Sunday, March 2, 2014

Nerds Who Lunch

Hey everybody. So remember when I said I was a part of an exciting project awhile ago? Well I am now finally ready to sort of give away what that project was. I finally got to be on my very first podcast experience and it was with the always fun Nerd Lunch podcast. For those who are not aware, Nerd Lunch is a part of the Atomic Geeks Podcasting Network and the Nerd Lunch podcast is hosted by a trio of really cool guys, CT, Jeeg, and Paxton Holley.

I've listened to Nerd Lunch every so often for awhile now. It is a really great podcast. One of the first episodes I heard was when the group was talking with the Sexy Armpit about Saved By the Bell and all I could think of was, "This is the coolest freakin' thing ever." I highly suggest that if you haven't yet, head over to the Nerd Lunch podcast. It is so worth it. CT and the guys put a lot of work into each episode and the guests they invite are always people I imagine would be a blast to hang out with.

Anyways, so last night I joined the podcast with CT, CW (Claymation Werewolf of the Retroist awesomeness) and Paxton Holley. Only, I almost didn't make it. So while we wait for the new episode to go up this coming week, I thought I'd share my huge misadventure and how I almost missed the call to join in and be a part of Nerd Lunch.

I was originally meant to leave work yesterday at 4:30 pm. It was the perfect schedule. I was going to have plenty of time to go home and shake off the stress from the day and get ready for the podcast recording. I was super thrilled. I have been since I was first asked. Last Spring CT had emailed me in regards to joining in on an episode, but I couldn't due to some personal stuff. Cut to a couple months ago and I was asked again and nothing, I mean nothing, was going to stop me from being a part of this.

As the clock struck 4 at work I was eagerly awaiting the countdown until 4:30 pm. Only that didn't happen. The cosmetics and fragrance department where I work has been seriously understaffed lately. A wave of people were let go and the store has been a bit behind in finding people to fill those spots, so I noticed that things were very hectic and crazy. I didn't want to be that girl that just abandons the ship while the other few are freaking out with all the customers.

So I stayed, but I knew I had to leave at a certain time because I was expecting the call at 8:30 from the podcast. It was no problem. Until it became a problem as things so often do. The cosmos really love throwing whatever they can at me, I think to see how I will respond. But since I have She-Ra, Wonder Woman, and Storm on my side, there is nothing that will keep me down for long.

A customer had called earlier in the day asking if we could do a full-on makeover for her because she had a splashy event to get to that night. I explained that we were incredibly busy but that someone would more than likely be able to help her. I didn't want that person to be me. Like I've said before, I know how to apply my own makeup, but I am very nervous at applying my hand to someone else's face. Unless it is an Erica Kane situation and my enemy deserves it. Joking. Sort of.

Anyways, the lady arrived and no one wanted to do her makeup. No one. I was freaking out. My new co-workers were still trying to learn the ropes of the department so I was helping them while trying to also help a growing number of agitated customers. (One lady stormed off saying, "I'm going across the street, that other store is much faster than this.") Can I just say, I have totally forgotten how crazy retail is. I don't know what it is, but some people tend to think that retail workers are half wits. I was trying to help multiple people and my co-workers all at once. It was just not going to work out for everyone.

Then there was the case of the lady who wanted her face to be flawless for her evening event. It was up to me, and me alone. She wasn't sure I was the woman for the job. I really wasn't. I am a marriage and family therapist, not a makeup artist. I was shaking. The lady was a lawyer. All I could think was, "Can I be sued if I make her face look busted?" I can't be sued. Right? You can't be sued for applying makeup in the wrong way. I mean what would I even be sued for? I'm practically poor. I'm rich in She-Ra toys, but a court wouldn't take that away from me? Right? I'll hide those toys if I have to.

The process was terrifying. I've applied makeup before to other people, but not like this. She got the works. I prepped her face with some toner to remove any excess dirt and grease. I then applied a nice primer to create the perfect canvas for her makeup. Next I brushed on foundation over her entire face. The eyes were the next to get beat as I filled in her eyebrows, shimmied a nice highlighter below her brows, dusted the prettiest shade over her lids before swiping a darker shadow in the creases of her eyes while topping that all off with a thin line of deep sparkly shadow that made her eyes snap crackle and pop. To complete the whole look I then added some subtle blush to her cheeks while lining and filling in her lips with a sultry shade of lipstick that I knew her husband would flip to see her in. She loved it.

She wasn't really a makeup girl. We were talking while I was fixing her up and she was like, "I'm a lawyer. I don't do much with my every day look, but I like feeling special every now and then." I was relieved that she felt special when she left with her products. Once that was all done I cleaned the station, fixed all the brushes and everything. Time was of the essence and I felt like I was in Adventures in Babysitting or Ferris Bueller's Day Off, like when the characters from those two movies are rushing to get everything done in just enough time.

I was clocked out and everything was good to go. I stepped out of the store at 6:50 pm and could only sigh, "I made it out. I will be home in plenty of time to sit back, gather my thoughts, and await the recording for the episode at 8:30 pm." That's when I heard CT's voice looming over head, as if he was floating in the clouds, "Remember, we'll start recording at 8:30 pm Eastern Standard Time."

