Disturbing Behavior

So I don't know how it came up, but Jean, Mateo, and I were discussing mother birds and how they feed their babies. I think it's kinda gross. "Here honey. I know you can't chew this so I'm gonna chew it for you and spit it into your mouth. Don't I take such good care of you?" Bird moms are weird. Eeew.

I've Outdone Myself Again!

Well folks, the Chirstmas baking season has begun. For those of you who don't know, this time of year I go into cookie baking mode. On my few days off this season I become a one woman cookie factory. Today, for example, I made approxiamately 140 cookies. They are all delicious...they were even more delicious as dough before I baked 'em. What??? I had to make sure they tasted ok, right?

I made my usual (and slightly famous) peanut butter cookies. Some of them had Reeses Bells on them....it didn't work out so pretty...the bells kinda melted funny. But damn they're tasty! I also made oatmeal raisin cookies for my mom cuz they're her favorite. A man once told me he'd marry a girl if she could make the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie. Well, I'm not that girl...they're ok, but not spectacular. But the crowning achievement of the day were the white chocolate chip cranberry cookies. They are to die for for. They take the cake....or cookie. Fuckin delicious! I've outdone myself again! And I predict that Jean eats 27 of them between Wednesday and Thursday while she's here.

Pictured from Left: white chocolate chip cranberry, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin.

Tomorrow I'll be making malted chocolate chip cookies...then I think I'll be calling it quits...unless I make more of the cranberry ones....God they're good!

PS- I realized something today. I was standing in the kitchen, mixing dough while a load of laundry was in the dryer and another load was waiting to be folded...and I was crocheting a scarf while waiting for the cookie timer to go off. How domestic am I today? The clincher???? I was barefoot...barefoot doing laundry, crocheting, and baking....if only I were pregnant in a trailor!

Reasons Why I Was a Great Older Sister

Well, Jean's comment on my list suggested that I write about a few more things. When I was a kid my little brother and I were sorta close. There weren't too many kids in our neighborhood early on, so sometimes I made up little games. One game was "what can I get Patrick to believe?" Here's some things I convinced him were true:

-That we won him at the state fair. More specifically at the balloon popping/dart game. Naturally we traded up for him. You don't win such a large prize right away. You have to go through the giant come, ugly teddy bear with crooked eyes, and life size Scooby-Doo first. Then you get yourself a baby brother. He was convinced and he cried.

-I told him that when he scratched his head he was actually touching his brain. Not sure how I came up with that one but it worked like a charm. I had him convinced that there was no skull at the top of your head...just scalp. So when he was touching the top of his head he was actually poking his brain.

-once he asked me what his pancreas was and where it was. I told him it was in his knee (i think that's what I said). He stared at his knee for quite some time that day.

-i told him that cottage cheese felt like you were chewing fish eyes (really that's how i feel). He still can't eat cottage cheese to this day.

That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure I scarred him in other ways too, just can't remember...after all it was just a game! God being a big sister was great!

Can I actually come up with 15 things?

1. I always try to wear matching bra and panties. (1a: I hate the word panties). I'm not sure why I want to match them since no one sees me in my underwear on a regualr basis. But sometimes I think, for example, that if I end up in the emergency room or something, people might notice.

2. I hate myself for not being able to drive. When I'm in a car I look around at all people driving and hate them for their lack of fear.

3. When I was born I had a birth mark, but it faded when I was a kid and is no longer visible. It was a purpleish star shape on my butt.

4. I have a small mole on my left arm shaped like West Virginia.

5. I dance backstage to the music of every show I've worked on...one good thing about Christmas of Swing...good music for dancin'.

6. One of my favorite movie is Gone With the Wind

7. I envy thin women, but I don't want to be as thin as them. I'm jealous of their metabolism, but I like being a curvy woman.

8. I never read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in high school when I was supposed to. When my favorite teacher told me he was disappointed that I hadn't read it...I cried.

9. I like turbulance when I'm flying...especially that quick movement that feels funny in your lower abdomen. Ryan do you remember..."That was a good one!" whenever we'd fly?

10. I could spend jail time in Texas or Alabama for some things I own.

11. I used to love writing poetry but stopped because I thought they weren't any good and because someone once agreed with me when I said that.

12. I don't want a diamond engagement ring

13. When I was a kid and we used to go camping I refused to use the outhouses near our campsites. I would walk (even in he middle of the night) all the way to the flush toilets in the campground. I was scared a daddy long legs was going to crawl on my or that something would bite my butt.

14. My favorite word is salsa. It's like a party in your mouth!

15. In college I was really proud to be one of the only girls who really worked. It was always me and the guys hanging all the lights and climbing ladders and using tools. I loved working strike and being one of the few women who could use power tools and carry the heavy things. Girl techies are awesome!

All I Want for Christmas

It just won't be Christmas without these special things under the tree...

A nice wicker sofa for relaxing winter days.


This lovely flamingo Christmas sweater.


I've always wanted a cute puppy to play with


Now, if I had this I wouldn't have to
work out nearly as often.


How handy is this?!?!? A blender and a phone???
All in one?? I can make smoothies and talk one the
phone at the same time!!!! How perfect!


That's what I want people! 12 shopping days left!

Feelin Good

I've had my fitness DVDs for 5 days now. I've worked out 3 times and am feeling pretty good about it. This may not sound like much to those of you who work out often, but this is good for me. I've stuck to the schedule I've laid out for myself and while it hasn't even been a week yet, I've done well. I've been eating well without denying myself anything. I know that if I "diet" I won't stick to it. So, if I want ice cream, I have it...but only one small scoop instead of the Lalapalooza size portion I may desire. But cereal & fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch, a healthy dinner and I'm feeling pretty good. It's gonna get harder with my fucked up work schedule, but I'll do my best to be healthy when I have to eat out too.
Kickboxing is hard...a little fast for me still, but I'll get it. The aerobics "female Fat Zones" is awesome...nice mix or arms, abs, and legs using weights and the ball. My abs hurt and I love it!!!

Smokey Jr. meets Smokey D

So, Jean, just to update you on the goings on at the MMC last week:
Smokey Jr. (Dan from Fuji Ya) joined us. I have a feeling he'll be back. The wine drinkers eat at Fuji Ya often and told Dan he had a twin, so Matt and I got him to meet us at the MMC after work. He and Smokey met and think they look nothing alike. Sorry guys...we're not trying to pigeon hole you or anything, but you do look pretty similar! But anyway, Matt, Rae, Dan, and the wine drinkers spent the night drinking and dancing. A lot of drinking and dancing. The wine drinkers bought us shots and dragged on the dance floor. Mr. Wine Drinker was spinning me around like crazy...it was fun...until he tried to make me dance with George. Now George (with his cigarettes rolled up in his sleeve a la The Outsiders) is a great dancer. Very talented, but a little creepy. After Rae danced with him a few times he started asking her out and stuff...and he was more than a little grabby with the other dancers last week. I thought it best for me not to dance with him given I can't dance and don't want to be groped by George.
But Jean, it was a good night. The band was great, the cigarettes (I'm ashamed) were a welcomed addition, and there were encores aplenty. Tony once again reminded me that he erads the blogs and as he gave me the "rock star hug" (the hug given to groupies) he told me to "keep rockin' baby". I will Tony, I will.

