little miss messycovers

yay! i broke it! the fun never stops!

2009-02-24T19:25:00.002-06:00

2008-09-28T17:42:00.000-05:00

2008-01-12T10:01:00.000-06:00

Now blogging here.

2008-01-03T15:41:00.000-06:00

I can't believe what happened to me yesterday! Even today, I find myself suddenly bursting into laughter. It just seems so absurd! What happened? Well, it started with a visit to the gynecologist where I was weighed (oh the horror!), had a speculum put in my vagina (oh yay), had blood drawn, and peed in a cup. After that, I went downstairs for a mammogram. I never knew my boobies could be squashed so flat (bizarre). Amazing. After that was the pelvic ultrasound. I lat back on the table and the tech put that gel stuff on my tummy and moved the transducer around on my lower abdomen. No prob. After that, she lifts up this huge dildo and says, "I am going to put this in your vagina. Don't worry. Most of what you are seeing is the handle." She squeezes lube all over it and in it goes! Wow. Is this really medical? What a job! Sticking giant dildos in strangers. I can't believe it. And it isn't over quickly either. It seems to go on and on and on. And if you were wondering - yes. She did find my g-spot.
Does this mean I am not a virgin anymore? And 2008 starts with a bang. Messycovers was banged by a girl on 1/2/08. Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T11:19:00.000-06:00

Bladder infection confirmed after a 4am visit to the minor emergency clinic. May celebrate my first NY Eve at home in about 11 years.

2007-12-30T11:01:00.000-06:00

There is a new nail salon at 59 and Shepherd called Tender Nails. I think this place is likely owned by a non-native English speaker. Yes. Tender can man loving. It can also mean painful. Someone should let them know.

2007-12-29T13:18:00.000-06:00

Dear Diary,

It has been a long time. Here are the updates:
The Health:
I got strep throat on the 19th and missed my boss' Christmas party. I was out two days right before I took a two week break from work. Not good. The strep was followed by a nasty cold. Now, I feel on the verge of a bladder infection. Drinking lots of water.
The Wealth:
Christmas was so very very good to me. The parents at school got together and gave me some cash. Good thing since I went to the minor emergency clinic with the strep ($100) and got a flat tire ($150). The in-laws got me a ring that I was lusting after. My mom got me my favorite and very hard to find perfume - the last bottle known to mankind. The brother-in-law and his gal got me a Franciscan Starburst platter to match my 1950s collection. Those are just the highlights. I feel terribly happy and spoiled.
The Art:
The hubby and I are working on a song today for Good Woman of Setzuan. I am really enjoying working with Two Star to write songs for vocals. It is pushing us artistically and I am extremely happy with the results we are getting. I am having fun with Tom Waitesy type sounds and 1960s jingles. I will be booked with plays (hopefully) January thru the summer.
The Friends:
Chris King, who I played with in The Seximals, has been in the hospital for a month. Don't drink and drive! He banged his head pretty bad and, well, we really don't know much more about how or when he will recover. He was in a coma but is out of it now. I think about him constantly. I hope to hear good news soon.
The Travel:
This month: Chicago and Puerto Vallarta. Yay!

2007-12-04T20:56:00.000-06:00

There is a new theater company in town.

2007-11-30T06:35:00.001-06:00

Two Star tonight at UST. Scroll down for more info.

pic of G.G. taken by the boy

2007-11-24T12:17:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving 2008

2007-11-24T10:35:00.000-06:00

2007-11-20T06:31:00.000-06:00

Read Jesusland on Sunday. How depressing! Abusing children in the name of a good Christian upbringing. I am following that up with Atheist Universe.

2007-11-17T11:04:00.000-06:00

Just read Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison today. He is the brother of Augusten Burroughs, who is most famous for writing Running With Scissors. John Robison has Aspergers Syndrome. He is also known for designing the special effects guitars of Gene Simmons in the 70s. Great read!

2007-11-15T05:41:00.000-06:00

I swear that I have never seen my husband laugh so hard as when he saw this. We're talkin' laughing so hard his voice got all high pitched and he cried. Hysterical.

2007-11-12T06:26:00.001-06:00

Two Star Symphony invites you to a special fund-raising event!

Two Star has been honored with the opportunity to be the only sting quartet in the nation to perform with a matched set of instruments created by luthier Anton Krutz of K.C. Stings. These unique instruments were created by Anton personally from the same batch of wood and have gone through the exact same varnishing process,creating a full, rich tone, with complementary sounds across the entire musical spectrum. You have never heard a set of instruments sound like this before!

For the first time, hear Two Star Symphony perform their all-original music on these beautiful instruments in a true concert hall!

Join the group on a journey of all their original compositions, from the very first pieces written in 2002, to the newest works and collaborative efforts, including the premiere performance of all new music. This performance will have special appearances from the extended Two Star Symphony Orchestra, as well as a representative from K.C. Strings, who will discuss the unique value of the matched set.

The concert will include works from collaborations with
Bobbindoctrin Puppet Theater, The Dominic Walsh Dance Company, The American Ballet Theater, FrenetiCore and excerpts from original silent film scores.

As an additional bonus, attendees of this fundraising performance will have the chance to be the first to own the DVD release of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, with an all-original score written and performed live by the Two Star Symphony Orchestra! The DVDs on sale at this show
will be autographed by the entire Orchestra, and will be sold to ticket purchasers for just $10!

Åll proceeds from this performance will go towards paying for this beautiful set of matched instruments. Come out and support your local musicians!

Two Star Symphony Musical Retrospective

Jones Hall
University of St. Thomas campus
3910 Yoakum Drive
Houston, Tx 77006

Friday November 30th
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Recital starts at 8 p.m.

Tickets - $20
Students - $13
DVD - $10 with ticket purchase

Reservations - (713) 478-2334

2007-11-10T11:47:00.000-06:00

Oh so exciting! The hubby and I may go to see The Dresden Dolls in Chicago for our anniversary!

