Day 138

The First Snow.


Nothing is impossible...
there are merely different levels of probability.

Day 137

Lenders Magic and Costume Shop.
God sent us the rainbow as a sign that he would never again intentionally destroy mankind.
As long as there are rainbows, there is hope in our world.

When is the last time you have seen a rainbow?
Is it just me or are they hard to find as of late?

Just wondering.

Day 136

Evan Almighty.


Have you ever been falsely accused of cheating?

At school?
At work?
In a relationship?

Nothing makes your heart sink more rapidly into your stomach that a false accusation of cheating.

How do you convince said accuser that no cheating is involved?

Do you search high and low for anything that will prove your case?
Do you turn the accusation back onto the accuser and take the focus off yourself?
Do you let allow the whole mess to blow over until the facts appear and prove your innocence?

And even after you have proven your innocence, what are the chances that seed of doubt will ever be erased completely from the mind of said accuser?

Points to ponder.
Definitely.

Day 135

Winking Lizard.


I Didn't sleep well last night.

The wind was constantly howling and rattled windows throughout the house.

Dreams were filled with natural disasters, end of world scenarios and personal terror.
Not being able to sleep, I crept downstairs, sure that at least the cat would be as restless as I.

Scare-dy Cat?

Not so much.

Day 134

Tree-lighting.

"My cousins used to have a crazy cocker spaniel but it didn't turn me off to men."
-Cindi Verbelun (discussing the sex drives of animals and their effects on the humans they encounter,or her post-graduate bestiality phase...one or the other).

Day 133

Bills.





How do you make it through the holidays when unemployment strikes?

I realize I am not the first person finding themselves without work at the start of December, but where are the self-help books to guide your path and keep you smiling and sane by January 1st of the new year?

I suppose I could cut coupons.
Make my Christmas gifts instead of buying them.
Ride my bike and walk wherever possible.

Maybe even find a job.

Day 132

Red Robin.

When you misplace your alarm clock and awake an hour behind schedule, is your day wasted?

Do you curse your luck and not bother trying to make up the lost time?
Do you run around like mad until you feel you have earned the missing hour back?
Or do you go back to sleep, because you can't remember why you set your alarm clock so early in the first place?

Day 131

All Souls Day.

When did 30 get to be the new 40?
While growing up there were no end of "Over the Hill" parties for my parent's friends and older relatives.

It always seemed appropriate.
40 is a milestone to be proud of. To celebrate.
Halfway to 80.
On your way to OLD.

When did we start putting as much emphasis on 30?

Some say Hallmark and the greeting card industry.
Some say American retailers trying to cash in on anything possible.

I say it was episode 160 of "Friends" in 2001 where Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) turned 30 and had a breakdown and each other cast member reminisced about their own 30th. The show was so enormously popular and thus began the trend of creating a big deal out of the 30th birthday. Or so I like to think!

And as I stare at all the wonderful gifts I received and look at the pictures from the best birthday party I ever had (without a Whopper Hopper), I am definitely NOT complaining!

Day 130

Dreams.

I have this reoccurring dream of running towards the stage to make an entrance but never getting my legs to move fast enough to make it on time.

According to a dream interpretation website it signifies my lack of self-esteem and self-confidence.

Interesting?
Or crap?

Anyone who knows me knows I lack not in self-confidence or self-esteeem.
But if the dream is always heading towards a stage does it have something to do with the fact that my stage manager Forbidden Broadway is always scrutinizing my every move and constantly treating me as if I am an undergrad? Or maybe I don't trust myself onstage as much as I'd like to believe I do? Or maybe my fear of the show closing early?

Fine.
Feel better?
Maybe.

But nothing explains why I was wearing the Santa Suit.

Day 129

Diane Reame.

It has been said:
Publishing Poetry is like tossing a rose petal off of the top of the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo.

Day 128

Doomsday.





We hear so many stories of 2.8 earthquakes and tropical depressions that might turn into the next big hurricane, its enough to make the strongest cynic at least ponder the end of the world.

Is it really upon us, or is the world's media in need of ways to get better ratings?

And somewhat related (although possibly only in this brain) does no one die of natural causes anymore?

Must we need an answer for everything? Can't that 106 year-old man just die of old age instead of complications from acute cardiac long latency deficiency disease?

In our quest to always know more and "be in the know" we forget that people have lived on this earth for thousands of years, quite happily I might add, without an answer to everything.

Of course, leukemia might have been one of those natural causes.
Did I just destroy my own argument!

Day 127

Fat Tax.

