Bitter Harpy Press

Dear Valentine,

2012-02-14T06:09:00.002-07:00

200 Years

2012-02-07T01:45:00.000-07:00

You weren't the world's most upstanding citizen, but you wrote some mighty fine stories.

Thank you for letting us peek in to the craze filled minds of the Miss Havishams and Fagins.

Thank you for letting us grow up with the Pips, Olivers and Davids.

Thank you for letting us fall in love with Esthers and Dr Woodcourts.

But most of all, Thank you for showing us that it's never too late in life to turn a new leaf like the Ebenezers.

Happy Birthday, Mr Dickens. Happy Birthday.

Pop Goes My Neck

2012-01-29T23:28:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow is going to be a big day for me. I have gone through four bottles of Ibuprofen in the four months that I've lived here. So to try to fix things, I'm going for the first time ever to a chiropractor. I'm not one of those people who thinks chiropractors are not for reals... I'm sure what they do is amazing- totally fantastic...

but I'm scared.

I've always been afraid that they'll snap my neck a little too much- and I'll end up dead on the floor of the ~~quack's~~ chiropractor's floor! So, just in case my first visit to their office is my last visit [anywhere] I give my my official:

First Will and Testament.

I, Bakeshow, being of questionable mind and I'd-rather-not-talk-about-it body, do hereby bequeath my few sparse belongings amongst my beloved ones.

To my parents: My bills. Good luck (which, unfortunately, Sadie, includes my car since the bank technically owns it. Sorry).

To my sisters (including in-laws) and nieces: my jewelry (almost all of it bought at Claire's- anything that wasn't was a gift and should go back to the giver of said gift).

To my nephews: My books (They will teach how to be perfect gentlemen and be the man of some girl's dreams).

To my brother Travis: My secret Archie comics collection.

To my brother Randy: My red feather boa (May it bring you the same luck it has brought to me).

To anyone who wants them: My DVD collection (except anything Jane Austen has already been promised to Jessica).

To DI: My clothes.

To Melissa A: My nail polish (since it's your fault I have it all in the first place).

To my Mom: My cake decorating crap (Go Crazy).

To Wendy: My New Kids on the Block memorbelia (a little something to remember me by).

To EBAY: My Christmas Barbie collection (in exchange for the money they bring).

To the Smithsonian: My Baby Blessing dress. (Because, you know, I'm kind of a big deal and I know they're going to want some kind of memento.)

I think that about covers it.

How do you end a will? Sincerely? Uh... Yours Affectionately?

The End.

Upon survival of above said neck snapping, all bequests are hereby invalid. Bequeath-ees are also under subject to change according to the whims of the bequeath-er, alterations can be made at a moments notice according to shifting of affection and the undeniable possibility of the bequeath-er getting really pissed off.

The Many Faces of Edward Rochester

2012-01-21T23:24:00.001-07:00

Orson Welles

This is a great version- not my favorite, but good. It's missing a TON of the story- and there is a lot rearranged. I understand that Hollywood can't do word for word and that concessions must be made- but a real purist would not adore this one. Mr Welles is a fantastic Edward, although perhaps a bit too handsome. He is sullen and broody enough though to pull off an angry, heartbroken man.

Ciaran Hinds

It's no secret. He's my favorite. It's not the most accurate version- and it is notorious for having the world's worst onscreen kiss, but I love him. I love him. I love him!

Michael Fassbender

This is the newest version. I love this one- but again, still not perfect. I don't think there is a *perfect* to-the-book version out there. I have only seen this one once so it's difficult for me to remember what stood out to me. I just remember I liked it. But once again- he's a tad too handsome... and perhaps a bit young.

But this scene??? I die....

Timothy Dalton

Also a bit too handsome, but I like this version. This is the most complete version I've seen. It's not 100% true to the book, but there are things in this one that other versions omit. This is the only version I've seen so far that goes into St John River's love background, and one of the few that is accurate with Jane's fortune and generosity. Mr Dalton is a fantastic Mr R. sufficiently hostile and tormented. In this version they show Edward waiting outside Jane's room after the wedding... and it has the best parting scene of any other version. He's quite a contender for my favorite Edward- due to this scene. Mmmm..... How she resists I'll never know.

Toby Stephens

I think this was the first version of Jane Eyre that I ever saw- so naturally I like it. But it's been so long since then that I've forgotten the things I love most. But the proposal scene is swoon worthy.

William Hurt

This is one of my other favorites. Like I've already said though, none of the versions are perfect- but I really like this one. I love William as Mr R- but I think my favorite part of this version is Jane's back story. It has Anna Paquin as young Jane- and they cover some of the things and Lowood that are often left out- such as the hair cutting. But this end scene is so touching that I just fall for him every time. Sigh...

I know there are several more versions out there- and none yet have I seen that I consider a "perfect adaptation" although, that may be a contradiction of terms. Of course I would want a version that is nearly word for word to the book... I might have to write it myself. Hmmm....

I am the only person in the world

2012-01-18T00:14:00.001-07:00

who has never seen an episode of

Phineas and Ferb
Lost
The Bachelor(ette)
CSI (any city... I watched ten minutes of one once and was so grossed out I've never returned)

who has never seen Brad Pitt act in a movie (Megamind doesn't count because it's just a voice). [I've only ever seen him act in an episode of Friends]

who doesn't like Neal Diamond. Sorry... he just sounds like he's constipated when he sings. (although- I will allow that I like the song "Sweet Caroline- but the Glee version").

who doesn't like the movie "A Christmas Story".

who has never had a second date.

who has never been to the Idaho Potato Expo (ok... we can limit that to "the only person from Idaho")

who has no idea who the Kardashians are... or why they're famous. Or why the world is so concerned with their procreation.

who has never seen "The Notebook".

who has never been a patient in the ER (I'd never even *been* in an ER until I started working in one).

who has not eaten a cake pop. (I don't even think I've seen one in real life- pictures only).

And I can't see that any of that is going to change anytime soon. (except the Notebook is on my "to see" list).[and knock on wood to the ER]

There's lots of other stuff too- I've been compiling this list mentally for a while- I really need to learn to write things down. Maybe I'll add to it as time goes by.

Dreamy

2012-01-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is what I dreamed about last night.

I want to back to sleep.

It's not a problem. I can quit anytime I want to.

2012-01-10T23:49:00.002-07:00

I have an addiction.

I don't need an intervention though, mm'kay? In fact, most of my friends/family are enablers.

I ~~suffer from~~ enjoy every minute of my Anglophilia.

If it's from the UK, I love it (except fish and chips... sorry... just can't do it).

I love books by

and

and

and

I often quote things by

I have been watching this and this lately. Just because.

This site* made me late for work today. I've spent far too much time drooling over it. Especially this post, this post, this post, this post and especially this post. (not on the site yet is this man).

Col Brandon, Mr Darcy, Edward Rochester, Mr Thornton and Capt Wentworth are my reasons for living.

I agree with the author of the site 100% when she says "crying British men are my porn." Oh. Heck. Yes.

*beware the language!

Kid History

2012-01-06T01:45:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen these yet- you need to watch them.

No.

I'm sensing you have a concern. What would keep you from watching these videos?

I don't have time.

Ok, so what you're saying is you feel you don't have the time to watch these videos, is that what you're saying?

Yes.

How do you think watching these videos will help you in your life?

[blank stare]

What do you think you could do to make time to watch these videos?

Well... I guess I could call in sick to work, or just show up late.

I think that's a great idea. I know you have it in you to make time to watch these videos. Will you watch them?

Yes.

I love them all- BUT my favorites are 3, 4, and 7.

Oh... and just to explain the above conversation, I was going through my scriptures the other day and I found a laminated copy of the "Commitment Pattern" from my mission. I guess it still works. :)

A Year's Worth of Accomplishments

2011-12-28T23:07:00.003-07:00

The year's biggest laugh: Took place just the other day. Christmas Eve to be precise.

{preface} My niece and I were wrapping gifts with a roll of very old hidden in the corner wrapping paper. As I unrolled it, there was a spider body!!!! After I appropriately freaked out, my mom called my dad in from the other room to come dispose of it (because my mom, my niece and myself were all incapable of carrying the zero weight but 100% grody carcass out of the room). My dad thought he'd be funny and pretend to dump it on my head. Only when I threatened to punch him in the kidney did he realize it wasn't funny.

{the story} So I think the next turn of events follows naturally. I rolled the paper out a little more to measure it to the box I was wrapping... when i noticed something half-roundish... and totally gross. I didn't want to get too close- but I tried to figure out what it was before I freaked out. It was small and curved- and it looked dead and dried out. "Eeew- what is that?" I exlaimed in mild horror. I looked closer and said, "it looks like a larvae!!! gross gross gross gross gross!!!!!" I used the wrapping paper to flick it away from me toward my niece who also in turn freaked out.. But she, being more curious and courageous than I, picked it up in the tips of the scissors to get a better look at it. She looked like she was performing surgery as she held the miniature monster up to the light. I looked away, totally grossed out as she said, "what the...? It's a fruit loop!"

I guess you had to be there. But I honestly cannot remember the last time I've laughed that hard. I laughed so much the muscles in my back were aching.

The year's best timing: I don't know if it's appropriate to go into detail- but I'm glad I moved to the facility I did- WHEN I did.

The year's best scheme to get people to like me: I implemented the "make cookies so my co workers will like me" program at work. I think this is still a work in progress, and I fully intend to make more cookies this weekend to take. But these magical cookies have pulled down lots of walls and even scored me a hug once!

The year's greatest accomplishment: Getting the nurses I work with trained. Some of them I've been training to hand me admit papers instead of putting them in the bin. Others I've been training to make sure they stop and take leave as the go home for the day. It doesn't sound like much, but it's been a work in progress for a few months now, and finally today- one stopped all on his own without my having to remind him. :) Of course, now having said that, I'm sure my success will have been a one time fluke. Dangit.

The year's closest claim to fame: I submitted a picture to Cake Wrecks and it got used in on of their posts! Squeeee!!! I'm sure to you normal people that's not a big deal... but I was pretty darn excited. *That* was a good day.

The year's best new addiction: This is a toss up between Angry Birds (which technically I hate- but I have to get to the next level- so I can't seem to stop playing it) and The Big Bang Theory. I think I have a crush on every one of those boys. I really do love me a nerd. I feel more at home among nerds. I think that's why I always liked Ross and Chandler best on Friends. They seeeeeem cool- but anyone who knows what the Kobeyashi Maru is without looking it up- and can use it in conversation correctly- automatically qualifies as a nerd and is aces in my book!

Christmas Adam

2011-12-23T23:30:00.001-07:00

Adam came before Eve. That's all the explanation you get.

Every year for Christmas Adam the single, childless sisters in the Baker clan take the kids and party all night long so the parents can have some time to do some last minute organizing. My sister Kim goes overboard with the planning. She plans enough for a three week getaway- but we only have a few hours!

This year everyone had to come dressed as a character from a Christmas story. We had Suzy Snowflake, Rudolph, a gingerbread girl, and a bunch of elves (one was a very convincing Dwayne from Prep and Landing)... oh... and a Grinch... sort of. [I've been expressly forbidden to post pictures because sooooome of them are in Jr High/High School and have reps to protect.]

We eat Monte Cristos for dinner.

Ohhhhh.... they're heavenly! I forgot about that lovely little tradition. Melanie makes them from the Disneyland recipe.

We watched the Prep & Landing movies.

I'd never even heard of them! So cute! We did a little Christmas karaoke, some Wii (I kicked their butts at the reindeer games!).

When it got long toward bedtime, I bailed. I'm not going to be in the same town as my bed and not sleep in it. Sorry. Nothing trumps sleeping in my own bed.

But before I have to go to bed- I just have to show you one quick little thing.

My mom makes our stockings when we join the family (obviously, some stockings have moved away and been joined by other matching stockings) and they are all the same size...

Well... if you look closely at this not so good from my phone picture, you'll see that MY stocking is *ahem* a little bigger than everyone else's. My mom threatens every year to make me a new one that matches the rest of the family's... but I'm pretty sure it's right just the way it is. It's a symbol that I'm the "goodest" kid. My mom obviously knew it all the way back when I was brand new.

Forgotten Goodies!

2011-12-16T18:56:00.001-07:00

I had completely forgotten this old favorite till I walked in the door tonight from shopping and it was on TV...

I heard one line from it and thought- HEY! I know that movie!!!! So I immediately got online to see if it was available for me to share. It's in two parts- sorry, it was the best I could do- but it seriously is so cute you really need to watch it! (apparently there are commercials... but they are actually kind of funny.)

