i like to make resolutions. keeping them is something else, of course, but i think i've actually been pretty good about that, too, if a little late. one of my resolutions of old was to take voice lessons, and i've done that (need to get back to it, especially if i am going to be called upon to perform at work functions), learn to knit (check), and once, notably, to remove a pair of boots from under my desk at work. doesn't sound like a big job, does it? but it took me years to bring them home from under there. they moved cubicles with me and everything.
i read an article by ellen degeneres - she suggests writing resolutions in lemon juice on parchment paper, readable only if you hold a candle up to the paper, so you can feel like a pirate. maybe later. for now, i will just broadcast these resolutions to the world.....
1. Finish the !@&#(#@!** thesis. Be more persistent w/deadbeat advisor and make him be useful to me. It is, after all, his job.
2. Join some kind of gym and work out more than once a week.
3. Spend less time at Starbucks. Otherwise, I will become VERY finnie-esque and that gym membership will be very handy indeed.
4. Follow my own damn bliss. New job? Possibly. More travel? Most likely.
5. Learn to knit more than long rectangles. I can do scarves. But I've only got one head. I'd like to learn how to purl, and how to do more exciting stitches and make some more interesting things.
Yeah, that's all I've got right now.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
memories of 2006
lyric opera internship and brushes with royalty at the wine auction. manon at the met. coffee with alison. meeting mim and iris. backstage at the met in our 'living room'. fourth of july in manhattan. getting diva lessons from my own personal doyennes of fabulosity (you know who you are). sweeney todd in april. and july. and september. sondheim soiree and slumber spectacular. goodbye edge, hello gypsy, and shout out to safe hondas. a get well care package from renee fleming. meeting the patti. heidi's birthday fondue. no more part time slave labor at archiver's. cinnamon dolce lattes. being a commuter. 'graduating' from columbia. front row seats at the closing night of sweeney. bringing my grandmother backstage at ravinia to meet renee. max brenner's chocolate cafe. the grant park south underground parking garage. high level office teasing. scrap manias. sundays in central parkwith friends (and sometimes spills). the renee fleming reality tour. picnics on the lawn at ravinia in 'our spot'. mocha marble macchiatos. my group. knitting. scrapping. writing my thesis (or at least trying to). goodbye gs. gypsy and gypsy and gypsy. making new friends. keeping clients happy. this blog. hot hot summer and mild winter. renee's lyric opera concert. patti's jcc concert. tea and sympathy. patti. audra. bernadette. monday memo mad libs. breathing the same air as stephen sondheim twice. stage door madness. magic in the making. work work and more work. pink razor phone. saying goodbye to uncle tony and diane. pyramid tea bags. singing at the holiday party. white elephant gift exchange. spending time with family. you tube. surfing the net. i am sure there's more....
happy new year.
happy new year.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Hazelnuts Unite!!!!
Tonight.... Sister Hazel at Chicago's House of Blues. I can't recall the last time I was even AT the House of Blues (a little scary), or the last time I saw SH. I do love them, though - it was for them that I went on the Rock Boat 3 times, and this blog is named for a song of theirs off the album "Lift." So it will be fun to see them again. I will have to get back into the rock show mentality - doors: 7:30. Opening act: 9:00. Sister Hazel 10:30. Last night, I was in bed at 10:30.... but anyway....
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Thought for the Day... Watch this Space...
Leave you? Leave you?
How could I leave you?
How could I go it alone?
Could I wave the years away
With a quick goodbye?
How do you wipe tears away
When your eyes are dry?
Oh, leave you? Leave you?
How could I leave you?
Sweetheart, I have to confess:
Could I leave you?
Yes.
Will I leave you?
Will I leave you?
Guess!
(Stephen Sondheim, Follies)
How could I leave you?
How could I go it alone?
Could I wave the years away
With a quick goodbye?
How do you wipe tears away
When your eyes are dry?
Oh, leave you? Leave you?
How could I leave you?
Sweetheart, I have to confess:
Could I leave you?
Yes.
Will I leave you?
Will I leave you?
Guess!
(Stephen Sondheim, Follies)
Sunday, December 24, 2006
merry christmas
i remember when i was growing up, i couldn't wait until christmas. it was always the best time of year. this year, though, it has managed to sneak up on me. though the holiday cards were made around halloween, i didn't manage to send them until last weekend and in some cases, early to mid week last week (i much prefer making the cards to sending them). the same thing happened in our company - but on a larger scale. things happened that took our minds off sending the cards, nobody wanted to sign them, or do anything with them, really, so it was up to me and a few others in the office. they got out on thursday, i think.
i had a few gifts bought, but was still trolling the store aisles as late as yesterday. one of the gifts i'd bought for one friend in particular i found less than inspiring, so i scrapped the whole idea and got her something entirely different (yesterday). and we finished the actual wrapping of the presents yesterday, too (and i know my mom was still wrapping this morning). for whatever reason, the holiday does not mean as much this year as it used to. what's with the holiday apathy??? oh, i really don't know.
holiday shopping isn't even fun any more - for once in my life, i think i am shopped out. there are just people everywhere, and everyone is RUDE, even the store workers themselves. yesterday, i saw this gorgeous shirt in a store window, and went to find it in the shop. i couldn't find it anywhere, so i asked a sales associate if they had it, or if she could get it out of the window for me. she gave me a total hard time about it, and pretty much refused to get it out of the window (something to do with how it was hanging, i guess). so i left. but here's the thing that gets me - she would rather have me leave and lose a sale completely than try and actually like be helpful and I don't know, do her job?? she didn't offer any other kind of help - like offer to check the back, or say something like, that one is sold out, but we've got it in blue (because they did). Nope. Hello? What happened to 'the customer is always right' and 'give the lady what she wants'??? I guess not. So they lost a sale, and now I am going to think things like, well, gosh, there's a bitchy sales chick in the New York & Company in Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles, so I don't think I want to shop there any more. i've worked in retail in the holidays, i know what people are like, so i try and be nice when i am a customer and cut them some slack. but i always tried to actually be helpful to people when they were looking for things, or offer alternatives or something, so that they bought something (because i would have bought something).... but i went somewhere else and bought things instead, and nobody really cares any more, anyway. apathy everywhere.
but anyway. there are nicer things to think about, for instance: i finished knitting my first scarf! it is beautiful and i wore it out today. hooray! i have also discovered several cute little knitting stores, and even though i am totally intimidated, and can only do scarves at the moment, i always go in and buy some gorgeous yarn. i've got so much yarn, and so many needles, it's crazy.
AND - tonight i am off with the family to a christmas eve party given by some friends of my parents. that should be fun..... tomorrow it is over the river and thru the woods to grandmother's house for christmas day... tuesday it's after christmas shopping (because i will be DONE with the family togetherness thing) and wednesday it's back to work.
merry christmas, everyone!
i had a few gifts bought, but was still trolling the store aisles as late as yesterday. one of the gifts i'd bought for one friend in particular i found less than inspiring, so i scrapped the whole idea and got her something entirely different (yesterday). and we finished the actual wrapping of the presents yesterday, too (and i know my mom was still wrapping this morning). for whatever reason, the holiday does not mean as much this year as it used to. what's with the holiday apathy??? oh, i really don't know.
holiday shopping isn't even fun any more - for once in my life, i think i am shopped out. there are just people everywhere, and everyone is RUDE, even the store workers themselves. yesterday, i saw this gorgeous shirt in a store window, and went to find it in the shop. i couldn't find it anywhere, so i asked a sales associate if they had it, or if she could get it out of the window for me. she gave me a total hard time about it, and pretty much refused to get it out of the window (something to do with how it was hanging, i guess). so i left. but here's the thing that gets me - she would rather have me leave and lose a sale completely than try and actually like be helpful and I don't know, do her job?? she didn't offer any other kind of help - like offer to check the back, or say something like, that one is sold out, but we've got it in blue (because they did). Nope. Hello? What happened to 'the customer is always right' and 'give the lady what she wants'??? I guess not. So they lost a sale, and now I am going to think things like, well, gosh, there's a bitchy sales chick in the New York & Company in Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles, so I don't think I want to shop there any more. i've worked in retail in the holidays, i know what people are like, so i try and be nice when i am a customer and cut them some slack. but i always tried to actually be helpful to people when they were looking for things, or offer alternatives or something, so that they bought something (because i would have bought something).... but i went somewhere else and bought things instead, and nobody really cares any more, anyway. apathy everywhere.
but anyway. there are nicer things to think about, for instance: i finished knitting my first scarf! it is beautiful and i wore it out today. hooray! i have also discovered several cute little knitting stores, and even though i am totally intimidated, and can only do scarves at the moment, i always go in and buy some gorgeous yarn. i've got so much yarn, and so many needles, it's crazy.
AND - tonight i am off with the family to a christmas eve party given by some friends of my parents. that should be fun..... tomorrow it is over the river and thru the woods to grandmother's house for christmas day... tuesday it's after christmas shopping (because i will be DONE with the family togetherness thing) and wednesday it's back to work.
merry christmas, everyone!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Public Embarassment
You didn't think I would forget to post about the holiday party, did you? Ah, enforced jolity with the co-workers, always a good time. We needed the time to bond and unwind together, given certain sudden changes we've been seeing around here.
We had a luncheon, complete with party planning committee. Our party had an agenda. (Item #1 - FUN!) Seriously. Planned activities included a showcase of talent among our staff (mostly the junior staff, interestingly enough...) I was roped into singing. I agreed out of guilt, based primarily on the following conversation:
Colleague - Hey K, do you wanna sing with Coworker?
Me - Ummmm, NO! (running by on the way to the bathroom)
Now, keep in mind, I'd just been on a 2 hour conference call, it was past lunch time, I was starving, needed caffeine and use of the bathroom. I was still in my little depressing conference call world, and thus the response was a bit more sharp than I would have intended it to be. So I went back, massive bottle of soda in hand and said I was sorry, hadn't had caffeine or food, etc etc, was very cranky and did she mean sing NOW? NO, was the response, at the party tomorrow!
I didn't really want to, but I agreed b/c had sounded like such a beeeyotch before. I get so nervous, with people watching me, I just start shaking. Stage fright. Very bad. Did I really want to get up in front of all these people and have them think I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket? Not especially....
We agreed to sing Winter Wonderland and all went well, I guess. No one, and this is important, said anything at the time... Other entertainment included salsa dance lessons and some Irish drumming. We also had a white elephant gift exchange which was fun.... although entirely missing the point of the true white elephant (unlike last year's exchange among my friends, one of whom contributed to the exchange a photo frame with a picture of her ex boyfriend in it.). This was only to our benefit though - who wants crappy gifts?? I got some chocolate and a starbucks card, the perfect gift!
Ok, so fast forward to today - one of my esteemed colleagues took pictures of all this, which she forwarded around to THE WHOLE STAFF. One of the pictures is called 'singing finger' which showed me singing and holding a page with the words on it (helpful, not because i needed the words, but because i could look at them, rather than out at the crowd, all of whom were staring at me. I guess my Inner Diva was out to lunch that day...) - I guess I was holding it weirdly and one of my fingers - guess which one - (Go ahead, guess!) is visible, so it looks like i am flipping off the staff. Good one. Very smooth move. I had no idea I was doing it. I just wanted to get through the !@#$($ song. She sent around some other pictures, too, but not as bad as that. Am hiding in mortification under my desk.
(And, for the record. Yes, there is a picture. No, you don't get to see it).
We had a luncheon, complete with party planning committee. Our party had an agenda. (Item #1 - FUN!) Seriously. Planned activities included a showcase of talent among our staff (mostly the junior staff, interestingly enough...) I was roped into singing. I agreed out of guilt, based primarily on the following conversation:
Colleague - Hey K, do you wanna sing with Coworker?
Me - Ummmm, NO! (running by on the way to the bathroom)
Now, keep in mind, I'd just been on a 2 hour conference call, it was past lunch time, I was starving, needed caffeine and use of the bathroom. I was still in my little depressing conference call world, and thus the response was a bit more sharp than I would have intended it to be. So I went back, massive bottle of soda in hand and said I was sorry, hadn't had caffeine or food, etc etc, was very cranky and did she mean sing NOW? NO, was the response, at the party tomorrow!
I didn't really want to, but I agreed b/c had sounded like such a beeeyotch before. I get so nervous, with people watching me, I just start shaking. Stage fright. Very bad. Did I really want to get up in front of all these people and have them think I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket? Not especially....
We agreed to sing Winter Wonderland and all went well, I guess. No one, and this is important, said anything at the time... Other entertainment included salsa dance lessons and some Irish drumming. We also had a white elephant gift exchange which was fun.... although entirely missing the point of the true white elephant (unlike last year's exchange among my friends, one of whom contributed to the exchange a photo frame with a picture of her ex boyfriend in it.). This was only to our benefit though - who wants crappy gifts?? I got some chocolate and a starbucks card, the perfect gift!
Ok, so fast forward to today - one of my esteemed colleagues took pictures of all this, which she forwarded around to THE WHOLE STAFF. One of the pictures is called 'singing finger' which showed me singing and holding a page with the words on it (helpful, not because i needed the words, but because i could look at them, rather than out at the crowd, all of whom were staring at me. I guess my Inner Diva was out to lunch that day...) - I guess I was holding it weirdly and one of my fingers - guess which one - (Go ahead, guess!) is visible, so it looks like i am flipping off the staff. Good one. Very smooth move. I had no idea I was doing it. I just wanted to get through the !@#$($ song. She sent around some other pictures, too, but not as bad as that. Am hiding in mortification under my desk.
(And, for the record. Yes, there is a picture. No, you don't get to see it).
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Do I Hear A Waltz?
Last night, mom and I went to Lyric to see Die Fledermaus. Now, this is what I've been waiting for them to do all season.
Gorgeous sets? Check.
Amazing ensemble cast of singers and actors? Check! Check! Check!
Crazy talented dancers doing elaborate dance numbers including the famed waltzes? Check.
No parking hassles because I decided to spring for valet?? Check!
From the moment the overture started and those familiar strains started to play, I knew it was going to be great. It was as light and frothy and sparkling as the 'king champagne' they sing about. It was also really funny - the titles helped my understanding, of course since I do not speak deutsch, but the cast was very expressive and funny themselves, in their voices of courses, but also in their body language. Rosalinde was playbed by the talented coloratura Andrea Rost, Gabriel by the hunky Bo Skovhus, and the tenor Bonaventura Bottone (gotta love that name) - but it was the soprano playing the chamber maid, Marlis Petersen, who absolutely stole the show. The opera clocked in at 3 and a half hours, but it flew by like the titular fledermaus. Definitely my favorite of the season so far...
Gorgeous sets? Check.
Amazing ensemble cast of singers and actors? Check! Check! Check!
Crazy talented dancers doing elaborate dance numbers including the famed waltzes? Check.
No parking hassles because I decided to spring for valet?? Check!
From the moment the overture started and those familiar strains started to play, I knew it was going to be great. It was as light and frothy and sparkling as the 'king champagne' they sing about. It was also really funny - the titles helped my understanding, of course since I do not speak deutsch, but the cast was very expressive and funny themselves, in their voices of courses, but also in their body language. Rosalinde was playbed by the talented coloratura Andrea Rost, Gabriel by the hunky Bo Skovhus, and the tenor Bonaventura Bottone (gotta love that name) - but it was the soprano playing the chamber maid, Marlis Petersen, who absolutely stole the show. The opera clocked in at 3 and a half hours, but it flew by like the titular fledermaus. Definitely my favorite of the season so far...
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Happy, Happy Birthday
It's my mom's birthday!
Let's all sing!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Stephanie!
Happy birthday to you!
Here's to many many more!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Christmas Songs...
Today in the Sun Times, there is a poll on the best Christmas song. None of their choices even come close to any of my favorites. Here, in random order are my choices, instead:
-White Christmas (but the version they play in the movie "Home Alone" can't think of the artist right now)
-The Bells of St. Paul (Linda Eder)
-Face of Love (Jewel)
-Baby Please Come Home (U2 - I mean come on! Bono! Christmas carols! YES!)
-Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (the Pretenders. I also really enjoy Patti LuPone's version)
-Rockin'Around the Christmas Tree (the original, by Brenda Lee, not the crappy version by Jessica Simpson)
-Merry Christmas from the Family (The Dixie Chicks. No joke!)
-We Need a Little Christmas Now (from Mame)
-Happy Christmas (War is Over) (John Lennon, my favorite Beatle. Not to be confused with my favorite Beadle, who would be Alex Gemignani. sorry. too much sugar this afternoon)
-River (Renee Fleming)
-White Christmas (but the version they play in the movie "Home Alone" can't think of the artist right now)
-The Bells of St. Paul (Linda Eder)
-Face of Love (Jewel)
-Baby Please Come Home (U2 - I mean come on! Bono! Christmas carols! YES!)
-Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (the Pretenders. I also really enjoy Patti LuPone's version)
-Rockin'Around the Christmas Tree (the original, by Brenda Lee, not the crappy version by Jessica Simpson)
-Merry Christmas from the Family (The Dixie Chicks. No joke!)
