them!

Ok the dog is ready to go in so it must be bedtime.

*Angi WB*

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

over the hills and...oh who am I kidding... Down the highway we go.

2008-11-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

We are all piled in the car, the trunk bursting with luggage and our tummies full of Chic-fila. It is about a three hour drive to my parents house. The holiday traffic isn't too bad right now. Going towards the city is a different story. They are already stop and go on the East bound side on the Interstate.

Brief pause for a flat tire. Matt changed it in 10 minutes flat! Yeah... I have a badass husband. On the side of the highway in the dark while rummaging around a full trunk to find the spare and the jack. Just as he was tightening the lug nuts the Road Rangers showed up. We told them we were cool and they drove off with a honk and a wave! Happy Thanksgiving to them for driving our roads and helping to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations in a timely manner.

Arrived safely and got settled in. McKenzie lost a tooth! We didn't even know it was loose but apparently it has been "wiggly ALL week!" Bit of a scramble for the Tooth Fairy. Silly me for emptying my wallet of cash before leaving. Too bad kids can't take plastic. Ha.

Now it is Thanksgiving day. I brought chocolate covered oreos and made deviled eggs and stuffing this morning. This is my Turkey Day MO. My mom seems to like my stuffing and eggs. McKenzie made place cards for the table. Too cute! We even took some family photos. It was a nice day.

Now it is Black Friday. We know one present we are getting. New tires for the Mustang. Damn my tires are expensive. Over $500 for the whole shebang. And that is with the tires themselves being 50% off! *sigh* Cars are expensive. We started the shopping frenzy off right by getting the very last Wii Fit at Sam's Club. The guy behind us told us we suck but we all laughed about it and had a nice breakfast provided by the store. Then off to the tire store. Next was Staples, Walmart, Bealls and Kohls. Not a whole lot out there that we wanted/needed. But we did get some great deals.

Ok this coffee time has spanned three days. Enough. Happy holidays!

*Angi WB*

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Florida winter

2008-11-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

Well it is starting to be cold here a bit more often. The sun is still warm but there is a chill in the air. Today it is windy and cloudy. Brrr! My blood is thin from living in Florida for too long.

Cooper loves this "winter" weather. His fluffy coat no longer hinders him and he demands to play outside much longer than our puny skin can handle. Even my layer of fat can't protect me the way his gorgeous fur can.

Matt has been having coffee time with us lately. I love it! He and Coop play ball while we talk about what needs to get done today. We add and subtract things from our BlackBerry To Do lists while slurping coffee and taking in the nice, undeveloped land behind out backyard.

The undeveloped land is such a great addition to our little spot in the world. It has just about every bit of flora and fauna you expect in Wild Florida. There is no water so we are free of 'Gators but I swear we heard a cougar the other night. It was a sort of roaring noise and the Poo freaked out. Barking ferociously but doing it from under Daddy's chair. Ha ha!

Plus we have a bird of prey nest. When Cooper was tiny we had to watch because the Egrets would circle near him to contemplate dinner!

Ok, enough coffee time.

Lunch with Jamie today! Woot!

*Angi WB*

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

A nice weekend

2008-11-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Yay we had a nice party! It was small but mighty. We think we had about 15 all together. I loved seeing everyone and catching up! We were going to take pictures but...

So the cookies were a big hit. I had about 75 at the top of the night and I think we had about 25 left over. The milk chocolate dipped peanut butter was the winner by quite a bit. I was also surprised that more people didn't like the mint ones. But so I think I know what I will do. I'm ordering some quality dipping chocolate and will be getting to work on them this week.

Mmmmm have you ever had Breakfast Bread from Publix? It is so good! I toasted mine and added a touch of butter. Yummy coffee time today!

Ugh daytime tv is awful. I can't stand to look at it for more than a few minutes at a time most of the day. I do like having the Food Network on in the background while I putter around the house. I tried crock pot BBQ pork the other night because of a recipe I caught.

I also am trying to find a hair stylist to work in THE MORNING on new years day for my sis-in-law's wedding. She is going for a 1940's old hollywood look with fingerwaves. Should be cool but it sure isn't cheap!

Right, time to get moving.

*Angi WB*

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Feeling icky

2008-11-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

Not feeling so hot today. Went grocery shopping, cleaned kitchen and finished expense reports. Now...

Naptime.

Then...

More cookie making, more cleaning, dinner making.

Yay housewifery. *pause to think of Iago's line in Othello 2:1:112*

Stupid Facebook

2008-11-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

Facebook is really honking me off right now. First off, now that I have Facebook mobile, my computer version has turned Captcha back on so I have to fill out that annoying "words in a box" thing EVERY time I write on someone's wall. I tried to reverify but it is not going well. I emailed support but have received no reply. ...yet. I think I will have to delete Facebook mobile and try to reinstall it. Maybe that will fix the computer version. I should note that when I hit the verify button it tells me to verify my phone number, which I have obviously already done because I am receiving the mobile updates. *sigh*

Secondly, why do we have friend lists if we can't message all of them at once? If you have less than 20 friends on the list, you CAN send them a message. Seriously? I have over 600 friends. The only list that is smaller than 20 was my High School list and it jumped to 24 yesterday. There is not even a function that allows you to select PART of the list. You just have to find them one by one. Which brings me to my biggest gripe...

I have been trying to blog everyday. It is harder than I thought it would be! Coming up with topics that I think people will find even marginally interesting everyday is a little taxing. Recently I wrote about my hometown. I thought the people I know who have lived there might get a kick out of it. Hence the trying to message everyone at once thing. When it didn't work I started going to their pages individually and posting a note with the link on their wall. Bad move on my part. Now Facebook thinks I am a spammer because I was pasting the post on the walls and I was audacious enough to do it 10 times in a row. How do they tell me they don't like it? They put up a pink box that says I have exceeded my wall post allotment and am banned until further notice! Bleah! I am not a spammer! Now don't get me wrong, I hate spammers as much as you do, but seriously? 10 posts? Well I think it is because I cut and pasted. I guess telling people about this blog is out of the question on Facebook. Silly me, assuming the friends I have don't look at my posts every day. Apparently Facebook thinks they will!

Ok ok. Enough ranting.

I just discovered that the lock out time is 3 hours. I guess first time offenders only get a little slap on the wrist. Ooooo I wonder if this is going to go down on my permanent record... *brief pause to sing Kiss Off by the Violent Femmes*

Ok. Laundry is dry, coffee is cold and Cooper is snoring away on the couch. I guess Coffee Time is over. Bummer.

Xx

*Angi WB*

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Why, oh why, do we dye?

