Ah, December. The time of year when we in South Florida finally get two weeks of winter. Except this year, we've had fairly cool weather for about three or four weeks. It's finally warmed up today, but I can't remember the last time I needed to turn the air on in my car.
So, yes, I'm wearing short sleeves without a sweater for the first time in a while. And that's a good thing.
I went to see "Life as We Know It" with mom at the $3 movie. That's about how much this movie was worth. Of course, the theater smelled like old people and it wasn't stadium seating. Yeah, I guess you can say I'm spoiled when it comes to my movie-going experience.
Much better was "The King's Speech," this year's Christmas movie. It was the perfect prelude to Chinese food. And Colin Firth is yummy, as usual. (I actually felt a bit of pain every time I heard his speech impediment. I had to keep reminding myself that it was just acting.)
Also seen at the theater this month: "Love and Other Drugs" and "How Do You Know." The former was good, and the latter was OK. (I still want to know where the question mark went.)
And that's been my December, in a nutshell. I've been on a 10-day staycation this week, but have done nothing exciting, unless your idea of exciting is a biannual visit to the ophthalmologist, and a couple of rides in the dental chair. (No? Me, either.)
Happy new year! Here's to an exciting 2011!
December 30, 2010
November 30, 2010
In this and every November, I am most thankful that Thanksgiving means a four-day weekend. Sure, there's my family and the annual smorgasboard. But this year, it's all about the rest.
I've been working hard, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I take these few days off when I can, and try to enjoy them. And boy, am I enjoying the heck out of them!
This month, I took my mom to a screening of "Morning Glory," a story about a young, career-driven woman whose so focused on her job that she can't get a date. Or something like that. All these rom-coms seem the same to me. Although Rachel McAdams and Patrick Wilson are the young couple at the center of the story, I really enjoyed seeing Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford on the big screen.
Actually, let me rephrase that: Keaton was a joy. She stole every scene she was in. Ford's Mike Pomeroy was a curmudgeonly man, and I hated his character so much that every time his face filled up the screen I was most drawn to the scar on his chin.
My favorite part of this movie was actually its setting. Every time I caught a glimpse of a New York City street, it only served as a reminder that I haven't been there in more than two years, and I really miss it. I must go back in 2011!
The biggest thrill this month was watching on the big screen the 25th anniversary concert of "Les Miserables," which took place at London's 02 Arena on Oct. 3. I did not go, so this was the next best thing. Alfie Boe and Norm Lewis were fantastic as Valjean and Javert. Lea Salonga, who played Eponine for the 10th anniversary concert, returned as Fantine, a role she played in the recent Broadway revival. Former Gavroche Nick Jonas was an interesting Marius, but I guess they had to throw one in for the teenyboppers. (It still boggles my mind that he was born three years after I first saw the show.)
The whole production was amazing. It was staged so beautifully that it made the 10th anniversary event (at London's Royal Albert Hall) look light a high school musical. For the encore, the London, touring and original 1985 casts were brought out. So much talent on one stage! Producer Cameron Mackintosh made a statement, as did the musical's writers, and then a parade of students who had performed the show streamed in. The finale's highlight was watching a quartet of Jean Valjeans, including the original, Colm Wilkinson, sing "Bring Him Home." I know I was in tears, and I wasn't the only one.
Also: As the credits rolled, there was a note that a movie musical is in the works! That was probably the best news yet. Apparently, Universal Pictures has the rights, and they are working on it. And that is what I am most thankful for this year.
I've been working hard, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I take these few days off when I can, and try to enjoy them. And boy, am I enjoying the heck out of them!
This month, I took my mom to a screening of "Morning Glory," a story about a young, career-driven woman whose so focused on her job that she can't get a date. Or something like that. All these rom-coms seem the same to me. Although Rachel McAdams and Patrick Wilson are the young couple at the center of the story, I really enjoyed seeing Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford on the big screen.
Actually, let me rephrase that: Keaton was a joy. She stole every scene she was in. Ford's Mike Pomeroy was a curmudgeonly man, and I hated his character so much that every time his face filled up the screen I was most drawn to the scar on his chin.
My favorite part of this movie was actually its setting. Every time I caught a glimpse of a New York City street, it only served as a reminder that I haven't been there in more than two years, and I really miss it. I must go back in 2011!
The biggest thrill this month was watching on the big screen the 25th anniversary concert of "Les Miserables," which took place at London's 02 Arena on Oct. 3. I did not go, so this was the next best thing. Alfie Boe and Norm Lewis were fantastic as Valjean and Javert. Lea Salonga, who played Eponine for the 10th anniversary concert, returned as Fantine, a role she played in the recent Broadway revival. Former Gavroche Nick Jonas was an interesting Marius, but I guess they had to throw one in for the teenyboppers. (It still boggles my mind that he was born three years after I first saw the show.)
