Sometimes being slammed...

is quite entertaining.

I've been very lucky in that I rarely, rarely get anonymous comments, which I'm VERY thankful for.

We all know that 'anonymous' usually equals nasty.

Like this one in response to my KA by Cirque du Soleil review:

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "KA by Cirque du Soleil": Don’t base your opinion on someone else’s about Cirque shows. (Good point. I agree some what. It was reviews like yours that prompted me to see KA. And you already know that my opinion differs from yours.) You must see them all and have your own opinion on them. (I haven't seen them all......I can only speak for KA...and I did limit my comments to that particular show.) Personally I hated "O" and lots of people enjoyed it... KA is an amazing show; I really enjoyed it a lot. (For someone that doesn't want others to base their opinions on others, I'm surprised that you offer your opinion at all.) And the "gatekeepers" in the beginning are my favorite part. They're hilarious. (I totally disagree. I thought they were ridiculous.) I totally recommend KA, if you’re not theatrically challenged that is . (Mission accomplished. You slammed me. I don't concur. My opinion is subjective. Just like yours. That doesn't make me "theatrically challenged". Everyone has their own agency and can take my review or leave it. Just like yours. )

Thank you for making my day, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous. Next time leave your "calling card" and we can discuss more thoroughly.

Any of you have any anonymous comments that have entertained you?

Wordful Wednesday-Improvisation and Lake Arrowhead

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Grab My Button

<center><a href="http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://assets.blogaliciousdesigns.com/clients/angie_7clown/html.png" /></a></center>

There is SO much to do and see in Southern California. Jeff and I have enjoyed showing our kids some of the wonders we were raised around.

Like Lake Arrowhead. At more than 5,000 feet above sea level, the drive up is amazing with views of the valley below. Lake Arrowhead is located high on the south slope of California’s San Bernardino Mountains. It really is a remarkable slice of the natural world. The makers of Arrowhead water must have thought so too because it's the site of their first cold-water spring.

When there's no one around to take a group photo, sometimes you just have to improvise.

So we did.

Happy Wordful Wednesday to you. I've enjoyed "seeing" what you've all been up to, even if I haven't taken the time to tell you so.

Tuesday's Tribute-My Sister

I'm mixing things up a bit today.

Even though I'm here, I'm not really here.

I'm HERE.

Think of it as a scavenger hunt, but without a bunch of stops.

Just one.

You don't even have to ask for anything.

Just read. And link. Easy Peasy.

KA by Cirque du Soleil

Hum...........where to begin?

Is it too forward and in poor taste to just blurt out that KA was LAME? With a capital L?

I basically INSISTED that Jeff and I go to Vegas for our Anniversary for TWO reasons. First, and foremost, we needed to smuggle buy some paint that is now the equivilent of contraband in California in another state. This particular paint is amazing for painting trim and it was pulled from the shelves last month. Something about exceeding the VOC's allowed by the air-quality-control-powers-that-be here in CA. I appreciate air quality measures, just not this one. I needed this paint. My privacy and sanity was hinging on it.

How, you might ask?

Let me tell you.

If I didn't get that paint, then my interior doors would never get painted and I'd continue to have NO PRIVACY and I would lose my mind. Guaranteed. {Just in case you are wondering why not use another paint? Well, no other paint will do. Seriously. }

Anyway.

On with my story.

I also really, really wanted to see a Cirque du Soleil show.

I hand picked KA.

Apparently, I'm a poor hand-picker, because KA was not for me. Or Jeff.

For the PRICE.

I would probably be singing praises about KA IF the tickets were like 50 bucks a piece. But, at $147.00 per ticket for mid-level seats, I felt ripped off.

