Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday. Cherish the moments. And remember, don't save it all for Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas from VLC.

I use VLC media player for all of my media needs. i.e. watching videos. This is what it looks like in my start menu...




The other day I opened it to watch a video and found my VLC media player has a Santa hat! I laughed. And thought I'd share. Did everyone finish their Christmas shopping yet?

How to speak Texan. Apparently.

My mom sent this to me. I guess to help with the lingo for when I move.

---

Kinky Friedman, entertainer and former Texas gubernatorial candidate, explains how to speak Texanese:

"Y'all is singular."

"All y'all is plural."

"All y'all's is plural possessive."

---

Note to self.

Ten things I know about San Antonio Texas

1. Two hours from the beach
2. Seventh largest city in the U.S.
3. Warm during the winter
4. HOT during the summer
5. They have scorpions (which that just might be Texas in general, hopefully not San Antonio.)
6. There are either 7 Universities or SEVERAL Universities. I couldn't understand what the guy was saying in the conference call.
7. There's at least one University.
8. A lot of people live there.
9. I'm going to live there.
10. I really can't come up with a number ten. I don't know if number nine even counted. Suffice it to say it's going to be an adventure.

In case you're wondering, I'm relocating there with Chase. If you pay attention to the news, or even if you don't, you should know that Chase bought out WaMu. They are keeping WaMu's San Antonio center open but want heritage Chase employees to transfer down to be there for the conversion. It should be fun!

Birthday Cakes

There are two kinds of birthday cakes in this world. Ok, there are many kinds but for the sake of this blog there are two.

The kind that look good...

And the kind that taste good...

In case you're wondering why the candles look like they're sliding off the cake it's because my friend thought the un-iced cake was corn bread and cut a huge triangle out of it. :blank stare: A grand attempt was made by the baker to cover it up but it didn't matter what it looked like. It was amazingly yummy and by far the best icing I've ever had on a cake.

Although cake number 1 may have been preferred, cake number 2 came in pretty close to the best birthday cake ever. Thanks Susette. :)

This is the Knight!

STAGE DOOR: TAKE FIVE

As exciting as being with my family was. And touring the city. And my new found Heaven on Earth (blog coming soon…) it was the night of Spamalot. Lovely Spam, oh wonderful Spam! Our seats were in the mezzanine, second row center. First row had been preferred (of mezzanine for my family, I would have been fine with first row orchestra in spitting range of the actors). Because of the later purchase of tickets those taller then 5’2” were cramped into one position, unable to move your legs for fear that you would knee the head of those sitting in the first row who were quite comfortable in their seats. In some cases, jealousy may have cause for those in the second row to have a slight leg jerk every now and then, but I think my family was kind enough to not display such immature behavior. Right?

I won’t go through the details of the show. It was superb, hilarious, and although the previous Lady of the Lake was missed the new one held her own. The replacement of the beloved Tom, who was out sick, was better then the one I had previously seen, but just not Tom. Clay was, well, you already know how I feel on that subject. I think. I hope.

Fast forward to the end of show.

My plan was to leave a little early to get a good spot at the stage door. I’m not sure where my mind was but my “little early” was like, a lot. Apparently I thought they changed the show around and they no longer had a curtain call with the fun sing along, confetti pop, and Clay’s salute? I was already losing my mind. Needless to say I was definitely first outside. Luckily I had the company of Jerome. No one was around so I mentioned this and asked if I could take a picture with him now (as opposed to the previous night). Which how I was ever to manage to take a picture with me and a man who is 6’7” is just a stupid idea. Nevertheless I asked. He declined again and we started talking about I don’t remember what. I remember him mentioning another Broadway rule that you’re not allowed to say the name “Macbeth” within theater walls. To which he continued, “And you know I’m ghetto, so I had to see what would happen”. Or something like that. I remember the ghetto part and that made me laugh. Chalk that up for something else Jerome did wrong in the Broadway scene.

Finally the show was over and naturally the Claymates were first out of the building; running, reaching, lovingly pushing, and finally screeching to a halt the closest they could to the metal barriers. Tonight I had chosen a spot close to the stage door where Clay always starts his signing. I was taking no chances this time.

The stage door crowd was smaller then his first run. Clay’s Champions for Change annual Gala for his charity The Bubel/Aiken Foundation (yes, I’m plugging) in North Carolina the next day may also account for some Claymates not being in NYC. I noticed a lady (Clayfan2001 from the Clayboard) handing her camera to another friend so she could be set to ask for a picture with Clay. I did the same, I asked if Clayfan2001 would take my camera. I showed her how to use it but in my excitement forgot to turn on my flash.

And the door opens. Again… EEEEEEE! I made note of Clay’s height… he really is 6’1” and that he was a very good looking guy. His hair looked darker and he was wearing a white hoodie. And naturally I paid close attention to those nice hands that he has. Ok, I’m totally lying. I remember nothing. Not clearly anyway. I remember him laughing at the can of Spam that my nephew was having him sign. And I think he took my clipboard with my ticket on it. I’m assuming since his signature is on it. I asked for his picture but apparently didn’t hear him respond “give your camera to someone else” so I asked again. (my sister told me that he had said that afterwards) Which now I just feel dumb for asking twice but oh well. I DO however remember that he put his arm around me. I remember that clearly. Tyra Banks would be happy at my “smiling with my eyes” picture. I ALSO shamelessly remember that I did NOT put my arm around him. What the freakin crap? I was looking forward to that halfway hug and I failed! I realized this about the time that the picture was about to be taken and I didn’t want to have my face distorted for my priceless picture to make sure I got that halfway hug.

Clay moved on to the next lady and I got my camera back from Clayfan2001 only to find that it was completely overexposed and you could barely see us. :( Talk about disappointed. But I guess I can only blame myself; if I had remembered to turn on the flash it might have turned out better. Or maybe I can blame my sister for meandering around in the background for too long and not armed and ready with my camera. I like that better. :)

I had plans to get some great pictures with my nice camera to share with my friends. I failed at that too. I got a little too distracted and only remembered that I had a camera in my hand when he was toward the end of the line. I got two pictures… of his back towards me. :rolling eyes:

All and all though it was a great experience and one to cherish. Hopefully I’ll be more prepared next time and remember what is going on and get my hug!

