Love & Marriage

So, my sister got married this weekend.  As you can see, she had a great time and was devastatingly beautiful...I cried...a lot!  And I don't really consider myself a crier...

But let me start at the beginning.  Of course, Dana was stressed the night before, and I tried to keep her calm...But of course, I don't have those skills.  No one really slept the night before...including Jeff who was sick AND had a band gig the night before. 

As Jeff drove me that early morning to the salon to get my hair and makeup done, we also had Brompton in the car.  He was going to stay at my parent's house that night so that Jeff and I could stay in the hotel with the bridal party.  My iphone was in my pocket and locked, although the bluetooth was connected to my GPS.  Suddenly, Brompton kicks me in the side and the phone says, "Calling Vet"!  Jeff says, "Brompton, what's wrong?"
It's like a one and a million move that Brompton would kick my locked phone causing it to unlock, scroll through my contacts and dial the Vet!  What the heck!? 
So, I had a good early morning laugh.
Then at the salon, it turns out my hair stylist was also named Jackie, but my makeup artist used to do theatre with me back when I was in Macomb Jr Players!  Such a small world!

Next laugh came when mom came to drop off the wedding dress.  She took me to the back room and asked "Wanna see the girls?"  She unzipped her jacket to show her amazing new push up bra!  I fell back, laughing, but that really was a nice bra doing an amazing job! :)

We got on the limo bus to see Eric's Aunt Kathy had made us a gift basket for the limo stock full of delicious goodies!  I was glad because I had eaten nothing yet, but didn't intend to eat until at least after the ceremony to preserve my makeup.

Meadow Brook Manor was beautiful, and my sister really fit in with the architecture in her lace gown.  But it was kinda odd and off putting that people were pushing past us as we waited to walk down the aisle, because they were still conducting tours!  Even during the ceremony, we saw lookieloos...Which as an actor, I found cool, but non-show offy people might have been uncomfortable.

I began to cry the second I started walking down the aisle...That picture is going to be hideous!  I cried mostly because this was finally happening and now nothing, not even selfish people who had been previously stressing her out, could ruin it for my sister at this point.

As soon as she came down the aisle and saw my blubbering face, she started to cry too...Okay, so I ruined it for it...Dammit...

The ceremony was unique and very sweet...I am not sure exactly what was said because I had to keep singing "poop poop poop" over and over in my head to keep from crying...I am sure I made some snarky remarks too...You get ridiculous Jacquie or you get uncontrollably sobbing Jacquie...I pick ridiculous...makes people less uncomfortable and I have less snot bubbles in photos.

My husband was the head usher and he worked his tail off (seriously, we haven't seen his tail since the wedding) despite being sick.  But he was wonderful.  And Dana's planner, Danielle was a hero to us all.

We took some photos at the manor, but we were being hurried out because apparently another wedding was being held there the same day!  Wow...high turn over!

The photographers teased me for showing shoulder in some photos...I said, "I know I am dripping with sexy...like organic peanut butter."
"Did she say peanut butter?!" one photographer asked.
"Organic peanut butter" the other clarified...
Yep, still being ridiculous...Don't stop me now!

We got in the limo and went to the middle school where Dana and Eric first met when they were kids.  They took some adorable photos there.  Then we went to check into our hotel for the evening.  (After stopping for more beer....seriously, no one could wait til we got to the reception? C'mon!)

Then there was the reception.  I was soooo nervous to give my Megatron of Honor speech (remember, every time you say "Matron of Honor" my hips get a little wider).  I had the speech on my iphone and I was shaking so much that I kept clearing the screen.  I didn't disappoint.  I still wrote a short play about Dana & Eric (with Jeff playing a very convincing Eric), but I was more proud of my final line,which got me blubbering all over again:
     So if I have to say something poignant, I guess it would be this:
May God bless you both.  I am so glad I can call you sister and now you brother...But I am more proud that I can call you my friends.  
        To family.  To friendship.  To Dana & Eric.

Jeff  thought I copied it from somewhere, so I felt proud that it sounded so good.  Still I shook and fumbled through the whole thing...so it might not have gone over as well as I wrote it.  Stupid stage fright!  And I am an actor!

Then there was the buffet and the photo booth...Oh how we loved the photo booth!

But the dancing was actually a lot of fun too!  I blame my years at Tony & Tina's Wedding. I am no longer embarrassed to dance like a fool in front of people.  I danced with my daddy a LOT!  Everyone loves to watch my daddy dance!  He has SKILLZ! 
All in all, I really think it was a wonderful wedding.  And I can understand my sister being sad that it is over now.  But I can't wait to look at the photos and the video and relive it all again!  She should be so proud that she pulled off such a classy affair, even though she is a Floyd girl!  I am proud!

Sometimes I feel...

...the only thing I contribute to this world is the timely scooping of Brompton's poop...

