Things That Happened in March

On Sunday afternoon, armed with iPhone photos and an actual desire to write, I flopped on the couch with my laptop ready to blog. And then that thing happened that I don't want to talk about. So instead I spent several hours in a depressive funk, stress-cleaning my apartment before attempting to forget about it entirely by watching "Mad Men." Which did work for a few hours and then it was back to trying not to think about that thing that happened that I don't want to talk about.

But now, several days later, again armed with iPhone photos and a desire to write, I'll post some thoughts and photos of my March happenings. All of which are things that happened before that thing that happened that I don't want to talk about.

March 13

I've been so lax about going to the theatre this year. As in, seeing "Spamalot" with my roommate the second week of March was my first show of 2012. Shameful. But what a good show to see! And my second time doing so. Unlike the last time I saw it in London, when my only Monty Python knowledge came from Wikipedia, I now know more about the group and have seen the "Holy Grail" movie, making the play all the more enjoyable. As was seeing it with the roomie, since I rarely seem to go to plays with others.

March 14

The officemates and I celebrated Pi Day by taking an afternoon trip to La Madeleine for some pie/mini-tarts. And why yes, we may have timed it so we ordered at 3:14. Because we are that cool. And also, as we're all writers, any time we can actually enjoy numbers, we pounce on it.

March 20

Grocery store blooms purchased to honor the first day of Spring. When will I stop forgetting how happy fresh flowers in the apartment make me?

March 22

 I try to get out and about during the day on Thursdays when I work from home. Last Thursday I had an appointment and took a different route home to my apartment. It was a route that happened to be flanked by flowering trees. Perfection.

March 23

Before that thing that happened that I don't want to talk about happened, there was still hope, fun, and a Friday in the office in which I wore a Carolina tshirt and a "5" on my wrist. And then there was Brandie and me at a sports bar for 4 hours talking, drinking, eating, watching, stressing, and then sighing. I also drew a "5" on her wrist and we think the waitress thought we were exchanging numbers. Oh well, we're both great catches.

My last post mentioned me trying to find something to wear for this game and I think Mom asked me what that ended up being. (And if she didn't just pretend she did to justify yet another lame bathroom mirror post.) So I went with this year's official student shirt. (Which prompted one of my coworker's to feign shock/concern and ask, "Wait, what? Together we are Carolina?") But since I'm such a diva who can't just wear a plain tshirt out and about, I cuffed the sleeves using hem tape and tied a knot in the back to make it fit better. We'll just call this tricks of the trade.  

March 25

My first pedicure of the season! I also splurged and got a manicure, only the fourth professional one I've ever had. But considering it started chipping the next day, there won't be a fifth one anytime soon.

 

Other things that happened this month: brunches with a friend, book club, Parks and Rec rerun watching, trans-continental Facetime with Jan, basketball, basketball, basketball, and a broken heart. The end.

The last month

I've really been struggling lately in coming up with things to write about here. (Which is quite unfortunate timing as I start a six-week writing class soon on personal essay.) But a quick browse through my iPhone photos revealed a number of activities that I haven't blogged about. And then reminded me of even more non-photographed activities from the past month.

Book Club

Generally my book club meets each month at a DC restaurant. But sometimes a member will host a potluck at her home just to mix it up and save a little money. This month I offered up my humble abode. It went really well and I really do love having people over. (Even though I had a number of anxiety attacks leading up to it, but that’s just how I roll.) About an hour before people were set to arrive I realized I didn’t have fresh flowers and I just can’t have people over without fresh flowers. So to Giant I went/ran and purchased these. Three weeks later, I just threw the majority out but still have a few going strong. Best $15 ever.

Joey and Michelle Visit

My brother and his girlfriend came for the weekend toward the end of September. I introduced them to my office, we took a tortuous drive through DC to get to the Nats game, watched the Braves prevail over the Nats, went to Eastern Market, went to the National Mall and visited the World War II and Korean War Memorials, took a Potomac River Cruise from Georgetown, and had some good meals.

Presidential Visit

The wax museum here recently revealed the wax figures of ALL the presidents. All. The. Presidents. The roommate and I were a bit excited about this. (More on this later.)

Les Miserables

In May I bought my ticket to see Les Mis at the Kennedy Center. Unfortunately, I was not a fan. Which I don’t quite understand as I love plays, love musicals, love history, love the French Revolution even, but did not love the play. At all.

Matt Nathanson

I attended my first concert at one of DC’s most popular venues, 9:30 Club, with my friend Lauren to see Matt Nathanson. He put on a great show and was really funny, too.

