Just general stuff of my life at the moment:
* After nearly eight months of searching, fretting and tears, RedFaery is finally employed once more! Kentucky only has six months of unployment, and since the economy is so bad they also have a 3 month extension - she would have come to the end of that around Christmas. So the timing couldn't be better!
Red took this time off to not only search for the right job, but to get many of her healthcare concerns straightened out. She has Grave's Disease, which is an auto-immune disorder, so she has to be very aware of any and all problems that crop up with her body. She went to a very knowledgable endocrinologist who not only chased down and negative changes to her thyroid levels, but also discovered a severe Vitamin D deficiency, and got both back on track. To complete the unholy trinity of ailments, Red also had sinus surgery to remove polyps in her nasal cavity, which was causing the headache from hell. Now she's less likely to take sick days from her new job!
Speaking of the job, she may be the only person in the world with both a Financial Planning degree and and IT degree, and she may have found the only job in the world looking for that combo! On top of that, it's the largest payrate she's ever gotten, and the company is only 10 miles from home - so the saved gas money is a payraise too! She'll be building and maintaining the operating systems for a high-end designer door company, and helping their HR/Payroll person out with financial tasks as well.
I'm proud that she patiently held out for a position where she would NOT just be a number/warm body, and that she could do work that showcases her talent.
* Tonight beings another year of the National Novel Writing Month contest (NaNoWriMo). I entered it last year, finished my novel, but fell about 13,000 words short of the 50K goal. This year, I'm torn between two ideas: writing about my daydreams freeform, or writing a fictional story about me touring with/being a member of the Beatles. I'm kind of "meh" on it, but I did have a lot of fun with it last year, and was proud of my finished work (even though it sits on my hard drive requiring extensive editing - someday!). I guess tonight at midnight, I just start typing and see what happens!
* Costume contest at work. I'm wearing my Musketeer outfit, but I'm going to lose to either the "Box of Wheaties" or the "Help Wanted Ad". They are awesome!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Incredible Shrinking Ray - Week 41
As I sit here suffering from a big sinus headache, I have no good news to report. Fortunately, I sure this gain is temporary - I've been floating around the 210-212 mark all week, so that's the new "normal range" for me. Back to the gym, when I feel good enough to go.
Summary:
Starting Weight: 237 lbs.
Weeks 1-40 Loss: 36 lbs.
Week 41 GAIN: 2 lbs.
Current Weight: 212 lbs.
Summary:
Starting Weight: 237 lbs.
Weeks 1-40 Loss: 36 lbs.
Week 41 GAIN: 2 lbs.
Current Weight: 212 lbs.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Incredible Shrinking Ray - Week 40
Late again - no good reason this time, other than getting into a habit, I suppose.
What I enjoyed this weekend was seeing my weight at 210 lbs Friday morning, and STILL seeing it Monday morning. Seems like the weekend is good for a couple of pounds returning normally, but not this time!
I'm moving around at work a lot more lately, so I'm hoping that energy spent is burning a few calories!
Summary:
Starting Weight: 237 lbs.
Weeks 1-39 Loss: 35 lbs.
Week 40 Loss: 1 lbs.
Current Weight: 210 lbs.
What I enjoyed this weekend was seeing my weight at 210 lbs Friday morning, and STILL seeing it Monday morning. Seems like the weekend is good for a couple of pounds returning normally, but not this time!
I'm moving around at work a lot more lately, so I'm hoping that energy spent is burning a few calories!
Summary:
Starting Weight: 237 lbs.
Weeks 1-39 Loss: 35 lbs.
Week 40 Loss: 1 lbs.
Current Weight: 210 lbs.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
All I've Got To Do
I promised a ATIC update a week back. Finally sitting down to do it!
A few weeks ago, Scott called me for what probably had to be a VERY difficult phone call for him. He was calling to ask me to step down as host of the Alley Theater Improv Challenge. He stressed that while I was a good actor, hosting just wasn't for me. In the same way Drew Carey isn't doing that great as host of "The Price is Right". You could tell that he was worried that I'd be mad/sad/angry/hateful/you name it.
I was relieved!
When I first volunteered to host it way back in February, I never expected it to be anything more than a higher-profile version of my old improv group, RASCAL. Basically inform the audience of what the talented people were going to do, get the ask-fors, and enjoy the show unfolding. Once Scott brokered a deal to have it televised, my gut reaction then was "Do they STILL want me be the host???"
