Picture of the Week

Here you go! The last picture of the week before we begin the Picture of the Day Fest in honor of National Photo Month!


Lindsay, under attack by flower, on a trip to Massachusetts in 2005.

Look forward to tomorrow when Pic of the Day begins for the month of May! I have planned out the first ten days or so already, so get excited!

Testing Something...

Happy Birthday, Robert... a Week Late!

It is with great embarassment that I post about Robert's birthday a week and two days late! I don't know what got into me that I forgot to post about it on April 18 - perhaps the excitement of vacation and whatnot. But better late than never, I suppose so here it is! Happy 11th Birthday, Robert!


Robert, at about age 3 or 4.


Robert on Thanksgiving just last year (third from the left) with the boys!

Coming in May...

...we're going to have "Picture of the Day!" May is National Photo Month, so what better way to celebrate than to up the "Picture of the Week" ante by adding one everyday. So, it's time for me to scrounge up some of the best of the best family photos and start thinking about them.

Oh, and did you know that May is also:
Better Sleep Month
National Good Car Care Month
National Salad Month
National Egg Month
National Barbecue Month
Revise Your Work Schedule Month
Date Your Mate Month
National Hamburger Month
Fungal Infection Awareness Month

So... all those who are big on Fungal Awareness - this is your month, so enjoy it!

April 27th is...

... Tell a Great Story Day.

I'll have to think of one and get back to you.

Quote of the Week

"Sometimes it's more important to be human, than to have good taste." ~Brecht

Pick-A-Little # 2

The Pick-A-Little ladies sing to Marian.

Rock Island

The opening number.

Sincere & Pick-A-Little # 1

The School Board learns to sing and the ladies of River City sing their first version of Pick-A-Little.

Iowa Stubborn

Wells Fargo Wagon

Trouble

An Impromptu Afternoon

Yesterday I headed over to Coney Island with friends Amanda, Frances and Kristi for an impromptu visit. Our first stop was, of course, Nathan's and then it was on to the rides and some time on the beach! You know, for all the planning I like to do, it's these impromptu days that turn out the most fun!

Views from the Wonder Wheel:




Oh, and I went on the Cyclone for the first time ever yesterday... yeah, that's not something I need to do ever again, but at least I can say I did!

Featured Book # 18

This is what the book club will be reading for May, so I figured - why not? I haven't read it yet though so I can't offer a review!

Holiday Road

This video is one of my favorite home movies. It was made in 1985, just after Jordan's Christening. For some reason, while all hanging out on the front porch, the family befriended a kid who was riding his bike on the street. They then proceeded to invite him into the car (though that's not as sketchy as it sounds!), and MOST of the family crammed themselves into a convertible and drove around the block.



The best part was that the kid was also named Kevin, so we had some fun with the names. Best quote: "Kev, how long have you known Kev?"

My New Favorite Hobby...

... is putting videos on the family website! Here's a clip from the McKinley Choir Performance from June 2007. This is the "medley." My solo falls towards the end. If you look closely, the kid in the white shirt is a much smaller Harold Hill - it's so funny how much middle school kids grow up in just a few months!



Coming later today... some actual FAMILY videos. Perhaps I can FINALLY get some Camp Hymelick clips up here... I think I'll start with "The Music in the Beast King's Forest of Gardens." (You'll understand later.)

Shipoopi

Our big dance number!

Picture of the Week

Here are Dad and Kevin as children - the cousins all agree we love the outfits (and the opposite color coordinating balls, of course)!

Piano Lesson/Goodnight My Someone

This video features Marian Paroo, Mrs. Paroo, Winthrop and Amaryllis.

Til There Was You

This features Harold Hill, Marian Paroo and Marcellus in the big love song at the end - we turned it into a duet.

Photo Gallery Updated!

Pictures from the weekend trip to Virginia are now in the photo gallery and can be accessed here.

76 Trombones

This video features Mayor Shinn, The School Board, Harold Hill, Marcellus Washburn and the rest of the cast performning "76 Trombones!" It was our first full ensemble number, and one of my favorite scenes of the whole play.

The little kid who plays a member of the school board decided about three days before the show that he wanted his character to have an Italian accent. We told him to go with it, and he stole the show!

Take note of the awesome reversible jacket...

Happy Birthday, Kevin!

In all my excitement about figuring out how to put videos online, I almost forgot! Today is Uncle Kevin's birthday! Happy Birthday (and I apologize that your birthday news is sandwiched between musical numbers)!

(I'll get the picture up later - my internet is acting up at the moment!)

Marian the Librarian

If you thought pictures were fun, here's some video! It's "Marian the Librarian" as performed on Thursday April 17.


This scene features Harold Hill (in his jacket!), Marian Paroo, Mrs. Paroo and Winthrop Paroo.

Quote of the Week

Was away yesterday, so here it is today:

The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one. ~Erma Bombeck

To Virginia Tomorrow!

Lindsay, Dad, Kathi and I are headed for Virginia tomorrow to visit Grandma & Popops - I see a lot of tennis in our future (and also knitting lessons - well, I plan to relearn as I learned a while back and forgot how to do it!).