2007-11-08T06:38:00.001-06:00

I am now 39. Gasp! Ouch.

2007-11-07T06:12:00.000-06:00

2007-11-06T06:24:00.000-06:00

I am reading Circling My Mother by Mary Gordon right now. I actually went to the library, which I should do more often. So far, I am enjoying the book very much.
My birthday is on Thursday and I will be (gasp) thirty-nine. Crap. Now, I am not just fat; I am old as well. Lovely. I am celebrating my birthday week by giving myself a clean house. The real celebration is on Saturday, though. I am going to eat dinner at Reef and then go see Suchu.

2007-11-04T11:20:00.000-06:00

I stopped the blogging for awhile. I was bored with it. But now I need the blog to bitch about my volunteer experience at The Orange Show Gala. I was served fried rice. Bland fried rice - while patrons ate tenderloin. Patrons ate a three course meal and I got a side dish from a chinese restaurant. I worked my butt off checking people in and I was told that I was not allowed to sit in the area where the entertainment nor eat the good food was when my shift was over. I could stand. But as you know it hurts me lots to stand for long. So I got a plate of fried rice and two drinks for an amount of work that would earn me about 80 bucks at my day job. I left early. I will never volunteer for the Orange Show again. I have never felt like such a second class citizen in my entire life. Sucky sucky sucky.
The good news is that my trip to Irvine was awesome. My boss took me here for lunch. How did we get there? Well, I am glad you asked. We rented a convertible and drove down the Pacific Coast Highway in it. Now I totally get the whole SoCal/convertible thing. Sweet! My seminar was awesome. I got wonderful responses from my audience and many thanks throughout the weekend and even after I got home.

2007-08-22T06:42:00.001-05:00

Two Star Symphony Orchestra will be performing live their original score to the silent film "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" once agian!
Two Star first performed this at the Houston Musuem of Fine Arts to a sold out show! Directed by Robert Wiene in 1919, it is a famous example of german expressionism and is considered to be the first horror film ever!

Diverse Works, 1117 East Fwy, Houtson TX 77002
FRIDAY Aug 24 and SATURDAY Aug. 25
8pm and 10pm both nights
for info and reservations: 713-478-2334
*cash only at box-office plesase*
tickets: $15 (students and seniors $10)

Two Star Symphony is Jo Bird (viola/toy piano), Debra Brown (violin), Jerry Ochoa (violin), and Margaret Lejeune (cello/harp). Their extended band, Two Star Symphony Orchestra includes Chris Bakos (Bass), John Duboise (clarinet), Cathy Power (marimba, bells), and Kirk Suddreath (percussion, drums). Each member’s unique background brings together an eclectic variety of music styles, including gypsy, rock, hip-hop, metal, classical and electronic. Their hunger to experiment and explore this art form has captured the imaginations of the young and old, despite whatever previously held notions they may have had of musical ensembles.

2007-08-19T12:43:00.000-05:00

2007-08-17T12:09:00.001-05:00

I have created a binder called Project Spring ’08. This is the deadline for me to convince my hubby to turn what is now our bedroom into the music room, what is now the music room into Tavish’s room, and what is now Tavish’s room into our room. Why? The back bedroom is 1970’s ugly, which I hate for our bedroom. Also, it is HUGE. We could fit a very large band in there for rehearsals. The hubby is doubtful. He is often doubtful. It seems that I am constantly trying to convince him to do something that I know he will end up loving! Something that will make him deliriously happy! I love him with all my heart. Why would I lead him astray? Case in point. Last night. I have been trying to convince the hubby to go eat at Frenchy’s on Scott for years. It is yummy Cajun goodness, awesome gumbo, and great third ward ambiance. It is just a groovy Houston experience. Well, we have been down Scott quite a lot looking for something to eat and I always say, “Frenchy’s!” and the hubby says Wendy’s or Burger King and that is where we go. Well, last night he gave in to my Frenchy’s shout! He loved it. I knew he would. We already have plans to go back with the boy, who loves gumbo. Case in point number 2. Suchu. When we were first dating, I tried to get the hubby to go see them with me twice. He said, “I hate modern dance”. I said, “I know. Me too, but you will love Suchu. I promise!” These days, the hubby is one of their biggest fans. We never miss a show.
So, I have this binder with diagrams of how we will arrange the furniture and concerns and how we will address them. Spring ’08. I hope he comes around.

2007-08-16T08:57:00.000-05:00

More bad deeds in the name of religion.

Would an atheist ever do such a thing? I doubt it.

2007-08-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

Atheism rocks it again.

2007-08-10T06:23:00.001-05:00

This is an amazing movie. I can't stop thinking about it and the music is in my head.

2007-08-07T06:41:00.000-05:00

I WAS plunged suddenly into darkness! Last night we lost power for an hour.
Creepy.

Advice From My Mom

2007-08-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

"I have to tell you something. Don't ever plunge yourself suddenly into darkness."

Wow. Thanks mom. Great advice!

But What I Really Want Is A New Toyota FJ

2007-08-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

I need commercials that convince me that I am happy with the things I already own. Especially my car.

This is my car.

There are many like it, but this one is MINE.

My car is my best friend. It is my life.

I must master it as I must master my life.

My car without me is useless. Without my car, I am useless.

I must drive my car true.

I must drive better than other Houstonians who are trying to kill me.

I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories,
its sights, and its steering wheel.

I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage.

I will keep my car clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready.

We will become part of each other. We will...

2007-07-26T15:10:00.000-05:00

Sad Moon Over The Axiom

2007-07-22T12:44:00.000-05:00

The new Seximals album is out and it is free here. The hubby and I do some singing on the album and the hubby plays some bass. Check it out!

I have been off the blogging thing for awhile. Here is an update...

