10/17/11 That’s All Folks

I’ve spent the last year really looking at what I have to be thankful for. The previous year and a half/two years had been really hard for me. I left a fiancé. I almost lost my house. I couldn’t afford to turn on the heat. At a time when I wasn’t sure what I was going to do or how anything could get better or how I was going to make it to the next paycheck, I decided to not focus on the negative. I decided I was not going to focus on the stress and the anger and the loss. I was not going to feel sorry for myself when there were people who actually had already lost their houses, who were without jobs, who were without a support system or resources. I vowed to take a look at my life and understand how really precious it was and how good I had it. Instead of looking in, I decided to look out. Family, friends and anonymous donors, nature, food, and random experiences small or large all helped to make my life better. I am so honored to be surrounded by the people who love and cherish me. I am better because of them.

I am thankful for you.

kk

10/16/11 Annie Got Her Gun

Today was our last matinee performance. It was a good run that was very well received by every audience that came. Today was no exception. This whole weekend has been sold out and the audiences loved it. It was a good run and I will miss seeing some of the people I have really grown to appreciate and look forward to seeing. A lot of people drift apart after shows as they get involved in other projects and I really hope that I am able to carve out time to see the people I will most definitely miss.

I am thankful for my experience with Annie Get Your Gun.

kk

10/15/11 Harvest Time

Today Jason and I went to the pumpkin patch. We had roasted corn on the cob and caramel apples. Oh we got pumpkins too but the caramel apples were the real draw. Just kidding. Kind of. We took the tractor hay ride out to a far field and walked through the pumpkins. They had so many to choose from! We each for a perfect one before we headed back to the market for some produce and the aforementioned apples. I went to the pumpkin patch with my mom and younger sister two years ago but that was the first time I had really gone and we didn’t make it last year. And Jason had wanted a special dad and Ethan day last year so I didn’t get to go. This year was very fun and I am glad we were able to go.

I am thankful for my visit to the pumpkin patch with Jason.

kk

10/14/11 It’s That Time of Year Again

Cora Avenue is one of the best streets to drive down in the fall. The leaves are so beautiful to watch as they turn color. I just noticed them turning to yellow today. I will be excited to watch them continue to color the sky as they change with every day that passes. My favorite drive used to be the one to the Tualatin Country Club but I don’t drive there anymore and Cora is right by my house and I take it all the time. This is the one thing I love about fall. Pretty trees.

I am thankful for Cora in the fall.

kk

10/13/11 Squash

Not the game, but as in acorn. Jason made some acorn squash for us to eat tonight for the second time. He just kind of made it up before and was astounded at how well I cleaned out my rind. I had never had it before. It looked like it was full of butter and brown sugar and was going to be deliciously bad for me despite it being a vegetable. No such thing. It was cinnamon and other spices with a little bit of honey. Pretty good for making something up on the fly. Jason takes such good care of me. I am pretty spoiled. How am I ever going to cook for myself now that I know how much better he is at it than me. I’m good with special occasion stuff but not really daily sustenance. I can do breakfast and lunch but I always get a little lost around dinner. I am so lucky.

I am thankful for acorn squash.

kk

10/12/11 Waxing and Waning

Our office has a hot wax “machine”. I don’t know what else to call it. You melt the wax in this container and then put your hands in to warm them up and make your skin nice and smooth. We got it as a present the first winter we were hired I think. I used it once then and haven’t since. I’m not sure why. I don’t think it is usually melted and ready for use. Today it was and I did both my hands. It was very hot for the first two dips but then it felt very nice to heat up my hand and it was fun to peel off. I think I will have to do this more often. I like playing with wax and this seems much safer than playing with candles.

I am thankful for the warm wax spa treatment I gave myself today.

kk

10/11/11 DMV

I met my friend Renee Rugh today to catch up on what is going on in both of our lives. I haven’t seen her in months and I am going to be a bridesmaid in her wedding in November. It was definitely time to meet up. She had forgotten to renew her license and her birthday had been here and gone several weeks ago. We were going to go to dinner and instead to went to DMV first. She was maybe going to have to take the written test again and although my stomach was eating its own inner lining I took her there and decided it was really the only thing to do for a friend. We would eat eventually. Luck was with us today because the woman at the counter said she didn’t have to take it. She paid the money, got her photo taken and I think the whole process took less than 10 minutes from the minute we walked in the door to the minute we walked out. Pretty amazing. It made our night that much better. I kind of felt like we won the lottery. Should people be that excited about a visit to the DMV?

I am thankful for a quick trip to the DMV tonight with Renee.

kk

10/10/11 Love Notes

Jason left this morning to be out of town for three days. He is taking his two person show on the road. I hid a note in his wallet this morning and when I got home I found that he had written a beautiful card for me and set it to wait for my return on the kitchen table. I wish people still wrote love notes on a regular basis. I like that I can talk on the phone or see people in person a lot easier so that I can say it and hear it more often, but there isn’t really anything quite like reading it. It always brings a smile and you can read it again and again and it is perfectly preserved. I wasn’t expecting to find anything at home waiting for me and I am so glad that I did.

I am thankful for my beautiful card, my very own love note.

kk

10/9/11 Strawberry Goodness

There is nothing like homemade strawberry freezer jam. I always love when my Aunt Sharon makes some. I wish I knew how to make it. I love strawberries. I love chocolate covered strawberries. However, if I were to choose a jam for my toast I would normally choose raspberry. There is one exception: freezer jam from my Aunt. I would even accept it from other people who made it. I wish I knew how to make it. I think I already said that. I had some on some biscuits with a little butter and it was like a little piece of heaven in my mouth. Mmmm.

I am thankful for strawberry freezer jam.

kk

10/8/11 Salmon!

I really like fish in general. To eat that is. I mean, they are fine as pets or something but I am specifically referring to them as a food right now. I especially like salmon, and smoked salmon at that. Today Jason and I stopped at the Sushi place for lunch before our matinee. I don't particularly like sushi but I like teriyaki stuff that they also usually serve. I ordered the salmon teriyaki dinner and it was a little expensive but I just decided to get it anyway. When they brought it to the table I had to stifle a laugh. It was gigantic. Half of what they brought me was still more than I think I would have gotten in another restaurant. I ate half and then got a box for the rest to eat later. Now I get to have delicious leftovers too! Although it was a little more expensive than I was expecting, it was definitely worth it. It was plentiful and yummy.