On the bright side, the lady that took my camera, gave hers to the lady who got a good picture of Clay and I. :)

Stage Door: Take Four

If you remember, the last time I was in NYC I showed up to the stage door three times in the hope of seeing Clay. On the stage as Sir Robin was the only time I saw him. But this time….

STAGE DOOR: TAKE FOUR

My sister, brother, nephew and I headed out from the hotel and over to the Shubert Theater alley where Juniors is located for some delicious cheesecake. My sister, Linda, and I shared a piece of something; raspberry swirl I think? I was getting too excited to remember, although I clearly know that Juniors cheesecake is magnificent. It was quite nerve racking - this was going to be my first time seeing Clay up close and personal, not counting first row of Spamalot. He was Sir Robin then, not Clay. My sister, Linda, does not consider herself a fan although she agreed to stand outside the stage door on three previous occasions. Her previous disappointment made her a little skeptical that Clay would make an appearance this night. She mentioned her skepticism to our waiter who kindly shared, with enthusiasm, about the crowds that the stage door brings each night. At least our waiter had a positive attitude.

As soon as the infamous Shubert Theater mustache guy came out and started to set up the gates, my nephew, Bret, and I rushed out of the restaurant leaving the bill behind for my brother and sister. My bad. For the first time I was front and center. Well, slightly right of center, but in the front none the less. Clay's bodygaurd, Jerome, came out to have a look around. Perfect timing for him to watch E! Entertainment interviewers attempting to get short interviews from people. Most people declined but naturally they finally got to the younger crowd hoping for their 15 minutes of fame, or .15 seconds, whichever. E! got their info, and quickly disappeared out of the alley. I was able to talk to Jerome during this time; that was exciting. No really. It was. I asked him if I could get a picture with him although apparently some unknown to the world Broadway rule restricts him from taking pictures with fans. He said he got in trouble for doing so because he didn’t know this unknown rule. Shady. So no picture with Jerome. He left about the time that E! did and a few very long short minutes he exits again with Clay. EEEEEEE! I’m sure he said good evening how is everyone doing? Or something to that effect. That seems to be a popular greeting in the videos I’ve seen but I have no idea what he said this evening. Clay was about halfway around the barricade with his greetings, signatures, and a few pictures and was about three or so people away from me. I flip my hair, straighten it back out, and have my playbill ready. And then….

Jerome, who had been meandering in the background, rushes up, grabs Clay, practically picks him up and pulls him back towards the stage door and into the hall. WTH. Three people away Jerome! Did I have bad breathe? Did he think I was some psycho stalker with an evil agenda? Did he know I was using a playbill from Clay’s first run; that I actually hadn’t seen Spamalot that night? But don’t people do that all the time? WTH. Oh but wait. There is the three E! interviewers rushing back into the alley with their cameras and microphones held high. Are you KIDDING me?!? How many years had I been waiting for this? I hate you all. Anyone affiliated with E! that is.

So no luck Thursday night. I did get the Lady of the Lake’s autograph. I had her sign the front of my playbill since she wasn’t actually listed inside.

As we were walking away we passed by the E! crew (two guys, one girl) where a quite obvious Claymate was expressing her feelings on the matter. I’m pretty sure she was standing next to me at the stage door so she hadn’t gotten an autograph either. The exchange of words was rather amusing. Naturally I had to stop and shake my head in agreement with her. Once her rant was over she huffed off with her friend and my sister asked for a picture of the E! crew. Amusingly enough the girl refused to be in it. Interesting, eh?

Coming soon... my trip to NYC.

This, my friends is Dr. Russel Mikkelson. And me, (and the reflection of my cellphone taking the picture for this blog because it was easier to just email it to myself instead of scanning it) but try to stay focused on Dr. Mikkelson thanks. This was a couple years ago but you get the gist. I hope.

Now you may ask. Who is this and what is the point of this blog? No worries. I shall explain. After which you still may wonder about the point of this blog but I think that’s most of my blogs right? Right. Moving on.

About Dr. Mikkelson…

He’s the director of University Bands at THE Ohio State University. He conducts the “Wind Symphony”. Which back in the day I think used to be called the “Concert Band” but I don’t think that was a fancy enough name for the top band in the School of Music so it was eventually changed. He’s in charge of a lot of other stuff irrelevant for my story but he’s pretty important. As a side note his looks kind of remind me of my dad. Kind of in the same way that Tom Selleck in his Magnum P.I. days did. Although Dr. Mikkelson and Tom Selleck don’t look much alike do they? In which case maybe neither one look much like my dad.

Anyhoo.

Upon starting as a music major at OSU I quickly became acquainted with Dr. Mikkelson. We had to audition for what band we would be in for the year. I decided to play the infamous “Improvisation et caprice” by Eugene Bozza (everyone knows that piece right?) I had played it in several competitions in highschool and I’m pretty sure I got some good scores. Or maybe not, I don’t remember, let’s pretend that I did. Either way I played it. It’s a fast song and if I could still play it you may be impressed. Or not. Whatever. Dr. Mikkelson was anyway. He said something to the effect of “that’s a lot of notes; very good!” Actually maybe he wasn’t that impressed but as a freshman it made me feel good. Coming out of the audition I decided that this is the best professor ever and ooh he is one good looking guy. I hope I’m in his band.

But I wasn’t. Dang it. I was placed into the symphonic band directed by Professor Blatti. He is a very good conductor and picked some good music. And somehow was always quite sweaty by the end of practice.

I think it was my third quarter into the year. A couple weeks into the quarter Professor Blatti slipped on the metal ramp on his way into Hughes hall; the mothership of the School of Music. You may be asking, why a metal ramp? That doesn’t seem very safe, especially in the winter with ice and snow. Well, it may have something to do with the fact that Hughes Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus and has never had any renovations. Clearly this fact had many drawbacks. Metal ramps, no air conditioning, and practice rooms with ancient doors that occasionally, or at least once, locked you inside the room forcing you to climb out the window, crawl around on the roof, while looking into other practice rooms to find someone who could let you out of the practice room you were just in. Not that I ever had this happen. Although I might mention that for such an old building, the gutters are quite sturdy. Just an observation.

