charliemc, posts by tag: speech - LiveJournal

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October 14, 2017 (Saturday) 11:59 pm - Friday and Saturday -- Auction!!! [2017, adam-and-lauren, adeena, angel, auction, auction-2017, auction-costumes, auction-video, carla-and-gary, costumes, elphaba, exhausted, festival, food, glinda, hungry, jeff, leslie, manicure, mark, october-2017, odot, photo-share, photos, queen-michaela, sister-sue, speech, starbucks, tired, traffic, wicked-witch]

charliemc

Friday, October 13:
There are NO WAYS to describe how crazy and busy and exhausting and FUN the day was! It was very much wrapped around preparing for the Auction -- then attending it.

Marilyn went to work in the morning. I stayed home and began applying my GREEN makeup to various parts of my body. Hahaha.

When Marilyn got home mid-day, we headed over to get sister Sue and bring her to the house. She was dressed and ready to go for the event.

I had already put on my outfit and gone next door to show June and Jim how it looked. That was prior to toning down the makeup quite a bit (I was very, very green at that point!) and without my broom -- an important part of the costume.

Sue's outfit was very pretty! She looked really nice. And we added a small witch hat and a small broom.

Marilyn and I spent quite a bit of time preparing for the event. And keeping an eye on Sue. I won't go into the details right now (!!!), but that was far from easy. It worked out just fine, even so. Hahaha.

Once ready, we left for the event, arriving around 5:30 p.m. What an AMAZING night!

Time for a massive PHOTO SHARE!!!
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO SEE FULL SIZE

Big group photo by the HOUSE on Nessarose's dead legs (wicked witch of the east)
Sister Sue, me (Elphaba, wicked witch of the west), Adeena (Dorothy), Marilyn (Glinda),
Carla (wife of the mayor), Gary (mayor of munchkins) and Angel

Festival staff photo

Me with Jessica (the scarecrow)

Me with Jessica (different view)

Me, Adeena and Marilyn

Me pointing at Nessarose dead with Adeena/Dorothy inside the house!

My dear friend Mark with Marilyn

Marilyn and Wanda (tinman)

Marilyn and Adeena

Leslie and Marilyn (both as Glinda)

Leslie, Lauren and Marilyn -- all as Glinda!!!

Leslie

Jeff with Adam -- as the Wizard behind his curtain!!!

This is the house created as our photo prop this year

Me with Queen Michaela inside the house (fun!!!)

Carla and Gary (as munchkins)

Adeena kissing Marilyn -- sweet!!!

Marilyn and I literally end up so busy visiting with all the attendees that it's difficult to even look at the items for sale! Marilyn bought a couple of things, but I never even saw ONE! I was also baby-sitting sister Sue to make sure she was good all evening...

I bought many drinks for various friends, too. (Marilyn was especially happy I bought Carol a drink, as she never had the chance to do so.)

We were both huge hits in our costumes. I can't remember another time in my life where I've received so many compliments from friends and total strangers! And I was posing for photos all night long. It was really exciting, I have to admit. And Marilyn won the 'battle of the Glindas' hands down. There were many Glindas there, but her outfit was the best! She looked lovely.

Seeing everyone always means so much to me. I talk to tons of people and there are many hugs and kisses! I'm proud of how many people I manage to interact with at this large event.

The video was WONDERFUL! Marilyn should be so proud. And Queen Michaela did a wonderful job with her speech. She is such a sweetheart!

We had several members of the court at our table with us. Mark sat by me and Sue on my other side. And I went around the room and talked to people I hadn't seen in the room below...

Marilyn ended up spending quite a bit of money in support of the festival. Mostly on the Appeal, etc. She got me this stuffed lemur I'd been in love with in the office (she spent quite a bit). But today (Saturday) we took it down to the office to give to Jessica, whom we both dearly love -- and who loved the lemur even more than I did!!! (We decided we wanted to do something special for the three women who worked their tails off for this event...)

We never feel bad about the money we spend at this event, as it supports the organization we love so very much.

After we needed to take sister Sue home to Hayden Island. ODOT was doing CONSTRUCTION work on the bridge, apparently. We sat in standstill traffic for more than TWO HOURS in order to drive her home. Adeena was in it even longer than we were!!!

But we managed to enjoy it, chatting with Sue and singing along with songs on the Beatles channel! How we love that.

Poor Marilyn needed to pee and had figured she'd wait until she got home -- a long wait! (That dress wouldn't have been easy in a public restroom.)

Lots and lots of people ran out of gas and had to pull over! What a mess! I guess Angel lost his headlights driving home. Yikes! I don't know how ODOT can justify it, I really don't.

