I'll Never Write a Novel

The Memoir of a Personal Essayist OR Confessions of a Theatre Widow

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Off to the Park

Ahhh. At last we made it to the park today (Astoria Park, above. Isn't it pretty?). The weather has been so crummy that it's been hard for Little G and me to get to the playground. It's nice that I can type the word playground, by the way. I cannot say it out loud unless I want it repeated incessantly and for my girl to stand waiting by the door. Seriously. She loves it.

So, sun is shining, and we're sick of being cooped up, so off to Astoria Park we go. This park is Ahhhhmazing. It is beautiful and huge nestled right up against the (less-scary-than-you-think) East River. The park was packed. Lots of people were sporting and picnicking on the rolling lawn, the ice cream truck sat on the street to offer treats, and the playground was bustling with happy kids. Today amongst those kids was my kid, and that made me very happy.

There were lots of times I was told, "I do it by myself," which I am doing my best to get used to. And she does get around where she needs/wants to go, quite nicely. She is so her Dad's girl, independent spirit and all. But one moment she lost track of me and I could see her pause, look around and quietly begin saying, "Mommy." Then, a little louder, "Mommmmy." Then she spotted me and I got one of those big, peaceful smiles. So she does still need me. Sometimes.

Tomorrow is Dad Guy's first full day off in quite some time and I think we'll try to trek back to the park. This time I think we'll grab a picnic and lounge for a bit, but it won't be long till we hear, "Playground!"
Here she is at the new place, actually stepping back for the photo and saying, "Cheese!"
I can't decide what my favorite part of our "upscale camping" scenario I like best in this picture. Maybe it's Baby strewn about in front of the TV on the box. And, yes, Days of Our Lives is on. Days is never on, so I can't believe we captured that. After this we went into the City to meet Dad Guy.

Friday, June 19, 2009

A Quick Little Rant

Jon and Kate + 8

I am from a big family. We probably wouldn't make very good reality TV. It always struck me as odd that this was such a noteworthy thing that a family had eight kids. I know lots of families that have more. But none of them have sextuplets. And none of them seem to crave the limelight.

Apparently the Gosselins are okay with the limelight. The limelight seems to have ruined them. But on they go right into the glow.

In the midst of the chaos that they have born or created comes word that they have a big announcement on Monday. Rumblings are that they are separating or divorcing. They claim to be trying to find peace for both of them.

Well, I hope that their real announcement is that they are turning off the cameras and getting family counseling. Get out of the mess created by peering eyes, tabloid stories, book signings, Today Show appearances, late night bar visits, cozy body guards, and whatever else you have made "necessary." Figure out what is really important. Find the core of who you are as a couple and as a family.

Peace for you is secondary to peace and piece of mind for your kids. Nothing that has happened over the last several months has been positive for your kids. In fact, I would go so far as to say that everything that you are doing is terribly detrimental to your kids. Turn it around and figure out how to help your family. I am guessing calling it quits without any effort to solve your problems will teach terrible, unteachable lessons to your eight kids.

That's right, you have eight kids that you went to endless efforts to have through fertility treatments and challenging pregnancies. Can you spend as much time and effort to help them as you took to create them? Can you find the love in one another that prompted you to want to share your love with all these kids?

What an awful example you are teaching married couples, families, TV audiences, and most importantly your kids if you declare divorce without exhausting all possibilities of making this work. You will prove yourselves to be shallow, selfish and stupid if that's you"Big Announcement." On the other hand, if you make the announcement you are getting out of show business and getting down to the business of being a family I will cheer you on to no end, and I assure you, so will America.

Rant over.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Hooray!

I write to you now as a person who has attended the Tony Awards.

It was so fun!

It turns out that we weren't in nosebleed seats AT ALL. In fact our seats were amazing. We weren't down in the mix with all the "famous" folks, but I will say that Steven Weber was just down ahead of us and I was sitting next to the daughter of one of the producers of "Hair." That should tell you a) we weren't far from B-listers; b) "important" people still put their kids with people like me, so it can't be so bad. We were in row N, just under the mezzanine. Wonder what that looks like? Wonder no more:



This is just before all the ceremony started. I didn't want to get busted for taking photos during the show, but I am glad I caught this. I was close enough that I actually didn't even need to really watch the big screens! They were handy, especially to see the odd facial expressions of one of the "Hair" tribe members during their acceptance. I suspect the party started early for that guy. Whoa! And you know who is even more hilarious than that whacked out dude? Neil Patrick Harris! He was an amazing host. He was funny during the show and during the commercials. Love him. My hubby shook his hand during the show. So cool.

