Monday, July 30, 2007

Bourne is Back!!!

Outside of Harry Potter, I have been waiting for the new Bourne movie. It will be here this week. Yes!! It may be next week before I see it, but I just love the whole series and will definitely dropping the coins to see this one.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Tax Free!!!!

Huntsville and Madison County tax free day begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 3, and ends at midnight Sunday, Aug. 5. Buy your stuff. It is just related on School items. Clothes do apply though as long as they are not over 100 dollars for each piece.
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1 test down, 1 to go

As many people know, 2 test are required for teacher certification. I got test results back for one test and liked 5 points passing it. So I will be retaking it. The other test results came today and I passed it. I scored Math Level 6 out of 7. I scored Reading level 6 out of 7 and I scored writing level 4 out of 5. So I passed all of those sections. 1 test stands in my way of certification. I will try to pass that again around Christmas probably. I have 5 years to pass it, hopefully it want take that long.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Flashback from the past!!!

I tried to watch some movies while I was gone. Of course the 1st two days were consumed with Harry Potter. After that was said and done, I managed to pull Short Circuit out of the movie vault. I forgot what the movies of the 80's offered. I just loved the witty short liners in this film. If you haven't seen it in awhile or at all, watch it. IT was cute. I would love to make movies like this. Simple and cute. That is it.

Harry Potter Review (don't read if you don't want hints or anything to ruin the end)

I just got back to in town from the beach. It was fun. I will post more later pics and such. Anyway. While there, I read the last Harry Potter book. It was really good. I will say to anyone that will read it, It was not my favorite book, but I did enjoy reading in spots. It seemed that it was a roller coaster ride of crazy exciting to to much lag time. Over all, I enjoyed it tremendously. As for the ending, I will not give that away, but will say that it is packed full of surprises, horror and utmost shock. I have not told this before, but my favorite supporting character dies in this book. I was saddened yet, proud of him for being so courageous. It will make for a great film.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Sometimes things don't work!!!

This was going to be my clip of the day, but it will not play through youtube. So here is the link.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8519837247299176215

Objective for the trip!!!!

I am headed to beach as posted earlier. My objective is to try to clear my cluttered mind and try to focus and gain clarity of some direction. Also, I am going to try to get organized and form some kind of plan for pursuing my acting career and teaching career. I have had a small portion of the path that I am on cleared, but am not sure about what is ahead. It is a journey and my desire is to touch people and make a difference no matter what I do. I know that my first priority is to God and then my family. Then the career comes. I have to keep that in prospective as well. So, I hope that I gain clarity for this trip.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

I am living in the land of confusion.

When did disturbed remake land of confusion? The video reminds me of the old 80's cartoons mixed with the war in iraq. Crazy Crazy. You can check out the video in my clip of the day. Also, you can see the original awesome video.

The Beach is calling my name

I will be headed to the beach in panama city beach that is. I am pretty excited to go, but I hate that my hubby will not be there. He changed contracts at work and not able to take off. It is a bummer. I hope that he has a good few days alone here at home. Absence makes the heart grow stronger they always say. Needless to say, I will spend the next few days trying to get ready for the trip. So we shall see what I will give to the blogging world.

Tomorrow night we have improv on the square downtown. That should be fun.

Monday, July 16, 2007


Pinky

Yet another pulled muscle!!!

Ok, I get it. Don't do anything strenuous like hug a friend or hang up clothes. I feel old at this moment. Last week a friend hugged me and pinched a nerve in my neck. This week, I am hanging up clothes and get a catch in my back. I don't get it. I am about to hit only 37. Right, as you are thinking, that is not old. (If you are thinking anything else, you should stop reading my blog.) I hate taking medicine, it does a number on me. So I either take the number or take the pain. Hopefully this will not last very long.

My kids, who should both be stand up artist, think this is all quite humerus. My oldest comes to my rescue and starts laughing and call the younger one by saying. Mom is fallin and she can't get up. The younger one says, "Does she need life alert?" No sympathy from them. I can't even laugh it hurts so bad. As long as I don't' move, I am ok.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Good or Bad?

I don't know whether it is good news are bad, but I called Athens State today and had them email me my praxis scores. It seems that I made a 148, but was required to make a 153. 5 points. Wow. I am somewhat disappointed, but I am trying to get passed this and focus on the fact that everything happens for a reason. I will just have to wait and see. I have seen this lesson manifest in lives of others and have tried to be encouraging. I am trying to be strong and say hey I'll just take it again. Who knows what will happen? Maybe I will be in a major film and gross millions and then with a great french accent, I will laugh Ha. I do not need your stinking test scores, you educators. God is faithful and I know that he will guide me over the next several months to do what I need to.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Tremendous thoughts beyond my own comprehension!!!