After watching that- and seeing the commercials- it reminded me of another goody. We watch this every year. It's not Christmas until I watch this.

It takes a Gingerbread village

2011-12-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

The Sunday after Thanksgiving we had our annual Grandma Baker's gingerbread hoopla! I've been meaning to post these pictures ever since! There was more imagination this year- some of it unintentional- than there has been in the past. We bake the gingerbread and assemble the houses/trains in advance so that all people have to do when they arrive is go crazy with decorating.

Here is a small sample of the village we created. I think in all there were 15 or 16 houses and three or four trains. We were all overly sticky by the end of night and no one was craving sugar. Trust me. What we didn't eat- we soaked in through our skin.

First off- Jessica's amazing creation! She was a pioneer in the Tudor style housing! Freaking genius! I'm quite upset that I didn't think of it first! D'oh!

Little Miss P also got in on the action helping her mama make a little train!

Next is Shayla's California Red Carpet event.

I *love* the roof tiles!

Toot Toot! Now arriving! Lisa and Jenna's Candy Express!

Also arriving at Station Sugar Shock is Dallin's engine- complete with coal car!

Michelle and Shea got creative with their igloo.

Don't let it fool you- there is a gingerbread house somewhere under all those smarshmallows.

I think a couple of the girls were doing a little California Dreamin' on this winter's day. Here is Macy's beach front property!

Complete with surfing Santa!

Now this part is actually kind of funny. I came with a plan for what I wanted to do with my house. I bought Boston Baked Beans because I wanted to "brick" my house.

I think the thing I like best though- is the candy coated sunflower seed lights on the tree. Awesome! (if I do say so myself).

Every year my sister, Kim makes a very similar house to match the decor in her living room. She uses pink Frosted Mini Wheats to make her house look like it's thatched with straw (are you starting to sense a theme??? Bricks... Straw... what comes next?)

And this year (remember- this was all unplanned- it just turned out this way) Melanie decided to make a version of Eeyore's house. She even came armed with a little Eeyore to enhance her house.

Have you seen Eeyore's house? It's made of STICKS!!! So without talking to each other about it- we totally made the three little pig's houses! I would just like to point out though- that I ended up being Practical Pig- making my house of bricks. I am safe from any candy seeking wolves!

A couple more houses to go! My poor dear mother spends the whole party mixing up glue for us all to use- she said she made three times more than we usually use. I guess we really wanted to make sure stuff got attached! Because of time, she asked me to make a house for her to take to her neighbors so this is the one they got.

Dig the teeny candy cane garland!! Aren't they so stinkin cute???

I also thought I'd make one for my dear Auntie. She decorates her house in blue and white for Christmas- so she got a house that would fit in.

This has got to be one of my favorite traditions! Thanks to everyone who came and made it the best- most drama-free event we've had yet! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with next year!

99 years ago today...

2011-12-10T00:29:00.000-07:00

...this girl was born.

She grew into a beautiful woman

And became a Mother and the World's Best Grandma.

She died just over 10 years ago.

Some nights I still cry because I miss her so much.

I love you Gramma Dallin!

I can't Handel it

2011-12-08T11:03:00.001-07:00

There are three songs that I can think of off the top of my head that I cannot emotionally handle- meaning- just about every time I hear the song- I burst into tears. Pomp and Circumstance (the graduation song? Really Bakeshow? [hangs head in shame] yes), Amazing Grace (but only played on bagpipes) and The Hallelujah Chorus.

This first little video is the best I could do for one of my favorite parts from The Forgotten Carols. I love Handel's dream. I almost hope it actually happened that way. And I'm sure he's up in heaven very proud, yet humbled, by the amazing effect his greatest achievement has had on us all.

One can't help but be moved by the incredible music and the meaning of the words. Admit it, when you read this part of Isaiah in the Old Testament- you read it to the music! I do it! I know YOU do it!

I was going to put a video on here of the Silent Monks doing the Hallelujah Chorus- but A) you've all seen it and B) the version I like of it is no longer available. So instead, you only get one other video. I'm sure you've seen this too- but seriously, as I was looking for it to post it on this blog, I watched it a few times- and sat and bawled by myself in my room while I watched it.

How I wish I could have been there- been part of this flash mob. Not only to take part in the music- but the feeling of it. The blatant bearing of testimony of the Savior. The reminder to these holiday shoppers what it's really all about. All of it.

What the Dickens!

2011-12-05T05:16:00.001-07:00

Dickens is a Christmas staple! A Christmas without watching/reading Dickens' A Christmas Carol is like... Arbor Day with no trees... it just doesn't make sense! It's such an integral part of the season! There are like, a bazillion versions out there. Some good. Others...... not so much.

The other day I finally sat down and watched the Jim Carrey Version of Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Can I tell you how utterly disappointed I was with it? Seriously? I thought with Colin Firth and Gary Oldman it would be awesome! And I think Jim Carrey is pretty flingin flangin talented too (if not a tad obnoxious) so I thought it would be awesome.

They got some of it right. It was more faithful to the actual story than a lot of other versions I've seen. But I think they tried a little too hard to make it 3D interesting and the whole death coach chase scene was just stupid.

I think the Mickey Christmas Carol is sweet.

But what can I say? I have a thing for rich ducks with Scottish accents :)

And the Muppet Christmas Carol is hilarious and rather touching (I can't be the only person who cries when I watch Muppets... can I?).

Ummm... Hello! Kermit the Frog is in this one! Need I say more?

One of my favorites is the George C Scott version.

I remember it being a tad creepy (although the Jim Carrey one gives it a run for it's money) .

And of course I'm partial to the Patrick Stewart version (sorry, no good links).

Definitely the handsomest Scrooge ever!
BUT (that's a big but)

My all time favorite version (judge if you wish)- no matter how not-exactly-accurate it is- is The Mr Magoo version. You can find the entire video available on Hulu. Or you can just click HERE.

I hope you take time to watch any- or all of these versions! Let me know which one is your favorite!

Christmas is for Overgrown Five Year Olds.

2011-12-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

Ho Ho Ho! T'is Christmas season! And there are certain movies/shows that I absolutely MUST watch in order for it to really feel like Christmas! I haven't even checked online to see if the more obscure ones are available, but I'll share what I can!

Today's is one that I'm pretty sure you'll all judge me for. I just remember watching it as a kid- and when I found it online tonight it made me so incredibly happy! I don't know why I can't put the video right on my blog page- but for some reason it's not working- so I'll give you a link to it HERE. Please don't judge me.

Does anyone out there even remember this show being on TV? I totally loved it! No wonder I turned out so awesome [read strange]. It's only 22 minutes. Go on- Watch it!

Also, I have a post of our annual gingerbread house party coming up... I just need to take the time to download the pictures from my camera (which I *finally* rescued from my parent's house!) and put them on the blog- so keep an eye out for those- and for more of my favorite Christmas shows!

Do you like how I talk to my readers like they actually exist? hahaha!

The new Theme Song of my life!!!

2011-11-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

Who knew that going to a Muppet Movie could change your life? (Lyrics below)

I look around

And once again I'm on my own

My man ain't here

He's gone he done me wrong

No one's gonna stop this girl from having fun

I throw my hands up high and have a party for one

I'm having a me party

A party by myself

A me party

I don't need nobody else

I'm having a me party

I'm the first and last to show

There's no one at this party that I don't already know

I'm not gonna sit around

By myself and wait for you

Haven't you heard one is the new two?

I'm gonna make a scene

I'm gonna make a fuss

Tonight I'm gonna celebrate for just the one of us

I'm having a me party

I don't need no invitation

A me party

I just love the conversation

Me party

(not sure about this line)

You do the math frog

It means I'm not with you

I wont lie, there are times when I wish I was with you

There are days when all this girl can see is a world that's made for two

At times like this I feel all alone and like nobody cares

But I only have to call my name and darling I'll be there

I'm having a me party

Haven't I seen you here before?

A me party

I'm the last one on the dance floor

Me party

A party just for one

Me party

Just solo night frog

Having a me party

I'm such great company

A me party

I'll save the last dance for me

What happens at a me party

Stays at a me party

I'm gonna gobble gobble you up!

2011-11-24T05:56:00.012-07:00

I have to work today. But that's ok. Due to a last minute schedule change I'll get home (like home, home) in time for leftovers! So bring on the turkey coma! I'm ready to show my gratitude be eating a beheaded fowl!

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Four State Tour part 2

2011-11-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start writing like I am in the middle of a conversation, like there was no break between this post and the last post.

Only... I forgot where I was so I have to go back and look at the other post now.

Uhhh...

Right. Ok. So I worked Tuesday and it was a super slow day. All the sick people decided to stay home. But Wednesday- I looooooooved Wednesday. Why? Because it took me home!

My dear sweet Auntie got out of bed at 5:30 am to get me to the airport. Bless her heart. Seriously. I made it though to the gate and onto the flight just fine (remember, I'm flying with a buddy pass- which means I am stand by and if anyone has paid even a dollar for their flight- I get bumped!) All the direct flights to Denver were overbooked so my choices were either fly to Albuquerque and change planes, or fly to LA (I know, right? totally wrong direction) and stay on the plane as it flew back to Denver. That flight would have gotten me in later- plus it would make me sad to be that close to Disneyland and not be able to go. So I chose New Mexico. I've never been to New Mexico. The man I sat next to on the plane was super nice and not too chatty.

New Mexico... well, like I said, I've never been there- and from the looks of what I could see out the window, I am not missing much. I should have taken a picture, darn it all, to prove I was in New Mexico. You'll just have to take my word for it.

The flight to Denver was unremarkable (personally, I think a flight without turbulence is a waste!). It was lovely to walk off the jet way and have my Lisa friend there waiting for me! I haven't seen her since last summer when she came out here for Harry Potter. I was about to say it was even good to see the demon bronco... but no. It's never good to see that hideous thing.

That afternoon we watched Twilight. When Matthew, her hubs, came home, we all got gussied up and drove downtown. I knew I loved Denver, but until we drove downtown- I don't think I realized just how much I loved it- and how much I miss it. It's just a beautiful city.

We went to the Buell Theater to see The Lion King. We were making fun of all the little ushers who were freaking out over people taking pictures of each other inside the theater. I just don't see the big deal. During the show? yes, that's a problem. But to take a picture of your group sitting in their chairs? There is absolutely no harm in that and it was stupid the fuss they made (I have a story about that from a few years ago, but I'll spare you the details at this time).

The show was A.Mazing. I of course was bawling during the opening sequence. It was just so overwhelmingly beautiful. The music, the staging, the costumes- incredible! I know a lot of people have a hard time adjusting to the costumes- but I think it's pure genius. The last thing I want to see is some schmuck running around in a flannel lion suit with a mane of yarn wrapped around his head. The artistry was phenomenal.

the lady who played Rafiki was freaking amazing!!!

The next day we watched New Moon (and just for the record, when I say "we watched" I usually mean, "Lisa and AJ watched while I slept). Lisa had an appointment that afternoon- which was fortuitous because my friends, the Carrolls just happened to be going to the Museum of Nature and Science. So Lisa dropped me off there so I could spend some time with them. Oh my gosh. Those were two of the best hours ever! I don't think they realize just how much I love them and miss them. And for them to include me in their family outing really meant a lot to me. Their kids were a little shy of me at first- but then the warmed up and remembered me. They even have a new edition since the last time I saw them!

We saw the IMAX 3D film Under the Sea- awesome- God must have had so much fun when he was creating all the critters in this world- especially in the ocean because there are some weird lookin fishies down there!

After the wonderful visit, Lisa picked me up and we headed back to her house to watch Eclipse (remember what I said...?) when it was over, we drove to Aurora and met Julie, and Tina at Old Chicago for our traditional pre movie release dinner (Julie and Tina did not come to the movie- but they consented to at least be seen with us at dinner). Des came later to chit chat shortly before we had to go. I love my friends. I miss having friends. It was so good to talk to them. It was like I never left. Granted, I've seen all of them fairly recently- but still, I forgot for a while that a year and some change has passed. It felt so good to be there!

Lisa and I bought treats to stuff in my big ol purse, and headed to Stapleton to meet Trista at the theater! Again- SO GOOD to see Trista! I haven't seen her since I left Denver. We've texted a little bit here and there- but it was so good to chat with her- to be with my movie premier girls!

