Renege and Return

Well, summers have a way of flying by and plans have a way of changing. For those of you who I have not spoken to directly, Tahoe '08 is a no go for many and varied reasons (I blame all now on Bush and his economic policies). To those who I have spoken to directly, thanks so much for the conversations. I have had lovely conversations in particular with Michael, Molly, Tony and Mrs. MA Meyer. I will be on the plans for a possible Tahoe '09 visit quite soon and in more detail. But my current thinking is that we could meet July 30-August 3.
This could be a chance to celebrate Nicola and Stephen's 31st wedding anniversary. We could see two shows at Tahoe Shakespeare where James is now a prized dramaturge (read assistant director with a penchant for text). Nest year they will be doing Hamlet and Much Ado. Because not everyone is as adept at blog use as our sweet Matthew is, I will send out information packets by the end of August.

My lovely conversations have also suggested that all blog readers may care for a Meydock update.

James is dutifully volunteering at Tahoe Shakespeare to help get the new more professional company on their feet and he is doing a rock star job up there. They would love him there every day if they could get him

I have a day shy of a month until I take the bar. The dates for my exam are Monday July 28-July 31st. The studying is going well but I dream in tortious actions and find myself reciting black letter law to any who will listen.

James and I will go with chums to see a performance of Tis Pity She's a Whore (so romantic) in San Fransisco as a slightly early celebration of our second anniversary.

James will leave on the 9th for England where he will see so many reviews and productions of Henry V that he will be think "God damn Harry, England and St. George".
But his critical edition of the play is coming along quite well and there will be a fancy internet component that we will all be able to ohh and ahh at.



I will leave the 10th for Beloit where I hope to keep my head afloat both literally and figuratively as pertains the studying while catching up with all those Beloitians that I have missed so dearly, minus my beloved brother who will leave the following day.

I return on the 16th, do a hospice training on the 17th, and then study my tail off until the 26th when James will return from England in time to settle my nerves for the bar exam.

Thursday the 31st we will go to Tahoe to see James' shows Richard III (for which I was both tragically and thankfully not cast) and Midsummer Night's Dream. We will love up our poor and woefully abused dog (just ask him how horrible it is and he is sure to pull a face that conveys the misery of his existence). Then be off again from the 3rd to the 8th at the Mardock family reunion. I will think of you all at Madeline's and come back that night either to being considering waitressing jobs while waiting for my bar results and a position at the Washoe PD's office or to a potential job at NCJFCJ which could potentially start on the 11th.I will keep you all posted on that front.

James begins teaching on August 26th and will be teaching 2 new classes, an independent study, working on 4 research projects and sitting on (ewwwww) 11 committees.

Phew....... So that is the update on all fronts worthy of mentioning. I am the luckiest gal in the whole of the Wild West it is just hard to remember sometimes when the ground is shaking beneath you, the skies are full of particulate California sent up by the fires and you are knee deep in secure transactions. But I am still quite lucky.







Love to all. Em

About Motherloving time

Hi all

I know you all were expecting this much sooner but with GRADUATING law school and studying for the bar and (I admit) being addicted to both Lost and Top Chef, my game is a little off.

Now to business. The Tahoe trip

Prospective weekends
1)September 25-28
2)October 2-5
3)October 9-12

I suggest all those who think it is feasible and desirable to come out vote on a weekend.

The location.
I have me heart set on "Rocky Retreat" which is located in our fav. Tahoe town, kings Beach. Tony and Maria know this location from our breakfast at The Log Cabin. The house is 200-400 a night. I have a call in with the proprietrix Gail to determine the price but it is available. James and I are totally happy to secure a reservation if interest seems high. Check out the option at...
http://www.tahoehouserentals.com/index.html

Things we could do
End of September there will be bike races and a marathon
Lots of musical option and some shows at the casinos

If I had my druthers it could look like this

Thurs: James and Em ferry people from airport to Casa de Mey-docks. Once all are assembled then we do Reno Thursday night and show off our town with a dinner here or down by the Truckee River. All are welcome at our abode and possibly (probably) motels as well.

