Snap! Crackle! Pop!

Michael Jordan once said, “My body could stand the crutches but my mind couldn’t stand the sideline.” That couldn’t be more true! Let’s just say I hurt myself last night. If you follow me on Twitter you probably saw the annoying number of Tweets about what happened and “What should I do?” My poor friend Heidi had to deal with my texts too. Let’s just say I’m not the best patient. I hate being sidelined. I had hope for my Monday to be a great, busy day. A start of something new and back to work after a very relaxing weekend. It all came to an end though when I heard “Snap, Crackle, Pop!” Nope. It wasn’t one of my favorite cereals calling out to me to eat. It was something in my calf that had me crumble to the ground! Seriously ... this is not the kind of pain I would wish on anyone. I couldn’t move! Needless to say I wasn’t prepared for this little medical mishap. My ABC Emergency kit doesn’t include ice. Everyone was telling me to go to the hospital, but I really could not move. I really did try. I really did fail to do so. So, I woke up able to hobble and went to the ER bright and early this morning. The doctors sidelined me and told me to call an orthopedic surgeon in a few days if things are the same. I hate just sitting. I never used to mind it, but on days where I have plans or have places to be it kills me. The doctors told me to stay home for at least two days. I called out for at least one. Being the stubborn optomist that I am ... I’m hoping to able to be out and about tomorrow with my crutches (that I still am learning how to handle). However, everyone keeps telling me that that is a very bad idea. That I should stay home at least one more day.

So Monday was a start of something new for me. A temporary life with my crutches. LOL Let’s just say I am not enjoying them and am glad this is just a temporary dilemma.  I have a new found respect for those with disabilities. 

So for now, no dance for me. No pilates. I’ll have to find some new creative ways to stay fit. Maybe I’ll buy Richard Simmons “Reach for Fitness-A Special Video of Excercises for the Physically Challenged.” It’s ... oh heck no! $30 and VHS!!  Hmmm .... I’ll find some other way to keep fit as my injury heals.

In the meantime, a special “thank you” to all who have inquired about how I’m doing and have offered words of wisdom. A special thank you to my landlord and his wife for all their help as well. It’s nice to know that even though you are all alone in your apartment ... you are not truly alone. Now I’m going to practice what the guy in the video below is able to do with his crutches. AMAZING! I like all the kung-fu type moves in the beginning. I can use them as ways to ward off the crazies on the train! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OasVtpPcjWg

In Full Bloom

Well hello “Fuck Yeah Nick Adams,” Nick, and those who read my blog. This is a special blog entry for a very special cause. The “In Full Bloom” A Benefit Concert For The Wishing Kids Foundation is August 6 at the Birdland in NYC. I had thought I’d be able to go to support this great organization and see some amazing performances (Go Nick!). So, I purchased tickets. Then I learned I’d have to work the night of the event. That’s how the gluten-free cookie crumbles sometimes. So I turned my frown upside-down and turned my disappointment into something positive.

I’m not allowed to send in a video for the Biggest Fan Contest that “Fuck Yeah Nick Adams” is having ...well, they know why.  However, it’s fun watching the entries come in! So far there are only two. They look fab! For those who are on the fence and are a bit shy about submitting a video about why they’re Nick’s biggest fan ...well, I get it. I just had a flashback to my Bat Mitzvah video ... when the videographer (who looked like Jack Wagner) asked me to say something about the day. Um, let’s just say I was one big dork! I laugh hysterically at myself and the things I did and said when I watch the video. I remember doing some weird chicken dance, talking about my “ditto blaster,” and saying words like “cool.” I also remember my dress. It had a Priscilla hot pink bottom that poofed out. However, being a little dorky at times is who I am. That’s what I celebrate the most about Nick.

I wouldn’t say I’m Nick’s biggest fan because I’m sure his mom is. I moved to New York in December, so I’m a bit behind on supporting Nick through his career. I never got to see some of the shows he’s been in, like Chicago and Guys and Dolls. I didn't live here. I am a Nick fan though. Being who you are is something that I think makes Nick, Nick. I haven’t met him yet, and hopefully one day will. But through his vlogs and stories I’ve read  ... he seems like a guy who inspires people to just celebrate who they are ... someone who has worked hard to be where he his ... and someone who is very grateful to those who support him and have helped him on his journey through life .. and someone who gives back.