The theater had a trivia contest- it was badly planned out- but long story short- I WON! (there is a picture... but either they haven't posted it yet- or I can't find the right Facebook page). It was funny because I was really just trying to raise my hand first and not really listening to the question. It's a good thing I had my girls with me- they gave me the answer. I won the prize-two movie tickets and free popcorn and drinks for 2012. Uhh... not gonna do me any good kids! So since I raised my hand- I got my picture taken for all the world to see (if only they can find it!?!?!?!) I gave the tickets to Trista and the popcorn and soda to Lisa since that's the theater she'd go to and it's kinds out of the way for Trista. I think it's was a fair deal. They deserved the prizes more than I did- but that way we all got a piece of the pie.

The movie... well, perhaps I'll review it another time.

The next day dawned bright and beautiful... at least I think it did. I had Twilight hangover and didn't get up till about 11:00. Lisa and I watched some of the extras on one of the DVDs then she took me to the airport. All the flights looked pretty booked so we were going to try every flight. While waiting for flight number one- we ate lunch in one of the airport bars. It didn't matter how fast I ate my food though- because I could not get on that flight. I started to wonder if I should call my boss to let her know I miiiiiight not be at work the next day.

We sat around until the next flight- and magically- I was the last person on the plane! And I don't know how I managed that, because the flight was so overbooked that they actually called a guy by name and said they needed his seat and he had to get off. I don't know how I was not the one asked to deplane.

That flight was direct so I was back in Utah before long. Life played several cruel tricks on me that day. I was secretly hoping I wouldn't be able to get on a plane- therefore extending my stay a little... like Colorado just didn't want to let me go... plus, it was an gorgeous 66 degree sunny day! Woo Hoo!!!

As I walked out to be picked up by my cousin, Sharon... it was snowing. Not. Fair. It was a slap in the face that I'm back in reality. Snow. Work. And no friends.

But thank you everyone who made those few short days the best days I've had in a long long time (not counting Des and Tina's visit which was freaking awesome!) And a special thanks to Lisa for getting me out there- and back safely- and for letting me crash at your house! You rock baby! You rock!

Four State Tour

2011-11-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been bi-zay for me! (which in all actuallity has been a nice change of pace from the work-sleep-work-sleep-sit around and stare at walls-work-sleep routine that I've been in for the last couple of months.)

Last Thursday I packed up my crap and drove to Boise. I've never driven to Boise from Salt Lake so I didn't know what the drive would be like. I anticipated it being very long and extremely boring. It was rather a miracle that I was there in the blink of an eye! Seriously. It was the shortest drive ever. Even sometimes the drive from SLC to Poky seems a long longer than that drive. And it was smooth sailin' all the way!

I got there in time to hang out with my little bro and his boy. Both cute. I love my little brother. And little boys don't get any cuter than Donaven. JaNeil came home so Donaven and I went to the store. Poor kid, his mom's been on bed rest for about 10 weeks so he got used to people coming everyday to pick him up to go play. That day he stayed home all day with dad and he was ready to go OUT! So it was really easy for him to go with me. He was a little shy of me at first- but he warmed up.

At the store he was so stinkin cute- everything I put in the cart I'd ask him if we should buy it- and he would nod "yes" with his whole body. hahaha. I bought him a package of goldfish crackers because he wanted them. I'm an awesome aunt and can spoil the heck out of him if I want to! So I did.

I made dinner that night and then beat JaNeil at a couple of rounds of 5 Crowns. Then everyone headed to bed. The next day Trav and JaNeil headed to the hospital. Donaven was *not* happy to be left behind. He's ok if he's the one doing the leaving- but he doesn't like it when they leave him. I have a video of him bawling- sca-reaming- at the door, but I don't know how to post videos from my phone. But then again, I have a video of him five minutes later being so silly I couldn't stop laughing. He's a good boy. It was sad for a little bit to be left behind- but he perked up and played really well. We hung around the house waiting for the phone call! Finally around 2:30 Trav called to tell us the baby was here! He was born at 12:10 on 11.11.11 (no one thought to call and let anyone know he had arrived... uhhh... duh...) She tried to get the appointment earlier so he could be born at 11:11, even then I said he should have been pulled out at 12:11 so we could say he was born at 11:11 PST. Oh well.

Donaven and I got ready and ran up to the hospital to meet baby brother, Oren.

He thought he was a really cute baby. He was very soft with him, gave him a few kisses- then wanted to run away with his Papa. hahaha. I don't think he fully grasped that this was his new baby. That life as he knew it was forever changed.

JaNeil was a little tired and sore- apparently C-sections do that to people... Trav was just happy and I think a little bit overwhelmed. Another kid is a big ol responsibility!

But he sure is a cute little stink. Definitely a keeper. I like babies when their all tiny and still folded up and their little bum fits right in your hand. Awwww....

I got to put Donaven to bed that night after bath time. That little rat throws all his toys out of the tub to signify he's done. It took me two full size bath towels to soak up the water. When he went to bed he begged for "Puppies" (101 Dalmatians) and I being an awesome and obliging aunt- let him watch it for a while before bed. His pathetic little "Peeeees?" is irresistible. Especially when he does the sign language with it.

The next day Trav had friends over for the Boise State game. So I ran away. I took myself to lunch then a little shopping. I was trying to find a present for JaNeil from my mom. She'd commissioned me- and there are no freaking stores in that town that had what I wanted... at least none I could find. But whatever. I hung out with JaNeil a little while, beat her at another game of 5 crowns and hugged my tiny new nephew.

Sunday I took Donaven to church while Trav went to the hospital. I felt more welcome in thier ward than I do in my own. That's sad. Even though I was on "vacation" I don't get to go to church often enough to justify not going when it's right there. It was nice to go.

That was also Trav's birthday. So I made rice and Swedish meatballs for dinner. Trav doesn't like cake so he got five or six packages of Oreos stacked up like a cake.

He didn't complain.

He got Donaven bathed and in bed- so I went to see JaNeil and Oren again. This time she beat me at five crowns. D'oh!

Monday JaNeil and Oren came home. While Trav and Donaven were gone to pick them up, I mucked up the house and got things ready for them to come home. When they got home, we took a few pictures- I got to hug him for a while, and then everyone wanted to take a nap so I took that as my cue to leave. No sense hanging around when everyone's asleep.

The drive home was long and soooo boring. Probably because I was expecting it to be as nice as the drive there. But I made it back to Salt Lake at a decent hour.

The next day I had to work. It was a super long boring day. So slow that they sent me home early- which sucks because it was one day in like eight that I had to work- I should have just taken it off instead of losing the time. Oh well.

The next day... well... I think I'll do that in a separate post. This one is getting long enough already.

Things I learned today

2011-11-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

Today was my day off. I had a long list of things I wanted to do and as I headed out into the great wide world, I picked up a few tidbits of knowledge... or was at least reminded of them.

Never eat at Five Guys alone. One order of fries is enough to feed a small country. Holy. Crap.

Sometimes songs on the radio can really speak to you. Two songs in a row I think were meant for me. "I'm young, wild and I'm free" (by Triumph). and then "Born to Run" (by The Boss). I realized that this is supposed to be the best time of my life- and I need to get off my arse and take advantage of my freedom! I'll start in a few days by taking in a three state tour. I'm pretty excited!
I should never be allowed to be let loose in Jordan Landing with a debit or credit card. Seriously.
I love Pier One. Love. It. It makes me sad to go there when I know full well I can't buy anything- because I have no where to put it. I have no home to decorate! but I am head over heels in love with this Rug.

Seriously. I might marry it.

I am a sucker for anything with glitter and/or feathers. So when I found this Christmas tree covered in both- I was full of smit!

Awesome! I even relented a teeny bit on my judgement of having Christmas decorations out and Holiday tunes blaring overhead. Just look at the gorgeous glittery masks! It has absolutely *nothing* do do with Christmas... but it's so PRETTY!!!

No matter how hard I wish- the chances of me walking into a store (mostly Barnes & Noble) and being the millionth, billionth or whatever number-eth customer- and getting a $10,000 shopping spree will probably never come true.

Baby girls are so much more fun to shop for than boys!

Whatever Happened to that Holiday between Halloween and Christmas?

2011-11-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

I know it's been all over the Internet- and Facebook and such- but I went to the store the other day and they were already playing Christmas music and this cartoon popped into my head. I couldn't agree with it more!

I love carols as much as any other sing-along-geek, and I love me a beautifully decorated tree, but come ON! People still had their Halloween hangovers and already we're Rockin Around the Christmas Tree?

Next year, I'll try to have enough groceries in storage that after October I won't have to go shopping again until after Thanksgiving... then it won't bother me so.

If I Were a Rich Witch

2011-10-28T13:13:00.001-06:00

I don't know about tricks- but my friend posted some treats for today.

And that is how I started my day. With a big, stupid, Jack o' lantern grin.

Without having my own place it's hard to decorate for Halloween... but I go from shop to shop and dream of how I will decorate *someday*. I really like these.

I also really like glittery skulls. Is that weird? And the glittery pumpkins and spiders have grabbed my eye too. I think I must just like sparkly things.

I also really like witchy accessories.

*see the broom video at the bottom

And at witchfest I saw the most awesomest haunted village set in the whole world! I'd love to own that... but first- I would need space in which to display it...

and then, like a bazillion dollars to own the whole village.

Speaking of having money to just blow on whatever I fancied... If I had unlimited funds to just spend on completely frivolous holiday decorations- you'd better believe these would be living at my house!

I found them here (my favorite store at Witchfest!)

I am also quite in love with this valance.

Look closely- the bats are obvious- but the skulls are a little hidden. It's awesome I tell you!

Someday my ship will come in. And when it does- there will be shopping! Although... once you have everything you've ever wanted... you don't have anything left to dream about. Hmmm... I didn't mean to just get philosophical on myself... but maybe to dream *is* better than to have.

I also almost bought this at Cracker Barrel a few months ago (looks like the person who took the video had the same fascination as me).

*Of course, I would buy this for someone else to keep at their house... but for me to visit occasionally. :)

Things that made me smile today

2011-10-20T21:25:00.001-06:00

Ok- the first one needs a little back story. Choir in high school was a big deal. Maybe just to me- but it was a big deal. One of the biggest honors someone could earn was a brick on the wall your senior year- kind of a legal way of saying "Heather was here". Three of the Baker girls traipsed through the halls of the HHS choir corridor- none of us earned bricks. The young Baker Brother was in choir too... but he didn't really care. He went because it was there- and all you had to do was sing. *He* was the one who earned the brick. I remember when I found out I freaked out! I was so proud of him! He might as well have said he'd just won a Nobel Prize! He claimed a brick- but he had no interest in ever going to paint it and he just left it there- with a piece of notebook paper taped to it. He left on his mission and didn't care anything about this brick. Oh. The. Humanity!

So with his permission, I took it upon myself to paint it for him. It was the only chance I would ever get.

He was really into cookies... anyway- I visited the brick a few weeks ago when my niece had a volleyball game at my alma mater (I'll blog about that another day). I got to thinking, you know, I really should have made it a Baker block- and not just Trav. He could have been the big lettering since he's the one who earned it, but I really should have put my sisters and me on there too with their graduation years. Just to say not only "Travis was here" but, "The BAKERS were here." It would have fit right in with all the family bricks. Some families had zillions of bricks. After a while it was almost shameful if someone from the family didn't get one- so they got one just because of their name (but I won't delve into high school politics just now).

Anyway- now that you have all that back story- Here are the things that made me smile today:

I dreamed that Patrick Stewart was my high school choir teacher. I was one of his favorites. I would ride in the car with him on the way to choir concerts and we would talk about opera and Charles Dickens. Half the time I had no idea what I was talking about but I tried so hard to sound smart so he'd keep talking to me- and like me. I knew at the end of the year he would award me with a brick. I was already planning it in my head- how I would decorate it. I was going to put my name on it- but also my sisters' names because we'd all traipsed through choir and I thought we should all be "immortalized."

On the way to an outdoor concert, it started to snow and I was really upset because I hate snow and hate being cold. He decided we'd only do one song- the Hallelujah Chorus. There were people walking to the location but I was in the car with him- and he seemed really sad. So I was trying to talk to him to cheer him up. When I opened the door to get out of the car he asked if i wanted to hear the aria from an opera called Bel Amie (I don't know if that's even a real opera) and I said yes and shut the door- he drove off and put the CD in the player and we ditched the outdoor concert and listened to opera. When we got back to the school people were hanging out in the choir room. There was a big glass case, like a trophy case, in the corner of the room and everyone was gathered around it looking inside. In it there was an antique toy piano with a leather carrying case. I announced to the class that he was going to award it as a prize to my friend, Cami. I was a little disappointed because I thought I was his favorite- but then I didn't mind because I knew he had to appear impartial. and I was further ok, because I knew he'd award me a brick and that's all I really wanted anyway.

