And Then There Were Two

I received my rejection notice today in the form of an email from Harvard. You'd think for the $70 application fee they charge, they'd at least give me the courtesy of sending me a letter with their official letterhead to frame next to my others.

My goal is to have a "HALL OF REJECTION" (said with deep voice and ultra echo effects), with framed and matted rejection letters from all of the top schools in the country. I think a laser printed email will look kind of tacky. Maybe Harvard is really a tacky school?

That leaves USC and Stanford.

In other news, I owe the IRS $1500 this year, down from almost $4000 last year. What makes paying taxes even more ridiculous is that I'll write them a check on April 15th, then they'll send me an economy stimulus check for $1200 sometime in May (hopefully). Would it be that difficult to just reduce the amount I owe by what I'll be refunded, so I only have to come up with $300? Naw...that would make too much sense.

I have the pleasure of spending all weekend at Disneyland, including a lifelong dream of eating at Club 33 Saturday night. I really hope it rains!

Here's a picture I snagged backstage at Disney...makes me wonder what happened on July 12th, 2006.

Disney Christmas Special

As promised last week, here are some photos I took at Disneyland while they were filming the Disney Christmas Day Special. Since I couldn't get real close to the filming, I've added arrows to point out the stars.

First, the cast of High School Musical performing a dance number in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle -

High School Musical Dance Routine #1


High School Musical Dance Routine #2

Here is Master of Ceremonies, Ryan Seacrest on a stage built on Main Street (where they normally put the Christmas tree) -

Ryan Seacrest, Master of Ceremonies

In this last photo, Ryan is responding to my giddy screams. Later I will post photos from my latest series, "Ducks of Disneyland".

Disneyland

Just arrived in Malibu from an enjoyable drive up PCH while the sun was setting behind the ocean and multimillion dollar homes. Disneyland today was a nice break from the drive-work-drive-musical-drive-sleep-repeat routine I've been doing the last 6 days.

Apparently Disney was filming their Christmas Special today, as most of Main Street was filled with lights, cranes, cameras and Ryan Seacrest("Seacrest-Out!"). I danced along with the cast of High School Musical and screamed like giddy schoolgirl at Ryan. I should have photos posted later tonight or tomorrow. Be sure to watch their special on ABC Christmas morning and look for me in the background! If you have other family plans, either cancel them or make sure your Tivo is set.

Only an hour to go before my musical starts. I can't decide whether I should go warm up, take a nap, or get a an Oreo cream milkshake from the student center. Hmmm....I'll post my decision next time.

Disneyland & American Gladiators

I don't know if it's the cold damp weather, the fifth night in a row of Brigadoon (bagpipes and bad Scottish accents), the lack of time I've been able to spend with my wife, or a combination of these things that is causing my general malaise.

Two things to look forward too: Disneyland on Saturday, and American Gladiators on December 2nd. For several years I had Disney passes and could go few times a month. During my years in Long Beach, I would sneak down there in between classes. Since buying a house, the passes were the first luxury to go. Now going to Disneyland is an event. I will actually stand in a line or two to get on a ride.

December 2nd, 2007 - I will be in the audience for the taping of the first return season of American Gladiators. Mike Adamle and Larry Csonka will not return as commentators (neither will Lisa Malosky), but that's OK because they've chosen Hulk Holgan to fill that role! I can't wait to wear my Malibu uniform again!