Sunday, July 15, 2007
Well...There's Good News and Bad News
Which do you want first?
The GOOD news...well, I have a phone. Finally. It took a couple of days...but I'm connected again.
The BAD news...right now I shouldn't be writing...I should be out on Long Island at Dreamgirls. I needed to be on the Long Island Railroad at 11:51. I left a hour early but it just takes one 'Police Incident' or train back up to throw you off. I walked into Penn Station at 11:54, having just missed my train.
I could've taken a later train but that would've meant missing more than half of the show. The ticket is good for 180 days...so, I'll be using it next weekend.
Yesterday was my last day at my first TCS store located in Manhattan on Lexington Avenue. I've been there since before the store opened...when it was all wet paint and scaffolding. Tomorrow I'll be start my commuting life to my new store in White Plains. There's a lot of excitement about the new position but I couldn't leave the store without some tears. The store has been my home for over a year and half and the staff of store has become like extended family. I'll miss them...
The GOOD news...well, I have a phone. Finally. It took a couple of days...but I'm connected again.
The BAD news...right now I shouldn't be writing...I should be out on Long Island at Dreamgirls. I needed to be on the Long Island Railroad at 11:51. I left a hour early but it just takes one 'Police Incident' or train back up to throw you off. I walked into Penn Station at 11:54, having just missed my train.
I could've taken a later train but that would've meant missing more than half of the show. The ticket is good for 180 days...so, I'll be using it next weekend.
Yesterday was my last day at my first TCS store located in Manhattan on Lexington Avenue. I've been there since before the store opened...when it was all wet paint and scaffolding. Tomorrow I'll be start my commuting life to my new store in White Plains. There's a lot of excitement about the new position but I couldn't leave the store without some tears. The store has been my home for over a year and half and the staff of store has become like extended family. I'll miss them...
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Day Off...New A/C and No Phone
So today was one of the those extremely low key kinda of days.
My phone was killed by water damage (or so the folks at Verizon tell me). I haven't been swimming with it or anything but that's the listed cause of death. Having budgeted my July, I didn't allow for replacing a phone.
Considering I was one of the last people on the planet to get one - I'm just going to relive those days again for a week or so. It isn't the end of the world - though it is funny how quickly you become dependent on something.
Today I made a CRAIGSLIST.org connection and got a air conditioner for cheap. A husband and wife we're moving to Philly and it wasn't going with them. So...I walked across the island and then jumped a bus over to the far west side.
They lived in an elevator building - nice plus when carrying a a/c unit. I had money set aside of the air conditioner but didn't want to take a taxi unless I absolutely had to. As I walked out of the building there was a bus waiting. I hopped on...road down a few blocks and then jumped onto another bus that would take me back to the east side. The bus (the M116) actually takes me a block from my apartment.
The unit is now in the window and my living room can actually be lived in.
The hottest days arrived earlier this week and they were stifling. I knew I would need some relief before we get any further into July.
Now it has arrived...hand delivered by yours truly.
I jumped in the shower and made a quick run down to Bryant Park for Broadway In The Park. The cast of IN THE HEIGHTS was performing and I got there just in time to catch the last song. After the performance I got to see most of the cast and catch up briefly.
It's been a good day of do nothing.
My phone was killed by water damage (or so the folks at Verizon tell me). I haven't been swimming with it or anything but that's the listed cause of death. Having budgeted my July, I didn't allow for replacing a phone.
Considering I was one of the last people on the planet to get one - I'm just going to relive those days again for a week or so. It isn't the end of the world - though it is funny how quickly you become dependent on something.
Today I made a CRAIGSLIST.org connection and got a air conditioner for cheap. A husband and wife we're moving to Philly and it wasn't going with them. So...I walked across the island and then jumped a bus over to the far west side.
They lived in an elevator building - nice plus when carrying a a/c unit. I had money set aside of the air conditioner but didn't want to take a taxi unless I absolutely had to. As I walked out of the building there was a bus waiting. I hopped on...road down a few blocks and then jumped onto another bus that would take me back to the east side. The bus (the M116) actually takes me a block from my apartment.
The unit is now in the window and my living room can actually be lived in.
The hottest days arrived earlier this week and they were stifling. I knew I would need some relief before we get any further into July.
Now it has arrived...hand delivered by yours truly.
I jumped in the shower and made a quick run down to Bryant Park for Broadway In The Park. The cast of IN THE HEIGHTS was performing and I got there just in time to catch the last song. After the performance I got to see most of the cast and catch up briefly.
It's been a good day of do nothing.
Monday, July 09, 2007
You read it here FIRST...
In just a few hours I will be in a store-wide meeting. We'll be covering lots of different things - but the meeting will wrap up with an announcement. An announcement that will have me leaving New York City.
During this meeting it will be announced that I've accepted a promotion and new position with The Container Store family. Starting next Monday I will be a Sales Trainer for TCS and will be working out of our store in White Plains, NY.
So...technically, I'm not leaving NYC - I just added that for dramatic effect. I'm keeping my apartment and my life in the city will stay, pretty much, the same. I am trading in my 15 minute commute downtown for a hour long commute outside of the city.
I am very excited about this new chapter and so thrilled that the opportunity was presented to me and I had so many champions along the way orchestrated a move that would benefit me and the company.
This new position will allow me to work with the store in White Plains and other stores across the country, helping to ensure that both our employees and our customers have all the tools they need to be successful.
In other news...
-The baby's coming...still. More on that when it happens.
-TRANSFORMERS was awesome. I had a great time seeing the 80's fleshed out in a whole new way in 2007. I look forward to feature film versions of the Thundercats, the Smurfs and He-Man and She-Ra.
-It's hot. No getting around it. Last week's INCREDIBLY cool weather is gone and the humidity is back and on it's way to hitting the temperatures where I start swearing. So many people think that NYC is a weird city...with weird people. I don't think that NYC is any weirder than the next city. We may just have more crazy per square mile. The other day I was walking down the side walk and the man in front of me was yapping away on his cell phone. Nothing weird about that, right?
Right.
Well...when I looked closer...I noticed that this well-dressed, professional, middle-aged business man was talking on the phone, yes, but he was also doing double duty carrying his water bottle...on his head.
I guess he needed his other hand to gesture with while on the phone. Because it's NYC and it's me...I whipped out my camera and snapped a picture to share with you.
During this meeting it will be announced that I've accepted a promotion and new position with The Container Store family. Starting next Monday I will be a Sales Trainer for TCS and will be working out of our store in White Plains, NY.
So...technically, I'm not leaving NYC - I just added that for dramatic effect. I'm keeping my apartment and my life in the city will stay, pretty much, the same. I am trading in my 15 minute commute downtown for a hour long commute outside of the city.
I am very excited about this new chapter and so thrilled that the opportunity was presented to me and I had so many champions along the way orchestrated a move that would benefit me and the company.
This new position will allow me to work with the store in White Plains and other stores across the country, helping to ensure that both our employees and our customers have all the tools they need to be successful.
In other news...
-The baby's coming...still. More on that when it happens.
-TRANSFORMERS was awesome. I had a great time seeing the 80's fleshed out in a whole new way in 2007. I look forward to feature film versions of the Thundercats, the Smurfs and He-Man and She-Ra.
-It's hot. No getting around it. Last week's INCREDIBLY cool weather is gone and the humidity is back and on it's way to hitting the temperatures where I start swearing. So many people think that NYC is a weird city...with weird people. I don't think that NYC is any weirder than the next city. We may just have more crazy per square mile. The other day I was walking down the side walk and the man in front of me was yapping away on his cell phone. Nothing weird about that, right?
Right.