I think I've been watching too much Star Trek lately- and thinking about that stupid brick.

Then- my aunt asked me to watch a movie with her. She just got some movies for her birthday, a gift from her rotten little sister (Hi Mom!). The one she chose was an old Jane Wyman movie called Three Guys Named Mike.

Not only was the movie hilarious- but it starred two of the guys from my celebrity lunch list- and there was a cameo from another! Awesome!

The next thing that made me smile today was an email in my spam box. It said "Important! Your Pay Pal account has had unauthorized access!"

I freaked out for a second.

Then remembered I don't have a Pay Pal account!

Witches' Night Out

2011-10-16T16:40:00.001-06:00

Last night I joined a group of super fun ladies and went to Gardner Village's Witchfest. Amber, my friend from work, let me tag along with her family. Thanks!!!

I've been looking forward to it for weeks and slowly putting together a costume. I had to do it on a budget because- let's face it- I'm poor.

I already had the dress and shoes (they are a skirt and shoes I already own- and wear- but put together with the right ensemble it could look witchy). I found the stripey tights and just to make things interesting- a red feather boa (no one ever said a witch could not be *fabulous!!*)

I searched high and low for the perfect hat- and I finally found one that was unlike any I'd ever seen and matched the things I'd already gathered.

The night of the big outing- I puffed up my hair- globbed on extra makeup- and put on the witchy outfit.

When my friends arrived- I piled in and we drove to West Jordan. The line for the parking lot was at least half a mile long (the broom closet was full). But we finally got in. When they got out of the car and I got to see their costumes, I already felt under dressed.

They looked awesome (and most of the stuff is made by them).

When we walked into the village- we could barely fit. It was a sea of humanity. I know now what the Quidditch World Cup must have looked like. Witches as far as the eye could see. The first person I saw had the exact same hat as me. Bummer. I walked two feet- literally two feet further- and saw two more people with the same hat. It was right then that I knew I was not cool. I was one of the lame-os who got their stuff at a chain store like 10,000 other people. I was not unique. Sigh...

I also noticed that it might as well have been a stripey tight convention. Almost everyone was wearing stripey tights!

A trend I imagine we owe mostly to the Wicked Witch of the East.

They have all kinds of witchy displays set up throughout the village.

Good lookin ladies, aren't they?

Even the witches took time to eat!

Not all witches go by broom!

Talented, no?

This one's for Shayla.

Up to BAT.

This one had my favorite hat. Should'a gotten a better picture of it.

Apparently they have a little trouble flying.

Someone needs to lay off the witches brew. Or start a chapter of WBA.

Gotta love em, warts and all!

(I keep forgetting to bring my real camera from Idaho- and my phone cam sucks- so a lot of these pictures are either stolen ***I went back today and took some more pics- the one's that are a little blown out are mine- but they're still better than the ones I took in the dark*** or donated by another member of our little coven.)

Anyway- the stores there were super cute and had lots of awesome decorations for Halloween- and just in general (there was also a *ton* of Christmas stuff- to my dismay). They had a DJ playing tunes so the witches could shake their booties. The lines for food were miles long so we didn't eat there. We just browsed the shops (as best we could- there was a lot to take in and I was trying not to trample people or lose my group so I had a hard time concentrating on one item). I performed a little free service by walking across their lawns and aerating them. My heels got stuck at every step. It was rather funny. And I never got lost because between my regular self, my shoes and my hat- I was easily eight feet tall (Yes, I am related to Hagrid and claim to be half giant).

I know now what it takes to look good in that crowd- and next time I will go better prepared. Even if I keep my awesome hat- it needs serious work to stand out from everyone else. Maybe I'll scrap it all and start over and go as Madame Maxime.

Disney Withdrawls

2011-10-14T19:03:00.000-06:00

I've been craving Disney for a while now. It's been a few years since I've gone- and since Disneyland seems to be the mothership of the Baker crew- I'm homesick.

It doesn't help that I'm reading these books:

(which by the way, I've only read the first book- and it's not the most well written and organized book I've ever read- but it's Disney so I'm automatically required to like it- or I will be disowned from my family.)

But anyway, it made me want to look at my Disney pictures- and I have A. Lot. I have stuff from my trip to Disneyland with the whole fam. Tons. And more from other trips- but we'll take this slowly.

This was at Goofy's Kitchen. It's a tradition. Though food in the parks is expensive, there are few places we splurge on. And Goofy's Kitchen is one of them.

The girls were so excited to meet their favorite princess. In my next life I'm coming back as a Disney Princess. They have a tough job, but just to be that cute... and have everyone adore you. Awesome.

We met lots more princesses at Ariel's Grotto (super expensive and honestly, not worth it. We won't be adding that to our list of "must eats".

I hadn't been to the Magic Kingdom in years- so I'd never been on the Buzz Lightyear ride (although, I had been on the one in Florida- but that doesn't count) My score was never that great.

The single sisters stole the nephew (at the the time he was the only one) and went to Honey I Shrunk the Audience. I'd never seen that before. Entertaining- and a good reason to get out of the sun.

We stood in line for *ages* to meet Minnie. And then just as we got up to the front of the line- she took a 20 minute cheese break. Ugh... but we'd waited that long- we persevered.

This was probably one of the funniest things that whole trip. Trav, JaNeil and I went on the Teacups and we didn't all fit in one teacup- Trav and I both have super long legs. JaNiel had to put her feet up on the bench and therefore did not have a good hold on anything. Trav and I spun till our heads fell off. The only moment that I think trumps this one- is the Monsters Inc incident... but I'll save that for another day.

Another thing I'd never done was ride on Casey Jr. Of all the times I've been to Disneyland. (I know, I know- and even still there are lots of things I've never done there) But with Dallin with us- going on Casey Jr was an absolute *must*.

It was also my first time at California Adventure. Kim and I went on Mulholland Madness together for the first time. And the last. I *hate* crazy mouse type rides where you feel your car might snap off and go over the edge. No sirr-ee I will not be on that ride again. Ever.

I'd never seen Bert and Mary walking around the park before. I thought it was cute.

Ummm.... ew.

Just kidding... This was also cute. In a gag-me sort of way.

My favorite ride by far was Midway Mania. No one came even close to touching my score. I think I went on this ride more than anything else.

I felt right at home with the gang just wandering the streets. It was good to be home.

Halloween Blast from the Past

2011-10-07T01:17:00.000-06:00

Did you have one of these as a kid?

A cardboard witches hat with crepe paper brim and a glitter witch?

I totally did. Probably more than one. And I wore it till it wore out.

I had no idea they still made stuff like this. It makes me love Halloween even more! Hooray for cheesy costume stores!

Even my dad had one! (in case you missed this post)

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-10-03T13:31:00.000-06:00

Awwwww......

I used to be so cute! What happened?

I'm not nice to me very often- so as a birthday gift to myself, I'm going to make a list of things I like about myself.

I'm funny. I'm sure other people would beg to differ- but I find myself entertaining.
I like being tall. I can reach stuff on my flat feet that others have to get a step stool for.
I like that I'm smart. I often act stupid, but really, really, really, really deep down there is some intelligence just dying to surface.
I like my legs. Someone complimented me on my legs once and I'm afraid I've thought far too much about it ever since.
I like that I graduated from college with a bachelors degree. I was the first one in my family to do it.
I like my enthusiasm for dumb things. Some people would call me immature, I just consider myself an overgrown five year old. I really like Disneyland. I cry when I go because it's such a magical place and I'm just happy to be there.
I like that I can remember random facts about silly things.

See Heather, Bakeshow doesn't think you're *allllll* bad.

Happy Birthday, Self.

Some More Upcoming Dates You Need to Add to Your Calendar

2011-09-30T06:33:00.001-06:00

October has a long list of observances. There are a few though, that I will not be tipping my metephorical hat to though.

Columbus day? Oct 10.

lame... why do we need to celebrate a guy who got lost and didn't ask for directions?

No Salt Week? Oct 3-10.

forget that. I'll probably celebrate by eating the salt that other people leave out.

National Depression Screening Day? Oct 8.

That sounds like a barrel of laughs.

Cranky Co-Workers Day? Oct 27.

I celebrate that every time I go to work.

But I guess there are a few that I think I can get behind and celebrate for celebration's sake.

October is National Pizza Month

You've twisted my arm. Let the celebration begin!

National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day. Oct 12.

If I knew where any of my teddy bears were, I'd totally celebrate this!

National Chocolate Cupcake Day. Oct 18

actually, i just wanted a reason to post this picture again.

Ummm... It's almost against everything I believe to *not* celebrate this day! I need to find a good cupcakery in Salt Lake since I can't invade Cocoa Bean.

National Grouch Day. Oct 15

This one should be easily celebrated as well.

And of course October has two of the greatest celebrations- which makes it better than any other month (because the other months only hold one).

Halloween

and

The Worldwide Celebration of....

Me!

A Day Off in the Life of Me

2011-09-26T21:36:00.003-06:00

People are constantly coming up to me on the streets, and the stores asking, "Bakeshow, how is that you spend your time? What do you do all day?"

ummm... ok. That's not *entirely* true.

Ok, it's not true at all.

But the following is a true account of how I spent this particular day off, which, sad to say- was one of the more exciting days off I've had since I moved here (date night excluded).

Wake up around 8:30 push snooze.

Wake up again around

yes this is really the clock in my room. like the doily?

Proceed to freak out that I'm going to be late for work- remember it's my day off and lay there till I go back to sleep, have weird dreams and finally wake up with a headache around 10:00.

Shower. Then leisurely lay around in my robe until someone knocks on the front door- throw on the first clothes my hands touch to run to the door and let my aunt in (she locked herself out!)

Blog. Stalk. My. Friends.

Go grocery shopping/exploring.

I actually took this photo. I was trying to give my friend reasons to visit me.

I was not considering purchasing these, but I did carry them around to use as a weapon just in case (West Valley is Ga-hetto!).

Get my very own library card!!!!!! {{{highlight!}}}

bad hair day, thank you.

Drive around until I can find a classy place for dinner.

"Well, we dream on a budget here, don't we?" Name the movie!

Read outside until the sun goes down.

Then catch up on my shows now that I know how to work the OnDemand feature.

Then I got really, really excited when the book that my mother mailed to me TWO WEEKS AGO finally arrived (I accidentally left my library book at home last time I visited.) Seriously, the Pony Express could have gotten it here faster.

And that, my friends is how I spent my day.

Riveting, right?

Justification

2011-09-19T15:48:00.001-06:00

I'm not one for super religious-y posts. But today you get a semi religion oriented post.

Excited?

I was off work yesterday. I had worked till 2 am, then got up, got ready and headed to church. I thought it was going to be stake conference- but it was just a special meeting because they were combining two stakes together and redrawing ward boundaries.

Snore.

But, I was there, so I stayed....... for most of it.

Because it was two stakes, they had Internet feed from the live session over into the other building. I got "the other building." No biggie. I'm a Mormon. I know what it's like to watch church on TV occasionally. But this was not closed circuit TV. It was web cam. So the sound was awful. When I walked in and heard the prelude music, I honestly thought someone was playing the hymns on steel drums. In Utah? Whatever floats your boat. But that's just what the organ sounded like over the computer and into the sound system. The picture was jumpy at best and half the time I thought I was listening to Charlie Brown's teacher (mwaa mwwa mwwaa waaaa) but still- I persevered.

Then they lost feed.

People were talking at full voice- not whispering at all- even when they got the program running again. Kids were running around screaming and parents were doing nothing about it. Why should they? It wasn't a "real" meeting? There was no speaker present to be disrupted. [Really people?] So as soon as they passed out maps and said which wards meet where and when, I was outta there.

Still feeling like I needed something of a normal Sunday- I was too late to go to another building's 11:00 meeting and I wasn't gonna wait around till 1:00, I went here.

I found more peace just sitting in the parking lot and reading my scriptures than I did that horribly chaotic meeting. I understand those meetings need to be had- and I'm all for organizing and rearranging, (of course I am! It means growth!!!) but I've only lived here a few weeks. I barely know what ward I'm in as it is. I don't care if it gets moved around. Nothings really changed for me either way.

Between work and general conference, it will be the middle of October before I get to go to a real block program for church. They have a short sacrament meeting at the hospital- maybe I'll try to get to one of those.