Here's what MGM says about KA:

"KÀ by Cirque du Soleil is an unprecedented theatrical event. A masterpiece in storytelling, KÀ uses acrobatic performances, the thrills and action of martial arts techniques from all over the world, plus innovations in puppetry and multimedia to tell the epic tale of twins on a perilous journey to fulfill their shared destiny.
Along the way, the twins confront characters and events representing the opposing forces of good and evil. Before their world comes under attack and collapses around them, the twins receive a magical talisman for protection. As the plot unfolds, danger lies in wait for them at every turn.
KÀ by Cirque du Soleil brings the visual language of cinema to a dazzling live event that is more about storytelling than any previous Cirque du Soleil production."

Here's what I have to say:

If this production is more about storytelling than any other Cirque du Soleil production, then the producers need some serious storytelling 4-1-1. One of the things that I found fault with is the story line. It was hard to follow and seemed disjointed.

Honestly, I may have had a bad taste in my mouth from the get-go which tainted the show for me. Before the show begins, they have these costumed "ushers" helping people find their seats (and reprimanding about half the audience that can't read the signs that say "no photography", and are taking pictures ) that are ridiculous. Think Pirates of the Caribbean meet Water World or Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. I'm still shaking my head.

Before I go on with negatives, I should tell you that the technical aspects of the set ARE amazing. Super amazing. The stage truely is a masterpiece that twists, turns, even goes vertical.......

But, I don't understand how certain acts in the production made the cut. There are a few "comedic" acts that just don't fit. At all. Further, there is a hand puppet scene that would have totally impressed me. If I had my 5 kids there with me.

I'm still perplexed. Supposedly, "the twins receive a magical talisman for protection". Perplexed because for the life of me, I couldn't tell you what that talisman is. And I sat through the whole show. I paid attention, too.

Lastly, the costume director for the character that plays the female twin's (the twins are boy/girl) "love" interest MISSED the BOAT. Big time. Picture this: Fabio covered in heavy body glitter, wearing a THONG. Only. Let's be clear here. Were talking something (gold, I might add) that covers the package in front, with a little T in the rear exposing the full buttocks. That's for most of the production. At the end, it gets better. He gets to wear a wedding gown. Seriously. Wears a gold and cream dream-princess-type skirt. Alrighty then.

My recommendation? Unless you get heavily discounted tickets.....you might consider just missing it next time you are in Vegas and feel the need to see Cirque du Soleil.

Sears resolution

I'm thinking that you may all be on pins and needles waiting to hear what happened with my washing machine after my last post, in response to the post before that.

I wouldn't want you to lose any more sleep over this (and why wouldn't you? this is laundry were talking here), so here goes:

My washer is fixed, and it works like a charm. Seriously LOVE my washer and dryer. Like LOVE, LOVE them.

I love selecting just the right wash cycle for the load I'm doing, and hearing the accompanying ding. I love seeing how clean it actually gets my kids clothes. And mine. Jeff's too, for that matter. I LOVE having a working washing machine. I went far too long without one.

As much as I love my newly working washer, I'm still a little annoyed that it took two service calls and a replacement of the control panel to get it working the way it should have from the beginning.

Plus, I expected something extra from my "executive" case manager. He didn't come and do my laundry. He didn't offer to take me out to lunch. He didn't even offer me free HE soap. As far as I'm concerned, the time he spent on my case didn't benefit me in ANY way. I appreciate his phone calls checking up on my account, but the bottom line is that my washing machine got fixed on the day it was scheduled to, before I got my senior management "in guy" who I thought would speed up the process.

Next time I have an executive case manager taking care of me, I hope I actually get something out of the deal. Like my clothes washed for a year. Or a gift card for like 500 bucks to my favorite restaurant. Or a new washer that works. I don't think my wants are very out of line. I just don't understand why they didn't think of these themselves. :) You know?

The Magic in 3

I've got a SERIOUS Spiderman die-hard at my house.

You all know this. Because I've told you before.

Everytime I see or hear more evidence of this growing/never waning obsession, though, I'm a bit surprised.

I can't think of any object or concept I've felt so passionately about that it literally consumes my life, so it's hard for me to relate.

Maybe that's part of the magic of being 3. Or maybe he's just weird. That's a possibility, too.

