It is not often in this day and age that someone stays employed with the same company for over ten years. For some reason, I have been fortunate to have continued employment at the firm I work at for eleven as of yesterday.
Over these eleven years, I have seen a lot of good friends come and go. I have had to work with some terrible people, one of which, tried to ruin my life and nearly did. These past few years have been hard. Our company, like most in this horrific economy has had to cut back. I lost my assistant, I lost my paid benefits, I have not had a raise in three years, and the nice bonus checks I have had are non-existant at this point, (though I continue to hope).
It is stressful taking on the work of two or three people, but we are all in the same boat here. Right now, with all my daily grumbling aside, I consider myself fortunte that I have continued employment, and hope things will improve one day.
Sixteen years, no way!
It's May 1st, 2012. Friday will mark our 16th wedding anniversary and for some reason this comes a shock. I don't know why it should, I have two kids who aren't getting any younger. My oldest, Rachel who will turn 12 later this year and my 8 year old son, Chris. I've gained over 40 pounds since my wedding, and every bit of it shows. Every day, my hair seems to be turning a lighter shade of gray, and Brad's hair, well, there's not much left to talk about there.
Sixteen years, not a lot of marriages last that long these days, and yet sometimes it does not seem all that long ago. I think the march of every day life: school, work, kids, school, work, kids, seems to make the time fly by and we don't take enough time to appreciate it, or each other. It is rare that Brad and I have any time alone, and yet when we do, we both like to be alone, he in his computer room fighting dragons or enemy spaceships, (depending on the latest game), and me, just wanting to lay down and have some peace and quiet, (a rare thing in our household). We do like to watch our favorite shows together, still two geeks who prefer watching something sci-fi or fantasy, (we've never been much for the mainstream). Sometimes we get a weekend to ourselves to go to a entertainment convention, but even then we have our own agenda, (I mingle with stars, he buys himself a Lego set), and we both consider we're having a good time.
I think being comfortable with what each other wants in life has helped our marriage to last. We've come to an unspoken understanding about what makes each one of us happy. Of course, every now and then we have a conflict like, when we have a party to attend, which doesn't meet with Brad's agenda of staying home. We argue, sometimes he wins, sometimes I win, and then we move on.
We've each had our medical issues, loss of pets and family members. We've had our struggles with money, workplace drama and mental meltdowns on both sides. We've survived embarrissing moments with the kids and upteen million school functions. Along the way, we've had some fun too, like the midnight opening of Toys R Us when they unveiled the new Star Wars action line a few years back. We had so much fun that night. We'll never forget the two kids talking about how Han Solo and Indiana Jones were played by the same guy, as if that were breaking news! Classic!
I hope we get another sixteen years together, being comfortable with each others oddities, (my collection obsession, his love of the couch). Happy Anniversary, honey, mind if I go out to dinner? I'll bring you home leftovers and model kit. Ah, happiness!
Sixteen years, not a lot of marriages last that long these days, and yet sometimes it does not seem all that long ago. I think the march of every day life: school, work, kids, school, work, kids, seems to make the time fly by and we don't take enough time to appreciate it, or each other. It is rare that Brad and I have any time alone, and yet when we do, we both like to be alone, he in his computer room fighting dragons or enemy spaceships, (depending on the latest game), and me, just wanting to lay down and have some peace and quiet, (a rare thing in our household). We do like to watch our favorite shows together, still two geeks who prefer watching something sci-fi or fantasy, (we've never been much for the mainstream). Sometimes we get a weekend to ourselves to go to a entertainment convention, but even then we have our own agenda, (I mingle with stars, he buys himself a Lego set), and we both consider we're having a good time.
I think being comfortable with what each other wants in life has helped our marriage to last. We've come to an unspoken understanding about what makes each one of us happy. Of course, every now and then we have a conflict like, when we have a party to attend, which doesn't meet with Brad's agenda of staying home. We argue, sometimes he wins, sometimes I win, and then we move on.
We've each had our medical issues, loss of pets and family members. We've had our struggles with money, workplace drama and mental meltdowns on both sides. We've survived embarrissing moments with the kids and upteen million school functions. Along the way, we've had some fun too, like the midnight opening of Toys R Us when they unveiled the new Star Wars action line a few years back. We had so much fun that night. We'll never forget the two kids talking about how Han Solo and Indiana Jones were played by the same guy, as if that were breaking news! Classic!