Okay, that was cheesy. Yes, I am one to celebrate my cheesy-ness. Just ask my friends. I don’t care how cheesy I am. It’s what makes me, me. We all express who we are in different ways. Some of us do it on camera. Some of us put it in writing. Some do it in front of hundreds of people on Broadway or in an orchestra hall.  Some people do it in the way they give back to their community or to charities they donate to.

The “In Full Bloom” A Benefit Concert For The Wishing Kids Foundation is just around the corner. The Wishing Kids Foundation is an organization that provides a sense of comfort and support (financially, etc) for those fighting cancer or other terminal illnesses. I know cancer has, unfortunately, been part of many people’s lives in some way, shape or form. Together, we can help fight cancer ... and help make the lives better for those battling illness and their families. No, this isn’t a pitch to go donate to this organization. This is just a little blog in honor of a great organization ... and to Nick ... and to people like him who have touched people’s lives in one way, shape or form.

So... “Fuck Yeah Nick Adams” followers .... go make your video! As Madonna would say, “Express Yourself.”

The Call

It’s 3:30am and I should be going to bed after what was a long day. However, I figured I’d check email quickly. I found a cute link a friend of mine had e-mailed me. It was of this little girl calling 9-1-1. Her dad was having chest pains. Don’t worry. The dad lives and the kid is too cute! I finished watching it and had a huge smile on my face. Then YouTube had listed a bunch of videos from September 11, 2001. The smile quickly faded. The videos included 9-1-1 calls of people who died in the Twin Towers that horrific day.

I knew I didn’t want to click and listen to these calls, but I was interested and wanted to hear a recording. So I hit the first call and listened to the man’s ... this father’s ... this husband’s final moments. I thought about his family and the dispatcher on the other end of the line. It just broke my heart into a million pieces. Then I realized. I’ll be here on September 11th. I haven’t been to the 9/11 Memorial yet. No real reason. I know I will go at some point to pay my respects to the heroes and to the fallen. Then I thought it was weird that I haven’t been. Then I thought, “weird.” I was on the train coming home this morning and was sitting across from a guy. He had an odd, cylinder-like bag, with a lock on it that I found a bit unusual. What was weird was the first thing I thought. I thought, “What's in that bag and will it go off?” It’s the first time since I lived here that I thought about terrorism in New York City. I mean we hear it on the subway all the time ... the announcement about keeping our eyes open for suspicious activity and reporting it.  I looked at the bag and watched this guy’s behavior (which was nothing unusual). Then, I noticed something. The guy next to him was watching him too!  After a few minutes the guy sitting next to him went back to listening to his music and I went back to watching the time pass. 

Time ... time that many of us take for granted at some point in our lives. Time, that we should remember ... could run out at any moment ... for any one of us. So as I wrap up this somber blog entry ... let’s remember not to take for granted the things in life ... the people in our lives  ... the time. For me. It’s time to go to bed ... and time to say a prayer for all the angels watching over us.

"Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children." -President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11." -President Barack Obama

"9/11 was a reminder that the bonds of family can be severed in an instant. They are essential, crucial, valuable, fragile." -Peter Jennings, late news anchor of ABC's World News Tonight

The Eleventh Of September
Written by Roger J. Robicheau ©2002
The Poetic Plumber www.thepoeticplumber.com

We mourn their loss this day this year
Those now with God, no danger near

So many loved ones left do stand
Confronting loss throughout our land

My heart goes out to those who do
No one can fathom what they view

I firmly pray for peace of mind
Dear God please help each one to find

And to our soldiers now at war
God guide above, at sea, on shore

They are the best, I have no doubt
Our country’s pride, complete, devout

The finest force you’ll ever see
All freedom grown through liberty

One final thought comes clear to me
For what must live in infamy

Absolutely - We’ll Remember
The Eleventh - Of September

I Will Survive

The confetti has dropped, the glitter is gone, the Mac Red has been wiped off everyone’s lips ... but the memories will stay put forever. No number of wipes can wipe those away!

