tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39504166227333993372024-03-13T23:31:51.373-04:00THE BLONDE TECHIEWe the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-67438077031133784642014-03-11T15:04:00.000-04:002014-03-11T15:04:49.250-04:00Yes, it's been a while. Too long. And I'm FUCKING ANNOYED.<div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I swear to God, HR is going to cause me to lose my job.<br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We
received an order from CA to pay a penalty due to late payment of
wages. HR received it, ran it thru our attorney, then her
boss, who sent it to my boss. My boss sent it to me with directions for
mailing. The order said no payroll deductions should be taken. In my
version of payroll English that means no benefits, no 401K, etc...
Taxes are not payroll deductions. Taxes are taxes. The last time I cut
checks for this situation I was told specifically by CA DOL to take
FICA and SDI only. So when I cut these checks I did the same. </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />I received a call from CA DOL - same gal I talked to back in
November. Why did I take payroll deductions? I told her I didn't. I
took taxes. She says that taxes are a payroll deduction. WHAT? This
is not what you said last time around. It states right on the order:
$1,946.48 for additional wages accrued as a penalty and shall not be
subject to payroll or other deductions. Wages = take FICA. Payroll
Deductions is not taxes. Then she says it's up to the employee to
file. Which tells me again that they're wages and FICA should be taken
by, like, LAW. I finally gave up arguing. I told her to send the
checks back to me and I'd get the correct ones turned around in three
days from the time I receive the checks back.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I go over to tell my boss what's going on. I'm clearly
annoyed. I walk into her office and tell her I'm not trusting HR on
anything again and explain what happened. I told her I never read the
order because I thought it was like the other ones and I treated it as
such. If anything should be different, it should have been stated
clearly. I tell her how I'm going to resolve it - AP will cut the
checks and we'll send them 1099s at the end of the year. The last thing my boss said to me was that I should have paid closer attention. I
couldn't speak. I just turned around and left.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I returned to my desk, I notice that her boss is sitting in
the office next to her. I'm now wishing I'd reminded her that she was
the one who sent it to me. Everything about the order, in my world,
says take taxes. If she didn't want it processed thru payroll, then why
send it to me? Just because four other people should have caught it,
that's no excuse for me not catching it. I should have paid closer
attention.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Damn it I'm pissed. Forget taking anything at face value.
Forget trusting that I'm going to get the correct information from
anyone, including my OWN BOSS. I'll be questioning everything so my ass
is covered. It'll annoy the shit out of everyone, because I am
experienced enough and know the rules so I shouldn't have to ask. Well,
clearly that's not the case. I'm just another idiot in the string of
idiots around here.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Grrrr....</span></span>THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-78108485107823374262010-11-30T15:26:00.000-05:002010-11-30T15:26:26.141-05:00I Must Be Out Of My MindBack in September, just before SHR:L opened, the building manager and I exchanged words. I then had a little hissy fit and swore I'd never work in the Barn as long as that person was in charge. Well, RLT's group managed to talk me into sticking with the final show I'd committed to, on the condition that said manager stayed out of my path. This has worked, tho it's only been two days...<br />
<br />
Anyway, A few weeks ago the group finds themselves short a Stage Manager. Well, heck... It's a small space. There can't be that much. I can call cues. I just need some help getting things organized so it'll run smoothly. The group's SM Extraordinaire, DP (heh, sounds kinky...) who is unavailable to commit to the run, is available to help get me organized. God bless America - I may be able to pull this off. DP, you are my savior! <br />
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Oh, and there is a spot in the script where we need an off-stage, female voice. Well, I'm sitting right next to the microphone. I make the phone ring. I've already executed the light cue. Okay, I can read the lines. WTF do you mean I have to have a NE/Maine accent? What does that sound like? It's really easy for me to pick up a southern twang, or a Wisconsin tone, but Maine? I'll have to work on that. There is a character in the show that has the accent the whole time - I sound nothing like him. 8-/<br />
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So I'm stage managing, designing and running lights, and providing the off-stage voice. I hadn't read the whole script until last week (something not entirely unusual), however my light cues and lines are set and fine. What do you mean we don't have a script with sound cues? Nowhere? We just have the recordings, but we have no idea where in the script the cues are supposed to come? So last night we're going basically from cue to cue, and marking where the sound cues come along. I think we've really got the timing down. The levels sounded pretty good. Now we just have to pull it all together.<br />
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Did I mention that when I did the light cues, I didn't have a set? Well, that made things interesting. I have a porch light - it's hung in the hallway instead of over the porch. Eh... I can move the instrument. The heart attack special is on the wrong side of the stage. D'oh! I have a painted drop depicting the view out the window that has no light on it at all. The ghost lights are too bright, as are the warmers. The washes look fantastic, and the colors are perfect. Yeah, they're the same colors I used for SHR:L. Thank you to the designers who were between my shows for not touching anything. :-)<br />
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Let's not forget, that between September and now, not only did my gall bladder self-destruct, but I took a job that's not so local. My evening commute went from 30 mins to a minimum of 90 mins. And that's on a good day....THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-19036125754648642262010-11-12T15:09:00.000-05:002010-11-12T15:09:04.846-05:00We Have A Marine!Ginormous congratulations go out to my step-son Mr.Blondie Jr. #3 for graduating from USMC boot camp!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/TN2eJ5-MUhI/AAAAAAAAAKM/afJ4qJjx2ts/s1600/Thomas+4MB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/TN2eJ5-MUhI/AAAAAAAAAKM/afJ4qJjx2ts/s320/Thomas+4MB.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>(My scanner is crap. )<br />
<br />
