One Less Possum in Critter County!

     OK! This is what I saw when I opened the back door to leave the Sanza's house tonight. The biggest, grossest, most disgusting possum everrrrrr! And his face looked exactly like this; he was HISSING at me! Yuck!!! Sometimes I joke with Pam & Frank about how they live in "Critter County". Not too long ago when I was at their house, Hannah called me into the "Game Room" to show me the possum and the raccoon (through the glass door) that were hanging out on their porch having a little tea party. 
     When I heard Mr. Possum hiss at me tonight, I quickly slammed the door shut as I uttered a profanity. I'm sorry Hannah had to hear it, but that possum scared the poop outta me!!! Frank quickly grabbed his rifle (from it's secure location) and told me to "stay inside". Before long, Frank was back in the house and Mr. Possum was gone, gone, gone. 
    Since I'm talking about critters, I'd like you to meet Fred the Frog. He lives downstairs at my apartment complex. Fred really enjoys hanging out in the same place each night; I'm pretty sure he finds super yummy bugs to eat under the porch lights. If Fred eats too many bugs, he might not fit in his hiding place anymore! :-D 

Fred the Big Fat Frog

     Before I say goodnight, I thought I'd let you know that I got a part in "A Christmas Tale". Woo Hoo!!!! I was so excited when I read the email from Frank tonight! I'm not sure which storyteller I will be in the show; I'll find out at the first rehearsal next week. Frank also asked me to help with costumes, which I've never done before ... but I'm super excited about! OK, so who's coming to see the show? The dates are December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 (7:30PM). Puhleeeeeeze? 

If you have a minute (or some time to kill) check out this You Tube video for:

A Christmas Tale (Opening Song)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Un3tzgpOs

Performed & Written by Willow Creek Church

The Grand Finale'

   Hey Blog Readers!
     First of all, I want to give a BIG OL' Texas THANK YOU to everyone who has left a comment. I don't really know if people are reading my blog (some of you have told me you are); so it tickles my heart when I can SEE that you are. Thank you. Thank you. Thank yooooouuuuu! 
     For those of you who are completely sick of the Budget-Martha-Stewart side of me, I promise these are the last few pics of my apartment. My vocal doctor & apartment decorator extraordinaire (Gail) came over yesterday and we finished accessorizing my new digs.

I will admit, I'm getting a little tired of sleeping on my Aerobed! I realize this is a "luxury problem" to have (in the big scheme of things). I know there are many people in other parts of the world who would be THRILLED to sleep on my Aerobed. Sigh.

However, friends from church recently offered to loan me a twin mattress!

With great excitement I said, "Yes Puhleeeze!"

Bedroom art.

This was Gail's brain-child. Do you dig the mirror disco ball? I think it's groovy.

The mini-TV sits on a teeny-tiny shelf, really low to the ground. Sometimes I watch TV in bed and since I have no box-spring, it's the perfect height.

I also get to see my Disco Wall when I lay in bed. It makes me *really* happy! 

Meet Shandy, the Chandelier! I wish you could see the gems that she's wearing. 

Oh, and this is Shandy's friend, Dahlia the Lamp! Aren't they saweet? Uh huh. Yeah. They are. They shop at the same jewelry store. 

Love, love, love how the topiaries are chilin' with Bon Appe'tit.

I really love 50% off and TJ Maxx too!

     For a quick update on me, I auditioned last night for "A Christmas Tale" and I think it went pretty well. All who auditioned will be notified by the end of the week (if they're in the show or not). Rehearsals start on October 5th. I'm sooooo hopeful!!

     One last thing, I'm anxiously awaiting my unemployment checks since I have not received *one* since I arrived here. It's a long story (and I'll spare you the details) but suffice it to say that changing my address seemed to throw the EDD for a loop! Please pray they will be processed quickly and arrive soon.

     Until next time! TTFN.

I'm sure YOU never take things for granted, right? ;-)

     It's true. We all take things for granted. Sometimes, we don't realize just how GOOD we have it, until "it" is gone. Have you found that to be true? This week I've realized there are some tremendous differences in the Fitness Classes I was taking in San Jose vs. the classes I'm attending here in Sherman. 

