ClayManiacs

This thread idea was brought to us by franniek54 and we think its a great new idea for after hours.  Thanks fran! 

:yay  I don't need to be lonely no more!   (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Love/hugcomputersmiley.gif)

Frannie - I hope NOT to see you here.   :lmao  That means we are both not sleeping.  But this will be the first place I check in!!!   :wink  Glad to see the new thread!!!

Hello all,

Finally a “Menopausal Insomnia” thread... :purpbana

Miss Kat, you can’t be “Menopausal Insomnia?” :wink :lol

Good night, I hope I won’t see any of us here late tonight. :wink

Well now look at that!  And I thought I was the only one in here late at night.  :shrug   Well, I'm gonna try at least right now to do some snoozin cuz I have to work tomorrow and I need to be semifunctional.

Like all of you I hope to NOT meet you in here, but if I need this place I'm glad it's here.   :hugg :hugg :hugg

This is the only thread that we DON'T want people to post in!  Leave it to me.... :lol

 :wave :wave :wave

Well...here I am.  What a surprise.   :lol  My usual 3 am wake up call.   :bduh  Was reading a little about the recent magazine articles, and it just makes me sick.  I think I will try to go back to bed.   :wink
Woodstock :bouncy

Frankie - I didn't know you had started this thread or I would have been on last night. Let me see - I went to bed at 11:00 , TOOK  a sleeping pill, woke up at 12:30 and have been up ever since. Now I'm going to try to go back to sleep and see if I can't get a couple more hours of sleep.

At least I know where to come when I wake up in the middle of the night.

Oh this is great - now if I could just drag myself out of bed to the computer when I wake up at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 (yes, menopausal insomnia).  I even take a Sleep Right before I go to bed and that does cut down on the number of times I wake up!!
I may drop in sometime.  Nice (or sorry) to see you all here!!   :hugg

I needed this thread opening night of Spamalot! I went to bed between 4 & 5. The man drew me in!  :hypno

                                          OK SO IS THIS THE PLACE I COME TO HAVE LATE NIGHT CONVERSATIONS WITH ME. :roflmao :roflmao

OMG, look at all the people in here who have sleep disorders!!!!   This is very sad!!!

Well, I can't guarantee we'll all be in here at the same time, but you never know.  :lol

Last night I went to bed at 1:30, woke up at 3:30.  My nose was really stuffy so that's why this time.  Couldn't go back to sleep and the tossing and turning was waking up hubby, so I went to lay on the couch and turn on the tv.  Too tired to come back here this time.  Bush's  State of the Union address was on CNN--that put me right to sleep.

I have found in general tho that if I cut down on my expected sleep time, I may get less sleep than what I want, but a better quality when I do sleep.  So if I go to bed at 11PM I will only sleep 50% of the time, but if I go to bed around 1AM I often times will sleep right thru till 7AM.  From time to time I need a nap to catch up.   :blush  Maybe I just don't need as much sleep as I think I do.  Exercise helps too.

I don't mind conversations with myself.  I do it even during the day!  :laugh

Or you could decorate for the others to see when they stop in.  :drool

Or you could just leave and no one will be the wiser.

But all are welcome.

So now I know where to come in the middle of thenight, well not quite because I live in California, so my 3 am wake up will be after you all have gone back to bed. Sometimes I'm up earlier.

Menopausal insomnia, humm. well actually i have RLS. Restless leg syndrom. I take my meds for that a then conk out within an hour. They work to quiet the lower brain stem. Then I wake up and cannot go back to sleep.

So see you all another night.

Hi ladies!  I'll try to drop by one of these late nights when I have gotten up for the 3rd time to pee!!!  (can I say that here?   :para )

Well, hellooooo, out there.  Here I am at 10:49 and everyone has gone to bed.  Heck, I'm just getting started!

I just posted this on the blp, but maybe it would make a good conversation starter.  If you all have thoughts about this too, tell me your POV.

where is everybody?  :para  :roflmao

Well, I have no fun reasons why I'm  here, I'm just a terrible night owl. :lol :lol But unfortuneately, I must get some sleep now. :tired What kind of night owl am I going to bed at 1:30 in the morning? :lol

Bye for now, hope to get back here some other night. :smile

Carla :bubble

 :wave everyone!!!
Glad to see we have a group forming, even though not because we WANT to be awake.   :lmao  I fall asleep just fine....then wake up and can't go back to sleep.  Probably several reasons contribute...But believe it or not, although I got up to pee (like Thea  :wink ) I'm still feeling very tired and hope to get back to sleep. 

Beth - I think you were just a little early.   :lol

But glad to see we have our own little group here!!!   :bouncy  Thanks, Fran, for the idea!!!
Woodstock :bouncy

I guess I am all alone. I think I'll make a cup of sleepytime tea and try again to sleep.  

Guess I am the only insomniac atthis time of well, I'll check back later.

I sure will be seeing yall here, I work till 11:30 and get home around 12:20 or so. I have to unwind till 1:am or so and if I had a bad night I can be up for hours. I am off for target.

Beth ~ what the heck are you doing here?  :scratch

Carla ~ Cute! avie.  Did you have him sign your nude drawing of the 2 of you?   :lol

cl4clay ~ You've really got it bad!  :comfort  So sorry.

Ilovetowrite ~ Hope to meet you soon.   :wave

stargazer and Woody ~ Hey!  :whootwave


To anyone who is able to sleep in, pleasant dreams!


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/sleeping/74d92c4e.jpg)

We had a terrible wind storm last night.  It knocked over our grill on our deck.  Scared the ~*c*r*a*p*~ out of me.  I couldn't fall back to sleep.

Well I'm sorry no one was here to greet you.  Here's a consolation gift.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/hot%20ones/14Knoxville-1.jpg)

Good evening, everyone (think of Alfred Hitchcock as you read that :lol). :bigsmile How are ya'? :bouncy

Frannie, good Gawd, no. :lmao If I brought that in to sign, I would have died (maybe Clay would have too :para :lmao), but it'd be my own fault for thinking Clay would want to see something like that. And if we both survived, I'd be put on the list for sure. :lol
I actually brought the cookbook in to sign. :smile He signed it, "Carla, Use Your Stove, Clay Aiken." :roflmao

Nice pic there, by the way. :slick :thud Haven't seen it before. :bouncy

HULLO to all the night owls on tonight. :wave Go back to bed. :lol

Carla, why didn't you have him sign one of your dividers?  One with the dogs in it he might have liked.


I do like that pic, Carla--he looks so intense!


Now I have a question that I've always wanted to ask you..........Why are you called cashew?  :scratch

OK sleepless ones.  I have a question I'd like you to weigh in on:   


              Should Clay stop doing interviews for awhile?

Is anyone up?  Well, I tried to stay in bed and see if I could fall  back to sleep, so I got up to see who is here.

 :wave Fran, and the rest of the Insomniac Club!!!

As for your question....NO, I don't think so.  I think Clay needs to stay out there and be who he is.  I have a feeling you think so, though...and would like to hear your opinion.   :wink

Beth - We had the same wind storm, too.  I think it kept the whole town up most of the night.   :lol

OK, 2 more hours before the alarm goes off,  so I better try to get some sleep.

Evelyn - Next time try some brandy instead of Sleepytime tea.   :lmao

I likey our little group here.   :ghug2

 :wave Evelyn!!!  I'm here!!!

Woody - I tried wine and that didn't work. Next time I'll try Brandy - do you think I'll turn into an alcoholic?

Well, I think everyone left me again.

No.   :lmao  I don't know why I wake up like this....it's difficult when I have to get up with an alarm.  Good luck going back to sleep.   :cross   Good to see you here.   :hugg   Glad this thread is here.  We should have had it a long time ago!!!  :bigsmile

You  are s o right Woody. At least I know where to come when I wide awake at 3 in the morning. Well, it's almost 4:30 now and I going to try some warm milk.

Now I know where to post when I get up with the early, early birds.  :lmao :lmao


I think Clay does get "misinterpreted" sometimes when he does interviews, but at least it keeps his name in the press.  This makes him a "newsworthy" topic and so that is good for his career in the long run. 

And, where would the Aiken News Network be without all the mentions???   :roflmao

 :wave Deanna!!!  :bighug
You're getting up, and it's still too early for some of us.   :naughty But what better to do when you can't sleep???
Back to bed for me.   :tobed

                                       WELL I AM UP AT 8:30 DOES THAT COUNT. :roflmao :roflmao I AM SURE I WILL HAVE ONE OF MY CONVERSATIONS SOON.BET YOU CAN'T WAIT CAN YA. :lol

Woody ~ Since you asked :wink I do kinda think he should lay off the interviews for awhile, and I suppose that's probably all there will be anyway until the new CD comes out.  This is what I wrote yesterday on the BLPT


Maybe one AP article prior to any new project he needs to promote, or just a press release and leave it at that.  IMO, bad publicity is NOT good publicity.  I've talked to several people who are turned off by all the negative stuff.


Evelyn ~ maybe we'll all just become drinkin buddies and meet here at 3 AM every morning for a shot of whiskey--strictly for medicinal purposes of course.


Deanna ~ Some days you're getting up when I'm just going to bed!


Glory ~ I find myself to be my own best listener.   :lol   and I always agree with myself so there are no arguements!


OK ya'll have a good day.  Here's a cute oldie but goodie.  I just rediscovered this last night, anybody remember it?

                   (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/clayaikenphotbooth.jpg)




 

Does it count to post at 11:32 in the morning when you woke up too early and couldn't get back to sleep? :lol

Frannie, Prissy actually suggested I have him sign a divider page (since I was thinking of bringing in one of my sketches for him to sign), but it all kind of flew out the window in my mind when he walked in. :lol I did give him a drawing, though, which I hope he liked. :smile
Glad you do like the pic, I like it quite a bit myself. :giggle Wonder why. :wink :lol Good thing about being short (I'm only 5'1" :para), he pulls you in some and leans right down. :thud

Why am I called cashew? Well, it was a cold December morning . . . no, it wasn't. :lol Um, when I found Claymaniacs and decided to join, I was tired of my usual board names and wanted something with Clay in it. Well, I was eating cashews at the time, and I thought it'd be funny to have a nut name, since he's allergic to most, you know, and that's how it went and I became "the only kind of nut (the crazy kind :lol) he's not allergic to". :giggle It's silly, but I think it's fun. Though I get so many questions, "Why are you Clay's Cashew? He's allergic to them." :P

I love the old Clay pic. :smile And do remember. :bouncy

Woody, Deanna, Frannie, love your opinions about Clay interviews. :clap I haven't really read too many interviews as of late, so I don't think I can really weigh in on it. :dunno

Glory,  Let's just converse with ourselves for a while, and then chat with other's later. :lol

Hullo other insomniac people. :wave Though, if you're up now, you're most likely not an insomniac type person . . . or you could be, if you slept in. :giggle

Carla ~ Have you been under a ROCK?



There's only one pic I've seen where he really didn't get close at all to that person.   :lol   Think I know why.



Well, you could be Clay's peanut, which is kinda cute, but I don't think a peanut is really a nut, it's technically a legume I think, which is probably why he is not allergic to it.  Haven't heard anything about him being allergic to beans, peas, soybeans or alfalfa which are also legumes.  In fact I think he's kinda partial to alfalfa.

