It's recently come to my attention that some of you may still be checking on me at this blog. I promise I'm still blogging. Just not here.
Update your reader! Come join me at the other blog!! Click here!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Hope your day was wonderful!
P.S. Remember - I'm only posting here for a few more days...go over and follow the other blog if you want to keep up with all the happenings around here.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Need a Last Minute Gift Idea?
Or, are you wanting to buy yourself something fabulous with that Christmas money you're going to get on Saturday?
Consider this:
Time Out for Women is a fantastic tour put on by Deseret Book Company. It's a Friday night and Saturday just for you - spent surrounded by fabulous women, listening to excellent music and uplifting speakers. I had the chance to attend last fall and couldn't recommend it more. It was one of the highlights of my fall.
There are events happening all across the country - there is likely one near you! Check out the full schedule by clicking here!
Plus, they are having a pre-registration sale until December 31! Only $49 for the whole weekend!
Plus, if you live near....
Consider this:
Time Out for Women is a fantastic tour put on by Deseret Book Company. It's a Friday night and Saturday just for you - spent surrounded by fabulous women, listening to excellent music and uplifting speakers. I had the chance to attend last fall and couldn't recommend it more. It was one of the highlights of my fall.
There are events happening all across the country - there is likely one near you! Check out the full schedule by clicking here!
Plus, they are having a pre-registration sale until December 31! Only $49 for the whole weekend!
Plus, if you live near....
or
You can come to the Time Out for Women event and hear ME!
That's right! ME! I've been working with Deseret Book over the past year to develop and record my motherhood cabaret-style recital called "Children Will Listen: Reflections on Mothering." We recorded a CD in Utah in September, (it will be released soon, and can be purchased online - I promise to keep you posted) and I'm going out on the road with Time Out for Women in 2011. I'm so excited and honored to have this experience, and so grateful to so many of you who have seen the show already and have offered support, encouragement and suggestions.
As I make this transition in the new year, this blog is going to be transitioned out. As much as I like to think I have the time and ability to keep up with two blogs, experience has taught me that I just can't.
So, I'm moving the family stuff to what has been my photography blog:
I'll also be posting about my Time Out for Women adventures and all the other fun stuff coming in 2011. Come join me over at the new blog!
Monday, October 25, 2010
We're Back!!
Thanks to those of you who have kindly reminded me that I haven't blogged since August.
I appreciate that you missed me. Only problem was, I didn't have a lot to say.
Or time to write once I had something to say.
Or time to find pictures to help illustrate the things I wanted to say.
And then, I wanted to be chronological about the things I wanted to say, and that was far too overwhelming.
So, today, we will start where we are.
And today, the most exciting thing is that this guy is coming home early from his business trip to sleep in his very own bed.
Not Diggity's bed...
We're pretty excited about that around here. Since we haven't seen each other for a couple of weeks.
And I'm pretending that the coming home early (even a day earlier than the original "coming home early" date) has nothing to do with the total-hormonal-crazy-coming-home-traveling-breakdown that I had yesterday afternoon, combined with the still-recovering-from-the-back-injury-and-I-can't-do-anything-frustration I'm dealing with right now.
But I suspect that it does.
I'm good either way.
Because we've decided - no more long separation trips like this. We all had a lovely time on our trips (G and I to New England, Diggity to California, then Taiwan and China), but this being apart for long periods of time is not for us.
And we've lots to catch up on, so stay tuned...
I appreciate that you missed me. Only problem was, I didn't have a lot to say.
Or time to write once I had something to say.
Or time to find pictures to help illustrate the things I wanted to say.
And then, I wanted to be chronological about the things I wanted to say, and that was far too overwhelming.
So, today, we will start where we are.
And today, the most exciting thing is that this guy is coming home early from his business trip to sleep in his very own bed.
Not Diggity's bed...We're pretty excited about that around here. Since we haven't seen each other for a couple of weeks.
And I'm pretending that the coming home early (even a day earlier than the original "coming home early" date) has nothing to do with the total-hormonal-crazy-coming-home-traveling-breakdown that I had yesterday afternoon, combined with the still-recovering-from-the-back-injury-and-I-can't-do-anything-frustration I'm dealing with right now.
But I suspect that it does.
I'm good either way.