Friday: Caravan (we'll take care of transport)to Tahoe and have breakfast at our favorite place in Kings Beach (see above). Then to the lodge. Family, love, cards and comfort. Whatever. Those who wish may opt for a light hike to Skunk Harbor. Dinner at the Lodge with Emilie happy to cook if Mary Ann makes salad.

Saturday: Up for grabs. I am happy to plan a day hike. James is happy to drive around the lake. I would love any input.

Sunday: Departures and brunch at Archies in Reno as people like.


Weather:

It is a mountain so cooler than it will be in Reno but the highs should be in the Mid-60s during the day and it should drop to 40's or even 30's at night. Layers is the optimum dress.

Getting here:

DO NOT DRIVE- it is crazy beautiful, especially the salt flats but it is two LONG days and a morning.
Flights
Southwest has two flights now on October 2 for $129 out to Reno/Tahoe national airport and a flight Sunday to Midway in Chicago for $189 that gets you in at 4:30.
American seems very similar (but OF COURSE the service would be much better).
Train (see drive)
Train travel would be awesome. I am sure no one has the time but since this would be a dream of mine there is a ticket on Amtrack from Chicago to Reno for $138. But it is 46 hours in a coach seat.
Hot air balloons, teleportation, and horseback would be interesting but highly unfeasible option so I did not proceed to investigation.

Caveat from Emptor (get it Em-ptor)
If this trip is not doable or no longer appeals, I understand. Molly presented a wonderful option in Chicago. Dad (my dad) had a great Christmas idea and this has been fun to think on. That said, I will probably need to know by mid to late July if and when and who are coming to reserve a Tahoe place. If that doesn't happen, any are still welcome and we could do a last minute Reno vacation quite easily.

Final Words
Kudos to all those anonymous kind people out there. This is a BLAST Nicki.
And I love you all.

Happy Mom's Day, Nicola

We can't afford to bring you out to Reno right now, so we did the next best thing:




Happy Mothers' Day!

quaking earth

Goodness, aren't earthquakes unusual in Reno? The Yosemite trip sounds like a LOT of fun. I've never camped in a tent, so that would be an new experience. Getting ready for a weekend in Chicago. Off to pack, always a chore. Love xxx

We're goin' camping

Emilie and I are getting our supplies together for a camping trip to Yosemite, in part to celebrate her law school graduation. We get to attend a wedding in the park on the 18th (which means I don't get to read names at graduation this year...bummer), and then we have two days in Yosemite valley.











Em's very excited. She has never had her own sleeping bag before, let alone a cold-rated three-season lightweight space-age sleeping bag, and we are so happy about the new tent that we insisted on pitching it in the living room and watching Battlestar Galactica from it last night.

After being awakened by a 4.7-magnitude earthquake in the night, though, we realized that we were sleeping on the floor, and not under the stars, and we toddled off to bed.

WEAPON OF CHOICE

If only Christopher Walken were president...

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring + Easter! March has been tough on the blog, but we know everybody's busy + looking forward to a well-earned break. Dom + 6 friends from Stevens Point stopped for a long lunch on their return from a service mission in downtown Chicago, with a side trip to Bodyworks in Milwaukee. They were a very nice + hungry bunch. Mom gave Nic 50 gold dollars that she's very much enjoyed regifting to people who really enjoy the gold, + everybody had to find their golden easter egg in our now accessible back yard. Nic had a big article in the paper that I have to keep hearing about.
Jeff + Nicki, I liked all the Oscar movies well, but Atonement perhaps a little less. But I couldn't put the book down even tho I knew the whole story, because he writes so well. I wish I'd done it in reverse order. I'm also glad I read Kiterunner first: I don't know if I'd have liked it without the read first. Again such excellent writing. And I very much enjoyed No Country for Old Men both ways, but maybe preferred seeing the movie first.
I missed my chance to use central WI dancers for Rhinelander acts, but beware of folks in western garb!