        (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/AI/AlfalfaPic-2.jpg)

Fellow insomniacs ~ I am not feeling my best, so soon I will be drugging myself and heading to bed.  But I thought that this was a really interesting and thought provoking question posed by Moonshot on the CM eartlier today.  Maybe we can brainstorm for our Clay. 



Here's some things I'd like to see him do:

Act as stand in host for Jimmy Kimmel--do a monologue or some silly game with the audience and interview the guests.

Guest host on Good Morning America.

Record one or two or three movie theme songs to be run over the credits.

Play a funny side kick in a movie.

Do a commercial in Europe or Japan.

Tour in Europe.

Sing for the Queen.  Too bad Princess Diana is gone, she would have loved him.

Produce and host a PBS special/documentary on special needs kids or autism or the BAF or one of his Unicef trips or something like that.

Record a dual disk.

Record a CD of duets with Quiana.

Design a collection of sunglasses, sandals, socks and hoodies for Target.   :roflmao


Now let's hear your suggestions.



Here's a dreamy image to lull you back to sleep when you're done.


                   (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/hot%20ones/2inecz1.jpg)

Woodstock checking in!!!  :bouncy

I LOVE this thread.  We are growing!!!  :bigsmile

Why can I sleep better at 8 pm than 1 am?????   :bang

Fran - Thanks for the answer to my question.   :bouncy  I honestly don't know why people misunderstand Clay.  I think they choose to.  But I still don't think he should stay away from interviews.  He should stay out there.  And hopefully, he will choose his interviews carefully.

My hopes for Clay???

I have ALWAYS thought a voice in a Disney animated movie would suit him JUST GREAT!!!

I would love to see him host Saturday Night Live, as others have mentioned from time to time, too.   :wink

I would LOVE a CD of duets with Quiana.  What a great idea!!!  They sound wonderful together.  _{(Sorry Angela...)}

And I think I could buy some sunglasses, sandals, socks and hoodies from Target for myself or members of my family.   :wink  Another good idea!!!   :clap

I think I may sleep well now....since I am going to cuddle up to that picture.   :thud
Woodstock :bouncy

Good morning everyone

Well, it's 4:30 but I've been up since 3. Tried to just lay in bed, but that didn't work. Wonder what will make me so tired I'll sleep all night long.


Good morning Woody.

Evelyn - I didn't make my usual 3 am check in so I just missed you!!!  If you come up with the secret to sleep all night, please let me know.  Did the warm milk help the other night???  Hope you get some rest today.   :hugg

Well, I thought yesterday's cocktail of Dimetapp and snow shoveling would have done it but I was up at 3 again.  Thank god for the news tho and 3 pillows to drain my sinuses.  That usually does the trick.

Good ideas Woody.  He's got the perfect voice for voice overs cuz it's distinctive.  And SNL...it's a given.  Would be a nice gig now that he's in NYC and promoting a comedy, but then he couldn't do his Sat. night show and when would he rehearse?  Oh well, I guess it'll have to be another time.

Have a good day ladies.  I'm off into the wintery wonderland that is chicagoland today.  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Travel/thCar01.gif)


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Winter/claysnowmag.jpg)

Anybody home?   :lookie

 :wave Fran!!!
We got all the snow, too.   :bang  But I got a snow day off!!!  :shappy  One of my friends came over and did a little shoveling for me, but I will have to finish it today.  I don't like shoveling or raking.  We have a lot of sidewalk and a lot of yard.

Hey....one thing I like to do when I am awake at night is flip through the channels and see all the infomercials.  I actually learn something from time to time.   :wink  My favorite is Jack LaLane (sp?).  I love the concoctions they cook up.  And, of course, I am a QVC junkie, so I can always turn that on.   :wink

But I'm going to try to get back to bed.  I'm going to try to do some errands I wasn't able to do yesterday because of the snow.

Happy sleeping, ladies!!!  :bouncy

Well - good morning to all

I've been laying in bed trying to go back to sleep since 3:30, and, as usual, it isn't going to happen.  So - here i am

I like this thread , but it seems we are going to have to set our alarms so that we are all here at the same time.

It's really odd, if I stay up until at least 5:30, then I'm able (sometimes) to go back to bed for a few more hours.

Woody  - the brandy didn't work any better than the wine.!!!! :lol  

  :whootwave

 :wave Fran and Evelyn!!!
Here we are again.   :bduh 
Sorry the brandy didn't work, Evelyn.   :wink  As I said, just turn on the boring infomercials and they are bound to put you to sleep.   :lol

good thing it's Saturday tomorrow

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/sleeping/ClayandRubensleeping.jpg)

Woody, what infommercial are you watching now? 

I like the one for Bare Minerals.  I learn make up tips from that one. 

I also like the one for the total gym with Chuck Norris and Christy Brinkley.  I want one of those.

My son likes Chef Tony who sells the knives.

Hi Franny and Woody - Still trying to get some sleep.

Left the computer  for a while. Sorry about that. I'll stay on and see if anyone answers.

Evelyn are you watching any infommercials?

The full version of Invisible that Clay performed on Kimmel in Sept '06 is now up on Youtube.  You can find it  HERE  (http://youtube.com/watch?v=SKmc_Nxlwpc).

Woody ~ If you're not back by the time I'm done watching it I'm going back to bed.

No - I don't bother to turn the TV on. I'm just reading , trying to make myself sleepy again/

what are you reading?

Ok, time for me to go.  I'll talk to ya'll tomorrow when we wake up.  Ha!  Wonder when that will be.

Sorry for not answering you. I went to the bathroom.   I'm reading Outlaw by Rita Jackson.  See you tomorrow. I'm going to bed once again.

I just missed you again, Evelyn!!!  I fell back asleep around 4 and have been up again since 6.   :bang  I know I won't fall asleep again, but I think I will lay down for awhile before the stores open up that I need to go to.

Fran - I was watching Jack LaLane's infomercial of his power blender.  I have WAY too many kitchen gadgets to spend $150 on something new, but it sure looks interesting.  You can make cold or hot things in there.  Try to catch it sometime when you are awake at night.   :wink

I also saw Bare Minerals for a little while...just channel surfing mainly.  If I see anything else interesting, I will let you know.  :wink

Woody, now you can watch your favorite infomercials any time you choose.  We could even watch them together in the middle of the night!   (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/tvsmiley1.gif)   Here's the link:

http://www.infomercials-tv.com/


They have

 The Cleavage Clip  (http://www.infomercials-tv.com/blog/2007/08/cleavageclip.html)

The Cat Genie (http://www.infomercials-tv.com/blog/2007/06/catgenie.html)   It's an automatic litter box that looks like a toilet.   :lol   See?

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/kitties/catgenie.jpg)


Egg and Muffin Toaster (http://www.infomercials-tv.com/blog/2006/03/eggs_are_health.html)   I actually have this one, but I didn't buy it from tv, I got it at Kohl's.

Etch-a-Sketch Wired (http://www.infomercials-tv.com/blog/2006/07/etchasketch.html)   It's an etch-a-sketch that you can play on your tv.


And so much more!

franniek  there is no way on gods green earth that my cat would get in that litter box.

                                      :wave :wave JUST COMING IN SAY HOWDY IN CASE I SLEEP ALL NIGHT.  :lol

                                   SERIOUSL Y I HAVE SLEPT REALLY GOOD FOR THE PAST WEEK. WISH I COULD GIVE YOU ALL SOME OF IT. :hugg :hugg I KNOW HOW HARD IT IS NOT TO SLEEP.

:laugh  Mine wouldn't have either, but once I tried to teach my cat to use the toilet with one of those pans they use in the hospital to catch your urine when they need to measure it.  I put the litter in the "hat".  (That's what they call them.)  I put the cat on the edge of the toilet.  If they can balance on a window ledge or a tree branch or a fence they can balance on a toilet seat right?  Well, It turns out a cat can only do those things if they WANT to do them, otherwise they slip and slide and dig their claws into the nearest stable object, which in this case was me.  Oh well, it WAS a good idea I'm convinced, just not for this particular cat with this particular teacher I guess. 

I do love cats tho, despite their obvious quirks.

     (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/kitties/thWeeeee.gif)

Well...all's quiet on the Claymaniac front tonight!

I am heading off...so I will leave the light on for those who will be here soon! I'll also leave some brandy and warm milk out for anyone who wants either of them to help them sleep. 

For those who don't want to sleep....here are some oldies but goodies to stare at:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Claymaniac113078/25marthaomg-1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Claymaniac113078/13AImagazine1.jpg)

:wave Hey Cindy!  I'm in the same boat.  I'm not an insomniac...I just go to bed too late.

I think the lullaby CD would be really cool and he would do a great job with it (as he always does!).  It probably wouldn't sell the best of course but its a nice dream!  (nice pun, eh?)   My son listens to music every night when he goes to sleep and two CDs that he listens to the most is MCWL and another mixed Clay Christmas CD.  He listens to them throughout the year.

Aww Ang ~ That is so sweet.  I have a similar story (see below).


Cindy ~ For the most part that is my deal too--I go to bed way too late.  That's why I am here when some of you all are starting to wake up.  Sometimes tho I do wake up in the middle of the night, and once I am up it's hard to go back to sleep.

Do you remember back in 1994 Kenny Loggins did a CD titled "Return to Pooh corner"?  It was a CD of sweet children's songs.  My youngest son was 3 when that CD came out and our bedtime routine was to read some books and then we would turn on a tape with music to fall asleep to.  I always laid next to him while he fell asleep on his double bed.  It was very peaceful and I loved that time in our lives.  One of our favorite tapes was "Return to Pooh Corner".  It's a really beautiful CD, very gentle and nostalgic, but not sappy.  Here's the track list (ignore the "buy from" info, I can't delete that for some reason):

1.   All the Pretty Little Ponies - Buy: iTunes Music Store - Rhapsody - AOL Music Now

2.   Neverland Medley: Somewhere Out There/Never Never Land/Pure ... - Buy: AOL Music Now

3.   Return to Pooh Corner - Buy: iTunes Music Store - AOL Music Now - Rhapsody

4.   Rainbow Connection - Buy: iTunes Music Store - AOL Music Now - Rhapsody

5.   St. Judy's Comet - Buy: iTunes Music Store - Rhapsody - AOL Music Now

6.   The Last Unicorn - Buy: AOL Music Now

7.   Cody's Song - Buy: AOL Music Now

8.   The Horses - Buy: AOL Music Now

9.   Love - Buy: AOL Music Now

10.   To-Ra-Loo-Ra - Buy: AOL Music Now


I always liked Kenny Loggins voice and music, and I preferred to have my kids listen to music that wasn't dumbed down for them, so this CD was perfect.  Anyway, long story short--Clay would do an awesome job with something like this and I think it would be a project that would be close to his heart, and he could give the profits to the BAF!

OK - I'm up and can't fall back to sleep. Whose here?

Well ====from looking at the times. One of us is up and then another one comes one and then they leave and someone else comes on.  We are going to have to co-ordinate these times :lol :lol :lol

At least someone is on this thread late at night beside me.  I'm going to try to sleep again.  If not, Cindy, Woody and Frannie - see you later.

