Before Broderick

Remember back when the Disney channel was one of those channels that you had to subscribe to? We never subscribed to it but I looked forward twice a year to when they would have their free preview week.  They used to show such good stuff.  GOOD shows and actual GOOD movies (as opposed to the moronic teenie bopper crap that's on now- the last good show was Lizzie McGuire and even that was sometimes borderline lame).  They showed all the of Anne of Green Gables movies, and in fact pretty much anything made by Kevin Sullivan (Looking for Miracles is awesome!) They had Vault Disney where later at night they would show old Disney movies and old episodes of the Mickey Mouse Club (I don't care what you say, Annette is awesome) and Zorro.

Occasionally there would be a non-Disney movie on.  There was one I always wanted to see a second time.  It came on once and usually they repeated movies every few months or so- but I never caught the name of it so I never saw it again.  There was a girl... a horse... a plane crash... and a ghost boy... but that's all I could remember.

Also, a movie called Seven Alone about seven kids who lose thier parents and cross the plains with the pioneers by themselves (I'm not sure if that was actually on the Disney channel or just a movie I saw as a kid).  If I remember correctly it was the first movie I ever cried watching (not counting The Lion King which was the first theater movie I cried at).

When I was home for Christmas, my mom and I were in a dollar store and out of boredom (you all know how I love shopping with other people) so I started leafing through the DVDs. I found a copy of Rankin Bass's Jack Frost (you know them, they're the ones who do all those stop motion holiday movies and the weird looking cartoons like The Hobbit and The Last Unicorn).  It's a super sad story and one of the lesser knowns, but I still like it.  I was happy to buy it, then go to Shopko only to see the same movie on sale for $14.  So since then I've occasionally searched the movie box at the dollar store just in case.

A couple of months ago I came across Seven Alone.  I knew that one by title, so when I saw it, I grabbed two copies- one for me, one for my mom.  Today, I was flipping through and found a movie starring Sarah Jessica Parker.  Intrigued, I picked it up and read the synopsis.  It was my mystery Disney movie! There it was! The girl... the horse... the plane crash... and the ghost boy!

It's called Somewhere, Tomorrow and it's one of her first movies.  Way before Sex in the City.  Way before Flight of the Navigator (remember, she had purple hair and went to a Twisted Sister concert... where I learned that Twisted Sister isn't a She... It's a Him... acutally, it's a They).  Even before Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.  In fact, it IS her first movie.  She did TV stuff before that but this is her first actual movie.  If I'd've known it was her in it- it would have made it a lot easier to find (what does an six year old know about celebrities that aren't on Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock or some other Jim Henson creation?) Even years later when the internet was first invented (yes, I'm that old that I remember when we first got the internet and emails still took a day or so to deliver. Heck- I remember life before MTV) I tried to find the title of the movie but was unsuccessful.

I can't wait to watch it. I'm sure after 25 years-ish I'll think differently of these movies, but I am just excited to have found them and if i dont like them, I'm only out a dollar each!

Silver Lining or just a Shiny Gray Cloud?

I refuse to give up hope that I still have a chance at the Ellis Island job.  It feels so right, and it just seemed that things fell into place so nicely.  It's been almost four weeks since I've heard back from Catherine, the director of the Immigration History Center, and I'd just about given up.  I know the peak season starts in May so I figured they would have the position filled rather quickly to get the new person in there and ready to go. 

I was talking to some friends last night telling them of the job and how perfect it is, and how perfect I am for it- but that I was pretty sure I was not going to get it.  They put the idea in my head- and I totally agree- that because it is a kind of a government job, I would have to get an extensive background check (which I totally knew, having worked there before- I just thought they'd hire me THEN do the check) and that it could take several weeks. 

So that was either the boost I needed to keep up my hope, or the puff of wind that will push me into a chasm of darkness when I learn I haven't got the job I was so counting on.

Heather-do's

I may just be hungry... but Oh. My. Gosh. This looks good.

I am in a list making mood today. But the only kind of list that is coming to mind, is a list of things I need to do. I don't want to make that list, cuz then I'll feel obligated to do it.  But I will anyway.

