(3594,1,'2011-01-24 21:04:11','2011-01-25 04:04:11','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The arts are in my blood.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n </span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-42','','','2011-01-24 21:04:11','2011-01-25 04:04:11','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/24/3508-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(3593,1,'2011-01-24 21:03:36','2011-01-25 04:03:36','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The arts are in my blood.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n </span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-41','','','2011-01-24 21:03:36','2011-01-25 04:03:36','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/24/3508-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(3595,1,'2011-01-24 21:07:38','2011-01-25 04:07:38','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n </span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-43','','','2011-01-24 21:07:38','2011-01-25 04:07:38','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/24/3508-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(3597,1,'2011-01-25 09:19:01','2011-01-25 16:19:01','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The End.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\n </span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-45','','','2011-01-25 09:19:01','2011-01-25 16:19:01','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-45/',0,'revision','',0),(3596,1,'2011-01-25 09:18:07','2011-01-25 16:18:07','[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you will never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-44','','','2011-01-25 09:18:07','2011-01-25 16:18:07','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(3599,1,'2011-01-25 09:20:03','2011-01-25 16:20:03','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The End.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\n </span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-47','','','2011-01-25 09:20:03','2011-01-25 16:20:03','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-47/',0,'revision','',0),(3598,1,'2011-01-25 09:19:35','2011-01-25 16:19:35','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-46','','','2011-01-25 09:19:35','2011-01-25 16:19:35','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-46/',0,'revision','',0),(3600,1,'2011-01-25 09:20:51','2011-01-25 16:20:51','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_3547\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 235px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you\'ll never take the theatre out of the girl.</dd></dl>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</div>\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-48','','','2011-01-25 09:20:51','2011-01-25 16:20:51','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-48/',0,'revision','',0),(3609,1,'2011-01-25 09:26:25','2011-01-25 16:26:25','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-57','','','2011-01-25 09:26:25','2011-01-25 16:26:25','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-57/',0,'revision','',0),(3602,1,'2011-01-25 09:22:15','2011-01-25 16:22:15','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The End.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\n </span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-50','','','2011-01-25 09:22:15','2011-01-25 16:22:15','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-50/',0,'revision','',0),(3601,1,'2011-01-25 09:21:57','2011-01-25 16:21:57','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_3547\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 235px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you\'ll never take the theatre out of the girl.</dd></dl>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p></div>\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-49','','','2011-01-25 09:21:57','2011-01-25 16:21:57','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-49/',0,'revision','',0),(3603,1,'2011-01-25 09:23:08','2011-01-25 16:23:08','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /> \r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-51','','','2011-01-25 09:23:08','2011-01-25 16:23:08','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-51/',0,'revision','',0),(3605,1,'2011-01-25 09:24:10','2011-01-25 16:24:10','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n </span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-53','','','2011-01-25 09:24:10','2011-01-25 16:24:10','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-53/',0,'revision','',0),(3604,1,'2011-01-25 09:23:44','2011-01-25 16:23:44','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl id=\"attachment_3547\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"width: 235px;\"><dt class=\"wp-caption-dt\"><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a></dt><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you\'ll never take the theatre out of the girl.</dd></dl>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p></div>\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-52','','','2011-01-25 09:23:44','2011-01-25 16:23:44','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-52/',0,'revision','',0),(3607,1,'2011-01-25 09:25:16','2011-01-25 16:25:16','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The arts are in my blood.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n </span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-55','','','2011-01-25 09:25:16','2011-01-25 16:25:16','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-55/',0,'revision','',0),(3606,1,'2011-01-25 09:24:45','2011-01-25 16:24:45','<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\">The arts are in my blood.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" />\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n</p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-54','','','2011-01-25 09:24:45','2011-01-25 16:24:45','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-54/',0,'revision','',0),(3608,1,'2011-01-25 09:25:37','2011-01-25 16:25:37','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The arts are in my blood.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed little cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and awkwardly melt to the floor.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate move wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\"  Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and passionate.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-56','','','2011-01-25 09:25:37','2011-01-25 16:25:37','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-56/',0,'revision','',0),(3610,1,'2011-01-25 12:29:43','2011-01-25 19:29:43','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and melt to the floor in an awkward embrace.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate moment wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\" Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and dramatic.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-58','','','2011-01-25 12:29:43','2011-01-25 19:29:43','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-58/',0,'revision','',0),(3611,1,'2011-01-25 12:32:09','2011-01-25 19:32:09','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention at o\'dark-thirty.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and melt to the floor in an awkward embrace.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate moment wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\" Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush and dramatic.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-59','','','2011-01-25 12:32:09','2011-01-25 19:32:09','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-59/',0,'revision','',0),(3612,1,'2011-01-25 12:37:34','2011-01-25 19:37:34','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention at o\'dark-thirty.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and melt to the floor in an awkward embrace.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate moment wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\" Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I need to be moved by my art.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush.  So dramatic.  So <em>Italian.</em>  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-60','','','2011-01-25 12:37:34','2011-01-25 19:37:34','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-60/',0,'revision','',0),(3613,1,'2011-01-25 13:44:04','2011-01-25 20:44:04','','genuisbar','','inherit','open','open','','genuisbar','','','2011-01-25 13:44:04','2011-01-25 20:44:04','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3614,1,'2011-01-23 10:55:50','2011-01-23 17:55:50','','Day 119:  My Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-2','','','2011-01-23 10:55:50','2011-01-23 17:55:50','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/23/3510-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(3615,1,'2011-01-25 12:37:58','2011-01-25 19:37:58','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3547\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"You can take the girl out of the theatre, but you&#39;ll never take the theatre out of the girl.\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3547\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1220184-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n</p>\r\n\r\n<p>You know how some people joke about turning into their parents?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, I\'ve turned into my Uncle John.  He\'ll be front and center at a Broadway show and falls asleep.  It drives my aunt crazy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I dozed off Saturday night at the opera.  During each of the three acts.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But wait a minute!  This is not like me.  I never fall asleep at the theatre.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am an \"arts person\"!  I performed in the theatre for over 10 years!  I was an arts teacher for 12+ years!  I consider myself an \"arts advocate\"!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">The arts are in my blood.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Except for opera.  I\'m coming right out and saying it:  Opera is Boring.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have tried opera a few times now, and I\'ve decided that it\'s a complete snoozaroo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Believe you me, there was no one more excited about dressing up and meeting my fellow arts-fartsy friend, Mark, for <em>Turandot </em>on Saturday night.  \"Nessun Dorma\" invaded my brain weeks ago, and I couldn\'t wait to hear it performed live for the first time.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before the show, Mr. Opera Announcer appeared on stage to report a sold out house.  I applauded passionately.  Hurrah for the arts selling out!  In a week where a vapid poser from the <em>Jersey Shore</em> topped the best-seller list, no less!  There is hope yet for American culture!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The lights dimmed.  The curtain rose.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Zzzzzzzzzzzz...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Is it just me, or is the story of </span></span></strong><em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> completely and utterly ridiculous?</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Late Bloomer\'s </span></span></strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\">Turandot</span></span></strong></span></span></em><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"> in a Nutshell:</span></span></strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you a train wreck of a princess named Turandot of Peking.  Princess Turandot carries not only her own man-hating baggage, but the man-hating baggage of her ancestors.  In other words, she is a Royal Biotch.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since men have loved train wrecks since the beginning of time, suitors crawl out of the world\'s woodwork to pursue Her Royal Pain in the Ass.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Because even though men have professed to hate \"drama\" since the beginning of time, we all know that they crave a challenge.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The suitors are asked to answer three riddles to win Turandot\'s hand in marriage, and if they answer incorrectly, then off with their heads!  Heads roll (literally and frequently) around Peking in ceremonial fashion.  Hordes of sick bastards come from all over the country to watch the entertainment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>One of these onlookers is the most Co-Dependent Man of All Time, Prince Calaf. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Upon witnessing yet another rolling head, Calaf declares that he is madly in love with this blood-thirsty and psychologically damaged princess.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In a moment of testosterone-induced frenzy, Calaf vows to unlock the secret answers to all three impossible riddles.  He ignores the pleas of his blind and decrepit father, as well as his father\'s caretaker, the young and beautiful slave girl, Liu.  Predictably, Liu pines away for the emotionally unavailable (except for train wrecks, that is) Calaf.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13.1944px;\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">(Because even the most intelligent women fall for emotionally unavailable men from time to time.)</span></span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Calaf throws a temper tantrum in front of Daddy and taps Turandot\'s gong to capture her attention at o\'dark-thirty.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Princess Train Wreck emerges from her boudoir, and she is one miffed cookie.  NO woman enjoys being awakened from her beauty sleep.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot throws all three riddles at Calaf, and (surprise, surprise!) he solves them all!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot FREAKS and screams her notes in stereotypical opera lady fashion.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Co-Dependent Calaf gives her a way out:  If Turandot guesses his name by dawn (he is presently a \"stranger\" in Peking), then she can behead him.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Twisted, huh?</strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, 3 little twits by the name of Ping, Pong and Pang (I\'m guessing Puccini was an avid ping pong player) flit across the stage as comic (and I use that term lightly) relief.  