As you know, we just finished The Seximals album. Tony is in Kosovo. But through the magic of the interwub we still get to make music together. Yay! In other music news, we have been doing a little bit of recording with The Mathletes over here. Also, we are rehearsing with Two Star for an upcoming show at Diverse Works.
On Friday, I went to The Women's Home to talk to the ladies about my art. Since music and theater basically saved my life after the depression and practical homelessness caused by the demise of my 2nd marriage, I thought it was appropriate. It was great to actually FINALLY get around to organizing all of my music and articles and pictures for the presentation. I have been meaning to get around to that for six and a half years. Thank you, Women's Home! The funniest thing that happened at the talk was the question and answer portion of the talk. A woman raised her hand and asked if I knew who The Mathletes were. Isn't that awesome? Yay Mathletes!
I have also started swimming at the West Gray Service Center. They have fitness facilities there for people with disabilities. It rocks! I have not been in a pool in years and it really feels great. Finally, I am getting a bit of exercise.
I saw 10 Items or Less on Friday night. I recommend it highly. Former IBP company member, Jim Parsons is in it and he is awesome! His scene is short, but brilliant.
I took the cat to the SNAP Welness Clinic on Friday. $181 dollars later, I am in awe of how much it costs to own a pet. How does anyone have more than one?! We just got the annual shots, tests for leukemia and AIDS, a 30 dollar micro chip, and meds for heartworm and flea prevention. I also found out that the first set of vaccinations she received were no good. She was supposed to receive boosters a month after. Why didn't the vet tell me that!? I am pissed! Fortunately, she doesn't have Feline Leukemia. Now we have to go back in a month and spend more money for the boosters. The worst part of this is not the money that we spent, it is how sick the shots made her. She limped around, didn't eat or drink, and slept on the floor for about 24 hours. Poor baby. She is better now but it kind of scared me. I called the vet and they said it was normal. I wished they would have warned me.
That is all for now.

2007-07-08T10:36:00.000-05:00

Good Movies I Have Seen Lately:
Grey Gardens (I know. What took me so long?)
The Painted Veil
Little Children
Stranger Than Fiction
The Science of Sleep

New Things I Am Enjoying on the Interwub:
http://those-fauxtoes.livejournal.com/

Music I Have Recently Discovered I Like:
Silver Sun

2007-07-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

These two products are amazing. I am now addicted to them. And look at how much they cost! Geez! I am a sucker.

2007-07-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

The hubby (on bass) and I (on bells) playing the cool music of John Duboise at Diverse Works.

2007-07-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

I am on a soundtrack! I am playing marimba on the 2nd song.

2007-06-25T06:14:00.000-05:00

I just watched the most amazing movie last night.
The Science of Sleep is now definitely in my top ten.

2007-06-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

I am going back to school. I am going to take an English class in the Fall. I am also thinking about taking a Fundamentals of Fundraising class. As my job becomes more difficult because of its physical demands, I need backup plans. Hopefully, I won't need to take advantage of these backup plans anytime soon; but I am a planner. That is what I do. And I am not comfortable just waiting and seeing. As I see it, there are three possible back up plans and I want to get all of my ducks in a row, so I have several options available to me.
Option #1
My current job is tweaked somehow, so that I can continue to do it. This is my favorite option. We'll see. Nobody at my work seems ready to discuss this with me. I already have some ideas including using walkie talkies with my staff to send kiddos to me for diaper changes, using a rolling chair in the kitchen, and (shock!) possibly using some adult sized chairs in the classroom. However, I still have to constantly be on my feet, if I want to be a good toddler teacher. I would ultimately like to do something like 1 hour on/ 1 hour off in the classroom and help the school with training, testing kiddos, orientation, hiring etc.. The problem is that there are already good people doing these things. I will continue to do my job as long as I can. My hubby gets upset that I am wearing myself out so much each day. The rewards are great, though. I really believe very strongly in my school and it feels so good to work at something you really believe in.
Option #2
I teach Middle School English. This is why I am taking the English class. I need three more upper level hours to meet the requirements. I don't really want to do this, but Summers off seems kinda cool. I think I will hate it, though.
Option #3
I work in fundraising, hence the fundraising class. I don't know if I would like this or not. I think that taking the class would give me a better feel for whether it is for me or not. It is bound to be helpful anyway considering all of my arts related work. Also, I want to find about about raising money for The Children's Enrichment Fund, where I serve on the board.

2007-06-18T06:31:00.000-05:00

I love www.overheardinnewyork.com First it was LOLCats and now this! I feel like I am late to the game!
The left arch of my foot is all fucked up again. I should have gotten that custom orthotic like my physical therapist suggested. It just seemed like it was getting better. Damn. This means I will be hobbling around for a week. Crap. Oh wait. I always hobble. I mean it will be worse than usual. Guess I should call the orthotics place today.
Good news. I will be doing some physical therapy/exercise in the pool. This is a free program from the City of Houston for people with disabilities. I have been on the waiting list for ages. I am finally in! I go in for orientation on Thursday.

2007-06-11T20:41:00.001-05:00

What I am listening to: The Bird and the Bee
What I am reading: The Emotional Life of the Toddler

2007-06-11T06:21:00.001-05:00

This gorgeous man is permanently becoming this. Discuss.

2007-06-07T06:24:00.000-05:00

I am having terrible symptoms in my arms and hands. They go numb. My fingers move on their own when I am trying to go to sleep keeping me up. These symptoms went away for awhile but now they are back. This sucks.

2007-06-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

Okay. I just discovered the whole lolcats thing. Why didn't somebody tell me about this?! I laughed so hard that I almost pissed myself yesterday morning.

By the way, I have the sweetest momma cat you ever saw and two week-old baby kittehs in the garden at my school. Why do they seek me out? Nursing kittehs are super cute. Somebody should take them home.

2007-06-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

What's up, blog?
I have been crazy busy with work and IBP. Think teachers get a break in the summer? Not at my school. June is as busy as September. I have so many new kiddos!

