Happy Monday!

As Mondays go, today wasn't nearly as bad as other Mondays have been.  Other than the fact that it's finally chilly - though that does mean I can wear my new winter coat which is fun - tiny little good things happened to turn this Monday around.  Hopefully this means that the rest of the week will be lovely as well.

First up, a review I wrote made someone actually go see a show.  Last week, I saw Poe and all the Others at Annapolis Shakespeare Company and wrote about just how wonderful it was for BroadwayWorld.  And this evening, a friend that loves Poe thanked me for my review after she had seen the fabulous show.  Yay!

Then it was the continuation of the Black and White Challenge, which my friend Jennifer won by leaps and bounds.  I assumed she wouldn't do the challenge because it's just not her thing.  She in fact did choose not to by sending the Cat shaking his head No GIF, and then took a picture of her Cruella Deville leggings, with the tag "These in black and white times 7" Ha!  She won the challenge by far!

Lastly, even though I promised not to get all political anymore, it must be said that the best thing that happened today was Paul Manafort being arrested.  One can only hope they'll be more arrests imminently and we'll finally get a Presidential President.

Happy Halloween Eve!

Confused By The Whole Thing

A few months ago, Ticketmaster rolled out the Verified Fan process.  In an attempt to outwit the bots and scalpers that are driving up ticket prices, Ticketmaster wanted to create a new process that would make it easier for real fans to buy tickets.  For big events, they have ticket buyers sign up weeks in advance for a chance to buy a ticket.  Then on the day tickets go on sale, you find out if you've been given that chance.  If you're a lucky few that gets a code, you have the chance to go purchase a ticket.  Though you're not actually guaranteed a code or a ticket.  Even after you go through the whole process, you may not actually get a ticket in the end.

After 3 attempts at this process, I still haven't managed to get past the first step.  I signed up twice for Springsteen (2 different blocks of tickets) and once for Harry Potter.  All 3 times I was put on stand-by.  More over, 2 of my friends also managed to get on stand by.  I understand their desire to make ticket buying more fair.  But when tickets would sell out in a few minutes, and I wouldn't get any, I at least had the satisfaction of doing something.  I had tried but it didn't work out.

Now I can't even try.  It feels like I haven't made it into a special club.  It's a pain.  And the fact that some people have won the code each time, and managed to get tickets each time is even more atrocious.  This is only making it harder for regular people to get tickets, instead of easier.  

And to top it all off, if this process is supposed to completely eradicate scalpers and bots buying up tickets, why is there a pair of tickets to Harry Potter tickets listed online for $10,000?  Do better Ticketmaster! I managed to see Hamilton without a great deal of work.  We don't mind waiting months to see the shows, just give us a chance to try. 

How Did We Get Here?

In the wake of Saturday's awful terrorist attack, I'm finding the politics of the aftermath quite difficult to handle.  I'd like to first say that this incident was most definitely a terrorist attack perpetrated by white-nationalist neo-Nazis, and our President's inability to call it what it is was disgusting and telling of who he has aligned himself with.  And his "clarification" today did nothing.  His time for calling out the terrorists had passed.  Today was just damage control - read clearly from a teleprompter to save what little face he has left. 

My issue is with how this awful and heartbreaking attack is being handled online.  Well-meaning people are researching the photos of the march, and are calling out members by name.  In the internet world, it's known as doxxing.  While I feel anyone who aligns themselves with the white power movement is morally bankrupt, I stop short of finding doxxing a good form of retaliation, because then, where does it end?  We're horrified when good people like Felicia Day are doxxed online by misogynists who think she's "ruining gaming." But these same people that were horrified by this incident, are some of the ones that are releasing personal information of the white-power marchers.

I just feel that by releasing this information online, they're stooping to the same level of these hateful people. These white power marchers deserve the backlash that is coming to them.  They're hateful, and believe in an ideal system that is morally reprehensible and unforgivable.  But rising up and being the better people in the face of their hate, may be the more logical path to peace.  I'm not naive enough to think that love is the only answer to this horrifying ordeal, but a little love, patience and restraint never hurt.

I'm Confused

A few weeks ago, the Trump administration withdrew their "healthcare bill" from congress because they knew they wouldn't have the votes.  Today, they somehow had enough votes to pass the "bill" to debate.  How does that happen?  Also, the "bill" hasn't been seen by anyone.  What exactly did they vote on then?  If Congress can just vote on things, with no data, then I suggest we vote that I win the lottery.  If it's this easy to possibly pass a bill that will revoke care from millions of people, then winning the lottery should be a walk in the park for these lawmakers.

