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.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
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
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
I haven't forgotten about my Journal. I promise...AND...there is ALOT to write about: Christmas in Nashville, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, The Container Store being named to FORTUNE magazine's 100 BEST Companies to Work For (for the 8th year in a row...this year we were No. 4), seeing Little Dog Laughed and The Apple Tree on Broadway, and OF COURSE...my 32nd birthday.
So...an UPDATE is coming. Stay tuned.
So...an UPDATE is coming. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Do the (RED) Thing
I've gone (RED) and I hope you will too.
(RED) Products range from GAP clothes, an exclusive Red American Express credit card, to iPods, etc. Proceeds from the purchase of these items go toward eliminating AIDS in Africa.
There are SO many wonderful gifts to choose from.
People on my list are getting (RED) gifts for Christmas - I'm not saying who and I'm not saying what, but I like knowing that a gift I give will mean something to them, to me and to a country in need of our help.
And...just so you know...
(RED) Products from the GAP are on my list...for Christmas (12/25/06) and my Birthday (1/25/06).
There is also a (RED) Gift Card from the GAP.
I hope this Holiday season you'll give a gift that KEEPS giving.
Visit: www.joinred.com or www.gap.com
(RED) Products range from GAP clothes, an exclusive Red American Express credit card, to iPods, etc. Proceeds from the purchase of these items go toward eliminating AIDS in Africa.
There are SO many wonderful gifts to choose from.
People on my list are getting (RED) gifts for Christmas - I'm not saying who and I'm not saying what, but I like knowing that a gift I give will mean something to them, to me and to a country in need of our help.
And...just so you know...
(RED) Products from the GAP are on my list...for Christmas (12/25/06) and my Birthday (1/25/06).
- the INSPI(RED) t-shirt (see picture below)
- the INSPI(RED) hoodie (see picture below)
- (RED) leather bracelet (i have the white one)
- (RED) skull cap
- (RED) cashmere cap
- the INSPI(RED) cashmere scarf (there's a picture below)
- Do the (RED) Thing label pin (there's a picture below of this one too)
There is also a (RED) Gift Card from the GAP.
I hope this Holiday season you'll give a gift that KEEPS giving.
Visit: www.joinred.com or www.gap.com
Monday, December 11, 2006
Christmas is Coming
Christmas in NYC. Here's my little 3' tree. It is loaded with some of my favorite ornaments...from a Snow Baby to Micky Mouse bulbs. I love my little tree.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
HOODS in the BIG APPLE (and Connie Chung)
Tim and Janet are here and today Janet got a crash course introduction to NYC. She’s never been here before and man, did we cover some ground.
They got in around 1:30 and settled in. They’re staying at private missionary residence on the Upper West Side. After we ate (Dallas BBQ on 72nd) we walked into Central Park. We entered the park, crossing the street by the Dakota. As we walked along the sidewalk, Tim and I spotted news anchor Connie Chung getting out of her car and walking into the Dakota.
In the park we walked around the IMAGINE mosaic and made our way to the Bethesda Fountain. We circled the fountain and then walk along the Mall and over to Sheep’s Meadow. Then we walked South and went along the ice skating rink and exited the park on the south east corner near F. A. O. Schwartz’s, the famous toy store.
We went and all three of us were overwhelmed by the variety and layout of the store. So much of so much. We went upstairs (passing the oversized piano keys imbedded in the floor - made famous by Tom Hanks in the movie BIG) and shopped around. Tim and Janet were looking for Christmas gifts for their godson and other kids. Tim and I checked out the corner of the store dedicated to all things Lego. They have larger than life Lego models of Santa Claus, Batman, Darth Vader and more.
From F.A.O. Schwartz we made our way down Fifth Avenue. We passed all the major designer stores, marveled at the elaborate window displays and then walked to Rockefeller Center to see the enormous Christmas tree.
It started getting colder and we started getting hungrier, so we crossed by Radio City Music Hall, then through the top of Times Square, over to 9th Avenue. We walked down several blocks and had a lite dinner at my favorite spot...Say Cheese.
From all the eating and all the walking, we were beat. We left Say Cheese and walked back over to Times Square. The temperature continued to drop (which makes sense since it is suppose to snow tomorrow) and we headed in the direction of the subway.
I dropped Tim and Janet off and then made my way home to write this very entry. Good times.
They got in around 1:30 and settled in. They’re staying at private missionary residence on the Upper West Side. After we ate (Dallas BBQ on 72nd) we walked into Central Park. We entered the park, crossing the street by the Dakota. As we walked along the sidewalk, Tim and I spotted news anchor Connie Chung getting out of her car and walking into the Dakota.
In the park we walked around the IMAGINE mosaic and made our way to the Bethesda Fountain. We circled the fountain and then walk along the Mall and over to Sheep’s Meadow. Then we walked South and went along the ice skating rink and exited the park on the south east corner near F. A. O. Schwartz’s, the famous toy store.
We went and all three of us were overwhelmed by the variety and layout of the store. So much of so much. We went upstairs (passing the oversized piano keys imbedded in the floor - made famous by Tom Hanks in the movie BIG) and shopped around. Tim and Janet were looking for Christmas gifts for their godson and other kids. Tim and I checked out the corner of the store dedicated to all things Lego. They have larger than life Lego models of Santa Claus, Batman, Darth Vader and more.
From F.A.O. Schwartz we made our way down Fifth Avenue. We passed all the major designer stores, marveled at the elaborate window displays and then walked to Rockefeller Center to see the enormous Christmas tree.
It started getting colder and we started getting hungrier, so we crossed by Radio City Music Hall, then through the top of Times Square, over to 9th Avenue. We walked down several blocks and had a lite dinner at my favorite spot...Say Cheese.
From all the eating and all the walking, we were beat. We left Say Cheese and walked back over to Times Square. The temperature continued to drop (which makes sense since it is suppose to snow tomorrow) and we headed in the direction of the subway.
I dropped Tim and Janet off and then made my way home to write this very entry. Good times.
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