Because we've decided - no more long separation trips like this. We all had a lovely time on our trips (G and I to New England, Diggity to California, then Taiwan and China), but this being apart for long periods of time is not for us.
And we've lots to catch up on, so stay tuned...
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Moving Week!
It's here! Can't believe it. All our possessions in a truck bound for Texas on Thursday. Today was the last day at our church building. It was truly depressing. Oh, we're going to miss New England.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Finales - SYTYCD and otherwise
I can't really give a full report on tonight's SYTYCD performance finale. I'm currently in Austin, Texas with my family, and we were at dinner for most of the show tonight. I'm trying to download videos from Rickey.org, but the internet here at the hotel is ridiculously slow. So, let me recap a bit:
We do have one more finale in our family - the finale of G-Man being the youngest in our family. We're having a baby in January. And we get to find out what we are having in just a couple weeks. Can't wait! If you haven't seen the video we sent out as an announcement, click here.
- I'm glad they kept Billy around a second week, because I loved his dances during the second top 6 performance week.
- Jose was on the show for way too long.
- I still miss Alex, but I'm following him on Twitter (@alexdwong), so that helps a little.
- I love all-star Allison Holker. I like all of the all-stars, but she's my favorite and I'm so glad she's going to be on the tour.
- Cat Deeley has had a pretty good clothing/hair run this season. Only a couple of truly wacky nights.
- I'm glad Mia and Adam are permanent judges. I thought I would miss Mary, but I really don't.
- I am thrilled Adechike was sent home last week. I've been hoping that would happen for a LONG time.
- Such an AWESOME top three! I saw the final number and the recaps, and I really can't wait to watch the whole thing. I hope I get to see the finale tomorrow night.
We do have one more finale in our family - the finale of G-Man being the youngest in our family. We're having a baby in January. And we get to find out what we are having in just a couple weeks. Can't wait! If you haven't seen the video we sent out as an announcement, click here.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Beach!
We've discovered something that G-Man loves - the beach.
When our cousins were visiting from China last week, we joined them and some other friends down in Newport, RI at the beach. It was a cold, windy day, but G-Man LOVED the sand. I turned around to check on him, and found this:
He was laying on his tummy in the sand and kept putting his face right in the sand. He was even more dirty about 10 minutes after this was taken. We spent a little time in the water, but he was mostly interested in the sand.
We were able to go to the beach again today with some friends, and it was a perfect beach day. (You may have heard, we've had a bit of a heat wave around here. If you've never visited the Northeast and don't think that heat in the 90s doesn't sound like any big thing, well...you're mistaken. I used to wonder why huge snow storms and heat waves always made the national news, and then I moved here. People die when it gets this hot because of the humidity. We've been really grateful for our central A/C this week. In fact, we don't leave the house unless we absolutely have to.) And this time, we made it to the water. He still loved the sand, but we spent a ton of time in the water. G-Man was even brave enough to let go of my hand a couple of times as we "jumped" on the waves.
(thanks for the picture, Allison!)
We had such a great time. Though, I was annoyed to arrive home and find that I didn't do a good job with my sunscreen. Ouch.
When our cousins were visiting from China last week, we joined them and some other friends down in Newport, RI at the beach. It was a cold, windy day, but G-Man LOVED the sand. I turned around to check on him, and found this:
He was laying on his tummy in the sand and kept putting his face right in the sand. He was even more dirty about 10 minutes after this was taken. We spent a little time in the water, but he was mostly interested in the sand.
We were able to go to the beach again today with some friends, and it was a perfect beach day. (You may have heard, we've had a bit of a heat wave around here. If you've never visited the Northeast and don't think that heat in the 90s doesn't sound like any big thing, well...you're mistaken. I used to wonder why huge snow storms and heat waves always made the national news, and then I moved here. People die when it gets this hot because of the humidity. We've been really grateful for our central A/C this week. In fact, we don't leave the house unless we absolutely have to.) And this time, we made it to the water. He still loved the sand, but we spent a ton of time in the water. G-Man was even brave enough to let go of my hand a couple of times as we "jumped" on the waves.
(thanks for the picture, Allison!)
We had such a great time. Though, I was annoyed to arrive home and find that I didn't do a good job with my sunscreen. Ouch.
