Playing Catch Up!

Ok. I know. I know. I know. I KNOW.

I let an entire month and one week slip between my blog fingers.

It's tragic.

But, there's been a lot happening in Candace world. Rather than go into the details, I thought I'd brief you on what you've missed (since I know all you've been doing is pining for my life details because I'm that presumptuous; sidenote: for those of you who are new here- we call that, "sarcasm"). :)

In no particular order...

• I hung out with Mickey one sweet, Fall afternoon.

• Timothy and I were Peter and Lois Griffin for Halloween. 

• The cats have been totally cute lately.

• We went to Dinosaur World. It was friggin' epic I tell you. 

• I saw real life penguins for the first time in my life and balled my eyes out. And then I met a real life SIZE penguin!

• My Spotlight Cabaret, "Silver Screen Serenades" went off without a hitch! And my husband and beautiful friend, Faith made stunning appearances. 

• Our youth academy production of "Around The World in 80 Minutes" went beautifully. So proud of our youngsters.

Did I mention that amidst all of this, Timothy and I watched the entire Breaking Bad series cover to cover? Season 1 through 6? And I am now obsessed with Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul as they might be the very best actors on the small screen right now. Just.... all of the love. 

I've missed you all and am glad to return to my little corner of the interwebs just in time for Turkey day... upon which I am working, of course. Here's to jobs and feasts and crafts and pie and the *NSYNC holiday album and festive pet costumes and warm fuzzies! Gosh, I love this time of year. :)

5 On Friday: We Made It A Full Year, Y'all.

What a WEEK! There has been a lot of working and cooking and loving and working and singing and kissing and hugging and acting and general being.

1. Most importantly, Sunday was our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! I would be remiss to not make it my first point of praise. :) There were lots of treats (including PUMPKIN SODA that he bought me!) and lots of gooey Facebook posts and lots of staying in bed having a Breaking Bad marathon... Which brings me to my next point.

 2. I know we're late but we just started watching this beautifully stressfully intensely wonderful show. And... oh. my. GOD.

3. I sang at a benefit this week for the Winter Park Playhouse. It was a lovely little way to catch up with old friends and have an excuse to get gussied up and sing for the people. :)

4. Sometimes, I forget I have the best job in the world. I get paid to play with clowns as well as curl my hair. Doesn't get much better than that! And yes, I am a giant. Case in point? See above photo.

5. Pentatonix finally covered my favorite song of the summer. Enjoy.

How was your week?

Linking Up With:

5 On Friday | High Five For Friday | Back That Azz Up

Five on Fri...Saturday (Shh. Don't Tell.)

No blogging for an entire week? How out of character for me! As much as I can say I missed the blogging community and the writing outlet, I'll never refuse those poignant moments when real life takes over, kicks in, consumes you a bit, and then gives you some sweet nightly pillow moments with your husband.

Between a full week of work, adapting an entire children's script for a youth production of "Around The World in 80 Days," my husband starting a brand new role at a dinner show here in Florida, and watching Orlando City Soccer win the mother friggin' championship game, I can happily say, "Welcome, Saturday! You're pretty cute."

I currently find myself sipping coffee (their pumpkin spice latte is nearly 400 calories; I just couldn't do it, especially this early in the day) in the local Panera (boo. hiss. I caved to corporate). I'm wearing my husband's shirt which very nondescriptly reads, "Brooklyn" across the chest. I have no idea what this refers to. The city? A sports tream? A college? No clue.

So, you can imagine my embarrassment when a New York native inquired and I had to sheepishly reply, "Yeah. I have no idea what this shirt is. I'm from North Carolina."

Ah, the lovely morning moments of a Southern poser.

Moving on. I missed Five on Friday. So, I'm doing it today. Don't like it? Well, YOU CAN SUCK IT. I'm totally kidding. Don't suck it. Unless the "it" is a delicious popsicle or a rainbow lollipop. Then you go ahead and get your suck on.

Things That Were Great About This Week. Go:

// Orlando City Soccer //
Kids, I didn't even know a darn thing about soccer two weeks ago. And then, one week ago today I found myself ransacking Party City for every red and purple anything I could find. There's something so invigorating about bonding over a team and celebrating their win. And yes. We won. And yes, I brought a purple bucket of candy to celebrate.