Well...when I looked closer...I noticed that this well-dressed, professional, middle-aged business man was talking on the phone, yes, but he was also doing double duty carrying his water bottle...on his head.
I guess he needed his other hand to gesture with while on the phone. Because it's NYC and it's me...I whipped out my camera and snapped a picture to share with you.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Any moment now...I will be an Uncle.
The contractions started yesterday. I was really hoping that my nephew would make his debut tomorrow. How cool would it be to have birthday of 7's?
07/07/07
Talked to my brother and all's well. They've been to the hospital and they've been sent back home. They're doing lots of walking and walking...so any time now.
In completely unrelated news...
I'm seeing Transformers tonight with some friends from work. Words can't describe how excited I was to know that some of my favorite childhood icons were coming to the big screen. Last night I stopped by the theater to pick up my ticket (just anticipating tonight's crowd) and I was walking to the theater - Christian Slater was walking right towards me.
Only in NYC.
A couple nights ago...I was saying goodnight to some friends staying on the Upper West Side and I decided to walk through the park to the East side (my side of town) instead of taking the subway. As I walked along 82nd street, I noticed some runners stretching. I was plugging in my iPod when I realized that one of the was Matt Dillion.
Again...only in NYC.
On the theater side of things...
I was at the closing of IN A DARK, DARK HOUSE last night. Amazing cast and incredibly dark and real play. I remain completely in awe of Frederick Weller. I think he may just about be one of the best stage actors of my generation. I saw him in TAKE ME OUT years ago. Edward Albee's SEASCAPE last year. A couple of months ago he was on Broadway in SOME MEN. He's just incredible to watch on stage.
My new roommate Thomas celebrated the 4th of July with me a the musical, GREY GARDENS. It was my second visit to the Beales and one I was glad I made given the recent notice that the show will close at the end of month.
It's summertime which means lots of shows will close...making way for whatever's next....one show that still needs a home on Broadway is IN THE HEIGHTS. So...fingers crossed...
More later...
The contractions started yesterday. I was really hoping that my nephew would make his debut tomorrow. How cool would it be to have birthday of 7's?
07/07/07
Talked to my brother and all's well. They've been to the hospital and they've been sent back home. They're doing lots of walking and walking...so any time now.
In completely unrelated news...
I'm seeing Transformers tonight with some friends from work. Words can't describe how excited I was to know that some of my favorite childhood icons were coming to the big screen. Last night I stopped by the theater to pick up my ticket (just anticipating tonight's crowd) and I was walking to the theater - Christian Slater was walking right towards me.
Only in NYC.
A couple nights ago...I was saying goodnight to some friends staying on the Upper West Side and I decided to walk through the park to the East side (my side of town) instead of taking the subway. As I walked along 82nd street, I noticed some runners stretching. I was plugging in my iPod when I realized that one of the was Matt Dillion.
Again...only in NYC.
On the theater side of things...
I was at the closing of IN A DARK, DARK HOUSE last night. Amazing cast and incredibly dark and real play. I remain completely in awe of Frederick Weller. I think he may just about be one of the best stage actors of my generation. I saw him in TAKE ME OUT years ago. Edward Albee's SEASCAPE last year. A couple of months ago he was on Broadway in SOME MEN. He's just incredible to watch on stage.
My new roommate Thomas celebrated the 4th of July with me a the musical, GREY GARDENS. It was my second visit to the Beales and one I was glad I made given the recent notice that the show will close at the end of month.
It's summertime which means lots of shows will close...making way for whatever's next....one show that still needs a home on Broadway is IN THE HEIGHTS. So...fingers crossed...
More later...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
On Broadway...
There are a lot of people who check out my little blog...my litter corner of the cyber-world...to read up on my theater life here in NYC.
This year's theater season was really exciting for me. I've written about seeing GREY GARDENS and but have only skimmed over some others.
Always scooping out a deal...I've been able to see see some remarkable theater this season. One of the shows that stands out to me is 110 IN THE SHADE starring Audra McDonald. I've been a fan of hers for years and have most of her albums but this show marked this first time I got to see her on stage.
The show (written by the same guy who brought us the longest running musical in history, The Fantasticks) is a very old fashion musical. You know, in your heart and gut, how it will end but that doesn't diminish the journey of getting there.
During intermission I found that I had tears on my cheeks. Not from the story or the music - though they were strong enough to warrant the emotion - but rather from Ms. McDonald's performance. I was speechless. I have never seen a performance like it. Imagine when you were a kid and you first saw a magic trick and you believed in it...you believed in the magic.
That's what it was like watching Audra McDonald embody the character of Lizzie on stage. It seemed beyond real. Otherworldly. Her voice and presence is both powerful and effortless. You realize, while watching her, that you are truly in the presence of greatness and amazing talent.
Colorblind casting only enriches the experience of this story. The honesty and rawness of the roles roped me from the beginning. It is a simple, classic love story that invites - begs - you to let yourself go and enjoy the realness.
This year's theater season was really exciting for me. I've written about seeing GREY GARDENS and but have only skimmed over some others.
Always scooping out a deal...I've been able to see see some remarkable theater this season. One of the shows that stands out to me is 110 IN THE SHADE starring Audra McDonald. I've been a fan of hers for years and have most of her albums but this show marked this first time I got to see her on stage.
The show (written by the same guy who brought us the longest running musical in history, The Fantasticks) is a very old fashion musical. You know, in your heart and gut, how it will end but that doesn't diminish the journey of getting there.
During intermission I found that I had tears on my cheeks. Not from the story or the music - though they were strong enough to warrant the emotion - but rather from Ms. McDonald's performance. I was speechless. I have never seen a performance like it. Imagine when you were a kid and you first saw a magic trick and you believed in it...you believed in the magic.
That's what it was like watching Audra McDonald embody the character of Lizzie on stage. It seemed beyond real. Otherworldly. Her voice and presence is both powerful and effortless. You realize, while watching her, that you are truly in the presence of greatness and amazing talent.
Colorblind casting only enriches the experience of this story. The honesty and rawness of the roles roped me from the beginning. It is a simple, classic love story that invites - begs - you to let yourself go and enjoy the realness.
INHERIT THE WIND...
It closes this weekend and I am so glad I got to see it today.
Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy on stage together. I'd heard of the play (based of the famous Money Trial of a teacher accused of teaching evolution in the 1930's) but I had never seen it staged or even read it.
The play is incredibly powerful and charged with emotion. Getting to see two power-house actors in this play was truly an incredible theatrical experience. Both men carried themselves with such respect.
Recently I got to see the play, THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING with Vanessa Redgrave portraying Joan Diddion (who's memoir the play is based on). Watching Ms. Redgrave I was struck by her grace. The way she carries herself is almost stately. You respect her without even knowing her.
That's how I felt about watching both Mr. Plummer and Mr. Dennehy on stage. A class act.
Both plays were very powerful and, honestly, out of the norm for what I usually see. I'm so glad I took the detour.
It closes this weekend and I am so glad I got to see it today.
Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy on stage together. I'd heard of the play (based of the famous Money Trial of a teacher accused of teaching evolution in the 1930's) but I had never seen it staged or even read it.
The play is incredibly powerful and charged with emotion. Getting to see two power-house actors in this play was truly an incredible theatrical experience. Both men carried themselves with such respect.
Recently I got to see the play, THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING with Vanessa Redgrave portraying Joan Diddion (who's memoir the play is based on). Watching Ms. Redgrave I was struck by her grace. The way she carries herself is almost stately. You respect her without even knowing her.
That's how I felt about watching both Mr. Plummer and Mr. Dennehy on stage. A class act.
Both plays were very powerful and, honestly, out of the norm for what I usually see. I'm so glad I took the detour.