     San Jose Props: Heidi Mohs is the most amazing & inspirational Turbo Kickboxing & Zumba class instructor everrrrrr. I always knew she was good but I didn't realize just HOW GOOD until I took Cardio Kickboxing & Zumba here. Don't get me wrong - I still get a great, super sweaty workout when I attend classes here BUT it's different. No Turbo Kick (the instructor said that it was "too hard" for the participants to learn ... so no one came to class). No one utters a word during class. When I shout "Woo Hoo!" people look at me like I'm from another planet. I'm not kidding (and believe it or not, I'm holding back). The instructor says she enjoys my enthusiasm yet she is just as quiet as everyone else during class! LOL. No inspirational words. No "push" to work harder or dance bigger. No excitement or enthusiasm. VERY different. I miss my "gym rat pals" in San Jose BIG time who would save me a spot, who loved me unconditionally, even when I would hoop & holler. :-) "Singles!"

(Photo of me and Heidi - taken at my 60's Themed 50th Birthday Par-tay)

     Sherman Props: The Fitness Center is HUGE but sometimes it's only you and one or two others who take a class (like Boot Camp). It feels like you are receiving personal training for FREE! We work with lots of "props" like medicine balls, balancing discs and jump ropes which makes it SUPER FUN. All the instructors here are really nice, just kinda quiet.
     San Jose Props: You cannot attend class if you arrive AFTER the class has started. Personally, I think that's a smart rule! Warming-up is super important; I also think it is respectful to the other class participants *and* the instructor to arrive on time. If you were attending one of Heidi's classes, you had to arrive an HOUR EARLY in order to secure a spot on the floor. Today in my cycling class, people jumped into class 15, 20, 30 minutes AFTER the class started. Wait. What? That's okay here? Ummmm, okay!
     Sherman Props: They have a designated Room for Cycling Classes (they don't call it "Spinning" at this gym)! That means, you can BLAST the music and get down with your bad self as you ride. In San Jose, they had a small section designated for Spin Classes on the main floor and everyone had to wear a headset to hear the music and the instructor. I love hearing the different music each instructor chooses and I like that they play it loud and proud. BONUS: One of the instructors played Christian music during the class. She said, "I hope this does not offend anyone but my thought is ... if we play songs about boobs and butts, we should be able to play songs about God too!" I loved that - only in Texas!

     Enjoy what you have. Don't take stuff for granted. Appreciate and embrace those things in life that make you really happy. Thank your friends. Meet someone new. Tell your instructor how much you value them and that you appreciate their hard work & dedication (Sunday School, Gym, College, etc). *Express* your gratitude in your own unique way! Until next time! TTFN. 

Caution! Work In Progress.

     Check out some wall "art" in my bedroom that Gail and I had so much fun with yesterday. This shadow person is me at my 50th birthday bash! LOL. As I mentioned in a previous post, Gail is helping me accessorize my apartment and due to my limited budget, she's gotta be VERY creative. No problem, she is totally up for the task! 

     We found these vinyl clings at the Circle Dot Boutique (okay, Target) and the stick-on mirrors were from TJ Maxx. The wall is not quite finished yet, but I will post pics when it's complete. I'm going to go look for vinyl letters tomorrow - at the top of the wall (over the shadow dancers) I'd like it to say: Dance With Me!

     My living room is a little less "naked" these days as well. The cushions against the wall actually belong on my patio furniture but I keep 'em inside so I don't have to worry about finding a tarantula or any other kind of HUGE creepy, crawly thing on 'em. Yes, everything is BIGGER in Texas ... especially the bugs. Ewwwwww.

     Do you love this "Autumnal Splendor" arrangement as much as I do? The bowl was $5 at TJ Maxx (clearance) and MOST of the Fall Lovies in the bowl were 40% off at Hobby Lobby (kinda like a Michael's Craft store in Cali, but BIGGER and better). 

     Some of you might have noticed that I changed around some of the "borrowed art". It just made more sense to have the MarketPlace & Vineyard pieces in the dining room! It's starting to feel a little cozier now - and it echoes a whole lot less! :-D

     Okay, enough apartment stuff. Can someone please reply with a comment? Do you love or hate my "apartment-on-a-dime"? What's new and exciting in YOUR world? I really *would* love to hear from you. Before I go, I'd love to give a special shout-out to Gladys Ballenger because I'm told she anxiously awaits the arrival of my next blog post! That cracks me up and makes my heart so happy. Love you, "Gladiola Thunderleaf"!

     Until next time. TTFN (Ta Ta For Now).

Sleep-Over @ Lynda's!

     Today has been filled with fun, fun, fun! But let me back-up a bit. On Friday night, I had the pleasure of having Ty & Hannah spend the night at my apartment. Ty and I started the evening with some deeelish popcorn while we watched Wall-e on TV. Hannah was busy being an actress in "Joseph..."