Because operas aren\'t long enough.  (I fell asleep here.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot declares that no one will sleep in Peking that night until the stranger\'s identity is revealed! Citizens are tortured to name the stranger.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Turandot even threatens to torture the elderly blind man!  To rescue the poor soul, Liu steps in and swears that she is the only one who knows the stranger\'s name!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">When Turandot calls for the executioner, Liu throws herself on to a sword and kills herself in the name of co-dependency disguised as love.</span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The story then moves very quickly, as before we know it, Turandot is suddenly in love with Calaf (who still carries a torch for Princess Train Wreck even though Liu just died at her hands).  The two lovers kiss and melt to the floor in an awkward embrace.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>(Poor things.  Their passionate moment wouldn\'t have been so ungainly if they had only laid off the Peking duck and eaten more brown rice and veggies.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Elderly and blind Daddy who, minutes ago, crumbled at the loss of his beloved Liu, now celebrates with the kingdom.  He embraces his murderess of a daughter-in-law.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #800080;\">May Princess Train Wreck and Prince Co-Dependent live happily ever after!  Everyone sing and rejoice!</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The End.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Let me ask you again, \"Is it just me, or is the story of <em>Turandot</em> completely and utterly ridiculous???\" Call me crazy, but I like my protagonists to fall under the category of \"flawed-yet-decent human beings\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am a sucker for a far-fetched tale when the characters are <em>likable</em>.  I am a former THEATRE MAJOR, for heaven\'s sake!  I can escape to a story and suspend reality in a NANOSECOND!  <em>When there is an emotional connection to the characters. </em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have been introduced to likable characters in other operas, but I have never experienced an emotional connection in the operas that I\'ve seen.  I need to be moved by my art.  I thought it might happen with Puccini because his music is so lush.  So dramatic.  So <em>Italian.</em>  <br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Oh, well.  To each his own.  I\'ll keep \"Nessun Dorma\" in my head, but I\'ll let opera buffs take the rest of <em>Turandot.</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><br />\r\n</span></span></p>','Day 118:  Snoozing at the Opera','','inherit','open','open','','3508-revision-61','','','2011-01-25 12:37:58','2011-01-25 19:37:58','',3508,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3508-revision-61/',0,'revision','',0),(3616,1,'2011-01-25 20:12:45','2011-01-26 03:12:45','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong>It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac. </strong> Now what?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I purchased the one-to-one plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Genuises are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac.  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Den</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-3','','','2011-01-25 20:12:45','2011-01-26 03:12:45','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3510-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(3617,1,'2011-01-25 20:18:38','2011-01-26 03:18:38','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong>It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac. </strong> Now what?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Genuises are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows on my own because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Because they are intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-4','','','2011-01-25 20:18:38','2011-01-26 03:18:38','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3510-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(3618,1,'2011-01-25 20:20:29','2011-01-26 03:20:29','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong>It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac. </strong> Now what?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Geniuses are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows on my own because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Because they are so intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-5','','','2011-01-25 20:20:29','2011-01-26 03:20:29','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3510-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(3619,1,'2011-01-25 20:25:14','2011-01-26 03:25:14','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac</a></strong><strong>. </strong> Now what?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Geniuses are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows on my own because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Because they are so intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-6','','','2011-01-25 20:25:14','2011-01-26 03:25:14','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3510-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(3620,1,'2011-01-25 20:26:13','2011-01-26 03:26:13','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/103363685/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac</a></strong><strong>. </strong> Now what?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Geniuses are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows on my own because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because they are so intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-7','','','2011-01-25 20:26:13','2011-01-26 03:26:13','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3510-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(3622,1,'2011-01-25 20:52:57','2011-01-26 03:52:57','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/103363685/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac</a></strong><strong>. </strong> Now what?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Geniuses are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows on my own because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because they are so intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-autosave','','','2011-01-25 20:52:57','2011-01-26 03:52:57','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3510-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(3623,1,'2011-01-25 20:27:11','2011-01-26 03:27:11','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/103363685/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac</a></strong><strong>. </strong> Now what?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Geniuses are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows on my own because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because they are so intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-8','','','2011-01-25 20:27:11','2011-01-26 03:27:11','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/25/3510-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(3624,1,'2011-01-26 19:44:08','2011-01-27 02:44:08','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/103363685/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac</a></strong><strong>. </strong> Now what?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Geniuses are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows on my own because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because they are so intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Apple Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-9','','','2011-01-26 19:44:08','2011-01-27 02:44:08','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/26/3510-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(3625,1,'2011-01-26 19:45:28','2011-01-27 02:45:28','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/103363685/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac</a></strong><strong>. </strong> Now what?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Geniuses are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic Mac kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows on my own because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because they are so intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Apple Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-10','','','2011-01-26 19:45:28','2011-01-27 02:45:28','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/26/3510-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(3626,1,'2011-01-26 19:46:58','2011-01-27 02:46:58','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/103363685/\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3613\" title=\"genuisbar\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/genuisbar-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" /></a><strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/21/day-113-i-joined-a-cult-please-dont-tell-my-mother/\" target=\"_blank\">It had been one whole week since I purchased my first Mac</a></strong><strong>. </strong> Now what?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I purchased the One-to-One plan because I relished the idea of peppering my Geniuses with learning curve questions on a regular basis.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 119, I set out for my first visit to the Genius Bar!  Can you spell e-x-c-i-t-e-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>However, I learned once I arrived that I was speaking incorrect lingo in the foreign world of Apple.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Actual conversation between me and Genius Denise with a hint of artistic license: </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me: </strong>So...you\'re my personal Genius, right?  Does this mean that you\'ll help me on my way to Geniusdom as well?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Genius Denise: </strong> <em>(with her Apple permagrin) </em>Actually, I am a \"creative\".  The Geniuses are the technicians that fix the computers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Me:</strong> <em>(sipping my magic Mac kool-aid)</em> Wow.  So they must really be slow back there because nothing ever goes wrong with a Mac, right?  They are practically perfect in every way, right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Creative Denise:</strong> <em>(uber-chipper) </em>You got it!  Would you like for me to get you some more kool-aid?  Isn\'t it yummy?!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Denise whisked me through my first One-to-One.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Can you spell I-n-f-o-r-m-a-t-i-o-n O-v-e-r-l-o-a-d?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s all good.  Denise and I are now best buds so I\'ll return shortly to bug her with questions that arise on the curve.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Truth be told, I am one of those kinesthetic learner types who just needs to dive in and play around on my own.  I once reinstalled Windows all by my lonesome because I was going to slit my wrists if I had to stay on hold with India much longer.  I think I can figure out a Mac.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Because they are so intuitive.  And practically perfect in every way.  Right?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 119:  My Apple Geniuses and Me','','inherit','open','open','','3510-revision-11','','','2011-01-26 19:46:58','2011-01-27 02:46:58','',3510,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/26/3510-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(3627,1,'2011-01-27 19:57:45','2011-01-28 02:57:45','<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=495141948401&amp;set=at.490413353401.272299.37437463401.1371945350&amp;ref=nf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3628\" title=\"chakrachallenge2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chakrachallenge2-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" /></a><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Remember on <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/15/day-112-will-you-take-the-chakra-challenge-with-me/\" target=\"_blank\">Day 112</a></strong> when I invited you to join me in The Chakra Challenge on the phenomenal online yoga studio </span><a href=\"http://www.yogatoday.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: small;\">www.yogatoday.com</span></strong></a><span style=\"font-size: small;\">? </span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Did I have any takers? </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\">If yes, hurrah!  Yay!  I\'m so excited!  Namaste! </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\">If no, it\'s not too late!  Go to the link above or visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yoga-Today/37437463401\" target=\"_blank\">Yoga Today\'s facebook fan page</a></strong>!  Namaste!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\">If no way, no how, are you nuts?  I don\'t do yoga, Late Bloomer!  Then, that\'s o.k.!  I still think you\'re swell!  Namaste! </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\">If you\'re still wondering, what in the world is a \"chakra\"???  Go <strong><a href=\"http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/learnchakras.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>! </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\">If you\'re wondering why I am so excited and using so many exclamation points, it\'s because my root and sacral chakras have now been challenged and balanced and I feel faboo! </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\"><br class=\"spacer_\" /></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small;\">Namaste!