2008-11-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to dye my hair. Oh gosh, you know my secret, I'm not a natural red head. Ha ha, as if. It is funny though, a lot of people did think I was a natural red head. I guess I have the skin color for it or something. I remember the first time I went blonde while I was in Utah... People freaked! They said "your natural color is so pretty, why did you go blonde?" I responded that I had not seen my natural color in many, many years and doubted they even knew what it was.

I have that sort of weird chameleon hair. On its own it is different shades all over my head. Combined it makes that dirty, dishwater blondish-brown - almost looks gray - color. You know what I mean. You see it in real life on the mousy-haired, dull, lifeless "I don't need a bad-ass hair color to be cool" ladies.

I am not that sort of gal. I am vivacious and obnoxious and plain-Jane hair would not work on me. (The people who know me in real life are snickering right now.)

Well now I am in the waiting stage. I have mixed the gunk and put it on my head. (You must be nuts if you think I would post photos of this!)

In 25 minutes I will be back to the red you see in my profile photo. Yes, I will probably post some "after" photos tomorrow.

Highlights tomorrow...... yeah you didn't think beauty was easy, did you?

Peace out.

My hometown...

2008-11-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

I'm going back to Indiana for a brief holiday trip. It's always bittersweet to go back to the old home front. I like seeing my family and the few friends that still live there. But it is sort of depressing too. Although my hometown has been getting more fast food chains and prefab stores like Best Buy, it seems to be losing people. I googled Muncie this morning to see what I could see. I particularly liked the Wikipedia page.

LAZY MUNCIE (Parody of the LAZY SUNDAY skit on SNL)

Oh go watch it, you know you want to see where I grew up.

Yes, Jim Davis (Garfield creator) lives there. Yes they filmed Armed and Famous there. Actually several "people of note" are from Muncie. (check it out on Wikipedia)

My hometown was also a sociological case study. You can learn all about the Middletown Studies here. I know all this stuff already as I played one of the authors, Helen Lynd, in college.

Also, my hometown is 83% white, 12% African American and 5% "other races." Yeah, I'm from the Rust Belt..... The KKK was big in Muncie in the 1920's. *sigh* I learned about it in Magic Middletown and Citizen Klansmen. I own Magic Middletown, btw, if you are interested.

Here is a list of Cultural References to Muncie, Indiana. (I loved reading through this! This list is copied from wikipedia...the links do not work but you can go to the wikipedia page and click on them)

Cultural references to Muncie

The 1960 Korean War film All the Young Men features Alan Ladd as a soldier from Muncie.
In several episodes of Hogan's Heroes (1965-1971) Carter and other characters refer to Muncie. Carter seems to have either grown up there or spent time there while growing up.
In the 1966 Dick Van Dyke film Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N., Lt. Crusoe complains that his malfunctioning navigational equipment will only tell him how far he is from Muncie.
The "star" of the eponymous Tom Slick segment of the late 1960s animated series George of the Jungle frequently raced to or from Muncie (and, at least once, to and from Muncie).
The "What Are Sex Perverts?"' segment of Woody Allen's Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) (1972) features a rabbi from Muncie.
In the 1976 TV pilot movie for The Love Boat, Tom Bosley plays Muncie native George Havlicek.
The 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind is partially set in Muncie.
Television talk show host David Letterman, whose national career began in 1980, often refers to Muncie when needing to name a small, provincial town.
Though the 1986 movie Hoosiers pits Hickory's basketball team against South Bend's team, the real life story that inspired the movie features Muncie Central High School's 1954 championship loss to the team from Milan.
The A-Team episode "Mission of Peace," which originally aired March 11, 1986 mentioned that the lion statues in front of the fake Mission were actually from the public library in Muncie.
It is revealed in the 1987 Garfield Goes Hollywood television special that cartoon characters Garfield, Jon, and Odie live in Muncie.
In the Saturday morning cartoon Garfield and Friends, characters often mention Muncie. Examples include Roy Rooster asking for "a pickle in the shape of Muncie, Indiana"; Garfield growing a minimall on the shores of the "Muncie River"; and Binky the Clown interrupting surgery at "Cedars of Muncie Hospital."
In the musical revue The Taffetas, about a four sister singing group, Muncie is named as the sisters' home town. The show began off Broadway in 1988.^[20]
The cartoon character "Snake" from The Simpsons (1989- ) played lacrosse for Ball State University located in Muncie Indiana. Also, Superintendent Chalmers went to BSU.
Knights of the Dinner Table (1990- ) - A comic strip set in Muncie. Parody of Roleplaying groups and Dungeons & Dragons.
Bikini Summer (1991) features "Holly from Muncie, Indiana" in a wet T-shirt contest.
In the 1994 film The Hudsucker Proxy the main character, Norville Barnes, was born and raised in Muncie. The city is referenced throughout the movie.
Gregory Howard Williams' best selling autobiography, Life on the Color Line: The True Story of a White Boy Who Discovered He Was Black (first published in 1996), is mostly set in Muncie, his adopted hometown.
The X-Files episode "Salvage," which first aired on January 14, 2001, was set in Muncie.
Toby Keith's 2001 song I Wanna Talk About Me contains the line "We talk about your nanna up in Muncie, Indiana."
The romance in Say It Isn't So (2002) begins in Muncie
In the fifth season (2004-5) of The Gilmore Girls television series one of the characters (Doyle McMaster, a native of the state and boyfriend to Paris Geller) reports that he spent his summer interning at the fictional Muncie Messenger newspaper.
Muncie was the setting for Armed and Famous, a celebrity reality TV show that premiered on CBS in January, 2007.
In the popular viral video spoof of the original Saturday Night Live sketch Lazy Sunday, Lazy Muncie references the Muncie cityscape, including Muncie Mall, McGalliard Road, and a cameo appearance by Jim Davis.

Ok, I doubt anyone is still reading because who cares about my hometown, but it is MY hometown and I love it no matter how much of a craphole it is... wait...

....It can't be that bad, huh? I turned out ok.

Weekend musings

2008-11-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

We had the Munchkin this weekend. When she is here I get to play mom. She is 10 and awesome. I am very lucky that Hubby's ex is a wonderful lady. We are all friends. When Matt and I got married Munchkin's mom asked her if she knew what StepMom meant. She told Munchkin that StepMom means "Best friend with whipping powers." How cool is that? She was only 4 when we tied the knot so she has grown up thinking this about me. I know, I am blessed to be in this situation.

Having a kid in the house changes everything, eh? We close our bedroom door at night and have to remember to be dressed when we get up to make coffee. Other funny things happen too... I was walking by the guest bathroom Saturday and heard the Star Spangled Banner being sung loudly while a certain girl was on the toilet. Her dad shouted through the door and she told him to stop listening because she was concentrating!