Mr. Blondie did an awesome slide show from our trip to his graduation. Go <a href="http://www.photodex.com/share/narronjim/8w6x8mg4">here</a>.THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-11741484549820379582010-11-12T14:42:00.001-05:002010-11-12T14:42:55.411-05:00Missing In Action? I think so...Hmmm... Last time I checked in was August. A ton has happened since then and I've not gotten around to blogging about the stuff I'd care to share with the rest of the world. I am going to make the effort to get better about that. I hear you dancing in the streets now... LOL! I'll try to post things chronologically too, since that's just the way I roll... Smooches!THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-353409234903599242010-08-20T12:59:00.002-04:002010-09-18T22:25:46.501-04:00New Gadget?I love Sharpie. Markers, highlighters, pens, whatever. Sharpie ROCKS. Their latest toy? A liquid pencil!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/TG6z4enocbI/AAAAAAAAAJY/8BaNP4Y7RXg/s1600/Pencil.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/TG6z4enocbI/AAAAAAAAAJY/8BaNP4Y7RXg/s320/Pencil.png" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Da-rool. I must try one of these. The story can be found <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20014147-56.html">here.</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/TG60LpSbIoI/AAAAAAAAAJg/wqZsw4Qr4ZE/s1600/Pencil+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/TG60LpSbIoI/AAAAAAAAAJg/wqZsw4Qr4ZE/s200/Pencil+2.PNG" width="112" /></a></div>THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-11277194129401292402010-08-09T21:36:00.000-04:002010-08-09T21:36:56.534-04:00Who'da Thunk?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"> <!--StartFragment--> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal">I just received word that I was nominated for Best Lighting Design for a show I worked on earlier this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were eight shows to choose from and five were chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were the three not chosen really that bad where I'd be in the running?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here's an outline of how my work on that show (RH), and the one I was already committed to (FP), went.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fri 3/26: Rcvd call - please help w/RH</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mon 3/29: FP prod mtg</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wed 3/31: View run of act I - RH</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thur 4/1: View run of act II - RH</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fri 4/2: FP Tech</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sat 4/3: FP set move in, RH Tech</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sun 4/4: FP Q2Q, RH write basic cues</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mon 4/5: FP Tech Run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tues 4/6: FP Tech Run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wed 4/7: FP Tech Run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thur 4/8: FP Preview</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fri 4/9: FP Show</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sat 4/10: RH Tech (day), FP Show (eve)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sun 4/11: FP Show</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mon 4/12: RH Tech Run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tue 4/13: RH Tech Run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wed 4/14: RH Tech Run</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thur 4/15: FP Brush Up (RH preview - did not attend)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fri 4/16: FP Show (RH opens - did not attend)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sat 4/17: FP Show (RH show - did not attend)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sun 4/18: FP Show (RH show - did not attend)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let's not forget all the Dr appts etc from having totaled my car a few weeks before, plus the health scare from Dec...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was one more weekend of FP, and two more weekends of RH.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did finally see RH on closing night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really didn't have time to ensure that RH was the quality I wanted and it deserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Dir, being an LD himself, said he was fine with what I managed to pull together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not knowing him very well, I was never sure if he was telling me what I wanted to hear or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, I told him he was more than welcome to adjust/add/subtract cues etc as he saw necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then I hear today my show has been nominated for Best Lighting Design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, I understand that there were eight shows the group did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of those eight, the Board of Directors picked five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the odds are pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless, it's very cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll have to work on my speech: "It's an honor just to be nominated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other LD's put a lot more work and thought into their projects than I had the opportunity to, and there's no question in my mind that XXX deserved the win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congrats to XXX!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><!--EndFragment--> </span>THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-38190544651499059992010-07-30T11:58:00.002-04:002010-07-30T12:09:33.286-04:00I Really Enjoyed Myself!Okay, maybe I overreacted a little. A LITTLE. I'm still disappointed that I didn't work on the show, but at the same time, I think it was a blessing in disguise. The cast and the orchestra were just fantastic. It was obvious that they put in a tremendous amount of work. I was so impressed with Eva and Che. They were very strong, passionate, and had a great dynamic. Once the sound guy had his issues under control, the show was incredibly well balanced. I surprised myself in that I remembered every single word in the show. It's been over 10 years since I've listened to the soundtrack, and I still knew the entire show. It was hard not to sing along... :-)<br />
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And now for the reason I was so paranoid... Had I been working on this show, you would have read about the following on a daily basis, and it would really be clear why I'm such a PIA sometimes.<br />
<br />
The set and the lights - wow. Where to begin... Let's start with the set.<br />
<br />
The set did nothing to accent the show. It was this gigantic wall with a balcony in 5 feet in the air, center stage, and an archway underneath. Otherwise, gigantic pink wall. Yes, pink. Not pale pink. MAGENTA. I might have a sweater that color, but wow. Apparently it started out fire engine red. 40 feet wide by 12 feet tall - that's a lot of red. When repainted, it was baby pink. As soon as the lights hit it, the audience was blind and you couldn't see the cast. So it ended up magenta. On the far left and far right sides of the stage were two video screens. They were different sizes and hung unevenly. Plus, the projectors were off cycle. When you wanted the slides to be the same, they were off by one. The set distracted more from the show than it enhanced. It was awkward and huge and magenta.<br />
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Now the lighting....<br />
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I have a lot of respect for the lighting designer. As difficult as he can be to get along with, the quality of his work is impressive. He'll use every instrument in all possible capacities to give you a beautiful show with great moments. Then there was this production.<br />
<br />
