For Craig: My Alaska Trip

Dear Craig:
In 6 days I'm going to 

ALASKA

I am traveling via:

And I hope to see lots of:

I've been saving up all my money to buy:

Then I will return back to Orlando. 

The End!

Questions for musical fans

One of my favorite things is seeing plays and musicals. Someone sent me this silly fun survey for Musical Theater fans. 

1. How often do you see musicals? About once a month
2. Why did you see the last musical you saw?  Godspell at Theatre Downtown
3. What do you think about straight plays? Do you see them often? Plays are ok as long as they are not too long. I see a play or two every week. 
4. What do you consider to be the most over appreciated musical? A Lion King
5. How about the most under appreciated? Anything by Jason Robert Brown
6. Dreamcast your favorite musical actor in three roles. 
7. Dreamcast your favorite musical actress in three roles. 
8. Dreamcast your favorite musical. 
9. Do you consider any musicals to be your guilty pleasures? Dance of the Vampires
10. The musical that failed to live up to your expectations? A Chorus Line a/k/a 2.5 hours I'll never get back.
11. The musical that surpassed your expectations? Evita
12. When listening to musicals, does language matter? Do you enjoy showtunes in other languages than your native one? I prefer English, but I have all the Phantom cast albums in other languages.
13. If you had to take a person who has never seen a musical to watch one, which one would you pick for them? This happen and I took him to see Wicked. It's an easy story to follow and good music.
14. What’s your favorite non-Broadway musical? Love Never Dies
15. Bootlegs – yay or nay? Yay
16. Do you prefer sung-through musicals or ones with dialogue in between songs? Either
17. Have you ever seen your favorite musical actor give a performance you didn’t like? No, I pay too much to not like something.
18. Do you always have company when going to theatre, or do you go alone? I prefer to go with someone, but most times I go alone. 
19. Which musical has made you laugh out loud the most? Le Worse (A musical Katie and I wrote about our lives)
20. How about cry the most? 
21. Which is your favorite cast recording right now? On the Record, which is a compilation of all Disney songs
22. You have to remove a song from your favorite musical. Which one goes? Wandering Child
23. Your favorite understudy performance? Whoever was Sutton Foster's standby in Little Women
24. What started your interest towards musicals? I saw a school play in 7th grade and fell in love with the music. 
25. You’re having a dinner party with five musical people (actors, directors, composers…), dead or alive. Who do you invite? Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jason Robert Brown, Sierra Boggess, Gillian Lynne, Sutton Foster.
26. If you only could watch one musical for the rest of your life (but you could watch multiple performances and productions of it), which one would you choose and why? The Phantom of the Opera. It's my thing, I've seen it more than 40-times. Can't stop, Won't stop. 
27. Make a musical-related confession. See above
28. A musical you used to love, but don’t anymore? Chicago
29. A musical you didn’t like at first but love now? Les Miserables
30. You get to be cast in a musical. Which one, and which role? The Phantom of the Opera, Christine Daae.

Things I learned this week WE 3/16/13

Princess Charger don't got time for ear drops

1. Putting ear drops in a dog is similar to walking into a cage fight with a lion that hasn't eaten in a week. You would seriously think that I pour hot lava into this dog's ear the way she screams and fights. My dog is a 92-pound alpha German Shepherd, who holds a grudge for at least two days. I have 11 more days of ear drop madness.

2. For two weeks I've woken at 3am from straight slumber covered in almonds including in my mouth. How I haven't died yet is beyond me. This week I learned that almonds have magnesium, which acts as a sleep aid. In my case, almonds are basically Kim chloroform and I don't remember eating them either.

3. Nutella is amazing. This week I had Nutella for the first time. Now I'm obsessed now. We had some at work and now I can't stop.

4. Despite my better judgement, I decided to watch Game of Thrones Season 2 with the notion that there would be less grown up parts. I was wrong. Lots of gratuitous sex and anatomy.

5. I waste a lot of time playing Game of Thrones ascent on Facebook. I'm not at the point where I'll spend real money, but I waste far too much time at night playing this silly game.

6. The first 50-pages of "Beautiful Creatures" is horrible and can be passed. I trudge through the first 50-pages for book club. I put the book down because it sucked, but book club people promised that it would get better. On page 51 things really did get better and now I can't stop. Though I find the story very superficial and nothing too deep, it's still a good story.