We had a great weekend at home. We all pitched in to do more "spring" cleaning and took breaks playing Wii and Playstation. This kid is smokin' at bowling and Guitar Hero!

Hubby and I have been talking about getting WiiFit. It has mixed review online about not being able to play multiplayer but I really like how almost every reviewer said they thought about the WiiFit telling them they are fat whenever they went to over eat! Ahhh motivation.

Cooper is doing better. His little nose is starting to heal. We still don't know what happened but I think he had a run-in with the Aloe plant forest we have on the back porch. The lizards like to hide there. Oh how he loves to hunt lizards!

Ok I think that is enough Coffee Time for today. Life IS good, isn't it? Hope you have a wonderful day!

*Angi WB*

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Doggy Smiles

2008-11-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

Our favorite son has many names. Cooper, Pooh, Boo Boo, Little Face and even Senior Farty Pants.

He is a big dog in a little dog body. Right now I am watching him patrol his patch of land in our back yard. He is like a little sentry, watching the perimeter, sniffing out all lizards and making sure they know he will kill them if they drop their guard.

I particularly like it when he "reads the newspaper," - as Matt calls it - by sitting on the hill and smelling the breeze. He is like a little King checking on all of his subjects.

He has a doggy posse too. His boxer pal, Fergus, lives a few doors down. Fergus is like a knight. He gets to roam much further into the undeveloped land behind our place and brings news of feral cats and the birds of prey that live in a big man-made nest that we can see. Max is a schnauzer that lives the other way down the block. Max has a nice older lady owner who walks him around the neighborhood so he is like a greybeard advisor with news from the townspeople. There is also a beautiful old border collie who lives close but doesn't venture out much. There are two other schnauzer and a pomeranian named Felix who live katty-corner to us. That is a neighboring kingdom and there is usually a lot of barking and demands when we venture by their place. Cooper takes it all in stride and prances through as if he doesn't notice the noise.

Yeah... Dogs are cool.

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Blog test

2008-11-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

The chocolate covered oreos were pretty successful. I have been researching how to temper chocolate so the next batch won't melt on your fingers so much. I think for Christmas I will try mint in the chocolate. I also read about Trader Joe's having mint flavored oreos so maybe I will get some when I trek to Indiana next month. We really need a Joe's here.

I am also going to make peanut butter filled chocolate covered oreos for Christmas, I think. KenZie wants to make popcorn balls. Take that, Suzy Homemaker!

Hey Gruber got a cool new job as Production Manager of Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. He needs a kick ass Company Manager so if you are one... Let him know. Or tell me and I will pass it on. Dates are like early May to end of August. Google it. It looks like an awesome outdoor space.

Aaargh. I have to finish spring cleaning. I have the master bath and the guest room to go. After those are good then Matt and I have to tackle the office. How long do you keep old bills anyway?

Ok. Enough coffee time. Back to reality. ...does that make me Rabbit?

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Virtual Coffee Time

2008-11-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

I was up early this morning and wanted to call Ms. Debbie but it was the middle of the night on her side of the country. So I used my CrackBerry to write her an email. I called it virtual coffee time because of our old Porch tradition. If you ever hung out on The Porch in Utah, you know what I am talking about.

Coffee time starts with that "I'm alive but not awake" time of the morning where you auto pilot into the bathroom and then on to the kitchen to make some coffee. I let the dog out when I am home. Debbie drinks a huge glass of water to rehydrate. Nykol talks to her cat. Everyone has their own ritual.

Anyway, by the time the coffee is done I am ready to have a nice sit. When people are around its the time to rehash "last night," discuss what the day holds and a bit of time to bitch or whine....take your pick.

Since I am kind of alone now I do all this without opening my mouth. Matt is either still sleeping when I get up or vice-versa so I can rarely share coffee time with him. Boo...as Michael would say.

Being on extended vacation is boring but my house is looking awesome. We have rearranged most of the house and cleaned almost every surface in the place. Nice. I like clean, shiny house.

Today I experimented with Milk Chocolate covered Oreos. I am thinking of making them for Christmas presents. Heh heh those of you in Orlando and possibly Indiana are in for a treat.

Love ya

P.S. I think I will be in Indiana Dec 10-15. I'll keep you posted.

I got a CrackBerry...

2008-11-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Oh good lord we got them..... here is the BlackBerry Curve.

I blame Zak for getting Matt interested but I know I need it. It does everything I need and a lot I don't!

Here is mine!Do you like it? I love it!

Matt got the silver one.

An ending...

2008-10-23T19:42:00.004-07:00

So Utah is wrapping up for the season. I heard great things about Jim Sullivan's show, Gaslight. If you haven't checked it out, here is a clip.

NykiDee reports that it is freezing there and that she is ready for a little warm weather.

Sadly, Fred Adam's wife, Barbara, passed away on Wednesday. You can read her lovely obit here.

I do have more photos to post, but I have been on ships for the past two months and have not had time. I will be home in about a week so look for another update then.

And if anyone is looking for an AEA SM for the Nov-Jan slot. I'm your grrrl.

XOXO

P.S. I got mentioned in a review! Can you believe it?????

http://www.jevansonline.com/othelloreview.htm

Utah Shakespearean Festival - Cedar City
Seen: Friday, August 8, 2008 *****
This is probably one of the few productions I will ever give 5 stars to, but this hands down is the finest production of this Shakespeare masterpiece I have ever seen in my entire life! Director J.R. Sullivan has mounted a breathtaking and truly chilling production of this beautiful and terrifying tragedy. IMHO William Shakespeare in this play created the perfect personfication of pure evil in the character of Iago and James Newcomb's triumphant performance in this role was nothing short of genius! He absolutely frightened me and played the role with such relish and evil joy that it was terrifying to watch and at the same time thrilling to watch. WOW is all I can say. Equally by his side was Jonathan Earl Peck's heartbreaking and towering performance in the title role. Mr. Peck was tall, handsome and absolutely stunning to watch every minute he was on stage. Equally heartbreaking was the two performances by the young Lindsey Wochley (Desdemona) and the wonderful Corliss Preston as Iago's wife Emilia. These two magnificant actresses brought triumphant performances to the stage as well. Lindsey looked and acted as a 19-year old would and it was so tragic and heartbreaking to watch as her life slowly was taken away from her scene by scene, and Corliss as always brought a power and a majesty to her performance as Iago's long suffering wife Emilia. By the time she stood so powerfully on that stage and decried Iago for his evil deeds, I was in tears. And her tragic murder at the hands of Iago was devastating as well as Desdemona's. I was shaking and crying all the way back to my hotel room after this production. This production will haunt me the rest of my days. Kudos as well to a fine production team: R. Eric Stone (Scenery), Bill Black (Costumes), Donna Ruzika (her stunning lighting design was brilliant, particularly in the cold scenes between Othello and Iago, and the devastating final scene), Joe Payne (Sound, his original score was breathtaking), Michael Flachmann (Dramaturg), Terry Weber (Vocal Coach), Christopher Villa (Fight Director) and Angi Weiss-Brandt (Stage Manager). I highly HIGHLY recommend this production to everyone! Don't miss this towering masterpiece of classic theater and an equally towering masterpiece of a production!