Down for the Holidays

So, the holiday season has already started difficult for us.
A few days before Thanksgiving, we lost our dear friend Nick Nettles. He was running on a treadmill, at the gym with his wife, when he had a sudden heart attack and died. He was 37, and seemingly extremely healthy. We were all quite shocked and devastated. Were? Are.
I am the worst nurturer and I feel horrible that I haven't been able to do more for his wife and mother, but they have AMAZING friends and I know they are helping them as best as they can.
Jeff's former bandmate has a four year old daughter that is now paralyzed because of a car accident.
Another friend of ours was held up at gunpoint as she was carrying her Thanksgiving groceries into her home. The gunman tied her up with jumper cables and duct tap, all the while apologizing to her and telling her his life story. After stealing everything but her beer and turkey, he leaves...She tries to get herself untied and the gunman returns. She screams at him to just leave and he apologizes again and asks him to help her load up HER car with HER stuff cause he can't carry it all. She helps him, handing over her car keys and he leaves.
I don't care what your situation is, no amount of apology can make doing something like that okay!
Another friend's wife just asked him for a divorce and he is very much upset about this, especially losing the step daughters he was just getting used to having in his life.

All of this ugliness has made us fairly sad and edgy. But Jeff and I know we have each other. We are trying hard to spend our cash as well as our time wisely this holiday. Family is so important. And friends are family too.

We've also been blessed with some successes with our careers. But it doesn't seem worth bragging about right now.

Right now, I just want everyone to know how much I love them and should they need me, I will MAKE time for them! In this life, time is rarely our own. But there are situations where you just need to say "I need to get my priorities straight and love is more important than a paycheck."

Tell everyone you love how much you love them...as often as they will tolerate hearing it!

Squisher's Atonement

I have never committed vehicular homicide...until this past sunday.

I pulled into a parking spot at the apartment complex I was filming at in Novi. I was a little early, so I checked my facebook with my phone before getting out of the car.

Ten minutes later, I exit the vehicle only to see a pool of blood by my back tire. Behind that, a little turtle, no bigger than my hand.

"No no no!" I screamed.

I bent over and picked it up.

It screamed. I didn't know turtles could scream. But this one did. Its shell was cracked by its neck, and some organs were dangling out. I couldn't help him and I was devastated. I took him over to the grass and held his foot. I apologized profusely. I don't know why I had to park in that particular spot...there were spots everywhere. I chose that one! If I had parked elsewhere, I would have seen him and moved him to safety before this tragedy could occur.

I held his foot until I knew he was gone...I wanted to take his pain away. I wanted to save him...I could do nothing...I was helpless...and that is terrifying.

Then I had to go and film a comedy as if this turtle's life meant nothing.

I mean, for all I know, he could have grown up to be the Hitler of turtles and I saved that apartment complex pond from animal genocide the likes of which we never would have imagined...but I kinda doubt that.

Its hard to remain dead inside. But I have to in order to get through my shoot. I have to laugh. Then I have to drive home.

And now, everytime I get behind the wheel, I gasp as I remember that turtle and the way it screamed...it sounded like the Jurassic Park dinosaurs. Just very, very, tiny.

I can't bear having an innocent creature's death on my hands. But I didn't intend to kill him. Still, if I had hit a child, even without intending to hit it, I would probably go to jail.

This is why I wrote SQUISHER'S ATONEMENT. Because why do we feel animals are second class to humans? Why are their lives worth less than ours? I'm glad I am not going to jail, but I think my mind has put me in prison anyway.

I hear that scream as I drive. I gasp. I get all tingly around my shoulders and my ears start to ring...I feel like I might pass out. But I better not. Then I might kill some people if I pass out while driving.

I am sorry, turtle. You deserved better. I didn't mean to squish you. I hope you are slowly crawling through God's parking lot now without a worry in the world. I will see you in Heaven.

For me, Heaven will be me and all the animals I've ever loved, just cuddling and loving one another. Oh, my family will be there, too, I am sure...But nothing beats a good kiss from a puppy.

Turtles can't kiss. But I hope they can forgive...

Back to the dark ages

I went to a party this weekend. Alone, because Jeff was filming in Port Huron and I really felt like being "social." Also, there were cupcakes promised.

I was having fun, chatting and all...this is all out of my comfort zone, because I am NOT a social person...even less so without the husband present. But I thought I was doing well.

I took a peek at the folks in the back yard. I saw a friend's husband had climbed the tree out back. I shouted that he looked like a Ren Fest actor up in the tree.
I decided to join the festivities in the back and suddenly, Treeman decides to throw a stick at me. I look up just in time to lift my hands to protect my face, but not fast enough to remember I had a cup of wine in my hands. I was covered in wine and humiliated. And no one had anything to say about the situation. Not an "are you okay?" or a "sorry about that."

I had a flashback to when I was in elementary school and I was playing with a friend who lived on my street. She had a neighbor that hated me for some inexplicable reason. This friend wanted to play too. So, we were playing in the neighbor's yard, when I realized I had to go to the bathroom. I was told that I wasn't allowed in the house, so I ran half a block home to go to the bathroom.