Good Times

This past weekend I spent an evening in Bethesda with one of my work friends, Shana. We had dinner and then just hung out and chatted at her place until 2 in the morning. You know how I keep going on and on about what great friends I have? Well, I mean it and I do. The next day I met Brandie to see “The Ides of March” and then have a late brunch at Austin Grill. Yes, I had a mimosa and pancakes at a Tex Mex restaurant. But B had a mimosa and tacos at a Tex Mes restaurant, so…

Busy B

It's officially summer in every way and I can't bear to be stuck in my apartment like an adult with a 9:30 to 5:30 job. Thus I keep making plans and the past week or so has been a bit mad. In a good way. Dinner and drinks with friends, book club, a play, two movies, and a concert. A brief recap of the last few items.

I was able to see a fun play at the Kennedy Center last week with a friend: The Reduced Shakespeare Company's: Completely Hollywood (Abridged). I was familiar with the Company's shows in London but had never been and was excited to see this one. From the Kennedy Center:
"It's the Greatest Hollywood Blockbuster Never Made! The 'Bad Boys of Abridgment' are back...reducing 187 movies in under two hours, and condensing every cliché from every movie ever made (plus a few new ones they just made up) into an evening of 'stellar shtick.'"

It was just a good two hours of fun.

The AFI Theatre in Silver Spring hosts the SilverDoc documentary film festival each year. This year I was able to see two. (Descriptions from SilverDocs.)

Despicable Dick and Righteous Richard -- Sixty-eight year old chronic rascal Dick Kuchera has spent a lifetime alienating everyone in his path with his rude, dishonest and obnoxious behavior. On a self-proclaimed path to righteousness, Dick is working a 12-step program to finally get his life back on track.

While definitely funny, it wasn't particularly sympathetic or inspiring. Though his goal was to become more of a Richard and less of a Dick, and while he thinks he is now more of a Rick, I still think he was more of a Dick.

The Swell Season -- Starring in the 2007 sleeper hit, ONCE, and winning an Academy Award for best original song ("Falling Slowly") was just the beginning of a profound artistic journey for folk-rock musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. While riding the wave of their new found popularity, and with an onscreen romance blossoming into an off screen reality, Hansard, 35, and Irglova, 18, head out on a two-year world tour with their band, The Swell Season. 

This one was really good and inspiring. I love "Once" and listen to "Falling Slowly" and "If You Want Me" over and over all the time. (Which I did all day today.) Their voices are just so powerful and pure that I can't get enough. And their story is so moving and romantic, even though they aren't together any more. But at least they can still pursue their art together, somehow.

Finally, this weekend, I also attended the Citizen Cope concert at the Warner Theatre. His albums have been my go-to summer songs for several years now and, also, other times of the year, too. I think I knew all but two of the songs and it was just a really mellow, really great show. And 10,000 times better than this bad iPhone picture lets on.

Because I know at least a few people not too familiar with his music, here are a few of my favorites, all of which he played.

Son's Gonna Rise


D'Artagnan's Theme


Sideways


All Dressed Up

Stalking Tina Fey, Finding Harry Reid: A D.C. Story

Tuesday night I went to the Kennedy Center with the roommate to see the musical "Hair." It was fun, vibrant, and very enjoyable. She has seen it a number of times and warned me about the actors coming into the audience and touching people. (Not a fan of audience participation but they stayed away from us.) And the nudity and other stuff was to be expected seeing as how it's about 1960s hippies. But thank goodness for it all since it led to some of the best overheard conversations ever that included the words stoned, lover, crazy stalking, and genitals.

Tuesday was also the night that Tina Fey received the Mark Twain Prize at the KC. I knew she was receiving the prize but didn't know when until Karey reminded me. I actually started a post last month on how much I love Tina, but have been too intimidated to finish it. Basically, she is very high on my Women I Admire But Am Not Related To List. As in, Audrey's first, Hillary's probably second, and Tina might just be third. Love. Her.

After the play we exited and immediately saw a dozen black suburbans and a red carpet. While most of the carpets are red at the KC but this was clearly a Hollywood-style red carpet. And those black suburbans that are seen all over the city, suddenly took on a new meaning.

Now, the roommate is an expert at meeting famous people. And keeping her cool. I, on the other hand, would rather avoid them at all cost. I just get too panicky at the thought of meeting someone I admire and no doubt would throw up on. But we decided to hang out for a bit in the roped off area -- yes, they made us wait in a roped off area -- to see who we could see. I rehearsed in my head potential talking points were we to get in shouting distance of anyone but could come up with nothing more eloquent than "I AM YOU. I LOVE YOU." (Plus a variety of inappropriate comments to adorable Seth Meyers and just plain fainting if Jon Hamm were to walk by.)

