A Productive Little Glamour Girl
I'm actually suprised by how much I got done today:
Got up and started cleaning - cleaned the bedroom, went through all my toiletry type stuff, cleaned my closet and I mean, thoroughly cleaned my closet. Came up with 3 bags of garbage and 2 bags of clothes to give away.
Started setting my wireless router up and discovered I needed another network cable.
So at this point I made one of my world-famous lists and made a plan of attack. Showered and got ready to be uber-productive.
Went first to the little mom-and-pop computer fix-it shop (how Sesame Street - just like Luis' Fix-it Shop). They had a cable for $5. Not bad at all.
Then went to drop off my dry-cleaning. Done and done.
Went to drop some shoes off to be re-soled, but no dice. They're not open on Saturdays. On Sundays, yes, but not Saturdays.
Not dejected I pressed on. Went next to drop off 3 HUGE bags of clothing off to the Salvation Army. Check and check.
Then went to Shop Rite to get rid of empty bottles and cans and pick up some ricotta cheese for a lasagna I may make later. Also picked up some goodies. Cheese curls are so hideously unnatural, from their bright orange color to their unnatural crunch. And mango slices. I love mango, but any time I buy a whole one and try to cut it up it's a disaster; mango juice everywhere and very little eatable flesh.
Then last but not least - the library. To return some items and look for something delightful to watch. No dice again. Slim pickings in the DVD area.
Then finally home. Where I resumed setting up the wirelss (success!) and am now typing from the comfort of the couch whilst I watch the Heroes marathon, with a satiated sense of accomplishment!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Etiquette Lessons
People just have zero common sense these days. They talk on their cell phones whenever they feel like it, they walk in front of you like you're invisible (I'm waiting to use the snippy like "Am I invisible? No? Then why did you walk right in front of me like I was?" to some clueless dolt.), they don't keep their beastly children in control (no, I don't want to hear them scream that you won't buy them anything and I'm thisclose to tripping one of the laundromat rats that run laps with the laundry carts past me screaming), and they think everything is someone else's responsibility. So....here are some little things I've noticed and am wondering if I'm wrong about.
Gym Etiquette
1. I don't want to hear you yapping on your cell phone while you're on the treadmill next to me. I don't care what your plans are for the evening and no one else does either. If I can hear you OVER my iPod, you're talking too damn loud.
2. Please don't douse yourself in perfume before coming to the gym. Quite honestly, I'd much rather catch an occasional whiff of sweaty person than be bombarded constantly with the hideous fragrance you bathed in.
3. Don't park your ass on one nautilus machine for 10 minutes. You might think your thighs really need work, and they might, but the rest of us would like to use that machine too.
4. If I put my step and weights out for a class and there's nobody else there yet, don't put your stuff right next to mine - there's a whole room full of space.
Drive-Through Etiquette
1. Don't lag in the line - some of us would like to move up in the line so we're not sticking out into the parking lot or street.
2. Figure out what you're ordering BEFORE you get to the menu/speaker. You've been sitting in line long enough and you can't honestly tell me you don't know what McDonalds/Burger King/Taco Bell has to offer.
3. Don't ask the other people in your car at the last minute if they want anything. This should all have been figured out before getting on line.
4. Don't order $30 worth of food. If you're ordering that much you need to do it inside and not hold up the drive-through line.
5. Pay attention for the 10 minutes you're on line. You can clean your purse/yell at your children and/or spouse/search for something under your seat later.
Laundromat Etiquette
1. Don't leave your clothes in the washer after they're done. Next time I will remove AND sell them.
2. Don't let your beastly children run around like savages. This is a place of business, not the locale for the latest "Survivor" series.
3. Don't let said beastly children run around with the laundry carts. It's dangerous and people actually do use them.
4. Ask before just grabbing the cart that is in front of my washers WITH my hangers in it.
5. See number 1. of Gym Etiquette.
6. Don't put one item in each dryer. While they are free, EVERYONE has to dry their clothing and your pillows aren't important enough to warrant a dryer for each one separately.
I mean, really, is that too much to ask?
People just have zero common sense these days. They talk on their cell phones whenever they feel like it, they walk in front of you like you're invisible (I'm waiting to use the snippy like "Am I invisible? No? Then why did you walk right in front of me like I was?" to some clueless dolt.), they don't keep their beastly children in control (no, I don't want to hear them scream that you won't buy them anything and I'm thisclose to tripping one of the laundromat rats that run laps with the laundry carts past me screaming), and they think everything is someone else's responsibility. So....here are some little things I've noticed and am wondering if I'm wrong about.
Gym Etiquette
1. I don't want to hear you yapping on your cell phone while you're on the treadmill next to me. I don't care what your plans are for the evening and no one else does either. If I can hear you OVER my iPod, you're talking too damn loud.
2. Please don't douse yourself in perfume before coming to the gym. Quite honestly, I'd much rather catch an occasional whiff of sweaty person than be bombarded constantly with the hideous fragrance you bathed in.
3. Don't park your ass on one nautilus machine for 10 minutes. You might think your thighs really need work, and they might, but the rest of us would like to use that machine too.
4. If I put my step and weights out for a class and there's nobody else there yet, don't put your stuff right next to mine - there's a whole room full of space.
Drive-Through Etiquette
1. Don't lag in the line - some of us would like to move up in the line so we're not sticking out into the parking lot or street.
2. Figure out what you're ordering BEFORE you get to the menu/speaker. You've been sitting in line long enough and you can't honestly tell me you don't know what McDonalds/Burger King/Taco Bell has to offer.
3. Don't ask the other people in your car at the last minute if they want anything. This should all have been figured out before getting on line.
4. Don't order $30 worth of food. If you're ordering that much you need to do it inside and not hold up the drive-through line.
5. Pay attention for the 10 minutes you're on line. You can clean your purse/yell at your children and/or spouse/search for something under your seat later.
Laundromat Etiquette
1. Don't leave your clothes in the washer after they're done. Next time I will remove AND sell them.
2. Don't let your beastly children run around like savages. This is a place of business, not the locale for the latest "Survivor" series.
3. Don't let said beastly children run around with the laundry carts. It's dangerous and people actually do use them.
4. Ask before just grabbing the cart that is in front of my washers WITH my hangers in it.
5. See number 1. of Gym Etiquette.
6. Don't put one item in each dryer. While they are free, EVERYONE has to dry their clothing and your pillows aren't important enough to warrant a dryer for each one separately.
I mean, really, is that too much to ask?
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Shiney, Curly HairI'm still loving my haircut. My hair has been looking amazing lately. It's just this soft, curly delight. Very little frizz and poofiness. And I've been using my Nature's Gate condish. This stuff is amazing. My hair feels clean, well conditioned and no build-up. AND...it's only $6 at Vitamin World.
Say Goodbye to Stars Hollow
Last night was the last episode of "Gilmore Girls." I know it's a cheesy little show, but I really had enjoyed it. It was unique - an hour long "dramedy" that combined elements of drama with lots of comedic dialogue, interesting characters (I mean, where else is Sally Struthers going to find work?), and a delightful setting. It was very well done, tied up all loose ends really and closed with a perfect ending scene. I was a little misty-eyed during the second half of the show but it was delightful. If I could live in a town like Stars Hollow I would.
Last night was the last episode of "Gilmore Girls." I know it's a cheesy little show, but I really had enjoyed it. It was unique - an hour long "dramedy" that combined elements of drama with lots of comedic dialogue, interesting characters (I mean, where else is Sally Struthers going to find work?), and a delightful setting. It was very well done, tied up all loose ends really and closed with a perfect ending scene. I was a little misty-eyed during the second half of the show but it was delightful. If I could live in a town like Stars Hollow I would.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Mmmm...another post about food
I can't help it. I get this little free recipe magazine in the mail from Kraft called "Food and Family." It's shamelss plugging of their new products in glossy pictures and all their recipes feature using Kraft products as ingredients, but I really find a lot of neat, quick and easy recipes in there. And it gives me my "new product" fix. Plus, a lot of the dishes are comforting type foods using pasta and rice. Last night I made the Bacon Cheeseburger Roll-up for my cowboy since he LOVES cheeseburgers and I knew he'd be coming home in a rush from a review session. It came out deliciously! It's basically ground beef, velveeta, bacon rolled up in a pizza crust. Tasty. Tonight I'm making the StoveTop Easy Cheesy Chicken Bake. I seriously get tons of recipe ideas out of here. And they do have healthy options, so it's all good. I mean, how can you go wrong following the people who make "Macaroni and Cheese"?
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Mmmmmm....Glossy Food PicturesI love Saveur. Love it. I love how they talk about fancy, shmancy food with as much zeal as they do about food from fairgrounds. They give all kinds of food equal footing. They don't see any difference in savoring a good church potluck dinner and a meal from a roadside vendor in Asia somewhere. They take me to places I've never heard of, whether it's some small enclave in British Columbia or a village in Italy to tell me all about their cuisine. I love the photos, glossy and perfect, showing me tantalizing dishes with accompanying photos. I've even made recipes out of the magazine; spicy chocolate cookies and mac and cheese. I love the little sidebars in the beginning that give notices about upcoming food festivals all over the world. Or the Saveur List that is different every month. I keep these magazines and go back to them and read again and again about how something tastes or how this dish was passed down through generations of families. I tried reading Gourmet. I did. Simply because I love Ruth Reichel and her writing. But it was too......for lack of a better word, elitist. The recipes always contained bizarre ingredients that I'd have to pay and arm and a leg for. Saveur is more tangible. I feel like they're trying to just let you know of different things, not show you what you don't know. It's seriously the one magazine I wait eagerly for each month.
Oh, and "Real Simple" I loved you in the beginning. Really, I did. But you just started saying the same thing different ways. I mean, how many times can we organize, remove stains and make dinner easier? I used to tear tons of recipes out of you, but now I just leaf through it quickly and move on. Sorry. It was fun while it lasted.
And "Lucky?" Because a dress is $190 doesn't make it "affordable" or a "bargain." I understand in relation to the $300 dresses you show on your pages it is, but really.
I will however, always love InStyle. Where else can I find photos of celebrities sans the cheesy tabloidism (which sometimes is fun) and helpful hints and styles. I've gotten more outfit ideas from there more than anywhere else. It's my favorite magazine to take on a plane ride.
