| YES WE DID! |
[Nov. 5th, 2008|01:12 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | hopeful | ] | "And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright -- tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
"For that is the true genius of America -- that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."
These are the words of President (!!!) Barack Obama.
Words can't describe tonight. There are STILL people honking their horns and cheering in the streets. We believe -- and I, Miss Cynical PR -- believe in the UNITED States of America. Despite everything we've been through, we still believe.
And that, my friends, is America the Beautiful, of the people, by the people, and FOR the people.
WOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! |
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| I'm proud to be an American |
[Nov. 4th, 2008|11:52 am] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | excited | ] | Would you look at this:



I've been voting at the same polling location for ten years and have never waited more than 10 minutes, even in the 2004 election. Today, the line went down the long block, around the corner, past Tom's Diner, and almost to the next block. An hour and a half wait and I loved every second of it. Cars were honking; people were laughing, taking pictures and video. Everyone let older folks and those with babies cut the line. I even teared up once inside as I looked around at every possible type of person, all there to have their voice heard. This is America. BROOKLYN is America. I will miss it very, very much.
I should also note that my not-so-baby brother voted for the first time today. Apparently, he didn't like the one guy running for sheriff in his county, so he voted for himself as a write-in candidate. Now THAT'S democracy! And I need to get him a shiny sheriff's pin. |
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| Oui! C'est chouette! |
[Jul. 8th, 2008|11:59 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | silly | ] | It's been high times here at the Fairy Princess Castle, what with the 1-2-3-4 punch of Euro 2008, Wimbledon, the Olympic Trials (helloooooo swimmers!), and the Tour de France. As one of my co-workers asked, "Do you do anything but watch sports?" Ummm, not much. Thank goodness it's not football season, or I'd be a goner.
Imagine our amazement, therefore, when we realized no one had created a Tour de France drinking game. The daily live broadcast on Versus is rife with opportunity. Our only explanation is that it occurs in the early morning when one's fancy does not turn to thoughts of cocktails. This has never stopped us, though, so we proudly present:
LE JEU DU VIN DU TOUR DE FRANCE!
We're keeping it simple, with noted exceptions.
Take one drink when:
* A time trial is referred to as "the race of truth."
* Thor Husvold is referred to as "the god of thunder" (take a little sip if alternately called "the big man from Norway.").
* Paul and Phil wear matching oxfords.
* A crash happens.
* The Tour is called "unpredictable."
* Any rider is called out as the national champion of his home country.
* Any mention of Team Garmin-Chipotle is accompanied by a GPS joke.
* Any mention of Uganda.
* "Big George Hincapie."
* Prolonged shots of farmer art.
* Helicopter shot of a chateau (take a second drink when accompanied by a historical fact snippet).
* Any man runs down the race course in a thong or less.
* Bob calls the race "the Tour dey Fraance."
* The pelaton catches the breakaway.
* Anyone is referred to as "the star of the future."
* Any mention of Lance Armstrong.
* Anyone watching confuses Vandevelde with Valverde, or vice versa.
* "38-year-old Erik Zabel." (thanks tintintin!)
* A shot of anyone riding alongside the race course on a horse.
* Whenever the King of the Mountains jersey makes an appearance on screen (those polka dots are faaaaaabulous!).
* Any mention of Filippo Pozzato -- however, you must precede the drink with the "Enrico Pallazzo" chant.
Chug when:
* Phil pulls out THE SUITCASE OF COURAGE.
* El Diablo runs down the race course.
Trigger moments subject to change -- check back for updates! |
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| (no subject) |
[Dec. 16th, 2007|09:20 pm] |
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My journal is now Friends Only. If you have an LJ account, feel free to drop me a comment and I'll consider adding you. Otherwise, please follow me in my new librarian career at my new journal, The Leisurely Librarian. |
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| It has come to this. |
[Nov. 12th, 2007|05:26 pm] |
I am drinking Sutter Home Fre Brut "Champagne". With another Fre bottle of "Merlot" waiting in the wings for sampling later.
My friends, being on drugs that completely disallow alcohol consumption is killing me. A short course, I could handle. When that was upped to two weeks, I muddled through; though truth be known I went off the drugs twice for two very important occasions (anniversary and baby shower) that required imbibing. Which is probably precisely why I was thrown back on said drugs for another two weeks. This simply will not do.
And so, here I am resorting to not just alcohol-free wine, but really bad, mass-produced, overly sweet alcohol-free wine...which tastes like heaven in a bottle because it's the closest I've been to G-d's Own Nectar for weeks. Though again, in full confessionary mode, I said to hell with the liver on Saturday night and had three whole sips of real grown-up wine. Sheer bliss and so hard to turn tearfully away from once I had my share. The fact that the bottle already sat empty was most likely my true saving grace.