Sadly, or thankfully, after waiting about 10 minutes we decided to leave as it was late and we were tired. Yes, lamest story ever. But, as this is D.C., we do have our own famous people, which is how Senate Majority Leader and recently re-elected Nevada Senator Harry Reid came to walk down that carpet. Harry Reid! A Senator! Who is very tiny in person! And who definitely made me screech, giggle, and hit my friend in excitement. Because I am just that big of a dork.

Probably for the best that we left before Tina and the others came out because I only love Harry half as much as I love them and still lost my cool. Never mind, you're right, I have no cool.

Sabrina: But you don't believe in marriage. Linus: Yes, I do. That's why I'm not married.

This past weekend was simply gorgeous with blue skies, a bright sun, and a cooling breeze. My weekend activities consisted of: eyebrow threading, reading, thrifting, sewing, watching (tv), cleaning, and relaxing. To top it off I went here...

to see this...

Ford's Theatre re-opened in February after a grand restoration and this was my first trip to the historic site. Having never been in the theatre before the remodel I'm not sure how the current incarnation compares, except to say that it is currently beautiful and bright. The theatre is small but grand, and the stage dominates, as it should.

And in case you couldn't read the banner above, I was there to see Sabrina Fair! Not surprisingly, I adore the Audrey Hepburn original, and like the 1995 remake alright as well, so as soon as I saw an ad for the stage version, I snatched up a ticket.

This review from the Washington Post pretty much says what I would say, only better, of course. It was interesting to see the racial element added, though it would have been more powerful had they not stuck so strictly to the original text. However, it really was a wonderful play, very funny and witty, well-acted, and the stages and costumes were beautiful. It just put me in a great mood.

"So I invested in something I had complete confidence in: General Motors."

-Fairchild 

(Not sure this was supposed to get the laugh it did, but it was great.)

Maude: Well, who do you want to marry?

Sabrina: [looking at Linus] Him.

Linus: For god's sake, Sabrina, watch your grammar!

Sabrina:  It is he.

"You want to own her without being owned."

-Aunt Julia (to Linus)

"It's not stupid or pathetic, it's hopeful." (Stephanie, Reasons to be Pretty)

On Sunday I went to the theatre to see Neil LaBute's Reasons to be Pretty. I saw LaBute's This is How it Goes in London 5 years ago (!) and really loved it.

I bought my ticket late in the week through a discount site and wasn't expecting great seats or anything. Wrong. Even though it was on the side, it was a thrust stage, so it didn't matter. And did I mention it was front row, so close I could touch the stage? Or take a discrete (and blurry) picture of it before the show started:

(Note: I know I shouldn't have taken the picture, but I did. And I would never dream of taking one during a show or doing any other un-couth theatre behavior. Promise.)

LaBute is not for everyone but I love his work. His plays tend to be a commentary on some societal issue and he uses powerful language, biting dialogue, and even physical violence to get his point across. (If I recall correctly the first line of this play, or maybe second, was fucker.) Both of the plays I've seen and the few I've read make me quite uncomfortable, but that's the point, and it makes me think, too.

I realized Sunday that so far this year, I've only seen two plays, one ballet, and one orchestra concert. No concerts, no comedians, no free events at Kennedy Center. This is unacceptable and needs to be corrected.

And to end on a happy note, the tiramisu on a doily I had before the play. It wasn't the best, but not the worst, either.

Party like a...

Last Thursday I saw Barack Stars, a show currently playing in DC and performed by Chicago's Second City comedy troupe. The show satirizes the current administration and other hot political topics. I was holding out since I've seen so many shows lately but I broke down, as I knew I would. (And a segment done by BBC America news last week really cemented me shelling out for the ticket before I got paid. I knew I'd done the right thing when a line from the show referred to the "BBC as the best news in the USA." It was a sign!)

I love smart political satire and you can't go wrong with features such as a:

• Duet between Ann Coulter and a Rush Limbaugh
• Dirty Dancing re-enactment
• "Teeny, tiny, terrifying" chief of staff threatening to eat Sarah Palin's glasses
• Song with the refrain of "Glenn Beck is fucking insane"
  
• Skit featuring a change in military policy from "don't ask, don't tell" to "don't leave!" as a result of a desperate need for troops

And many, many more topical skits and jokes that will all (maybe) have changed by the time they come back to perform again next summer, when I am sure I will see it again.

(Note: The graphic isn't from the show, just what came up when I googled trying to find the BBC link. It made me laugh.)