Oh...and by the way. Saveur has the best last page. They find these great photos and simply caption them with what they are. Whether it's a quirky restaurant in Taiwan where the patrons sit on closed potties and eat on covered sinks, or it's a vintage photo from the Hollywood Golden Era of the canteen, always something interesting.
Mmmm......Bone-Shaped Dessert
Yesterday I finally got my haircut. Went to Zeba in Huntington and saw Steven. He was fabulous. He told me me hair was "gorgeous" and "unique." I liked that. In having hair that got me teased incessantly from grades 6 through 10, it's so refreshing to be stopped by strangers to be told they love my hair. It seemed like every stylist in the salon had to come over to touch my hair and marvel at it's curliness. But I sat there and Steven shook out my hair. It looked messy but that sexy messy that you see in ads. Then he cut it (dry!) and it started to take some shape. It just kept looking better and better. It so needed something. It was just long and hanging there and when it was dry the ends would get poufy and it'd look silly. I was wearing it up more often than not. So he shaped and shaped. He stood back and looked. It was seriously the first time since my first Deva-cut where I liked what I saw happening. We talked about food and restaurants and he was just delightful - humming along with the music playing. It was really a relaxed atmosphere, which was nice. Then off to get "washed" with Deva products; Low Poo and One Condition. He had asked me a lot about how I had my hair done last and I told him how I walked out of Deva with my hair feeling very product-y and stiff and how it took forever to get the curl back. He was shocked that that happened and promised we'd find a way to finish my hair without it getting product-y. I was Low Poo-ed and conditioned. Not as luxuriously as at Deva, but nice enough for a Saturday morning. Then back to the chair, where Steven styled my hair with Aquage gel. He was great - didn't try to push a single product on me, and told me we'd try the gel and see if it works, since he knows you never know how it'll dry, but he liked the sound of the gel, as it was botanical and should give shape and some control without stiffness. So he worked the gel in sections - not how I do my hair, but that's such a personal thing with curlies. And then he sent me on my way, after telling me that it was such a nice way to start his day doing my hair. That's just nice. I'm definitely going back. It was WAY cheaper than a Deva cut and I was completely satisfied.
Then I met Diane for a meal and sorely needed hanging-out time. We went to J.T.'s Corner Cafe. Thank goodness I had checked out the menu ahead of time. There were so many options in front of me. But I was in the mood for eggs and breakfast and went with corned beef hash. (My guilty pleasure when it comes to breakfast.) It was delicious. I couldn't even finish it - it was so plentiful. And we got orders of the "funny bones" to go. Oh sweet chocolately peanut buttery goodness. They were small cakes shaped like bones - a layer of devil's food sponge and a layer of peanut butter on top of that, all covered in chocolate. We were in heaven. And they were eaten whilst watching "The Night Listener." Not a bad movie - one of those quirky little films that I really enjoy. And then went home to veg out and fell asleep on the couch. Just what a weekend is for.
Yesterday I finally got my haircut. Went to Zeba in Huntington and saw Steven. He was fabulous. He told me me hair was "gorgeous" and "unique." I liked that. In having hair that got me teased incessantly from grades 6 through 10, it's so refreshing to be stopped by strangers to be told they love my hair. It seemed like every stylist in the salon had to come over to touch my hair and marvel at it's curliness. But I sat there and Steven shook out my hair. It looked messy but that sexy messy that you see in ads. Then he cut it (dry!) and it started to take some shape. It just kept looking better and better. It so needed something. It was just long and hanging there and when it was dry the ends would get poufy and it'd look silly. I was wearing it up more often than not. So he shaped and shaped. He stood back and looked. It was seriously the first time since my first Deva-cut where I liked what I saw happening. We talked about food and restaurants and he was just delightful - humming along with the music playing. It was really a relaxed atmosphere, which was nice. Then off to get "washed" with Deva products; Low Poo and One Condition. He had asked me a lot about how I had my hair done last and I told him how I walked out of Deva with my hair feeling very product-y and stiff and how it took forever to get the curl back. He was shocked that that happened and promised we'd find a way to finish my hair without it getting product-y. I was Low Poo-ed and conditioned. Not as luxuriously as at Deva, but nice enough for a Saturday morning. Then back to the chair, where Steven styled my hair with Aquage gel. He was great - didn't try to push a single product on me, and told me we'd try the gel and see if it works, since he knows you never know how it'll dry, but he liked the sound of the gel, as it was botanical and should give shape and some control without stiffness. So he worked the gel in sections - not how I do my hair, but that's such a personal thing with curlies. And then he sent me on my way, after telling me that it was such a nice way to start his day doing my hair. That's just nice. I'm definitely going back. It was WAY cheaper than a Deva cut and I was completely satisfied.
Then I met Diane for a meal and sorely needed hanging-out time. We went to J.T.'s Corner Cafe. Thank goodness I had checked out the menu ahead of time. There were so many options in front of me. But I was in the mood for eggs and breakfast and went with corned beef hash. (My guilty pleasure when it comes to breakfast.) It was delicious. I couldn't even finish it - it was so plentiful. And we got orders of the "funny bones" to go. Oh sweet chocolately peanut buttery goodness. They were small cakes shaped like bones - a layer of devil's food sponge and a layer of peanut butter on top of that, all covered in chocolate. We were in heaven. And they were eaten whilst watching "The Night Listener." Not a bad movie - one of those quirky little films that I really enjoy. And then went home to veg out and fell asleep on the couch. Just what a weekend is for.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Slap a "New" Label on Something and I'm SoldI can't tell you how many times I'm a victim of slick marketing. Really. Put a "new" label on something and I toss it right in the cart. So was the case on Sunday when I went food shopping since our cupboards were bare (or at least devoid of quick make-n-eat food to get through the end of the semester frenzy). And there it was. Not only was it "new" but on sale. So I bought the Quaker Granola Bites. They looked tasty and clever. Well. I can safely say I made a wise choice. They're like little granola treats with a tiny bit of chocolate on them. Enough to get me to lunch, but not too much to ruin my appetite. And only 90 calories per little pouch. Better than granola bars. Which I like in theory, but if they're of the chewy variety, it gets tiresome to chew them.
Random-Ness
Every so often it's good to have a random post. Just to clear out all the stuff in the brain.
Random Piece #1
I had the oddest fortune cookie yesterday. It said, "Look closely at your surroundings." What does that mean? Did I lose something? Will I find something? Is it trying to tell me my apartment is too small? I don't know. It could have been worse though, Christine's said, "Pick another fortune cookie." I kid you not.
Random Piece #2
Cinnamon Toast Crunch is delicious. But you have to eat it quickly. It's sogginess speed is alarming.
Random Piece #3
CSI is just one of my favorite shows. I was watching a particularly good episode yesterday while cleaning and doing dishes. (That's one good thing about your kitchen being inside your living room.) The episodes are just so well-written and especially well-shot. They're like little feature films about a particular killer or lifestyle. I love them. And the whole miniature killer storyline is just outstanding. Love it.
Every so often it's good to have a random post. Just to clear out all the stuff in the brain.
Random Piece #1
I had the oddest fortune cookie yesterday. It said, "Look closely at your surroundings." What does that mean? Did I lose something? Will I find something? Is it trying to tell me my apartment is too small? I don't know. It could have been worse though, Christine's said, "Pick another fortune cookie." I kid you not.
Random Piece #2
Cinnamon Toast Crunch is delicious. But you have to eat it quickly. It's sogginess speed is alarming.
Random Piece #3
CSI is just one of my favorite shows. I was watching a particularly good episode yesterday while cleaning and doing dishes. (That's one good thing about your kitchen being inside your living room.) The episodes are just so well-written and especially well-shot. They're like little feature films about a particular killer or lifestyle. I love them. And the whole miniature killer storyline is just outstanding. Love it.
Friday, April 27, 2007
God Bless You Slava
This morning, Mstislav Rostropovich, probably the world's greatest living cellist died. I heard it on WFUV and then switched quickly over to WQXR to get the real scoop. I cried for about 10 minutes. He was such a great musician - soloist as well as conductor and showed such a great joie de vive while performing. He was so enthusiastic that upon completing a concert would hop off the podium and kiss and hug the musicians within reach. That's what being a musician is. That joy, that delight in every aspect of being a musician. I so wish I had gotten to see him live before he passed away. What a loss to the music world and everyone in general.
The photo, is of him playing his cello - the Bach Suites while the Berlin Wall is coming down.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
The Inverse Relative Baloney Theory
Kerry says I need to blog more to entertain her. So, in doing that, I offer you, dear readers my "Inverse Relative Baloney Theory."
I love baloney. I don't care that it's made the same way as hot dogs. I don't care that it's like the lowest on the cold cut totem pole (I'd put it somewhere below salami but above olive loaf and chicken roll). I love it. In fact, I do believe that on my way to the doctor's office (11:45am) I will indeed have a baloney sandwich.
Okay. My theory states, that as the price per pound of the baloney goes up, the taste of the baloney goes down. Inversely, as the price per baloney goes down, the taste of the baloney goes up. Case in point. I detest Boar's Head Baloney. It tastes soapy and the casing is tough. However, Shoprite Store Brand Baloney, is delicious and tastes like it came directly from a German delicatessen. And it's relative too. The Shoprite Store Brand is better, compared to the Hansel and Gretel baloney at Best Yet Market.
So there you have it. A scientific categorization of baloney.
Kerry says I need to blog more to entertain her. So, in doing that, I offer you, dear readers my "Inverse Relative Baloney Theory."
I love baloney. I don't care that it's made the same way as hot dogs. I don't care that it's like the lowest on the cold cut totem pole (I'd put it somewhere below salami but above olive loaf and chicken roll). I love it. In fact, I do believe that on my way to the doctor's office (11:45am) I will indeed have a baloney sandwich.
Okay. My theory states, that as the price per pound of the baloney goes up, the taste of the baloney goes down. Inversely, as the price per baloney goes down, the taste of the baloney goes up. Case in point. I detest Boar's Head Baloney. It tastes soapy and the casing is tough. However, Shoprite Store Brand Baloney, is delicious and tastes like it came directly from a German delicatessen. And it's relative too. The Shoprite Store Brand is better, compared to the Hansel and Gretel baloney at Best Yet Market.
So there you have it. A scientific categorization of baloney.