We were dead tired when we got home. I had to shower and scrub off the green of my costume! I barely remember finally getting to bed...

Saturday, October 14:
We slept in -- surprise! Hahaha.

I was having HORRIBLE leg cramps! I was so dehydrated that I could barely draw blood to test. And I was wearing heels (not that high, happily, but still) last night. And we're on our feet for hours and hours.

We both were just exhausted today.

We went over for me to get my fingernails fixed -- my manicure wasn't done properly and had been peeling off all week long! My woman from last time was there and fixed it right away. I went from black to lavender -- very pretty.

Then we went and got Starbucks and sat and ate egg bites there. We were starving! We took a cup to Sue, but nobody opened the door at her house! (Even though we knew she was home and Candy's car was there.) We finally reached her by phone to tell her to get her drink outside the door!

I had called her just past noon to get her daily report and write it down. And she was very happy about last night.

Then we headed to the festival office and were there for some time...

We had to stop for gas and go shopping before heading home. We got back right around 6:00 -- in time for our METV viewing.

Again we were starved and wanted to eat -- and my blood sugar was under 100. Right now that's low for me, so I was rather shaky...

I did manage to make popcorn tonight, anyway. But I fell asleep during Svengoolie! And woke up during Batman...

And that's my Friday and Saturday! Sweet dreams, all!

Feeling:happy

April 16, 2016 (Saturday) 11:46 pm - Blessing and Sing-Off -- Busy and GOOD Day! [2016, adeena, april-2016, beach-house, bill-barry, blessing-of-the-festival, blurry-eyes, christine, contact-solution, contacts, drive, exercise, eyes, fitbit, food, frank, frank-and-becky, friends, jeff, kris, leg-cramps, marie-s, marilyn, mcdonald's, movie, pain, pedicures, photos, princesses, queen-kahedja, rick-and-marie, rick-royal-rosarians, rose-planting, royal-rosarians, sheila, shopping, sing-off, sleep, spartacus, speech, steps, thirsty, tired, walking, walmart]

charliemc

Marilyn is currently in the living room snoozing in front of "Spartacus" on the TV (she taped it when it played recently). And I just forced myself to get in here and blog...

I finally got my hair done last night. (woo hoo) And my uniform was fine, so I just finished up and headed right to bed. Marilyn was sound asleep on the family room sofa when I checked on her.

"Spartacus" is one of our all-time favorite movies. (I've also read the book and enjoyed it.)

We did sleep in this morning. Lovely! I sometimes feel sleep is just a wonderful luxury. This time of year it is for sure!

Anyway, we got up and got ready to head to the office, where we met up with Adeena, Jeff, Christine and Sheila to walk up to the Blessing of the Festival (which was being held at a downtown church this year).

Speaking of walking, I got 7,000 steps today (much better than yesterday). That's in spite of having leg pains today. (You have to keep on walking, as I always say!) Marilyn has 6,800+. Not sure how I suddenly have more steps than her, as she was ahead of me earlier today (???). I'm only 38,000-something for the seven day count. My friend Devon has 79,000-something (and Jeff has 69,000-something). I'm proud of June who has 7,000-something, which means she's averaging 1,000 steps a day! Cool!

The Blessing was really good this year. Marilyn and I liked Rick's take on things. Rick is a good guy. His wife Marie had on a lovely vintage outfit that included lovely pumps and cream-colored gloves. I think I'd say her outfit was off-white or cream. Anyway, just beautiful. Frank spoke really well (the speech Marilyn wrote for him). And the minister was quite impressive. I thought the singer did a good job, too (and I'm picky).

Adeena got loads of photos! Good deal!

After the Blessing we had the Rose Planting over in the nearby park blocks (by the statue of Teddy Roosevelt!). And I controlled all the photos being taken after that... (I've been doing that quite a bit since Centennial year...)

Then we walked back to the office. We didn't stay long, as we wanted to grab a bite to eat and change clothes before the next event.

I put food on but it was barely done in time to eat something quickly, change and take off. We were nearly late for the Sing-Off, so I'm glad we left when we did!

We ended up sitting in the FRONT ROW (!!!) for the event -- which we've never done before. (Usually we sit way back.) But the place was packed, so we were glad they'd saved seats for us (reserved). Jeff was on the end and Frank next to him, then Marilyn and me. So I ended up next to the three Princesses who attended -- and when Kahedja arrived (Queen Kahedja, wearing her crown), she sat next to me.

Speaking of Queen Kahedja, she wore a BEAUTIFUL lace dress with lovely blue pumps to the Blessing. And had on a nice watermelon shade blouse this evening.