The whole production was amazing. It was staged so beautifully that it made the 10th anniversary event (at London's Royal Albert Hall) look light a high school musical. For the encore, the London, touring and original 1985 casts were brought out. So much talent on one stage! Producer Cameron Mackintosh made a statement, as did the musical's writers, and then a parade of students who had performed the show streamed in. The finale's highlight was watching a quartet of Jean Valjeans, including the original, Colm Wilkinson, sing "Bring Him Home." I know I was in tears, and I wasn't the only one.
Also: As the credits rolled, there was a note that a movie musical is in the works! That was probably the best news yet. Apparently, Universal Pictures has the rights, and they are working on it. And that is what I am most thankful for this year.
October 30, 2010
I am writing this post on the fourth day of a five-day staycation. I decided to take time off, but I didn't have plans to go anywhere. So, I've been reading and sleeping late.
I finally went to see "The Social Network." That's right: Instead of spending a couple of hours in front of my computer on Facebook, I spent a couple of hours at the movies, learning about the creation of Facebook. Actually, it's a fascinating story. Based on Ben Mezrich's 2009 book, "The Accidental Billionaires," the film was written by Aaron Sorkin, who created "Sports Night," "The West Wing" and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." (Sorkin also makes a cameo, which I loved.)
I thought Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake were all fantastic. It will be interesting to see if any of these gentlemen will be honored during awards season. They are all deserving (along with Sorkin, naturally). Special mention also to Armie Hammer, who played the Winklevoss twins (although it was the back of another guy's head in some scenes).
Of course, the rest of the month wasn't too bad, either: It began with "Das Rhinegold," the first of the Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD transmissions this season. It's an all new production. Even though this was technically just the prologue, I was riveted.
I also went to see "Last Play at Shea" on the big screen. This documentary, about the former home of the New York Mets, was fantastic. Narrated by Alec Baldwin, it traces the stadium's entire history, from its creation to the Beatles to the World Series to Billy Joel. And, yes, the Piano Man was a big reason I wanted to see this. His two concerts were the last at the ballpark, and I can't wait until they are released on DVD early next year. But even though I went for that, it was an all-around fantastic show.
A few days later, my sister and I went to see the 25th anniversary screening of "Back to the Future." We saw it in 1985 during a summer trip to Detroit -- although she has no recollection. I have always considered this trilogy my "Star Wars," and even she had to admit that the original film has held up well. (And Marty McFly is still dreamy to me.)
No big plans for Halloween tomorrow. I didn't buy any candy, so I'm going to turn off all my lights but one and hope no trick-or-treaters ring my bell.
I finally went to see "The Social Network." That's right: Instead of spending a couple of hours in front of my computer on Facebook, I spent a couple of hours at the movies, learning about the creation of Facebook. Actually, it's a fascinating story. Based on Ben Mezrich's 2009 book, "The Accidental Billionaires," the film was written by Aaron Sorkin, who created "Sports Night," "The West Wing" and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." (Sorkin also makes a cameo, which I loved.)
I thought Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake were all fantastic. It will be interesting to see if any of these gentlemen will be honored during awards season. They are all deserving (along with Sorkin, naturally). Special mention also to Armie Hammer, who played the Winklevoss twins (although it was the back of another guy's head in some scenes).
Of course, the rest of the month wasn't too bad, either: It began with "Das Rhinegold," the first of the Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD transmissions this season. It's an all new production. Even though this was technically just the prologue, I was riveted.
I also went to see "Last Play at Shea" on the big screen. This documentary, about the former home of the New York Mets, was fantastic. Narrated by Alec Baldwin, it traces the stadium's entire history, from its creation to the Beatles to the World Series to Billy Joel. And, yes, the Piano Man was a big reason I wanted to see this. His two concerts were the last at the ballpark, and I can't wait until they are released on DVD early next year. But even though I went for that, it was an all-around fantastic show.
A few days later, my sister and I went to see the 25th anniversary screening of "Back to the Future." We saw it in 1985 during a summer trip to Detroit -- although she has no recollection. I have always considered this trilogy my "Star Wars," and even she had to admit that the original film has held up well. (And Marty McFly is still dreamy to me.)
No big plans for Halloween tomorrow. I didn't buy any candy, so I'm going to turn off all my lights but one and hope no trick-or-treaters ring my bell.
September 30, 2010
The thing about September is that it's all downhill from Labor Day.