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><br />\r\n</span></p>','Day 120:  Challenging My 2nd Chakra','','publish','open','open','','day-120-challenging-my-2nd-chakra','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/15/day-112-will-you-take-the-chakra-challenge-with-me/','2011-02-03 16:47:55','2011-02-03 23:47:55','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=3627',0,'post','',1),(3628,1,'2011-01-27 13:00:44','2011-01-27 20:00:44','','chakrachallenge2','','inherit','open','open','','chakrachallenge2','','','2011-01-27 13:00:44','2011-01-27 20:00:44','',3627,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chakrachallenge2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3629,1,'2011-01-27 13:00:24','2011-01-27 20:00:24','','Day 120:  Challenging My 2nd Chakra','','inherit','open','open','','3627-revision','','','2011-01-27 13:00:24','2011-01-27 20:00:24','',3627,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3627-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(3630,1,'2011-01-28 01:11:02','2011-01-28 08:11:02','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She touched people of all ages through music, story, humor and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>[Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Author Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/18347489\" width=\"400\" height=\"295\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/18347489\">What\'s Your Sentence?: The Video</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">YOUR sentence is...</span></span></strong></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','publish','open','open','','day-121-what-is-your-sentence','','','2011-01-27 20:40:18','2011-01-28 03:40:18','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=3630',0,'post','',7),(3631,1,'2011-01-27 13:01:50','2011-01-27 20:01:50','','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision','','','2011-01-27 13:01:50','2011-01-27 20:01:50','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(3632,1,'2011-01-27 13:01:53','2011-01-27 20:01:53','','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-2','','','2011-01-27 13:01:53','2011-01-27 20:01:53','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(3633,1,'2011-01-27 13:12:27','2011-01-27 20:12:27','My sentence:  \n\nShe scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart.  \n\nWatch this video.  Then share your sentence in the comment section below.  \n\nDon\'t overthink it.  Just listen to your gut and tell us.  :-) \n\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\n','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-3','','','2011-01-27 13:12:27','2011-01-27 20:12:27','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(3634,1,'2011-01-27 13:12:34','2011-01-27 20:12:34','My sentence:  \r\n\r\nShe scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart.  \r\n\r\nWatch this video.  Then share your sentence in the comment section below.  \r\n\r\nDon\'t overthink it.  Just listen to your gut and tell us.  :-) \r\n\r\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-4','','','2011-01-27 13:12:34','2011-01-27 20:12:34','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(3636,1,'2011-01-27 13:16:37','2011-01-27 20:16:37','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>My sentence:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Watch this video. Then share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Don\'t overthink it. Just listen to your gut and tell us. :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-6','','','2011-01-27 13:16:37','2011-01-27 20:16:37','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(3635,1,'2011-01-27 13:13:40','2011-01-27 20:13:40','<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><strong>My sentence: </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Watch this video. Then share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Don\'t overthink it. Just listen to your gut and tell us. :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-5','','','2011-01-27 13:13:40','2011-01-27 20:13:40','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(3637,1,'2011-01-27 13:27:39','2011-01-27 20:27:39','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Watch this video. Then share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Don\'t overthink it.Just listen to your gut.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-7','','','2011-01-27 13:27:39','2011-01-27 20:27:39','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(3638,1,'2011-01-27 19:52:36','2011-01-28 02:52:36','<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Remember on Day 112 when I invited you to join me in The Chakra Challenge on the phenomenal online yoga studio <a href=\"http://www.yogatoday.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.yogatoday.com</strong></a>? </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Did I have any takers? </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If yes, hurrah!  Yay!  I\'m so excited!  Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no, it\'s not too late!  Go to the link above or visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yoga-Today/37437463401\" target=\"_blank\">Yoga Today\'s facebook fan page</a></strong>!  Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no way, no how, are you nuts?  I don\'t do yoga, Late Bloomer!  Then, that\'s o.k.!  I still think you\'re swell!  Namaste! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re still wondering, what in the world is a \"chakra\"???  Go <strong><a href=\"http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/learnchakras.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re wondering why I am so excited and using so many exclamation points it\'s because my root and sacral chakras have now been challenged and balanced and I feel faboo! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">(It\'s never too late to join me, and it\'s n</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><br />\n</span></p>','Day 120:  Challenging My 2nd Chakra','','inherit','open','open','','3627-revision-2','','','2011-01-27 19:52:36','2011-01-28 02:52:36','',3627,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3627-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(3639,1,'2011-01-27 19:54:12','2011-01-28 02:54:12','<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chakrachallenge2.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3628\" title=\"chakrachallenge2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chakrachallenge2-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" /></a>Remember on Day 112 when I invited you to join me in The Chakra Challenge on the phenomenal online yoga studio <a href=\"http://www.yogatoday.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.yogatoday.com</strong></a>? </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Did I have any takers? </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If yes, hurrah!  Yay!  I\'m so excited!  Namaste! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no, it\'s not too late!  Go to the link above or visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yoga-Today/37437463401\" target=\"_blank\">Yoga Today\'s facebook fan page</a></strong>!  Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no way, no how, are you nuts?  I don\'t do yoga, Late Bloomer!  Then, that\'s o.k.!  I still think you\'re swell!  Namaste! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re still wondering, what in the world is a \"chakra\"???  Go <strong><a href=\"http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/learnchakras.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re wondering why I am so excited and using so many exclamation points it\'s because my root and sacral chakras have now been challenged and balanced and I feel faboo! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><br />\n </span></p>','Day 120:  Challenging My 2nd Chakra','','inherit','open','open','','3627-revision-3','','','2011-01-27 19:54:12','2011-01-28 02:54:12','',3627,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3627-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(3640,1,'2011-01-27 19:56:14','2011-01-28 02:56:14','<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=495141948401&amp;set=at.490413353401.272299.37437463401.1371945350&amp;ref=nf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3628\" title=\"chakrachallenge2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chakrachallenge2-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" /></a>Remember on Day 112 when I invited you to join me in The Chakra Challenge on the phenomenal online yoga studio <a href=\"http://www.yogatoday.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.yogatoday.com</strong></a>? </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Did I have any takers? </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If yes, hurrah!  Yay!  I\'m so excited!  Namaste! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no, it\'s not too late!  Go to the link above or visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yoga-Today/37437463401\" target=\"_blank\">Yoga Today\'s facebook fan page</a></strong>!  Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no way, no how, are you nuts?  I don\'t do yoga, Late Bloomer!  Then, that\'s o.k.!  I still think you\'re swell!  Namaste! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re still wondering, what in the world is a \"chakra\"???  Go <strong><a href=\"http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/learnchakras.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re wondering why I am so excited and using so many exclamation points it\'s because my root and sacral chakras have now been challenged and balanced and I feel faboo! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><br />\n </span></p>','Day 120:  Challenging My 2nd Chakra','','inherit','open','open','','3627-revision-4','','','2011-01-27 19:56:14','2011-01-28 02:56:14','',3627,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3627-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4031,1,'2011-02-18 01:11:50','2011-02-18 08:11:50','<p><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/monipal/5415815310/sizes/m/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4034\" title=\"5415815310_44fbcf75de\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/5415815310_44fbcf75de1-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" /></a>Day 141 was Valentine\'s Day.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/14/day-137-be-mine/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>As I mentioned on Day 137, I decided to focus on love this year rather than the lack thereof.</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And what better way to manifest love than to whip up a little bit of hocus pocus?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A couple of Christmases ago, my mother stuffed my stocking with <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Your-Ex-Boyfriend-into-Toad/dp/0732257093\" target=\"_blank\">How to Turn Your Ex-Boyfriend into a Toad &amp; Other Spells</a></strong></em>.  She\'s always been an eclectic gift-giver.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'m not the type of woman who is going to perform voodoo hexes on her exes because that is just baaaaaaad karma, peeps.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Luckily, this book also contains good spells such as The Simply Irresistible Spell, The Kiss Me Quick Spell, and The Perfect Soulmate Spell.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I opted for The Perfect Soulmate because tell me what woman isn\'t thinking about HIM on Valentine\'s Day???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I asked Kim C. if she wanted to join me.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My friends, God bless them, find me entertaining and enjoy the comic relief that I bring to their lives. Therefore, they simply nod and say \"yes\" when I proposition them with whacky ideas.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The spell turned out to be more detailed than I anticipated.  There were specific and explicit instructions.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Specific and explicit instruction #1:</span></strong> Perform this Spell on a clear night of the New Moon.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Okaaaayyyyy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>It\'s a waxing full moon.  It\'s also Valentine\'s Day, and I\'m not waiting.  Rules are made to be broken. Next!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Specific and explicit instruction #2:</span></strong><strong> </strong>Begin by taking a bath or a shower.  Dress in white clothes.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wow.  This is a lot of work!  But I guess love is a lot of work as well.  It\'s worth it.  Next!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Specific and explicit instruction #3:</span></strong><strong> </strong>Take gold glitter and a wooden stick outside under the stars.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>When you are a former educator of young children, you just so happen to have gold glitter (and every other color of glitter) and wooden sticks hanging around in a closet upstairs.  What luck!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Specific and explicit instruction #4:</span></strong><strong> </strong>Look up into the night sky.  Find a star that appeals to you.  Dip your stick into the gold glitter.  Make a sexual innuendo and make your friend laugh.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Okay, okay.  So I added that last part.  I couldn\'t help myself.  This was kind of silly, after all.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Specific and explicit instruction #5:</span></strong><strong> </strong>Attempt to chant the magic spell.  When you are both laughing so hard that you snort, try to calm your mind and start over.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Specific and explicit instruction #6:</span></strong><strong> </strong>Sprinkle some of the magically energized gold glitter on your front doorstep and wonder what your cleaning lady is going to think when she shows up on Thursday.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Optional instruction #1:</span></strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"> </span>Stage a goofy photo shoot for your blog.  Laugh your heads off once again.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Optional instruction #2:</span></strong> Between this evening\'s silliness and laughter, and this morning\'s <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/14/day-137-be-mine/\" target=\"_blank\">Tattoo Valentine Exchange</a>, you realize that this is the most fun you\'ve had on Valentine\'s Day in over a decade.  How cool is THAT!  Maybe there\'s something to this 365 Days of Living Curiously stuff!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Optional instruction #3:</span></strong> Always, always, always...BELIEVE.   <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/P2140189.jpg\"><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-4035\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/P2140189-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 141:  Valentine Hocus Pocus ','','publish','open','open','','day-141-valentine-hocus-pocus','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/14/day-137-be-mine/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/02/14/day-137-be-mine/','2011-02-17 21:31:44','2011-02-18 04:31:44','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=4031',0,'post','',8),(3642,1,'2011-01-27 20:03:28','2011-01-28 03:03:28','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Don\'t overthink it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I came across a great blog post on this very subject by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-8','','','2011-01-27 20:03:28','2011-01-28 03:03:28','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(3643,1,'2011-01-27 20:09:49','2011-01-28 03:09:49','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>(Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>YOUR sentence is...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-9','','','2011-01-27 20:09:49','2011-01-28 03:09:49','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(3644,1,'2011-01-27 20:14:06','2011-01-28 03:14:06','<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=495141948401&amp;set=at.490413353401.272299.37437463401.1371945350&amp;ref=nf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3628\" title=\"chakrachallenge2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chakrachallenge2-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" /></a>Remember on Day 112 when I invited you to join me in The Chakra Challenge on the phenomenal online yoga studio <a href=\"http://www.yogatoday.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.yogatoday.com</strong></a>? </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Did I have any takers? </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If yes, hurrah!  Yay!  I\'m so excited!  Namaste! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no, it\'s not too late!  Go to the link above or visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yoga-Today/37437463401\" target=\"_blank\">Yoga Today\'s facebook fan page</a></strong>!  Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no way, no how, are you nuts?  I don\'t do yoga, Late Bloomer!  Then, that\'s o.k.!  I still think you\'re swell!  Namaste! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re still wondering, what in the world is a \"chakra\"???  Go <strong><a href=\"http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/learnchakras.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re wondering why I am so excited and using so many exclamation points, it\'s because my root and sacral chakras have now been challenged and balanced and I feel faboo! </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Namaste!</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><br />\n</span></p>','Day 120:  Challenging My 2nd Chakra','','inherit','open','open','','3627-autosave','','','2011-01-27 20:14:06','2011-01-28 03:14:06','',3627,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3627-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(3645,1,'2011-01-27 19:57:45','2011-01-28 02:57:45','<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=495141948401&amp;set=at.490413353401.272299.37437463401.1371945350&amp;ref=nf\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3628\" title=\"chakrachallenge2\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/chakrachallenge2-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" /></a>Remember on Day 112 when I invited you to join me in The Chakra Challenge on the phenomenal online yoga studio <a href=\"http://www.yogatoday.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.yogatoday.com</strong></a>? </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Did I have any takers? </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If yes, hurrah!  Yay!  I\'m so excited!  Namaste! </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no, it\'s not too late!  Go to the link above or visit <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yoga-Today/37437463401\" target=\"_blank\">Yoga Today\'s facebook fan page</a></strong>!  Namaste!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If no way, no how, are you nuts?  I don\'t do yoga, Late Bloomer!  Then, that\'s o.k.!  I still think you\'re swell!  Namaste! </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re still wondering, what in the world is a \"chakra\"???  Go <strong><a href=\"http://healing.about.com/cs/chakras/a/learnchakras.htm\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong>! </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">If you\'re wondering why I am so excited and using so many exclamation points, it\'s because my root and sacral chakras have now been challenged and balanced and I feel faboo! </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\">Namaste!</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.7315px;\"><br />\r\n </span></p>','Day 120:  Challenging My 2nd Chakra','','inherit','open','open','','3627-revision-5','','','2011-01-27 19:57:45','2011-01-28 02:57:45','',3627,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3627-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(3646,1,'2011-01-27 20:16:19','2011-01-28 03:16:19','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe><p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\n\n<p>[Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>YOUR sentence is...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-10','','','2011-01-27 20:16:19','2011-01-28 03:16:19','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(3648,1,'2011-01-27 20:25:29','2011-01-28 03:25:29','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe><p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">YOUR sentence is...</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-12','','','2011-01-27 20:25:29','2011-01-28 03:25:29','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(3647,1,'2011-01-27 20:22:03','2011-01-28 03:22:03','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/18347489\">What\'s Your Sentence?: The Video</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>YOUR sentence is...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-11','','','2011-01-27 20:22:03','2011-01-28 03:22:03','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(3649,1,'2011-01-27 20:26:25','2011-01-28 03:26:25','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe><p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>[Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Author Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/18347489\" width=\"400\" height=\"295\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe><p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/18347489\">What\'s Your Sentence?: The Video</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">YOUR sentence is...</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-13','','','2011-01-27 20:26:25','2011-01-28 03:26:25','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(3650,1,'2011-01-27 20:28:00','2011-01-28 03:28:00','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She scintillated souls of all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>[Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Author Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/18347489\" width=\"400\" height=\"295\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/18347489\">What\'s Your Sentence?: The Video</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">YOUR sentence is...</span></span></strong></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-14','','','2011-01-27 20:28:00','2011-01-28 03:28:00','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(3651,1,'2011-01-27 20:33:40','2011-01-28 03:33:40','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She touched peoplof all ages through music, story, and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></p>\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>[Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p>Author Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/18347489\" width=\"400\" height=\"295\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></p>\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/18347489\">What\'s Your Sentence?: The Video</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">YOUR sentence is...</span></span></strong></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-15','','','2011-01-27 20:33:40','2011-01-28 03:33:40','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(3652,1,'2011-01-27 20:34:01','2011-01-28 03:34:01','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">My sentence: </span></strong></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">She touched people of all ages through music, story, humor and heart. </span></strong></span></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Watch this video. Then please share your sentence in the comment section below.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/8480171\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/8480171\">Two questions that can change your life</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>[Hint:  Don\'t over-think it.  Just listen to your gut.  :-) ]</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>I came across <strong><a href=\"http://www.mildlycreative.com/2010/01/your-lifes-work-in-one-sentence-a-challenge-from-daniel-pink/\" target=\"_blank\">a great blog post on this very subject</a></strong> by another talented and creative blogger.  Perhaps his words will help stir up your creative juices and inspire your Sentence.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p>Author Dan Pink invited his followers to write their Sentences.  You can watch the outcome of his project below.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/18347489\" width=\"400\" height=\"295\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></p>\r\n<p><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/18347489\">What\'s Your Sentence?: The Video</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/user418351\">Daniel Pink</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">YOUR sentence is...</span></span></strong></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n','Day 121:  What is Your Sentence?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3630-revision-16','','','2011-01-27 20:34:01','2011-01-28 03:34:01','',3630,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/27/3630-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(3653,1,'2011-01-29 01:11:11','2011-01-29 08:11:11','<p><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3656\" title=\"portrait_1296101066723\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'m on way too many email lists.  Remind me to fix that.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, Hotels.com sent me an invitation to clay myself and star in their upcoming commercial.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sounds goofy, doesn\'t it?  I\'m always up for goofy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned claymating World\'s Most Precious Pooch by uploading one of her photos and letting the clay gizmo at Hotels.com work its magic.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I soon discovered that\'s not how the clay gizmo works.  No uploading of photos, peeps.  Instead, you create your own character.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I\'ve grown quite attached to my alter ego, Quinn.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In fact, I think I have a girl crush on her. </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Isn\'t she hot?  I can\'t stop staring at her.  I want to be Quinn in real life.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If I can\'t be Quinn, I at least want a hat just like hers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To add to all this silliness, Hotels.com assisted me in writing my own own Hotels.com commercial script the Mad Libs way.  <strong><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">You can read mine by visiting her</a><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">e</a></strong>.  While you\'re at it, please cast your vote for Me aka Quinn Parrsky.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Want to clay yourself?  <strong><a href=\"http://view.mail.hotels.com/?j=fe5f1577746102757114&amp;m=feb915797d6c0378&amp;ls=fdfc13737564067c7315777d&amp;l=fe8e1674716d0d7e77&amp;s=fe1f157577620c74731176&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;ju=fe201579736605797c1279&amp;r=0\" target=\"_blank\">Get started here.</a></strong></p>','Day 122:  Claymation Narcissism.  Who knew?  ','','publish','open','open','','day-122-claymation-narcissism-who-knew','','','2011-01-28 17:17:28','2011-01-29 00:17:28','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=3653',0,'post','',7),(3654,1,'2011-01-28 16:23:04','2011-01-28 23:23:04','','Day 122:  Claymation Narcissi','','inherit','open','open','','3653-revision','','','2011-01-28 16:23:04','2011-01-28 23:23:04','',3653,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/28/3653-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(3655,1,'2011-01-28 16:28:04','2011-01-28 23:28:04','','portrait_1296101066723','','inherit','open','open','','portrait_1296101066723','','','2011-01-28 16:28:04','2011-01-28 23:28:04','',3653,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_1296101066723.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3656,1,'2011-01-28 16:33:13','2011-01-28 23:33:13','','portrait_1296101066723','','inherit','open','open','','portrait_1296101066723-2','','','2011-01-28 16:33:13','2011-01-28 23:33:13','',3653,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3657,1,'2011-01-28 16:38:17','2011-01-28 23:38:17','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3656\" title=\"portrait_1296101066723\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'m on way too many email lists.  Remind me to fix that.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the meantime, Hotels.com sent me an invitation to clay myself and star in their upcoming commercial.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Sounds goofy, doesn\'t it?  I\'m always up for goofy.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Originally, I envisioned claymating World\'s Most Precious Pooch by uploading one of her photos and letting the clay gizmo at Hotels.com work its magic.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I soon discovered that\'s not how the clay gizmo works.  No uploading of photos, peeps.  Instead, you create your own character.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 122:  Claymation Narcissism.