Relay for Life
So, last night was Relay for Life. I pulled back this year and just was a participant. No running a team, no taking care of everything. Mom's nursing students had the cutest campsite set up - they had a whole tiki theme going. It was the best looking campsite there if I do say so. But I went, and did the survivor's lap and Tommy joined me for the caregiver's lap and we discussed his outstanding caregiving skills that he showed while I was sick. (If anyone ever needs to know how to flush a peripherally-inserted-central-line - go see him) But it was fun and happy. I always get a little weepy doing the survivor's lap, so I held Mom's friend's Carol's hand and we walked together. For some reason, it's easier to walk with someone during that lap.
But I digress....
Being out till 10:45p.m. in a very loud gymnasium where I had to yell to be heard did not assist my sore throat situation. Woke up at 4:00 a.m. in pain; couldn't swallow and felt all grunky. Woke up this morning feeling a little better, but now have PINK EYE! No rest for the wicked. So, now I need to make an appointment to get in just to get some drops for this glowing eye.
AND
I have a 6-hour rehearsal later. Luckily tomorrow is very empty. Maybe I'll make an appearance at a Bethpage game for a short while if I'm feeling better.
So, last night was Relay for Life. I pulled back this year and just was a participant. No running a team, no taking care of everything. Mom's nursing students had the cutest campsite set up - they had a whole tiki theme going. It was the best looking campsite there if I do say so. But I went, and did the survivor's lap and Tommy joined me for the caregiver's lap and we discussed his outstanding caregiving skills that he showed while I was sick. (If anyone ever needs to know how to flush a peripherally-inserted-central-line - go see him) But it was fun and happy. I always get a little weepy doing the survivor's lap, so I held Mom's friend's Carol's hand and we walked together. For some reason, it's easier to walk with someone during that lap.
But I digress....
Being out till 10:45p.m. in a very loud gymnasium where I had to yell to be heard did not assist my sore throat situation. Woke up at 4:00 a.m. in pain; couldn't swallow and felt all grunky. Woke up this morning feeling a little better, but now have PINK EYE! No rest for the wicked. So, now I need to make an appointment to get in just to get some drops for this glowing eye.
AND
I have a 6-hour rehearsal later. Luckily tomorrow is very empty. Maybe I'll make an appearance at a Bethpage game for a short while if I'm feeling better.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Tag, I'm It?
According to Kerry now I have to post 10 things about me. Wacky things. Things people don't know. Hmmmm.....
1. I know more about 19th century baseball than the average guy.
2. I play loud music while cleaning the house. (Sorry Kerry, I kinda plagarized your thought there, but it is true.)
3. I met my husband on the internet.
4. I can't drive without music. I can't do almost anything without music playing.
5. I tried to teach myself Portuguese.
6. Mmmm...beef jerky.
7. I can play the tambourine and the crotale.
8. I have no problems with going to the movies, eating in a restaurant or doing social-type things alone.
9. I've never seen the movie "Titanic."
10. In college, I liked sneaking up on my roommates and scaring them. BOO!
And I'm supposed to tag other bloggers, but I'm embarassed to say I don't know any. I suck.
According to Kerry now I have to post 10 things about me. Wacky things. Things people don't know. Hmmmm.....
1. I know more about 19th century baseball than the average guy.
2. I play loud music while cleaning the house. (Sorry Kerry, I kinda plagarized your thought there, but it is true.)
3. I met my husband on the internet.
4. I can't drive without music. I can't do almost anything without music playing.
5. I tried to teach myself Portuguese.
6. Mmmm...beef jerky.
7. I can play the tambourine and the crotale.
8. I have no problems with going to the movies, eating in a restaurant or doing social-type things alone.
9. I've never seen the movie "Titanic."
10. In college, I liked sneaking up on my roommates and scaring them. BOO!
And I'm supposed to tag other bloggers, but I'm embarassed to say I don't know any. I suck.
Monday, April 09, 2007
F*%^ You Cancer
It's been a while since I've taken a kickboxing class. So I forgot how cathartic (and exhausting) they are. Every time I take one I envision cancer as a horrible monster in front of me and aim all my kicks and punches in his direction. I think of him as looking like one of those boogey-men from "March of the Wooden Soldiers." I hit and punch and kick and show no mercy. Then I always feel better when I'm done. Refreshed and renewed.
It's been a while since I've taken a kickboxing class. So I forgot how cathartic (and exhausting) they are. Every time I take one I envision cancer as a horrible monster in front of me and aim all my kicks and punches in his direction. I think of him as looking like one of those boogey-men from "March of the Wooden Soldiers." I hit and punch and kick and show no mercy. Then I always feel better when I'm done. Refreshed and renewed.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
I See the Lion Captive in the Kitchen
I don't care if it's cheesy. I don't care how dated it is. I don't care if it's "too cheery." I love this album. I love how it's its own little entity - back in the days where artists created whole albums, not just strung a series of singles together, hoping they'd be downloaded as an album. (Don't get me wrong, I do download single songs, I just prefer the completed-ness and the sanctity of albums as wholes.)
I had to buy it second hand off amazon, and of course after I did, I discovered that Sony put out a box set of his first 3 albums. D'oh.
But listening to it is comforting. This is one that was almost constantly on the reel-to-reel when I was little. It's something that is so familiar in tunes and lyrics that even though I hadn't heard it in probably almost 20 years, I knew all the lyrics and the sequence of tracks. I love the way it's such a studio album - the musicians on there are great - soulful bass lines, Michaels Jackson and McDonald singing inobtrusive back-up. I love how the instruments on there are varied, mandolin, accordian, strings.
Allmusic.com classifies "Keep the Fire" as:
"Smooth
Searching
Gentle
Poignant
Soothing
Laid-Back/ Mellow"
and I have to agree.
I don't care if it's cheesy. I don't care how dated it is. I don't care if it's "too cheery." I love this album. I love how it's its own little entity - back in the days where artists created whole albums, not just strung a series of singles together, hoping they'd be downloaded as an album. (Don't get me wrong, I do download single songs, I just prefer the completed-ness and the sanctity of albums as wholes.)
I had to buy it second hand off amazon, and of course after I did, I discovered that Sony put out a box set of his first 3 albums. D'oh.
But listening to it is comforting. This is one that was almost constantly on the reel-to-reel when I was little. It's something that is so familiar in tunes and lyrics that even though I hadn't heard it in probably almost 20 years, I knew all the lyrics and the sequence of tracks. I love the way it's such a studio album - the musicians on there are great - soulful bass lines, Michaels Jackson and McDonald singing inobtrusive back-up. I love how the instruments on there are varied, mandolin, accordian, strings.
Allmusic.com classifies "Keep the Fire" as:
"Smooth
Searching
Gentle
Poignant
Soothing
Laid-Back/ Mellow"
and I have to agree.
Friday, April 06, 2007
I Am Iron (Wo)ManHere I am being foolish in Philadelphia (ooh - that sounds like a signature to a "Dear Abby" letter). Philadelphia was fun. We did the following:
- Ate expensive (and utterly delicious) filet mignons at Smith and Wollensky.
- Walked among beautiful and old architecture.
- Tried to figure out where Sixth Sense was filmed.
- Stayed in luxurious accomodations (thanks Priceline.com!)
- Got shoved and pushed at a children's museum. (apparently it doesn't matter what state you're in - hands-on museums bring out the worst in everyone)
- Walked around and shopped and purchased Gap Heaven perfume and a decadent brownie at a special chocolatey shop.
- Ate a hoagie and a Philly cheese steak. Then bought another one to share later.
- Came back to the hotel and relaxed by the pool.
- Shared above cheese steak at 10:30 p.m.
- Wandered about Philly in vain looking for said chocolatey shop to purchase another brownie, realized was walking in the wrong direction, swore and trudged back to the luxurious accomodations. (all me.)
- Made it back home in one piece.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Is This Sad, Funny or Both?
So I found this picture of Annie and me at the Madame Toussard Wax Museum. We're with a "like-ness" of Donald Trump. And then this morning I see that he shaved Vince McMahon's head because of some wrestling match. (What's funny is that I clicked on the headline thinking Donald Trump shaved Ed McMahon's head!) When looking at the photos, it seemed that the "live" Donald could easily be confused with the wax Donald.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower I was flipping through the channels while waiting for dear heart to get off the phone for supper. I discoverd this little gem of an Audrey Hepburn film, entitled "Paris When it Sizzles." The irony that I had just played a song that contains that very phrase was not lost on me. It was cute and funny and witty. I actually laughed out loud with self-unconscious guffaws. As an added bonus, it was on TCM, which meant no waiting through mindless commercials. Audrey of course was her usual delightful and sparkling self and William Holden was funny and gruff and dashing. It made fun of itself and the whole Hollywood movie world. Go find it and have a good laugh at Tony Curtis who makes an extended cameo.
Mmmmmm....Almond-esque Tiramisu*
I might have discovered a little more heaven on earth. I had been to Peter's Pasta in Babylon and had an amazing dessert there. It was like tiramisu - layers of ladyfingers, custard and a dusting of topping. But the similarities ended there. The ladyfingers were soaked in amaretto instead of rum (which I don't like anyway), the custard had an almond taste to it and was lighter and the top was coated in toasted almonds. It was divine. So I figured it was an artsy fartsy kind of thing. But ahhh......I encountered its sweetness again at the Milk and Sugar Cafe in Bay Shore. Hooray! I thought. Gotcha! And then......after a long weekend of cello-ing, while of all things grocery shopping at Shop Rite (I've never understood that name - are they implying that by shopping there I'm doing the 'rite' thing?) - lo and behold, there it was in the case at the bakery department. Nestled in a little paper holder. It was delicious. And I didn't share a bite. And it was a third of the price of the 2 previous times I had it and just as delicious. And I made yummy noises the whole time I ate it.
*To be said in a Homer Simpson voice.
I might have discovered a little more heaven on earth. I had been to Peter's Pasta in Babylon and had an amazing dessert there. It was like tiramisu - layers of ladyfingers, custard and a dusting of topping. But the similarities ended there. The ladyfingers were soaked in amaretto instead of rum (which I don't like anyway), the custard had an almond taste to it and was lighter and the top was coated in toasted almonds. It was divine. So I figured it was an artsy fartsy kind of thing. But ahhh......I encountered its sweetness again at the Milk and Sugar Cafe in Bay Shore. Hooray! I thought. Gotcha! And then......after a long weekend of cello-ing, while of all things grocery shopping at Shop Rite (I've never understood that name - are they implying that by shopping there I'm doing the 'rite' thing?) - lo and behold, there it was in the case at the bakery department. Nestled in a little paper holder. It was delicious. And I didn't share a bite. And it was a third of the price of the 2 previous times I had it and just as delicious. And I made yummy noises the whole time I ate it.