Thankfully, the High Holidays positioned themselves in such a way that I was able to use personal days to the effect of a four-day weekend in honor of Rosh Hashanah. During that glorious time, I was able to spend a day with wonderful friends who were visiting from Michigan. The fact that we met on the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was somewhat balanced by my friends' two bright, beautiful boys -- neither of whom were with us on that awful day.
The following weekend was Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On this day, it is traditional to fast. In order to make the fast go a little faster, my sister and I went to see "Easy A," a modern take on "The Scarlet Letter." It was a smart little teen comedy, with more than a couple nods to the John Hughes films of my youth.
My mother, however, still has not forgiven us for spending a couple of hours of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar in a movie theater -- probably because it wasn't cheap.
Thankfully, the High Holidays positioned themselves in such a way that I was able to use personal days to the effect of a four-day weekend in honor of Rosh Hashanah. During that glorious time, I was able to spend a day with wonderful friends who were visiting from Michigan. The fact that we met on the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was somewhat balanced by my friends' two bright, beautiful boys -- neither of whom were with us on that awful day.
The following weekend was Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On this day, it is traditional to fast. In order to make the fast go a little faster, my sister and I went to see "Easy A," a modern take on "The Scarlet Letter." It was a smart little teen comedy, with more than a couple nods to the John Hughes films of my youth.
My mother, however, still has not forgiven us for spending a couple of hours of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar in a movie theater -- probably because it wasn't cheap.
August 30, 2010
The worst thing about coming back from a really great vacation is that you're no longer on vacation.
The best thing about it is you get to go on and on about how fabulous it was, and make people jealous when they ask to see your pictures. Now, I know you didn't ask, but just for the record, my pictures are here. Don't be jealous. They're not that good. But, they do represent almost a week's worth of wonderful memories that, had you asked two months ago, I would not have expected I would have at this point. I've spent the last 30 days gushing about my five days in London to anyone who will listen. Frankly, it feels like it was a dream, and I need to keep looking at the pictures to remind myself I was actually there.
And, even though I've been back to the daily grind for a month, August has gone shockingly quickly. Sure, part of that was because we had a couple of really hectic weeks at work. But the rest was just the fact that it took me much too long to recover from an unknown illness and I just don't remember what happened in the first half of the month.
Of course, the month wound down with a bang. Last night's Emmy Awards was a great showcase for new talent. First-time host Jimmy Fallon got things off to a rousing start with the kids from Glee, plus Nina Dobrev, Tina Fey, Jorge Garcia, Jon Hamm, Randy Jackson, Jane Lynch, Joel McHale and everyone's go-to gal these days, Betty White. Watch the opening here. The rest of the ceremony went quickly, but there wasn't anything to match the magic of the starter.
And so, I leave you to head off into September. Make it a great one!
The best thing about it is you get to go on and on about how fabulous it was, and make people jealous when they ask to see your pictures. Now, I know you didn't ask, but just for the record, my pictures are here. Don't be jealous. They're not that good. But, they do represent almost a week's worth of wonderful memories that, had you asked two months ago, I would not have expected I would have at this point. I've spent the last 30 days gushing about my five days in London to anyone who will listen. Frankly, it feels like it was a dream, and I need to keep looking at the pictures to remind myself I was actually there.
And, even though I've been back to the daily grind for a month, August has gone shockingly quickly. Sure, part of that was because we had a couple of really hectic weeks at work. But the rest was just the fact that it took me much too long to recover from an unknown illness and I just don't remember what happened in the first half of the month.
Of course, the month wound down with a bang. Last night's Emmy Awards was a great showcase for new talent. First-time host Jimmy Fallon got things off to a rousing start with the kids from Glee, plus Nina Dobrev, Tina Fey, Jorge Garcia, Jon Hamm, Randy Jackson, Jane Lynch, Joel McHale and everyone's go-to gal these days, Betty White. Watch the opening here. The rest of the ceremony went quickly, but there wasn't anything to match the magic of the starter.
And so, I leave you to head off into September. Make it a great one!
July 30, 2010
July turned out to be even better than June, and there wasn't even a birthday celebration (for me) involved.
I'll just say it: I went to London. It was absolutely fabulous. Sure, I came back today totally exhausted -- I've been up for 40 hours straight -- but it's totally worth it. I would not trade my experiences of the last five days for all the sleep in the world.
We stayed in the former County Hall, right on the Thames. We could see Parliament and Big Ben from our window.
As far as what we saw: Tate Modern, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Harrod's, Buckingham Palace, the original Hard Rock Cafe, Hyde Park, the National Gallery, a classical music concert in St. Martin in the Fields church and two West End shows.