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3653-revision-2','','','2011-01-28 16:38:17','2011-01-28 23:38:17','',3653,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/28/3653-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(3658,1,'2011-01-28 17:11:27','2011-01-29 00:11:27','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3656\" title=\"portrait_1296101066723\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'m on way too many email lists.  Remind me to fix that.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the meantime, Hotels.com sent me an invitation to clay myself and star in their upcoming commercial.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Sounds goofy, doesn\'t it?  I\'m always up for goofy.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Originally, I envisioned claymating World\'s Most Precious Pooch by uploading one of her photos and letting the clay gizmo at Hotels.com work its magic.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I soon discovered that\'s not how the clay gizmo works.  No uploading of photos, peeps.  Instead, you create your own character.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I\'ve grown quite attached to my alter ego, Quinn.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In fact, I think I have a girl crush on her.  Isn\'t she a hottie?  I can\'t stop staring at her.  I want to be Quinn in real life.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I can\'t be Quinn, I at least want a hat just like hers.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To add to all this silliness, Hotels.com assisted me in writing my own own Hotels.com commercial script the Mad Libs way.  You can read mine by <strong><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">visiting here</a></strong>.  While you\'re at it, please cast your vote for Me aka Quinn Parrsky.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Want to clay yourself?  <strong><a href=\"http://view.mail.hotels.com/?j=fe5f1577746102757114&amp;m=feb915797d6c0378&amp;ls=fdfc13737564067c7315777d&amp;l=fe8e1674716d0d7e77&amp;s=fe1f157577620c74731176&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;ju=fe201579736605797c1279&amp;r=0\" target=\"_blank\">Get started here.</a></strong></p>','Day 122:  Claymation Narcissism.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3653-revision-3','','','2011-01-28 17:11:27','2011-01-29 00:11:27','',3653,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/28/3653-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(3659,1,'2011-01-28 17:16:14','2011-01-29 00:16:14','<p><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3656\" title=\"portrait_1296101066723\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'m on way too many email lists.  Remind me to fix that.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the meantime, Hotels.com sent me an invitation to clay myself and star in their upcoming commercial.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Sounds goofy, doesn\'t it?  I\'m always up for goofy.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Originally, I envisioned claymating World\'s Most Precious Pooch by uploading one of her photos and letting the clay gizmo at Hotels.com work its magic.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I soon discovered that\'s not how the clay gizmo works.  No uploading of photos, peeps.  Instead, you create your own character.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I\'ve grown quite attached to my alter ego, Quinn.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In fact, I think I have a girl crush on her.  Isn\'t she hot?  I can\'t stop staring at her.  I want to be Quinn in real life.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I can\'t be Quinn, I at least want a hat just like hers.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To add to all this silliness, Hotels.com assisted me in writing my own own Hotels.com commercial script the Mad Libs way.  <strong><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">You can read mine by visiting her</a><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">e</a></strong>.  While you\'re at it, please cast your vote for Me aka Quinn Parrsky.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Want to clay yourself?  <strong><a href=\"http://view.mail.hotels.com/?j=fe5f1577746102757114&amp;m=feb915797d6c0378&amp;ls=fdfc13737564067c7315777d&amp;l=fe8e1674716d0d7e77&amp;s=fe1f157577620c74731176&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;ju=fe201579736605797c1279&amp;r=0\" target=\"_blank\">Get started here.</a></strong></p>','Day 122:  Claymation Narcissism.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3653-revision-4','','','2011-01-28 17:16:14','2011-01-29 00:16:14','',3653,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/28/3653-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(3660,1,'2011-01-28 17:17:20','2011-01-29 00:17:20','<p><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3656\" title=\"portrait_1296101066723\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'m on way too many email lists.  Remind me to fix that.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In the meantime, Hotels.com sent me an invitation to clay myself and star in their upcoming commercial.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Sounds goofy, doesn\'t it?  I\'m always up for goofy.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Originally, I envisioned claymating World\'s Most Precious Pooch by uploading one of her photos and letting the clay gizmo at Hotels.com work its magic.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I soon discovered that\'s not how the clay gizmo works.  No uploading of photos, peeps.  Instead, you create your own character.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I\'ve grown quite attached to my alter ego, Quinn.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In fact, I think I have a girl crush on her.  Isn\'t she hot?  I can\'t stop staring at her.  I want to be Quinn in real life.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I can\'t be Quinn, I at least want a hat just like hers.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>To add to all this silliness, Hotels.com assisted me in writing my own own Hotels.com commercial script the Mad Libs way.  <strong><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">You can read mine by visiting her</a><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">e</a></strong>.  While you\'re at it, please cast your vote for Me aka Quinn Parrsky.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Want to clay yourself?  <strong><a href=\"http://view.mail.hotels.com/?j=fe5f1577746102757114&amp;m=feb915797d6c0378&amp;ls=fdfc13737564067c7315777d&amp;l=fe8e1674716d0d7e77&amp;s=fe1f157577620c74731176&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;ju=fe201579736605797c1279&amp;r=0\" target=\"_blank\">Get started here.</a></strong></p>','Day 122:  Claymation Narcissism.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3653-autosave','','','2011-01-28 17:17:20','2011-01-29 00:17:20','',3653,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/28/3653-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(3661,1,'2011-01-28 17:16:16','2011-01-29 00:16:16','<p><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3656\" title=\"portrait_1296101066723\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/portrait_12961010667231-231x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"231\" height=\"300\" /></a>I\'m on way too many email lists.  Remind me to fix that.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In the meantime, Hotels.com sent me an invitation to clay myself and star in their upcoming commercial.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Sounds goofy, doesn\'t it?  I\'m always up for goofy.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Originally, I envisioned claymating World\'s Most Precious Pooch by uploading one of her photos and letting the clay gizmo at Hotels.com work its magic.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I soon discovered that\'s not how the clay gizmo works.  No uploading of photos, peeps.  Instead, you create your own character.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I\'ve grown quite attached to my alter ego, Quinn.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In fact, I think I have a girl crush on her.  Isn\'t she hot?  I can\'t stop staring at her.  I want to be Quinn in real life.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If I can\'t be Quinn, I at least want a hat just like hers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>To add to all this silliness, Hotels.com assisted me in writing my own own Hotels.com commercial script the Mad Libs way.  <strong><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">You can read mine by visiting her</a><a href=\"http://clayyourself.com/gallery2.php?rffrid=fb&amp;userID=1296101066723\" target=\"_blank\">e</a></strong>.  While you\'re at it, please cast your vote for Me aka Quinn Parrsky.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Want to clay yourself?  <strong><a href=\"http://view.mail.hotels.com/?j=fe5f1577746102757114&amp;m=feb915797d6c0378&amp;ls=fdfc13737564067c7315777d&amp;l=fe8e1674716d0d7e77&amp;s=fe1f157577620c74731176&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;ju=fe201579736605797c1279&amp;r=0\" target=\"_blank\">Get started here.</a></strong></p>','Day 122:  Claymation Narcissism.  Who knew?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3653-revision-5','','','2011-01-28 17:16:16','2011-01-29 00:16:16','',3653,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/28/3653-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(3662,1,'2011-02-19 17:57:15','0000-00-00 00:00:00','<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Monetizing</p>\n\n<p>saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>attention shifting from authority to friends.  to social</p>\n\n<p>People are the new content.  People that have influence.  Bloggers have influence.  Marketers love bloggers.</p>\n\n<p>soylent green is people.</p>\n\n<p>1/3 of the way thru.  need suggestions.  send them my way.</p>\n\n<p>fox news example:  people with passionate voices are heard. are paid attention to.  Fox like bloggers</p>\n\n<p>bloggers are influencers.</p>\n\n<p>people are the new content.  blogs are made of people. influence is new distribution.  blogs are influence machines.</p>\n\n<p>monetization the non-sucky way...</p>\n\n<p>massive amount of brand advertising dollars coming online.</p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">good example:  coolhunting.com  sponsored by virgin america. </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">engaging communities.  brand posts question, bloggers answer.  compensation based on your influence.  brands want and need these types of programs.  say media is working with these companies.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\"> </span></p>\n\n<p>sippey@saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>****** www.shoemoney.com</p>\n\n<p>SEO</p>\n\n<p>Google Analytics</p>\n\n<p>Joshua ziering</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>your page needs to have a clear purpose </li>\n	<li>every page needs a call to action</li>\n	<li>assign a dollar value to every possible call to action</li>\n	<li>check once a day for overall trend</li>\n	<li>traffic sources -- keywords</li>\n	<li>goals -- tutorials -- for ecommerce</li>\n	<li>also on goals -- what are people sharing the most?  twitter, fb, etc.</li>\n	<li>Site Search</li>\n	<li>(me:  look up analytics in problogger again and other big bloggers)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Shayne Sanderson</p>\n\n<p>WP eCommerce</p>\n\n<p>http://getshopped.org</p>\n\n<p>Shopp</p>\n\n<p>shopplugin.net</p>\n\n<p>PHPurchase</p>\n\n<p>phpurchase.com</p>\n\n<p>**************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>WP membership sites</p>\n\n<p>grant swain</p>\n\n<p>digital literacy project.com</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','WordCamp','','draft','open','open','','','','','2011-02-19 17:57:15','2011-02-20 00:57:15','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=3662',0,'post','',0),(3665,1,'2011-01-29 11:30:39','2011-01-29 18:30:39','<p>Monetizing</p>\n\n<p>saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>attention shifting from authority to friends.  to social</p>\n\n<p>People are the new content.  People that have influence.  Bloggers have influence.  Marketers love bloggers.</p>\n\n<p>soylent green is people.</p>\n\n<p>1/3 of the way thru.  need suggestions.  send them my way.</p>\n\n<p>fox news example:  people with passionate voices are heard. are paid attention to.  Fox like bloggers</p>\n\n<p>bloggers are influencers.</p>\n\n<p>people are the new content.  blogs are made of people. influence is new distribution.  blogs are influence machines.</p>\n\n<p>monetization the non-sucky way...</p>\n\n<p>massive amount of brand advertising dollars coming online.</p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">good example:  coolhunting.com  sponsored by virgin america. </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">engaging communities.  brand posts question, bloggers answer.  compensation based on your influence.  brands want and need these types of programs.  say media is working with these companies.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\"> </span></p>\n\n<p>sippey@saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','WordCamp','','inherit','open','open','','3662-revision-3','','','2011-01-29 11:30:39','2011-01-29 18:30:39','',3662,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3662-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(3663,1,'2011-01-29 11:26:32','2011-01-29 18:26:32','<p>saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>attention shifting from authority to friends.  to social</p>\n\n<p>People are the new content.  People that have influence.  Bloggers have influence.  Marketers love bloggers.</p>\n\n<p>soylent green is people.</p>\n\n<p>1/3 of the way thru.  need suggestions.  send them my way.</p>\n\n<p>fox news example:  people with passionate voices are heard. are paid attention to.  Fox like bloggers</p>\n\n<p>bloggers are influencers.</p>\n\n<p>people are the new content.  blogs are made of people. influence is new distribution.  blogs are influence machines.</p>\n\n<p>monetization the non-sucky way...</p>\n\n<p>massive amount of brand advertising dollars coming online.</p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">good example:  coolhunting.com  sponsored by virgin america. </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">engaging communities.  brand posts question, bloggers answer.  compensation based on your influence.  brands want and need these types of programs.  