I think most of my friends and family will be happy to hear me not constantly talk about, or post links, and photos about the show and its cast. Anyway, I was tempted to go see a Broadway show tonight. However, I’m having some Priscilla withdrawal. I was told not to go see a show and to just relax. So, what have I been doing instead on this rainy day? I’ve been on Twitter way too much. I’ve been Tweeting about how the bus will be making a pit-stop in The Windy City! I’ve told my friends and family there that I’ll throw a Jimmy Choo at them if they don’t go see it! I’m sure Priscilla will also “Go West” and colour everyones world out there too. Everyone knows it for sure “Colour(ed) My World.”  

In any case ... the show was “Hot Stuff” last night and everyone shook their groove thing. For us Priscilla fans ... we will survive! We will continue to support the fabulously talented cast as they take on new projects.  And, while us fans screamed “Don’t Leave Us This Way ...” the memories, music and message of Priscilla will always be on our minds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI2JaaLOBUw&list=HL1340674876&feature=mh_lolz

Queen Of The Desert

Hello! It’s 11:34 p.m. and I am home from seeing Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical for the 4th time in less than two weeks. Okay. I’m pausing for reaction ... of any kind ...as I know there has been a wide variety from my friends.  I’m at the point of not caring if you think I’m wasting money or should be doing other things. At the moment ... this musical makes me smile. 

As I took the “Q” train home to Brooklyn ... I remembered, the last musical that impacted me this much was Les Miserables. I was in high school and it was the song “Stars” that for some reason ...  touched me. I can’t explain. I wish I kept a copy of the my entrance essay to Boston University as to why that song shaped my essay. More than 10 years later I can’t answer that. I do know that that musical ...  and song ... hold a special place in my heart.

So as I settled into my fourth seat at The Palace Theatre ... I was surrounded by tourists who were quite fun! I sat the closest to the stage I have ever sat before as well! It was truly a good time!  The four people behind me were mostly from London. Two had gotten married in Australia and the rest were just family who were like, “Hey! Let’s go to the U.S.! It’s been too long!” 

The couple next to me had a daughter that wasn’t able to come to the show because she had a migraine. That made me sad. All asked me if I had seen the show. Naturally, I said yes. That it was my 4th time and that the musical just was a great show. The actors/singers/dancers are magnificent!  The fact that for one of the stars ... it’s their first leading role ... makes it even more grand! Plus, it's just a show with real heart. Plus, it makes me very happy to see someone reach a goal of theirs. To be able to witness that part of someone’s life ... in some small way ... is fun and inspirational to watch.

People always ask me, “Why do you get so excited when you talk about Broadway? You’ve seen national tours of shows in Chicago.” Yes.  I have seen some great shows in Chicago full of talented people. I have my parents to thank for that. They took me to see some fab show growing up. But, for me ... seeing a show on Broadway makes me tingle with excitement for those on the stage. There is a different kind of energy. And ...for those who know me ... I suck at acting. You know that. I hate being in front of any camera! I did news on the radio because I could hide behind a microphone!  So I’ve always admired anyone who could get their booty on stage in front of people and “Shake Their Groove Thing” or do anything.

So for me ...seeing these actors on Broadway ... it’s hard to explain. You can see it. You can feel that they LOVE what they do. That inspires me. Not because I don’t love what I do. I am happy and grateful to be where I am. I don’t always love my job. I can’t name one person who has always loved their job. But ... for me ... you can see these men and women are truly grateful for where they are. They got to where they are after years of training and hard work. I couldn’t be prouder of them. 