As I walked today, I thought of how wonderful God's creation is. I thought God is so amazing to save me from my sin. Past, Present and Future. He saved me from what I had done, and what I was going to do. Processing that is remarkable. If I hadn't come to Christ when I did, where would I be?

Car Talk!!!

I read this morning that the radio show Car Talk is coming to Television. That should be interesting. I hope it will be good because I just love that radio show.

Yikes, this hits close to home!!!

Officials say lettuce likely caused Alabama E.coli outbreak
HUNTSVILLE (AP) — Health officials say shredded lettuce served at a Huntsville restaurant was probably the source of an E. coli bacteria outbreak that has sickened 18 people in the past week.
But they also caution that it’s still early in the investigation and tests aren’t fully complete.
Dr. Debra Williams, assistant director of the Huntsville-Madison County Health Department, said all signs point to lettuce served by Little Rosie’s Taqueria as the probable culprit.
Fourteen of the 15 people who have tested positive for E. coli ate at the restaurant June 28-29, she said. The other victim did not eat there.
Health officials are awaiting test results on three other Little Rosie’s customers who have symptoms of E. coli exposure.
“We think it was a cross-contamination handling issue” by a restaurant employee, Williams said.
Fred Grady, chief of the state health department’s epidemiology division, said it’s “a little premature” to call lettuce the source of the outbreak because his agency is still reviewing information collected from victims and the restaurant.
Alabama restaurants are required to toss out fresh produce after four days, so any tainted lettuce served by Little Rosie’s in late June is probably long gone, Grady said. “It’s safe to eat there,” he said.
Health officials considered closing the popular Mexican eatery, but Williams said the contamination was apparently just a “two-day event.”
Little Rosie’s set up a toll-free hot line Tuesday — (800) 328-7761 — for customers who have questions or concerns about the E. coli outbreak.
Pam Ritz, who helps run the restaurant’s risk management program, urged health officials not to speculate on the source of the illness until epidemiologists in Montgomery finish their work.
“We’re being a little too quick to say it’s any specific product before all those cultures are done,” Ritz said Tuesday.
Tod Craig, co-owner of Little Rosie’s, said his company is having all 80 restaurant workers tested for E. coli bacteria and to prevent cross-contamination, lettuce is being chopped by a single employee who does not handle meats. The restaurant has also taken steps to make sure different tongs are used for raw and cooked meats on the grill.
“We’re trying to be proactive on this and do even more than what the Health Department is asking us to do,” Craig said.
Health officials have said the condition of at least three of the victims was severe enough to threaten kidney damage. The youngest victim, 5-year-old Samuel Coggin of Meridianville, was being treated for kidney damage at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and was to receive dialysis.
Kidney failure is the biggest danger of E. coli; other symptoms include bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps.
“He wants to go home, but he’s been brave,” Samuel’s mother, Dinah Rene’ Coggin, said told the paper by telephone Tuesday afternoon. “We’re hanging on prayers.”
She said doctors hope that dialysis will flush the toxic bacteria from Samuel’s system and allow his ailing kidneys to recover.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Harry will have to wait:(

I promised my oldest that I wouldn't see Harry Potter until she got back from camp. She better know that I am very tempted. I can't wait to see it. Yeah. I am almost ready to pull an all nighter, but I better be off to bed soon. I guess we will try to go either Sunday matinee or Monday matinee. We shall see.

Stevie Wonder on Sesame street singing my favorite song of his.

If you like Stevie Wonder you will love this.

God is bigger!!!

This preacher I heard talked about this topic exactly. He spoke of how God is bigger than your boss that didn't give you that promotion. God is bigger than the principals that reject me. God is bigger than the pinched nerve in my neck and God is bigger than the wrong road I took today. He is in control of everything. Just when you think you have Him all figured out, he surprises you. Even if you think, God is going to take care of me this way or that. He pulls out all the stops sometimes and shows you his grace is sufficient in the time of need. I am just glad that God still speaks to me, even though I have shook my fist at him and cried why many times. He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our unrighteousness. Truly amazing.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

The greatest sport on earth!!!

I went tonight to play volleyball on Huntsville adult league. I played in the lower level. I had a blast. It was so much fun.

I was hurting before I went, due to a hug given to me by a friend that was excited to see me. You ask, How excited was she? So excited that I now have something like a pinched nerve or back disc issues.

Now add 4 games of volleyball and you have one sore body. It is a good sore from volleyball. I love the feeling of exhaustion due to athletic activity.

I had so much fun.

They are growing up!!!