The Sing-Off ran long and late. But it's a wonderful event! There were nine (!!!) groups performing tonight from all over the state.

Marilyn was introduced at both events -- I should mention that. (As COO that's appropriate.) Jeff as CEO is announced. And the staff is mentioned, as well. Frank (our president) spoke at both events.

I'm sorry to say that there was some confusion and Kahedja did not get introduced this evening. She was gracious about it, though.

After that event we were VERY THIRSTY and went to McDonald's to get something to drink -- and ended up getting sandwiches, too. Then we went directly to Wallmart so Marilyn could pick up some blue (medicine).

My eyes had been bothering me all day long and I was squinting and blinking and everything was blurry. I know I need to see my eye doctor, so I was figuring my prescription might have changed, or something. (Eye strain, allergies or who knows?) But Marilyn -- of course!!! -- reasoned it out! I needed my soaking solution recently and decided to try a different brand! If she had mentioned that, I don't know if I would have ever figured out the issue. Clearly I'm sensitive to whatever is in that bottle. So we got my 'old' solution while at Walmart (thank God!).

It was such a relief to take out my contacts and put on my glasses. (whew) My eyes feel much better right now!

I saw tons of friends today. It's amazing to have people come up to 'get a hug from Charlie' -- (or a hug and kiss) -- which I'm actually known for among all these individuals. Yes, I'm a person who loves to get in your space and share hugs and kisses! (grin)

By the way, I saw my friend Kris (he's a Royal Rosarian) today. And my friend Bill is on Council now!

I wore one of my nice pairs of pants this evening (when we changed out of our uniforms). But they kept falling off me. Marilyn says they're too baggy now. I was going to try wearing a belt, but I guess I should just give them up... (sigh) I really like those pants, so it's disappointing.

Well, I'm probably forgetting a lot of things, but that's because I'm tired. We should head to bed, I guess.

Marilyn wants us to get go our pedicures tomorrow. And we need to drive down to the beach house and pick up the stuff we left behind last week (!!!). It's not always easy to remember everything.

So I'm off! Goodnight and happy dreams, my friends.

Feeling:good

February 6, 2016 (Saturday) 11:55 pm - Marilyn's Job is Never Done... [2016, breakfast, dinner, february-2016, festival, food, ipads, jeopardy, leslie, marilyn, mcdonald's, sick, sleep, sleeping, speech, taco-time, team-pins, tired, tv, women-of-power, work]

charliemc

Marilyn woke herself early this morning (around 7:00 a.m.) to write a speech for Leslie to give at the Women of Power banquet that was held tonight. Yes, after four very LONG days at work this week, she started off her weekend by waking up and writing a speech. Man, is she dedicated, or what???

Anyway, she needed to head down to the festival office to print out the speech and put it on cards for Leslie -- and to get her some 2016 Team Pins to take along for the dinner. So while she was out she stopped at McDonald's and got us breakfast.

So you'd think we'd be all excited about the NEW all-day hours for breakfast for McDonald's, wouldn't you? Well, they don't include our favorite item, which is the sausage biscuit. So we're still always trying to get there before 10:00 a.m. to buy it. Hahaha. It figures, huh?

I thought it was nice of her to bring us home breakfast, I have to tell you! We don't get it often, but it's a real treat when we do.

Later on she went out to take the speech and pins over to Leslie's house. She said I wouldn't recognize that area anymore! I guess they've been doing a lot of building in the neighborhood. She thinks that Leslie's house is probably worth more than our house, now. Interesting.

We both played on our iPads some and watched some TV. We're finally caught up with "Jeopardy" after today!

We were watching a bunch of stuff on HGTV, too...

And I finally forced myself to WASH MY HAIR. That might not sound like a big deal, but when you're not feeling well it's all you can do to get yourself into the shower to wash your hair. I've taken many, many baths, but it's exhausting to actually stand up and wash your hair...

At least I can sit DOWN to dry my hair! Hahaha.

This evening we both drove out to get Taco Time for dinner -- another treat! We haven't had it since January 18 (MLK Day).

Well, it's time for bed, so I'm off. Good night, all! I hope you sleep well.

Feeling:sick

May 10, 2014 (Saturday) 11:58 pm - Good (Busy!!!) Day! [2014, event, happy, long-hours, marilyn, may-2014, public-speaker, speech, vaudeville-rose, weekend, work]

charliemc

It's late, so I'm not going to do my usual blow-by-blow of the entire day. There's just too much to cover, and we're heading for BED soon.

The Vaudeville Rose event was FABULOUS! A huge success! And to think -- not a single person was being paid to take part! Everyone there was a volunteer. Wow. It blows the mind. I will talk more about it, because the performances were amazing. Just not tonight...