-We Need a Little Christmas Now (from Mame)
-Happy Christmas (War is Over) (John Lennon, my favorite Beatle. Not to be confused with my favorite Beadle, who would be Alex Gemignani. sorry. too much sugar this afternoon)
-River (Renee Fleming)
Thursday, December 07, 2006
No More Drama!
Time for a little holiday cheer, Patti style (thanks to the most excellent group of Patti fans I came across on the net... http://community.livejournal.com/the_patti/)
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
sure could use them here right now...
Nobody else here babyNo one here to blame
No one to point the finger
It's just you and me and the rain
Nobody made you do it
Nobody made you do it
No one put words in your mouth
Nobody here taking orders
When love took a train heading south
It's the blind leading the blonde
It's the blind leading the blonde
It's the stuff, it's the stuff of country songs
Hey if God will send his angels
Hey if God will send his angels
And if God will send a sign
And if God will send his angels
Would everything be alright
God has got his phone off the hook
Would he even pick up if he could
It's been a while since we saw that child
Hanging 'round this neighborhood
You see his mother dealing in a doorway
See Father Christmas with a begging bowl
Jesus sister's eyes are a blister
The High Street never looked so low
It's the blind leading the blonde
It's the blind leading the blonde
It's the cops collecting for the cons
So where is the hope and where is the faith
And the love...what's that you say to me
Does love...light up your Christmas tree
The next minute you're blowing a fuse
And the cartoon network turns into the news
If God will send his angels
If God will send his angels
And if God will send a sign
And if God will send his angels
Where do we go
Where do we go
Jesus never let me down
Jesus never let me down
You know Jesus used to show me the score
Then they put Jesus in show business
Now it's hard to get in the door
It's the stuff, it's the stuff of country songs
But I guess it was something to go on
If God will send his angels
If God will send his angels
I sure could use them here right now
Well if God would send his angelsWhere do we go
I don't want to lie(Where do we go)
I don't want to lie(Where do we go)
I don't want to have a feel for the song
And I want to love, and I...(Where do we go)
And I want to feel alone
U2
"If God Will Send His Angels"
Sunday, December 03, 2006
My First Diva...
I've always had opera in my life (with a last name like mine, it's pretty much a given. most likely genetic). When I was younger, my mom would wake me up for school by playing music - many times it would be an album of arias by Luciano Pavarotti. I also remember in grade school, watching Amadeus and Carmen in music class, and going on field trips to Lyric Opera and the CSO. So it isn't altogether surprising that I like opera, am a season subscriber to Lyric Opera (for several years) and have a fan group dedicated to the lovely and fabulous Ms. Renee Fleming.
But my very first soprano, and my first Diva (capital D) was Maria Callas (who would have celebrated her 83rd birthday yesterday). I stumbled across Maria entirely by accident - I'd watched a mini-series about Aristotle Onassis and was facinated by Maria - who was not a major "character" in the series and was never shown singing. I was full of questions about her - firstly, what did she sound like? what happened to her in the course of her own life? I ran out to the library, got some of her vast catalogue of music, and started listening and learning. I was born a year after she died, so I never had the chance to see her on stage. It says something about the power of her voice that I was so hooked just by recordings. Hers is not a pretty voice, but there's something else there - a strength, an edge, a certain power and drama that I just was drawn into. Her story is also compelling - growing up in Greece during the German occupation, her transformation from an awkward chubby girl into a beautiful, thin social Diva, all of it just added to the fascination for me. Maria sang so many of the iconic opera roles, and I listened to (and now own) many of her recordings. She gave me strong foundation into the repertoire and I enthusiastically explored it.
I have since moved on - other singers, other repertoire, and experiencing opera through attending performances (at Lyric, where Maria helped open the fledgling company founded in 1954). But you know, it's true what they say: you never forget your first.
Happy Birthday, Maria.
But my very first soprano, and my first Diva (capital D) was Maria Callas (who would have celebrated her 83rd birthday yesterday). I stumbled across Maria entirely by accident - I'd watched a mini-series about Aristotle Onassis and was facinated by Maria - who was not a major "character" in the series and was never shown singing. I was full of questions about her - firstly, what did she sound like? what happened to her in the course of her own life? I ran out to the library, got some of her vast catalogue of music, and started listening and learning. I was born a year after she died, so I never had the chance to see her on stage. It says something about the power of her voice that I was so hooked just by recordings. Hers is not a pretty voice, but there's something else there - a strength, an edge, a certain power and drama that I just was drawn into. Her story is also compelling - growing up in Greece during the German occupation, her transformation from an awkward chubby girl into a beautiful, thin social Diva, all of it just added to the fascination for me. Maria sang so many of the iconic opera roles, and I listened to (and now own) many of her recordings. She gave me strong foundation into the repertoire and I enthusiastically explored it.
I have since moved on - other singers, other repertoire, and experiencing opera through attending performances (at Lyric, where Maria helped open the fledgling company founded in 1954). But you know, it's true what they say: you never forget your first.
Happy Birthday, Maria.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
hello, moto...
am completely in love with my new cell phone - hot pink motorola razor. birthday present to myself - woohoo!
i wonder if i can get my boss's daughter (who is 11) to help me set up my voicemail????
i wonder if i can get my boss's daughter (who is 11) to help me set up my voicemail????
The Beautiful Voice
I love telling the story of how I founded my Yahoo group, dedicated to opera diva, Renee Fleming... and what better time to tell it than on its 7th birthday?
In college, my roommate Cara and I had gotten into the tradition of seeing on opera to celebrate our birthdays (mine and her sister's on 11/24 and hers on 12/3). In 1999, we got nosebleed tickets to see Alcina at Lyric Opera of Chicago - on the 23rd, the day before my 21st birthday (since the opera was 4 hours long, it would actually BE my birthday by the time it was all over). We were excited to see Renee Fleming in person - we had watched her on the PBS broadcast of The Met's production of The Marriage of Figaro, and had worn out our collective tapes, watching her sing "Dov'e sono" over and over and over again.
Prior to the actual opera, we went to visit my friend Heidi at The University of Chicago, where she had discovered a lecture series, featuring the diva. She knew that I'd be interested in going, and she told me the where and the when. Cara and I, always happy to be free of our dorm room and the dining hall food, were on the next train to Hyde Park.
So, honestly, I don't remember a lot of what Renee actually talked about during this conversation. It was about gender roles in opera, specifically Alcina, and I remember she was very relaxed and composed, and was a very articulate speaker. Afterwards, we decided to hang around and see if we could try and meet her. The auditorium emptied, except for a few University notables hovering around by the stage. Nobody told us to leave, so we wandered down by the stage ourselves. Renee came back out, by herself, and stood on the stage. No one went up to her or tried to guide her anywhere else.... a few people started going up to her - just fans, not University types, so we went up on stage, too. She spent some time chatting with the others, then turned her attention to us. I don't remember who started the conversation, but it came up that we were seeing Alcina as our birthday treat, and Cara asked her if there was any part in the opera that was her favorite, or anything we should watch out for in particular and she said (direct and often quoted quote coming up) "Why don't you do me a favor and come backstage after you see it? We can talk about it."
Well, we were shocked and amazed and delighted. I had asked her to sign an Opera News ad featuring her latest cd release Strauss Heroines and she'd asked me in awed tones, "You read Opera News?" And I said yes. She asked us if we sang, and we said no, and she said, "So you just... like opera?" Yup. She took my name - heard the last name and said "Well, that explains it!" See, it's genetic. Good old "Uncle Enrico." We ate at the Medici that night and kept reliving the evening during the meal, especially the part where a famous opera singer asked us to do her a favor....
The 23 rolled around and it was business as usual - we went to class but I don't think it did us much good, we were too excited. We had class downtown at the Art Institute where we were joined by Cara's sister Susie. We ate and walked down to Lyric in the rain. Our seats were way up in the upper balcony - we could tell when Renee was on stage because of her bright red wig (and of course that gorgeous voice). It was my first Handel opera. I remember stark settings and beautiful beautiful baroque music much of which was along the "my life really stinks" vein - and I remember some of the other singers - Natalie Dessay and Jennifer Larmore in particular.
Then it was time to go backstage.... We'd never been back there before and had no idea what to do or say. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to get backstage at Lyric, so we found our way and then found ourselves waiting outside Renee's dressing room. I remember that there weren't many other people back there waiting for her. I'm not sure there were actually any other people waiting for her. We saw Jennifer Larmore go by and asked her to sign our programs, which she did, and she also graciously posed for a photo.
Renee opened the door to her room, looked at us and said "Happy birthday??" We were so surprised and amazed that she remembered this, after only having met us the once. We had brought her some small gifts (Godiva chocolates and something else... don't remember what) and she said 'I should be giving you presents since it's your birthday...' We talked about the opera "Did you have good seats?" Renee asked. We said no. "Did you have a pillow?" She asked next, since it was so long... We talked a little more about the opera, and she signed our programs (mine says 'happy birthday' on it.). She got one of the other singers (Kathleen Kuhlmann) to take a photo of all of us together, and asked us how we'd gotten there and if we'd be okay getting home. We said we would be okay, thanked her (profusely) and took our leave.
I think we were on Cloud 9 for the rest of the night - the rest of the week - and told everyone we knew (several times) about our encounter with this sweet, kind, down to earth diva. After a while, I ran out of people to tell. My friends are wonderful but aren't really into opera (although they listen patiently while I tell my stories, bless them). So I looked around online for an internet community about Renee. Surprisingly, there wasn't one, so I decided to start one.
It went from two members (me and Heidi, who I roped into joining so I wouldn't be lonely) and is now, 7 years later, close to 400 members. We have members all over the US and all over the world, and I have been lucky enough to meet many of them. Many I haven't met in person I have "met" online. I talk to some of these lovely people every day via email.
I have seen Renee many more times since that first encounter, and each time, she always surprises me by being so sweet, down to earth and wonderful, AND she's got a great memory for people, which I find just amazing, given the number of people she comes into contact with every day. So, thanks, Renee, for being the inspiration for this online community! My life has been so much richer because of you, and because of this group.
Happy 7th birthday to us!
In college, my roommate Cara and I had gotten into the tradition of seeing on opera to celebrate our birthdays (mine and her sister's on 11/24 and hers on 12/3). In 1999, we got nosebleed tickets to see Alcina at Lyric Opera of Chicago - on the 23rd, the day before my 21st birthday (since the opera was 4 hours long, it would actually BE my birthday by the time it was all over). We were excited to see Renee Fleming in person - we had watched her on the PBS broadcast of The Met's production of The Marriage of Figaro, and had worn out our collective tapes, watching her sing "Dov'e sono" over and over and over again.
Prior to the actual opera, we went to visit my friend Heidi at The University of Chicago, where she had discovered a lecture series, featuring the diva. She knew that I'd be interested in going, and she told me the where and the when. Cara and I, always happy to be free of our dorm room and the dining hall food, were on the next train to Hyde Park.
So, honestly, I don't remember a lot of what Renee actually talked about during this conversation. It was about gender roles in opera, specifically Alcina, and I remember she was very relaxed and composed, and was a very articulate speaker. Afterwards, we decided to hang around and see if we could try and meet her. The auditorium emptied, except for a few University notables hovering around by the stage. Nobody told us to leave, so we wandered down by the stage ourselves. Renee came back out, by herself, and stood on the stage. No one went up to her or tried to guide her anywhere else.... a few people started going up to her - just fans, not University types, so we went up on stage, too. She spent some time chatting with the others, then turned her attention to us. I don't remember who started the conversation, but it came up that we were seeing Alcina as our birthday treat, and Cara asked her if there was any part in the opera that was her favorite, or anything we should watch out for in particular and she said (direct and often quoted quote coming up) "Why don't you do me a favor and come backstage after you see it? We can talk about it."
Well, we were shocked and amazed and delighted. I had asked her to sign an Opera News ad featuring her latest cd release Strauss Heroines and she'd asked me in awed tones, "You read Opera News?" And I said yes. She asked us if we sang, and we said no, and she said, "So you just... like opera?" Yup. She took my name - heard the last name and said "Well, that explains it!" See, it's genetic. Good old "Uncle Enrico." We ate at the Medici that night and kept reliving the evening during the meal, especially the part where a famous opera singer asked us to do her a favor....
The 23 rolled around and it was business as usual - we went to class but I don't think it did us much good, we were too excited. We had class downtown at the Art Institute where we were joined by Cara's sister Susie. We ate and walked down to Lyric in the rain. Our seats were way up in the upper balcony - we could tell when Renee was on stage because of her bright red wig (and of course that gorgeous voice). It was my first Handel opera. I remember stark settings and beautiful beautiful baroque music much of which was along the "my life really stinks" vein - and I remember some of the other singers - Natalie Dessay and Jennifer Larmore in particular.
Then it was time to go backstage.... We'd never been back there before and had no idea what to do or say. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to get backstage at Lyric, so we found our way and then found ourselves waiting outside Renee's dressing room. I remember that there weren't many other people back there waiting for her. I'm not sure there were actually any other people waiting for her. We saw Jennifer Larmore go by and asked her to sign our programs, which she did, and she also graciously posed for a photo.
Renee opened the door to her room, looked at us and said "Happy birthday??" We were so surprised and amazed that she remembered this, after only having met us the once. We had brought her some small gifts (Godiva chocolates and something else... don't remember what) and she said 'I should be giving you presents since it's your birthday...' We talked about the opera "Did you have good seats?" Renee asked. We said no. "Did you have a pillow?" She asked next, since it was so long... We talked a little more about the opera, and she signed our programs (mine says 'happy birthday' on it.). She got one of the other singers (Kathleen Kuhlmann) to take a photo of all of us together, and asked us how we'd gotten there and if we'd be okay getting home. We said we would be okay, thanked her (profusely) and took our leave.
I think we were on Cloud 9 for the rest of the night - the rest of the week - and told everyone we knew (several times) about our encounter with this sweet, kind, down to earth diva. After a while, I ran out of people to tell. My friends are wonderful but aren't really into opera (although they listen patiently while I tell my stories, bless them). So I looked around online for an internet community about Renee. Surprisingly, there wasn't one, so I decided to start one.
It went from two members (me and Heidi, who I roped into joining so I wouldn't be lonely) and is now, 7 years later, close to 400 members. We have members all over the US and all over the world, and I have been lucky enough to meet many of them. Many I haven't met in person I have "met" online. I talk to some of these lovely people every day via email.
I have seen Renee many more times since that first encounter, and each time, she always surprises me by being so sweet, down to earth and wonderful, AND she's got a great memory for people, which I find just amazing, given the number of people she comes into contact with every day. So, thanks, Renee, for being the inspiration for this online community! My life has been so much richer because of you, and because of this group.
Happy 7th birthday to us!
Friday, November 24, 2006
written in the stars...
from the Chicago Tribune
Today's Birthday:
"This could be your best year yet. You're confident and good looking, the money's coming in and you speak the truth powerfully. If your closets are clean, run for office."
Well, I like the "confident and good looking" part... Jupiter, apparently, is in my sign today symbolizing good luck and abundance. So, you know, that's good. I feel really old already, although not old enough to be able to run for office yet. Too bad.
Today's Birthday:
"This could be your best year yet. You're confident and good looking, the money's coming in and you speak the truth powerfully. If your closets are clean, run for office."
Well, I like the "confident and good looking" part... Jupiter, apparently, is in my sign today symbolizing good luck and abundance. So, you know, that's good. I feel really old already, although not old enough to be able to run for office yet. Too bad.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
happy thanksgiving!
And now for a classic... Adam Sandler's Thanksgiving song...
Love to eat turkey Love to eat turkey Love to eat turkey
Cause it's good
Love to eat turkey
Like a good boy should
Cause it's turkey to eat So good
Turkey for meT urkey for you
Let's eat the turkeyIn my big brown shoe
Love to eat the turkey
At the tableI once saw a movie
With Betty Grable
Eat that turkey
All night long
Fifty million Elvis fans
Can't be wrong
Turkey turkey doo and Turkey turkey dap
I eat that turkey
Then I take a nap
Thanksgiving is a special night
Jimmy Walker used to say Dynomite!
That's right Turkey with gravy and cranberry
Can't believe they traded Darryl Strawberry.
Turkey for you and Turkey for me
Can't believe TysonGave that girl V.D.
White meat, dark meat
You just can't lose
I fell off my moped
And I got a bruiseTurkey in the oven
And the buns in the toaster
I'll never take downMy Cheryl Tiegs poster
Wrap that turkey upIn aluminum foil
My brother likes to masturbate
With baby oil
Turkey and sweet potato pie
Sammy Davis Jr.Only had one eye
Turkey for the girls and Turkey for the boys
My favorite kind of pant
Are corduroys
Gobble gobble goo and Gobble gobble gickel
I wish turkeyOnly cost a nickel
Oh I love turkey on Thanksgiving
Love to eat turkey Love to eat turkey Love to eat turkey
Cause it's good
Love to eat turkey
Like a good boy should
Cause it's turkey to eat So good
Turkey for meT urkey for you
Let's eat the turkeyIn my big brown shoe
Love to eat the turkey
At the tableI once saw a movie
With Betty Grable
Eat that turkey
All night long
Fifty million Elvis fans
Can't be wrong
Turkey turkey doo and Turkey turkey dap
I eat that turkey
Then I take a nap
Thanksgiving is a special night
Jimmy Walker used to say Dynomite!