And, yes, I saw Brett Michaels biff his face on the set. Whoops. I know they should have stopped the drop from coming in, but for Pete's sake, dude... Follow your blocking and look out for the set. My sister and I clutched one eachother's hands and gasped when it happened. Glad he walked away with minor contusions so I can laugh about it now. That's what you get for "Rock of Love Bus."

It was so cool to get to sit with my dad and sister during the awards, I must say. They had just seen "The Show" the day before so they were some of the biggest cheerleaders. When I talk to people who watched the awards they always say that our little show got huge cheers whenever it was announced. We were those people! That was one of the coolest things about being there, the ability to be in the room when nominees (and winners!) were announced. It reminded me how a part of this Broadway family I am blessed to be. Am I actually living this dream?! Pinch me. I laughed. I cried. A lot.

During the ceremony, The Hubby and I texted back and forth from our seats. We could see one another when we stood up to cheer, but not so much while we were seated. But texting turned out to be a way we could wink and nudge. If you are a voyeur like me perhaps you would like to know what we said. If you are not, you can skip this part. Following along you may recognize what parts of the show we are talking about. Here are some highlights:

Him: This is Redonk.

Me: Right? Holy Cow! I cannot believe this is real.

Him: That's one.

Me: Maybe Billy isn't running away with this thing...

Him: Grrrr!

Me: Double grrrrr.

Later

Him: Shut up!

Me: Shut it all up!!!

Even Later

Him: That was confusing. Not sure why they chose that.

Me: Cool dancing but... huh? Doesn't make me want to see Billy.

At the After Party

Me: Looouis... Where are you?

Speaking of which, the after party was awesome. As was the pre-show. So much delicious food. I don't even know where to start. At the pre-show, I think the mini tacos were the winners. Oh, good golly, those were yummy. The post-show party highlight was probably the empanadas. Or the crab cakes. Or the mini grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Or maybe the gelato. I could have kept eating but you eventually just have to stop. But better than the spectacular food was a chance to be at a party where people show up with their Tony Awards. I got to see a brand spankin' new, shiny, fresh Tony! So cool. And those were some happy winners. Big congrats to Tom, Brian, Alice and Michael. They were all so gracious and pleased to share their honors with everyone there. Nothing like it.

In classic fashion, we didn't take nearly enough photos. Shocking, I know. I do have one shot of us for now. It's at the pre-show party. My dad and sister are just to my left. We were just toasting our good fortune right before we took this, so it seems like the perfect shot.

It's not the most flattering photo of me, but I love the moment (but seriously, what's up fat arms?! My arms do not look like that.). And I love the prominent role my mom's pearls play in the picture. The beautiful clasp my dad designed for her is front and center. She would love that. And The Dad Guy is sooooo handsome. He's wearing a fancy schmancy tux that he was wardrobed in for the night. Big props to Sisley menswear. This fit amazingly, was fabulously fashionable and he's wearing blue suede shoes. Hot stuff.

I proudly tell you that I did my own hair and it wins. I got so many compliments. And my favorite comment, "Who did your hair? It looks great!" Many bobby pins and a little husbandly assistance was required, but I pulled it off. Tee hee hee. Of course, I don't really have any good photos of it. Boo.

So, enough rambling. That's the recap. I didn't even get to the knee wound I managed to collect, the crazy as heck cab rides, Little G's big night out, insane foot pain, or any number of other stories. This is just a basic document. If there is something else you are dying to know, say the word. Man, I am long-winded.

Cheers!

Friday, June 12, 2009

We now take a break from our regularly scheduled programming...

To bring you this important announcement.

My friend Shelley is missing her dog. If you live in the Rainier, WA area or know anyone who does, please keep an eye out for Viper.

Please go to Shelley's blog for more information.

I have a deep appreciation for the love of a little dog. I am confident Viper and Mojito are kindred spirits. I really, really hope that Viper comes home safe and sound.

Of course a Tony Awards post is in the pipeline. For now thoughts and prayers for Shelley.