Johnny Depp's newest release!

Ok, so you're thinking Public Enemies, right! NOPE! I just found out that JD has lent his voice to the classic cartoon of Spongebob Squarepants! How cool is that! He's obviously doing projects for Lily Rose and Jack to enjoy! - Check out the news at TV Shows on DVD.

5 in a ROW! He proves himself again today!

Football fans, come on now...tell it like it is. Brett Favre should have been a Packer this year. Did you see him out on the field today, tossing the Titans their first loss in 13 regular season games? He is still one of the best quarterbacks EVER!

I know that it's too early to wag my finger at Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy and say I told you so....but I TOLD YOU SO!!! How could so many people lose faith in Brett?
Now, understand, I am no fickle fan. I have a classroom wall adorned with Packer posters, memorabilia and autographs that I have been collecting my whole life. I am NOT turning on the PACKERS! I still faithfully watch and root them on, even though I cringe when I watch Rodgers. I am still a Packer's Fanatic. However, last March, and later this summer when this whole brew-ha-ha heated up, I remained by Brett's side. I bought my Jet's tee shirt with #4 on it and a pennant for my son's room. It is posted along side Favre in a Packer uniform.

He is one of the GREATS....don't people see that? I think the NY Jet's fans do now. And Brett still has a supporter in Terry Bradshaw....Take a look at what he had to say last week before the Packer game....




I love how Jimmy Johnson shut up Howie Long by overpowering him at the end.

I know that this is an emotional topic, nearly as heated as the Obama/McCain debates, but has obviously less of an effect on our country's well-being! However, I just needed to let Ted and Mike know that I don't agree with their decision this year. And I guess I couldn't resist the "I told you so!" I know the Super Bowl
is months away, and in no way am I prepared to predict its competitors...but as a loyal Packer Fan, I am saddened to say that I think the Jets have a much better chance than the Packers ever will this year...

Smiley turns 30!

I have a wonderful friend who turns 30 today. (Which ironically means that I was on the threshold of puberty when she was born! Argh!!!!)

For privacy sake, she is better known as Smiley. She is all that and more. I have never known someone who has a bigger heart. She will bend over backwards for anyone and everyone, without even considering how it may put her out. In fact, without Smiley and her husband, Tyler and I wouldn't have gone to Florida this summer. She has opened up her house, her wallet and her heart to many, without ever asking for anything in return. She is altruism at it's very best.


So, Smiley, today is your day...even though we didn't get to celebrate it on the very day your grace the Earth with your presence, know that there WILL be a celebration! I want you to know that we love you very much and are so very glad that you are a part of our lives! I hope you had an awesome day and we wish you decades and decades more of love, happiness and health.
Here's to you, Smiley! Keep grinning!

Wow, it's already November!

It's totally unbelievable that it's already November! I have been slacking on blogging lately too. School has been in full swing and first quarter grades are due next week. Of course, I have tons to grade before then, even though I had some very productive convention days.

Of course, Halloween was a blast. Ty wanted to be something scary so I agreed to go this far...a swamp monster. I felt that at least there were no weapons or extreme goriness...yes I may seem like a control freak, but he's only six. He doesn't need to be thrust into adulthood anytime soon...society does that for me already.





Ernie and Bert came along with us! My step daughter and her friend came to help out with everything. I think they had more fun at the bars the night before, but they were troopers. Even when they went up to one of the first doors, and isntead fo candy, someone offered them sardines, or soup...guess they caught on that poor college kids trick or treat for candy too! B&E didn't go up to the doors after that! Poor little swampy had to do it all alone. And of course the mask only lasted for the first few houses...Anyhow, it was a blast!

Today I'm enjoying the Packers and the Jets, playing two other teams, of course. Good thing I have picture within a picture! I'm doing so much channel flipping here, I feel like I may be growing testicles! Ha Ha! Both games are really good, but the Pack is tied to the Titans with 16 each. However, there's 2 min. left and I don't think Rogers can pull off before going into overtime. I guess I haven't had much faith in him this season...Since the Pack just extended his contract, I imagine THEY have trust in him...I made need a full season to decide.

I have recently been called a "fair weather fan". I didn't like that one bit! Of course, it came from my ex...'nuff said. Anyhow, this came about because I no longer have my LUVDAPK license plates...I've had them for a decade or so, and I figured now's the time to change...TO WHAT, you ask??? Well somehting to do with
Public Enemies, of course!

I don't think I should put the put the actual letters here, but they stand for Partners in Crime for Public Enemies! My partner in crime is my sis, Stargazer, and she's going to get one similar to that. I have had so much fun in the past 8 months with the making of the movie in Wisconsin, meeting Johnny Depp four times, and meeting tons of new and wonderful people. Therefore, I thought this new plate should represent my new phase of my life! In no way does it represent my feelings for the Pack! I love them dearly (as they are heading into overtime with a missed kick by the Titans...wooo hoo!) I just love PUBLIC ENEMIES MORE!!! Only 241 days left until the movie comes out!