That's right Turkey with gravy and cranberry
Can't believe they traded Darryl Strawberry.
Turkey for you and Turkey for me
Can't believe TysonGave that girl V.D.
White meat, dark meat
You just can't lose
I fell off my moped
And I got a bruiseTurkey in the oven
And the buns in the toaster
I'll never take downMy Cheryl Tiegs poster
Wrap that turkey upIn aluminum foil
My brother likes to masturbate
With baby oil
Turkey and sweet potato pie
Sammy Davis Jr.Only had one eye
Turkey for the girls and Turkey for the boys
My favorite kind of pant
Are corduroys
Gobble gobble goo and Gobble gobble gickel
I wish turkeyOnly cost a nickel
Oh I love turkey on Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
and while i am at it...
anyone shopping for last minute birthday gifts for that special someone (aHEM)... I am in need of a new keychain... www.bushslastday.com
Michael Moore's Pledge...
See what happens when I have too much free time and the heart is too heavy to do work?
Michael Moore's pledge
The liberal filmmaker extends an olive branch to disheartened conservatives.
By Michael Moore, MICHAEL MOORE directed the Oscar-winning documentary "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11." His next film, "Sicko," will be released this summer.
November 17, 2006
I WOULD LIKE TO extend an olive branch. Those of you who consider yourselves conservative and usually vote Republican have not had a very good couple of weeks. Trust me, I know how this feels.
In fact, those of us on the other side of the fence don't really know what it's like to win, so if we seem a bit awkward right now (were we supposed to vote for the majority leader the speaker said to vote for, or stick to our promise to the other guy?), forgive us.
I know you are dismayed at the results of last week's election. You've got to be freaking out about what this bunch of tree-hugging, latte-sipping, men-kissing-men advocates will do now that the country is in our hands. I don't blame you. We'd never admit it, but we secretly admire you because you know how to chop down a tree, take your coffee black and enjoy watching women kissing women. Good on you!
What I don't want is for you to drop into the deep funk we liberals have been in for two-plus decades. Yes, your Republican revolution is over, but hang in there. And do not despair. I, and the millions who voted for Democrats, have no interest in revenge for the last 12 years. In fact, let me make 12 promises as to how we will treat you, the minority, in the coming years.
Thus, here is "A Liberal's Pledge to Disheartened Conservatives":
1) We will always respect you. We will never, ever, call you "unpatriotic" simply because you disagree with us. In fact, we encourage you to dissent and disagree with us.
2) We will let you marry whomever you want (even though some among us consider your Republican behavior to be "different" or "immoral"). Who you marry is none of our business. Love, and be in love * it's a wonderful gift.
3) We will not spend your grandchildren's money on our personal whims or to enrich our friends. It's your checkbook too, and we will balance it for you.
4) When we soon bring our sons and daughters home from Iraq, we will bring your sons and daughters home too. We promise never to send your kids off to war based on some amateur Power Point presentation cooked up by men who have never been to war.
5) When we make America the last Western democracy to have universal health coverage, and all Americans are able to get help when they fall ill, we promise that you too will be able to see a doctor, regardless of your ability to pay. And when stem cell research delivers treatments and cures for diseases that afflict you and your loved ones, we'll make sure those advances are available to you and your family too.
6) When we clean up our air and water, you too will be able to breathe the cleaner air and drink the purer water. When we put an end to global warming, you will no longer have to think about buying oceanfront property in Yuma.
7) Should a mass murderer ever kill 3,000 people on our soil, we will devote every single resource to tracking him down and bringing him to justice. Immediately. We will protect you.
8) We will never stick our nose in your bedroom or your womb. What you do there as consenting adults is your business. We will continue to count your age from the moment you were born, not the moment you were conceived.
9) We will not take away your hunting guns. If you need an automatic weapon or a handgun to kill a bird or a deer, then you really aren't much of a hunter and you should, perhaps, take up another sport. In the meantime, we will arm the deer to make it a fairer fight.
10) When we raise the minimum wage, we will raise it for your employees too. They will use that money to buy more things, which means you will get the money back! And when women are finally paid what men make, we will pay conservative women that wage too.
11) We will respect your religious beliefs, even when you don't practice those beliefs. In fact, we will actively seek to promote your most radical religious beliefs ("Blessed are the peacemakers," "Love your enemies," "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" and "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me"). We will let people in other countries know that God doesn't just bless America, he blesses everyone. We will discourage religious intolerance and fanaticism * starting here at home.
12) We will not tolerate politicians who are corrupt and break the law. And we promise you we will go after the corrupt politicians on our side first. If we fail to do this, we need you to call us on it. Simply because we are in power does not give us the right to turn our heads the other way when our party goes astray. Please perform this important duty as the loyal opposition.
I promise all of the above to you because this is your country too. You are every bit as American as we are. We are all in this together. We sink or swim as one. Thank you for your years of service to this country and for giving us the opportunity to see if we can make things a bit better for our 300 million fellow Americans * and for the rest of the world.
Now pull yourself together and let's go have a Frappuccino
Michael Moore's pledge
The liberal filmmaker extends an olive branch to disheartened conservatives.
By Michael Moore, MICHAEL MOORE directed the Oscar-winning documentary "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11." His next film, "Sicko," will be released this summer.
November 17, 2006
I WOULD LIKE TO extend an olive branch. Those of you who consider yourselves conservative and usually vote Republican have not had a very good couple of weeks. Trust me, I know how this feels.
In fact, those of us on the other side of the fence don't really know what it's like to win, so if we seem a bit awkward right now (were we supposed to vote for the majority leader the speaker said to vote for, or stick to our promise to the other guy?), forgive us.
I know you are dismayed at the results of last week's election. You've got to be freaking out about what this bunch of tree-hugging, latte-sipping, men-kissing-men advocates will do now that the country is in our hands. I don't blame you. We'd never admit it, but we secretly admire you because you know how to chop down a tree, take your coffee black and enjoy watching women kissing women. Good on you!
What I don't want is for you to drop into the deep funk we liberals have been in for two-plus decades. Yes, your Republican revolution is over, but hang in there. And do not despair. I, and the millions who voted for Democrats, have no interest in revenge for the last 12 years. In fact, let me make 12 promises as to how we will treat you, the minority, in the coming years.
Thus, here is "A Liberal's Pledge to Disheartened Conservatives":
1) We will always respect you. We will never, ever, call you "unpatriotic" simply because you disagree with us. In fact, we encourage you to dissent and disagree with us.
2) We will let you marry whomever you want (even though some among us consider your Republican behavior to be "different" or "immoral"). Who you marry is none of our business. Love, and be in love * it's a wonderful gift.
3) We will not spend your grandchildren's money on our personal whims or to enrich our friends. It's your checkbook too, and we will balance it for you.
4) When we soon bring our sons and daughters home from Iraq, we will bring your sons and daughters home too. We promise never to send your kids off to war based on some amateur Power Point presentation cooked up by men who have never been to war.
5) When we make America the last Western democracy to have universal health coverage, and all Americans are able to get help when they fall ill, we promise that you too will be able to see a doctor, regardless of your ability to pay. And when stem cell research delivers treatments and cures for diseases that afflict you and your loved ones, we'll make sure those advances are available to you and your family too.
6) When we clean up our air and water, you too will be able to breathe the cleaner air and drink the purer water. When we put an end to global warming, you will no longer have to think about buying oceanfront property in Yuma.
7) Should a mass murderer ever kill 3,000 people on our soil, we will devote every single resource to tracking him down and bringing him to justice. Immediately. We will protect you.
8) We will never stick our nose in your bedroom or your womb. What you do there as consenting adults is your business. We will continue to count your age from the moment you were born, not the moment you were conceived.
9) We will not take away your hunting guns. If you need an automatic weapon or a handgun to kill a bird or a deer, then you really aren't much of a hunter and you should, perhaps, take up another sport. In the meantime, we will arm the deer to make it a fairer fight.
10) When we raise the minimum wage, we will raise it for your employees too. They will use that money to buy more things, which means you will get the money back! And when women are finally paid what men make, we will pay conservative women that wage too.
11) We will respect your religious beliefs, even when you don't practice those beliefs. In fact, we will actively seek to promote your most radical religious beliefs ("Blessed are the peacemakers," "Love your enemies," "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" and "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me"). We will let people in other countries know that God doesn't just bless America, he blesses everyone. We will discourage religious intolerance and fanaticism * starting here at home.
12) We will not tolerate politicians who are corrupt and break the law. And we promise you we will go after the corrupt politicians on our side first. If we fail to do this, we need you to call us on it. Simply because we are in power does not give us the right to turn our heads the other way when our party goes astray. Please perform this important duty as the loyal opposition.
I promise all of the above to you because this is your country too. You are every bit as American as we are. We are all in this together. We sink or swim as one. Thank you for your years of service to this country and for giving us the opportunity to see if we can make things a bit better for our 300 million fellow Americans * and for the rest of the world.
Now pull yourself together and let's go have a Frappuccino
just in case you need it...
Martha Stewart's gravy recipe (courtesy of Yahoo! Food)
Recipe Provided By: Martha Stewart
See more fromMartha Stewart on Yahoo! Food
Average (109 Ratings)
Ingredients
YAHOO.Food.sprites.preload('ingredients-heading')
5 whole black peppercorns
3 sprigs fresh thyme
3 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 fresh or dried bay leaf
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 small stalks celery stalks, coarsely chopped
1 small carrot, coarsely chopped
1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 quart water
3/4 cup dry white wine or turkey stock
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Nutrition Info
Serving size: 4 cups
Calories: 40 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g
Fat: 2 g
Protein: 0 g
Sugars: 0 g
Cooking Directions
Trim fat and membranes from giblets. Rinse giblets; pat dry. Add giblets and neck to pan with turkey. Roast until browned, about 30 minutes. Set aside.
Make a bouquet garni: Tie peppercorns, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and bay leaf in a square of cheesecloth. Set aside.
Make the stock: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add vegetables. Cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, 7 to 10 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium; add giblets, neck, bouquet garni, and water. Cover, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, uncovered, until reduced to about 3 cups, 50 to 60 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a clean medium saucepan. Keep stock warm over medium-low heat. Roughly chop giblets; shred meat from neck with a fork. Set aside. Discard other solids.
Transfer turkey to a large platter. Reserve 3 tablespoons drippings from pan. Pour remaining drippings into a gravy separator; let stand until separated, about 10 minutes. Discard fat.
Deglaze roasting pan: Place roasting pan over 2 burners. Add wine; bring to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits on bottom of pan. Reserve deglazed liquid.
Make the gravy: Put the reserved 3 tablespoons pan drippings from turkey in a medium saucepan; cook over medium heat until hot. Add the flour, whisking vigorously to combine. Cook, whisking constantly, until fragrant and deep golden brown, about 9 minutes. Whisking vigorously, slowly add hot stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
Stir in reserved deglazed liquid and separated pan juices. Add giblets and neck meat. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, about 20 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve into a saucepan; discard solids. Keep gravy warm over low heat. Season with salt and pepper.
Yield: 16 servings (Serving size: 4 cups)
Recipe Provided By: Martha Stewart
See more fromMartha Stewart on Yahoo! Food
Average (109 Ratings)
Ingredients
YAHOO.Food.sprites.preload('ingredients-heading')
5 whole black peppercorns
3 sprigs fresh thyme
3 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 fresh or dried bay leaf
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 small stalks celery stalks, coarsely chopped
1 small carrot, coarsely chopped
1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 quart water
3/4 cup dry white wine or turkey stock
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Nutrition Info
Serving size: 4 cups
Calories: 40 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g
Fat: 2 g
Protein: 0 g
Sugars: 0 g
Cooking Directions
Trim fat and membranes from giblets. Rinse giblets; pat dry. Add giblets and neck to pan with turkey. Roast until browned, about 30 minutes. Set aside.
Make a bouquet garni: Tie peppercorns, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and bay leaf in a square of cheesecloth. Set aside.
Make the stock: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add vegetables. Cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, 7 to 10 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium; add giblets, neck, bouquet garni, and water. Cover, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, uncovered, until reduced to about 3 cups, 50 to 60 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a clean medium saucepan. Keep stock warm over medium-low heat. Roughly chop giblets; shred meat from neck with a fork. Set aside. Discard other solids.
Transfer turkey to a large platter. Reserve 3 tablespoons drippings from pan. Pour remaining drippings into a gravy separator; let stand until separated, about 10 minutes. Discard fat.
Deglaze roasting pan: Place roasting pan over 2 burners. Add wine; bring to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits on bottom of pan. Reserve deglazed liquid.
Make the gravy: Put the reserved 3 tablespoons pan drippings from turkey in a medium saucepan; cook over medium heat until hot. Add the flour, whisking vigorously to combine. Cook, whisking constantly, until fragrant and deep golden brown, about 9 minutes. Whisking vigorously, slowly add hot stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
Stir in reserved deglazed liquid and separated pan juices. Add giblets and neck meat. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, about 20 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve into a saucepan; discard solids. Keep gravy warm over low heat. Season with salt and pepper.
Yield: 16 servings (Serving size: 4 cups)
the old neighborhood
I grew up (and still live in) a small community outside of Chicago. I live on a busy street - when I was growing up, there were no kids my age living in the houses around me (although my kindergarten teacher lives next door to me!). A few short blocks away, though, on the street where some of my best friends in the universe live, is a neighborhood somewhere out of 1950s fiction. Kids the same age, growing up together, going to school together, parents getting along and being neighborly. They have neighborhood holiday parties and gift exchanges, and a yearly block party on the street.
Since I am friends with many people who live (and lived) on this block, I became an adopted member of what we affectionately refer to as "the Neighborhood." There is a lady I have come to think of as the Neighborhood Mom - I will call her Diane (cos that's her name). Year after year, Diane welcomed all of us into her home - the holiday party was at her house, and in the summer, the barbecues, jello-shots and pinatas of the block party were set up in front of her house (next door to my best friend's house). Diane was a warm, welcoming, wonderful hostess - a confidante, friend, and cool lady. She once went with us to an Edwin McCain show - just us girls.
Those are some of my memories of this great lady, who we lost too soon this past week to a very aggressive form of cancer. You will be missed.
Since I am friends with many people who live (and lived) on this block, I became an adopted member of what we affectionately refer to as "the Neighborhood." There is a lady I have come to think of as the Neighborhood Mom - I will call her Diane (cos that's her name). Year after year, Diane welcomed all of us into her home - the holiday party was at her house, and in the summer, the barbecues, jello-shots and pinatas of the block party were set up in front of her house (next door to my best friend's house). Diane was a warm, welcoming, wonderful hostess - a confidante, friend, and cool lady. She once went with us to an Edwin McCain show - just us girls.
Those are some of my memories of this great lady, who we lost too soon this past week to a very aggressive form of cancer. You will be missed.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Salome...
Salome last night was, well, interesting. It was one act, and lasted an hour and 45 minutes. The staging was sparse - not as sparse, mind you, as Iphigenie, although I don't think you can get any more minimalist than that. Fortunately, there was no chalk writing in Salome, or anyone throwing sponges at the walls for unintentional comic relief. The stage was big and bright and airy - there was an upper level that the cast would occasionally go running around on (and you could see it move. very creepy. when ever someone was to close to one of the edges of the suicide balcony, i held my breath....). The beginning of the opera was a little bit confusing to me - people on stage not clearly identified, a random page girl was wandering around during some of the scenes for no apparent reason, and one of the characters suddenly dropped to the stage without explanation (so I was sitting there thinking, 'wait... is he dead? how did he die?' etc).
Overall, though, the cast was tremendous. Of course, I was excited to see and hear Deborah Voigt. She came out in the first scene and looked simply stunning. I knew she'd lost lots of weight, but really? WOW. Gorgeous. And the voice was absolutely amazing, as she coveyed all the depths of Salome's youthful longing for John the Baptist. She was definitely the highlight of the production - even when she was talking to a decapitated head. Creepy.
Supporting cast were also outstanding - Alan Held as John the Baptist, Kim Begley as Herod, Judith Forst as Herodias.
Afterwards, while waiting in line in the restroom for a turn at the paper towel dispenser, a friendly patron turned to me and said "That chick was totally whack." Yes, indeed, and well summed up.
Overall, though, the cast was tremendous. Of course, I was excited to see and hear Deborah Voigt. She came out in the first scene and looked simply stunning. I knew she'd lost lots of weight, but really? WOW. Gorgeous. And the voice was absolutely amazing, as she coveyed all the depths of Salome's youthful longing for John the Baptist. She was definitely the highlight of the production - even when she was talking to a decapitated head. Creepy.
Supporting cast were also outstanding - Alan Held as John the Baptist, Kim Begley as Herod, Judith Forst as Herodias.