As a result of Professor Blatti slipping he pulled something, I don’t remember what but clearly important, and had to be out the rest of the quarter. Now what? Who’s going to conduct? Then Dr. Mikkelson comes in to provide us with an update and who will be taking his place for the rest of the quarter. Him. Omg Dr. Mikkelson is conducting the rest of the quarter? Omg omg omg. Did I look ok? Did I brush my hair before I left my dorm today? Do I have anything in my teeth? Have I practiced any of this music yet? What are we even playing? I don’t remember. I’m holding a saxophone. Do I know how to play a saxophone?

I guess the practice went okay though, I don’t remember any odd looks, although I do remember forgoing food or anything else and going straight to a practice room (not the one that locked people in) promptly after classes.

Anyway. It was a grand quarter and I’ve been a Dr. Mikkelson fan ever since. It’s a shame he’s married, has kids and is a bit older.

Oh. The point of this blog. I saw him today. Me and a few friends went to the marching bands pre-game performance and he conducted the Star Spangled Banner. It’s a little bit grayer but ooh… he still has that nice hair. I also noted that distinct conducting style that I always liked while making a mental note to get to the Wind Symphony concert this quarter.

Go Bucks!

A week or so ago, and when I say a week or so I mean from the time I started this blog, I got a flat tire on my way to work. Actually I'm pretty positive the flat happened over the weekend while my car sat on a nail for two days straight but no matter. Now, it was early in the morning and I don't make it a habit to walk around my car checking for flat tires before I leave. (I later made a note to self that maybe I should start doing this)

So I headed out to work and was on the highway like every other day. This particular day I was chose to follow the speed limit, with my speedometer that doesn't work, while driving in the middle lane. Not too long after getting on the highway a white gas guzzling Mercury SUV, driven by a guy who probably complains about gas prices more then I do, started tailing me. Which is one of my pet peeves by the way. Then he decides he's tired of bothering me and pulls over to the right lane and starts to pass me. Which is another pet peeve fyi, you're supposed to pass people on the LEFT side. However, I guess he realized that he shouldn't bother me by passing on my right, got behind me and went into the correct lane for passing. WTH. Was this guy drunk at 9:00 in the morning?!? He doesn't pass me though which annoyed me (I get very annoyed by little things in the morning) so I look over to give him an evil look. That will show him! Yeah! Evil look! But what? He wants me to roll down my window? Dude. No. Go away.

However, at this point annoying Mercury SUV driver has finally awakened me early, most days it takes me until 10:30 or so, and it finally dawned on me that something could be wrong. (Please remember I’m not a morning person.) So I rolled down my window.

"You have a flat tire!" he yells.
I didn't hear him, "What?!?"
"You have a flat tire! In the back!" he screams while pointing towards my tire.
"Seriously?!?", in a tone that I really don't believe him.
"YEAH! IN THE BACK!"
"Thank you!"

And he drives off. It's at this point that I feel my car shaking for what would have been an unknown reason if I hadn't known I had a flat tire. Understand that I've never experienced having one before. I was now heading on to another highway so I pulled over on the shoulder. First I called work to let them know I would be late. That seemed like a highest priority while sitting on the side of the road with cars zooming past me. Next was Triple AAA (American Automobile Association in case you were wondering. Or it could be Autos Are Amazing. You pick).

Because I was on the side of the highway I supposedly got a Priority One dispatch. Apparently. Maybe they lied. It wasn’t very priority one like. It’s funny really because while I’m sitting there in the heat of the morning I had a AAA truck drive past me. That truck seemed like it would be there in a priority one length of time. Then as I had nothing to do I was watching the highway in back of me and saw a second AAA truck going on down the highway I just got off of. Do do doo. FINALLY, a AAA lady pulls behind me. She get out, says hello, and says, “That is definitely a flat tire”. Thanks for that, I’ll log that away, moving on, can you fix it now kthanx.

She fixed the tire. She showed me the nail. And she advised that the previous owner appeared to have bought three new tires when they last bought tires, the flat one was a lot more worn then the others. And she advised it would be best to buy a new tire.

As a side note, I appreciate AAA lady’s tire advise because she showed me the difference between tires, she appeared to be right, but of course when I actually went to buy a new tire as expected they tried to sell me four new tires. I politely said no thanks, give me just one, the cheapest if possible.

As another side note, I would like to add that I do know how to change a tire. I could probably direct someone in doing it. I think. But should you be a lucky, or unlucky one, to know me, you have to know that there is no way I could jack up a car, drag a 20 pound tire out of my trunk and get it on my car securely, yeah, in your dreams. Or my dreams.

I digress.

I did get to meet a very nice state trooper in the midst of all this. He randomly drove up behind us with his lights on. It’s kind of nice to meet police officer related people without getting a ticket. They seem much more kind and caring when your tire is flat and it didn’t happen because you were speeding. Because I wasn’t. Anyhoo.

Finally everything was fixed and I was on my way to work. I was an hour late. Which is much earlier then if I would have had to fix it myself or course.

Just a quick note to let you all know...

I found out about a half hour ago that Clay is returning to Spamalot in September. September 19th - January 4th. I'll be there in October. But I'm not excited or anything.

In other news, I'm working 60 hours this week so I can have money when I go to NYC in October.

So in case you were wondering I haven't fogotten about my blog. I'm actually working on a blog now, well, at work. The blog is at work and I'm not starting over so you'll have to wait for me to remember to e-mail it to myself so I can post it. However, I can tell you that it's a good one. It's about my second expensive Monday in a row. The first one was me waking up, tripping on my blanket, falling over my alarm clock and smashing my glasses. The second expensive monday is a longer story though so turn your RSS feed on and stay tuned.

My first montage! I did this for my friend Susette. I was one of her bridesmaids. :)

Happy Independence Day fellow Americans!

Tonight I'm going to put a [hopefully] new talent to the test. I'm going to try to make a montage. Of what, I don't know. But if it turns out fairly well naturally I'll share my work. :)

UNICEF: Clay in Somalia, Asks World "Not To Forget"

Clay is currently on an UNICEF trip to the African nation of Somalia, his latest trip abroad for the UN organization. He is using his goodwill ambassador status to once again to remind us "not to forget" about children living in poverty. Clay told OK! Magazine via Thomson Reuters:

There hasn't been much discussion of Somalia since the early 1990s in the U.S. In the lower part of the country, southern part, I feel it's a more desperate situation than any place we've ever been. In Somaliland, you really do have a sense of people who really want to help themselves, who want to do better, who want to effect change for themselves, that is very hopeful.