say media is working with these companies.</span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\"> </span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','WordCamp -- Monetizing','','inherit','open','open','','3662-revision','','','2011-01-29 11:26:32','2011-01-29 18:26:32','',3662,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3662-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(3664,1,'2011-01-29 11:26:42','2011-01-29 18:26:42','<p>saymedia.com</p>\r\n\r\n<p>attention shifting from authority to friends.  to social</p>\r\n\r\n<p>People are the new content.  People that have influence.  Bloggers have influence.  Marketers love bloggers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>soylent green is people.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>1/3 of the way thru.  need suggestions.  send them my way.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>fox news example:  people with passionate voices are heard. are paid attention to.  Fox like bloggers</p>\r\n\r\n<p>bloggers are influencers.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>people are the new content.  blogs are made of people. influence is new distribution.  blogs are influence machines.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>monetization the non-sucky way...</p>\r\n\r\n<p>massive amount of brand advertising dollars coming online.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">good example:  coolhunting.com  sponsored by virgin america. </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">engaging communities.  brand posts question, bloggers answer.  compensation based on your influence.  brands want and need these types of programs.  say media is working with these companies.</span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\"> </span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','WordCamp -- Monetizing','','inherit','open','open','','3662-revision-2','','','2011-01-29 11:26:42','2011-01-29 18:26:42','',3662,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3662-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(3666,1,'2011-01-29 12:10:29','2011-01-29 19:10:29','<p>Monetizing</p>\n\n<p>saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>attention shifting from authority to friends.  to social</p>\n\n<p>People are the new content.  People that have influence.  Bloggers have influence.  Marketers love bloggers.</p>\n\n<p>soylent green is people.</p>\n\n<p>1/3 of the way thru.  need suggestions.  send them my way.</p>\n\n<p>fox news example:  people with passionate voices are heard. are paid attention to.  Fox like bloggers</p>\n\n<p>bloggers are influencers.</p>\n\n<p>people are the new content.  blogs are made of people. influence is new distribution.  blogs are influence machines.</p>\n\n<p>monetization the non-sucky way...</p>\n\n<p>massive amount of brand advertising dollars coming online.</p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">good example:  coolhunting.com  sponsored by virgin america. </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">engaging communities.  brand posts question, bloggers answer.  compensation based on your influence.  brands want and need these types of programs.  say media is working with these companies.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\"> </span></p>\n\n<p>sippey@saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>****** www.shoemoney.com</p>\n\n<p>SEO</p>\n\n<p>Google Analytics</p>\n\n<p>Joshua ziering</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>your page needs to have a clear purpose </li>\n	<li>every page needs a call to action</li>\n	<li>assign a dollar value to every possible call to action</li>\n	<li>check once a day for overall trend</li>\n	<li>traffic sources -- keywords</li>\n	<li>goals -- tutorials -- for ecommerce</li>\n	<li>also on goals -- what are people sharing the most?  twitter, fb, etc.</li>\n	<li>Site Search</li>\n	<li>(me:  look up analytics in </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','WordCamp','','inherit','open','open','','3662-revision-4','','','2011-01-29 12:10:29','2011-01-29 19:10:29','',3662,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3662-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(3667,1,'2011-01-30 10:36:55','2011-01-30 17:36:55','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3671\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Trading Spaces 2006\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot. Here\'s her note:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHi, friends,\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWould you be interested in sharing your story?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks for your help!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a>\r\n\r\n<em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExcept...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNewer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPrecisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere are the details you asked for below:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Times married:</strong> Once\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nReason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nFor me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnother reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBest,\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMichelle\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*******************************\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you live in my fair city and would like to submit your story to Joe, please let me know, and I will send the information to you.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','publish','closed','closed','','day-123-spontaneous-tv-show-audition','','http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/','2012-02-27 20:58:12','2012-02-28 03:58:12','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=3667',0,'post','',4),(9843,1,'2012-02-29 19:24:33','2012-03-01 02:24:33','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-701','','','2012-02-29 19:24:33','2012-03-01 02:24:33','',9842,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2180047.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(9845,1,'2012-02-29 19:26:15','2012-03-01 02:26:15','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=9843\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-9843\"><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-9843\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/P2180047-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" /></a>','Playdate #8:  Walking the Labyrinth','','inherit','open','open','','9842-revision','','','2012-02-29 19:26:15','2012-03-01 02:26:15','',9842,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/29/9842-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(3668,1,'2011-01-29 13:29:12','2011-01-29 20:29:12','<p>A few days ago, a friend approached me about s</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Katherine</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Name:  Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Age:  <em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  J</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Times married:  Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)  But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way.  I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to present day – I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits.  For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Occupation:  sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Bio:  Please visit here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans. J  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"170\" height=\"36\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"cid:image001.jpg@01CBBEAE.81AFF350\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"170\" height=\"36\" src=\"cid:image001.jpg@01CBBEAE.81AFF350\"> </embed></object>\n</p>\n\n<p>Carpe Diem and all that jazz</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/\"><strong>www.diaryofalatebloomer.com</strong></a><strong>.</strong><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision','','','2011-01-29 13:29:12','2011-01-29 20:29:12','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3667-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(3669,1,'2011-01-29 13:38:26','2011-01-29 20:38:26','<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Monetizing</p>\n\n<p>saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>attention shifting from authority to friends.  to social</p>\n\n<p>People are the new content.  People that have influence.  Bloggers have influence.  Marketers love bloggers.</p>\n\n<p>soylent green is people.</p>\n\n<p>1/3 of the way thru.  need suggestions.  send them my way.</p>\n\n<p>fox news example:  people with passionate voices are heard. are paid attention to.  Fox like bloggers</p>\n\n<p>bloggers are influencers.</p>\n\n<p>people are the new content.  blogs are made of people. influence is new distribution.  blogs are influence machines.</p>\n\n<p>monetization the non-sucky way...</p>\n\n<p>massive amount of brand advertising dollars coming online.</p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">good example:  coolhunting.com  sponsored by virgin america. </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">engaging communities.  brand posts question, bloggers answer.  compensation based on your influence.  brands want and need these types of programs.  say media is working with these companies.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\"> </span></p>\n\n<p>sippey@saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>****** www.shoemoney.com</p>\n\n<p>SEO</p>\n\n<p>Google Analytics</p>\n\n<p>Joshua ziering</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>your page needs to have a clear purpose </li>\n	<li>every page needs a call to action</li>\n	<li>assign a dollar value to every possible call to action</li>\n	<li>check once a day for overall trend</li>\n	<li>traffic sources -- keywords</li>\n	<li>goals -- tutorials -- for ecommerce</li>\n	<li>also on goals -- what are people sharing the most?  twitter, fb, etc.</li>\n	<li>Site Search</li>\n	<li>(me:  look up analytics in problogger again and other big bloggers)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Shayne Sanderson</p>\n\n<p>WP eCommerce</p>\n\n<p>http://getshopped.org</p>\n\n<p>Shopp</p>\n\n<p>shopplugin.net</p>\n\n<p>PHPurchase</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','WordCamp','','inherit','open','open','','3662-revision-5','','','2011-01-29 13:38:26','2011-01-29 20:38:26','',3662,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3662-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(3670,1,'2011-01-29 13:55:55','2011-01-29 20:55:55','<p>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Katherine</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on <em><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong><span style=\"font-style: normal;\">I\'m game! </span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who does her best to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t surface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, reminds me), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Name:  Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Age:  <em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  J</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Times married:  Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)  But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way.  I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to present day – I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits.  For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Occupation:  sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Bio:  Please visit here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans. J  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"170\" height=\"36\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"cid:image001.jpg@01CBBEAE.81AFF350\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"170\" height=\"36\" src=\"cid:image001.jpg@01CBBEAE.81AFF350\"> </embed></object>\n</p>\n\n<p>Carpe Diem and all that jazz</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/\"><strong>www.diaryofalatebloomer.com</strong></a><strong>.</strong><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-2','','','2011-01-29 13:55:55','2011-01-29 20:55:55','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3667-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(3671,1,'2011-01-29 13:59:10','2011-01-29 20:59:10','','Trading Spaces 034','','inherit','open','open','','trading-spaces-034','','','2011-01-29 13:59:10','2011-01-29 20:59:10','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3672,1,'2011-01-29 13:59:43','2011-01-29 20:59:43','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Katherine</strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on <em><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong><span style=\"font-style: normal;\">I\'m game! </span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who does her best to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t surface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, reminds me), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Name:  Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Age:  <em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  J</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Times married:  Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)  But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way.  I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to present day – I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits.  For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Occupation:  sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Bio:  Please visit here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans. J  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"170\" height=\"36\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"cid:image001.jpg@01CBBEAE.81AFF350\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"170\" height=\"36\" src=\"cid:image001.jpg@01CBBEAE.81AFF350\"> </embed></object>\n</p>\n\n<p>Carpe Diem and all that jazz</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/\"><strong>www.diaryofalatebloomer.com</strong></a><strong>.