Life of Shanks

Well after 7 hours in a airport ( i know it could have been worse) and finally boarding a plane at 7pm- only to take off and turn back to Denver 20 min into the flight. And then fix the problem.. take off again and then turn back to Denver- right before the beverage service. At about 11:00pm- they decided to switch planes.
And at 2:15am I rolled into my hotel room. At least my luggage was already in Nasvhille waiting for me:) So far the conference is good... too much air conditioning in the rooms- and its like 30 degrees outside. Always enjoyable. I feel like a poll.. whats your most memorable travel experience? ( problems, long delays etc....)

The last few days have been a bit chaotic! To say the least. Yesterday- my lovely car was hit by another not so lovely car. Unfortunately I was in it when it happened. No serious injuries reported- just some lovely marks where the seatbelt was, and a sore arm. Could be worse. My car on the other hand- though driveable, I think may be a write off. Totally the other person's fault- and they knew it so that was good I guess. This is my 3rd accident in 10 years- 3rd accident that wasn't my fault, and my 3rd Honda that is now no more. So sad. Maybe I shouldn't get a Honda anymore. I seem to have the worst luck with cars!

I won't find out until next week if the car is actually driveable or not- because I left early this morning for a conference in Nashville. And when I say early- I mean getting to the airport at 4;30am after 1 hour of sleep. Unfortunately- it seems as though the plane didn't want to get up that early and needed a nap, because we sat in the plane on the runway for over 2 hours- thus allowing me to miss my connection to Nasvhille and having a 6+hour layover in Denver. ( not the most exciting airport I must say). It's a good thing I decided to throw in a few dvds at 3:30 this morning. Apparently batting your eyes at the nice man at the customer service counter does not help you to get on an earlier- already overbooked flight.

I guess it could be worse right?

Oh my goodness- I had an incredibly surreal experience last night... I met the legendary- original catwoman, la creme de la creme of new york performer- Eartha Kitt. I mean.. the woman is 80 years old and the performance was hands down the best I've ever seen. She sings exactly the same and pretty much looks and acts the same as she was 40 years ago. I think she pretty much had everyone trying to pick up their jaws off the ground after that performance. Incredible. For those who know me know that I'm the least star struck person alive- one of the reasons I can do the job I do- but oh my goodness... i have a new favourite person. Shes fantastic.....



Ok- I'll stop raving now and just say one more thing.. No more concerts until September! Woo hoo! I can have a life for the next few months!

There's just something about this photo that I love!

One of the things I love about Alberta is the hidden treasures that you can find throughout the province. This weekend Myla, Sabrina, Anna and I headed to Bragg Creek ( 1/2 from Calgary) for a fantastic little girls getaway!




toasting to fabulous times and friends!


Me trying to arm wrestle the tree. I'm pretty sure the tree won

I love how the first thing I ever buy on Ebay first of all takes forever to get to me, and secondly DOESN'T WORK. I took a chance- on a seller with a 90% approval rating.... Seriously!
I'm not impressed.
SO not impressed.

Little Becky Prank Call - Brought to you by Break.com Video Search

So on March 23rd and 24th- I attended by far the best concert I've been to since I started working with the ESO in 2004. It was Jazz. Jazz on a main series classical concert. Amazing amazing performance. Our conductor Bill Eddins was literally dancing on stage. They had some hot latin rhythms going on as well ( the last piece on the program) with some of the best jazz musicians in Canada playing along with our orchestra.
Of course there were a few distraught patrons....
and I quote...

Eddins strikes sour note
Edmonton Journal-Thursday, March 29, 2007
Letters to the Editor

I have been a supporter of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for many years.
Now, we have the Winspear Centre -- a world-class home for a world-class orchestra.
A few years ago, I attended the Jacksonville (Florida) Symphony Orchestra. They were great, and had a wonderful maestro.
But the ESO, for its size, is even better.
But what is with Bill Eddins? He's not classy; he's rude! He shakes his body, wiggles his bum, kicks his legs out, a chain hanging off his back pocket.
Our orchestra members dress beautifully and play superbly. I feel Eddins belittles our orchestra. He definitely is not a world-class orchestra leader.
Let's bring back dignity to Winspear and respect for our great orchestra.
Jeanie Campbell, Edmonton

EXCUSE ME JEANIE CAMPBELL. ( three snaps up, three snaps down)
The backlash from this letter against her and the support shown towards the orchestra was priceless. Sharing my opinion of the concert were many other Edmontonians.
Take that Jeanie Campbell.

CBC smartly enough is broadcasting highlights of this concert tonight ( April 26th) on CBC Radio Two's Canada Live- OR you can catch the full concert online for 1 full year at the following link:

http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/singleConcert.html?20070426esoja

Enjoy! I know I did:)

So I signed up on Facebook ( or crackbook as a few people like to call it) a few weeks ago- due to the insistent prodding of a few close friends. I really hate belonging to all these “friend networks” and so limit myself to only managing 2 at a time.(FYI- I deleted my friendster account for those of you on my friend list. Sorry!)

So back to facebook. So invasive- yet in a stupidly fun way. Whoever is on your friend list can see immediately the groups you’ve joined, pictures you’ve added, friends you’ve added- etc etc etc... much more out there then myspace (www.myspace.com/sistahgirl ) And it is really one of the most addicting friend networks out there. I really could be on it all day- good thing I have a little bit of self control right?