Chris and I dressed like pirates for a date last week. That was fun. Too bad The Alley's Treasure Island was not so great. The best part was the retarted man two seats over from me. When the main character dove from a high platform, the retarted guy put his fists in the air, smiled real big, and gave a really loud, "YES!" That made me so happy that I wasn't too upset that I did not enjoy the show in the least. We left at intermission.

There are two new baby kittens and a mama in the bushes at my work. The babies are so little that there eyes are not even open yet. God Fucking Dammit!!! I have spent so much money and time on little baby kittehs. I am burned out. How do they find me?????

2007-06-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

You rock, Stephanie! You can see this amazing lady in IBP's Twenty Love Songs. Only 5 shows left!!!

2007-05-30T06:37:00.001-05:00

Yay, Beth Ditto!

2007-05-29T20:51:00.000-05:00

The kitteh has a home. I miss him terribly.

What I did this weekend: this, this, this, and this.

On Thursday night, I will do this.

I am reading a book about grammar and laughing out loud.

I am sick. I will never again eat at Hugo's. Most damn expensive brunch ever and not worth it. I slept all day yesterday and had to come home early today to sleep some more. The tummy feels better, but I am just exhausted.

My head hurts. Just thought I would check in.

2007-05-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

I need a home!

2007-05-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

We are back from Cape Cod. Watching the whales was an amazing experience. I cried. Did you know that whale breath smells real bad? It does. That is not why I cried, though. I cried, because I was so happy. We saw somewhere between 15 and 17 humpback whales. We also saw five harbor seals. I ate my first lobster roll. I also read Augusten Burroughs' new book and half of The Year of Magical Thinking. I took the hubby on this trip as his graduation gift. Turns out that he doesn't really like to travel. What a selfish gift on my part. This is the second trip I have treated him to. I think I need to find a new travel partner, so I can stop torturing my hubby. Problem is that I really enjoy his company and I also really enjoy his help when I am feeling extra gimpy. I remember when I was in Costa Rica with the sloths and monkeys. I was really wishing I could share that experience with him. That is a big part of the fun of travel for me - the shared experience. We saw humpback whales together - an endangered species! There may be as few as 30,000 in the world and we saw at least 15 of them. I don't think it would have been as fun alone. One thing the hubby did like was watching the glass blowing demo at The Sandwich Glass Museum. That made me really happy.

2007-05-13T13:56:00.000-05:00

The cute little baby kitty still needs a home. He is VERY affectionate and litter box trained. He is only 5 weeks old! He is black with a bib of white on his chest and cute little white paws. We love him so much! Even the hubby is completely smitten. Too bad our cat will not have anything to do with him. G.G. is a hissing and pouting machine right now.

Can you believe the hubby had never been to House of Pies?! I took him last night. The patty melt and the tuna melt are both amazingly yummy.

By the way, you MUST come to the show weekend after next. Amy Bruce and George Parker are performing A Woman's Complax Relationship With Her Vibrator. It is not to be missed! This will be the last weekend you can see this particular skit.

2007-05-10T06:26:00.000-05:00

2007-05-09T06:16:00.000-05:00

Here we go again. I found another baby kitten. It is black and white with whiskers for miles. Want it?

2007-05-02T17:15:00.000-05:00

I went to the Better Business Bureau awards luncheon today. Never thought I would be doing that.

Come See An Awesome Cabaret Show

2007-04-30T23:27:00.000-05:00

My sis-in-law says it best. From Tek -
"Hey, KIDS!

I'm writing to tell you about the NEWEST CRAZY POPULIST FUN, ready to
launch at Infernal Bridegroom Productions, at the Axiom. Your good
pals at IBP would never let you down when it comes to the occasional
crazy populist fun, right? Remember all those late-night Tamalalias?
Remember Speeding Motorcycle? You can relax. We know times are
tense. WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED.

This latest thing is called TWENTY LOVE SONGS. Don't let the title
fool you. This is not standard stars-in-the-eyes, happy-ever-after
tripe. We're lookin' at love from all the wrong angles, we're
scrunching up our faces and sticking our arms all the way under the
couch. We're doing reach-arounds and backbends. Love schmove.
You'll come away LOVING THIS SHOW, even if you're a DUDE.

As you may have surmised, this is all the creation of our own fine
theater dervish – MISS TAMARIE COOPER. She's a madwoman and we've
stopped trying to do anything about it. Now don't expect YOUR
GRANNY'S TAMALALIA. This ain't it.

Jodi Bob has given us a stunning setting. Transformed the Axiom lobby
into a TRAMP ART BORDELLO. Sofas and easy chairs and coffee tables.
Like no tsu oh, only you won't be scared to sit down. We're doing the
show on the lobby stage, by the way. You can lounge to your heart's
content, with your beer within easy reach. You may never be this
comfy again at an IBP show.

We've got a LEAN, MEAN version of the IBP orchestra. These CATS HAVE
CHOPS for every occasion.

Naturally, there will be singing and dancing and humor and stuff. And
ACTING!

For you high-brow types, we have Mrs. Zach Elkins and Mrs. Kevin
Blessington reading from their PERSONAL diaries.

We've got WALT ALL PIMPED OUT in tails. And high-water britches. And
a bowler. And a foul, foul attitude. It would be a dreadful cliché,
except it's Walt, so it's special.

We've got Christian and Chris and Richard and Daniel – certainly the
most LOVABLE AND EXTRAORDINARY goobers on any Houston stage.

We've got Brandy and Stephanie and Jennifer. Brandy and Stephanie and
Jennifer are purdy. Purdy FABULOUS!

We've got some folks who haven't been around nearly enough these last
few years – Christa and Amy and George. These people are FREAKING
ACES. We've been so deprived.

We've got KYLE. Kyle, people!

And Cary. Cary BREAKS MY HEART every stoopid time.

