I'm leaving for a lovely vacation tomorrow and in the planning of this vacation, I've learned a few things that I never learned planning other vacations. I'm going to share them with you so that you don't have to stress like I have.
~ Bad things happen all over the world, every day. There's death, and war and awfulness. But, you will notice an overabundance of bad things happening where you're headed in the weeks leading up to your trip. It probably has something to do with you noticing it more because you're headed there. Or the gods having it out for you. Either way, try not to freak out. The bad things, while awful, mean that security will be heightened and you just may be safer.
~ Packing is indeed the worst activity ever. It's up there in front of watching paint dry and watching grass grow. You spend weeks figuring out what to take, and then pulling out all of those things, because you don't think they're quite right. And then you stare at the remnants of your closet in hopes of some inspiration. Then finally, you've had enough so you just throw a bunch of things in the bag and hope for the best. Also, you hope that it will in fact zip when the time comes.
~ The weather will become the exact opposite of what it has been the second you can see the 5 day forecast. For the past few weeks it's been 80 degrees and sunny, the 5 day forecast for next week says 62 and rainy. And you were curious as to why packing was so difficult this time around.
~ Eventually after all the stress of getting ready, and possible bad things happening, you will be super excited to travel, and you may not be able to sleep because of it. But that's ok, that's what the airplane is for - sleeping away so it goes quickly. Because the faster you fall asleep, the faster the flight goes, which means the faster you'll be there!
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Friday, June 23, 2017
Stoop Storytelling
I'm going a little off book for a Friday, because it was a very long week, that was spent mostly working, so there weren't a lot of things to love. However, the best part of the week was Stoop Storytelling at Columbia Festival for the Arts. I just love this concept. It's an evening of regular people telling stories for about 7 minutes each around a central theme. Tonight's theme was my favorite movie and what it means to me.
The stories were as diverse as the individuals doing the storytelling, which is pretty much the greatest reason to go. Some even went a bit off script, which is something I've never seen happen before. But even with the not so movie related, the stories were still captivating.
Watching the 6 or so people get up there and speak - one was 17 years old! - I found myself wishing I could do that. I haven't a clue what I'd talk about. I mean, I'm not a movie person, so this evening's theme wouldn't really be for me. However, I'm sure I could cobble something together on another topic. But then I'd probably melt into an awkward mess in front of everyone.
Aside from the fact that it's terrifying, I'm sure it's also something that's super exhilarating. And since it's a small dose - and a story that's been workshopped to be its best, it might not be too out of my reach. I can speak in front of people - as long as there's a script to follow. Though, I fear that if I follow my own script, I'd never be as engaging as the people I saw tonight. So I'm feeling maybe it's something to work toward, in the future. Though, how does one work towards not being a scaredy cat?
The stories were as diverse as the individuals doing the storytelling, which is pretty much the greatest reason to go. Some even went a bit off script, which is something I've never seen happen before. But even with the not so movie related, the stories were still captivating.
Watching the 6 or so people get up there and speak - one was 17 years old! - I found myself wishing I could do that. I haven't a clue what I'd talk about. I mean, I'm not a movie person, so this evening's theme wouldn't really be for me. However, I'm sure I could cobble something together on another topic. But then I'd probably melt into an awkward mess in front of everyone.
Aside from the fact that it's terrifying, I'm sure it's also something that's super exhilarating. And since it's a small dose - and a story that's been workshopped to be its best, it might not be too out of my reach. I can speak in front of people - as long as there's a script to follow. Though, I fear that if I follow my own script, I'd never be as engaging as the people I saw tonight. So I'm feeling maybe it's something to work toward, in the future. Though, how does one work towards not being a scaredy cat?
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Trivia Wednesday
~ Turns out that when the PowerPoint that holds all of the questions acts up, sometimes you see the answers for the next 3 questions. However, since you're a good Catholic girl with a good amount of Catholic guilt, you'd rather write a wrong answer instead of cheat. However, no one on your team feels that same way...
~ Reason #987 to go to NYC - to see 1984 currently playing on Broadway. Because aside from seeing the answers (see above), there's no way I would have ever guessed the language in the book was called Newspeak.
~ Even when your team manages to gain an impressive 134 points at the end, you will still only be in 3rd place when you are playing at a serious heavy-hitter restaurant. The number of points these people manage to get on a weekly basis is ridiculous.
