Flashback Friday

Flashback to Halloween 2005- my first Halloween as a Dorothy when I was teaching in Union City. You can see in the background a witch and a tinman!

This Halloween I went as Dorothy again (different costume since the first time I borrowed from my roommate at the time.) We went to the Sugano's (homegroup leaders) for dinner and their daughter Hannah was Dorothy too! I'll post pics of that later (I didn't have my camera so either David or Donna is going to email me the pics). I have to say I thoroughly enjoy being Dorothy every time- today I was Dorothy all day and there's just something about it! More Halloween pics from today to come as soon as I get them from friends....(hint hint!)

Check out this email exchange between one of Justin's students (in his Phil I class) and Justin:

Hello,
I was sick earlier this week with the unidentified virus from the DLG and as such I missed the discussion. I was wondering if we found out what we got on our midterms, what we went over, and if we did anything that I would possibly need to do outside of class.

Sincerely,
(Removed name to protect the innocent)

**Ok, first of all- unidentified virus? What on earth is the DLG?? That can't be good!**

Here's Justin's Reply:

(Student's Name),

Hope you're feeling better. I won't return the midterms until next week, I'm in the process of finishing them as I write. In discussion on Tuesday we discussed the Cosmological Argument, and some objections to the argument, etc.
Next week we will discuss the problem of evil, so make sure you've done the reading.

Other than that, the only homework I've assigned was for everyone to prove once and for all whether or not God exists. Have that ready by Tuesday. Good luck!

justin

I read that and thought- wow, I'm glad I'M not in that class! What an assignment!

So, I get home and we're eating dinner tonight and I brought up the email to joke about this "unidentified virus" and Justin's all "Yeah, did you see what I told him his assignment was?" HE WAS JOKING!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Just when you think that Philosopher's don't have a sense of humor. This poor kid is going to be spending his Halloween weekend trying to prove- "once and for all"- the existence of God.

I love it.

Monday's Fabulous Moment of the Day

Volleyball! Well, we lost but we played MUCH better this week than last week so it was a lot of fun comparitively. Major props to Marissa who got blasted in the face and didn't shed a tear- seriously hard core. I mean, it hit so hard that NO ONE was even laughing- everyone looked shocked- that's how hard it hit. The guy who served it felt SO bad! Good thing she's tough! I think just the shock of it would have made me cry!

Work was good too- all in all a good day. I went to a cardio-kickboxing class after work and I am going to be SORE tomorrow! I realized that I have zero abdominal strength which is probably why my back hurts all the time, so maybe kickboxing and pilates would be good for me. So much to do, so little time!

Halloween coming up this weekend- can't wait to be Dorothy! There's NO place like home!!

Another New Favorite

This is Glen Hansard singing "Say It to Me Now". We originally heard this song on the movie Once which he stars in- if you haven't seen it it's a really good music movie- I bought the soundtrack on ITunes as soon as it was over! I love this clip of him playing it live- he plays the socks off of that guitar!

Yay! I figured it out!

So I finally figured out how to post video on my blog. I figured being that I work at a software company and do tech support all day long, I should be able to figure this out! Here's a live performance that I actually referenced in a previous post of Jaymay- my favorite performer from the Hotel Cafe Tour that we saw at Soho a couple of weeks ago:

Flashback Friday

Shout out to my bro- I can't believe I'm posting this b/c it's totally un-flattering. But it's a fun picture of us back in our show-choir days. This would be my junior year in high school (age 17 for me) and Aaron's 7th grade year in Junior High (age 13 for him).
Yikes. I'm not sure this is what was intended by Flashback Fridays but I think it's character building so I'll go with it. =)

You know better alright...

A couple of weeks ago Justin and I went to a live show at Soho downtown with David and JoAnn. It was the Hotel Cafe tour- a tour of all female artists- some played acoustic, some electric, some piano, some with a house band. It was a really good show- I especially enjoyed the songs by Jaymay- you can check her out here singing "Blue or Gray" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx89Eng7rRo.