What's even more puzzling is that John McCain, who was being lauded as an American Hero after he left treatment for brain cancer, to make his way to Washington for the session, voted in favor of this truly mean (in the words of the President) "bill."  McCain is being treated for cancer.  How does he deem himself worthy of this treatment, when he won't extend access to this level of care to a good portion of the country?  He had no office to win, and nothing to lose.  And yet, he completely disregarded the sentiments of his constituents to pander to the GOP.  It's disgusting.

This current administration, and the GOP lawmakers are willing to risk the lives of millions to pass their own agenda, because the previous bill was passed by a President on the other side of the aisle.  Where is the compassion for their constituents?  Where is the loyalty to their country?  And most of all where is the common sense of the government?  

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.

Logically Speaking...

I have a hard time arguing my feelings because I find it difficult to speak logically when people are being awful.  But I'm going to try to in this case, because either I'm really not understanding something or our President is an idiot.  I've never been one to say that I know everything, but I'm leaning pretty sharply on the latter.

Now I know our government over the last few months has made multiple ill-advised, inappropriate and rash decisions on everything from appointees to passing bills.  This news cycle has had its fill of these calls.  Basically, the only business that's booming right now are the late night hosts that are being paid to make jokes about this administration.  And thank goodness for them, because if we weren't laughing, we'd definitely be crying.

I've disagreed with every single thing that's ever come out of President Trump's mouth.  I personally think he's a disgrace to humanity and a laughing-stock. Yet, I understand what he thinks he's doing most of the time.  He hardly ever succeeds at it, but you can at least try to see the start of a thought - before it ultimately loses its thread from his brain to his mouth. But today, I'm having a hard time understanding any sort of logic behind firing FBI Director Comey.  What does this gain?  

By firing him, Trump has put himself on Comey's bad side.  And based on tons of intel, Comey seems to know a lot about what's been going on in the White House.  So, exactly why would President Trump give Director Comey a reason to spout off all of his information to a possible special prosecutor or a senate committee?  Wouldn't it be better to let Comey keep his job and keep him happy? I'm just not understanding the reasoning.

But, in today's world, I'm getting pretty used to that...

Viva Le France!

Somehow, France managed to do what England and the US couldn't - they managed to elect the saner of the 2 candidates they had to choose from.  They didn't elect a laughing stock or someone who had no business being in power.  Since I visited Paris, I've been less than thrilled with the country, however after the resounding victor of Macron, I have a growing respect for the country and the French people.  Yay France!

What I was most surprised to learn, aside from who won, was that they do their voting on a Sunday instead of the Tuesday elections we have here.  How much more civilized is that?  No one's working so they have the time and energy to go vote.  Here, it's such a pain to get to the polling places either before or after work, which is why our turnout is often so low.  I read a statistic today that said that this year's French election turnout was "bad" for them, however it's higher than the US election turnout for the last 20 years.  That's pretty crazy!  

So I suppose, all of this is to say, maybe if we can switch our voting over to Sundays, we'll never again have to deal with a moronic administration like we have now?  Maybe?  A girl could hope anyway...

Social Caterpillar

I just spent a good portion of my evening setting up a portfolio for myself online.  In this portfolio I added a few of my favorite articles that I've written.  I also retyped a few things so that I could create PDFs to add to the site - however, I can't seem to find a font pairing that I like so they haven't been uploaded yet. (I spent entirely too much time looking at fonts on Pinterest...)  I've also linked it to my Twitter account so that anyone who visits it can see my Twitter.  I also took the time to change my photo on my Twitter and Instagram accounts so that they all match and look the same.  I also spent a good deal of time trying to decide on a Biography that I could use for my portfolio, Twitter and Instagram so that they would all look and feel cohesive.  This is how I spent my evening.  But in the words of my friend Kevin - I have questions.

Do I now have to be clever on all of these platforms every day?  Must I write long in depth articles on theater or books or travel then figure out a way to make them sound clever in 140 characters or less than add a photo to Instagram that instantly tells my followers exactly what the article is about?  Must I share all of my daily musings on these 3 platforms while also telling close family and friends on Facebook?  And most importantly, how am I supposed to find time to do anything at all exciting to write about if I'm spending my entire day updating various social media platforms?