~ The rating "the worst!" fluctuates. There are 2 levels - normal and the worst. And pretty much anyone can be deemed the worst at any point in time. Also, those who are sometimes the worst but are most often normal, are called "cuspy."
~ It helps when a player googles some info on the Facebook hint of the week ahead of time. Because if we hadn't discussed how surprising it was that Dr. Oz was Muslim, we would never have gotten that question correct. Yay Google!
~ It's wonderful that Shakespeare only wrote one play that contained a sorcerer, because The Tempest helped get us 40 points.
~ Also, my ridiculous love for all things MASH, really came in handy for questions on Military rank.
~ Is it a good thing or a bad thing that our team answered 3 questions on Drugs in Songs correctly?
~ Once again, the sports ball questions are the bane of our existence! Doubly so this time, because it wasn't just one question, it was a half time question, so we didn't gain lots of points!
~ File this under things that I never even thought of - a rule in the NFL states that all chin guards must be white. Why exactly is this the case? I haven't googled yet, because it's much more entertaining to speculate.
~ Reason #987 to go to NYC - to see 1984 currently playing on Broadway. Because aside from seeing the answers (see above), there's no way I would have ever guessed the language in the book was called Newspeak.
~ Even when your team manages to gain an impressive 134 points at the end, you will still only be in 3rd place when you are playing at a serious heavy-hitter restaurant. The number of points these people manage to get on a weekly basis is ridiculous.
~ The rating "the worst!" fluctuates. There are 2 levels - normal and the worst. And pretty much anyone can be deemed the worst at any point in time. Also, those who are sometimes the worst but are most often normal, are called "cuspy."
~ It helps when a player googles some info on the Facebook hint of the week ahead of time. Because if we hadn't discussed how surprising it was that Dr. Oz was Muslim, we would never have gotten that question correct. Yay Google!
~ It's wonderful that Shakespeare only wrote one play that contained a sorcerer, because The Tempest helped get us 40 points.
~ Also, my ridiculous love for all things MASH, really came in handy for questions on Military rank.
~ Is it a good thing or a bad thing that our team answered 3 questions on Drugs in Songs correctly?
~ Once again, the sports ball questions are the bane of our existence! Doubly so this time, because it wasn't just one question, it was a half time question, so we didn't gain lots of points!
~ File this under things that I never even thought of - a rule in the NFL states that all chin guards must be white. Why exactly is this the case? I haven't googled yet, because it's much more entertaining to speculate.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Epic Fail
For the last 3 weeks or so, I've been slowly trying to put things together for my trip. A shirt here, a book there. The suitcase has been sitting open next to my dresser to allow easy access for things I may think of. It sounded like a logical and organized plan.
Until I decided to take stock of what I've packed. It turns out what I've packed is my entire wardrobe.
Why is packing so darn hard? Every time I leave the country, I think, "the next time, I'm not going to over pack. the next time, I'm going to be better." And each next time is always as horrendous as the last. I know what it's like to carry a ridiculously sized suitcase around. I know getting a 25 inch suitcase on and off the Tube is the worst possible thing ever. And yet, here we are again, with everything I own shoved into a rolling wardrobe I call a suitcase.
The main problem is the sheer number of times we're going to the theater. I can't wear what I've schlepped all over the city in, so I need additional classy clothing, which requires sweaters - in case I get cold, sandals - to replace the flip flops I live in for the other 22 hours of the day, and small bags - because my travel purse isn't lovely enough to match my dresses. It's a whole thing that I think would be easier if I wasn't so weird.
One of these days I'll learn. Until then, I'll work on my muscles hauling my closet around with me...
Until I decided to take stock of what I've packed. It turns out what I've packed is my entire wardrobe.
Why is packing so darn hard? Every time I leave the country, I think, "the next time, I'm not going to over pack. the next time, I'm going to be better." And each next time is always as horrendous as the last. I know what it's like to carry a ridiculously sized suitcase around. I know getting a 25 inch suitcase on and off the Tube is the worst possible thing ever. And yet, here we are again, with everything I own shoved into a rolling wardrobe I call a suitcase.
The main problem is the sheer number of times we're going to the theater. I can't wear what I've schlepped all over the city in, so I need additional classy clothing, which requires sweaters - in case I get cold, sandals - to replace the flip flops I live in for the other 22 hours of the day, and small bags - because my travel purse isn't lovely enough to match my dresses. It's a whole thing that I think would be easier if I wasn't so weird.