I am thankful for my salmon dinner.

kk

10/7/11 Free Tickets

We learned tonight that we are all being given two free tickets to I Love You Because for tomorrow matinee at Broadway Rose Theatre Company. I have a few friends in the show and heard it was cute so I've been wanting to go. Since we each get two and Jason is usually my date I invited Erin Shannon to come with us. And then she suggested we go out for lunch before hand. What an exciting afternoon I have lined up for tomorrow. And it was a great surprise.

I am thankful for my lunch date with Erin and Jason tomorrow.

kk

10/6/11 Picking Up Where I Left Off

I have made a goal of reading the top 100 banned classic novels. No, those aren't band classics, they are classics that have been banned. I am starting at the top and reading them all. I am also choosing to reread things I did in school. I figure I will get a little more out of them as an adult the second time around. Telling people about this is also good because it strikes up some good conversation. I took the summer off while Ethan was here and I'm just getting started back up. Probably because I am reading Ulysses. People keep telling me that I shouldn't read it, it is terrible. Oh, it is terrible, but I will finish it. And I'm so close. I'm hoping to have it done by the end of this month and then I will be so happy to cross it off the list. So far I've read The Great Gatsby, Grapes of Wrath, To Kill A Mockingbird, and The Catcher in the Rye. Let's see how long it takes me to get through them all.

I am thankful for my reading goal of the top 100 banned classics and all the conversation it stirs up.

kk

10/5/11 Urban Surprises

I always wanted to live in the city so my significant other could surprise me with Chinese take-out from just down the street and flowers from the corner market just like in the movies. I lived downtown at one point and that never happened. Today I came home to Jason telling me that he was taking me out for Chinese food for dinner. It wasn't a surprise take-out box. It was a surprise take-me-out. So I guess that is cool too.

I am thankful for my surprise dinner!

kk

10/4/11 Can I Please Land This One?

Callback today! Hooray. I think it is the new hair. I match my headshots and look much more put together and not lazy. Maybe I need to make this more of a priority if I am going to try to do commercial work. It wasn't such a big deal with theatre. I can always dye it once I land something or I'll be in a wig and no one would notice. Here's hoping.

I am thankful for my callback.

kk

10/3/11 Mr. Clean

I wish he would come clean my bathroom. In his absence, I did. I am not fond of cleaning bathrooms, but I am less fond of dirty ones.

I am thankful for my clean bathroom. Even though I had to be the one to get it that way. :)

kk

10/2/11 Drive

Jason and I went out to dinner and a movie this evening. We are still not sure whether or not we liked the movie. I suppose a movie that makes you think about the characters can be labeled a good movie. We saw Drive. A man works as a stunt driver and a local car mechanic. He is a loner who drifted into town one day. He falls for a girl in his apartment who has a young son. Her husband is in jail. He gets released and things happen. Different deals go down, the mafia is involved, people die. And it ends with him driving away. We're not sure if he lives or not. We're not sure if we want him to. The character was likable and then horrible all at the same time. It sure made you wonder about his past. A stumper. I'm not sure that I would recommend this movie in either direction. Watch it, or avoid it. We're still discussing it.

I am thankful for a thought provoking date night.

kk

10/1/11 They All Came!

Barb and Mark came down today to celebrate mom's birthday with Erika, Scott, Jason and me. We had lunch and opened gifts. Mom gave us all our presents from France. Then Jason and I had to leave so that we could get to the show. As we were leaving mom told me that she would see me at the show today. I was confused and so she explained that she had bought tickets for her and Barb and Mark to see the show. How very exciting. They weren't able to see Lend Me a Tenor, which would have been better since I had a much larger part, but this was still a nice surprise. I wear a dark wig so let's see if they can find me onstage.

I am thankful that all three of them could come to my show tonight.

kk

9/30/11 Apple Picking

It must be a mid-west thing. Jason was shocked that I had never been apple picking. I didn't even know that was something you could do. Today he drove us to a farm out in Hood River. I am very sick and took the day off of work even. I slept in today and then slept both ways in the car. We thought that being outside in the fresh air would still be good so we decided to go anyway. I didn't have to carry anything. He carried the bucket of apples, which was heavy by the end, and did all the driving so I could rest. All I had to do was pick a few apples and the process is surprisingly fast. Maybe I could do this for some extra money. Hmmm. I had fun and look forward to being able to do it when I am not feeling so ill.

I am thankful for being introduced to the fun of apple picking.

kk

9/29/11 Mom

Today is my mother's birthday. I am very thankful for her and all the wonderful things she has done for me. She has helped me in so many ways I can't even list them all here. Well, I could but that may be boring to read. (Besides, she shows up fairly often in this blog). She has helped me with, I think, every move I have ever made, she has lent me money, provided a place for me to stay when I left John, painted, gardened, consoled, advised. You name it, she has been there for me. She is a very strong woman who has been an extremely good role model for me. I don't know what I would even do with another mother because I think mine is the best.

I am so very thankful for my mother, Carol. She is amazing.

kk

9/28/11 Jif

Choosy moms choose Jif. If they were worth anything, they would also be specifying crunchy. Today I accidentally grabbed the creamy peanut butter we have here to use on my double fiber English Muffin. I am already trying to be healthier by eating a wheat and fiber full English Muffin. I do not also need to feel like Wilbur the Horse trying to get it down. I am not a fan of creamy peanut butter and today was like the worst day ever having to try and get that down. I think it took me a full fifteen minutes and 2 cups of water. What it did do was make me realize how much crunchy peanut butter really was.

I am thankful for crunchy peanut butter.

kk

9/27/11 Seriosuly, Vegetable Garden = Awesome

Today I made some bruschetta using ingredients from my garden again. Although the salsa was a little different because of the sweetness of the tomatoes, the bruschetta turned out amazing! Jason and I almost couldn't get enough of it. The only downside was that I was burping garlic well into my performance tonight. I felt sorry for poor Biz who has to spend most of her time onstage right next to me. Sorry! At least it smelled like pure garlic and not something digested and icky. It was really strange. I learned that maybe I make this again when we, or I rather, won't be seeing company. Ha ha ha. But seriously, it was delicious.