I'm even more exhausted just thinking about it all. I promise to post pictures and put a link here.
I'll just say it: I went to London. It was absolutely fabulous. Sure, I came back today totally exhausted -- I've been up for 40 hours straight -- but it's totally worth it. I would not trade my experiences of the last five days for all the sleep in the world.
We stayed in the former County Hall, right on the Thames. We could see Parliament and Big Ben from our window.
As far as what we saw: Tate Modern, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Harrod's, Buckingham Palace, the original Hard Rock Cafe, Hyde Park, the National Gallery, a classical music concert in St. Martin in the Fields church and two West End shows.
I'm even more exhausted just thinking about it all. I promise to post pictures and put a link here.
June 30, 2010
June has been a fantastic month! It began with a birthday celebration that lasted weeks, and ended with nothing in particular, but nothing particularly bad, either.
The best part of it, I would say, was an on-my-birthday concert by Carole King and James Taylor. I couldn't resist, and it was totally awesome
The best part of it, I would say, was an on-my-birthday concert by Carole King and James Taylor. I couldn't resist, and it was totally awesome
May 30, 2010
I fought the fondue ... and the fondue won. I am stuffed, stuffed, stuffed ... but it was oh-so-good.
And with that, my monthlong birthday celebration began.
What's that, you say? My birthday's not until next month? Technically true, but it's a holiday weekend and "Sex and the City 2" just came out. So, it was a perfect time for a girls' day out with my sister. (The movie wasn't as fabulous as the series, or even as good as the first foray onto the big screen. But, it was good to reconnect with some old friends nonetheless.) Then, it was off to The Melting Pot for the Big Night Out. (It was an early bird, but that's OK.)
I'm so full, I will probably not eat anything else until June. True, that's on Tuesday, but at this point, it could be weeks away and that would be OK by me. I am that stuffed.
Another highlight this month: "Spring Awakening" with my mother and sister. It was good, but, as we now say in our family, it wasn't "Wicked" good. (We've set the bar quite high.)
I don't know what next month with bring, but I'm sure it will be great!
And with that, my monthlong birthday celebration began.
What's that, you say? My birthday's not until next month? Technically true, but it's a holiday weekend and "Sex and the City 2" just came out. So, it was a perfect time for a girls' day out with my sister. (The movie wasn't as fabulous as the series, or even as good as the first foray onto the big screen. But, it was good to reconnect with some old friends nonetheless.) Then, it was off to The Melting Pot for the Big Night Out. (It was an early bird, but that's OK.)
I'm so full, I will probably not eat anything else until June. True, that's on Tuesday, but at this point, it could be weeks away and that would be OK by me. I am that stuffed.
Another highlight this month: "Spring Awakening" with my mother and sister. It was good, but, as we now say in our family, it wasn't "Wicked" good. (We've set the bar quite high.)
I don't know what next month with bring, but I'm sure it will be great!
April 30, 2010
April can be summed up in two words: Bon Jovi.
I'm sure there was more to the past 30 days, but nothing is coming to mind.
So I'll just say that I had a rockin' good time with these hard-working Jersey boys. They ripped through two-dozen songs, from their very first hit ("Runaway") to five tracks from their latest album ("The Circle.")
Actually, I did see "Smucker's Stars on Ice," starring Evan Lysacek and Sasha Cohen, among others. It seems so long ago, even though it's only been four weeks. I loved it! Sure, Evan only did one number ("Man in the Mirror," complete with a single silver glove) and came out for the finale. But, it was certainly worth it. The seats were great, and the price was right. (But the $20 parking was highway robbery!)
In May, I'm looking forward to the final live-in-HD performance of the Metropolitan Opera's 2009-2010 season. It's "Armida," starring soprano Renee Fleming. I'm excited! Also, my mom, sister and I are going to see "Spring Awakening." I always regretted missing the original Broadway cast, but I'm glad to be able to experience it before the tour ends.
I'm sure there was more to the past 30 days, but nothing is coming to mind.
So I'll just say that I had a rockin' good time with these hard-working Jersey boys. They ripped through two-dozen songs, from their very first hit ("Runaway") to five tracks from their latest album ("The Circle.")
Actually, I did see "Smucker's Stars on Ice," starring Evan Lysacek and Sasha Cohen, among others. It seems so long ago, even though it's only been four weeks. I loved it! Sure, Evan only did one number ("Man in the Mirror," complete with a single silver glove) and came out for the finale. But, it was certainly worth it. The seats were great, and the price was right. (But the $20 parking was highway robbery!)