I hope we get another sixteen years together, being comfortable with each others oddities, (my collection obsession, his love of the couch). Happy Anniversary, honey, mind if I go out to dinner? I'll bring you home leftovers and model kit. Ah, happiness!
Time Flies
I decided I wanted to start blogging again, so I went on the site today. To my shock I have not blogged since 2010! What happened in 2011 that kept me from writing, my favorite pastime? Oh yeah, I have to get back to work and the kids. That's what. Gotta run.
My Star Wars Story
So, I've decided that we can't miss out on the opportunity to attend Star Wars Celebration V, which is being held this year in Orlando, Florida. Unlike other conventions that are held annually or bi-annually in the same location, Star Wars Celebration is only done every few years, and its usually held in a different city every time, (last time it was held in Los Angeles). Sort of like the Olympics, different cities vie for opportunity to have a Celebration in their town.
Star Wars Celebration, also unlike most conventions, is overseen by LucasFilm. I have read that George Lucas himself oversees everything and has the final say on designs and what actors attend, ect. George Lucas does not always attend the Celebration experience himself, but this year he is--and Jon Stewart will be interviewing him on-stage.
Among the many events planned for the four-day event, people are being given the opportunity to do a fifteen minute video-taped interview called "My Star Wars Story", which is basically the chance to tell people how the films have touched your life. As soon as I saw this, I knew it was something I wanted to do, and I signed up.
From begging my Mom to buy me my first action figures, to seeing "The Empire Strikes Back" with my father for the first time, from standing in line for hours to see "Return of the Jedi", to getting together with my future husband after a discussion about the videogame "Tie Fighter" with him, there is so much to say.
And yes, I have sucked my kids into my Star Wars fandom. We watch the new "Clone Wars" show on Cartoon Network, and my daughter wants to be in the costume contest at the Celebration.
So, needless to say we are looking forward to our latest adventure. May the Force be with you, always!
Star Wars Celebration, also unlike most conventions, is overseen by LucasFilm. I have read that George Lucas himself oversees everything and has the final say on designs and what actors attend, ect. George Lucas does not always attend the Celebration experience himself, but this year he is--and Jon Stewart will be interviewing him on-stage.
Among the many events planned for the four-day event, people are being given the opportunity to do a fifteen minute video-taped interview called "My Star Wars Story", which is basically the chance to tell people how the films have touched your life. As soon as I saw this, I knew it was something I wanted to do, and I signed up.
From begging my Mom to buy me my first action figures, to seeing "The Empire Strikes Back" with my father for the first time, from standing in line for hours to see "Return of the Jedi", to getting together with my future husband after a discussion about the videogame "Tie Fighter" with him, there is so much to say.
And yes, I have sucked my kids into my Star Wars fandom. We watch the new "Clone Wars" show on Cartoon Network, and my daughter wants to be in the costume contest at the Celebration.
So, needless to say we are looking forward to our latest adventure. May the Force be with you, always!
Eye of the Tiger
A few weeks back, I went to pick my kids up from school, and my daughter looked depressed. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "They're having a talent show at school this month and parents can be in it. I want to ask you if you'll sing 'Eye of the Tiger' with me, but I know you'll say no."
"Sure I'll do it with you," I replied. I think she was in shock because she barely spoke all the way home, which never happens.
"Eye of the Tiger" is one of my favorite songs from my youth. I use to watch as two of my friends would stand on the picnic table at recess and sing it. I saw Rocky III many times on cable, and that song has been used in one way or another on several other TV shows or commercials.
It is also on "American Idol Encore" for the Wii, where my daughter first discovered it and fell in love with the song over a year ago. Some days, she would sing it over and over again until everyone's ears felt like they were going to bleed. My daughter would boast to me that she was the best at singing the song, so at times, I would have to prove her wrong. As my daughter feels the need to be the best at everything, these competitions would go on for a while.
So, it was fitting that this was the song she wanted to sing at the talent show, and wanting to sing it with me touched my heart. How could I say no?