I am thankful for homemade bruschetta.

kk

9/26/11 Pens

One of the best feelings is when a pen runs out of ink. Is that strange? Usually a person loses them before that can happen. It happened to me today and I was suddenly filled with joy. That seems very strange. Instead of being annoyed that now I didn't have a pen to use I was happy as I stood and threw it away. I think it fills me with a sense of accomplishment or something. That I did so much work that I used it dry. Am I the only one who feels this way?

I am thankful that I used up my pen today.

kk

9/25/11 Lofted

Jason and I worked together today to get Ethan's bed up and we got it all done! It was hard and a bit irritating but I'm glad we made it through the other side. Now all we have to do is make it and then put the rest of our stuff away that is still in a holding pattern in that room. Which includes clothes of mine that I am not sure what to do with... Well, that is for another day. Today I am celebrating a different victory. This helps open up the garage and then we can get that a little more organized. I'm hoping that we have stuff done and complete before Ethan comes for Christmas. Here's hoping!

I am thankful we got Ethan's bed up today.

kk

9/24/11 Mind in the Gutter

Well, my mind hasn't really been in the gutter so much as on the gutter. My back deck needed to have the gutter fixed but then Steve found that we couldn't really fix it until we fixed the deck. Today was the day that he and Renee came down and the four of us got the deck fixed and gutter adhered. Steve and Renee are rally two of the best people I know. They are amazingly kind and considerate and I think we could all learn from their sense of community and love for fellow people.

I am thankful my gutter is replaced, thus ending the summer projects for this year.

kk

9/23/11 Blond, Kirsten Blond

Today I got my hair highlighted. It had been a very long time and I had some horrible grow out and was in desperate need of a touch up. I got to catch up with my friend Erin who had recently gotten married this summer and get my hair done at the same time. I feel much better now. Although the first day is always a little strange because I feel like I look super pale until I get used to the lighter hair. After seeing the dark for so long it is funny how much it changes how you look. Plus she always does a really good job straightening my hair so it looks all pretty.

I am thankful for my recent highlighting.

kk

9/22/11 Salsa

Homemade salsa. From my garden! Jason whipped up some quick salsa and it was good. The strange thing about it was that the tomatoes from the garden are so sweet that the salsa was sweet and therefore a little strange to be eating with chips. Still good, but different. And we grew most of it ourselves. Ha ha!

I am thankful for homemade salsa from my very own garden.

kk

9/21/11 Barb's Recipe

I'm not sure who Barb got the recipe from for Chili Wraps but I should be thanking them. That has been one of my favorite things to eat since it was introduced. I don't have them often so they don't get old and boring. I am glad that we have it in our family recipe book. That was a project that took mom and I nearly a year to complete and we had such fun doing it. And I'm glad that that recipe got included because I use it.

I am thankful for Chili Wraps.

kk

9/20/11 Bookstore Fiesta

Every year during this week the bookstore has an Information Fiesta to tell people about all the services they provide. You get holes punched in your card at each station and then you can enter a drawing for a gift card. And they sometimes have little prizes at each station too like free office supplies. I try to go every year. This year I went determined to win and I told the office I was going to. This was what made them so upset when I actually did win. Not that I had won, but that I had predicted it. I laughed and told them I was like Babe Ruth. So I won a $25 gift certificate to the bookstore! Isn't that great?

I am thankful I won a gift card!

kk

9/19/11 Bingo

I love Bingo. It is so fun to play. I even have my own dobber. For this first week of work before the students come, we are having an online Bingo game with people on campus. I'm not sure who's idea it was but it was a great one. Katie and I both have dobbers and we brought them in so we could all play. I'm not sure what the prize is but I hope someone from our office wins!

I am thankful for online Bingo!

kk

9/18/11 Double Double Toil and Trouble

Today is a double day performance. Instead of having to bring lunch, it is being provided for us by the Lakewood Board. Yum!

I am thankful for having lunch provided for us between shows.

kk

9/17/11 Happy Hour

Tonight after the show we went to Manzana with several other cast members. The food that we ordered wasn't that great so we will be making a note for the next time we end up there after a show. The first time we had gone there with Lend Me a Tenor we had good stuff. We tried different things today and it was not a good choice. But we had fun with the other people there despite our food. It is always fun to hang out with people after the show where we can have a relaxed conversation where you aren't also half listening for your next cue to go on.

I am thankful for our time with the cast after the show.

kk

9/16/11 She's Baaack

Mom and Susy got home from France today. My uncle Richard picked them up from the airport and everything was a smooth trip back. I thought they were going to be there until the 19th for some reason so I was very surprised to have a missed call from my mom's cell number and was also a little concerned since I couldn't think of why she would be calling except for some kind of emergency. But it was just to say that they were home safe and sound. Silly. I don't know why I thought they were going to be gone for a full two weeks. That would be a nice vacation for sure. Oh well. I am glad that it wasn't any kind of emergency.

I am thankful mom and Susy are back home after having a wonderful trip.

kk

9/15/11 Reunion Socks

Today I am wearing my first pair of socks that I got from the reunion. Man they are nice. They are soft and comfortable and fashionable. I knew this would be a good purchase. And the money went to a good cause. Helping fund our reunion in two years. Hooray for good socks.

I am thankful for my new socks.

kk

9/14/11 Google

Do you wonder how they get the pictures of people's houses on google? They have a car that drives around with a camera on the top and it takes pictures all around as it drives. I have seen this car three times in about as many weeks. It was exciting to see it once while I drove down the freeway. And exciting to then see it again only a few days later. But it is just silly to see it a third time so soon. I think it is very funny and it makes me laugh. Go google car!

I am thankful I got to see the google car so many times in such a short amount of time because it made me laugh.

kk

9/13/11 That's All She Wrote, er Painted

That's it! Everything is done. I've painted every last surface I mentioned before for the final time. All coats are finished! I am so excited. The kitchen is fine for now so it is on hold and perhaps I can relax a little now.