We have a rotating cast and a rotating roster of musical numbers. You
can see this show over and over and see something new every time.

We've got FEELINGS OF ALL VARIETIES. All inspired by that crazy
little thing called love. That huge, horrifying, crippling,
mind-altering, life-changing, embarrassing, absurd, tragic, desperate,
pathetic, and occasionally noble and sickeningly sweet emotion we all
love to HATE.

OPENS MAY 4th. Go to www.infernalbridegroom.com and click on
"tickets" to get reservations by phone or on-line.

I am totally hoping to see you at THE AXIOM for TWENTY LOVE SONGS.
Soon.

Tek"

2007-04-27T06:36:00.000-05:00

I am going whale watching in Cape Cod for my summer vacation, baby! It is a daone deal.

2007-04-24T06:37:00.000-05:00

I opened the front door yesterday to put the cat out and standing on my doorstep were a whole mess of Jehovah's Witnesses. No knock. Just there. Maybe it was a sign. A message from God. I was eager to listen, but they did not speak English.

2007-04-21T11:18:00.000-05:00

I am on the verge of a sinus infection. This tends to happen to me in late April and I end up in the minor emergency clinic at 3 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Perhaps the sinus trouble stems from the fact that I have flower arrangements all over the house. I hesitate to throw them out. They are so pretty! I got them at my teacher of the year ceremony. Perhaps it is the super fragrant blooming bush right outside my bedroom window.
I got a trophy at the ceremony - my first ever! I love my job even more than I ever have. The children were so adorable on Wednesday! They were amazed to see their teachers outside of the school. They kept yelling, "Ms. Cathy, come sit by me!" and "Ms. Cathy, I found you!" I was in cute overload land and I was so happy.
Here is a cute story from the school. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Sarah (looks over at Michael's penis as he gets his diaper changed)
"Michael has a big penis, but my daddy has a REAALY BIG penis."

Michael (clueless)
"My daddy has a big pizza."

2007-04-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

So, apparently it takes twice the amount of effort to make my CMT muscles do half the amount of work as the average person. Last night, I hit the wall. I crashed. My legs demanded a break. I guess they can only do so much in a day. My balance was completely shot and my feet felt like they were sitting in icewater. This is not a complaint. It is just a fact. I feel like I have to make excuses for myself. Is that dumb? I don't want people to think I am weak or lazy. I want to help more. I really do.
I like to work. I like to work hard. I have high standards for my work. Yesterday, I cleaned out a big closet at work and decided to clean/rearrange my office. It was a wreck. I just couldn't stop myself, because I have been losing sleep with thoughts of disorganization. I cannot tolerate disorganization in my workplace. How can I be a great teacher when too many things demand my attention? I would rather attend to my kiddos and having a place for everything and everything in its place makes that possible. So, the closet and the office have really come together. But the break room and the storage room? They need my attention. I also need to make a display project for my teacher of the year award.
I should rest today, but I don't want to. (whine!) I want to go to work at the school! I want to go buy a present for my team member, whose birthday I forgot! I want to perform, dance, and have a blast at the IBP gala tonight!
By the way, come to the Tortured Artist Gala tonight. The Axiom has been transformed. It really is incredible. The ticket price is incredible considering the entertainment, food, and drink that are included. You will have an amazing time. The hubby and I will be performing with the band. I am so excited!
Go to:
www.infernalbridegroom.com
for more info.

My Glamorous Job

2007-04-11T05:38:00.000-05:00

I receive e-mails that say BMs in the subject line. Seriously. And then they pile up in a row as a parent and I discuss this topic back and forth. My inbox is full of shit.

2007-04-10T21:04:00.000-05:00

I'm fretting. I'm fretting. To go to LA this summer for 2 weeks to take some training or not to go. I can't decide!!!!

2007-04-08T20:41:00.000-05:00

There are four guitars in this band that I am practicing with in my living room right now. Four! We just covered a Ramones song with four guitars. That is just not right.

2007-04-07T10:52:00.000-05:00

The hubby and I wantched Sherrybaby and How to Draw a Bunny last night. Both movies are worth checking out.
The baby kittehs are all gone. We are both sad and relieved.
We ate burritos from our nearby taco truck last night. They were amazing. I dreamt about taco trucks and Mexico last night.
I want to stop by the KTRU outdoor show today to get a t-shirt. Then, I have to leave. It is family day. No live music for me.

2007-04-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

I have two cute as hell kittens sleeping by my arm as I type this. I have officially found homes for all four kittens in only a little more than 24 hours. They are adorable. The hubby, the boy and I have had such a great time tonight marveling at their cuteness. Talk about quality time. There was no tv watching tonight. None of us wanted to go to bed knowing that the last two kittens will go to their new home tomorrow. We wanted to have every minute with them that we could. They are only 4 weeks old! The vet said that they are completely healthy. We worked real hard to teach them how to eat today and we were successful. Their new owners were a bit worried about how often they might need to be bottle fed. They were perfectly willing to do it, but they also have to work day jobs. The two little boy kittehs will be living their lives out together trying to fill the shoes two sibling cats that died of old age. Isn't that sweet? This will be a wonderful home for them. I love life.

FREE KITTENS

2007-04-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

Miss Messycovers found us under the porch. We are dirty and stinky. We want our mama! Please take us home! We are so little, we drink from a bottle! We need snugs! Love us!

2007-04-03T05:48:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been getting lots of stuff for free. Remember the cat food post. Well, it did not end there. There has been lots more free cat food since then. There has also been free side dishes for the family. I love coupons. Recently, I discovered consumerist.com and bargainist.com. As you read this, tons of free samples are coming to me in the mail due to tips on these websites. Unfortunately, these websites also have internet coupon codes for discounts. This doesn't save me money. It makes me spend it! Just the other day, I got 50 percent off some clearance items with one of these codes resulting in two pairs of pants for 7 bucks each and a kimono shrug for 3 dollars. These items were 40 each to begin with. That is a discount of $103. $17 bucks for for 2 pair of pants and a shrug! How could I resist? Notice, I did not say savings. I said discount. I did not save anything. I spent.