AND ... I couldn't’ be prouder to say I am going to the closing of Priscilla on the 24th of June.  So thank you to my parents. They were coming to town in the last weekend of May and suggested seeing the show. The Book of Mormon was too expensive (Yes. I do want to see that musical at some point). Thanks mom and dad for introducing me to yet another fantabulous musical. I couldn’t feel anymore privileged or lucky to be able to see a show on Broadway that has meant so much to me. I know some haven’t had the opportunity to even see any show on Broadway. So, I don’t take it lightely when I say it’ll be 5 times I get to see th original Priscilla cast on Broadway! I have never done that for a show before. So ... to the cast and crew of Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical ... thank you! Thank you ... Nick, Tony and Will ... and everyone involved in the production. As the Londoner’s behind me kept tapping my shoulder and saying, “Brilliant! Just brilliant!”

  

Single In The City

There are days like today when I get that warm, fuzzy feeling ... that, “Gosh. I’m in New York” feeling. I stepped off the Subway at 14th Street and just got that feeling. It’s hard to explain, but it’s a feeling I only get in New York. It’s also a feeling that when I get it, I enjoy it. 

What I also enjoyed today was brunch. I had fun reading and watching everyone walk by ... until it started raining and I had to move inside. Here’s the part which makes being single in the city kinda sting. Nearly everyone around me (and this was a big restaurant) was with a boyfriend or on double dates!

Now, as most of my friends and family know ... “I” would like to be a “we.” I don’t want to be an “I” forever. Though the letter “i” does kick off the word “independent.”  (Insert me winking here).

Well, I have been on a number of dates since moving here. Some have been good and some have been bad. People are always like “You’re too picky. Why aren’t you married? You’re in a city with thousands of people! What’s your problem? You waited too long and now all the good ones are off the market!” For those of you who are off the market ... finding love has become something equivalent to becoming a Jedi Knight. I bet you didn’t know there are years of psychological and physical training (i.e.: going to the gym and shopping for that perfect date outfit). Anyway, sometimes I wish I had a light-saber! 

So, I’m going to try and change my tactics a bit and start doing more activities. These are activities where I can also meet new people while not looking like I’m looking. Did that make sense? It did to me so .... 

Granted, my work hours mean most evenings are out of the question for me ... but that’s typically been the case. The hours present a different kind of challenge. However, I’m in the city that never sleeps. I have no excuse. In New York, if it’s night there’s a nightlife, and when there’s life ... as optimists like me will be happy to tell you ... there’s always hope. I guess that’s a big part of being single. Hope. Friends. And making sure you get out of your apartment!

Happy Mother's Day!

Roses are Red.

Violets are Blue.

My Mother is the Best

Out of all the Rest.

I’m sure I must have written that in a Mother’s Day card for my mom when I was a kid. We all think our mother is the best. All Mom’s are special to their children ... but my mom ... while she sometimes drives me coo coo (like all mom’s do to their children at some point) ... is truly one of the most selfless people I know. 

She’s never once told me not to do something and has always had faith in me. She’s passed down her love of reading, her passion for quirky things, her card sending, her strength, her love of shopping and her ability to love. Growing up, she (and my dad) repeatedly told me how hard you try and work is what really counts. My mom was always at my school assemblies during the day ... helping set up for school dances ...  or driving me places. She has always left me “welcome home” messages on my answering machine. We've even road tripped from city to city as I moved about the country from Kansas to Albuquerque, to Green Bay and Palm Springs.

When I think of my mom and favorite memories of her during my childhood ... I think of the following.

1. Her baking banana nut bread for the crossing guard and mailman
2. Going to Crown Books to pick up Cliff Notes, Sweet Valley High and Satin Slippers books
3. My first manicure
4. Hebrew School
5. Smurfs and Cabbage Patch Kids
6. Quick Beef Buns
7. Going to Market Days
8. Doing homework as she graded papers
9. Listening to “Hooked On Classics” and “The Oldies” in the car
10. Going to Taco Bell for tacos and Pinto’s in Cheese

All the above are just some of the memories that stick out of me and my mother when I was growing up in Skokie.

So mom, thank you for everything you do. I’ll always be your best girl ... your “baby.” No matter what you think, you are always in my thoughts and in my heart ...  no matter where I am.  

Thank you, Mom’s everywhere, for all you do. While dad may be a super hero .. you are Wonder Woman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17dP0QvjsOU