To my family and friends:
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Still haven't found the playlist? First time receiving the CD?
If so, click here.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
2009 I bid you Adieu...
Well after today I will be on vacation for 11 glorious days. I haven't taken a long vacation since maternity leave! The only downfall is I will have no computer so this will be my last blog until January 4th.For my vacation I am really gonna tidy up around the house and throw out a ton of junk. We are getting a new couch ( well it's really a new used couch from Sean since he is moving in with his Girlfriend). That will make a big difference in my household...I can't remember the last time I got a new couch...I think Parker was 2! I would really also like to move Ava in Parker's room..i don't see that happening just yet though...
Christmas should be fun. I am having the family over as usual. We are making a roast for dinner and I am going to attempt making Tamales tomorrow while Gabe most likely finishes up his last minute shopping just as every year.
We normally celebrate Christmas Eve with Gabe's family but this year he has to work so we will be missing it.
New Years Eve Gabe has to work as well. I don't typically like to go out on New Years Eve but this year the kids and I are going to my uncles and Kirsten for a fun theme Pajama Party and Game night New Years Eve. I have some pretty fun board games to bring..maybe we can also rock out some Beatles rockband!
My new years resolution this year is to LOSE WEIGHT! I should stop smoking too..even though I really only smoke when I drink..and when people at work take smoke breaks I join them. I also want to be more girly and glamorous..I am talking wearing more dresses and heels on a regular occasion. I miss the old flare of the 50's when women were really proper with their looks. I am gonna try and bring it back! It will be hard to do considering kids,and that I work for a Motorcycle company. My next goal is to get some more scrapbooking done! Kirsten and I talked about this last Saturday..we just need to do it. It looks like between the Gym and Scrapbooking nights I am going to have a busy 2010!
Happy holidays everyone!
Have a Safe New Years!
Iris
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
On the road to my goal
So today I signed up for a 7day free pass to 24 hour fitness. I am finally joining the GYM!!I been at home exercising and the reason why I never signed up sooner was cause I had no one to watch the kids. For some reason I was thinking I could not take Ava there to be watched until she was potty trained but I see all she has to be is over 6 months! Now that I know that the location near me has a kid club I am so going to the Gym.
I hope to drop 20 lbs at least for 2010. I would love to lose it before my Vegas trip in February ..maybe with a strict diet and constant exercising I will reach my goal!
I think the thing that is great is a couple of my friends also go to this gym and we can all support each other.
I start Monday since I will be on vacation for 11 days!!! Wish me luck!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Frank Pellico - A Spirited Christmas
Okay... you're probably saying to yourself "Self, that cover looks awfully familiar. Have I seen that somewhere before or have I just drank too much eggnog???"
Before you dial up the EggNog Anonymous hotline, this identical cover was used as an alternate of The Murk Family's Christmas album. It later appeared as an alternate cover for Mickey Rooney's Christmas album (but if you saw the other cover, you'd understand why this one was used... you've been warned!).
When I saw this album at a thrift store in Chicago, I was half tempted to pass it up - who needs yet another Christmas organ album and I don't need a THIRD album with the same cover in my collection. Or did I? I read the back and kept asking myself "Why does the name Frank Pellico ring a bell?"
I added the album to the pile and continued on my merry way (you can never beat 25 cents for an LP). Only after I left the city limits of my former hometown and got back to my current hometown of Fort Wayne did I discover the treasure that made the 150+ mile trek east.
Frank Pellico grew up in Chicago during a time when roller rinks regularly featured live organists playing skating music. In high school, Frank studied the organ under the tutelage of Al Melgrand, the legendary organist of the massive Barton organ installed in Chicago Stadium during Chicago Blackhawks hockey games.
Pellico began playing at roller rinks throughout Chicago and played nightly at the Matterhorn Supper Club in Palos Hills, IL. His reputation as a top-notch organist was secured when in 1970, he was hired by the Chicago Cubs to play the Lowrey organ at all of their home games at Beautiful Wrigley Field.
It was around this time that Frank recorded an album entitled "Touching" that featured his amazing organ skills on the Hammond X-66 organ:
In 1976, Pellico and the Cubs parted ways (the new organist was Vance Fothergill - real Cub fans know this stuff). Frank continued to play all over Chicago as well as continue his recording career. That takes us up to 1978 - the year of the Christmas album you're looking at.
