So let's see... how to start...
First, let's say that Panic At the Disco's new album is weeeiirrd.
And now we move on.

I went to the doctor today to check on my back.
Obviously, I was thrilled about this from the get-go.
I kept forgetting what the doctor's name was... I still can't remember, actually. But I keep thinking Gorram. It doesn't help that I've been wearing one of my Serenity shirts all day (the one that says "She is starting to damage my calm." I thought it was appropriate for the occasion).
Oh, and my mood penguin was black the entire time. That's the color for anxiousness. Yes, my mood penguin is an angsty penguin. Who knew.
Anyway... I have an MRI scheduled for Tuesday, and a follow-up appointment with Dr. Gorram on Thursday. Needless to say, I'm just jazzed to be stuck in a tube with a giant magnet in it.
-grumble-

I'm thinking of entering the National Geographic Photo Contest for kids... that I actually branched from this. It's an article about how newts can rotate their ribcages and pop them out their sides to use as weapons. Yeah... I tend to fall down a rabbit hole when I go to the NG site.
I still haven't decided whether I think the ribcage thing is creepy or neat. I'm leaning towards neepy.

And now my food is ready...
So far, this whole posting more thing is working... but we'll see.

[edit]: I really need a new default icon. o_o;

I used to play tennis.
...
Hold on, let me rephrase that.

I used to take tennis lessons. I found it rather enjoyable, especially when I knew what I was doing. My dad used to play (yes, play) racquetball, so he found the concept of tennis entertaining as well. So, he'd usually take me to my class and then we'd stay for another hour or so afterward and practice.
It's been a long, long time since we've done that.
Looooooooooong time.
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time.

There's a pretty damn big park walking-distance from our house. It's got a basketball court, a couple soccer fields, half a billion baseball fields, a really gorgeous lake, walking trails, some green areas, and a tennis court. I suggested to my dad this past weekend that we find our tennis rackets and walk over to the park to play. So, on Sunday, we did.
It was fun. Tiring, and I managed to get four blisters (three on one foot). But fun, nonetheless.
We have some pretty serious tennis skillzizzles.
And by that I mean, not at all.

First, I hit a tennis ball through the net. Not over. Not under. THROUGH. To which my dad said, "Okay, now do that again."
Then, one of us managed to hit a ball into the fence. Not sure who did it.... but it was still impressive.
And then, my favorite.
I hit a bird.
Mhmm.
Bird was okay. He kinda faltered, but then flew away.
But yeah... I hit a bird. YAAAY ME!

In other news, my room has officially been clean for a record-breaking 24 hours.
I had my forensics class today.
Annnd..... we're going on a vacation. On Monday. It hasn't quite sunk in yet... but it's true.
First one since we went to New York in 2006. Crazy stuff, man.
I'm sooo looking forward to bringing my camera some place new.
Boston for two days and Martha's Vineyard for five.
Weeee!

So, Baseball Saved Us opened on Friday.
We didn't have a great opening... which was a little sad, especially since we definitely had a second-show slump. The show overall is pretty good. They do use some Japanese words, all of which nobody can pronounce. But, other than that, it's not half-bad.

( Today, however, SUCKED. )

Later, driving to realityengineer's office with tori04...

Me: I've noticed a lot of names here that just make me think... "Why?"
Mom: Like what?
Me: Rainbow... Miracle.... Magic............... turkey....
Mom: Huh... Turkey..
Me: TURKEYS! -points out window-
Mom: AH!

There are wild turkeys near the office. It's bizarre.