One Week, Three Musicals

I almost forgot about this. Over the course of one week I somehow managed to see three musicals. One in DC and two while in Chicago. I actually have seen three shows in one week before -- for my drama class while studying in London -- but never three musicals in two cities. (And for the record musicals are on my List of Most Favorite Things alongside fountains and chandeliers.)

Spring Awakening, Kennedy Center, Washington DC

Overall I enjoyed it, though it was obviously quite different from anything I've seen on stage before. But I I knew what it was about going in, which is more than I can say for the woman beside me who didn't return after intermission. It was still sometimes shocking, perhaps a bit over-the-top in its desire to be outrageous, but it was good. I enjoyed the songs, the story, and the acting.

Tupperware: An American Musical Fable, La Costa Theatre, Chicago

This was a small play outside of downtown that had a sister of a friend of the roommate's in it. It was incredibly funny, with great acting and catchy songs. I suppose the premise alone proves I will indeed see a musical on anything. However, it was interesting with a highly original topic and a good plot.

Jersey Boys, Bank of America Theatre, Chicago

Well-acted, amazingly sung, and surprisingly both funny and touching. I forgot how many wonderful songs The Four Seasons had. And I knew I was in for a treat when a sign leading into the theatre warned of "authentic Jersey boy language." No harm in that. It was just a true feel-good, can't-help-but-smile type of production.

Next show is TBD until I decide whether or not to see Second City's Barack Stars that's currently in D.C. I hate paying full price for tickets, but I don't know how much longer I can resist a show satirizing Democrats with dancing, singing, and swearing.

"I was thinking as small children think, as if my thoughts or wishes had the power to reverse the narrative, change the outcome." (Joan Didion, TYOMT)

I have been trying to finish this post since Saturday evening. Grr...

Saturday I saw the play The Year of Magical Thinking at the Studio Theatre in DC. Though I was nearly deterred due to a severe rain and lightning storm, I was able to wait it out at a Starbucks before standing in line for my pay-what-you-can tickets.




I first read Joan Didion's book -- about the death of her husband and illness of her daughter -- several years ago and loved it. I've been relatively blessed thus far in my life when it comes to loss, so I am removed enough to handle books on grieving like hers, C.S. Lewis' A Grief Observed, or Gloria Vanderbilt's A Mother's Story.

It was just one actress playing Didion on a small stage with scenery that didn't change. As much as I love sweeping musicals with huge production numbers, my favorite shows have been smaller productions, usually dramas, with fewer than four people. The only other one-person show I've seen was Underneath the Lintel with Richard Schiff in London. It's still in my top five of plays I've ever seen, though, I actually probably think about it more than all of them.

This one was good, though not perfect. As much as I loved the book, I just wasn't that impressed with how it translated to the stage. And while the actress was very talented, and even resembled Didion, I didn't feel a very strong connection to her. And since the subject is so emotionally charged, this was disappointing.

(This also may have been influenced by the twin pillars of Annoying Theatre-Goers I was wedged between. They each immediately staked their claim to the armrests, and then some, intruding into my bubble so as to make me curl into myself to escape their fleshly elbows and too-long shirt sleeves. The one on the left kept making a gurgling sound as if he were choking on his tongue, while the one on the right kept shooting me sideways glances, not sure why. Oh, and the one on the left wasn't actually choking on his tongue. I'm not so cruel as to ignore someone having a crisis.)

And that's that. Next show will be Spring Awakening, I think, unless something else catches my eye first.

Forget regret, or life is yours to miss

Last week I fulfilled my mother's day gift to my mom when we saw the Broadway tour of Rent at the Warner Theatre here in D.C., with original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp.

We first saw it four or five years ago on tour in Raleigh. We went the first time knowing only that it was a popular play with that beautiful song we all know, Seasons of Love. That's it. No idea about the plot, themes, or characters.

Now we've seen the movie version multiple times, have listened to the soundtrack ad nauseum, and think of I'll Cover You as the beautiful song. (Though obviously Seasons... is still quite perfect.) For me personally, this time around, the world has changed, but especially my understanding of it, and thus has my knowledge and perception of the themes the play presents. I cry at different parts, well the same parts, plus several others. And different aspects of it affect me more now that I'm older, on my own, and paying rent instead of living "la vie boheme." (Yes, me, Ms. Shops at the Gap-can't live without her iPod-eats red meat*, still has dreams of a non-conformist bohemian life.)