Pomegranate seeds in the "champagne" add a nice touch, though. That and the thought that I'll finally be off this wretched wagon on Thanksgiving Day...with full access to my parents' exceptionally well-stocked bar. |
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| SPOOKY BOO!!! |
[Oct. 31st, 2007|10:46 pm] |
Hooray for Halloween -- my co-favorite holiday of the year (the other being Thanksgiving, for very different reasons).
I love handing out candy to kids, hearing eager "Trick or Treat!"s, and seeing a sad kid instantly glow with glee when you offer him a fun size Milky Way.
I love seeing all the costumes -- children, teenagers, adults and pets (some of the best are the pets, honestly).
I love our neighboring neighborhood for shutting down its main thoroughfare to traffic so everyone can trick or treat at the storefronts and feel safe about their candy collection.
I love the real significance of the day, for people of various beliefs and cultures. In particular, Happy Samhain and El Dia de los Muertos to all y'all.
I love that tomorrow is All Saints Day, which is a lovely tradition if you ask me.
I don't like being scared, but a little spooky and creepy wonderment is always a good thing.
I love decorating the inside and outside of a house and carving pumpkins and roasting pumpkin seeds and the fact that the Hummer House across the street has every spare inch stuffed with some sort of decor, including a life-sized scary puppet that dances to "Superfreak" whenever someone walks by.
I miss my hometown immensely today, especially my dad's seven foot "spooky pumpkin guy," scary cackle, and full-sized candy bars.
But most of all, I love that this is the night when good natured mischief reigns; when you can be whatever you want to be, if only for a few hours.
Happy Halloween! Woooooooooooooo... |
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| (no subject) |
[Oct. 31st, 2007|01:15 am] |
To those I offended with my last post, please know that I am deeply apologetic. My frustration was with the response situation, which I have dealt with in one way or another at least five times over the last 12 months and umpteen times since moving to NYC years ago. This event was simply the proverbial straw that broke my back and I snapped. Perhaps in an ungraceful way, but it happens to all of us from time to time. Please also understand that party manners, RSVPing, thank you notes, pleases and thank yous in general, ma'ams and sirs, etc. are as ingrained in me as the ability to breathe or speak English. It truly breaks my heart when people do not spare the 20 seconds it takes to respond when asked to do so for very practical reasons (e.g., food/drink count). I try very, very hard to entertain my guests well, make sure they're taken care of, that the gathering -- no matter the size -- is something special. If I didn't, my father would have my head. All I ask in return is a simple yes or no to make the party the best it can be. That's all.
I should also mention (because I haven't really told anyone but Steven) that the last two weeks have been exceptionally rough as one of my best friends from home -- someone about to get married -- watched his dad pass away last Tuesday after a horrible cancer battle, so I have been dealing with that on several fronts. Plus there are other private things going on in our families which I choose not to discuss right now, but suffice to say it's not a fun time. No excuse, but you can understand the strain.
I really need this job to start so I'm not living in my head so much anymore. Well, that and to not be all PMSish. But you didn't need to know that! |
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| Anniversary Review |
[Oct. 21st, 2007|01:51 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | relaxed | ] | Play along with eccles and me as we take place in this couples survey, in honor of our first anniversary. Are we well-matched or simply delusional as to our extended state of marital bliss? The Internets, of course, will REVEAL ALL!!
1. Who eats more?
We probably eat about the same over the course of a day. Steven eats more breakfast, lunch and dinner. I pick at things until about 4pm, then start snacking, eat a smaller dinner than him (generally), then snack until bedtime. Or sometimes past bedtime.
2. Who said "I love you" first?
I think I did. We were at my parents' house and I was having an agonizing night of wanting to tell him I loved him, but not sure how to say it. I think I finally came out with it after hours of tears around 3am and he said he loved me too. Then we had to be up for a 5am flight back to NYC.
3. Who is the morning person?
NOT ME. Unless you consider 4am to be the morning.
4. Who sings better?
I suppose I do, but Steven has a better singing voice than he thinks.
5. Who’s older?
Me. I'm a cougar. Mrrrow.
6. Who’s smarter?
We are both brilliant, of course. Steven is much better at science, world events, fixing/construction, patience. I'm better at people skills, writing, organization, memory, and getting things done. I don't think it's a matter of being smarter as it is that we have very distinct areas of intellect that, thankfully, compliment each others' weaknesses.
7. Whose temper is worse?
Mine. Ohhhh dear, definitely mine. Poor guy.