Picture of the Week

Continuing with the current Music Man obsession around here, here's a picture of me, working on some hairstyles for the production!

It's Not Over Yet, Folks...

We're doing another performance on Thursday!

To commemorate, here's one of my favorite pictures from Saturday afternoon's performance. I like the look of disgust everyone is shooting at Mayor Shinn.

Quote of the Week

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." - Anonymous

This quote came in handy this week!

My Roses

These are the flowers I received at the show on Friday night. They are currently giving the entire apartment a very nice smell! And they're so pretty!

"And they're marching still right today!"

Just spent the last two days in Music Man world - and it's sad that it's over, but it was a GREAT success, and I had the greatest time! Some highlights:

Photo Gallery Updates

More pictures from the Music Man rehearsals can be found in the photo gallery. There are more costumes to see! See the post below for the link or click on the photo gallery link on the left!

Picture of the Week

This picture was taken in June of 2002. Here's Jack, at almost a year old, hanging out on the beach near Onancock, Virginia, where Grandma and Popops have a house!

Photo Gallery Updates

Pictures of my Music Man Project can now be seen in the photo gallery. This gallery is a work of progress as I will add more pictures as they come in.

View the album here.

Favorite Commercials!

I LOVED this commercial the first time I saw it... used to look forward to it every Christmas but they don't play it anymore. It's still funny, though!

Quote of the Week

"Pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find yourself with nothing but a bunch of empty yesterdays." -Harold Hill, The Music Man

This Explains SO Much!

Your Personality is the Rarest (INFJ)

Your personality type is introspective, principled, self critical, and sensitive. Only about 2% of all people have your personality - including 3% of all women and around 1% of all men. You are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

The Name Game

At my height of boredom today, I have started playing with quizzes! I found one that tells you the hidden meaning of your name. Well.... it's me until the last paragraph at least!

What Kelly Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

More family members names to come in separate posts!

Featured Book # 16 (and # 17!)

I believe this book is out of print these days, but I really love reading Emma Thompson's screenplay for the 1995 movie version Sense and Sensibility. I'll make it a double header and recommend the Jane Austen book as well!

I'm Going on Vacation!

We booked today! The summer is shaping up!


Create yours at BlingyBlob.com!

Picture of the Week

Dan and Nick on the slide at their house, November 2006.

Ways to Go Green

I've been thinking along more environmental lines these days, and I need ideas. So far, I turn off lights when I'm not in the room, don't leave on the electronics, don't leave the water running when I brush my teeth, etc. I want to make myself some cloth shopping bags so I can reduce the plastic, but I'm going to have to research more ideas.

Here are some tips I found from Yahoo's Go Green Website. I figure it's fitting with Earth Day being a few weeks away:

1. Tip #1: Unplug
Taking a few minutes to turn off electrical devices won't just help you save the planet, it can also help you save a few bucks off your electric bill each month. At home, go ahead and turn off the lights when leaving a room (chances are the walls and floor won't mind the dark)!
Take an extra few seconds to shut down your computer and printer instead of letting them idle, and-annoying as it sounds-make morning a routine of unplugging TVs, fans and stereos before leaving for work. Like any routine, you'll get used to doing it in no time flat.

When you're looking to buy new major appliances, go for energy efficient models with fewer frills-that icemaker requires more power than you think! Check out Energy Star and Greener Choices for efficiency ratings for new purchases.

If you already own an appliance, remember to clean AC filters, insulate water heaters, and do other simple maintenance to maximize energy savings. Simply put, less energy = less pollution.

2. Tip #2: Use Less Water
Did you know that in the average home, the water heater is second only to the heating system in energy usage? Here's how to use less.
Go ahead and turn the water heater down to 120°. Wash full loads of laundry in cool water. If you've just got to use hot, rinse in cold. In the bathroom, skip the water-wasting steam bath and opt for the quick shower. Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators, and turn the water off when you're shaving or brushing.

Have to let it run to heat up? Catch it and water the plants later. In the kitchen, remember that you don't need to scald every plate and pot to get them clean, and don't forget to turn the water off when you're scrubbing!

Thinking about the long haul? Try setting up a solar powered water heating system.

3. Tip #3: Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Don't even try to front: You've been avoiding fluorescent bulbs because you fear flashbacks to the industrial pallor and buzzing tubes of your grade school. But fluorescent bulbs have come a long way, baby.
Watch for ones with higher lumens (not watts) for brighter light; read carefully for a color rendering index (CRI) over 80, or cues like "warmer light," to get closer to incandescence while saving $30 in energy costs over the life of each bulb.

Not to mention the benefit to the planet: EnergyStar has dozens of similes to tell you how much less pollution you generate by simply replacing your feverish incandescent bulbs with chill fluorescent ones, but they all add up to a huge benefit for the earth.