Clearly I need to wash my eyes out with bleach after work

2011-09-14T23:44:00.000-06:00

You know, working in a hospital you think you'd come across some things now and then... well... ok, let me start over....

There is a reason I did not go into the "medical field."

"But Bakeshow," you say, "don't you work in a hospital?"

Why yes, avid blog reader, I do. But I'm not on the clinical side, I do the clerical stuff. I get the paperwork moving and take money from people. Sometimes their last six dollars.

I didn't go into a profession that deals with the gooey-ness that comes along with being human. Ew. I don't do well with slime, and I do *not* want to see nekkedness. I would like to say it's because I'm soooo innocent... but it probably boils down to basic immaturity. (I still chant I see London I see France... sometimes).

Over the last year, I've seen my fair share of... whatever people don't cover up, but it seems that in the last month- people are doing everything they can to give me anatomy lessons.

I was going to go into detail... but I'm actually hoping that someday I can block the mental images. Especially the ones that were burned into my head today. And it's not that I'm just walking in on them- today a nurse told me it was ok to come in the room... yeah... the phrase, "oh, we're all girls" doesn't mean a thing in some cases... And then when I knock on the door and no one says, "hang on a minute..." I'm gonna assume it's ok to come in... I just... ugh...

And Mr. I Practically Sawed My Arm Off At Home But I'm Just Going To Let It Bleed Openly While You Take My Address Info, Thanks. I didn't really like what I had for lunch anyway.

If ever there was a day to start drinking... today might have been a contender.

Things I learned the last two days

2011-09-09T23:20:00.000-06:00

1. That I want to marry my bed. I love my bed. I miss my bed.

2. The antiques displays at the fair never change. I mean NEVER! and the same people win every year. Also, it would be nice if they would put the year on the items so we'd know just how antique they are.

3. I should enter stuff in the Fair- because my cakes and amateur photos are just as good as theirs (in my unprofessional opinion).

4. My brother can do an uncanny imitation of my voice- well enough that even his own daughter thought she was talking to me on the phone... (Ummm... does this mean I sound like a man doing a falsetto voice?)

5. Snow White could have totally happened. I choked on an apple at the fair. There was a handsome "prince" but I'm pretty sure he was already married and 21 years old.... plus, he didn't offer a kiss, only a drink of water. I'll take what I can get, I guess.

PS- I saw this guy do this trick in real life (apparently he went from America's biggest stage to... uhhh... well, the free stage at the Eastern Idaho State Fair).

I recognized him from last season's show and was grossly intrigued by him so I made my sister sit and watch for a while. I will say, he has a rather slow stage presence... but I- for the life of me- do not know how he does that lifesaver thing. Well done, creepy magic guy, well done.

Best Date Ever!

2011-09-03T11:43:00.001-06:00

Last night I went on the best date I've ever been on! The best food, the best entertainment and the best company!

heh... a heh heh...

Ok, I went on a date with me.

I've been clamouring for a while that I want to live in a real city where things are going on all the time- and for each evening of my first week here, I hid in the basement and read (which was lovely, don't get me wrong. It's been a long time since I've had a quiet comfy spot to just read.). I figured it was time for me to get out though and since I don't have any friends here- I had to go with me. It's ok. Most of the time I like me.

I looked online to see what was happening- and a theater near me was putting on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor dream coat- but the only time they were showing tickets available was at 4 pm... it was already 6:30... hmmmm... so I decided to go to a movie. Everyone has been raving about The Help so I thought I'd go find some dinner and go to the movie.

I ate at the Training Table because A) it's good and B) it was close to the movie theater.

One thing that I like living in a bigger city is the level of anonymity I have. I don't have to worry about eating alone. People may look at me funny... but I don't give a rat's rear what they think. I'll never see them again. So I took my book and enjoyed a big fat cheeseburger.

When I left the restaurant, I noticed next door was the theater where Joseph was playing (I didn't know it was there- honestly) and saw people streaming into it. I wondered if there was an evening performance that I didn't know about. People were parking in far away parking lots and walking to the theater. As I drove by, a spot opened up near the front. I took that as a sign. I pulled into the spot and thought I'd just go in and ask if there was anything available, if not, no biggie because my movie still had an hour before it started.

The show was sold out- and I got in line behind a couple who had ordered tickets and were very upset that there was not record of them... understandably... but long story short- my name didn't even make it on the stand by list. Why? oh, because two seats opened up before they even needed to get my name! I took one of them and got into the show! ChaChing!

I think I took the seat next to a guy on a double date- and he either got cancelled on or stood up. Sorry dude. I sat mashed into a corner seat with my legs tucked up to my chin- but I didn't care. I was so excited to even be in the show!

Two words. Awe. Some!

It was the best live production I've seen of Joseph. Incredible talent an costuming. It's a small theater in the round and the way they used the space was fabulous. I can't say enough good about it. I'd go again. I might. I have a lot of free evenings coming up.

Anyway, I'm glad things worked out the way they did. I still want to see The Help, but this was a way funner surprise. I am definitely going to their next production!

Letters

2011-08-29T21:23:00.000-06:00

Dear Bed,
We miss you.
Love, Bakeshow's neck and back

Dear geeky new co-worker,
After being stared at like an alien all day, thank you for finally talking to me.
Sincerely, the New Girl

Dear Utah,
Your water tastes funny.
Love, the Water Bottle

Dear Commute,
Thank you for being short.
Sincerely, Dory's Gas Tank

Dear Leatherby's

Thank you for existing.
Affectionately, The World

Here's your sign

2011-08-27T23:33:00.000-06:00

I could have sworn I blogged it- but I can't find it. Maybe it was just a Facebook update... but last year when I moved from Colorado to Idaho- just as I pulled up into my parent's driveway, a bright, beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. It was one of the brightest rainbows I'd seen in a long time. Anyway, I took it as a reassuring hug from my Heavenly Father that the move- although I fought it tooth and nail- was good for me.

Today, as I was driving my car load of crap to Utah- again, there was a bright beautiful rainbow. It was out in the middle of nowhere so I could see the end of it (no gold...) and it was so bright and beautiful. I am not normally a "sign seeker" but I take it as one of those little blessings just meant for me.

my picture didn't turn out this well... plus I was driving... so I stole this.

I feel really good about this move. It's been so nice to be near my family. I'll my my niecephews like crazy- but I'm much closer this time so I can see them more often, and they're much more likely to come visit me here. I didn't mean to make friends, but I'll miss them. Darn you co-workers! Why did you have to be so awesome!? Not to mention the people I already loved and got to spend a little time with.

The last day at EIRMC was good. I cried a little. There was a running joke about my being a princess (hey, I was excited about the Royal Wedding... sheesh!) so my co-workers made me a paper plate crown to wear. They threw me a going away potluck lunch (amazing chicken salad- and best non-home baked cookies ever!) Then as friends trickled out after their shifts, I was left alone in the front admissions to cry in the dark. When I composed myself, I logged off for the last time and locked the door behind me. I loved working there. I can only pray that my new job will be half as good. I hit the lottery in awesome colleagues.

When I got home, I walked in to a surprise Luau. (blast it all! I didn't get pictures!!!!) I hadn't been treating this move like it was a very big deal- I'm not moving very far... but my family is either going to actually miss me- or they just needed a reason to party. :) but the house was all decked out. It was awesome. And we got to eat Hawaiian haystacks. [singing] Heaven!!!

Today I procrastinated as much as I possibly could, watching episodes of American Ninja Warrior (what? I have a friend on that show!) and I finally pulled out of town around 7 pm. I'm here now. I'm on my Aunt's computer until we can figure out a router and get wifi.

But I'm here.

And I think I will survive.

I start my new ward tomorrow.

Heaven help them.

They have a some big Piney Creek shoes to fill-

and they don't even know it.

How can this not make you smile? (and by "you" I mean "me")

2011-08-24T17:42:00.001-06:00

1}When I got to work today, two of my favorite co-workers got me these little beauties as a going away gift:

From the Cocoa Bean. Oh. My. Gosh!

2}Then, I was at work for two hours before someone pointed out that I was wearing different earrings.

I remember the conversation in my head this morning- I was putting on the black ones- and thought, I should wear the blue ones more often but I don't have a necklace to match... but my subconscious must have not picked up on that- and I grabbed a blue one and didn't notice.

3} I'm guest blogger today on A Few Good Things which always makes one feel important.

4} I'm pretty sure this is the cutest critter I've ever seen. I like dolphins as much as the next person- but isn't it just the sweetest thing!?

5} This tee shirt (I don't know what it is with all the shirts lately, but I've really come across some cute ones.)

found here

Do you know what it is? Do you get it? It's Super Nova! HAHAHAHA!!!!!! Oh. Em. Gee. I'm such a nerd.

6} and the last thing that makes me smile today is this:

I'm sad to leave my lovely co-workers (especially ones that buy me cupcakes!) but I am ready for a new adventure. And an adventure it will be!

These are a few of my favorite things

2011-08-23T11:55:00.000-06:00

I look at my blog a hundred zillion times a day- hoping that someone commented on something, and maybe I just didn't get the email alert. That being said, the last few days every time I come to my blog I look at that nasty picture of someone's teeth. I *had* to put it on to illustrate- but now I just want to look at something pleasant. I give you my [incomplete] list of favorite things (in no particular order)

Mammoths were hippies

This tee shirt found here

Disneyland

Go here to plan your vacation... and don't forget to invite me!

Money

"They said it doesn't bring you happiness, but it certainly brings a smile to my face."

(five points to the person who knows what I'm quoting without googling it!)

Siamese Kittens

No, Messy, This is not the Demon Kitty that shoots rays from it's eyes.

Sunny Days

...chasin' the clouds away. On my way to where the air is sweet...

(which leads us to our next item)

The Binge

This shirt available here

See, aren't you a little happier now too?

What's in a Dream?

2011-08-17T11:06:00.000-06:00

I go through spurts of having dreams I can't remember and dreams that are so vivid that I can't forget them no matter how hard I try. In the last few days these things have popped up in my dreams:

My teeth were crumbling and falling out. I eventually ended up carrying them in a plastic bag. I was waiting for a dentist to reattach them (which apparently means I am self conscious about my appearance).

Tidal Wave that was not getting closer [at first] but just rolling over and over- higher than the buildings in the not so distant city (which apparently means I'm ready to make a new start).

A great white shark that flew out of the tidal wave and up to my front yard landing on the grass and skidding till it was inches away from me and nearly killing me (which apparently means I have feelings of anger and hostility, undergoing a long and difficult emotional period).

Several windows of different shapes and sizes. When the tidal wave started to move, I ran through the house closing all the windows so the water wouldn't get into the house (which apparently means I have bright hopes, vast possibilities and insight- or because I was shutting the windows it could mean I feel deserted and abandoned... or that I was doing the abandoning).

A room full of my old, broken toys. They were dust covered and I was shocked that they were even still in the house (which apparently means I am trying to make the best out of a negative situation).

A huge warehouse filled with things that my parents had stored up for years and never shared with us [such as boxes and boxes of brand new unopened T-Fal cookware] (which apparently means I have stored energy or hidden resources. It could also means I'm putting my ambitions on hold).

[new dream]

Having friends who are Celebrities. Just hanging out and chatting (which apparently means I want to escape from my own reality and live the high life- hahahah! who doesn't?) .

They had to go to make an appearance somewhere and because we'd been talking too long they had to take a helicopter to get there in time. (which apparently means I am in pursuit of my goals and ambitions)

There was more to that dream- but I was awakened suddenly by a text message- and most of the dream slipped away from me before I could rehash it in my head and solidify the storyline.

I got all of my "interpretations" from the Dream Dictionary. I don't know if I exactly buy it because some of the explanations are pretty vague, but still, it makes for interesting conversation. I would love to go to a psychotherapist and have him/her tell me what is going on inside my head.

Friend of a Friend

2011-08-16T18:10:00.000-06:00

Hey kids!
My friend over at Rabbit in the Headlights has been nominated for Best Mom Blog by People Magazine (or something like that)! I think that's totally awesome and I would LOVE to help her win!

Wouldn't it be neat to say that you know someone who knows the winner of that big contest?

Please please Pretty please head on over to her blog and vote vote vote!

*in my best Gru voice* "Thee feezical appearance of the pliz makes nooo dif'rence"

The Monumental Decision

2011-08-12T16:11:00.000-06:00

Check the date. It's not April first. I'm not kidding this time.

