Random's Manifest - Thursday Thoughts (A Little Late...)

Let's all pretend it's still Thursday, shall we?

Chock Full 'O Chocolate 

Made it to the Soiree last night (albeit after getting lost and arriving more than a little late...), and had a great time!  There was a silent and a live auction, which served to make me wish (more than I already do) that I was rich.  It's crazy to watch people haphazardly throw down thousands of dollars like it's nothing.  Shit - I can barely pay my power bill!  But, I did get caught up in the "fever" and raise that temptress of a bidding card in order to sponsor a family of four, so they can go to the Museum any time they want for a year.  A hundred dollars well spent, I guess... 

There was a great turnout and I think the Museum raised a lot of money.  It was fun!  I can't wait for the First "Birthday" Party they are throwing this summer.  More black tie goodness with the Children's Museum of the Upstate!  

My eyes itch, my throat hurts, and my car is yellow.  Damn you pollen! 

'Nuf said.

Bye, Bye Betty   

So, I've been watching Ugly Betty since it started several years ago (I'm too lazy to look up just how many).  Sadly, it is going off the air next week.  :(  I will miss it!  Mainly because Mark and Amanda are SO funny.  A special salute goes out to Mark, as he went with the Duckie Dale look for Hilda's wedding.  It was subtle - but awesome.  I wonder how many people caught that... 

   <--- Mark 

Duckie ---> 

"May I admire you?"

Silly Government!  Timeliness is for competent people!

So I've alluded to the fact that I deal with Federal tax credits.  Well, the government announced yesterday that the credit I work with most has been released, and applications for allocations of those credits are due JUNE 2.  That's six weeks from now, folks.  Normally, you get 3-4 months.  They take roughly 350 hours to complete.  We may prep as many as 10 of them.  There are about five people prepping.  You do the math. 

If I'm not around that much in the coming weeks, you know why... 

Playlist Du Jour

I get 10 free song credits per month with my Zune pass.  Here's what I'm buying with them this month (so far): 

1. Breakeven - The Script
2. Ultraviolet - Luke McMaster 
3. Foundations - Kate Nash
4. Golden Skans - Klaxons 
5. Lost Coastlines - Okkervil River
6. Captain America - moe. 
7. Float On - Modest Mouse 

I need three more.  Any suggestions?? 

HELL no!  I won't go! 

As aforementioned, my life is going to suck for about six weeks - from yesterday on.  So, I can't make it to see Deac this weekend.  Because he's the generous sort, he's en route to visit me instead, so that I might also get some work done while we hang out.  But, this thoughtful compromise comes at a price.  I have to accompany Deac to the local amusement park tomorrow.  

Something you should know about me - I HATE ROLLER COASTERS.  I am NOT a thrill seeker, by any means.  It's dangerous enough that I live in my own body!  I'm surprised I'm still standing with the way I drive.   And walk, for that matter...  I will jump a crazy horse over a 4-foot fence, but that's as far as my risk-taking goes.  

Yet, I agreed.

Amusement parks have some redeeming qualities, however.  Funnel cakes, for example.  And Dippin' Dots.  And Cotton Candy.  So, while Deac is riding this: 

I will look like this: 

(Thanks to Hyperbole and a Half - from whom I stole this image)

And I told Deac he has to win me some lame carnival prize on a game of some sort.  I'll report back on his success (or failure)... 

Alright - off to the rest of the day.  Hope you're all FABU!  

Love and Rockets!  (I really hope they bring back My Life as Liz, btw...) 

K

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A sampling from the playlist.  Enjoy!! 

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PS - Welcome new followers, and thanks for following! And commenting! You guys are awesome! :)

We Are the World - Wednesday

Good afternoon happy people! It's Wednesday again, which means it's time to focus on the positive!  I figure I can shelf my generally Scrooge-like demeanor for one afternoon, and tell you about some do-gooder out there who's making a difference.

I've been trying to convince Boss-Man Jr. to go to the Children's Museum of the Upstate Chocolate Soiree with me next month.  We share a client in the same area, so I was hoping we could parlay the Soiree (rhyme!) into some productive meetings.  I dragged Boss-Man Jr. to the Children's Museum's Opening Gala last summer, and we had a lot of fun.  This event should be basically the same, only with TONS of chocolate.  What could be better??

Since I have the Museum (and dark chocolate fondue) on the brain, I thought it'd be a great idea to feature it in this week's installment of We Are the World (the Museum, not fondue).  Hooray!

The Children's Museum of the Upstate is an ADORABLE little den of learning in Greenville, SC. It's mission is to grow young scholars by making them excited to actually know stuff.  It's located in an old library, and is 79,000 sq ft of bright colors, music, happy kids, and super-cool exhibits (I know they're super cool because I got to play on all of them before the Museum even opened.  Color me important!) 

The Children's Museum earned a spot on WATWW because it's a non-profit, and it subsidizes a huge portion of its own operating costs so that all kids can afford to go.  So, it's a do-gooder in its own right.  It raises the extra money it needs through a capital fund and special events, like the Soiree, so that it can keep ticket prices as low as possible.  And, the people who run it are awesome. 

Check out the Museum's website to learn more: http://www.tcmgreenvillesc.org/about_us.php

If you have kids and live in this area (NC, SC, GA) - make the 2 hour trip to Greenville.  It's worth it.  Your kids will LOVE it, and you'll be supporting a worthwhile cause with a great mission. 

Peace out.