I am so thankful to be done painting!

kk

9/12/11 Ikea

Jason and I went to Ikea today to look for some storage things. We ended up getting a drawer set for the office for him that I think is going to work out quite nicely and we also got some containers to store our dvd's in so that they are much for organized and nice looking. It literally takes at least an hour to walk around that store, even if you are on a mission and going at a pretty super speed. I like looking at all the rooms they have set up and really wish I could re-do my kitchen now. Although I would need it to be much bigger to really be worth it. It is fun to get the cheap eats at the end of the line too. We started there today with a cheap hot dog for Jason in order to have energy for the actual shopping trip! Funny. They have some cheapy stuff there but they also have some great finds so I always enjoy going.

I am thankful for Ikea.

kk

9/11/11 9/11/01

It has been ten years since the twin towers came down. I remember getting a phone call from Chad, my ex-husband, while he was working at Starbucks. I was still in bed. I immediately turned on the tv and watched the news as it had started to report what was happening. It was a day of confusion, horror, and sadness. It was also a day or heroism and coming together. In the weeks and months that followed 9/11 the American people developed the strongest sense of patriotism I have ever seen. The amount of American flags that were put up on people's garages or hanging from the sides of work buildings was tremendous.

People were supporting their country but I also found that in daily life people supported each other more too. I am saddened that it took this kind of an attack to draw people together. But I am very thankful that they did.

It is hard with the election smear campaigns that take place and are starting to come out as people spend this next year campaigning for the presidency. The amount of close mindedness and a feeling of refusing to compromise is what makes people ugly. People are so focused on being "right" that they let their ego cloud their judgement of what is actually right for the citizens of this country.

On 9/11 many people lost family, friends, and loved ones. They are showing specials on the tv networks today showing the children of 9/11 who lost a parent they never knew and how they are dealing with the situation. It is a very sad occasion in our history but I also am so thankful for the heroes that came to the rescue that day. Thank you to all the police, firemen and medical teams that put themselves in harm's way to help others in need. I hope all of us can take a lesson from you and remember to do what is right to help each other and come together as one people.

I am thankful for the heroes of 9/11.

kk

9/10/11 Crazy, Stupid, Love

Jason and I went to see this movie today. We see a lot of movies in the theatre. It is kind of strange to me. I'm not used to going out to do half as much stuff as we do. It is fun, but also expensive. Why in the world do movies need to cost like a million dollars?

Anyway this movie was very excellent. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to see a good movie. It was funny without only being about one-liners. It had some good drama without being over the top. There were some surprise twists and an excellent cast. Watch this movie.

I am thankful for our movie watching day of Crazy, Stupid, Love.

kk

9/9/11 Opening Night, It's Opening Night

Thanks to The Producers, that song always pops into my head now when it is opening night. We had a great audience tonight followed by champagne and cake and then a dinner party at one of the board members houses. It was gorgeous. We were allowed to dangle our feet in their pool. I think Jason would have moved in if he could. He certainly wanted to become an adopted grandson. They also had a beautiful kitchen and dining area inside, an attached workout facility with hot tub, and a very nice back porch. It was fun to hang out with people from the cast and be able to do it at such a lovely location. And with food. food is always good. It was a good time. One of our cast members fell in the pool but she jumped back out so fast I wasn't even sure it happened. So much for just feet!

I am thankful for this opening night.

kk

9/8/11 Preview

Tonight was the first night we had an audience watch us perform. you never know what you are going to get. The audience we had tonight was very good. They enjoyed the show and let us know it. I am glad that I get to be a part of a production that seems like it is going to be very well received and enjoyed by many.

I am thankful we had a good preview audience.

kk

9/7/11 France

Mom and Susy arrived in France safe and sound today. They are now in for a whirlwind trip over the next week and a half. I hope they have a good time. I wish I was there. Actually for now I'm ok but I'm pretty sure I will want to be somewhere on vacation about the middle of Fall term. The flight is always long and then with getting the car and driving to the hotel for the first night is always longer so I am glad that I got an email telling me of their safe arrival.

I am thankful mom and Susy arrived in France safely.

kk

9/6/11 Master Dishwasher

I had a commercial audition today that I wasn't sure that I was going to make. My amazing agent was able to get me in at a different time that fit my schedule better. So I was able to go and talk about how washing dishes by hand is good but that it requires a very exact process. I felt good about the audition so we'll see what happens.

I am thankful for my audition today.

kk

9/5/11 Labor Day

Equals a Day Off! Yes!

I am thankful for my labor day off.

kk

9/4/11 Willie the Whale With the Curly Tail

We often listened to records as kids and there are a few songs that I still remember. Mom has her record player and all her records. The needle is broken so we can't listen to any but all we would have to do is replace that needle. Maybe I should do it just so that I can take a trip down memory lane. That would be fun. There was a song about Willie the Whale and today I am thinking about whales in general. They are very majestic. Jason has never seen one very close. We are thinking about going on a whale watching tour in Newport when the season is right. I don't remember when it is. We looked into it back in April when we were there for his birthday. I should look into it again. He'd really like that. Anyway I think whales are pretty cool and I am feeling lucky that I grew up in an area where I get to see them.

I am thankful for whales.

kk

9/3/11 Music

There are a lot of music styles I like and a few I can't stand. I enjoy listening to many different instruments and I think several are kinds that other people don't like at all. I really like a Church Organ. I am also a fan of the bagpipes. I grew up playing the piano and listening to my mother sing loudly and happily in church. I sang in the choir and then eventually became involved in musical theatre. Music has very much been a part of my life.

My favorite instrument, however, is the Cello. I went to a concert when I was living in London my Senior year of college. I went to lots of different music and theatre performances. There are only a few that really have stuck with me and the cello performance was one of them. I went to so many theatre performances this summer with Jason and Ethan. I go to a lot often. But what I rarely go to anymore is the symphony or any other musical performance. I miss them. I think I am going to try to go to something once my show closes. We'll see how I do.

I am thankful for the Cello.

kk

9/2/11 Star Trek-a-Thon

As long as I am thinking about movies, I remembered another time we girls were at my dad's. We spent one Saturday watching every Star Trek movie and eating food. I don't really remember any of the movies but I remember the day. It was a good day. We had a lot of fun and my dad made a very good memory for me.

