June 5–June 11, 2011

Softball Sunday – Playoff Edition!  Our first game was at 6pm against the team we’d play most this season and the team we were mostly evenly matched against!  It was a tight game, the wind was super intense making the ball move in unpredictable ways.  I played a different position almost every inning – loved it!  I even got on base most of the innings as well.  It was a great game and in the end, we won!  The final game was scheduled for 9:15 at a different field.  Since we had time and had to travel, most of the team decided to grab a quick bite together at the Red Robin between the two locations.  It was like our end of year banquet but before the last game! :) 

The final game was against the undefeated team in the league.  We didn’t really stand much of a chance but we put up a good fight!  We had a couple of great innings but a couple of not so great innings.  The wonderful thing about our team is no matter what, we always enjoy ourselves – always joking and keeping it light!  In the end we lost but coming in 2nd place in the top league was our best finish ever; we can’t be too disappointed. 

And so our coed season ended but we have the memories of a terrific season.

At work, this was a long week for me – two Grad Nites, back to back, followed immediately by two nights of MMY/Magical.  At this point in the run of Grad Nite, it’s getting tougher to stay up all night and get back to a “normal” schedule the following day(s).  The Grad Nites themselves were pretty uneventful.  The second night this week was the “LA schools” night – always good for extra drug busts and fights and this year was no exception.  Within the first 30 minutes, we’d already had 3 busts of controlled substances at our venue at the Castle.  Times like this make me worry for the younger generation and our future leaders!

Friday was not a good day for me.  It was one of those days where at the end of the day, I just wanted to curl up and cry.  Thankfully, I had a great team around me and we made it through 2 cancelled shows for 2 different reasons and my lost BlackBerry, amongst other issues.  The first show of MMY was a comedy of errors centered around the façade lights not responding to our command to turn off.  Several attempts later and an oddly placed cancellation announce and we were done.  Fireworks went okay but without projections as we still couldn’t get the Small World façade lights to respond.  Finally, just before the second MMY show, we got the lights to go out!  After some quick pre-show checks, I started the show only to have the projectors not have any output.  And we couldn’t find the cause of the issue so once again, I got to cancel the show.  We just weren’t meant to show Guests MMY this night.

Thankfully, after a full night sleep, I got to reset and start over on Saturday.  My BlackBerry was found and I had no issues for the night.  It’s amazing what a new day can do for one’s outlook.  I’m reminded of Anne of Green Gables – to paraphrase – tomorrow is a new day, fresh, with no mistakes in it.  So wise and so true!

May 8–May 14, 2011

Softball Sunday doubleheader – oh yeah!  I had a rehearsal for Grad Nite Explosion (more to come on that) during the afternoon and had to be late to the first game.  But I made it by the second inning and joined in on the third inning.  It was a fun game and we won, even if I did only play an inning and a half!  The second game we won by forfeit but decided to scrimmage with the other team.  It was a very nice, relaxed atmosphere to really enjoy each other’s company.  And we came away with 2 wins! :)

This week was mostly devoted to Grad Nite Explosion – rehearsal and opening night.  Sunday’s rehearsal was the first time we were able to put the whole thing together, acrobats and dancers, in the rehearsal hall.  It is a fun show with lots of movement and color and talent.  Near the end of the evening we even added in the costumes for the acrobats – they have lights on jumpsuits, similar to what they did in this years Super Bowl half-time show. 

Monday night was our first on-stage rehearsal with all elements – lighting, sound, and pyro.  We spent the first part of the evening wishing the rain away.  It is a bit hard to work on a tumble track and raised stage when wet.  Thankfully, the rain hit fairly early and we were able to get everything dry and ready to go just after midnight.  The cast got accustomed to the stage and I started to put together my responsibilities for the show.  At the end of the evening (which was really Tuesday morning around 4 a.m.) we added in the pyrotechnics – wow, the fireworks really complete the show!

Tuesday, my friend and co-worker Kim, had her Emerging Leader graduation.  It was held at the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom and I was so proud of her.  I had such a great experience in the program and knew she had too!  It was slightly bittersweet because she was offered a full-time salary position in another department; I am going to miss regularly working with my friend.  Sandy, her mentor, and I met up with Marcie and enjoyed some refreshments after the ceremony with Kim.  It was a lovely afternoon.

