A Practically Perfect Day

Hello everyone! It’s another late night/early morning blog. I’m sensing an unhealthy trend here. LOL Anyway, I was going to spend my afternoon seeing one musical ... which I did ... but wound up seeing two!  I made it a Disney Day! I mean, I do work for Mickey Mouse! I did, indeed, pass Mickey on the way to see Newsies. Let me tell you. My headline for that show would be, “A Cast With Wicked Talent,” or “The Best Dancing On Broadway.” I mean wow!! I mean wow! Did I say, wow? I mean everyone was amazing and Jeremy Jordan ... well what a performer. What an uber talented guy. He brings just such great heart to the role of Jack Kelly. Anyway, if you live in New York go see it. I mean you know I love my Priscilla Queen of the Desert... but Newsies nearly ties with Priscilla for being my favorite show. 

Speaking of Priscilla, I figured I’d go home after the matinee and rest after what was a long an emotionally taxing week. But, I thought to myself, “Why not make it a Disney Day and go see Mary Poppins and former Priscilla cast member Jeff Metzler! I’ve seen Mary Poppins before. I had second row seats two years ago. Everyone was like, “With all the Broadway shows, that’s what you picked!??” Whatever! I love it! It holds a special place in my heart. It was during that trip to New York I started thinking about finally just going after my dreams and moving here. Two songs in that show touched me that night. “Feed The Birds” and “Anything Can Happen.” The lyrics to both those songs just spoke to me. They still do. When I heard them again tonight it brought me back to two years ago .... and to the hard decision to try, for the umpteenth time, to move to NY. 

This week was a rough one for me. It was an emotional roller coaster rider. My car fell off the tracks a couple of times, but luckily I was belted in. Teachings from Mary Poppins was just what I needed to regain a bit of perspective. While I didn’t have a Spoon Full of Sugar during the show, I did have a bag full of sugar-filled candy corn. I munched on the sugary treat and watched Mary Poppins and remembered ... anything can happen if you let it.

I’ve included links to the two songs below. If you haven’t seen Mary Poppins the Musical and want to see a show ... see it. It’s not just on Broadway! Mary is dropping in on cities all across the U.S. as part of the National Tour. While Mary is taking flight all over ... you can only see Jeff Metzler here. Jeff, if you are reading this ... you were Practically Perfect. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzgf4HDeCXI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0adpbKfIp0I

**For those of you reading my blog for the first time “The Yellow Brick Road” entry I wrote last year talks more about me and me decision to move to The Big Apple.

Cancer, Caring and Hope

Well everyone. I should be sleeping but am unable to. So, when I moan and groan about my long days and how tired I am ... this is partially why. I typically don’t go out on nights before I work 14 hour days. However, this was for a good cause and I actually wasn’t working. I attended Cancers Expensive: A Benefit. It was a fundraiser for Broadway star, Carly Jibson’s, mother.  Carly’s mother has cancer but no insurance.

The night was full of amazing music, stories and hope. I’ve written about hope and loneliness before. Tonight was a reminder that we truly are not alone and that there is always hope. That a group of people who may not know each other can do some good. That there are people who care. Strangers that will lend a helping hand ... and people to walk beside you when things get rough. 

I work in news. There’s a lot of bad news out there. It’s depressing. It’s usually sad. This benefit was a reminder (to me) that while there is sad news, that frown can be turned upside-down when people take a moment to think of someone other than themselves. Think of that homeless man you walk by who said “hi” to you, but for some reason you just ignored. Think to slow down in the revolving door instead of pushing it faster because some older man is shuffling through too slowly. To think of the people who really have bigger fish to fry than agonizing over what to wear for that day or that their toilet is clogged. To just think of the power that one selfless act can have another person ... even just for a moment.

I went up to Carly afterwards. I don’t know her personally. What I can tell you is that she’s a pretty awesome, strong and talented lady. I just introduced myself ... let her know she and her family were in my thoughts and prayers. I didn’t get much out before I started to get all teary and had to turn away. LOL. I’m a pretty emotional girl. 

Speaking of meeting people ... I met Nick Adams too! He was one of the amazingly talented performers who sang at the benefit. Yes, I was a big dork. My horoscope did say to keep my mouth shut as my words would come out wrong. Well ... whatever. We all know I can be dorky. That is just who I am. One of my former sorority sisters saw the pic I posted on FB and responded with, “And you NEVER are dorky (CB). :)” 

CB was a KU basketball player that I was a bit coo-coo for cocoa puffs for back in my day. No, I never met him. People were always like, “Out of all the KU basketball players, you gush over a walk-on who never plays!” Whatever! My sorority sisters supported me in my love for him anyway!  One even knocked on his door and asked him to sign a KU basketball for me for my Birthday. I literally died. I think I freaked out and ran around the room and jumped around like I won the lottery. I have no clue where that ball is today. The memory of getting it though is with me forever.

So will the memory of this night. As I finally disconnect and go to bed... I wish everyone a happy, healthy night. And I hope for you a Monday of good things.