Monday, June 18, 2007
How Could I forget??
It's taken me 3 years...but I've painted my apartment!
It's looking all grown-up now. I have to see if i have some before and after photos. That would be fun.
It's looking all grown-up now. I have to see if i have some before and after photos. That would be fun.
Updating...Here it is...Toronto...Heights...Broadway Bares...and MORE
I have no idea where to begin...
Literally.
I look back on my life since my last entry and I don't know how to bring everyone up to speed.
So...you know what I'm going to do?
(What Jason?)
Streamline. I'm going to hit the high points and hit them hard.
So...Elizabeth is out. Thomas is in.
My roommate of 2 years (and friend from Atlanta), Elizabeth, moved out last month. She got a great apartment in the Hamiltion Heights area (still in Manhattan, just more to the West side and a little further up the island). Her boyfriend, Nathan, arrived this month and the two are shacking up together.
My new roommate, Thomas, is a great 20 year old kid who works part-time at The Container Store. He's a full-time student and besides working with me, he also holds down another part-time job. At 32 I never would've thought of myself as "getting old" but, wow, being around him reminds me of what it was like to be in my early 20's - when burning the candle at both ends seems to be the only way to make it shine.
I recently got to get back to my Peachtree roots. I got an invitation to go to Toronto to take part in the International Reading Association's annual conference. It was great to be back with my book family and seeing a lot of familiar faces coming down the aisles of the trade show floor. It took me back.
The only crazy aspect of the whole event was having to have a passport to travel to Canada. That's a new twist to traveling. I had to have mine "hand delivered" to the tune of $200 on top of the $130 it cost to expedite the process. I have A LOT of opinions about the whole reasoning behind the regulations. I'm not going to take up space here...I will suffice it to say that I think it's all bullshit. I continue to grow more and more and more disheartened with the Government of the United States. The half-hearted explanation to my question as to why I would need a passport to go into Canada by plane and not by car or train, was simply, "Oh, 9/11." If that were really true...
No, I said I wouldn't rant right now. I won't.
Back in NYC...the weekend after getting back from Toronto I took part in my 10th year walking in the AIDS Walk (8 years in Atlanta and 2 years in NYC). I walked the 10k with my pals from The Container Store ("Organized in the fight Against AIDS"). It was a beautiful day - from start to finish.
During all of this...Antuan was rocking it in the off-Broadway musical, In The Heights. Since joining the cast I think I've seen the show 6 times. Even if he wasn't in the show I would be supporting the show. It is an incredible celebration of the lives and dreams of a corner in Washington Heights.
If you haven't already, visit: www.intheheightsthemusical.com
The show has been nominated and has won almost all of the major off-Broadway awards. I was thrilled to be backstage with Antuan and the cast at the Manhattan Theater Club's gala when word reached everyone that the show had won an award for Best Musical. The energy was in the air as the cast exploded in celebration. The kids have worked so hard and it is wonderful to see such a positive show rewarded.
Afterwards in the penthouse of the Hilton hotel off Times Square, we got to meet movers and shakers from all across the theater community. I had to pinch myself as I looked at the windows...standing beside Alison Janney (from TV's The West Wing) and the cast of Spring Awakening (who just won the TONY this year for Best Musical). Lots of my favorite theater actors were milling around talking shop...it was great.
The next night, my friend Joshua, invited me to the Opening Night performance of the play, Radio Golf. It was my first Opening Night and we had a great time - both at the play and at the party at Bond 45 (where we hung out with Phyliscia Rashad and one of my theater idols, Tonya Pinkins).
At the end of last month and the beginning of June, I joined Peachtree Publishers again...this time here in NYC for Book Expo America. This trade show is the BIGGEST within the publishing community. No books are sold...publishers spend thousands, giving away books and talking with booksellers/bookstores in hopes that the word of mouth will trickle back to the masses and the books they've worked so hard on will fly off the shelves.
Last week I hoes my first NYC TONY party. Several of my theater-savy co-workers (and my friend Scott from Atlanta), piled into my little apartment to watch and cheer on our favorite shows and performers. It was excited to watch the awards this year...having seen almost all of the shows in their home theaters.
And...last night...Broadway Bares 17. Last year I got to attend my first Broadway Bares (a charity fundraiser featuring over 200 of the theater community's best in a night of glitzy burlesque) and last night I was back, this time with Antuan. It was a lot of fun getting to share the evening with someone...especially someone who is a dancer. He doesn't just watched people dance...or observe the beautiful choreography, he absorbs it. His face lit up with magic that was displayed on the stage.
Last year the theme was New York Strip...with an emphasis on strip. This year the theme was Myth Behavior. A sexy evening mixing Broadway with Greek mythology. It was a fun, fun evening and hopefully next year will have Antuan up there taking part in the festivities.
Ok...I think I'm done with my update. I don't want to sign off without celebrating that May 1st marked my 3 year anniversary as a New Yorker. People always ask if I love living here...my reply is always the same, "You'd have to love it." No lives here "just 'cause." Living here isn't just "ok".
Photos to follow...celebrating all of the above.
Literally.
I look back on my life since my last entry and I don't know how to bring everyone up to speed.
So...you know what I'm going to do?
(What Jason?)
Streamline. I'm going to hit the high points and hit them hard.
So...Elizabeth is out. Thomas is in.
My roommate of 2 years (and friend from Atlanta), Elizabeth, moved out last month. She got a great apartment in the Hamiltion Heights area (still in Manhattan, just more to the West side and a little further up the island). Her boyfriend, Nathan, arrived this month and the two are shacking up together.
My new roommate, Thomas, is a great 20 year old kid who works part-time at The Container Store. He's a full-time student and besides working with me, he also holds down another part-time job. At 32 I never would've thought of myself as "getting old" but, wow, being around him reminds me of what it was like to be in my early 20's - when burning the candle at both ends seems to be the only way to make it shine.
I recently got to get back to my Peachtree roots. I got an invitation to go to Toronto to take part in the International Reading Association's annual conference. It was great to be back with my book family and seeing a lot of familiar faces coming down the aisles of the trade show floor. It took me back.
The only crazy aspect of the whole event was having to have a passport to travel to Canada. That's a new twist to traveling. I had to have mine "hand delivered" to the tune of $200 on top of the $130 it cost to expedite the process. I have A LOT of opinions about the whole reasoning behind the regulations. I'm not going to take up space here...I will suffice it to say that I think it's all bullshit. I continue to grow more and more and more disheartened with the Government of the United States. The half-hearted explanation to my question as to why I would need a passport to go into Canada by plane and not by car or train, was simply, "Oh, 9/11." If that were really true...
No, I said I wouldn't rant right now. I won't.
Back in NYC...the weekend after getting back from Toronto I took part in my 10th year walking in the AIDS Walk (8 years in Atlanta and 2 years in NYC). I walked the 10k with my pals from The Container Store ("Organized in the fight Against AIDS"). It was a beautiful day - from start to finish.
During all of this...Antuan was rocking it in the off-Broadway musical, In The Heights. Since joining the cast I think I've seen the show 6 times. Even if he wasn't in the show I would be supporting the show. It is an incredible celebration of the lives and dreams of a corner in Washington Heights.
If you haven't already, visit: www.intheheightsthemusical.com
The show has been nominated and has won almost all of the major off-Broadway awards. I was thrilled to be backstage with Antuan and the cast at the Manhattan Theater Club's gala when word reached everyone that the show had won an award for Best Musical. The energy was in the air as the cast exploded in celebration. The kids have worked so hard and it is wonderful to see such a positive show rewarded.