Next up on his wish list?

Spiderman shoes. To go with his Spiderman PJ's.

Do you think his heart will be broken when he doesn't get those shoes?

To see what others are saying, go see Mama Kat.

Wordful Wednesday-Beach Edition

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Grab My Button

<center><a href="http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://assets.blogaliciousdesigns.com/clients/angie_7clown/html.png" /></a></center>

The kidlets LOVE the beach.

I just wish we didn't bring so much of the beach home with us.

I could do without all that sand.

Tuesday's Tribute-Cars that burn

<center><a href="http://angiescircus.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/halftimelessons/pinkbutton.jpg" style="border-style: none" alt="Tuesday's Tribute" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></center>

What is it?
Well, we'll tell you what it is NOT... It's Not About YOU. It's about SOMEONE ELSE. It's our chance, each of us, to shine our light on someone else.

Huh? Whaddya mean?
We each spend a lot of time talking about ourselves and our lives, but we are also fairly GIVING people too...Tuesday's Tribute is a chance to talk about OTHER people, OTHER blogs, OTHER lives.

Now's your chance to shine your light on someone or something else.

Today I pay tribute to the fact that my car has never caught fire in the middle of the desert. Something I haven't particularly felt thankful for EVER in the past, but I am now.

Yes, I am now.

All it took was seeing THIS.

P.S. It looked like all of the passengers got out safely, and the car was the only casualty..........

Blogalicious Design Special

Great news for those of you that have inquired about my blog makeover.

Staci and Stephanie, the designers at Bloglicious Designs are offering YOU a deal this summer.

They are graciously offering MY readers $20 off any blog makeover package. All you need to do is mention my blog when you contact them. Easy peasy!!

And, for all you Twitter die-hards out there, you don't want to miss this.

Quick. Head on over and look (don't forget to follow me while you are there), and then come back.

See? Isn't that fantastic? One's Twitter page customized to match one's blog design?

Additionally, they have a great new feature that you might want to look into as well. Rotating Headers. This allows one to add additional headers to their blog purchase (at a cost of $12 each) that will rotate each time your page is refreshed! Very cool.

To get the latest info on discounts and giveaways, you'd be smart to bookmark Blogalicious' site and become a follower.

11 years? Really?

I just had the funnest trip down memory lane.

I knew my blog was good for something.

I had completely forgotten about some of the wonderful (and funny) things that happened last July, like my Lasik eye surgery "all clear", my decade marking marriage anniversary vacation, capturing my one of my favorite "super-hero's" in action, my SITS feature, camping, and let's not forget being revealed to the world while bathing suit shopping at Banana Republic.

I took a walk down memory lane in order to find this picture...... so that I could tell you that...........

...it's that time again, only this time instead of the BIG ONE O, it's ELEVEN.

ELEVEN years? Really? When did that happen?

This year instead of goofing around in Cancun, we'll be goofing off somewhere else (location to be revealed at a later date), and I can't wait.

ELEVEN years happened in the blink of an eye.....it's been a wonderful ELEVEN years.......but ELEVEN? Really?

I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around it for some reason.

But not that hard. I'm busy enjoying it instead.

See you on Monday.

Wordful Wednesday-Chasing Balls

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!
Grab My Button
<center><a href="http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://assets.blogaliciousdesigns.com/clients/angie_7clown/html.png" /></a></center>

My kids *HEART* "tennising".

Just in case you are wondering, that's a real word. Tennising.

At least in my household.

I've got some amazing ball chasers.

That I do.

Come out, come out, where ever you are.....
Yes, I am talking to you, Mr. Linky.
(I'm doing my best to find out why Mr. Linky is being shy.....when I figure it out, I'll be sure to tell him he MUST make an appearance. Thanks for your patience, and your willingness to come back by to link up!)

