Where All of My Money Will Be Going

1. I have nurtured a lifelong obsessive love for Canada.
2. I am very passionate about my tea.

Three years ago these two loves met up when I finally got to visit Canada for the first time, and while in Kingston, ON to see a performance of Anne & Gilbert, I discovered the Tea Store.

As soon as we drove by I knew that, as Liz Lemon would say, I needed to go to there. It is tea heaven. My parents and I spent almost two hours chatting with the friendly staff and some of the patrons (one who gave us a new beautiful scenic route to take to Toronto, once he heard we were in no hurry to get there), consuming delicious pastries, and boggling over the 100s of types of tea there were to choose from. It was a perfect afternoon.

A few days ago we were fondly reminiscing about that trip and about how wonderful the time in the Tea Store was. I decided I would google them just for the hell of it and what wonderfully awesome thing do you think I discovered????

This:
http://www.teastore.ca/

They sell their tea online AND they ship to the USA!!! Woohooo I can have Ice Wine tea again!!!!! Having tea shipped to me is nowhere as nice as being there, but I can always sip my ordered tea and pretend I have just visited Roots and Indigo Books.

Side note: It seems that most people I met that trip found it very odd when I told them that I had traveled from New Jersey all the way to Kingston just to see a musical. I don't think it was that odd. I really wanted to see the show and my only option was to see it there. So glad I did too! The show was great!!!

Oh Internet, You Make It So Easy to Be a Hermit!

Clearly I am not a blogger extraordinaire, but maybe one day I will be a quarter good as these ladies are:

http://fourthgradenothing.com

I stumbled across Ally's Fourth Grade Nothing blog earlier this week when in a fit of nostalgia I googled Swatch phones (blog about the teenage wonder that was the Swatch phone will come later). I was hooked from the first entry and I proceeded to spend the next two day's worth of free-time reading every single entry she has written. Such nostalgic fun! She is witty and has a really honest voice. Go check her out!

Fourth Grade Nothing led me to my next great discovery:

http://whatireadbackthen.wordpress.com
otherwise know as Are You There Youth, It's Me Nikki

Nikki's blog, where she re-reads and recaps books from her youth, is my dream blog. I wish I had thought of it first ( I was planning to write a Series Loved, Some Lost post this summer and I'm still going to do it sometime soon), instead, right now, I will bow down at her feet and tell her she's a genius. I tore through the entire blog in two or three days. While reading I kept amazon.com open so I could add books to my "Used Kid's and YA Books I NEED to Track Down List" ... that list is getting pretty long now thanks to the dearth of great material I have (re)discovered over the last few days. Thanks Nikki, you rock :)

My next stop is going to be http://dibblyfresh1.blogspot.com/

Fourth Grade Nothing: Bain de Soleil, for the St.Tropez Tan

See I'm not the only one to have fond memories of Bain de Soliel!

Fourth Grade Nothing: Bain de Soleil, for the St.Tropez Tan

Potassium, My Dear Chiquita

I should be focusing on how I really, really need to find a new full time job (as of like yesterday), but instead I am going to recount a conversation one of my best friends and I had last night about bananas.

While we were on the phone my friend had a leg cramp. I told him he needed more potassium in his diet, so he said he was going to get some bananas. Then I got to thinking aloud about whether or not there are other foods besides bananas that have oodles of potassium in them. He couldn't think of any (I was too lazy to get out of bed and head to the Internet), and since he isn't always a fan of bananas he declared this cornering of the market was so bananas could have their day in the sun. I said sometimes there is nothing as good as a banana, but I needed to further qualify that by stating that it had to be an almost still totally green banana. He instantly disagreed. He spoke up on behalf of the yellow banana that has just started to get brown spots. Turns out bananas are one of those things in life that people feel passionately about. There isn't a gray zone when it comes to how you like your banana; it is truly a black and white, clear cut issue.

So how do you like your bananas?