Reuters.com has a full wire story about Clay trip:

U.S. pop star Clay Aiken appealed on Wednesday for the world not to forget Somalia, where conflict and hunger have created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Aiken said U.S. and international interest in Somalia had been minimal since failed military intervention in the early 1990s.

"There hasn't been much discussion of Somalia since the early 1990s in the U.S.," said Aiken, a U.N. goodwill ambassador, on a visit to Somalia. "The American population kind of got a bad taste of Somalia in the early 90's and hasn't really had much interest in the country since."

Somalia has suffered relentless civil conflict since the 1991 toppling military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

[...]

Aiken, 29, who was travelling on behalf of U.N. children's agency UNICEF, was in Somaliland, a relatively peaceful northern enclave of Somalia that has declared itself independent but not been recognised internationally.

On Sunday, July 6 at 8 PM EDT, both the US and international CNN networks will air a UNICEF special titled "The Survival Project: One Child at a Time". "CNN will explore why 26,000 children die every day from preventable causes, and what UNICEF doing to save young lives."

This article brought to you in part by Clay's Daily Double.

Rats Ice Fishing

Boredom

According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, boredom is an emotional state experienced during periods of lack of activities or when an individual is uninterested in the activities surrounding them.

That being said if you ever have a school project, or are interviewing for a newspaper or website and need someone very knowledgeable and experienced in the act of boredom I am here. Call for details.

Now, I’m sure you’ve seen me mention this briefly, but thought I’d offer you the chance to read the full explanation.

I got to work not too long ago and as every day of work, except for that day when I came in when I wasn’t scheduled, I logged onto my computer, opened all my programs, got ready for calls, and opened my browser to post a “Good morning” and greetings to my friends on The Clayboard. That’s a Clay Aiken message board in case you didn’t guess. But what do I find when I get to the website? An error stating that it’s in the category of “social networking” thus the site has been blocked by Chase. Followed by my [silent] outburst of “Are you kidding me?!?”

Now, there are many Clay Aiken message boards. The Official fanclub board, The Clackhouse, Clayversity, and the Clayboard are the main ones that I know of. I only spend time and post on the Clayboard. That’s where I first signed up and I have met several wonderful ladies and friends from all over the world. And wouldn’t you know it? I can still get on all of the other boards EXCEPT the Clayboard. Are you KIDDING me?!?

And now you’re wondering what the heck is wrong with this girl. This is not the end of the world. She can’t access one freakin website omg it’s going to be ok Melanie I promise. Yeah, no. You don’t understand. That is what was keeping my sanity here. I take call after call over and over again. Despite the fact that I was spending a fourth, maybe a third of my time in after-call-work surfing the board I still have lower talk times then most of my team members. That’s just sad I say.

And now you think, no wonder they blocked the site! Melanie was wasting a third of her talk time surfing a message board. Not just a message board, but a CLAY AIKEN message board! This girl should just be fired for the Clay Aiken reference in that sentence. Although for those who think that, they obviously haven’t seen Clay in Spamalot or listened to the new album. And although the flat iron hairstyle he was sporting on The View that one day might be slightly alarming get over it and move on.

Anyhoo.

It was keeping my sanity y’all I’m not kidding. I had friends to keep in touch with. The breaking Clay Aiken news to read. The excitement of all of the activity with the album coming out. And the fact that I could read all this at work and not spend my time at night was a plus. And now? Now I’m stuck reading news articles and looking up the word boredom on wikipedia. For the love of give me my site back before I loose my mind!

Maybe I’ll bring in a cross-stiching kit and make some Christmas presents that the recipients never know what to do with.

Point being? I’m bored.

The house that stood on 14th.

Actually the house is still there, but I liked that title better. I saw that house the other night and I thought I would take the opportunity to pay a little homage in honor. Technically the house is completely not worthy of such an honor, but just go with it.

I lived in a half house my junior year of college. And when I say junior year I mean my third year for those curious minds. It was my first year out of a dorm and that in and of itself was nice. It was a good house. Most of the time. Part of the time. It was a roof over our heads.

Our landlord decided to be kind and replace the kitchen tiles. That went well. On our move in day he was on his hands and knees gluing them down. This was his first time tiling, I’m assuming, because I still have that sock with a cheery sunshine with glue all over the bottom. It was a nice thought of him to retile but I don’t think I ever walked around that floor in my bare feet my entire stay.

Not too long after we moved in, the house was broken into. We were home tucked snuggly in bed with no idea that some hungry stranger was meandering downstairs. Why hungry you ask? Well, upon waking up we found our kitchen window broken and a piece of cheese on the floor. The punk stole my cheese! As well as my bread and my roommates ham. Thankfully we were not completely moved in so there was nothing of great value on the bottom floor except for my bike, which was also gone. I miss my cheese.

There was a piece of fruit that flew through our kitchen window one evening. At least it appeared to be a fruit although the four roommates and landlord who was over replacing the window for a second time couldn’t figure out the exact type.

Winter came. We didn’t have any heat. I don’t remember why it took so long for it to get fixed but there was an extensive amount of swiss hot chocolate packets overflowing the trashcan. Sugar free of course. That was the only time I wished that I was one of the two ladies living up in the attic.

Summer came and guess what that meant. Killing the front yard grass! Don’t worry, I got permission. I think. Anyway, I spent the thirty or so bucks for a blow up pool. And when I say blow up pool I don’t mean one of those pools to sit in a lawn chair and cool down your feet. I mean eight foot we had no air pump to assist blow up using my saxophone breathe from the diaphragm skills to the point of passing out, taking a break and repeating over and over again. Then spend even longer with a hose connected to the kitchen faucet. Finally followed by blowing up my florescent yellow raft and laying out catching the brilliant rays of sunlight making sure to flip over every half hour or so to nearly suffocate myself in said raft so I could get an even tan. It was beautiful.

The best part of the house, and when I say best I mean could it seriously get any worse, was the bathroom. Or was it the kitchen. Oh, yeah, it was the part of the bathroom floor landing in the kitchen. That was a good one. And I got to be the lucky one to be there when it happened. A little to close for comfort I say but it was amusing.

Overall it was a good year. I lived with some great girls in a house worth speaking of.

In other news, I’ve started to post some of these blogs on facebook. If people ever start to defriend me at least we know why.