Then there was Meiko. David and JoAnn really liked Meiko but I wasn't a huge fan- she has this sort of strange way of contorting her voice to get a certain sound. BUT I was warming up to her during her second set. Then she shared this story with the audience about how she was BEST friends with this guy and then she met his girlfriend and his girlfriend was all jealous of her and she had NO IDEA why because they were JUST FRIENDS and she was all sad because it ruined her friendship with this guy.

Boo hoo Meiko. You're shady.

But that's not even the half of it. She then proceeds to sing the song that she wrote about the situation. Here are the lyrics:

When I first met you I knew you were the one

till you took me home and met her

she had your boxers on

she was listening to your song

and i thought right then that you had everything

But i knews he was jealous from the start

yeah i knew she was jealous from the start

Cos i know better not to be friends with boys with girlfriends

oh i know better than that i know better

you play the victim and i'll be the bad guy

i know better than that, i know better(oh oh oh oh oh oh X2)

We started hanging around after 9

i couldve sworn you i was yours

you looked at me and said

its a little too late for bed

we went to hopesal and talked about everything

But i knewshe was jealous from the start

yeah i knewshe was jealous from the start

Cos i know better not to be friends with boys with girlfriends

oh i know better than that i know better

you play the victim and i'll be the bad guy

i know better than that, i know better(oh)

What she did to us was tragic

oh oh ohand i have to do what's right

oh oh oh what we had was really magic oh oh oh

but i have to get what's mine oh

i don't get what's mine and you get yours

Cos i know better not to be friends with boys with girlfriends

oh i know better than that i know better

you play the victim and i'll be the bad guy

i know better than that, i know better(oh)

You should have seen JoAnn and I- jaws on the floor. Women all over the room pulled their boyfriends closer to them.

Yeah. You know better alright.

Oh yeah... the Blackhawks.

Conversation between Justin and one of his students:

Student: So, you probably just want to be a Philosophy professor, right?
Justin: Yeah, that's the plan. I have a few years left before I get my PhD and then I want to teach at a University.
Student: Oh, so where did you do your undergraduate?
Justin: I'm from Iowa- I did my undergraduate at the University of Iowa.
Student: Ah, yeah. The Blackhawks.

Riiiiiight.

Monday's Fabulous Moment of the Day.. or not

So, I was going to copy Emily again and do a "Monday's Fabulous Moment of the Day" post- the idea is to fnd something- anything- remotely resembling fabulous and post it for the sake of the Monday. But...I had a perfectly mundane Monday at work and then Monday night I was a big fat crabby brat (sorry to my volleyball team for that!) so there were no fabulous moments to blog about.

I guess I wasn't feeling like myself- does anyone else ever experience that? Times where they just don't feel like themselves? It's weird. It's like, you KNOW you're acting unlike yourself, it's almost like you're watching it happen, but you lack the energy or even the desire to stop. FYI to anyone who is feeling that way- prayer helps!

So, today I am feeling much more like myself. Instead of a "Monday's Fabulous Moment of the Day" post I will do a "Totally Terrific Tuesday" post.

So, a little over a month ago I got an email from the Performing Arts director at one of the Santa Barbara schools. The email said that she had obtained my resume (seriously, my resume is apparently making the rounds around this town!) and was looking for a vocal coach for her show choir. Being that I have a full time job, I replied saying that it sounded like a lot of fun to a midwest girl who grew up in show choir, but that I would have to decline. Her response was that she was very disappointed as she too, is a midwest girl (from Iowa City) and thinks we could have worked well together.

That's right, she's from Iowa City. Exactly 5 years ahead of me in school- she was in the exact same choirs that I was in in high school (4th Ave!!). Long story short, I took the position and I've worked it into my lunch break 2-3 times/week. It has totally proven rewarding- it's a choir of Junior High girls and it's great. It's funny- after a few months of not teaching how invigorating it is to get up in front of a choir and sing with them. I always thought I would hate teaching Jr. High but it's actually really cool- they're at that age where they're just starting to consider the possibility of being really talented singers and I get to be the one to build them up and show them how- so fun.

It's also an enormous ego boost- I won't lie. I won them over the first time I sang for them and it felt awesome. It's not exactly bragging- I have a degree in vocal performance, it would be embarassing if they weren't impressed.