Today was awesome. Seriously. I'm really happy right now. Like... REALLY.
I had my first forensics test of the semester, and I got 100% on it. YAY.
Then, I went to my first rehearsal for Baseball Saved Us. It was really stressful at first. There was a horrible traffic jam on the way there. Then we got there and I couldn't find the door to get inside. Turned out, I had found it, it just didn't look very inviting and door-like. Then I get inside and I realize I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing, so my dad comes and helps. He walks up to someone and says what we're here for and says that he's my dad. The woman recognizes me and my dad turns around to point at me... but didn't realize I was standing right behind him and punched me in the stomach. Yeah. Great. Thanks Dad. But then, I shake hands with the woman and start talking about the schedule... turns out, I'm the light board operator, which is the job I wanted. I'm thrilled. I go in and meet a portion of the cast and immediately start chatting with a couple of kids that are now prospective friendish things. One of them wants to be a photographer.
Today was awesome. ^_^

We went to Culver's after dinner a few nights ago.
Thus, the hilarity ensued.
I shall impart said hilarity to you with minimal interruption... the commentary will come later.

Barbie: Hi, I'd like a small pecan concrete mixer please...
Joe: Hey, didn't I see you at Walmart?**
Barbie: Yeah! Oh my god, you were in the aisle with the flowers and stuff!
Joe: Yeah.
Barbie: Oh my god, you work at Culver's?***
Joe: Yeah.
Barbie: So do I!
Joe: Oh, yeah? Where?
Barbie: Savage.
Joe: Oh, wow. That's crazy... you work at Culver's in Savage.
Barbie: I know!
Joe: What do you do?
Barbie: Cash register... well, basically everything except for the grill. 'cause... I'm underaged.
Joe: Oh, so you're 15.
Barbie: Yeah...
Joe: Oh....... I'm pretty good at the grill.****

**The ultimate pick-up line. Fo sho. It doesn't get any better than that, folks.
***No, sweetheart, he doesn't work at Culver's. He just likes stealing the uniforms of the people that do work there and standing behind the counter.
****.............................. -face/palm-

Unfortunately, that's when we left to go sit down.
I was thoroughly disappointed.
But, being the genius snarkists that we are, it of course came up at the table...

Mom: I missed it.
Me: Oh, it was awesome.
Dad: It was pretty hilarious.
Grandma: They're in love! It's fate!
Me: I am so blogging about this.... but they need names.
Grandma: Culver's Fry Boy. Grill Boy.
Me: Did he have a name tag?
Mom: You could have to go to the bathroom.
Dad: You could go ask him for an extra spoon.
Me: And then I could be like, "Hey, didn't I see you at Walmart?"
Dad: Or you could just skip to the next part and say, "Oh my god, you work at Culver's!?"
Me: -chokes on sundae-
Parents: -dies of laughter-
Grandma: -shoves napkins in my face-
Mom: Did you just laugh ice cream out your nose?
Me: Yeah.... and I think some of it might of come out my eyes too...
Dad: Ow...

I finished cleaning frozen custard off my face, finished my sundae, and then we left.
It was then that my dad and I decided that the Culver's Grill Boy would be Joe.
Barbie was kind of just a given, in my opinion.

So, they got married, had way too many kids as every Minnesotan family seems to, and died happily ever after.

And so ends the Culver's dinner sho--I mean love story.

I really need to get better about posting again..... rawr.

So... stuff that's been going on.
I've been doing a photo-project for the month of February, which you can see here.
There's now an LJ syndicated feed for my flickr here.
I'm on the running crew for a show called Baseball Saved Us and will start rehearsals on the 5th. Last time I was part of the crew for a show, I was a stage manager for 25 kids, plus I had a part in the show, plus I was an understudy. Yeah.

I've been missing Kung Fu something fierce as of late. The whole lack of self confidence thing was something that I didn't have there. I KNEW I was good at it. Not like I let it get to my head--when people complimented me on what I was doing, I still did the dorky smile "I don't know what to say so I'm just going to stand here looking stupid" thing that I always do. But it wasn't like how I am with photography or writing or acting or singing... I actually felt confident doing it.