SYTYCD Top 8 Results
- I love Cat's headband.
- I'm still so depressed about Alex's injury. SO depressed. Poor kid.
- Go, Emmy nominations for SYTYCD! (And Glee!! 19 Nominations!! And Modern Family!)
- Loved the opening group number. And I knew it was Mia's piece before Cat told me. Not so much because of the choreography, but because Ade was filling in for Alex. She choreographs so much in mathematical patterns for her group numbers, I knew she couldn't have Alex missing. Go, me.
Alex is already in the bottom. So sad.
Billy is also in the bottom. Why do you hate Billy, America?
Lauren, Kent, Robert, and Jose are safe.
Ashley is in the bottom 3, and Adechike is safe. WHY?!?!?!? Adechike needs to be in the bottom 3. He. bugs. me.
- Dear Anya & Pasha - I love you both. Please dance together always. Love, Me.
- Dear Cast of In The Heights and Lin Manuel Miranda - I love all of you too. I promise to come see you in person some day. I love this song and I wish you had time to do the whole thing. If you want to see this entire song, please watch this video from the George Lopez show.
- Natasha Bedingfield dancing with all-stars! I really do love this new component. And awesome for their resumes. Awesome choreography. I want to know who did this. And Natasha is singing quite well. I'm glad I watched that.
So sad.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
SYTYCD Top 8 Performance
First, an update from last week -
Alex and Twitch were my favorite. I've watched it 5 or 6 times since last week.
SO glad Melinda is gone.
And Cat had two fabulous hair/dress nights in a row!
And now, tonight -
Lauren is dressed in a piece of fringe. Just one piece.
I think they took the fabric from Lauren's dress and gave Pasha a full shirt.
Wow! Lauren is kind of awesome at ballroom!
I liked Lauren, so here is Lauren's number: 1-888-6-BEST-01
Jose and Lauren - Contemporary
That was really great. Most connected partnership I think I've seen this season.
Lauren is such a great partner and is really bringing out a great performance.
Cool, cool lift in the middle. You go, Mandy Moore.
I also liked Jose, so you get Jose's number too: 1-888-6-BEST-02
Kent and Comfort - Hip Hop
Kent is not keeping up. And though he said in the rehearsal package that his face would match Comfort's...I still felt like he was overacting at points. I tire of him.
Also, I don't love Comfort.
Adechike and Courtney - Jazz
That wasn't my favorite. I really didn't connect to it, and I kind of quit watching part way through.
Totally in agreement with Mia.
Billy and Allison - Broadway
Wait! Not Allison, Katee!!! So sad that Allison is hurt, but I love Katee.
Ugh. My least favorite musical. I'm liking the dance so far though. And grateful I didn't have to suffer through Tyce in the rehearsal package. Spencer Liff is great.
Billy really did well tonight. Such a huge difference.
Go, Billy! 1-888-6-BEST-06
Ashley and Dominic - Hip Hop
That was really fun. I am continually amazed by Tabitha and Napoleon. So creative.
The fall into the splits was sick. So cool.
Hurray, Ashley! 1-888-6-BEST-07
Robert and Katherine - Jazz
SUCH a fun concept and routine. I really liked that. Very, very cute.
Danced well and it's so fun to see something new and creative.
And now, they dance with the fellow contestants!
Adechike and Alex - Bollywood
So sad that Alex is hurt. SO sad.
Bollywood is so happy. If you don't smile when watching a Bollywood routine, you might be dead inside. Just sayin...
I feel like his movement wasn't as sharp as it should have been, but I could be wrong. It was on the verge of African movement. (Woo!! Mia agrees!)
Kent and Lauren - Contemporary
This is a perfect fit and concept for the two of them.
Lots of pretty pictures. And Kent wasn't doing the hungry jazz face and actually connected with Lauren. I liked that.
Ashley and Robert - Quickstep
I never know if people are doing a good job on quickstep or not. And now that Mary is gone, I really don't know. Though Robert seemed bouncy. I have no idea...
Billy and Jose - African Jazz
So fascinating to watch how the choreographer played to their individual strengths. Billy's plies were crazy low.
I really like Adam's critiques. He does such a great job of explaining very clearly what the other two judges mean. I think that is what makes him a good director. Just my opinion...