Wednesday shifted back to Grad Nite Explosion rehearsal.  It was our final night before debuting for the Grads.  Thankfully, the rain had moved on but left behind was bitter cold.  I made my salsa to share with the cast & crew as a thank you for their hard work throughout this process.  For me, the best part of the process was coming to an end.  I love performances but very much enjoy the rehearsal process – it is the time I get to spend with the performers.  Once shows start, my time with them is limited.  We had a lovely rehearsal, got through everything and even managed to end a smidge early (5 a.m.!). 

We were ready for the Grads on Thursday night.  The first Grad Nite is always a bit smaller in numbers, I think we only had around 11K Grads (our larger nights bring in 26-28K).  But small is a perfect way to make sure all the kinks are worked out before chaos sets is.  We had two great shows (1 a.m. and 3 a.m.) with most everything working. The thing with Grad Nite Explosion shows is that you never have a perfect show, it could be a great show but something, even if it is little, will go awry.  I have accepted this fact and it makes the nights a bit more manageable.  This was also my 12 on 12 day – see my next post for all things photo!

I got to sleep and recover on Friday and then it was back to work on Saturday for Join Jack’s Crew – but that never seems like work!  I don’t think I will ever get tired of working with my pirate cast & crew; and closing night is looming ever closer :( 

May 1–May 7, 2011

Softball Sunday!  Woo hoo!  I got to play another game :)  I know I’ve said it before but I’m saying it again, I love playing!  We’ve got a great bunch of folks playing and we’re not too shabby.  We even won this game!  I look forward to this every year since I got invited to play with the group.  Heck, I was quite upset the first year they played and formed the team without me even though I’d committed to playing while in the interest phase.  Alas, they smartened up and got me on the team eventually! 

Earlier in the day, my home teachers stopped in for a visit.  They a nice couple of guys – one works for a cancer research center in LA and the other is a local cop.  Can’t ask for a better couple of guys to check in on me each month or who I can go to if I need anything.  They even brought me cookies (which a wife had made!). 

The rest of my week was taken up with two things – prepping for Grad Nite Explosion and Mother’s Day celebration (a day early).  I spent all of my work hours prepping and rehearsing the pyrotechnic dance extravaganza the grads get to enjoy twice a night at 1am and 3am.  This year’s big ‘gimmick’ (for lack of a better word at the moment) is a trampoline (tumble track) set in the stage and those acrobats in costumes that light up (similar to those used in the Super Bowl Halftime Show this year).  It was several long days – yup, that’s right – days!  The girl who’d been working the swing shift (3pm-midnight) for the past few months suddenly had shifts beginning at 8am!!!!  But when you have an amazing cast & crew like I have for this event/show – it’s all worth it.  My cast is so very talented and they are taught by some very, very talented choreographers!  It makes my job so much easier – gives me time to deal with the headache that is pyro closures/restrictions and procedures. 

I tried to get a head start on the chaos this year but I think I just stirred up a kettle of fish (whatever that really means!).  Thankfully, I think I have it all worked out.  The test will be the first night we have the crazy wind conditions that shut just about all of Fantasyland down!  When I wasn’t in rehearsal with the dancers or dealing with procedure paperwork, I got to learn about trampoline and acrobatics – well, a little anyway.  Again, I have great tumblers who are willing to try and figure stuff out as we figured it out :)  I am truly blessed to be surrounded by wonderfully talented folk.

On Saturday, I got to put work behind me for a day – while everyone else at Disneyland was working the World Premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides, I got to spend the day with a couple of mothers in my life: my Mom, Joanne, and sister, Karen.  Unfortunately, my sister Sarah is just too far away (Seattle, WA) to spend the day with – but I heard her family treated her well.  Mom, Karen, and I started our day with lunch at Café Rio in Laguna Hills.  We ate way too much because it’s just too good not to finish.  But you only celebrate Mother’s Day once a year, so why not?!? 

After lunch, it was Mani/Pedi time! We headed up to a local Happy Nails Salon and Spa for our girly delight.  We all decided to upgrade to the spa treatment with hand and foot massages and other luxuries included.  I even went so far as to get my eyebrows waxed and shaped (maybe too much info but I don’t care!)  Sitting there with my family, getting my hands and feet pampered, I could totally see how the well-to-do make this a part of their lifestyle.  I suppose if I wanted to do without certain other luxuries, I could reappoint that money to this – it’s all a matter of priorities I suppose.  Perhaps one day, this will be a stronger priority for me… I certainly did enjoy it! 