Blogging potpourri

So I haven't written in a while...things have been a bit busy and I haven't really had the desire to write, though there have been plenty of things to write about. So, here's a quick review of blog worthy events, thoughts, and ramblings...

Thanksgiving:
It was one of the best I can remember having. Mom, brother, Jean and I spent a day of cooking, eating, a gaming. Jean and I totally kicked ass (not really, but we still won) at Cranium. If you're ever playing charades, pray to God that Jean isn't on your team. Even she blames herself for our initial suckiness. The food was great. I once reclaimed my title of Best Mashed Potatoes, and Jean will confirm that "I've outdone myself again". They were fucking delicious. Dinner was followed up by naps, pie, and a night of Tony Sims. Jean has pictures of the Thanksgiving Whore that we met at the MMC that night. She also has pictures of the man who danced with the mentally challenged woman. These drunk people had this poor woman out on the dance floor whipping her about...I hope she was having fun cuz she mostly looked confused. After dancing off and 1/8 of what we ate, it was time to head home and put Thanksgiving to bed.

Working retail the weekend after Thanksgiving:
Black Friday wasn't too bad for me. I lucked out and only had to work for 3 1/2 hours at Marshall Fields. It was pretty busy, but nothing horrific. Sunday night however, was a night from hell. Our thanksgiving sale (including doorbusters) extended thru Sunday. But the company didn't take that into consideration when scheduling. There were 2 of us...its a big department (bed & bath, china, housewares). The woman I worked with spent more time shopping than working. The customers were bitches and there were coupons involved. Coupons are never good. They make people CRAZY! I spent the whole night explaining that we were out of some things that were on such a great sale (Gee...you wait until the last hour of the busiest shopping weekend of the year and expect everything to be in stock?!?!). I had to tell 3 people over the phone that I couldn't take coupons over the phone...especially not for the $300 luggage purchase over the phone. If you can't manage to make it here over the course of the last 3 days, you don't deserve the sale...you're not a good shopper. And no I will not hold these items until Wednesday because you're in Texas for Thanksgiving. Ma'am you're actually calling me from Texas on your cell phone while you're supposed to be with your family! No! So yeah...I love retail! And I'm going to continue to love it for the next 4 weeks!

Being Fat:
Well, long story short, I'm done being fat. At least that's what I'm thinking now. I've sadly already begun the holiday weight gain trend and I'm going to try to nip it in the bud early...perhaps even work off last years holiday pounds. That's why (as of Friday's mail delivery) I will be the proud owner of a cardio kick boxing DVD (sure to knock my ass out) and a "Female Fat Zones" Aerobics tape designed to "help with those trouble areas of tummy, butt, hips, and arms". That DVD has no idea how much work it has ahead of it. These DVDs are in lieu of joining a gym which I realistically have neither the time nor the money for. Of course, when talking to a friend about my weight concerns (looking for advice) he tells me to "stop making excises and feeling sorry for myself". What a motivational tool! An asshole man telling me to stop whining and just lose the weight. But that's ok...I'm over it. And I'll show him by (hopefully) being in better shape by February without whining at all between now and then. Warning: Jean and Ryan, that means you're gonna get the brunt of my pain and frustration.

Well, other than that, not much else. Christmas of Swing opened at the History Theatre last weekend, and so far so good. Jean, Matt, and Chad saw it opening night...glad you all enjoyed it. Matt, I'm still waiting for that cake. Look forward to mare entries about annoying actors and gay men backstage saying things like "Shannon I want to show you something" and then unzipping their pants. God I love my job sometimes!

I'm a Duo Celebrity

This one is mostly for Chad and Ryan (does Chad even read this?) but Jean and Lance will be amused as well perhaps.
Last night I'm working at Marshall Fields, otherwise known and the joy of my existance, and I'm working in the Men's Department. I'm straigtening ties (something that sort gives me an odd satisfaction) and a woman wanders into the area.

"Can I help you find anything specific ma'am?"
"Well, I'm looking for ties for my son. He's on the speech team."

Ahh yes, High School speech team. Mom buys ties for son.

"Oh, that's great! I was on the speech team in high school and college."
"In college? Wow! what events did you do?"
"Oh, a little bit of everything."
"Well my son is in Duo. He and his partner went shopping this weekend to pick out shirts that would match. Now I'm looking for ties."

I was in heaven! Picking out ties for Duo partners? This is one of my gifts....right Ryan?

"So did you and your partner match your suits?"

Did we ever! Best dressed duo in the state (no offense Chad)

"Yes, ma'am we did. His ties matched my suit, our shirts coordinated...we matched."
"So how did you do? Were you good?"

This one sort of surpirsed me. Does it matter? It was years ago. My forensic skills do not affect my tie matching skills.

"Well, we were pretty good. We were statechampions twice and won some national awards too."
"Really? Oh my! That's wonderful. And I bet its so much harder in college! Oh gosh....my son will be so excited that a state dup champion was helping pick out his ties! Oh this is just wonderful! I can't wait to tell him. A state champion!"

I think this woman was more excited that when we won the state tourney! She was so crazy about it...it was pretty funny. So yeah. I must admit that it was kinda fun picking out ties with her for a duo team. They got some nice Kenneth Cole ties to go with a great Geoffrey Beene shirt. Kinda brought me back. But man, was she ever excited! I'm gonna be a minor celebrity to the Eagan Speech Team. Good luck Eagan!

Brunch Just Got Gayer

Matt, Mom, and I went out for brunch yesterday. So many people I know have been raving about brunch at Dixies on Grand, so we decided to go. First of all, don’t believe anything you hear about said brunch. It was not $15.00 for the buffet and all you can drink mimosas. Instead it was $19.00 for the buffet and .50 mimosas. The desserts left something to be desired…I desired better desserts.

After we sat at our table, our waiter pranced up to us and offered us drinks and invited us to start the buffet. Sir, you clearly don’t know me…I do not need to be invited to start a buffet. While we were all working on our food, Colin (our waiter/ess) asked if we wanted biscuits…sure…who am I to turn away a biscuit? 10 minutes later, the server for the table next to us offered her table caramel rolls. What? There are caramel rolls? Colin!!! Where is my caramel roll? My mother says, “Maybe you don’t look like a caramel roll kind of girl.” Excuse me? If I don’t look like a caramel roll kind of girl then I don’t know what I look like. And if Colin can’t see that, then maybe we can’t be friends.