2007-04-02T18:58:00.000-05:00

I am such the bad blogger lately. Sorry. I have been so immersed in my work. The day job is rewarding and exhausting(not complaining). I am contemplating taking some more training this summer in California that will better equip me to teach parent/infant classes. I am already doing some of the reading for the class and it is already making me a better teacher. Specifically, I am getting better at not doing anything; which is wonderful. Sometimes, we parents/teachers do too much. Piaget said, "Every time we teach a child something, we keep him from inventing it himself." I exagerate when I say I am not doing anything. Here is a concrete example of what I mean. Today, a young boy of about 21 months gave me a book to read to him. After I read it, I set it in my lap and a 2 1/2 year old girl took it. The boy said, "my book". The girl did not give it back. On a typical day, I might have told the girl that he had given the book to me to read. It was his. I would have politely asked for it back. Today, I sat very close to keep things safe and just did some active listening.
Boy: My book
Girl: (holds tightly to two books in her hands)
Me: He wants that bunny book.
Girl: My Book!
Boy: My book.
Me: Looks like you both want the same book. He gave the book to me to read and now he wants it back. What should we do?
Girl: (looks down at her books and offers the boy the second of the two books)
Boy: (smiles) Thank you!
Girl: (smiles)
Me: Thank you for using your words, guys. You both look so happy!
This is peace education in action. When children have the opportunity to solve their own problems, they learn conflict resolution. Believe it or not, this respect and trust to solve problems and participate given to even the youngest baby can have amazing consequences. Next time you are with a child, do not teach them how to play. Let them teach you. Be there with them. Observe them. Comment on what they are doing. Let them get frustrated when doing a difficult task like putting on shoes. Help if they ask. If you step in to soon, are you giving the message that they are incompetent? Slow down. Do less. Watch. You might learn something.
I may be teaching classes about all this kind of stuff soon.
I was chosen to speak at the national AMS conference in October in California and I was named teacher of the year at my school this year. These things in addition to my interest in some new training and teaching parent/infant classes has really gotten me even more excited about work than usual.

Well, that was all about the day job. In art news, the Suchu show made me cry tears of joy. Loved it! Sorry it is over. I want the whole world to see that show! I hear that Two Star has new instruments. They match - meaning that they are all made by the same, extremely talented luthier. You should go check out Two Star at The Corkscrew on Tuesday nights. I hear the combined sound of the new instruments is incredible. I doubt I will make it tomorrow night, as I have a 13 hour day planned at work.
If you want to see my next show, I will be singing a few songs at the IBP Tortures Artist Gala and playing/singing at the next IBP show. Click on the IBP link to the right for tickets.

Nico is lost!!!!

2007-03-25T17:37:00.000-05:00

THE SMALLEST DOG IN HOUSTON IS MISSING!!!

2007-03-25T14:17:00.000-05:00

Please help find Nico. She is the smallest dog you have ever seen in your life. She was last seen in the Lawndale/Wayside area. She is the cutest little black and white creature you have ever seen. Pass on the word, if you know anyone who lives around the area.

2007-03-22T18:38:00.000-05:00

I know. I just don't blog like I used to. Must be the meds.
I went to see my neurologist last week. He enlisted my help in teaching medical student at Baylor about my disease. I was examinined in front of a group of more than thirty and then my neurologist began questioning them one by one.

Dr Kwan
"So, you think her symptoms are being caused by a tumor on her spine? Well, then we better get her an M.R.I stat. You think we should go get her an M.R.I right now?!"

student (looking down at the floor)
"no."

Fortunately, some of the students did know what I had. I had a great time and I learned a little bit. I am so lucky to be in Houston with our wonderful med center. I am seeing such an amazing doctor. I hear so many horror stories about the medical care others, who have my disease, are receiving.

This week, I got an EMG and a hearing test. The EMG was for my right arm, which is giving me lots of trouble. I do have some sensory loss there because of the CMT. I hate that, since I am a musician. The hearing test was all good. I hear fine. I thought so.

I'm a coupon geek!

2007-03-15T19:36:00.000-05:00

I got all of this cat food absolutely free this week. The kitty is set for quite a while. Most of this is quite a bit fancier than what she is used to getting. She loves the little treats! Click on the bar above. For some reason pic loading is not working properly right now.

2007-03-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

Deals I have gotten this week:

Nine West lg. leather handbag - originally 90 dollars - got it for $20 - SCORE!!!!!
cute kimono style shirt - originally $44 - 12 bucks!
2 skirts - originally $38 for $1.99 EACH!
3 lb. bag of cat food - free with coupon
kitty treats - free with coupon

I rock!

2007-03-10T11:08:00.000-06:00

I'm a freak show, baby. My neurologist had me change my appointment; so the student docs can come gawk at me. It's gonna be like Grey's Anatomy. Honestly, I'm kind of excited about being such a center of attention. Look at me! My axons don't work! My muscles are atrophying! I take lots of pills! Are you fascinated? This is how I will be spending my spring break vacation: a trip to the neurologist, a trip to the accountant, a trip to traffic court, a trip to the diet doctor, and a trip to the mall with my much more disabled mom, a trip to get my hair cut. I'm trippin'. Are you jealous? I also have to spend a day at home waiting for the gate company to come fix the gate. Ah. Vacation.

I have been having lots of trouble with my supposedly better left foot. It has been doing all of the work and taking all of my weight since I have lost an inch of muscle in my right calf. I got the insert the doc recommended, but I am still in much pain after a week and a half. It is recommended that people with my disease get light to make things easier. I have lost 5 or 6 pounds sice that doctor visit a week and a half ago. Go, Messycovers! It would really be great, if I lost 45 more. The pain in my left foot keeps me going. I honestly hope it keeps hurting like it is. It is really motivating me. Yay pain! Look at how I turned a negative into a positive. I am not joking.