So that's what's been going on as of late...however, I didn't even get around to my new obsession with Wicked the Musical. I'll have to save that for another post.

Hope all of you are doing well and getting ready for the holidays! Christmas is just around the corner....as is the trailer for my new favorite film...CAN'T WAIT!

My Pirate Name

Thanks to my friend Vix who had this posted on her blog!
Check out yer pirate name, matey!

My pirate name is:

Mad Bess Flint

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Happy Birthday Brett Favre 10-10-08

In Honor of Brett's 39th birthday, I decided to post two of my favorite videos of the man. Well, this one is "kinda" about him. I know the outcome of the game was not what we had hoped, but it's still a pretty funny schtick! Sure do miss the shenanigans that Favre would pull. Heard that he put a dead animal in one of his Jet teammate's lockers recently...And the joke went over pretty well...anyhow...enjoy this joke :) Especially ARod at the end....didn't know he could be funny....




And since Halloween is right around the corner, I thought I'd post this one. Look at how young he looks. Brett, Don Beebe, Frankie "Bag O' Donuts" Winters, and their kids are trick or treating in GB. They go to Mike Holmgren's house, and Mike doesn't even recognize the guys because he's embarrassed about not having any more candy. HiLARious!

Enjoy~!

Homecoming Pep Rally

For those of you who don't get to a high school during homecoming festivities, this video is for you. These are senior boys who were the halftime entertainment at the Powder Puff Football game, and they were so good, they were asked to perform at the pep rally. The routine seems choreographed quite well and it's obvious the boys practiced quite a bit...I don't know, what do you think?

My Wordle

Johnny Rocks!

Ode to Parents of school age parents...(a.k.a. Depp-free blog)

...if it makes you feel any better, parents, we teachers are saying the same thing in June!

"School days, school days, good ol' fashioned rule days...reading and writing and 'rithmatic..." If I don't stop now I'm gonna be sick!

Ha ha...no really. I do enjoy my job as a school teacher, but like anyone at the end of their vacation, I dread going back.

I know that there are non-teachers who don't understand how I feel. Many often express that teachers are spoiled with having 10 weeks off. I'm not going to address that debate, because it's a never ending battle. One that after getting totally perturbed, I end with "Well, then I guess you should have become a teacher." 'Nuff said. All I know is that for the next 10 months, I will have assignments and essays forever hanging over my head, knowing that "I need to get at those soon". I'm not complaining, but I don't think people realize that some teachers spend all weekend, seriously, Friday through Sunday, grading work.

I became the best teacher after I had gave birth to my son, and realized that the 130 some students I teach daily are their mom & dad's pride and joy. For years, when I was single, I'd have parents ask me during conferences, "What do you think I should do?" My gosh, I was a 23 year old, living with my parents and raising a black lab. Although shock collars generally work on the latter, I doubt it would encourage sophomores to do their homework! Not until I became a parent did I truly understand the impact I have on those kids.

Now, I begin the year looking at each of those students, and picture them as my own child. What would I want for that child? Am I really challenging them or am I letting them just go through the motions? I know I can't keep up that kind of energy all year, but I'm reminded of that more often than when I was a newbie teacher.

So here it is, my last night of freedom, but it is the start of my 21st year educating young minds and a brand new beginning with energetic young minds and friendly faces...(at least till I announce when the first test is)

Johnny Rocks! Thank you Karen!

I love the site, johnnydeppreads because
they are so on top of things!
Here are some pics of The Kids in concert last night.
You can find the newest video at their site as well!

For more awesome pics, go to Getty Images.

Aug 29th... a monumental day in history...ok, and some shout outs to birthdays!

So what if Michael Jackson turns 50 today? Never mind that Barack Obama just became the first African American who's been nominated for President of the U.S. Put down those nail guns and boards, Louisiana...Gustav won't be there until Monday....(heartless, I know...sorry...I'm just being a bit sarcastic here...) But the big news is that Johnny Depp and his high school band "The Kids" are playing at Club Cinema tonight and tomorrow in Pompano Beach Florida.

I'm an 80's girl. Bands like The Clash, The Romantics, etc. had their LPs spinning on my record player. The Kids were just one of those punky rock bands from South Florida that never made it really big. They did open for some major headliners like The Pretenders in '81, though. However, I am very grateful that fate had a hand in this. Otherwise, would the film and TV industry have been graced by the acting talents of Depp? Who knows...

So I checked out tickets for tonight and tomorrow...Only $35! If I lived anywhere in Florida, I would be making a road trip this weekend for sure. But since I'm in good ol' Wisconsin, I'll be waiting for updates via the Internet! Thank God for YouTube, MySpace and Facebook! Ha ha!
How pathetic! Until then, all we have is the video from last year's benefit. Enjoy!