     After I picked Hannah up from the theatre (of course we drove the VW with the top down @ 9PM, still 85 degrees outside), she and I had "manicure time". This photo was taken at the Sanza home after I returned my overnight guests. ;-) 

     While Hannah and Ty were over, we did lots of fun stuff! We had pancakes for breakfast, we went to Ty's friend's birthday party at the park (Happy Birthday Hudson), we had McDonald's for lunch and played lots of make-believe games! We took a few photos before they went home. We had a blast while Pam & Frank participated in a group garage sale. I think *I* got the better end of that deal! 

     Hannah was a focused actress with just the right face on the Walkie-Talkie. I was trying desperately to get Ty to make a "normal" face. After lotsa laughter and getting a "good shot", we all got a little crazy. Well, except Hannah, she was focused!!! Fun times. Fun times. Fun times! Until next time ...

Love Me Some Taco Cabana!

     Yes, I know my blog posts tend to be positive but I just can't help it. It's who I am! Some dear friends used to tell me that I reminded them of Opie from an old TV show called Mayberry RFD. Opie was the young boy who always had a smile, he was sappy happy and at times, a bit naive. What-ever!
     So, today has been glorious. I went to cycling class this AM and then went to Pecan Grove Park and had my quiet time by the lake. It was so nice to be outdoors and *for a change*, it wasn't too humid!

     As I type, I'm updating my blog at Taco Cabana while I eat lunch. I needed to be out of my apartment most of the day because my carpets are being treated for pet urine. Ewwww!
     They had already been cleaned prior to moving in but I found out the previous renter had a cat. The nasty smell was not as noticeable at move-in but a few days later I said "Ummmm. What is that nasty smell, especially in my bedroom?!?". So after a call and email to the manager, the problem should be taken care of soon! Yessss.
     I'm taking a salsa class tonight at the gym and I can't wait! I sure do love to dance!! Auditions for "A Christmas Tale" are 9/26 and 9/27. I'm hopeful my laryngitis is gone, gone, gone by then and my voice back to normal. Dr. Gail has prescribed vocal abstinence as much as possible until my chords have healed. That, my friends, is really hard for me. Shocked? I think not.
     Well, I've got some tortilla chips to finish and an iced tea calling my name! Chat with you soon. Signing off from the oh-so-yummy Taco Cabana!

Blessed Beyond Belief!

     This week was incredible! I tried lots of new classes at the gym: Water Zumba. Water Aerobics (I was the youngest person in class). Cycling (aka Spinning). Boot Camp. Which one do you think was the toughest work-out for me? Yup. Cycling! I'm super sore from Cycling and Boot Camp. It's been a few weeks since I have worked out and my body is reminding me of that today. Ugh.
     Another blessing (besides starting to work-out again): Frank asked me to help him with a video for the auditions of "A Christmas Tale" and of course, I was happy to help! You can check it out - http://www.shermanbible.com/#/media/christmas-auditions (go to the click for more info at the bottom of the page). Of course, I am *not* happy with my BIG hair (boy, do I need a haircut) but considering we didn't really write or rehearse anything - it went pretty well. Frank is very good at what he does. God has truly gifted him. 
    Frank also asked if I would help out with announcements during church today. I wasn't sure if I'd have a VOICE because I'd come down with a case of laryngitis on Friday night ... but thanks to Dr. Gail's advice (she's a speech & language pathologist - so she knows lots about vocal chords and how to take care of them) and a God who heard my prayers - I was able to eeeek out the audition announcements! It was a splendiferous Sunday at Sherman Bible because Pam sang a solo and Hannah was in a drama. What a blessing, I am here to see it LIVE! God is so good.
     After church, I hung out at the Sanzas. Frank's niece, her colleague & their kids (5 of them) were visiting from Dallas. Frank fixed a deeelish pasta dish while Ty and I created a magnificent Salad Bar.

     We finished the day of blessings galore with a dip in the pool and a quick trip to Braum's ice cream for dessert. The best part about Braum's? They have a drive thru! Yesssssss. Cha-ching on the blessings. My heart is overflowing with gratitude. Seriously.
     I'm looking forward to more cycling this week *and* checking out the salsa class at the gym. TTFN.

Shopping with a Disney Princess!