I have a question for you all.  I was thinking about this today.  With Clay now showing his comedic talent to the world, I wouldn't be surprised if he starts getting some scripts to read for tv and films. 

He likes to be a little over-the-top, outrageous in his comedy, but there's a fine line between funny and vaudeville.  and he really can't do alot of physical comedy, except for those priceless facial expressions.  :roflmao 

So who would you like to see Clay model his acting style after, if he does any acting?  Here's some comedic actors that I would like to see him be compared to:

Steve Martin--he's really good at playing goofy, yet sweet, like in Roxanne.

Bill Murray

Leslie Neilson--Clay could do that deadpan stuff, he sure kept a straight face in Spamalot

Owen Wilson--he was hilareous opposite Jackie Chan

Jack Black--also musical and funny

Zach Braff

John Heder

Jason Alexander--started in the theater

David Arquette

Jim Belushi

Allan Cumming--Scottish character actor, very funny

Kevin Kline

John Ritter

David Schwimmer

Jimmy Stewart

Kelsey Grammar

and of course the obvious--David Hyde Pierce, and anyone from the Monty Python troop



What do you guys think?

Good Early Morning!

I am up because my back is hurting.  Because of the surgery, I can't sleep on either side yet.  I may go take a pain pill and see if that helps.

I agree that Clay is naturally funny.  He doesn't even have to try;  he's just funny.  This is why he is always such a good guest on talk shows.  I would not be surprised to see him show up on TV shows  comedic roles.  Movies, too.

Sure hope he keeps singing!

Evelyn,
I sure wish I had some of your cookies to go with a glass of milk!

 :wave :wave :wave

I'm a little late this morning.   :lol  I didn't wake up until almost 4 am. That's pretty good for me, but now I'm wide awake. 

I fall asleep JUST fine...too early most of the time on the couch watching TV.  Then I wake up to go to the bathroom and can't get back to sleep.  People have suggested a mild sleeping pill, but that makes me a little too nervous.  So I'll just come here and visit with all of you!!!

Good to see new faces over here!!!  Welcome Cindy and Glory!!!   And glad to know some people are good sleepers, Glory.

Fran - Too funny about the infomercials.  I will have to check that out!!!   :lol

You have the best ideas for Clay discussions.  You may remember that we used to have Sunday Roundtable Discussions, that turned into Weekly Roundtable Discussions.  I think your ideas belong there, too!!!  So I hope you don't mind, but I am going to start a thread with your latest idea comparing Clay to other comedic actors.  I think it will make for a great discussion, and over in Clay Daily, a lot more people can join in.  I will voice my opinion there.   :wink

Evelyn - I think you and I are most alike.  Just wake up and can't get back to sleep.  I don't mind it so much on the weekends, but during the week it is very hard on me having to get up and go to work, no matter how much sleep I have had.  Hubby gets mad at me when he comes home on the weekends and I sleep during the day.   :lol  He is a very good sleeper.  I told him I am up so much at night I have to sleep SOME time.   :wink

I have missed church the last two Sundays because of this sleeping problem. When I finally fall back to sleep, then I sleep right past church time, so I better try harder today.  We'll see...
Woodstock :bouncy

 :wave Prissy!!! 
Glad you found us here!!!  Hope you can find a comfortable way to sleep.  Hope the pain pill helps.   :hugg

I almost came here at about 2:30. I couldn't sleep. Instead I turned on the TV. I'll be here next time though.  :lol

Woody - I think you should get an entire series of blood work done. Tell your doctor, there has to be a reason and you want every test possible as far as blood work is concerned. That is where I found out that I had Graves Disease.

My sleeping problem is related to that and since there really is no cure, I have to put up with it. I will say that because of it, I decided to retire. You are so right woody. It was making me nervous because I would wake up and not be able to go back to sleep and knowing I had to work the next day , made it even worse.  Now, at least, I can sleep off and on until I feel I've had enough sleep.

Hope this helps you Woody.

Well, just speaking from my own experience, naps are the worst thing you can do, but I end up doing it all the time.

Fortunately I only work part time so I often times can catch up when I need to.

Sunday morning church was never an easy thing for me.  Saturday night or midweek is better.

Believe it or not, finding claymaniacs has improved my ability to sleep thru the night, cuz I stay up later so I'm more tired when I go to bed.  And it's way more interesting than tossing and turning for hours at a time.  I'd rather get 5 hours of real sleep than 8 hours of tossing and turning for 50% of the time.

I have a prescription for Sonata, but I hardly ever take it.  It's the sleeping pill that I find makes you least sleepy the morning after, but they all leave you with some sort of "hangover" effect so it's just better to try to do without IMO.  I'm telling you tv is the best sedative there is.


Woody ~ I do not mind if you put any of my questions into a rountable.  The more the merrier.  Anyone who knows me, knows I do alot of musing, about all kinds of things.


And just to get off of this boring topic, here's pics of some of my favorite of Clay's past comedic roles.  Show me some of yours too.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/untitleda-1.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/untitled.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/kimmel/Smoothing2Bthings2Bout2B1.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/kimmel/dolls.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/DWTSKimmel009_0002.jpg)

Well women, I'm about to head to bed, and I have only one thing to ask you tonight. 


                                            Who wore it better?


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/tomPetty1.jpg)   (http://www.claymaniacs.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10230/normal_20080124-006-CW11MSa.jpg)


Now don't ever complain about the long, straight, blonde, parted in the middle hair again!

Woody!  I just had a great idea!  You know that Clay Aiken Lip balm we're supposed to be getting with our OFC renewals?  Well, I know I'm gonna want more than just ONE!  So why doesn't Clay make it available through INFOMERCIALS!!!!!!  It's a sure fire winner!

A little of this: 

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Mike%20and%20Juliette/CVmandj20.jpg)


And a little of this:

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/tongue/250608946-L.jpg)



And the stuff will sell itself!!!!   I'm tellin ya, it's money in the bank!!!!   

I started having pains in my abdomen so I am up.  I don't know if it's because I fixed dinner or if it was what we ate.  Maybe the garlic bread was more than I could handle just yet.  For those unaware, last Monday I had hernia and related surgery and I am still recovering.  I guess I can't do as much as I thought I could.  Frustrating.

Clay and infomercials!!  That's an interesting concept.  What else could he sell besides chapsticks?

I seem to feel better when I'm sitting up, so I think I'll bounce around the site a bit.

Hi prissy - Well it's 4 and I'm up.  Anyone else up on this site.

Prissy - Any kind of surgery takes a while to get over. I know you are not used to laying around, but our bodies do require some rest after surgeries, sooooo take  itt easy, gal!!!!

Well, I have managed to be up for awhile, even tho I stayed up late for the Super Bowl! :lol

I am trying not to be too bummed that the Patriots lost.  :hypno

Prissy, I hope you feel better soon. :hugs

I think Clay should sell those iPhones he is all excited about.  :bigsmile

:wave hi gang!! Have a great day!

Hey girls, I've got the lip balm ready to market.   :lol  Now we just need the go ahead.


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project2.png)


I'm headin' to bed.  Hope I don't see ya for the rest of the night!

Well . . . Seems like no one's here. :sad But hullo anyway. :whootwave :lol

Wasn't it rumored a year or two ago that Clay was doing at least the singing voice for a prince in an animated movie . . . Rapunzel, I wanna say. :dunno Though, rumors are worth a three dollar bill as we've learned. :wink :lol
But it would be too wonderful if Clay did a voice over for a movie, wouldn't it?? Mother's would be dragging their kids that are in their 20's and above to see it. :wink :giggle

And who talked about infomercials??? I looooove watching them. :lol They make me giggle. :giggle

With this face:

(http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj123/SketchyCD/Clay%20Aiken%20concert/MinneapolisClayaww12_20.jpg)

I think anyone would buy from his infomercials. :giggle

Golly it's great to find a thread where someone might be posting when I'm on!...woohoo!...so howdy do to you 'late birds' from this night owl west coaster...and my apologies for you all who can't sleep through the night, too!

I used to have that midpoint wake up experience lots...and it wasn't until I was through the peri- menopause...however it is spelled, that I read why!  ...now that that whole phase is over, I pretty much can sleep on through...except the ol bladder thing... I finally understand why it's such a luxury to have a bathroom directly off the bedroom...beyond the obvious, I mean...  :blush

I end up feeling like writing before I'm off to bed...and being out here, when most of this board is in the midwest/east coast, I've been a lonely soul over at the CM most evenings...  :sigh  so...thankee franniek54 for your great idea!   :hugs

and  :wave to all the familiar 'faces' I see over here!  Since I'm just about recovered from a nasty bronchial thing/cough and sinus yuck...I might just be able to fall asleep...if not, I'll be back... and check in with you all again... :wink
 

An Early Good Morning!

I am still having trouble sleeping;  no pain tonight but just not comfortable since I can only lie on my back and cannot turn on either side.  I will probably go sleep in the recliner for a while.

Clayharmony,
Aren't you a musician?  Do you play an instrument or sing?  I play violin in a quartet and orchestra.  And I am a retired public schools music teacher.  I have a feeling you and I are aware of more of the subtleties of Clay's singing.  I have noticed how on some songs if he has vibrato on one note, often the next note does not;  unless he is singing a song that is "softer" than most.  I am really enjoying the Season two Rewind and looking forward to his performances again.

Carla,
Hello!  I think we missed each other.  I am going to go try to rest some.  Did you ever see my mug with my Clay/Prissy pictures?

Good night all!

I hope others joining in will be able to get some sleep.

I'm here Bozena - Just decided to try to lay in bed for a while to see if I could go back to sleep.

Frannie - You crack me up with all your ideas.   :lmao  I'm sure Clay could sell about anything...he's very believable.   :wink

Good to see lots of new faces over here...but I don't ever wish bad sleep on anyone.  I actually slept pretty good last night.  So now I'm up too early.  Oh, well....

Hope everyone had a good night!!! And NOW has a good day!!!

Hi everyone. It is 6:10 a.m here in my neck of the woods. I am wide awake. I have to take my german sheppard to the vet this morning so may be that is why I am awake.  They told me to have him there between 9 and 12. It takes me an hour to get there. well I am off to find me a snack.

Carla ~ That Minneapolis hair is my favorite.  :goo

Johanna ~ Glad you're here.  :hugg

Prissy ~ 

I know nothing about music, but I've noticed just with my own singing that vibrato is way more tiring than just holding a note.  So how can Daughtry sing with vibrato almost ALL the time?  Just curious, cuz he really does use a lot of vibrato, reminds me of how Carmen Rassmussen started out, but in a GOOD way.

Hi Bozena and Evelyn   :wave   You probably don't remember this, but I met you in West Palm Beach this summer.  We drank champagne together, and Bozena you told us everything that went on in your M&G. 

Debbie ~ Flight of Ideas they call it.  It's outa control!!!

"lovetowrite" ~ Hope your doggie is OK.  If you WANT to, why don't you write something cute to post here.  We are obviously a group that needs to be entertained!