Afterwards, while waiting in line in the restroom for a turn at the paper towel dispenser, a friendly patron turned to me and said "That chick was totally whack." Yes, indeed, and well summed up.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
A Night at the Opera
Tonight - a trip to Lyric Opera to see Deborah Voigt in Salome. I've seen her do a recital of lieder and again as Ariadne (several years ago as one of my operatic birthday treats, as a matter of fact) and now I will get to see her do the dance of the 7 veils... Reportedly, she does not do the full monty, like Karita did in the Met's Salome a few years ago. Chicago audiences just don't do nudity - people flipped out at the thought of some topless extras in Rigoletto last season, and they had to get rid of those scenes entirely.
More to come...
More to come...
Friday, November 17, 2006
Just Finished Reading....
You wouldn't think that growing up in rural Iowa in the 1950s would be exciting enough to fill a book, but Bill Bryson, author of In A Sunburned Country, Notes from A Small Island, and I'm A Stranger Here Myself, among others, manages to turn the story of his childhood into a interesting, lively, page-turning read. I finished it in about 24 hours. It is laugh out loud funny in parts, also partly nostalgic for an era long gone - a time of optimism and a feeling of anything's possible, a time of growth in this country, a time where communists lurked around every corner, and people thought teenagers were mentally disturbed due to the influence of rock and roll music. I was born in 1978 and by the end of the book, even I was sad for all the things that used to be, that the book so vividly describes.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Oh, Patti...
What can I say about seeing the object of my latest diva obsession - Ms. Patti LuPone - in concert last night at Symphony Center? Wait - I know. She was, in the words of my friend Heidi - "Like buttah." That's right. She was like "a big stick of buttah." She brought some genuine shiksa-peal to the JCC benefit - along with that powerful voice and vibrant personality and humor. Mom and I helped The Patti round out the Italian-American paesana contingent in the hall that evening.....
I dragged my mom along and we had some fairly decent seats. I had ordered "periphery" and hoped for the best - we were in the Orchestra Section Row Q, smack in the center. Not too bad! The people around us, for the most part, had no idea who Patti LuPone was. My suggestion vis-a-vis that situation is to have a poll - those of you who have no idea who she is must immediately move yourselves back to allow her fans to bask in the warm glow of her presence from your primo center seats in the first several rows. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. Whatever, anyway.
She sang all the great songs I never thought I'd get the chance to hear her sing live - Meadowlark, Don't Cry for Me, Argentina.... some Sondheim, some Stevie Wonder.... it was a great show. Wow. I mean really, wow.
And that scream of "We looooveeee youuuu, Patti!" that I heard at the end of the show? It came from my mom.
It occurs to me that I have been raking up plenty of "Patti Points" this past year - I've seen her off and on nearly every month since April (April for Sweeney, July for Sweeney, August for Gypsy, September for Sweeney and November for this). What am I gonna do without my live Patti fix?????
I dragged my mom along and we had some fairly decent seats. I had ordered "periphery" and hoped for the best - we were in the Orchestra Section Row Q, smack in the center. Not too bad! The people around us, for the most part, had no idea who Patti LuPone was. My suggestion vis-a-vis that situation is to have a poll - those of you who have no idea who she is must immediately move yourselves back to allow her fans to bask in the warm glow of her presence from your primo center seats in the first several rows. Yeah, like that's gonna happen. Whatever, anyway.
She sang all the great songs I never thought I'd get the chance to hear her sing live - Meadowlark, Don't Cry for Me, Argentina.... some Sondheim, some Stevie Wonder.... it was a great show. Wow. I mean really, wow.
And that scream of "We looooveeee youuuu, Patti!" that I heard at the end of the show? It came from my mom.
It occurs to me that I have been raking up plenty of "Patti Points" this past year - I've seen her off and on nearly every month since April (April for Sweeney, July for Sweeney, August for Gypsy, September for Sweeney and November for this). What am I gonna do without my live Patti fix?????
Monday, November 13, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
remembrance...
Prayer to St. Peter
Let them in, Peter, for they are very tired
Give them couches where the angels sleep
And light those fires
Let them wake whole again, to brand new dawns
Fired by the sun not wartime's bloody guns
May their peace be deep, remember where the broken bodies lie
God knows how young they were to have to die
Give them things they like
Let them make some noise
Give dance hall bands, not golden harps
To these, our boys
Let them love, Peter - for they've had no time
They should have bird songs and trees, and hills to climb
The taste of summer and a ripened pear
And girls sweet as meadow wind, and flowing hair
And tell them how they are missed
But say not to fear
It's gonna be all right
With us down here...
- Anon
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Patti LuPodcast...
Chocolate break! Time for a snack and listen to Patti...
http://www.metoperafamily.org/operanews/issue/article.aspx?id=1866&issueID=80
http://www.metoperafamily.org/operanews/issue/article.aspx?id=1866&issueID=80
Whatever Happened to Recess??
I don't know what I did back in the day, with my teenage angst, but it never was anything like this http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/118363,school103106.article - yes, that's my alma mater, the hotbed of criminal activity. I think metal detectors can't be far behind....
Sigh. These kids today.
(now I feel old).
Sigh. These kids today.
(now I feel old).
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Let's Sing a Round...
In honor of the time change today: A round from Elizabeth Gilpatrick's book Sing with me! Learn with me!
Spring ahead, fall behind. Keep the seasons well in mind.
Keep your clocks and watches humming; daylight savings time is coming.
Spring ahead, fall behind. Keep the seasons well in mind. etc etc etc
I feel like I've been up forever. Have nothing useful to show for it - aside from my beautiful cinnamon streusel muffins, that is. Watched the Bears (7 and 0!) and read a book (Terry Pratchett's The Truth - god, I wish I could write like that man. I bet his mental universe is a fun place to visit...) And that's about it. No crafting or much of anything else. Now am in the Sunday Night slump - not wanting the weekend to be over already, in serious denial about having to go back to work tomorrow. EEEEEK.
On the plus side, I have a few more operas in November (Salome and Romeo et Juilette - at least. Am switching some tickets around so there may be more). AND, according to my chocolate Patti-Countdown Calendar, 17 more days until the concert at Symphony Center! I haven't had today's candy yet, maybe for dessert....
Spring ahead, fall behind. Keep the seasons well in mind.
Keep your clocks and watches humming; daylight savings time is coming.
Spring ahead, fall behind. Keep the seasons well in mind. etc etc etc
I feel like I've been up forever. Have nothing useful to show for it - aside from my beautiful cinnamon streusel muffins, that is. Watched the Bears (7 and 0!) and read a book (Terry Pratchett's The Truth - god, I wish I could write like that man. I bet his mental universe is a fun place to visit...) And that's about it. No crafting or much of anything else. Now am in the Sunday Night slump - not wanting the weekend to be over already, in serious denial about having to go back to work tomorrow. EEEEEK.
On the plus side, I have a few more operas in November (Salome and Romeo et Juilette - at least. Am switching some tickets around so there may be more). AND, according to my chocolate Patti-Countdown Calendar, 17 more days until the concert at Symphony Center! I haven't had today's candy yet, maybe for dessert....
Feeling the Burn - It Must be Sunday
So I was at the gym this morning. I say that like it's a big fabulous Bally type place, but it's not - it's just the workout facility at the community center. I only go once a week at the moment anyway, and it's just 6 bucks each time. Usually I am the youngest person there, and one of the only women (sounds nice, huh? unfortunately, the men working out there are usually of the older persuasion, huffing and puffing away, lifting weights (!) playing racquet ball and suchlike.)
I was in the locker room and the handle on my locker wasn't closing correctly. Part of the handle slides into another part, and there's a little place where you can slide a lock through. But it was stuck, not letting me slide the lock through. This lady comes up to me and says, rather condescendingly "Do you want me to show you how to do that?" Like I'm very very young and therefore very, very stupid. "No thanks," sez I, "I will just move over one." So I'm shifting my stuff into the next locker and she's playing with the door to the broken one like I must be VERY thick to not have caught on to this mechanism. And then she says (accusingly) "Was it like this when you got here?" Like I'd some how managed to break it! I played dumb (because if you do, they never suspect you could be up to something) and was just like, "Oh, I just got here," etc. Then I gave her a sweet (!) smile and went off to do my workout.
Why do people think they can talk to other people like that? Is it because I look like I'm 12? Actually, we were at the farmer's market the other day and picking up the last honey crisp apples of the year - and they have honey crisp CIDER. OMG. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. The guy at the stand says "Oh, yeah, the kids usually like it, because it's sweeter. Uh. Not that you're a kid..." And I said "I'm 27, but thanks." And he was so embarassed. He thought I was like 16. I just said thanks. Maybe it's because I'm blond? Who knows?
Anyway. Have been feeling domestic lately - made lasagna for our dinner last night and baked this morning. Don't know where that came from. Fun times though.
Not much else planned for today - but going to watch Da Bears! Wooohooooooo!
I was in the locker room and the handle on my locker wasn't closing correctly. Part of the handle slides into another part, and there's a little place where you can slide a lock through. But it was stuck, not letting me slide the lock through. This lady comes up to me and says, rather condescendingly "Do you want me to show you how to do that?" Like I'm very very young and therefore very, very stupid. "No thanks," sez I, "I will just move over one." So I'm shifting my stuff into the next locker and she's playing with the door to the broken one like I must be VERY thick to not have caught on to this mechanism. And then she says (accusingly) "Was it like this when you got here?" Like I'd some how managed to break it! I played dumb (because if you do, they never suspect you could be up to something) and was just like, "Oh, I just got here," etc. Then I gave her a sweet (!) smile and went off to do my workout.
Why do people think they can talk to other people like that? Is it because I look like I'm 12? Actually, we were at the farmer's market the other day and picking up the last honey crisp apples of the year - and they have honey crisp CIDER. OMG. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. The guy at the stand says "Oh, yeah, the kids usually like it, because it's sweeter. Uh. Not that you're a kid..." And I said "I'm 27, but thanks." And he was so embarassed. He thought I was like 16. I just said thanks. Maybe it's because I'm blond? Who knows?
Anyway. Have been feeling domestic lately - made lasagna for our dinner last night and baked this morning. Don't know where that came from. Fun times though.
Not much else planned for today - but going to watch Da Bears! Wooohooooooo!
Friday, October 27, 2006
"Happy Journal"
My boss told me once that I should keep a "happy" journal - record things every day that made me feel good about myself, or about life in general. I don't remember now why we were having that conversation, but I did kind of keep a little happy journal. After the week I had, I think it is important to highlight some happiness:
1. Saw Susan Graham in Iphigenie en Tauride at Lyric Opera. Susan Graham is enough to make the happy journal all by herself. She's amazing. The production was dark and labeled a 'psychological thriller.' If they say so. I just found it greatly diverting indeed that the chorus wrote "Iphigenie" "Agammenon" and "Clytemnestre" on the walls in chalk in big letters, then threw wet sponges at the walls to make them run. It wasn't supposed to be funny, but it kind of was. Oh, dear. Then Susan dramatically washed the "Iphigenie" off the wall during an instrumental interlude. Did not see where she would have kept a wet sponge on her during that scene.
1.5 We thought we'd be so crunched for time Monday night, I left work early and everything. We took the expressway and got there before 6:00. So we hung out in Cosi and had some dinner and got caught up. My mom is awesome.
2. Watching Dancing With the Stars. Nothing like watching pointless tv to take one's mind off one's hellish work week. I love love love Emmitt Smith. And I liked Jerry Springer, too, but alas, his time on the show has ended.
3. Ditto America's Next Top Model. Even though my fave was voted off last week (AJ), it's such a fun show. Meeeeee-OOOOOWWWWW.
4. Learning how to change the waste toner cartridge. (Hey, it's the little things!)
5. Our value awards ceremony at work. it's always fun to get everyone together, especially when there's wine. I didn't get any awards myself (except for my 5 year service award) - could this be because the values I embody most are impatience and wanting to staple things to colleagues/or clients heads when they're being silly and unreasonable? But two of the people I work closest with did get recognized and deservedly so. Sometimes I am so proud to work with these people (that's of course when I don't want to throw myself out of the window!).
6. Our friday morning meeting. more fun, more laughter. if it wasn't for these clients, i'm telling ya. our jobs would be so much more pleasurable.
7. My little countdown to Patti's concert calendar. I was bored one day (and procrastinating, of course) and so I used my left over Basic Grey paper from last year's Blitzen collection and a binder ring, and some chocolate... Voila, a chocolate Patti-advent calendar. With pictures and
"clever" song lyrics written on each little page. Sometimes I scare even myself. But it's cute, really. AND it makes me happy.
8. Speaking of Patti - new Rambling posted on her site(www.pattilupone.net) , and new Ask Patti's, too.
9. the 6 cd changer in my car. Seriously? I love that thing. I can put in Renee's Homage CD, the new Grey's Anatomy soundtrack, some Audra, some Patti, and I have a great ride wherever I'm going.
Last but not least...
10. Just bought my ticket to New York in February, Jet Blue had a deal but I had to book today. Woohoo! I already have my Met ticket to see Renee and Dmitri NOW, I just need to figure out what show's I'm gonna cram in the few days I am there. Company? Oh, I think so.
It's Friday!!!! I hope next week's better than this one was, although that's not really saying much....
1. Saw Susan Graham in Iphigenie en Tauride at Lyric Opera. Susan Graham is enough to make the happy journal all by herself. She's amazing. The production was dark and labeled a 'psychological thriller.' If they say so. I just found it greatly diverting indeed that the chorus wrote "Iphigenie" "Agammenon" and "Clytemnestre" on the walls in chalk in big letters, then threw wet sponges at the walls to make them run. It wasn't supposed to be funny, but it kind of was. Oh, dear. Then Susan dramatically washed the "Iphigenie" off the wall during an instrumental interlude. Did not see where she would have kept a wet sponge on her during that scene.
1.5 We thought we'd be so crunched for time Monday night, I left work early and everything. We took the expressway and got there before 6:00. So we hung out in Cosi and had some dinner and got caught up. My mom is awesome.
2. Watching Dancing With the Stars. Nothing like watching pointless tv to take one's mind off one's hellish work week. I love love love Emmitt Smith. And I liked Jerry Springer, too, but alas, his time on the show has ended.
3. Ditto America's Next Top Model. Even though my fave was voted off last week (AJ), it's such a fun show. Meeeeee-OOOOOWWWWW.
4. Learning how to change the waste toner cartridge. (Hey, it's the little things!)
5. Our value awards ceremony at work. it's always fun to get everyone together, especially when there's wine. I didn't get any awards myself (except for my 5 year service award) - could this be because the values I embody most are impatience and wanting to staple things to colleagues/or clients heads when they're being silly and unreasonable? But two of the people I work closest with did get recognized and deservedly so. Sometimes I am so proud to work with these people (that's of course when I don't want to throw myself out of the window!).
6. Our friday morning meeting. more fun, more laughter. if it wasn't for these clients, i'm telling ya. our jobs would be so much more pleasurable.
7. My little countdown to Patti's concert calendar. I was bored one day (and procrastinating, of course) and so I used my left over Basic Grey paper from last year's Blitzen collection and a binder ring, and some chocolate... Voila, a chocolate Patti-advent calendar. With pictures and
"clever" song lyrics written on each little page. Sometimes I scare even myself. But it's cute, really. AND it makes me happy.
8. Speaking of Patti - new Rambling posted on her site(www.pattilupone.net) , and new Ask Patti's, too.
9. the 6 cd changer in my car. Seriously? I love that thing. I can put in Renee's Homage CD, the new Grey's Anatomy soundtrack, some Audra, some Patti, and I have a great ride wherever I'm going.
Last but not least...
10. Just bought my ticket to New York in February, Jet Blue had a deal but I had to book today. Woohoo! I already have my Met ticket to see Renee and Dmitri
It's Friday!!!! I hope next week's better than this one was, although that's not really saying much....
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Now that it's getting cold...
"She wants a pina colada in a pint glass
She wants to be where the summer won't stop
She wants gin clear water and milk white sand
a sunburned nose and a drink in her hand
with a pink umbrella on top!"
-Gaelic Storm "Pina Colada in a Pint Glass"
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Yesterday's News...
A few odd stories in the Chicago Sun Times yesterday. I swear, I'm not making any of this up (www.suntimes.com)
-The Re-Burial of Juan Peron (ummmm.. why?)
-Guy makes life size rosary out of bowling balls on his front lawn
And, my personal favorite:
1 in 8 don't know Alaska is a state
October 18, 2006
JUNEAU, Alaska -- Alaska's governor wanted to find out what the rest of the nation thinks about his state, so he commissioned a poll.
The results show Americans love Alaska, but don't know a whole lot about it.
More than half the nation thinks most of Alaska is covered in ice and snow year-round. (Actually, just 5 percent of the state is.)
And one of every eight Americans believes Alaska is a separate country or else doesn't know that it's a state. AP
-The Re-Burial of Juan Peron (ummmm.. why?)
-Guy makes life size rosary out of bowling balls on his front lawn
And, my personal favorite:
1 in 8 don't know Alaska is a state
October 18, 2006
JUNEAU, Alaska -- Alaska's governor wanted to find out what the rest of the nation thinks about his state, so he commissioned a poll.
The results show Americans love Alaska, but don't know a whole lot about it.
More than half the nation thinks most of Alaska is covered in ice and snow year-round. (Actually, just 5 percent of the state is.)