Dear Thursday,

I think we should agree to stay away from each other for awhile. Though you tried your darnedest to make me cry you didn't succeed ... by the way, really appreciated the super strong electric shock when I unplugged my computer to take it to the theater, and the air conditioner spitting out water and black goo... it was very cute on top of everything else you had already pulled; you're classy Thursday, really you are. I've decided to take the high road and for the foreseeable future I'm going to choose to pretend that you don't exist. Wednesday will simply slide into Friday. We'll try spending time together again when Community and 30 Rock return in the Fall, but remember if you piss me off again I can always depend on the DVR to help me to continue to pretend that you don't exist! I don't need you. You hold no power over me!

Civil regards,
me

Want My Teddy Bear

Today is bound and determined to make me cry. Absolutely nothing has gone right. No rainbows, sunshine, or lollipops in sight. So far I haven't given in, but there are still many hours ahead of me, so I make no promises.

Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming

It is a documented truth that I don't deal well with stress. Unfortunately my life seems to be jampacked with stressors that I just can't seem to shake. Today, since I was off from work, was declared a mental health day.

I floated in the blowup pool in my yard, but pretended I was in the Barbados.

Thanks to the pool, my float, my book, and my Boys of Summer play list for providing me with four hours of bliss.

A special MVP award today goes out to Coppertone sunscreen and Bain de Soliel Orange Gelee. These are the scents of my childhood summers. My brother and I would get coated in Coppertone while my mother, grandmother, and aunt would be basted with Orange Gelee.

The metal tube still basically looks the same. The scent is exactly the same. As soon as I smell it I am instantly transported back to Takanessee Beach Club. I spent my summers from birth to age 6 there, and if I think about it I can still hear the slap of the screen door to the Snack Bar and my grandmother's voice.

Places to go, Things to see: Part 1 - The North America edition

Six years ago I typed up a list of places I wanted to visit. Some of them were places I've always wanted to go, but never have been; others were old favorites that I would like to visit again (and again, and again). Today I'm going to focus on the North American destinations.

The U.S.A:
Washington D.C.* - I am nine years overdue a trip to the nation's Capital. I am jonesing a trip to the Smithsonian like I assume an addict would crave their next fix. I get shaky when I think of all of those museums and all of that history in one spot.

Williamsburg, Virginia* - It has been twenty years since I have been to Williamsburg. The last time I was there was for an American Girl tea party that introduced Felicity. I want to wander around the village and hit up Busch Gardens.

Annapolis, Maryland* - My parents saw no problem with driving down to Annapolis for lunch. It's such a pretty town and I want to find out if Buddy's Crabs still exists.

Baltimore, Maryland* - Such a cool town! It has an attitude all its own. I want to go to the Aquarium, wander around the waterfront, and pretend I'm in a John Waters' film.

Chincoteague* and Assateague* - I fell in love with Marguerite Henry's Misty series when I was little and I dreamed of going to visit Chincoteague and Assateague in order to see the wild ponies. When my parents bought our RV one of the first trips we took was to Tom's Cove Campground in Chincoteague. I still remember it as being one of the coolest campgrounds ever (only topped by one in The Keys). We went crabbing and had a ball at the wildlife preserve and the beach. Three years ago we went back down to the Islands on a whim to celebrate Mother's Day and My father's Halfway Thru Radiation Day. We stayed at a wonderful motel right on the channel, where I proceeded to shoot some of the best pictures of my life (the photo in my blog header is the view from the motel's dock at sunset), and my mother was stalked by a duck who was crushing on her. We had the most relaxing time and I've wanted to go back again ever since. I could see myself moving to Chincoteague someday.

Atlanta, Georgia - I have never been outside the Atlanta airport. I want to go to the aquarium, to the Varsity, and to The World of Coke. If I can get my brother to come with me I'll even go see a baseball game! The Braves are his favorite team.

Savannah, Georgia - I was first intrigues by the idea of Savannah when I read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Then I was introduced to the world of Paula Deen. I want to eat tons of food at The Lady and Sons then wander around and take pictures of the architecture.

Hilton Head, North Carolina - Beaches and I are muy simpatico. I want to play in the dunes and see the sea grass. Someday I'll use vacation points to stay at the Disney Vacation Club Resort there and this will be given its very own star.

Charleston, South Carolina* - We stopped here once when I was too young to truly appreciate the beauty of this city. I remember going to Fort Sumter, a museum that I loved ... and I remembered the heat and the humidity:(. Next time I visit I'm going in October!