These are the ideas that keep me up at night and that keep me from sounding the least bit clever on social media.  I try, I really do, but I've decided I'm much more interesting in more than 140 characters....

Podcasts for Dummies

I've never been a huge fan of podcasts.  I'd much rather see action than just hear it.  I never got into the Serial craze.  I knew what it was about but I didn't really care.  My friend on the other hand loves them and feels the need to stock up on dozens of them so she always has something to listen to in the car.  It's so not my thing but she's been trying to get me to listen to a few of them for months, to no effect.

Anyway, that's why it was a bit surprising for me to get sort of semi interested in S-Town after seeing it pop up on Twitter a few times this weekend.  The worst part is that I hadn't even heard of this particular podcast until I saw it on Twitter.  For something with huge following, I definitely should have heard about it before now.  Anyway, because my friend is the queen of all podcasts, I decided to ask her opinion.

It was not what I expected.  She stated that this particular podcast was beyond bizarre.  It started out as a murder mystery - her particular cup of tea - but by the end of the first hour, there turns out to not be a murder, just an Southern dude with lots of strange mannerisms and problems.  Her verdict was "nobody cares and avoid it at all costs."  For some reason, her play by play peaked my interest and I decided to listen to it.

Luckily, all 7 episodes were out on line and I was able to finish them all pretty quickly in one day.  It's good when your Monday includes mindless formatting - it leaves perfect time to listen to the craziness that is S-Town.  So how did I feel after my first podcast trial?  I have to say - I'm not entirely sure.

It was pretty interesting.  The gentleman was such an enigma that I found myself dying to know exactly what he would say or do next.  However, in the end, nothing really happened.  Also, the reviews that originally peaked my interest stated that it was so moving and handled with such class.  The presenter was very good at telling the story and trying to connect but I'm not sure the story itself was moving.  Sad - yes.  Moving - not so much.  In the end, I really should have listened to my friendly podcast expert and avoided it.  But at least I'm now more in the know than I was yesterday.  If only my podcast friend was into it too so we could discuss...

Friday Five

1. Since the show Waitress opened on Broadway, a friend and I have been trying to get tickets.  However, the price has always been just a bit too high and there have been other shows that have taken priority.  However, when we heard Sara Bareilles was taking over, we knew we had to bite the bullet and purchase. That finally happened tonight!  The second of my 4 trips this May, is finally set.  Of course, I was ok to wait until Betsy Wolfe took over in June, but I think my friend would have killed me if I waited any longer!

2. I happened upon this site after In a Creative Bubble mentioned using her stamps, and I'm so glad I did.  Every single stamp set she has is absolutely adorable!  Not to mention, she also has Hamilton!!!! stamps.  Seriously?  How perfect are they?!

3. After seeing the horrendousness of what Sean Spicer said during his Press Briefing on Tuesday regarding Syria and Hitler, I needed a serious laugh.  I mean, honestly - his entire job is to not say stupid things and he goes up to the podium and says that?  Anyway, this made me laugh - probably more than it should have.

Josh Lyman's secret plan to fight inflation doesn't look so bad now... pic.twitter.com/R9hya8B3r8

— Kristen (@ScrappyTravels) April 11, 2017

4. With the return of the original King George to Hamilton, this video along with the Coro-re-knee-tion of Brian made me so very happy.  Of course, I'd be much happier if I had tickets to see his return!

Thank you @HamiltonMusical Th King has returned. pic.twitter.com/hTiRhqh4Ch

— Taran Killam (@TaranKillam) April 14, 2017

            

5. Spending Good Friday in my usual way - not at work, shopping with my mama.  Great Friday indeed!

Saying No

What is it about saying no that's so difficult?  I've never been good at it at all.  Ultimately I want people to like me so by saying yes to things, I assume they'll do that.  Of course, that's the problem.  They will like you but they'll also continue to ask you to do things for them.  It's a vicious cycle - one that's I still haven't found my way out of just yet.

Last week, after complaining about being a witness in court incessantly for months.  I was given an out. The prosecutor said if we wanted to be out of the case we could, she didn't mind since she only technically needed 3 of us instead of the dozen or so that was there.  When asked, what did I say?  I said, if she really needed me I could be there.  What is wrong with me?!