See ya'll later!   :bigsmile


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/WRAL/Project3.jpg)

 :wave :wave :wave

Like a good insomniac, I just ironed my clothes for tomorrow.  I am REALLY hoping for a snow day, since we are having such bad weather, and if that happens, then I will have my clothes ready for Thursday.   :bigsmile

At least there's plenty of TV on tonight with all the election coverage.   :bduh

Well...just in case we DO have school, I better try and get some sleep.   :tobed

Sorry  I missed you, Evelyn.  It looks like I'm headed to school....and I really only got a few hours sleep.   :bang  Not quite sure how I am going to pull this off.  Caffeine, maybe???  Which I seldom drink....but it just may come in handy today.   :bduh  I sure hope you are  :claydream  right now!!!

Woody ~ You'll never see me without a cup of caffeine in my hand.  I drink it so much that I got one of these for my birthday:


                    (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/122_2290-1.jpg)


Now Clay can come with me to work or anywhere else that I go!   :bouncy


Sorry I left you girls unsupervised last night.  I'll do better tonight.

Wow, what a COOL gift!  :slick



Well you better, Ms. Insomniac.  :lol  And I bet you are sleeping right now!!  :nap

How insulting!!!!!   I don't sleep during the day!   :slap

Boy that Dimetapp really is making you loopy!  :crazy  Did you forget you wrote this??  :giggle
Busted!!  :nener

Ummm, what happens in the BLP stays in the BLP.   That's my only defense.

She know the Mantra well! :wink

My mother used to say she was just checking for cracks in her eyelids.  :lol   

Well you late nighters.  I'm just sitting here looking at my new avie, and I'm just wondering what you all thought about that WRAL interview.  Wasn't it wonderful?  I only wish there were more besides WRAL.


I read this quote and I felt crummy about it.  But the truth is--there has been hardly ANY publicity about it.  A teeny weeny bit of time on ET and that's it!  and I was wondering if they were ever going to talk about it, or what was the point of him even going there?  I hoped that Unicef wasn't just using the Claymates for donations and happily settling for that! 

I'm glad that WRAL is covering it, but that's local media, and it should be covered by national media, if not international.  I don't think that any American would lack sympathy for Mexican people who have suffered misfortune in their own country.  And it shouldn't be only up to Americans to donate to the cause anyway.

So what do you guys think about this?  Why don't they ever do some print articles?  That would make a fabulous human interest story for the Sunday paper!  or in the Wall Street Journal?  If you catch the eye of some philanthropist he could make Claymate money look like small change, which really it IS!  Small change from many thousands of average Americans who share Clay's values.  But there are many more resources out there to tap into, and I'm disappointed that Unicef doesn't make more of an effort to do so.

And talk about infomercials!  Clay could film a 60 second, short informative ad (something like Christian Children's Fund does) ending with a phone number and website for sending donations to.   

Surely they could be doing more to raise awareness!  Or do you know of any that I have missed?

Frannie - Good morning - I agree with you totally. It seems that they are just using Clay to get to all the Claymates.

I've often said this to myself. OK - so we all contribute, and that's really nice, but , as you said, there's a big world out there. I remember when I was working and each year we were asked to donate to a United Way fund. Under this fund, were a whole host of other funds, one of them being a Katrina fund and another for Unicef. So you could just donate in general and they split that up among all the funds or you could specify just one fund.

Well, I've been up since 3 but I'm trying to just lay in bed . Actually, today, I actually fell back to sleep for a half hour, which isn't too bad.

 

 :wave :wave :wave

I sure enjoy reading over here.  But I don't have much time this morning...will have to comment later.

Just wanted to let you know that I found out how to sleep well!!!   :bigsmile  You get just 3 hours sleep one night, come home from work and shovel until you think you are going to collapse, then stay up till midnight, even though it seems impossible.  THEN you go to bed.   :lol  It worked last night, but I don't recommend it.   :wink  :naughty

That's a good strategy Woody!  If only we all lived at the NORTH POLE.  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Seasonal/thblizzard1.gif)

I did shovel yesterday too and I'm counting that as my exercise for the day.



Evelyn ~ I so agree.  I wonder how much it costs to send Clay, his mom and brother there in the first place.  :scratch  It can't be cheap.  And so how much profit do they REALLY realize in the end?  I'd really like to know the answer to that!  If they do such a poor job of spreading the word, who REALLY are the apathetic ones?

In this political season, if anyone objects to illegal Mexican immigration, then appeal to that POV and offer them a chance to help improve living conditions in Mexico.  For those who don't have that POV just raise awareness from a humanitarian perspective.  And if they took what they have on film and just created a little news item out of it, it could be released to multiple news markets and aired on their broadcasts, so being busy with Spamalot would not interfere at all, in fact it may make people pay even more attention. 

I'm just hoping that maybe Clay has some talks or lectures scheduled for later in the spring, to create more awareness.  I just don't see the point in sending him there, setting and meeting a donation goal (thanks to clayfans), and then dropping it like a hot potato.  Why keep it a secret?  I'll be honest with you, I had forgotten about the flooding in Mexico and I had no idea it was as bad as it was.  I'm pretty sure that's the case for most other people like me too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE!!!!     I HOPE YOU'RE SLEEPING!!!!   (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Sleep/snoopy-sm.gif)


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Woody/birthdayproject.jpg)

Happy Birthday , Debbie - Have a great day

Well, it's almost 5 in the morning. I've been up since 3:30. Of course, as usual I try to stay in bed for a while to see if i can go back to sleep, but no such luck.

Good morning Frannie. How's things with you this morning.

I love that laughing Clay!!!!  

Fran...this is adorable!!!  :clap  Nice job!

:birthday Insomniac Debbie!

Debbie ~ I hope you were given the gift of a good night's sleep and a fun evening with your family.  You deserve a great day.  Here's the last of your presents girl.


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/7-23-07%20Sterling%20Heights/IMG_1391tg.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/7-23-07%20Sterling%20Heights/TOAjeans.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/7-23-07%20Sterling%20Heights/IMG_4301.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/7-23-07%20Sterling%20Heights/IMG_4216.jpg)


And my very favorite picture in the whole wide world..........


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/7-23-07%20Sterling%20Heights/ster-tagged12.jpg)


It's got it all, and then some.   :thud


Hope you had a great birthday.  Now we're even!  well, I'm a month older, but what's a month when you're our age!!!  :lol

Hi Evelyn  :whootwave

well - I'm up earlier than usual. Couldn't sleep. anyone else up?

Evelyn :wave :wave
 I'm up, I posted to you a little earlier. Some thing you might try with your
 sewing machine. Kinda a shot in the dark.  I would repost it here but my
 computer is acting goofy and Woody said maybe I should shut it off for the
 night and give it a rest. It is shutting off by its self frequently. I don't think I will
 sleep but think I will take Woody's advice.  Hope you will be able to get some sleep
 tonight. Oh I should say this morning.   :bigsmile Carol

Hello,

Another new member to this thread.  I'm getting into a habbit of not sleeping.  Now, I think that I'm getting up so early(3am) just to get some hot cocoa.
JoAnn

Carol and JoAnn ~ Hello, Hello, Hello.  Good to have some fresh blood.  We're rarely here all at the same time but we can still have a running conversation!


Carol that does not sound good if your computer is turning itself off.  When did it start doing that?  Have you run your virus program lately?


So hot cocoa in the middle of the night JoAnn.  Hmmm.  I'm a late nighter who likes to have a yogurt before sleeping, or a banana if I have it.  Anybody else have a favorite midnight snack?


That makes me wonder about something.  Has anybody made any of the recipes from the new Claymaniacs cookbook?  Which ones are working for you and your family?  I'm always looking for quick, easy meals.

 :hi franniek54
 I have AVG and they run a full scan every morning. I always watch it and at the
 end of the scan it has always said no viruses found. So I never have worried
 about it. Well yesterday for some reason I went into the virus vauldt.  There
 were 4 viruses all in the same day. The dates for them were Jan.31.  I called
 our support help this morning and they told me not to worry about it, that
 the viruses can't get out of the vauldt. I also told them about my computer
 shutting off by itself. And they said not to worry about that either. I don't
 believe that. I know that isn't good. I am fairly new at the computer, I've
 had it for 8 months. Do you know who I should contact or what to do?
 I don't know how to get to AVG.  It hasn't shut off yet today but I haven't been
 on very long yet . I really would appreciate your help. I am really scared the
 computer is going to crash on me.   Thanks  :bigsmile Carol

Carol ~ I'll send you a PM with the basic stuff that I do, but your best resource right now may be Clandy (ILClaymate).

 :thx sooo much Franniek 54. I really appreciate your help !!!  :bigsmile carol

Well,after my trip here this morning, I finally able to sleep about 5 am and got up at 8:30.  I hope that I don't "see" you all here in the morning at 3 because I set my weekday alarm at 5:30am.  If I start only getting 2 hours of sleep, my 2nd graders will eat me alive.

Franniek54---------love your coffee mug!  Are those for sale somewhere?   I have two different old mugs.  One says, Caly Aiken, the real American Eye-Doll and the other one says Clay Aiken repeated around the entire cup.  I adore yours.
JoAnn

Second graders!  Cute age!  Still pretty sweet and innocent.


JoAnn ~ My travel mug was ordered thru York Photo using an image drawn by *joemomma, who is a member of this board.  Isn't it cool?

But I also wouldn't mind having this cup

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/fun%20stuff/145882176_2CfwX-M.jpg)


Or this cup, if he came with it

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/fun%20stuff/1Animationcuppaluv.gif)

I LOVE the way this new little community is growing all the time.  _{(I tell people about it all the time.)}  Unfortunately, most of us are here because we can't sleep well.  I think if I EVER sleep through the night again, I will throw a BIG party for y'all.   :wink

I'm going to try to head back to bed in a few minutes, but wanted to check in with my friends here and say that I enjoy your company very much, no matter WHAT time of the day or "k"night it is.   :wink

                                                     
 :wave :wave
 I'm up to Woody. Iam going to bed too and see if I can sleep.
 Just wanted to say  :hi
                                            :tobed :claydream carol
  :hi to All

Good Morning!

  Hope all of you made it through the night.  I did, I did!  It is still just 5:15am, but that is my normal work "get up  " time.  I only "saw" the clock once and that was at 4:45am.  My alarm goess off at 5:00. 
   Of course, I didn't go to bed til 11:30 so that I would be tired.  I've slept all weekend due to the flu and medicine.  I'm feeeling 100% better this morning.
   Have a great Monday.
JoAnn

FrannieK


   Still love your travel mug the best.  I do appreciate the name York photo.Thanks,
JoAnn

*runs in, looks around*  :para "I'm HOME!"  :roflmao
This is the perfect thread for me! Thank you Fran for telling me about this wonderful place! (I'll send you a PM later.  :hugg ) I probably wouldn't have found it otherwise!  :shappy I just caught up on all the posts, I'll definitely stop in again some night soon,...well it's morning now.  :para First let's see if I qualify as an insomniac: Does being up from 1:00pm Sunday afternoon straight through till 9:00 Monday morning count? :dunno
(Mostly from an ear ache that's driving me nuts! :bang )
You know what's nice about being an insomniac in my house? A mom who is also one to keep me company and who started baking cupcakes at 7:30 in the morning.  :smile (Is it wrong to eat half of the entire batch as soon as they come out of the oven?  :naughty )
Not in my house!  :wink
Love it here! :bighug
~Kelly~

Not the flu!!!   Don't even say it!  We've had several cases in our office, but not too many, mostly the teenagers.  Still it has arrived in Chicago and is working it's way east so BEWARE all you East coasters!  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Sick%20and%20get%20well/thsick.gif)

Kelly!!!  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Hugs/huggies.gif)  You don't have to wait til night time to post here.  We bop in at all times of the day!