I am thankful for my Star Trek-a-Thon with dad.

kk

9/1/11 Fuzzhead

When my sisters and I were younger, we watched a movie over at our dad's house. It was called Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss. It is a sequel to A Christmas Story. I remember it being so funny and enjoying it. We quote it to this day. About a year ago or so I was determined to watch it again. I went into Movie Madness and was delighted to find they had it. I rented it and came home to watch it in cheerful anticipation. Um, it is not good. I didn't even make it all the way through. I decided I had better things to do with my time and that I would watch the rest later. Well, time went by and then it was due so I returned it without watching more than the first 10 minutes. They were headed out of a summer vacation and with the first of September here I am thinking about how summer vacation is coming to an end for so many. I like how that movie brings back fond memories for me even though watching it now I'm not sure why.

I am thankful for the movie Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss. Check it out. Tell me what you think.

kk

8/31/11 Flamingo

My favorite color is blue but I have a lot of pink things. So much so that last Christmas I got a very nice bright pink scarf from a friend who thought it was my favorite color. I must have a lot. I also like it as a compliment color to black which I naturally wear a lot of for work. You don't normally mix blacks and blues. Well, I don't anyway. I hear you can do that now and still be "fashionable." Who knows all these rules, I can't keep up with them. Pink is a nice spring/summer color. Very cheery. I like it.

I am thankful for the color pink.

kk

8/30/11 Chef, Caesar, Spinach...

There are lots of different kinds of salad possibilities. I don't think I really knew about this as a child. People give me a hard time for eating "rabbit food" but a salad can have a lot of stuff on it. Just because I am eating lettuce doesn't mean I'm on a diet. Actually, unfortunately, a lot of salads are really bad for you if you get them from a restaurant. Caesar dressing isn't very good for you, but it is very delicious. Ranch is pretty awful too. Once you add a lot of cheese and tortilla strips you lose the concept of a healthy salad. The ones at Chili's had an exorbitant amount of calories. But I digress. Salads come in many varieties and are delicious. I like them. I'm glad I like them. then I can eat some vegetables and still have them be tasty.

I am thankful for salads.

kk

8/29/11 Ahhhh

Yesterday was a long day of getting a lot of work done. Today we slept in and man, did it feel good. It seems like a simple thing for today but it was definitely appreciated.

I am thankful for sleeping in.


kk

8/28/11 Moving Day

Today Jason moved in. Hooray! He got some of the big stuff on Thursday when he had access to a large moving van. Erin came and took my bed to her place and then they brought his stuff here. Today we went back and got the rest of everything else and did some cleaning. But the people who are moving in told us not to really bother with cleaning since they are going to hire professionals anyway. How awesome is that? So different than leaving an apartment complex. When I rented out my house the gal moving in also told me not to bother since she was going to be cleaning it herself anyway. I still cleaned some but at least I didn't feel too bad about it.

We have a lot of stuff. There will be room for it all, I think. We just need to be a little more organized which should be fine. The only really horrible thing is that I am going from 3 closets down to 1! I have no idea what I am going to do. This is going to be a long process to figure out what to do with everything I wear. It's hard because I have two different wardrobes. One for work and one for everyday life. Plus then I have dressy clothes. Oh man, what to do? It will work out fine though. I will figure it out and it is worth it to have him here.

I am thankful Jason officially moved in today.

kk

8/27/11 And On It Goes

Leg 27. It was around 3am when I ran my third and final leg this morning. 5.65 miles in the inky darkness. I had a reflective vest on with flashing lights as well as a headlamp to see the road. It was a little trippy but also really amazing to run at this time. I covered my light at one point and could almost not see the sky for all the stars that were shining up there. Being away from the light pollution sure shows you how small you really are compared with the universe. It was peaceful and calm and quiet. I did see two eyes staring at me at one point which freaked me out a little but I was happy to see as I ran by that it was a cat. Our team finished the race in under 31 hours which was our goal. We learned some things for next year and hopefully we can improve our time.

I am thankful for my amazing experience on this leg and for the Relay experience in general. Bring on 2012.

kk

8/26/11 It's the Day of the Race Baby!

Hood to Coast Day One! Our start time was 4:45 this morning. We arrived in the pitch black darkness at Timberline Lodge after getting maybe 2 hours of sleep. There were some magnificent lightening storms we were watching from the mountain. It headed our way. Kevin started leg one and as the other 5 of us drove down the hill to the transition point it started pouring. It is the end of August people! Dora ran leg 2 and then it was my turn.

Leg 3. It was 3.93 miles mostly downhill and the rain had let up a little. It still rained. Just not as bad as it was when we started. I finished with about a 8:30 pace. I started off training at a 10 min mile. I did interval training and was able to get it down to about 9:30. It is only 30 seconds and doesn't sound like much, but believe me, it is. I ran leg 3 a whole minute less than where I had been at pretty consistently the past few months. I was full of adrenaline which helped I'm sure. It was cooler and downhill which probably also helped me run faster.

Leg 15. 7.25 miles mostly UPhill in the early afternoon in 88 degree sunshine. No shadows or break from the sun. I had put on sunscreen but my left arm felt like it was burning. I just wanted to cover it. I wore my tank top for this leg and next year I know to wear short sleeves. To go from such weather extremes in such a short amount of time is pretty crazy. My time went back down to about a 10 minute mile which was disappointing for me at first. But then I thought about the conditions, the length, and the fact that I didn't stop at any point. I passed many people to stopped to walk and I kept trucking along. Everyone added about a minute and a half to their second leg so I was actually right in line with other people so that helped. I'm hoping to improve that time for next year though. Tomorrow it will be my third and final leg. What a kick this thing is.

I am thankful I completed my first two legs of the Hood to Coast Relay!

kk

8/25/11 Kisses or Hugs

People ask this question. And without much thinking I can definitely say hugs. Nothing beats a good hug. Especially since you can get them from so many different people in a variety of ways and they always make you feel good. Unless they are from some creepy guy I suppose but hopefully we don't experience those too often, or at all. Nothing beats a person who is a really good hugger. With a good amount of pressure without being too hard. Who holds you long enough, but not too long. Someone who hugs you like they mean it not just some awkward side hug they feel they should do. People can hug you when they are happy to see you, when they are sad to see you go, when you are sad and need comforting, when they want to congratulate and celebrate with you, just to say "hello", just to say "until next time." Family, friends and loved ones can always give a hug. I don't necessarily want kisses from all these people, but a hug is just right.