We downloaded the karaoke version of the song and practiced it for a couple of days. When we went to the audition after school, I was told that I had been the only parent to participate in the talent show. The school had really hoped more parents would join in, (another father and daughter got in after the official auditions). At any rate, we got it, but we were asked to come up with some "dance moves" to go with our singing.
Neither my daughter or I had any idea what to do, and we only had one week to figure it out. I started thinking about the song's origins and Rocky III, and came up the idea that we could do "boxing moves" along with the song. Since my daughter owns a punching bag and gloves this worked out quite nicely. For the next couple of days, we would practice after school, sometimes arguing, sometimes screaming as we tried to figure out what would work best. My daughter came up with some good ideas that we incorporated into the act. The day before the show, our act had finally started to take shape.
The night of the talent show, I was a little nervous, but my daughter wasn't, not until we got all the way out to the school and discovered one set of gloves were both right-handed, (the other pair just like it was on the living room floor). I had to run all the way back home to get them. I got back about ten minutes before show-time.
All the acts were called to the back of the stage -- over a dozen elementary students who were all nervous and excited. My daughter and I were fifth on the show list. The students were left unattended by any teachers in the back, leaving me and the one other parent there. The kids were chaotic, running around. I did my best to keep them quiet, but the older ones did what they wanted to do, (mostly look through the curtain at the other acts). They only got caught twice, and after that they were better at hiding it.
After what seemed like an eternity, we were up. My husband who was suppose to videotape us, was seen running back from the bathroom with our son. He missed the first few seconds, but that was okay. The audience was excited and clapped along with the music. When we were finished, everyone clapped and cheered. Even though we weren't the best singers out there that night, the whole point is that we were there at all. Many people told me afterward that they would not have the nerve to stand up in front of all those people. For me, it did not matter what I looked like up there. Goofy or not, I was there because my daughter asked me to be.
My daughter is already preparing for next year's talent show, and whether she wants me to be in it or not, I will be supporting her all the way.
"Sure I'll do it with you," I replied. I think she was in shock because she barely spoke all the way home, which never happens.
"Eye of the Tiger" is one of my favorite songs from my youth. I use to watch as two of my friends would stand on the picnic table at recess and sing it. I saw Rocky III many times on cable, and that song has been used in one way or another on several other TV shows or commercials.
It is also on "American Idol Encore" for the Wii, where my daughter first discovered it and fell in love with the song over a year ago. Some days, she would sing it over and over again until everyone's ears felt like they were going to bleed. My daughter would boast to me that she was the best at singing the song, so at times, I would have to prove her wrong. As my daughter feels the need to be the best at everything, these competitions would go on for a while.
So, it was fitting that this was the song she wanted to sing at the talent show, and wanting to sing it with me touched my heart. How could I say no?
We downloaded the karaoke version of the song and practiced it for a couple of days. When we went to the audition after school, I was told that I had been the only parent to participate in the talent show. The school had really hoped more parents would join in, (another father and daughter got in after the official auditions). At any rate, we got it, but we were asked to come up with some "dance moves" to go with our singing.
Neither my daughter or I had any idea what to do, and we only had one week to figure it out. I started thinking about the song's origins and Rocky III, and came up the idea that we could do "boxing moves" along with the song. Since my daughter owns a punching bag and gloves this worked out quite nicely. For the next couple of days, we would practice after school, sometimes arguing, sometimes screaming as we tried to figure out what would work best. My daughter came up with some good ideas that we incorporated into the act. The day before the show, our act had finally started to take shape.
The night of the talent show, I was a little nervous, but my daughter wasn't, not until we got all the way out to the school and discovered one set of gloves were both right-handed, (the other pair just like it was on the living room floor). I had to run all the way back home to get them. I got back about ten minutes before show-time.
All the acts were called to the back of the stage -- over a dozen elementary students who were all nervous and excited. My daughter and I were fifth on the show list. The students were left unattended by any teachers in the back, leaving me and the one other parent there. The kids were chaotic, running around. I did my best to keep them quiet, but the older ones did what they wanted to do, (mostly look through the curtain at the other acts). They only got caught twice, and after that they were better at hiding it.