*To be said in a Homer Simpson voice.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
So Much Music, So Little Time
I have 6 scores in my possesion right now:
Pajama Game
Last 5 Years
Evita
Music Man
West Side Story
Little Women
It's crazy. What's even crazier is trying to keep them all straight in my head. Luckily, Pajama Game gets returned this weekend. I've fallen absolutely in love with the cello book to Evita. I'm having a wonderful time playing it. It's so inherently Andrew Lloyd Webber - fantastically crazy meters (10/8 and 7/4), lyrical parts, interjections, insane recitatives. The funniest thing is that in hearing one show you can instantly pick out what he used in his other shows. "Bustopher Jones" from Cats is the same as "Good Night and Thank You" from Evita. Too funny.
Monday, March 12, 2007
So-So Morning, Better Afternoon
Hit traffic right on the parkway. And why??? Not because people were rubbernecking an accident. But because people were rubbernecking the aftermath of an accident. How sad is that?
But I got to work and tried to call Dr. B's office to make sure my authorization went through. Which it hadn't up to that point. So I mentally re-arrange my whole schedule, and re-figure what I can do when.
Get through work in one piece and head to the rehearsal. Which I actually make on time and catch most of the music. Not bad. Evita's a nifty piece of work. Only about 2 hours or so, which is lightweight compared to the Rodgers and Hammerstein epics. Plus it's got some nifty little things here and there for strings. So I was done waaaay earlier than I thought. So I went to Target to buy new underwear in case I can't get to the laundromat this week. I figure underwear is something I can always use more of. So I walk in for underwear and a birthday card. Walk out with a fabulous black sheath dress, a black tee shirt (seeing a pattern here?), a birthday card, a gift, some "clean-as-a-whistle" soap, oh yeah, and some underwear. And a new dress always makes me feel good. Plus it looks slightly Holly Go-Lightly, so that's always cool.
Then I drive home (it's still light out at 6:45 p.m.!) and upon arriving home find out the doctor's office called with my authorization and I'm good to go. So I can kind of enjoy my day off on Wednesday and be all sorts of efficient.
Hit traffic right on the parkway. And why??? Not because people were rubbernecking an accident. But because people were rubbernecking the aftermath of an accident. How sad is that?
But I got to work and tried to call Dr. B's office to make sure my authorization went through. Which it hadn't up to that point. So I mentally re-arrange my whole schedule, and re-figure what I can do when.
Get through work in one piece and head to the rehearsal. Which I actually make on time and catch most of the music. Not bad. Evita's a nifty piece of work. Only about 2 hours or so, which is lightweight compared to the Rodgers and Hammerstein epics. Plus it's got some nifty little things here and there for strings. So I was done waaaay earlier than I thought. So I went to Target to buy new underwear in case I can't get to the laundromat this week. I figure underwear is something I can always use more of. So I walk in for underwear and a birthday card. Walk out with a fabulous black sheath dress, a black tee shirt (seeing a pattern here?), a birthday card, a gift, some "clean-as-a-whistle" soap, oh yeah, and some underwear. And a new dress always makes me feel good. Plus it looks slightly Holly Go-Lightly, so that's always cool.
Then I drive home (it's still light out at 6:45 p.m.!) and upon arriving home find out the doctor's office called with my authorization and I'm good to go. So I can kind of enjoy my day off on Wednesday and be all sorts of efficient.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
What's in a Rob Roy Anyway?*
A day of cello-ing. That's what I thought I had in store for myself. I had the following schedule in my head:
8:15 a.m. - Leave for Bethpage for the first West Side Story rehearsal. Pick up coffee along the way.
8:45 a.m. - Arrive at rehearsal early in order to introduce myself get settled, etc.
12:00 noon - Leave that rehearsal and head to Freeport to assist Jill.
3:00 p.m. - Leave that rehearsal to head to C.A.P. to sink myself into bliss by playing "Last 5 Years"
5:45 p.m. (approx.) - Finish L5Y and find somewhere delicious to eat with Diane.
Here's what actually happened:
8:25 a.m. - Finally get out the door after futzing around.
8:27 a.m. - Discover heinous traffic due to parkway being closed at my exact exit.
8:28 a.m. - Swear profusely while trying to re-navigate route.
8:57 a.m. - Make it finally to Bethpage High School and practically run around the building to find rehearsal.
**During rehearsal, the director comes in to introduce himself. It turns out to be the pit orchestra conductor from when I did West Side Story SIXTEEN YEARS AGO. He tells the new conductor that I'm "really good." No pressure there now!**
12:00 noon - On my merry way to Freeport. Listen to my voicemail message from Chris. Which I think is going to be him confirming me using my comp ticket for Diane. He tells me that the last 2 performances are CANCELLED. WTF? What? I don't get to play my favorite show again? Not to mention that I'm still owed some money for doing the last show. I scramble to call Diane and tell her not to bother schlepping out to Old Bethpage, return a call to my mother and proceed to sob the rest of the way to Freeport. I also try to call Chris, whose voicemailbox is full.
12:30 p.m. - Make it to Freeport where I find the rehearsal in progress and play along. I play 2 songs and they break for lunch! (Do I have timing or what?)
3:30 p.m. - Finish rehearsal and take Shenique home.
4:15 p.m. - Finally get home and make plans with Diane and Kick to go to a funky restaurant.
We went to this odd restaurant. It's this Chinese restaurant that looks like it was in someone's house. But it had the requisite cheesy vinyl bar and same Chinese menu. I forwent my usual chow fun and got some sizzling something or other that had scallops, chicken and pork. It was pretty good. Since the restaurant looked so old school, I really wanted a Singapore Sling, which contains:
1 1/2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1/4 oz sugar syrup
1 1/2 tsp powdered sugar
2 oz club soda
1/2 oz cherry brandy
lemon slice for garnish
maraschino cherry for garnish
*But alas. No Singapore Sling listed on the menu. They did have a Rob Roy, which sounded neat, but contains:
1 1/2 oz scotch
1/4 oz sweet vermouth
Angostura bitters to taste
maraschino cherry for garnish
Which wasn't really what I was going for. So I wound up ordering a Jack and Coke instead. Which actually hit the spot and was quite tasty. But we had good conversation and enjoyed dinner. We laughed a lot and just relaxed. Grabbed some coffee (and I a peanut butter sundae!) and went back to their house and watched "Curb Your Enthusiasm." All in all, a nice night. Not too shabby.
A day of cello-ing. That's what I thought I had in store for myself. I had the following schedule in my head:
8:15 a.m. - Leave for Bethpage for the first West Side Story rehearsal. Pick up coffee along the way.
8:45 a.m. - Arrive at rehearsal early in order to introduce myself get settled, etc.
12:00 noon - Leave that rehearsal and head to Freeport to assist Jill.
3:00 p.m. - Leave that rehearsal to head to C.A.P. to sink myself into bliss by playing "Last 5 Years"
5:45 p.m. (approx.) - Finish L5Y and find somewhere delicious to eat with Diane.
Here's what actually happened:
8:25 a.m. - Finally get out the door after futzing around.
8:27 a.m. - Discover heinous traffic due to parkway being closed at my exact exit.
8:28 a.m. - Swear profusely while trying to re-navigate route.
8:57 a.m. - Make it finally to Bethpage High School and practically run around the building to find rehearsal.
**During rehearsal, the director comes in to introduce himself. It turns out to be the pit orchestra conductor from when I did West Side Story SIXTEEN YEARS AGO. He tells the new conductor that I'm "really good." No pressure there now!**
12:00 noon - On my merry way to Freeport. Listen to my voicemail message from Chris. Which I think is going to be him confirming me using my comp ticket for Diane. He tells me that the last 2 performances are CANCELLED. WTF? What? I don't get to play my favorite show again? Not to mention that I'm still owed some money for doing the last show. I scramble to call Diane and tell her not to bother schlepping out to Old Bethpage, return a call to my mother and proceed to sob the rest of the way to Freeport. I also try to call Chris, whose voicemailbox is full.
12:30 p.m. - Make it to Freeport where I find the rehearsal in progress and play along. I play 2 songs and they break for lunch! (Do I have timing or what?)
3:30 p.m. - Finish rehearsal and take Shenique home.
4:15 p.m. - Finally get home and make plans with Diane and Kick to go to a funky restaurant.
We went to this odd restaurant. It's this Chinese restaurant that looks like it was in someone's house. But it had the requisite cheesy vinyl bar and same Chinese menu. I forwent my usual chow fun and got some sizzling something or other that had scallops, chicken and pork. It was pretty good. Since the restaurant looked so old school, I really wanted a Singapore Sling, which contains:
1 1/2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1/4 oz sugar syrup
1 1/2 tsp powdered sugar
2 oz club soda
1/2 oz cherry brandy
lemon slice for garnish
maraschino cherry for garnish
*But alas. No Singapore Sling listed on the menu. They did have a Rob Roy, which sounded neat, but contains:
1 1/2 oz scotch
1/4 oz sweet vermouth
Angostura bitters to taste
maraschino cherry for garnish
Which wasn't really what I was going for. So I wound up ordering a Jack and Coke instead. Which actually hit the spot and was quite tasty. But we had good conversation and enjoyed dinner. We laughed a lot and just relaxed. Grabbed some coffee (and I a peanut butter sundae!) and went back to their house and watched "Curb Your Enthusiasm." All in all, a nice night. Not too shabby.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
George and George on an Awful, No-Good, Bad Day
So today was just chaos, chaos at work, running around all aimless like and frustration. But now I'm nestled in after stuffing myself silly with Taco Bell, watching a cute little monkey talk to cows (George #1) and am now listening to George Gershwin. (George #2).
Slowly. Ever so slowly, the bad-ness of the day slips away. What is it about bad days that just linger, like a sheen of something you can't quite rinse off. It just permeates things.
I'm thinking it calls for a peanut butter filled chocolate egg to really banish it away for good. I'm convinced that Easter has the best candy. I mean, chocolate marshmallow filled eggs? Peanut butter filled eggs? Chocolate truffle filled eggs? It just can't get better. And that's not even mentioning those mini eggs that are like big m&ms.
So some chocolate, and then solitaire to properly cleanse my brain of this awful, no-good, bad day.