Today, after that ridiculous experience, you'd think I'd have learned my lesson when another manager assumed I'd work overtime over the next few weeks, doing menial tasks so he could "burn hours that he was allotted." I came prepared to say no - with a calendar of days that I could not work overtime due to other engagements.  And what happened next?  I walked out with a promise to tell him when I would be able to make it work in my schedule.  Ugh!  Don't get me wrong, the thought of extra money for England is lovely, but it's also tiring as heck since I'm already working full days.

All of that being said, I know I need to change, and I'm really trying to do that.  Of course, the flip side of the coin is that by saying yes to most everything, I also happen upon fun experiences as well.  Like volunteering for the Film festival, writing for BroadwayWorld and seeing new shows I'd never think to see.  So all in all, it can be a very good thing.  But after the outcomes of the last week - not appropriate in every situation...

The Not So Friendly Skies

Each day I read the news and think that it can't get any stranger, and then of course, it does. Usually it has everything to do with the current president and his administration, however today's weird news story has absolutely nothing to do with him. Although, he'll probably find himself in the middle of this mess eventually - he usually does. 

Last evening, for some inexplicable reason, the people at United Airlines thought it was a great PR move to forceably drag a doctor off one of their airplanes.  A doctor that had the misfortune of being chosen to "volunteer" to get moved to a later flight.  A doctor whose excuse for not being able to take a later flight was that he needed to be at the hospital in the morning to see patients. As a good friend states - I have questions.

For instance, how in the world did this situation escalate so violently and so quickly?  The doctor was minding his own business and by all accounts was rationally explaining why he couldn't change flights.  At that point, why didn't the United flight crew move on and choose another passenger to volunteer?  The whole thing would have been over, and the economy of the entire company may not be in danger right now. 

Or, why in fact was the plane booked over capacity anyway?  These issues are usually handled at the gate not once passengers are on the plane.  Why was a number that was greater than the number of seats they had allowed on the plane in the first place?  And more to the point, why in the world was the plane sold over capacity in the first place? Is this common place and if it is, how is this good for business?

And lastly, can you imagine being on that plane with a child or even just with friends and witnessing this awful scene first hand?  How does one fly after that?  Or how does one decide to stay on that particular plane after something like that?

The entire situation is just scary and most definitely odd.  Never have I worried about something like this happening on any airplane that I was on - crashes, engine issues, even just being next to a screaming baby - but never being forceably taken from a plane.  But you can guarantee I will be thinking of it the next time I'm on a plane, and I'm sure loads of others will too.  Way to go United - you really made the friendly skies a lot less friendlier...

My Day in Court

A few months ago, my car was broken into. The kid - I'm sure it was a kid - stole a $5 phone charger and an old George Foreman grill. Nothing was broken or damaged. There were signs up saying to be on the lookout for this so I called the police and let them know. Apparently, that is akin to "filing a report". This means I'm somehow involved in this case. Fab.

Today was his court date and I learned a few things during my very first experience in a court room.

~ The courthouse door is guarded by about 10 men over the age of 70 and a broken metal detector.

~ I'm a terrible judge of character. The guy in a suit I thought was a lawyer was a defendant, and the junkie looking guy was actually just a witness.

~ Judges are allowed to drink fancy smoothie drinks through bright orange straws while in the bench.

~ Busy-body witnesses love to use terms they learned on CSI when speaking with lawyers who are just trying to get through their work days

~ Even if you have nothing to add - for instance, if you were asleep when the crime occurred - you can still be called as a witness.

~ If you've fail to appear in court at your particular time, a bench warrant will be issued immediately. This is the only thing I witnessed that was the same as in the police shows I watch.

And lastly, if all courts are run as inefficiently as this one was - based on the system, not the officers and attorneys trying to do their jobs- it's no wonder we have a crime problem in this country!