Let me explain that Colin and I could easily be friends. He’s perhaps one of the gayest waiters I’ve ever seen…even Matt was calling him “miss” and “waitress”. Just by looking at me, he should have known that I’m a “metabolically challenged girl with an abysmal self-esteem” and therefore the perfect friend for a gay man, but no. Colin did not see this and brought me no caramel rolls…nor did he offer me sparkling apple cider, like he offered other tables. Colin it’s over.

So that was brunch…on the plus side, the rest of the food was pretty decent and there was a chocolate fountain. I didn't dip myself in the fountain, but I did think about it.

Boys Come From the Stupid Factory

So we now know that Colin disappointed me, but I’ve come to the conclusion that in the last week, most of the men in my life have completely sucked. If you are a man who has not annoyed me, then I apologize for the sweeping generalizations that are about to follow.

In the last week I have been through the following things:

- after telling someone I got them the perfect gift, he killed my high by telling me that he can’t get me anything and that I should just hold off on giving the gift.
- when I told the potential recipient that I was upset about his reaction, I ended up apologizing for being upset regarding the above incident.
- I have been woken up at 3am by a phone call from an excited guy
- more than once I have been reduced to a sniffling crying girl
- I have been woken up at 6am by a phone call from a scared boy
- I have been snapped at for being worried about someone’s well-being despite have just cause
- I have been ignored when I wanted to talk about things
- when I didn’t have things to talk about I felt like I was disappointing the person who asked
- phone calls have not been returned
- I have decided that men generally suck and that I should try not to be angry at them for it…instead I should ignore it until they come around.

Once again, I apologize for any unfair generalizations or accusations, I'm just a bit frustrated with the...frustrating sex. A HUGE thank you to the boy who apologized and made me feel better about situations 1-3.

Good-Bye Denny & My fav pics C-Lover

This is dual purpose entry...

I was supposed to write about last week's Tony Sims Night:
Auntie Di was up from Illinois and she LOVED it! Bought herself a CD (And by bought herself, I mean my mom gave me money and told me to go get it. And Smokey and Ryan actually thought it was for me....no sirs I have owned my copy for over a year now.) So yeah, she loved it. In fact, I think she said they were one of the best bands she's heard in a while...though I'm not too sure how often auntie di goes to bars checking out bands. She was amazed at Tony's leg action (really...how does his leg not fall off during How Long???). She loved Dave's acoustic set...as I promised she would, and was amused by all the crazy dancers. How could she not be amused? I mean when two guys go hit on women on the dance floor and get turned down...that's funny...sad but funny. Its even better when Dave calls them out on it: "Its ok guys. Even the best of us get shot down sometimes". Not nice Dave...hilarious, but not nice.
A few other things...Ryan what's with the perm look...a haircut may be in order. I just got one today if you need a recommendation. And btw- if you want people to notice you, where bright colors...it worked for Poncho. And you looked extra angry last week during some songs...mabe its cuz Tony was making fun of the perm. Dave- why were you grabbing at Smokey's crotch? I'm sure you were trying to get him to move his leg like tony, but it looked like a crotch grab. And Smokey, thanks for singing "here comes my bum" and grabbing your ass, that might be a nice addition to the acoustic set.
And finally- A great big tearfilled goodbye to Denny aka Mark. I guess Dave has had enough. Your musical stylings to Heart of the Matter were just too much for him. And I can understand...after all, that's some hard talent to share a stage with. Have no fear though. I have every confidence that Ryan and Smokey will fill in for you to the best of their abilities. It just won't be the same though without your screaming and fleecey musicnote scarf. We will miss you.
MY FAVORITE PICS WITH MY FAVORITE RYAN
Jean sent us all the pics from our fabulous fall walk, and while I was looking at them I found discovered my two new favorite pics of Ryan and I. I know its cheesey, but they really capture two important sides of our friendship and they're so candid and perfect. Thanks for snapping them Jean! I love ya Ryan!

Too Sexy

Ok...I wasn't going to blog these, but Jean keeps asking about them, so here they are. There was one night at the MMC during a long set break (what a suprise) that we got bored and took about 312 pictures of ourselves...here's a few.

TOO SEXY!!!

Fall Weekend of Fun

It was Jean and Shannon's Fall Weekend of fun and we all had a great time. The weather was perfect on Monday. We had great food and multiple desserts at Cafe Latte (Where the hell is the Blue Moon Reisling???) Watched a shitty French horror movie (yes Ryan, it is still necrophilia if its only oral sex), and went to the Trail of Terror. (BTW David, I have finally regained hearing in my right ear after the screaming...and thanks for holding me when I was scrared!)

Most of the pictures were on Jean's camera, so I don't have too many. but these are from the beautiful fall walk we went on...

It seems like such a sweet innocent activity...

Until someone finds a stick.

Ok Mr. I'm an Abercrombie model...why are all of your clothes on?

Are we trying to be sexy? Are we matching? Did we make Shannon puthe?

The most beautiful thing I saw all weekend.

Awwww!

Ok, I didn't have any pictures from the haunted house, so this is the scariest picture I have. Boo!

Thursday is Poncho night

Ok, so I know this is a little late, but after reading Jean's entry, I wasn't sure it was necessary. But then I remembered our agreement...Speaking of that...Matt and Chad, what's up??? You're slower that I am!

As you may have read from Jean's blog, Chad and Matt (Jean's Matt, not my Matt) joined us at the MMC last week. Matt was convinced he'd met me before...pretty sure not. BUT he went to Harding too...granted he graduated a bit earlier that Matty and I, but it was funny to hear about how many teachers were there when he was a student that we also had. Oh Harding....

The boys were fun dancers. Now, now offense to Matty (my matt) but its nice to have other people to dance with. Boys who will spin you and try to dip you, and dance like crazy white boys. Of course some of this could have been due to Chad's amusing inebriation. Don't apologize Chad! I love you drunk...you're great. Hugging and kissing my mom, ordering more beer, dancing, and talking about AFA...it's great...you should be drunk Chad around me more often! Though I enjoy regular Chad too. Basically, since you don't have class Friday's, you and Jean shold come up together more often. Then you can see Ryan the real drummer. (Not that we didn't enjoy Poncho and his large hair!)

So yeah...Jean pretty much caught us up on everything else...Ryan Senechal come back! Chad and Matt come back! Wonka Boob come back! Side boob...it won't be necessary for you to come back.

Working hard for the money

So this is gonna be kinda rambling....
I promise I'll get to the latest Tony Sims blog soon, but I need to vent about this....not that anyone but Ryan and Jean read it.....