Sorry

2008-10-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

I know it has been a while since I updated. I have been onboard the Infinity and the Constellation for the past 2 months. I will be home on October 30th with new photos and lots to update.

In the meantime, I need a job for Nov-Jan. Anyone have suggestions?

Love ya!

I think he would be good for us....

2008-08-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

My opinion.....

2008-08-29T08:34:00.002-07:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Superhero Party 2008

2008-07-29T09:03:00.005-07:00

The 8th annual Superhero Party was a blast! We had a ton of fun and there were some kick A$$ costumes!!!!

I have 142 photo and I cannot upload them all on there. So I went to Facebook and put them up. If you are not my friend you will need to add me in order to see them..... Angi Weiss-Brandt (AND I STILL ONLY ADD PEOPLE I KNOW IN REAL LIFE......)

Here are some highlights.

Jose and Kai (aka Mr. SmartyPants ans Nightcrawler - or Kurt Wagner as I prefer)
Nicole and Head (of Coral Reef and super Sexy Chef)
Lindsay and Justin (or My Super Ex Girlfriend and The (new) Joker)
Becky and NykiDee (or Understudy Girl and Randall girl)
Steve, Kari and Matthew J (or The Incredibles!)

Kai, Angi and Brad (or Nightcrawler, The Artful Dodger and 7755 man)
Katie aka Super Grover!
Craig Christ
BJ as The Intoxicator!

Now join FACEBOOK.....

XOXO

sigh

2008-07-02T09:01:00.004-07:00

Yes, I am well aware that we are into July and there have been exactly ZERO posts from the Porch. This was a hard season for me. Othello kicked my ass and I still had to find the energy to do The School for Wives as well.

Woo hoo we opened!!!! Yay! My shows are both good.

I don't care what people say about Othello being too long. It's worth watching for 3 hours and 5 minutes. It is awesome. I would never review my actors in a public forum but this time I almost would. Let's just say I am VERY proud to be part of this production.

COME SEE OTHELLO YOU WIMPS!

The School for Wives is so much fun!! It's short, funny and a touch bawdy. I am having a great time working on it. (A shout out to my Crippled Crew - - every single one of my Wives crew members is hurt. Chris has a hyper extended knee, Justin got poked in the eye with a sharp stick and Lindsay's foot got run over by a GenieLift. I LOVE YOU GUYS AND I AM SORRY YOU ARE BROKEN!!!!!)

This is a period of adjustment summer for us for sure. A lot of new people and some new job titles and position switches.

Here is a quick low down (and I am sure I will miss some stuff so just let me know)

Richard our FANTASTIC Scenery Director (and impromptu TD in the Adams) is leaving us in a couple of day's for the Gutherie. We will miss him!

Zak and Tina had their sweet twins which are keeping them both occupied. They are also moving to a Carolina (which one escapes me - sorry)

Ben was Props master in the Randall as well as being the Props Director. He did an awesome job and we loved having him!

There is a bunch of other shit going on but it doesn't make me very happy so I don't find a need to report it here. Things to remember..... there is a touch of Iago in all of us and anyone who says differently is LYING to themselves.

"To be direct and honest is not safe"
-Iago
Othello

What else?

Oh Jamie S. will be in town tomorrow!!! WOOOOT!!!!!!! We have also had a myriad of visitors this summer. Micah left this morning, Kate Glo was here a couple of weekends ago. Debbie has been in and out (not that we see much of here around these parts - - but thems the breaks). Nykol's friend Robbie is in town today - hope she can find time to see him with all her WORK...ha ha!

I have lots more to say but things are getting scattered. Sorry! I will make another blog soon.

Anyhow, hope you are all having a nice summer! Drop me a line and let me know how you are doing!!

XOXO

Auditions for Gary Musick Company

2008-03-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

LIVE AUDITIONS for Gary Musick Company

NYC Ripley-Greer Studios April 21&22

London Pineapple Studios April 28 & 29

(these audition dates are for the Norwegian JADE--"Smokey Joe's Cafe" etc) This ship will have 4 book shows on it - meaning actual theater and not JUST musical reviews.

Tentative general audition in Vancouver, BC on June 1st. Stay tuned for more info!

SINGERS:
Prepare a ballad and an up-tempo selection in the styles that best represent your vocal ability.
You may be asked to sing selections from some of our shows (music available at the audition).
A pianist (please have sheet music in your key) and CD/cassette player will be provided.
Singers may be asked to return for a callback to include dance movement.
Please bring a picture and resume or C.V.

DANCERS:
Our choreographer will teach challenging combinations including jazz, tap and modern.
Please bring a picture and resume or C.V.

VIDEO AUDITION:
If you are unable to attend an audition, you may apply by video.
Here is what we will be looking for in your video:

SINGERS:
Singers should include both a ballad and an up-tempo. Our shows range from Broadway standards to contemporary and classic pop to operatic arias, so a selection from any of those genres is appropriate. Clips of past performances are welcome. Performance energy and “sell” are also reviewed.

DANCERS:
Dancers should demonstrate an excellent grasp of dance performance from basic fundamentals to difficult combinations. All styles of dance are incorporated into our shows, particularly jazz, ballet and tap. Demonstration of basics such as jetes, pique turns, split leaps, chaine turns, and battements are critical. Tap is also a required skill. Specialty work such as pointe work, adage and tumbling are also very desirable. Clips of past performances are welcome, but please avoid submissions that are solely comprised of competition work. Performance energy, personality and “sell” are also reviewed. Recommended maximum length of video is 5 minutes.
Please send a non-returnable videotape (VHS preferred), CDV or DVD with picture and resume or C.V. to:
AUDITIONS
GARY MUSICK PRODUCTIONS, INC.
885 Elm Hill Pike
Nashville, TN, USA, 37210
Further inquiries can be made at:
615-259-2400
auditions@garymusick.com

Some sad news

2008-03-17T12:09:00.004-07:00

Hello all,

Here is a link to Ted's obituary.