So, my "Totally Terrific Tuesday" moment was during warm-ups today. I was talking to the girls about posture and and how important it is because of the fact that our instruments are in our bodies and we need energy to use them. I was demonstrating how when we shift our weight to one leg or another it requires more energy to stand, and therefore you have less energy to sing, which is why we need to be balanced. They asked all sorts of great questions ie. Why can't you sit? Why can't you hold your hands behind your back? etc. We tried out all of those positions and they came to the conclusion that the neutral posture that I was advocating really did take the least amount of energy- which left the rest of their energy to focus on singing. Yay! Teachable students!

So, one of the girls has her hands raised and says:
"Two things- first, I love those shoes. Second, why can't you have your hands on your hips?"

Seriously. These girls are awesome. Flattery will get you everywhere.

The Best Kept Secret

I am reminded on a fairly regular basis that people outside of Iowa frequently don't know much about it. Now, I can't get mad or upset about this because of course there are places in this country that I don't know much about. What is funny is how many comments I hear about Iowa or even the midwest in general from Californians especally. In Michigan, people had misconceptions, but in California it's like people think Iowa is on a different continent. I guess to them, it might as well be. What drives me bonkers is the superiority complex. I know everyone reading this is thinking- well, duh! It's CALIFORNIA. But that's what is so annoying!! Get over yourself California!! :)

So I thought I would start recording some of the funny and even the not-so-funny things people have said pertaining to Iowa and/or the midwest since I moved out here.

1. Pretty much any time farming or any other rural experience comes up people say "well, you're from Iowa" as if that makes me an authority on farming and rural life. OH! That's right! I forgot that being from Iowa means I must have grown up on a farm! In actuality, I've never milked a cow, I've never detassled corn, I can't even keep a house plant alive! City girl here!!

2. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Iowa City. We were at the beach here in Santa Barbara one day and I chased down a couple who were wearing Hawkeye shirts just so we could chat about Iowa City. The friends we were with thought I was a LUNATIC but anyone from Iowa knows that the couple I chased down were MORE than excited to talk Iowa City with a fellow Hawkeye. My friend Marissa said "If I moved to a different state and I saw someone with a UCSB shirt on, I don't think I would go up and start talking to them." The more I think about that comment the more I realize that most people would think it was weird thing to do. The beauty is that anyone from Iowa City or anyone who calls themself a Hawkeye knows that it was the furthest thing from weird- it's like a family, and we LOVE a good reunion.

3. One of my favorite comments is from a co-worker- "I don't think I could live in Iowa because I wouldn't want to have to wear a cowboy hat all the time."

4. Another one from a co-worker was when someone was talking about Ohio and mentioned something about their trip being boring. A co-worker of mine commented "Yeah, but that's pretty much the midwest". Oh BROTHER.

5. Of course there are the requisit responses from people out here when you say you're from Iowa-

"Oh! Potatoes!".... nope, that's Idaho

"Oh- the Buckeyes"... nope that's Ohio

C'mon people. Iowa. The University of Iowa. Big 10? No? Wow.

My parents had me convinced when I was looking at colleges that a Big Ten school would carry some weight wherever I went- at least with name recognition- over a small private school in the midwest. And for the most part, that's been true- except in California.

6. Perhaps the funniest one was at a barbeque I went to this weekend. To protect the innocent I will leave names out of it:

Friend A: Do you want kids?

Me: Yeah I want kids.

Friend A: Are you trying?

Me: No, we're not trying.

Friend A: If you want kids, why aren't you trying?

Friend B: They want to wait until they can be closer to family.

Friend A: Where's family?

Me: Iowa

Friend A: Well what are you waiting for? Get yourselves back to polygamy town and start having babies!

Really? Polygamy town? Are you sure you aren't mixing Iowa up with another state that you consider inferior? Say, Utah? That was a first for me. And, incidentally I'd just like to point out that that comment came from a California NATIVE. It's stateism.

BUT I guess I have to consider myself a statist if I'm going to call these people out because really, Iowa is the best. And as my mom says-"That's just fine- they can go on thinking that because we don't need them. Iowa City is the best kept secret in the midwest." I agree mom!