7. Driving on I-4 during rush hour really sucks. I can't imagine anyone having to drive that route every day, it is horrible. When I have to see shows downtown and leave my office at 5, it takes 1.5 hours to go 11 miles. This other night I saw a tractor trailer flipped upside down with it's contents strewn about the roadway blocking two lanes and an exit ramp at 10pm. Fail.

8. I'm a better dancer than I thought and it really is like getting back on the horse. I had my last ballet class this week and finally had a challenging class. I loved it, but my schedule was getting too difficult to manage (Surprise!).

9. I think I'm getting famous. People know me because of my theater reviews. Win. Most epic win.

10. I'm getting old. I got wind of my 10-year high school reunion happening this summer. Crazy. I don't think I've accomplished enough to show up. Also, it's kind of unnecessary because Facebook keeps everyone worth keeping in touch.

Movie Musical Etiquette

On my recent trip to see Les Miserables, I had the unfortunate luck to sit next to a couple of niños in the theater. Grandma and grandpa thought it would be a good idea to take them to see this grown up movie musical. Luckily, they ended up leaving after about an hour. This lead me to think about movie musical etiquette. Aside from standard movie etiquette, movie musicals are it's own breed and bring out a different crowd.

1. Don't sing. I didn't pay $12.00 to hear you sing. I don't care if you were born on Broadway, if there are no bouncing words on the screen, it's not a sing along. 
2. Don't give away the plot. I'm glad you've seen the show on Broadway 40 times. Do not give away the plot before the movie starts.
3. If you never seen the show before (aka. you're being dragged by your significant other), do yourself a favor and read a summary online. This cuts down on you snoring loudly behind me or you asking "what did he say?" every five seconds. 
4. Alternatively, do not explain the plot during the movie. You should have done this before and can certainly do so after. 
5. No in-movie commentary of the performance. The whole point of a musical movie is that it is adapted from stage to screen. There will be differences to fit the medium better. 
6. Don't clap between musical numbers. They can't hear you. They never will.
7. There is no intermission. So pee and snack-up before it starts. 
8. If you are unfamiliar with the musical, but like musicals. Listen to the Original London/Broadway Cast album before the show. This way you can have a better appreciation for the show. 
9. Know the difference between seeing the movie musical 40 times, and seeing the stage musical 40 times. Do not be surprised when you see the stage show and it's completely different. 
10. Bootlegging not ok for both live and filmed productions. We can all see the light on your camera/cell phone. Just turn it off. Just buy the cast album on iTunes. 
11. If you wouldn't take your kids to see the musical live, do not take your kids to see the movie version. See introduction. 

On behalf of musical lovers and movie go-ers. Thank you for reading!

Hurricane preparation from a Hurricane n00b

I've lived in Florida for about two years and Hurricane Irene is the closest possibly to becoming a Hurricane survivor. I highly doubt this storm will be 'Anderson Cooper worthy,' but it has put a bunch of Floridians and tourists on edge. Personally, I've always wanted to experience some sort of weather phenomena, excluding the daily summer monsoons here in central Florida. In fact, this summer I've re-mottoed Florida: The sunshine state, lightening capital of the world.

Being a Hurricane n00b, I've heard a variety of interesting tips from Hurricane survivors. Sadly, all the local stores ran out of the items that are considered essential for Hurricane survival, prior to me deciding that maybe I should be more prepared.

1. Fill up your bathtubs with water.  This is, apparently, so you may have a fresh supply of water, in case the plumbing goes out. It is also the only way to flush a toilet. Only one problem, we only have one tub, and there's no drain plug.
2. Buy a shotgun. Apparently, not nice people try to plunder other people's houses when there's no electricity powering a security system. It's ok, one doesn't need a shotgun when they have a ferocious German Shepherd.
3. Ensure that your trees are trimmed. Luckily, there are no really big trees near my house.
4. Buy bottled water. I'm still not a fan of plastic water bottles. Luckily, my mom is though and manages to keep a hefty supply. All the local stores are out of bottled water cases though. So I sense an apocalypse should the storm actually hit us.
5. Fill up your gas tank now so you can make an easy escape. Meh. I just don't feel that sense of urgency yet.
6. Make sure your flashlights have batteries. I don't think this house has one working flashlight. Probably a problem, but I tend to use my echolocation at night anyway.
7. Buy a weather radio. I sense my logic is flawed, when I think, why would I need a storm radio, I can just use the internet/my phone. I know, I know; I'm completely dependent upon electricity.
8. Buy non-perishable food. I would totally do that, except it was 3 for $5.00 Greek yogurt sale. Besides, all the stores are out of bread. I think, we have some chips.
9. Board up your windows.  But then you'll have to take them down. And why would you want to put holes in the drywall. Again, my sense of urgency is non-existent.
10. Stay tuned to local news for the latest updates. One thing about news in Central Florida is that they obsess over stories until it is dead (i.e Casey Anthony). It would be impossible to blatantly ignore Hurricanes when Floridians start freaking out every 10-seconds.