**********I would be remiss if I didn't mention that today is my sister's birthday. Swiss Miss, her designated blog name, is one of my three sisters and she is the one who is immediately older than me. She rocks! I love her dearly and wish her the best...even if she doesn't bother to read my blog. I think she's "Johnny'd out"!

My friend, The Naughty Monkey, is celebrating her birthday today as well. Monk, I wish you happiness and a great start to the new year. Remember "Celebrate your age in smiles, not tears. Celebrate your age in friends, not years". Hope that Smiley and I are still in your "friend circle". Miss you!

PS...I was really outdone...Check out this blog for birthday acknowledgements!

Johnny Depp is stalking me!

Ok, so that's in my wildest dreams, but he'll soon be somewhere I just was....According to www.johnnydeppreads.com, JD may be attending a benefit with his former band, The Kids, on Aug. 29 &30th. That's not the weird part; the concert is in Pompano Beach, Florida, where I vacationed to exactly one month prior to this concert.

Yeah, so I'm really reaching here, but how bizarre is that? I drove past Club Cinema several times during my week's stay. If I had known this ahead of time, I could've taken a picture outside and with my Photoshop skills, included JD in the pic. How funny would that have been?
This month also has not been Depp-free for me. Last week, my sisters and I toured Little Bohemia in Manitowish Waters, and met some awesome people who shared their "Johnny" stories with us. 'Artsy', my non-deppaholic sis, really opened up to the idea of even meeting him some day (which, by the way, surprised the hell outta me!). Others shared how warm, kind and truly genuine JD is and JD expressed how much he loved the Northwoods.....See, we have that in common now too! hahaha(View of Little Star Lake from Little Bo)

After leaving Little Bohemia, we stopped at a local antique store which was down the road. Little did we know but it was run by Ruth Gardner, niece to Emil and Nan Wanatka, the former owners of Little Bohemia during the FBI shootout in April of 1934. Nan was the one who slipped the note into a pack of cigarettes that alerted and summoned the FBI.

Ruth is quite a character, telling us stories of her family and her knowledge of that wild time period of gangsters, moonshine runs to Racine, and other nuggets of info. She did this of course, while she fed raw hamburger meat to her 12 year old wolf-mixed dog. Yep, quite the character she was. She also showed us several pieces of furniture and pictures that will be used in Public Enemies. Universal execs came to her shop to use vintage artifacts at Little Bo. One of those pics is this dog below.Anyhow, there was so much that occurred that weekend in the Northwoods that kept the Public Enemies theme alive for me but it's too hard to put into words and if I did, this blog would be uber-lengthy!

Is it freakish that I was in the same place/places as was/will be Mr. Depp? Yeah, if you want to believe in coincidences...But I have always believed that things happen for a reason. So, Johnny, if you're stalking me now, I've left Pompano Beach and am back to the old grind of work and more work. However, if you do catch up with me, I'll have a bottle of chilled wine waiting....

BACK TO SCHOOL! ARGGHHHH!

Those dreaded words have reached us via the air waves, the department stores and from desperate mothers...it's back to school time.

Before I give in to this concept, I am going to finish enjoying my vacation. I will be incommunicado for the next week and then will hopefully start up my blog again. I've done so much in the past month, and I have some awesome stories to tell...

But until then, I'm soaking up the rays, swimming in my favorite lake and loving the time I have with my boy...My days are numbered :(

Countdown to....

This is it! In a day and a half, I will be heading outta town! I am so excited!!! (Oh, and if you didn't notice by now, I love the exclamation point!!) Anyhow, this is my first real vacation with my son. He has never flown before and I will be with him 24/7 for the whole week! Hello, Resort? Do you supply Rum by the gallon?? hee hee!

He also can't wait. I'm trying not to pump him up too much, hence the anxiety nausea...etc. No need to have a yacking kid all the way to FLORIDA! And then some! We have lots of fun plans that I hope will not be spoiled by any hurricane activity...snorkeling, fishing, and most importantly, swimming with the dolphins. No Disney this time around, but I said we'd do the dolphin thing in Miami. Looks like the sea aquarium there is similar to Sea World, as far as the shows are concerned (Don't know if they have rides, don't really care. We want to see SHARKS!)

I also plan on sitting by the pool and ocean, with nothing but a good book (Public Enemies, of course). I have come to the realization that this will not be like any of my other pre-child vacations; I can't just lay in the hot sun, fall asleep, and wake up when I'm crispy brown. I'm sure I'll be with the boy, playing in the pool and having fun. Heck, that's what it's all about anyhow!