One of these days I'll learn. Until then, I'll work on my muscles hauling my closet around with me...
Monday, June 19, 2017
Impatient
I've learned in the past week that I'm incredibly impatient. I used to think that I had a lovely go with the flow attitude. But nope, that's definitely been disproven. I'm in a position at work right now where I'm being forced to wait for slow-pokes, I mean colleagues, to finish their work so I can begin mine. And it turns out, others that I work with seem to play fast and loose with the concept of a deadline.
Do you know how frustrating this is? The longer I wait, the more annoyed I get. I've even spoken up - something I never do - and refused to allow one particular person (who has had an extra 3 weeks to do his work and is still not done) any extra time. I'm pretty sure he was a bit shocked, because this was not the Kristen he was accustomed to.
But I really don't think I'm being unreasonable, do you? Deadlines exist for a reason. And when that deadline coincides with me leaving on vacation with a clean desk, I'm darn well going to meet that deadline. Even if I need to get snippy...
Do you know how frustrating this is? The longer I wait, the more annoyed I get. I've even spoken up - something I never do - and refused to allow one particular person (who has had an extra 3 weeks to do his work and is still not done) any extra time. I'm pretty sure he was a bit shocked, because this was not the Kristen he was accustomed to.
But I really don't think I'm being unreasonable, do you? Deadlines exist for a reason. And when that deadline coincides with me leaving on vacation with a clean desk, I'm darn well going to meet that deadline. Even if I need to get snippy...
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day to the absolute kindest, sweetest, funniest and coolest dad a girl could ever ask for. Lot of people say that we are alike, and I couldn't agree more. Also, I can't think of a better guy to be like! Love you bunches bud!
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Trivia Flag Day
~ Well it would seem that we have finally chosen the new place to have trivia. I suppose I shouldn't have underestimated the power of cheap drinks. The food is yucky and the servers are slow, but the cheap drinks make everyone else happy. And seeing as they never charge me for my Iced Tea, I suppose I'm a little happy too.
~ I feel they really missed a chance at having some Flag related questions - maybe some Fun with Flags : ) - this evening since it's Flag Day. Of course, not a single person on my team realized the reason I was wearing Red, White and Blue was that it was Flag day, so maybe the same could be said of the Trivia Question Writers.
~ The sheer joy we get from pulling an number out of thin air, and having that number be the answer is ridiculously embarassing. It really is a feat of fabulous guessing.
~ When the facebook topic of the week is Dad Jokes, I'm pretty sure it's cheating to lead with a dad joke then ask a question about math. Not cool dude.
~ Some crazy person ate a 12 inch pizza in 23.5 seconds. I get sick just thinking about that. Why would any one in their right might even attempt that?
~ As much as it pains me to say this in Baltimore, we answered a question on the number of post-season wins correctly with Tom Brady. Oh ugh! How could they even ask that question in Baltimore?
~ I got excited when 2 of the categories this evening were Close Shave and Pie me, because I thought my viewing of Sweeney Todd this past weekend would finally help. Alas, not so much. Though I did know what was in Shepherd's Pie so at least there was that.
~ When you answer the last question correctly (Statdler and Waldorf of the Muppets!) and wager 40 points, and you still wind up in 7th place, almost 30 points away from the winner, you know you've entered a tough crowd...
~ I feel they really missed a chance at having some Flag related questions - maybe some Fun with Flags : ) - this evening since it's Flag Day. Of course, not a single person on my team realized the reason I was wearing Red, White and Blue was that it was Flag day, so maybe the same could be said of the Trivia Question Writers.
~ The sheer joy we get from pulling an number out of thin air, and having that number be the answer is ridiculously embarassing. It really is a feat of fabulous guessing.
~ When the facebook topic of the week is Dad Jokes, I'm pretty sure it's cheating to lead with a dad joke then ask a question about math. Not cool dude.
~ Some crazy person ate a 12 inch pizza in 23.5 seconds. I get sick just thinking about that. Why would any one in their right might even attempt that?
~ As much as it pains me to say this in Baltimore, we answered a question on the number of post-season wins correctly with Tom Brady. Oh ugh! How could they even ask that question in Baltimore?
~ I got excited when 2 of the categories this evening were Close Shave and Pie me, because I thought my viewing of Sweeney Todd this past weekend would finally help. Alas, not so much. Though I did know what was in Shepherd's Pie so at least there was that.