Audrey!

Yay! Time for some Audrey pictures! Graham and Marie came through and took some great pictures of their new little bundle:

Notice in this next one the dog, Maya, looking at the camera like "You used to take pictures of me!" It cracks me up because the look on her face is so pathetic!! I just imagine her little dog mind thinking "Boo-hoo, poor me!" I am sure that Maya is VERY well cared for, I just think the look on her face is like that of an older sibling- like, who is THIS and when is she leaving??


Now this next one is my absolute FAVORITE. In fact, I am planning to get it printed and have it framed to hang in my home- that's how much I love it. The looks on Ryan and Audrey's faces are so priceless- they look like a crabby old married couple! This picture is on the background of my home and work computers and everytime I see it it makes me giggle.

I love being an aunt!

Flashback Friday!

My friend Emily started doing this and I thought it sounded like a good idea....so I'm a big fat copycat and have no original thought. But it will still be fun!

In honor of Emily, this flashback Friday takes us back 10 years!! 1998 City High School Concert Choir trip to Washington DC! In this first picture you'll see that my fashion choices (especially the sun glasses- seriously, Lennon much?) haven't always been so...ahem, inspired. ;)



Next we have Emily and I eavesdropping through the wall in our hotel room. I have no clue what we were listening to but I will tell you that this habit has not gone away for me...just ask my husband!

Next takes a little explaining. While in Washington D.C. someone decided to buy a Star Wars Storm Trooper mask/helmet. Below you will see Jesse wearing said helmet. But below that is what made me laugh out loud as I went through these pictures and was reminded of this- Our friend Chris, wearing the mask, and totally seriously looking over some random ladies shoulder as she looked at a map of the museum we were in. It's too funny and so Chris!

Thanks for the idea Em! We are praying for you daily- thanks for the inspiration you are, even through your blog!! Happy Friday!!

Time Flies!

Wow, over a month since I have last blogged. Seriously. I'm obviously not taking it very..well, seriously. What's funny is that I finally decided to blog again b/c there is this one blog that I stalk and this blogger has not posted for 10 days and I'm sitting there criticizing this person in my head, like "Come ON, are you serious? Still nothing new to post? Some of us are WAITING to be entertained by your blog here!"

Hi, my name is "Pot". My hobbies include: calling the kettle "black".

So fine. I'll blog. Not like anyone is holding a gun to my head or anything, but I'm tired of being a hypocrite, so here I go.

First of all - hugely exciting news: I am an aunt TWICE OVER now! Graham and Marie had their little lovely daughter, Audrey Ellen Clark. I have only seen one picture which Marie posted as her profile pic on facebook. So, don't think I am favoring Ryan or anything, because since I have NOT met my sweet baby niece yet, I have not had a chance to take pictures of her in person and therefore I am at the mercy of her parents when it comes to pictures! But, one is better than none, and I know the new mommy and daddy are very busy with their new little one and company in their new house so I don't hold it against them!

Presenting, my very first niece, Audrey Ellen Clark:

Isn't she beautiful? I think she looks like her mom! I can tell we're going to get along. She likes sleep- I like sleep. She likes hoodies- I like hoodies. We're practically two peas in a pod.

In other baby news- Abby, Kyle and Ryan came out for a visit last month! We had a VERY good time- I can't believe how much he grew in two months! It was so much fun having them visit. They are very easy and fun visitors. Unfortunately I couldn't take any time off of work. But, here are some photo highlights from the trip:

Ryan in the Clark Jacuzzi (aka our kitchen sink)

Hangin' on the beach:

Testing the waters with his pops- apparently he really liked the sand on his barefeet!

In the parking lot of Dodger's Stadium:

I'm not going to lie- I loved every second that I got to hold that sweet little boy and I loved carrying him in the baby-carrier- I can't wait to be a mommy someday! Abby and Kyle are amazing parents- so laid back and yet totally competent and in control. I'm glad I get to see my two lovely sister-in-laws be mom's first because I am sure I am going to learn a lot from them!