Hello, all! I didn't realize the Blog was continuing past Christmas. Thank you to all who came down for OscarFest 2008. Busy, busy at work--no significant changes since becoming supervisor, mostly just more calls and more e-mails to deal with.
xox

APPLEBEE'S

I trained a double today (10:30am-3:30pm and then 5:00pm-9:30pm). I work tomorrow and then another double on Friday. Back to being really busy, but this place is way better for me and I don't have to wear that apron.

OSCAR PARTY!

This will be my first year attending and I can't wait! I'll be driving down with Maria. I'm not very creative so I won't be dressing up.

Oscar Meyer

I don't know what to wear for the Oscar party, I guess I was hoping the writers would be greedier. I do have a package of Depends, but usually the baby's not at the shower. Awfully nice to see Nicki blogging. Why do so many clothesmakers insist on itchy tags; I feel like I just got a haircut + can't get rid of the stragglers! I was glad to hear the Juno theme song again. On my way to a wedding I saw Matt's keeping Pete company while Mom's in VA. Jim's been back in contact with us + seems reasonably well. I get along with him very well when we talk. I'll be traveling with the invaribly best costumed Tony tomorrow + don't HAVE to get up Mon. AM.

FOR AUNT NICKI...

I LOVE postsecret. That guy is a genius for coming up with that.

A Rare Appearance by Nicki

Hi to Everyone! I don't have time to check in very often, but the last time I checked in I enjoyed the Paul McCartney video Matt sent and this time I just LOVED the secret postcards. I hope you'll include that every week, Matt, so we can see it again. Nicki

OBAMA

I'm just back from Obama's 9:45 pm rally at Beloit College's fieldhouse, where Michael Jordan used to practice. It was fun to have him here as his last appearance before our vote. First they said our whole line would get in, then they said I was the very last, then they said they miscounted + the guy before me was the absolute last, but they changed their mind cuz I was told I'd made it. I felt guilty, so I was delighted when they later relented + let another 50 in, but it had been a good story + I didn't have to wait long + was plenty close. But I couldn't have got mom there cuz Nic just dropped me on our way back from dancing; you know it's mom's type of event.
Chelsea Clinton also spoke in a lesser rally there earlier.
He's very articulate + has an excellent voice, which was nice even if you don't like him, plus he has my ears + haircut. It makes it more interesting to see tomorrow's vote.
There is a serial rapist-killer in Reno who's had his third attack, once each month, all co-eds. Just after I watched Dexter, the story of the cop/serial killer. I hope my tastes don't inspire killers cuz I do enjoy the genre.
You know the city will be lauding itself for putting everything together last minute, but it is interesting. It was still frigid + snowing, but at least it was something besides the miserable weather to talk about. The massive rain days have been the worst of all; snow at least impresses people.

BIG NEWS:)

Day one of the nicotine patch. Wish me luck:(

Massacre

Many will recall that in the first 5 minutes of the first Twin Towers report I said they were trying to make a special statement by coordinating (somewhat ineffectively) strikes at 9:11 of 9/11 to take advantage of our universal emergency code. Cllever bastards. Yet despite our grandparents connection to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre + being keenly ware of the day last night, it never occured to me that the latest mass-murderer at local NIU was guaranteeing that he would be remembered annually. Who'd have thought that schools would become riskier places to be than courthouses?!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

I had fun hanging around while everyone played cards. The blog was created in Las Vegas so it's gonna go with that time. Always click on "Post Options" to make sure the date is correct, because it's been sticking on 2/5/08.

ps

You're right Stephen, I published at 10:26 and it posted at 8:21. Note that the minutes are also incorrect. It's Pacific Standard Time, I think.

celebrities

I would enjoy seeing any of the presidential candidates. Barack is in Janesville on my day off, but I have other plans and will miss him. The election seems much more interesting this year.

WORK SCHEDULE

2/11/08
OFF

2/12/08
5:00pm-9:15pm

2/13/08
OFF

2/14/08
5:00pm-9:00pm

2/15/08
7:00pm-6:00am

2/16/08
5:00pm-4:00am

2/17/08
3:00pm-12:15am

Hey!!!!

Not sure if I'll make it for cards or not because I haven't been getting much sleep. This video is from one of my addictions. http://www.postsecret.com/
They update every Sunday. People send in their secrets on a homemade postcard. I love the idea and LOVE reading their secrets.