UPDATE: Mr. Linky was still being shy so I dumped him for MckLinky. I'm pretty sure he was jealous because he finally showed up. Now the choice is yours. :)

Tuesday's Tribute

<center><a href="http://angiescircus.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/halftimelessons/pinkbutton.jpg" style="border-style: none" alt="Tuesday's Tribute" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></center>

What is it?
Well, we'll tell you what it is NOT... It's Not About YOU. It's about SOMEONE ELSE. It's our chance, each of us, to shine our light on someone else.

Huh? Whaddya mean?
We each spend a lot of time talking about ourselves and our lives, but we are also fairly GIVING people too...Tuesday's Tribute is a chance to talk about OTHER people, OTHER blogs, OTHER lives.

Now's your chance to shine your light on someone else.

Or something else.

I'm not a big peanut butter fan.

Some peanut butter is OK. Brands like Laura Scudder's fall into this category. You know, the type with peanut oil on the top that you have to stir in yourself?

Brands of peanut butter like Jiff or Skippy (which my kids like) leave me never wanting to eat peanut butter again.

There is ONE exception to my "not-a-big-peanut-butter-fan" rule.

Olde Style Honey Roasted Peanut Butter from the Hadley Fruit Orchard in Cabazon, CA.

Seriously could eat this Peanut Butter by the Tablespoonful. If it was slurpable, I probably would.

So, my tribute goes to the makers of seriously-the-best-peanut-butter in the world.

And, to JumpStart. A company whose products I can stand behind and whom I really enjoy working with.

*I was not in any way compensated (or solicited) for this tribute.

Sears Update

Remember my Itsy-Bitsy Frustration with my Sears appliances?

It was gratifying to get all those head nods, and a little attention from Sears at the Executive level, too.

It started with this comment:

"Dear Sears Customer,
It is disappointing to read about all the issues you have been experiencing. My name is David and I work for the Sears Cares Team. We would like to speak to you regarding any issue you may be experiencing. Please contact us at searscares@searshc.com so we can further discuss your concerns. Thank you,David V.Senior Case Manager"

This morning I recieved a call from Edward, my newly assigned case manager. He's promised to oversee my case from this day forward and keep me as happy as possible. I appreciate that. I really do. Prompt and efficient customer service is of utmost importance to me. I plan on keeping my frustration in check, cross my fingers that those parts arrive ASAP, and joyfully attack my piling laundry sooner rather than later.

Edward has his work cut out for him.

An Itsy-Bitsy Frustration

I'm an itsy-bitsy bit frustrated at the moment.

Let me just say right up front that I'm not looking for sympathy, rather a little head nodding and understanding. I'm pretty sure you'd be frustrated too.

You all know that we recently bought a fixer-upper. A repo snatched up by an investment firm and then resold to us. Lots of work involved. More than we anticipated, but hey, hard work is not a bad thing. I know it's not.

Wait. I'm rambling. Let me just get to the point here......buying this house has meant buying new appliances. Many new appliances. Refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, washer and dryer. I've hit just about every appliance store in a 50 mile radius (remember, I'm in L.A., so we're talking handfuls of stores) looking for the best deals. I found that buying my appliances at the Sears Outlet Stores was by far the most economical way to go.

Now here's the thing about the Sears Outlet Stores. Each store has different merchandise, and some stores have more of certain appliances than others. Since I was looking for multiple items, I went to multiple stores. Repeatedly. Most of the merchadise in the outlet stores is in some way cosmetically damaged, or has been returned and refurbished. With manufacturer warranties and such deep discounts, I figured I could handle a few small scratches or whatever cosmetic mar there happened to be. I spent HOURS going to different stores trying to find the right appliance WITH the least amount of visible flaw. I finally left the stores with lighter pockets for sure, but with the knowledge that I had just saved buckets of cash. Every item that I purchased was at least 50% less than retail. I felt sure that I could live with a few scratches. Afterall, I'd have brand new, fully functional appliances. Right?

Um wrong.

I was and am perfectly pleased (I'm trying to use new words here) with my refrigerator. Has worked like a charm since we plugged it in.

