State Fair = Fried Something

A few weeks ago (I know, I'm a little behind on blogging), I hopped the train again to voyage to Indy to go, with the fam, to the State Fair. Because, in Indiana, the State Fair is the thing to do during those two weeks. And it's always a good time.

Now, granted, the State Fair doesn't exactly scream "healthy." I usually stop eating a couple days ahead of time in preparation for the gluttony that is bound to ensue. This year was a little different as one of my "100 goals," was to eat two funnel cakes. After accomplishing this, I learned two things: 1) Fried dough is really in fact only good in moderation (who knew?) 2) The "fun" in "funnel" cake only lasts about 1.5 funnel cakes (the last .5 is a doozy). Admittedly, mom and dad had a few bites - one cannot sit next to a funnel cake and not have some!

Even long distance, one cannot resist! My sis wasn't able to to come west and join the fun, but she did tell me "To eat one for me!" Well, my friends, being the outstanding sister that I am, I did in fact dedicate my second funnel cake to my sister. I am just that good.

Now, less you think that all I did was eat during this day, I would like to prove otherwise! We saw all kinds of stuff - tractor ride, donkey racing, cheese sculptures, Indiana's largest pig, lots of tractors, baby animals, um...oh, and we ran into my parents' neighbors there actually - small world.

I did meet one nice sheep. He was very photogenic and agreed to pose for me. I ran into him after I went and saw the little asses, er, I mean miniature donkeys...aww....miniature donkeys.

Picture this...

Alright people, check another one off the list!! Totes exciting.

72) Have my picture in a brochure

I am now on the inside cover of the new Indiana University Arts Administration Program brochure as a distinguished alumni...totes awesome! I received copies of it last week, and the brochure is beautiful and really conveys the reach and excellence of this grad program.

I had a great time in grad school, learned a lot, and met some amazing people, so it's really great that I can represent (among others) the program.

And yes, for all of those who heard me whining, I did that, also. But some memories I have taken with me are just the best: Irish Lion, Tutto Bene, learning to drive a stick, freak snow storms, cattle call auditions, roommates that moved out while I was in class, brilliant music, and sweet transvestites. Plus, that's when I adopted my sweet Sugar:)

Note to Self

Ugh, so I've actually accomplished two of my other goals, but not had the time to download super-fun pictures, so those blog posts will have to wait.

BUT, on this beautiful Friday, I want to share something hilarious with you all. I really heart old Hollywood and especially Fred Astaire - no one today has class or talent like that.

So, in a fusion of old-school and new school, I present to you this pretty sweet youtube clip.

Note to Self: Fred Astaire is awesome...totes.

Happy Anniversary to Me!!

Today, I celebrate one year with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra! Totes exciting, I know:)

Being at a job for one year = performance review

Performance review = Fulfilling one of my 100 goals! "And the crowd goes wild!!!"

52) Learn to take a compliment

During the review, I learned to take a compliment - without looking at the ceiling, turning red, or attempting to change the subject.

In fact, I actually was able to compliment myself. For those of you who I've asked to help edit my extremely awkward cover letters, you know how big of a step this is for me.

So, check, off the list!

Now, off to enjoy my one year anniversary...and the fact that this is the first summer in 8 years that I won't be moving!!

Pour me a drink, And I'll tell you some lies

Neil. Diamond.

Two little words...one legend...I was lucky enough to see him TWICE this weekend at the United Center.

That's right, folks, this weekend was Neil Diamond Weekend '08.

Saturday, I went with Mom "Biggest Neil Fan Ever" Hall. And the concert definitely lived up to the two expectations I have for a Neil Diamond concert - amazing music and public intoxication. I'm not sure why, but each concert I attend (this weekend was 6 and 7), I always am surrounded by alcohol-loving Neil fans. I never thought my '05 experience could be topped - it's not every year, a 30-something fan stands up and yells, "It's f***in' 'I Am, I Said'." But this year's drunken woman was dancing in the aisles when she grabbed a young bloke returning to his seat and started dancing with him. It didn't end until his furious girlfriend stormed down the stairs to get him - hilarious!

Nothing quite as exciting took place the second night (Sunday), but good times were had nonetheless and I met some very nice Neil-fans from Wisconsin who had driven down for the concert. Plus, it was my friend's first Neil concert - now she has truly lived.