I am going to see Deerhoof tonight. I am wondering, if I can stand for the entire show. Are there places for me to sit at Numbers? Should I bring my wheelchair? I am not sure what to do. Anybody go to Numbers? It has been so long - since last time I saw X there. I wonder about my ability to comfortably watch the show.

2007-03-07T06:20:00.000-06:00

Seven days on this diet and I haven't cheated once. I don't know how I can stay on it with a gig on Friday and the Deerhoof show on Saturday. Wish me luck, but I think I'll be drinkin'.

2007-03-04T09:05:00.000-06:00

Great article in the NY Times about why people believe in God.

2007-03-01T20:08:00.000-06:00

I love toddlers - especially for the bathroom stories. On Tuesday, there was a naked little boy in the bathroom. He is potty learning. He was changing, because he had an accident. He is a wild one. He loves to run around naked yelling, "I'm crazy!!!" He had his hand on the doorknob that leads outside - about to make a break for it. A little girl in the bathroom said (with great concern), "No. No. You no go outside. You nudie!"

Today, the same little boy put our big Tonka dumptruck on the toilet. I said, "Trucks can't go potty.' The same nudie comment girl said, "Yeah. No Butt!"

The cuteness at work never ends.

I am on a diet again - this time a medically supervised one with meds and everything. I gotta lose some weight because of the problem with my feet. I am up about 15 pounds since Speeding Motorcycle first opened. If I keep it up at this rate, I could be over 200 pounds in the near future. Unacceptable. It is okay, if I am in a wheelchair because of my disease. It is not okay, if I am too fat to walk. Plus, weighing less should help me work with the toddlers longer despite my disease. I don't care to be skinny or anything. I don't want to have to get a new wardrobe. Losing twenty-five pounds wouldn't be too shabby. Go, Messycovers! Go!

In other news, I got picked to speak at the National Montessori conference next fall in California. Pretty cool stuff.

My hubby is such a bad boy

2007-02-28T06:28:00.000-06:00

Me
"Your library book is overdue and you have a fine."

Him
"I know. And you know what, I don't care cuz that's how I roll. I'm just a wild, untamed wolf leading the pack and not paying my library fines. You know you like it that way. That's what first attracted you. You love a dangerous man. A risk taker. A guy who looks "the man" in the face and says "I'm not gonna live by your rules of how and when to return my books, no sir!" I'm gonna keep em. And I'm gonna keep on keeping em. As a matter of fact, I may just go and get another book. I look in the face of
American Library Association and laugh!"

2007-02-27T06:28:00.000-06:00

My cat is odd. She refuses to drink the water we set out for her. Instead, she prefers the toilet. She refuses to use a litter box. Instead, she is like a dog. She asks to go outside. She can be inside for up to ten hours without an accident. I have bought probably ten collars for this cat that I love. I don't want anyone to think that she doesn't have a home. I am afraid that she will be taken in by someone else or brought to the animal shelter. She somehow gets out of every collar I buy. I hope nothing ever happens to her. How could I ever replace her?

2007-02-25T09:13:00.000-06:00

We had our last Seximals gig ever Friday night. It was so great. I am so so so so sad that we won't be doing it again. Tony is moving to Kosovo. After saying goodbye to him the other night, I cried for like a half an hour. I have been playing music with Tony for nine years. We still will collaborate from far away, but it is not the same. I will miss my friend. He has been there for me in so many ways. I can't imagine what things would be like for me now if I hadn't had Tony in my life. I am tearing up again. I just can't even think about this, so I won't.
I love you, Tony. Thank you for so so much.

2007-02-20T06:25:00.000-06:00

What I am reading: The best of the New York Times Modern Love column

Come see me play at the last Seximals gig ever. It is Friday night at Brasil and it is free.

2007-02-18T08:49:00.000-06:00

People are idiots! A toddler should know this word. It is a body part! Get over yourselves, people!

We watched The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T last night. Visually cool, wonderful costumes, but dumb nonetheless.

We celebrated Chinese New Year yesterday with dumplings, dragon dances, long noodles, red envelopes and a trip to the Taoist temple. Apparently, cleaning the house today would be considered bad luck. What a great excuse!

Another call for Jury Duty. And this time on my Spring Break vacation! I cancelled it and scheduled it for August. That way, I will be happy to be there. I will be off the hot playground with the kiddos and inside the cool a/c. I had jury duty fairly recently. Since it was Municipal court, however, I can't get out of the County court duty. Damn!

2007-02-11T14:21:00.001-06:00

I had wasabi and mint vodka at the IBP Valentines and Vodka fundraiser on Friday. Very interesting. Thank goodness for swings. Hopefully, I can post some pics to illustrate what I am talking about later on.
My hubby turns 40 on Wednesday. I took him out for dinner last night. Goode Company seafood rocks.
Middle age. Glorious. Why do we have to be getting old? I feel old. I had to leave work on Friday, because my feet hurt so bad. I went home and slept for 5 hours. CMT often exhausts me by the end of the week. My right calf, which seems to be more affected, is now over an inch smaller than the left one. The bright side? I have rock star parking. Nanny nanny boo boo. It sure came in handy when there was nowhere to park for the fundraiser Friday night.

I have been teaching toddlers for about 20 years now. No matter what group of toddlers I am with, some little one will always say to me, "We don't eat poop. Right, Ms. Cathy?" Do they worry about this or are they just proud that they have this knowledge? Have they seen a dog eat poop and question the function of poop? Do they see the poop as an extension of themselves and have a hard time letting it go? These are the things I wonder about as a toddler teacher. All I can do is say, "That's right. We don't eat poop. You're a clever boy/girl."

Deerhoof is for music geeks.

Picture Google blobfish and freak out.