8. Who does the laundry?
I eventually sort it and send it out after Steven bugs me a few times. He always puts his away weeks (literally weeks) before I do the same with my clothes.
9. Who does the dishes?
99.99 percent of the time, Steven. For which I am thankful every single day.
10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
If you're standing at the foot of the bed, Steven does. If you're lying in the bed, I do. I prefer to be nearest to the window for reasons I don't understand, so if we're in a hotel with a flipped layout, we sleep on different sides than we are "used to."
11. Whose feet are bigger?
Steven's, definitely. Though mine are proportionally wider.
12. Whose hair is longer?
Meeeeeeeeee! *swings luxurious locks*
13. Who’s better with the computer?
Steven, no question. My expertise usually involves cursing and asking him to fix the thingy in the doohickey with the freakin' mrrrrowefifflefuff.
14. Do you have pets?
Our little princess Cleo was mine and is now a full Daddy's Girl. Because she knows who the pushover is in this family. And because he feeds her and changes her litter.
15. Who pays the bills?
At the moment, Steven -- due to my unemployed state. We'll reevaluate who pays for what once my first paycheck arrives on or around the first of the year.
16. Who cooks dinner?
Usually me because I love to cook. Steven can whip up simple, tasty things on the nights where I'm too exhausted to perform (like last night's tortellini with homemade tomato/veg sauce).
17. Who drives when you are together?
Since we don't have a day-to-day car, it's usually not an issue. When we visit my family, I tend to drive since I know the area. When we travel, Steven drives because he's trying to learn the American driving system and I'm a better navigator than he is. Besides, he likes playing Formula One driver behind the wheel.
18. Who pays when you go out to dinner?
We usually loosely take turns, but lately Steven's my sugar daddy for reasons explained above.
19. Who’s the most stubborn?
Absolutely me. But I'm working on it.
20. Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong?
I'm honestly not sure. I think we're both pretty good at saying when we're wrong and apologizing.
21. Whose family do you see more?
Due to geographical proximity, mine. Not to mention sheer volume of people and places to visit.
22. Who named your pet?
I did, but Steven didn't know either of us at the time.
23. Who kissed who first?
I think I did, but only because we were sitting on Steven's sofa and he kept pushing my nose and going "Meep!" If that's not sexy, I don't know what is!
24. Who asked who out?
We never really asked each other out. I sent him an e-mail saying I was going to be nearby and would like to see Cardiff...could he be a tour guide? And then he invited himself along on a trip to New Orleans. The rest is history.
25. Who’s more sensitive?
Probably me. But he'll say probably him.
26. Who’s taller?
My tall, dark and handsome husband. By about seven inches (yay!).
27. Who has more friends?
Me -- but most of them are now Steven's friends too.
28. Who has more siblings?
Me. Two brothers versus one sister.
29. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
We both do. We like pants. Pants keep your butt warm. In all seriousness, I'm more bossy and Steven is more compliant, so I probably take advantage of that more than I should. But it's evening out over time. |
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| (no subject) |
[Oct. 21st, 2007|01:06 pm] |
Here's a tip for curious travelling types: Some locales deserve their reputation. If people repeatedly say, "You're going WHERE?! WHYYYY?!?!" you shouldn't think that they simply haven't any sense of adventure and/or a knack for digging out the quirky like you, of course, have in natural abundance.
Case in point: Buffalo, New York. A more sad, decrepit, stuck-in-the-80s town I have never seen. Frighteningly enough, I saw it at it's best weather-wise; I can't imagine how horrendous it must be in the midst of their infamous winters. Even the "luxury" hotel wherein I stowed myself and my luggage seemed plucked out of 1982 -- polyester burgundy floral print comforters and all.
So why would I subject myself to such aesthetic torture for three days? The New York Library Association conference. Which I went to full of pep and enthusiasm, hoping to wake up the long-dormant public librarian portion of my brain. In all, however, I have to say that the conference sorely disappointed me, or perhaps I just selected the wrong sessions to attend. Either way, I'm consoling myself with two facts: 1) the travel/hotel/etc. are tax-deductable; and 2) I met a bigwig from my system who, apparently, had just been talking about me to some colleagues in a very enthusiastic manner. Go me.
To Buffalo's credit, the folks who live there are inexplicably friendly and outgoing. You will never have a better Buffalo wing than those served at place that invented them: Anchor Bar. And if you can squeeze in a rental car sidetrip to cross the border into Canada, Niagara Falls will not disappoint, though the surrounding tourist area will make you feel like you've been dropped into Hillbilly Vegas.