Disco was ruling the airwaves at the time and Frank wanted to stay current. Click on the back album cover to read what you're about to listen to.
When you hear the very first notes of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", images of "Hill Street Blues" will immediately come to mind. Then the cool organ kicks in and transforms the experience to a whole new level.
It's a unique album - a true testament to its times. Any sports bar in Chicago would be proud to have this album in their collection and would gladly play it on their speakers during happy hour.
Frank Pellico - A Spirited Christmas
As the 1980s began, Frank still recorded his music and played the organ wherever and whenever he could. It was around this time that amazing things were happening for the occupants of Chicago Stadium.
The Blackhawks sported a new look with youngsters like Jeremy Roenick, Ed Belfour, and Chris Chelios. The Bulls were putting a nucleus of talent together around a kid from North Carolina... some guy who wore #23... name of Jordan...
In the early 1990s, the Blackhawks and Bulls were packing them in at the Stadium as a vacancy opened up for an organist on the old Barton organ. They needed someone who understood the massive organ, someone who had experience, someone who could rile up the crowds.
One last note: as many sports arenas around the country move toward the school of "ESPN Rock Jams" and phase out organists altogether, Chicago stands alone as one of the few sports towns that openly embrace their organists.
Nancy Faust has been playing for the White Sox since the mid-1970s and is credited with introducing the "Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" song to sports. Gary Pressy has had the Chicago Cubs job since 1987 and played with Harry Caray all those 7th inning stretches. He now plays with tone-deaf celebs during the stretch (GROAN!!)
Frank Pellico's been with the Blackhawks since 1991 and the ownership recently tried to cut into his playing time. The fans quickly rallied to his side and he's still a fixture above the home ice. You've got the last word Frank:
Happy listening...
Capt
A Henry Christmas
Saturday was the what is now been named the California Christmas for the Henry family. We went to celebrate Xmas with my uncle and Kirsten and Kelsey and John Jr since they go to Boston every year for Xmas. Kirsten made a nice dinner for everyone and had lots of wine and holiday treats.
The kids played outside until dusk. Pictured here is Taylor (neighbor girl) John Jr. Parker and Kelsey.
I tried to get this shot again with Ava in it but all she wanted to do was play with the big blow up snowman,penguin and Santa in the yard.
Ahh now that's a nice pillow
Kelsey was having fun rubbing her head in the snowman and the static was making her hair stand up.
It was getting Dusk and my uncle wanted to give me my gift from them before it got dark..I had no idea what to expect..they all of a sudden were telling me to close my eyes. This is the picture Gabe took of me to see my face expression.
My uncle bought me a Vintage bike and restored it. These pictures do it no justice..It is so awesome!. The cool vintage headlight and the little tank on it has a electric horn. It is so unbelievably awesome!..Time to take it for a spin...
I love the back rack on it and the mud flap too!! I totally feel like Pee Wee now. I told everyone I am going to be just like him when it comes to the bike..Good Morning...I'm Hereeeeeeee.
Then it was time to come in and eat and open presents
Parker got some good gifts..he got a keyboard,a magic set, magic crystals and a spy set.
John and Kirsten got Gabe a GPS!! I can't wait to use it. Ever since I took my company truck out to pick up and scooter for them and used the GPS inside of it Gabe and I been both talking about how great it would be to own one..Now He does!
All the kids were having a field day opening gifts. Ava got some good stuff too..she got a baby doll, a cute outfits and a Fisher price Play Set that she just loves!
After all the present opening it was time for everyone to just relax..The kids played with their new items..Logan however still could not get enough with playing with the ornaments on the tree.
My brother thought it would be fun to dive in the piles of wrappers
Kirsten had a wonderful tray of treats.
Parker doing some magic tricks with his new kit
Alexis got hold of one of the mini chocolate cupcakes
Logan was fine with his milk
Chocolate Overload!!!!!!!!!!!
Ava was content with just playing with toys
Gabe was not feeling to well all week and he was really tired so it was time to leave the aftermath!!....Good night everyone...Happy Holidays!!
