" 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!

Irish Pub Night Just Got Better

Well, I've been REALLY neglecting my blog lately...sorry that I haven't written since the joy of Kansas...not that i have a big following of readers!

For those of you who don't know, Matt, Rae, and I go out just about every week to an Irish pub...not hard to do when there are 30 billion of them in the Twin Cities. Well, last night Matt chose not to join us and did he ever miss out! Rachel suggested a bar that she heard about from a friend. It was called the Half Time Rec Bar...not exactly an Irish name, but we were guarenteed that it was Irish.

Well we knew it would be great as we pulled up to it. It was in a very residential area and looked like a Winona townie bar...similar to the Cozy Corner (Jean knows what i mean). The still had signs up from St. Patrick's Day. Across the street there was a sign that said DEAF CHILD AREA, but it was hanging upside down. And on the bar's sign, it said "Live Irish Music" but the H in Irish wasn't on the same line as the rest of the word...and the was a $ instead of an S. I knew I was going to love it there. Rachel and I both commented on how we wished Jean had been with us...she would have loved it.

When we got inside, there was a little old man on a bar stool sitting next to the door. We think he was their version of a bouncer. He greeted us with a tip of his hat and a "Good evening ladies". Later we found out his name was Bud...of course it was. The inside decor matched the outside appearance very well. A long wooden bar with polaroids of customers under the plexi-glass, a plethora of over-weight men and women, all sorts of people in irish hats and sweaters...actually speaking with Irish accents! There was even aman drunkenly dancing with a pool cue. We had found a true Irish pub indeed! As Rachel and I sat there drinking our Strongbow (which is actually a British cider...) we were trying totalk over the extremely loud Irish trio that was playing an odd mix of music. The announced that they had CDs for sale. Sadly, Rae and I forgot to pick one up. They also had T-Shirts for sale in case you were wondering.

After finishing our drinks we decided it was time to head out...we had enjoyed out time at the Rec (which apparently has bocce ball games in the basement), but we didn't want to over stay our welcome on our first trip. So we left, but not before Bud said, "Good night ladies, drive home safe." Thanks Bud, we will, and we'll see you again soon.

AFA 2005!!!!!!!!

Well, rather than write a big long entry about AFA 2005, I'll just do a photo blog...its more intersting that way!

Well, Jean Lance, and Shannon left from St. Paul and quickly realized they weren't going to California again this year.

But Lance kept the girls entertained with some mad guitar licks and the girls sang a horrible rendition of Heart of the Matter.

Shannon invented a great new game.

Lance and his ladies got married in Iowa

Jean and Shannon did some tricks.

Then we got to Kansas and checked in to the hotel. I've never stayed at a hotel wheere i had to go buy my own towel and toilet paper!

Did I mention the hotel had a pool? and a Barbie car?

and a tire swing?

Then it was time to judge...and we all know the goal of AFA is to be the sexy judge!.....or not boys.

But we had a lot of fun,

and made some important statements.

Then it was time to go home.

But not before we visited some important landmarks!

Gas: $85, Nasty Hotel: $135, Alcohol: $60, A good time in Kansas with WSU alum: Priceless

Another Straight for Gay Rights

I'm not gonna say I hate Kansas...that would be intolerant. And I'm not intolerant.

Who am I kidding???? Yes I am...way to go Kansas! 70% of your population is small-minded, ignorant, and discriminating! But, worry not Kansas, you're not alone. You have now joined 17 other states in taking away a basic human right from a sizeable portion of American citizens. I'm sure 70% of you are very proud.

When I heard that Kansas had voted "yes" to ban gay marriage, I can't say I was surprised. I mean when the entire K State campus was covered in "vote yes" messages, you could tell what the general consesus was. Yet somehow it felt important for us "liberals" (or, in this case, what I like to call "good human beings") to chalk out our own messages declaring our support for gay marriage, showing that not all straight people are hateful, and that gay marriage shouldn't even be an issue.

But as I mentioned before, Kansas is not alone. There are now 18 states that have legally banned homosexual couples from getting married, including Michigan, Oregon, Missouri, Georgia, and North Dakota. Unfotunately, its not like much wil change in these states. Homosexual couples weren't exactly allowed to get married in these states prior to this ban. But, nontheless, its a slap in the face to hear that you legally can't get married to someone you love.

Why are so many people afraid of gay and lesbian couples getting married? I don't understand. Why is it ok for couples to get married who have only known each other for days, but not a couple who has been together for 25 years? So many people say they vote against marriage to defend the tradition/definition of marriage. Well, isn't one tradition of marriage to stay married? Yet we allow divorces to occur on a daily basis without thought. After reading many articles about the latest Kansas vote, I've confirmed thatmany people voted to ban gay marriages to "defend marriage" But then I read this quotation, which i think more peole should try to understand:

Byron Defreese, a 65-year-old retiree, called the amendment "total foolishness."
"I don't know how this is going to defend my marriage of 43 years," he said. "I think it's a diversion from the real issues" (www.CNN.com April 6, 2005).

Now, it is not my intent to insult anyone. But I just have such a hard time understanding why this is an issue. Getting married to someone you love seems so simple and basic, yet its not. But, then again, I'm lucky. I grew up in a home free of discrimination. My parents raised me to accept all people...something which I admittedly still need to work on. But from a young age, I was around gay and lesbian couples. When I was a kid, my babysitters were lesbian couples. It seemed normal to me. And now some of my closest friends are gay. I only wish everyone had the same rights and opportunities for happiness.