When our nails were all pur-dy, we headed out for some good old-fashioned shopping.  We intended to just briefly stop in to Bath and Body Works but they were having a sale.  On top of that, they had a bonus bag full of awesome stuff for not much money if you spent so much money (I know, right!).  But the lady into the store just before us took the last one.  However, the helpful employee called another store and held a bag for us.  So it was back in the car and off to the Mission Viejo Mall and the store with the bags.  We each spent over the required amount and got our bonus bag full of goodies.  And, yes, while we spent a significant amount of money on bath soap, lotions, and sprays – I won’t have to buy anything else for at least a year (maybe more!)!!  By the time we got back to the first BBW, I was exhausted so I headed home.  But Mom and Karen continued their kid-free shopping for a little bit longer.  I think it was quite a successful girls day out!  Happy Mother’s Day!

p.s. after lunch, I intended to take more pictures but plain forgot! :(

Apr 17–Apr 23, 2011

I finally got to play my first softball game with Fantastical – the coed Disney team I play with in the spring!  It was four weeks in the making and it was epic.  We lost, but it was a close game.  I played second base & got beat up – took a couple of line drives/hard hit grounders off my body.  I made a couple of plays, even almost turned a double play!  I went 2 for 4 at the plate – not my best night but not my worst.  I just need to work on not hitting the ball right at the opposing players.  We don’t play again for two weeks, due to the Easter holiday, so I get a bit for my bruises to heal :)  I can’t wait for our next game. 

Monday was Shane’s actual 5th birthday.  I headed down to the house for dinner, gifts, and cake.  We enjoyed a lovely BBQ and conversation before Shane wanted to open his gifts and eat some cake.  I got the huge Batman fan a Batman action figure with some accessories.  Here are a couple of photos from his party on Saturday and the family celebration on his birthday.

The rest of the week was filled with work – all kinds of it.  I had a couple of fireworks shifts, a Pirate shift, and a Grad Nite prep shift.  I very much enjoyed my one day with my Join Jack’s Crew this week.  There is just something about the pirates and the shift that is just plain fun.  Yes, we have plenty of things to do and make sure happen, but we sure have a great time doing it!  I just wish I had more of these shifts.  After all, this is a temporary gig – only through Memorial Day – and after May 1st we are back to weekends only. 

Also this week, I finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!  I am so loving re-reading the series.  There are so many details I’d forgotten about and it’s just plain fun sharing his adventures again.  I’ve jumped right in to Order of the Phoenix now.  It only gets better and better from here! 

Even though we still have several shows left in our season subscription for SCFTA (formerly OCPAC), it was time to renew for the 2011-2012 season.  Since my sister is moving out of state and her best friend is having a baby, I invited 2 new girlfriends the seats.  It’s not the best season ever but there are a couple of shows worth seeing – Les Miserables being the one I’m most looking forward to seeing.  I haven’t seen it in many, many years.  And keeping my seats through an okay season will allow me to renew again for a hopefully better season for 2012-2013!

My sister has been touting How I Met Your Mother as an amazing show for years and trying to get me to watch it.  She enjoys it so much I started buying the season DVDs for her on various holidays & birthdays.  Well, I finally borrowed season 1 from her and watched the first disc.  It is quite a funny show.  I’m going to have to catch up on all the seasons she has on DVD before she moves away now!

April 10–April 16, 2011

I began this week, surprisingly, with an office day!  But I wasn’t going in until late in the day (so I would be around for the newest Jack’s SM first solo day on the show!).  The big adventure for the day was really going to be my first softball game with Fantastical – the Disney coed team I play on.  It was freezing cold so I got all bundled up and headed to the field in the late afternoon.  I was putting on my cleats when one of my teammates parked nearby asked if I’d gotten our manager’s text.  I had been driving and didn’t think to look if I’d received anything, so I pulled out my phone – lo and behold, a text had been received explaining we’d forfeited due to lack of guys!  Boo!  How does that happen?  When are we short on softball playing boys?  It’s always the girls that cause the problem.  Super bummed was an understatement for me.  The first game had been rained out and I couldn’t make the second game.  So now my first game will be the 4th of the season – and there’s only something like 8 total.  Big Boo!  So I headed into work, put in my time, and got out of there before fireworks lockdown.