?

I see now that my postings are being listed as 2 hours earlier than actuality. Perhaps I've found a unique form of time travel.

Go Figure

I read Matt's blog, then wrote mine. But when I went back to the blogspot, my blog appeared earlier in the chain. That happened once with Dom when I'd started earlier but didn't finish, but this is mysterious.

Happy Valentine's Day

I wonder if they read my daily postcards. That's kinda the fun, that somebody could. I'll be doing a stack of weddings for that day. One Vietnamese girl has to give us her "birthdate" in 1964. That's all they had for her there, but supposedly the U.S. assigns one an arbitrary date for our purposes. Difficult to explain that to her with the language barrier. Anyhow, Happy Valentines everybody. Barack Obama speaks here in Janesville tomorrow at the GM plant.

Belay on!

I just wanted to say that again. I saw 3 ropes courses that looked pretty inviting in yesterday's face-freezing weather. 6 inches more snow tonite?

To Matt

I don't know why my comment didn't post, but it was Whitewater, the east end of downtown, north side of the street, in the old movie theater. I believe it's still there. Janesville Y's is also nice. Let me know.

UNCLE STEPHEN...

Where is that place you used to take us rock climbing? I want to say that it was indoors. Whitewater?

Snowbound

Beloit got 21" according to the National Weather folks, + I went in to find the courthouse closed for the first time since I've been here. It was fun to see so few cars on the road. But today it wasn't the1,000 cars stranded on I-90 but the sleeping drivers who jammed it for 19 miles northbound, southbound was flying. Laura went very well, but I'm quite happy to be done with it. There was a teenager in the play who is one of the few cryptic crossworders I know. He was ecstatic to get a ton of puzzles from me. I believe Em + James continue to enjoy theirs. Dom + I meet up in the Dells tomorrow for a church retreat, so I'm pigging out at on the whole hog sausage at the annual Turtle Township pancake breakfast early. Hopefully it will cause me to sleep on the bus. I'll be glad somebody else is driving in all this crap!

WINTER

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THE WEATHER!!!!

SCHEDULE...

2/4/08
OFF

2/5/08
5:00pm-7:30pm

2/6/08
OFF

2/7/08
OFF

2/8/08
6:00pm-6:00am

2/9/08
6:00pm-6:00am

2/10/08
9:30pm-6:00am

Space travel is in my blood, and there aint nothing I can do about it.

UPDATE AND THE WHITE STRIPES

Not much going on right now. Still saving money. Dating Cortnee from work and boppin' my head to...

RELIEF FROM LAURA

Most of the cast, except Susan + Nic whose performances were dead-on were stung by our Rockford review of the Thurs show. I t was by far my worst even in rehearsals, but the crowd stll liked it quite well. I agreed with the criticism + gave a much harder-boiled detective. It seemed to go very well with our over-soldout audiences, + it's great to have a few days off + get to dance again tonight finally.
Michael pulled off the greatest anonymous act of kindness. The papers said that 4 WI judges + the chief federal prosecutor were the 5 finalists for Judge Shabazz's vacancy. (He's been a feared czar since when I first left the bar.) It specifically named Stephen Meyer of Rock County + caused some amusement to some of our lawyers + judges. They had some very interesting looks on their faces.

Laura

Dress rehearsal last night was great! I'm eager to hear how opening night goes.

LAURA

Altho we had some bodies last nite, tonite will be the free dress rehearsal with some kind of attendance. I have had virtually no contact with anybody during the process of rehearsal + am looking forward to the actual shows. At least thru last nite I didn't feel nervous. Heath Ledger should have stuck to community theater.

MY NUMBER

815-299-1503

I WOULD DIE WITHOUT MUSIC!

AHHHHHH!!!!

I'm trying to stick with the plan and move on to a nicer restaurant but I'm addicted to the people I work with.

Speaking of addictions, I'm having the HARDEST time kicking cigarettes. HELP!!!!

I haven't seen a lot of the family because of the American Eagle girl...you know you're still number one...that's right:)

tomorrow

James, I enjoyed your Pasadena-ing. How was the tomorrow???