In other news--
I've made a few friend-ish things. I refuse to call them my friends yet. But I don't hate them, and that's a step in the right direction.
furtech has sent me a bunch of Broadway CDs as to better educate me in my Broadway knowledge. Recently, I listened to Les Mis. I'm not generally a big fan of operatic voices, but there are some exceptions... and I think Les Mis is one of them. I want to watch the show now. There were a few songs that I really liked. The really big numbers with the workers, beggars, and other ensemble characters are really good, I think. I'd love to see them performed.

So... there's my life. A short update of it, anyway. Oh, and it snowed last night. A lot. =]

I had a pretty awesome birthday yesterday. ^_^

We went to a deli/bakery/restaurant in St. Paul for brunch.
I had been craving a pastrami sandwich all week, and my mom was told that this place would have good pastrami.
I got a pastrami sandwich on light rye with a pickle, cottage cheese, and cherry lemonade.
It was all very tasty.
After that, we went straight to a single-screen movie theater that makes their popcorn with real butter.
We saw Bolt, which I must say is probably one of the most adorable animated movies I have seen in a long time.
Plus, there was the little Cars short-film beforehand that was just... so perfect and hilarious.

Then we went home.
My parents walked the dogs, while I took my picture for my February project.
Then we went and tried a sushi place for dinner.
It was pretty good, and I loved that almost every single song that played while we were there was Beatles. =]
After that, we went to Culver's for sundaes (and my mom got deep fried spicy cheese curds).
Then we got home and watched Kung Fu Panda.
My parents also told me about the last present they're getting me.
It's a customized camera bag!
I'm so excited. =D

I also got one other present from them today.
I had asked my mom to put an album by Eren Cannata on my wishlist.
She apparently made other arrangements.
She got me a signed copy of the album, and an autographed picture!!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

So that's all awesome...
But sadly, my kitty's a bit under the weather right now. =[
I really hope she gets better soon....

And I'm currently having a pretty good day. =]

Stayed up past midnight.
My friend Sara was the first to wish my a happy birthday... it was actually a little creepy.
The second the clock hit midnight, she messaged me.
There was much discussion and comment on that.
Then delilah_wood called me... then my grandparents and my aunt called me.
And my parents brought me a lemon tart. =D
I opened a couple cards, one of which was a seasons' greetings and happy new year card... which was... confusing... at best.
I also got a shirt from Frang that entertains me quite a bit.
And an e-card from Dusty that we've actually watched multiple times 'cause it's really, really funny.
This morning, I got a bunch of stuff from my parents:
Dr. Horrible on DVD
Dragon and Tiger long-sleeved shirt
Grey crop vest and whit shirt
New headphones
8GB CF card
Camera remote
New anime series
Blue pants

I also got an awesome ski jacket and ski pants from our friend Karen.

A bunch of Minnesota people have written birthday wishes on my facebook wall.
And my stage manager from Bard.

Now I'm waiting to go shower and then go out for a tasty brunch. =]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/bizarre/6214787.html.

And all I have to say to that is..... WHAT!?

On a side-note... we got light boxes today! I'm so happyyyy!!
I can't wait to start experimenting. >=3

I was looking through google news, as I do every day. And I noticed some articles on a study showing lack of sleep linking to the common cold. I was going to just click on the Washington Post article, but I noticed there was a Minneapolis Star Tribune article. I find the local newspaper to be rather amusing. It just seems so... I don't know. Immature? I'm not really sure what the right word for it is... I just find many of it's articles to be highly entertaining.

Now, most of the time, I do not read commentts. I make a point not to. I know I'm otherwise just going to want to kill people. But I accidentally scrolled too far (wow, that sounds like such a lame excuse when I see it written down).... and I saw the first comment on there. And I just... I don't even know.

"This is totally crazy"
"We are in Minnesota!! We love accordians. And, we play them in the AM, mid day, night, and more."

What. The hell. How does that have ANYTHING to do with the article!?
And the best part is... 5 of 5 people liked the comment.
Somebody, please tell me why I moved here. -face/palm-

The article, if you're interested.