I have known for a long time that you qualify as an insomniac.  How else would you explain those 3 AM PMs!!!!  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/computer/Jeans.gif)


Now Kelly listen to Auntie Fran, if you have an earache you must go to the doctor.  Do that and then report back to me.  Cupcakes are a good home remedy until you can get there tho!   :lol

Hey guys   :wave

I just made a good Valentine's Day treat and I like it so much that I wanted to share it with you.  It's white fudge with those cinnamon candy hearts in it.  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Hot/yum.gif)  It's easy and you could make it when you are up in the middle of the night!  :lol  Here's the recipe, tell me if you like it.


   :heart  VALENTINE'S DAY WHITE FUDGE  :heart


3-6 oz. packages premium white chocolate chips

1-14 oz. can Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 cup cinnamon candy hearts (very coarsely crushed)


Over low heat, melt white chocolate chips with Eagle brand condensed milk, vanilla and salt.

Remove from heat and stir in crushed heart candy.

Spread into foil lined 8 or 9 inch pan.

Chill 2 hours or until firm.

Turn fudge onto cutting board.

Peel off foil and cut into squares.

Store covered in refrigerator.

 :hi franniek54
  Thank's for the recipe !!!   :yum :yum     :bigsmile Carol

Hey Carol   :wave  Still up I see.  What time zone are you in?

  Hi Franniek  :wave :wave
 I am in the Central Time Zone (I hope :lol :lol)  I live in Minnesota and it is 12:00
 midnight right now.   Carol
 

I live in Chicago  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/th_Chicago.jpg) (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Chicago.jpg)


I have a friend who used to live in Eveleth, MN.   It's really cold up there! :cold

 :wave

BETH!!!!  ~ What the heck at YOU doing here?  How's Michigan?


Hey, are you in Chicago yet?

 Franniek ~ I have never heard of Eleveth. We have been having - 50 below
 wind chill for 3 days. brrrr  I haven't stuck my head out of the door. Sooo cold.

Michigan is fine.  I'm still here until Saturday.  Dave is on his way home from Chicago.  The roads are absolutely horrible.  He left Chicago at 4pm and is only going 45 mph.  He won't be home for another 45 minutes.  He's absolutely crazy, and I do NOT understand him one bit.  What normally takes 5 hours has turned into 10.  I would have pulled over and spent the night somewhere.  MEN!!!  :bang

Franniek ~ I was in Chicago  a long, long time ago. Is that where the
                  Lincoln Zoo is?
 

Here's a map to Eveleth.  It's a small town near Hibbing.  There's alot of Icelanders and Finlanders there.   

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=eveleth,+MN&ie=UTF8&ll=47.457809,-92.548828&spn=15.24628,37.441406&z=5&iwloc=addr

I have also visited Duluth and Minneapolis.  It's VERY hilly in Duluth and hard to get up those hills in the winter.  I felt like our car was going to flip over backwards more than once.

50 below is surreal!  We had 20 below over the weekend.  This has been SOME WINTER!  Good thing you've got your computer to keep you company.

Yes it is, unless you are thinking about Lincoln, Nebraska   :bigsmile   Is that all you remember about it?

Yeah Beth, for some reason they are not doing a good job of cleaning up the streets today.  We only had a couple of inches of snow, but there is alot of ice under it, and I've heard that many communities have run out of salt.  The roads east of Lake Michigan are probably even worse.

Beth I just saw the weather report.  It appears that the storm is traveling the same route as your husband is. 

I'm going to try and get some sleep.  Diana has school tomorrow.

 No, I have never been to Lincoln, Nebraska.  I remember the zoo was really big and I spent 3 days  there. I especially remember the brown bears. I fed them marshmallows. And there
 was a big gorrilla there. He was swinging on a big swing with his leggs crossed eating a
 banana. There was 3 bunches of bananas on the ground next to him. He must have
 been hungry. :lol :lol :lol  If I remember right, is the Zoo almost going out of Chicago or
 right as you come in ?

Night Beth   :wave


Carol, the zoo is in Lincoln Park and is actually called Lincoln Park Zoo, so it is north of the loop which is on the north side of the city.  There was a big old gorilla that used to live there.  I think his name was Bushman, but he died not too long ago.  He was pretty old.

Franniek~ I was in Chicago in 1983. Do you think Bushman could have been there then?
 The gorilla I saw was huge.  Thats where I was at the Lincoln Park Zoo

Oh you are pretty far south in Minnesota.  I will look for you on a map.

Here's a picture of that gorilla.  He was named Bushman and was brought to the zoo in 1930 and was the biggest gorilla in captivity.  He was pretty feisty I guess.  He used to throw fruit and dung at photographers and he had pretty good aim they say.


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/8a85_1.jpg)


Well Carol, I'm gonna have to go to bed.  I'm gonna go see my mom and dad tomorrow and have to be there at 10, and I also have a pile of dishes in the sink that I will have to get up early to wash.  So have a good night. 

I don't want to leave you with a picture of a gorilla on your mind, so here's something much more suitable for dreaming about.  Nighty night.


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/hot%20ones/Picture040fsn.jpg)

Oh I guess Bushman died on New Years Day 1951, a bit more than just a few years ago.   :lol   That was before I was BORN!  This is sort of a cute article on him.  Don't know which gorilla it was that you saw Carol.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-chicagodays-bushman-story,1,4658178.story


OK, nighty night for real now.   :tobed

 Franniek ~~ Thanks for the picture of Bushman ~ Clay too :smile  Have a nice day
 with your mom and dad.  Good Night :sleep

 Franniek ~~ I read the article on Bushman. Cute and very interesting.  Thank's

I made a few screencaps for ya from the Fox Atlanta interview.  They're pretty blurry, sorry.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/080212_Fox5_Atlanta_Spamalot003_-2.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/080212_Fox5_Atlanta_Spamalot003_-5.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/080212_Fox5_Atlanta_Spamalot003_-11.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/080212_Fox5_Atlanta_Spamalot003_-17.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/080212_Fox5_Atlanta_Spamalot003_-20.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/080212_Fox5_Atlanta_Spamalot003_-23.jpg)

 Hi Franniek :wave :wave
 Thanks for the pictures. There not too blurry, can see them fine.
 I really like the bottom one.  :thud         :bigsmile Carol

                                                              IS ANYBODY HOME, LAYED DOWN ON THE COUCH AT 9 JUST WOKE UP GOING TO BE A LONG NITE. :bang

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/BOZENA/EMOTIONS/love_010.gif)

HELLO GLORY ...CAN'T SLEEP ????
 I AM AROUND SURFING THE WEB..
REMEMBER ME  ???

HERE ARE SOME ROSES FOR  YOU..

             (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/BOZENA/EMOTIONS/boxroses.gif)

TO GIVE YOU A CHUCKLE
ENJOY THESE
WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER


      (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/BOZENA/EMOTIONS/bessie-2.jpg)

   

THEN WE GET OLDER AND DON'T HEAR WELL


      (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v464/BOZENA/EMOTIONS/calls.jpg)

:laugh    I think maybe Clay should send that one to Shannon!


Hey Bozena and Glory!   :wave   Happy Valentine's Day!


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Love/clayvalentine07.jpg)

Yes, we sure did.  That was quite a weekend. 

I just love these vintage Valentine's.  Some of them are very witty.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Love/veal.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Love/tire.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Love/football.jpg)

Nighty Night Bozena  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Sleep/countsheep.gif)   Good Luck

Hello women!!  I hope you are all sleeping and have no reason to come here.


                 (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/Project5.jpg)

I sure hope everyone is asleep. I woke up at 7A.M thinking it was 12 and I was late getting ready for work. I will go back to bed soon. Work has been completely crazy. I need some works there that will actually work. The ones who say they love the job are the ones who never show up again. My dad tells me to remember that if There was no patients I would not have a job. I try hard to remember that. I am off for bed.

I'm afraid that post is a little confusing to me.  :scratch  Please to explain?

Do you work the 3-11 shift?  What exactly do you do?

 :wave my friends here!!!

I actually slept pretty good, but have  been up WAY too early.   :bang  I'm going back to bed, and don't have to be anywhere  early this Saturday.   :bouncy :bouncy :bouncy

Great pictures, Bozena!!!  :clap :clap :clap   Glad you are part of our group!!!  :bigsmile

                                     WELL ITS NOT THAT LATE OR THAT EARLY JUST THOUGHT I WOULD POP IN AND SAY HI IN CASE SOMEBODY IS UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN. :hugg :hugg

                                          I AM ON BABY WATCH FOR 2 NEW BABYS I WISH I COULD SEND SOME SLEEP TO THE MOM'S TO BE DAUGHTER IS DUE ANY MINUTE AND CAME DOWN WITH THE FLU YESTERDAY.

                                   MY DIL IS JUST GETTING OVER THE FLU SHE IS DUE IN 2 WEEKS. SO I GUESS I WILL GO TRY AND GET SOME SLEEP.

                                            BOZENA THANK YOU FOR THE FLOWERS I JUST SAW THEM, AFTER I POSTED I WENT BACK TO BED, :hugg

 :wave Just got home from cosmic bowling.

Ooo Meesa, that's fun.


Oh Lordy, those women are gonna need more than sleep, they need prayers.  :pray  Maybe Brother Maynard could put in a good word for them with God.  Good arguement for getting your flu shot tho.

I hope Clay got his flu shot cuz there's about 16 of us going to NYC on the weekend of 3/1-3/2 to see him in Spamalot and I would be very disappointed of I didn't get to see him.  Even if his understudy was JOHNNY DEPP I'd be disappointed.

Clay is the only man who could get me to NYC to see this show, but Johnny Depp would surely give an intriguing and entertaining performance.  Let's see....who else would be on my fantasy list?

John Krasinsky  :yes

Chris Klein

Jimmy Kimmel

Zac Efron

Clay would be the only one on MY list.   :bigsmile

I've been up for about 4 hours.   :bang  I should have checked in here sooner.  Instead I just kept flipping through the channels and finally decided to watch some QVC.  Not buyin'.  Just watchin'.

It has been raining here all night and I can hear it hitting the window.  I hope it all doesn't freeze, because our whole town will be one big ice skating rink.   :naughty

Hope to get an hour or two more sleep.  I may try the warm milk.   :bduh

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Spamalot/tutsmile1.gif)    HEAR YE!      HEAR YE!      HEAR YE!   (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Spamalot/tutsmile1.gif)


In preparation for my approaching journey to Spamalot, and in an attempt to remain hale and hearty, I, franniek, will no longer be keeping vigil into the wee hours of the night.  I vow to retire ere the witching hour descends, and should the fates see fit to awaken me fore the rooster crows I shall employ whatever means necessary to return into my slumber anon, be it warm milk, spirits or counting sheep.  Therefore look not for me in the thick of the night, I shall however be watching and listening during the light of day, and harkening to any mischief that is made wildst I was away.