I think most of you know this by now, but just in case you have not heard yet...

Ted Jensen passed away in his sleep on Friday night/Saturday morning. Kate G. (aka Katie bear) called me on Sunday morning and asked me to pass the word along. Sally called Noah, who called Kate. Noah did not have any more details. I am sure our local Cedar family knows more about what is going on, funeral arrangements, etc.

We all have our memories of Ted. I remember a lot of things about him but what I choose to remember most is how he helped Karen rebuild after the flood. He helped with removal of all the waterlogged stuff, the dry wall, the carpet, the tons of STUFF that got wet. He and the rest of the Carps organized that benefit in the park to help raise money for repairs.

Take a moment to think of Ted and Sally. Call or email if you can.

And for God's sake take care of yourselves! I love you all.

XOXO

Headed to PR

2008-02-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hiya!

So I am out of here at 3:45AM to head to Puerto Rico and get on the Summit. I'll be there for 2 weeks, cruising the Eastern Caribbean and opening 3 shows. The cast is AWESOME! I love them all and I feel so lucky that they are good, focused and sweet.

Can I just mention that working for Gary Musick Company rocks my world??

Subject change....

Kenzie fell off her bike the other day. 6 stitches in her chin, chipped front tooth, loose molar and lots of bumps and bruises. Poor baby! She is feeling crappy. Send her your love!!!!!!

What else? I'm going to be in Indiana in mid-March so if you can meet for lunch, give me a ring. We will be in a hotel since my sister's house is full and we will have the pup with us. I'd love to see as many of you as possible.

Ok I have to wake up in 5 1/2 hours to leave so I am outta here!

XOXO

Just a quicky....

2008-02-20T19:54:00.003-08:00

Stage Managers of 2008

Karen
Cyrano

Angi
Othello and School for Wives

Becky
Two Gentlemen of Verona and Taming of the Shrew

NykiDee
Fiddler on the Roof

Equity ASM
Erin

Admin SM
Cheryl

ASM's and PA's to be announced....

Did you know David Ivers is directing Cyrano? Brian Vaughn is playing the lead.

Are you coming back? Let me know.

XOXO

Leaving on a jet plane......again

2008-02-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

So I am almost all packed and ready to go. Ok, not really but I have all my clothes in a big pile next to the suitcase and I have another pile of toiletries in my bedroom ready to be bagged. I leave in 2 days! Shit! Where did the time go?
True, I was only home for 11 weeks but they sure went by in a hurry! Seems like just yesterday it was Christmas or something. Actually, Christmas seems like a lifetime ago but it feels rehearsal for As You Like It just started yesterday. When in reality the show closed last Sunday.
Oi what a ride we had on AYLI! A million close calls and yet no understudies went on. I dont' know how that is possible. I feel like I held that show together by sheer will. Lucky me to have such a good cast and crew!

So next up is Summit with Gary Musick Company! I am starting to think the like me there! They are bringing me in a week early (hence my jet plane on Sunday) to help out. I will be in Nashvegas for 2 weeks and then on the Summit for 2 weeks. I am going to Puerto Rico! WOOt!!!!!!!!

Here is my schedule.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Roseau, Dominica, St. George'S, Grenada, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Oranjestad, Aruba, San Juan, Puerto Rico

THEN REPEAT (I am doing 2 cruises back to back - that's how we get the shows up.)

The ONLY place I have been to is Aruba and it's sentimental to me because that was my first stop on my first cruise with GMC! Hooray for travel! I am so blessed to have a job that lets me see the world and PAYS me for it. I am telling you, I think about how lucky I am to have this gig ALL THE TIME. (Thanks, MJ for having enough confidence in me to hire me with no experience in the Production Management world!!!)

Some of my pals from my first ship will be out with me.

This is me, Nicki, Jen and Emma (Jen can't join us since she is getting MARRIED!!!!)
This is Andy Lee and me. Oh I love this Duckie right here!
The sexy chic in the center is Kerry! Woot!!

A couple of the singers from the Millennium will be there too, Freddy and Matt. Can't wait to see them!!!!!!

I just got off the phone with Babs - - she is going to be one of the costumers and Erin is my Choreographer! I am surrounded by people that I love! YEAH BABY!

Ok I should run off. Time to get the dog to the groomer. He is getting his velvet pants on - - for those of you who know what means!!!! (It means we are giving him a lion cut - - shaving his hind end!!!!) - - Yes I will post a photo soon!

Anyway, I love and miss all of you - - oh - - I got my Utah offer the other day. I'll blog about that on The Porch later.

XOXO

AYLI is NOT cursed...

2008-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

Yeah so the Scottish play is next up at Orlando Shakes. You know how I know? All the crazy stuff that has been happening to my show (As You Like It) while that OTHER show is in design meetings.

What has happened, you ask?

Well some weird stuff like the huppa (marriage canopy with lanterns) fell in a freak accident. As it was being flown out the electrical wiring somehow touched the aircraft cable it hung from causing an arc that cut through the cable sending a lantern hurtling towards the stage (and our Rosaline who was passing by underneath.) in a shower of sparks. The plastic connector chain held and the lantern stopped about 8' above the ground. (whew)

The connector bar for the smoker's doors came out on its own and tried to hit me in the head. It missed though.

The house lights flashed wildly during the talk back yesterday. (Yes I know this is an ongoing problem but this is MY story, people)

ASM Andrea got hit in the middle of the forehead with the trap and has a nice bruise.

Touchstone (Brad DePlanche) cut his foot open on a piece of hardware embedded in the stage. Then the next day he managed to find an earring (he thought it was a shard of glass) stuck in his foot. SAME FOOT, SAME SPOT.

I got locked out of the booth at intermission during opening last night.

But now for the scary moment. The night before we opened as Orlando, Rosaline and Celia were driving home they were n an accident. A dumb ass in a pickup truck dropped his soda can and reached down to pick it up. He rear ended my actors while they were waiting to turn into their parking lot. He was going 40 miles an hour. Rosaline and Celia went to the hospital and were released at 3:30 am. The girls went home, slept for a while then made the decision to do their 10:30a show as well as opening night. (I KNOW!!!! Are they amazing or what???) They are stiff and sore with some bruises and some whiplash but they were amazing and the show is awesome.

Anyway, these were the things I could think of that have happened. Silly OTHER show, I blame it for making strange things happen in my show. Now I am open and hopefully nothing too nutty will happen in the future.

(Yes I know I normally am not superstitious but this is a bit out of control.....)