Take almost everything I just said and throw it out the window. Every instrument was used. It's hard to light someone who is 10 feet in the air when you have an 11.5 foot ceiling. I get all that. The wash was pretty even. Other than that, there was nothing spectacular about this design.<br />
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In place of spotlights, he either used a general wash or a moving light. I found the moving lights more distracting than a spot. When a spot comes on it's terribly obvious and is expected to move with the actor. But the moving lights that were used were part of the wash. They were not sharp focused, the intensity was the same as the rest of the instruments, and were the same color as the wash. Most people wouldn't notice it move, but I did and it was annoying. It looked like something was wrong. The wash colors also seemed dull. Part of that may have to do with the set changing colors three times the week before they opened. However, changing gel is no sweat. The looks seemed gray and uninspiring. Rainbow High could have had all sorts of bright colors and changes. It didn't.<br />
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This show screams for dramatic lighting changes. There was not one change that I would consider dramatic. Toward the end of the show there was one bump with the orchestra that seemed dim and slow. Looked more like a late cue than anything else. I went in expecting dramatic side lighting, unique looks for each scene, intense changes with the music and movement of the cast... I got nothin'. Talk about disappointing. It's possible the problems with the set had an adverse affect on the design - that's happened on more than one occasion. It's also possible that the Director didn't want dramatic lighting. Whatever the reason... The set and lights did nothing to enhance the production. If I had been in the cast or orchestra, I would have been greatly irritated. They didn't work their butts off for 3 months to have to perform with the crap they were given.<br />
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Hence the bit of relief I had after the show. I didn't work on it, so I wasn't spending weeks upset by how poor the show was from a technical perspective. I also had a chance to speak with a handful of the board members. They seemed very interested in my reaction and what I would have done differently. So in hindsight, it's a good thing I didn't work on the show. Altho if I had, and had any influence over how it was executed, the end product would have been much different. Plus I prob would have stressed myself out, and had more than one person want to push me off the light bridge as I point out what needs to be fixed.<br />
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Even with all the aspects that really needed a makeover, the cast and orchestra were still fantastic. I really hope patrons walked out of there having enjoyed a good show and didn't notice as many of the issues as I did. I've now got to dig out my soundtrack so I can listen to it in the car. No, not the Madonna version...THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-83824337858235037812010-07-16T17:25:00.001-04:002010-07-16T17:29:35.982-04:00Now Is Not The Time To Get EmotionalI'm really going to try and not show that I'm upset tonight.<br />
<br />
I've been working with this one theater group for 22 years. For the first time ever, I've wanted to help on a production and there's no place for me. Even when they needed help in a pinch this weekend, they call the chick that's due to give birth in eight weeks rather than call me. <br />
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When I first realized I wasn't going to be working on this production, I was extremely upset. I tried to think of reasons why... Everyone on the planet knows that stupid crap irritates me. Lately there's been a lot of things happening in the theater world which could have been prevented if people just thought one step ahead. I hadn't been very shy about this stuff, so I think that may have been a reason why they don't want me involved in this production. <br />
<br />
Anyway, I'd started to get over it and was pretty much ready to forget about the whole thing, when I heard about who was helping out backstage this weekend. Then it started all over again. <br />
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I'm actually surprised at how upset I am about this. I'll probably never know the real reason why. Could be that I just didn't show up at move in, so they thought I wasn't interested. Tho I'd been talking about it with the producer a few months before, so he knew. I also made it known a few days later that I wanted to help anywhere it was needed. I know they're busy and probably didn't think about it. Or, I'm right. I'm too much of a PIA to deal with. Who knows.<br />
<br />
I'd already arranged to see the show with co-workers tonight. After finding out about how the backstage coverage was handled for this weekend, I'm now wishing I didn't. At the same time, I know a handful of people in the cast that I get along with well. Or at least I *think* I get along with well. I also know the show is going to be fantastic. It just really sucks that I'm not part of it, even in some little way.<br />
<br />
Oh well. Gotta stop the pity party and not let it show I'm upset. Suck it up. Be an actress... Ha. Now that's funny.THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-24372178174901176542010-06-30T16:50:00.004-04:002010-06-30T17:03:13.342-04:00This Week's Office Kitchen Etiquette SagaSent: 157p Wed 6/23<br />
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Greetings!<br />
<br />
We’re experiencing a rash of ants and some flies over the last number of days which has been reported to our property managers and we’re waiting for an exterminator. In a number of instances the last day or two, staff have put a lunch bag or groceries to store under their desks and within a very short time an army of ants has invaded the food. To avoid attracting them, please clean up any food that has been around your area and avoid leaving any dishes/food/beverages/soda cans overnight. It might help also to take a Lysol wipecloth and wipe down your desk each day before leaving. In the meantime, I’d suggest not leaving lunch bags or groceries on the floor unless you don’t mind sharing your meal with these critters. <br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
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<br />
Sent: 1033a Thur 6/24<br />
<br />
Do you know if you've left anything in the fridge that SMELLS or has EXPIRED? I don't, because I can't find anything in there. <br />
<br />
The fridge is NOT HAPPY and has filed a formal complaint. The lucky department on duty this week is the Secretariat (plus our very own volunteer Alex Lopez!). Because the fridge is on overload and emitting an unfriendly scent, we will do a PURGE on Friday late afternoon. Please mark what you want kept, take home what you don't need to keep here or throw away what's expired/overripe.<br />
<br />
And since we are a larger staff group these summer months, please try another way to store your lunch items. Simply put, LARGE SHOPPING BAGS do not fit! To help all of us find our lunches within the lunch hour time frame, please just to bring what you need for each day's lunch.<br />
<br />
Thanks.<br />
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<br />
Sent: 907a Mon 6/28<br />
<br />
Thank you to ALL who participated and worked so hard in cleaning out the refrigerator on Friday. It took many to bring this fridge back to useable form and it’s very much appreciated. I’ve never seen so many bottles of salad dressing! Special thanks go to Joanne, Alex, and Adam and all the supporting cast who were dedicated to this effort. Let’s all support their efforts by continued to keep the inside clean and to minimize the clutter and mess that builds up. <br />