~ When you answer the last question correctly (Statdler and Waldorf of the Muppets!) and wager 40 points, and you still wind up in 7th place, almost 30 points away from the winner, you know you've entered a tough crowd...
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Post-Tony Thoughts
After they had the technical issues fixed, the rest of the evening - telecast wise - was smooth sailing. The food on the other hand was less than stellar. But at least my margarita was yummy. And speaking of margaritas, if you paid the $100 like a lot of people did (we did not), you were treated to an open bar all evening. This meant, that as the evening went on, most people got drunker and louder. Even lovely theatre people are annoying when drunk.
Then there were the Tony's themselves. Not a single thing that I predicted to win, won. No one I loved won, and no show I loved won. Well that's not true. Bette Midler and Hello Dolly both won, but Hello Dolly stole the show from Falsettos so I was super sad about that. On the upside the performances by Falsettos, Hello Dolly, and Come From Away were stellar. All of the performances were stellar. It's just that the host was less so. Don't get me wrong, I love Kevin Spacey. But James Corden seemed to set the bar so high last year, that I think anyone would have had a hard time hitting it.
In the end, we decided that we loved the idea of a viewing party, but maybe next year we need to find a crowd that's slightly older and less likely to get ugly-drunk. But we also decided that a night in New York City was definitely more of an experience to remember than any night just sitting at home on the couch and watching it. At least we have a story to tell now and some fun memories.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Tony Predictions
Here are my predictions for tomorrow night. I'm sure they'll be all wrong, because my predictions are mostly based on what I want to happen, not exactly what I actually think will happen. Hey, a girl can hope, right?
Best Musical: If Come From Away doesn't win (afterall they won the Drama Desk), I predict that Dear Evan Hansen runs away with the award. But I honestly think my Come From Away-ers have a really great chance.
Best Actor in a Musical: As much as I'd like to see Christian Borle win, even he's willing to admit this award belongs to Ben Platt. There's no way anyone but him wins it.
Best Actress in a Musical: This one has Bette Midler's name all over it. And honestly, after seeing Hello, Dolly, she totally deserves it.
Best Featured Actor in a Musical: I'm predicting what I want to happen, which is a 2-way tie for Andrew Rannells and Brandon Uranowitz. They were both spectacular and deserve the award so much. But the buzz is on Lucas Steele, and Gavin Creel won the Drama Desk so it's anyone's game. But my fingers and toes are crossed!
Best Featured Actress in a Musical: I want another 2-way tie on this one - Jenn Colella and Stephanie J. Block. Both are unbelievable in their roles. They blew the roof off the joint each night. I watched Stephanie get a standing ovation mid-show, twice for her rendition of "I'm Breaking Down." I actually thinks she deserves it a bit more than Jenn does, however Jenn won the Drama Desk, so I'm taking that into account.
Best Revival: I fear this is going to Hello, Dolly. But I'm hoping for a last minute reprieve for my well-loved Falsettos. This is its first revival and the material today means so much more to so many people. And critics and audiences loved it, so it might have a shot. Again, fingers and toes crossed.
As for plays, the only one I saw was Present Laughter - which was very, very funny! However, I'm not sure it has a chance up against Sweat by Pulitzer winner Lynn Nottage.
So there we have it, this time tomorrow I'll be at a viewing party in New York cheering on the lovely theatre community and loving every minute of it. Enjoy Tony day!
Best Musical: If Come From Away doesn't win (afterall they won the Drama Desk), I predict that Dear Evan Hansen runs away with the award. But I honestly think my Come From Away-ers have a really great chance.
Best Actor in a Musical: As much as I'd like to see Christian Borle win, even he's willing to admit this award belongs to Ben Platt. There's no way anyone but him wins it.
Best Actress in a Musical: This one has Bette Midler's name all over it. And honestly, after seeing Hello, Dolly, she totally deserves it.
Best Featured Actor in a Musical: I'm predicting what I want to happen, which is a 2-way tie for Andrew Rannells and Brandon Uranowitz. They were both spectacular and deserve the award so much. But the buzz is on Lucas Steele, and Gavin Creel won the Drama Desk so it's anyone's game. But my fingers and toes are crossed!
Best Featured Actress in a Musical: I want another 2-way tie on this one - Jenn Colella and Stephanie J. Block. Both are unbelievable in their roles. They blew the roof off the joint each night. I watched Stephanie get a standing ovation mid-show, twice for her rendition of "I'm Breaking Down." I actually thinks she deserves it a bit more than Jenn does, however Jenn won the Drama Desk, so I'm taking that into account.