Your humble servant,

Maid frannie  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Spamalot/thprincess.gif)

Ok it's my bedtime now, so I leave you with a little slideshow for entertainment.  have a good night all.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/Animationtoni7babephotos.gif)

 :wave Evelyn!!!
I fell sleep around 11, then slept til about 1:30.  And now it is almost 4 and I am still wide awake!!!  I honestly don't know what is wrong.  I really only sleep short periods of time.  I even tried to take a nap yesterday and only slept an hour.   :bang  This is getting VERY old.  I am going to look into that Simply  Sleep that Lori told us about.

I hope the rest of you are Clay dreaming away     :claydream
Woodstock :bouncy

Hi Auntie Fran!  :lol :hugg
You know my sleeplessness well, noticing all my late night postings and PM's!  :lmao
I did get to the ear doctor, I actually meant to post here when I couldn't sleep before my appointment, but I was feeling too nervous, (doctors *shudders* :para )anyway, I'm feeling all better now,  :clap I posted what happened here:
http://www.claymaniacs.com/forums/index.php/topic,15149.0.html
in case you haven't seen it yet.  :blush  :wink
The cupcakes were a great home remedy,  :bigsmile really they can be a remedy for just about anything, earache, headache, can't sleep, rainy day... :lol :wink :yum
(This morning is lemon poppy seed muffins with lemon glaze icing :wink )
I'll have to have my mom try your fudge recipe, (since I know better then to try to cook myself!) it sounds really good. :hugg

This morning I was going to try to sleep, but I read Clay was going to be on Good Day Chicago, so I waited up, and just caught his interview! :fruit
Always too short, and I think it was the same as whats been shown on other FOX stations, but a wonderful treat this morning!  :bouncy (And clips of Spamalot!! :wheee )

And Hi to anyone else who's up early this morning!  :wave Woodstock :hugg

~Kelly~ :bigsmile

:laugh  This is SOOOO funny!  Yes Ms. Fran we must be hale and hearty for NYC!  :wheee

Kelly ~ Your "boyfriend" thread is a riot.  And I'm glad you saw the doctor.  I hope you're feeling better by now.


My fudge recipe is so easy ANYONE could do it.  There's no cooking involved! only melting!

BTW, I tried your chicken salad recipe from the cookbook and it was yummy!   :yum  I love stuff like that.



Clandy ~ Yes!  We must GET you hale at least, if not hearty.  Cuz you're coming if I have to drag you there.

Have you read my recipe for staying healthy for the next 2 weeks?  Here it is:

"Do whatever it takes to stay well this week and next.  Go to bed early, dress warmly, eat only organic, brightly colored, low fat, whole grain, high fiber foods, don't eat sugar, take vitamins, drink OJ and/or grapefruit juice and lots of water, no pop, take cod liver oil, ecinacea, and garlic, exercise in moderation, wear a mask at work, don't go to any public place unless you have to and then only at off hours, don't smoke or drink, pray and cross your fingers, seek serenity thru meditation, and be really good so as to cultivate good Karma."
 

Ok, I'll do my best to do all of that.  I must get over this nasty bug!  I might get some strange looks though if I wear a mask at work.  Now YOU can get away with that where you work but I'm not sure about an accounting office! 

I've kept the Lysol close by. If anyone acts sick near me (and granted I do work at a clinic) I spray the area down. Heck if I want to be sick when I'm seeing boyfriend in a little over 3 weeks!  :para

I spray the heck out of every room after every patient, even if they are only there for a well check!  You can't be too carefull nowadays.

Apparently the flu shot this year only covers about 3 of the strains out there, and some of the strains are resistant to Tamiflu!

Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, we need divine intervention this time.   :pray   :pray   :pray   Who's good at composing prayers?

Check out Clay on this page if you need something to do.      Better Off Blond (http://music.aol.com/popeater/2008/01/16/ashlee-simpson-rocks-red-hair/3)


OK, I'll look in on you all in the morning.  Behave yourselves!!!  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Sleep/claysleeping.gif)

Well, well, well.  Could it be you all slept thru the night?     (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Congratulations/congratulations.gif)     I'm very proud of you women!


You all deserve a gold star!  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Congratulations/goldstars.gif)    Now whatever you did, keep doing it!


I'm going to bed  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Sleep/mrsandman.gif)


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/sleeping/158324438_vokTs-M.jpg)


(PS.  If any of you have any sleeping Clay pics will you share them with me?  I can never get enough of those.)

Hi buddies. I am wide awake at 2 a.m I got the flu and have a dr appointment at 9. When she says 9 you had best be there at  9 or they will not see you. I have slept all day. I called into work and told them I was sick. Now I have to go to the dr for the dr note so I can go back to work. OOOOO well insurance pays for it.Lord knows I pay a small fortune for the insurance, might as well use it.

I am off to go and see what is on court tv.

Sorry you have the flu, that's really crummy.  :comfort

Boy we should run our office like that.  If people are late we just say, "We'll have to squeeze you in, you might have to wait awhile."

 :wave :wave :wave

Actually, I have slept well this week...go figure.   :bduh  And now it is Friday night/Saturday morning and I am awake!!!  :eek  And I have to get up and go in the morning.   :naughty

Just thought I would check in with my buddies here.  No offense, but it's good to see when no one is here, as that tells me you are sleeping well.   :bigsmile

 I was going to ask if I was the only one up tonight at 2:00am, but I see you can't sleep either Woodstock.  :hugg
There's something peaceful about being the only one up in your house at this time of night, but also something lonely.  :para
Oh well, I hope everyone else is sleeping soundly!  :hugg
Hi Fran! Yep, I'm feeling much better now,  :bigsmile and I'm glad you liked my "boyfriend" post.  :wink
I'm sure I could still mess up a fudge recipe that only requires melting!  :lmao
I'm glad you liked the Chicken Salad recipe, that's a favorite of mine also. But I can't take credit for it, it's my mom's! (I'm going to have to get her to make it more often!  :yum )
~Kelly~

Hi every body   :wave

I have stayed true to my vow this week and have been in bed around midnight every night (except last night, but that's OK cuz I could sleep in this AM).  I've had 7 or 8 hours sleep every night and I am healthy for my trip on Friday to NYC.  But will I be ready?  probably not.  Don't know what shoes to bring, not totally happy with the clothes that I have, need to get Clandy's room ready, need to get groceries in the house, and need to gather up the tax documents we will need for Monday.  Cripes!  What am I doing here?!?!?

Hope you all are resting well, and most of all I hope Clay is resting well, cuz I DON'T want to be seeing his understudy next Saturday!

Sweet Claydreams to you all.


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/sleeping/sleepingclay.jpg)

 :wave I should be in bed since I have church this morning but I just got home from cosmic bowling again, Anyone here?

 :wave Meesa!!!
I'm here!!!

Hey Woody!  :hugg Is your weather bad there? It snowed here yesterday.  :bang Then they say it will be in the 50s this morning.

No, our weather is actually improving!!!  We are supposed to be in the 40s by Monday, so that means a lot of this snow and ice will melt, hopefully.  Hope you had a good time bowling!!!

I posted to you in the OCD that I'm sorry your Jayhawks lost.   :hugg  There were so many upsets today.  Memphis lost, too.

Other than the drunk chick with the thong hanging out of her jeans, it was pretty fun!

I am so ready for spring. This winter has been not so much fun.

It was bad. I didn't get to see the second half, but I'm happy I didn't.  :bang Oh well.

 :lmao :lmao :lmao

What is it about bowling alleys and drunks???   :bduh

You better get to bed, silly girl, so you can get up in time.   :naughty  So good to find someone here at the same time as me.   :hugg

I don't know. Jonathan asked me if the girl was aware that drinking kills brain cells. I told him she doesn't have many to spare it seems.  :wink

Okay, catch you later this morning.  :hugg

Night!

Goodnight, Meesa.  I hope you have some wonderful  :claydream   :wink

          (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Good%20Night/779171dafe943b9894e11917cd617e19.gif)

Fran - That  picture is so cute!!!  :bigsmile

I'm up doing a weather watch.   :lol  Always hoping for a snow day.   :cross  When anticipating one, I usually wake up and keep an eye on the weather, and then we have school anyway...and I end up having to go in doubly tired AND in bad weather.   :lol  I'll let you know if we have school or not today.  It's snowing, but not very hard, but it's supposed to be very windy and cause drifting.  So we'll see.   :cross

Hi yall time is 5:45 I know for many this is the time you usually get up. Not me I sleep till 10 a.m. I was up coughing I wish this flu would just go away. The cat is hogging the bed. She looks so peaceful I wont bother her.

I am off to try to sleep.

Woody I hope you get that snow day.

Yo, women!  I give you a sneak peek!

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/blends/StagedoorLights.gif)



I am supposed to be going to see Spamalot this weekend.

I need help from the gods:

  1)  that Clay is not sick  :pray  :pray  :pray

  2)  that I am not sick  :pray

  3)  that my friends are not sick  :pray

  4)  that the weather on Friday AM will permit flying  :pray

  5)  that the weather in NYC doesn't interfere with any of our plans  :pray

  6)  that Clay does the stage door at least once while we are there  :pray  :pray  :pray  :pray  :pray  :pray  :pray  :pray  :pray

  7)  that no one throws anything out of any windows adjacent to the Schubert Theater  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Spamalot/smiley-channel.gif)



So............if anyone is up tonight will you please use that time constructively and pray that I get all of my wishes?

Thanks in advance, to you AND the gods.
                 

I probably won't be online till at least Tuesday girls.  I hope you won't even know that cuz that means you weren't here and that would be a good thing.  But just in case you do end up here, here is somebody to lull you back to sleep.  He just wore himself out workin on that new album.  Poor Clay.  :comfort  Pleasant dreams all. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Sleep/moonsmiley2.gif)


                        (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/sleeping/080227_WRAL_Album_promo_small001_00.jpg)

Greetings fellow insomniacs!   :wave   I have returned from my Spamalot weekend in NYC and what a great weekend it was!

Clay was fantastic in that role and I got his autograph so I was thrilled, but you've already heard about that stuff many times.  There's something else I want to share with you tho.  One of the best and most unexpected things I saw on our weekend in NYC was the 4 Project Runway dresses on display at the Hershey store.  Since most of you don't watch I'll explain.  The designers are given a challange every week .  On episode 6 the challange was to make a design using anything they could get their hands on in 5 minutes from the Hershey Store in NYC.  They made some amazing stuff and 4 of them are in the store.  This is a pic I took with my phone.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/my%20photos/Spamalot%20weekend%202-29%20to%203-3-08/GetAttachment3a.jpg)


Here's what is up there from the website.  This is the link:  Project Runway Hershey Store Challange (http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/4/rate_the_runway/index.php?e=Episode%206)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project%20Runway/rate_runway_08_406.jpg)    by Rami, this was the winning dress

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project%20Runway/rate_runway_02_406.jpg)    by Chris

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project%20Runway/rate_runway_03_406.jpg)    by Kit

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project%20Runway/rate_runway_05_406.jpg)    by Kevin


Also these are the other finished pieces that weren't on display.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project%20Runway/rate_runway_06_406.jpg)    by Christian, made from wrappings from Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project%20Runway/rate_runway_09_406.jpg)    by Jillian, a skirt and corset made with Twizzlers

 
I was just really excited to see this so unexpectedly and I thought you all would like to see it too. 