<br />
Refrigerator space is limited so please be considerate: <br />
<br />
In the summer, over 45 people could attempt to store a meal in the refrigerator on a daily basis. Please store only daily meals (rather than weekly) in the refrigerator. <br />
<br />
For those using salad dressings, please have only one bottle of dressing stored at a time or use a tiny Tupperware cup to bring in enough for the day’s salad. <br />
<br />
Avoid putting large grocery bags (plastic and cloth) inside the refrigerator. Now that cloth grocery bags are more common, they are used for all types of storage and become unsanitary for putting alongside food items in the refrigerator. (For your own health safety, wash or wipe out your cloth bags frequently to avoid bacteria building up inside, as reported in last week’s news.) <br />
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Set an Outlook reminder to take home any leftovers that are yours every week. <br />
<br />
If your food has spilled, please take a moment to wipe it up to avoid others from needing to scrub later. <br />
<br />
Because we’ve had spottings of flies and ants (and even a few mice!) these last few weeks, please don’t leave dirty dishes; utensils; glasses; mugs around your desk area and keep storage of food/drinks, grocery bags etc., to a minimum. If your desks get sticky from drinks/candy or have crumbs from food items, please use a Lysol wipe to clean. All this attracts critters and triples the chances of the rodent problem spreading through the office rather than keeping it within the kitchen area. <br />
<br />
Thanks again to the Magnificent 7 – or how many it took to clean last Friday! <br />
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<br />
Sent: 9:47a Tuesday 6/29<br />
<br />
Dear whoever finished the coffee, didn’t make more, but left the empty pot on the hot burner:<br />
<br />
This is a bad idea.<br />
In the future, if you finish the last drop of coffee in the pot, please brew more. <br />
If you don’t know where to find it, please ask me. I will show you.<br />
If you don’t know how to make it, please ask me. I will teach you.<br />
<br />
At the VERY least, please do not put an empty pot on a hot burner. <br />
We do not want to burn down our kitchen during placement season & travel cycle.<br />
That would be bad.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your attention and compliance.<br />
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<br />
Sent: 1153a Tues 6/29<br />
<br />
Ok, around 11am a pot with only about 2 ounces of coffee in it, once again was sitting on a hot burner. Is there someone that is not seeing these emails? <br />
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<br />
Sent: 345p Wed 6/30<br />
<br />
Okay Neighbors! -- (includes All Staff: Full-time; Summer; Night; Day; Temporary; Interns!)<br />
<br />
Here is a bulleted list from a concerned Bethesda YFU citizen only minutes ago regarding how (s)he found the kitchen: <br />
<br />
· The coffee pot, yet again, had ¼ inch of coffee left in it. The machine was still turned on and the pot was sticking to the heating pad. <br />
<br />
· The tables were littered with crumbs, a couple of patches of dried sauce (or it could have been dressing). <br />
<br />
· Cutlery and crockery were left dirty in the sink and on the bench and the sink had salad and vegetable clippings left in it. <br />
<br />
What happens next ?? -- <br />
<br />
If necessary, we’ll be conducting mandatory trainings and a test on kitchen etiquette, scrubbing, cleaning and food preparation given by the Master Chef himself Alex Lopez!! He won’t let you get away with a CRUMB! Or, we will require a check-off for everyone who goes to get a cup of coffee – yes; we want to avoid that. Next is to install a roving kitchen camera – catching someone in the act of failing in kitchen KP duties, again something to be avoided. <br />
<br />
Even though we have a team to clean up, it’s not their full-time job. The expectation is that every individual will clean up after themselves to avoid any one person spending more than a minimal amount of time cleaning at all. If there are people identified who are not doing their share, they will need to contribute mightily to the “Kitchen Kitty “, a donation box which will be established. The message is – please keep this common area clean; safe and be considerate of your coworkers! <br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>My comments:<br />
<br />
I am glad I don't drink coffee.<br />
<br />
If we had a Kitchen Kitty, we wouldn't have crumbs, drips, bugs, or mice. Just cat fur.<br />
<br />
I think I know who the main culprit is, but I can't prove it. <br />
<br />
I do usually store stuff in the fridge, but with the increased staff right now things are disappearing. So I'm not.<br />
<br />
Other than that, life is dull.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">UPDATE:</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sent: 1011a Wed 6/30</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you’ll notice, the men’s and women’s restrooms on the first floor are out of order, both missing an important ‘piece’ in their usage! Our restroom keys will work on the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> floors. At this time, the property managers are not sure when the 1<sup>st</sup> floor will be back in working order so please feel free to use upstairs. </span></div>THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-24228756247763911492010-05-24T15:05:00.003-04:002010-05-24T15:16:26.243-04:00Gone Fishin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We had a fantastic time. We arrived at the dock around 6a. The boys were so excited. I'd made two dozen sandwiches, brought Little Debbie's, Gatorade, water, chips... There was a ton of food. My father brought beer for himself and Mr Blondie. We weren't sure how big the boat really was but when we got there, there was plenty of space for all three coolers, the bag of misc stuff, and us. They had a mini-fridge, a microwave, and even a stove inside the cabin. There was a sofa sized bench and a couple chairs as well.<br />
<br />
I pushed everyone to put on sunscreen, informed everyone (including the boat staff) of the vast quantities of food and beverage, and sat down on the bench in the cabin. It was still a little cool and my head was splitting. I took a decongestant and some Excedrin, then laid down.<br />
<br />
I think I fell asleep around 730a, for about an hour. My head was still unhappy when I woke up. I'd missed the catching of the first two fish. They were pulled in by MrBjr#3 and MrBjr#4. Then MrBjr#2 pulled the next one, and Daddy pulled the fourth. Then the next fish caught a line. I really didn't want to fish, just observe and photograph. However Mr Blondie talked me into pulling one in, so I did. Here's proof...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_rFGLNEOWI/AAAAAAAAAJA/oKYxl_XapZc/s1600/DSC03893+cropped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_rFGLNEOWI/AAAAAAAAAJA/oKYxl_XapZc/s200/DSC03893+cropped.JPG" width="166" /></a></div>Ewww... They all wanted me to kiss the fish. I refused. Apparently it's good luck or something - I didn't care. Not happening. As I dropped the fish in the cooler, it decided to clamp it's mouth around my thumb. Ouch ya bastard! Can't wait to see you on the grill! It only left a mark and didn't break the skin. At this point I figured out that my head just wasn't going to behave, so I hit the migraine meds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_rPJ4rjVWI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/jFwy4HdCl5E/s1600/DSC03848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_rPJ4rjVWI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/jFwy4HdCl5E/s200/DSC03848.JPG" width="200" /></a>Somewhere around 1030a, I fell asleep again. Something about being on the boat just put me right to sleep. The rocking on the water, the rumble of the engine, maybe my headache or the fact that we were up at 4a.... Whatever it was, I was out cold. Next thing I knew, it was 1230p.<br />