SCHEDULE...

1/14/08
OFF

1/15/08
OFF

1/16/08
OFF

1/17/08
6:00pm-12:00am

1/18/08
5:00pm-3:00am

1/19/08
8:00pm-6:00am

1/20/08
OFF

Pasaden-izing

I'm spending two weeks in Pasadena, or more properly San Marino, CA, doing research at the Huntington Library. Everyone loves this place. Mazillions of manuscripts and rare books, sunny days, 200 acres of botanical gardens. Friendships are made and strengthened. Intellect is set free. Tea and beer are drunk. Or so I'm told.

I got here last Thursday and was picked up at the airport by a friend from grad school who now lives in Pasadena and works as what he calls an "e-scrivener" in downtown L.A. He's good enough to let me spend the nights on his couch while he's off paralyzing legality or something. Also he has a black cat named Geoffrey, like Christopher Smart's cat. This is one of the few places in the L.A. area where one can walk to things, and there are good things to walk to, like museums and independent bookstores and the Huntington fricking Library. So I rented a bicycle from the library for an obscenely small amount of money, readied my research brain, and prepared. Hopes were high.

And then it rained. A lot. I still have trousers on the towel rack. Still, the library's a great place, and when it rains the desert garden is like an alien planet from a really improbable 1950s sci-fi flick. There are trees with big black spikes growing out of the side. The library has wood paneling and many many books and lots of smart people reading them. I like a library where readers check in instead of material checking out.

But I don't know what I'm doing. I don't mean with research, I mean I've never been here before and I don't know how the place works. You know how bad comics joke about how men won't ask for directions? That's me, but neurotically amplified. If I found myself in 1752 Algiers I would be kicking myself that I didn't know how to get to the mosque or order a coffee. If I woke up tomorrow in Kyoto, it would really irk me that I couldn't blend in. I like to be pre-acclimated to new places before I arrive, so that I can be James Bond cool and already know all the ropes. I know this is irrational.

But nevertheless, I always feel like an ignorant slapwad when I have to ask people, say, how to sign out reference books -- especially when I'm standing by the sign that explains it. I started off my stint here by requesting a 1632 Shakespeare second Folio, because that's the text I'm currently collating for my edition. It took a gentle-mannered man (the curator of the "bomb vault") escorting me from the reading room to have a word with me to demonstrate to me that of course I didn't really need to see that volume. I'm not examining watermarks or anything, and the text is available online as I must know since I am currently holding a photocopy of it. I slunk away in shame. Today when I asked if I could use my super new document camera the reader services people (we'll call them Catherine and Meredith, for those are their names) gave me a look that suggested I had asked to crap in the Ellesmere Chaucer.

And no one eats lunch with me, says howdy, or asks who I am, let alone pressing me for fascinating stories of textual collation over beer. I thought I would know people here, as I usually do when I pop in to libraries like this. But not this time. I've been feeling like the Latvian foreign exchange student at a Plano, TX junior high school.

This afternoon picked up a little. First of all, it was sunny for the first time. Then I managed to get most of the way through the Rowe edition of 1709 with a line-by-line collation. You really do get lots more work done when you're not doing anything else. Just like people always say. And at lunch I forced my way to someone else's table at the cafe and had a nice talk about 18th-century English stereotypes of Germans. And at quitting time someone I've actually met before said "We've met before, haven't we?" and we had a chat.

So clearly Em was right and I have just been in a socially anxious funk for no reason. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

SCHEDULE...

1/7/08
OFF

1/8/08
OFF

1/9/08
OFF

1/10/08
5:00pm-3:00am

1/11/08
5:00pm-4:00am

1/12/08
10:00pm-6:00am

1/13/08
5:00pm-11:00pm

Come visit me!!!!

SCHEDULE...

12/31/07
10:00pm-6:00am

1/3/08
5:00pm-3:00am

1/4/08
3:00pm-7:00pm

1/5/08
8:00pm-6:00am

1/6/08
6:00pm-11:30pm

COME AND VISIT ME:)