New York is just a cornucopia of interesting and unusual things to see and do.  Thank you Clay for getting me there.  And I will most certainly return to experience more of it's unique culture and history.



Nighty night girls.   :tobed

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/sleeping/sleepingClay2.jpg)

Frannie, these are amazing!!!  I should have stopped in here last night, we would have been here at the same time :lol need sleep :bang

Fran ~ thanks for posting all those completed dresses and who designed them.  It was really cool to see that surprise in the Hershey's store and I'm glad you got a picture of them!  I'd like to see that episode entirely....maybe I'll see it on a rerun one of these days.

                 ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....................


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/sleeping/Tyrasgoldenstarb-w.jpg)

Hello night-timers.   :wave   How ya be?

I got diverted over to Hannah Waddingham's website tonight...hannah waddingham.com (http://www.hannahwaddingham.com/)...It's really cool!  She's got all kinds of stuff on there...photos, youtubes, music videos, Spamalot clips, movie trailers.  She's in a movie that's being released this summer...How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.

I'm thinkin' Clay & Hannah.  Wadda ya think?  Look how hot she is.  They're a good match.

Or at the very least, a duet!  Think on it tonight and get back to me in the morning.  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Sleep/moonsmiley1.gif)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Hannah%20Waddingham/Project17.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Hannah%20Waddingham/Project2.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Hannah%20Waddingham/Project1.jpg)

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project2.png)

Ok, Ms. Franniekins.....when do we get a review of the newly acquired OH-fficial lipbalm?

Minty! with a hint of cinnamon.  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Hot/yum.gif)

The petrolatum and Aloe Vera gel make it feel smooth and silky on my lips. (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Love/kissykissy.gif)

and the Oxybenzone make them kissably soft. 

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Love/3.gif)


also....the really cute guy on the tube makes you want to take it out, look at it, and use it...often!  which is the key to effective lip care--regular and frequent moisturizing.   (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Hot/gimmesmiley.gif)


(PS ~ If anyone doesn't want theirs, send it my way (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Hot/thfan.gif))

Wow, who knew that all that was packed into one small tube of chapstick????   :roflmao  I take it you like it very much?!?  :thumb

Hey anybody   :wave

I just finished watching this show that I have NEVER heard of before called Gone Country on CMT.  It's 7 performers from other genres who want to cross over into country.  They had to write their own song and perform it with a band in front of a huge country audience. 

I just caught the finale tonight, and the reason I stopped and watched is because Diana DeGarmo was in it.  She did pretty well, I don't know if she was sincere about crossing over or if she just did it for the exposure, but I'm thinkin the latter.  This is her performance:   Back Where We Ended by Diana DeGarmo (http://www.cmt.com/videos/shows/gone-country/214850/gone-country-final-performance-diana-degarmo.jhtml)

The winner was Julio Iglesias Jr.!!!  Go figure!  He can barely speak English!!!!  and his delivery did not sound country at all!  but he was hot and the girls liked him so I guess that's all that matters.  Here's his performance:   The Way I Want You by Julio Iglesias Jr. (http://www.cmt.com/videos/shows/gone-country/214852/gone-country-final-performance-julio-iglesias-jr.jhtml)

I was wondering what reality shows you girls are watching these days.  :scratch   There are so many of them now, I'd like to know if I'm missing any good ones.  I kinda like the ones that teach you a little about different lifestyles, or how things are done.


Here's what I like right now:

America's Next Top Model  (CW)

Beauty and the Geek  (CW)

Project Runway  (Bravo)

Work Out  (Bravo)

Q ueer Eye for the Straight Guy  (Bravo)

Little People, Big World  (TLC)

What Not to Wear  (TLC)

American Idol  (FOX)

Dancing with the Stars  (ABC)



Reality shows I have watched in the past:

Amish in the City  (Really good but they never aired the last show!  What's that about?)

Extreme makeover

Joe Millionaire  (One of my first, that's when I realized how deviously they edit these things)

Super Nanny  (I wish they had this show when my kids were little.  They have some great ideas.)

Search for the Ultimate Coyote Ugly  (Nothin special)



My guilty pleasure:

The People's Court  (Judge Marilyn Milian is a hoot, and you learn about the law.)



And the best reality show ever made IMO, my favorite, and the grand-daddy of them all............

          1900 House  (PBS)    (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Congratulations/thnumber_1-1.gif)  which transports an actual modern family back to life in 1900.  They had to live a Victorian era lifestyle for 3 months. 


Here they are.     (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project3.jpg)     What that poor family went thru!  I could watch that series over and over.

1900 House?  I have never heard of that!  Sounds interesting and I definately wouldn't want to be on that.  I'd never survive.  Is it still on or only on reruns? 

I'm not watching any regularly right now due to working on our house but the ones I've watched in the past are:

1.  Survivor
2.  Big Brother
3.  Joe Millionaire
4.  Project Runway :smile
5.  Meet the Parents
6.  Super Nanny
7.  ??  I can't think of the name of it but its on VH1 I think and its where the stars (mainly stars who haven't been around for awhile) live together for a few months.
8.  American Idol

Ang - That would be Surreal Life.

Have you all seen Jon & Kate Plus Eight? Goodness, those little ones are adorable!

I have seen the teasers for John and Kate etc.  Might be fun.  That melt down on the plane looked like a nightmare tho.  They need supernanny for sure.

What'd ya think of Joe Millionaire Ang?

Surreal Life!.....that sounds like my life of late.  :pullhair   

1900 House is occasionally shown in reruns on PBS now and it's available on DVD.  It was originally run in 2000 on four consecutive Mondays, one hour each.  It was a British production, only a one time thing.  You may like looking at the house tho since you're into that stuff.  Here's a virtual Tour ->   1900 House (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/1900house/house/)

There was also another series done a few years after that, done by an American production company called Frontier Life or something like that.  A whole group of people had to live in a little frontier town and there were leaders in the community and servants and all levels of hierarchy like you would see in a little pioneer town.  It was interesting too.  Oprah did a show featuring it where she and Gail went to live there for a weekend and it was hysterical.


BTW, Meesa bet you're glad you didn't go to NYC this weekend.

Yes I am!  :lol

That meltdown on the plane was due to delays. They closed the airport and made them sit on the runway with 8 kids who wanted to get going. Poor things!

I watched that Frontier version for awhile. I missed when it was on, but liked what I saw.

Every parents' WORST nightmare!

A lot of the Asian families that come to our office will travel back to their home lands with the children.  It's a 24 hour trip to India they tell me!  Most of them have a layover in Europe somewhere.  I can't even imagine what that must be like with an infant and a toddler!

:laugh   I found this at Clay's Daily double.  Let's all see how good we are:

Too intimidated to take the test ladies? or too tired to think.

I'm in the 4-6 category--Not yet dead, but coming awefully close.

How a propos.  I already knew that!


Well if you want something a little less interactive, how about just clicking on this link to watch a Youtube.  You've got enough energy for that haven't ya?  Huh?

                                           Spamalot Etiquette (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZb0nnYjhiM&eurl=http://cdd.blogspot.com/2008/03/clay-channel-videos-entertain-and.html)

:wave Hi Fran!

I'm also....Not yet dead!

And that YouTube was very cute.  :lol  Thanks for the link!

:tobed  Goodnight!

Oooh, Clandy was up really late last night! 

Hope you learned how to behave now from the Youtube.  You really embarrassed yourself in the front row, drooling into your popcorn bucket and making a soggy mess.   :popcorn  And then you slopped it into the pit and got it all over the musicians!  Bad, bad clayfan!   :naughty

 :roflmao  Yeah right!  That must have been the other person sitting next to you. :lol  Remember, I don't do popcorn!  :nener

You don't do popcorn?  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Confused/thsigh.gif)

What about that gourmet stuff we bought across from the M&M store in NYC that is endorsed by Oprah as a "favorite thing" and had 2 different kinds of chocolate on it?

Yes that was good but remember I had to give it to hubby?!?!?  :para

Hello!

Just reading and wanted to comment to Fran that I did watch the 1900 house, and those people really suffered.  I remember the little boy was almost starving because he could not have fast food.  And the work that the mother had to do!! :eek  And no modern appliances.  How did those people manage? :shock

Now, imagine 100 years from now.  People will look back at 2000 and wonder how did we manage?   :lol


Clandy,

I sent you an email about Photobucket.  I had to install adobe flash player to make it work.  Now I can resize and rotate pictures.  I've even been playing around with the captions and frames. :thumb

Fran,

I remember Joe Millionaire.  I really believed in that show as I watched.  Just loved Zora who he picked in the end.  I was disappointed it wasn't a fairy tale ending.  I see Zora on a commercial for a weight loss company; not Jenny Craig but one like it.

1900 House reminds me that Oprah went to live with a family that had no modern conveniences and lived similary to the 1900 House family. Her friend Gail went also.

I'll never forget Oprah getting up early to fix breakfast and how much work it took.  Gail comes down the stairs and says, "I like my bacon extra crispy."  You should have seen the look Oprah gave her!!! :twisted
 :lol

I remember that Prissy, that was hysterical.  Gail lost her glasses or something and they had to sleep up in the hay loft.  And they commented on how smelly everyone was.


I don't know how they did it for 3 months!  Remember they had to wear corsettes and they only had like lye soap to wash their hair with and the girls had to go to school like that.  And the dad cut himself so many times cuz he had to shave with a straight razor.  He was in the military and he had to wear an old fashioned uniform when he went to work.  They had alot of trouble getting their stove hot enough and the heat was very uneven so their meals were aweful and when they were able to bake a birthday cake one day they felt so proud of themselves.  The dad decided he wanted to raise chickens at some point and they had to build a coop.  The amount of work it took just to live was unbelievable.



Yeah, they'll say, "How could they function with those slow computers and those horrible cell phones and that crappy cable tv and those cars that you had to fill up with gas all the time and all those chemicals in their food?"



THAT show!  I was so naive, I thought everything on there was just as it had happened until about halfway thru it I figured it out.   :bduh



So Prissy are you playing around with your pics?  Show us what you've done.  We've been having some fun with that for the last few days in the BLP.

Here's some of mine:


the Bowler family from 1900 House

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Project3-1-1.jpg)


and this poster for Spamalot

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/Ret_SpamalotClay173a-2.jpg)

Fran,

I forgot about the corsets and the lye soap!! :eek


Here is something I came up with for the Garden Thread.  In my area (Dallas/Fort Worth) we had our annual 1 and 2 inches of snow!!  Actually, just north and northwest of us 7 to 9 inches.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/Prissy2/Winter%20Pictures/SNOWBLOSSOMS1976-1-1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/Prissy2/Winter%20Pictures/SNOWFLRS2004-1-1.jpg)

I love your poster and framed "art."

Wow Prissy, snow in Texas!  That really stinks!

Thanks for sharing those.  They're beautiful.

Thanks for letting me know, Prissy.  Its still not working for me here at work.  That must be the problem.  Probably the flash player is outdated.  I'll have to try it out at home.

I really liked Joe Millionaire and I thought they made a cute couple although awkward.  I can't remember alot of the details since its been so long ago.  I have seen Zora on those commericials...I think its for Weight Watchers??