<br />
They had caught a few more by then, and had dug into the food. The coolers kept everything nice and cold, and there was still plenty of ice, so everything was yummy. The boys were making bets on which rod would catch the next fish and how big it would be. It was all we could do to not say 'that's what she said!' at every opportunity.<br />
<br />
We rolled back into the dock around 2p with 11 fish. The max was 12. The were all between 19 & 24 inches long. The boys had never caught fish that big before. The boat staff put the fish in a wheelbarrow and we took it to the guys on the dock who clean them. You better believe I was going to have no parts of that. If we couldn't get them cleaned by someone, they were going back in the water.<br />
<br />
By 3p we were back on the road, heading to see Mr Blondie's fam 130 miles away. We really did have a great time. The boys actually seemed to enjoy each others company. It was really nice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_rN6cY-hqI/AAAAAAAAAJI/JMrFj-dnNME/s1600/DSC03970+cropped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_rN6cY-hqI/AAAAAAAAAJI/JMrFj-dnNME/s320/DSC03970+cropped.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Left to right: MrBjr#4, Mr Blondie, Daddy, MrBjr#2, MrBjr#3. Plus me in the middle. :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-25498955880621631442010-05-21T15:20:00.000-04:002010-05-21T15:20:28.368-04:00Gone Fishin' With Da BoyzMr Blondie, three of his four kids (all boys), my daddy, and me are going fishing. The second youngest of the boys leaves for Parris Island on June 1, and we thought this would be a good way to get everyone together for something special before he leaves. The oldest has to work the Brad Paisley concert at Nissan Pavilion (I refuse to call it Jiffy Lube Live. That's just stupid.) and couldn't get out of it. So we chartered a fishing boat and are going fishing. We get on the boat at 6a and will be out until 2ish. I'll have plenty of sunscreen!<br />
<br />
Mr Blondie's little sister is also in town. Her husband just got back from Iraq and they have a new baby, so we're going to see them on Sat eve & Sunday. The boat and the 'Rent's place is 130 miles apart, and we live in the middle. If I'm not on a boat, I'll be driving. Whee! I know I'm going to need a nap at some point, just not sure when I'm gonna get it.<br />
<br />
Regardless of whether I get a nap or not, we're going to have a great time. As long as I don't have to touch a fish...THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-16966754057720563012010-05-21T15:14:00.001-04:002010-05-21T15:15:30.249-04:00Kitty BabiesI got my first baby girl in 1993 when I rescued her from the ceiling of the hardware store I was working in. I got my baby boy 5 years later. When Maggie passed, Zaphod was there to keep me company. I never realized that after I lost him unexpectedly a couple years later <sniff sniff> I'd feel so empty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_baqmV2WfI/AAAAAAAAAIo/f8Ba8gYYtdQ/s1600/100_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_baqmV2WfI/AAAAAAAAAIo/f8Ba8gYYtdQ/s200/100_0650.JPG" width="150" /></a>Mr Blondie and I were living in my mom's basement. My step-father had recently passed away, and we moved in to help her with bills and help us save money. I knew Zaphod was a chunky cat, but I never thought much of it. Since he was always indoors, I didn't take him to the vet as often as I should. When I finally had the funds to take him, I made the appointment. Two days before the appointment he stopped eating and drinking, his eyes started to sink in, and I got this sinking feeling in my gut. At the vet appointment, the xray showed that he had a tumor that was so big in his tummy area, that if you looked straight down from his spine, his organs were on one side, and a tumor the size of a softball was on the other. The next few days were just horrible. I beat myself up, at the same time tried to get as much life and enjoyment from him as I could. Then I put him down.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_bZ8oSvipI/AAAAAAAAAIg/_buVXBYXxLQ/s1600/Zaphod+Collage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_bZ8oSvipI/AAAAAAAAAIg/_buVXBYXxLQ/s400/Zaphod+Collage.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
I never realized how empty a house could feel when you've had at least one cat in your life for 15 years. I'm in a house with my mother, my husband, and my mother's three dogs and it still felt empty. About two months later, Mr Blondie talked me into going to the pet store when the local foster group was having an adoption event.<br />
<br />
That's where we found the twins. They were about 11 weeks old, playful orange babies. Tristan and Fiona are their names, and they were so cute! Guess what day they were born? On my birthday! As I'm in tears over Zaphod, Mr Blondie pushed me to open the carrier. Fiona crawled into my arms and into my heart. Tristan followed right behind. I couldn't put them down. With their birthday the same as mine, I knew it was meant to be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_bbHOTxD4I/AAAAAAAAAIw/w0EesWJz8e8/s1600/T%26F+Then+%26+Now.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_bbHOTxD4I/AAAAAAAAAIw/w0EesWJz8e8/s400/T%26F+Then+%26+Now.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A month or so later it finally hit me how depressed I had been. People say they're just animals. In my world, they're my kids. It's been almost a year and a half since we adopted them. Having them around has been a joy. While there is still a painful happiness that I experience when I think of Maggie and Zaphod, I know they're on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge playing and being happy. And I'm happy too, with the addition of Tristan & Fiona. <br />
<br />
Please please please.... Spay and neuter your pets. I'd be the crazy cat lady if Mr Blondie would let me. At the same time I don't want to have to be the crazy cat lady. Thanks.THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-88885578682360880792010-05-21T14:44:00.000-04:002010-05-21T14:44:07.405-04:00Mr Blondie's New Toy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So the Blue Chariot of Fire (aka the Taurus) is on it's last legs. It's got 130k miles on it, the a/c hasn't worked in over two years, and it needs some major front end & engine work. So we got him this: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_bTtUY_CcI/AAAAAAAAAIY/5HfeZnZeedw/s1600/Jeep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S_bTtUY_CcI/AAAAAAAAAIY/5HfeZnZeedw/s400/Jeep.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>He is a very happy camper. He's never in his life had a vehicle that he bought for himself. He went from borrowing his father's truck, to a mini-van with car seats. So this one is for him. THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-80096689491616583982010-05-13T09:54:00.001-04:002010-05-13T09:56:16.063-04:00Love This...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S-wEJ25jYFI/AAAAAAAAAII/PkyOJYxI2h8/s1600/Papa+Street+Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0d9vV-kClBo/S-wEJ25jYFI/AAAAAAAAAII/PkyOJYxI2h8/s400/Papa+Street+Light.jpg" width="400" /></a>The theater group's resident photographer took pictures the Thursday before we opened. This is my favorite shot.THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-17243657342017676692010-05-11T15:55:00.001-04:002010-05-11T16:03:23.502-04:00Mark & Sean in Tysons!!Mark Levin and Sean Hannity were in Tysons Corner at the Barnes & Noble for a book signing Saturday morning. They started at 9a. We'd been to one of Mark Levin's book signings before. We'd arrived about 4 hours early, and there were already about 200 people there. So this time we figured, since both Mark and Sean would be there, we'd really need to get there early. At the same time, I was at the theater the night before. Getting up before dawn was not a happy thought.<br />
