Friday night there was a version of American Idol at Martin High School. This is an annual event. The two Metzger girls decided to try out, and both made the cut. They were the only siblings in the group of twelve contestants. Now this sets the stage for all sorts of worry opportunities for a grandmother. What if...? Just fill in the blank. I really was so nervous that I did not look forward to the evening, even though they are both born performers.
Madeline, the older, was contestant number 6. She reminded me later that this is her first time to perform on a big stage with no props and not portraying a character, as she has done in musical theatre. The genre of music was also very different for her--pop rock. She belted out Katy Perry's Firework like a pro. My friend Beverly, who graciously attended with me, said that Maddie "sparkles." Oh, and it didn't hurt a bit that she had on a darling robin's egg blue one shouldered dress, and the beautiful "Martin Idol" sign in the background was the same sparkly blue! O.K.--one down and one to go!
Susannah was number twelve. Yep, last. She is just a freshman, but would you have known it? Absolutely not! She took that stage and the audience by storm singing Our Song--a Taylor Swift number. The audience whooped and hollered, and she radiated confidence. She looked adorable in a brown leather dress and darling brown boots. There went all my worries!
Maddie was in the top five, so she got to sing again (in a totally different outfit, of course!) This time she sang Fairytale by Sarah Barellis. I thought she was even better on this one, although I won't be putting the songs of this evening on my iPod. I try to be a cool Mimi, but I guess I'm just not a pop rock girl.
The outcome was great. Maddie was second runner up, and she and Susannah both got lots of rave reviews from the audience. They had a wonderful evening, and so did I. Too bad I didn't enjoy the anticipation rather than worry!
By the way, save the dates of May 26th, 27th, or 28th, and come see Sweeney Todd, Martin's spring musical. Madeline will be Johanna and will sing the beautiful "Green Finch and Linnet Bird." Now that one's on my iPod, as well as other music from Sweeney. Susannah is in the chorus, too. I can't wait!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
GUILTY!
I am almost a lawyer, you know. By what virtue? Well, first I watch Judge Judy faithfully every day. I record it if I'm not here, and absolutely nothing upsets my more than the pre-empting of JJ by Channel 4 for some sensationalized weather report or car chase. This happens way too often. Second, I have read every single John Grisham book at least twice and listened to all of them on audio as I drove back and forth from Silverado.
We Christians sometimes ponder the question, "If I were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?" From my training and knowledge, it has come to me that there are two quanta (that's the plural of quantum--just looked it up) of proof to be considered here. The first applies to Judge Judy's cases. They need only be proven by a preponderance of the evidence--the scales just tipped in the positive direction. The other is more difficult: "beyond a reasonable doubt."
I'm pretty confident of my conviction under the "preponderance" theory. I pray that everyone who knows me knows that I love Jesus. I'm trying earnestly to follow Jack's example in giving, so I could feel comfortable in submitting my checkbook as evidence. I am so proud to be able to direct the court's attention to the two fine Christian children we raised and to their exemplary homes. I love my church and singing in its choir. I am a huge advocate of Bible Study Fellowship. I even planned my next trip so as not to miss a single week!
I have a few concerns about "beyond a reasonable doubt." If wire-taps and eavesdropping were allowed, I'm afraid it would be revealed that I often spend much more time doing worldly things than doing Godly things. I spend entirely too much time watching mindless television programs. I often put off doing that BSF lesson, but never miss an opportunity to check my email and Facebook. I can't deny that I have been known to repeat gossip and express negative thoughts about others. I am frequently lazy and do not treat my body as God's temple, either by exercising or eating properly.
But....there is Good News! I am not going to be tried here on earth but in heaven when my earthly body dies. My Judge will be God Himself. When I step before Him, the One who died for my sins, Jesus Christ, will come forward and say, "Linda is one of mine."
We Christians sometimes ponder the question, "If I were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?" From my training and knowledge, it has come to me that there are two quanta (that's the plural of quantum--just looked it up) of proof to be considered here. The first applies to Judge Judy's cases. They need only be proven by a preponderance of the evidence--the scales just tipped in the positive direction. The other is more difficult: "beyond a reasonable doubt."
I'm pretty confident of my conviction under the "preponderance" theory. I pray that everyone who knows me knows that I love Jesus. I'm trying earnestly to follow Jack's example in giving, so I could feel comfortable in submitting my checkbook as evidence. I am so proud to be able to direct the court's attention to the two fine Christian children we raised and to their exemplary homes. I love my church and singing in its choir. I am a huge advocate of Bible Study Fellowship. I even planned my next trip so as not to miss a single week!
I have a few concerns about "beyond a reasonable doubt." If wire-taps and eavesdropping were allowed, I'm afraid it would be revealed that I often spend much more time doing worldly things than doing Godly things. I spend entirely too much time watching mindless television programs. I often put off doing that BSF lesson, but never miss an opportunity to check my email and Facebook. I can't deny that I have been known to repeat gossip and express negative thoughts about others. I am frequently lazy and do not treat my body as God's temple, either by exercising or eating properly.
But....there is Good News! I am not going to be tried here on earth but in heaven when my earthly body dies. My Judge will be God Himself. When I step before Him, the One who died for my sins, Jesus Christ, will come forward and say, "Linda is one of mine."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
No U-Verse for me!