2007-02-10T10:19:00.001-06:00

I love Jesus!

2007-02-04T12:08:00.000-06:00

I can't seem to post from You Tube, dammit. You must go here and watch.

Get Drunk for IBP

2007-02-04T12:04:00.000-06:00

Please go drink at poison Girl tonight. A portion of the profits from the bar goes to support IBP.

Blogging About Money

2007-01-31T06:26:00.000-06:00

I love saving money. It gives me the biggest thrill. I love spending it too. We just moved our car insurance to the same carrier as our home insurance and will save about 300 bucks a year. Wow! Maybe I can afford that new dress that I have bookmarked on my computer. See how that works?
I heard on NPR the other day that the average household has 8000 dollars in credit card debt. That is absolutely crazy! I don't think that I could sleep at night, if I had that hanging over me. Young people, do not let this happen to you! Once upon a time, I had a 20,000 dollar credit card problem and I didn't sleep. In fact, I lost my mind. My house was forclosed on and I ended up living in a warehouse with no hot water in the winter! Whose fault was that? The ex-hubby, who is skinny and owns a cool mid-century furniture store in Taos. Bitter much? Now, I have no credit card debt. I love the powerful feeling I get of opening up a credit card account just to get the ten percent discount and then paying the whole thing off immedidiately. Ha ha. They didn't get me! I know. I am weird.
Perhaps in my next post, I will share my extremely organized coupon system.

2007-01-29T16:49:00.000-06:00

Check out this little review and video from the Chron.

2007-01-29T06:34:00.000-06:00

Gashlycrumb Tinies is over. My next projects include some recording with the Mathletes Puppycats Alpha Team and practicing for a Seximals gig (We are playing at Brasil on the 23rd). I will also be working the IBP Valentines and Vodka fundraiser on the 9th. I will try to blog more this week and next.

Two More Nights Only!!

2007-01-26T06:31:00.000-06:00

The Gashlycrumb Tinies" part I of III

Original music written by John Duboise, music performed by Two Star Symphony Orchestra and inspired by the book "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" by Edward Gorey.
***January 19, 20, 26, 27 at 8pm*****

Diverse Works
1117 East Freeway I-10 at North Main
Houston, Texas 77002

Cost: $15, students-$6, members-$10

Reservations, call 713-335-3445 or visit http://www.diverseworks.org for more info

2007-01-24T06:29:00.000-06:00

The rain is driving me out of my mind!!!!

2007-01-22T06:15:00.000-06:00

I was so nervous on Friday night and the people walking in late and making SO much noise did not help matters. Saturday night, I rocked it and it felt awesome. I have been watching season two of HBO's Carnivale and I only have two hours left to go. After season two, the show got cancelled. I am about to be really disappointed.

2007-01-18T22:40:00.000-06:00

Gashlycrumb Tinies in the Houston Press

An interview with the composer, John Duboise, in the Houston Chronicle.
Come see the show this weekend!

2007-01-17T15:09:00.000-06:00

I was off today because of the freeze scare. When HISD closes, we close. Thing is, it was totally fine out there. I ended up going to work to do some organizing for about and hour and a half. Then, I went to Target to buy a couple of things for my campus with my boss' money. Oh, how I love that part of the job. I also got four shirts for the boy at less than 2 bucks each, a robe for the boy for less than 5 bucks, and a jacket for me for 6 bucks. Yay 75 percent off rack! I love you! We have only two more rehearsals for our Diverse Works show. I hope you made your reservation!

2007-01-16T06:17:00.000-06:00

Wha happened? There was supposed to be freezing rain this morning! All of the schools were supposed to shut their doors. I was supposed to sit around in my pjs all day and read. WTF?

2007-01-15T09:54:00.000-06:00

I worked on cleaning the boy's room for 4 hours last night. I had no idea it was so dirty! Dad and the boy often "clean" the room. I think that their version of clean just involves stacking all the video games. I found pieces of trash all around the room - some from seven months ago. Funny. The boy told me he had NO pencils and needed one to do his homework. There were at least twenty pencils in his room. He just could not find them under all of the crap. Boys. Not just the little one.
In the NY Times - They are making new discoveries in the world of genetic research on Alzheimers. It freaks me out that this is a genetic thing. I already have one genetic disorder and guess what? Both of my grandmothers died of Alzheimers. Double whammy! Good thing there is lots of work going on looking for treatments and cures.
Happy Martin Luther King Day. Peace.

2007-01-13T10:50:00.000-06:00

Another coupon victory. Saved thirty bucks with them last night. Got two items that were normally 7 dollars each for only 49 cents each. Combining discontinued items with coupons rocks!

2007-01-11T22:16:00.000-06:00

My hiney so big! Why am I sticking it out like that? I dunno. If you got it, flaunt it?

2007-01-11T06:22:00.001-06:00

The Killing Game Blog is awesome.

2007-01-10T06:36:00.000-06:00

I finished reading The Glass Castle and moved on to The Memory Keeper's Daughter. I hate the flowery, descriptive language of this book. Barf barf barf gag hurl.

My next musical project

2007-01-10T06:34:00.000-06:00

I am now an official member of the Puppycats Alpha Team!!!

2007-01-08T06:20:00.000-06:00

We load in today for the Diverse Works residency. Yay! I am very excited about having my equipment set in place and no longer having to move it around. We open on the 19th.

2007-01-07T10:38:00.000-06:00

You MUST go to cuteoverload.com and watch the duckling video. I laughed so hard I cried.
We had so much fun with the kiddo yesterday. We bought him a book for our anniversary as well. It is a book on makin' stuff and we had to go out shopping to collect supplies. The highlight of the day was taking him out to dinner for our anniversary. We talked at dinner and laughed until our sides hurt. Then, we ordered a gigantic piece of chocolate cake for dessert. So yummy! Today, he and dad are making a car out of a Fuji water bottle and old cds.