But all in all, the show was amazing. The stage was rather small, which I think took away from some of the presentation. But since the theatre is so small, and we were quite close to the stage, it felt like you were in the play. The music was loud and invigorating, and most of the actors were amazing. Four enthusiastic thumbs up. (Two for me, two on behalf my mom.)

*I am almost certain that sentence is not grammatically sound. And it's probably not that clear. It's really bugging me but I'll fix it later. I have no idea why I'm pointing this out. It's not like my news ed prof is going to leave me a comment saying "-5." Or will he?

Day 333: "The only things you learn are the things you tame." (The Little Prince)

I wrote about my love of The Little Prince here once before. And I do love it. Every time I read it or watch the movie I learn something new and remember how it made me feel the last time. I cry at the same parts or new parts, sit in wonder for far too long when I finish. And tonite I saw it performed onstage in Chapel Hill.

This is the second year they've staged it and I'm so happy we were able to go this year. It was very imaginative and captured the spirit of the book very well. The actors fit the roles perfectly and I still can't get over how they staged some of the scenes. Naturally, it made me cry and think too much, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Dinner at Top of the Hill:
After the play, part one:

After the play, part two:
Hanging around the Old Well:

Happy Friday, Happy Groundhog Day, Happy Happy

Clearly I'm in a good mood today. Though to be honest, I've been in a fairly good mood all week. As my time dwindles here I really see no choice but to smile and make the most of everything.

I went and saw a play last night, "Man of Mode" at the National Theatre. It was quite good, and I would recommend it. Had it not been for the £5 student ticket offer I probably wouldn't have even looked twice at it, but I'm glad I did. Though written in the 1660s, the director, Nicholas Hytner, set it in the present, though still using 17th century language. It's about a cocky, rich, deceptive womanizer "obsessed with having it all," and follows he and his friend's attempts to do so. It was incredibly well-acted, and the sets were modern and eye-catching. Some parts were weird, like how every scene change was met with random people dancing, but it worked.

I have three more plays coming up, which means I'm one away from my goal of 10, though I may end up surpassing it. "The History Boys" next week - have been wanting to see this for awhile. And then the week after "The Glass Menagerie" with Jessica Lange, and "Underneath the Lintel" with Richard Schiff, aka Toby from West Wing!! It may not be Josh or Sam, my faves, but I love Toby too and the play sounds really really interesting. (I swear I'm not one of those people who only sees plays if there is someone famous in them.)

Not sure what I'm doing this weekend, though I haven't slept well at all this week so I hope to catch up on a little sleep, but not as much as last weekend. But my main goal is to find BISCUITS somewhere in London. I need them desperately. The craving was already quite fierce, then Mom sent Bisquick mix, which I can't use as our oven doesn't work, and then I was forced to read how everyone in CH got free biscuits, AGAIN. Mark my words, if there is a biscuit to be had in London, I will find it.

Happy weekend to everyone and check back Monday for an update.

"You're easier to believe in with the lights off." - Bean, Love Song

Friday, Friday, Friday. This week was one of the longest in awhile. Not sure if that's good, since my time here is rapidly dwindling away, or bad, since it made the work days go so much slower.

But it wasn't a bad week, in fact, I've been in a surprisingly good mood. Maybe because all of last week I was sick, and did not work on Thursday as a result. But for the record, lying in bed all day only made me feel worse, not better. But I am mostly better now. I still have slightly runny nose and a cough, and that sick taste in my mouth, but I'll be fine.

Also last week, I got paid to shop. No, really. On Tuesday I get to work to discover half the office on the pavement, as everyone who had keys to get in was away. So a few girls and I went shopping while we waited for keys, and I found a great scard for £2 at Top Shop. I mean, when else am I literally going to get paid to shop?! The keys arrived at 10:30 - I normally start at 9 - and we were all free to go about our days. Though, to be honest, I don't think anyone did any work until after lunch.

Last weekend I re-discovered why I love it here so much, and I really do love it here. I am not ready to go home and leave all of this. I'm looking forward to seeing my family and friends, and getting on with my life, but I am going to miss it terribly.

Anyway, on Saturday I went to the Russian Winter Festival in Trafalgar Square. There were tons of people - more people than birds I'd say, which is hard to do. The festival was only alright, and I didn't stay that long. I picked up some free brochures on Moscow, listened to all the different accents and languages around me, watched some folk dancing, and then bought an over-priced hot dog and chips. But it was nice to experience a different culture.

Afterward I headed for Westminster, as I had not seen Big Ben since November! Gasp! I walked all around Parliament, through some parks, across the Hungerford Foot Bridge, and then along the river to the National Theatre, where I sat at a cafe. I wrote for a bit, and then browsed through the book stalls in front of the National Film Theatre, one of my favorite London activities, even though I've never bought a book.