Anyhow, we are up an running and the show is SOOOOOO beautiful. Come see it.

xoxo

TECH Tech tech tech techTechtechtech

2008-01-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

Well we made it through the cue to cue for As You Like It. It was a wild ride but we have done all of the written cues at this point. We still have stuff to work and we need to re-tech this huge shift into Arden that involves falling chains and fabric and people swinging in from a silk rope. (Note: it was supposed to be a slide, then it was a trampoline with rope then it was just rope.) It's a little awe inspiring to watch. I missed a snow cue yesterday because I was watching the fabric trees falling from the ceiling. (We don't have a catwalk or fly space in the Margeson.) It is cool but takes 20 minutes to restore. :(

Anyway, today we work the Arden shift, do a lot of singing and some other junk. Tonight is a full run but not a dress. Should be a good time!

*ahem* Can I have a moment of respect for my ASM's who did a 10 out of 12 last night and probably got to sleep around 2 only to be back at work at 9:30a this morning for a two hour understudy rehearsal before out 2p-10:30p. DUDE! They are troopers.

Tomorrow is my day off! WOOOOOOO!

Okay, gotta run. The AYLI juggernaut is revving up for another pass and I need to jump on!

CLICK HERE FOR SHOW INFORMATION

My trip to the Mediterranean (Millennium fall '07)

2007-11-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Hey all! I have a ton of photos so I have to break them up a bit. This is the first cruise. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of really cool people. Yeah - - I think I will be doing this job for a while!!!!

This was my room. It had a window!

Sail away from Venice. Cold and rainy but still cool!
Dubrovnik, Croatia from afar.

Sunset from my window overlooking Palermo, Italy.

Naples, Italy - we took the Funicular to the top of the city. That's Mt. Vesuvius and Sorrento behind me.
Naples - a cool fort we went to.
A neat piazza - open air shopping center.

The Cosmos (disco bar) all done up for the crew Halloween party.

Ed, Beccy, me, Graham and Dave

Rocker chicks!
Beccy and Ali
Lisa (our Cruise Director)
I was a character from Bettlejuice.

Barbi and me
Alex and Matt
Jordan and Anya
Me in Barcelona, Spain at the Marco Polo statue.

Dave and me in a terrible photo - - we were having fun though! (Gary Musick has just arrived)

Ahhhh Rome.
Vatican Square
St. Peter's basilica
The Parthenon
Trevi fountain

The Coliseum
SPOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A palace in Istanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

I was a queen in Mykonos, Greece.

Mykonos, Greece

Me and Olin with the Millennium in the background.

The windmills in Mykonos.

The cable car in Santorini, Greece.

Donkey jam on the way down the mountain in Santorini.

See the trail I walked down? It's the switchback madness - - I thought I might die.

Abby on the way back to the ship.

I will post show photos next. I also have one more set of photos still on my camera. Opening night stuff. I'll post that later!

XOXO

End of the season

2007-11-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

Wondering what I am up to these days? Check my off season blog Not Listening.

I'll be updating this closer to the first of the year when the hiring starts.

XOXO

Going Away/Birthday Party

2007-10-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a record of our insane night. I did not put up all the photos because I was drunk and made EVERYONE take a photo with me. If you are looking for a specific photo.... email me and I will send it to you!
At the top of the evening it was just the regulars. (Oh how I love you guys!!!)
NykiDee and me!
Deborah Jean and me! (See what I mean about making everyone take a photo with me???)
BJ and me!
Me and Jorge

Ben and Kristen
Cheryl and me!
Me and Brad
We had a shit ton of food....DO YOU SEE ALL THAT ALCOHOL???????
Hot Eric and me
The Concessions Staff plus a few!
Me and B. SAS
Georgie is pretending to be flushed down the toilet. (He can act out just about anything....just try him!!!!!)
Erin and me
Me and Brian
Me and Pickle!
THE DOWNY NEST!!! (Yup....I was there with Carole and Nykol.... HELL YEAH GEORGIE CAN HANDLE 3 WOMEN AT ONCE!!!!) heh heh - - on a side note..... George cursed me to be forever a sucubi in his downy nest.....so look for me in your dreams......
Karen and me
Georgie likes to kiss me on the cheek.....but only during photos!!!!!!
Jorge and Nykol

BJ and Cheryl (so cute!)
Michael and Deb
Deb mopped the floor at 4 am..... seriously.... look at the clock!
We rock YOUR world......

Goodbye my darlings.... I will miss you all so much. I hope you have a great rest of the season. I will be thinking of you while I am on the ship.

P.S. TO ALL OF YOU WHO SAID, "I HATE YOU" when you found out where I was going...... here is a big RASPBERRY for you!

XOXO

Pumpkin Carving 07

2007-10-08T17:23:00.001-07:00

Nykol is getting ready to pick a pumpkin and I think Michael is commenting on the shot count on the door....which was at 11.
Cheryl is shy until she gets a knife in her hand....
Our pumpkins!
Georgie is checking out his pumpkin and Nykol has already cut into hers!
Mine was a bit dirty!

Debbie was making whole pumpkin pie (hence the apron!)
Get it Georgie!
See what I mean about her not being shy???? This is the best photo of the night!!!!
NykiDee is so damn cute!
Erin and Ryan popped in for a few then took off to find a candle.
Michael's pumpkin (which is named Cheryl) is VERY happy!
It's a bat, damn it!
Yo ho ho ho a pirate's life for George.
Cheryl's first ever carved pumpkin!!!! She did a great job and it's name is Michael.
MMMMMMMM pumpkin guts....

Ailanie doesn't like Halloween but she likes to hang out!
Tree of DOOM!
What????
Hey did we change clothes? Okay maybe its the next night....
Don't ask, don't tell
Tree=Debbie, Bat=Nykol, Witch=Angi, Pirate ship=Jorge

Woot!

Jamie's visit to Cedar

2007-10-01T12:43:00.001-07:00

Shit! She got us D-RUNK!

The night started with a handstand.....

They are cute, aren't they?
Sweet NykiDee and Michael B
Erin and her new pal, Ryan
Deb practicing shin-jit-shoe on Georgie
He got her back!

What's that in your mouth, Michael? "Lies, lies, lies!" (he replied)
Pickle heard some people screaming his name and came by......

Nykol says this is my sweet face.
Drinking makes us silly.....
Check out Jamie's long, flowing green hair.....
Damn its cold out here!
I promised I wouldn't put the other pictures up.....
We love Jamie!!!
We are dorks.
And....the night ended with a handstand!
Sunday skillet and caramel apple stuffed pancakes. Mmmmmmmm.....
And pajamas
And coffee.....lots of coffee
Yay Sunday!
Bouncy ball of doom!
Puddin says hiya!