     It's true! I had the honor of shopping on Friday with a Disney Princess. Well, okay - she's a teeny bit different than Cinderella, Snow White or Ariel because she loves Jesus with all her heart! To be honest, I'm not exactly sure where the Disney Princesses stand spiritually because they don't talk about it - but - I'm gonna guess they haven't met Him yet. :-D 
     On Friday, my dear friend Gail drove from Plano to Sherman (about 50 minutes) to hang out with me for the day. Her mission (that she chose to accept) was to help me accessorize my apartment on less than a dime! She did such a great job. We went to Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, TJ Maxx, Ross, Pier 1 and then back to Target! 

(Photo taken at my 50th Birthday Bash - 60's Theme)

     Why the Disney Princess reference, you ask? It's the easiest way to describe Gail. Sometimes, I really believe that the people she encounters wonder whether or not she's for real! Here's an example: We were in Pier 1 and Gail stumbled upon some beautiful drapery panels. OK yeah, we were were shopping for *my* apartment, but you can't blame a girl for looking, right? Of course, I didn't mind. Especially since Gail had previously purchased and returned many, many drapes for her living room because each time it looked like they would match her furniture (Pat, Pool & Stick ... butter theme), she would get them back to her condo and the color would be wrong. Sigh. Poor girl. So, we were BOTH really excited about stumbling upon the peacock feather drapery panels! 
     The plot thickens: The Pier 1 in Sherman was going out of business and everything was on clearance which also meant she could NOT RETURN them if they didn't work. This was a significant purchase! What do to! What do to! The solution? Of course, the especially helpful employees (who reminded us of the Gilmore Girls) offered to call the Pier 1 in Dallas! They discovered the Dallas Store had exactly the number of panels she needed, they were on sale as well *and* they would hold them for her (Gail calls special occurrences like that: Shopping with the Holy Spirit). Can I get an Amen? ;-D The best part of all was that she could return them if they didn't match! No risk! Yesssss.
     Enter Disney Princess: Gail genuinely told the Gilmore Girl employees over and over and over again how grateful she was for all the trouble they had gone to for her. She also told them that whenever she would look at her drapes, she would think about their kindness. Before we left, she said "I would be more than happy to let your manager know how wonderfully helpful you gals were. Would you please give me his or her name? Too much trouble? Okay then; I will just pray that each one of you find a really wonderful job when your store closes!" and we walked out. Gilmore Girls waving. Gail smiling. Myself, in awe!
    Now, imagine that encounter but in place of Gail put Cinderella, Ariel or Snow White. Their voice. Their proper manners. Their perfect vocabulary. Their princess-like characteristics. It makes me smile just thinking about it. Yesiree, Gail is the real deal my friends and her over-the-top gratitude is 100% gen-u-ine!
   Finale' - We found a super awesome patio table & chairs on clearance (Target) for my apartment balcony. Gail found a candle holder (and a yummy candle) at TJ Maxx for the table (that matched perfectly with the light fixture on the balcony). Sorry, the photo does not include the light fixture. LOL.

Well, I kinda forgot about how stinkin' hot & humid it is in Texas and I accidentally left the candle OUTSIDE today (over 100 degrees). I'm sure you can imagine what happened. 

Just like the wicked witch on the Wizard of Oz, my beeeeautiful new candle mel-l-l-l-l-l-ted. Sigh. After some freezer time, a knife to scrape off all the wax and a little Windex - it's all good. But from now on, the candle stays "inside" until it's much cooler outside. LOL.

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you about one special purchase I made while at Pier 1. I plan on having some folks over for dinner and of course, I want the table to look "purdy". Check out these precious rick-rack napkins and "bling" napkin rings. I call them "If ya like it then you shoulda put a ring on it!" I can't wait for my dinner guests ... can you tell? 

Until next time. Big love from me to you.

Lovin' Labor Day!

     Did You Know? The first Labor Day in the US was observed on September 5, 1882 in New York City, by the Central Labor Union of NY, the nation's first integrated major trade union. (I didn't know that!)
     Thankfully, the weather was deelish and so was Labor Day! The Sanza fam came over to my apartment complex to enjoy lunch poolside and then some swimming. We played a few robust rounds of "Marco Polo" and we might have accidentally annoyed a few guys who thought they could catch some rays and relax by the pool (and smoke a cigarette. Ugh. Cough. Cough.) Hey, we were there first - they knew that when they walked up! LOL. Later that afternoon, we went to the Sanza house to BBQ Burgers & Filet Mignon! Yummers! The foil wrapped potatoes I made were a complete flop which bummed me out (they were undercooked, ugh) but I eventually got over it as I scarfed the steak that was so beautifully grilled to perfection by Frank. 
     After dinner, we went to the park which made Ty very happy (he's 5 years old)! He woke up that morning asking when we would be going to the park and throughout the day kept reminding us, "But we didn't go to the park yet!" So sweet and oh so funny! Well, of course we were tired after our "exhausting" day so we went to Braum's for an ice cream. An exceptional ending to a very relaxing day! What did *you* do?  Enquiring minds (like mine) would love to know! :-D

Oh yeah, one quick note about Ty Le Sanza - he loves critters and creatures and crawly things. The other day, he came home from pre-K with a grasshopper in his pocket. Recently, he and I were getting out of the car at his house and he found this lovely creature. He was very excited to pick it up and hold it for a while! 