Best Revival: I fear this is going to Hello, Dolly. But I'm hoping for a last minute reprieve for my well-loved Falsettos. This is its first revival and the material today means so much more to so many people. And critics and audiences loved it, so it might have a shot. Again, fingers and toes crossed.
As for plays, the only one I saw was Present Laughter - which was very, very funny! However, I'm not sure it has a chance up against Sweat by Pulitzer winner Lynn Nottage.
So there we have it, this time tomorrow I'll be at a viewing party in New York cheering on the lovely theatre community and loving every minute of it. Enjoy Tony day!
Friday, June 9, 2017
Friday Five
Warning: It's Tony's week, so there's a very good chance that everything I like this week, will in fact be Broadway-related. Just give me this week, and I'll promise to go back to having other non-geeky (probably not.) interests next week!
1. This interview with the cast of Falsettos and Jenn Colella made my week. I love all of these people and I just want to be their friends. I'll join them for dinner the next time, if they need a 6th. Though, I have this pesky habit of being starstruck, so it would be a quiet dinner for me I'm sure...
2. Oops, I forgot about this, and hey look at that! Not Broadway : ) Anyway, I don't usually watch John Oliver, but as a British citizen, I wanted to see what he had to say in light of the attack in London last weekend. His response was beautiful and perfect - just excuse a little of the language. He said, what many of the Brits were feeling about the sometimes insulting American press coverage of the attack.
3. Now, back to Broadway : ) I may be gushing but the theater community as a whole this week has made me smile bigger than many things have. They all seem to support each other so much. My favorite thing has been the Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress and the writers have all gone out to dinner with each other. Each category has had a meal together to celebrate their nominations. Now seriously, can you ever imagine Oscar or Emmy nominees doing that? It's really beautiful the support and love this community has for each other. It makes my heart happy - and since most of the news of today is full of awful things by our administration, my heart could really use a smile!
4. Thanks to BroadwayWorld my Broadway buddy and I were able to find a place to watch the Tony's in the city on Sunday while eating yummy food and drinking. They provided an all inclusive list of all of the places in the city that were doing viewing parties, and luckily one still had seats available. Woohoo! Watching them alone on my sofa is pretty great, but watching them with other Broadway lovers should be pretty fund too!
5. I finally, finally, finally figured out the hows and whys of Instagram Story. It's only taken me months and months. Apparently I just touch a little picture, and up a "story" pops. This is fabulous because Broadway people seem to love this feature, as evidenced by all of the Instagram story takeovers I've watched in the last week. It's awesome. Thanks to ridiculous advances in social media - which I usually whine about - Tony week has gotten so much more fun!
Noises Off
I just got home from one of the funniest performances I've seen in years! Noises Off at the Everyman Theatre in Baltimore was just so much fun. I've been doing some work with them for the last few weeks, but tonight was the first time I had the chance to see them perform. Then I was treated to a Cast Conversation after the fact with the lovely company members that had spent the previous 2.5 hours making everyone laugh very, very hard. Such a great way to spend an evening!
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Trivia Wednesday
~ This week's adventure took us to a casino to play at one of Guy Fieri's restaurants. I'm so not a fan of his brand of "food" but the venue itself was nice. Of course, some people indulged in some gambling before we started. If they do that every week, we'll be broke by Christmas. However, the drinks are happy hour prices, so I suppose that helps with the purse strings...
~ The motto of the FBI is Fidelity. Bravery. Integrity. which is an acronym for the FBI. While it may be an easy few points, I question the FBI's creativity when developing their motto.
~ When given the choice between 2 good answers, our team will always choose the wrong one. It's a mathematical fact...
~ There was a question on George Clooney and someone on our team didn't know who he was. I feel that person should be kicked off the team for not knowing such an important person in history. Also, he's still so dreamy!
~ Prague is a city - not a country which I thought for some reason. You can imagine how confused people were when I wanted them to tell me what the capital of Prague was.
~ When one of 4 choices is a hurricane, and the trivia guy plays Rock me like a Hurricane, it's a safe bet that the answer is Hurricane.
~ My tour of the Midway in San Diego did nothing for me in the getting answers to questions on the Battle of Midway correct department. Though thanks to Trivia we now know (something we most definitely should have already known) that D-day and the Battle of Midway were a year and 364 days apart.