But I know there are those of you out there who haven't had the divine experience that is a Neil Diamond concert. So, being the kind-hearted, generous person I am, I've listed below some choice Neil songs to experience, and the best time in which to listen to them.

Cherry, Cherry - Getting ready for super fun party times...Can't stand still while the music is playin'

I Got the Feelin' - When you're ready to break up with someone...I got the feelin', I'm hearin' goodbye

I Thank the Lord for the Nightime - Monday mornings - all of them...Nine-to-five ain't takin' me where I'm bound

Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon - When you're feelin' a little unsure...I'd die for you girl and all they can say is"He's not your kind"

Red, Red Wine - Bad memories? Rough day? Weird family?...Red, red wine, Go to my head

Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show - Feelin' the love?...Take my hand in yours, Walk with me this day

Cracklin' Rosie - Awesome song for cross-country roadtrips...Cracklin' Rosie you're a store-bought woman

I Am I Said - Moved to a new city and feelin' lonely...An no one heard at all, Not even the chair

I'm a Believer - Currently in the first bloom of a new relationship? Getting ready to watch Shrek?...Not a trace of doubt in my mind, I'm in love

Play Me - During sweet, sweet seduction (this is hypothetical...if it works, let me know!)...You are the sun, I am the moon, You are the words, I am the tune, Play me

Love on the Rocks - Best. Breakup. Song. Ever. Pour yourself a drink, crank the music, stumble around your apartment singing at the top of your lungs (not hypothetical....definitely works)..First, they say they want you, How they really need you, Suddenly you find you're out there, Walking in a storm

Sweet Caroline - If you've spent anytime in a bar, you'll hear this...Good times never seemed so good

Forever in Blue Jeans - When you can't decide what to wear...I'd much rather be, Forever in blue jeans

Pretty Amazing Grace - When you're thankful...In Your amazing grace I had a vision, From that amazing place I came to be, Into the night I wandered, Wandering aimlessly, Found Your amazing grace to comfort me.


There's many, many more great songs - I mean, the man sells out stadiums without needing any airplay!

For all my fellow fans, which songs do you love????

Anglophilia and such

I (heart) England. I loved studying there and experiencing London. I loved the chance to travel around the country and see Stonehenge's ancientness, pretend I was in a Jane Austen novel in Bath, and make a pilgrimage to Thomas a Becket's tomb. And while the country is currently struggling with both a bad economy and increasing violence, I still take comfort in my memories of living there.

In fact, whenever I need "easy" reading - books for fun on a Friday night or something for my daily commute, I find myself reaching for some historical fiction - British style.

I'm usually in the middle of several books and right now the list is:

-Cromwell by Antonia Frasier
-The Years of Extermination (Nazi Germany and the Jews 1939-1945) by Saul Friedlander
-The Story of French by Jean-Benoit Nadeau
-Doomsday Men (The Real Dr. Strangelove and the Dream of the Superweapon) by P.D. Smith

Not really what one would call "light" reading. But you couldn't pry my history books from me with a crow bar - others have tried, all have failed.

But every once awhile, I just need something that's fun, witty, and easy.

Thus, my recent addiction to two authors that write great historical mysteries with smart, sassy women as the main protaganist. Both sets of books are set in Regency England and are extremely well-written. I've gotten my Mom addicted to them as well.

The first author, Tasha Alexander, is a fellow Domer. The second author, Deanna Raybourn, has her own blog and is also a self-professed Anglophile. Both authors are obviously well-read themselves and write with knowledge of the events and culture of the time in which they set their stories. Plus the writing is brilliant and I can never put the book down without having finished it!!!

Raybourn's blog is particularly entertaining, and at times, completely random. And while I usually have GB on the brain, there are countries all over the world that I yet to explore - either through books or on a plane.

This point was especially brought home after my attempts to play this game. Don't blame me when you get frustrated:)

The kicker - you have to spell them right - I knew Azerbaijan existed, I just couldn't spell it:)

Christian the Lion

This is just the coolest video - tugs at the ol' heart strings. I've loved lions since I was teeny tiny, and this about made me cry...out of jealousy...just kidding...sort of.



For more info on this awesome, awesome video, go here