Some of you may wonder how I became such a big fan of Clay Aiken. Here is my story.

In 2005 I went to my first Clay Aiken concert. I didn't know who he was, just that he lost American Idol and had that Invisible song on the radio.

Back in 2005 I was still a big fan of *NSYNC. Not hard core like omg how am I going to get to Florida for Challenge for the Children, or let’s buy three sets of tickets to a concert trying to get as close to the stage as possible hard core, but still a pretty big fan. I was a fan club member so I could get all of the “breaking news” about the group, which in 2004 wasn't much. I did however chat on the message board from time to time. One of the girls, broomykisser, had bought tickets to the Clay Aiken concert at the Ohio State Fair. She had found closer seats and was trying to sell hers. Since I was in Columbus I guess it seemed logical that I take them. They were only 35 bucks, why not? From the way she talked about him it sounded like it would be a good concert. I bought the two that she had and made plans to go with my friend Susette.

Both of us went into the concert having no idea who Clay Aiken was. Of course we had heard of him, they played that silly song Invisible on the radio. The only episode of American Idol I had watched was half of the second to last episode while at work because we couldn’t find anything else on. He sang Bridge over Troubled Water which I found very boring and thought it was ridiculous that he had an entire choir singing with him. He was good and stayed on key, but his voice didn’t really do much for me. I voted for Ruben. My bad.

On to the concert.

After a song or two he started talking to the concert goers. He has an accent? Where is he from? Susette didn’t know, I’d have to google it later. From the first couple songs he seemed to be a pretty good singer though. Much better live then what I saw on American Idol and from hearing Invisible. And then he brought up a young girl to sing “Without You” with him, the duet he sang with Kimberly Locke. I loved it. The way he interacted with the girl was precious.

And then he sang “I Survived You”. Why didn't I know about this guy sooner?!?

And then the kicker was when he sang “You Were There”. Susette and I turned to each other and she said how it sounded like an Especially For Youth song, kind of churcy. She was right! I never would have expected that song at this concert. I was impressed. It brought tears to my eyes. Not that I would admit that or anything.

When the concert was over Susette and I made remarks to each other about how good it was, and how he was amazing live. Hearing him on the radio or a CD holds no justice to his live concerts. I would have to say I walked out a fan, wondering how I could have voted for Ruben.

I later bought his CD and found that his accent was from Raleigh, North Carolina.

Susette and I went to see his Jukebox Tour at the Ohio State Fair the following year. After that amazing concert was when the true fandom began. I learned more about him, I read his book, bought his Christmas CD, and eventually found a website, THE website, to download all of his TV appearances, performances, and concerts to assist me in becoming the fan I am today.

Cotton Candy

I went to a baseball game Saturday night. That was fun. Not so much because we won, because we didn't, but because it's fun to go enjoy my what seems to be an allotted one game per season.

As one of America's pastimes, at least before XBox, Playstation and Wii, there are guaranteed to be some classic attributes to the game. The prices of $2 hotdogs, $3 sodas, $3.50 cotton candy, and $5 for a box of cracker jacks, so you can sit and kinda sorta watch the game are a few that come to mind. Actually I didn't see any cracker jacks, but I'm pretty sure they're supposed to be at baseball games. Although I'm probably wrong on most of those numbers, maybe, the $3.50 for a bag of cotton candy was right. I think.

I didn't actually pay $3.50 for a bag of cotton candy, and for that I am appreciative for thank you, but I did have some. For not having eaten it in so long it was totally worth the $3.50. I'm not kidding. In all it's sticky, sugary, very blue goodness it made me think. What if I could eat this any time I wanted, and for FREE?!? And that was my goal at work today. Have good handle time while finding a way to make my never-ending supply of cotton candy.

After much, or not much, searching I came up with a very simple recipe. These directions were written for a younger audience, but can obviously be applied to anyone.

Here is what you will need:
Plastic swimming pool
50 pounds Dumino's sugar
20 gallons water
Dad's boat and motor
Dad's truck with trailer hitch
Gelatin (any flavor)

Directions:

Before you begin, make sure you get Dad's truck keys, preferably while he's sleeping. Grab some books to sit on when you are ready to drive the truck so you can see over the steering wheel. Back the truck (with the boat connected) up to your swimming pool.

Next, get out of the truck and start pouring the ingredients (sugar, water, and gelatin) into the pool. When you have finished doing that, start the boat motor (you got the boat key, right?). Make sure the boat propeller is in the pool. Mix all the ingredients very quickly while avoiding the side of the pool (you don't want holes in pool in case you decide you want to make more cotton candy later on). If you are in a big hurry, push the throttle wide open.

When you are finished, you should have a whole pool full of cotton candy. As a nice gesture, go wake Dad up and offer him some of your delicious homemade cotton candy. Dig in, remembering that Dumino's sugar is good for you. If you're lucky, you won't be grounded for life for using Dad's truck and boat or for using your $10.95 swimming pool.

Directions curtesy of http://jansown.com/.

And there you go folks. Watch out world, Melanie is about to make her very own cotton candy!

In other news, what's with all the illusive comments I've gotten about the relation between air conditioning and gas consumption?

Air conditioning and turn signals

I made a comment the other night about how I was not going to use my air conditioning this summer because of gas prices. One of the few facts I know is that air conditioning eats up gas at a pretty fair rate. That's correct right? Or is one of my few facts wrong? You know what, I don't want to know. If I'm wrong keep it to yourself. Anyhoo. It eats up gas at a fair enough rate, at least a rate to not want to use it. However, upon thinking about this comment I realize that is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever said. I'm not kidding. Gas prices whatever roll up the windows and turn on the air! Or if you don't want to roll up the windows to give the illusion that you're saving money that's fine, but I get shotgun and turn it on anyway so I can have the cool air blowing in my face. Point being, I take that comment back. Not that anyone cares, I'm just sayin.


On to turn signals.


It hasn't been that long since I got my driver's license. Or something like that. I don't know. I was like 79 when I finally got it so it seems like it hasn't been that long. I think. But I know when you get your license there's something on there about turn signals. Besides the body, and engine, and wheels, and all of the other pieces that make the car actually move, they seem to be a pretty important part. I'm assuming since they always make you turn them on and off every time you get your oil changed and then tell you it's illegal to drive without the blinky light and charge you an outrageous price for another light bulb the size of you finger. If it wasn't for the good looking guy who gave me a discount I would have refused.