I plan on bringing my laptop for uploading pics, but not sure if I'll have Internet access. That will be harder for me than anything...I've grown quite accustomed to reading blogs and surfing the net! My butt is big enough to prove that one! ha ha! Boy, rough time for me to be away with Packers Training Camp starting next week, too! And especially with all of the Brett stuff still up in the air...I expect someone to at least text me to keep me up to speed....

I hope everyone has an awesome last week of July, and I'll be back online after the 3rd, Packer Family Night! What a way to celebrate my birthday! Woo hoo...

If any of you have advice for traveling with kids on an airplane, feel free to share! I'm a newbie at that!

Adios!

Senior Citizens, The Dark Knight and Wii Bowling

The much awaited movie, The Dark Knight, has now bombarded theaters across the nation. Lines of anxious fans formed nearly a day before the opening at midnight. Who are your typical 'Dark Knight' fans? Senior citizens???
I'd think not! But much to my surprise, my 80 year old mother saw this epic on Thursday, in a sneak peek showing....
WHAT?????

I just got off the phone with Mom and she shared some of her events this past week, as we usually catch up with one another every few days... here's what was going on in AARPland!

My aunt and uncle are serious moviegoers and were able to get four tickets for Thursday and invited my mom and their cousin to see the film. My mom does not see movies at the theater. Nor does her cousin. In fact, my mom has only gone recently to G rated movies with my son and I. She thought Kung Fu Panda was violent....

So imagine her review of the 'Knight'!

Since they got there a bit late, you know, not camping out all day, they were only able to capture seats near the front...very near the front! As the movie began, Mom begins to ask questions and comment on the explosions and semis tipping over, hospitals blowing up, etc... and she got "shushed" by my aunt...( only because 'uncle' doesn't like people talking...in fact he has to chow down his popcorn prior to the film since he can't concentrate on the movie and eat at the same time! Maybe the chomping sound is too loud in his head??? I don't know, but I think that's pretty bizarre!) So during the film, she couldn't voice her opinion...which had to be pretty hard!

Needless to say, my Mom was freaked out with this film, especially seeing the Joker up so close and Two Face's burn...She's a romantic comedy/drama type movie watcher, on TV...

After she tells me all of this, I still can't believe how cool my mom is! She saw TDK way before many of the Batman die-hard fans...how awesome is that? I think I'm going to buy her a Joker action figure! (BTW, she did think that Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne was 'very good looking'. When I told her that he was in Public Enemies with Johnny Depp, I said that she had another reason to go see it when it comes out! Heck maybe we could score some early tickets with my aunt? ha ha. But I couldn't sit with my uncle...I talk and eat popcorn during the film...SORRY!)

Later in our conversation, Mom told me that she spent the day her friend who recently had a stroke is in rehab. The nurse was talking about how some patients play Wii. Mom pipes in and says, "Barb, you can bowl! I bowled on the Wii with my grandsons and it's really fun. You just take the remote and throw it like a ball!" (Both she and Barb are teammates on several bowling leagues.)

How freaky is it that my mom can recommend Wii and review TDK all in the same phone conversation... I need to get out more!

Where are my shoes???

Last weekend, I stopped by my friend Smiley's house to let out her precious adorable dog. Having been dog-deficient for the past 4 years, it's great to play with someone else's dog, especially for my son. We stayed about an hour after he was de-peed and de-pooped, and just a little tuckered out...YOU have a 6 year old chasing you all the time...It's tiring!

So anyhow, Ty and I left the pup and went on with our business. Smiley calls me a couple days later and asks if I was missing a pair of shoes. (When I go into her house, I always pop off my shoes in the foyer...a gesture of respect for beautiful homes. Well heck, I pop off my shoes whenever I can in the summer!) My favorite black Skecher sandals with the shiny S on them were gone! I left them at her house.

When I picked them up from her tonight, we discussed this strange occurrence. Mind you, I could understand it if a little tyke like my boy forgot his shoes, it would be understandable. But a grown woman? So this means I hopped into my car, drove home 1o miles and walked into my own home, never missing the soft cushiony pleasure of my Skechers. WHAT??? Did I really do that? I often keep extra shoes (and a plethora of other junk) in my car for emergencies...Did I slip them on? I don't remember!

If ya know me well enough, you'll know I say that "Heck, I was born barefoot!" when others comment on my lack of footwear at times. I guess that's how comfortable I am, especially during the summer. (Ok, that doesn't mean I leave my house in the winter without proper attire! I may leave without socks, but not shoes!)

I guess I realized that at 42, brain cells die. You know, the ones to tell you when you are not properly attired! So promise me this, if by chance you meet me on the street somewhere, and I am barefoot, (or missing any other article of clothing for that matter), please ask me "WHERE ARE YOUR SHOES?"

Depp on Vacation...