4. Tip #4: Choose Products With Less Packaging
Think of the layers of armor that separate you from a new consumer good. The precious cargo is placed inside a pouch inside a plastic exoskeleton inside a paper sleeve, then bagged for easy transport. Sounds cute for Russian dolls. But for a stick of gum or a fresh razor blade, it's infuriating, time-consuming, and a waste of resources.
With so many similar products crowding store aisles, try choosing one that sports less packaging. (You'll find that companies that give careful thought to packaging waste are probably considerate of, say, pesticide-free agriculture or humane working conditions, too.)

Don't have time to comparison-shop? Simply buying product refills can assuage your conscience, and save a few cents. Bring your canvas tote to the grocery store to get everything home.

Think similarly for restaurants: that pile of plates, napkins, plastic utensils and condiments could easily be spared by making your takeout eat-in.

5. Tip #5: Buy Organic and Local Foods
Did you know that the blueberries you ate on your breakfast cereal might have traveled as many as 1500 miles to get to your bowl? Buying locally grown produce, whether it's from a greenmarket, a farm stand, or a conscientious supermarket, can conserve fuel, reduce pollution, and support your local economy ... not to mention, produce grown nearby doesn't require preservatives and waxing to keep it fresh.
Likewise, spending the extra money on organic produce will not only keep you from potentially ingesting toxic pesticides, but it's good for the environment. Support organic farmers, and you'll be helping to protect water from pollutants, cut down on soil erosion, and conserve the energy and expense it takes to produce synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Plus, there's no doubt about it-organic and locally grown produce just tastes better.

6. Tip #6: Drive Less
A daily car commute of 20 miles round trip can add up to more than $2,000 per year, parking not included. If you work in an office, ask the HR department about any carpooling hookups and free or deeply discounted bus, train or subway passes; check your city's website for relevant routes. (Use the commute to read up on peak oil theory.)
Better yet, buy a basket and some decent rain fenders for your bike and ride to the office -- and to the post office, your dentist appointment, the grocery store. Sure, you can't fit as much on a bike as in a car, but shopping more often means fresher produce, thus tastier meals -- which you'll need after burning all those calories.

Replacing even one or two car trips a week will trim your fuel bill (and probably your waistline), but driving smarter can also help. Combine multiple errands into one trip, frequent nearby shops, and try to group your family's appointments together. Think about the most efficient route before heading out, and try to avoid busier traffic times.

7. Tip #7: Plant a Tree
No gardening project offers quite such instant gratification as planting your own tree. You get exercise, immediate visual stimulation, and some serious self-satisfaction. Your tree will convert nasty pollutants to pure oxygen and offer a welcome to wildlife -- and tree roots can help stay erosion. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to reduce global warming.
Depending on what kind of tree you choose, and where you plant it, the shade can gradually help to cool your home as well as offer a perfect spot for contemplation, meditation or recreation. Trees are charming planted for a child as a living growth chart, or in memory of a loved one.

You can also donate money to have trees planted all over the world, at brownspaces or devastated places where they are most needed.

8. Tip #8: Recycle More
Savvy shopping and a little creativity can keep your trash pile from mounting. Judge products by their recycled packaging, such as bottles, cans, paper wrappings, and cereal boxes. Choose stationery and other supplies made from recyclable materials that are better the second time around.
Take your used car batteries, antifreeze, and motor oil back to participating mechanics. Return plastic bags to the grocery store. Give old cell phones and cars to your favorite charity. Compost your leftovers and keep your lawn well fed by letting grass-mown clippings lie.

Think outside that empty cardboard box: It's a fairytale fort for a five-year-old. Finally, hang an old flat tire to a tree and make a swing for green-minded folks of all ages.

9. Tip #9: Switch to "Green" Power via Your Local Utility Company
In many states, you can opt to purchase renewable energy from your local power company, and then rest easy knowing you just sent that email from your wind- or methane-powered computer.
To find out if your local utility has a green power source, check the Green Power Network's U.S. map. Austin Energy generated the most green power last year, followed by Portland General Electric. Xcel Energy (in Colorado and elsewhere) had the highest number of customers who purchased renewable energy (more than 49,354).

Help nudge your local utility toward a deeper shade of green by opting into their renewable energy program.

10. Tip #10: Spread the Word
Want to shake some sense into people? Use the web as your own personal bullhorn to make the world a greener place. Inform your inner circle about good causes or upcoming legislation via e-mail.
You can also direct friends to Live the Change to familiarize themselves with personal impact calculators, simple tips, activism options, and blogs of others in the community who are trying to make the planet a little greener.

If you have a blog or website, start posting information about the issues that matter to you. Awareness is the key to a sustainable planet, and the web gives you a powerful way to be part of the solution.

April is...

International Guitar Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
National Anxiety Month
National Humor Month
National Welding Month
National Garden Month
Uh-Huh Month

Let's see how many of those things I can bring up this month!

Additionally, as well as it being April Fool's Day, it is also One Cent Day, whatever that means!

Happy Birthday, Lori!

Today is Lori's birthday!


In 2005, with Kevin and Kara, just before heading to Kara's high school graduation.