Simon and Rowan

Simon and Rowan
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Rowan discusses the facts about his new laptop with Simon, who listens intently.

Happy Birthday to you....

Family
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Rowan turned 12 today, so we had the family over for dinner. It was a great day. Looking at the photo I just realized that Rowan is now just about the same height has me. How depressing is that? My little boy - growing up so fast.

It should not be called a sleepover.....

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

.....if NO ONE SLEEPS! Happy 12th birthday to Rowan, who celebrated last night by inviting his closest friends for a sleepover. I offer the kids a birthday buyout program - they choose, a party or cash - and this is the first time he has not taken the cash in a loooong time. Very little (if any) sleep was had, but the kids had a great time and Rowan had a wonderful birthday. Tonight the family comes for dinner for another round of festivities!

Goldmine?

Yesterday morning, I saw a terrific piece on Good Morning America about the soaring price of gold - and how many are cashing in on the old, broken jewelry hidden in their closets at home. The reporter who put together the story took several of her old necklaces & bracelets to a reputable gold dealer and cashed them in for nearly $400 - and it was a very small pile, let me tell you. Inspired, I rummaged through my jewelry box yesterday for the few things I knew I owned that were broken or hopelessly out of date, and gathered a small package of necklaces, bracelets, rings and pins I've had for 25 years or so - and began researching in earnest.
Selling your gold on the Internet is pretty easy. Googling "selling my gold" will give you a host of sites - some reputable, some questionable - as well as some message boards with great hints. After comparing prices and Better Business Bureau ratings, I selected www.goldpak.com who had an easily downloadable form including a prepaid FedEx shipment label to overnight your valuables, a tracking number, and complete instructions that were simple to follow. I shipped my package that day, and according to the tracking, a check has already been issued for my gold items. I can't wait to see how much it's for. I'm hoping for something in the 200 to 300 dollar range.
They'll send me a complete inventory of each item's value, and if I've changed my mind I have 10 days in which to send the check back if I'd like my jewelry returned. I'm sure I won't change my mind - but it's nice to know there's an option just in case. Watch for the final total - I'll be sure to post it as soon as the check arrives. How exciting!

Casey Kasem's American Top 40

I've worked for Mediabase 24/7 for over 8 years, spending the first 6 and a half under the supervision of Michael Kelly, a man I so enjoyed working with. He was a wonderful boss and a great friend. He passed away after a short battle with cancer - and I still miss him so much.
The oldies format coordinator took over Michael's responsibilities after his passing, and became my "new" boss. Rob has a vast radio knowledge and has an impressive resume - including working for Casey Kasem at one point.
On hundreds of radio stations across the country this weekend, Casey will play one of his famous "long distance dedications" in honor of Michael as submitted by Rob on behalf of all of us at Mediabase. This will play on his American Top 10, Top 20, and Top 40 shows nationwide. Hear the clip by clicking this audio link. Thanks, Rob.

Pit Orchestra

This weekend, I am performing with the pit orchestra for the Allegro dance company. I have mixed feelings about it, because although I enjoy playing in the pit, the politics behind it all make it difficult to be enthusiastic. I am a fervent supporter of Wausau Dance Theatre, so playing with this troupe feels a little traitorous. Nonetheless, I have enjoyed working with the other musicians in the group, and Dan Larsen, the orchestra director and composer, is always fantastic. Here are a few photos from the pit.

After the show

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

I met up with Dana (left) and Julie at City Grill for a cocktail after last night's performance. They did not attend, but had been at a Women's Community Fundraiser earlier in the evening.

WS&B Photos

As promised, some photos from the last Wausau Symphony & Band concert, complete with scary clowns and more. There I am on the end on the right in the flute section (top photo, obviously).
This weekend I'm playing in the pit orchestra for Allegro productions "The Little Mermaid". Looking forward to it!

Grace & Simon

Grace & Simon
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Over the weekend, we dog sat for my good friend Angela's dog, Grace, who is a chocolate laboradoodle. She's just under a year old and absolutely adorable. She was a little nervous in a strange house for a weekend with three other dogs to contend with, but our cat Simon went out of his way to make her feel at home. How cute is that?