I went to grab a magazine in the check out lane of Pick -N-Save the other day on the way to the pool. I wanted some sort of mindless reading and something quick. I can't really get into a novel while trembling as my boy jumps off the high dive...gotta concentrate! I looked over the rags, Star, National Enquirer...nah, not today...then I reached for July 21st People since Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman were on the cover and I like them both.

Much to my pleasure, I found this awesome pic of Johnny Depp, sailing and drinking his Corona just days after finishing filming Public Enemies in Lockport, Illinois. I thought, I shook his hand just a few days ago, and now he's sailing the Caribbean and relaxing. The feeling of contentment swept over me. How weird does that sound? I meet the man a few times, ( ok, proud to say, Four!) and now I'm concerned about his well-being?

Yes, I am. Having experienced the filming of Public Enemies in both Wisconsin and Illinois, I now have a greater appreciation for the hard work that goes into creating a blockbuster hit. I'm sure there are many of you out there who have never experienced what I have. Heck, I'm 42 and this is the first time I was only feet away from a Hollywood movie set...(ok, actually 2nd. In the 80's, Major League with Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernson, and Tom Berenger was filmed at County Stadium in Milwaukee. My friends and I tailgated while it was being filmed, so it doesn't really count. But I know three of the guys who played Yankees. They went to my high school...'nother story, 'nother time!)

So, what have I learned from this whole experience? Here's a few things to begin a list...

1. I won't complain about high movie prices, whether it's at the theater or for purchase of DVDs. Michael Mann's actors and crew worked like a well-oiled machine, and there were millions of pieces that had to function together! I never realized how each day had to be planned with from when "Extra A person" had his makeup done down to when and where people were shuttled to lunch, not to mention all of the trucks and gas that were used. And these days, we know that gas is liquid gold!


2. I won't really question why a star is paid $20 million for one film. I know that seems extreme, (especially to a teacher who makes FAR BELOW THAT!) but I think actors like JD deserve that. Johnny met his fans on his own time, in the wee hours of the morning (Like Columbus and Milwaukee when we heard birdies chirping to welcome the morn, right Stargazer?) or late late at night when he already put in a 14 hour day. I'm not even getting into the privacy issue.

3. It's ok to experience something new. When Stargazer first talked of taking a week of vacation to watch the filming in Oshkosh in March, I thought she was C-R-A-Z-Y Loco! Then, the Saturday before the filming, (actually they did film the airport scene Friday night), I went up to see what it was all about. From that point in time, I was hooked. My principal let me take a Conference day on Tuesday to investigate and then another day day in May at Madison to bring my students to watch the filming. I don't think I would have even been interested without opening up my closed mind and listen to my sis! Heck, I wouldn't even be blogging if it weren't for all of this!

4. I learned much more about Wisconsin history. I'm just a few chapters into Public Enemies by Bryan Burrough, (when I'm not picking up trashy mags for pleasure) .It's a great read and it brings me back to days of my father. I remember hearing his stories of how Dillinger and his gang shot up the Northwoods, specifically Little Bo in Manitowish Waters. How I wish I would have listened closer to those tales...Dad was born in 1919 and died at age 80 eight years ago. As I watched the filming of PE, and saw those old cars lining the streets, watched the gents in suits and ladies in smart dresses stroll together, I could only imagine what it was like to live in that time period. What an awesome era, albeit a scary one, but I think we're missing so much of what life was like back then. I wish my dad were here today to share this experience with my sister and me.

5. Lastly, I made some awesome new friends and met great people who I may never see again. What a great world we live in! The camaraderie and general good made me realize that there really are some wonderful people out there, and especially in WISCONSIN!

So that's five things I've learned so far from all of this...Why don't you add yours to the list?

Public Enemies: White vans, Black SUVs and Johnny Depp

Ok, so it's been a month, but the Depp Effect continues. I recently have been in touch with the woman whose daughter had her hair twirled in the video I posted on YouTube. She sent me more pics and this one is the best! When I got it in my email, I just sat and stared...then I was critical! Look at my hands! How can someone give a decent hug with TWO cameras in her hands??? If you know me in real life, you will know that I am never without a camera, or two, or three...I teach digital photography and movie making...what do you expect??? But still, my hands were full...I would've never been able to hug appropriately...or use my hands in a better manner...

Anyhow, when I saw this pic, I hadn't realized that he had rested his hand on my shoulder...Why does the Depp Effect take that away from us? I don't remember this...I was obviously too busy talking!

As I said earlier, not only has the Depp Effect continued, but so has the Public Enemies effect. Two days ago I was driving my son to summer school and there was a van in front of us, a WHITE VAN!
Now mind you, there were windows in the back which would NOT be an ideal Extras van, but my mind wandered and I replayed some fun base camp experiences in my head (while getting out my cell phone to take this pic...) Then ironically, around the next bend, lo and behold, what did I see?

Needless to say, I had a pretty solid chuckle, and the kid asks "What's so funny?" What do I say? I saw two white vans? HILARIOUS, I know... I made up some little white lie and went back to my imaginings...