The Me That Lives in 2017

1. Brunette instead of mousy brown
2. Fairly long fingernails that I love painting all sorts of fun colors
3. Reads even more than I used to - all sorts of random books
4. Loves playing "dress-up" even though I don't get to do it as often as I'd like
5. Wears "brainy specs"and totally feels like Doctor Who
6. Makes a trip to NY about once a month - most often more
7.  Feels quite comfortable in the city alone - though goes a bit stir crazy if left to my own devices for too long (as in "snowstorm's length")
8. Has finally figured out how to do Project Life and have kept up with it for 4 whole months so far
9. Loves to eat pretty much anything - especially new things!
10. Angrily yells at news stories online when the ridiculousness gets to be too much
11. So over our President and his insanity
12. Loves creativity and the arts
13. Is head over heels in love with the theatre community
14. Can chat with strangers sometimes better than people I've known forever
15. Haven't yet met Prince Charming - did he get lost along the way?
16. Haven't gotten a dream job yet but have finally figured out what it should be
17. Loves the act of exploring new places
18.  That being said, could get lost trying to find my way out of a paper bag.  Thank god for the "Lady in the Box" (GPS)
19. Fully supports Equality for All
20. Feel like I should have been born in Great Britain instead of the US
21. Tries to be nice to everyone
22. Listens and sings along not so quietly to Broadway show tunes at my desk constantly
23.  Is very, very tired of working with gross boys - where are the lovely cute, polite and non-cursing boys?
24. Is too indecisive to pick something from Netflix to watch
25. Checks Twitter, Instagram, an Facebook an obscene number of times each day
26. Really loves to write
27. Lives for Spring and Summer and Hate, hate, hate Winter
28. Tries very hard to be a traveler and not a tourist
29. Tea - totaller - though sometimes I'll throw in a margarita for good measure
30. Sorta kinda wants a tattoo but is too indecisive to ever get one
31. Totally enthralled with talented singers and tries to figure out how they do that with their voices - I've been completely vexed so far
32. HATES the age that's attached to me right now!
33. Would very much love to move somewhere that doesn't require me to own a car
34. Is looking forward to all sorts of wonderful things in the coming year!

Spring Cleaning

I feel like I say this every year, but I'm in a state of total spring cleaning mode right now. I literally have completely purged my closed and bureau of any and all unnecessary clothing. Anything that didn't fit or I no longer liked got chucked. On one hand, it's great to have a bit of a clean slate - less mess and more room for more. On the other hand, it's a sad state of affairs to see so much money sitting in a giant pile on my floor...

But I'm going to choose to think about it as a good thing.  I'm trying to dress up a little more these days and go a bit out of my comfort zone. I tend to wear the same seven outfits all the time. So by paring down the wardrobe, in theory I'll have the chance to see what I have and mix and match those pieces more.  In theory, I suppose.  That's what I'm hoping.

For now, it just feels good to be getting all sorts of spring things out because it means that warm weather is returning.  And let's be honest it's much more fun to get dressed in the summer - flip-flops, sandals, fun dresses, oh my! So many more options than boring sweaters and jeans!

Here's to spring fashion and more shopping!

Friday Five

1. In my personal opinion, "Love, Actually" is by far the best movie ever made.  It has it all - heart, laughs, cute boys, London.  I mean really, everything you could ever want in a RomCom is in "Love, Actually."  So to say that I was excited about its "reboot" for Red Nose Day, was an understatement.  And after seeing its trailer, I'm beyond excited.  Of course, since I live in the States, I'm supposed to wait until May to see the full 10 minutes.  Ugh!  
             

2. I spend a lot of time these days talking about how great Seth Meyers is these days, but honestly.  He's killing it every night!  This bit from last night on the health care bill, and SNL is beyond hilarious.  
          

3. And speaking of the health care bill - my most favorite thing that happened this week, is that finally some people in the House came to their senses and weren't able to provide enough votes for Trump and Co. to pass their ridiculously dangerous health care bill so it was pulled.  That particular bill would have hurt millions of hard-working people.  The ACA may not be perfect, but it's helped a lot of people.  And maybe, just maybe if the current administration would spend more time on making it better than trying to overturn it, they might actually help Americans for a change rather than take important things, like access to healthcare, away from them.

4. This made me smile lots!  #TeamJess

Got a prime parking spot and a welcome sign pullin in....Love you too ;) #ThisIsUs #TuesdayLoveStill. MV pic.twitter.com/cKLDpytQMZ

— Milo Ventimiglia (@MiloVentimiglia) March 21, 2017

5. "The Little Mermaid" was one of my faves when I was little.  It fell just below "The Lion King" and Aladdin." I'm not a huge Disney Nerd, but I do remember watching these 3 constantly.  So hearing they were making a live action version, I was a little skeptical.  I mean, I'm never a huge fan of just re-making old stuff.  I like new ideas and when the old stuff is so good, why try to best it?  This is probably why I'm not running a studio in LA, but anyway, that's not my point.  My point is, this week Alan Menken who is directing the movie - with Lin Manuel-Miranda providing the music - went to the press with his idea for Ursula.  His genius idea - Harvey Fierstein! An idea I geeked out about for a few hours, until Harvey took to the press to say - "Make it happen!  Your wish is my command!" which made me geek out even more.  Harvey Fierstein with the tentacles and the eels?  How could that not be anything but amazing??