After what seemed like an eternity, we were up. My husband who was suppose to videotape us, was seen running back from the bathroom with our son. He missed the first few seconds, but that was okay. The audience was excited and clapped along with the music. When we were finished, everyone clapped and cheered. Even though we weren't the best singers out there that night, the whole point is that we were there at all. Many people told me afterward that they would not have the nerve to stand up in front of all those people. For me, it did not matter what I looked like up there. Goofy or not, I was there because my daughter asked me to be.
My daughter is already preparing for next year's talent show, and whether she wants me to be in it or not, I will be supporting her all the way.
In 7th Heaven - My latest convention experience
For those of you who know me, I love Sci-Fi conventions. I have been attending since the early 1990's at local shows, but in the past three years my family has planned our vacations around these events, mainly in Orlando.
In late March, we found out that Michael Shanks (Stargate) would be attending a hotel-based convention in Tampa (Vulcan Events). As he is on our "dream list" to meet, we got excited and made our plans. The Celebrity Guest list was a Who's Who of some of our favorites: Tony Todd (best known at 'The Candyman", but he has been in hundreds of shows and he's always awesome!) Dean Stockwell, (Quantum Leap and more recently Cavil on the new BSG), Sally Kellerman, Gary Lockwood, Christopher Lloyd, Jennifer Lien (Kes, Voyager) and the amazing Catherine Hicks, (Star Trek IV, and of course, 7th Heaven).
Hotel-based conventions are special, because there are less attendees and you get to spend more time with the celebrities, and you can go back to your room in minutes if you need a quick break or forgot something to take downstairs. Last year, at the F/X show at the Orange County Convention Center, in all our excitement, we made a grave mistake and left all our stuff to be signed in the car. We had to go all the way back out to the parking lot in 90 degree weather, (it felt like walking a mile, and probably is close to being one).
When we got to our hotel last Saturday where the convention was being held, the parking lot was full and we had to park on the roof of the hotel's parking garage. My husband, Brad, who did not like the thought of making multiple trips to the roof to get our stuff, decided we would carry everything down at once, (several suitcases, our bags of food, ect). So, imagine our dismay as our two young children loaded down like pack mules, and ourselves as well, discovered that there was no elevator in the parking garage. We had to lug everything down four flights of stairs, (in 90 degree heat).
Hot, exhausted, sweaty and sticky we stumbled into the hotel's elevator and I asked the lady next to us to push, "Floor Two Please". Then I looked up - it was Sally Kellerman (the original "Hot Lips" Houlihan from the move M*A*S*H). I said in a weak voice, (Thank you, Ms. Kellerman). She smiled and waved hello to our two kids. I later thanked her again that afternoon when I got her autograph.
We were late for the day's events because I had promised our kids a day at the zoo, (quid pro quo for hanging out at the hotel the following day). I did get downstairs just in time to see Tony Todd's presentation, which was awesome. Afterwards, I spoke to him at his autograph table for ten minutes or so, (he took special time out for everyone).
That evening, for the first time ever I attended a Celebrity Banquet. My dear husband had promised to watch the kids and wished me a "wonderful time". Depending on your ticket number, you got to choose which celebrity you sat with. The table with Michael Shanks (Stargate) filled up first, but I decided I wanted to dine with Catherine Hicks. She was an amazing lady, really down to earth and a lot of fun. Her booking agent was with her, and he was great to talk to and had lots of fun stories. The gentleman, (Rich, I believe) who sat next to me was a really nice guy and we talked Sci-Fi and how he would not watch the new 'Riverworld' because he thought the first one was incredible and did not want to see the re-make, (I loved the new one). Our other table guests were really nice guys as well. Catherine Hicks told us how she grew up as an only child and it floored me --I told her that I had grew up as an only child also. She looked across the table at me and relayed some of her thoughts to me on it, and I nodded knowingly because I had experienced what she had experienced and felt many times the same way she did and had done some of the same things she had done. It was a special moment between us. Although many of the celebrities left early, Catherine Hicks stayed with us until the room started to clear out, and we all said our goodbyes for the evening.
The next day, I took my daughter down to have our photo with her, and as we left, Catherine Hicks called out to my daughter, "You have a cool Mom!" It really touched me that she did that. After I got my photos, I went over and thanked Ms. Hicks again for a memorable evening and wished her well.