</strong><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-3','','','2011-01-29 13:59:43','2011-01-29 20:59:43','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3667-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(3673,1,'2011-01-29 14:08:01','2011-01-29 21:08:01','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Katherine</strong></p>\n\n<p><strong>Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</a></p>\n\n<p><em>Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on <em><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong><span style=\"font-style: normal;\">I\'m game! </span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who does her best to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Name:  Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Age:  <em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  J</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Times married:  Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)  But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way.  I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to present day – I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits.  For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Occupation:  sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Bio:  Please visit here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans. J  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"170\" height=\"36\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"src\" value=\"cid:image001.jpg@01CBBEAE.81AFF350\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"170\" height=\"36\" src=\"cid:image001.jpg@01CBBEAE.81AFF350\"> </embed></object>\n</p>\n\n<p>Carpe Diem and all that jazz</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/\"><strong>www.diaryofalatebloomer.com</strong></a><strong>.</strong><strong> </strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-4','','','2011-01-29 14:08:01','2011-01-29 21:08:01','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3667-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(3674,1,'2011-01-29 14:13:40','2011-01-29 21:13:40','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\n\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #888888;\">Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </span></span><em><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #888888;\">Trading Spaces. </span></span></strong><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #888888;\">I\'m game! </span></span></span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who does her best to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Name:  Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Age:  <em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  J</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Times married:  Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)  But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way.  I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to present day – I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits.  For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Occupation:  sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Bio:  Please visit here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans. J  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-5','','','2011-01-29 14:13:40','2011-01-29 21:13:40','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3667-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(3675,1,'2011-01-29 14:20:38','2011-01-29 21:20:38','<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Monetizing</p>\n\n<p>saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>attention shifting from authority to friends.  to social</p>\n\n<p>People are the new content.  People that have influence.  Bloggers have influence.  Marketers love bloggers.</p>\n\n<p>soylent green is people.</p>\n\n<p>1/3 of the way thru.  need suggestions.  send them my way.</p>\n\n<p>fox news example:  people with passionate voices are heard. are paid attention to.  Fox like bloggers</p>\n\n<p>bloggers are influencers.</p>\n\n<p>people are the new content.  blogs are made of people. influence is new distribution.  blogs are influence machines.</p>\n\n<p>monetization the non-sucky way...</p>\n\n<p>massive amount of brand advertising dollars coming online.</p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">good example:  coolhunting.com  sponsored by virgin america. </span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\">engaging communities.  brand posts question, bloggers answer.  compensation based on your influence.  brands want and need these types of programs.  say media is working with these companies.</span></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12.8601px;\"> </span></p>\n\n<p>sippey@saymedia.com</p>\n\n<p>****** www.shoemoney.com</p>\n\n<p>SEO</p>\n\n<p>Google Analytics</p>\n\n<p>Joshua ziering</p>\n\n<ul>\n	<li>your page needs to have a clear purpose </li>\n	<li>every page needs a call to action</li>\n	<li>assign a dollar value to every possible call to action</li>\n	<li>check once a day for overall trend</li>\n	<li>traffic sources -- keywords</li>\n	<li>goals -- tutorials -- for ecommerce</li>\n	<li>also on goals -- what are people sharing the most?  twitter, fb, etc.</li>\n	<li>Site Search</li>\n	<li>(me:  look up analytics in problogger again and other big bloggers)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Shayne Sanderson</p>\n\n<p>WP eCommerce</p>\n\n<p>http://getshopped.org</p>\n\n<p>Shopp</p>\n\n<p>shopplugin.net</p>\n\n<p>PHPurchase</p>\n\n<p>phpurchase.com</p>\n\n<p>**************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>WP membership sites</p>\n\n<p>grant swain</p>\n\n<p>digital literacy project.com</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','WordCamp','','inherit','open','open','','3662-revision-6','','','2011-01-29 14:20:38','2011-01-29 21:20:38','',3662,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3662-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(3676,1,'2011-01-29 14:39:39','2011-01-29 21:39:39','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\n\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who does her best to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Name:  Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Age:  <em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Times married:  Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)  But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to present day – <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span> For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Occupation:  sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\">http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-6','','','2011-01-29 14:39:39','2011-01-29 21:39:39','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3667-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(3677,1,'2011-01-29 14:45:11','2011-01-29 21:45:11','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\n\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who does her best to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Fast forward to present day – <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span> For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-7','','','2011-01-29 14:45:11','2011-01-29 21:45:11','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/29/3667-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(3678,1,'2011-01-30 10:23:33','2011-01-30 17:23:33','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\n\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who does her best to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-8','','','2011-01-30 10:23:33','2011-01-30 17:23:33','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(3679,1,'2011-01-30 10:27:14','2011-01-30 17:27:14','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\n\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who does her best to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  ','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-9','','','2011-01-30 10:27:14','2011-01-30 17:27:14','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(3680,1,'2011-01-30 10:29:51','2011-01-30 17:29:51','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\n\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.  (Which this 365 project forces me to do in</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-10','','','2011-01-30 10:29:51','2011-01-30 17:29:51','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(3681,1,'2011-01-30 10:31:21','2011-01-30 17:31:21','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\n\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-11','','','2011-01-30 10:31:21','2011-01-30 17:31:21','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(3682,1,'2011-01-30 10:34:31','2011-01-30 17:34:31','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Best,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>*******************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you live in my fair city and would like to submit your story to Joe, please let me know, and I will send the information to you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-12','','','2011-01-30 10:34:31','2011-01-30 17:34:31','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(3683,1,'2011-01-30 10:36:31','2011-01-30 17:36:31','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3671\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Trading Spaces 2006\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\n\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Except...</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Best,</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Michelle</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>*******************************</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If you live in my fair city and would like to submit your story to Joe, please let me know, and I will send the information to you.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-13','','','2011-01-30 10:36:31','2011-01-30 17:36:31','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(3685,1,'2011-01-30 10:37:36','2011-01-30 17:37:36','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3671\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Trading Spaces 2006\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Best,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>*******************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you live in my fair city and would like to submit your story to Joe, please let me know, and I will send the information to you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-15','','','2011-01-30 10:37:36','2011-01-30 17:37:36','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(3684,1,'2011-01-30 10:36:55','2011-01-30 17:36:55','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3671\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Trading Spaces 2006\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot.  Here\'s her note:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Best,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>*******************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you live in my fair city and would like to submit your story to Joe, please let me know, and I will send the information to you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-14','','','2011-01-30 10:36:55','2011-01-30 17:36:55','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(3686,1,'2011-01-31 01:11:38','2011-01-31 08:11:38','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3698\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Outside garden shot coming soon.  In the meantime, allow me to bore you with this stale photo.  :-D\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P12801782.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P12801782-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an...interesting year.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Real life dictated that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','publish','open','open','','day-124-celebrate-good-times-come-on','','','2011-01-30 19:41:42','2011-01-31 02:41:42','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=3686',0,'post','',4),(3687,1,'2011-01-30 13:55:07','2011-01-30 20:55:07','<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Real life dictates that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-revision','','','2011-01-30 13:55:07','2011-01-30 20:55:07','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(3688,1,'2011-01-30 13:56:47','2011-01-30 20:56:47','<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Real life dictates that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-revision-2','','','2011-01-30 13:56:47','2011-01-30 20:56:47','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(3689,1,'2011-01-30 14:01:30','2011-01-30 21:01:30','<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Real life dictated that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-revision-3','','','2011-01-30 14:01:30','2011-01-30 21:01:30','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(3690,1,'2011-01-30 14:02:37','2011-01-30 21:02:37','<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Real life dictated that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-revision-4','','','2011-01-30 14:02:37','2011-01-30 21:02:37','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(4250,1,'2011-03-02 12:14:43','2011-03-02 19:14:43','<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><a href=\"www.yogatoday.com \" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-4229\" title=\"180050_10150101601838402_37437463401_6423074_7367090_n\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/180050_10150101601838402_37437463401_6423074_7367090_n-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; font-family: Times New Roman;\">Last year I fell into a rut. <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">Big time.</a></strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; font-family: Times New Roman;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman;\">Lost in this rut, I lost touch with many things, including my yoga practice. </span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; font-family: Times New Roman;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman;\">And then <strong><a href=\"http://www.yogatoday.com \" target=\"_blank\">YogaToday.com </a></strong>announced a Chakra Challenge.  And I always love a good challenge.  Or in this particular instance, a challenge within a <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\">challenge</a></strong>. </span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; font-family: Times New Roman;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman;\">My yoga practice has been reinstated, and my chakras are balanced. </span></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; font-family: Times New Roman;\"> </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman;\">Namaste, Yoga Today!