My Heart is in London

It's sad to see a city I love so much splashed all over the news today for something so awful. But in the true spirit of the Brits, there were everyday heroes that did what needed to be done to help others.  These policemen and ordinary people are the true heroes of the day, and they won't be forgotten.  Stay safe London!  Know the world is standing with you and sending our love to you this evening.

Monday: A Play in Three Parts

Part One: Morning
Monday morning was rough, because well, Monday mornings are always rough, aren't they? I hit the snooze button on my alarm a few more times than I had meant to, and was therefore behind before I even started the day.  Then I got to my car and there was ice on my windshield - never mind that it was the first day of spring... - that needed to be defrosted and my darn tire light was on which means I eventually need to get air in the flipping tire that loses air if you just look at it funny.  And all of this was before 6:30 am...

Part Two: Mid-Day
By mid-day, the frustrations had escalated to me yelling at Microsoft Word because it wouldn't do what I wanted it to.  That was pretty much the low point.  From there, things started looking up. I heard about the FBI investigation that was breaking news all day.  That definitely made me at least a little optimistic.  I also learned that BroadwayWorld was looking for someone to cover the upcoming RENT tour at the Hippodrome, and since I was the quickest email in the bunch, I got the free tickets and the assignment to write about one of my all time favorite shows. The Monday "blahs"started to disappear at that point.

Part Three: Evening
By the late afternoon, I learned that not only would I get one ticket, but I would get 2 so I could take the bestie with me - something she'd been hinting at all day.  I also learned that Andrew Rannells would be performing at 54 Below in May which may or may not have prompted me to buy yet another ticket to see a show there.  I mean, how could I not?  I was getting free tickets to RENT - tickets that are currently going for $200. Who was I not to spend $40 on a ticket to see someone lovely?

Anyway, there you have my Monday.  It sure sounds page-turning exciting doesn't it?  Here's hoping Tuesday is much calmer and contains a few of the happy surprises that this Monday did...

Dear Weather Gods,

Dear Weather Gods,

I'm usually all for the "let's give everyone a few snow days" talk that happens around the possibility of a huge winter storm.  I'm all about hunkering down in bed with Netflix, tea and a great book and blocking out the world for a few days while the mess stays outside.  But you see snow gods, I'm headed to New York tomorrow.  And this is a pretty exciting trip.  I'm finally getting to see Broadway Backwards which is a benefit for Broadway Cares.  It's a big deal and it's full of fabulous people that I can't wait to hear sing.  

So if you and your friends, the ice gods and the noreaster gods decide to drop the predicted 12 inches of snow on the East Coast, you could totally ruin my ability to get back home in a timely manner.  That's where we have a problem.  So if it's all the same to you, could you please just decide to start your spring-summer vacation a few days early, and hold the snow until next winter?  I'd gladly take a blizzard then.  Really, I don't mind.  Just let me enjoy my concert in peace.  

Your friend,

Kristen the Warm Weather and Sunshine Lover

Rock and Roll is Here to Stay

Every year a local high school puts on a Rock and Roll Revival.  This show - which includes all types of music through history - is beyond anything I've ever seen at a high school level. Between the costumes, the choreography and the singing, I'm always blown away.  And this year was no different.  Of course this year there was an added bonus of a brand new venue.

You see, their school was recently rebuilt to be state of the art and ginormous!  I believe my school's auditorium could have fit in their's 4 times over.  They had padded seats, a mezzanine, and a walkway in the ceiling for lighting and tech.  To say it was high tech was an understatement.  And the fact that they just moved into the space in January, I think  made the production even more impressive.

In 2 months in a brand new space, they were able to put on a show with the same production quality that they've had for the last 20 years.  That's a testament to how hard these kids and teachers work.  And each year I'm happy to say I have the chance to see it!