Yes, everything really *is* bigger in Texas! LOL. Big e-love comin' your way. TTFN.

Goosebumps for the first time in Texas!

     Weather? Since I arrived, it's been quite different than Cali (hot, humid, rain, thunder, lightning, etc) but the last few days, it's been ab-so-lute-ly deeeeelightful!! For the first time I had goosebumps last night when I was driving home. The top was down on the VW bug and it was 9:15pm. But, believe it or not, it was actually 69 degrees! That is the "coldest" it has been since I arrived (well, at least during waking hours).
     Last night I was able to see Hannah (Pam & Frank's daughter who is 10 years old and in 5th grade) in "Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". The show was awesome and Hannah is quite the actress! She made me laugh really hard when she played the part of a "hairy Ishmelite".  Her timing, facial expressions and energy on stage were priceless and very, very good! I was impressed. 
     The past few days have been jam-packed with activities. Friday night & Saturday morning I was invited to join the "girly-girls" birthday celebration for the one and only Renee McAtee! She turned 40 last November (yeah, you read that right) but everyone is SO busy - the girls weren't able to celebrate until this weekend. Lucky for me, cuz I was able to join in the fun and celebrate one of the funniest and wittiest women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We stayed overnight at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, enjoyed yummy food and great conversation. What an honor to be included. Great group of ladies! 

Yesterday we were busy moving a sofa, shelving unit and coffee table out of the Sanza storage unit and into my apartment. Luckily, the weather was so "California-like" that we did not sweat like pigs! LOL. Today is Sunday and what a joy it is to be able to attend Sherman Bible Church. The service was awesome! Youth Pastors (Drew & John) tag-teamed and had such great & effective illustrations to help us see the responsibility we have as parents, friends & family to help the students in our lives to become tomorrow's amazing lifetime followers of Jesus!

Later today we finished assembling my very expensive kitchen table & chairs (Walmart - $100) and the TV stand (Walmart - $39)! 
Much love to you!

Yippie-yi-yo-ki-yay!

Hello Friends & Family!
     Yup. I've decided to start a blog. Something new for me, just like my recent move to Sherman,Texas! That's my apartment building! Oh wait, I just realized that might be news to some of you! Let me back up...

     I had been working about a bizillion hours a week for five months at Facebook. My contract ended and I was exhausted - physically & emotionally. I didn't know which end was up! I truly believe I was headed for a nervous breakdown thanks to the stress and pure volume of work at Facebook. To be honest, that job totally burned me out on high-tech and I was feeling the need for a lifestyle change.

     As you may know, I love community theatre. I had not been able to audition for "White Christmas" with West Valley Light Opera because I knew I would not be able to work at Facebook *and* attend the rehearsals. When I found myself unemployed, I heard that Sherman Bible Church was doing "A Christmas Tale" this year! Honestly, one of my all-time-favorite shows which I had the honor of performing in at Church on the Hill, many years ago. Light Bulb moment. Hmmm. Maybe, I could audition!

     One thing led to another, and here I am! I arrived on Monday, August 30th after 32+ hours of driving. Boy, was my butt tired. LOL. I moved into my apartment on Wednesday, cable and internet service arrived today so I'm rockin' and rollin'! If I get a part in "A Christmas Tale", I plan on returning to Cali when the performances are over - so I guess I will sing: "I'll be home for Christmas! You can count on me!"

     This blog will be about the fun things I will do and discover in Sherman! It will also be about how God so beautifully orchestrated the details of my move and even provided a dear friend to caravan with from Cali (and that's just the beginning).

Notice just how "packed out" my VW convertible was on my drive from Cali to Texas. Props to my son-in-law Johnny for packing my car and using every single inch of space! Priceless. Check out the trunk. Truly, a work of art. LOL.

From Cali Girl to Cow Girl, you KNOW there will be some hilarious stories to share with you! You also know, I'm rarely at a loss for words - so this blogging thing might be right up my alley. Time will tell.