In May, I'm looking forward to the final live-in-HD performance of the Metropolitan Opera's 2009-2010 season. It's "Armida," starring soprano Renee Fleming. I'm excited! Also, my mom, sister and I are going to see "Spring Awakening." I always regretted missing the original Broadway cast, but I'm glad to be able to experience it before the tour ends.
March 30, 2010
March has been the most spectacular month yet! I can't remember exactly how it began because it seems so long ago.
Ah, yes. The knee.
I began March with an ache in my knee.
Unfortunately, I am ending March with the ache still in my knee.
But, aside from that, it was an awesome month. The highlights:
Aside from cultural events I have never experienced before, next month, I hope to see some people I haven't had experiences with in many years. It's always good to catch up with old friends (as well as the kids from "Glee." April 13 can't come soon enough!)
Ah, yes. The knee.
I began March with an ache in my knee.
Unfortunately, I am ending March with the ache still in my knee.
But, aside from that, it was an awesome month. The highlights:
- I saw "Wicked," for the fourth time, with my mother and sister.
- I saw "In the Heights" with my parents and sister.
- I got tickets to see "Stars on Ice" in April.
- I got tickets to see "Spring Awakening" in May.
- I may get tickets to see The Blanks in April.
- I may get tickets to see Carole King and James Taylor in June.
Aside from cultural events I have never experienced before, next month, I hope to see some people I haven't had experiences with in many years. It's always good to catch up with old friends (as well as the kids from "Glee." April 13 can't come soon enough!)
February 28, 2010
Where has February gone? I know it's a short month, but here I am, ready to switch purses, break out my short-sleeved shirts and cruise on to spring.
No major happenings this month. I did just return from a family celebration for February birthdays and Purim, though. That's about as good as it got this month. That is, unless you count Valentine's Day brunch with the ladies, followed by a packed showing of "Valentine's Day." That was a nice afternoon. We'll definitely have to do it again soon.
In the meantime, March is looking busy already: "Wicked," kiddie birthday, the Metropolitan Opera's production of "Hamlet," "In the Heights" and Passover. Oy, that's a lot of stuff. And the first couple of weeks of April aren't too shabby, either. But, I'll wait until then to tell you all about it.
No major happenings this month. I did just return from a family celebration for February birthdays and Purim, though. That's about as good as it got this month. That is, unless you count Valentine's Day brunch with the ladies, followed by a packed showing of "Valentine's Day." That was a nice afternoon. We'll definitely have to do it again soon.
In the meantime, March is looking busy already: "Wicked," kiddie birthday, the Metropolitan Opera's production of "Hamlet," "In the Heights" and Passover. Oy, that's a lot of stuff. And the first couple of weeks of April aren't too shabby, either. But, I'll wait until then to tell you all about it.
January 30, 2010
So, here we are, 30 days into the new year, and I don't have much to show for it.
This year, I have resolved to read more and spend less. I would say that I am doing well on both counts, so that's something positive.
Of course, I always resolve to eat healthier and lose weight, and I'm about even with where I was 30 days ago. So, while it's not the outcome I'd hoped for, at least I'm not Violet Beauregarde before she meets her maker in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
On the work front, I've just relocated to a new workspace that's two times the size of my previous one. It's a little more private, but I also houses the department's fax machine. So, basically, it's a wash. We'll see how it goes when Deadline Day arrives. That's the true test.
I'll be seeing "Wicked" for the fourth time when it returns to Miami in March. Now, one of my resolutions was not to pay to see things I'd already experienced before, so this would have been totally out of the question if my mom hadn't decided she wanted to see the show again. So, she is treating me and my sister to a Saturday matinee. Lucky us! I just hope mom doesn't learn the songs well enough to sing along during the performance.
Well, that's about all I have for now. Until next month, that is.
This year, I have resolved to read more and spend less. I would say that I am doing well on both counts, so that's something positive.
Of course, I always resolve to eat healthier and lose weight, and I'm about even with where I was 30 days ago. So, while it's not the outcome I'd hoped for, at least I'm not Violet Beauregarde before she meets her maker in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
On the work front, I've just relocated to a new workspace that's two times the size of my previous one. It's a little more private, but I also houses the department's fax machine. So, basically, it's a wash. We'll see how it goes when Deadline Day arrives. That's the true test.
I'll be seeing "Wicked" for the fourth time when it returns to Miami in March. Now, one of my resolutions was not to pay to see things I'd already experienced before, so this would have been totally out of the question if my mom hadn't decided she wanted to see the show again. So, she is treating me and my sister to a Saturday matinee. Lucky us! I just hope mom doesn't learn the songs well enough to sing along during the performance.
Well, that's about all I have for now. Until next month, that is.
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