I slapped my head harder than Homer. I don't live in Eastern Standard Time. I live in the Central Standard Time Zone. Curse the cosmos! I had to be ready for the call at 7:30! It was 6:50-ish! Blasted Central Time! I screwed up. I felt my heart leave my body and flop around on the pavement in the parking lot. I never ran so fast in my life. My feet were swollen, they looked nothing like my regular semi-cute feet, but they got me to my car and it was time to go. I kicked the car into automatic high gear and I was off!

When it comes to laws, I do tend to mostly follow them, but I may have been speeding 5 miles over the speed limit to try and make it home in time. I had BeyoncĂ© blaring in my car. My eyes kept twitching to the clock radio in fear that I wasn't going to make it in time. I could not miss this. I had been looking forward to being a guest on Nerd Lunch for awhile now and this was really important to me.

So this of course means that the cosmos had one other trick up their sleeve: I got stopped by a train. Screams of really bad words flew out of my mouth so fast. The clock was still ticking and time was not on my side.

Somehow I made it home though with just a sliver of time left to spare. My parents and brother were going out to dinner with my aunt and uncle, so I did my best to usher them out. I live with a very loud family and I needed a quiet space. My dog got nervous with all the commotion of my family leaving and he went number one all over the freshly cleaned carpet in my parent's living room. I was just two seconds away from having a nervous break down. I had no idea how I was going to be ready.

I made it though. There were five minutes left until 7:30. I had some water so that my voice wasn't crappy sounding since I'd been talking all day. (Side note: I really hate my voice. So not only was I barely going to make it in time, I also had to deal with the fear of sounding like a total moron.)

However, once we were recording it all went away. I had a really great time. It was nice to talk to these guys. CT, CW, and Pax are really cool. They all have their own projects that they are working on and once the podcast is up I will share more with you all about where to hear it and how to catch up with them all. It was a wild and hectic Saturday, but it was totally worth it. A big thanks goes out to Nerd Lunch for asking me to be on an episode. It was a very fun experience.

I just wanted to share that with you all. I am off though, I've got some fun articles to come up with in regards to some reviews on Modulok and Glimmer. I also plan on catching up on all the comments I am behind with. Take care everyone!  

20 comments:

  1. Cant wait to hear you. Dont worry I hate the sound of my own voice as well

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    1. Thanks Justin! I am glad I am not the only one! lol

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  2. SAY WHAT?! Nerd Lunch Guest Spot! Oh I am so envious of you right now!

    I've been listening to Nerd Lunch on and off for a while now, and it sounds like just the kind of outlet for the general geeky you're up to. Given I've been told I have a "classic radio" voice by more than one person, its something I may want to try and get into myself. Oh if only they had an upcoming episode about comics art, classic movies or contemporary cartoons!

    Curiously I was at the library yesterday, and they were understaffed too. Checkout lines from one end of the lobby to the other, and unshelved books everywhere! Curse this recessed economy!

    I can sympathize with working under such pressure now that I'm operating for a big name client. Its all fun and games until you're the one under the magnifying glass.

    You know, the Johnson clan is always saying that one day weren't going to go to family therapy just so we can freely get our grievances out in the open. Any chance thats the kind of therapy you do?

    Glad to hear you made it. Its a new creative outlet for you and I'm looking forward to what you and the other fellows have produced.

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    1. Hey Erik! Nerd Lunch is pretty amazing. I have listened to a few podcasts, but Nerd Lunch is the one I have listened to the longest and have really enjoyed. I think what CT and Jeeg have done is impressive and really cool.

      I love that you have a classic radio voice! I have been told that I have an animated voice, as in "Do you voice characters on animated shows." I don't know what that means exactly, but I have been told that more than once. I've also been asked if I'm a phone actress, but that is what I get for working at dollar store once upon a time.

      And long lines at the library? I am so glad to hear that! I mean not for the waiting part, but for the actual people are still using the library part. I love that.

      And the family therapy you mentioned in your comment is indeed the kind of family therapy I do. I actually work with all kinds of groups and combos, like individuals, groups, couples, families, you name it. I am trained more in family therapy though.

      And I am so excited for you and the work you are doing with the big name client. I can only imagine what you are doing, and I can't wait to learn more about it!

      I'm really hoping that my voice and part in the podcast won't be grody for everyone. I was really nervous, even though I had such a fun time.

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    1. Hey John! It should be up on Tuesday. I will let everyone know too. It was a really fun topic to be a part of.

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  4. Oh Michael I AM SO EXCITED!!!! I am a dedicated listener of the Lunch and I can't WAIT to hear!!! That is so amazing! I was just talking to Brian about podcasting on Twitter LAST NIGHT and I was thinking in the back of my head as we twittered that you'd be great on a podcast!