Afterwards in the penthouse of the Hilton hotel off Times Square, we got to meet movers and shakers from all across the theater community. I had to pinch myself as I looked at the windows...standing beside Alison Janney (from TV's The West Wing) and the cast of Spring Awakening (who just won the TONY this year for Best Musical). Lots of my favorite theater actors were milling around talking shop...it was great.
The next night, my friend Joshua, invited me to the Opening Night performance of the play, Radio Golf. It was my first Opening Night and we had a great time - both at the play and at the party at Bond 45 (where we hung out with Phyliscia Rashad and one of my theater idols, Tonya Pinkins).
At the end of last month and the beginning of June, I joined Peachtree Publishers again...this time here in NYC for Book Expo America. This trade show is the BIGGEST within the publishing community. No books are sold...publishers spend thousands, giving away books and talking with booksellers/bookstores in hopes that the word of mouth will trickle back to the masses and the books they've worked so hard on will fly off the shelves.
Last week I hoes my first NYC TONY party. Several of my theater-savy co-workers (and my friend Scott from Atlanta), piled into my little apartment to watch and cheer on our favorite shows and performers. It was excited to watch the awards this year...having seen almost all of the shows in their home theaters.
And...last night...Broadway Bares 17. Last year I got to attend my first Broadway Bares (a charity fundraiser featuring over 200 of the theater community's best in a night of glitzy burlesque) and last night I was back, this time with Antuan. It was a lot of fun getting to share the evening with someone...especially someone who is a dancer. He doesn't just watched people dance...or observe the beautiful choreography, he absorbs it. His face lit up with magic that was displayed on the stage.
Last year the theme was New York Strip...with an emphasis on strip. This year the theme was Myth Behavior. A sexy evening mixing Broadway with Greek mythology. It was a fun, fun evening and hopefully next year will have Antuan up there taking part in the festivities.
Ok...I think I'm done with my update. I don't want to sign off without celebrating that May 1st marked my 3 year anniversary as a New Yorker. People always ask if I love living here...my reply is always the same, "You'd have to love it." No lives here "just 'cause." Living here isn't just "ok".
Photos to follow...celebrating all of the above.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A couple weeks ago…it happened.
Antuan.
Me.
Debbie Gibson.
From the beginning I think I made it clear that loving me, meant loving her and earlier this month we were able to put that love to the test.
There’s a 80’s themed dance club here in NYC called, Culture Club. A couple months ago I read that Deborah (reverting back to Debbie for the sake of the club’s theme) would be performing.
Of course I would be there.
I was both excited and nervous about the night. I was going to let a boyfriend see my cheesy-ness out in full force. Could he handle it?
The night of the show I dug through my large plastic bin of Debbie Gibson memorabilia and brought out into the daylight a vintage, 1989 concert t-shirt. It had never been worn and was in mint condition. I knew that it would be THE perfect shirt for the evening.
I also knew that it would never fit me.
The shirt, emblazoned with a 19 year old Gibson’s face on the front and the 1989 neon light ELECTRIC YOUTH loge from her second album on the back, was a size medium. It wouldn’t fit me but it would fit Antuan.
I packed in my bag and headed to Antuan’s apartment. When I ceremoniously unveiled the shirt all he could do was laugh. The shirt epitomizes the music of the late-80’s. Cheesy. Bright. Fun.
What’s not to love?
We headed to the show but not without have his roommate Hilary snap a few pictures to remember the evening.
Once at the club…I can hardly put into words the reception the shirt received. Throughout the night people were coming up and talking to us and even buying us drinks just to have their pictures taken with THE shirt.
In the wee hours of the morning Antuan confessed that he did feel like fraud; wearing the shirt of an 80’s icon he knows only vicariously through me. But for the night he was the host of the evening’s most talked about t-shirt.
The show. Fantastic. Deborah sang all the songs that the crowd knew and loved. She even through in a couple of showtunes (we are in NYC after all) and a new song, Famous (inspired by living in L.A. and being surrounded by hotel heiresses and other who are famous for only being famous.).
Antuan has a couple of CDs that I’ve made of Deb’s music but he’s really only listened to them because of me. Seeing her live was a completely different experience. He loved her energy (she’s a big time sweater on stage, as she dances and grooves with each tune) and sound.
I loved that she took a break from time to time to sit down at the keyboard on stage and play and sing songs like Foolish Beat and Lost In Your Eyes. Even in a dance club with an array of lights she proves again and again that she’s not an Act. She’s a musician. She’s a solid songwriter.
In the days of Britney Spears…there was once and still is: the real thing, Debbie Gibson.
Antuan.
Me.
Debbie Gibson.
From the beginning I think I made it clear that loving me, meant loving her and earlier this month we were able to put that love to the test.
There’s a 80’s themed dance club here in NYC called, Culture Club. A couple months ago I read that Deborah (reverting back to Debbie for the sake of the club’s theme) would be performing.
Of course I would be there.
I was both excited and nervous about the night. I was going to let a boyfriend see my cheesy-ness out in full force. Could he handle it?
The night of the show I dug through my large plastic bin of Debbie Gibson memorabilia and brought out into the daylight a vintage, 1989 concert t-shirt. It had never been worn and was in mint condition. I knew that it would be THE perfect shirt for the evening.
I also knew that it would never fit me.
The shirt, emblazoned with a 19 year old Gibson’s face on the front and the 1989 neon light ELECTRIC YOUTH loge from her second album on the back, was a size medium. It wouldn’t fit me but it would fit Antuan.
I packed in my bag and headed to Antuan’s apartment. When I ceremoniously unveiled the shirt all he could do was laugh. The shirt epitomizes the music of the late-80’s. Cheesy. Bright. Fun.
What’s not to love?
We headed to the show but not without have his roommate Hilary snap a few pictures to remember the evening.
Once at the club…I can hardly put into words the reception the shirt received. Throughout the night people were coming up and talking to us and even buying us drinks just to have their pictures taken with THE shirt.
In the wee hours of the morning Antuan confessed that he did feel like fraud; wearing the shirt of an 80’s icon he knows only vicariously through me. But for the night he was the host of the evening’s most talked about t-shirt.
The show. Fantastic. Deborah sang all the songs that the crowd knew and loved. She even through in a couple of showtunes (we are in NYC after all) and a new song, Famous (inspired by living in L.A. and being surrounded by hotel heiresses and other who are famous for only being famous.).
Antuan has a couple of CDs that I’ve made of Deb’s music but he’s really only listened to them because of me. Seeing her live was a completely different experience. He loved her energy (she’s a big time sweater on stage, as she dances and grooves with each tune) and sound.
I loved that she took a break from time to time to sit down at the keyboard on stage and play and sing songs like Foolish Beat and Lost In Your Eyes. Even in a dance club with an array of lights she proves again and again that she’s not an Act. She’s a musician. She’s a solid songwriter.
In the days of Britney Spears…there was once and still is: the real thing, Debbie Gibson.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
JURY DUTY...and...2 Things I HAD to Share with YOU
So…today, I’m at Jury Duty. I’m performing my civic duty. I’m 32 and this is the first time I’ve been called in.
When I first moved to Atlanta I remember my Grandmother saying that I would be called all the time for Jury Duty. I never was. Even with all of my moves around the city of Atlanta, I was never called.
I’ve been here in NYC for almost 3 years and here I am.
It’s early. I got here early with my computer and a bag of books in hand. I figured I would be doing some reading and hopefully catch up on my on-line Journal. I was happy to find wireless internet here. It’s only be an hour and I must say the internet connection and the Diane Sawyer narrated video about the process of being on a Jury doesn’t take away the monotony.
