I live in a weird frog-lovin' town...

For the past 2 years I was involved in a production of the musical A Year with Frog and Toad and just a few days ago completed a stint as a giant frog mascot. I have an affinity for the little buggers, I have to admit -- which makes me giggle and sigh when I read stuff like this...

Toad Hollow is the famous miniature village located on the eastern entrance of the Toad Tunnel near the main Davis Post Office. Ted Puntillo Sr., the builder of the Toad Hollow village, has also written a book title "The Toads of Davis," which tells the story of the town's legendary toad tunnel. In 1995, the city of Davis spent $14,000 to build a frog and toad tunnel under the Pole Line Road overpass across Interstate 80 -- between the post office and an empty field on the other side of the road expressly so frogs could cross the road safely.

Did you know that the Frog Tunnel was not put in at the exact spot where the frogs cross the road? Apparently, it was put in several feet away from the crossing location, and today the frogs ignore the tunnel and still cross the road where they always have, which means they continue to get squished by cars!

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Hey all, I need to put on my more professional hat in a few days as I continue prepping for my students to be. Since it's uber easy to google me, I just want a little extra security.

No pressure, but if you want "in," just let me know.

Facebook = crack

So, the other day my friend Sarah made a comment on her blog about facebook. You mean, that networking site for college kids? Wait, I'm a college kid.

I went to check it out 2 days ago and have not been able to be off it for more than a few hours.

I have been made into a zombie by my friend Christopher who I did a show with in 1992, I have drawn graffiti with my soon-to-be classmate Christine and have had a virtual food fight with some guy name David who I didn't even know.

I do have to say that it's nice to connect with some folks who I have not spoken with in a while, but needless to say it's addicting.

Don't do it, Sarah.

Or if you do, wanna be in my zombie army? I'm a Leftenant!

No more corn dogs!

Well, truthfully there were not any corn dogs, but I reached the end of my California State Fair experience on Monday, the day we celebrated the strength of trade and labor organizations.

So no more frog suit, but I did wind up with eating bad Thai food, a frozen banana with chocolate & nuts, fried artichokes, a fish taco with fried zucchini, a chocolate dipped soft serve cone and one fantastic root beer float during the 16 days of fun and adventure.

Chad (of Chad Unlimited fame) also came down to the final 2 days of the fair and we saw Chicago and Weird Al Yankovic.

Totally cool. Both are completely underrated. Here are some old youtube clips for your viewing pleasure.



I have to admit that I did get up and groove to this Chicago song. It's one of my faves.

And this Weird Al character was quite a show man. He interspersed his great songs with video clips like this, so he could change costume. I swear the man just about wore a completely different outfit for each song. Enjoy!

So, I didn't get my road trip...

But Scott Gross of the New York Times did. He's the Frugal Traveler.

Really cool stuff. Check it out, here. I wanna do week 12 of his journey. The Pacific Coast. Anyone wanna join me?

WWCD?

So, I when I go to work at the State Fair I play a little game called "What Would Chris Ensweiler do?" Chris is a great physical comedian and an all-around warm-hearted dude. Since Splasher is a boy, I really try not to be too girlie on my walk-arounds the 50 Years of Boating exhibit. I guess this will count as my second Shout Out.

Thanks Chris for your inspiration.

Of course, I am all suited up and have a giant head, but if I can reach my inner clown, I'm a happy gal...I mean guy... I mean frog.

Wear your life-jackets, y'all.

Raise Your Voice!

Some of you may remember that on my first voice over demo CASSETTE I added the uber cheesy phrase "the voice of Hope" to the tape jacket. I promise to post a photo or scan of that soon for those of you who need that confirmation.

While at the Davis public library the other day I saw a pamphlet that said "Make Sure Your Voice Will Be Heard." It was for the local chapter of the League of Women Voters. I have always been interested in joining so I can more effectively "participate in democracy." Being around the outspoken movers and shakers in Davis may be a good thing. One more step than just listening to npr or reading the NYT online. 'Cause, come on folks, you wanna hear my voice, right?

Speaking of which the long awaited album I did with my Aunt Jan is FINALLY out. The title of the CD is Who Could Ask for Anything More. I got my copies in the mail the other day. I have yet to see the songs on itunes, but I have a few copies if anyone wants one.