Today is October 21. I worked a 13 hour day today. I'm tired. I thought I had Monday off. I've been looking forward to Monday. I was wrong. I do not have Monday off. I'm crabby about this. I'm working 1 if not 2 jobs everyday for the next 12 days. Then, I have 2 days off, but they are going to be packed with "Jean and Shannon's Fall weekend of fun". Now I'm absolutely looking forward to those two days, but yo ucan undersand how they aren't gonna be relaxing days off. (Ryan we need a nap day so bad!!!!!) So really, the next time I have an actual DAY OFF is Thursday November 3rd. As it is, I've not had a day of since October 12th. That's too long! Granted, some of those days were only 4 hour shift, but the majority of them were 8-12 hour days! Even though none of the jobs pay too well, I shouldn't complain. I have made enough to pay off my credit cards, pay extra on my student loans, and start saving some money again, but I'm tired. And more so, I'm tired of having 3 jobs (2 of which I really like) and still not making a liveable wage. I need to come up with a new career plan...anyone got any ideas???? I'll take 'em!

Ok....crabby "no time off" rant is over. Here's to a work weekend of musical rehearsals, Garrison Keillor, and serving booze! (At least no Marshall Fields til Monday!)

Who needs music for a musical?

If you were to think about a new musical going into production, what would be one of the first things to come to mind that you'd need for rehearsals? Would it be sheet music? How about a composer? Or a music director who knew the songs? All of these would be good...we have none of these.

I'm assisting in rehearsals for a mini production of Snapshots: Life in the City which will be put on as a full production in February. Its about living in the inner city and most of the stories are written by school kids from St.Paul/Minneapolis. Kinda interesting, kinda cheesey. Grat for schools, but who knows if it'll be a good long run production. So far it seems "after school special-ey". That's the term I'm choosing to use.

So yeah, to the shows credit, the composer isn't even in the country right now, so its hard to consult with him, but no sheet music? These actors are supposed to learn the music without seeing it or having an accurate CD??? A lot of it is sorta jazz/hip hop freestyle, but still you need something to go on. And so often when the director says lets work on the this one, the music director starts playing and then: "Crap. I don't know how that one goes. Shoot! Which one is that?" I couldn't believe it. He's getting paid for this! Needless to say, the rehearsals are frustrating.

So yeah...that's what I'm doing at the History Theatre right now. I guess I can't complain...they're paying me $10 and hour to sit on my butt and make to occasional copy. Why can't they pay me that much when I'm actually working my butt off???

Finally...California pics

Ok everyone...hold onto your hats! I finally got the rest of my pictures from the trip to California. So, since I won't see some of you in a while, here's the highlights...

Please notice how MN white I am...trust me...there was much teasing.


The Huntington Gardens were beautiful...so many perfect flowers and great art (I know...I'm a dork)


You can almost see LA through all the smog.


Lance! it's your little brother! He was so damn cute...after this picture, he started tugging on another elephants trunk, but we could take another pic in time.


I'm feeding a giraffe!!!! His name was Cosi. His tongue wrapped around my hand when he grabbed the leaves...it felt really funny. I was so excited...like a little kid.

Afterwards, Henry just said, "you are going to wash your hands right?"

The lions were LAZY. But it's kinda funny that they take their cat naps in a Land Rover

At the Aquarium of the Pacific, I touched a lot of things. Like this shark. Please notice the "fat little Asian kid" next to me. That's his name. That little bastard shoved me out of the way to pet the shark just moments before this was taken. Damn fat Asian kids!

And the Bat Rays. They told me that they missed the WSU forensics team!

Once again, I'm a little kid staring at the fishies!

There it is! The end to a great week...god i can't wait to go back!

Mr. Fancy

Have you seen this man?

I have.

My mom and i were at Pat McGoverns...a great Irish pub in downtown St. Paul for lunch on Sunday. We had a good lunch which also included a not so good bloody mary. But anyway, on with the story. On our way out I was stopped dead in my tracks by the man pictured above.

I know that it is a fairly feeble attempt at an artists rendition of this man (known as Mr. Fancy) but picture this if you will: A 70 year old man dressed in his sunday best. And by sunday best I mean a lycra leotard with a black shirt underneath. You will notice that this leotard is hot pink with balck pinstripes. Pinstripes are "in" this season. I couldn't help but be amazed at this ensemble. I grabbed my mom's arm at did the "clenched mouth whisper" Come. You need to see this. "oh!" That's all she could say..."oh". Oh indeed Mr. Fancy. Oh indeed.

Really...there's nothing more to say other than I wish i had a camera at that moment. The picture would say it all.

Tip me you bastards!

I've been working at the Fitzgerald Theatre a lot lately. There have been some good concerts in addition to the weekly Garrison Keilor shows. I make pretty decent money once you include the tips. The problem is that the tips range from $15 a night to $120 a night. Now obviously the $120 a night was a once in a lifetime thing. But tonight I realized that the sad $20 a night will be happening more often if the cheap bastards keep coming.

Here's a little lifetime piece of advice: Tip your bartender!!!! You don't even have to tip them much...but tip them! If you order $40.00 worth of mixed drinks (which take a while) and she gives you change including plenty of $1 and even a few quarters...tip her! She'll even settle for the quarters you cheap bastard. Just tip your hand and let those 2 little quarters drop into her cup. Look at all the singles in there! People are tipping her. This isn't a new idea...some people even tip when the just order waters and coffee. So please...tip your bartenders!

I shouldn't complain. Its not like the work is hard and most people tip ok...some people tip really well. Its just the middle aged men in their sports coats and overly made-up wives that don't even give me a quarter that drive me nuts. Though perhaps not as bad as the people who put pennies in my cup. Ma'am if you put one more penny in my cup, I'm spitting in your coffee.

Happy MMC Anniversary

I'm gonna keep this short since Jean already wrote a rather detailed blog about last Thursday.

But, I just wanted to say that last week was awesome! It was the first time in quite a while that all 4 of us (Matt, Rae, Jean, and I) were all there. Once we got there, we realized that it's been a full year of ladies nights at the MMC. Some people may think it s pretty dorky, but i'm really glad we have this...ya know? It's been a great way for Jean and I to keep seeing each other, and Matt, Rae, and I (the only two peopleI still talkto from the class of 99) to keep hanging out. Plus that people watching is priceless.

So Matt and I walk in to find out that Chris isn't our server...we have a new girl...and we wait 40 minutes for drinks. We also noticed that Dave shaved. Dave...I thought we've discussed this. Ok...you're trying something...see Jean's ideas. But we had some Kamis, danced a bit (despite a bad knee), and made a great deal of fun of The Rave and Wonka Boobs. (I think I actually saw some nipple from Wonka Boobs...I can't even say that about Slutzilla!) Dave sang the "old school acoustic set". That's right...I used the term old school regarding something that's been going on for less than a year. The set included Yesterday (we all know my fondness for that song). Perhaps it was in apology for shaving???

Ultimately, it was a great night. We also have recently found out that TSB wil be playing at the Half Time Rec. For those of you unfamiliar, read up about the time when Rae and I went...it should be fun with TSB!

And Mr. Senechal...I'm glad we can put a smile on your face...we're there for your amusement. Mr. Smokey, I like the haircut, but I'm sorry....you are a man about a hat.