Should obese people be forced to pay more for travel?


Somewhere in the United States there is a bill posed before congress right now asking this very question.

When NPR began its half-hour long coverage and debate this morning on the topic there was no doubt in my mind that this policy would be squashed like a bug on the windshield.

I was wrong.
Dead wrong.

Folks from all over called in to relate their airplane horror stories of being stuck next to a large person for a 6 hour flight. Or in between two.
Or on the train. And subway. Or cruise ship dining room (not sure how that applied, though).

No one called to defend those who are overweight and share their side of travel nightmares. It can't be any easier for them.
Honestly I am sure they are just as uncomfortable if not more so than fellow "average" size travelers.

The arguments were there.
More weight = More fuel for the airplane.
Unhappy passengers = Less likely to rebook.


But aren't they burdened enough?
They are already forced to pay extra for their plus size clothing (which I will defend based solely on the 'more material needed' clause) and insurances are higher and harder to come by.

We need to figure out better ways to help Each Other thrive and enjoy life in our society and not make it harder to be who we are and what we are given to work with.

Right?

Day 126

Ruth Fogg.
January 11, 1929-November 6, 2007.

At a family funeral this morning an arrangement of flowers caught my eye.
A beautiful vase of all white carnations and lilies sat atop the urn.
Attached to the top was a plain card, which read:
"Ruth, I've been waiting for you. Wilma."

Who is/was Wilma?
A sister? Mother? Best friend?

And who leaves money behind to place such notes at others funerals?

Will you?
Will I?

Most assuredly!

Day 125

Daylight Savings Time.

Humans have no problem adjusting to an extra hour of sleep.
Why can't cats?

You can explain and explain to them that they have to wait one more hour before breakfast but will they listen?

No.

Me. Me. Me.
Now. Now. Now.

On second thought, they aren't that much different after all.

Day 124

Ratatouille.

I hate false modesty.
Its just another way of lying.

Day 123

30 Days of Night.


Christmas in October?

Is it just me or is anyone else slightly disturbed that its not yet Halloween and the big stores (Walmart, Target) have already set up their Christmas and Holiday displays?

Something is not quite right about this.

Day 121

The flu.




I know God won't give me anything I can't handle...
I just wish he didn't trust me so much.

Mother Teresa

Day 120

Jack-O-Lantern.

Is Halloween only for the young?

Or can adults find just as much joy in the spirit of Halloween?

Dressing up in costume.
Eating way too much candy.
Watching horror films and cuddling on the couch.
Lighting those hollowed pumpkins that you spent hours carving.

It all sounds fun to this kid at heart.

Why not?

Day 119

We Gotta Bingo.

Is it a show?
An event?
A theme park ride where they serve lasagna?

However you classify the new "Fun Raiser" opening soon at the 14th Street Stage in Cleveland, Ohio, you can't say its not an enjoyable evening.

Food.
Drinks (not included - bring your wallet).
Music.
Dancing.
Audience interaction.

and

Bingo.
Lots of it.
With prizes (this winner did return his XXX large forest green cardigan prize for future shows).

You will laugh.
And Laugh.

And Laugh.

Day 118

Dreams.


When you awake from an extremely vivid dream in which you get a black eye from a flying tomato, should you worry?

Day 117

Amanda Bynes.

Shakespeare Comedies + High School Movie Genre = Good Fun!

10 Things I Hate About You.
O.
She's The Man.
Deliver Us From Eva (well, maybe not this one!)

Movies based on Shakespeare not only tend to garner good reviews but they usually have decent box office takes.

Why?
Timing possibly?
Star Power?
The Conceptual Realization of the Work?

or
The Source Material?

One wagers to believe its the latter.
Shakespeare was good.

You can gather nearly every play he wrote and mold it into any time period, situation, and concept and come out with the same message, laughs, tears, and theatrical enjoyment.

The possibilities are unending.

Amanda Bynes conquering of different accents...keep trying.

Day 116

Cat-Nip.

What do you complain about more than anything?

We all complain.

Some more than others.

Some about work.
Some about relationships.
Some about the government.

Some just love to complain.
And complain.
About anything and everything.

As long as there are ears to listen.

So stop listening and see if they stop complaining.
Then again, if we all stop complaining...who will read this blog...and will there be anything to write about!?

Day 115

The Birthday Wish List.