And you’d really be surprised how many people you know- or used to know- are on Facebook.
Problem is- I find all these people that used to go to the same school with me or work with me or whatever... and I honestly can’t remember if I was actually friends with them or not. Isn’t that horrible?!

So all of you who actually are my friends. Sign up for a really fun and addicting ride! www.facebook.com

Also- if you do have a myspace page or facebook page- let me know and I will add you! Please please PLEASE do not invite me to any other friend networking sites. I will not join.

This past week at work has been rather interesting. We had a Murder Mystery @ the ESO- complete with cops, dectectives, suspects, and a lady in red. I of course didn't murder anyone.. but that didn't stop the cops from frisking me for weapons.



Unfortunately- the "murderer" for the evening was our music director Bill Eddins- who they claim killed in jealousy. Of course.... blame the brown guy.

I know its been awhile since I've written. Here's the update.
Got my Mac. LOVING IT. Spending way too many hours playing around on it.

Almost got a puppy... I fell in love but she was quite expensive and I didn't think a dog was a good impulse purchase. But here's a photo of ms. cuteness herself...



And I cut my hair. Cut a lot off. I haven't had it this short in over 6 years. But change is good.



Besides a very drugged up trip to the dentist which put me at home for 1 week and on antibiotics... all is well in Shankel-land.

PC BE GONE! Thats right Kids. I finally did it. I purchased an apple laptop online this past weekend. Spent way too much money and am now patiently waiting for it to arrive by fed ex. Last I checked it was in Shanghai. I keep telling my self that it won't get here any quicker- the more times I check the online tracking system. Yet- I still check.

I never actually got the fillings done. I still felt the drill and they maxed out on the amount of freezing they could give me. So next time I get to take sleeping pills. Sweet.

3 fillings- $350 *
2 hours in the chair- $200*
5 shots of freezing stuff-$80*
Hitting my dentist in her head when I still felt the drill? Priceless


* estimated costs of procedures. I have no clue what these things actually cost. I'm totally guessing here.

So- I witnessed something rather disturbing a few days ago. I was walking across a crosswalk through a rather busy intersection in downtown Edmonton and I hear the sound of a rather incessant bus horn. I turned around as did the 10 other people walking across the street with me- just in time to see a girl- probably no more the 15 years old get catapulted by the number 140 bus. Surprisingly enough the girl got up right away- I’m sure she was in shock- because it did look like the bus hit her rather hard. And it was totally her fault. She ran into the middle of an intersection into oncoming traffic. Are you daft child? Suicide moment?I think not. Considering her 2 teenage boy pals were right behind her.
Seriously- how can you not see bus? They are big and blue. And in this snow-covered world- they kinda stand out.
The kids actually tried to run away- but they didn’t get very far because the bus driver got out and started giving them a nice lecture in the middle of the street. Ahh.. daytime drama. So entertaining.
I didn’t stick around to find out what happened. I think I was still a bit in shock from seeing someone being hit by a bus.

Hellluuuu… and happy new year to ya’ll! I’ve been delinquent in writing- ( definitely not a new year’s resolution). I was sick with a mother sinus infection over the holidays and away most of the time so now that I’m back, I feel like I can get into the groove again! To be honest- Christmas wasn't so great due fully to the fact that all I wanted to do was sleep and I couldn’t taste, smell or enjoy the loveliness of the season- but it was nice to have a whole week off and not work for a bit. It was also great to spend some time with my Bro’s family who came up for the festivities. This past weekend- my bestest girls and I celebrated Christmas together in Calgary at Anna’s new place. Going on 5 years now that we’ve done this Christmas exchange. Myla wasn’t there in body, but we definately was there in spirit. A nice time of card playing, shopping, fondu, movies and chilling ( and of course opening presents) . It was a fabulous short little getaway. Now its back to reality and the start of what I hope is going to be a very adventursome year!

I sit at my desk at 7:30pm on Dec. 22nd- feeling quite bitter that I have to work this evening…. AND tomorrow evening. Mainly because- well- let’s be honest here… I’m TIRED!!!
Even though its going to be a fabulous show ( Handel’s Messiah) … there comes a point when you just want to NOT be at your workplace. I’ve arrived at that point.
I’ve also been stricken with a throat infection. Lovely I know. Doctor says it’s not contagious. But I feel miserable just the same. And I have to sing tomorrow. Awesome.
I just want to go home and put on my Christmas tree lights and lay on my red sofa. Is that too much to ask? The little work fairies dancing around my head say yes.

Yes- it's been a few weeks since my last post. I was doing so well too.. .truth is- I feel like I haven't had a moment to breath! Between early mornings and late nights at work, concerts I have to be at, Christmas parties you have to make an appearance at and rehearsals- I've been going a bit crazy! I finally had an afternoon and evening to myself this past weekend- and let me tell you, my sofa has never felt so good.
I have found time to get all my Christmas shopping done- did that a few weeks ago and I'm so happy I don't have to brave the malls during this final week of madness. Well- the final countdown is here... 1 week until Christmas! Even more imporant.... only 5 more days until I can leave the Winspear Centre for 10 whole days! YAHOOOOOOO!The best Christmas present for me right now is time off.... ( and of course an Apple Macbook.... hint hint)