But I digress.


Turn signals are used in the manner that their name describes. They signal when you are going to turn. Now as stated, or implied, above, I really don't remember what was said about turn signals on the driver's ed test. Although does anyone really? The only thing I know about when to use it is when you are about 100 feet from the distance you want to turn. Which that amount of distance may be completely wrong. The only reason I know that is from when Hillary Duff was on Punk'd and she was 16 or something and getting her driver's license. I don't remember exactly what was going on, I'm guessing she was probably about to turn on to another street, and upon being asked she stated that you were supposed to signal about 200 feet before the turn. The guy who was assisting in the Punk then corrected her and said it was 100 feet. So although we know that everything on television is the absolute truth, it could be neither.


Either way, the point is to signal well before you turn so those behind can prepare for the action. If it's two in the morning and no one is in the vicinity don't worry about it, or even if it's daylight and there aren't any cars around, feel free to save your ears from the annoying ticking that the action ignites. But for the love of, if there's someone two feet behind you, I might be exaggerating, turn it on so those around know what is about to occur. kthanx.

In other news, after listening to On My Way Here a few ::mumblemumble:: times I have finally started to write my review. I have a feeling it may take awhile though. Stay tuned.

7 8 9

I purchased the new Barenaked Ladies cd the other day.  Although when I say purchased I mean I bought six Clay Aiken cds so back off.  However if you would like to send the FBI after me please send Agent Booth from "Bones".  If not then don't bother. 

I love Barenaked Ladies and this cd is absolutely hilarious.  Below reads a bit of the song 7 8 9...

1, 2, 3 and 4 more makes 7
And 6 is afraid of 7...cause 7 ate 9!

Nine was minding his business
Talking to 10 about Gordy Howe's clothes
Why 7 ate 9, nobody knows.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10
What about 9?
Seven ate nine!

It's catchy and creative and fun.  And gets stuck in your head OMG!  Granted it's better then having "I like big butts and I cannot lie" but having three measly numbers in your head, those being 7,8, and 9, it gets kinda old.

Especially old at 3:30 in the morning.  Yes, I went to see the midnight showing of Prince Caspian last night. From The Chronicles of Narnia for you confused people such as my supervisor.  I must say it was quite good.  I am undecided if it was in my favor to have read the book though.  It's good because if you haven't read it, or at least seen the first movie, you're pretty much confused for the first half, or maybe the entire, movie.  But bad because you end up comparing it to the book and get all grrrrr because parts are left out (the giant folks, where was the giant?!?) or added parts (what's with Peter fist fighting?).  But overall I was quite pleased.  At least I'm assuming, it was past my bedtime.

Once home and retired to bed what should come to mind?  7 8 9.  7 8 9.  I tried to think of nothing, but you know that never works. I tried to think of how much I love Azlam and wished he was in more of the movie.  Or how freakin hot Prince Caspian is.  Or where was the giant.  And I tried counting sheep.  But then the only amount of sheep there were was 7 8 and 9.  

In case you were concerned, I did finally get to sleep, giving me about 4 hours sleep until my work day began. That was fun. 

Aren't you glad my websites were blocked here at work so you can get these spiffy blogs on a regular bases now?  It's ok to lie. 
 
In other news I seemed to have developed a speech impediment recently.  I'm not kidding.

A Night to Remember.

When I first saw these pictures I was all OMG the crazy, or enthusiastic as Clay likes to say, Claymates found his Manhattan apartment and have shown up all Britney Spears paparazzi like but dang he looks awfully happy for having that happen.

It's been ten days since Clay's last show of Spamalot. He certainly made it one to remember. Well, I wasn't there May fourth but you better believe I knew what was going on! And I must say, it was probably the craziest show the cast will ever have. For the few people that were there to actually see just the show they were all probably like... what the heck is going on? And for the love of keep quiet so we can hear the dialog for goodness sake! But apparently the actors had to do a lot of pausing in between lines to cheer and such, the audience, not the actors. Not just for Clay but for EVERYONE. That makes me happy.

Most excitedly it was the stage door. The entire alley was crammed with people. I think people were told there would be no evening stage door after the matinee that day but no matter... party in the Shubert Alley!

Apparently there was a photographer up on the roof of the theater taking pictures of the packed alley. Now picture one of those I-have-a-brilliant-idea light bulbs over Clay's head, or don't, but soon after, the crowd saw Jerome up there checking out the scene and you KNOW what that means. Yep. A few minutes later Clay shows up greeting the crowd. It was freakin awesome. I wish I was there. I weeped softly in both happiness and sadness. Maybe.

The perfect ending to a wonderful few months of Spamalot.
---

There was an article the other day on Variety.com about Broadway ticket sales.

Terrence Howard's return to "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" ($682,690) brought some heat back to the box office as the show rose more than $175,000, the largest jump of the frame.

On the other hand, the departure of American Idol alum Clay Aiken from "Monty Python's Spamalot" ($519,454) caused sales for the tuner to plummet by more than $300,000, the steepest slide of the sesh.

Now I don't follow ticket sales but I'm pretty dang sure that's not good. New York is a quieter place now folks. Not to say quiet, just quieter. No more Clay fans screaming all fan-girly like when a bus with a Spamalot advertisement passes, followed by chasing it down the street praying your camera is on and ready, while people give you the "this girl is insane" look while wondering if she's really going to cross that crosswalk without looking for any crazy taxi drivers that really don't care if people are in the middle of the road. Not that I know this happened or anything. ::whistles::

Clay's run on Broadway was a time to remember. And should he ever decide to do it again I will start searching for a Manhattan apartment the day before it is announced, then spend my life fortune to go see it every other night.

In other news, don't expect to see me at any activities or parties anymore, I have to save money on gas so I can get a life fortune started.

I got to work the other day and look what I see...

Yes, you read that right. I am the 30 day star of my team! I'm not exactly sure of the requirements for such an honor, but nonetheless, my name is on the wall and I am proud of it! Of course, not knowing the requirements, I had to consider what the different reasons are and how I got this honor.