So, I will put this time to use…
In my last entry I mention that I had two things that I wanted to share. One is a book and the other is an new album. Both have impacted my life in
The first, is a collection of meditations from Alice Walker called, We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For. A couple weeks ago I noticed the book on display and was thrilled to see that Alice Walker had something new for me to absorb. I had no idea of profoundly the book would impact my life.
I returned the book the other day and I plan on buying my own copy so I can start re-reading it and making notes. There are so many things that I would like to share – and who knows, may this stint sitting in Jury Duty will provide me the time – but the one thing that really sticks out to me is the way Ms. Walker speaks about the pause.
The pause. The ideas and moments that change your life and the world - with a decision or choice - can be found in the pause.
She writes so brilliantly about finding and embracing the pause in the world of chaos and the rush to fill our lives with more stuff.
Reading back over what I’ve just written I’m struck by how plain it sounds coming from me. I wish I could write and share with the same power as she does. Her words carry such weight. Just reading her words make me want to be a better human being. More compassionate. A stronger seeker of justice and an embracer of beauty.
So, I will have suffice with my short-comings and just encourage you to check the book out from your local library or pick up a copy at a bookstore. Your life will be enriched. I promise.
The other blessing in my life is the newest CD by Mary Chapin Carpenter called, The Calling. I’m a big fan. She’s one of the few artists whose album I will buy the day it comes out without knowing anything about. I won’t read a review or listen to snippets. Because the work is Mary’s I know I want it.
This album (I still call them that) lived up to and surpassed any expectations. This album was a healing discovery for me. Each song is layered with worth and intricate lyrics of hope, love, heartache, despair, empowerment and promise. It’s songwriting at its best.
I believe that there are some amazing life answers to be found in this recording. I talked to my friend Scott after listening to it from start to finish a couple of times. He is the one who first introduced me to Mary Chapin Carpenter while we were dating. He now lives in Toronto with his partner and I wasn’t sure if he even knew that Ms. Carpenter had a new CD out.
As I was walking to the subway I called Scott and told him about the new album. He and I both agreed that she is the kind of artist that seems to only get better with time. You don’t look back at her earlier albums and see them as her best. Her best is whatever she does next.
He asked me what I thought of the album and I said, “I believe if preachers used this album as a basis for their sermons, they would save the world…and save themselves.”
Scott replied that that was quite a review. I hadn’t planned my response but it did seem to fit the bill.
The album has gentle love songs (Closer and Closer Apart) but beyond that the album is really Mary’s commentary on life and where she is in the journey. There is a beautiful undercurrent of peace on songs like Why Shouldn’t We and the album’s title track.
She also honors “three little stars in the great big sky” (the Dixie Chicks) on the track, On With the Song. She bravely questions President and the country and the way we treat those who are different or take a different stand.
One of the songs that struck me to the core is Why Shouldn’t We. My beliefs and ideas were called gently into spiritual question. Such a powerful, awe-inspiring, spiritual honesty shines through in this song. Brilliant.
I tend to steer away from religious denominations. All too often different denominations are created…divided…subdivided based on differences. What we believe. How we believe. Why we believe. Our personal spiritual well-being is often dissected for the benefit of global church inspection.
My background, as everyone who knows me knows, is rooted deeply in church and a spiritual life. As I’ve gotten older my spiritual boundaries have broadened to be more inclusive of others with varying spiritual journeys.
I wanted to share a line or two from this song, but every time I listened to it and tried to find the perfect line or phrase – another cried out. So…I decided to share it all. This song…better yet, the spirit of this song, could change the world.
Why Shouldn’t We
Mary Chapin Carpenter
We believe things that we cannot see
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Hands that heal can set a chained man free
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
We believe in peace within every heart
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Burning brightly, brightly in the dark
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Chorus
So come on darling
Feel you spirits rise
Come on children
Open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha is at the gate
Allah hears your prayers, it’s not too late
We believe in things that will give us hope
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Let your voice be heard, celebrate your home
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Chorus
So come on darling
Feel you spirits rise
Come on children
Open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha is at the gate
Allah hears your prayers, it’s not too late
We believe in things that make us all the same
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Love belongs to all in deed and name
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
We believe that can’t be done
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Lift up your heart, put down your gun
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
We believe in things we’re told that we can’t change
Why shouldn’t we?
We had heroes once and we will again
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Chorus
So come on darling
Feel you spirits rise
Come on children
Open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha is at the gate
Allah hears your prayers, it’s not too late
Take all of it in…or take the pieces your journey needs. Let it change your world. That’s my deepest desire.
When I first moved to Atlanta I remember my Grandmother saying that I would be called all the time for Jury Duty. I never was. Even with all of my moves around the city of Atlanta, I was never called.
I’ve been here in NYC for almost 3 years and here I am.
It’s early. I got here early with my computer and a bag of books in hand. I figured I would be doing some reading and hopefully catch up on my on-line Journal. I was happy to find wireless internet here. It’s only be an hour and I must say the internet connection and the Diane Sawyer narrated video about the process of being on a Jury doesn’t take away the monotony.
So, I will put this time to use…
In my last entry I mention that I had two things that I wanted to share. One is a book and the other is an new album. Both have impacted my life in
The first, is a collection of meditations from Alice Walker called, We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For. A couple weeks ago I noticed the book on display and was thrilled to see that Alice Walker had something new for me to absorb. I had no idea of profoundly the book would impact my life.
I returned the book the other day and I plan on buying my own copy so I can start re-reading it and making notes. There are so many things that I would like to share – and who knows, may this stint sitting in Jury Duty will provide me the time – but the one thing that really sticks out to me is the way Ms. Walker speaks about the pause.
The pause. The ideas and moments that change your life and the world - with a decision or choice - can be found in the pause.
She writes so brilliantly about finding and embracing the pause in the world of chaos and the rush to fill our lives with more stuff.
Reading back over what I’ve just written I’m struck by how plain it sounds coming from me. I wish I could write and share with the same power as she does. Her words carry such weight. Just reading her words make me want to be a better human being. More compassionate. A stronger seeker of justice and an embracer of beauty.
So, I will have suffice with my short-comings and just encourage you to check the book out from your local library or pick up a copy at a bookstore. Your life will be enriched. I promise.
The other blessing in my life is the newest CD by Mary Chapin Carpenter called, The Calling. I’m a big fan. She’s one of the few artists whose album I will buy the day it comes out without knowing anything about. I won’t read a review or listen to snippets. Because the work is Mary’s I know I want it.
This album (I still call them that) lived up to and surpassed any expectations. This album was a healing discovery for me. Each song is layered with worth and intricate lyrics of hope, love, heartache, despair, empowerment and promise. It’s songwriting at its best.
I believe that there are some amazing life answers to be found in this recording. I talked to my friend Scott after listening to it from start to finish a couple of times. He is the one who first introduced me to Mary Chapin Carpenter while we were dating. He now lives in Toronto with his partner and I wasn’t sure if he even knew that Ms. Carpenter had a new CD out.
As I was walking to the subway I called Scott and told him about the new album. He and I both agreed that she is the kind of artist that seems to only get better with time. You don’t look back at her earlier albums and see them as her best. Her best is whatever she does next.
He asked me what I thought of the album and I said, “I believe if preachers used this album as a basis for their sermons, they would save the world…and save themselves.”
Scott replied that that was quite a review. I hadn’t planned my response but it did seem to fit the bill.
The album has gentle love songs (Closer and Closer Apart) but beyond that the album is really Mary’s commentary on life and where she is in the journey. There is a beautiful undercurrent of peace on songs like Why Shouldn’t We and the album’s title track.