Please, please let's get Adechike in the bottom 3. We know Alex has to be there. I'm assuming the third will be Robert because of the quickstep.
Alex and Twitch were my favorite. I've watched it 5 or 6 times since last week.
SO glad Melinda is gone.
And Cat had two fabulous hair/dress nights in a row!
And now, tonight -
- Good hair and dress again for Cat!
- New format this week - the kids dance with an all-star they haven't danced with, and then dance with a fellow contestant. I like it.
- Alex Wong may have ruptured his Achilles tendon?!?!?! NOOOOOO!!!!!! Also, OUCH!!!!
Lauren is dressed in a piece of fringe. Just one piece.
I think they took the fabric from Lauren's dress and gave Pasha a full shirt.
Wow! Lauren is kind of awesome at ballroom!
I liked Lauren, so here is Lauren's number: 1-888-6-BEST-01
Jose and Lauren - Contemporary
That was really great. Most connected partnership I think I've seen this season.
Lauren is such a great partner and is really bringing out a great performance.
Cool, cool lift in the middle. You go, Mandy Moore.
I also liked Jose, so you get Jose's number too: 1-888-6-BEST-02
Kent and Comfort - Hip Hop
Kent is not keeping up. And though he said in the rehearsal package that his face would match Comfort's...I still felt like he was overacting at points. I tire of him.
Also, I don't love Comfort.
Adechike and Courtney - Jazz
That wasn't my favorite. I really didn't connect to it, and I kind of quit watching part way through.
Totally in agreement with Mia.
Billy and Allison - Broadway
Wait! Not Allison, Katee!!! So sad that Allison is hurt, but I love Katee.
Ugh. My least favorite musical. I'm liking the dance so far though. And grateful I didn't have to suffer through Tyce in the rehearsal package. Spencer Liff is great.
Billy really did well tonight. Such a huge difference.
Go, Billy! 1-888-6-BEST-06
Ashley and Dominic - Hip Hop
That was really fun. I am continually amazed by Tabitha and Napoleon. So creative.
The fall into the splits was sick. So cool.
Hurray, Ashley! 1-888-6-BEST-07
Robert and Katherine - Jazz
SUCH a fun concept and routine. I really liked that. Very, very cute.
Danced well and it's so fun to see something new and creative.
And now, they dance with the fellow contestants!
Adechike and Alex - Bollywood
So sad that Alex is hurt. SO sad.
Bollywood is so happy. If you don't smile when watching a Bollywood routine, you might be dead inside. Just sayin...
I feel like his movement wasn't as sharp as it should have been, but I could be wrong. It was on the verge of African movement. (Woo!! Mia agrees!)
Kent and Lauren - Contemporary
This is a perfect fit and concept for the two of them.
Lots of pretty pictures. And Kent wasn't doing the hungry jazz face and actually connected with Lauren. I liked that.
Ashley and Robert - Quickstep
I never know if people are doing a good job on quickstep or not. And now that Mary is gone, I really don't know. Though Robert seemed bouncy. I have no idea...
- New Old Spice commercial!!! Well done. I watched an entire behind the scenes podcast on how they filmed the first one in one continuous take. Now I want to see how they did that one. Awesome.
Billy and Jose - African Jazz
So fascinating to watch how the choreographer played to their individual strengths. Billy's plies were crazy low.
I really like Adam's critiques. He does such a great job of explaining very clearly what the other two judges mean. I think that is what makes him a good director. Just my opinion...
Please, please let's get Adechike in the bottom 3. We know Alex has to be there. I'm assuming the third will be Robert because of the quickstep.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
SYTYCD - Top 10 Performance & Results
First, I promise that I will get back to posting about my family. We've done a lot of wonderful things this spring, and it's just silly that I haven't been posting.
But until then, the recap:
Performance Show & Results:
*Cat's Hair & Dresses - Loved the hair last night, hate it tonight. Hated the dress last night, love it tonight.
*Fun change for this week - I like that the all-stars are staying on stage for the critique. I think that is a good thing.
Kent & Courtney - I thought Tyce was totally trying to rip off a Sonya routine with that choreography. Maybe it's just me. Or maybe it's because I'm not a huge Tyce fan. Kent gave it a good shot, but he really couldn't keep up with Courtney even though she stuck up for him.