I am thankful for good hugs. Keep 'em coming.

kk

8/24/11 Falling Stars

The Perseoid Meteor Shower happens every year around my birthday. Sometime in late August. I kind of feel like they are just for me. I wonder if other people with August birthdays feel the same way. It is a dazzling display of shooting stars for a few nights. This year there is an almost full moon so we can't really see any of them. But I know they are there celebrating my birthday so I appreciate them all the same. And perhaps next year they will be out in full force and I can look forward to seeing them then.

I am thankful for the annual Perseoid Meteor Shower.

kk

8/23/11 Me

Today is my birthday.

I am thankful for all the people who make me feel special on this day and every other. Thank you everyone for loving me as much as you do. I am glad that I am here to appreciate all you do for me.

kk

8/22/11 Cluck Cluck

Jason brought home some rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight. It was very good. Moist and flavorful, and we didn't have to even cook it!

I am thankful for our delicious chicken tonight.

kk

8/21/11 It's Blue Too

Today Jason helped me put a second coat of blue paint on Ethan's walls. Mom helped me put the first one up. I have painted nearly the entire interior of my house alone. Erin helped me with the two wall coats in my bedroom while she was living here. Jason and mom each helped with one coat on three walls of Ethan's room. I have done two coats on the following rooms solo: living room walls, dining room walls, hallways walls, bathroom walls, bathroom ceiling, chalkboard wall in Ethan's room, front door, trim in the living room, trim in the dining room, trim in the hallway, trim in the bedroom, trim in Ethan's room, trim in the bathroom. I have done three coats on the ceiling in Ethan's room and one coat on the ceiling in the living room, dining room, hallway, and bedroom. Um, that is a crazy lot. The only room I haven't touched yet is the kitchen. Which will be done as well. Although I am on a break for now. Doing that all alone is quite a bit of work. To have the help of Erin, mom, and then Jason has made it that much more bearable. Thank you all of you.

I am thankful for the help I received this summer painting.

kk

8/20/11 Ripper

Jason and I went to the premier of Ripper tonight at The Broadway Rose Theatre Company. We got tickets 2-for-1 online, which was good. My friend Isaac did a great job as the lead. But the script needs a lot of work still. The music I think is ok, but the lyrics that go with them are not as good. There were some other good performances and then there were some that weren't so great. I am glad that I got to go and support Isaac but also very glad I didn't pay full price. I feel bad saying that. But at least I stayed through Act II. People around us left at intermission. Good learning experience, I guess.

I am thankful I saw Ripper.

kk

8/19/11 That's What Family is For

I ran a load of laundry last night. I opened up the washing machine this morning and it was all still soaking wet. I ran the spin cycle again and when I checked on it it was barely better. I noticed that it wasn't spinning at all. After trying different things and realizing it wasn't working I loaded up the sopping mess into my laundry basket and headed over to mom's to throw it in her machine to spin before I went to work. How lucky am I that she lives so close that I can do that? Phew. Now I just have to figure out what's wrong with the dumb thing.

I am thankful I was able to use mom's washing machine in my emergency today.

kk

8/18/11 That's All Folks

Today was Ethan's last day at rehearsal and the last day I get to see him before he heads back to Chicago. Ron, our director, started tearing up as he said goodbye. Alan gave him a hug and it was very sad to think that this is his last day here. He has come to several rehearsals now and is very well behaved and totally engaged with what is happening on stage. It's like he is at the show. He's paying attention and talking about why he likes our lead in a very adult way. When he said that he liked her Jason commented that she was very pretty. Ethan is susceptible for a pretty woman. But Ethan responded that, yes, she was, but that wasn't why he liked her. It was because she was very good and he just couldn't take his eyes off her while she was acting. So funny. We have had a fantastic time this summer and I am so glad that I was able to be such a part of it with Ethan.

I am thankful for one last day of fun at rehearsal with Ethan.

kk

8/17/11 Airplane Pillow

Ethan wanted to make a pillow for the airplane. He had done some sewing at school and really wanted to sew more. He had made a little "baseball" that looked slightly plumper than a coaster. White with red string. Since I never throw anything away I had felt from Christmas presents I made many, many years ago. I pulled it all out of the craft box and he picked the pink felt since it was the one that had the most left and he wanted a big pillow. Then we looked at the embroidery thread I had. I picked a maroon since he felt it matched the best. Smart kid. It did look great. I had no idea how we were going to stuff it. He thought we could use the other felt but I didn't think that would end up being squishy. I didn't have any stuffing like they used in school and we were running out of time before we had to get down to Lake Oswego where Jason was already at rehearsal before I needed to be there too. So I brought the plastic bag recycling tub in from the garage. I pulled out all the newspaper plastic bags since they were a good size and crumpliness. I had just enough. We used every last one and he didn't want one more. Good thing. Then he wanted to color on it so I pulled out some fabric pens I had. They didn't work that amazingly on the felt. It was a little smeary and got all over his hands. I said we should wait for it to dry some more and then maybe it would be better. I must mention that he sewed the short ends all by himself. He stuffed it too. I just gave him the material. So his drawings included happy faces, peace signs, and hearts. Who is this kid? Pretty amazing. All good things. We had fun and his pillow turned out very well.

I am thankful Ethan and I got to make a travel neck pillow for the airplane.

kk

8/16/11 Gettin' It Done

Today we had a great rehearsal. I feel like we got a lot accomplished and that is good.

I am thankful for a productive rehearsal.

kk

8/15/11 Long Day

Today I did a 4-mile run in the morning and a 7.25-mile run in the afternoon. I almost puked and I got a horrible stomach cramp on the second run so I had to take a break pretty close to the beginning. But I made it through, and I'm hoping things will be not quite as bad for my actual race. Very tiring though. Phew.