• I really need to clean my room (which includes the bathroom as well)
• I really need to do laundry (if I'd clean my room, I'd have more clothes)
• I need to flip my mattress (I'd quote a line from Friends here, but most of you wouldn't get it)
• I need to do my visiting teaching (I haven't done it for months, why start now?)
• I need to find a job (still holding out for Ellis Island- but it's been three weeks... I'm pretty sure that's not a good sign)
• I need to call my Aunt (she is awesome and I never call her. I'm a bad Niece)
• I need to go walking (or something that doesn't require a chair fused to my @$$)
• I need to get a load of crap together to take to Good Will (I have stuff I haven't worn in years, why do I insist on keeping it?)
• I need to clean my basement (it's full of boxes and broken appliances... what does one do with an old vacuum?)
• I need to take a nap (early morning babysitting of twins takes a lot out of a single, unemployed, childless girl)
• I need to eat (all I've had today is a bowl of Kix and a cherry limeade from Sonic- someone else paid)
• I need to pay my 60 cent library fee (oopsy, kept the movies a little longer than I meant to)
• I want to get new ringtones for my phone (the ones that came with the phone are lame.  So far I only have The Office theme song as my default)
• I want to read (A Girl From the Limberlost, more Gene Stratton-Porter)
• I need to write something (anything... I haven't written in months)
• I need to send a post to my bestie (I've been meaning to for months, but since I had a dream that she sent a post and died shortly after, I've been a little reluctant to communicate with her via snail mail)
• I need to stop making this list (and start doing the things that are on it)

Yeah, I think the nap sounds good. I'll start there.

First Kisses, Visits Home, and Refining Patience

I am Empress of the VL club.  You all know that (and if you didn't, you do now).  It's kind of pathetic.  I have friends who have told me, "Just kiss someone. Just waste your first kiss on anyone because it's weird and awkward anyway.  The really good kisses come later." I'm sure it's sound advice. But heck, I've waited this long- I can wait a little longer.

Irritating as it was cute, I went to visit my friend Jessica the other day and had my Niece and Nephew with me. My Nephy-poo is four years old and Jess's Miss P is two-ish.  That little rat kissed Miss P as we walked out the door.  I know, I know, it doesn't count... but even my four year old Nephew... sigh... nevermind.

It's been a lovely visit home.  I've played five crowns countless times (and rarely won) and Farkle every night with my Mommy (yes, I call her Mommy, get over it).  I lost most of the time at that game. But I love it anyway. I love the one on one time with my Mom.  I got to see most of my friends- the ones who make an effort to stay in contact, anyway.  I tried to see a few others, but timing didn't work out so much. I love my family- but they eat out so much! I don't know if they did that for me, or if that's how they really eat. But holy cow I'm excited to go home and cook something- even if it's as gross as Hamburger Helper.  I got to spend time with Jess reveling in the beauty that is Jane Austen (although I like the A&E Emma better than the new Masterpiece Theatre one), and talk about the Harvester and other gems by Gene Stratton-Porter.

I wandered Wendy's farm and caught up with her a while.  I went to breakfast with Heather and chatted with her as her two youngest played with my Nephy-poo (who is so hard up for friends that he actually wanted to play with me from time to time).  Two of my older Nieces play club volleyball so I went to their games.  It was frustrating to watch. I just itch to play. But I got to go to one of their practices (it helps if you're sisters with the coach).  I also have a ridiculous habit of watching episodes of Dick Van Dyke one Netflix while I'm home. I don't know why- but it's one of my guilty pleasures.

I've been slightly on edge because I've been waiting for calls back from Ellis Island, and the Book People (like how I capitalize that? Like it's a title or something).  Still nothing.  I also have a contact with a Doctor's office in Denver. I have a job interview there as soon as I get back this evening. I'll keep you posted on that. Normally I'd be so excited about that... but I have my heart set on Ellis Island, and now anything else will be just the job I got because I couldn't get the one I wanted.  But, I'm waiting. Waiting. Waiting.  Even if they told me I didn't get it, that would be something and I could move on- but I'm still waiting. I've emailed and called... that's not a good sign, is it? And I'm so perfect for that job! Argh! But until they say Nay, there is still that shred of hope...