So today was just chaos, chaos at work, running around all aimless like and frustration. But now I'm nestled in after stuffing myself silly with Taco Bell, watching a cute little monkey talk to cows (George #1) and am now listening to George Gershwin. (George #2).
Slowly. Ever so slowly, the bad-ness of the day slips away. What is it about bad days that just linger, like a sheen of something you can't quite rinse off. It just permeates things.
I'm thinking it calls for a peanut butter filled chocolate egg to really banish it away for good. I'm convinced that Easter has the best candy. I mean, chocolate marshmallow filled eggs? Peanut butter filled eggs? Chocolate truffle filled eggs? It just can't get better. And that's not even mentioning those mini eggs that are like big m&ms.
So some chocolate, and then solitaire to properly cleanse my brain of this awful, no-good, bad day.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Observations at a Car Wash
Today was a semi-productive day. I taught 2 lessons and then on the way home, I put gas in the car and redeemed my free car wash. (Okay. It was more like a $250 car wash, since I got it when I picked up the car from service yesterday, but it makes me feel better to think of it as free.) And at the car wash, I was amused I guess by the signage I saw. Crudely made declarations of religion. Not really the placards you'd imagine you'd see at the car wash. I had to take pictures of them.
Today was a semi-productive day. I taught 2 lessons and then on the way home, I put gas in the car and redeemed my free car wash. (Okay. It was more like a $250 car wash, since I got it when I picked up the car from service yesterday, but it makes me feel better to think of it as free.) And at the car wash, I was amused I guess by the signage I saw. Crudely made declarations of religion. Not really the placards you'd imagine you'd see at the car wash. I had to take pictures of them.
Confess Christ before man. He also I will confess to my father who is in heaven. Mat - 10:32
Judge not. That you be not judged. With what judgement you judge you will be judged. Mat - 7:2
Jesus is the only way to heaven.And just for randomness, this one was amongst the "paid ads" the signs you're forced to read as you crawl along the car wash line:
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Classical Station of the NY Times I love WQXR. I love how classy they are. I love the little review snippets. And I love how their marketing people assume that their main demographic is wealthy people. Apparently because I listen to the classical station, it's assumed that I can afford a Lexxus/BMW/Mercedes, can travel internationally and would only have Bose audio equipment. I'm amused by that. And I love how their djs make little quips. Jeff Spurgeon was talking about Gershwin and how sad it was that he passed away really at the height of his creativity. And then he says "Well, I've certainly put a damper on that perky little piece." He cracks me up sometimes. I do miss Lloyd Moss though. He had this wonderfully soothing voice. He was the perfect drive-home dj. He'd make little informational comments on the pieces and inject his banter with things like "Now, doesn't that make this afternoon a little better?" I could feel the day's woes slip away listening to him.
Liberry
So I was having an off day yesterday. Bummed about not getting the car in the shop, just running around all crazy-like. And then after work, I decided to go to the library to get some books and movies for my automobile-imposed exile tomorrow. And as soon as I stepped into the library, this calm settled over me. It's as if I entered a little haven amongst the chaos in my life. I guess I've always liked libraries. I like how organized they are, how clean and neat they are. And how they're sort of predictible. They're always there, ready for you, available. If I need some time to just decompress, I go to the magazine section and settle into one of those vinyl chairs and read "Gourmet" for a while, or whatever magazine catches my eye. When I was little, Mom would take us practically daily to the library. We always joined the 'summer reading club'; entered all their contests, building haunted houses, making dioramas; gathered our treasures to display in the library's showcases; took workshops in the community room and read the "Librifax" religiously to find out what was going on. And as soon as I moved, I searched out our library. I originally thought it was this modern, fancy thing, but discovered we were in the district the next town over. So I dejectedly went to the older library, but found I love those more. All the new ones have such odd categorizations for the books. I like the upstairs/downstairs separation. I like the vinyl chairs. I like the pea-green carpets. I like how I feel safe at the library. How there's all these books and cds and movies I've never seen just waiting for me.
So I was having an off day yesterday. Bummed about not getting the car in the shop, just running around all crazy-like. And then after work, I decided to go to the library to get some books and movies for my automobile-imposed exile tomorrow. And as soon as I stepped into the library, this calm settled over me. It's as if I entered a little haven amongst the chaos in my life. I guess I've always liked libraries. I like how organized they are, how clean and neat they are. And how they're sort of predictible. They're always there, ready for you, available. If I need some time to just decompress, I go to the magazine section and settle into one of those vinyl chairs and read "Gourmet" for a while, or whatever magazine catches my eye. When I was little, Mom would take us practically daily to the library. We always joined the 'summer reading club'; entered all their contests, building haunted houses, making dioramas; gathered our treasures to display in the library's showcases; took workshops in the community room and read the "Librifax" religiously to find out what was going on. And as soon as I moved, I searched out our library. I originally thought it was this modern, fancy thing, but discovered we were in the district the next town over. So I dejectedly went to the older library, but found I love those more. All the new ones have such odd categorizations for the books. I like the upstairs/downstairs separation. I like the vinyl chairs. I like the pea-green carpets. I like how I feel safe at the library. How there's all these books and cds and movies I've never seen just waiting for me.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Chaos Car still isn't quite fixed. We replaced the battery. We replaced the starter. And it was working beautifully until last night. So Dad thinks it might be the ignition switch. And I'd be handling all of this much better if I didn't have to bring it to the dealership. I hate that. I hate having to go there. I always feel like I'm a new fresh faced starlet on the corner of Hollywood and Vine and all these wolves are leering at me. It's like I have sucker on my forehead and on Hank's windshield. I mean, aren't cars just supposed to work?
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Good Taste
I discovered Jason Robert Brown's (writer of Last 5 Years) list of cds to go purchase on Amazon. And it's the coolest thing - I now have to get some of them because they sound interesting, and not only that, but we share a similarity in cds! I must have incredibly good taste!
I discovered Jason Robert Brown's (writer of Last 5 Years) list of cds to go purchase on Amazon. And it's the coolest thing - I now have to get some of them because they sound interesting, and not only that, but we share a similarity in cds! I must have incredibly good taste!
Jamie is Over and Jamie is DoneI seriously, seriously, seriously could play "The Last 5 Years" forever. I mean, it's just so......exquisite. I mean, it's got this amazing story, which on the surface doesn't seem so amazing, I mean, it's just a boy-meets-girl, etc. story. But it's all in the way it's told, through the songs and the language. Plus, the songs are just so brilliantly written. You've got a latin-flavored song, the show opens with this sad, Baroque inspired piece, there's some country twang in there, it's just so incredible. And plus, everyone just loves to play it so when we finally get all the bits and pieces together, it just cooks.
I still get butterflies in my stomach when I hear that opening piano part. And I feel it all through me. I get angry with Cathy when her tone changes in "See, I'm Smiling" and feel so pained when Jamie's agonizing over what's going on in "Nobody Needs to Know." It's one of those shows that just goes right through me. The only other shows that come close to that are "Ragtime" and "West Side Story."
If you want to come see this brilliant, inspiring, amazing show, visit the theatre website for more info.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Red Meat, White Wine, Blue MovieLast night we had fun doing our taxes, having a nice dinner and just hanging out with friends. Steak is just too tasty. I think my renewed taste for it comes from the fact that after my first chemo treatment, I was finally able to eat and the first thing we had was an early bird prime rib dinner at the steakhouse down the road from the oncologist's office. So steak is something of a comfort food for me, since it was the first real meal I was able to actually enjoy after being sick for so long.
And as entertainment we watched the beginning of Pirates. Last time Diane and I were in Blockbuster looking for a movie, we saw this soft porn looking version of Pirates of the Caribbean. Little did we know this was actually a reduction of an award-winning porn! So we were quite curious as to how they'd cut it down to be suitable for renting from Blockbuster. Too funny.
With dinner we had the above white wine. I'm so not a wine person, but this was delicious. Two large glasses later...Diane and I were having a grand ole time. We beat the guys at Trivial Pursuit and pigged out on oatmeal chip cookies. Not a bad time was had by all.
Curiously enough though, I discovered this morning that wine gives me a worse hangover than Jack Daniel's. Whodathunkit?
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Just Call Me Misha Manhattan**
Went to a "lap dancing" class at the gym. What fun. Everyone was just having fun and not taking themselves too seriously. Of course I haven't used my new skills yet, but it's good to know I have them just in case I ever need them.
**Stripper name taken from my first pet's name and my first street name.
Went to a "lap dancing" class at the gym. What fun. Everyone was just having fun and not taking themselves too seriously. Of course I haven't used my new skills yet, but it's good to know I have them just in case I ever need them.
**Stripper name taken from my first pet's name and my first street name.
As Far Back as I Can Remember I Always Wanted To Be a Gangster
I had the craziest time just now. It was incredibly reminiscent of that scene in Goodfellas where Henry's trying to prepare drugs for smuggling, make a huge Italian dinner and run family errands. It's probably my favorite scene in the movie and it's just so tangible because we all feel like that at some time.
But there I was, running from picking out wine for tonight's dinner, to grabbing a wad of cash to pay for an auto part so I can get my car later after having had an eyebrow wax. (What a difference groomed brows makes. I can never get over that.)Crazy.
It's interesting though. I realized I can really handle myself in almost any environment. I feel just as comfortable at Lincoln Center as I do at an auto parts store. Now, of course I'd rather be at Lincoln Center, but I can do both. And that's empowering in a way.
On another note, I have recently fallen in love with a new hair product. It's cheap, easy and gives good curl. L'Oreal markets this stuff for texturizing shorter hair, but it works wonders on curls and my fellow naturallycurly.com girls agree. I've got good clumping and smooth, shiny curls. I can't believe it. And it's under $5 and I can buy it in the drugstore. Too good to be true almost.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Ode to a #2
I have recovered my love for number 2 pencils. I used to never use them, (save for marking music) just pens, even when doing crossword puzzles. But for some reason I started doing my sketches for involved queries and exports it makes sense since I'm constantly writing
and re-writing. And I like it. I like how pencils write so smoothly. So I've been using them more and more. And hence why the little photoshop hommage to my number 2 pencil.
I have recovered my love for number 2 pencils. I used to never use them, (save for marking music) just pens, even when doing crossword puzzles. But for some reason I started doing my sketches for involved queries and exports it makes sense since I'm constantly writing
and re-writing. And I like it. I like how pencils write so smoothly. So I've been using them more and more. And hence why the little photoshop hommage to my number 2 pencil.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Lather, Rinse, Repeat, Ahhhh.....