Kent is safe.
Adechike & Allison - I love Allison. Love, love, love. I want her to dance with Billy or with Alex again. Adechike was better this week, but he still has lots of work to do.
But he's still safe.
Cristina & Pasha - Pasha was amazing, and I think Cristina did a pretty good job of keeping up with him. She's not my favorite, but she sure works hard.
And she's the first in the bottom 3.
* Adam mentions that people thought they were too harsh in their criticisms last night. I have to disagree. One of the things I love about SYTYCD is that they are always constructive in their criticism. The judges aren't mean, but they do give their honest opinion. And frankly, dancers are used to that type of criticism. Your toes are either pointed correctly, or they aren't. It's not subjective.
Alex & Lauren - Interesting that Tyce choreographed in the Fosse style, but didn't use a known Fosse song. I didn't love the whole thing, but I completely agreed with the critique the judges gave to Alex. If you watch Lauren on the parts of the dance they are doing in unison, Lauren is doing it correctly. I can't explain it very well in words, but there's a huge difference in the quality of their movement. Just go back and watch.
Alex is safe, so that is wonderful.
Jose & Kathryn - I also love Kathryn. She's a doll. And Jose was adorable and trying his hardest. I'm always happy when I see a Bollywood number because I know my friend Annie is going to be so excited. *grin*
And Jose is safe, of course. Which means another girl is in the bottom 3. America - why do you hate the girls?
Ashley & Mark - I thought this was a little frantic, choreography wise. I wanted to like it more, because I like these two dancers a lot. Some very cool moments, but frantic. And though I'm not sure what Nigel's exact definition of "jazz" is, I think he was right in saying that the choreography was more contemporary.
Ashley is safe.
Melinda & Ade - I HATED Melinda's costume. It was completely distracting. The judges were pretty nice to her. I didn't love this one. Favorite new Mia word = gorgewah (phonetic spelling)
Melinda is in the bottom 3 again. I don't think people like her very much.
Lauren & Dominic - I love the idea behind this and I thought Dominic was great. This new choreographer is awesome. I can't remember which judge said it, but I would have loved to see more realism in the fighting parts.
Lauren is safe. So it's down to Robert and Billy. That's nerve wracking...
Billy & Comfort - This was just uncomfortable. Yeeikes. He just can't pull the attitude off. That was scary.
Billy is safe - luckily the fan base pulled him through.
Robert & Anya - Anya is one of those dancers that will always make the boys look bad. In order to match up to her, they are really, really, going to have to bring it. I don't think Robert quite succeeded, and I was surprised that Nigel thought he did.
And sadly, he's our final person in the bottom 3. At least one of the guys is in the bottom 3 this week...
* Brian Gaynor (awesome guy with scoliosis who has auditioned for the show twice) is performing with his crew. Pretty cool.
SOLOS:
Cristina - meh. I feel badly for her having to do the same thing every week.
Melinda - I wish I liked her personality more, because she's one of the most interesting tappers I've seen in a while.
Robert - Mildly interesting. I'm not sure if that will be enough for him to be kept in it.
* Someone named Debbie Nova is performing. I'm just excited she is being backed up by some all-stars. I don't hate this song, which is new for me with the musical performances. CONFETTI CANNON!! Woo hoo!!
Robert is safe.
Melinda is safe, though Nigel wanted to send her home because the audience isn't connecting with her. (In my opinion, it's because she does that stupid genie bow when she wants to thank the judges instead of doing something normal. Also, she talks a little bit too much about herself and what she has done when she has the opportunity to talk. Maybe it's just me responding to her that way...)
Cristina is going home. No more ballroom contestants. I think that was a good choice.
Next week is going to be brutal. I like almost everyone that is still here.
P.S. I've become a total Bravo reality show junkie this week. I can't sleep lately, and there's nothing else on. Admission is the first step to recovery.
Though, Work of Art is a really cool show. I mocked it when I saw the commercial, but I'm really loving it. It's fascinating to watch the creative process for these people.
But until then, the recap:
Performance Show & Results:
*Cat's Hair & Dresses - Loved the hair last night, hate it tonight. Hated the dress last night, love it tonight.
*Fun change for this week - I like that the all-stars are staying on stage for the critique. I think that is a good thing.