[19:43] Clare: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
[19:43] Zoie: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
[19:43] Clare: MAKE IT STOP
[19:43] Zoie: I CAAAAAAAAN'T
[19:43] Clare: THINK OF DEAD PUPPIES
[19:43] Clare: .....
[19:43] Zoie: ....
[19:43] Zoie: -DIES-
[19:43] Clare: AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHAHHAA
[19:43] Clare: AHf;ihasd;fjklas;dflkasdf
[19:43] Zoie: BAAAAAAAHAHFAKSDJJKFXJCXLVD
[19:43] Clare: *EATS SLEEVE*
[19:44] Zoie: -EATS LIP-
[19:44] Zoie: ....
[19:44] Zoie: -AFSDXJCKSDLJXCKJIOWEUS8D
[19:44] Clare: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Yeah... I think we've died.
-is still unable to breathe-

I still have a very strong addiction to flair. I have two flair boards that are completely full, plus 8 full photo albums. I have enough flair to start my 9th, but I've been lazy.
I've made flair, too. One of them has 439 users.

But there is one thing that irritates the crap out of me on flair. It's the amount of flair that says the EXACT SAME DAMN THING AS THE LAST ONE. I mean... come on, guys. You can't think of anything more creative than "and so the lion fell in love with the lamb" or "OMG I'M SO IN LOVE WITH EDWARD!!"?

Thus (beware the profanity, it might cause your eyes to spontaneously combust):
I made something that irritated me LESS.

There was toying with a "dudes, lions live in Africa. what, are they using an online dating service?" type thing, but I couldn't get it to look quite right.

Now, I know that, in the end, I'm just another fangirl. But at least I do not spam absolutely every application on facebook with how much I love Doctor Who and David Tennant. I spam my friends, instead. =3
But I only do that with the friends that actually like Doctor Who. So I really don't think it's that bad. And if they told me to stop, I would. But I can't stop all the Twilight flair. Just like you can't stop the signal.

At least the signal is less irritating.

You want to know my opinion of emergy sirens? Good. I'll tell you my opinion of emergency sirens.

I hate emergency sirens.
Seriously.
OMFGHATE.
A test run went off at around 1 o' clock this afternoon...

Me: What the hell is that?
Mom: .......... -continues typing-
Me: Mom!?
Mom: -flail- Gyuhh... I would assume it's just a test.
Me: I hate it.
Mom: Okay. -snort-
Me: Ugh! I hate it here! I wanna go home!
Mom: -laugh-
Me: -glare-

A couple minutes later, after the sirens have stopped...

Me: So... what happens if there's ACTUALLY a tornado on a Wednesday.
Mom: They only do the test on the first Wednesday of every month.
Me: So what happens if there's a tornado on the first Wednesday of the month?
Mom: Well, I assume they do it at around the same time.
Me: So what do we do if there's a tornado at aro--
Mom: I assume we're supposed to do what we'd do in a tornado, in the test.
Me: You mean we're not just supposed to freak out?
Mom: We're not just supposed to say "I hate it here, I want to go home" while laying on the floor, no.
Me: You sure?
Mom: Mhmm.
Me: Huh...

I hate the first Wednesday of every month.

I still have my sucky story... but I can't really bring myself to write up a post about it yet.

2am. It's one of Willow's favorite times to be a major pain in the ass. A couple days ago, around said time, she starts yowling her head off.
Meow! Meeeow! Meeoowwr! MREOWRAWR!
I try to ignore it. I'm exhausted. And I already had to get up an hour ago to find my way downstairs so I could get water. Some nights here are really bad... I wake up in the middle of the night and my mouth is so dry, it hurts.
MREOWR! MRRRRROW! MEOWR!
I put a pillow on my head and pull up the blankets. She'll shut up soon.
MRRRREW! MROW! MEEEEEWR! MREEOWR!
She's starting to sound more sad and upset. So, I push the blankets and the pillow off, and fall out of get out of bed. I wander sleepily out of my room and into the dark hallway. I wait for eyes to adjust a little bit so that I don't have to turn on the light and risk waking my parents up. Then, I look around and see my cat... with her head stuck in my parents' bedroom door. She can't move forward. And she can't move back. I really couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry...