And one of every eight Americans believes Alaska is a separate country or else doesn't know that it's a state. AP
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Can Anyone Tell Me Illinois' State Flower?
In honor of the upcoming elections (the only downside of watching a whole lot of tv, aside of course from the slow shriveling and dying of a number of brain cells due to the watching of stuff like The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and America's Next Top Model, is having to sit through all of those !@#&$*%* political campaign smear ads.) I am posting a little game from my page-a-day "America" calendar (by Jon Stewart.)
Ready?
Classroom Activities:
Find out each representative's "porn name" by adding the name of the largest city in their district to the name of their state flower!
Example: Ben Chandler, D-KY = Frankfort Goldenrod
Endless hours of entertainment. I'm tellin' ya.
Ready?
Classroom Activities:
Find out each representative's "porn name" by adding the name of the largest city in their district to the name of their state flower!
Example: Ben Chandler, D-KY = Frankfort Goldenrod
Endless hours of entertainment. I'm tellin' ya.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Operathon!
It's that time again! Tomorrow, I will be down at the Civic Opera House, volunteering at Operathon. It's Lyric's radio fund drive, and stars from the productions and other notables are on the air on WFMT all day. There is a gift shop (www.lyricopera.org my favorite is the Fledermaus bat puppet. But there is a whole swell range of Lyric stuff you can buy to help the chapters raise money for Lyric.)
I don't know what I'll be doing tomorrow - in the past I have helped escort the special guests to the radio room (including some of the cast of Susannah, Ed Pashke and Studs Terkel) and (those of you who know me will laugh at this one) being put at the accounting table to tally up the gifts. Ha! Me Ms. No Mathematical Skills Whatsoever. Just call me Ms. CPA (not). I met Jane Eaglen that year, though, so you never know.
According to the handy Lyric email they sent me today, the cast of Ifigenie will be around, so maybe I will glimpse OFMS, AKA Susan Graham. In addition to that, they always feed their volunteers well, and you never know who's gonna be around over there. So it'll be a fun day, and I will get to wander the halls like i did as an intern and pretend i belong at lyric. (sniff!)
I don't know what I'll be doing tomorrow - in the past I have helped escort the special guests to the radio room (including some of the cast of Susannah, Ed Pashke and Studs Terkel) and (those of you who know me will laugh at this one) being put at the accounting table to tally up the gifts. Ha! Me Ms. No Mathematical Skills Whatsoever. Just call me Ms. CPA (not). I met Jane Eaglen that year, though, so you never know.
According to the handy Lyric email they sent me today, the cast of Ifigenie will be around, so maybe I will glimpse OFMS, AKA Susan Graham. In addition to that, they always feed their volunteers well, and you never know who's gonna be around over there. So it'll be a fun day, and I will get to wander the halls like i did as an intern and pretend i belong at lyric. (sniff!)
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Happy Birthday, Dear Heidi!
So, Heidi's birthday was on Monday, but we took her out for her activity last night. We went to The Melting Pot, and excellent fondue place in Buffalo Grove (but with locations all over the place). The girls had taken me for a chocolate fondue at Ethel's for my birthday last year, but that was the only experience I'd had with it. I'd not done actual food and was excited (and a little nervous, admittedly) at the prospect.
Jane, Kim, Amy and I blindfolded Heidi and drove her to Buffalo Grove, where we were joined by Beth. We presented her with her joint gift from all of us - the pink Razor phone from Motorola. (Oooh, I am so jealous. I have a vair crappy phone and that Razor is just so gorgeous. And pink.) She loved it, of course. Then we turned to the matter at hand - deciphering the menu which was complicated and kind of overwhelming. Fortunately, Amy had been there before and made very helpful recommendations - otherwise I think we'd seriously still be sitting there, staring at the menu going "But how do I??? What do I??" Choices, choices, choices!
We started with the CHEESE. One cheddar, one Swiss, in which we dipped a variety of breads, veggies and apples. Then came the salads (no fondue activity with these.). AND THEN came the actual food. We'd gotten a special type thing that involved beef, pork, chicken, vegetable ravioli, and veggies. We'd asked for two cooking styles - coq au vin and a boullion. I was kind of nervous about sticking skewers of raw meat into this steaming hot liquid, although, truth be told, I'd originally thought you'd stuck everything in cheese, so I was very confused about how this thing with the beef was going to work. I guess I thought fondue JUST involved cheese and bread. I did not understand how you were meant to make a meal of it. How wrong could a person be?? It took a matter of minutes for the things to cook, and we all kind of asked each other - does that look done to you? What do you think, etc?
We stuffed ourselves silly - and I am still here, typing this and not sick, so I am reasonably sure that everything I ate was actually cooked and done and no food poisoning occurred. Well done, there. Dessert was the piece de resistance - chocolate fondue! We had a milk chocolate and a white chocolate with amaretto in which we dipped strawberries, pineapples, bananas, pound cake, marshmallows rolled in graham crackers, marshmallows rolled in oreos, cheesecake, and.... wait, I think that's all. We got on a total sugar high, and I seem to remember lots of raucous laughter, convesation and a rousing rendition of "She Don't Wanna Be Here" - from last week's episode of "America's Next Top Model" (whhooooo hooo - buh bye, Monique!) . Surprisingly, we didn't get kicked out - the wait staff was wonderful and helpful and nice. They must be used to people having sugar highs in their establishment.... I think, though, we scared the table full of very dressed up high schoolers on their way to homecoming that were sitting behind us. Oh well...
Jane, Kim, Amy and I blindfolded Heidi and drove her to Buffalo Grove, where we were joined by Beth. We presented her with her joint gift from all of us - the pink Razor phone from Motorola. (Oooh, I am so jealous. I have a vair crappy phone and that Razor is just so gorgeous. And pink.) She loved it, of course. Then we turned to the matter at hand - deciphering the menu which was complicated and kind of overwhelming. Fortunately, Amy had been there before and made very helpful recommendations - otherwise I think we'd seriously still be sitting there, staring at the menu going "But how do I??? What do I??" Choices, choices, choices!
We started with the CHEESE. One cheddar, one Swiss, in which we dipped a variety of breads, veggies and apples. Then came the salads (no fondue activity with these.). AND THEN came the actual food. We'd gotten a special type thing that involved beef, pork, chicken, vegetable ravioli, and veggies. We'd asked for two cooking styles - coq au vin and a boullion. I was kind of nervous about sticking skewers of raw meat into this steaming hot liquid, although, truth be told, I'd originally thought you'd stuck everything in cheese, so I was very confused about how this thing with the beef was going to work. I guess I thought fondue JUST involved cheese and bread. I did not understand how you were meant to make a meal of it. How wrong could a person be?? It took a matter of minutes for the things to cook, and we all kind of asked each other - does that look done to you? What do you think, etc?
We stuffed ourselves silly - and I am still here, typing this and not sick, so I am reasonably sure that everything I ate was actually cooked and done and no food poisoning occurred. Well done, there. Dessert was the piece de resistance - chocolate fondue! We had a milk chocolate and a white chocolate with amaretto in which we dipped strawberries, pineapples, bananas, pound cake, marshmallows rolled in graham crackers, marshmallows rolled in oreos, cheesecake, and.... wait, I think that's all. We got on a total sugar high, and I seem to remember lots of raucous laughter, convesation and a rousing rendition of "She Don't Wanna Be Here" - from last week's episode of "America's Next Top Model" (whhooooo hooo - buh bye, Monique!) . Surprisingly, we didn't get kicked out - the wait staff was wonderful and helpful and nice. They must be used to people having sugar highs in their establishment.... I think, though, we scared the table full of very dressed up high schoolers on their way to homecoming that were sitting behind us. Oh well...
Saturday, October 07, 2006
New Link!
I just found Marian Keyes' website www.mariankeyes.com and have spent the last half hour reading her newsletter and giggling. She's one of my favorite authors. Truly. I've been reading a lot of her books lately - I found one I had not read (The Other Side of the Story) for some reason and brought it with me on the last trip to NYC. Don't know why I hadn't read it before, it was really good AND I got it free with the B&N gift card I got for participating in the last professional development call. (Yes, we have to BRIBE people to participate in these things. But you know, whatever works).
I have to stop blogging and do some actual research for this thing I'm supposed to be writing. I didn't think I was SUCH a procrastinator, but in fact, I am. Who knew? I have a long weekend for the holiday (had someone ask 'What holiday?' Come on! It's when our figlio, Christopher Columbus discovered America! Sort of. Anyway, shout out to the paesan and all that. AND we get the day off! I don't care what he did or did not discover if it means I get the day off!) and plan to get my s**t together. Really.
So ciao ciao for now and go check out Marian.
I have to stop blogging and do some actual research for this thing I'm supposed to be writing. I didn't think I was SUCH a procrastinator, but in fact, I am. Who knew? I have a long weekend for the holiday (had someone ask 'What holiday?' Come on! It's when our figlio, Christopher Columbus discovered America! Sort of. Anyway, shout out to the paesan and all that. AND we get the day off! I don't care what he did or did not discover if it means I get the day off!) and plan to get my s**t together. Really.
So ciao ciao for now and go check out Marian.
It's A Miracle...
Can it be? Can it really be??? We are actually getting a "Live From Lincoln Center" performance actually live on the same date, at the same time, as the actual action?? So it is, in fact, Live from Lincoln Center? Not "Two Weeks Ago" From Lincoln Center??
According to not one, but two count them two tv guides for next week, "Audra McDonald and Friends" will actually be on WTTW channel 11 next Thursday the 12th at 9:00!
Happy news, indeed...
According to not one, but two count them two tv guides for next week, "Audra McDonald and Friends" will actually be on WTTW channel 11 next Thursday the 12th at 9:00!
Happy news, indeed...
La Diva Renee...
Well, what can I say? As usual, it was an absolute joy to see Renee - it's been a while since she's been at Lyric singing anything (teeny tiny appearance at the 50th Anniversary concert in 2004, last time seen in a role was Thais in 2003!) and it was the perfect combination - my favorite diva in one of my favorite places in the city. Being me, I wanted to leave at 5 - ideally, I would have been hanging out at Lyric all day long, of course, kind of lurking around the building, maybe having some McGriddles across the street in McDonald's, visiting the development peeps on the 8th floor, saying a quick hi to the crazy guys in Wolf Camera, etc etc etc.... We had to take Lake Shore Drive into the city... The Drive is great, but getting there SUCKS. I have this crazy fear of being late and missing curtain. I mean, what if???? And they don't let you in, and you'd have to watch on a screen in the foyer.... I've never been late, knock on wood, but I always have this fear... It only took about an hour to get down there, but we were there with plenty of time to spare.
Seats were decent, on the main floor HH, on the left side. We kept an empty seat next to us, just in case Sarah or Sally decided to fly in from NYC to claim it. Or maybe the lady next to me didn't want my coat touching her, so she left a buffer seat between us. Who knows? The orchestra was on the stage, rather than in the pit, and Sir Andrew Davis had the baton. Can I just say - since he's usually in the pit, I've never had much chance to watch him - he's a very dynamic conductor and he's got, like, completely fabulous, happy and musical hair. He'd move, and it would move right along with him. He must get it especially cut to do that. Lots of conductors have similiarlfy fabulous hair, and I wonder if it's part of the jd? When you become a conductor, you get a plaque that says 'Maestro' the regulation baton, tail coat and number of a hair dresser to be sure that your locks have movement??
Sorry. On with the show. Program highlights for me - for the orchestra, I loved the overture from La Forza del Destino - the opening strains get me every time. Sighhhh. LOVE IT. Then there was the beautifully sung letter scene from Eugene Onegin which made me really excited that I've got that ticket for February. Also really liked the Gounod piece from Mireille - simply breathtakingly beautiful. For some reason, there was a change in song order from the printed program - but I couldn't hear what they were saying about it, either. There was a very, very very long orchestral interlude (during which I began the above speculation about Conductor Hair), the final scene from Capriccio, and then the show was over. The crowd was very very subdued. They applauded very politely. There was a standing ovation, started by yours truly and someone in the middle of the floor. Was it past their bedtimes or what??? They perked up considerably for the encores which included "O mio babbino caro" "Adieu, notre petite table" and the Song to the Moon. Before Adieu, Renee explained that a friend in the orchestra had asked in rehearsal if she was wearing two gowns for the concert. She'd said no, and had the Volpe gala dress flown in because she was suddenly afraid we'd get bored with her clothes. She said that in Manon, Manon has to make a choice - and she choses clothes and money over true love. She sings the song to the little table and is full of sentimentality, although, "Not enough to make her stay."
She also told a little background story before Song to the Moon, how it is the story of The Little Mermaid, and that Rusalka, in her "seafoam form" had embraced the prince, and was now appealing to the gods to intervene on her behalf. And then she sang the song... gave me chills, honestly. I have not heard her sing that one live since 2001.
Then, of course, to the backstage! We went back there and a guy was in the vestibule (not Mr. Sunshine who'd been so polite and helpful post Rosenkavalier.) He asked me who I was there to see, and I told him, and he asked "Are you on a list?" I said yes, and he seemed surprised. So he checked, and I had brought the email from Alison (aka SuperGirl. Seriously.) with all of our names on it. He started printing out little backstage pass stickers, then decided screw it, and just told the bouncer type person guarding the door to let me and my party back. So we were back there, all present and accounted for - we went to Find Our Diva. She came out of her dressing room and was talking for a bit with the people ahead of us. Amelia and Sage were both there, too. Renee chatted with both my mom and me, and posed for a picture. And I got a hug. :) It was a fantastic evening.
Seats were decent, on the main floor HH, on the left side. We kept an empty seat next to us, just in case Sarah or Sally decided to fly in from NYC to claim it. Or maybe the lady next to me didn't want my coat touching her, so she left a buffer seat between us. Who knows? The orchestra was on the stage, rather than in the pit, and Sir Andrew Davis had the baton. Can I just say - since he's usually in the pit, I've never had much chance to watch him - he's a very dynamic conductor and he's got, like, completely fabulous, happy and musical hair. He'd move, and it would move right along with him. He must get it especially cut to do that. Lots of conductors have similiarlfy fabulous hair, and I wonder if it's part of the jd? When you become a conductor, you get a plaque that says 'Maestro' the regulation baton, tail coat and number of a hair dresser to be sure that your locks have movement??
Sorry. On with the show. Program highlights for me - for the orchestra, I loved the overture from La Forza del Destino - the opening strains get me every time. Sighhhh. LOVE IT. Then there was the beautifully sung letter scene from Eugene Onegin which made me really excited that I've got that ticket for February. Also really liked the Gounod piece from Mireille - simply breathtakingly beautiful. For some reason, there was a change in song order from the printed program - but I couldn't hear what they were saying about it, either. There was a very, very very long orchestral interlude (during which I began the above speculation about Conductor Hair), the final scene from Capriccio, and then the show was over. The crowd was very very subdued. They applauded very politely. There was a standing ovation, started by yours truly and someone in the middle of the floor. Was it past their bedtimes or what??? They perked up considerably for the encores which included "O mio babbino caro" "Adieu, notre petite table" and the Song to the Moon. Before Adieu, Renee explained that a friend in the orchestra had asked in rehearsal if she was wearing two gowns for the concert. She'd said no, and had the Volpe gala dress flown in because she was suddenly afraid we'd get bored with her clothes. She said that in Manon, Manon has to make a choice - and she choses clothes and money over true love. She sings the song to the little table and is full of sentimentality, although, "Not enough to make her stay."
She also told a little background story before Song to the Moon, how it is the story of The Little Mermaid, and that Rusalka, in her "seafoam form" had embraced the prince, and was now appealing to the gods to intervene on her behalf. And then she sang the song... gave me chills, honestly. I have not heard her sing that one live since 2001.
Then, of course, to the backstage! We went back there and a guy was in the vestibule (not Mr. Sunshine who'd been so polite and helpful post Rosenkavalier.) He asked me who I was there to see, and I told him, and he asked "Are you on a list?" I said yes, and he seemed surprised. So he checked, and I had brought the email from Alison (aka SuperGirl. Seriously.) with all of our names on it. He started printing out little backstage pass stickers, then decided screw it, and just told the bouncer type person guarding the door to let me and my party back. So we were back there, all present and accounted for - we went to Find Our Diva. She came out of her dressing room and was talking for a bit with the people ahead of us. Amelia and Sage were both there, too. Renee chatted with both my mom and me, and posed for a picture. And I got a hug. :) It was a fantastic evening.
Friday, October 06, 2006
The Patti LuPoser...
http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Photo_Op.aspx?ci=538221
So. I know she's a fan. I know she loves The Patti. I know this was Lonny Price's idea.
I KNOW.
But I don't know what I think about this whole thing. I am very on the fence. And it happened to be troubling me all day, so I thought I'd talk about it. And basically talking about it involves... yeah. I don't know.
There ya go. Talk amongst yourselves. I've got a DIVA to beautify for.
So. I know she's a fan. I know she loves The Patti. I know this was Lonny Price's idea.
I KNOW.
But I don't know what I think about this whole thing. I am very on the fence. And it happened to be troubling me all day, so I thought I'd talk about it. And basically talking about it involves... yeah. I don't know.