// Timothy's Opening Night at Capone's Dinner Show //
Timothy opened a new role this week at a dinner show here in Orlando. He was, as always, amazing and hilarious and wonderful. And it was a great excuse for me to get all dressed up! If that weren't enough, an adorable little three-year old girl at the neighboring table befriended me. We were fast friends by the end of the night and I almost took her home in my pocket. If you're looking to kick back, laugh a lot and have a meatball or four, you should go check out this little skit!

// Yellow Dog Eats //
Tuesday was a day of delicious food dates with friends at Yellow Dog Eats Cafe- a GLORIOUS locally owned restaurant here in Florida that you simply must visit if you're ever in the Ocoee/ Clermont area. It's. Friggin. Awesome. I intend to try the Pulled Pork Nachos eventually... And yes. Yes, they have roosters walking around.

// Working For The Man //
I worked a lot this week. Work is good. I love work. I lead a funny kindof life where work isn't always consistent and I am far from having a 9-5 lifestyle. Sometimes, it's hard and I get into a dark place when work is really thin. But, when it rains it pours and I get to explore every aspect of my personality... be it a script adapter, a director, an American Idol judge, a clown, a wife. I am so grateful to have been given a frugally non-monotonous life. :)

// NC Calling //
In three days, I'm traveling to my home of all homes: North Carolina. It will be the first time I've been to visit my family in a whole YEAR! Timothy's working so I'll be flying solo (this always breaks my heart and I miss him so much because I'm a clingy, leech of a wife, apparently). I can't wait to hug my mom, laugh with Dad, bond with sis (oh. my. God. She's a senior in high school and I am a grandmother), and roll around in all of the glorious bliss that is Fall in the Carolinas.

How has your week been?

P.S. Everyone needs to go check out Karen at blue girl presents who I nominated for a Liebster Award! She just posted her survey answers AND she said super nice things about me which was completely unnecessary but GREATLY appreciated. She's awesome and super talented. Go check her out!

Linking Up With:

5 On Friday | High Five For Friday

Sunday Social || They Say The Neon Lights Are Bright On Broadway

// What is something you’ve always wanted to do but are afraid of? //
Move to New York and be on Broaaaadway. I'm not really afraid of it, per se. I want to audition and take the leap. But, I also don't want to live in a box and wait tables 8 days a week. So, mostly, I am a spoiled actress who is happier living comfortably and working as a full-time performer. Plus, most of the roles I'm meant to play are 50 year old women so... I can wait. :)

// Where do you see yourself in five years? //
On the road to owning our own theatre. And maybe preggers. MAYBE.

// What are you looking forward to before the end of 2013? //
Our first anniversary! Losing ten pounds! Getting back into the big, blue world that is Finding Nemo The Musical (Fie on you, cracked rib! You suck! You are a ruiner of things!)! HALLOWEEN and AUTUMN! Visiting my fam in NC! And maybe a trip to Philadelphia- I've always wanted to go and have a real cheesesteak and see the history. But, I also don't want to get a fist thrown in my face for not being an Eagles fan so, there's that.

// What are your hopes for your blog? //
I just want to be Rachel Schultz, y'all. As far as I'm concerned, she has the perfect blog. Go get in on some of that mess.

// Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city? //
Just for a bit. I never can get settled anywhere. I'm very antsy. And the fact that I've been in Orlando for three years is nutso. But, it's perfect for us right now in our full-time performer newlywed life. Eventually, I'd like to be somewhere that isn't topped off in Mickey ears and scorching like the surface of the sun 10 months of the year. I'd love to be in a cobblestone cottage closer to my family surrounded by Autumn leaves. Nashville seems nice. :)

// What is your morning routine? //
Pour coffee for the hubs and myself. Pack the hub's lunch (personal handwritten note ALWAYS included). Read all of the blogs. Work out. Shower. Boom.

My First Blog Award! The Liebster Award

The amazingly wonderful Ladawn of the equally wonderful The Daybreak Bird nominated me for the Liebster Award and I can't even thank her enough! Seriously, Miss. Can I send you a box of cookies? I've been blogging here for about three months and it feels truly heartwarming to receive the recognition. Please go read her magically delicious blog right now.