Long story short- (I know, I know, you're thinking, "Bakeshow, since when do you only tell short stories?" and I hear your pain. I've rarely been one to just get to the point. I have to dance around the horse and beat it till it's good and dead.) I have been offered a job at a hospital in Salt Lake...

... and I accepted.

I'm scared out of my mind- but it feels really good. It's full time and a teeny raise- which is good, because it's 12 hour shifts so I'll actually be getting fewer hours. BUT because it's 12 hours- that means I only work three days a week so I could get another job (if anyone else will hire me...?)

For the time being I will live with me Aunt. I don't know what I did right life to deserve such generous relatives! I think it will be good for both of us, and good for me to spend some quality time with my dear Auntie.

My last day at EIRMC is the 26th and I start there on the 29th. So I have a weekend to get down there. But it's not like I'm Moving moving- just relocating. When I can afford to- then I will do the real moving.

It's exciting

and scary

It's new

and unsure

but I think I'll be Ok.

Some Upcoming Dates You Need to Add to Your Calendar

2011-08-07T23:45:00.000-06:00

Everyday is a holiday- you just have to know where to look! and I- dear readers- know where to look. There are several observances this week, but I just wanted to make you aware of a few of my favorites (Yes, these are actual observances. I did not make any of them up)

August 8: Sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor's porch night.

I wish I was a zucchini grower so I could celebrate this. I am not- however- a zucchini *eater* so don't waste your zucchini on me!

August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous People

That's right all you green headed aliens- this is your day to celebrate US! The Earthlings!

ok, ok, so that's not really what that means. It's a day for us to enjoy and learn about the indigenous cultures of the world- of their impact on the world and contributions to environmental care.

But my description is funnier.

August 10: National Duran Duran appreciation Day.

It is also National Smore's Day

I'm all over that one... actually, it will be all over me.

And then we end the week with National Kool-Aid Day August 12-14

Every smile should be a Kool-Aid smile! (Hey, I should sell that to them as a slogan!)

Happy celebrating!

Status Updates

2011-08-03T19:28:00.000-06:00

So... some of my friends on Facebook are really funny. Here are some of the recent status updates on Facebook:

"I think I should have the right to slap anyone that calls me "Ma'am"
~ Anna

"Over 5000 years ago, Moses said to Israel, "Pick up your shovels, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land."When Welfare was introduced, Roosevelt said, "Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a Camel, this is the Promised Land." Today, the government has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of Camels and mortgaged the Promised Land to China"
~ April (stolen from Darlene)

"What? No my fish isn't dead, he just floats on his side sometimes."
~ Mandy

"If I were Emperor of the world, I would make it a crime to leave one's shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot instead of putting it in the chorale. The first offense would be a hefty fine and public shaming. The second offense would get you chained to the chorale and pelted with canned goods and other humiliating items"
~Jermaine

and my personal favorite:

"For all you single ladies who are in such a hurry to find someone, here's a quick piece of biblical advice: Ruth patiently waited for her mate Boaz. While waiting on YOUR Boaz, don't settle for ANY of his relatives: Broke-az, Po-az, Lyin-az, Cheatin-az, Dumb-az, Cheap-az, Lockedup-az, Goodfornothin-az, Lazy-az or Married-az..... and especially his 3rd Cousin Beatinyo-az !!!!"
~ April

Non Contest Winner: Kettie

2011-07-31T07:40:00.000-06:00

Hey, I bet you thought I forgot about the rest of the Non-Contest winners, didn't you? Well, I have been thinking about you a lot. I just haven't written. My road is paved with good intentions... I wonder where it leads?

Anyway- on to today's guest of Honor... Kettie!

Kettie is awesome!

I can't remember exactly when I first met Kettie. She is friends with a friend so I'm not sure if it was through the friend, or if it was when I flunked out of the Singles Ward and got sent to a family ward or not...?

My first week in the Piney Creek ward in Denver, there sat Kettie. She was very welcoming and made me feel right at home.

Not long after I was in the ward I was called to be [ugh] ward camp director (any potential Bishops out there that may be reading this- don't get any ideas. Girls camp is not my favorite calling). Kettie was the ward Young Women's president- as well as in the Stake YW presidency (pulling double duty- yes, she's that awesome). I was also called as the YW sports leader. So I think it was through the YW program that I got to know Kettie the most.

Camp. What can I say about camp? Ummm... It was fun. No really, it was. I've decided though that girl's camp is a lot more fun as one of the girls though, rather than a leader. Especially a working peon of a camp leader who can't even make it to the Saturday certifying clinics. It's a good thing Kettie was there to pick up the slack for me- even though she was already doing double duty, she helped me out as well. Camp itself was fun. Even our silly skit- which now, two plus years later- I don't really remember the point of, was fun at the time.

On my birthday, my friends surprised me by taking me to the circus for the first time ever in my life! Kettie was in on that, the little stinker. Desiree had said that she and Kettie were taking me out to dinner, or some other ruse- only to drive me all over town to get me lost (not hard in Denver, I never did get my bearings there)

and then took me to the Denver Colosseum where the Ringling Brother's Circus was waiting for us- as well as a whole pack of friends that I wasn't expecting. It was awesome. Seriously.

My favorite memory with Kettie though, is when I volunteered to help her paint her house. Oh. My. (that is also where I first met Vern.) We didn't mean to match our outfits, it just turned out that way. But I can't remember the last time I had so much fun painting. (Oh man, I just thought of it- I should have stolen her before and after pictures off her Facebook... oh well, too late now)

Let me tell you a little about Kettie though, other than her obvious awesomeness. She is a cyclist. A major one- like someone who goes out and ride all over the countryside... for fun! And she climbs mountains. Why, oh why someone would climb a mountain so high that the snow never melts is beyond me. But she's pretty amazing that way. I don't think there are many impressive peaks around that she has not conquered. And she's super musically talented and very spiritually knowledgeable It's kind of ridiculous how awesome she is. I miss her lots and lots.

Maybe one day she'll include me in one of her little getaways... of course, I'll sit at the bottom of the mountain and wait for her to come back.

After One Year I Gave Idaho the Bird

2011-07-28T08:03:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a benchmark. One year back in Idaho. Ugh.

First of all, I can NOT believe that it's been a year. Time flies when you're trying to escape under a certain time limit. But I'm here. I'm resigned. For now.

I got really excited there for a while when I found out my company has facilities in the UK. I talked to my director who told me to email our CEO who passed on my info to the UK CEO who passed on my query to the chief recruiter in the UK. Seriously- I was so excited. I was starting to fantasize in my head about what it would be like to live in London (what I would have to do to leave: what I could take and what would have to stay behind, selling Dory if need be, etc). How would I get around, what would I do, where would I live... all kinds of things I was thinking about. Then I got this email:

..."The migration of workers from outside of Europe to the UK has been a point of keen debate in the UK Parliament in the past 18 months. This has resulted in some draconian legislation coming into force that has made ICT’s and all non-European migration for work nigh on impossible on any large scale as well as extremely expensive for businesses.
In addition to this legislation, clinical and medical staff are required to be registered with the relevant UK professional health board (General Medical Council / Nursing and Midwifery Council) before they apply to the UK Boarder Agency for immigration clearance. Registering with the relevant UK professional health board adds an additional 6 to 9 months to the recruitment cycle. One final hurdle HCA International are legally required to complete is a procedure called a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). In short, this mean the Chief HR Officers need to provide documentary evidence to the UK Boarder Agency that no British or European citizen is capable of completing the role.

It is possible to move from the US to the UK but it is a costly, complicated and time consuming adventure..."

Depressing? I think so. So now I'm working on the next plan. I don't know what that is yet. So stay tuned.

So on the anniversary of my homecoming, I was driving to work when an awful thing happened. I hope it's not some kind of bad omen. I do everything I can to not hit animals while I'm driving (bugs don't count- they are not animals, they are a nuisance and the more that die, the better). I brake for squirrels, and I even wrinkle my face in silent hope whenever I see a mouse running across the freeway in front of me- hoping that the tires will just miss it's little vermin body. So yesterday, when I was driving to work and a bird hit my windshield, it did not go well with me (or the bird, probably). I saw the bird take flight and swoop toward my car. I don't know if it's some dare game that they have going on, but the birds can usually swerve out of the way at the last second. This one must have been having an off day, because he didn't get out of the way in time. The crunch was sickening and the splat of gunk and feathers left behind caused me to only hope that he died instantly and wasn't suffering on the side of the road somewhere. I cried the rest of the way to work. What a horrible way to die for a bird. As grateful as I am for modern conveniences, it makes me sad the way we torture nature.

Anyway, I hope that's not a precedent of how the next year is going to be. *shudder*

Disney Dilemma

2011-07-23T23:39:00.000-06:00

It's a big beautiful world and there is so much I want to see...

So is it bad to spend money going back to the same ol' place all the time?

I miss Disneyland (and California Adventure). I miss it like I miss my sanity.

And now they have THIS

Don't you wanna go now too?

The Eiffel Tower can wait, right?

Wanna See It Again?

2011-07-16T07:58:00.000-06:00

So- more anticipated than the movie.. is the story of my trip! I know you've been dying inside till you got to hear about it!

Thursday morning I put myself together and headed down to Salt Lake. My friend Lisa Witt flew in from Denver just to see me and go to the movie with me! How awesome is that? She is my movie premier bestie- and when we didn't get to go to the last movie together it was really sad. So we made sure to get together this time.

Her flight was delayed so I went shopping. There is nothing that a big, fat, straight girl loves to help her shop more than a little, skinny, gay guy (oozing sarcasm) but I still managed to come up with some pretty killer deals. It was all boring shopping though- work clothes. But my rule is for everything new I have to get rid of something old. So now I have to go through my closet and decide what gets thrown out.

I picked her up at the airport and we went to check into our room and dump off our stuff. I was so excited to play Mormon Tour Guide for her cuz I thought she'd never been to Salt Lake before- but she's been there and done all the stuff I was going to take her to- so we just drove around looking for something to do. We randomly decided to get manicures! I think we threw them for a loop when we asked for nails with lightening bolts on them (in honor of Harry- obviously) I had to draw a lightening bolt because something got lost in translation.

She got Ravenclaw colors- and though green is my favorite color I didn't want to do Slytherine... so I did Gryffendor.

We were both starving so we had an early dinner and headed to the Olive. Oh Olive, How I love thee.

Then we drove by our theater to see how the line looked and though it was still early, there was quite a line so we thought we'd just go in and see what the line for the double feature looked like (we had tickets for 7.1 and 7.2)

We played the Harry Potter alphabet game- the folks next to us even got in on it a little bit. I, Y, and X are really hard. After round one when you've used Igor Karkaroff, Yaxley and Xenophilius Lovegood- those letters are hard to fill.

Anyway, then we watched Harry Potter-ish videos. This one was my favorite.

Hahahahahah!!!

Ahem... ok... so when the finally let us in the theater, they gave us our special edition Harry Potter 3D glasses. Then we just had to wait for the movie to start.

It had been a very long day- and I won't lie- I fell asleep through a few parts of 7.1. I was TIRED and I've already seen a kajillion times anyway. And I'd much rather nap through the first one- then even blink during the second one.

Then... the movie. So good. I bawled. I love Snape. I just have to remind you of that. I don't want to be a spoiler though- so enough of that.

We both died that night. We were planning on staying up all night talking and giggling- but it's a sign we're aging. I was so tired!

Before long we had to say goodbye! BOO! But it was a lovely visit though and I hope we get to do it again soon!

I'm super sad that Harry Potter is over. It's all done. No more. Kaput! But I'm glad that I got to be a part of it. Oh- I almost forgot-

Dear obnoxious teenager that I stood next to in line- I could tell from the first word your accent was fake. And the longer you did it, the dumber you sounded. Don't ever do that again. Oh, and drawing the deathly hallows all over your arm isn't cool either. Just get it tattooed and be done with it.

Have You Seen IT??? Have YOU SEEN IT!?!?!?

2011-07-15T06:45:00.002-06:00

Jessica- This one's for you. I hope you can watch it. :) *Squeeeeeee!!!!!!*

Harry Potter Movie Treat Mix

2011-07-14T06:26:00.002-06:00

So... I'm a nerd. I come from a long line of nerds. And one of the zillions of nerdy things that I like to do is theme things. I have dates with my nieces and they're themed. I'm just... weird that way I guess.

So for the last Harry Potter movie release, I made a special treat mix for those in my wait-for-hours-in-line-in-the-freezing-Idaho-weather-until-the-stupid-theater-opens-the-doors group.

It's super easy and really fun!