This is cool

2007-09-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Check it out

http://play.blogger.com/

Crazy Hat Posse photo shoot of doom

2007-08-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Superhero Party 2007

2007-08-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Dunk Tank photos (REACH 2007)

2007-08-21T14:22:00.001-07:00

Okay here are all of the photos from the dunk tank! I know some of them suck, but I wanted everyone to see their own moment of USF and REACH history!!!

XOXO

At long last...REACH 2007 photos

2007-08-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took me so long to get these online. There have been a lot of lazy days and I'm finally back in work mode.

COMING SOON: Dunk Tank photos!!!!!

Thank you Mr. Washington

2007-07-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. I've learned that it takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it. I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who you have in your life that counts. I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes, after that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do. I've learned that it's not what happens to people, it's what they do about it. I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides. I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you'll see them. I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I've learned that there are people, who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it. I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I've learned that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distance... same goes for true love.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others, sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief. I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions. I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life. I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours; when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains. I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon. I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe. I've learned to love and be loved. I've learned.

Omer Washington

Photos from the Stribling Wedding

2007-07-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Extra, Extra! Zak gets married today!

2007-07-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know most of you still don't believe it but it is true! Zak found someone to marry him!

Our ZKP marries the beautiful JudiAdrianne today at 7p.

(No, I don't think the earth will crack itself in twain and suck them in..... but the heavens may open up and cry for joy at the sight!)

On this Saturday.....7-7-07... the luckiest day of the century (or so it has been dubbed) I would like to take this opportunity to thank Judi for marrying our boy Z. We all love Zak. He is one of my very bestest guy pals. So I don't mind telling you that man can be SO STINKY! Let's review some of the nicknames he has collected over the years........

We all know BONK! (he loves Knob Creek Whiskey)Zaky-Poo
Z to the K
Stink Bomb
Ass Man
Fucktard
Angi's mom's boy toy
Mungo
Fuckstick
Stinky
Grossy McGrosserson

oh the list goes on and on......

Happy wedding day to Zak and Judi from all of us (past and present) at Camp Shakespeare!!!!!!!

Judi - thank you so much for marrying this guy! We all love you!

XOXO

Epic Water fight of '07

2007-06-23T17:17:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhh summer..... when it gets so hot you just want to pour water on yourself....

OR SOMEONE ELSE!!!!!!!!!!

It started with Micah threatening to pour water on me. I hit him with a preemptive strike and splashed his water all over his face! Then all hell broke loose and then next thing we knew...

Here is a blurry Micah and Debbie already soaked!

Then Micah sprayed Deb in the face with the squirt bottle..

Here we are...the drowned rats! Damn....I look pretty dry.... too bad you can't see all of the dirty foot prints all over my jeans.

Micah got the worst of it - - though Debbie came in a close second.

Ben is visiting and he has a lot of dirty feet prints on his pants too! Debbie looks like a wet bad-ass and Ben looks annoyed but he's just squinty!

XOXO

POGG Party (aka The Birthday Party)

2007-06-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hey check it....this is where you should be this weekend if you are in are in Cedar. Hell, even if you have to come in for it....find a bed!

OVER 21 ONLY!
USF staff and Alumni only, please!

XOXO

Just a quickie....

2007-06-07T14:21:00.001-07:00

Yeah so Cheryl is here YAY! Cheryl is Jamie's new assistant. She started on Monday and I LOVE HER! Now I get to be the Equity ASM instead of just helping Jamie in the office. I am having the BEST WEEK EVER! heh heh

Lots of fun has happened and craziness too! Leah came to visit, Gruber stopped by on his way to his new gig as ASM on Zumanity! (W00t!) My pal Jeff was in for a few hours and we got to catch up and look at pictures of his world travels. I talked to Kate G. and she quit the Cirque tour and is off to find new adventures....if you know of Props Mistress' jobs.....call her!!!

Samm is coming in like 2 weeks! (Micah and I are going to St. George to pick her up from the shuttle.)

One month from today our boy ZKP ties the knot with the lovely Judie!!!

This weekend E. Cook turns 24 and you know what that means......
This year the theme is TOWEL/EYEBROW party. Yes... you need to bring a towel and have crazy eyebrows. No crazy eyebrows? That's okay....they will have sharpies on hand to help you out! Should prove to be as interesting as last year's Pajama/Mustache party!!!!

Did y'all know Craig Ogg won an award this year from the Festival? Seems they liked his designs in Grad school or something. Check it out......

• Craig Ogg, from Chicago, is the winner of the James Moody Award for Excellence in Lighting. This award is given to a graduating student who demonstrated excellence in lighting design. Ogg designed lighting for many SIUC productions, including "The Crucible," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," and "Noises Off."

Anyhow, I should run. Jamie is at the doctor for a wrist check up and I get to watch Greenshow for her!

.....did I mention I love my job.....?????

XOXO

Visiting friends....

2007-05-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Well the BBQ was good fun! Micah and I won both game of horseshoes that we played! When we left, a line was forming at the pit.

Seems like the BBQ had a better turn out this year than last. Hooray!

I personally enjoyed watching the doughnut eating contest! HA HA George Walker! You go boy!

Okay this is really about the people who are here and will be here.

Leah has been here since Friday....she is leaving today...boooo...

Mason is here, but is leaving today...hope you got to see him!

John Gruber will be here tonight at midnight. He's only staying the night.

Samm is visiting...date TBA

Melissa S. is visiting...date TBA

Ben A SAID he was visiting....I'll believe it when I see it......

If you are visitng...or have a pal that is coming......let me know!

XOXO

Mt. Olympus USF Company BBQ

2007-05-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

.....Formerly known as the Mountain BBQ......

This Sunday

4p-7p

Be there!!!! I hear that there are several categories of food to be judged.....

The Stage Managers will be judging the Salads and we have decided we would LOVE to accept bribes! :D

Plus it's so pretty there....there is hiking, horseshoes, volleyball, football...the list goes on.....

If you are a horseshoe player...The Hat Posse will be taking on challengers until around 6p.

So join us and have a good time! YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!!!!!!!!

yes I am still alive....

2007-05-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Heya all...

Yes I know, I know..no posts for a while.

I made it to Vegas last Sunday afternoon. Debbie and Micah picked me up and we jetted to Cedar. I think I got into town about 7:30p or so.

The apartment looks good and I am glad to have Jmizzle back in the building! Deb and Miggity picked up the majority of my crap from storage and brought it to the house before I got there. I KNOW!!! HOW SWEET ARE THEY?!?!?!?!?

Ogg man showed up on Tuesday and that was cool as hell. It's so nice to have part of the old posse back in action - - even if it’s not the same. O to the G quotes: "You can't go home again...but I guess you can shop there...” Yeah.... I am digging that right now.