1. POC percentage - this is the percentage of claims you take in relation to the amount of calls. Ideally you open and close a claim on every call. This is unfortunate because that means you can't pace around in your little cubicle decorated with Spamalot and Clay Aiken concert stubs while on calls because you're constantly typing. Many claims you can't close due to farther research needed, others don't even need a claim because the customer called our department in error, or was transferred by a banker because they didn't know what to do. But the more claims you open and close the better.


My POC rate is pretty dang good.


2. Average handle time - this includes three parts; time spent on a call, after call work (acw) and hold time. They like handle time to be about 6 minutes 40 seconds. Or something like that.


My April AHT was spot on. Go me.


3. Utilization percentage - this is the percentage of time spent on a call to the amount that you are in acw and breaks. Utilization should be AT LEAST 65%. The higher the better. For example, a 5.5 minute call and 1 minute acw is fantastic!


I fail in this. My utilization is pretty much crap because my time on a call is usually too low, thus I try to bump my handle time up by hanging out in acw, which drops utilization. It's a vicious cycle and totally not fair I say. They blocked The Clayboard a couple weeks ago which was beyond tragic. They also blocked fark.com this past weekend which was not as tragic but just plain annoying. So now my after call work consists of twiddling my thumbs, writing this blog, and being just plain bored. Not to say blog writing is horrible, but The Clayboard was just something to keep a smile on my face. Sometimes. Other days it's just plain impossible.


4. Random picking.


Personally I vote that it's random picking. Why you ask? Because I'm almost the last person of our team to have their name taped up on that pretty star. Psh. From such a wonderful score card I should have been up there first. I'm just sayin.


Either way it's still spiffy and now I have the picture to add to my resume. I'll just print it up on a post-it note and "accidentally" have it stuck on the front of the paper when I take them to interviews. I'm sure it's a guaranteed $1000 salary increase. I'll keep you updated.

Melanie’s Most Excellent South Bend Adventure

When: My 25thish birthday (i.e. November 28th, 2007)
Where: Mainly on the highway, a brief time in South Bend Indiana
What: Clay Aiken’s Christmas in the Heartland concert.

First of all. I don’t know why I’m an Official Fan Club member. The special pre-sale tickets reserved especially for valued members like myself are not even worth the $29.95 I paid for the membership. Clay’s occasional blog might be worth it though. Maybe. Ok, yeah. I talked myself into it, I’ll renew my membership.

Anyhoo.

After much ticket stress I got my tickets through the theater’s website, not the OFC, because their seats were worthless. Center orchestra, Row E, which actually translates into about row 10-15. You choose. After having them for about two months it was finally the day of the concert. Finally.

Somehow Susette and I got on the road late. I don’t know why, I’m always on time, if not early, for everything. I’ll blame her. We made a quick stop by Wal-mart, buying enough junk food for five trips to Indiana, and off we headed to South Bend. Which, in case you didn’t know South Bend is actually north. Very north. Google maps should have reminded me of the fact that this was going to be a one day trip and to wait and see if there were going to be any other concerts scheduled in the area before buying tickets. I’ll blame Google.

As a passenger I had four jobs. 1. give Susette the quarters when we got to a toll, 2. keep an eye out for cops, 3. directions, 4. freak out about the traffic that was delaying our arrival at the theater. I did a good job on number 4 anyway. And I think I did an ok job holding the phone and repeating everything that my VZNavigator was instructing Susette to do because I couldn’t understand the actual directions on a map. Moving on.

The show was fantastic. My pictures were not. I obviously bought my camera too close to the time of the show and didn’t know how to use it. I got one perfect picture, that being of Quiana, not Clay. Go figure. But the show was wonderful and Clay was amazing. On a kind of same note (haha. Note. Clay sings. Get it?), we found out that Clay is in love with a stripper, either that or he was talking about the song I’m In luv Wit A Stripper. Whichever. But I assure you it fit right in with the Christmas season and what he was bantering about. Kind of. I would add a completely appropriateish comment on this subject now, but unless you’re a 50 year old Claymate it’s not worth it. Ha.

We decided that we weren’t about to drive the however many hour drive it would be to get home. Instead we found a nice cheap, or inexpensive, motel and followed my VZNavigator directions to said motel. I don’t remember the name, it’s probably best that I don’t. I will however make a brief mention of how classy it was. The floors felt like they were wet, maybe due to the heat being off, maybe not. The cups provided in the room had a nice big crack in them, so I had to share my daily allowance of water with my sweater, and, hmm, it’s probably best I don’t remember the name.

In the morning we went to Ihop. I had never been to Ihop and until recently firmly believed it was a club. It’s definitely not a club, but they do serve some very good breakfast. The hot chocolate not as good, or not good, but either way both of us ate too much and have the pictures to prove it.

We hit the road and were back home in no time. Ok, not really no time. But it was uneventful anyway.

I didn’t get to introduce myself to Clay yet but I’m working on it. I carry around my special rabbit foot 24/7 in the hopes it will help me out. Or not really because that’s cruel to the rabbits. But maybe the next tour will bring me better luck. Mwaa!

Clay Aiken new album OMWH Amazon clips

Being a part of the Claynation

I love this story and wanted to share. I post this with permission from both the writer CarolinaClay and Mariedrummond.

Claying It Forward on Broadway

When Clay says he has the best fans in the world, he’s not kidding—and he’s right. Everyone in the fan community has either participated in or read about the “Claying It Forward” incidences that take place almost daily. Sometimes it’s a CD or a DVD of performance clack; other times it’s passing along an extra concert ticket.

You may have read about just such an incident at Spamalot in February. After seeing a nutshell of the chain of events, I looked up the original post at the OFC. With permission, this is the extraordinary experience of Canadian fan Mariedrummond:

On my birthday weekend, Feb. 16-17, I saw Spamalot four times. While I was waiting for the Sunday matinee, I met several Clay fans, and one introduced me to Scarlett. I just discovered Clay last December, and I thanked her profusely for all the great clack that has allowed me to reconstruct Clay’s journey of the last five years.

Incredibly, Scarlett invited me, a total stranger, to sit with her for the evening show in seat A111. The ticket had originally belonged to Toni7babe, who had to fly home before the show that night.
I gave my E6 ticket to Michelle, a fan I met that weekend and who had a row K seat. Then I met Nikki, who had a row Q ticket, so I gave her the K seat.