So the question here today has to do with the withdrawals of Public Enemies...are you going through some of the same hallucinations? When you see a black SUV, do you look for the half rolled down window with the hand extended? Do you see yellow police tape, and in no way relate it to a horrendous crime, but a neatly blocked off area with barricades?

My advice...(whether it is asked for or not!) Keep up the hallucinations, the chuckles at white vans, the tape and barricades, because you never know when that hand extended out the window is Johnny Depp's!

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!

His Return...no, not Johnny's, sorry!

Now that the filming of Public Enemies is wrapped up, I realize why I was able to put so much energy towards 'following Hollywood' around Wisconsin and Illinois...I was filling a void that was left by the retirement of Brett Favre!

March 4th , 2008 and the days to follow were very difficult. Ask some of my students...at lunch time on the 5th, many of them, mostly boys, were shedding tears with me as the legendary Brett Favre called it quits. During the days to follow, as with any end of the Packer season for the past five years, there were tons of speculative questions... "Is this for real?" "Would he change his mind once training camp starts?" etc... And that brings us to today's announcement that "Brett Favre has the 'itch' to return..."

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Children of all ages...welcome to the MEDIA CIRCUS which is about to begin!"

When I just heard this on the 5 o'clock news, I was ecstatic, but cautious. Right away the speculation began with the newscasters..."What if the Packers choose not to bring him back? There are many other teams that would gladly pick him up." WHAT?! #4 not a Packer? Seriously folks. Could you see BF running out on the field in some ungodly dome wearing purple? I think not! I know he's got the itch, but does it need to be scratched in that manner?

I'm trying to remain calm. I'm trying to remain hopeful. When he 'retired' in March, I felt like the trap door opened and we devoted Packer fans fell through the floor unexpectedly. I begged...Give us one more year, Brett. Give these adoring fans who have grown up with you, supported you and loved you, one more year to say goodbye the right way. Heck, Reggie White retired 'a few times' and we gladly opened our green and gold arms to welcome him back. However, when I heard that the first game was designated by the Packers to retire Favre's number, I thought it was official.

And now the circus begins...Is it for real? Is he coming back a Bear, a Buc, a Vike? Or are the Packers willing to give him another chance? All I know is that I bought my tickets for Packer Family night last week, and I'm a loyal Packer fan. I'll be there with or without him...but I prefer to see #4 running out that tunnel onto a green and gold field...

SUMMERFEST 2008

One of the world's largest music festivals has arrived...and I'm not sure if I'm going at all. Boy, I'm old. I saw the line up of singers, bands, acts, etc. and I really don't care about going this year. My son, however, does since we went last year and he loved all the cool kids stuff. (We went on kids day and that I will never do again. First of all, it was 90 degrees out. Humid. Sticky. Crowded. 'Nuff said. That, along with several thousand screaming kids is enough for any sane human being to stay home!)

This is funny to me since I used to change my whole life around to get to Summerfest. Ok, not really, but in my late teens and 20's, it was all we thought about once school was out! I recently ran across a list of bands that some guy saw over the past 40 years and realized how many of them I remember seeing, or at least heard through the massive crowds. Rarely could one get anywhere near a main stage to even get a glimpse of who it was, but if you could hear the loud siren roar and then "Riding the Storm Out", you knew you were nearing the REO Speedwagon stage! (Which by the way was always crowded, even if they seem to be there EVERY YEAR).

So anyhow, I found this list on a local radio website. I know it's not all inclusive! What about Rick Springfield? Hall and Oats? Pat Benatar? Oh, I guess I was at different stages in the 80's as this guy! Ok, so how about Bare Naked Ladies?

I actually had a chance to meet these guys. My friend Michelle and I were standing off to the side of the stage while some dj was going to introduce the band. A few guys came up to us and asked "Hey, who is this band?" We replied with BNL, but said we never heard of them before. The guy said, " We have, and we've heard they're pretty good. You girls should hang out and listen." At that point the guys we were speaking to ran up on stage and started to sing. Michelle and I freaked. Of course, they were "no bodies" at the time, but within the next few months, they exploded into stardom. Geez, and we knew them way back when... ha ha.

So, you see, I've had my share of awesome experiences at Summerfest. Red wine coolers, fried eggplant, henna tattoos, and great music at a relatively fair price.

What will I do now? I wait to see the weather report. Ok, next week looks "cooler by the lake" and we can go during the day since I'm not working then. That should avoid some of the drunken crowds. I'll drink some lemonade, and sit on the rocks by the lakefront, watching golfers trying unsuccessfully to make a hole in one over a water inlet, in hopes of winning some grand prize. Then, the kid will play on the jungle gym, swarming with other sugar-charged mongrels, eat some eggplant strips and head home before the evening crowds.