Just in Time For Halloween: Build Your Own Coffin!

I'm not making this shit up! I saw it on the news...

The North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN teaches a variety of hippie/woodsy/crafty things. You can learn about herbal medicines, how to make a brick oven, how to make moose-hide mukluks, and how to drive fjord horses. There's also a class for Jean and I (and possibly David) called "Pie: the Lost Art". However, perhaps the most practical class of them all is "Build Your Own Coffin".

That's right! For the low price of $425 with a $250 tuition you can learn how to make your own pine box. To quote the North House Folk School; "None of us are getting out of this alive, so you might as well bury yourself in your work". They will measure you and teach you how to make the box yourself. If you have advanced woodworking skills there will be opportunity to put your skills to use...if you're a beginner, there are people there to help.

Does this seem weird??? The news story said it could be theraputic. I'm not so sure. I am sure this is weird: Until you're ready to put your piece to its intended use, you can use it as "as bookshelves, coffee tables, storage containers and entertainment centers". Ummm, do I really want to store my books or DVDs in something I will be spending eternity in??? I don't think so. But hey, who am I to judge? Just look at this lady! She's ready to store all of her hot dish cookbooks and crochet instruction booklets in this finely crafted bookshelf. It just so happens to be measured to exactly fit her body! How convenient!

Thanks North House Folk School for making my final resting accommodations affordable, multi-functional, and home-made!

Where Are the Chips?

So Matt, Rachel and I decided to go out for drinks last night. We wanted Margaritas and Matt wanted fajitas. So of course we went to La Cucaracha. Who doesn't want to eat at a place called the Cockroach??? Actually its good food, I just always thought that it was a pretty poor name choice.

Anyway, we get our table and look at the menu and Rachel leans over and says, "Yeah I heard about this place, the make you pay for chips!" It was as if there was this hushed rumor going around about the Mexican restaurant that made you pay for chips. "$1.25!" Rachel says. "For chips!" You could tell this chip thing was a pretty big deal. But we enjoyed our drinks, Matt's fajitas were good, my tacos were decent, and Rae had spicy soup. On the way out Rae reignited her chip argument. "Seriouisly, who charges for chips? They should be standing there with a basket when you walk in the door."

Sh has a point. Chips and salsa are part of the Mexican restaurant experience. Most places to give em away. I'm not sure if a man with a basket at the door is necessary, I be ok with a fresh basket at my table, but Rachel expects more of her Mexican restaraunts. But really, when you get right down to it, if you're gonna eat at The Cockroach, the least they could do is give you free chips.

New Template

So something happened to my old template. It randomly decided to be an ass and move my entire sidebar to the end of the page. After much fighting and frustration I chose a new one (which i don't like much) and make some changes to it. The color os a bit nauseating, but it'll have to do til i find something better. Boo blogger....Boo.

The Heart of the Matter is...Denny (Mark)

C-Lover, I know you don't give a "rat's pituitary" (did you mean patootie?) about the MMC, but last night's events require an entry.

Matt and I were going to call it an early night until we saw Denny. Yes, I know his name is Mark and I'm not sure how we got Denny out of that, but he will always be Denny to us. Well, after Matt and I saw that Denny was there, we knew we couldn't leave til after Heart of the Matter. And it was definitely worth waiting out the 1/2 hour long set break. (This is after Tony was on stage looking for the rest of the band...I'm sure there was "band stuff" going on). So yes, Denny is back in all his glory. His mic was on and he was in rare form, including the scream/yell at the end of the song. Jean, you missed a fine performance. This performance was only enhanced by Smokey and Ryan's reactions to Denny. It's obvious they missed his musical stylings as much as we did.

Just a couple of quick things: The woman who will now be know as "the Rave" was there. Jean you might remember her from the Rush as the woman who was pressing her ear up to the amps. She's a freak. She had on more glow necklaces, bracelets, and sticks than you could...shake a glow stick at. There was also some weird guy sketching Tony and Dave in charcoals while reading the City Pages. I'm convinced he's a court artist and is perhaps just practicing for future trials. Still a bit strange.

See you next week!

Welcome to the World Cute Shoes!

Since I know Ryan doesn't care about the MMC, here's a subject he'll care about. Some of you may know about my search for cute brown shoes. A few years ago (during forensics) I found the cutest brown shoes ever born. Now, I still think they're cute, but I've sort of gotten over them. Besides I need practical brown shoes for work. Well in my search for prectical shoes (which I found and now own) I also found the new cutest brown shoes ever born. The best thing is that the heel is small enough to still be good for work!

So, I'd like to say welcome to my closet shoes! Ryan, they are Kenneth Cole "Mr. Boss" in chocolate brown. And here they are!

Marshall Fields storm watch 2005 & Hey Billy Larson!

So we had a pretty big storm last night!!! Actually it was huge! Tornadoes in Roseville, Arden Hills, Rogers...Warnings and watches all night, flash floods...and all this happened while i was at work.

At about 7:15pm the tornado sirens started going off in Ramsey county. I was the person on radio in my department, so the manager told that she was going to make an announcement to move to the first floor, then I had to make sure all guests started going down. The we head downstairs at about 7:25. One woman I work with also works for Homeland security so she was on her phone getting updates from work about the storm. We knew we were gonna be stuck down by the escalators fro at least half an hour. We couldn't leave til the sirens/warning expired at 8:00pm. So were all sitting there...bored and knowing that there isn't any real danger since the most serious part of the storm was north of us. So I'm sitting there and who should walk up to me but Billy Larson of the MMC. Jean- He was wearing the fabled dolphin shirt. I didn't believe you, but it actually does exist. I'm so glad I was able to see it. So yeah- Billy needed to buy a birthday gift card. And he did. I sold it to him. Happy Birthday to whomever. Then off he went..back out into the storm like the enigma he is.

Anyway....the warning expired at 8, which is when we're supposed to close. People were pissed. They wanted to keep shopping. I just wanted to close and go home...So I did.

Bingo Brawl

Well, Matt and I spend yesterday together since we both had the day off. After shopping for a few hours (and I didn't buy anything!!!) Matt and I sat down and tried to figure what to do for the evening. I didn't want to sit at home, there weren't any movies we wanted to see, no bands we wanted to hear, and it was too early to start drinking. (well, not really too early...its never too early but we wanted to wait til it was dark out). We thought about the casino, but then Matt mentioned BINGO. Well alright sir, but I'm not sure you're gonna enjoy the white trash as much as Jean and I...I mean didn't you spend the day shopping at Express and Banana Republic? Not exactly BINGO style.

Well we get there are find out its "birthday night". Birthday night???Jean did you know about this? Apparently if you have a birthday in that month you get a free bingo card, a dauber, a balloon, and a CUPCAKE!!!! Yes, that's right a free cupcake. Well, rest assured the freaks came out for birthday night.