What a special weekend it was - getting two photos done with the handsome Michael Shanks, my daughter meeting Christopher Lloyd and Catherine Hicks, (which she both thought were really nice). Meeting other convention attendees and talking about tv shows and movies. So incredible and over much too quickly.
Still, it is always nice to have something to look forward to, and I hope that in the Fall there will be another show, and another list of celebrities to meet. Enjoy life to the fullest! Until next time...
In late March, we found out that Michael Shanks (Stargate) would be attending a hotel-based convention in Tampa (Vulcan Events). As he is on our "dream list" to meet, we got excited and made our plans. The Celebrity Guest list was a Who's Who of some of our favorites: Tony Todd (best known at 'The Candyman", but he has been in hundreds of shows and he's always awesome!) Dean Stockwell, (Quantum Leap and more recently Cavil on the new BSG), Sally Kellerman, Gary Lockwood, Christopher Lloyd, Jennifer Lien (Kes, Voyager) and the amazing Catherine Hicks, (Star Trek IV, and of course, 7th Heaven).
Hotel-based conventions are special, because there are less attendees and you get to spend more time with the celebrities, and you can go back to your room in minutes if you need a quick break or forgot something to take downstairs. Last year, at the F/X show at the Orange County Convention Center, in all our excitement, we made a grave mistake and left all our stuff to be signed in the car. We had to go all the way back out to the parking lot in 90 degree weather, (it felt like walking a mile, and probably is close to being one).
When we got to our hotel last Saturday where the convention was being held, the parking lot was full and we had to park on the roof of the hotel's parking garage. My husband, Brad, who did not like the thought of making multiple trips to the roof to get our stuff, decided we would carry everything down at once, (several suitcases, our bags of food, ect). So, imagine our dismay as our two young children loaded down like pack mules, and ourselves as well, discovered that there was no elevator in the parking garage. We had to lug everything down four flights of stairs, (in 90 degree heat).
Hot, exhausted, sweaty and sticky we stumbled into the hotel's elevator and I asked the lady next to us to push, "Floor Two Please". Then I looked up - it was Sally Kellerman (the original "Hot Lips" Houlihan from the move M*A*S*H). I said in a weak voice, (Thank you, Ms. Kellerman). She smiled and waved hello to our two kids. I later thanked her again that afternoon when I got her autograph.
We were late for the day's events because I had promised our kids a day at the zoo, (quid pro quo for hanging out at the hotel the following day). I did get downstairs just in time to see Tony Todd's presentation, which was awesome. Afterwards, I spoke to him at his autograph table for ten minutes or so, (he took special time out for everyone).
That evening, for the first time ever I attended a Celebrity Banquet. My dear husband had promised to watch the kids and wished me a "wonderful time". Depending on your ticket number, you got to choose which celebrity you sat with. The table with Michael Shanks (Stargate) filled up first, but I decided I wanted to dine with Catherine Hicks. She was an amazing lady, really down to earth and a lot of fun. Her booking agent was with her, and he was great to talk to and had lots of fun stories. The gentleman, (Rich, I believe) who sat next to me was a really nice guy and we talked Sci-Fi and how he would not watch the new 'Riverworld' because he thought the first one was incredible and did not want to see the re-make, (I loved the new one). Our other table guests were really nice guys as well. Catherine Hicks told us how she grew up as an only child and it floored me --I told her that I had grew up as an only child also. She looked across the table at me and relayed some of her thoughts to me on it, and I nodded knowingly because I had experienced what she had experienced and felt many times the same way she did and had done some of the same things she had done. It was a special moment between us. Although many of the celebrities left early, Catherine Hicks stayed with us until the room started to clear out, and we all said our goodbyes for the evening.
The next day, I took my daughter down to have our photo with her, and as we left, Catherine Hicks called out to my daughter, "You have a cool Mom!" It really touched me that she did that. After I got my photos, I went over and thanked Ms. Hicks again for a memorable evening and wished her well.
What a special weekend it was - getting two photos done with the handsome Michael Shanks, my daughter meeting Christopher Lloyd and Catherine Hicks, (which she both thought were really nice). Meeting other convention attendees and talking about tv shows and movies. So incredible and over much too quickly.