I'm not putting myself down here. The fact of the matter is that I've never performed in front of the camera. I've had no training, so I was basically trying to adapt the whole time. I was uncomfortable and out of my element big time, and it showed on the screen. Personally, I'm thrilled that Scott had the business knowledge to make the change now, instead of continuing to try and "make it work".
Fortunately, I'm not done with the show by a longshot! Scott offered me the role of Producer, putting me on the same level as he and Carol. I'll continue to coordinate the performers, get all the ask-fors, probably be a guest judge once in awhile, and generally keep the on-camera show going. It's still plenty of work, and necessary work at that.
I'll also be one of the folks picking a new host. Someone with everything I couldn't provide - on-camera experience and looking comfortable on the small screen. And I plan on being the most anal retentive SOB on the panel - not just ANYONE can replace me! :)
The other part of the plan is what has me the msot excited though. The Alley Theater is going to set up a show for training inprov skills, and I'll be the instructor! Similar to the Groundlings and Second City in make-up, we're going to have a beginner's course and an intermediate course. We'll also have a performance course, invitation only, and they'll be the members of the Alley Theater's very own improv troupe. Just like the days I ran RASCAL, only generating revenue!
I'll be honest - my ego took a bit of bruising over losing the hosting job. But what I'm getting in return I already know will make me happier in the long run.
A few weeks ago, Scott called me for what probably had to be a VERY difficult phone call for him. He was calling to ask me to step down as host of the Alley Theater Improv Challenge. He stressed that while I was a good actor, hosting just wasn't for me. In the same way Drew Carey isn't doing that great as host of "The Price is Right". You could tell that he was worried that I'd be mad/sad/angry/hateful/you name it.
I was relieved!
When I first volunteered to host it way back in February, I never expected it to be anything more than a higher-profile version of my old improv group, RASCAL. Basically inform the audience of what the talented people were going to do, get the ask-fors, and enjoy the show unfolding. Once Scott brokered a deal to have it televised, my gut reaction then was "Do they STILL want me be the host???"
I'm not putting myself down here. The fact of the matter is that I've never performed in front of the camera. I've had no training, so I was basically trying to adapt the whole time. I was uncomfortable and out of my element big time, and it showed on the screen. Personally, I'm thrilled that Scott had the business knowledge to make the change now, instead of continuing to try and "make it work".
Fortunately, I'm not done with the show by a longshot! Scott offered me the role of Producer, putting me on the same level as he and Carol. I'll continue to coordinate the performers, get all the ask-fors, probably be a guest judge once in awhile, and generally keep the on-camera show going. It's still plenty of work, and necessary work at that.
I'll also be one of the folks picking a new host. Someone with everything I couldn't provide - on-camera experience and looking comfortable on the small screen. And I plan on being the most anal retentive SOB on the panel - not just ANYONE can replace me! :)
The other part of the plan is what has me the msot excited though. The Alley Theater is going to set up a show for training inprov skills, and I'll be the instructor! Similar to the Groundlings and Second City in make-up, we're going to have a beginner's course and an intermediate course. We'll also have a performance course, invitation only, and they'll be the members of the Alley Theater's very own improv troupe. Just like the days I ran RASCAL, only generating revenue!
I'll be honest - my ego took a bit of bruising over losing the hosting job. But what I'm getting in return I already know will make me happier in the long run.
The Incredible Shrinking Ray - Week 39
Again really late in posting this one. RedFaery had sinus surgery, and I've mainly been focusing on making sure she has everything she needs to be comfortable and heals properly.
However, the good news is that I've lost weight. Probably due to eating less, not so much exercise or watching what I eat. I'll take what I can get, especially with less than 3 months to go!
Summary:
Starting Weight: 237 lbs.
Weeks 1-37 Loss: 28 lbs.
Week 38 Loss: 7 lbs.
Current Weight: 211 lbs.
However, the good news is that I've lost weight. Probably due to eating less, not so much exercise or watching what I eat. I'll take what I can get, especially with less than 3 months to go!
Summary:
Starting Weight: 237 lbs.
Weeks 1-37 Loss: 28 lbs.
Week 38 Loss: 7 lbs.