<br />
I did set the alarm for 4a. We managed to get out of the house about 445a. When we got there, there were only about 50 people in line ahead of us. Yay! We pulled out the folding chairs that we brought, and made ourselves comfortable.<br />
<br />
Last time, the mall staff was just plain evil. It was pouring outside and we weren't allowed in the mall. It was so bad that everyone was talking about emailing the mall management. I did, and I'm sure most other irritated people did too. This time, the front of the line started at the lower level entrance to B&N, so the first 75 people or so were actually inside the building. As long as we kept it more or less single file, they were fine with it. <br />
<br />
We chatted a bit with the people in line around us. Tho I think after about 15mins I was asleep. Mr. Blondie woke me up at one point and sent me to one of the mall benches where I promptly fell asleep again. Around 8a he called me - wrist bands were being handed out and he wanted to take the stuff we didn't want to carry back to the car.<br />
<br />
Around 845a Mark and Sean arrive. They came in the same entrance where our line was, so we got to see them, shake hands, try and get pictures... Sean shook my hand and I said, "Thanks for being here, Mark." He politely corrected me and went on his way.<br />
<br />
Did I really say that? I've seen them before. I know which is which. I felt so stupid. That's a true blonde moment if I ever saw one...THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-5341581596061719402010-05-11T15:42:00.000-04:002010-05-11T15:42:04.843-04:00Aww... Isn't He Cute!?!Saturday night we were certain we were going to have a better show. It didn't come without visitors and threats tho.<br />
<br />
Before we opened the house, I needed to have a conversation with the director. I spoke with his wife first and she gave her blessing. The conversation went something like this:<br />
<br />
"Mr. Director, if you get on headset ONE MORE TIME during the show, I will strangle you with the cord. Understand?"<br />
<br />
"Well, I... uh... well... I'm taping the show the next two nights anyway, so I won't be able to."<br />
<br />
"Excellent. <peck on the cheek> I love you, Mr. Director. I'm glad I won't have to kill you."<br />
<br />
At the end of the night, I did not have to kill him.<br />
<br />
The show did go much smoother, thankfully. However no one was very happy with our uninvited guest. A little gray field mouse decided to join us. He'd already been evicted from the theater three times. At intermission he was back, cleaning up the crumbs people left on the floor. Most of the audience was unaware of his presence. The service dog that was accompanying his master was very aware tho. Puppy was so good. He didn't move from his master's feet, but his ears were up and his eyes followed that little mouse all over the place. <br />
<br />
As we were getting ready to close the doors for the start of the second act, our little mouse buddy took off into the theater. No longer content to be in the lobby by himself, he joined the audience. Of the audience members that knew about Mr. Mouse, only four left at intermission. When the show was over and the audience had left, I was heading out and stopped in the lobby - I don't remember why. Mr. Mouse was sitting in the middle of the floor, munching away on crumbs. There were about five of us standing around watching him. He'd run around us like we weren't there. If we chased him he'd take off, otherwise he was a mini vacuum. <br />
<br />
Mouse - 1<br />
Theater staff - 0THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-56527519687544399702010-05-10T14:41:00.001-04:002010-05-10T14:42:48.745-04:00Who's Steering This Ship?Wow. I'm not sure what else to say. Wow...<br />
<br />
We did our first full run of the show on Thursday. We had an audience on Friday. I think we goofed up the timing on almost every cue, except for the final blackout before going home... Okay, maybe it wasn't that bad, but 'clusterf*ck' would be a good description. There is so much going on technically, most of which happens simultaneously, that we'd execute one thing, and while trying to figure out what we messed up we'd miss executing the next thing. All of us were under a lot of strain - we're not used to being this disorganized on opening night. To add to the tension, the director would get on headset when something was wrong. Do you really think we can't tell the curtain is caught on something? Our wonderful SM caught the brunt of all this. God love her, she didn't kill anyone, she didn't alienate anyone, and we got thru the whole thing without stopping.<br />
<br />
The audience - while noticing that some things were probably not correct, didn't really seem to mind. They only see what you show them. Tho they did giggle at every blackout where they heard wheels squeaking. <br />
<br />
By the time opening night's show was over, we were ready for champagne. The cast is out in the lobby with the director, being introduced to the audience, and we're back in the prop room throwing one back. We were laughing at what went horribly wrong, and for those of us who couldn't see what happened in certain places, the sound guy and I were able to give vivid detail.<br />
<br />
We finally wander to the lobby, just as the director was wrapping up his speech. While we got cheers from the cast, all we could do is laugh/cry. They introduced our SM, and I jumped up and down. They introduced me, and she jumped up and down. It was very funny.<br />
<br />
Next stop: The Mouse is in the House!THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-47732936505456993542010-05-06T09:39:00.000-04:002010-05-06T09:39:36.597-04:00When Hell Week Really Is HellOk, so I never really did a plot. I used the house hang and tweaked it. Of course even if I had done a plot, the majority of it would have changed, since the set didn't end up like we thought it would. I had to fight for dark time, tho the people assembling the set had bigger issues than I did. <br />
<br />
There are two revolves - they didn't work as they should. We're using two curtains besides the main drape, they're loud, difficult to access, and a challenge to pull smoothly. We have NO running crew. This show needs running crew. The cast is being asked to do a lot of the changes - something that shouldn't have been necessary - but there seems to be a big problem finding running crew. The set changes and curtain pulls have to be choreographed and very detailed for those doing them. This show is much more complex in that regard than 90% of the shows this group typically does. I've worked on productions like this with other groups, however the other groups have more stage time to prepare and have the manpower to make them work. This show was kind of eye opening for everyone with this group. <br />
<br />