When we were in line to buy our cards, some crazy woman was talking to Matt about this garbage bag of stuffed animals that she got for her birthday and how much she "just loves them". Well about 1/2 hour later this woman was heard screaming from the smoking room "fuck that I gave you my money!!!" as she was dragged from the room by security guards. Wow! Excitement at Hillcrest BINGO!

But, the near brawl happened during the end of the evening. Let me give you a bit of a background first: There was a group of 4 young women sitting behind Matt and I. There were pretty trashy. One girl was wearing a pink addidas tracksuit with a pink Nike hat. BREATHE RYAN...it'll be ok. Another girl was pretty fat...and I know fat. But she was wearing a tight cami without a bra and couldn't really fit between the chairs when she was walking. Please put more clothes on Ma'am. Anyway, matt and I overheard them talking at one point and this is how it went. (please imagine a thick Fargo-esque accent)
"Oh yah? That must be a pretty big town."
"Yah. Ya know they got that big Super Wal-Mart out there now"
"Yah. That is a pretty big town out there"

If only Matt and I knew which town they were talking about, we could check out the super wal-mart. (What's up with that wal-mart anyway Jean?) So one of these women nearly started a brawl during the last game of the night: the all important $1000 coverall game (which Matt was only 2 numbers away from winning). Near the beginning of the game, one of these women's cellphone/walkie-talkie things goes beebeep. and then some guy and talking. beebeep then she starts talking beebeep more of the guy. At this point the old folks start getting restless. Coughing, grumbling. Beebeep. "Hey turn that thing off!" more talking beebeep. Now the old man near me turns around and yells, "turn that damn thing off! don't you know you're not supposed to use that here?" beebeep "I don't fucking care! I'm talking to my husband!" Beebeep
This goes on for about 3-5 minutes, which in BINGO time is a long time. Finally the white trash conversation is over, but the old people are pissed. They're tattling. "She was using her phone!"

Matt and I decided to leave before the canes and walkers were thrown over our heads at the white trash girls. It was gonna get ugly.

The Return of Slutzilla

Well Jean, you missed a good night at the MMC. I haven’t been able to write until now thanks to two 14+ hour days at work, but I’m sure I’ll get to that later.

First of all, the O’Brien/Petrie mother/daughter night didn’t work out so well. Stupid Rachel getting cast as Helena in the U of M’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Congrats Rae!!! But the O’Brien portion showed up strong and was soon joined by Matt. We had prime seats on the rail, sitting next to….guess who??? None other than Slutzilla! Yay!!!! Slutzilla returns! Apparently Slutzilla (aka Amazon) is a big fat crying liar when she said she wasn’t coming anymore. She was there in trashy suede stilettos and a mini skirt slutting it up with a set of twins and bopping around in her chair, whacking Matt in the face with her nasty hair. Sorry Matt and thanks for taking one for the team.  So yes…Slutzilla is back and slutier than ever. But she has a friend…

The Clap (formerly known as George’s girlfriend) was in rare form. Now keep in mind that we used to like her. She was kinda cute, a pretty good dancer, and then says “right on” when Jean wears her Elvis shirt. We even give her credit for being able to follow some of the most ridiculous dancers. However, she has slowly been working up the slut ladder with her clothes and her dancing. I should mention that initially, she earned her name because she of often claps her hands above her head to just about any song. However, as you may guess, the Clap’s name can certainly have a double meaning. Especially after how much I saw of her on Thursday night.  The Clap was wearing some of the shortest skorts I’ve ever seen. Yes…I said skort. Daisy Dukes in the back, skirt in the front. (Is this the mullet of skirts/shorts??? I’m not sure) Anyway, the Clap had on the shortest skort ever made. To make it worse, she kept doing these high kicks while she was dancing. Pretty sure I saw more of the Clap’s crotch than I ever wanted to see. Wait…let me check….yep I’m sure. PLUS…she’s trying to seduce Mr. Shoeless. Now Jean…you know how we feel about Shoeless…how dare the Clap mess with her!!!! The Clap was dancing with Mr. Shoeless and at one point I saw him rubbing her back. AND…the Clap intentionally bent over like a big ole stripper in front of him to pick something up off the floor and Mr. Shoeless’ eyes were glued to her ass! How dare he! So needless to say I’m a little mad at the Clap and a little grossed out that I had to see so much of her crotch (Matt even threw up in his mouth a little bit).

Let’s see….what else did Jean miss. Tony dropped his mic, but kept right on singing. Smokey (in his Smokey the bear shirt) was singing along to just about everything and caught me laughing at him Sorry Smokey…I didn’t mean it. Tony was not only jazzing up everything with shoo be doos but he was pretty dirty: Why don’t you slip it in the back door…if you love me…you’ll let me slide right into you. DIRTY!!! They all looked pretty hott. (Fuck it…I’m still saying that even if they’re reading…it’s true). And Ryan did speak again….though I had to talk to him first. He asked me if he really did call Dave fat that many times last week. I was sad to inform him that yes he had said it all (Jean even asked if she could quote him). He said that he’d have to stay more sober next time he talked to us. I disagree…I think we get better stuff when they’re drunk! SO, anyway, sorry if we got you in trouble Ryan!

Well, being that this all happened four days ago, that’s all I can remember. I’m sure I’m forgetting things. I can’t remember all of the crazy dancers…though I know there were a bunch. So…see you next week!

Let the Christmas Season commence!

That's right ladies and gentleman! I spent 8.5 hours unpackaging Christmas crap that sells from $10-$150 yesterday for Marshall Fields. Once my shift was over, another crew of Christmas elves was going to spend 6 hours actually putting it out and decorating the department (which i believe happens to be on my floor). This means that I will walk into work tomorrow afternoon and be confronted with a Winter Wonderland....in September!!! Cuz it isn't bad enough that at one of my other jobs I will have to start production work on Christmas of Swing! Now I'm gonna get beat over the head at 2 out of 3 places of employment...gee I can't wait till i start bartending the Christmas concerts as the Fitzgerald too! God bless us everyone!!!

" This one goes out to the blog girls" & "Ryan can talk!!!"

" This one goes out to the blog girls"
That's what Tony said on Thursday night....at first Jean and I didn't quite understand him. But about three seconds later, I realized what he said:
"Jean, he said 'the blog girls' "
"oh....shit"
"yeah, guess they've been reading"
"Shannon, I think we need to buy them shots"
"I think you're right"
And so the evening continued with some shots, more beers, more dancing, and (I'm ashamed) more cigarettes. It was a good night...but it was about the get better...