There ya go. Talk amongst yourselves. I've got a DIVA to beautify for.
Mental Health Half Day (or, I love a parade part 2)
Can a fresh, zenlike state of mind really be achieved in a half day off work?? I left the office at 12, and grabbed a quick lunch. It's a little chilly today, but the sun is shining.... It's one of those days I used to enjoy back before I had my car accident... gorgeous day, windows open, music blasting.... just wanted to enjoy the day and drive around. (With gas under 3 bucks again, this is a less expensive endeavor than it was over the summer.)
Stopped at Niles West to say hello to my favorite IRC staff members, and lo, it was homecoming! So I went and watched the homecoming parade. When I was a senior, I was actually in the parade, on the choir float. We actually MADE a float, with chicken wire and everything. The theme of the dance was.... well, hell if I remember what it was, but our float had the emerald city and we all dressed up like the wizard of oz. We didn't even WIN the stupid float contest (and we were the only REAL float! the others were pickup trucks with signs on them. seriously!) We weren't on the float for the judging and I think they didn't understand what the thing was suppsed to be. Hello?? Emerald city!!
Where did that come from?? Sorry. We were talking about achieving zen in a few short hours. Went for a manicure - which is a great way to relax while someone else makes you look pretty. My manicurist is really nice, and she likes to chat - she tells me all sorts of stuff. Last time she told me all about how her mother died because she'd gotten pregnant again and had to get a quickie abortion in a back alley somewhere. And keep in mind, this was only the second time we'd met!! Today, she told me about her boyfriend (who really sounds like the cable guy from Seinfeld... the one who puts cable in different rooms? On the down-low? The opposite of legal?). Oh fun times indeed. I should have gotten my hair done too, in preparation for the Divine Diva outing tonight, but I didn't think of it. Drat. So my hands look fantastic, but my hair, as usual, looks like crap.
So it's been a great afternoon. Every so often I want to jump up and down, singing "I'm not at Wooo-rkkkk right now!! I'm not at woo--rrrkkk right now!" But don't worry. I'm at home and not singing and dancing in public. And the best is yet to come - Renee!!! Am killing time before getting ready...........
More tomorrow......
Stopped at Niles West to say hello to my favorite IRC staff members, and lo, it was homecoming! So I went and watched the homecoming parade. When I was a senior, I was actually in the parade, on the choir float. We actually MADE a float, with chicken wire and everything. The theme of the dance was.... well, hell if I remember what it was, but our float had the emerald city and we all dressed up like the wizard of oz. We didn't even WIN the stupid float contest (and we were the only REAL float! the others were pickup trucks with signs on them. seriously!) We weren't on the float for the judging and I think they didn't understand what the thing was suppsed to be. Hello?? Emerald city!!
Where did that come from?? Sorry. We were talking about achieving zen in a few short hours. Went for a manicure - which is a great way to relax while someone else makes you look pretty. My manicurist is really nice, and she likes to chat - she tells me all sorts of stuff. Last time she told me all about how her mother died because she'd gotten pregnant again and had to get a quickie abortion in a back alley somewhere. And keep in mind, this was only the second time we'd met!! Today, she told me about her boyfriend (who really sounds like the cable guy from Seinfeld... the one who puts cable in different rooms? On the down-low? The opposite of legal?). Oh fun times indeed. I should have gotten my hair done too, in preparation for the Divine Diva outing tonight, but I didn't think of it. Drat. So my hands look fantastic, but my hair, as usual, looks like crap.
So it's been a great afternoon. Every so often I want to jump up and down, singing "I'm not at Wooo-rkkkk right now!! I'm not at woo--rrrkkk right now!" But don't worry. I'm at home and not singing and dancing in public. And the best is yet to come - Renee!!! Am killing time before getting ready...........
More tomorrow......
What's that smell?
No, it's not the office fridge... Ohh, I know what it is. It's my pants. I think they're on fire.
Okay, okay, I didn't LIE about the film festival. We had tickets. We were gonna go. But at around 4, my friend calls me, from work. She's not feeling well, there's the beginning of a migrane starting, she didn't want me to trek down there (ticketless) and not have her end up going. She was feeling badly enough that we didn't end up going at all. Truth told, I wasn't feeling that great either, and I didn't mind sitting at home, watching Grey's Anatomy. (That Meredith. Does anyone else just want to slap her silly? Why can't it be called "O'Malley's Anatomy?" Ohh, that sounds kinda dirty.... Ah.... That's another post. I digress.) If there's something coming on, I'd rather rest and not risk anything coming between me and seeing The Diva.
That's right. Ms. Renee Fleming, live and in person TONIGHT (in about 3 hours) at Lyric Opera of Chicago (www.lyricopera.org) So, even though I was excited about seeing the movie, it's really all good.
Okay, okay, I didn't LIE about the film festival. We had tickets. We were gonna go. But at around 4, my friend calls me, from work. She's not feeling well, there's the beginning of a migrane starting, she didn't want me to trek down there (ticketless) and not have her end up going. She was feeling badly enough that we didn't end up going at all. Truth told, I wasn't feeling that great either, and I didn't mind sitting at home, watching Grey's Anatomy. (That Meredith. Does anyone else just want to slap her silly? Why can't it be called "O'Malley's Anatomy?" Ohh, that sounds kinda dirty.... Ah.... That's another post. I digress.) If there's something coming on, I'd rather rest and not risk anything coming between me and seeing The Diva.
That's right. Ms. Renee Fleming, live and in person TONIGHT (in about 3 hours) at Lyric Opera of Chicago (www.lyricopera.org) So, even though I was excited about seeing the movie, it's really all good.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
I think...A Film...
Going here tonight to see "Stranger Than Fiction" with Emma Thompson, Will Farrell and Dustin Hoffman. I've never been to the film festival before, despite the fact that it is fairly conveniently located, so that will be fun. AND, I love all of these actors, and the movie sounds cute (got 3 stars in the Chicago Tribune today... www.chicagotribune.com)
Sunday, October 01, 2006
She Was Swell...
Continuing my coursework in Divas 101 (for my major of Broadway Studies, naturally), I attended a Bernadette Peters concert last night. Even though I had glimpsed Ms. Peters at Broadway Barks a few years ago, I had not had the pleasure of seeing her live... until last night.
I had been aware of Bernadette before, but it was not until recently that I began paying more attention to what she's done, listening to her cds and watching her dvds (again, thanks to the tutelage of my most excellent teachers.) I really found myself liking her voice and admiring her acting skills (like in Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George) and of course, the hair. (I wonder what shampoo she uses?? hahahahhaha.)
We had an eventful drive to Naperville (inadvertantly blew through an IPass Lane - but the IPass is in the other car.... oops. Now we are toll-way scofflaws!) but managed to find the North Central campus and parking and the building and Kari without any trouble. Even claimed the tickets without any trouble.
Can I just sidebar here for a minute and say what a total mess the ticket buying experience was? A waiting list and everything... Then, I got the tickets while pretending to be Sarah but gave MY credit card number - and they didn't even ask about the name on the credit card or anything. Nice to know it was just that easy. And then, I picked up the tickets and they just handed them over... I'd been worried they'd ask to see the credit card. But no. Here you go and enjoy the show! Well, thanks, guys... What's with these colleges? We had similar difficulties buying tickets at Dominican. And they had NO excuse, as they put on these shows every year.....
We now return to the regularly scheduled post.
Bernadette was fantastic. She looks completely amazing anyway, but last night she was stunning in a (what I am sure was) Bob Macke dress. She sang everything from "Let Me Entertain You" to tunes from South Pacific, Mack and Mabel, Song and dance, and OF COURSE music by the master and "our national treasure" Stephen Sondheim. She lounged on top of the piano for a smokin' hot "Fever" and sang "O Shenendoah" with just the piano. There was no intermission (good thing too. I'd been planning my escape route to the teeny tiny restroom and saw a long wait in my future.)
The whole second part of the show was dedicated to SJS, and she sang "Children Will Listen"
"No one is Alone" "Not a Day Goes By" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy." One of my favorites was "Being Alive" - I just love love love love that song, and she just belts it out. She is, in fact, very versatile - she surprises you when you're not looking for it, with her range. All of a sudden she goes high, and it's like WOW. There's a lot of power there, and she just went for it. Brava.
THEN, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, it did. She made like she was leaving the stage, then came back and said, "Let's talk about Gypsy." We can talk about whatever you want, Bern. I was hoping she'd do "Some People" but she gave us one even better.
She did Rose's Turn - Oh. My. God. When I was prepping for going to see Gypsy at Ravinia this summer, I listened to Bernadette's recording non-stop. Sarah showed me the Tony awards clip where Bernadette performed Rose's Turn and brought the house down, and I was thinking, Damn, I wish I could have seen her. She gave a little taste of what her Mama Rose was like, and it was phenomenal. Like, Phuh-Nomenal. WOW.
She didn't want to leave it on that note, so she sang "Count your blessings." We were on our feet. It got the Mama Caruso stamp of approval. She sez to me as we are putting on our coats, "She was wonderful." And I'm glad. I mean, I was pretty sure she'd enjoy herself, but I didn't want to have dragged her out to Naperville only to have her not enjoy it.
We weren't going to wait by the stage door - we had a long drive back, but suddenly, I really just wanted to. So we stood out there with a handful of other people (including the Karens). There were three really amusing high school age fans out there - very loud and chatty and bursting with excitement (I am sure everyone knows the type I'm talking about here.) They took pictures of Bernadette's limo, pictures with her limo driver, and then, he opened the door to the car and was letting them look inside. So they took pictures with the three of them hovering around the open limo door AND pictures of the limo interior. The driver offered to let them sit in it for ten bucks, but none of them took him up on it .It cracked me up. Aw, just too cute. We even had "spies" from inside coming out to give us Bernadette movement updates ("Okay, so she just went upstairs to the meet and greet....") Finally she came out - the driver had said she wasn't feeling well, and that he was surprised she'd stayed as long as she had. She signed things and took pictures, then piled into her limo and was off. I was happy to have basked in the warm glow of her presence for a few extra minutes and my mom and I headed off for our long drive back home.
I am happy to report that we paid all of our tolls on the way home and did not get lost at all (which believe me is a crowning achievement).
A big huge shout out and thanks to Sarah for being so quick on the uptake and getting on the ticket waiting list and THEN allowing me to use her name to procure tickets even though she was not able to come. We missed you! Also, it is because of Sarah that I even wanted to go in the first place, and now I seem to have acquired another diva. Thanks for that, too. My ticket vault manager and my banker (not at B of A, in case anyone was wondering... I go to Chase) would like to have a word with you, by the way....
I had been aware of Bernadette before, but it was not until recently that I began paying more attention to what she's done, listening to her cds and watching her dvds (again, thanks to the tutelage of my most excellent teachers.) I really found myself liking her voice and admiring her acting skills (like in Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George) and of course, the hair. (I wonder what shampoo she uses?? hahahahhaha.)
We had an eventful drive to Naperville (inadvertantly blew through an IPass Lane - but the IPass is in the other car.... oops. Now we are toll-way scofflaws!) but managed to find the North Central campus and parking and the building and Kari without any trouble. Even claimed the tickets without any trouble.
Can I just sidebar here for a minute and say what a total mess the ticket buying experience was? A waiting list and everything... Then, I got the tickets while pretending to be Sarah but gave MY credit card number - and they didn't even ask about the name on the credit card or anything. Nice to know it was just that easy. And then, I picked up the tickets and they just handed them over... I'd been worried they'd ask to see the credit card. But no. Here you go and enjoy the show! Well, thanks, guys... What's with these colleges? We had similar difficulties buying tickets at Dominican. And they had NO excuse, as they put on these shows every year.....
We now return to the regularly scheduled post.
Bernadette was fantastic. She looks completely amazing anyway, but last night she was stunning in a (what I am sure was) Bob Macke dress. She sang everything from "Let Me Entertain You" to tunes from South Pacific, Mack and Mabel, Song and dance, and OF COURSE music by the master and "our national treasure" Stephen Sondheim. She lounged on top of the piano for a smokin' hot "Fever" and sang "O Shenendoah" with just the piano. There was no intermission (good thing too. I'd been planning my escape route to the teeny tiny restroom and saw a long wait in my future.)
The whole second part of the show was dedicated to SJS, and she sang "Children Will Listen"
"No one is Alone" "Not a Day Goes By" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy." One of my favorites was "Being Alive" - I just love love love love that song, and she just belts it out. She is, in fact, very versatile - she surprises you when you're not looking for it, with her range. All of a sudden she goes high, and it's like WOW. There's a lot of power there, and she just went for it. Brava.
THEN, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, it did. She made like she was leaving the stage, then came back and said, "Let's talk about Gypsy." We can talk about whatever you want, Bern. I was hoping she'd do "Some People" but she gave us one even better.
She did Rose's Turn - Oh. My. God. When I was prepping for going to see Gypsy at Ravinia this summer, I listened to Bernadette's recording non-stop. Sarah showed me the Tony awards clip where Bernadette performed Rose's Turn and brought the house down, and I was thinking, Damn, I wish I could have seen her. She gave a little taste of what her Mama Rose was like, and it was phenomenal. Like, Phuh-Nomenal. WOW.
She didn't want to leave it on that note, so she sang "Count your blessings." We were on our feet. It got the Mama Caruso stamp of approval. She sez to me as we are putting on our coats, "She was wonderful." And I'm glad. I mean, I was pretty sure she'd enjoy herself, but I didn't want to have dragged her out to Naperville only to have her not enjoy it.
We weren't going to wait by the stage door - we had a long drive back, but suddenly, I really just wanted to. So we stood out there with a handful of other people (including the Karens). There were three really amusing high school age fans out there - very loud and chatty and bursting with excitement (I am sure everyone knows the type I'm talking about here.) They took pictures of Bernadette's limo, pictures with her limo driver, and then, he opened the door to the car and was letting them look inside. So they took pictures with the three of them hovering around the open limo door AND pictures of the limo interior. The driver offered to let them sit in it for ten bucks, but none of them took him up on it .It cracked me up. Aw, just too cute. We even had "spies" from inside coming out to give us Bernadette movement updates ("Okay, so she just went upstairs to the meet and greet....") Finally she came out - the driver had said she wasn't feeling well, and that he was surprised she'd stayed as long as she had. She signed things and took pictures, then piled into her limo and was off. I was happy to have basked in the warm glow of her presence for a few extra minutes and my mom and I headed off for our long drive back home.
I am happy to report that we paid all of our tolls on the way home and did not get lost at all (which believe me is a crowning achievement).
A big huge shout out and thanks to Sarah for being so quick on the uptake and getting on the ticket waiting list and THEN allowing me to use her name to procure tickets even though she was not able to come. We missed you! Also, it is because of Sarah that I even wanted to go in the first place, and now I seem to have acquired another diva. Thanks for that, too. My ticket vault manager and my banker (not at B of A, in case anyone was wondering... I go to Chase) would like to have a word with you, by the way....
Thursday, September 28, 2006
my life has suddenly become more complicated
and i am not talking about the tuesday night tv schedule here, either (but i mean, really. what's a TiVo-less girl to do? sorry, sorry, i digress). It was a long, long day at work. i completed a totally hellish proposal that i've been working on in fits and starts all week. if we don't get this one after all this, i'll.... well, i'll be relieved actually, since i have no time to deal with the clients i've already got, never mind suddenly acquiring new ones.
funny moment this morning though. we're all sitting around doing our work (or something), and suddenly: WHOOSH and crackle crackle crackle crackle, like someone's turned on a tv to the static channel. It's coming from the vents. I stood up and kind of hovered by my desk. i noticed my colleagues hanging around, all of us like what the hell?? then, as one person, we all move towards the sound of the noise. Not very bright, since we didn't know what it was or where it was coming from. Toxic gas, maybe, or perhaps an imminent explosion of the copier? We all decided it probably wasn't a good idea to get any closer, so we all hung out in the corridor wondering what to do. Naturally, "coffee break" was the idea that won out and a bunch of us left the office for a little bit. It was so gosh darned noisy in there (and COLD) who could work in those conditions? That was the story, anyway. In the end, someone from the building came to see what was going on and the noise stopped and we all got back to business. Coffee break is over, guys. . Never a dull moment, anyway.
This week's been nuts, but i was able to be at my desk without being on the phone or running around by the copier (which might be ready to explode) and that meant i finally had the chance to listen to some music at my desk and i was listening to Audra's new cd, which i like a lot. I DETEST John Mayer and his little whiny whispy voice that sounds like he's restraining his throat - it's got this weird, almost masked sound, and I keep waiting for him to bust out and SING already, but he never does. Anyway, he's got a lot of good songs, and I've tried really hard to like him, but I just can't do it. But I hope he and Jessica are very happy together. Whatever. I only bring him up because Audra does a great version of 'My Stupid Mouth' on her new cd and I think it's my favorite track on the disc.