My new steam washer and dryer set charmed the washer woman in me. Steam to help remove stains in my children's clothes? I was inordinately thrilled with this purchase. I've been coveting a steam washer and dryer since I first found out about them. When we got home and my husband discovered that the special forked tubing (not available in home improvement stores) that allows water to flow to the dryer, (thus, the steam) was missing, my spirits were dampened. It was a small set back, but not a devastating one. I just had to drive all the way back to the store (in the middle of my move) and pick up the essential tube. That they forgot to include.

By now, I hadn't done laundry for a few days and it was piling up. Remember those 5 kids? So I started that bad-boy steam washer. And it didn't work. At all. The hubs spent HOURS trouble shooting. Nothing.

In the meantime I had finally unpacked all of my dishes, which means I now had dirty dishes, because faster than you can say scrumdillyumptious, we had used them. Paper goods get old fast. It was with a happy heart that I loaded my beautiful new two drawer dishwasher, and expected perfection. I don't think I was expecting too much. Just clean, dry dishes. That sucker didn't deliver.

I moaned and groaned thinking I'd have to go back to TWO different stores to return my defective items. But wait. That 90 day return period only applies AFTER a technican comes out and deems the appliance un-repairable. Fine. I have to wait a week for a technican? I can live with it, but I'm not exactly happy with the prospect.

I waited. A week. They came. That dishwasher technican conquered. Totally fixed that sucker up, and now that dishwasher is no longer a sucker. It's my beautiful new two drawer beauty again.

That washing machine on the other hand? Only needed a few parts that the technican didn't have. Like a new CONTROL PANEL. Not to worry though. The parts will be shipped directly to me and they'll come back out and take care of it. IN TWO WEEKS.

Do you even know how much laundry I wash and re-wash in a THREE week period? Lots. A minimum of 6 BIG loads a week. I KNOW that I'm fortunate to have a washer at all. I know that I should be counting my lucky stars that this little upset is just temporary. I know this. But I'm still an itsy-bitsy bit frustrated that my brand new washer doesn't work. Just like I'm a little bit frustrated that I will have three after school pick-ups come fall. I KNOW that I should just be glad that I even have the opportunity to be home when my kids get out of school in order to pick them up. Yet, I still wish there was only ONE pick up time. Same with the washer. I'm thankful I even have a washer. I just wish it worked.

Do I see any head-nodding? Please?

Wacky Word Problems

Sometimes, one just has to play along. Especially when it means involving the troops (as in, my children).

Go here to see what I'm talking about.


It'll all make more sense in a non-sensical way, and you just might decide we haven't fallen off the deep end. Yet.


Here goes:


There are 5 children in a certain household.
One doesn't like to work.
One is almost always sweet.
One goes with the flow.
One can't stay out of trouble.
One is impetuous.
Which one is the best nose picker?

If a man were born in Greece,
raised in Spain,
came to America,
and died in San Francisco,
What color is his toilet paper?

If someone's favorite color is green, red and black
what's their favorite type of book?

If a water skiier is travelling at 10 mph, goes off a jump at a 20 degree angle from the water, assuming no friction, if she is in the air for 5 seconds, how long does it take for her to pull her underware out of her crack after wiping out?

Aren't you glad you wasted your time here today? :)

Wordful Wednesday-trips to Los Angeles

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!
Grab My Button
<center><a href="http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://assets.blogaliciousdesigns.com/clients/angie_7clown/html.png" /></a></center>

I drive into Los Angeles at least twice a month. Sometimes more. I always take my twins, and sometimes Garrett as well. Sometimes I go to really nice areas in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles. Sometimes to so-so neighborhoods in Santa Monica or LA.

Every trip is great for people watching, and for counting my blessings. I always come home feeling so lucky to live in a suburb.....to be out of the conjestion. To have more space and safety. To have a roof over my head and never have to worry about sleeping on the street.

I hope my boys see the difference and one day recognize their blessings too.