Sunday I went to church and then sat at the Cafe Nero in Paperchase and wrote. I went to the British Museum for a bit as well, but just wasn't in a museum mood. I did sit in the Great Court and people watch though, which I thought a perfect Sunday activity.

This week has been work as usual, for the most part. It's slow around here so some days I have to hunt for things to do.

Wednesday I went and saw my first play in months, "Love Song" at the New Ambassador's, where I saw one of my favorite plays - "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" - the first time I was here. It starred Neve Campbell, Kristen Johnston, Cillian Murphy, and Michael McKean. Neve Campbell's acting disappointed me, but everyone else was wonderful. Kristen and Michael had great chemistry and played off each other well. And Cillian was very good at his role, which had comical and easy-going parts, as well as some more intense scenes. I've only seen him in Batman Begins, where he creeped me out supremely, so to see him in this role was nice. And he didn't creep me out. I knew nothing about the play before going, only that I got cheap student tickets and who was in it, but according to the program I read before the show, it was all about love. Love love love. I wasn't really in the mood for that, but it ended up being ok. It was about different types of love and was interesting and different, weird but in a good way, that makes you think, not makes you disturbed.

Tomorrow I am headed for Cardiff, Wales. If I end up going to Ireland in March I will have been to all parts of the UK. I am hoping that the weather holds out and doesn't disrupt my trains, or prevent from doing everything I want to do.

Lovely weekend wishes to all and will write again soon.

Really really long post ahead

Well, exhausted doesn't even begin to describe me right now. But also really really happy and excited. The past few days since Mom and Aunt LuAnn have been here have been jam-packed with lots of walking, talking, and going. Having to work was actually a nice break from being a tour guide, even though I probably wasn't even that great of one as I forgot a lot of the important stuff about places. But anyway...

Saturday, of all days, I slept past 9 a.m. for the first time since being in London, and was woken by a phone call from Mom to tell me they were about to board the Gatwick Express. I get to Victoria shortly after they did, though they like to tell it like they were waiting for hours. But, needless to say, I was very happy and excited to finally have them here! After dropping the luggage off at my flat, we set right off before the jet-lag could really hit them. We had lunch at a Pizza Express on Marylebone, then went to Oxford Street and Hyde Park. We walked a lot and saw a lot and it was a good first sight-seeing day.

Sunday we went to church, then had "lunch" at Starbucks. While it's not exactly the same as my caramel apple cider, their caramel hot chocolate is good as well. We stopped at a few shops on Regent Street, including the famous Hamleys toystore. Even though I am "adultish", Mom bought me a Paddington Bear, which has made me dorkily happy. Afterward we headed for Westminster, or as I like to call it, "real London." Big Ben and Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Thames, the Eye and so on. We went up in the Eye and the view was even more spectactular this time than the first time I went up. Aunt LuAnn didn't care for it too much once we got to the top, but I think we all still enjoyed the experience. Afterward we took a short river cruise on the Thames. Just a 20 minute ride to get us from the Eye to Tower Bridge. But the sun was setting and it was a beautiful backdrop for the city and all the amazing buildings along the river. Tower Bridge is just stunning at night and it was a great way to see it. A long day was capped off a truly British restaurant in Piccadilly Circus - Planet Hollywood. Yes, we all crossed an ocean to eat at Planet Hollywood. But I had never eaten at one before and I got chicken fingers for the first time in more than two months so I was happy!

Monday was busy as well, of course. First thing was Abbey Road. It was awesome to be able to see it with Mom and we all crossed and took pictures. Sadly they've taken down the sign on the sidwalk that says "Abbey Road" and has lots of signatures on it, but it was nice all the same. We then set off for Buckingham Palace, but first a stop at Green Park for another Starbucks brunch. I've had more Starbucks this week than I have all year! Unfortunately "Liz" wasn't at home to invite us in for tea, so Mom thinks we should try and catch her this weekend up at Balmoral. Next was Trafalgar Square and the National Portrait Gallery. All the fountains were on so that somewhat lessened my desire to kick all the pigeons, but only somewhat. Next was Kensington Palace. We went inside and I'm glad we did because it was really lovely and interesting. They had the apartment where Princess Margaret lived open to the public, and that was really neat to walk where she had walked and see her bedroom and such. There was also a display of photographs of Princess Diana and several of her dresses. We got to see the dress she wore to the White House and danced with John Travolta in, and that just took my breath away. I'm not usually a huge fan of palaces but this one was real, not overly opulent or cold. I could live at this one, easily. After the Palace we took the long walk to Knightsbridge to Harrods, by far the most extravagant and nearly over-the-top department store I've ever been in. As has become our custom, we went to the Christmas shop for tree ornaments, and later spent ten minutes trying to exit the massive store. We ended yet another long day at an Italian place called "La Dolce Vita." Love the name and the food.