She also honors “three little stars in the great big sky” (the Dixie Chicks) on the track, On With the Song. She bravely questions President and the country and the way we treat those who are different or take a different stand.
I tend to steer away from religious denominations. All too often different denominations are created…divided…subdivided based on differences. What we believe. How we believe. Why we believe. Our personal spiritual well-being is often dissected for the benefit of global church inspection.
My background, as everyone who knows me knows, is rooted deeply in church and a spiritual life. As I’ve gotten older my spiritual boundaries have broadened to be more inclusive of others with varying spiritual journeys.
I wanted to share a line or two from this song, but every time I listened to it and tried to find the perfect line or phrase – another cried out. So…I decided to share it all. This song…better yet, the spirit of this song, could change the world.
Why Shouldn’t We
Mary Chapin Carpenter
We believe things that we cannot see
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Hands that heal can set a chained man free
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
We believe in peace within every heart
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Burning brightly, brightly in the dark
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Chorus
So come on darling
Feel you spirits rise
Come on children
Open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha is at the gate
Allah hears your prayers, it’s not too late
We believe in things that will give us hope
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Let your voice be heard, celebrate your home
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Chorus
So come on darling
Feel you spirits rise
Come on children
Open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha is at the gate
Allah hears your prayers, it’s not too late
We believe in things that make us all the same
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Love belongs to all in deed and name
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
We believe that can’t be done
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Lift up your heart, put down your gun
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
We believe in things we’re told that we can’t change
Why shouldn’t we?
We had heroes once and we will again
Why shouldn’t we, why shouldn’t we?
Chorus
So come on darling
Feel you spirits rise
Come on children
Open up your eyes
God is all around, Buddha is at the gate
Allah hears your prayers, it’s not too late
Take all of it in…or take the pieces your journey needs. Let it change your world. That’s my deepest desire.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Once you go MAC...Elizabeth News...AIDS Walk NYC and Jon McLaughlin
Well…there's more to catch you up on.
I'm now…officially, a MAC person. Through a friend of a friend I got my own iBook MAC computer. I've had it a couple weeks and I'm really liking it. Just like everyone says, it is so easy to use and there's something that feels electronically and mechanically natural about it.
I have a small G4 so it goes with me…just about everywhere. Hopefully the user-friendly weight will encourage me to write more in the moment things are happening.
Now…some BIG NEWS for Elizabeth…on a lot of different fronts. A month or two ago she starting playing at a couple of different open-mic nights in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Her songs are being well received. Very well received. After less than a handful of shows, the club in Brooklyn offered Elizabeth her own 45 minute showcase and she accepted. At the end of the month she'll play her own show and I can't wait to be there to cheer her on (and to see if she plays some of the tunes I helped her write here in the living room of our Spanish Harlem apartment).
Find out more by visiting her site: www.lizsvoice.com
And speaking of the apartment, in other Elizabeth news…she's moving out on me and in with her boyfriend Nathan (who's making a move from Atlanta to NYC). She's been a great roommate and it will be an adjustment not having her here.
Back to me news…I've written already that I'm going to be an Uncle. Uncle Jason. That has a nice ring to it, right? I found out this past Monday that the baby I will be an Uncle to a little boy. I'll have a Nephew. I know there are some sonogram photos floating around, so I hope to have some sent my way and I can share them with you!
Coming up on May 20, 2007 I will be walking in New York City's AIDS Walk. This will be my 10th year walking. I walked for 8 of the 9+ years I lived in Atlanta and this will be my 2nd NYC walk. I'm excited about celebrating this milestone at this year's walk.
And…since I'm walking again, it means I'll be looking for sponsors again. It is so EASY to sponsor someone for the AIDS Walk and it's even easier to sponsor ME. Below you'll see a link to my AIDS Walk page (once again this year I'm walking with a team comprised of The Container Store employees) where you can donate. You can donate securely online using a credit or debit card.
Any amount that you'd be able to contribute would make a difference. AIDS Walks all across the country provide life-saving and life-changing programs and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. There is no amount too great or too small. $5 or $50…or even $500 dollars (I wouldn't complain) can help make a difference in people's lives.
Click here or cut & paste into your browers:
http://aidswalknewyork2007.kintera.org/jasondanielhood
I love sharing…so, with that being said: Jon McLaughlin…is someone you need to know. He's an amazing songwriter/pianist. I discovered him thanks to the world of MySpace.com and I'm completely taken by him and his talent. If you've visited my MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/jasondanielhood) then you've heard the song, Industry. I now have his video for the same song on my page. He's got an energy and passion that spills out onto the keys as he plays. He's someone you need to know…check him out.
You can visit his MySpace page by clicking below: http://www.myspace.com/jonmclaughlin
I have 2 other…LIFE CHANGING things to share with you…NEXT time. I won't wait so long between posts because I truly want you to know about some of the inspiring things that are at work in my life.
I'm now…officially, a MAC person. Through a friend of a friend I got my own iBook MAC computer. I've had it a couple weeks and I'm really liking it. Just like everyone says, it is so easy to use and there's something that feels electronically and mechanically natural about it.
I have a small G4 so it goes with me…just about everywhere. Hopefully the user-friendly weight will encourage me to write more in the moment things are happening.
Now…some BIG NEWS for Elizabeth…on a lot of different fronts. A month or two ago she starting playing at a couple of different open-mic nights in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Her songs are being well received. Very well received. After less than a handful of shows, the club in Brooklyn offered Elizabeth her own 45 minute showcase and she accepted. At the end of the month she'll play her own show and I can't wait to be there to cheer her on (and to see if she plays some of the tunes I helped her write here in the living room of our Spanish Harlem apartment).
Find out more by visiting her site: www.lizsvoice.com
And speaking of the apartment, in other Elizabeth news…she's moving out on me and in with her boyfriend Nathan (who's making a move from Atlanta to NYC). She's been a great roommate and it will be an adjustment not having her here.
Back to me news…I've written already that I'm going to be an Uncle. Uncle Jason. That has a nice ring to it, right? I found out this past Monday that the baby I will be an Uncle to a little boy. I'll have a Nephew. I know there are some sonogram photos floating around, so I hope to have some sent my way and I can share them with you!
Coming up on May 20, 2007 I will be walking in New York City's AIDS Walk. This will be my 10th year walking. I walked for 8 of the 9+ years I lived in Atlanta and this will be my 2nd NYC walk. I'm excited about celebrating this milestone at this year's walk.
And…since I'm walking again, it means I'll be looking for sponsors again. It is so EASY to sponsor someone for the AIDS Walk and it's even easier to sponsor ME. Below you'll see a link to my AIDS Walk page (once again this year I'm walking with a team comprised of The Container Store employees) where you can donate. You can donate securely online using a credit or debit card.
Any amount that you'd be able to contribute would make a difference. AIDS Walks all across the country provide life-saving and life-changing programs and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. There is no amount too great or too small. $5 or $50…or even $500 dollars (I wouldn't complain) can help make a difference in people's lives.
Click here or cut & paste into your browers:
http://aidswalknewyork2007.kintera.org/jasondanielhood
I love sharing…so, with that being said: Jon McLaughlin…is someone you need to know. He's an amazing songwriter/pianist. I discovered him thanks to the world of MySpace.com and I'm completely taken by him and his talent. If you've visited my MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/jasondanielhood) then you've heard the song, Industry. I now have his video for the same song on my page. He's got an energy and passion that spills out onto the keys as he plays. He's someone you need to know…check him out.
You can visit his MySpace page by clicking below: http://www.myspace.com/jonmclaughlin
I have 2 other…LIFE CHANGING things to share with you…NEXT time. I won't wait so long between posts because I truly want you to know about some of the inspiring things that are at work in my life.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Shut Up & Sing
I just watched the documentary, SHUT UP & SING.