Current Weight: 211 lbs.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Too Much Monkey Business
Been a while since I've done a "here's my life" post. I'll save updates on the TV show for the next one, once I have an important meeting with the producers (big announcements coming soon).
This weekend RedFaery and I had a "Bad Movie Party". Anyone that's ever been to a showing of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" or seen "Mystery Science Theater 3000" knows what this is. Basically you get a lot of B-grade movies, and talk about it the entire time while the movie is showing. Sometimes you change the dialogue, sometimes you crack on the plot and characters, but whatever you do you don't try to follow along with what's going on.
Since our front room (hell, ALL our rooms) is small, we kept it to a small group. Someone requested that I make gumbo, so I spent Saturday morning slicing chicken and peppers, loading the crockpot and setting it on low. Red cleaned and cleaned the Friday before and deservedly slept in. I mowed for what is hopefully the last time in 2008 - have to remember to take the mower to a small engine place down the road for service and blade sharpening before storing it for spring.
Just after 4pm our friends started showing up. Danny & Holly brought brownies and an excellent meat-laden chili, Cindy brought chicken fingers and other deserts, Kim brought extra chairs and a friend, and Tymber brought a superb collection of B movies - half of which starring Bruce Campbell.
We watched the ever-popular "Army of Darkness", complete with original ending. Next was the original Batman movie with the TV series cast (Adam West version) - in all it's cheesy glory! We followed it up with one everyone MUST see, mine and RedFaery's favorite B-movie of all time, "Monster Man".
We tried "Bubba Ho-Tep" and realized it wasn't a good one for a bad movie party - partly because of it's slow pace, but also because we wanted to follow along with the plot. So we stopped it after 30 minutes or so, and put in "Fangs", a movie about genetically-altered bats.
The last of our visitors headed out around 1:30am, all seemingly having enjoyed themselves. Virtually no clean-up - what a tidy bunch! It will be a while before we host another Bad Movie Party, because if you try to do them too often they get stale. But we will have one again!
This weekend RedFaery and I had a "Bad Movie Party". Anyone that's ever been to a showing of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" or seen "Mystery Science Theater 3000" knows what this is. Basically you get a lot of B-grade movies, and talk about it the entire time while the movie is showing. Sometimes you change the dialogue, sometimes you crack on the plot and characters, but whatever you do you don't try to follow along with what's going on.
Since our front room (hell, ALL our rooms) is small, we kept it to a small group. Someone requested that I make gumbo, so I spent Saturday morning slicing chicken and peppers, loading the crockpot and setting it on low. Red cleaned and cleaned the Friday before and deservedly slept in. I mowed for what is hopefully the last time in 2008 - have to remember to take the mower to a small engine place down the road for service and blade sharpening before storing it for spring.
Just after 4pm our friends started showing up. Danny & Holly brought brownies and an excellent meat-laden chili, Cindy brought chicken fingers and other deserts, Kim brought extra chairs and a friend, and Tymber brought a superb collection of B movies - half of which starring Bruce Campbell.
We watched the ever-popular "Army of Darkness", complete with original ending. Next was the original Batman movie with the TV series cast (Adam West version) - in all it's cheesy glory! We followed it up with one everyone MUST see, mine and RedFaery's favorite B-movie of all time, "Monster Man".
We tried "Bubba Ho-Tep" and realized it wasn't a good one for a bad movie party - partly because of it's slow pace, but also because we wanted to follow along with the plot. So we stopped it after 30 minutes or so, and put in "Fangs", a movie about genetically-altered bats.
The last of our visitors headed out around 1:30am, all seemingly having enjoyed themselves. Virtually no clean-up - what a tidy bunch! It will be a while before we host another Bad Movie Party, because if you try to do them too often they get stale. But we will have one again!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Incredible Shrinking Ray - Week 38
REALLY late posting this. Been dealing with things at work I'm not thrilled about that I won't cover in a public forum, so my mind's been elsewhere. Haven't been eating more, but I'll wager stress is affecting my weight. That's all for now.
Summary:
Starting Weight: 237 lbs.
Weeks 1-37 Loss: 25 lbs.
Week 38 GAIN: 3 lbs.
Current Weight: 215 lbs.
Summary:
Starting Weight: 237 lbs.
Weeks 1-37 Loss: 25 lbs.
Week 38 GAIN: 3 lbs.
Current Weight: 215 lbs.
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