All that said... My director is doing way too much. He designed the set, and because things needed fixing he spent a lot of time working there.There were a whole bunch of little things that needed to be addressed, so he was being pulled in all sorts of directions. It doesn't help tho, that he really wasn't sure what/when/how things would work until we got in the theater, leaving us all with unanswered questions and no time to really hammer it out. <br />
<br />
My stage manager is an amazing person. She's trying to execute all these things and with them not working, us being unsure of the timing, no help, and everyone being tired and frustrated, she's managed to keep her cool. She did scare us last night tho, when she climbed a ladder after the run and nearly passed out, paint bucket in hand. It doesn't help that our ASM is a controlling bitch either. She's going around demanding things that while are needed at some point, aren't needed now. The set changes need to be ironed out. Once that happens, then I'll tell you where a light cue is that is completely unrelated to any set changes anywhere.<br />
<br />
I wish I'd had the time to blog more earlier this week. So much fun stuff has happened, but between work and the show I've been too busy, and completely exhausted. Hoping to change that. THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-42281121133703632862010-04-30T09:48:00.000-04:002010-04-30T09:48:22.595-04:00Still Haven't Done The PlotThat's right! I still haven't done it. We move into the theater on Sunday. I'm sure the city would be very happy to have it before then. Tho I'd really rather nap...THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-63752583618625839732010-04-28T09:47:00.001-04:002010-04-28T09:47:49.029-04:00Catching Up... Or NotI am surprised how much I miss Forever Plaid. I still wake up with the songs going thru my head. I know this will pass, but it's still sad. And happy. And sad.<br />
<br />
I attended the design run for show #3 last night. It's a really cute show. Some of the characters are a stitch. There is a girl in the cast, probably 9 or 10 years old that is just adorable. She kept bringing me props to look at and chatting away. This will be a fun group.<br />
<br />
Now if I can just survive the next two weeks. We move in to the theater on Sunday morning, not Monday eve like I originally thought. I got home last night just before 11p, but it took me an hour to wind down. I am wiped out this morning. I sat in the car in the parking lot for 10 mins before coming in to work. Gah. I thought I was catching up on my rest, but it seems like my schedule is catching up with me. I've still got to get the plot done, I'm going to see DC United play tonight and Saturday, and I still need to keep my day job. Knock on wood - I haven't had a migraine (that wasn't hormonal or weather related) in 2 months. Yippee!THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-1855544441448436712010-04-26T16:07:00.001-04:002010-04-26T16:07:56.458-04:00One More For The BooksWhat a fun weekend of shows... We had an absolutely amazing time working on Forever Plaid (ie: show #1). I think Saturday night's performance was the best one we had all run. It was sad to take it apart Sunday eve. So many patrons asked if we would bring it back, bring it to a retirement home, something. The response was fantastic. Even if I got to the theater and was crabby & tired, I always left with a smile. Knowing that what you're doing is such and integral part of the whole project and having it go so well is a wonderful feeling.<br />
<br />
Show #2 (The Rabbit Hole) is still running. I'm hoping to go see it this weekend. If I can't get there, then I won't get to see it at all. Show #3 (I Remember Mama) starts tomorrow night with a design run and we move into the theater on Monday. I really need to think about getting that plot done. The City should have had it weeks ago...<br />
<br />
This past Saturday did end up being a very lazy day. I dragged my butt out of bed around 9ish, to move to the couch. My alarm went off at 530p so I could get in the shower and go to the theater. I think I got up once to pee and get some food. Even the cat was happy.<br />
<br />
Sunday morning I was tending to Mr. Blondie, who was recovering from tending to his parent's yard. In order to keep his father from using the heavy equipment (the man's not a puppy anymore) he took care of it. He aerated the whole yard, planted seed, then tilled an area for a bed big enough for a dozen azalea bushes with hosta's mixed in. Needless to say, Mr. Blondie was a bit sore. Heating pads, Ben Gay, Advil, oh my.<br />
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Once I got him settled, I went to breakfast then to the theater. Around the time we were done with strike and headed to the cast party, I checked in on him. He was up and moving - very good. After the party I had him meet me at the grocery store. (I love that HT is open 24hrs!) While we were there, the storms that had torn up Mississippi were on top of us. Not as severe, but certainly strong. $427 later... (okay, with coupons and my store card only $208 came out of my account. WIN) ...we were ready to head home. We put all the perishables in my car. Amazingly, there was room. It was still pouring, but the temp was pretty warm and there was no wind, so it was tolerable. Got everything soaked, but eh... it's water. We ain't gonna melt. <br />
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Today, I do not have to be in a theater. Wednesday, I'm going to a soccer game. Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun - layzee daze! I really should get that plot done tho...THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-66219252977829453452010-04-23T12:26:00.000-04:002010-04-23T12:26:06.282-04:00Needed Rest & Yadda Yadda Yadda...I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed not having to be anywhere after work this week. I've gotten a lot of rest, tho I'm not entirely caught up. I have no plans for tomorrow during the day either, so it'll be a nice lazy day. Mr. Blondie will have the Benz - he's going to his parents for the annual Landscape The 'Rent's Yard Day festivities. Because of the show, I am unable to attend. So I'm going to be chillaxin'. Me, the kitty babies, laundry, maybe cleaning, snacking, napping... Ahh...<br />
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I did, this week, discover the love that is Euro Motorcars. All they sell are Benz's and Stupid Cars. My check engine light came on the same day I received the notice for my emissions inspection. Yay. On advice from a buddy I headed to Germantown to Euro. I contacted his service adviser, and the next morning I was dropping my car off. I showed him what my extended service plan was and he got a twinkle in his eye. Apparently the plan I bought thru Carmax is one of the best out there. <happy dance> They gave me a free loaner, and I headed to work.<br />
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Now it's been a long time since I've had to make that commute on 270. With no traffic, it should take 20mins to get from Route 118 to River Road. Leaving Germantown at 8a, it took an hour and a half. I usually get on 270 at 189, and even with traffic it takes less than 30mins to get to River. Heh... At least the loaner they gave me was a Benz. Not as fun as mine, but it was comfy. <br />