Kent & Courtney - I thought Tyce was totally trying to rip off a Sonya routine with that choreography. Maybe it's just me. Or maybe it's because I'm not a huge Tyce fan. Kent gave it a good shot, but he really couldn't keep up with Courtney even though she stuck up for him.
Kent is safe.
Adechike & Allison - I love Allison. Love, love, love. I want her to dance with Billy or with Alex again. Adechike was better this week, but he still has lots of work to do.
But he's still safe.
Cristina & Pasha - Pasha was amazing, and I think Cristina did a pretty good job of keeping up with him. She's not my favorite, but she sure works hard.
And she's the first in the bottom 3.
* Adam mentions that people thought they were too harsh in their criticisms last night. I have to disagree. One of the things I love about SYTYCD is that they are always constructive in their criticism. The judges aren't mean, but they do give their honest opinion. And frankly, dancers are used to that type of criticism. Your toes are either pointed correctly, or they aren't. It's not subjective.
Alex & Lauren - Interesting that Tyce choreographed in the Fosse style, but didn't use a known Fosse song. I didn't love the whole thing, but I completely agreed with the critique the judges gave to Alex. If you watch Lauren on the parts of the dance they are doing in unison, Lauren is doing it correctly. I can't explain it very well in words, but there's a huge difference in the quality of their movement. Just go back and watch.
Alex is safe, so that is wonderful.
Jose & Kathryn - I also love Kathryn. She's a doll. And Jose was adorable and trying his hardest. I'm always happy when I see a Bollywood number because I know my friend Annie is going to be so excited. *grin*
And Jose is safe, of course. Which means another girl is in the bottom 3. America - why do you hate the girls?
Ashley & Mark - I thought this was a little frantic, choreography wise. I wanted to like it more, because I like these two dancers a lot. Some very cool moments, but frantic. And though I'm not sure what Nigel's exact definition of "jazz" is, I think he was right in saying that the choreography was more contemporary.
Ashley is safe.
Melinda & Ade - I HATED Melinda's costume. It was completely distracting. The judges were pretty nice to her. I didn't love this one. Favorite new Mia word = gorgewah (phonetic spelling)
Melinda is in the bottom 3 again. I don't think people like her very much.
Lauren & Dominic - I love the idea behind this and I thought Dominic was great. This new choreographer is awesome. I can't remember which judge said it, but I would have loved to see more realism in the fighting parts.
Lauren is safe. So it's down to Robert and Billy. That's nerve wracking...
Billy & Comfort - This was just uncomfortable. Yeeikes. He just can't pull the attitude off. That was scary.
Billy is safe - luckily the fan base pulled him through.
Robert & Anya - Anya is one of those dancers that will always make the boys look bad. In order to match up to her, they are really, really, going to have to bring it. I don't think Robert quite succeeded, and I was surprised that Nigel thought he did.
And sadly, he's our final person in the bottom 3. At least one of the guys is in the bottom 3 this week...
* Brian Gaynor (awesome guy with scoliosis who has auditioned for the show twice) is performing with his crew. Pretty cool.
SOLOS:
Cristina - meh. I feel badly for her having to do the same thing every week.
Melinda - I wish I liked her personality more, because she's one of the most interesting tappers I've seen in a while.
Robert - Mildly interesting. I'm not sure if that will be enough for him to be kept in it.
* Someone named Debbie Nova is performing. I'm just excited she is being backed up by some all-stars. I don't hate this song, which is new for me with the musical performances. CONFETTI CANNON!! Woo hoo!!
Robert is safe.
Melinda is safe, though Nigel wanted to send her home because the audience isn't connecting with her. (In my opinion, it's because she does that stupid genie bow when she wants to thank the judges instead of doing something normal. Also, she talks a little bit too much about herself and what she has done when she has the opportunity to talk. Maybe it's just me responding to her that way...)
Cristina is going home. No more ballroom contestants. I think that was a good choice.
Next week is going to be brutal. I like almost everyone that is still here.
P.S. I've become a total Bravo reality show junkie this week. I can't sleep lately, and there's nothing else on. Admission is the first step to recovery.
Though, Work of Art is a really cool show. I mocked it when I saw the commercial, but I'm really loving it. It's fascinating to watch the creative process for these people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