The Keys, Florida* - Visiting the Keys is the closest I've ever come to going somewhere tropical, and alas the last time I was there I was only 10, which kind of puts a damper on doing most of the traditional Keys activities. I've been to The Hogsbreath Saloon and Margaritaville, but I couldn't have a drink at either. I still managed to have a great time though. We went to the Aquarium, took a trolley tour, and I learned all about Hemingway and his cats. I had the best night sleep of my life while camping on Fiesta Key.

Orlando/Lake Buena Vista, Florida* - Three Words: Walt Disney World.

Crystal River, Florida - I want to go to the Manatee Preserve.

Memphis, Tennessee - Oh the music, oh the barbecue!!! When we drove my brother out to Texas we were supposed to stop in Memphis, but we stopped making in good time and we sped right through. No Graceland for my father, and no Beale Street for me.

Nashville, Tennessee - On the drive back from Texas we were supposed to stop in Nashville but ours plans changed.

New Orleans, Louisiana - Come on it's New Orleans - The food, the music, the history, the architecture, its strength of character... who could say no?

Austin, Texas* - My brother and sister in law lived in Austin for five years. It's such an amazingly eclectic city. I miss going there.

St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota* - Funny enough, the Twin Cities made it on my list because after reading The Girl Talk series when I was younger, I had always dreamed of seeing the Sculpture Garden. Imagine my surprise when my brother and sister in law moved to a St. Paul suburb two years ago. Minnesota is great. I can't wait to go to the Minnesota State Fair sometime. I wish I could go this year. I haven't seen my brother or sister in law in over a year and I really, really miss them.

Las Vegas, Nevada - The only reasons I want to ever go to Las Vegas is because I want to see Cirque de Soliel's production Love ... plus I'd really like to see my friend Ange again.

San Fransisco, California* - I spent two evenings in San Fransisco once and it wasn't enough time to even scratch the surface.

San Diego, California - One of my dreams is to learn how to surf and I want to do so at Surf Diva bootcamp at La Jolla Beach.

Anaheim, California - I'm a huge Disney history freak. I need to see Disneyland in person at least once in my life.

Portland, Oregon - It's supposed to be awesome here. It has beauty and Powell's books, and lest I forget, Voodoo Donuts!

Seattle, Washington - sort of the same reasons as Portland.

Hawaii - I want to go all over!!!!!! Oahu, Kuai, The Big Island, Waimea Bay, don't care where I start just get me there!!!

Alaska - I'll go anywhere. I just want to have my camera with me and about a trillion memory cards. Film of Alaska always makes me cry because it is so breathtaking.

Burlington, Vermont - Um hello, Vermont foliage (I'm a sucker for Fall), maple syrup,and Ben and Jerry's!

Boston, Massachusetts - I've never been to Boston :(. I want to walk the Freedom Trail and go to Quincy Market.

Ithaca, New York* - I'm planning an entire entry extolling the virtues of Ithaca, but in short it is truly Gorges ;)... plus it has been FAR too long since I have been back.

Lititz/Hershey, Pennsylvania* - We used to drive to Hershey and Lititz for the day when I was younger. Hershey is the "sweetest place on earth" and Lititz has the Sturgis Pretzel Factory and Wilbur's Chocolates.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania* - I'm long overdue a Philly shopping and museum adventure.

Mexico: History, Culture, and Beauty abound.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico
Guadalajara, Mexico
Ixtapa, Mexico

Canada: Full disclosure I've often felt sometimes like maybe I was supposed to have been born Canadian.

Victoria, B.C - The gardens!

Vancouver, B.C. - It's supposed to be such a beautiful and chill city.

Kingston, Ontario* - Such a neat city! I compared it to Ithaca on steroids. The downtown area has the Tea Store, an Indigo books, a theatre, and a Roots clothing store, I don't think I need much else.

Ottawa, Ontario - The capital of Canada, and the home to another Tea Store!

Toronto, Ontario* - If ever I move to a big city I'm moving to Toronto. There isn't enough time to describe all of the things I love about T.O.!!!!

Montreal, Quebec - The Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, poutine, McGill University, and Old Town.