~ Questions on the countries of Africa are the bane of our existence...
~ The motto of the FBI is Fidelity. Bravery. Integrity. which is an acronym for the FBI. While it may be an easy few points, I question the FBI's creativity when developing their motto.
~ When given the choice between 2 good answers, our team will always choose the wrong one. It's a mathematical fact...
~ There was a question on George Clooney and someone on our team didn't know who he was. I feel that person should be kicked off the team for not knowing such an important person in history. Also, he's still so dreamy!
~ Prague is a city - not a country which I thought for some reason. You can imagine how confused people were when I wanted them to tell me what the capital of Prague was.
~ When one of 4 choices is a hurricane, and the trivia guy plays Rock me like a Hurricane, it's a safe bet that the answer is Hurricane.
~ My tour of the Midway in San Diego did nothing for me in the getting answers to questions on the Battle of Midway correct department. Though thanks to Trivia we now know (something we most definitely should have already known) that D-day and the Battle of Midway were a year and 364 days apart.
~ Questions on the countries of Africa are the bane of our existence...
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Summer is So Darn Close
Summer is by far my most favorite season. I know that it's not officially summer until June 21 each. But each year, on June 1 I call it summer in my book, even if sometimes it doesn't feel that way. And each year I notice new things about my favorite season. Most of the time these new things make me love it even more.
For instance, it's officially after 9:00 on the East Coast, and the sun went down completely about 20 minutes ago. But for the last week or so at this time, I've heard the birds still tweeting like crazy. Usually I'm not the biggest fan of their songs because they tend to wake me up in the summer. But these little tweets don't seem so bad. I don't think I ever noticed they were so late to stop singing in the summer.
Another, which has a little to do with the birds, is just how late the sun goes down. I know the days are longer in the summer, which is one reason to adore it. But the sun here has been going down a tiny bit before 9:00 pm and it's definitely up when I leave the house at 6:00 am. That's a very, very long day! So much time to have fun doing all sorts of summer things.
Another is the weather. Now whenever I was little, and June would hit, it would be immediately warm enough to wear shorts all day. Why is it still a little cool in the mornings? I've been noticing this more and more. This time last year, I was at the beach and I was wearing jeans all week and not getting into the water because it was much too chilly. Come on warm weather! I've been waiting for you since last September...
Anyway, all of this is to say the usual. If you don't like what's happening in Maryland, wait a few minutes and it will change. And as for summer, I'm willing to wait because it's too good to wish away!
For instance, it's officially after 9:00 on the East Coast, and the sun went down completely about 20 minutes ago. But for the last week or so at this time, I've heard the birds still tweeting like crazy. Usually I'm not the biggest fan of their songs because they tend to wake me up in the summer. But these little tweets don't seem so bad. I don't think I ever noticed they were so late to stop singing in the summer.
Another, which has a little to do with the birds, is just how late the sun goes down. I know the days are longer in the summer, which is one reason to adore it. But the sun here has been going down a tiny bit before 9:00 pm and it's definitely up when I leave the house at 6:00 am. That's a very, very long day! So much time to have fun doing all sorts of summer things.
Another is the weather. Now whenever I was little, and June would hit, it would be immediately warm enough to wear shorts all day. Why is it still a little cool in the mornings? I've been noticing this more and more. This time last year, I was at the beach and I was wearing jeans all week and not getting into the water because it was much too chilly. Come on warm weather! I've been waiting for you since last September...
Anyway, all of this is to say the usual. If you don't like what's happening in Maryland, wait a few minutes and it will change. And as for summer, I'm willing to wait because it's too good to wish away!
Monday, June 5, 2017
No Thril Seeking Here
Someone at work just got back from the Bahamas today. He was telling me how he willingly strapped on a parachute and jumped off a cliff into the water. He said that even his mom had done it with him. Why, god why would anyone willingly jump off a cliff? Isn't the cliff nice and secure and steady? Isn't it holding your weight nicely? If it was doing all of these things, why would anyone choose to jump off of it?
I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm crazy. But you know what, I'd rather be crazy than jump off a cliff. I'm not sure you could call this guy a thrill-seeker, but thrill-seekers are a conundrum to me. I don't understand possibly killing yourself just to get a rush. A roller coaster is about as far as I go in the rush department - though based on the number of roller-coaster malfunctions in the last few months, that may also be out of the question.