// Do you have any siblings? //
One sister and she is practically perfect in every way (Mary Poppins whaaaaat). I wanted her for Christmas for nine years of my life before she was born. She is amazing and talented and beautiful and, yes, her name is Taylor because I was dead set on marrying Jonathan Taylor Thomas when she came into this world.

// Favourite meal? //
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm a Carolina girl who married a Greek boy. Thusly, the best food for my tongue is a happy blend of our heritages. So give me a big honkin' tray of gyros, pastitsio, pita bread, Carolina barbecue, collard greens, country gravy on grits and I'm a happy gal. :)

// Why did you start a blog? //
In March of this year, I fractured my rib while flying around being a certain forgetful little blue fish in Walt Disney World's Finding Nemo The Musical. It broke my heart (among other things) and bruised my dignity. After being bedridden for weeks and in recovery for months, I fell into an anxiety disorder that my family, friends and faith cushioned with positivity and prayers. I started this blog to help me just keep swimming and use it every day to cope. It is my outlet for all things creative, quirky, frugal, and funny.

// Do you have a go-to outfit? //
My yellow button down thrift store cardigan. Not only did I wear it for my album, but I also wore it the first time I ever went to Timothy's apartment where he cooked me dinner and we played songs on the piano all night. And look where we are now three years later! Married. Happy. Employed. ... Old. I'll never let that cardigan go.

// Best book you've read recently. //
Oh, I am a sad little bookworm who would rather watch Jeopardy than crack open a novel nowadays. And I used to be such an avid reader with my Faulknerian obsessions and my quotable Don Delillo self. It's either my sick addiction with all things Apple, or my vast submission to sickening First World antics. Either way, you should re-read Roald Dahl's The Witches because it's the best book in the whole wide world.

// A pet peeve. //
People who succumb to trendy "isms." You don't actually hate the word, "moist." You don't really get that disgusted by feet. And clowns just aren't all that scary (outside the context of porcelain dolls and horror films). Come up with a new quirk already.

// Favourite movie? //
When Harry Met Sally! The romantic comedy even your husband will enjoy.

// If you could live anywhere besides where you live now, where would it be? //
In a log cabin in the Appalachian mountains or a cobblestone cottage somewhere rustic. I just want it to be cozy and Autumn all day every day.

// What is your biggest fear? //
Losing my loved ones. Death in general frightens me and I don't even like mentioning it here from fear I'll jinx myself in some awful poetic fate. Knock wood. Knock wood. Knock wood.

....Also, anyone else have a crazy fear that their jokes will fall flat? Because not being funny sounds like a horrible existence.

// How many cups of coffee do you drink a day? //
I spent the first 21 years of my life being coffee-less. And then I became a nasty awful bean-guzzling busy bee. I worked at STARBUCKS for cryin' out loud! And I've finally met this guy called Even Keel and settled for one cup in the morning and calling it a day.

// What accomplishment are you most proud of? //
As an actor? Playing Dory in Finding Nemo The Musical and mastering puppetry, flight, song, and emotion all at once. I've never felt so connected to a character I've played (which might say something about me and my inability to remember anythi- Hey look! There's a shiny thing!)

As a person? My songwriting. It's one of the few places I can stop thinking and just get in tune (ba. ha. Punny.) with myself. Check out my One Minute Songs of Wordom series where I write one minute tunes based on listener submitted words! :)

Here are the rules for receiving this award:
1. Answer the questions that the nominator sets for you, and then create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.
2. Choose other bloggers link them in your post (must have less than 200 followers)
3. Go to their page and tell them. 

I'm nominating the crazy talented Karen and Amber and sending this back to Ladawn to answer these questions!
1. Where are you from and do you still reside there?
2. Favorite food?
3. What's your favorite hobby?
4. Favorite band or musician?
5. What's your favorite childhood memory?
6. What is your favorite holiday of the year?
7. How long have you been blogging and why'd you start?
8. What's the best vacation you've ever taken?
9. What's your most embarrassing moment?
10. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
11. Who is your best friend?

Clowning Around

Living in Orlando, FL amongst the glory that is Walt Disney World brings about magical shenanigans and dreams come-true. My latest exploits may or may not involve hanging out with some super silly clowns. Can life get better? I submit that it cannot! 

If you ever find yourself in the Magic Kingdom, you should look for Ms. Winnifred Horselaff and her goofy friends, Chuckles and Snort. 

How was YOUR weekend? :)