-Popcorn Seasoning - specifically White Cheddar.
-Frasier - Seasons 7,8,9,10
-Rechargable Batteries - AA
-Bare the Album
-Underwear - fun undies, size small (briefs)
-Cologne - Tommy, CKB, any other new exciting scent (it can be a half-used bottle that you don't want anymore - i am up for anything!)
-speedo - size small (no thongs please!)
-Pillar Candles - any kind, color, scent
-Table Topics (family, couples, etc. editions)
-Vintage Karen Carpenter Records

I am registered at Target and Wallmart for your shopping options!
Just kidding...or am I?

Day 114

America's Most Smartest Model.

What does GOP stand for?

If it takes more than 10 seconds to come up with that, you could very well be a participant on any of 8 new VH1 or MTV reality shows that celebrate the beauty of stupidity in America.

There was a time, was there not, when America worked hard on maintaining its image as the ultimate forward-moving, intelligent nation, able to top any other country's smartest?

Now our society practically worships our dumbest and least informed fellow citizens... for the sake of television ratings.

Anyone else see this as a problem?

The worst problem of all:
Stupid, beautiful people = good entertainment.

But at what cost?

Day 113

The Seeker.

Can any new Sci-Fi movie hold up to the Harry Potter franchise?
A legitimate question.

The Seeker involves a young boy who finds himself with powers at age 14, and with these new-found powers he must fight off the Rider (aka - the Dark Lord) and save the world.

Sounds familiar?

Actually, Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series began in the early 1970s, decades before Harry Potter began to enter JK Rowling's imagination.
And yet, the movie based on her first novel of the series comes across as an outdated lesser adaptation of the genre.

Why?

Will any science-fiction saga replace Harry Potter as the penultimate literary figure in our lifetime?

Doubtful.
And yet, strangely hopeful.

Day 112

Boston Market.


Who's Your bra?

The new Breast Cancer support campaign has begun with a commercial where women (presumably having fought or are fighting breast cancer) ask the viewing audience who their "bra" is...meaning support, in their time of need.

Does this kind of advertising help us better relate to people with breast cancer?
Aide in our sympathy by comparing it to something every female can concur with?
Does it shock us into awareness?

Who knows.

Next up: Ads for Testicular cancer: Who's Your Jockstrap?

I give up.

Day 111

Man-crush.

Noun.

Sincere and total admiration by one adult male towards another, most often associated with sports (ex. a favorite baseball player) and musicians.

Bizarre.

I don't believe the term existed a year ago.
Or even a few months ago.

What's next?

Day 110

All the Good Ones are Married.

Lifetime Original Movies.

Trashy.
Terrible.

Totally addictive.

Day 109

National City Bank.

We live in a society of fear.

You see the commercials.
You read the billboards.
You listen to our politicians.

But do you buy into their propaganda?

Do you worry about that upcoming pandemic?
Do you stress over those potential terrorist attacks?
Do you lie awake wondering when the next stock market crash will be?

Fear.
Not worth living under.

Day 108

Holy Ghosts.

Pentecostal snake handlers without the snakes.

Last night Beck Center performed a final dress rehearsal of a play called Holy Ghosts.
I attended.

The play, while not to my personal taste, was intriguing in a PBS documentary sort of way.
Make that, part PBS Docu-drama/ part Spoon River Anthology.
Really, it functions as an explanation, not of the religion, but of the people who seek refuge within that religion. People who need a place to wipe out the past, make a fresh start, and find an understanding group of new friends who make your own issues seem obsolete.

Outcasts.
Adulterers.
Elderly.
The mentally challenged.
All find solace within the four walls of the rundown building.

And then there are the snakes.
Snakes symbolizing your struggle with the devil.
Poisonous snakes that won't bite you if your faith is strong.
Snakes are the true test.

And lets just say, imaginary snakes in this prodection work just fine.
Especially from the 2nd row.
Phew!

Day 107

Easter Lily.

Who knew that lilies are poisonous to cats?
That they cause acute kidney failure if the cat so much as nibbles on them?
Bringing almost certain death within 36 hours?

Not me.
Hope I won't have to find out the hard way.

I caught Sondheim eating my Opening Night floral arrangement while on the phone with my stage manager this afternoon, who informed me of the poison and to take him to emergency care immediately. The vet, in turn, told me to watch Sondheim closely for signs of depression and lethargy. Its the afternoon, he is always lethargic.

Watching and waiting.

Even if he is poisoned, there isn't much to be done.
They can try dialisis which can cost between $5,000 and $15,000 but its only 15% effective.

Unthinkable.

Watching and waiting.

Maybe even tossing out a small prayer here and there.

Day 106

Around Noon with Dee Perry.