This morning started out a little...bumpy. Car wouldn't start again. I guess Hank just doesn't care for below-freezing temperatures. So, in trying to re-adjust my morning, I took Tommy's car and was on my merry way. Just about made it to the gym, where I had to snag a less-than-optimal spot, but I was there. And then the gym manager went on a rampage, about purses and coats being on the floor, a fire hazard, blahdy-blah-blah. So she just glowered at me the wh
ole time. The class was good though - not boring, a good instructor who toes the line of being supportive and perky but not annoying. So I left the class and ran some errands while I had vehicular movement.
First to CVS where I stocked up on sale stuff. Toothbrushes, body wash, stockings. But they didn't have my Suave Aloe Vera Gel. I can't find that stuff anywhere. So then off to Ulta to stock up on my holy grail of conditioners, Back to Basics Pommegranate Peach Conditioner. I love it. And a whole liter of the glorious stuff for ten bucks. Also picked up some gifts for Annie and some Oil of Olay face cleanser that I had run out of.
ole time. The class was good though - not boring, a good instructor who toes the line of being supportive and perky but not annoying. So I left the class and ran some errands while I had vehicular movement.First to CVS where I stocked up on sale stuff. Toothbrushes, body wash, stockings. But they didn't have my Suave Aloe Vera Gel. I can't find that stuff anywhere. So then off to Ulta to stock up on my holy grail of conditioners, Back to Basics Pommegranate Peach Conditioner. I love it. And a whole liter of the glorious stuff for ten bucks. Also picked up some gifts for Annie and some Oil of Olay face cleanser that I had run out of.
Then home again, home again to see if the car would start. And it did. So then off again, off again to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed and see if I need antifreeze. But alas. So hopefully, the addition of new and more oil will make Hank happier. Then, finally, finally home. 
So I decided to scrub the tub and acquire some order in my life. Then a nice, long, hot shower. Used some delicious Booth's Walnut Scrub which has a fine balance between exfoliating and scrubbing with a fine aroma of choclate and nuts. Then milk and honey body wash and before finishing, slathering a ton of Jessicurl's Weekly Deeping Treatment in my hair to soak in all day. Topped off with a dusting of Urban Decay's Sparkly Marshmallow Powder which I can then sniff all day on me. Wrapped up in spa clothes that are comfy yet I can be seen in public in should I need to dash out, I'm all set to just relax, read and drink coffee all day.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The Cure for the LaundromatI usually hate the laundromat. I do. It's really noisy. There's denizens of small children running around like Lord of the Flies savages. The smaller machines are usually all taken. It's chaos. But when I walked in Monday night, what a pleasant surprise. It was (almost) empty. All the smaller machines were free. No running savages. No craziness. And then I remembered my iPod was in my purse. So I plugged in and hit shuffle. My laundry started with Fiona Apple's "Carrion" and ended with the last movement from Dvorak's American String Quartet. It was almost delightful. I shimmied and boogies as I folded and sorted. And while I was waiting for the wash, I read New York Magazine. It was almost a little bit of relaxation. But I couldn't resist taking the photo above. How often do you see caution tape in the laundromat?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
I Have a Doctor Friend Who Could Help You
I love love love Edward Scissorhands. Love it. It's such a great movie. Tim Burton just doesn't overlook anything when it comes to a movie. I love how it's got this retro-old-school vibe to it. How it just totally encapsulates the idea of suburbia. And I mean, you can't get any better than Danny Elfman scoring this.
I love love love Edward Scissorhands. Love it. It's such a great movie. Tim Burton just doesn't overlook anything when it comes to a movie. I love how it's got this retro-old-school vibe to it. How it just totally encapsulates the idea of suburbia. And I mean, you can't get any better than Danny Elfman scoring this.
Lemony, Shiney, Curly Goodness
Ah ha! Finally realized why my hair has been a poofy, frizzy mess. I totally forgot about applying product to sopping wet hair. Which is challenging and messy
, but it works. And I have this new product to thank for it. I've discovered two kinds of products that work well for me. Cheap ones, and ones designed for ethnic hair. Guess I'm more worldly than I thought I was! But my hair is just so inherently me and when I was without it, I just felt like I had no identity. So now I'm relishing in my longer, curlier (if that was even possible) locks. And it smells lemony and not fragrancy. And it's all natural, which is even better. I don't know why I'm making an effort to use more natural products, I guess I'm trying to be a better person in some way, or I feel like more natural products will be less detrimental to me in the long run. Or maybe I just don't like the idea of all sorts of preservatives on me.
, but it works. And I have this new product to thank for it. I've discovered two kinds of products that work well for me. Cheap ones, and ones designed for ethnic hair. Guess I'm more worldly than I thought I was! But my hair is just so inherently me and when I was without it, I just felt like I had no identity. So now I'm relishing in my longer, curlier (if that was even possible) locks. And it smells lemony and not fragrancy. And it's all natural, which is even better. I don't know why I'm making an effort to use more natural products, I guess I'm trying to be a better person in some way, or I feel like more natural products will be less detrimental to me in the long run. Or maybe I just don't like the idea of all sorts of preservatives on me.
But When the Day's Hustle and Bustle is Done
Saw Cats last night with Stephanie and Meghan. It was fun. Had a bite to eat first (as much as I don't like the idea of chain restaurants, it's hard to argue with the ease and affordability of Friday's 3-course menu for a mere $13) and then off to the theatre. It was a decent performance. But of course, all I could be reminded of was how I lived with this show for 3 months at just this time last year. And I had fun with it. I liked being the only string in the pit, I liked hanging out with the gang afterwards. I liked all the little inside jokes and carrying on once we were comfortable with the score. And it was a little bittersweet. And I always wonder. I do. I wonder if I would have been able to do it as a full-time job. Would I have had the drive? Or the inclination to really put in the effort to try to succeed at it? Would I still be here? Or would I have been forced to be somewhere smaller so I could survive?
But I digress...
The way home I had on WFUV as usual and the Grateful Dead came on. Now, I never really admitted this to anyone, for fear of being forced to turn in my "too hip for the average crowd" card, but I kind of like them. And I guess this fear stems from college. College had less clique distinctions than high school and everyone was welcoming to everyone else, but there was still this.....urging to reaffirm who you were and what you were not. Probably as a response to being so outcast or so ill-regarded in high school. So I was a unique, retro-wearing glamour chick who took great pains in getting dressed for classes and the such and cultivated such an aura. And there were deadheads, most of whom were in the art school but in the painting and sculpture classes, not the design classes. And everyone co-existed peacefully, and tried to respect each other's likes and whatnot, but you never really got into their mileu. But I do like the Dead. I like the song "Truckin." I like the way they totally go from an easy rock feeling to a total dead-on jazz jam. I actually respect that. So there I am. A confessed appreciator of the Dead.
Saw Cats last night with Stephanie and Meghan. It was fun. Had a bite to eat first (as much as I don't like the idea of chain restaurants, it's hard to argue with the ease and affordability of Friday's 3-course menu for a mere $13) and then off to the theatre. It was a decent performance. But of course, all I could be reminded of was how I lived with this show for 3 months at just this time last year. And I had fun with it. I liked being the only string in the pit, I liked hanging out with the gang afterwards. I liked all the little inside jokes and carrying on once we were comfortable with the score. And it was a little bittersweet. And I always wonder. I do. I wonder if I would have been able to do it as a full-time job. Would I have had the drive? Or the inclination to really put in the effort to try to succeed at it? Would I still be here? Or would I have been forced to be somewhere smaller so I could survive?
But I digress...
The way home I had on WFUV as usual and the Grateful Dead came on. Now, I never really admitted this to anyone, for fear of being forced to turn in my "too hip for the average crowd" card, but I kind of like them. And I guess this fear stems from college. College had less clique distinctions than high school and everyone was welcoming to everyone else, but there was still this.....urging to reaffirm who you were and what you were not. Probably as a response to being so outcast or so ill-regarded in high school. So I was a unique, retro-wearing glamour chick who took great pains in getting dressed for classes and the such and cultivated such an aura. And there were deadheads, most of whom were in the art school but in the painting and sculpture classes, not the design classes. And everyone co-existed peacefully, and tried to respect each other's likes and whatnot, but you never really got into their mileu. But I do like the Dead. I like the song "Truckin." I like the way they totally go from an easy rock feeling to a total dead-on jazz jam. I actually respect that. So there I am. A confessed appreciator of the Dead.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Why Winter Sucks
My skin gets dry.
My hair gets dry and frizzy.
I have to wear sweaters that make me look fat.
The sun hides more than it's out.
It's dark when I get up.
The car has to warm up.
Bad cello weather.
Christmas and New Year's.
Christmas decorations still up mid-January.
New Year's resoluters in droves at the gym.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Aahhhhh.....Relief This stuff is amazing. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I buy something in a magazine and it really works. I saw this while reading Lucky magazine while I was waiting for my class at the gym to start. And being that both Tommy and I are still congested and feeling blah, I figured I'd try to find it. So on a whim, after the class, I head next door to the Vitamin Shop where they carry the Kiss My Face brand. And on another whim I look at the sale table. Poof! Right there is a set with the shower gel and the room spray (misty menthol goodness) for less than the gel is advertised for. Bonus. I love sales. I love free stuff. AND the guy behind the counter gave me a deal on vitamin c and liquid vitamins. Now, I haven't taken either, but at least my intentions are healthy. But the shower gel is amazing. It makes you feel all tingly and opens those clogged nasal passages. And if nothing else, it makes having to wake up when it's still bloody dark outside that much easier. Go find some of this stuff before it's all gone.
I Want ItSo today's a rainy, snowy, crappy day. But...I just heard a track from the new Brazilian Girls cd and it sounds killer diller. I want it. In fact, here's my whole "I Want It" list on amazon.com. I like the Brazilian Girls. They're a little different. Some loungish flavor, a little electronic, much in the way of acoustic instruments, a brass section once in a while. Definitely hip music. And I didn't go see them in NYC when they were there. Stupid.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Ugh. Are You Serious?