So that's my Hurricane preparation guide. I'm not going to abandon the fort here. I'm sure this one will miss us, mostly because it knows I have to work open to close on Thursday and all afternoon on Friday.

Things that I'm looking for this week

July is almost over (thank goodness), in Florida it's overwhelmingly hot and infested with tourists. People don't believe me when I say that they smell like sunscreen and disappointment. What is 'vacation' for some people, is daily life for others.

That being said, my summer semester is winding down, and not a moment too soon. I am, again, unbelievably stressed. So much so that I have three (3) Canker sores in my mouth. Two are almost gone, but one is getting bigger and angrier. I usually get them when I'm super stressed and eat a lot of chocolate (all of which happens frequently).

The worst pain I experienced when when I ate a hot dog and got ketchup in the wounds. Omg! It may be worse than electro-therapy. So, the #1 thing I'm looking for a is a cure for mouth sores.

Secondly, I'm sure many people are running into this need as well, but it is the need for more money. I've got bills, yo. It seems like everyone I know is getting married in the coming year. That equals a lot of traveling and dress buying. Some of the money saving tips I've encountered that work well include: not eating (or only having Ramen), car pooling, whoring myself to online surveys (Swagbucks, Crowdtap), sewing holes in clothes, putting tape/glue in the hole in my shoes, and using the library.

Furthermore, I'm addicted to chocolate fudge and Sabra's Supremely Spicy Hummus.  Sadly, the fudge leads to canker sores, and the spicy hummus does not at all help them heal. So maybe it's a win-win.

Any tips are welcome!

10 things you shouldn't say to a customer service person

I've heard a lot of crazy things in my life as a customer service agent.  Here is a list of the top 10 things that do not help your case and will probably make me judge you.

1. "I have 200 friends on facebook and I'm going to be sure to tell them never to go to ____" Wow, only 200 friends.  That's the problem with social media these days, most people think they're more important than they really are.  So you have 200 friend, one or two may actually read your posts while the other 198 don't give a shit. 
2. "I can't believe your office isn't open 24-hours a day." What a noble idea to help the economy, but let me ask you this, would you like to stay up until the wee hours working? Neither do I. 
3. "I know ____, he's the owner of the company."  Oh really?! Then why are you calling me instead of him. Again, if you're so important and on his radar, then by all means go through that channel and leave me alone. 
4. "My kid has (insert mental of physical handicap) and I can't believe you treated us this way. I'm going to write to the ADA."  If we were doing something illegal, I would know.  The ADA says "reasonable accommodations," not special treatment. I understand that in some cases you may need extra assistance, but don't milk it. You're ruining it for the people that truly need help.
5. "I only want to speak to a supervisor." Believe it or not, I have the same authority as my supervisor. In fact, my supervisor is just there to make sure I don't hang myself while listening to rant.  So don't start off on the wrong foot by belittling me. 
6. "Well, no one ever told me...." Sounds like a personal problem.  Why don't you try taking some responsibility for your actions.  I don't just show up places and expect them to tell me everything I need to know.  You would end up more mad if you had to take a class every time you tried to go somewhere or do something.  A little tiny bit of effort on your part goes a long way.
7. "That will be the last time I EVER visit you, I'm going to (competitor)" Bye! I'm pretty sure you'll be back though, the next time your kids beg to come visit. And I KNOW you'll be back if I give you free stuff. Sucker.
8. "I paid in cash and have no receipt, but I swear I'm not lying" Hello red flag.  You see yourself as a brilliant actor. I see you as a mother fucking scammer. Stop wasting my time.
9. "Hi, I'm standing outside the customer service area and they're not helping me." The mommy vs daddy routine works sometimes, but most times it means that you didn't get the answer you want because what you want goes against our rules. Calling us, isn't going to help you. Talk to the people in front of you.
10. "I think I should be compensated for my pain and suffering." May I please bring this into perspective.  In your mind you may have suffered, but you should be thanking your lucky stars that you are not enslaved, sick, destitute, starving.  Instead of wasting your money on self-indulgence, why don't you do something that matters.