On Monday, I got paid to watch Disneyland shows all night!  I was the Entertainment Duty Manager (E1) for the evening.  It’s a great gig – you get to check in with the shows, cast, crew, etc.  However, if things go wrong or are in need of assistance, E1 is the go-to person.  You report up to Theme Park 1 as needed.  Which of course on my first solo day since training a couple of months ago, I got to do!  There was a delay in starting fireworks (phone call to TP1) and then a mid-show stop per DFD (another phone call to TP1).  Thankfully that was my only excitement (and the kind I know how to deal with) but the trick was finding the right words for the nightly voicemail distribution to the executives.  I got through it & am looking forward to my next shift (in a couple of months again!).

Tuesday was my 12 on 12 day – see my previous post for all details.  It was a great day.  Wednesday was a day off for me.  I did nothing.  Well, a little laundry at the house but that’s about it.  I watched some TV, read Harry Potter, played on the computer, and generally stayed low-key.  I had tentatively made plans for the evening but as I wasn’t feeling too well, I rescheduled them for Friday night.

I was back at work the next day on MMY/Remember.  Nothing out of the ordinary on those shifts.  Friday night, after my shift, I went out with Jen & Annalisa.  We headed over to ESPN Zone and had a late dinner and lovely conversation.  We closed the place and then ended up chatting in the parking lot for another hour or so.  It was a terrific night out with the girls.  And our varied conversations totally influenced my dreams.  I had such amazing dreams with really cute boys dancing with me and telling me I’m beautiful.  You can’t go wrong with those kind of dreams :)

Saturday was Shane’s day – it was his 5th birthday party!  And thankfully, I was able to attend before work at Jack’s that evening.  He had another Batman themed party (like last year) with his friends, a bounce house, and a piñata!  There was a minor meltdown over the piñata but all things worked out in the end – there were cupcakes and presents!  He got some great gifts – lots of cool toys ready for the almost (two more days) 5 year old to play with over and over again. 

Mar 27–Apr 3, 2011

I continued my Pirate themed weekend on Sunday working Join Jack’s Crew.  I was supposed to play a softball game before work but due to the recent rain, the fields were too wet and the game was cancelled.  Boo!  I was quite looking forward to the first coed Disney game, especially because I knew I couldn’t be at the next game due to work.  Ah well, what can you do?  Weather is unpredictable as is life. 

Monday was my first day off in 9 days.  Needless to say, I did nothing!  Absolutely nothing… I didn’t even get out of my pj’s.  I slept in, watched TV, read Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire – basically, I recovered from a really long week at work.  I must say, this is one of the advantages of being single – there aren’t many but it’s a good one!  I didn’t have to worry about not doing the shopping or cleaning or taking care of the kids or the spouse or anything!  It was completely, entirely a “me” day.  Awesome!

I did start to be a human being again by Tuesday and I did all those ‘grown-up’ things required of me – shopping, laundry, cleaning, etc.  My favorite part of Tuesday was talking to my oldest, dearest friend Jim.  We’ve known each other longer than we’ve not known each other.  We met on the first day of Junior High School at Los Alisos in September of 1987.  His locker was above mine and we had a couple of classes together.  We didn’t start really hanging out until late in the year when a couple of our friends starting hanging out together.  We got into the habit of email and IM over the years before long distance charges became a thing of the past.  So we don’t always have the opportunity to spend a couple of hours on the phone.  But it was long overdue so we set a date and time to talk.  When you can fall into conversation like no time has passed or you’re not thousands of miles apart, you know it’s a great relationship.  We didn’t talk about anything important or life changing, just caught up on each other & our grown-up lives.  I mostly talked about work (shocking, I know!) and my lack of a significant other.  He caught me up on his job and family.  We spent several hours just talking.  And in this age of free cell long distance, we are going to do this more often!  And we mean it this time!

I don’t have any recent photos of Jim and I together so I pulled this photo from 1993 – when we graduated HS and celebrated with a day at Disneyland (I know, right!).  Jim is on the far left and I’m standing above him.  Also in the picture are Tripp, Harmony, Heather, and Rusty (l-r).

Back to work on Wednesday for me…first up explosions and projections and returning to pirates for the weekend.  Nothing terribly exciting or eventful at work – mostly just continuing to figure out the schedule for Join Jack’s Crew. 

Saturday I finally had my new sofa delivered!  Only took 3 weeks instead of the 3 days I was told when I purchased it.  Apparently one hand didn’t know what the other was doing so what I was told was in stock was actually not.  Ah well, it is here now and I love it!  Now once I get the rest of my house in order, I might finally have that housewarming party that is almost a year overdue (can you even call it a housewarming still?).