So, I read this morning that Donald Trump was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Why? Because he has a cookie-cutter reality show that reminds me of why I never wanted to stay in the corporate world? I can't believe this. And of course they're tying it to the whole Donald-Rosie "feud" (read: publicity shtick) and how she doesn't have a star. It's just so laughable how Hollywood bestows these "honors" on the most talentless, vapid people. Yes, I know he's a great businessman and entrepreneur. I know that. And I can respect him for that. But as an "entertainer"? Please.
So, I read this morning that Donald Trump was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Why? Because he has a cookie-cutter reality show that reminds me of why I never wanted to stay in the corporate world? I can't believe this. And of course they're tying it to the whole Donald-Rosie "feud" (read: publicity shtick) and how she doesn't have a star. It's just so laughable how Hollywood bestows these "honors" on the most talentless, vapid people. Yes, I know he's a great businessman and entrepreneur. I know that. And I can respect him for that. But as an "entertainer"? Please.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Look Out Jayne Mansfield...
Since it's the first day back after a 3-day weekend, and it was dark out at 6:30 a.m. I decided to glam it up today and so I'm channeling my inner sex-kitten-glamourpuss. Wearing my new shoes (from Clark St. in Chicago!) and a matching leopard print scarf in my hair. So, when I look better than average I feel better and can face the day. And a small non-fat mocha from Starbuck's never hurts either. I've even got lounge-ish tunes playing to complete the whole look!
Monday, January 15, 2007
California Dreamin' on such a winter's day...
Luckily, I dragged my ass out to hit the gym. Holy moley was it crowded this morning. I guess the New Year resoluters are still at it. But it was a really good class, I sweat like a pig and felt good afterwards. Then grabbed a quick lip wax (discovered this great little place close to home when I can't run out at lunch at work: Maxi Nails), and came home to soak in a nice toasty shower. So I'm all squeaky-clean, smelling of mango butter and well-exercised.
I'm so excited. I'm so not a fruit person. I try to like it. Really I do. But it always seems so...sweet. Like unnaturally sweet. But I want to eat better, so I re-discovered that I do like Macintosh apples. So I've been eating those. And I plan to have some banana with my oatmeal (mmm....baked oatmeal). And I discovered this juice: a fruit juice I like! Bolthouse Farms Passion Apple Carrot juice. I think the trick is, is that the carrot kind of reduces the tartness of the other fruits. It's delicious.
And I think my hair is finally recovering from that haircut, which was over 3 weeks ago. It's growing in nicely and finally starting to make nicer curls. So now I can finally try the Oyin stuff I had ordered now that I have control group hair back. I slathered on some Shine and Define Serum to see what that'd do without my usual Aussie Dual Personality before it. It smells incredibly lemony, so that's a bonus. And I like supporting smaller companies who are committed to serving all hair types. Oyin is good stuff.
Luckily, I dragged my ass out to hit the gym. Holy moley was it crowded this morning. I guess the New Year resoluters are still at it. But it was a really good class, I sweat like a pig and felt good afterwards. Then grabbed a quick lip wax (discovered this great little place close to home when I can't run out at lunch at work: Maxi Nails), and came home to soak in a nice toasty shower. So I'm all squeaky-clean, smelling of mango butter and well-exercised.
I'm so excited. I'm so not a fruit person. I try to like it. Really I do. But it always seems so...sweet. Like unnaturally sweet. But I want to eat better, so I re-discovered that I do like Macintosh apples. So I've been eating those. And I plan to have some banana with my oatmeal (mmm....baked oatmeal). And I discovered this juice: a fruit juice I like! Bolthouse Farms Passion Apple Carrot juice. I think the trick is, is that the carrot kind of reduces the tartness of the other fruits. It's delicious.
And I think my hair is finally recovering from that haircut, which was over 3 weeks ago. It's growing in nicely and finally starting to make nicer curls. So now I can finally try the Oyin stuff I had ordered now that I have control group hair back. I slathered on some Shine and Define Serum to see what that'd do without my usual Aussie Dual Personality before it. It smells incredibly lemony, so that's a bonus. And I like supporting smaller companies who are committed to serving all hair types. Oyin is good stuff.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Choking On Nostalgia
I know. I know it's a bad movie. I know it won a gazillion Razzies. I know all of that. But that doesn't keep me from loving "Xanadu." I love the music. I love the costumes. I love that Gene Kelly is a good sport and even rollerskates in the finale. I love all of it. They're currently preparing a Broadway musical version of it to be released just in time for Tony consideration. How cool is that? I want to be one of the first yahoos on line to see it.
So all day I've been listening to cheesy music that I love. There's something comforting about Gino Vannelli and ELO and Olivia Newton-John. I love how they use these lush string parts and make everything seem just so dramatic. I love how the lyrics are almost nonsense, but still get the point across.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Reflections of Me
So yesterday was productive and I did my whole "go to the gym, get started early, run a million errands and return home with a proud sense of accomplishment" routine. It worked well. I did feel good that I got a lot accomplished. It felt good that I was able to do so. Purchased gifts I needed to, went to the bank.
And that was good. And I came home and dyed my hair and made plans for the evening. And was yet, still productive.
And then I started thinking. I thought about the class at the gym and how I felt like gravity was pulling especially hard on me. And how I don't just drop weight as easily as I did before. And even just thinking about how my life has become this big before and after. And how it just seems so unfair that I won't ever be the same as I was "before."
So yesterday was productive and I did my whole "go to the gym, get started early, run a million errands and return home with a proud sense of accomplishment" routine. It worked well. I did feel good that I got a lot accomplished. It felt good that I was able to do so. Purchased gifts I needed to, went to the bank.
And that was good. And I came home and dyed my hair and made plans for the evening. And was yet, still productive.
And then I started thinking. I thought about the class at the gym and how I felt like gravity was pulling especially hard on me. And how I don't just drop weight as easily as I did before. And even just thinking about how my life has become this big before and after. And how it just seems so unfair that I won't ever be the same as I was "before."
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Musical Recap
Yikes. Three months since I last "blogged." And here I thought I was going to be so much better at it now. I have been busy though. So I should cut myself at least a little slack. Bagged two productions of King and I, one of My Fair Lady and one of Into the Woods.
Into the Woods I just adored. Loved every minute of it. I love the music, I love how I don't have any down time and how I'm playing non-stop. Love it. It's a great cello book - challenging, but not impossible or fear-inspiring. Good stuff. Plus, getting to play with the ole gang is always a good thing. I was incredibly bummed when that was over - it was too short a run to really get into it and I have nothing on the horizon for a while. At least until the craziness of the School Musical Season begins.
So now, what I really should be doing is practicing. Playing and polishing pieces. Will that actually happen? I hope so. I just want more. More out of what I'm playing. I don't want to be just a hack, grinding my way through music. I dunno.
I actually did come up with a good idea though - DH asked when and where I was going to get my new tattoo and I decided that before I can get it, I need to work my way through the first 3 Bach suites. It'll be better if I actually have to earn it.
Yikes. Three months since I last "blogged." And here I thought I was going to be so much better at it now. I have been busy though. So I should cut myself at least a little slack. Bagged two productions of King and I, one of My Fair Lady and one of Into the Woods.
Into the Woods I just adored. Loved every minute of it. I love the music, I love how I don't have any down time and how I'm playing non-stop. Love it. It's a great cello book - challenging, but not impossible or fear-inspiring. Good stuff. Plus, getting to play with the ole gang is always a good thing. I was incredibly bummed when that was over - it was too short a run to really get into it and I have nothing on the horizon for a while. At least until the craziness of the School Musical Season begins.
So now, what I really should be doing is practicing. Playing and polishing pieces. Will that actually happen? I hope so. I just want more. More out of what I'm playing. I don't want to be just a hack, grinding my way through music. I dunno.
I actually did come up with a good idea though - DH asked when and where I was going to get my new tattoo and I decided that before I can get it, I need to work my way through the first 3 Bach suites. It'll be better if I actually have to earn it.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
I Could Never Be Rich
So I went to Bloomingdales to try to use a $50 gift card. $50 at Bloomingdales is almost silly. It's enough to get something, but nothing substantial. I mean, tee shirts were $35. $35!! That's insane. I can get 3 tee shirts for that at Target. Hence, why I could never be really "rich." I could be comfortable, where I don't have to worry about money or just go shopping at Target whenever I like, but I could never get to the point where I actually purchase $35 tee shirts.
So I looked at ridiculously overpriced clothing, totally expensive shoes, and just plain odd looking hats and scarves. Finally I reached the cosmetics department and circled around there for a while. I tried the Clinique counter, but it was occupied by annoying looking women and when I hovered around, the women in lab coats (is that supposed to make me think that these women know more about skin than the glammed up Chanel girls? it really makes me think the opposite) basically ignored me, so I gave up on Clinique for good I think. I cautiously made my way over to the Chanel counter. The girls there were really friendly and I just made my request as plain as I could. So then, lo and behold, less than 5 minutes later I'm walking away with a beautiful compact with pressed powder.
I think I'm going to start an almost all-or-nothing policy when it comes to cosmetics. Either I'll be buying Revlon and inexpensive makeup or saving my pennies for Chanel. I love it. It comes in this little velour pouch, and the compact is this simple black style with the delightful logo on it. Plus, the cosmetics are just such high quality. I'm definitely hooked.
So I went to Bloomingdales to try to use a $50 gift card. $50 at Bloomingdales is almost silly. It's enough to get something, but nothing substantial. I mean, tee shirts were $35. $35!! That's insane. I can get 3 tee shirts for that at Target. Hence, why I could never be really "rich." I could be comfortable, where I don't have to worry about money or just go shopping at Target whenever I like, but I could never get to the point where I actually purchase $35 tee shirts.
So I looked at ridiculously overpriced clothing, totally expensive shoes, and just plain odd looking hats and scarves. Finally I reached the cosmetics department and circled around there for a while. I tried the Clinique counter, but it was occupied by annoying looking women and when I hovered around, the women in lab coats (is that supposed to make me think that these women know more about skin than the glammed up Chanel girls? it really makes me think the opposite) basically ignored me, so I gave up on Clinique for good I think. I cautiously made my way over to the Chanel counter. The girls there were really friendly and I just made my request as plain as I could. So then, lo and behold, less than 5 minutes later I'm walking away with a beautiful compact with pressed powder.