The kids played outside until dusk. Pictured here is Taylor (neighbor girl) John Jr. Parker and Kelsey.
I tried to get this shot again with Ava in it but all she wanted to do was play with the big blow up snowman,penguin and Santa in the yard.
Ahh now that's a nice pillow
Kelsey was having fun rubbing her head in the snowman and the static was making her hair stand up.
It was getting Dusk and my uncle wanted to give me my gift from them before it got dark..I had no idea what to expect..they all of a sudden were telling me to close my eyes. This is the picture Gabe took of me to see my face expression.
My uncle bought me a Vintage bike and restored it. These pictures do it no justice..It is so awesome!. The cool vintage headlight and the little tank on it has a electric horn. It is so unbelievably awesome!..Time to take it for a spin...
I love the back rack on it and the mud flap too!! I totally feel like Pee Wee now. I told everyone I am going to be just like him when it comes to the bike..Good Morning...I'm Hereeeeeeee.
Then it was time to come in and eat and open presents
Parker got some good gifts..he got a keyboard,a magic set, magic crystals and a spy set.
John and Kirsten got Gabe a GPS!! I can't wait to use it. Ever since I took my company truck out to pick up and scooter for them and used the GPS inside of it Gabe and I been both talking about how great it would be to own one..Now He does!
All the kids were having a field day opening gifts. Ava got some good stuff too..she got a baby doll, a cute outfits and a Fisher price Play Set that she just loves!
After all the present opening it was time for everyone to just relax..The kids played with their new items..Logan however still could not get enough with playing with the ornaments on the tree.
My brother thought it would be fun to dive in the piles of wrappers
Kirsten had a wonderful tray of treats.
Parker doing some magic tricks with his new kit
Alexis got hold of one of the mini chocolate cupcakes
Logan was fine with his milk
Chocolate Overload!!!!!!!!!!!
Ava was content with just playing with toys
Gabe was not feeling to well all week and he was really tired so it was time to leave the aftermath!!....Good night everyone...Happy Holidays!!
Tantalizing Tantalum~
So over the week Thelma and I been talking about getting together this past Friday. We were talking about having a drink somewhere that has a nice lounge area to catch up since it's been awhile since the two of us hung out and Thelma suggested we check out Tantalum which we both have heard about the place but neither of us been there.
Thelma was to meet me at my place at 6 and we were going to try and head up there by Happy hour but we missed it by a hair. Throughout the day we were chatting about Tantalum and Toni came to join us and Arnold as well for a drink.
The bar was really cool over looking the harbor so we could see boats with their holiday lights decorated them as they Cruise through out the harbor.
Thelma and I were intrigued to try the Asian Pear Martini..It was soo tasty.
Toni started off with a HEF!
Cheers~
The joint is really dim inside and the only lighting at the bar was the lights under the table. We thought it looked really cool the glasses atop the bar so we had to take pictures.
The bartender offered to take our picture....I hate this picture..I have the deer in Headlights stare
For the second drink Thelma ordered the Pink Elephant..it was a bubblegum flavored martini served with a lollipop garnish. It was good..Arnold got us all a round of those as well.
My second drink was the Tahitian Moon. It was a beautiful drink with a purple Orchid floating on it. It tasted like Hawaiian Punch with a swift kick in the arse!
Line up them cocktails Gals...
Another shot of us...I really like this shot
Thelma and I were chatting outside in the little secret walk way looking entrance to this place. We had some strangers take this picture of us.
Thelma was to meet me at my place at 6 and we were going to try and head up there by Happy hour but we missed it by a hair. Throughout the day we were chatting about Tantalum and Toni came to join us and Arnold as well for a drink.
The bar was really cool over looking the harbor so we could see boats with their holiday lights decorated them as they Cruise through out the harbor.
Thelma and I were intrigued to try the Asian Pear Martini..It was soo tasty.
Toni started off with a HEF!
Cheers~
The joint is really dim inside and the only lighting at the bar was the lights under the table. We thought it looked really cool the glasses atop the bar so we had to take pictures.