The Tortoise and the Hare

It’s a nice Saturday here in Brooklyn but I wouldn’t know it because I went to PT then returned to the comforts of my cozy bed. Let’s just say I’m being reminded today that I am no longer a 20-something gal who can stay out until 4:30 a.m. 

This is why. I went out after work last night to a club in Manhattan called Turtle Bay. Those of you who know me are probably like, “OMG She went out after work!” My hours aren’t exactly bankers hours and I am a homebody. I mean I like going out ... but I typically don’t go to clubs or do anything after work because it’s late. I also like my sleep. So, needless to say, my co-workers .... who have been trying to get me to go out with them for months ... jumped for joy when I said I’d come out of my shell and play with them. You like that? Shell. Turtle. Okay, I digress.

First off. I’ve never been anywhere where you have to wait in a line to get into. This was the first sign that A) I’m old and B) this was going to be fun. I was “creeped” on waiting in line by some Jersey Shore looking guy! Seriously. I think he walked off the MTV show and into the line. I was warned of the “creeping” so I was prepared for it. Let’s just say the guy really was creepy. Once inside Turtle Bay, we had a fab time. Sticky floors, good music, drinks, dancing, people on the bar ... all good things. There were moments where I had flashbacks to my college years going to The Granada in Lawrence, Kansas. We all need nights like that every so often. Nights to remember that it’s okay to just have fun and not worry about work and stuff. AND (yes, mom I’m starting a sentence with “and”) it was really nice to be able to do a little dancing. My leg is hurting today, but it held up as we all Shook Our Groove Thing. Okay, digressing to Priscilla Queen of the Desert again. I didn’t get creeped on too much once we were inside. I was asked my age. I definitely don’t look like a 30-something-year-old. People’s jaws usually drop when I tell them how old I am. So it was nice to hear, “You look amazing.” It was nice to get out and do something that’s out of the box for me. 

However, today, I’m back in my shell and moving slow like a turtle. So thanks Turtle Bay and my friends for reminding me to be Hare. Gosh, that was a good book. “The Tortoise and the Hare."

Time to go get a manicure/pedicure. And there I am ... digressing again. Happy Saturday everyone.

"Everyone is someone's friend, even when they think they are all alone."

It’s amazing that in a city of more than 8 million people that you can feel lonely .... but I think a city highlights one’s loneliness. I base that belief on my experiences living in all different parts of the country. I live alone, and typically don’t feel alone. I have a small group of friends and family that are always a Skype session, text, or phone call away. So, I don’t know if what I’ve been feeling is loneliness or isolation. I know I’m on orders to be off the feet and “resting,” but it’s just kinda ... well lonely ... especially in a fairly new city. I’m an only child so I don’t mind doing things alone or being alone, but it’s times like this ... where in a city of more than 8 million people ... there are moments you just feel alone. Whether it’s the cute couple sitting at the table next to you or if you’re sitting at the park watching a family picnic. We have all those moments. They’re normal to have. 

I never really felt lonely growing up. As an only child I had to be creative. When I felt alone I’d tape record a radio show with my Cabbage Patch Kids. OMG the tapes! Where are they? You would laugh your booty off if you heard them. Let’s just say my “shows” were hilarious, and a bit weird. I had voices for my Cabbage Patch Kids! I was also a “spy.” I had a neighbor with, like, 8 kids. I used to take out binoculars and “spy” on them. Yeah, it sounds creepy but it was harmless. Let’s just say I was big into Harriet The Spy books. I did read a lot. I also did a lot of dancing in the basement of our duplex to keep occupied. 

As I’ve gotten older I’ve found it more difficult to deal with my moments of loneliness ... especially when it’s hard to do something on your own about it. The things I typically would do to kick my butt out of the “stop feeling mopey, lonely ” moments I am unable to do right now. I’m stuck indoors, for the most part, trying my hardest to do what I’m asked by doctors and physical therapists, before a much anticipated and much needed mini vacation that luckily will require me to do a lot of nothing. I’ve been doing a lot of “RICE:” Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. I’d rather be at work, dance, pilates or just outside living life. I miss the subway. It’s not normal for me to be in a car ABOVE ground. It reminds me that I’m temporarily sidelined. I miss living life in general. 

Those who know me know I always try to find the positive in things. So here it is. On the upside ... being sidelined has allowed me to be grateful and more appreciative of the every day activities that I may sometimes complain about. I now understand how Facebook and Twitter can make someone jealous of other people’s lives. I mean I love seeing how you all are doing, but it also reminds me of what I’m unable to temporarily do. However, it also reminds me that life is waiting for me to get back on the roller coaster of work, dating, subway riding, dance, pilates classes, Broadway-show-going, symphony listening “normal” life. That this is just a temporary blip. I'm going to leave y'all with a favorite movie song of mine. It reminds me the sun will come out ...  that you're never fully dressed without a smile ... and that I have to buy tickets to the musical. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFKFE_fsbb4

http://anniethemusical.com/?gclid=CI7O3N7a1LECFYfe4AodVCkAsQ

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