Yep, I'm officially old.

HAPPY SUMMER!!!

Happy Summer, Everyone!
Just what is Summer Solstice? According to a questionable source...

"Traditionally, Summer Solstice is celebrated at noon when the sun stands directly overhead and the full force of solar energy can be felt and drawn upon in ritual. One stands beneath the sun, for a while, absorbing the light and heat, and establishing a connection which can be drawn upon in rites later that night.

This is a time of purifying, of cutting through obstacles and drawing on the dynamic power of the God principle to manifest your own power. Lift up your hearts in celebration of the fertility and wonder of life and remember to give thanks for that which has been manifested for you since the last Sabbat.

Many traditions throughout time have celebrated the Solstices, from the times of the ancient and the indigenous people to present day. Bonfires are set on hilltops. People dance around the fires. In many places, after the fire has died away and only the hot coals are remaining, children will be lifted across the coals to be blessed and cleansed by the smoke.

The Summer Solstice is a time to be happy. It is a time to remove unwanted things from your life. It is a time to dance and sing and spread joy and be filled with love." (www.crystalinks.com)

I know that the Summer Solstice is traditionally a Pagan ritual celebrated at Stonehenge (which is one of the many places I want to visit before I die). However, I never realized how many other cultures and countries, even Christians, share in this. St. John the Baptist is celebrated in many parts of the world and I was quite surprised with that. (guess I missed that day in Sunday School). So, however you plan on celebrating this day, I hope you all enjoy the first full day of summer.
(Especially Shakes, Happy BDAY!) I'm all about the standing in the sun and recharging, but I think today is going to be more of the "removing of unwanted things from your life"...I'm cleaning out the garage.

So here's to the longest day of the year...here's to a day of sunshine with no more flooding issues....here's to a day to dance and sing and to thank God for health, happiness, friendship and family. Sun rays to all....

Public Enemies

I found this pic on one of the Johnny Depp sites that I peruse through and thought it was awesome! I think it's someone's avatar for Johnny Depp Reads. I don't mean to steal, and will give credit when I find out...

Anyhow, I really miss the PE hunt. There are several of the readers on PEC who have gone to Chicago/Statesville prison shoots and saw nothing, but then I got an email from Becky. She said she got home at 4:30 am this morning after having met JD. How psyched she was...I miss that adrenaline!

I'm not a stalker...I'm not a "fangirl". I am really very intrigued with the whole process and that places we all know and are familiar with are a part of an $80 million movie by Michael Mann! Of course, getting to meet Johnny is by far a wonderful benefit.

I tried to explain this to one of my "non-PE" sisters yesterday. I'll refer to her as 'Artsy'. She couldn't understand my obsession with PE and why someone would want to meet JD more than once. My partner in crime sister, Stargazer, is the one who got me into all of this, and we have become fodder for laughter and ridicule by our family regarding our pursuits. In fact, my own mother said that I wasn't like "normal people" the other night at dinner...(Since then she has retracted her statement and feels terribly guilty...We are Catholic, you know...)

Anyhow, I digress...I showed Artsy the video of meeting JD in Milwaukee, on the unplanned m&g night and she realized how truly invested JD is in his fans. (watch it below!) She actually sat through the whole five minutes and viewed some of the pics! I, in no way, converted her, but I think she has a better understanding of why we do what we do.

I bring up this point because having talked to so many of these fans at the m&g's, I have heard that over and over again "People think I'm weird", "They don't understand why I invest so much time", blah blah blah. I don't think we need to explain ourselves to others...

This is some of my fun, my enjoyment. I don't drink or party it up at bars, I spend most of my time caring for my son and doing things for him. This is fun for me! Do I need to explain???

I will never regret the times spent in the rain, the cold, in the car traveling, etc. It has been awesome to see beautiful places like Oshkosh, Columbus, Beaver Dam, Madison, and Milwaukee transformed back into the 1930's...I have met awesome people and have started to network with people of similar interests from all over the world! (Pic of cars in Oshkosh)

And I have had some great laughs...Here's some of the funny things that occurred last week in Milwaukee.


These two young men, at around 2:30 am, bar time in Milwaukee, snuck into the PE shoot! They were sooooo unbelievably drunk and snuck up to the 9th floor where the filming occurred. They made it past three groups of security and rode up on the elevator with crew members! (How no one noticed is beyond me, because while taking this pic, I almost fell over from the fumes!) Finally, someone figured it out and Jerry brought them back down. Jerry even had a smile on his face, which surprised me!

However the police were called and you can see how humble these guys were when surrounded by the authorities!
There was one other incident that night of a drunken girl claiming she needed to go get her friend's dog and walk it. Her friend supposedly lived on the 13th floor...Ok, but there wasn't one. Drunken people don't make the best decisions!
But it sure was fun to watch!