</span></span>','Day 155: Challenge within a Challenge Complete!','','inherit','open','open','','4227-revision-17','','','2011-03-02 12:14:43','2011-03-02 19:14:43','',4227,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/03/02/4227-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(3692,1,'2011-01-30 10:38:01','2011-01-30 17:38:01','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3671\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Trading Spaces 2006\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot. Here\'s her note:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Best,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>*******************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you live in my fair city and would like to submit your story to Joe, please let me know, and I will send the information to you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-16','','','2011-01-30 10:38:01','2011-01-30 17:38:01','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(3694,1,'2011-01-30 19:20:43','2011-01-31 02:20:43','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-206','','','2011-01-30 19:20:43','2011-01-31 02:20:43','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1280178.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3693,1,'2011-01-30 17:22:11','2011-01-31 00:22:11','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3671\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Trading Spaces 2006\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3671\" title=\"Trading Spaces 034\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Trading-Spaces-034-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A few days ago, a friend emailed and asked if I would be interested in applying for a TV show spot. Here\'s her note:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hi, friends,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I have a friend that has an intergrity-based tv show he wants to produce that involves divorced or soon-to-be divorced women’s perspectives.  He is looking for people to interview as possible guests or material.  ..especially if you were “raked through the fire”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Would you be interested in sharing your story?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you are, we need name, age, times married, reason for divorce, occupation, a little bio if you have it, picture.  They are putting together a questionnaire, but this will get them started.  This is a group that is more interested in making a positive impact on the world than putting out the trash we see on the networks…I trust that this project will be one of integrity and good taste!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks for your help!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Katherine</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">Golden Fortune Interiors, LLC</span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"http://www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com/\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">www.goldenfortuneinteriors.com</span></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #993300;\">Good Design Brings Good Fortune!</span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>[Katherine is one of my most eclectically cool friends.  We\'ll explore her world more at another time in another blog post.  :-) ]</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Wow.  It\'s been awhile since my 15 minutes of fame on </strong></span></span><em><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Trading Spaces. </strong></span></span><span style=\"font-style: normal;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>I\'m game! </strong></span></span></span></em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Except...</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Wow again.  I\'m not a \"past\" person.  I learn the lesson and then move on.  I\'m a \"future\" person who strives to live fully in the present.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Newer friends in my life are always surprised when they hear that I was married long, long ago because my marriage/divorce/ex-husband just don\'t resurface in my present life.  So why would I delve into the muck of ten years ago for a TV gig?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Precisely because my past does not affect my present.  I\'ve never thought of this before (although my friend, Sarah, has suggested it), but I suppose I am somewhat of an example of hope for women who are presently or recently in the muck.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Here\'s what I submitted to the TV Powers-That-Be aka \"Joe\":</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Hello, there.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Here are the details you asked for below:</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Name:</strong> Michelle DeSpain</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Age: </strong><em>Very early</em> fortysomething.  Ahem.  41.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Times married:</strong> Once</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Reason for the divorce:  The cliché.  (He cheated.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But we all know that the marriage is broken before it gets to that point.  So again, it was the cliché – I was young, naïve, and felt pressure to marry before 30.  I fell for looks and charm.  I saw the red flags flying high long before the wedding and turned my head the other way. <strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"> </span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">I dreamed of a soulmate, and I was told that I’ve always kept my head in the clouds…the hopeless romantic…soulmates don’t exist.  I settled.</span></span></strong></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Fast forward to present day –</span></span></strong> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong>I don’t believe that there is one soulmate for everyone, but I do believe that we resonate with kindred spirits. </strong></span></span></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>For me, that means that we share many common interests, values, dreams and a positive disposition and outlook on life.  Sadly, I didn’t share these with my ex-husband.  It now seems like a lifetime ago that we were together (we divorced in early 2001), so I look back and wonder, “What was I thinking?!?!?”</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The divorce was crushing to me.  Divorce was foreign to me.  My parents are still together and <em>still love each other</em>.  Go figure!  My sister is married to her high school sweetheart and best friend.  I was beyond devastated.  It took time, but I healed.  Completely.  I feel no residual negative feelings from the divorce.  (It helped that I could detach completely from my ex since we never had children.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am proud of the strong woman that I evolved into through my experiences.  I am no longer naïve.  I will always be a <em>hopeful</em> romantic.  It’s my nature.  I feel no pressure to rush into relationships for the wrong reasons.  I don’t settle.  I am serial single, and I am perfectly content in staying that way until Mr. Right-for-Me (and vice-versa) shows up.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Occupation:</strong> sales (paid), blogger (unpaid -- darn it), former teacher (lifetime achievement award)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Bio: </strong>Please visit here: <strong> </strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Another reason why I’m serial single:  I don’t have time to date unless he’s a <em>really good sport</em> and want join me in my shenanigans.  :-)  Find out why here:  <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\"><strong>http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/</strong></a></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Thanks again!  What is the next step in this process?  I look forward to hearing from you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Best,</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Michelle</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>*******************************</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If you live in my fair city and would like to submit your story to Joe, please let me know, and I will send the information to you.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 123:  Spontaneous TV Show \"Audition\"','','inherit','open','open','','3667-revision-17','','','2011-01-30 17:22:11','2011-01-31 00:22:11','',3667,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3667-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(3695,1,'2011-01-30 19:24:40','2011-01-31 02:24:40','[caption id=\"attachment_3694\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Hoping to switch this out soon with outside shot of garden.  Waiting on official photographer.  Could this one be more boring???\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1280178.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1280178-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\n\n<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Real life dictated that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-revision-5','','','2011-01-30 19:24:40','2011-01-31 02:24:40','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(3696,1,'2011-01-30 19:30:51','2011-01-31 02:30:51','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>Real life dictated that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\n\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\n\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-autosave','','','2011-01-30 19:30:51','2011-01-31 02:30:51','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(3698,1,'2011-01-30 19:36:52','2011-01-31 02:36:52','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','Outside garden shot coming soon.  In the meantime, allow me to bore you with this stale photo.  :-D','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-208','','','2011-01-30 19:36:52','2011-01-31 02:36:52','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P12801782.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3699,1,'2011-01-30 19:24:45','2011-01-31 02:24:45','[caption id=\"attachment_3694\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Hoping to switch this out soon with outside shot of garden.  Waiting on official photographer.  Could this one be more boring???\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1280178.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3694\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P1280178-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Real life dictated that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-revision-6','','','2011-01-30 19:24:45','2011-01-31 02:24:45','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(3697,1,'2011-01-30 19:29:21','2011-01-31 02:29:21','','OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA','','inherit','open','open','','olympus-digital-camera-207','','','2011-01-30 19:29:21','2011-01-31 02:29:21','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P12801781.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3700,1,'2011-01-30 19:37:49','2011-01-31 02:37:49','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3698\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Outside garden shot coming soon.  In the meantime, allow me to bore you with this stale photo.  :-D\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P12801782.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P12801782-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Real life dictated that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-revision-7','','','2011-01-30 19:37:49','2011-01-31 02:37:49','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(3701,1,'2011-01-30 19:38:26','2011-01-31 02:38:26','<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3698\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Outside garden shot coming soon.  In the meantime, allow me to bore you with this stale photo.  :-D\"]<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P12801782.jpg\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3698\" title=\"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/P12801782-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>So...I made goal for my 2nd year at Noble Publishing Superpower.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>In sales, this is a good thing.  I\'ve heard that people celebrate when this happens.  I simply sighed relief.  Now I can fund this blog and a puppy.  Hurrah!</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I still feel very new at all of this, and I still feel like a teacher rather than a \"salesperson\".</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I suppose this is why NPS almost exclusively hires former teachers in sales.  We genuinely want to help our customers, and that authenticity is part of the corporate culture.  i.e., We\'re not your stereotypical smarmy salesforce.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>And since we\'re not typical, this is what I struggled with on our Awards Night on Day 124:  the vast majority of my colleagues/friends who worked their you-know-whats off, did not make goal.  It was an odd year.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>The teacher in me feels uncomfortable and unhappy when members of my work family played their best at the game and were left standing on the sidelines.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>If I were in charge, I would give them all their mid-year and end-of-year bonuses.  I am the eternal idealist.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Real life dictated that my work family showed up on Friday night to celebrate with us in the most enchanting of settings, The Desert Botanical Gardens.  Hopefully, the ambiance, food, friendship, and open bar made the event a bit more palatable.  :-)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am extraordinarily grateful not only for my award, but for the best work family a girl could ask for.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I can\'t wait to cheer for all of you in a year\'s time!</p>','Day 124:  Celebrate Good Times, Come On?  ','','inherit','open','open','','3686-revision-8','','','2011-01-30 19:38:26','2011-01-31 02:38:26','',3686,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/30/3686-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0);