A few years ago my mom and a few of her friends and mine went parasailing. At the time I thought she was crazy. There are sharks in the water. Why would you dangle your toes 100 feet up from sharks? Also, the harness your wearing is nothing more than canvas and Velcro. Does that seem like "safety" gear? Not to me at all!
She worries about me traveling alone, yet she's hanging by a thread off the back of a boat 100 feet in the air. I think the next time she freaks about my solo trips, I'm going to remind her of this. I'll tell her that she can worry about me, just like I worried about her on the boat. Though, since she thinks that's totally safe, it probably won't do a bit of good.
I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm crazy. But you know what, I'd rather be crazy than jump off a cliff. I'm not sure you could call this guy a thrill-seeker, but thrill-seekers are a conundrum to me. I don't understand possibly killing yourself just to get a rush. A roller coaster is about as far as I go in the rush department - though based on the number of roller-coaster malfunctions in the last few months, that may also be out of the question.
A few years ago my mom and a few of her friends and mine went parasailing. At the time I thought she was crazy. There are sharks in the water. Why would you dangle your toes 100 feet up from sharks? Also, the harness your wearing is nothing more than canvas and Velcro. Does that seem like "safety" gear? Not to me at all!
She worries about me traveling alone, yet she's hanging by a thread off the back of a boat 100 feet in the air. I think the next time she freaks about my solo trips, I'm going to remind her of this. I'll tell her that she can worry about me, just like I worried about her on the boat. Though, since she thinks that's totally safe, it probably won't do a bit of good.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Laura Bush Killed a Guy...
Apparently...
I saw a play today that was literally 90 minutes of a woman doing a Laura Bush impression. This play was called Laura Bush Killed a Guy. It was experimental to say the least. However, as I learned over the course of the 90 minutes, she actually did kill a guy...accidentally in a car accident when she was 17. Who knew? Other people I suppose, because as I also learned, there was a joke in Family Guy about it, and then people who saw that episode googled the whole instance. They googled so much, that it's the 3rd thing that pops up when you google her name - according to the fake Laura Bush in today's show anyway.
So yeah, that's how I spent my Sunday afternoon. I have to say, it wasn't awful. It was pretty impressive that this woman remembered everything she was supposed to say over the course of the 90 minutes, with no other actors on stage to help. There were also cookies - Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies. Before the show we were told we could make them and bring them. We chose not to, however others chose to make them. And as luck would have it, they were delicious!
After about 90 minutes of fake Texas accent, and lots of sugar from the cookies, I did start to get a little antsy. But all in all, the show was pretty great. What was most fascinating was that the space held about 30 people. I'm not sure how this show is supposed to make money with room enough for only 30 attendees, but I suppose in this type of show, it's just the "art" that's important.
I saw a play today that was literally 90 minutes of a woman doing a Laura Bush impression. This play was called Laura Bush Killed a Guy. It was experimental to say the least. However, as I learned over the course of the 90 minutes, she actually did kill a guy...accidentally in a car accident when she was 17. Who knew? Other people I suppose, because as I also learned, there was a joke in Family Guy about it, and then people who saw that episode googled the whole instance. They googled so much, that it's the 3rd thing that pops up when you google her name - according to the fake Laura Bush in today's show anyway.
So yeah, that's how I spent my Sunday afternoon. I have to say, it wasn't awful. It was pretty impressive that this woman remembered everything she was supposed to say over the course of the 90 minutes, with no other actors on stage to help. There were also cookies - Laura Bush Cowboy Cookies. Before the show we were told we could make them and bring them. We chose not to, however others chose to make them. And as luck would have it, they were delicious!
After about 90 minutes of fake Texas accent, and lots of sugar from the cookies, I did start to get a little antsy. But all in all, the show was pretty great. What was most fascinating was that the space held about 30 people. I'm not sure how this show is supposed to make money with room enough for only 30 attendees, but I suppose in this type of show, it's just the "art" that's important.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Summer Saturdays are the Best!