I think I'm going to start an almost all-or-nothing policy when it comes to cosmetics. Either I'll be buying Revlon and inexpensive makeup or saving my pennies for Chanel. I love it. It comes in this little velour pouch, and the compact is this simple black style with the delightful logo on it. Plus, the cosmetics are just such high quality. I'm definitely hooked.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Caution - Cello Under Construction
So I have to take Fred in for some minor work. There's a hairline crack that I've got. Luckily, it's nothing much, and should just take maybe a week to have fixed. Plus, I ordered a new A and D string and really, really need my bow rehaired. I'm thinking once this is all done, Fred will be in tip top shape and ready for the next marathon I have coming up. I have 2 free weekends and then non-stop action:
Sept. 23/24 - Free
Oct. 1 - Possible baseball trip/Oct. 2 - Free
Oct. 7 - Free/Oct. 8 NPSO Rehearsal
Oct. 14/15 - Fall Fair at work - working crazy-like all weekend
Oct. 21 - Free, Oct. 22 - NPSO Concert followed by rehearsal for King & I
Oct. 28 - King & I performance/Oct. 29 - King & I performance followed by rehearsal for My Fair Lady
Nov. 4/5 - My Fair Lady performances
Nov. 11 - My Fair Lady/ Nov. 12 - Free
Nov. 18/19 - My Fair Lady Performances
So basically, I have craziness till Thanksgiving. But it's all good - I'll be seeing my pals and just playing my little heart out. Nothing bad about that at all. It's just odd to look at my schedule and *poof* my weekends are filled. But what good is having weekends if you can't fill them with something you love?
So I have to take Fred in for some minor work. There's a hairline crack that I've got. Luckily, it's nothing much, and should just take maybe a week to have fixed. Plus, I ordered a new A and D string and really, really need my bow rehaired. I'm thinking once this is all done, Fred will be in tip top shape and ready for the next marathon I have coming up. I have 2 free weekends and then non-stop action:
Sept. 23/24 - Free
Oct. 1 - Possible baseball trip/Oct. 2 - Free
Oct. 7 - Free/Oct. 8 NPSO Rehearsal
Oct. 14/15 - Fall Fair at work - working crazy-like all weekend
Oct. 21 - Free, Oct. 22 - NPSO Concert followed by rehearsal for King & I
Oct. 28 - King & I performance/Oct. 29 - King & I performance followed by rehearsal for My Fair Lady
Nov. 4/5 - My Fair Lady performances
Nov. 11 - My Fair Lady/ Nov. 12 - Free
Nov. 18/19 - My Fair Lady Performances
So basically, I have craziness till Thanksgiving. But it's all good - I'll be seeing my pals and just playing my little heart out. Nothing bad about that at all. It's just odd to look at my schedule and *poof* my weekends are filled. But what good is having weekends if you can't fill them with something you love?
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Have You Seen the Way They Kiss in the Movies?
So, my run of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" has come to an end. It was an amazingly fun run. There was just this great dynamic in the pit that was so great and so synchronous. Plus, we're all talking about the next couple of shows coming up, so it's all good. The cast was great, we were smokin', it was all good.
Friday
Mom, Dad and Tommy come to the show. I'm extra excited to play and pay uber-close attention so as I don't make any stupid mistakes. Show goes well, audience seems to like it. Family enjoys it (which is always a plus) and everyone could actually hear me as an added bonus.
Saturday
Two shows on Saturday. An afternoon matinee which went fairly well - good crowd - and they had interpreters for the deaf. We all joked that if the audience was deaf - why would they need us? But it was another good show. Eight of us then piled over to Bertucci's where we drank (it was a 2 martini weekend - I had a Berry Smoothie type martini here), stuffed ourselves silly and just had amazing conversation. We all talked about music and how this generation now that we're all teaching has very little frame of reference when it comes to music. We all grew up watching Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry. Classical music galore. So when it came time to play the Hungarian Fantasy or William Tell or The Barber of Seville, we were already accustomed to what it was supposed to sound like. It's interesting. So we talked about that, we talked about movie music, about current and future shows happening. Jill had me try Sapphire Gin mixed with club soda with lime. Now, I'm not a fan of lime, but it was a pretty good drink - I'll have to keep that in mind. So we trek back to the theatre and it was just beautiful outside. Balmy, breezy, just nice. So Jim, Jon, Ed and Jill start up a frisbee game and I settle down next to Denise to just read the paper and enjoy the fresh air. They were having fun, I was having fun watching them and it was just great to be outside and soak up some last bit of warmth before fall really kicks in. We head back inside for our second show and that's where we all start getting punch drunk. All of us were chiming in when we could with what was going on onstage. It was just too too much fun. But then, at the end of the show, where I have this hugely exposed part I miss a G#. Argh. I was pissed all night. But I got over it.
Sunday
I get to Jill's house and we head off to Hofstra. Park far away to get some exercise. Then went on to the Italian Fest and ate a piece of bread stuffed with pepperoni, salami, ham and cheese. Argh. But we had a good time walking around, just enjoying the gorgeous weather and looking at different wares from different vendors. Then inside we went for the last show of Millie. It was quite bittersweet - lots of fun, totally jamming on the score but knowing it was the last time (for a while at least) we'd be playing it. Then after the show, Jill, Sandy and I hit Papparazzi for a nice, leisurely dinner, complete with martinis to celebrate the end of a real good run, good friends and good health.
It was just such a great weekend. And even though I was plenty busy without much time for myself, it was so fulfilling and wonderful. I mean, how many people really get to spend their free time doing something they enjoy thoroughly and get paid for it?
So, my run of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" has come to an end. It was an amazingly fun run. There was just this great dynamic in the pit that was so great and so synchronous. Plus, we're all talking about the next couple of shows coming up, so it's all good. The cast was great, we were smokin', it was all good.
Friday
Mom, Dad and Tommy come to the show. I'm extra excited to play and pay uber-close attention so as I don't make any stupid mistakes. Show goes well, audience seems to like it. Family enjoys it (which is always a plus) and everyone could actually hear me as an added bonus.
Saturday
Two shows on Saturday. An afternoon matinee which went fairly well - good crowd - and they had interpreters for the deaf. We all joked that if the audience was deaf - why would they need us? But it was another good show. Eight of us then piled over to Bertucci's where we drank (it was a 2 martini weekend - I had a Berry Smoothie type martini here), stuffed ourselves silly and just had amazing conversation. We all talked about music and how this generation now that we're all teaching has very little frame of reference when it comes to music. We all grew up watching Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry. Classical music galore. So when it came time to play the Hungarian Fantasy or William Tell or The Barber of Seville, we were already accustomed to what it was supposed to sound like. It's interesting. So we talked about that, we talked about movie music, about current and future shows happening. Jill had me try Sapphire Gin mixed with club soda with lime. Now, I'm not a fan of lime, but it was a pretty good drink - I'll have to keep that in mind. So we trek back to the theatre and it was just beautiful outside. Balmy, breezy, just nice. So Jim, Jon, Ed and Jill start up a frisbee game and I settle down next to Denise to just read the paper and enjoy the fresh air. They were having fun, I was having fun watching them and it was just great to be outside and soak up some last bit of warmth before fall really kicks in. We head back inside for our second show and that's where we all start getting punch drunk. All of us were chiming in when we could with what was going on onstage. It was just too too much fun. But then, at the end of the show, where I have this hugely exposed part I miss a G#. Argh. I was pissed all night. But I got over it.
Sunday
I get to Jill's house and we head off to Hofstra. Park far away to get some exercise. Then went on to the Italian Fest and ate a piece of bread stuffed with pepperoni, salami, ham and cheese. Argh. But we had a good time walking around, just enjoying the gorgeous weather and looking at different wares from different vendors. Then inside we went for the last show of Millie. It was quite bittersweet - lots of fun, totally jamming on the score but knowing it was the last time (for a while at least) we'd be playing it. Then after the show, Jill, Sandy and I hit Papparazzi for a nice, leisurely dinner, complete with martinis to celebrate the end of a real good run, good friends and good health.
It was just such a great weekend. And even though I was plenty busy without much time for myself, it was so fulfilling and wonderful. I mean, how many people really get to spend their free time doing something they enjoy thoroughly and get paid for it?
Friday, September 08, 2006
Pink Elephants on ParadeSo I've been stressing all week about my appointment with Dr. B. I was trying to think logically, that I've been feeling really well, been doing good at the gym, not coughing, not having fevers or sweats or anything. But I can try to think as logically as I want and it doesn't matter. There's this tiny voice in the back of my head that continues to chant "You had cancer, you can get it again, it might come back." So I just needed the validation. And once I heard that my CT scan came back clear and that the scar tissue is shrinking yet even more, it felt like 2 of those pink elephants that plagued Dumbo after drinking the champagne-tinged water just floated off my shoulders.
So then I was able to enjoy a nice evening of playing my heart out and just generally enjoying the bliss of being healthy.
Monday, September 04, 2006
The Tube Music Network
So in flipping channels over the extended weekend, I discovered a new one I really hadn't given much time to. The Tube. All videos all the time. No reality stuff, no awards, no news, just videos. And it's so random, like one of those format-free radio stations. I mean, you've got an archived performance by Marvin Gaye, followed by the video for Dani California by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's absolutely brilliant. The best thing since Vh1 Classic. I've done almost nothing all weekend but watch it. I'm soaking up old favorites and new-found treasures.
So in flipping channels over the extended weekend, I discovered a new one I really hadn't given much time to. The Tube. All videos all the time. No reality stuff, no awards, no news, just videos. And it's so random, like one of those format-free radio stations. I mean, you've got an archived performance by Marvin Gaye, followed by the video for Dani California by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's absolutely brilliant. The best thing since Vh1 Classic. I've done almost nothing all weekend but watch it. I'm soaking up old favorites and new-found treasures.
I Turned A Corner
Well, we opened Millie last Friday. It went pretty well. (With the exception of a misplaced prop and an actor then hissing "f*ck f*ck" into their mike) And it was fun to get back into the swing of being a musician again!
Well, we opened Millie last Friday. It went pretty well. (With the exception of a misplaced prop and an actor then hissing "f*ck f*ck" into their mike) And it was fun to get back into the swing of being a musician again!
Plus I hung out with the fellow muscians, gobbling up free food at a party Friday night and staying out past midnight 2 nights in a row!! What a wild life I lead.
But each night as I was sitting in the pit, I actually took some time to just enjoy playing. I relished in it and looked around. I love how it gets so loud down there, I love how there's this little glowing light coming from all the stand lights, I love how as soon as the overture starts we all just sink into the groove like the show's on this track and just chugs along. I'm really lucky to get to do something I love so much.
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