DJ Party Pete will be here soon enough and Leah is trying to come and visit on Thursday!!!!! HELL YEAH! Clark also promised to stop through sooner or later and Gruber (pretend there is an umlaut) is in Vegas right now.... he may be headed to Cedar at some point.

It's been a hectic week. Jamie's assistant decided on Thursday that she wasn't quite comfortable in her position. Her last day was yesterday. I'm filling in office hours until a replacement can be located. I'm happy to help out because, really, what else is my job for???? However, I am whiny - AS WE ALL KNOW - about having to open the house at 9am and having to close the house at 10p with a big break in the middle. But life sucks sometimes and I am trying to not bitch about too awfully much because really...how many people get to play all day for their work? Yeah....

We are shooting Captain's tonight to all you people who have left...yeah be jealous! We will drink a shot for you. Should be cool and some of our new pals are coming by too.

OLD GROUP: I MISS YOUR PUNK ASSES!

NEW GROUP: THANKS FOR PUTTING UP WITH OUR LAMENTING...

Oh yes...real news...

MEATFEST WEST 2 is tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't go because I have to work until 10p (see earlier rant) but I will be there in spirit. There will be a 200 lb. pig! YAY RICHARD AND COMPANY!

Okay.... if you are here in Cedar and you are reading this...then you know me...why have you not come over to hang out yet? My bitchy ass just got here and didn't get to see you all at the Guild BBQ. You better come visit me OR ELSE. Besides, we need to catch up.

Happy Saturday, bitches.

XOXO

Hawaii

2007-05-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Okay here is a Hawaii montage!

Hilo, Hawaii on the island of Hawaii (We were so glad to find a Starbucks...okay I was so glad to find a Starbucks!)
Kona, Hawaii on the island of Hawaii - it was cool but I had to jet early so I could go to rehearsal.

(The evening before we cruised past the active volcano Mt. Kilauea. It was really cool, but none of my photos came out. They all look like little red blobs floating in the blackness)

We took a tour of Lahaina, Hawaii on the island of Maui. Oh man is was awesome! We decided the Leannistas (my sewing circle) will be retiring there.

Here's me on the shore line in Maui. It's so pretty there!
This is Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. It was fun there. We went to Don Ho's for lunch and I got a few souvenirs.

This is sunset over the bay in Honolulu. We were on the Ocean Deck having a drink as we pulled out of port.

Goodbye Hawaii! I loved you and I will be back for sure!

XOXO

Utah baby news

2007-05-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

Some of you are breeding!

The loverly Trudikins (ASM) and her hubby Jay are at 17 weeks with little TJ - - which stands for Trudy Jr!! She has been sending out ultrasound photos every once in a while.

Bushy (Crew Head) and Jen (Costumer) are just over 30 weeks. (Around 2 months to go!) You can check out her blogs on MySpace.

Kelley S. (Painter) had her baby boy and he is now 10 1/2 months old!!!

There are others who have had their babies already like Sara G. (Box Office Mgr.), Trish, and of course Grant and Alex's adorable baby boy, Ethan.

Who am I missing? I am sure there are more little ones out there, I just can't think of them at this moment!!!

XOXO

New thing...

2007-05-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, I confess....

I don't really have anything to report, I am just trying out a new map style and I need to have a few people to view this site so I can try it out.

I can tell you that John Gruber is having his second interview with Zumanity in Vegas!

What else? Ummm.... I will be there in 5 days! YAY!!!!!!!!!

Okay sorry for getting you here on false pretenses. I wont do it again.

XOXO

San Diego for a minute.

2007-05-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

I got to hang with Jamie and Sheldon for a bit in San Diego! Yay! We went to Moose McGillicuddy's for lunch. That's my ship in the background.

It was gray and cloudy in SD while we were there. That didn't stop us from rushing around the city trying to find a sewing machine to buy for the ship.
That's the same Carnival ship that we were following in Mexico.
We weren't on shore for a huge amount of time, but we did secure a sewing machine and a few other "bits and bobbles" as my pal Andy Lee would say. We had this insane cab driver who drove at about 80 miles per hour as we searched for an open Sears. Did I mention it was Easter Sunday? Yeah.

The dancers started their duties this day (they have a few things to do besides dancing). We saw Kate and Stephanie helping greet new passengers and Trav was off the ship, but counting our wheelchair patrons so he didn't get to have too much fun! Then we saw Mikie giving the boat drill demonstration!

Ahhhhh ship life!

Next up Hawaii and then I think I will start adding candid photos of rehearsals and parties!

Almost done, at this point I had been on the ship for two weeks.

XOXO

The Porch

Please see me at my new address

Moving cyberhouses...?

Change is the only constant in my life.

Awakening

Birthday!

Laugh

Revive

Relax

Opening Doors

Swimming

Dancing

First day... CHECK!

Settling into my new space

Change it is a'commin'

Understudy Rehearsals

We have opened!

Meatfest West and brunch

Packing for Nashville

Next stop: Nashville

I'm working at Orlando Shakes again

Looking for summer work

Angi Weiss-Brandt

Experience

LORT C

Education

References

Utah Shakespearean Festival 2010 line up

Shakespeare Rocks!

And so do Charles Dickens, Jane Austen,and Alfred Hitchcock—all featured in the2010 season of the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

Summer Season 2010

June 28 – September 4

Fall Season 2010

September 16 - October 23

Go see Hamlet!

It's been forever...

A quickie for you

Crazy times

Excerpts from the summer blog

Floating on the Sea

Almost time....

Almost home

Burning the Christmas Tree

A response to John McCain's lack of understanding.

Passing the one month mark!

Sweet Boy

Summer job

Travel Map

Funny commercial!! (Dirty)

Fried Wii and Smokey Joe's Cafe at UCF

Props people needed!!!

Vindication for my Northern pals

Crabby

Quit counter

Some news...

Quitting smoking can kill you

A new year... a new season....

Long while

Presents begin

Indiana

Test

Christmas cheer

Today the Wii Fit made me sweat

Late night blog

over the hills and...oh who am I kidding... Down the highway we go.

Florida winter

A nice weekend

Feeling icky

Stupid Facebook

Why, oh why, do we dye?

My hometown...

Cultural references to Muncie

Weekend musings

Doggy Smiles

Blog test

Virtual Coffee Time

I got a CrackBerry...

An ending...

Sorry

I think he would be good for us....

And so do Charles Dickens, Jane Austen,

and Alfred Hitchcock—all featured in the

2010 season of the Utah Shakespearean
Festival.

sigh