Sleeping Bags, pillows, suitcases, and a whole lot of chatter. Put all of that together, and you get camp. I remember camp as a kid. There was nothing like it. Good friends, food and entertainment. This morning, the oldest of the two kids went to her first camp. I can't believe that she is 4 hours away. Granted, she is 12, but she is still my baby. My sister went as a counselor and this helped the agony. I know she will watch her like a hawk. It is still so unreal for me to realize that I have a 12 year old. They slip away to quickly. I am sure my parents feel the same way. On the other side, I am left at home with 1 child who is 10. She already misses her sister. This will be good to spend some time alone with her. She deserves it really. I hope to make it a memorable week for her as well.

Monday, July 09, 2007

1st stand up opp!

I meet 2 times a month with a group of actors. We call it TAG (the Actors Group). I was telling a couple of my friends of my new desire to write some stand up. They were like oh you should bring what you have written to class and perform it for us .I told them that it wasn't hysterical, but if they wanted to sit through it, that would be ok with me. So the 18th of this month. I need to have enough material to do at least 2 - 5 minutes. That is a good start I think. We shall see. I have some delivery objectives to work on as well. I need to sum up what I am trying to say and maybe not jump around so much story to story so that my audience doesn't get confused. So I guess I will work on some of that this afternoon.

Nice Walking today

Walking today was nice. The girls and I headed out for the madison greenway trail. It was beautiful scenery. We walked a mile in and a mile out. I felt like I could go further, but I didn't want to push the girls to much. http://www.madisongreenways.org/

I was amazed how beautiful it is out there. I think that I will hike in a blanket and picnic nest time. There are plenty of places to relax there it seems.

SWIMMING TODAY MAYBE OUT OF THE QUESTIONS:(


Sunday, July 08, 2007

Thoughts about decisions

Tonight, David, our pastor, talked about being in a position where you are not comfortable. He talked about when things happen, God has a greater purpose. He knows what is best.

This was very comforting to me in light of my test scores coming in this week. I have to pass this test to teach public school.

I don't know what God is about to do, I am not doubting, it is just lack of direction for me. I am just waiting and praying that whatever path I choose, He will get the glory for my life.

I have been struggling with myself about the options that are set before me. Do I want to teach? or Do I want to act? I know where my passion lies and where I feel that I could have the most impact. I know where the money lies as well. Making an extra 30,000 a year would help out the budget tremendously. So I know that he will show me where I need to go. I just want to be the most effective to effect people. I want the decisions that I make to be the ones that give me the most potential to touch peoples lives.

That is my prayer.

My first successful writing session

Our church schedule was changed due to the fire at the brewery where we usually meet. We met at 5 this evening at a church in South Huntsville. So I spent the morning cleaning and writing. It was fun for the first time. As suggested by the book I am reading, I took a noun and developed it. I wrote 2.5 pages about. It was cool to see the idea develop and go from there. I have to write and rewrite, but over all I have learned some valuable lessons this session. Write about what you know and relate to. Apply the principals of acting to this as well. Be truthful, in the moment. If someone is going to look bad, make it be you. Use your defects to poke fun at. As I am top heavy and bottom heavy and short. Don't let people be the ones to notice, you point it out and use it. Tremendous book. The Idiots Guide to Comedy Writing. (How do you underline in this format?)

So I have decided as I exercise, meditate, every day, I will write as well. I exercise 30 minutes at least, I meditate all day mostly. Instead of spending time watching people do what I want to do, I am going to do it. This is my accountability. My statement of purpose.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Great is thy faithfulness

Eric's got his offer letter yesterday. Why am I amazed that God provides? He will be making around the same amount of money and he gets an extra week vacation. I know if he didn't get that, God would have something else in store because he takes care of us constantly.

I missed having improv class last week. I am so looking toward Monday. I can't stand it. I have some reading to do in my new book. I have to take 12 -20 nouns and write something funny about them. That is challenging. We will see how it goes.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Prayer for the brewery

Tonight, many of us gathered for prayer at Old Towne. It was a very sureal moment to actually see first hand the damage. It was quite emotional actually. I was sharing with a friend after prayer time that for the first time during trials it is nice to be at peace and realize that God is in control. Even when we think we are in control we are really not. That is what I believe anyway. Eric and I are going through contract renewals again at his work. This time, it doesn't look as well as others, but again, I am at perfect peace that God is in control and will supply our needs and He will take care of us. I am reminded of a song.