This was the day I was scheduled to get U-Verse. A technician showed up right on time and went directly to the side of the house where the phone line comes in. I was apprehensive, because I tried to get U-Verse several years ago and was told our phone line was not strong enough. But surely, I thought, technology has improved by now.
I had put "Barky-Girl" outside, thinking the man would be inside, so she was barking her head off at him. After 15 minutes or so, he rang the bell. I knew almost immediately that the news was not good.
Turns out I am still 3600 to 3800 feet from something that I can only be 3000 feet from at the max.
No problem. I'll just stick with Dish Network. It has worked well for me. So I begin the long process of trying to get a new HD receiver from Dish. Now mind you U-Verse was going to give me all kinds of rewards for switching over. BUT...Dish is not only giving me NO rewards whatsoever, they are going to charge me for the HD receiver AND INSTALLATION! Why? Because I am an existing customer. Yeah, one who's been paying them for years.
And so we began a series of "Please hold while I transfer you to..." I will say everyone I talked to was very nice and received my threats of switching to Direct TV with polite concern! I ended up canceling my account with Dish and reapplying as a new customer. I get the HD receiver and installation free, free HD for life (that was going to be $10 a month to me, loyal customer), $15 per month discount for the first year, etc. And they will be here tomorrow!
It is a wonderful world, but wacky!
I had put "Barky-Girl" outside, thinking the man would be inside, so she was barking her head off at him. After 15 minutes or so, he rang the bell. I knew almost immediately that the news was not good.
Turns out I am still 3600 to 3800 feet from something that I can only be 3000 feet from at the max.
No problem. I'll just stick with Dish Network. It has worked well for me. So I begin the long process of trying to get a new HD receiver from Dish. Now mind you U-Verse was going to give me all kinds of rewards for switching over. BUT...Dish is not only giving me NO rewards whatsoever, they are going to charge me for the HD receiver AND INSTALLATION! Why? Because I am an existing customer. Yeah, one who's been paying them for years.
And so we began a series of "Please hold while I transfer you to..." I will say everyone I talked to was very nice and received my threats of switching to Direct TV with polite concern! I ended up canceling my account with Dish and reapplying as a new customer. I get the HD receiver and installation free, free HD for life (that was going to be $10 a month to me, loyal customer), $15 per month discount for the first year, etc. And they will be here tomorrow!
It is a wonderful world, but wacky!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Not my smoothest departure
December 29, 2010. Flight leaving for LAX and the Rose Bowl Parade at 1:20 P.M. I arrive at the airport at 11:00ish. Valet park. Valet asks me twice if I have everything out of my car. I assure him I do.
Go inside. So self-assured because, suave traveler that I am, I know how to check myself in at kiosk without assistance. As soon as I get checked in I realize I left my coat (necessity!) in the car! Run back across street, with bags, and car still there. First lucky break. Get coat. Come back inside to drop bag. Self confidence turns to frustration. One person slowly taking bags for all of us who checked ourselves in. Takes forever to drop bag. Very long security line, but all frustration in vain. Made it fine.
Get inside. Reach for phone to text kids. No phone. Left IT in the car, too. Leave my carry-on and coat with friends. Leave secured area. Cross street. Car gone. Attendant radios. Phone IS in car. Wait an eternity. Shuttle driver brings me my phone. Back through security again.
Kay and Kim, our leaders from SW Bank, have brought us wonderful lunches from The Lunch Box. I now try to get a drink so I can eat my lunch immediately on plane. (Yes, I cannot eat without something to drink.) Found a machine. Have lots of quarters and $20 bills. It takes only $1's and $5's. But, it takes credit cards. Swipe and swipe and swipe my card. Nothing happens. It says all you have to do is tap card. But where? I tap all over that machine. Hope it wasn't charging me for every swipe and tap, cause I got no drink.
The good news: everything looked up from there. Had aisle seat for very nice flight. Didn't starve before drink served on plane. Box lunch wonderful. I don't believe I've ever seen so much in 4 days. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Checking it off my bucket list.
Go inside. So self-assured because, suave traveler that I am, I know how to check myself in at kiosk without assistance. As soon as I get checked in I realize I left my coat (necessity!) in the car! Run back across street, with bags, and car still there. First lucky break. Get coat. Come back inside to drop bag. Self confidence turns to frustration. One person slowly taking bags for all of us who checked ourselves in. Takes forever to drop bag. Very long security line, but all frustration in vain. Made it fine.
Get inside. Reach for phone to text kids. No phone. Left IT in the car, too. Leave my carry-on and coat with friends. Leave secured area. Cross street. Car gone. Attendant radios. Phone IS in car. Wait an eternity. Shuttle driver brings me my phone. Back through security again.
Kay and Kim, our leaders from SW Bank, have brought us wonderful lunches from The Lunch Box. I now try to get a drink so I can eat my lunch immediately on plane. (Yes, I cannot eat without something to drink.) Found a machine. Have lots of quarters and $20 bills. It takes only $1's and $5's. But, it takes credit cards. Swipe and swipe and swipe my card. Nothing happens. It says all you have to do is tap card. But where? I tap all over that machine. Hope it wasn't charging me for every swipe and tap, cause I got no drink.
The good news: everything looked up from there. Had aisle seat for very nice flight. Didn't starve before drink served on plane. Box lunch wonderful. I don't believe I've ever seen so much in 4 days. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Checking it off my bucket list.
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