Nova Scotia, Halifax - I fell in love with Budge Wilson's version of Nova Scotia and I want to see how the real thing measures up. I also really, really want to hear the fiddlers.

Newfoundland - The sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea.

Cavendish, P.E.I. - I have dreamed of going all over Prince Edwards Island since I was seven because that is when I first fell in love with Anne of Green Gables. The ocean, the red sand, the seafood. I think I could probably die happy there.

Not so Happy Talk

South Pacific is kicking my behind right now. I'll be back sometime after the 24th with a few book reviews, another addition to Summer Travel: Book Edition, and a few other things!

Waiting for the Light[s] to Shine

Working in the theatre = lots of waiting. For the last four days I have been in rehearsal for South Pacific. I've waited while lights were hung, waited while lights were focused, and waited while lights were programmed. Tomorrow I'm going to be waiting while costumes are tried on and paraded. I actually don't mind all of this waiting because it gives me time to read my script which I only got four days ago. I'm currently acting as what I like to call a guerrilla stage manager. Instead of being needed for the entire audition and rehearsal process, as is tradition, I instead get called in 7 days before the show opens. The last few times I have done this I wrangled props and actors and made sure backstage ran smoothly. This time I'm actually calling the show and I'm freaking out!

I haven't called a show in eight years. After college my self confidence in my stage managing capabilities deflated and I gave up on my dreams of being a professional. 10% of my brain is sure that in the end everything will be fine, but right now the other 90% of my brain keeps thinking about Stern's words of wisdom from The Stage Manager's Handbook: "Everything that goes wrong is your fault".

Gulp! One wrongly called cue can bollocks the whole show. It takes time to learn the flow of a show and tomorrow when I call the show for the first time in rehearsal I will only have seen it twice. I've got till Tuesday at 11:00 pm to get it down cold. Please pray for me!!

P.S. - Extra theatre geek bonus points if you understand why the title of this entry is funny.

I think Minnie Mouse would probably make an excellent shopping buddy

I've mentioned before that I'm a Disney nut. In addition to the Winnie the Pooh characters I have always held a fondness in my heart for Minnie Mouse. Perhaps it is because from an early age I have always been the tomboy with a group of guy friends, so I can appreciate a girl who runs with the boys, or perhaps it is my fondness for red backgrounds with white polka dots. Who knows? I do know that from the age of 5 to probably about 12 I always had the same white sweatshirt from Walt Disney World that had Minnie Mouse on it. I think I wore through 4 or 5 of them before I could no longer find one in my size. I have searched high and low, but I can't find an image of this sweatshirt on the Internet anywhere and due to the fact that I think I look like a troll in all childhood pictures over the age of 4 you will just have to take my word for it that this sweatshirt was awesome!

For a few years now I have been on the lookout for a replacement shirt, but unfortunately I am picky (some may say crazy). I have Minnie Mouse criteria. She has to be wearing the red, white polka dotted dress of my childhood. Not the vintage blue skirt, or just a red skirt, and surely not the pink, white polka dotted dress from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. An added challenge is that until further notice this shirt has to be plus sized.

I may not have found my dream shirt yet, but until I do I can make due with looking at these each day:

Photo from Amazon.com


Photo from Amazon.com

Every time I look down at them they make me smile. Even when I take my checkbook out to balance it!

In addition to my divine bag and wallet I've recently rediscovered other Minnie Mouse favorites. While fooling around on Itunes one day I found this:

Photo from Amazon.com

This was one of my favorite TV specials!!! In fact it is the first time I remember truly enjoying Elton John's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". Our VHS copy bit the dust long ago, but fortunately Youtube was created and there are other nostalgia hounds like me out there!




This got me thinking about another Minnie favorite

Photo from Amazon.com

I hadn't thought about this album for years, but boy did my friends and I listen to it a lot. Interesting anthropological note though; this album came out in 1990, when I was 10. My friends and I still loved it because back then , at ten, you were still a kid. You weren't as worried about being trendy. Christa's voice doesn't hold up as well as it did in my memory, but the songs are still catchy. I've added it to my ipod because I know my students will love it. Some of the ballads are perfect for rest time :0).

Minnie was pro- girl power waayyy before the Spice Girls!