Best. Day. Ever.

Who would'a thought I'd ever say that about a Monday?


I have some super exciting updates- and it's not even April Fool's (which, by the way, that was the funniest thing I think I've ever done.  Thank you for all the congratulations- and to those of you who thought me actually capable of that? *sniffs in contempt and turns away*)

Last week while working at the Dentist's office I met a woman who is an editor at Penguin Books.  I actually didn't know that when I met her- but the dental assistant, Michael, told me she was later.  He called her and had her talk to me because he'd been told I'm working (sort of) as a freelance editor.  When she got on the phone with me, I cleared up that I'm more of a writer than an editor and had a couple of books ready to go and a lot of ideas in the pipeline.  Anyway, she asked me to email her my plot summaries and she'd see what she could do as far as getting me in touch with someone who works in that genre (she works with the non-fiction stuff).

I carefully wrote my letter, sent it to a few friends for approval, and sent it on to her.  Of course, it's not till after you send something that important that you notice the typos. D'oh!

Today, I heard back from her. She likes my plot lines and requested first chapters of both books to send on to a friend of hers.  I can't believe it. I mean, I know better than to count my chickens just yet-- but still, It's pretty exciting!

Also,  a few weeks ago I decided that I thought working at Ellis Island would be an absolute perfect fit for me. I love family history, I love helping people and I love historical monuments.  I worked there on my mission as a volunteer for two summers and loved it.  I worked in the American Family Immigration History Center.  There, they help people find the records of ancestors who came to this country and were processed through the island.  There was one day, my first summer there, when I was helping the sweetest little old lady. I swear she had to be about 179 years old.  We were looking for her mother's records.  We searched and searched and when we were just about to give up, we found her.  And not only did we find her record, but we realized that it was exactly 90 years to the day that her mother had been on Ellis Island.  We both just sat there and bawled. It was amazing.

Anyway, so I thought that I would love working there, and I know that the manager there liked me, so I sent her an email.  When I didn't hear back from her, I gave her a call.  She was on vacation for two weeks. So I let the time pass, and gave her some time to get back to work and get caught up, and then called again. This time I left a message. 

Today she called me back.  She remembers me (it's been seven years almost) and remembers that she liked me.  We chatted a bit about my work history and she is interested in reviewing more about me.  She asked me send her my resume and a cover letter and she will seriously consider me!  I just can't believe it!  I know I know... chickens.. hatching... be patient.  But it would be so amazing.  I would be scared to death to live in Jersey by myself (it's a whole n'other thing to be there as a missionary and not have to worry about bills and stuff), but I think I'm up to the challenge.

I'll keep you posted either way.  If it's meant to be, it will happen. If not, then it won't.  At this point, I can only sit back and see what life has in store for me.

It's official!

I'm moving! I've been looking for jobs all over the country- and even outside of it in some circumstances and have come up completely empty.  It seems no one will hire me.  So, after a lot of thought, and consideration, I have put my name on this website and last night someone picked me! I can't believe it!

I am SOOOO excited about moving to Russia.  I know it sounds totally crazy and you will all think I'm a bit of a loon for doing it.  But, as a wise woman once said,

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar before-hand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always contrive to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.''

I have about a month to close up my affairs here and get things in order. I'll probably go to Idaho and see my family for some of that time and then leave straight from there.  I can't believe this is happening!  I haven't told anyone about it because I didn't want to feel judged, or hear the criticism that would surely come with it.

But just think of the opportunity! I'll be in a new place, learning a new language, seeing new things.  I'll be married! (weird) and have a chance to really share the gospel.  I know that things will work out for me. I have every reason to believe that he (all I know about him is that his name is Iosif -which I think is Russian for Joseph. See, what a good name!)  will accept the gospel. I imagin in a little over a year we will be sealed in this temple (Kyev, Ukraine).   I'm sure you're all thinking I'm off my rocker.  But you don't even know how excited I am!