HE'S BEEN FAITHFUL
Words and Music by: Carol Cymbala

In my loneliness and fear, through every pain every tear There's a God who's been faithful to me When my strength was all gone, when my heart had no song Still my God has been faithful to me
Every word He promised is true What I thought was impossible I've seen my God do
He's been faithful, faithful to me Just looking back His love and mercy I see When in my heart I have questioned And failed to believe He's been faithful, faithful to me
When my heart looked away, the many times I could not pray Even then He's been faithful to me The days I've spent so selfishly, reaching out for what pleased me Still in love He's been faithful to me
And every time I come back to Him I see Him waiting with His open arms and I know once again
He's been faithful, faithful to meJust looking back His love and mercy I seeWhen in my heart I have questioned And failed to believeHe's been faithful, faithful to me

Update on Old Towne

Old Towne Brewing Co. owner says he'd like to rebuild
Posted by Marian Accardi July 05, 2007 11:31 AM
Old Towne Brewing Co. owner and master brewer Don Alan Hankins said this morning he wants to rebuild the microbrewery that was destroyed by fire overnight.
Hankins didn't know the extent of damage to the equipment in the building, including four large fermenters. About $5,000 worth of beer that was to be shipped today was in the walk-in cooler.
"I'd like to keep Old Towne Brewing Co. going, I just don't know where," he said.
The business at 214 Holmes Ave.. represents "a couple of million dollars" worth of investment, said Hankins, and "a lot of blood, sweat and tears."
"I'm seeing all this" destruction, Hankins said, "and all I can think about is my cat." His cat, Hops, lived at the brewing business and hadn't been found as of this morning.
City building inspectors determined Thursday morning that the building is structurally unsafe, said James Tabor, the assistant fire marshal. The city's Public Works was called on to bring in heavy equipment to remove the east wall of the building and any fallen beams, he said.
"The fire marshal's office will conduct an investigation after it's safe," Tabor said. "This is going to be an all-day process, and we may be here into the night. We're trying to save the front wall," said Tabor.
Jimmy Ivey, district chief with Huntsville Fire & Rescue, said firefighters were battling the blaze inside the building for about 30 minutes when they noticed that the air-conditioning units were sagging. Firefighters were pulled from the building, and about five minutes later, the roof collapsed.

Harry Potter

On July 11, the anticipated movie comes out. The kids and I can't wait. And then the book not long after. What an exciting time. It wont be long now. I love this series. It should be interesting how this boy's life rises to the pentacle or falls to the dust. We shall read soon enough. I think the anticipation is the fun part. My favorite characters have been the main 3 and Hagrid. There are many great characters in this film though. Brilliant writing.

Christians and there grace in time of need!!!!

The ole town brewery burnt last night here in Huntsville, AL. This is where we have church. This is where many others meet to have community together. Yes, all of this is true, but the main thing is this is a dream of a man who is very special. It is sad that it is a total loss for him. Yes, he can rebuild. Yes, he can work it out, but an unexpected event as this is hard to swallow.

Lord be with Don Alan and his brewing family. May you touch him during this time of loss.

As I shared this with several people, that are Christians, I got mixed response. Some where as I saddened. Others a lot less gracious. Well, maybe he needs to change business. This from someone who is against drinking. So cold, so bitter, so sad. To hate something because of there past so much, that they don't see other people suffer. I don't understand it because I have not walked in there shoes, and I don't' want to judge them either, but it seems to me that Christians of all people would show compassion on someone in this predicament, regardless if they were anti or pro beer drinkers.

Lord, help me not judge others and try to understand where they are coming from. Help others learn the compassion that you have toward others in need regardless of who they are.

Help all Christians in the world be more like you.

Monday, July 02, 2007

updated shot


To write or not to write...

Ok to write.

I have been talking to several people about writing lately. I think I want to try stand up comedy. Ok that felt weird coming out with it just like that. I feel real vulnerable.


Anyway, I have been thinking of different things that I find funny, and I have been thinking of who makes me laugh. I find people messing up funny because they are just like me. I mess up all the time. I find Robin Williams funny and he keeps my attention. I find kids laughing funny. There is such beauty in that. The point is that I find a lot of things funny for a lot of different reasons. So the writing world is mine.


I laugh at myself all the time. I was told by a friend of mine the other day. Wendy, you are really funny. Maybe I am, but I am not willing to admit it yet.

I got a book tonight at the bookstore about writing comedy. The first tip is Don't try to make people laugh with what you write, but write what makes you laugh and then others will follow.

Where will this lead? That is a great question. I will be staying tuned in to see.

I was a little disappointed that there was no improv tonight. Oh well I had class by myself at home. lol. Once you begin this improv bit, it consumes your everyday life. You live moment to moment.


I did walk and swim today for exercise. That was good. The diet was not so good today. I am not even going to list what I consumed, but hopefully I burned it off. I have to do better tomorrow. Well until then.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

The world's worst thing to say to an improv artist

Your shows are over after doing 6 shows in a week.

Wow what an amazing week for me. I performed 6 shows within 5 days. I can hardly put it into words. I am so thankful to be involved with such a wonderful group of people. I am learning so much about this craft and about myself. I am definitely growing as a person and not just because I cheated on my diet. I mean that I am growing emotionally. I love doing improv so much. I think that I have finally found where I belong. (on a stage). I know this because I would rather do improv ...

than sleep or eat.


Wow, amazing stuff.