Now you can see why I, and they, are exhausted! But we are all having a great time and it's been nice showing them London and hopefully they can understand more why I love it so much. Last night we saw "The Sound of Music" and it was amazing. The sets were beautiful, the leads and chldren had great voices and were great actors, and it all came together very nicely, very much like the film. Longer review later, along with Spamalot, promise. But this is entirely too long and I'm tired all over again just writing! Tomorrow we leave for Scotland so I probably won't be writing again until Monday. And will post pictures then as well. Thanks if you made it this far!

"So now I am a liberal, communist, feminist. Are you proud?"

Portobello Road pictures added!

Today's post title comes from an e-mail from Karey. Better watch out what you e-mail me because you never know where it might show up. :-) Oh, and yes Karey, I am very very proud.

Now for a series of completely un-related thoughts.

• It's cold today. First day I had to wear a hat and gloves in addition to my pashmina and coat. But at least it wasn't windy...yet. But apparently we are going to be getting "Arctic winds" for the next few days. Oh joy.
• Basketball starts tonite!!!!!!!!
• Speaking of UNC, the number of people I've seen over here wearing UNC hoodies: 3. The number of guys who I'm pretty sure thought I was hitting on them because I grinned when I saw what they were wearing: 1. I quickly walked away while shaking my head. Oops. Can't help that I liked his shirt and not him.
• I have noticed my accent getting stronger over here. As in my Southern accent, not a British one. Maybe it's because I'm perpetually exhausted and that always leads to more of a drawl as I don't have the energy to make words the proper two syllables instead of six. Or maybe it's because on my reception days I say things like "ring him on his mobile" or have started saying "France" like "Frahnce" and "Grant" like "Grahnt" and I am trying to compensate. Either way, there appears to be no danger of me losing what little bit of an accent I have while over here.
• Tonite I am going to see the play "Spamalot." I've never seen anything Monty Python, but because it was such a hit on Broadway, is getting rave reviews over here, and is advertised as one of the funniest shows in years, I decided to give it a shot. Tim Curry is one of the stars and I think it will be cool to see him. Right now I'm reading all about Monty Python on Wikipedia so I don't go blindly into the show. I'm a little worried I won't get the jokes because I don't know anything about anything, but we'll see. Will review here later of course.

I think that's it for now. I ran around like a crazy person at work on Tuesday, barely sat down for five minutes all day, which meant I crashed at about 9:30, only to wake up at 11:30 unable to go back to sleep. Today is reception day, so I get a chance to rest and maybe even respond to all the e-mails I can't seem to get to. I have hit another e-mail rut unfortunately so if you are waiting to hear back from me you aren't the only one and it's nothing personal!

"Everyone deserves the chance to fly."

Another week gone by. Next week I’ll have been here a month, which just seems unbelievable as it has flown by.

Work was good this week. I really feel like I know what I’m doing and so far I’ve been keeping busy, lots of stuff to do, multi-tasking. It can be stressful but it’s what I like for the most part. I still have moments of “what am I doing here” and “what was I thinking," but it's only temporary, and it was my decision, after all.

Of course, this was before a client asked for chamomile tea, which I said we didn't have, he then haughtily informed me that any herbal tea is chamomile. First, is it really? Because I was under the impression that chamomile was a specific kind of tea. But I mean, could he think for a second that I’m an American, tea is much less of an integral part of our culture than it is here, so maybe consider that I’m trying to learn your customs, and cut me some slack. I mean, I very well could have said something like, “This is the reason we threw your tea in the harbor, bitch.” But I didn’t.

Luckily this was an isolated incident, and everyone else has been incredibly nice and I’ve talked to a lot of people this week and felt very welcomed.

But the highlight of this week was seeing “Wicked” on Thursday. A large part of why I love London so much and why I wanted to come back was the theatre. In the drama class I took here last summer, our professor told us that after learning to examine plays critically in his class, we’d never be able to just see one and simply say “I loved it” or “I hated it,” that we would be much better equipped to critique and analyze what we see on stage. That’s why whenever I see a play I’ll write about in here, more for myself than anything else, because I like to examine what I saw and remember every little detail.