Friday, June 2, 2017
Friday Five
1. I love Brandon Uranowitz. I love his personality and his talent. I even wrote about how much I love him (even though I'm a starstruck weirdo). He's super talented and I think he's been my favorite discovery of this season. So I was pretty happy when this video came out this week of him singing his 3 bucket list songs. His Marriage Proposal is always fabulous, and I've never heard Parade before, so while that was lovely, I wasn't fascinated. What I adored was his take on the song from Company. He absolutely nailed it. I have no idea how he sang it so well and so quickly. I'd be tongue tied after the first few notes. Amazing! (If you just want to see that song, it starts about 2:30)
2. This is the best possible news! I am hooked on Miranda. It's about the funniest show I've ever seen, and it may have everything to do with the fact Miranda reminds me a lot of me - without the adorable Gary to fall in love with. I'd love for it to come back. I'd even take a 15 minute Children in Need special!
3. I don't tend to share a lot of the hometown love. But this program in conjunction with the Orioles and BARCS, is truly awesome! Teaching kids to read and promoting animal adoption - what's not to love!?
4. I love scrapbooking freebies - especially when they involve National Donut Day! Speaking of, Happy National Donut Day. If you're ever in Maryland and need the best donut ever, head over to the Donut Shack in Severna Park. So yummy!!!
2. This is the best possible news! I am hooked on Miranda. It's about the funniest show I've ever seen, and it may have everything to do with the fact Miranda reminds me a lot of me - without the adorable Gary to fall in love with. I'd love for it to come back. I'd even take a 15 minute Children in Need special!
3. I don't tend to share a lot of the hometown love. But this program in conjunction with the Orioles and BARCS, is truly awesome! Teaching kids to read and promoting animal adoption - what's not to love!?
4. I love scrapbooking freebies - especially when they involve National Donut Day! Speaking of, Happy National Donut Day. If you're ever in Maryland and need the best donut ever, head over to the Donut Shack in Severna Park. So yummy!!!
5. I discovered the show The New Normal this week. I mean, I knew about it 5 years ago when it was on, but I finally started to watch it courtesy of iTunes this week and I loved it! It's sweet and funny and the leads were amazing. I can't believe it only lasted a season. Based on the story line and the current times, it would be a perfect fit these days. If you need something to binge and make you smile, I'd definitely recommend it!Happy #NationalDonutDay - celebrating with a free donut printable for newsletter subscribers. Sign up to receive it: https://t.co/zeuLe0Pzgc pic.twitter.com/09uOtjnJeS— Kelly Purkey (@kellypurkey) June 2, 2017
Thursday, June 1, 2017
The Planet Needs our Help
In a list of causes I'm passionate about, like cancer research, women's issues, the arts, child hunger, AIDS awareness, I will admit that the environment is sadly low on the list. However, I completely understand how important it is. And I know that our President's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement today is a ridiculously ignorant and short-sighted decision.
Climate change is the single biggest threat that the world is facing in the 21st century. The world is getting hotter and more polluted and we need scientists to help us reverse these terrible trends. However, this administration doesn't "believe" in Science. How does one not believe in Science? Did they think their teachers were spouting out lies for the 18 years they were in science class? Do they think that the 85 degree days that sometimes happen in the middle of winter are just a gift from god and nothing else? There are scientific and irrefutable facts that this is happening.
And these are the facts they're arguing. Talk about backing the wrong horse. Of course, there's a whole lot more to lose in this particular race. Instead of losing a few dollars (something Donald Trump should be used to), our children and children's children will pay the consequences of a destroyed environment, which is something apparently the US, and the citizens of Syria and Nicaragua can live with...
However this withdrawal pans out, I have hope that the scientists and those that fight for the planet will continue their work and fight on. Because if Donald Trump has taught us anything, it's that in the face of his idiocy, those that care about the issues get stronger and continue to work towards what's right.
Climate change is the single biggest threat that the world is facing in the 21st century. The world is getting hotter and more polluted and we need scientists to help us reverse these terrible trends. However, this administration doesn't "believe" in Science. How does one not believe in Science? Did they think their teachers were spouting out lies for the 18 years they were in science class? Do they think that the 85 degree days that sometimes happen in the middle of winter are just a gift from god and nothing else? There are scientific and irrefutable facts that this is happening.
And these are the facts they're arguing. Talk about backing the wrong horse. Of course, there's a whole lot more to lose in this particular race. Instead of losing a few dollars (something Donald Trump should be used to), our children and children's children will pay the consequences of a destroyed environment, which is something apparently the US, and the citizens of Syria and Nicaragua can live with...
However this withdrawal pans out, I have hope that the scientists and those that fight for the planet will continue their work and fight on. Because if Donald Trump has taught us anything, it's that in the face of his idiocy, those that care about the issues get stronger and continue to work towards what's right.
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