We're planning to only work half a day tomorrow -- so we can take half a day OFF. Keep your fingers crossed for us that something doesn't happen to change that plan...

Marilyn was AWESOME speaking (twice) tonight! She such a great public speaker.

Anyway, I'm tired and ready for bed. It's been a very LONG week!

Sleep well, everyone!!!

Feeling:happy

March 20, 2013 (Wednesday) 08:16 pm - Crazy Busy Day -- Mostly Website Work... [2013, arcadia-book, busy, candy, court, dental, dentist, festival, festival-website, march-2013, marilyn, mary, nicole, powerpoint, princess, sister-sue, speech, work]

charliemc

I can't believe it's heading toward 8:00 p.m.! Seriously, where did this day go to??? A minute ago I looked at the clock and was stunned it wasn't closer to 4:30 or 5:00...

Well, as they say, "Time flies when you're having fun." Actually, I say that all the time! Because even though Marilyn and I work hard (and we work long hours), we do have a lot of fun! If you like what you do, it's easier to put in the time -- that's for sure.

I've been pretty much glued to my computer most of the day, working on changes for the festival websites. There's still so much to get done!

I did take a 'break' to do a load of dishes and clean in the kitchen a little bit. And I heated up some leftovers and ate those standing up in the kitchen in a big hurry. Aside from my work, I had to get myself ready for my dental appointment today...

Unfortunately, I didn't phone sister Sue sooner. I did phone her, when I realized she actually was late to get me. She hasn't been sleeping well, so she dozed off while watching her show (11:00 to noon -- "The Young and the Restless"), and didn't wake until I called...

( So we were late picking up Nicole from school...Collapse )

It was interesting at the dentist today. I got my front tooth fixed -- the one that's been so ugly and embarrassing for ages. It really looks nice now! (And for whatever reason, Mary didn't charge for the work.) I have TWO (count 'em, TWO!!!) more dental appointments -- and then my work will be done! Very exciting. There are three cavities that need filling (two will be done at the same time). I asked if I'd need a cleaning, but Mary told me I wouldn't. She said I keep my teeth really clean, so it's not necessary. (woo hoo)

I do try to be good about brushing and flossing (and using strong mouthwash for added effect against bacteria). I remember years ago having an issue with dental calculus (tartar) that had to be removed. That was a short period of my life where I had bad dental hygiene. I recall being shocked by the tartar at the time, so it's little wonder that I decided to be much better about keeping my teeth really clean. It certainly hasn't meant much toward fewer dental issues, though. (sigh) That's the sad thing...

Marilyn gave another speech today. I think it's exciting that she's doing this! She told me she quickly made changes to the PowerPoint presentation while working on other things. And the speech takes a couple hours out of her day getting there, doing it and then returning to the office...

Two more days and the Court will all be selected! Marilyn and I might go Friday to see the Roosevelt Princess announced...

Well, Marilyn's still at the office -- and I still have more work to do. So I guess I'll get back to it!

Feeling:busy

March 6, 2013 (Wednesday) 11:31 pm - Speaking Engagement -- Marilyn at the Oswego Heritage House [2013, angel, book, court, dental, february-2013, festival, food, frank, kindle, lake-oswego-oregon, living-history, marilyn, movie, pain, powerpoint, princesses, recommendation, rich, sister-sue, speech, tired, tv, work]

charliemc

This evening Marilyn spoke to a group at the Oswego Heritage House (in Lake Oswego, Oregon). It went really well -- she did a great job! I was very proud of her. And she did an excellent job with her PowerPoint presentation for this event.

The current Living History people appeared with her. Rich and Angel were there to work the event, as well. And Frank (currently President-Elect -- he'll be President after Todd) was there, too. Along with George, the author of our festival Arcadia book.

Plus there was a good turnout, I thought. And people really seemed to enjoy it.

Anyway, I'm glad I was able to be there. Sister Sue drove me in to the office in the afternoon -- the event took place from 7:00 to 8:00 (but ran a bit long).

We had refried beans (very well mashed) for dinner again tonight (as we did last night), as I'm not really able to chew anything to speak of.

Marilyn and I just got done watching "The Descendants" -- for those who haven't heard of it, it's a 2011 movie featuring George Clooney that follows the story of Matt King and his family. It won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and two Golden Globe Awards (for Best Picture, Drama and Best Actor, Drama). We really enjoyed it!

I spent the morning here at home working my tail off. Then I went in to the office and did more work prior to heading to Marilyn's speaking event. It was yet another very busy day...

I just saw an email about an IT situation at work. I can hardly stand facing it, frankly...