On to the afternoon. Out for lunch, more work, etc etc etc. And then - I had to get in my car and go down to school. It was the first time this particular car traveled that particular route. (Kind of weird, and I still get behind the wheel and say a little mantra of 'please don't let me get hit today, please don't let me get hit today.') But hello, I hear you asking, didn't you graduate? Well, I'm still writing my thesis. For a long time, I've been like, "Oh, I've gotta do my thesis." In a kind of distant way, like, oh yes, I'm writing my thesis. I've got it all planned. I've got a proposal. I've got a committee. The committee's got the proposal, you know. It's in committee. And now comes the realization: I've actually got to write the thing. Sounds obvious, I know, but I just wasn't prepared for that. As my favorite author Marian Keyes (more on her later someday) said in one of her books, "I don't live in fantasy land, but I am a frequent visitor." I was just going around, lalalala, off in the happy Land of the Divas (like the Valley of the Dolls, but with better music) and suddenly - reality check. Gawd, I hate when that happens.
Met with my advisor today, and he actually did some advising. Uncharacteristically helpful, he was, but this is more important stuff than the other stuff I'd talked to him about in the past. Maybe this is the beginning of a whole new relationship. One where he actually does some advising. Sometimes I wonder how colleges even function with the amount of crap that really goes on. Seriously. We mapped it out, and now I've gotta do research. It's supposed to be finished in June (insert hollow laughter here.)we'll just see about that. It's going to be about audience development in symphony orchestras, and I'm going to talk to people at actual orchestras and see what they're up to. I'm gonna rope some people I work with into helping me out with their connections. Oh, I've got plans for some of you (begins with The and ends with 'eg'.) Naturally, I will come over here and bitch my head off about it so there will be lots of writing to look forward to.
Oh, and in other news, I've decided to take up tap dancing. No, really. Stop laughing (Sarah). I can't do the voice class this time because of a time conflict, but I really really wanna dance. And you know what Audrey Hepburn says in that Gap ad "If a girl wants to dahnce, a girl wants to dahnce!" So I'm signing up. I'm sure lots of writing will come out of that, too (since I've never danced before in my entire life. even as a little girl.)
Stay tuned. It's gonna be an interesting couple of months coming up...
funny moment this morning though. we're all sitting around doing our work (or something), and suddenly: WHOOSH and crackle crackle crackle crackle, like someone's turned on a tv to the static channel. It's coming from the vents. I stood up and kind of hovered by my desk. i noticed my colleagues hanging around, all of us like what the hell?? then, as one person, we all move towards the sound of the noise. Not very bright, since we didn't know what it was or where it was coming from. Toxic gas, maybe, or perhaps an imminent explosion of the copier? We all decided it probably wasn't a good idea to get any closer, so we all hung out in the corridor wondering what to do. Naturally, "coffee break" was the idea that won out and a bunch of us left the office for a little bit. It was so gosh darned noisy in there (and COLD) who could work in those conditions? That was the story, anyway. In the end, someone from the building came to see what was going on and the noise stopped and we all got back to business. Coffee break is over, guys. . Never a dull moment, anyway.
This week's been nuts, but i was able to be at my desk without being on the phone or running around by the copier (which might be ready to explode) and that meant i finally had the chance to listen to some music at my desk and i was listening to Audra's new cd, which i like a lot. I DETEST John Mayer and his little whiny whispy voice that sounds like he's restraining his throat - it's got this weird, almost masked sound, and I keep waiting for him to bust out and SING already, but he never does. Anyway, he's got a lot of good songs, and I've tried really hard to like him, but I just can't do it. But I hope he and Jessica are very happy together. Whatever. I only bring him up because Audra does a great version of 'My Stupid Mouth' on her new cd and I think it's my favorite track on the disc.
On to the afternoon. Out for lunch, more work, etc etc etc. And then - I had to get in my car and go down to school. It was the first time this particular car traveled that particular route. (Kind of weird, and I still get behind the wheel and say a little mantra of 'please don't let me get hit today, please don't let me get hit today.') But hello, I hear you asking, didn't you graduate? Well, I'm still writing my thesis. For a long time, I've been like, "Oh, I've gotta do my thesis." In a kind of distant way, like, oh yes, I'm writing my thesis. I've got it all planned. I've got a proposal. I've got a committee. The committee's got the proposal, you know. It's in committee. And now comes the realization: I've actually got to write the thing. Sounds obvious, I know, but I just wasn't prepared for that. As my favorite author Marian Keyes (more on her later someday) said in one of her books, "I don't live in fantasy land, but I am a frequent visitor." I was just going around, lalalala, off in the happy Land of the Divas (like the Valley of the Dolls, but with better music) and suddenly - reality check. Gawd, I hate when that happens.
Met with my advisor today, and he actually did some advising. Uncharacteristically helpful, he was, but this is more important stuff than the other stuff I'd talked to him about in the past. Maybe this is the beginning of a whole new relationship. One where he actually does some advising. Sometimes I wonder how colleges even function with the amount of crap that really goes on. Seriously. We mapped it out, and now I've gotta do research. It's supposed to be finished in June (insert hollow laughter here.)
Oh, and in other news, I've decided to take up tap dancing. No, really. Stop laughing (Sarah). I can't do the voice class this time because of a time conflict, but I really really wanna dance. And you know what Audrey Hepburn says in that Gap ad "If a girl wants to dahnce, a girl wants to dahnce!" So I'm signing up. I'm sure lots of writing will come out of that, too (since I've never danced before in my entire life. even as a little girl.)
Stay tuned. It's gonna be an interesting couple of months coming up...
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Talented Ms. Peters...
It's only Wednesday, and I am looking forward to the weekend... I am seeing Bernadette for the first time!!
Then, I PROMISE I will talk about it a whole bunch.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
It's All About The Voice
This evening, as my mom and I were sitting around the kitchen, watching Dancing with the Stars (as a former Cowboys fan, I just LOVE watching Emmit Smith dance! Yeah!) when a preview came on for some movie with (the lovely) Hugh Jackman.
Sez I: "I love Hugh Jackman."
Michael Caine is also in the movie, and we watched the preview for a bit (see how I don't even know what the name of the movie is? Too busy swooning over Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale.
Sez my mom: "I love Michael Caine." Pause. "I love his voice."
Then I say, "You know whose voice I really love? Alan Alda." (strange but true.) We both considered this statement, were like, "Huh." and went back to watching the show.
I guess I really get drawn by a voice - there are so many examples where I like listening to a singer or an actor just because of their voice, the emotion there, the tone, just the sound. I am sure that says something, somehow, some important message about something, if I could only be bothered to figure out just what it means... I've always been stirred by a powerful voice. Usually, I also find I am interested in unusual voices.
Since then, I've been thinking of other actors whose voices I really love.... I know several people who will kick me out of Diva School for admitting this, but I not only own the Phantom of the Opera movie and the soundtrack, I've got "Music of the Night" on my iPod so I can have the yummy Gerry Butler sing to me whenever I want.... (It's a horrible movie. I admit it. ALW is completely on the Dead list. But it is very very nice to look at. ) So Gerry's on the list... Hmmmm. I know there are others. I am a big sucker for the English family of accents - too.
I am sure there are more that I am not thinking of right now and I am kind of on a rambling spree, so I will shut up and go to sleep now. Tomorrow is another day to ponder those great voices....
Sez I: "I love Hugh Jackman."
Michael Caine is also in the movie, and we watched the preview for a bit (see how I don't even know what the name of the movie is? Too busy swooning over Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale.
Sez my mom: "I love Michael Caine." Pause. "I love his voice."
Then I say, "You know whose voice I really love? Alan Alda." (strange but true.) We both considered this statement, were like, "Huh." and went back to watching the show.
I guess I really get drawn by a voice - there are so many examples where I like listening to a singer or an actor just because of their voice, the emotion there, the tone, just the sound. I am sure that says something, somehow, some important message about something, if I could only be bothered to figure out just what it means... I've always been stirred by a powerful voice. Usually, I also find I am interested in unusual voices.
Since then, I've been thinking of other actors whose voices I really love.... I know several people who will kick me out of Diva School for admitting this, but I not only own the Phantom of the Opera movie and the soundtrack, I've got "Music of the Night" on my iPod so I can have the yummy Gerry Butler sing to me whenever I want.... (It's a horrible movie. I admit it. ALW is completely on the Dead list. But it is very very nice to look at. ) So Gerry's on the list... Hmmmm. I know there are others. I am a big sucker for the English family of accents - too.
I am sure there are more that I am not thinking of right now and I am kind of on a rambling spree, so I will shut up and go to sleep now. Tomorrow is another day to ponder those great voices....
Time for a Mental Health Day?
Today's Horoscope: "Today is a -2. Your cat will wake you up at an ungodly hour by throwing up all over the place. At work, everyone will throw stuff at you, without giving you sufficient time to complete the tasks, assuming that you have the power to do 20 things at once, AND the office kitchen will have acquired a funky smell, the source of which is unkknown. And nobody's gonna clean it out.... Really, just don't get out of bed today."
Okay, so it didn't really say that. My plan is to take a 'Mental Health Day' next Friday and spend the day in preparation for The Diva. Beh
old, the healing power of Renee.
Okay, so it didn't really say that. My plan is to take a 'Mental Health Day' next Friday and spend the day in preparation for The Diva. Beh
old, the healing power of Renee.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Reasons Why I *Heart* Fall
This is why I am looking forward to fall this year:
1. The fall wardrobe: cute jackets (and we all know how I have a 'thing' for jackets!) and boots!
2. Sleeping with my comforter
3. Being able to dismantle my fan trifecta until next summer!
4. Weather - not too hot, not too cold, and NO SNOW
5. Starbucks Seasonal Coffee - Hellooo, toffee nut latte!
6. The Return of The Honey Crisp Apple.
7. New fall tv lineups....
I am sure there are more... but for now, I am enjoying my FIRST Honey Crisp apple of the season...
1. The fall wardrobe: cute jackets (and we all know how I have a 'thing' for jackets!) and boots!
2. Sleeping with my comforter
3. Being able to dismantle my fan trifecta until next summer!
4. Weather - not too hot, not too cold, and NO SNOW
5. Starbucks Seasonal Coffee - Hellooo, toffee nut latte!
6. The Return of The Honey Crisp Apple.
7. New fall tv lineups....
I am sure there are more... but for now, I am enjoying my FIRST Honey Crisp apple of the season...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Ewwww....
Eat a roach, be first in line at Six Flags in Gurnee
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
GURNEE — Why wait in line when you can just eat a cockroach?That's the question Six Flags Great America is asking its thrill seekers during its Halloween-themed FrightFest. The amusement park is daring customers to eat a live Madagascar hissing cockroach in exchange for unlimited line-jumping privileges.
The promotion, which has Lake County Health Department officials shaking their heads, starts Oct. 7.Anyone who chows down the entire 2- to 3-inch horned cockroach gets a pass for four people to cut to the front of ride lines through Oct. 29.Park officials insist it's safe to eat the crunchy critters, but health officials are cautioning participants.Consuming live roaches might increase risks of gastrointestinal illness and allergies, according to Bill Mays, Lake County Health Department's community health director.Cockroach eaters will have to sign waivers and still pay admission fees, said Six Flags spokesman James Taylor.The bug buffet continues with a cooked roach eating contest Oct. 13 — Friday, Oct. 13.Taylor says he's hoping someone can beat the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records feat in which a British man downed 36 cockroaches.``I've heard people say, 'Wow,' 'Ew,' a lot of one-worders,'' Taylor said. ``A lot have said that they wouldn't eat a cockroach, but they sure would like to see someone else do it.''
Do they really think this is going to work??? Seems a little desperate to me. I've never been to Great America. I have no opposition to it, or anything, but I AM a wimp, and so it just seemed like kind of a waste of money to go and play skee-ball or ride the merry-go-round or what have you. Anyway. I wouldn't eat roaches for anyone - lest of all to jump a line at Great America. You'd have to give me free admission for life, or something...
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
GURNEE — Why wait in line when you can just eat a cockroach?That's the question Six Flags Great America is asking its thrill seekers during its Halloween-themed FrightFest. The amusement park is daring customers to eat a live Madagascar hissing cockroach in exchange for unlimited line-jumping privileges.
The promotion, which has Lake County Health Department officials shaking their heads, starts Oct. 7.Anyone who chows down the entire 2- to 3-inch horned cockroach gets a pass for four people to cut to the front of ride lines through Oct. 29.Park officials insist it's safe to eat the crunchy critters, but health officials are cautioning participants.Consuming live roaches might increase risks of gastrointestinal illness and allergies, according to Bill Mays, Lake County Health Department's community health director.Cockroach eaters will have to sign waivers and still pay admission fees, said Six Flags spokesman James Taylor.The bug buffet continues with a cooked roach eating contest Oct. 13 — Friday, Oct. 13.Taylor says he's hoping someone can beat the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records feat in which a British man downed 36 cockroaches.``I've heard people say, 'Wow,' 'Ew,' a lot of one-worders,'' Taylor said. ``A lot have said that they wouldn't eat a cockroach, but they sure would like to see someone else do it.''
Do they really think this is going to work??? Seems a little desperate to me. I've never been to Great America. I have no opposition to it, or anything, but I AM a wimp, and so it just seemed like kind of a waste of money to go and play skee-ball or ride the merry-go-round or what have you. Anyway. I wouldn't eat roaches for anyone - lest of all to jump a line at Great America. You'd have to give me free admission for life, or something...
All McBreakfast, All the Time
At her concert at Ravinia a few Sundays ago, Audra McDonald shared a story with the audience. It was a total non-sequitor, and she admitted she didn't know why she was sharing it with us. All she knew was that it had been bouncing around in her head for a while and, following the logic that the best way to get something out of one's own head is to put it into as many other heads as possible, told us the following:
A friend of hers was at a McDonald's in New York. "I'd like McGriddles, please," he said to the girl behind the counter. Wordlessly, she shook her head. Maybe she hadn't heard him? "I'd like McGriddles, please," he said again and again, she just shook her head. "Excuse me," he said, starting to get angry, "I'd like to order a McGriddles!"
The counter girl sighed and looked at the clock "You wan' McGriddles, I wan' McGriddles, all these peoples wan' McGriddles," she told him. "But not after 10:00!"
Apparently this happened a lot - that it could be two minutes after 10, and not a single McGriddle or Egg McMuffin could be sold. McDonald's is now thinking about serving McBreakfasts all day. This story was in the Sun Times today www.suntimes.com (go and read some news, it's good for you) and it made me think of Audra's story.
A friend of hers was at a McDonald's in New York. "I'd like McGriddles, please," he said to the girl behind the counter. Wordlessly, she shook her head. Maybe she hadn't heard him? "I'd like McGriddles, please," he said again and again, she just shook her head. "Excuse me," he said, starting to get angry, "I'd like to order a McGriddles!"
The counter girl sighed and looked at the clock "You wan' McGriddles, I wan' McGriddles, all these peoples wan' McGriddles," she told him. "But not after 10:00!"
Apparently this happened a lot - that it could be two minutes after 10, and not a single McGriddle or Egg McMuffin could be sold. McDonald's is now thinking about serving McBreakfasts all day. This story was in the Sun Times today www.suntimes.com (go and read some news, it's good for you) and it made me think of Audra's story.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
But I don't WANNA be a pirate...
Ahoy! (who you callin' a hoy??) It's National Talk Like a Pirate Day! Arrrrrrghhhh!
Don't believe me? Well, it's true: www.talklikeapirate.com
Yohoho and a bottle of rum!
Savvy??
That's all I've got... now we need National Dress Like a Pirate Day!
Don't believe me? Well, it's true: www.talklikeapirate.com
Yohoho and a bottle of rum!
Savvy??
That's all I've got... now we need National Dress Like a Pirate Day!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Awww, yeeaahhhh!
Ah, the fall tv season! How do I love thee, let me count the ways...
Last night was the premiere of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), but I didn't watch the full 2 hours. Needed to watch House. After I got past the name of the small boy who was the focus of this week's episode (Clancy!?!?! Didja ever?? Why would you name a child - even a fictional one - Clancy!?!? Of all things! It's no "Pilot Inspektor" (what is??) but it's up there as One of The Worst Names Ever. Now I've lost the flow of my original sentence!) it was a very very good episode. I have loved Hugh Laurie since I saw him in Sense and Sensibility. Watched him in "Peter's Friends" and the comedy show he did with Steven Fry (or Stephen Fry? Don't remember now) and I even read his book. Whoever decided to give him a series is a complete genius. It's a great show - zippy writing, appropriate levels of medical stuff (really creepy and bizarre interesting medical stuff, too) but some character stuff happening too. Sometimes I think the House doctors should meet the Grey's Anatomy interns... House would have lots of fun with them, I am sure...
And then.... Dancing with the Stars. They use "stars" in the loosest sense of the term. This season we've got Jerry Springer, a former Miss America, Vivica A. Fox, Joey Lawrence... I love it all. I love the ridiculous costumes and the cheesy music and the HOUR LONG results shows. I really love the judges. Bruno always says the funniest things, and sometimes even Len gets a little dig in. I am not sure why all these shows decided they all needed a narky British guy as a judge, but he's just perfect. A dapper and more polite Simon Cowell. And I don't think Simon dances! I didn't see the performance of the two that got booted this week, so I wasn't terribly upset that they got cut. I already have a few favorites though. That's just the way it goes...