    I am so happy for you! But let us also not forget:

    I am so extremely excited that you did that lawyer-woman's make-up and didn't get sued out of all of your She-Ra stuff! I was already excited to hear you were going to be in the podcast, but as I read the rest of your post I was literally on the edge of my seat to see how your makeover turned out for her! Way to go! You never cease to amaze!

    FANTASTIC!!! I am so proud of you on so many different levels! You rock so hard!

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    1. Hey Derek! This means so much. I know you have been a friend of mine for awhile now and I know you have been rooting for me. I really needed this. Being a guest on the podcast was so nice. I hated that I couldn't do it last spring and it was nice to be able to talk to people about the kinds of nerdy things I like being a part of.

      I am also really pleased with the make over I did for that lady. I have been working so hard to get back on my feet and make my life work again, and this whole experience has taught me that I can do just about anything! Putting makeup on the face of a lawyer sounds so terrifying, but it all worked out.

      I hope you are doing well. I think you should totally get into podcasting. I think it is a very cool thing to do. I have long liked the idea of doing a podcast, I just have no idea what to do. lol

      I hope you are doing well though! I am so hoping this will be an enjoyable thing for everyone!

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  5. Wow! I've never been a part of a podcast episode that had a suspenseful prequel! I love this look behind the scenes and I'm very happy that you were able to overcome the odds and outrun the clock. Wouldnt have been the same without you. Again, it was great skype-meeting you and you did awesome on the show! Can't wait to listen to it. (fast-forwarding past my bits of course lol) Great post!

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    1. Hey CW! I knew that while all that mess was unfolding i had to share it with everyone. It felt like I was watching a movie. So not what I had planned, but then again, that is life. lol I have to agree, it was really great to skype-meet you, and there is no way in the world that your parts need to be fast forwarded! lol I hope you are doing well. It was a fun Saturday for sure.

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  6. Modulok!!! Yes!!
    OK, so, this is a big deal for me too, I have read your blog for a long ass time, and I always imagine what your voice sounds like. I imagine it must be this cute sort of country-fied Teaxan voice. But the thing is, I never hear it as that in my head! I am from Ohio, the place where they send Newscasters to learn how to NOT have accents! And I always think of people talking like I do. So I am kinda nervous to hear your voice! Obviously, you are awesome, and from your pictures, I can tell you are attractive, but what if your voice is just terrible!? I think I would have to hate you then!! Dump your blog down the trapdoor! Bad voice=fail!!
    Only kidding! Haha! But I do wanna hear what your voice sounds like though! Especially to see how "Texan" you are!! Where can I listen to this podcast?

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    1. Ok, no pressure or anything, right? I hope my voice will be everything you thought it would be. lol If not, I do know of a giant hook somewhere that could be used to yank me right off the spot. I am not sure what to think of my accent. I have been told I have one and then I have also been told that I don't. I will let you be the judge of that one. The podcast should be up on Tuesday and it is the Nerd Lunch podcast, I think I added a link on the name at the top. If not I will remind you. I have to know if I will be dumped down the trapdoor or not. lol

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  7. Wow! Way to go Miss M! I can't tell you how many times I've felt like "The Matrix" was just toying with me while I'm desperately trying to get somewhere. lol.

    Just remember, when those nervous times at work come along, that at least you don't own a propane business during one of the worst winters in the last 20 years and CAN'T get propane because there is a shortage. When people are cold, they say very mean, mean things. Also they can get a little threatening. Go figure.

    I'm looking forward to hearing your podcast guest spot! Hope you enjoyed it.

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    1. Hey Vaporman! Yes! I do feel like there are times when forces beyond my control are trying to mess with me. lol

      I can't even imagine. I know that there are some jobs I would never want to have any deals in, propane, or anything involving someone's electricity or water, or things like that because I would imagine if stuff wasn't working, people would be flipping out.

      I did have a lot of fun with the podcast. It was a great experience for sure.

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  8. That's awesome, kinda like the behind the scenes of a DVD but with your upcoming podcast. I had the Ferris Bueller music in my head the whole time which added to the suspense. Best of luck, can't wait to check it out.

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    1. Thank you RetroRobotReview! I love that you had the Ferris Bueller music in your head as you were reading this. Hope you are doing well!

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  9. A: Awesome!
    B: What the heck is a "splashy event"?

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    1. Thanks Dex! A splashy event is one where mermaids party. lol I'm joking. I have always used the phrase "splashy event" to describe something that is fun and special. It is usually in reference to something big and fancy, but I like using it for all kinds of fun events. lol

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  10. way to go and congrats on getting to be part of the pod cast. for going to have to listen to it mostly to finaly hear what you sound like Miss M. for after all your voice is your own be proud if nothing else of its uniqueness. and glad the lawer lady liked her make up and did not come after you for your she ra stuff. after all you deserve props given how hetic the work day was for willing doing her. taking the risk of losing she ra. plus also getting through every thing fate was trying to throw at you to stop you from being part of the podcast.

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    1. Thank you demoncat! Thanks for the kinds words. And I am so glad the lady lawyer did not get upset with me! I can't lose all my She-Ra stuff. lol I hope you are doing well!

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