When I walked back, the neighbor kid's older brother said to me, "I wouldn't go back there if I were you. They're going to tell you to 'get, scat."
I had no idea what that meant, so, I kept walking. I turned into the driveway and a bunch of kids, including MY friend, were sitting in the garage, chanting "Get! Scat!" and throwing things at me. Basketballs, gardening tools, whatever they could reach...some even reached me.

As I ran home in tears, the brother shouted "I tried to warn you!"

I was feeling like these people wanted me to "Get! Scat!" at this party, too. I felt tears welling inside me. This wouldn't have happened if Jeff were here. They would have thought I was too cool to throw things at then. Now I look like a tool covered in wine and no one cares...I walked behind the garage to regain my composure. I decided to go inside with the smaller crowd and chat with them instead. I calmed down and talked myself into staying. And I am glad I did. I got to play Rock Band for the first time and stayed out later than I have for "fun" in years.

But I still wonder why I almost left. Just because a mob in the backyard lacked manners, didn't mean I needed to "get! scat!". Someone at the party was going to want my companionship and conversation skills. I just wish I could have brought that little girl with tears in her eyes to join the party, too. She was a nice girl and a lot of people missed out on her friendship...I'm glad I know who she is...

my final bad review

Box 5:
Reviewing a show on the last night of its run is not our usual policy. But because of schedule conflicts and snafus, I was not able to catch Box 5 until the closing night of BoxFest. And to be honest, I'm glad I did!
In years past, Boxfest has produced at least one show - or maybe two - that knocked attendees' socks off and generated plenty of buzz. And while a few shows this year were certainly well staged and thoroughly enjoyable, none reached the level of excitement that Timeless: The Dancical earned a few years ago or The Opal Show did last year. Both had celebrated lives after BoxFest, and each subsequently earned a Wilde Award nomination for best original comedy.
Such a fate could also be in the future for Armchair Dating by Margaret Edwartowski, whose drama Snowbound earned the up-and-coming playwright a 2010 Wilde Award nomination for Best New Script. In this delightful comedy, an artist named Peter (Matt Forbes) and an actress named Liz (Julie Brock) are set up on a first date by Peter's best friend and longtime roommate, Chuck (Ryan Falcheck). The play opens after the date when Peter gets home - and Chuck wants to know how it went. Likewise, Liz's friend Anita (Megan Wright) wants to hear the gory details. So through flashbacks we learn what happened - and why a second date may not be likely. Or will it? Edwartowski's dialogue sparkles throughout, and her characters are totally believable and well conceived. In lesser hands, though, her concept of jumping back and forth through time to tell her story COULD have been confusing to follow, but director Andrea Scobie expertly moves it through time and place with careful precision. (At the end of the night, Scobie was honored - and deservedly so - as winner of the audience vote competition, which enables her to stage a late night show this season at Planet Ant Theatre.) Performances were fine all around, but Forbes and Falcheck were best at creating wholly unique characters.

The second and final one-act, Birthday Beer by Jacquelyn Priskorn, shows what can happen when longtime friends of the opposite sex move in together - supposedly just as friends. But one has feelings for the other, which bubble to the surface when Carla (Carla Angeloni) learns Dean (Patrick Hanley) has invited his ex-girlfriend (and now stripper) to dinner to celebrate his birthday. Personally, I didn't believe Dean's scene-ending conversion, but I suspect romantics and Lifetime TV viewers may see it otherwise. Partly, my reaction was the result of an under-developed script; it could have used some additional time to show us the deeper connection between the two friends. But I also didn't see any real character development on the part of the actors that proved to me their love for one another was real.

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/jacquiefloyd/blog?bID=538496476#ixzz0xRfwdftd

and another bad review for me!

I am not too bummed about this one seeing as how i think i wrote this play in 1998!


Block 5, the only hour featuring two plays instead of three, is home to the requisite dating stories. First is Armchair Dating (by Margaret Edwartowski; director Andrea Scobie), in which a man and a woman (Matt Forbes and Julie Brock) dissect and evaluate their first-date behavior after the fact with their respective friends (Ryan Falcheck and Megan Wright). The concept of shifting time from the date in progress to the postgame makes way for some outstanding comic bits and one-liners. However, despite the evident chemistry between soft-spoken Forbes and too-eager Brock, the scenario — and its frequently stereotypical friend-types — cries out to be pushed farther for bigger laughs. The two-person Birthday Beer (by Jacquelyn Priskorn; director Keara Woods) makes its premise immediately apparent to anyone who’s ever suffered unrequited love, as Carla (Carla Angeloni) falls all over herself to prepare a nice birthday for her friend and roommate, Dean (Patrick Hanley). The piece struggles with a script that lumbers obviously toward its obvious conclusion and stiff performances that might have loosened up with more rehearsal.