Next week is the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy and it looks like lots of fun....
Last night was the premiere of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), but I didn't watch the full 2 hours. Needed to watch House. After I got past the name of the small boy who was the focus of this week's episode (Clancy!?!?! Didja ever?? Why would you name a child - even a fictional one - Clancy!?!? Of all things! It's no "Pilot Inspektor" (what is??) but it's up there as One of The Worst Names Ever. Now I've lost the flow of my original sentence!) it was a very very good episode. I have loved Hugh Laurie since I saw him in Sense and Sensibility. Watched him in "Peter's Friends" and the comedy show he did with Steven Fry (or Stephen Fry? Don't remember now) and I even read his book. Whoever decided to give him a series is a complete genius. It's a great show - zippy writing, appropriate levels of medical stuff (really creepy and bizarre interesting medical stuff, too) but some character stuff happening too. Sometimes I think the House doctors should meet the Grey's Anatomy interns... House would have lots of fun with them, I am sure...
And then.... Dancing with the Stars. They use "stars" in the loosest sense of the term. This season we've got Jerry Springer, a former Miss America, Vivica A. Fox, Joey Lawrence... I love it all. I love the ridiculous costumes and the cheesy music and the HOUR LONG results shows. I really love the judges. Bruno always says the funniest things, and sometimes even Len gets a little dig in. I am not sure why all these shows decided they all needed a narky British guy as a judge, but he's just perfect. A dapper and more polite Simon Cowell. And I don't think Simon dances! I didn't see the performance of the two that got booted this week, so I wasn't terribly upset that they got cut. I already have a few favorites though. That's just the way it goes...
Next week is the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy and it looks like lots of fun....
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Get Your Dance On...
Since American Idol has become officially Dead to Me, I have turned my reality tv attention to America's Next Top Model, and Dancing with the Stars. Totally mindless entertainment, complete guilty pleasures and so much fun.
So get your dance on!
http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/
So get your dance on!
http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/
Monday, September 11, 2006
Awesome Audra
Went to Ravinia last night for one of the final performances of the summer season - Ms. Audra McDonald. It was my first time seeing Audra, and she was tremendous... but before I get to that...
The rest of the evening is a story in itself. Mom and I turned up at the Park WAY WAY too early. It was a gray, cold, rainy evening, and although it was almost 5:30, the parking lot was nearly deserted. Not even an attendant on hand to collect the money. So we parked free. As I said later, we could have set up shop ourselves and collected parking money and no one would have known the difference. Just a thought... So, we thought we'd grab a bite and sit in the cafe until showtime.
Well, it would have worked out fine, had the cafes been open. All of them were closed except for one kiosk at the front. We got some "hot chocolate" (really just hot flavored water) and panini and went back into the car. It felt like a stakeout - the two of us hunkered in the car, watching people and making up amusing little stories about them to pass the time.
Took a brief turn around the (mostly empty) lawn. There were a few (foolish) souls out there. Honestly. If I'd just had lawn tickets I would not have gone. Too cold, and wet to sit on the ground. If it had been in the pavillion, you could at least go and crowd around the edge to see the show. But Audra was in the Martin Theater, and so the lawn people couldn't even peer in to see her. I would not have been on the lawn last night for anybody. Not even Patti or Renee. Apparently the love knows bounds - however, the love also leads me to buy early and often for those two, so I would not have been stuck on the lawn in the first place!
Anyway. Audra came on - I didn't know what to expect, I just knew I liked her voice - and she did not disappoint. She sang an ecclectic program - Laura Nyro, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, John Mayer, and in between songs was chatty, and funny and charming. I really liked her and so did mom (a relief because I dragged her there and made her sit in the car and have a subpar dinner... some night out!).
Will definitely be checking out her new album....
The rest of the evening is a story in itself. Mom and I turned up at the Park WAY WAY too early. It was a gray, cold, rainy evening, and although it was almost 5:30, the parking lot was nearly deserted. Not even an attendant on hand to collect the money. So we parked free. As I said later, we could have set up shop ourselves and collected parking money and no one would have known the difference. Just a thought... So, we thought we'd grab a bite and sit in the cafe until showtime.
Well, it would have worked out fine, had the cafes been open. All of them were closed except for one kiosk at the front. We got some "hot chocolate" (really just hot flavored water) and panini and went back into the car. It felt like a stakeout - the two of us hunkered in the car, watching people and making up amusing little stories about them to pass the time.
Took a brief turn around the (mostly empty) lawn. There were a few (foolish) souls out there. Honestly. If I'd just had lawn tickets I would not have gone. Too cold, and wet to sit on the ground. If it had been in the pavillion, you could at least go and crowd around the edge to see the show. But Audra was in the Martin Theater, and so the lawn people couldn't even peer in to see her. I would not have been on the lawn last night for anybody. Not even Patti or Renee. Apparently the love knows bounds - however, the love also leads me to buy early and often for those two, so I would not have been stuck on the lawn in the first place!
Anyway. Audra came on - I didn't know what to expect, I just knew I liked her voice - and she did not disappoint. She sang an ecclectic program - Laura Nyro, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, John Mayer, and in between songs was chatty, and funny and charming. I really liked her and so did mom (a relief because I dragged her there and made her sit in the car and have a subpar dinner... some night out!).
Will definitely be checking out her new album....
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Ticket Vault Review...
A look ahead at what we've got to look forward to:
Tonight - Audra McDonald at Ravinia (my first time seeing Audra!)
September 30 - Bernadette Peters at North Central College (well, hopefully, anyway)
October 6 - Renee Fleming Subscriber Appreciation Concert at Lyric Opera
October 14 - Operathon - everybody tune in to WFMT!!
October 23 - Iphigenie with Susan Graham at Lyric Opera of Chicago (happy belated Susan Graham day!)
November 6 - Salome with Debbie Voigt at Lyric
November 13 - Il Trovatore at Lyric (Most likely will be changed due to:)
November 14 - Patti LuPone "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" at Symphony Center - JCC benefit
November 27th - Romeo et Juliette at Lyric
December 18 - Fledermaus at Lyric
Lusting after these tickets for this year: Into the Woods at the Marriott Lincolnshire and The Pirate Queen...
January 29 - Turandot at Lyric
February 17th - Renee and Dmitri in Eugene Onegin at the Met
(will hopefully also score tickets to some other shows while in NYC, desperately wanting to see Company and A Chorus Line...)
February 19 - Cosi Fan Tutte (possibly subject to change, depending on NYC itinerary.) at Lyric
March 5 - Carmelites at Lyric
Hmmm. We will need to get working on the spring.... Mental note to self: need to sweet talk the banker!
Tonight - Audra McDonald at Ravinia (my first time seeing Audra!)
September 30 - Bernadette Peters at North Central College (well, hopefully, anyway)
October 6 - Renee Fleming Subscriber Appreciation Concert at Lyric Opera
October 14 - Operathon - everybody tune in to WFMT!!
October 23 - Iphigenie with Susan Graham at Lyric Opera of Chicago (happy belated Susan Graham day!)
November 6 - Salome with Debbie Voigt at Lyric
November 13 - Il Trovatore at Lyric (Most likely will be changed due to:)
November 14 - Patti LuPone "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" at Symphony Center - JCC benefit
November 27th - Romeo et Juliette at Lyric
December 18 - Fledermaus at Lyric
Lusting after these tickets for this year: Into the Woods at the Marriott Lincolnshire and The Pirate Queen...
January 29 - Turandot at Lyric
February 17th - Renee and Dmitri in Eugene Onegin at the Met
(will hopefully also score tickets to some other shows while in NYC, desperately wanting to see Company and A Chorus Line...)
February 19 - Cosi Fan Tutte (possibly subject to change, depending on NYC itinerary.) at Lyric
March 5 - Carmelites at Lyric
Hmmm. We will need to get working on the spring.... Mental note to self: need to sweet talk the banker!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
A Red Letter Day
Yesterday's horoscope was an 8 and make no mistake about it:
- It was good foodwise: french vanilla coffee in the AM and a chipotle burrito bowl for lunch
- I (finally) got a thesis committee (ALLELUJAH!)
- I (finally) overcame my writer's block and shot off some emails I'd been meaning to send
AND
- I got tickets to see Patti in November!!! It is for a JCC benefit, and this now means I will be getting solicitation materials from them until the day I die (or move house) but whatever!
- It was good foodwise: french vanilla coffee in the AM and a chipotle burrito bowl for lunch
- I (finally) got a thesis committee (ALLELUJAH!)
- I (finally) overcame my writer's block and shot off some emails I'd been meaning to send
AND
- I got tickets to see Patti in November!!! It is for a JCC benefit, and this now means I will be getting solicitation materials from them until the day I die (or move house) but whatever!
God That's Good!
So, here it is. The long awaited Sweeney post. I had JUST gotten into the writing flow and I got kicked offline (thus the valuable lesson of the previous post). Now I have to reconstruct what I said before, after spending too much time ruminating over just the right words to express my thoughts about the last Sweeney. I finally realized that there is never going to be a good time to sit down and write, the words are never going to be perfect. So, sez I, what the hell? (it really IS the answer to many of life's most difficult questions...) It may not be perfect, but here goes.
Team Sweeney (myself, Kari and Sarah, AKA The Most Fabulous Women on the Planet) reported to the O'Neill twice last week - a rainy Friday night (with our umbrellas, but sadly not with our sexy farmgirl hats...) and then Sunday for the main event. We had front row seats. I was over the moon (thank you, Sarah!) to be so close. Best behavior required, of course. No eating, sleeping, slouching, fidgeting, or passing around our bottle of JD (haha, just kidding) or else you risk Incurring the Wrath of The Patti (and no one want to do that). The atmosphere in the theater was supercharged. It seemed as though most of the audience had been there before and wanted to be part of the last night, and everyone was full of anxious anticipation. Our hearts were aflutter. We got The Front Row Talking To - I couldn't reach the stage with my feet if I tried - legs are too short. Turned around and saw, standing casually at the back of the theater, Stephen Sondheim himself, looking out over the audience, taking in the scene. Breathing the same air as the Master. We all looked over at him, not too subtlely, either... Made ourselves turn around and face front. Showtime.
Darkness.
The cheering started the second the lights went out, and continued as the curtain opened and a small light came up, revealing the cast, in their places, for the final time. Door slams. Straightjacket removed. Violin in place. Music starts, and we were attending the tale once again.
The cast gave us 110% and the first act saw many of us up front crying (and a few people having some kind of weird fits behind us, but whatever). I will remember so many little moments from the show, from that night.... here are just a few...
- Michael's first entrance, rising up out of the coffin... the first time I saw the show, it was that moment he started siniging that first grabbed my attention. It got a HUGE round of applause, too right!
- Patti with her tuba. Kills me. Just kills me. Worth the price of admission alone. Seriously.
- Lauren Molina, as Johanna, sitting on top of the coffin, cello-ing away, while Antony is on the ladder behind her singing, "I feel you, Johanna..." Her head thrown back, a serene smile on her face, the picture of innocence and joy. One of my favorite moments.
-Another perfectly staged scene - "Kiss Me" Beadle, Judge flanking Sweeney (Michael with Pirelli's hat on at a rakish angle) and Antony and Johanna at the front of the stage. Michael's expression made me lose it completely. So sad... sigh....
- Patti at the bells, also looking so sad. Good thing I brought my kleenex. Didn't start hyperventilating like the girls behind us though... I mean, really.
-Sitting close enough to reach out and touch them (but didn't obviously) and craning my neck to see up at them, occasionally catching Patti's eye and holding eye contact. BRILLIANT.
- A Little Priest: such a great example of how well these actors worked together and played off each other. Funny funny funny.
- By the Sea one of my faves, especially as Patti plays with all of the weaponry. It is the perfect foil to such a sweet little song. She's so cute....
I could go on and on and on about how much I LOVE Patti and Michael (couldja tell?) but it is now time to give the other cast members a shout out:
- Mark Jacoby was always so perfect and creepy as Judge Turpin. It takes some skill to be that creepy. Each time I would sit there and think, EW, you dirty old man! Great voice, too.
- Alex Gemignani always had perfect delivery. I would see Les Mis again (!) just so I could go and cheer him on.
-John Arbo only had a handful of lines, but had one of my favorites in the show "Shoot and I WILL stop!"
- Diana di Marzo, had a way of fading into the background, but she was always so SOLID and held her own in those final scenes with Patti and Michael.
- Donna Lynne, so so funny as Pirelli (To shave-a de face!!) too bad she's the first to go...
And Mano... oh, Mano... funny and appropriately twitchy as Toby (Lawks, look at it now!)
Curtain call came and most of the cast was crying - that's okay, because so was most of the audience. Roses came showering onto the stage for Patti... Sarah captured a perfect little video (because she is TRULY a !@#$*& Rock Star!) that I must have watched several hundred times since the actual night.
I saw the show 6 times total. And okay, maybe it's not 40 (but gimme a break. I just "discovered" it in April and I live in Chicago. I had a lot of catching up to do!) Each time I saw it, it was like a new experience. Each time I saw it, it managed to capture my mind, my heart and my imagination. Michael said it best when he said it would be "An evening I'll never forget."
Me either.
Team Sweeney (myself, Kari and Sarah, AKA The Most Fabulous Women on the Planet) reported to the O'Neill twice last week - a rainy Friday night (with our umbrellas, but sadly not with our sexy farmgirl hats...) and then Sunday for the main event. We had front row seats. I was over the moon (thank you, Sarah!) to be so close. Best behavior required, of course. No eating, sleeping, slouching, fidgeting, or passing around our bottle of JD (haha, just kidding) or else you risk Incurring the Wrath of The Patti (and no one want to do that). The atmosphere in the theater was supercharged. It seemed as though most of the audience had been there before and wanted to be part of the last night, and everyone was full of anxious anticipation. Our hearts were aflutter. We got The Front Row Talking To - I couldn't reach the stage with my feet if I tried - legs are too short. Turned around and saw, standing casually at the back of the theater, Stephen Sondheim himself, looking out over the audience, taking in the scene. Breathing the same air as the Master. We all looked over at him, not too subtlely, either... Made ourselves turn around and face front. Showtime.
Darkness.
The cheering started the second the lights went out, and continued as the curtain opened and a small light came up, revealing the cast, in their places, for the final time. Door slams. Straightjacket removed. Violin in place. Music starts, and we were attending the tale once again.
The cast gave us 110% and the first act saw many of us up front crying (and a few people having some kind of weird fits behind us, but whatever). I will remember so many little moments from the show, from that night.... here are just a few...
- Michael's first entrance, rising up out of the coffin... the first time I saw the show, it was that moment he started siniging that first grabbed my attention. It got a HUGE round of applause, too right!
- Patti with her tuba. Kills me. Just kills me. Worth the price of admission alone. Seriously.
- Lauren Molina, as Johanna, sitting on top of the coffin, cello-ing away, while Antony is on the ladder behind her singing, "I feel you, Johanna..." Her head thrown back, a serene smile on her face, the picture of innocence and joy. One of my favorite moments.
-Another perfectly staged scene - "Kiss Me" Beadle, Judge flanking Sweeney (Michael with Pirelli's hat on at a rakish angle) and Antony and Johanna at the front of the stage. Michael's expression made me lose it completely. So sad... sigh....
- Patti at the bells, also looking so sad. Good thing I brought my kleenex. Didn't start hyperventilating like the girls behind us though... I mean, really.
-Sitting close enough to reach out and touch them (but didn't obviously) and craning my neck to see up at them, occasionally catching Patti's eye and holding eye contact. BRILLIANT.
- A Little Priest: such a great example of how well these actors worked together and played off each other. Funny funny funny.
- By the Sea one of my faves, especially as Patti plays with all of the weaponry. It is the perfect foil to such a sweet little song. She's so cute....
I could go on and on and on about how much I LOVE Patti and Michael (couldja tell?) but it is now time to give the other cast members a shout out:
- Mark Jacoby was always so perfect and creepy as Judge Turpin. It takes some skill to be that creepy. Each time I would sit there and think, EW, you dirty old man! Great voice, too.
- Alex Gemignani always had perfect delivery. I would see Les Mis again (!) just so I could go and cheer him on.
-John Arbo only had a handful of lines, but had one of my favorites in the show "Shoot and I WILL stop!"
- Diana di Marzo, had a way of fading into the background, but she was always so SOLID and held her own in those final scenes with Patti and Michael.
- Donna Lynne, so so funny as Pirelli (To shave-a de face!!) too bad she's the first to go...
And Mano... oh, Mano... funny and appropriately twitchy as Toby (Lawks, look at it now!)
Curtain call came and most of the cast was crying - that's okay, because so was most of the audience. Roses came showering onto the stage for Patti... Sarah captured a perfect little video (because she is TRULY a !@#$*& Rock Star!) that I must have watched several hundred times since the actual night.
I saw the show 6 times total. And okay, maybe it's not 40 (but gimme a break. I just "discovered" it in April and I live in Chicago. I had a lot of catching up to do!) Each time I saw it, it was like a new experience. Each time I saw it, it managed to capture my mind, my heart and my imagination. Michael said it best when he said it would be "An evening I'll never forget."
Me either.
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