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Turns out there was some fuel exhaust valve thing that was malfunctioning. This would have greatly affected my emissions inspection. There was also a part that MB was recalling that needed to be replaced, so they did that too. Instead of costing me $200, it was just my deductible. Yippee! The whole process was a breeze, the service was fantastic, and they even washed & vacuumed my car. Blondie is happy.THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-21689305313595170242010-04-19T09:35:00.000-04:002010-04-19T09:35:59.333-04:00Weekend 2 - CompleteWe had some really great performances this weekend. The audiences were fantastic too! Saturday night - SOLD OUT! Love it! I did get a chance to catch up on sleep, but spent most of the weekend just intolerably cranky. Poor Mr. Blondie - I've barely seen him over the last three weeks and when we do have a chance to see each other I'm Super Bitch. Ugh... <br />
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We have one number in the show that requires audience participation. The guys are playing 'Heart and Soul' on the piano, and they pull someone out of the audience to play with them. We always have a plant in the audience just in case we don't have a volunteer. Friday night our costumer's Mom was in the house. She's kinda crazy, but used to be in musical theater when she was younger, so the guys pull her up for this number. She played it perfectly. After two versus on the piano, one of the actors pulls her from the piano to dance. (This is all part of their blocking.) She goes off into this soft-shoe routine that was just hilarious. As the number comes to an end, she does a Bugs Bunny/Warner Bros exit off SL. We were crying we were laughing so hard. How the guys were able to keep their composure to finish the number was amazing. We pulled her back on stage to finish the scene (we give her gifts) and escort her back to her seat. She just had a grand old time. I wish we'd caught it on video.<br />
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We did get a fantastic review from showbizradio.net. I was thrilled. Tech usually only gets mentioned when something is wrong. I was elated to see that lighting got mentioned positively! I can't say that show #2 will earn the same recognition, but one can hope. Now that I've got both shows open and running, I have to get to work on the plot for #3. <br />
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No rest for the weary! <br />
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PS: I know I've said this before... I whine about being exhausted. I get grumpy and difficult. But the positive vibes from the audience are irreplaceable. It makes the whole thing worth it when you have a show that you know the audience enjoyed. I can't see most of the audience from my spot on stage, but I see a few. When they're laughing so hard their eyes are tearing, you remember why you kill yourself to do your best. THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-45478736576903358382010-04-16T09:59:00.002-04:002010-04-16T09:59:35.423-04:00Ooo! I Can't Wait!<div style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;"><strong>Mark and Sean together at Tyson’s!</strong><br />
<img alt="" height="150" src="http://images.radcity.net/5159/4262598.jpg" style="border: 0px solid; float: left; margin: 3px 5px;" width="150" />630 WMAL welcomes Mark Levin and Sean Hannity to Barnes and Noble at Tyson’s Corner, Saturday, May 8th 11am-4pm. <br />
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Mark will be signing his brand new book "Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Illustrated," and Sean will be there to sign his new bestseller "Conservative Victory – Defeating Obama’s Radical Agenda." Mark’s book signing of his wildly popular "Liberty and Tyranny – A Conservative Manifesto," drew thousands to Barnes and Noble. Put these talk titans together and one can only imagine how large this event will be. Make plans now to join us. Be listening to 630 WMAL and log on to <a href="http://www.wmal.com/" target="_blank">wmal.com</a> for additional details.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div>THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3950416622733399337.post-57723910996022202962010-04-14T09:57:00.005-04:002010-04-14T11:48:37.777-04:00We Interrupt This Program...Fuck you, you bitch. First you try to point the finger at me when a deposit isn't showing up in the system. Guess what?!? Per your directions, I gave it to you because my co-worker was out. YOU, the all perfect supervisor of our dept, left it sitting on your desk for over a week. How is that my problem? It's not. Stop blaming me.<br />
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Now it's this account rec you gave me last month. I've got the mother fucking thing exactly the way you asked, with all the formulas and lookups exactly as they should be, and it's still not adding up. I was working on it all day yesterday, and all morning this morning. I know you asked me to tell you by noon if it was going to be a problem. When I checked with you at noon, it was going fine. Just adjusting formulas that I'd missed. Then I kept at it, and still couldn't find the error. I stayed late, got in here early... I even went back to previous years! The SAME ERROR is in PREVIOUS YEARS! How did you justify the variance? Did you just bury it somewhere? The variance doesn't reflect in your rec, so where did you put it? Cuz the math don't work, and it doesn't make sense why. So don't be bitching to me that it puts you behind. I really don't give a shit, and I am in NO MOOD to deal with your prissy attitude. <br />
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I can't wait to hear how you resolve this one. I better get a FUCKING APOLOGY.<br />
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Now back to your regularly scheduled program, already in progress...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">UPDATE</span>: </span>Thanks for taking 30 minutes of my time to tell me you missed an entry three months ago. And for telling me that the enormous variance is because we're calculating everything with last year's rates.<br />
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Me: "But if we pay this out now, it'll be at this year's rate. What difference does it make if they EARNED it at last year's rate when we're going to PAY it at this year's rate? Doesn't that throw the budgets off?"<br />
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Her: "Well, that's a problem we have every year and we try to explain..."<br />
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"If we calculate it at the real rate it would be paid out, then the other depts will have more accurate information, and there won't be this huge issue about it at the end of the year when it catches up." <br />
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"Excellent point. Great catch. Maybe you can add a column to this month's rec to make the adjustment and then going forward we'll use the current rates."<br />
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WHAT?!? Did no one ever complain enough for you guys to track this properly? This is my 2nd time ever looking at this monster spreadsheet and I picked that up right out of the gate. What is so difficult? (deep breath, now smile...) "Sounds good. I'll show it to you before we post anything to the GL. Is there any other piece of this spreadsheet anywhere else that I may have overlooked? I don't want to MISS another entry and end up in this same situation a month from now."<br />
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"Just make sure you format it like this and you pull the information from each tab like you did. Then it should work." <br />
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Uh huh. Like it worked the FIRST time. Right. I got it.THE BLONDE TECHIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03113184301329874994noreply@blogger.com1