I knew only a few things about the play before I saw it. I knew it was about the witches in Oz “before Dorothy dropped in,” that it was based on a book, that Karey loved it, and that Idina Menzel starred in it. I like knowing enough about a play that I’m not shocked when it starts, but also not knowing enough so that there are still nice surprises. I also knew none of the songs, so that was interesting as well.

First, the sets were spectacular, some of the best I’ve ever seen. They were elaborate and beautiful, while not overpowering the stage or the actors. I thought they portrayed the Emerald City beautifully, with every shade of green imaginable. The actors used every part of the stage, and everything just blended seamlessly.

Second, the actors. The woman playing Glinda was good, though a bit annoying but I know that’s the part. She had a good voice, a little too operatic at times, but she was good at what she did. But the voice did get on my nerves because whenever she and Idina sang together, you always heard hers above all else, and I thought the harmony could have been better. Adam Garcia, aka guy from Coyote Ugly, was also in it, and while his voice wasn’t that strong, he moved incredibly well, just a great dancer and I really liked him in the part. And of course, Idina. As soon as she came on stage, the whole audience went nuts. And throughout the show she got the most cheers and applause nearly everytime she did anything. Her voice is so powerful, so beautiful, and I can’t believe when I first listened to her voice on the Broadway recording of Rent, that I didn’t like it. I plead temporary insanity I suppose. But she is just a great actress and was great playing funny, angry, love-sick, and sad.

Third, the music. It actually took me maybe three or four songs before I got into them, but once I did they were wonderful. My favorite was “Defying Gravity” at the end of the first act, I think, and also the one about how no one mourns the wicked. I also liked any of the ones where Idina belted it out and the audience went crazy. That was also an amazing part of the show, how into it the audience was. There was a great energy, which I don’t always feel at shows but that I felt at this one, that everyone was into it, everyone was excited, and that everyone was being touched by what they were watching.

Finally, the actual story. I thought it was cute how there were subtle allusions to “The Wizard of Oz” thrown in throughout, it helped make the connection between the story everyone knows, but id it without beating you over the head. I liked the plot, about standing up for what you believe in, no matter how different it is, and challenging authority. The program featured a piece by the author of the book on why he wrote it when and how he did, about seeing things in society you don’t agree with, about challenging social norms and the status quo, especially if those in power are helping to perpetuate it. I love plays that have a message, that can be written or take place years ago, but still resonate today, and do so in a non-preachy, sneaky in a good way.

Next entry I’ll answer the questions from the last entry, so if you have something you want to know but haven’t asked do it now!

"There wasn't an F name in the Bible, so they named him Frankincense, because he smelled so sweet."

I was a little lazy this weekend, but it felt good. I figure it’s good to be out, even if just sitting and relaxing, while it’s warm and I still can. So after a few errands Saturday morning, Marissa and I set out for Victoria to try and get tickets for “Wicked.” It was a long walk, the length of Hyde Park and then some, but it was good to see different areas and just see more of the city in general. We passed the famous Dorchester Hotel, though we didn’t see any famous people around it. We walked the Park Lane area near Hyde Park, which is a really nice area. We weren’t able to get tickets for that night’s how, but we did get them for Sept. 28. I hate having to wait that long but they were cheap and I know it will be worth it. Or at least it better be or it’s Karey’s fault.

And because I apparently forgot I don’t get paid for another week, I went and saw another show anyway – “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” I couldn’t count how many times I’ve seen this movie, and I was really excited to see it on stage. It was only ok, I’ve seen better and I’ve seen worse. Parts of it were just like I wanted it to be, and others fell short. Especially the accents! Who knew that settlers in 1850s Oregon had combination bad Southern/British/Irish/Cockney/and maybe Scottish accents. The actors kept slipping into their real voices, or using a terrible Southern-type accent I highly doubt was in the west at this time, and it made it really hard to identify with the characters. They also didn’t have my favorite part of the movie in it – where they all dance at the barn building. They had them dance at a social, but it wasn’t the same. They also cut out the part where the girls dance in their room about being spring/summer/June brides. They did however add a song - that was terrible. I zoned out during it and just stared at all the pretty gold in the theatre. My favorite character in the movie aside from the two leads is Gideon, and this Gideon was pretty good. He was a trained ballet dancer though, and it showed when he’d start doing these pirouette things that just didn’t fit with the rest of the dancers. This is my long-winded way of saying I liked the show, it wasn’t a terrible waste of money, but I’ll take the movie any day.

Now today I’m thinking of just going to Regent’s or Hyde Park for some people-watching and reading. It’s nice out and I really do want to take advantage of it before it gets bed. Pictures of the flat and such will probably come next week. We are still trying to get it all in order and I want to wait to take pictures.