I am thankful I completed my two long runs today.

kk

8/14/11 Thai

I had never had Thai food until Erika and I met Dad and is wife Erika at a Thai restaurant a few years ago while they were in town. I had Pad Thai. It was pretty good. Then I was introduced to Drunken Noodles by my friend Tyler Chen, which are delicious! When I went to another restaurant they didn't have something called Drunken Noodles and I was very concerned but somehow I figured out that it is normally called Pad Se Ew. So good. Today I got to have some and it makes me very happy. You should totally try them if you haven't before. The noodles don't warm up so well in the microwave the next day. I think I should add a little water or something to help re-liven them. But it is so delicious I'm not sure if you will have any if you try it! Yum! Yum! Yum!

I am thankful for Pad Se Ew.

kk

8/13/11 Brrrlicious!

Ethan and I bought juice and made Popsicles. We had Grape, Orange, Lemonade, and Strawberry Lemonade. They are all very good. Especially on a day like today. We always had homemade Popsicles growing up and I remember sucking all the juice out of it until only an ice chunk was left. They we, at least I, would chew on the plastic sticks. I think I ruined a few. Mom bought me some Popsicle molds for Christmas the other year but I didn't have occasion to use them while I was living in her basement. So I am very happy that i get to use them this summer, and with someone else who can truly appreciate them like I do. A 6-year-old! Hooray for juice pops.

I am thankful for homemade Popsicles!

kk

8/12/11 Superman

Today while I was playing with Ethan we tied a beach towel around his neck so he could have a cape. He ran into the wind while I took a video so it would look like he was flying. It was all together quite fun. I grew up with Evan Gardner who my mom likes to tell the story about how he wore a homemade cape and swim goggles around everywhere for months as he pretended to be a superhero. I think all kids should have a cape to play with. I am glad that we got to make one today.

I am thankful for homemade capes!

kk

8/11/11 Splish Splash

Today I am very excited about all the water fountains there are around town for kids and kids at heart to play in. I like the sound of running water so a fountain in the house is very nice. Or a water feature in the yard would also be nice. It was great to fall asleep to the sound of he ocean from my cruise bunk. But they are also fun the wade in when it is so hot outside. We've been to several. Vancouver, Beaverton, Downtown Portland on the waterfront, Ballard. I like the ones that I can sit by and dangle my feet in without have to be in a swimsuit and run through. But I do very much like the quantity that we have around town.

I am thankful for water fountains.

kk

8/10/11 At the Car Wash!

I got to Lake Oswego a little early for rehearsal today so I took my car through the Kaady Car Wash. Then I grabbed Jason's keys from him while he was still rehearsing and took his car through. Now we both have shiny clean cars. I love ca washes. We only had the Brown Bear cash wash in Redmond and I remember that it was expensive so we didn't go through it often. It was so exciting when we did. Usually we just washed the car by hand. When I moved to Oregon in college I was surprised by the sheer amount of automatic car washes that they had all over the place. I was able to go a little more regularly since I think it was only $5 or so when I moved here. Plus it is more environmental since they recycle the water so I can feel good about that too.

I am thankful for my clean car.

kk

8/9/11 Jump, Jump, Jump Around!

Remember how much fun I had at Sky High Sports, the trampoline gym? Today the three of us went to play. Ethan had a great time in the foam pit and we all had fun jumping on the trampolines. Pretty good work out. I am glad that when I told Jason about it he thought Ethan would indeed like it because he did! We all had a fun time.

I am thankful for our play date at Sky High.

kk

8/8/11 And So It Begins

Tonight was the first rehearsal of Annie Get Your Gun. I got to meet the cast and read through the show. I'm still not sure how all the characters I play fit in but I do know that I am already off book. I have a one word line. The rest that I do is action and some singing and dancing. But there are some really good people in the cast so I think this will be fun. Plus I get to hang out with Jason since he is in the show too. Yay us!

I am thankful that I'm getting started on Annie Get Your Gun.

kk

8/7/11 Date Night

Ethan has been to so many shows this summer but we thought that tonight's performance of As You Like It might be too late and too much Shakespeare and too long to be of too much interest for him so we got a babysitter and Jason and I were off to the theatre. We had both auditioned for the show and been called back but neither of us had been cast. It is always hard to see a show you didn't get cast in, especially if you see the person who is playing who you should have been playing since they sucked so badly. But this production was very well done. Everyone was strong and there were a lot of good choices made. We had a good time at the show and look forward to auditioning for their show next season.

I am thankful I got to see a great production of As You Like It.

kk

8/6/11 Seaside

Today we went to Seaside and played at the beach. Ethan rode a train. We played tag. We went on the swings. We rested on the blanket. Crazy Ethan and Jason went in the water. Ridiculous. But they seemed to have fun even though they came back as blue Popsicles.

I have told people about a candy bar that I loved growing up that we used to buy at Munson's. It was available for awhile and then it disappeared and I was so sad. I've told several people about the Lion bar when we are being nostalgic about candy from the days or yore and no one seems to remember it. It has caramel and rice and was dipped in chocolate and was delicious. I thought perhaps I was crazy and made it up or was remembering the name wrong. Today I was vindicated.

At the candy shop in Seaside there is a whole row dedicated to British candy and guess what I found there? A Lion bar! That was the treat I bought and I can say it was everything I remembered it being. Carmely and delicious. Now I know that it was not a figment of my imagination and that it is still around and available at the coast. Hooray!

I am thankful for my Lion candy bar.

kk

8/5/11 Food Cart Heaven

Portland is home to many many food carts. TV shows have been centered around them. They are known all over the US. Today Ethan, Jason, and I went to the food carts by Movie Madness for dinner. I had a delicious, albeit expensive, teriyaki chicken dinner. Jason had a Gyro that he said was amazing. Ethan had a hot dog that he ate, so it had to have been ok. I am looking forward to going to all the different areas and trying out new and different carts. There is a creperie I want to try… I suppose I could always go to France instead. I would accept that too. if anyone is interested in purchasing me plane fare, I will accept. Just so you know.

I am thankful for my dinner tonight at the food carts.

kk

8/4/11 Boeing! Boeing!

Tonight I went to a show at Lakewood on a comp ticket. There were parts of the show that were enjoyable and others that I didn’t care for so much. My friend ileana did a great job so that was good. But if you don’t love a show it is hard to pay as much as a ticket costs for this theatre company.