Top 10 Odd Human Behaviors from a Dog's Perspective

 Today, I tried to put into perspective what it must be like to be a dog. This top 10 is from a dog's perspective on out odd human behavior.

10. Humans stare at screens all day when they can play outside.
9. Humans are overly sensitive when it comes to play fighting, biting, and sniffing butts.
8. Humans like to be dragged on a leash down the road.
7. Humans are careless and messy. They throw balls over and over and I have to go get them.
6. Humans don't lick back.
5. They wear chew toys on their feet.
4. Humans talk on chew toys to other humans, when they can just bark.
3. Sometimes humans don't finish all their food!
2. Humans like to take baths and clip their own nails on purpose?!!?
1. Humans collect poop in a bag?!

Five News stories that grind my gears

This section should be called, what is the world coming to. The sad reality is these stories are considered the norm and status quo. It is too much ask for more than complacency?

1. "Scientist find Gulf bottom still oily, dead" by AP. Did people honestly believe that millions of gallons of crude oil that spilled into the ocean would just disappear like magic? It's all well and good that BP paid for the on-shore clean up, but what about the water eco-system that covers the other 75% of the Earth? People remember Exxon-Valdez and were outraged. Where is the outrage with this case. Out of sight, out of mind I suppose. 
2. Saving Planned Parenthood - Honestly, where did this come from. I normally do not comment on extreme topics publicly, but taking away the education, the choice and the health care for women is not logical at all. I am glad that the reaction is the way it is. This is not an abortion debate, it's a debate about women rights. The government fund so many random projects, why take away funding from something that matters?
3. I saw this story on CNN an hour ago about Zahara Baker. Zahara was a 10-year old childhood cancer survivor, whose stepmother was just charged with her murder. I am under the impression that adults are supposed to protect children and help them grow into responsible adults, not murder them and chop up her body. Nothing aggravates me more than parents that kill their children for whatever reason. If you did not want a child, then why did you have it to begin with? I hope this little girl gets justice and is able to rest in peace. 
4. And finally Closures on the 408!!! Why must they do construction during the week? This road is notoriously crowded from 4pm to 6pm. This is the only way I know how to get to class and I drive about an hour to get there. So tomorrow, I will be trying to figure out an alternate route. UG!

10 things I've learned this week

In grown up life, the weekends fly by too quickly then you're back at work again. Next thing you know, months go by then years. I can't wait to get Charger the puppy, but I can certainly wait for this month to get over with.

1. So, Larry King retired and John Roberts moved to Fox News. I use to follow the news extensively and I guess I've let myself go. 
2. You generally can get your fingerprints done by a police station, but it's best to shop around the different cities for the best price. My local police station costs $20.00 and is open for an hour. The one next door costs $5.00 and is open all day. 
3. YouTube video that made my week! (see above)
4. Earl of Sandwich does not make the Holiday Sandwich outside of the holiday season. Their tomato soup is good and tastes like marinara sauce mixed with cream.
5. Blueberry-flavored Greek yogurt is the best flavor. My mom does not like Greek yogurt, but it's better than American style for sure. http://healthmad.com/nutrition/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-greek-yogurt-vs-regular-yogurt/
6. Taking your money out of Bank of America and moving it to a different bank is not easy. Prepare at least two hours to get one cashier's check. 
7. If someone is blatantly rude to you, it's ok to stand up for yourself. Go ahead and speak to a supervisor. Even if nothing comes of it, you can at least rest assured that it will not happen again. 
8. There's going to be a new Shamu show debuting in April in Orlando called One Ocean. I'm not sure how I feel about it just yet. I'll have to see it first. 
9. Ace of Cakes on the Food Network is having their series finally. I can't believe it, because the show never hits a low peak. I think that as their popularity has grown, so have their projects. So naturally people tend to branch off and such.
10. Justin Bieber stole is haircut from Luke Skywalker.