Amazing. I was literally clapping and shouting in the middle of my living room.
This film is SO important for anyone who feels passionately about freedom.
For years I've admired the music and artistry of the Dixie Chicks. Their CDs are in my music collection but I've never been to one of their concerts or paid special attention to them when they were on television.
In 2003, on the eve of America going to war in Iraq, the lead singer of the group used her freedom of speech and it couldn't have backfired in a bigger, broader way. The album sales dropped and radio stations were boycotted if they played music by the Dixie Chicks.
This documentary follows the public fall of one of the country's best-selling recording artists.
But there is so much more to it. It isn't a Behind-the-Music puff piece. Their success and trials hasn't been shrouded in glamour of Hollywood.
Watching the film tonight I saw a fierce fire in the eyes of the group as the grappled with the responsibilities of their words and actions. From one statement came death threats, stress, an accusations. They were accused of being un-American and of not supporting our troupes.
They were mocked and ridiculed for simply voicing the opposition to the war and the leadership of the President.
This film is a brilliant look at the extremes of freedom and how quickly we deny common courtesy and respect to anyone who might believe differently than we do.
Rent it. Go to NetFlix and put it in your que. BUY it.
This is a film you should see...as a music lover but especially a member of humanity.
Amazing. I was literally clapping and shouting in the middle of my living room.
This film is SO important for anyone who feels passionately about freedom.
For years I've admired the music and artistry of the Dixie Chicks. Their CDs are in my music collection but I've never been to one of their concerts or paid special attention to them when they were on television.
In 2003, on the eve of America going to war in Iraq, the lead singer of the group used her freedom of speech and it couldn't have backfired in a bigger, broader way. The album sales dropped and radio stations were boycotted if they played music by the Dixie Chicks.
This documentary follows the public fall of one of the country's best-selling recording artists.
But there is so much more to it. It isn't a Behind-the-Music puff piece. Their success and trials hasn't been shrouded in glamour of Hollywood.
Watching the film tonight I saw a fierce fire in the eyes of the group as the grappled with the responsibilities of their words and actions. From one statement came death threats, stress, an accusations. They were accused of being un-American and of not supporting our troupes.
They were mocked and ridiculed for simply voicing the opposition to the war and the leadership of the President.
This film is a brilliant look at the extremes of freedom and how quickly we deny common courtesy and respect to anyone who might believe differently than we do.
Rent it. Go to NetFlix and put it in your que. BUY it.
This is a film you should see...as a music lover but especially a member of humanity.
Friday, February 09, 2007
A Re-Cap...Christmas, New Year's Eve, Antuan's Return, My Birthday...and MORE
So...here's my holiday re-cap. I hate doing re-caps because I'm almost always certain that I'm forgetting details that I wanted to include.
So backing up...Christmas.
A few days before Christmas I was back on a plane and heading back to Nashville. The flight was early with filled with mishaps. Once again catching a bus in my neighborhood before dawn. I arrived at the stop in plenty of time to make the bus. The bus passed by me at 4:30 in the morning and didn't even bother to stop. The M60 bus was packed with people.
Waiting in the cold for the next bus would only get me to the airport with no time to check-in. So, I withdrew some money from an ATM at the gas station and caught a cab. I arrived at the airport and even before the sun was up, the place was packed and chaotic.
I checked-in at the kiosk and dropped off my bags. As I turned the corner to security I found the longest line I've ever seen while traveling. The line snaked and wrapped around the inner halls of the airport.
Even though it was early, I took out my phone and started to call Antuan to let him know that I doubted I'd make it through security in time to make the plane.
But...I did.
I made it through security and was on the plane with only a couple minutes to spare.
I arrived in Nashville and was greeted at the airport by Antun and a spread of flowers that looked like winter. We got my bags and made our way to the rental car place.
I've written about our previous visit to the rental car booth at the Nashville airports. The two women, one older and one younger, who snickered and laughed at us before we stepped up to the counter. As we walked up to the counter, I noticed that the woman at the counter was the young woman who had been there before.
As she was processing our rental she asked if you could list me as Significant Other. I answered, "Yes." As she typed, she explained that as Antuan's Significant Other we wouldn't have to pay for me to be an Additional Driver on the car (like we did on my last visit). I thanked her. It was such a unexpected moment of equality. Our relationship was validated in that moment. We were seen as a couple.
It can seem small and insignificant...but, I promise you, it isn't. Small things like that moment shape your confidence and make you feel that you're not invisible.
My days in Nashville were wonderful. Relaxing and all too short. I did see the show again on Christmas Eve and then celebrated the holiday with the cast of the show at private restaurant. At said party there was an open bar that everyone enjoyed. I ordered my favorite drink: a Godiva White Chocolate Martini. As I we ate and drank, several people wanted to know what I was drinking and soon the drink was being passed around and people were sipping.
The next thing I knew...people were standing in line ordering their own. The drink became the hit of the night. Since I'm not a big drinker, I found it interesting my drink was setting the tone of the evening.
Christmas morning we were up early and unwrapping the presents around the tree. It was one of the best Christmas morning's I can remember. After the presents and breakfast we went to the movie theater for the Opening of Dreamgirls.
I loved the film. I loved the film because it was true to the Broadway musical. I thought the performance by Jennifer Hudson was the standout turn in the film. I've been very happy for her and all of the attention her work has garnered. Good on her.
I flew back to NYC Christmas night and I was back to work the next day. New Year's was celebrated in both time zones. I rang in the New Year with friend's Sara and Kat in their Upper East Side digs and Antuan celebrated with the cast of the show at the hotel. They did their last show and then partied the night away.
The next night Antuan, and some other members of the cast, flew back to New York. I was at the airport waiting. It was good to have him home.
The following weeks wer filled with time spent finding our routines again. When he was in Nashville and I was here in NYC, our relationship was defined by phone calls, daily re-caps, notes, letters, e-mails, and compressed 4-day visits to Tennessee. Now back in New York and being together we started to do more things to feel settled in a life here. We got a bed for his place, started visiting a church we both enjoy, seeing shows and spent time with each other's friends.
A couple of weeks ago...I celebrated my 32nd birthday. Elizabeth and Antuan and a group of co-workers met up after work and celebrated. It was a wonderful day. I celebrated with him in the morning, then I worked all day, and then celebrated with a everyone else. It was a full day.
And I think that about catches me up...
Random things...that were apart of the last couple of months...
The movie...Pan's Labyrinth. It's brilliants from beginning to end. Visually stunning.
Visit: http://www.panslabyrinth.com/
The play...The Little Dog Laughed. Hysterical. I've seen it 3 times. The week I got a group from the store together and we all saw it together. It is one of the funniest shows I've ever seen and I wanted to share that with them.
The musicals...My dear friends Arnold and Damon gave me an 'experience' for Christmas. The gift of seeing a show. So the other day I saw the new revival of Sondheim's musical, Company. I knew the music but had never seen it staged. Getting to see Doyle's direction of the show (last year he directed the TONY nominated revival of Sweeny Todd. In his productions the actors never leave the stage and they also play all the show's music. Amazing.) was just the 'experience' I would ant as a gift. It was great.
Visit: http://www.companyonbroadway.com/
The Apple Tree. This wonderful musical revival was a brand new show for me. I was familiar with the score or the story...or in the case, stories. The Apple Tree is a collection of 3 short musicals based on different authors work. The through line is carried by Kristin Chenoweth. Watching her play three completely different characters in three very different roles was very entertaining for the audience and she charmed us.
Visit: http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/studio54.htm
And...lastly...