My boss at Virginia Musical Theatre keeps a to do list on his computer.
He calls it:
The Big To Do

Nothing is too small to be included on the Big To Do.
Grants.
Groceries.
Greeting Cards.

He claimed it kept him on task.
Allowed him to focus.
Made his job easier in and out of the office.

For years I didn't understand the function.
It seemed silly.
How could making such a list help your day?
How could writing down a few things keep my day intact?

But I tried it once.
Just once. I was convinced that would be the end.

Now, I am a listing king.
Everything that needs to get done better be on that list.
Try it sometime.

Powerful stuff!

Day 105

Sydney White.

When financial panic threatens to ruin your day, you can:

Run screaming through the house, naked.
Blame others and sit alone on your couch with german chocolate cake.
go see the new Amanda Bynes movie to clear your mind (and empty your wallet.

Get a job.

Day 104

Geauga Lake.

The end of an era.
The dismantling of 119 years of a legend.
The closing of another valuable cultural center.

Going too far?
Quite possibly.
But it is a sad day.

Cedar Fair could have at least given us a chance to ride the coasters one last time.
View the (truly horrific) live shows again.
Eat the overpriced and unhealthy food we craved before shutting the gates for good.

What a shame.

Why, someone may ask, would you prefer run-down little Geauga Lake when Cedar Point is a mere 70 miles away?

When you enter Cedar Point, you are instantly aware just how little time is in a 12 hour day. You rush from one ride to another, barely maintaining conversation over the the sweltering heat. Your legs ache by 6 pm and you end the day with very little enthusiasm and patience.

Geuaga Lake, while not offering nearly the same amount of "thrills", provided this relaxed "no pressure" atmosphere that was easy to soak in. The lines, if any, were never long. And you could guarantee you weren't being judged by fellow attendees.

Where will we go for cheap thrills now?

Day 103

Luckys Cafe.

When its in your nature to be controlling, how do you ease up?

Do you silently stew, grinding your teeth that things could be going much better your way?

Do you make little hints and try and steer others in the directions you want things to go without being obvious?

Do you just blog about it, and hope it helps?

Life is too tough to always be the bad guy.
Learn to let go.

Day 102

Penn Station.

Have you ever made a deal with God?
Dear God, if you just let me pass this exam, I will never skip class again.
Dear God, if you help my tax return come in the mail today, I will never use my
shampoo as a deduction again.
Something like that.

Or maybe you just make promises to yourself.
Do you stick with them?

True Story (may help explain some of my eccentricities):

A little more than a week into my hospitalization (a Thursday) I was having a bad day. I was in some serious pain and things weren't really looking good. I could tell. I played dumb in the hospital a lot but I always knew what was going on. The doctors were spending long times in the hall after seeing me. The nurses seemed to come by more often. My body started to have severe reactions to the chemotherapy.

So I began to worry.
Really worry.

I tried never to let on (the first 30 days I was the strongest) but I was started to have bouts of panic when I wondered whether or not I would make it out of there.

We prayed a lot.
And kept praying and kept praying.
Still do.

So this day...late evening I suppose, it was after dinner and someone had come to visit and everyone went to the lounge to talk and let me rest.

But I couldn't rest. I started to ache, and hurt, and really start to flip out.
I kept saying, God, please let me get better. Don't let me die like this.
Over and over.

And then (this is where eyes might roll, but I'll stick to it until the end) I had this vision or visit or...something. A woman was in my room. Dressed in white. She stood next to my bed and put her hand on my forehead. She asked me what i wanted and all I could think to say was that I wanted to get better. She told me I would. I responded that if I were to get better I would never waste another minute and would fill each day to the brink. She said she looked forward to watching that. Then I must have nodded off I suppose.

The next thing I remember I was surrounded by family and there was something inside of me saying I was going to be fine, eventually.

It took me a little time but I really do try and stick with my oath that each day will be filled (even to the annoyance of my more relaxed loved ones).

Sometimes those promises we make, even to ourselves, are worth persistance.

Day 101

The Melting Pot.

Dinner with friends.

Can be exciting.
Relaxing.
Entertaining.

Expensive.


But worth every penny?
Most definitely.

Good memories will outlast this week's paycheck one hundered fold.

Day 100

Beatrix Potter.

Let me teach you how to dance.
Let me lead you to the floor.
Simply place your hand in mine.
And then think of nothing more.
Let the music cast its spell.
Give the atmosphere a chance.
Simply follow where I lead.
Let me teach you how to dance.

Day 99

Anthony Hopkins.

Even a broken watch is correct twice a day.