"Ryan can talk!!!"
It's true ladies and gentleman, Ryan Senechal, drummer of the Tony Sims Band can talk. During Tony's acoustic set Jean wanted to go talk to Smokey and while we were sitting there Ryan came up. I nearly fell off my barstool when he asked, Which one of you is Shan O'Brien. I hung my head in shame. That'd be me. So now he has a face to put with the blog he's been reading at work. And who's box was Burkart playing with? This is getting worse. That's also me. So they've officially been reading the archives. And who called Burkart chubby? What's with the 20 questions??? ALSO ME! Then I felt the need to explain the whole chubby thing and how I didn't really mean it and I'm the last one to talk and... no, you're right. Burkart's fat. We tell him that every day. For the record, those are Ryan's words, not mine.

Well, we found out a lot of things...Ryan talks for one. He was wondering why he was getting much attention on the blog (other than his angry faces...he assured us that he isn't actually angry. He enjoys playing and his wife tells him that he makes faces all the time). Jean and I told him that he'd get more blog time if he talked. Well Ryan, I hope this is what you had in mind. I would like to congratulate you on getting your own entry in the blog. Thanks for telling us about Amazon...aka Slutzilla and the preacher who sits in the back. We'll continue to let you know via our blogs what's going on out the in front of the stage. See you next Thursday!

Oh, and TSB members...feel free to comment...let us know you're reading.
Jean- we'll miss you this week while you're in Arizona, but its gonna be O'Brien & Petrie Mother/Daughter night at the MMC

I "heart" California

I have returned to rainy Minnesota after a week in wonderfully sunny California.

I was out there for a week visiting my friend Henry and we had an amazing time. I'll keep this entry short since I'll be doing a picture blog of the trip soon...I'm just waiting on getting Henry's pictures since his turned out beautiful and mine pale in comparison. But, since he's all high tech editing guy, it might take a while til i get the edited versions of them.

But, Henry and I had a great week.

At Dave and Busters, I beat all the guys at skee ball.

We went to the Wild Animal Park and saw a ton of really cool animals...and I fed a giraffe! Again...pictures to come, but here's a couple for now...
this lemur was just hangin' out.
lots of elephants...and a baby!
the lions slept in this Land Rover...it was pretty cute.

We also went to the Aquarium of the Pacific...a favorite of the WSU forensics team. I pet many bat rays and sharks and a fat little Asian kid pushed me over, which Henry found very amusing.

At the Getty museum...
I got to see some beautiful paintings including one of Monet's Rouen Cathedral paintings.

All of these great activities were followed by eating a ton of great food thatw as not at all good for me...hopefully i was able to work it all off...after all, we did a lot of walking!

Well, that'll be it for now...but there will be more pictures soon!

I would like to welcome Dave Burkart to my Blog

Well, shit! Jean and I thought we were being so cautious, but perhaps Dave's brother is a search engine genius because as it turns out...he's found my blog. I can only imagine the look of sheer terror and embarassment on my face as Dave came up to me saying, "Hey! I found your website!" I look at Jean and her face is saying what i'm thinking: "Shit, fuck, oh god, this can't be good, lets get out of here." But Dave graciaously talked about how funny it was that we call their "psycho #2" Slutzilla. I'm glad he brought that up rather than continue discussing how i once (mistakenly) called him "chubby" in a cowboy hat (which he's not) or how I pretty much love it any time he plays Yesterday because its one of my favorite songs and Istarted requesting it MONTHS ago.

So, since Dave was such a good sport about the ridiculous things i've said in this blog, and because of regret and embarassmane that I'm currently feeling, I think I owe some explanations. Jean I'm borrowing your list format since i think that is best suited for the number of ridiculous things we've said/done over the last 11 months of hearing the TSB.

- firstly, as Jean also mentions, we aren't psycho...I promise. We happily stumbled upon Thursday nights at the cafe. And Rachel, Matt and I, pleasantly stumbled upon Dave at Keegan's because of our Monday Irish Pub Night.

-I freely admit that we've sort of become groupies. We love coming to hear the great music and stories (I can't count the number of times I've practically spit on the two steppers during "story time with Tony"), and we love the people watching at the MMC.

-speaking of people watching...glad you like the Slutzilla title...Barbie's Grandma is another favorite, as is Shoeless. If you're looking for a name for us...Jean and I figured it might be "chubby girls on the rail" but we're not sure we really wanna know what you might call us.

-Tony, we love the creative lyrics you use: stick in the back door, if you love me...you'll let me do all sorts of stuff to you, you smell nice...feel tight. Yes, we notice and we love them.

-Dave you don't look chubby in cowboy hats...and i'm the last person who should talk.
-Tony, i know i make fun of the white leather jacket, but it works on you.
-Smokey, thanks for talking to us after doing "band stuff"...you saved us (unknowingly) from creepy guys at Bogarts
-Ryan, we like the faces you make.

-So, thanks for being understanding. If you've dug through the archives, you've read things that I'm not proud of, but I hope they've at least made you laugh. We're really excited about the new record deal and can't wait to hear more. We'll continue to be there every Thursday night possible cuz we love your music, love the MMC and the crazy people who are there, and love our Bud Lights...

Til next Thursday,
~one of your gilrs on the rail

To Pee or Not to Pee

Well I was going to write about my 2nd interview with “Krissy” who kept asking me if I was “goal orientated”, had the limpest handshake I’ve ever received and couldn’t come up with the difficult words “department” or “company” (though since those words are completely unrelated to retail, I should excuse that). I was going to right about that…but now that I’ve officially been offered the job in the Home department it seems more appropriate to write about the first test Marshall Fields handed me: pee in a cup. (lets count how many times I use that phrase)

First of all can I say that even the phrase “pee in a cup” is gross. But secondly, I hate peeing in cups…whether it be for the doctor, a drug test, or that one time that guy asked me to do it…peeing in a cup is nasty. And might I mention that its another thing that women got the short stick on? Its so easy for guys to pee in the cup, but it’s a little awkward for us…back me up ladies. You're just about guarteneed to pee on your hand.

So I get to the testing place and ask for a glass of water, knowing full well that my bladder is not going to cooperate. The lady tells me "No. You have to try first." Fine. Well, of course i wasn't able to fill the little cup up to the line. "Well, you'll just have to drink some water and try again." Duh!!! That's why i asked for water in the first place. Skip ahead 30 minutes later after i drank about a gallon of water. Once again, I have to lock up my purse (in case i brought someone elses urine with me) pick my cup and give it a try. Still not over the line. Once again my bladder fails me. I hate my bladder. At this point i'm thinking about moving in...I know i'm going to be here for a while. In the mean time (while i'm gulping dixie cup after dixie cup of water) 3 guys and 1 girl come in, pee in their cup and leave. They're all in and out in 7 minutes. I've already been there for and hour and 15 minutes. I hate my bladder, i hate marshall fields, and i hate everyone else who can pee in cup.