I went to the bulk section of the candy store and got:

Cockroach clusters (peanut clusters)
Chocolate Galleons (the gold coin thingies)
Pastel Witches Hats (Non peril mints)
Berty Botts Ever Flavor Bean (the real ones- with some jelly bellies to supplement them)
and Droobles Best Blowing Gum (which I did NOT try- because I let the kids go first and when kids spit out a candy- you know it's not good)

You can also add licorice wands (good and plenty) but I think they're gross.

And did I ever tell you about the time I made Dragon Eggs and butter beer?

It was at the premier of the Half Blood Prince.

They were fairly easy to make.

A boiled egg, wrapped in ground Italian sausage and cheddar cheese, rolled in egg yolk then breaded with Italian breadcrumbs. Then bake it for... some amount of time and some temperature..? They were fab-yoo-luss!

I got the recipe here.

The butterbeer was a little less successful. I mean, it tasted ok, but it was so sweet that no one could finish even a mugful. It was Butter and butterscotch (like the ice cream topping) melted and mixed together then thinned down with some cream soda (recipe found here) Tasty but sa-weet! Yowzah!

I must be the only one who really reads the books...

2011-07-13T06:30:00.006-06:00

... because I can't imagine why they cast these people.

Don't get me wrong- these people have all grown on me and I love them for the work they have done- but initially I did not see these people in the parts and really struggled with it. But this was all before I decided in my head that the books and movies had to be seen as separate entities, only then could the fan be truly happy.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape

I can hear you now... "What??? Bakeshow, you've blogged about these guys a zillion times in the last couple of months. We thought you loved Alan and Snape!?" I do, dear friends. Trust me. BUT (that's a big but!) when Harry's parents die- they are about 21 years old- and Snape is an old school fellow of theirs, in the same year which would make him about 32 ish when Harry first arrives at Hogwarts. I love Alan to teensy tinesy bits and pieces- but when they cast a 60 something man to play a part that should have gone to a 30 something actor... it really bugged me. Of course I love Alan as Snape now- but at first...

Geraldine Somerville and Adrian Rawlins as Lily and James Potter

Same reason. Too old! Plus- it says repeatedly in the books that Harry is a near exact replica of James- (and here James looks more like Stan Laurel)

They could have cast this way better- especially for a part that doesn't really require a lot of acting skills (smiling at Harry from the Mirror of Erised)

Let's just say now- that all the characters that were supposed to be around Lily and James' age- were too old (Peter Pettigrew, Lupin, Sirius and so on...)

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

Blasphemy? I don't think so. He wasn't how I pictured him. Of course now- I can't see anyone else in the role, but at first I was not on board.

Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge

She is not squat and toad-like enough... but once I saw her in the role- really into it- she is deliciously evil enough to pull off the Hogwarts High Inquisitor.

Casting Call

2011-07-12T06:25:00.002-06:00

Of course, like gazillions of others, I read the books before the movies came out (not long before, mind you. I was very resistant of jumping on the Harry Potter bandwagon. I don't like to do things because everyone else is doing it- it was the same with Twilight. I read them before I knew how popular they were... are... whatever) Anyway- I had pictures in my head of the characters and some of the people cast fit the bill exactly, some not so much. Of course, now, ten years later, they've grown on me and I can't see anyone else in the roll- but there were a few that were perfect (for me) from the get go. Let's talk about them today.

Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley

Seriously. When I read the book- before the movie was announced or anything- this is who I pictured as Ron. I think of the whole franchise, he is my favorite. :) I love Ron!

Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore.

Don't get me wrong, I like Michael Gambon, but I think that Harris's Dumbledore was perfect. Major shame that he passed away before he could finish out the series.

Oliver and James Phelps as Fred and George Weasley

These silly trickster twins are picture perfect for the roles they were born to play.

Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall

She is such a beautiful, gracious lady- but she plays the stern tartan wearing witch with flare! Perfect!

David Bradley as Filch

Seriously, he's awesome. He's a fantastic actor! (I know, I've seen him in real life!) and it seems as if this role was written for him. He absolutely embodies the role of the creepy custodian.

Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid

Partially due to some great filming techniques, partially due to the fact that he's just built to be Hagrid, I wouldn't mind if this gentle (half) giant knocked my door down to tell me I was magical.

Robert Pattinson as Cedric Diggory

Before anyone really knew who he was- he was Cedric. I giggled in delight the first time he jumped out of that tree on the way to the Quidditch World Cup. He is *exactly* how I pictured Cedric and *exactly* how he is described in the books. Well done, Casting Director. Well done.

Let's Sort This Out

2011-07-11T09:22:00.002-06:00

There are lots of lame-o quizzes out there that fans can take that will sort them into the Hogwart's houses. But most of them are just stupid and give you a random answer at the end anyway.

I've only ever found one that had questions more in depth than:

Which color do you prefer?

Red
Green
Yellow
Blue

You know, the stupid ones where you know a certain answer will get you certain results. I can't remember where the quiz was! I want to say it was on Mugglenet when they first started, but I honestly can't remember for sure. But it had a lot of questions- like fifty, and really got to know you before it sorted you.

I was sorted into Hufflepuff. I thought at first that was kind of a bummer, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that's not far off the mark. Let's examine:

"values courage, bravery, loyalty, nerve and chivalry." Yeah, where I know I'm loyal and chivilrous, I know I am equally not brave or nerve....ous (hahahahaha!).

"values ambition, cunning, leadership, resourcefulness, and most of all, pure wizard blood." This describes everything that's not me. I may talk big, but I'm not one who is out to conquer the world... and I get along with pretty much everyone. I don't care what their background is- if they are nice to me, I'll be nice to them.

"values intelligence, creativity, learning, and wit." Personally, I think this is where I belong. But the test showed I belong in:

"values hard work, tolerance, loyalty, and fair play." This is not a stretch for me. I mean, I would prefer Ravenclaw I think, but this works too. Either way, I would definitely be on the Quidditch team.

Harry Potter Week!

2011-07-10T20:17:00.000-06:00

It's Harry Potter Week at BitterHarpyPress! I just decided so I can't post much today- so I'll just start with a video that has been stuck in my head for a few weeks (misery loves company). (remember a few posts ago when I talked about Professor Snape??? This is what I was chanting when I wrote his name--- go on, scroll down to look at it, then come back and watch the video.

Catchy, inn'it? Come back tomorrow for more HP! :)

Bitter Harpy Cakes

2011-07-06T06:23:00.000-06:00

So- because of the wedding cake I did last week, I've been asked for business cards. I thought I would just stick with the name of the blog address- bitter harpy cakes. The other day, when talking to a certain family member about it, she burst out something along the lines of "That's stupid! Who would buy a wedding cake from a bitter harpy?!"

Ok... personally, I like the name and I think it's different. But, I guess I can see where she's coming from. I am willing for other opinions to be heard- so will you please take the survey to the left and let me know what you think before I put business cards together?

Thanks!

Strictly American

2011-07-04T08:33:00.002-06:00

Have I ever told you that Independence Day is my favorite holiday? Well, it is! I mean, I love me some Halloween and Christmas and stuff, but I love July 4th! It's summertime, and there are fireworks involved. Plus, I'm incredibly proud to be American [insert Lee Greenwood song here]. I am terribly lucky to live here, and have the freedom to worship, to speak my mind and to choose my own future. I love that I am part of a great legacy. I'm not exactly sure if they came with the Mayflower folks, but some of my ancestors were among the first settlers in the New World. Others came after they joined the church- and from there pushed west and helped settle Utah.

I'm made up of a little bit of everything.

My genes are English, Irish, Italian, Danish, German and some others...

My stomach is Italian

My preferred accent is British (witch includes English, Scottish and Irish)

But all these things mixed together make me American!

My favorite American things:

The flag (I think it's one of the most interesting flags- and the symbolism is beautiful)

Fireworks (technically, I think these are Chinese, but the when they are for an American celebration- they become one of my favorite things)

Disney (born and bred America, you can't help but love the Mouse and his crew)

Telephones (hello?)

The Pledge of Allegiance (nuff said)

Baseball (it's been years since I've played- and I've been itching to- but it's still fun to watch other play)

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (because they are both very close to my heart)

Microwaves (thirty second meals? Yes, please)

Our Military (they sacrifice thier lives to protect our way of life- and trying to help others have a better existance. Hooray for them- and thier families who let them go!)

The Star Spangled Banner (the song, not the flag- cuz I already mentioned the flag- silly. I just think the words are incredibly beautiful- and when sung properly by someone who can hit the notes? Gorgeous!)

Teddy Bears (because Teddy makes everything better)

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 7

2011-07-02T08:26:00.000-06:00

I have been really good all week and not putting all my favorite heart throbs. But the walls can be contained no longer.
*NOTE* I am talking about characters here- not necessarily the guys who played them in the movies (although, I wouldn't kick them out of the restaurant).

Edward Rochester from Jane Eyre. I love him. I Love him I LOVE him! I don't cry often when I read mushy books- but I bawled (BAWLED I tell you) when he describes to Jane how he feels when she's away (somewhere around chapters 22 or 23... read it and then come back and tell me how much you love him too! Seriously)

Snape Snape Severus Snape. Just a wonderful man- I don't care what you say! Painted to be the bad guy, but a good guy from the beginning. Sure, he has a past, but he's fully repented of it and is trying to make amends, even if it means keeping alive the child of his only love. The child he loathes, yet loves.

John Thornton from North and South (ok, this might be a taaaaad influenced by the actor.) What a lovely, pathetic man. The line where he says, "No one loves me but you, Mother." I always shout, "I LOVE YOU!"

Captain Wentworth from Persuasion. Love him. His love is constant and endures years of thinking he's not good enough for his beloved. His heart never wavers. Sigh... Again, his letter to Anne (chapter 23... I die!)

Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. His quite stoic-ness is so lovely. He's not the best at expressing himself, a little shy at times, but he loves Lizzy beyond what his words can convey. His actions did not show her he loved her, so he had to change his outward behaviour to prove to her that he loved her, even when he was in doubt of that love being returned.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 6

2011-07-01T06:40:00.001-06:00

Today's is a given.

Fairy Godmother.

Just because I really need one today.

Who doesn't?

I'll even take a fairy godfather

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 5

2011-06-30T07:32:00.000-06:00

I haven't read all the books yet, but today's character is

Anne Shirley

I saw the mini series first-and loved it. I love Anne. I think she is clever and charming (and her hair's as red as carrots! I have always wanted red hair!)- and I have always wanted to be the kind of person that leaves people happier than how I found them. Anne meets up with all kinds of crabby, unhappy people, and everyone can't help but love her. She leaves the world a better place-and because of her, I try to do the same.

I fail a lot, but I try nonetheless.

And if being Anne means I get Gilbert Blythe- I'm sold!

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 4

2011-06-29T06:12:00.002-06:00

I could not find a suitable picture to go with today's post. That really bugs me... Maybe later if I find one I'll add it... Well, that's not entirely true. I found a good fan art drawing of him- but I'm never quite sure where that line is that says I can't use someone else's pictures. And since it's an actual person's drawing and not just a stock photo or something... then I figure I'd better not. But I guess I can send you there and you can see the drawing here.

Eugenides from the Queen's Thief series

stolen here- praying I wont land in jail

I think he is one of the cleverest characters I've read about in a long time. He is always surprising me. I keep thinking he'll act one way, and then he acts another. I love him. I love him. He's strong, and faithful - not only to his queen but to his gods. He is smart. In every sense smart. If you have not read these books- seriously, you need to (author Megan Whalen Turner) so you can see why I love him so much.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 3

2011-06-28T06:31:00.002-06:00

I know I would not be the only person in line to meet this next character if she were to ever come into being:

Elizabeth Benett from Pride and Prejudice

stolen here

I think Lizzy is amazing. As Meg Ryan says in You've Got Mail, Elizabeth Bennett is one of the most complex characters ever written. At times she seems shallow- others very deep. But what I love most is how she makes fun of people right to their faces- and they are too oblivious to know what she's doing, especially Mr Collins. She knows how she wants her life to be and even though being constantly tortured by a ridiculous mother, she doesn't allow herself to be swayed. I think that takes guts- to turn down a sure thing (albeit a sure thing that will surely make her miserable forever) and hold out on the hopes of something greater.

Have you ever read Shannon Hale's Austenland? You totally should. If they really have vacations like this, I'd love to do it. To submerge oneself in Georgian times, the culture, the clothing- I think it would give us a real appreciation for what we have now, while still getting the chance to experience the romance of it all.