So for those of you who are chastised by friends or family regarding your interest in PE or JD or CB or whomever, CARRY ON! We sure need plenty of energy to get us through the next year when Public Enemies is finally released!

Sorry for the long post today, but I've been M.I.A. lately...hope you made it through!

Here's the video of the meet and greet in Milwaukee. http://tinyurl.com/43vaza
Note about 2 min. in that a guy runs by and yells, "Holy shit"! I guess he didn't bank on seeing JD on his morning run. Also note how quiet and calm the crowd was. JD was so intent on giving each of us a bit of his time. He only did one autograph, and that was the little girl. At the end, he gets a pic with her and he's playing with her hair... Jerry was intent on only ONE AUTOGRAPH! Please forgive the poor video quality. I was wrangling both cameras! Enjoy!

First Tball game

Ok, quick funny story about the t-ball game and then we're off to Great America.
*(Again, as I cross the state line, I will be pondering...Do I go find JD or do I just go spend the day on rides with my kid...another moral dilemma! Hmph!)

Ty is a lefty. Once the coach figured that out, he hit the ball into the field instead of the backstop! He ran halfway to first with the bat and then had a great big smile on his face. (Mom's chest puffs up with pride!)
So his buddy hits after him, and since he's the last hitter, he gets to "bring 'em all home".

As Ty approaches the home plate, he slides! How hilarious! (Note foot in the air in lefthand corner and his buddy laughing on the way home!

It was the most chaotic semi-organized game you ever saw, and not to discredit the coaches...they were doing all they could! But overall, it was darn cute and a great time
was had by all!

Moral Dilemmas

Tonight is my son's first T-ball game. (ok, actually it was last Wed. but I was too busy watching PE in Milwaukee and stalking JD to remember!! OUCH! I'm a horrible mom!) Anyhow, I signed him up for the lowest level possible. I have some friends whose kids have been playing "catch" since they were in the uterus, but playing baseball with him was something I had never ventured. Am I horrible? Shouldn't he know the game? He even said to me that he was worried that he doesn't know how to play. How sad is it that by the age of 6, we have realized that others judge us by our inadequacies!

The coach called last night to give me directions to the park so I asked if there would be instruction. Coach reassured me that there were itty bittys on the team age 4 and 5, so my son should be ok.

My question with all of this is, why do I feel so stressed that my son will look stupid on the field? Should I spend the next few hours cramming the rules for Doubleday's invention? Should I just send him out with no net and see if he can swim? Tyler is my one and only; I will not have any more children. There's a lot of pressure to not screw things up the only time around! My mom had four daughters. By the time she got to me, the baby, she knew what to do...

Or did she? I recall in middle school, talking to a friend I had grown up with. She said, "Do you remember playing little league?" She and I were the only two girls in the whole crew. I answered that I had remembered and she asked me "Why did you always wear flip-flops to the games? I could never understand that. I think that's why you were always in right field." OMG! I am such a dork! I did! I did wear flip-flops! And I did play right field! What was I thinking? What was Mom thinking, sending me that way? I guess Mom didn't really do things perfectly, even the fourth time around!

So there's my answer...I will send my boy off to his first t-ball game, fully dressed in proper attire, and let nature take its course...Heck, I have solace knowing that he'll have some fond memory to share with his buddies some day. Wish us luck!

So....this is blogging, huh?

I finally did it. I started my blog. Lately, I have been totally hooked on reading about the lives of others and what they are interested in. So I thought, "Why not?". I came up with several reasons why not, so I did it any how. Kinda the story of my life. I want to first thank Monkey Girl who started me on the idea of reading blogs, and 'jonesin' for the next story, article, or hilarious post. Then, she gave up blogging for guitar lessons and knitting school...so much for that. I was lost!

Then came the filming of "Public Enemies" in Wisconsin. I became intrigued with Grinder's Public Enemies in Columbus blog and to this day, read it and about five others religiously. You could say I was a gawker for some time, not wanting to post. But then I did, and waited to be "included" or "blogged to". At times I even had "poor blog esteem", posting and getting no response. You know, like not being acknowledged by the cool kids in school. It hurt. I have things to say. I would say them too. Then I realized, there is no inflection in blogging..."did she really mean that?" people might ask. CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND SARCASM??? So once I got over the fact that sometimes people may err in blogging, I knew it was for me! ha ha. Actually, my most recently acquired friend through blogging, Vicky, has a great site and now that I have met her in person, I know that this blogging stuff is a great way to meet wonderful human beings!

Anyhow, so I was inspired. I don't know how long this will last, but as an educator, especially in English, I know writing is cathartic; I can share my thoughts with others and hopefully feel better about life...or so I hope!
So, it may not be stellar stuff, and don't judge my grammar... and I in turn will not judge yours! And let's have fun. Let's chat and enjoy cyberlife :)