The bartender offered to take our picture....I hate this picture..I have the deer in Headlights stare
For the second drink Thelma ordered the Pink Elephant..it was a bubblegum flavored martini served with a lollipop garnish. It was good..Arnold got us all a round of those as well.
My second drink was the Tahitian Moon. It was a beautiful drink with a purple Orchid floating on it. It tasted like Hawaiian Punch with a swift kick in the arse!
Line up them cocktails Gals...
Another shot of us...I really like this shot
Thelma and I were chatting outside in the little secret walk way looking entrance to this place. We had some strangers take this picture of us.
We did not stay that long..only for a couple of drinks. Toni's boyfriend Scott showed up and he had a beer. Thelma and I were ready to split so we all left. Afterwards Thelma Hung out with me and had a glass of wine at my place and we exchanged Christmas gifts. She got me a Really awesome compact and a really cool Glass Pink Elephant bottle stopper.
It was good catching up. I can't wait to go back to this restaurant and have dinner. The food smelled great!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The FPT Christmas Revue in Review & Stan Freberg Revues All!
Several hours ago, the curtain came down on the run of "The FPT Christmas Revue". It was a project that I was closely involved with since the beginning of this year; a journey full of challenges, frustrations, joy, and remarkable achievements while bringing a totally new work to the stage.
I must thank Thom Hofrichter and Joel D. Scribner for this amazing opportunity. These two gentlemen gave me a chance to showcase my perspective on Christmas and they were supportive of the whole process. I owe them a lot and I look forward to working with them on other shows at First Presbyterian Theater.
Over 1000 people came out to see the show over its run and saw a plethora of talent. We had 30+ people in the cast, ages ranging from five to 70-something. We had members of five different families within the cast, a wide range of Christmas songs to sing, and each member of the cast gave it their all every night on the boards.
To my fellow cast members, thank you so much. I got to know many of you in those small moments of waiting around for another go around on a particular song or waiting for your moment to rehearse your lines. I shared your moments of accomplishment, swapped the latest jokes about Tiger Woods, and laughed with all of you throughout the whole process.
Thanks to all of you wonderful people for making this Christmas incredibly special. I say to all of you:
Of course, we can't forget this guy either...
Imagine answering a voicemail left on your cell phone in July and hearing the legendary voice of Stan Freberg returning your phone call! It was that phone call that began the process of securing the right to perform "Green Chri$tma$" for possibly the first time live on stage anywhere.
Stan and his wife Hunter provided our little theater group the greatest gift of the year. We had enormous fun putting it on the stage and the audience immensely enjoyed the work. Every night, you could hear a pin drop when our Bob Cratchit reminded everyone about "whose birthday we're celebrating".
Freberg revealed to us a never-before hilarious story behind the creation of "Green Chri$tma$". Ever wonder what cash register they used for the end of that song? Download to hear the story for yourself along with a Christmas greeting from Stan himself:
Stan Freberg - Green Chri$tma$ Greetings
Happy listening...
Capt
Happy Holidays header for 3 column Minima
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HoHoHo merryyy christmas :D
Hellooo!! Jessie has given us all a invite to the christmas party on 24th of december!! I really cant wait :D she says its gonna run ALLLL DAAYYY :) EXCELLENT :D So i hope to see ALL of you there :D heres the invite:
Its gonne be soooooo fun xD hope ya dont miss it :)
(: ebtama :)
I'm Coming Back :)
Hai Guyz,
I'm gonna come back from my Vacation on 25th of December which is on coming Friday :)
I'm looking forward to see you guyz
P.S:I will use this Sign ---> <---- from now onwards :)
I'm gonna come back from my Vacation on 25th of December which is on coming Friday :)
I'm looking forward to see you guyz
P.S:I will use this Sign --->
Happy Holidays Header
1. Click image to enlarge the size.
2. Save picture to your computer.
3. Go to your blog and click customize.
4. Click edit Header.
5. Upload the image from your computer.
6. Placement, choose only "Behind title and description" (NOT shrink to fit)
7. Save.
8. And then go to "Fonts and colors" and choose Blog Title Color and Blog Description Color, which fit with your new banner.
Feel free to use this blog header on your blog, and a link back to Cute and Cool BlogStuff is appreciated.
Matching background is here.
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