Still, it is always nice to have something to look forward to, and I hope that in the Fall there will be another show, and another list of celebrities to meet. Enjoy life to the fullest! Until next time...
Farewell to the Fellowship of Lost
Earlier this week, some of us from the office went out for a co-worker's birthday. As many of us are "Lost" fans, (I got a few of them addicted), the show's impending end came up as a topic of discussion.
It seems all of us have theories on how it will end, who will die, what it all means. Ultimately though, there is one thing we all stated. We will miss it when it is gone.
It is not often something like a television show effects the lives of so many people. I doubt there were many who shed a tear when Charlie Sheen decided to up and quit his seven year hit. "Two and a Half Men" earlier this month, (though I thought it was selfish of him to put all of his co-workers out of work). Nevertheless, my point being, television shows that really touch us are few and far between.
The new "Battlestar Galactica" was the last show (besides "Lost") that really kept me engaged and hanging on for next week's show. Although I was disappointed in the last season, I cared about those characters and what would happen to change their lives. Who was a cylon? Would Laura Roslin's cancer stay in remission? Would Cally survive another episode?
It is odd how characters can become sort of a second family. My mother, for example, cares more about the on-goings in Geona City (the Young and the Restless) than her own family it sometimes seems. She's been watching that show since it's inception. I grew up with it. My Mom discusses the characters with me as if we all know one another and we may run into them down at the local Wal-Mart.
"Lost" sucked me in from the onset with that plane crash that rocked the television world. A two-hour pilot chock-full of action, mysteries and engaging characters kept me and millions of others glued for more. Six years later, it is now coming to an end. There will not be a "major motion picture" waiting in the wings like with "24". When it's over, it's over.
I will miss the analysis of episodes with my friends and fellow co-workers. I will miss hearing and reading the thousands of theories people have proposed, (and proposing a few hundred of my own). I will miss getting excited about logging on to Dark Ufo for some sneak previews and spoilers. There is so much I will be losing once "Lost" is off the air.
However, I am thankful for all the hours of fun and entertainment "Lost" has brought into my life. Thank you JJ Abrams, Carlton Cuse, Damon Lindleoff, and the entire cast and crew of "Lost" for brightening my life for six years. Best wishes to you all!
It seems all of us have theories on how it will end, who will die, what it all means. Ultimately though, there is one thing we all stated. We will miss it when it is gone.
It is not often something like a television show effects the lives of so many people. I doubt there were many who shed a tear when Charlie Sheen decided to up and quit his seven year hit. "Two and a Half Men" earlier this month, (though I thought it was selfish of him to put all of his co-workers out of work). Nevertheless, my point being, television shows that really touch us are few and far between.
The new "Battlestar Galactica" was the last show (besides "Lost") that really kept me engaged and hanging on for next week's show. Although I was disappointed in the last season, I cared about those characters and what would happen to change their lives. Who was a cylon? Would Laura Roslin's cancer stay in remission? Would Cally survive another episode?
It is odd how characters can become sort of a second family. My mother, for example, cares more about the on-goings in Geona City (the Young and the Restless) than her own family it sometimes seems. She's been watching that show since it's inception. I grew up with it. My Mom discusses the characters with me as if we all know one another and we may run into them down at the local Wal-Mart.
"Lost" sucked me in from the onset with that plane crash that rocked the television world. A two-hour pilot chock-full of action, mysteries and engaging characters kept me and millions of others glued for more. Six years later, it is now coming to an end. There will not be a "major motion picture" waiting in the wings like with "24". When it's over, it's over.
I will miss the analysis of episodes with my friends and fellow co-workers. I will miss hearing and reading the thousands of theories people have proposed, (and proposing a few hundred of my own). I will miss getting excited about logging on to Dark Ufo for some sneak previews and spoilers. There is so much I will be losing once "Lost" is off the air.
However, I am thankful for all the hours of fun and entertainment "Lost" has brought into my life. Thank you JJ Abrams, Carlton Cuse, Damon Lindleoff, and the entire cast and crew of "Lost" for brightening my life for six years. Best wishes to you all!
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