I plan to stay home tomorrow -- and take it easy (which I didn't end up doing today). Yeah, I have to do the garbage and recycling, but I think I might not work tomorrow, except to do the Princess announcement. Today was Princess number three, tomorrow is number four...

I finished my latest book last night, "Taking Flight," by Adrian Magnuson. It was an amazing read! Elderly Harry (who has Alzheimer’s) joins up with teen-ager Jay -- and together they have a road trip and learn that love and family goes beyond blood relations... Very good writing!

Well, my mouth hurts and I'm tired, so this is it for today.

Feeling:proud

September 19, 2012 (Wednesday) 09:21 pm - Ready to Go to Denver? Getting Closer! [2012, bedroom, cats, cleaning, denver, food, ipad, iphone, june, marilyn, packing, september-2012, sister-sue, speech]

charliemc

I talked to both sister Sue and friend June about the cats. These two are BOTH minding the house and our kitties while Marilyn and I are gone. (Jim is going to help, too -- with the garbage and recycling, anyway!) So nice of all of them. But I must have driven them NUTS with instructions.

'Only bottled water to drink.'

'Don't over feed. They hate dry food. Toss out the old food and give them fresh.'

'Extra food is in the downstairs freezer.'

And on and on. We're gone a lousy three days and two nights, people! I think the cat will do just fine... Hahahahahaha.

I'm a control freak. Couldn't help myself! And I gave our tomatoes to both of them, too. They started out green and went red and lovely -- and would go belly up before we get back! I didn't want to toss them, and both Sue and June seemed pleased to have them. Good deal all the way around!

Sister Sue is taking us to the airport in the morning. I'll be fighting myself NOT to over-pack for once. I mean, AGAIN, we're only there two nights and three days! How many clothes do we need? Plus we'll be wearing our uniforms, so...

The house? Looks pretty good if I do say so myself. Even my bedroom isn't that bad. Yeah, I need to vacuum, but whatever. It's better than it has been, anyway!

Poor Marilyn. It's going on 9:00 p.m. as I type this, and she's STILL AT WORK. No surprise, with budgets due and everything. As I've said, it's hard for her to be out of the office right now. And I'm so grateful she's going to be there with me! (At one point we thought she wouldn't get to go, so this is pretty special.)

Sister Sue told me today that she'd really wanted to go -- and could have gotten free airfare. That was the first I heard of it, so I was pretty surprised. I'm sorry she can't make it, but glad she's willing to help care for our cats (and house!) while we're gone. She's a great big sister!

My speech is done. I've got it both on my iPhone and iPad -- and Marilyn printed it out for me at work. It's short (under three minutes long), so I should be able to remember it, pretty much. That is, if I spend a little time practicing it! Nothing like waiting until the last minute. Hahahahahaha. Well, like I said, it's short -- so it shouldn't be a big deal.

Marilyn and I can pack tonight -- or even first thing in the morning, really.

Well, I walked away and it's now past 9:00 -- and Marilyn is on her way home. Gotta run!

Feeling:excited

August 17, 2012 (Friday) 05:02 pm - 2012 Volunteer of the Year [award, dental, facebook, festival, ifea, interview, links, marilyn, sister-sue, speech, tv, volunteer-award, webmaster]

charliemc

The icon that's displaying with this entry is one of the professional photos that was taken of me by the festival (well, Marilyn arranged it with a photographer we use for Court photos) -- specifically for use with our media release of the following:

Charlie wins 2012 Volunteer of the Year

I was told this weeks ago -- and the announcement came as a total surprise! Yes, I knew I'd been nominated -- Marilyn wrote and submitted the nomination. But we'd both been pretty convinced I wouldn't win, as it's always a strong field of contenders (probably needless to say).

( Details!Collapse )

I'm thrilled and honored. I feel humbled by all the attention -- I'm normally a behind-the-scenes kind of gal. Being a 'Webmaster and IT Manager' isn't very 'sexy' (as they say). Which is probably why people love focusing on my work during the parade (!!!), which is (as my cousin Linda recently said) 'cool beans.' (grin) I love all the work I do -- yes, no matter how much I might bitch about it from time to time. Hahahahaha.

We'll be going to Denver in September for the IFEA convention, where they'll make the official announcement and I'll be giving a speech. (The trophy I'm going to receive looks awesome in photos, by the way...)

I'll share more as it happens (honest!). I'm supposed to be interviewed by another TV news show next week -- we'll see if that happens or not.

(Sorry it took me so long to share this. There's just been SO MUCH going on with the award, work, sister Sue's dental and my own dental and on and on. I need to be better about my blogging!)

Feeling:proud