Still holding the Q ticket, I went back to the SRO (standing room only) section and asked a mother and her young son if they would like to share the seat. It turned out that this was her son’s 12th birthday, and he became very excited and started jumping up and down.

“Spamalot” on Feb. 17 turned out to be one amazing “Claying It Forward".

---

I post this story to share a little about the Clay fandom that I’m so thankful to be a part of. Being a Clay fan does not just mean being a fan of Clay. Obviously that is a big factor, and why the Claynation exists, but there is so much more.

When CarolinaClay mentions that these types of “Claying it Forward” incidences happen daily she’s not kidding. For example, during tours the Claynation has a website set up for ticket donation for those occasions where you suddenly have six tickets to a concert that just you and your roommate are going to. I don’t know how it happens because I’ve never had it happen to me, *cough*, but it does. And then when all of the upgrading of tickets finishes and you end up with however many extra tickets you have *cough* you can donate your tickets to The Way We Make A Difference site, who then works with places like Best Buddies, Special Olympics, YMCA, Ronald McDonald houses, etc. to allow people with and without disabilities be able to experience the joy of attending a concert together. It’s fantastic.

There are many other opportunities for fundraising and donations which I won’t go through.

And then there are the people I’ve met. I don’t really spend much time on the Official Fan Club, but there is one thread on The Clayboard that I frequent. I’ve met ladies from all around the country, all around the world in fact! I’m definitely the young[er] ones out of the group but we all have such a great time. No matter what age, no one is left out. I truly hope I have the opportunity to meet up with everyone during the summer concert series.

I came home recently and found a small yellow envelope addressed to me. It’s so exciting to get things besides bills. But in this case I had no idea who the person was. I stood there for a minute wondering who the heck I know in Connecticut. Yeah, nothing was coming to me. But whatever, it was mail and it was addressed to me! I opened it and found a Spamalot playbill. And then I let out a squeal of excitement. A lady on the message board had inquired if anyone was interested in one, as she had scooped up a bunch after the show that people had left behind. I provided my address just in case she had an extra but said I would be going to a show as well, so don’t worry about it if she ran out. This lady, who I had never before talked to, made my week! I now have the playbill in my cubicle at work preparing me for my trip to NYC.

Anyway, I will not take any more of your time. For anyone who wonders what the heck I see in that Clay Aiken guy, make fun all you like but I’m not leaving the Claynation anytime soon!

A trip to celebrate Family Day

Yesterday was the new Ontario holiday “Family Day”. Do you realize how many more holidays they have in Canada over the US? I’m thinking of moving to Canada for that reason not really. But yesterday was Family Day, and I thought I would celebrate it with my friend Lynn who by chance actually lives in Ontario. It was Family Home Evening (FHE) at my church and I was definitely going to go in celebration. It started at seven. I attempted to primp and prep and get beautiful, which didn’t work out so well, and headed out.

As I was leaving it started to snow. No big deal. It snows in Ohio, I’m used to it. However, as I pulled out of the parking lot a torrential downpour hurricane of a snowfall started. Holy mother of snow batman. But it was Family Day dang it and I was going to go celebrate! About a mile up the road I decided that I definitely lived in the US… Family Day whatever I’m turning around!

Now when I say a torrential downpour hurricane of a snowfall I’m not kidding. You couldn’t see two feet in front of you, headlights were useless, and I just happened to be on a road with no streetlights. That worked out well. As a special added bonus you could no longer see the street names because snow had magically fallen in such a way that it was stuck to the signs covering them up. Wheee! This was fun! I had driven this road many times though so when it was time for me to turn onto the street heading into my neighborhood I signaled in plenty of time and turned left onto the correct road. Or not. Turns out they moved my street and in its place there was a newly formed apartment complex. Hmm. Ok then. This complex was also poorly designed because the parking lot did not leave ANY room for turning around. An attempt was made, but I figured the parked cars would not appreciate me sliding into them. Yes, the roads were already very slick. I would have to drive around the complex to the exit. Upon finding this exit I headed out and back towards the street I was supposed to turn on. But not really. The exit seemed to land me in the opposite direction and I slowly drove into the unknown.

I found a street sign that was pointed opposite from the snow so it wasn’t completely covered yet. It looked familiar so I thought I’d take that route. Although when I say familiar it really means I’ve driven by the sign many times so the name looked familiar but I didn’t exactly know where it led. At this point I thought it best to get help. I pulled over and called my roommate Laura. I figured she lives in the same house as I do, she would know where I live! From the cozy confines of our sometimes warm house, Laura directed me home. Phew.

Looking back I realize I should have used my vznavigator to get home. The nice lady would have given me precise directions and when exactly to turn. Well, maybe. She might not have been able to see through that snow either. At least she wouldn’t laugh at me because I couldn’t find my own house.

Plastic frames, wire frames, no frames oh my!

There are many things in this world that I can be decisive about. Asparagus or green beans? Do I want to go to work or stay home? Should I wait to buy tickets to Spamalot or buy them two seconds after they go on sale even though I have no money for food, no money to get there and no idea what it costs for a Manhatten hotel? These things are very simple decisions to make.

And then there is the process of buying glasses. Now I’ve been wearing glasses since second grade so I’ve had some experience in that department and I will admit that I’m not as decisive when the occasion arises. This time however I was ready. I went to lenscrafters.com and looked at all the frames. All of the modern and trendy and office and old lady reading glasses. I knew what was there and I was ready! But funny because when we got to the store none of the glasses looked familiar. Had I gone to the wrong website or was I in the wrong store? Either way it was a new search, and all preparedness was lost. Back to being indecisive. Thankfully my roommate Laura was there to help me out and tell me which was best, afterwhich I had to ask every single employee there what they thought just in case Laura was wrong. But I had found the perfect pair and it was time for my eye exam!

1 or 2? 2. 1 or 2? 1. 1 or 2? They look the same. 1 or 2? 3? 1 or 2? Oh for the love of…

Exam done and it was time to decide on how I wanted my insurance to be applied. Indecisiveness returns. But wait! My glasses will cost 500 DOLLARS OMG WHAT?!?

I’ll just get the contacts kthanx.

Welcome to my new blog. I have been a long time member of livejournal, my previous blog, but as I have found blogspot to have many more options available, it is time for me to move on. I'll probably move some of my favorite blogs over here just for the fun of it, but bookmark this site and enjoy!