I think it's Nutrasystem.  Here's an old link  http://www.pnionline.com/dnblog/fit/archives/000236.html

I've never seen this interview before.  It's by Linda Loveland at WRAL and it took place between the Atlanta audition and the first week in Hollywood.  The video is not good quality but there's stuff in there that is new to me, and I can't get over how gangly and awkward he is!  He was comfortable in front of the camera tho, even then.


                                  11/2002 Early interview of Clay Aiken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxxthmQwTe8&feature=related)

Thanks for the youtube.  I doubt I have seen that either.  I'll have to watch later from home.  :bigsmile  Hope you are feeling better!  :hugg

This is a quote I just read from wandocleo from FCA:



Ok, I have heard this question asked so many times that I am going to put an end to it once and for all.

That "ball thing" is called a flail.  It's a midieval weapon.  The Midieval era was a very violent time and they had many assorted and creative weapons.  I won't go into that here cuz it is kinda gruesome, but if you've ever seen Braveheart you know what I mean.

"Flail - A jointed weapon consisting of a spiked or knobbed steel head joined by a chain to a short wood handle."


Here on the left is a knight brandishing his flail, and on the right, once again is my favorite dancer, Ariel Reid, brandishing her flails.  :waggle

            (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/Flaila2.jpg)             (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/IMG_2448a.jpg)




                                          Or if you prefer the Salamader versions:


                (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/Well-armed_Knight.jpg)         (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Spamalot/Princess_wFlail.jpg)



Now don't say I never taught you anything!

Ooo, how interesting Ms. Fran.  I never knew what those 'ball-y' things were called either.  I feel so educated now.  :bigsmile  Oh and I like Ariel's flails!!  :thumb

Anybody seen this montage?  It's very cute!   

                ONE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9PbsvRC1eg)




HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY YA'LL!!!!!


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Holidays/03172008_stpats_spamalot.jpg)

Morning everyone   :wave  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Food/foodblinkfortune.gif)

Today I went out to lunch with my mom.  We went to a Chinese restaurant.   :yum  Combo plate #2—Won Ton soup, Satay Beef, Crab Rangoon, Chicken and fried rice.  Fortune cookies came with the bill.

I don’t usually read the fortunes in a fortune cookie cuz most of the time they aren’t even a fortune, just some platitude, which kind of aggravates me.  Anyway I picked up the fortune cookie and dunked it in my tea, then I took a bite.  Just right!  Not too mushy, not too hard.  Then I remembered that there was a paper fortune in there.  When I pulled it out only half a fortune came out.  I think that was a bad omen.  :bite

All afternoon I had this thing stuck in my throat so I couldn’t forget about it.  That was annoyingly spooky. 

So I’m feeling a little paranoid!  :para  I'm wondering what was on that fortune!  Maybe it said “You will die before your time from ink poisoning.”  If it was printed in China the ink or paper might have lead in it or something, you never know! 

When I told my mom what I did she shook her head and laughed. “Fran, you are quite an experience!”

It occurs to me that life is just a succession of silly happenings.  I’ve got a million of them and it’s good when we can laugh at ourselves.  :shrug   I love to laugh at myself.  It’s better than being negative and fatalistic.  Life is just one big learning opportunity.



Soooo….I was thinking about all the weird fortunes that I can remember me or my family getting.  Some are just odd and some have strange wording because of the peculiar ways that they interpret English.  My favorite was:  “You love Chinese food.”


And then I went looking online for some more and I found this site:

http://weirdfortunecookies.com/

These are the funniest fortunes I have ever read!  I laughed my butt off reading these, they are so bizarre!  Apparently people send in photos of their fortunes to this guy, and there are hundreds, maybe thousands of them.  Too funny!!!  And the comments are just as good!

Here’s some of the strangest (IMO):

*A nice cake is waiting for you.

*An alien of some sort will be appearing to you shortly.

*You will gain admiration from your pears.

*Life is not a struggle.  It’s a wiggle.

*You are not illiterate.

*The rubber bands are heading in the right direction.

*Your emotional nature is strong and emotional.

*Your eyes will soon be sparking.  Keep them open.


But this fortune and its comments gets my vote for the most entertaining fortune of all:

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/mint_circles.jpg)

comments:

~  “I got the same one, but circles was misspelled as cirlces.”

~  “How fun is it that a google search for “circles with mints” only brings up fellow confused fortune cookie recipients.”

~  “I think that “circles of mints” refers to coins (circles) and mints (a place where they make coins) is all a very poorly translated reference to making money.



And you thought I was over-reacting when I said there could be lead in the ink!!!!!!!!

:lookie Where are all our insomniacs?  Are you all sleeping?  :nap  Well I guess thats good.  I'm not an insomniac but I enjoy Fran's insomniac thoughts!!  :bigsmile


That you are and a fun one at that!!  :bigsmile


I love this!   Very good insight and I definately agree.

Those fortunes you found are hilarious!   :roflmao  Watch out for those 'sparking' eyes...they'll get ya everytime!

Here's a little present for Debbie, cuz I know you like Solitaire Clay.  (Me too, Deb.)  ABM made it.

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/blends/Tag28.jpg)

                          HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY !!!!!


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Holidays/ClandyEaster.jpg)

Clay Channel Unofficial Promo Video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=YIyIUcctqBg)  *click me*

I know what I'll be asking for, for my birthday!  :bigsmile

Anybody wanna do a puzzle? 


My Puzzles Jigsaw Puzzle Gallery - JigZone.com (http://www.jigzone.com/gallery/D525092237.70920C9?z=6)

Here's something pretty for you all by ressamac at CH


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/On%20My%20Way%20Here/clay_rca_watercolor_ressa_sml-1.jpg)

I haven't been here in awhile (or anywhere for that matter) I have been with my daughter with no internet and also saw my son at college this weekend.

Anyway...my new approach to sleeping better is staying up a little later.  Let's see if that works.  I don't really mean THIS late...as I fell asleep watching my DWTS tape. 

Thanks, Fran, for the Solitaire pic of Clay.   :thud  You're right, I love it!!!

Just wanted to pass this along.  My friend and co-worker talk about sleeping all the time.  She just doesn't know how I do it if I don't sleep through the night.  She says she sleeps through the night all the time (the lucky duck).  Anyway, I was with her and 2 other friends tonight and we are all within about 5 years of age of each other.  Anyway...the other 2 said they hardly EVER sleep through the night.  We discussed what we do.  Some lay there, others watch TV or listen to the radio.  So my friend who sleeps through the night was definitely in the minority.  So maybe we aren't so strange after all....

NOW, off to bed for me.   :tobed

I think there are more women our age who DON'T sleep thru the night than ones who do.  We'll have to take a poll:


If you're able to sleep thru the night lift your arms up and cheer.   :cheer

If you're unable to sleep thru the night just try to raise up your coffee mug.    :mornjava


I'll have the final results for you after the full moon.  (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Sleep/moonsmiley1.gif)


So........what do you think OMC is dreaming of tonight?  Must be good!

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/On%20My%20Way%20Here/Amazon%20video%204-17-08/Project4.jpg)

:cheer2

Unless awaken by an earthquake.  :blink

 :lol  Is that what it takes to wake you up???  Ellen said it woke her up, too, and hardly anything wakes her up.  I happened to be awake.   :bduh   I wasn't scared...  just didn't know what the noise was.   :bduh

I'm wide awake now!!!  :naughty  But I don't mind so much on the weekend.  Because I can always take a nap in the afternoon.   :wink  And I can watch reruns of Dallas on Soapnet.   :lol

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/1980.jpg)

Oooo, Debbie does Dallas!  That's a blast from the past!

Have you seen this website Debbie?  They've got tons of stuff on here.  Lots of pictures, interviews, videos

http://www.ultimatedallas.com/

Who woulda thought that Dallas would make a comeback!  I'm still stuck on The West Wing!   :lol

For all of you readers out there here's some bookmarks you can make.  I've been thinking about doing this for a long time but Ashes (ClaysMelody) can do it so much better than I.


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/blends/7bookmarksduo.jpg)


click here for full size

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/blends/th_7bookmarksduo.jpg) (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/blends/7bookmarksduo.jpg)

 :wave

It's 3:20 am here.  And guess where I am.   :lol

Pretty bookmarks, Fran!!!  Thanks!!!  :hugg

Dallas is on at 3 am and that seems to be when I wake up, so that's how I got started watching it.   :lol  But Ryan's Hope is on after Dallas at 4 am, and again at 4:30.  I'm getting hooked on it, and that's bad.   :naughty  I've got to start taping it, but I'm already taping so many things.   :lol  I remember watching Ryan's Hope all those years ago, and it's funny to watch it now.   :wink

Hope you are all having a good night's sleep!!!  :bigsmile

Cindy, Woody and Clandy ~ Do you think our wish for a lullaby CD may come true after all?

Why?  What have you heard??  :giggle

I heard that Angela might be pregnant.  Not you, the other Angela.

Not the other Angela that posts here, but the Angela that sings with Clay onstage.

You know, as in Quiana and Angela. 

Fisher.......that's it Angela Fisher.

    (http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/gifs%206/caGif_CaryWDC.gif)

Oooooh, so this is just heresay, eh?  Or was this validated by a very reputable news source, such as TMZ?  :slick

I think they also said that Raleigh is expecting a litter.  :shrug

I know, I know, she's 35 in doggie years (and probably fixed) but that's normal by today's standards.

It's 2 males and a female and they will be named Cary, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte.

Nags Head gets the shaft everytime.

Sounds like a name for a mother, not a baby. :lol


OK then we'll put Nags Head on the maybe list as well as:

Hamlet

Knightdale

Fuquay-Varina

and Clayton

Fuquay-Varina

Sounds French! :lol

Oui Oui  :waggle

Pretend these are can-can girls

(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Holidays/8.gif)(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/emoties/Holidays/8.gif)

Since the first time I heard the lyrics to Ashes I was reminded of the legend of the Phoenix, that mythical bird who builds his own funeral pyre and dies on its flames, only to rise up anew, from the ashes.  So I finally went looking for the details and official version of this tale.  Turns out there are a number of versions, subject to many interpretations.

~ The Egyptians called him Benu or Bennu

~ The Arabians called him Phoenix

~ The Chinese called him Feng Huang

~ The Japanese called him Hou-Ou or Ho-Oo

~ The Native Americans called him Firebird or Thunderbird


(http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q103/franniek54/Phoenix.jpg)


In every version of this legend the Phoenix possesses these characteristics in common:

~ Its song was melodious and enchanting

~ It was a gentle creature, killing or crushing nothing during its lifetime, and surviving on dewdrops

~The flight of the Phoenix represents “the capacity to leave the world and its problems behind, flying toward the sun in clear, pure skies”

~ It was the only one of its kind, living for 500 years or more, and when it became weak would renew itself by dying in the fire and rising from the ashes

~It represented the life-giving sun and immortality

~It symbolized high moral values such as loyalty, honesty and grace

~It was a sign of peace and prosperity


Sound like anyone we know?


From The Feng Shui Handbook, feng shui Master Lam Kam Chuen:

A mythical bird that never dies, the phoenix flies far ahead to the front, always scanning the landscape and distant space. It represents our capacity for vision, for collecting sensory information about our environment and the events unfolding within it. The phoenix, with its great beauty, creates intense excitement and deathless inspiration.

                                                        :yeahthat