I have a less funny story, too... but it's too long to write up right now...

Our Trader Joe's is doing a "Where's Waldo" type thing around the store. Except, instead of Waldo, they have a little husky doggy named Timber Joe.
My dad and I grew bored trying to actually find... you know... stuff to eat. So while my mom continued to shop, my dad and I wandered around the store looking for Timber Joe.
We looked all over the place. It was almost time to ago and we had basically given up, but we were giving the store one more round before we left...

Me: I've just started looking in stupid, random, crazy places.
Dad: Yeah? How's that working out for you?
Me: Not that grea--GUH!! -grabs Dad's jacket;pulls;points up-
Dad: -looks up-... >_>
Me: o_o;
Dad: I think we found him...
Me: He's eating lobster...
Both: ... huh.

So yeah... that was entertaining.

I have two auditions tomorrow evening. One's for a musical called 'How Can You Run with a Shell on your Back?'. It's based on some of Aesop's Fables. I'm singing a song from the last show I was in for it. The other audition is for a play called 'Shadow Thieves'. From what my mom and I can tell, it's based on a book ('The Shadow Thieves' by Anne Ursu). I love the book. Seriously. It rocks. I have NO idea how they've turned it into a play. But I love the book.

I'm really nervous about the auditions... -sigh-
Ah well.

My dad and I went to the Science Museum of Minnesota yesterday. It was fun even before we got inside.
...
</sarcasm>

So, the main reason we were going to the museum was because the teacher of the forensic science class I'm taking next semester recomended the CSI: Experience exhibit. It's one of the touring exhibits, and a popular one at that. She said she wished she could take the class on a field trip to it, but it would be closing before the semester started. So, she gave us the info and suggested we go ourselves. And that was what my dad and I planned to do.
The night before last, my dad had looked at the website for the museum and determined that we didn't really need to buy tickets for it ahead of time. That's what the site reccomended, but nothing was sold out yet. For the day we were planning on going or any of the rest of the days. So, we get there and we try to pull into the parking garage... and right there, before the toll booth, is a sign for next available times for the CSI: Experience with a big "SOLD OUT" sign over it.
Dad: Uhh....
Me: What?
Dad: It's sold out.
Me: But you bought ahead.
Dad: No I didn't.
Me: ......
Dad: I didn't think I needed to!
Both: -heavy sigh-

( Yeah. Fun. )

facebook and flickr hate me today.
None of the images on flickr are loading properly.
facebook doesn't load at all.
Grr. Argh.

My paid LJ account has expired. I miss my icons. ;-;

I'm trying to get more involved in the flickr community again. I have a very small audience on my photos lately... got lazy a while ago and never picked back up again. Now I'm trying to start adding photos to groups and comment on other people's photos... but I don't like people. They stress me out. Gaah.

I miss my mom... wish she'd come home. My dad and I watched Underdog... heh... hehehe. Yeah, that really wasn't a very good movie. Haha.

Chyeeah... blah. x_x

I have no idea why I have Desperado running through my head.
I guess it's better than what I had this morning... there's only one moon and one golden sun! And a smile means friendship to everyone! Though the mountains divide and the oceans are wide! It's a small world after aaall!
...
I'm done. I swear.

It's snowing. A lot. It has been since around 4am. I couldn't sleep last night... I got in a really stupid fight with my friend and it hasn't been resolved. The other fights she and I have had (which is a grand total of like... 4, I think), I've always been the one to apologize for first. This time, there's no way... it was such a stupid thing to start a fight over to begin with and I was trying to back off. Ugh...

So... um. Snow. It's like... cold... and stuff. Yeah...

I made a background for my phone earlier. It looks pretty good... except, you can't read the text on top of it. And also, the text is blocking David Tennant's face... it's very upsetting. =P
( Background )