I am thankful I was able to go to this show for free.

kk

8/3/11 Hamlet

Today I got an email that I got called back for the role of Ophelia for the Northwest Classical Theatre Company’s production of Hamlet. Pretty excited about that.

I am thankful for my callback.

kk

8/2/11 Inked!

Today was the day. The last day I will have two feet that look the same and the first day that I will have two feet that look different. I got a tattoo this afternoon. I was planning on going by myself since I had no idea who I would ask to come with me and just sit there for an hour. But Erin offered to come with me and drive me home so I didn’t have to be alone and so that I wouldn’t have to use my foot to drive. What a great friend! So I went to the shop and saw what Jeff had designed. I thought it looked good so he stenciled it on. They use medical ink on a piece of paper. He put something on my foot to help the ink transfer. I don’t know if it was just water or if it was a gel of some kind. He made sure everything was lined up just the right way before he stuck it on. I looked in the mirror to give it a final ok and then he got to work. Erin took some pictures of me while I was getting it done. He probably thought we were lame. The tattooing on the bone hurt a lot with my ankle bone being the worst. But the funny thing was that as soon as he lifted up the needle the pain went away. So at least there isn’t anything residual and it only lasted one hour. I did ok. I think it looks very pretty and I’m excited to have it. Jeff did a great job designing in based on what I told him I was looking for as a concept. And I’m glad it only lasted an hour.

I am thankful for my new tattoo.

kk

8/1/11 See Jane Run

Today I was able to get two runs in. I’m still training for the Hood to Coast relay that happens later this month and I need to start decreasing the time between my runs so I have an idea of what it will feel like to not have much rest. It doesn’t feel good, I can tell you that. But I did it and I didn’t throw up. I count that as a win.

I am thankful I got two runs in today.

kk

7/31/11 Owen

Today we went back to the park for the memorial service for the people in our family who have passed away and allow time for people to share memories of them. Mom led the service and we “sang” some song in Finnish. Then it was off to Ballard to visit with my dear friend Jennifer and her daughter Eloise and meet her newborn son, Owen. Jason and I visited with Jennifer while she held a sleeping Owen and Ethan read to Eloise. It was very nice to see her and her kids. I like Miss. Eloise a lot. We have fun playing. We were able to visit for about an hour before they had to get home for nap time. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see them on this trip.

I am thankful for my visit with Jennifer, Eloise, and getting to meet Owen.

kk

7/30/11 Malen Family Reunion

Last night Ethan and I went to my grandparent’s house for pizza and sing-a-long for part one of the family reunion weekend. Jason arrived after driving up from filming so we all got to be there. Today was fun in the park day. We went to the rhododendron park over by my aunt and uncle’s house where we had the reunion the last time. We ate food and played lawn games. We had our photos taken and I think this year we didn’t have any crying kids which is pretty good. Then we got to do the scavenger hunt which was very fun. Mom, Barb, Ethan, Jason, and I were all on a team. We did not win, unfortunately, but we had a lot of fun running around. Then we drove to the church for dinner and auction. I came away with some fantastic socks from Nordstrom. Ethan won some of the kid’s auction items. He got a wooden train whistle and a remote control truck thing without the control so it just pushes around. He had a lot of fun. He definitely liked eating the m&m’s that were put out on the tables. He went around and got people’s autographs in his autograph book and played basketball with Jason outside while I was trying to win those socks! It was a long day for both of them (especially to hang out with someone else’s family for the first time for a full day) and they were pretty tired by the time we left but it was a very fun day all around.

I am thankful for my fun day at the family reunion.

kk

7/29/11 Gas Works

Jason left last night to head back home to Portland so that he could get up super early this morning to be on set for Leverage. I am glad that he is shooting the episode, but wish he could be here playing with me and Ethan. We had a day of fun planned. We went to Gas Works Park and watched sea planes land on the lake. We hiked to the top of a hill and played with the sundial. We took videos of each other acting as newscasters and sent them to Jason. Then we headed to the Troll under the Freemont Bridge. We ate lunch, and cupcakes, in Ballard and then walked to the park and played in the water. Then we went to the locks and watched the boats come in and looked at the fish ladder. We did a lot of playing and walking around and Ethan's feet were tired by the end of our day so we headed back to the hotel to rest before heading over to grandma and grandpa's. We went to the hotel pool last night but didn't have time to go again today. all in all we had a fun day.

I am thankful I got to go to Gas Works park and look at the beautiful city of Seattle.

kk

7/28/11 Pike Place Market

Today Jason, Ethan, and I drove to Seattle to get there a day early so we could explore Seattle before the family reunion this weekend. We had a good drive and arrived in downtown Seattle at the Pike Place Market for lunch. We watched them throw fish and looked at the beautiful flowers and interesting fruits, vegetables, and hand-made pastas. We watched a magician perform some tricks that blew Ethan away. We ate some Greek food in the park and watched the ferries crossing the water. We walked down to the waterfront and had some chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. We looked out at the mountains and water and boats and had a great time. We even went to the Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe and looked at the mummies and goofy stuff they had. And we found some interstate bingo car games that I bought for the car ride home. It was a gorgeous day and the sights were breathtaking. I am so glad that I could share my "home town" with them.

I am thankful for our day around Pike Place.

kk

7/27/11 EK

When we were younger, Erika and I were the best of friends. Yes, mom was teaching her how to say "no" to me since she would do whatever I asked her to do. But I didn't order her around like a slave. We played a lot. Mom would overhear Erika laughing a lot and then yell at me to leave her alone and Erika would have to tell her that we were playing and I wasn't bothering her. Man did I get a bad rap.

Anyway, we used to stand in the bathroom and watch ourselves in the mirror as I manipulated her hands to do all sorts of funny things like brush her hair or rub her face. We used to pass notes between our rooms and deliver them as the postal service. We played school and store. We made my room into one giant fort and spent the night on the floor. One of the times we had the most fun was when my dad had left a bag of his camping gear at our house. I'm not sure why or where he was but Erika and I had a photo shoot. We dressed in a bunch of his different camo gear and set up campsites in our backyard and pretended to be exploring the wilderness.

Today is Erika's birthday and I am very thankful for her.

kk