At this point, my stomach hurts because i've had so much water. Then one other girl walk in and goes in the back to fill her cup. It's at that moment i realize i have to pee. Wait...I have to pee! Right now! I could fill 5 cups...right now! Hurry up girl...i have to go! The 30 gallons of water have caught up to me and now i hate my bladder for a whole different reason. So the girl finishes and i rush back...lock my purse, pick my cup, and fill it over the line. When i came out, the woman who runs the tests actually clapped for me. I was proud of my bladder. I successfully peed in the cup. Of course the sad things is that for the rest of the day...i couldn't stop peeing.

Times I used the phrase "pee in a cup"=8

Back to retail for me!

So I haven’t updated this blog in months…though I’m pretty sure no one but Jean reads this. So, this is partially because there certainly have been blog worthy events in the last few months and partially because Jean sent and email asking me to update…

Well, I’m back from the Great River Shakespeare Festival. It was a long summer, but good to be back in Winona. Despite the changing town (new Rascals sign, no one I know at Videoland, new soda shop with delicious drinks…) it was nice to be there for a while. So I came back from Winona, returning to my own bed, free food from mom, Tony Sims, and a stage management job with the Fringe Festival. I started working on Corleone, a Fringe show by David Mann which is billed as the Shakespearean Godfather. The incredibly short rehearsal process was hectic, but now we only have 3 performances left. It’s the most popular show in the fringe so far…we’ve turned away dozens of people each day. Its kinda cool to be working the show in the fringe that is not only the most popular, but has a plastic fish…I like having that on my props list.

The problem is that this low paying fringe job is over on Saturday and my low paying job at the History Theatre doesn’t start until October...so I need a interim job (preferably not as low paying). I just happened to be walking through Marshall Fields and saw a hiring sign….why the hell not. 5 ½ years at Kohl’s didn’t kill me, a few months at Dayton’s (as it will always be to me). So after filling out the ½ hour application and then completing the ½ hour personality survey, I met with the HR manager. I meet with a department manager tomorrow who will find the department that “I will be the best fit for”. Please don’t let it be shoes. I hate feet. Don’t know why, I just do. I’m not sure what the pay will be, but sadly it doesn’t even matter. I need money so bad right now. I’m heading to California in a few weeks and I’m only gonna have about $200. Plus there are loan payments coming up…things are not looking good. Thus, it doesn’t matter how much it pays as long as it’s more than the $2.50 an hour I’m used to making. We’ll find out tomorrow I guess!

Jean and I meet our future selves

Of course one plus about being back home is heading to the MMC each Thursday. Oddly enough, the band took time out of smoking pot and being arrogant to talk to us the first night back. Smokey had his button on and thought it was Karma, Dave told me that he sang Yesterday for me, and Tony called me “mama”. We’ve seen a number of remarkably amazing dancers as always. There is “#14” who it turns out was a woman despite first appearances, “purse humper” who dancing with “toothless”, and then there were “jean and I in 30 years”. Jean and I were sitting at the rail in our usual spots enjoying a delightful Bud Light when I noticed a familiar pair of women on the dance floor. There was a blonde with big hair and a terrible dye job and a brownish red head with even bigger hair and an even worse dye job. We immediately recognized ourselves. Their clothing choices were amazing. Jean was wearing a brownish “suit” (I use the term loosely) with a green shell and black sandals. I was wearing a black shirt, white shorts, nylons and sandals. The real me turned to the real Jean and said;
“In 30 years don’t ever let me wear white shorts to the bar.”
“Only to the bar? I’m not letting you wear white shorts anywhere!”
“But what if I work at a Marina? I could wear them to a marina.”
“Ok, if they’re for work…but you can’t wear them out…like to Taco Bell.”
“Ummm, I’m pretty sure I could wear white shorts to Taco Bell…and to Hardees.”
“Ok, but no where else.”
Thanks Jean….you’re a real friend. I’m glad someone is watching out fro my fashion faux pas in 30 years. So Jean and I got an interesting glimpse into our futures at the MMC. Reason #572 why I love that place.

Farm Party Fun Time

So, one thing that's nice about working for a new theatre company is that people in the town want to throw us parties all the time! This week we were all invited to the Zephyr Community Co-Op Farm Party. What???? A farm party? Well, sure I'll go. The sign says free food and a bon fire! Sign me up! But then came the question....what does one wear to a farm party? Well, needless to say, the variety in appearance was great. But a good time was had by all...

We played some bocce ball. Notice Michael Fitzpatrick (an actor in the company). He's quite the snappy dresser. It was pretty hardcore game...we mean business.

The winning bocce ball team...Best 2 out of 3! I give the credit to the blue balls!

And what is a farm party without animals! It was the season of love for these frogs!

They got me in the mood too!

Then it was time for smores!!!!

Jeff and I made a great smore making team...

Then he ate...talk about greedy!

But all in all I must say that the farm party was a delight! It was my first and hopefully not my last. Good food, great smores, and hot frog porn!!!

In Winona

Well, I've been terribly negligent in updating my blog. I'm currently in Winona working for the Great River Shakespeare Festival. Things are going well. We open in less than a month which is a bit daunting, but we'll make it. Geoffrey Rush was right in Shakespeare in Love when he said "It all works out. I don't know how it does, but it does." The show is fun with an amazing cast, really great music (its set in post WWII Italy) and an awesome set (with a big steel bridge!). I'll be stage managing the apprentice project again which will be Twelfth Night this year. Should be interesting. As is tradition, the young acting apprentices are a bit immature and are sure to test my patience. I'm getting along great with my roommate. We're the only "plus size" girls in the acting/intern company. We think they put us together on purpose so as to not infect the skinny girls with our curves. I love her cuz the says "Hey Shannon, wanna go to Target?" "Sure Midori, we were just there 2 days ago, but why not?" Jean it really made me miss you! (Plus Target had clearance candy! I only bought one bag....I'm being healthy) And we went to Hy-Vee in our pajamas yesterday...it was a good day. Other things I love about being in Winona: going to the bar and only spending $20.00 after buying 2 cosmos, 2 Blue Moon belgians, and 2 vodka crans....$20.00!!! I love that the trains going past my apartment (tracks are less than 20 feet away) wake me up every morning at 6, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30....don't have to worry about oversleeping!

But there are certainly things I miss about the cities too. Seeing my friends, eating good ethnic food, Great Waters Brewery beers, Tony Sims....speaking of Tony Sims....here are some pics from our last night. I have emailed them to the band without any response....bastards!


Oh....Jean, its our boys together...I think the only time we've had one with all of them in it. Grrrr....Ryan is angry.

Chris!!! Always there with a Bud Light waiting for me when I get off work!

Ahh yes....the boys in the illustrious Purple Room. Notice that (though you can't see it) Tony is holding my leg. And check out Smokey's stomach!!! MMMM Smokey style! Too bad Matt is so short....and what's with Dave??? That's my boy!

Well, I suppose now that I've written this all to brief update, I should get back to work....lord knows the actors will never get on stage in costume if I don't keep up with my paperwork....hmmmm.....naked actors....might not be a bad idea for a couple of them!