The Documentary...Grey Gardens. It was released in 1975, the year I was born, but I had never heard of it until recently. The reason I heard about it was because of a new musical of the same name that was a hit off-Broadway and has now moved to Broadway.
Grey Garden is a documentary that explores the lives of the Beales of East Hamptons. "Little Edie" and "Big Edie" were the reclusive relatives of Jackie Kennedy. They lived in a 28 room mansion that was deemed unfit for human life. The film is just fascinating. It is great study of co-dependence and inter-dependence. The daughter, "Little Edie", speaks constantly of leaving the house and going to New York - but she never does. She says she stays because her mother needs her. Her mother, "Big Edie", talks about constantly about not needing her daughter there, then calls for her constantly. They bicker and fight, turn around and admire one another before starting to fight again. It is a tragic train wreck of humanity. Women with so much but no sense of what they have. Their clothes no longer fit - so they form make shift outfits out of random articles of clothes, the house is overun with cats, instead of cleaning they just cover dirty furniture with newspapers to sit on. There are major holes in the walls where Raccoons crawl out...so naturally, they feed them. "Little Edie" takes new loaves of bread and scatters it around the decaying floor and the raccoons quickly arrive to dine. It's bizarre. The whole thing is tragic and bizarre.
In two words: See it.
...and there you have it. Now, I'm caught up.
ENJOY and THANK YOU for all the e-mails and cards asking me when I would be updating my Journal. You got me back on track.
-J
So backing up...Christmas.
A few days before Christmas I was back on a plane and heading back to Nashville. The flight was early with filled with mishaps. Once again catching a bus in my neighborhood before dawn. I arrived at the stop in plenty of time to make the bus. The bus passed by me at 4:30 in the morning and didn't even bother to stop. The M60 bus was packed with people.
Waiting in the cold for the next bus would only get me to the airport with no time to check-in. So, I withdrew some money from an ATM at the gas station and caught a cab. I arrived at the airport and even before the sun was up, the place was packed and chaotic.
I checked-in at the kiosk and dropped off my bags. As I turned the corner to security I found the longest line I've ever seen while traveling. The line snaked and wrapped around the inner halls of the airport.
Even though it was early, I took out my phone and started to call Antuan to let him know that I doubted I'd make it through security in time to make the plane.
But...I did.
I made it through security and was on the plane with only a couple minutes to spare.
I arrived in Nashville and was greeted at the airport by Antun and a spread of flowers that looked like winter. We got my bags and made our way to the rental car place.
I've written about our previous visit to the rental car booth at the Nashville airports. The two women, one older and one younger, who snickered and laughed at us before we stepped up to the counter. As we walked up to the counter, I noticed that the woman at the counter was the young woman who had been there before.
As she was processing our rental she asked if you could list me as Significant Other. I answered, "Yes." As she typed, she explained that as Antuan's Significant Other we wouldn't have to pay for me to be an Additional Driver on the car (like we did on my last visit). I thanked her. It was such a unexpected moment of equality. Our relationship was validated in that moment. We were seen as a couple.
It can seem small and insignificant...but, I promise you, it isn't. Small things like that moment shape your confidence and make you feel that you're not invisible.
My days in Nashville were wonderful. Relaxing and all too short. I did see the show again on Christmas Eve and then celebrated the holiday with the cast of the show at private restaurant. At said party there was an open bar that everyone enjoyed. I ordered my favorite drink: a Godiva White Chocolate Martini. As I we ate and drank, several people wanted to know what I was drinking and soon the drink was being passed around and people were sipping.
The next thing I knew...people were standing in line ordering their own. The drink became the hit of the night. Since I'm not a big drinker, I found it interesting my drink was setting the tone of the evening.
Christmas morning we were up early and unwrapping the presents around the tree. It was one of the best Christmas morning's I can remember. After the presents and breakfast we went to the movie theater for the Opening of Dreamgirls.
I loved the film. I loved the film because it was true to the Broadway musical. I thought the performance by Jennifer Hudson was the standout turn in the film. I've been very happy for her and all of the attention her work has garnered. Good on her.
I flew back to NYC Christmas night and I was back to work the next day. New Year's was celebrated in both time zones. I rang in the New Year with friend's Sara and Kat in their Upper East Side digs and Antuan celebrated with the cast of the show at the hotel. They did their last show and then partied the night away.
The next night Antuan, and some other members of the cast, flew back to New York. I was at the airport waiting. It was good to have him home.
The following weeks wer filled with time spent finding our routines again. When he was in Nashville and I was here in NYC, our relationship was defined by phone calls, daily re-caps, notes, letters, e-mails, and compressed 4-day visits to Tennessee. Now back in New York and being together we started to do more things to feel settled in a life here. We got a bed for his place, started visiting a church we both enjoy, seeing shows and spent time with each other's friends.
A couple of weeks ago...I celebrated my 32nd birthday. Elizabeth and Antuan and a group of co-workers met up after work and celebrated. It was a wonderful day. I celebrated with him in the morning, then I worked all day, and then celebrated with a everyone else. It was a full day.
And I think that about catches me up...
Random things...that were apart of the last couple of months...
The movie...Pan's Labyrinth. It's brilliants from beginning to end. Visually stunning.
Visit: http://www.panslabyrinth.com/
The play...The Little Dog Laughed. Hysterical. I've seen it 3 times. The week I got a group from the store together and we all saw it together. It is one of the funniest shows I've ever seen and I wanted to share that with them.
The musicals...My dear friends Arnold and Damon gave me an 'experience' for Christmas. The gift of seeing a show. So the other day I saw the new revival of Sondheim's musical, Company. I knew the music but had never seen it staged. Getting to see Doyle's direction of the show (last year he directed the TONY nominated revival of Sweeny Todd. In his productions the actors never leave the stage and they also play all the show's music. Amazing.) was just the 'experience' I would ant as a gift. It was great.
Visit: http://www.companyonbroadway.com/
The Apple Tree. This wonderful musical revival was a brand new show for me. I was familiar with the score or the story...or in the case, stories. The Apple Tree is a collection of 3 short musicals based on different authors work. The through line is carried by Kristin Chenoweth. Watching her play three completely different characters in three very different roles was very entertaining for the audience and she charmed us.
Visit: http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/studio54.htm
And...lastly...
The Documentary...Grey Gardens. It was released in 1975, the year I was born, but I had never heard of it until recently. The reason I heard about it was because of a new musical of the same name that was a hit off-Broadway and has now moved to Broadway.
Grey Garden is a documentary that explores the lives of the Beales of East Hamptons. "Little Edie" and "Big Edie" were the reclusive relatives of Jackie Kennedy. They lived in a 28 room mansion that was deemed unfit for human life. The film is just fascinating. It is great study of co-dependence and inter-dependence. The daughter, "Little Edie", speaks constantly of leaving the house and going to New York - but she never does. She says she stays because her mother needs her. Her mother, "Big Edie", talks about constantly about not needing her daughter there, then calls for her constantly. They bicker and fight, turn around and admire one another before starting to fight again. It is a tragic train wreck of humanity. Women with so much but no sense of what they have. Their clothes no longer fit - so they form make shift outfits out of random articles of clothes, the house is overun with cats, instead of cleaning they just cover dirty furniture with newspapers to sit on. There are major holes in the walls where Raccoons crawl out...so naturally, they feed them. "Little Edie" takes new loaves of bread and scatters it around the decaying floor and the raccoons quickly arrive to dine. It's bizarre. The whole thing is tragic and bizarre.
In two words: See it.
...and there you have it. Now, I'm caught up.
ENJOY and THANK YOU for all the e-mails and cards asking me when I would be updating my Journal. You got me back on track.
-J
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