Of course, if we're going to be honest, I only want to meet Elizabeth so I can size her up and see what needs to be done to get her out of the way so I can have Darcy all to myself.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters 2

2011-06-27T06:10:00.000-06:00

It's a rare story indeed that I have read and seen on screen and not thought one was better than the other (usually the book is better) but this next one I like both and would love- that's L.O.V.E. to meet the story's namesake.

Howl from Howl's Moving Castle

stolen here

I saw the movie first and really liked it- then I read the book and loved it! but for different reasons. They are not the same. The movie takes a kind of... odd twist on it (it being a Miyazaki film and all... you know) and needs to be looked at as something different than the book. There are things I like about the book that I don't like about the movie, and vice versa. But either way, I love Howl (though the movie howl seems awfully shallow at times).

I mean, I love Sophie too, but Howl- I just wanna hug him for being so wonderful.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Fictional Characters

2011-06-26T06:48:00.002-06:00

Allrighty- I think this will be the last go round of celebrity lunch dates- for a while. Maybe I'll come up with some other awesome ideas that I just have to share. And to be honest- I don't know how to narrow down the zillions of characters that I would love to meet! I'll try to not overload the week with heartthrobs- but I make no promises.

First up- My favorite fictional character-

Princess Cimorene from the Enchanted Forest Chronicles

stolen here

A silly fantasy? Scoff if you must- but these are my favorite books. Ever.

When I was in high school we had to write an essay about a character that we really identified with. I chose her. I won the essay contest and I was published in the local paper.

Cimorene is clever. She is different and quite OK to be that way. In a world that tells her she must learn etiquette, embroidery, and the proper decibel to scream when being carried off by a giant versus when being carried off by a dragon- she prefers to bully the court magician into teaching her magic, or the castle cook into teaching her how to make a mean cherries jubilee (which I've always wanted to try, simply because she makes it). She runs away to avoid marriage and lives with the Dragons. It's just so cleverly written and she is by no means a namby pamby damsel. She is the kind of character that shows that women can still be ladies- and independent at the same time.

I can guarantee you we would be friends.

Crap... now I need to dig my books out of storage so I can read them...

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 7

2011-06-25T06:26:00.001-06:00

*****Yesterday's post was re-thought and re-done- so make sure you check it out!*****

Again, today I could not decide between two of my favorites... so because it's my blog and I can- I'm teaming them up. Which is not a new thing to these two jokesters.

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby

stolen here

I have never seen any of the "Road to..." movies [hangs head in shame] but that doesn't mean that I can't love these two overly talented men (seriously, God got a little disproportionate when he passed out talent to these fellas).

But Mr Hope is arguably the funniest man to ever come out of Hollywood-

And Bing? The greatest crooner EVER!? That lovely voice of his! Sigh...

I can't find a video that does the two of them justice. They are hilarious together. Chemistry, that's what they had. Chemistry.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 6

2011-06-24T06:41:00.005-06:00

No disrespect to the lovely Ms Hepburn, but after much deliberation, I decided that she is not someone that I would bring back from the dead to have lunch with- so I am editing my list a little bit. I realized that today is Friday- and therefore only had so many spots left- and it's a tight squeeze. I had a bump a few- but these guys can not be bumped- and even though it's not exactly going along with the rest of the week- today, we have a team up lunch.

There is no way to decide between these two guys. None. So they get to go together.

Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire

stolen here

Who comes to mind when you think of classic Hollywood dancers? Most likely one of these two will waltz into your imagination. There were some great dancers in the Golden Era of Tinsel Town, but no one could quite match the caliber of these two. True, they're style is different- but they are both so amazing.

Gene has the fortune of being in one of my favorite musicals *ever* Brigadoon. (of which a clip was shown on Van Johnson Day {you like that? like how I made it sound like a holiday?})

And Fred is in one of my favorite Christmas shows- Holiday Inn. He's such a light, airy dancer, and always has a bit of mischief up his sleeve.

And to my knowledge- this is the only time to two of them danced together. Awesome! Two Hollywood Legends coming together like this? I wish I'd been there!

I can't dance to save my life- but I would imagine one lesson from these guys and I could at least keep my feet from tripping over themselves. I hope.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 5

2011-06-23T06:15:00.000-06:00

Whilst perusing the cobwebbed corners of my rather unused brain, I was trying to think of who should be today's poster celebrity. When the answer came tumbling like a polar bear on roller skates sliding down a slippery glacier. DUH!!!!

Danny Kaye!

stolen here

How had I not thought of him sooner? He's only one of the funniest actors *ever*!!!

I can't think of any movie he's in that doesn't just make your heart light. Even his "serious" rolls are fun. Granted, I've not seen everything he's ever been in- but what a guy. Singing, Dancing... and just down right hilarious. Can you do this:

note the young and incredibly gorgeous Angela Lansbury and Glynnis Johns!

They just don't make movies like this any more- and it's a crying shame. This has got to be one of the best- cleverest- hilarious-est movies ever filmed!

And how can this song not make you feel better on a sad, down, ugly day?

It's not possible to be unhappy if Danny Kaye is anywhere near your TV screen. I love him. And I'm ashamed of myself for not thinking of him sooner! Doh!

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 4

2011-06-22T06:15:00.001-06:00

Today's entry is another one of my favorites. He's wonderful as male lead- but he was also fabulous as the quirky best friend in any film.

Van Johnson

stolen here

He just seems like someone who gives really good hugs. He is just so darn lovable. But he could play serious roles too. He could sing a little, and dance enough to keep up with Gene Kelly- but it's just his all round lovableness that has him on my list.

this video includes two from my list this week! Sa-weet!

Again, I was very upset the day he died. It seemed that he died alone in some forgotten corner of the world. I don't even want to think of what things in his life lead him to that end. No, I'd much rather think of him as the happy go-lucky type, a little sarcastic- but always with a hidden grin.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 3

2011-06-21T06:23:00.001-06:00

This person probably has one of the most infamous personal histories. She led such a crazy, sad life. But she was so incredibly beautiful and so amazingly talented.

Judy Garland

stolen here

Learning what little I know about her life, I think it's crazy that someone so lovely never knew how wonderful she was. And I don't blame most of her problems on her. She was ruined from the very beginning by people pushing and pulling her in every direction, giving her sleeping pills, giving her waking pills. Telling her she's not good enough. No wonder she didn't grow up to make very good decisions.

[pardon the Christmas-ness of this video, but I think she is simply gorgeous in this movie- and this part in particular.] I would love to hear about her life from her perspective. I'm sure that biographers- even her children- couldn't explain how she really felt.

But really, what kid didn't grow up loving her as Dorothy?

stolen here

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past 2

2011-06-20T06:23:00.003-06:00

Today we talk about one of my all time favorite leading men!

Howard Keel

stolen here

If we were to ever go to lunch, I would eat- he would sing. I've loved him since I was a little kid. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers? Calamity Jane? Showboat? Even Annie Get Your Gun is awesome (only because of him though- I kinda want to punch Betty Hutton in the face in that movie) He seriously has the most amazing voice. To all of you unbelievers- watch these videos then tell me you wouldn't just want to listen to him sing all day. He's amazing.

I could make believe.... sigh...

I cried the day he died. I was actually thinking of him that day, and got on IMDB to do some reading up on him and realized that he'd died just that day. See? I knew there was a connection there!

Celebrity Lunch Date: Celebrities Past

2011-06-19T06:13:00.001-06:00

[Alright, enough break. It's not like anyone really read the posts from the interim anyway. I guess I've come to an understanding with my blog. No one reads it- and by "no one" I mean... I look at my friend's blogs and they have dozens- sometimes hundreds- of followers- and nary a post goes by without lots of comments on it. I have resigned myself to the fact that I blog for myself. I amuse me. I go back and re-read my posts and I think I'm hilarious! So, Bakeshow, this one's for you.]

We've had celebrity lunch dates, we've had celebrity couples lunch dates- now I'm gonna list the people that I never got to meet before they parted this life.

Lucille Ball

stolen here

How awesome would it be to hang out with someone who has been called the world's funniest woman? I have always loved this lady. From her TV shows- to her movies (the Long Long Trailer? Hello! hilarious!!!)

But she seems so much more than a funny, funny lady. I would be interested to really know her. What were her heartaches? Was the comedy a cover up for a truly broken soul? What was the method behind the madness? Seriously, these are things I would like to know. If I was going to do celebrity couple's of the past, I would invite Desi Arnaz to come too. Just to get his side of things.

stolen here

How do you tell your best friend that you don't like her favorite movie?

2011-06-18T06:46:00.000-06:00

You blog about it and tell her publicly, that's how.

Dear... You Know Who You Are.

Thank you for trying to save me from myself. You were my Jiminy Cricket- and I practically stepped on your little cricket body and made conscience stew out of you. Against your better judgement I watched the movie. I wanted to. You were right. I knew the consequences. I'm all growed up. I wish I hadn't watched it.

Thanks for trying.

Love,
Bakeshow

PS. Once a prude, always a prude.

Let's take a break

2011-06-12T10:07:00.000-06:00

I have more Celebrity Lunch Date posts coming up, but let's take a break for a few days... or a week... or so, to get reconnected.

I have two funny stories to tell you.

Last week I was helping my mom weed her flowers (a rare sight, indeed). I had my flip flops on so I kicked them off to just be barefoot in the dirt. While I was pulling up weeds, I felt something on my foot (we all know how I like bugs) and saw some kind of critter crawling up my leg. I didn't even stop long enough to see what it was- I kicked out to shake the critter off my foot- and accidentally kicked the house. With bare feet.

OW.

So a few days later I was playing with my toes- and wondering why the heck my second toe on my right foot hurt and felt like it needed to be popped- but wouldn't pop... then I remembered kicking the house. I jammed my toe-ey! Owwweeeee!

****

Night before last I had a hilarious dream! I dreamed that my sister Mel, my mom and I parachuted into Disneyland (so we wouldn't have to pay).

stolen here

We landed just inside the front gates and no one said anything to us- or threw us out. So we decided we wanted to go on the new Star Tours ride (which for some reason was a mash up between Star Tours and the Haunted Mansion). While my mother and sister shopped in the candy store for giant, Mickey shaped SweetTarts, I went to get in line.

stolen here

The line for the ride was like, a mile long. So I stood near the entrance acting nonchalant, letting the line pass me by. When Mel and Mom finally came, we just walked right into the line. To the people who protested, I said, "Look, I've been in line, but I had to wait for these two so I let people pass by me." That seemed to appease them so they let us in line. I totally lied to cut in the line! It saved us hours of waiting in line! I was soooo proud of myself!

Anyway, so the line would move really fast, and then stand still for a while, then move really fast again. You know how inside Disney rides they curve you and curl you around corridors and hallways to make it seem like the line isn't as long as it really is? Well we were weaving through some cave looking hallways. The line moved and the people in front of us moved really fast around a corner. When we reached the corner, I could see that two roped off lines went right, and one line went left. So I chose the left line. We wandered and wandered and never found other guests in line. I began to think I chose the wrong way so we tried to find our way back but it was so dark we just kept getting more and more lost. Finally, we came to a huge cavern filled with people. As we hid off to the side, we could see we'd walked into a rally of disgruntled park custodians who had to wear Renaissance costumes.

stolen here

I don't know what they were mad about, but I never *did* get to go on the ride.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition 7

2011-06-11T06:41:00.027-06:00

These two have been around a long time. Not meaning that they're old- just that they both started so young!

Remember back when they were this?

stolen from here

They have both been in all kinds of productions, musicals, comedies, dramas... you name it. Though I'm probably the only person on the planet who has never seen an episode of Sex in the City- and I can't quote Ferris (having only seen it once) I still think these two would be nice to be with. They have a lovely little family and appear to be uh... normal (?). I think we could find some fun conversation. We could talk about theater- and family history. They both appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? and I also take an interest in family history- so see, we could talk for a while and not get bored.

Celebrity Lunch Date: Couples Edition 6

2011-06-10T06:15:00.003-06:00

After much deliberation and discussion- my chum, Melissa A and I have decided that these two would be hilariously awesome to hang out with.

Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller

stolen from here

Only, this couldn't be just lunch. It would need to be a full day at an amusement park or something. They say that laughter is the best medicine. I'm pretty sure that after a day with these two Yahoos, nothing would ail a body. (Remember the rule is that it is two people who would be more fun together- I am not suggesting these two are a "couple")

And if Owen wants to invite his brother... you know... so there's even numbers to go on roller coasters- then I won't argue.

stolen from here