(N.B.: What is it with Canadian border patrol!? For all my love of those minxy Canadians, I cannot wrap my head around why their border and customs folks have no other questioning option than Spanish Inquisition mode. This latest gem asked where I was going in Canada and when I said, "The Falls" he asked where in the falls as it was a big place. I just looked back at him and said, "Just The Falls. Where the water goes over the edge, sir. I don't know how else to answer your question." He also wondered why I would come up to Buffalo (of all places!) for two days. I did my best to suppress that giggle. On the flip side, U.S. border patrol simply swiped my passport, asked how long I had been in Canada, and was I bringing back anything into the U.S. In and out in 20 seconds. Hooray Homeland Security!)
All the same, I know I could should have been in New Orleans at the queenhell of all housewarming parties (not to mention helping good friends in their hour of need). I could have truly been here for Steven and my's first anniversary instead of stumbling in around 3pm, crashing out from 5-8pm, eating pasta for dinner, and stumbling to bed at midnight. No champagne, no nooky, no nothing. I am a horrible, no-good wife.
Tonight, I shall attempt to redeem the anniversary weekend as we are going to Gramercy Tavern for cocktails and dinner. And I'm having my hair did for the occasion. Ooh la la! |
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| (no subject) |
[Oct. 4th, 2007|02:03 am] |
One minute of your day might help you to understand my obsession with my beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Whether they are winning or not (though they ARE winning right now and that should not change, thank you).
The last 15 seconds? They bring a tear to my eye.
(If the voice sounds familiar, it's none other than our native boy and massive fan Paul Rudd. Wheee!) |
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| IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT |
[Oct. 3rd, 2007|05:19 pm] |
Guess who is AN OFFICIAL LIBRARIAN?!?!?
This morning, I accepted an offer from Queens Library for an adult services (snicker) position. No idea which branch I'll be at quite yet, but once I know you'll know, so you can come in and be shushed!
The best part? I don't start until December 17th, so no worries about my upcoming travel plans, etc. Hooray!
More later...now I have to get ready for celebratory drinkin' with a pregnant lady and thank my lucky stars that this dastardly job search is at an end. Wheeeee! |
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| (no subject) |
[Sep. 16th, 2007|09:18 pm] |
Heh. Memes can be dull, but I got a kick out of this silly career one going around. Namely due to the first three suggestions (and other backup later down the list).
And if that doesn't work, I could always become a sign maker. THANK GOD.
Speaking of jobs, all happy thoughts accepted around 1pm Eastern time tomorrow...
1. Chef 2. Family and Consumer Scientist 3. Librarian 4. Lobbyist 5. Tour Guide 6. Desktop Publisher 7. Dental Assistant 8. Fashion Designer 9. Cartoonist / Comic Illustrator 10. Sign Maker 11. Criminologist 12. Plumber 13. Curator 14. Set Designer 15. Costume Designer 16. Professor 17. Makeup Artist 18. Anthropologist 19. Hairstylist 20. Fast Food Worker 21. Esthetician 22. Butcher 23. Cook 24. Furniture Finisher 25. Activist 26. Picture Framer 27. Public Policy Analyst 28. Graphic Designer 29. Artist 30. Political Aide 31. Communications Specialist 32. Print Journalist 33. Critic 34. Writer 35. Library Technician 36. Translator 37. Tailor / Dressmaker 38. Industrial Designer 39. Upholsterer 40. Market Research Analyst |
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| 5768, yo. |
[Sep. 12th, 2007|05:11 pm] |
Whether you are of the Chosen People are not, you will enjoy this. Especially if you are a redheaded librarian.
Happy New Year, y'all!
P.S. I really need that Brooklyn Bubbelehs shirt. The search starts now, but please send any leads my way. |
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| (no subject) |
[Sep. 11th, 2007|05:15 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | grumpy | ] | Say what you will about Mayor Bloomberg, I generally like the guy. Especially when articles like this appear in the NY Times: Bloomberg Tries to Move the City Beyond 9/11 Grief. Worth a read, if only to check out the shoutout to my people here on the brink of Rosh Hashanah.
In fact, massive kudos to the NY Times that this article was the *only* 9/11-focused article in the front page section today, very much second to the main headline about the ongoing Petraeus/Iraq debacle which is, you know, news. All the rest was moved, appropriately, to the Metro section. Because it is a local story at this point.
If our paper of record can move on, why is it so difficult for the rest of this country to do so as well? Especially when, gee, most of them weren't personally affected by the attacks.
Or, as I've mentioned elsewhere today, funnel the energy and concern where it is (still) needed much more. Three guesses as to where that might be. |
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| FOOTBALLFOOTBALLFOOTBALLFOOTBALLFOOTBALLFOOTBALLFOOTBALL |
[Sep. 6th, 2007|09:40 pm] |
Family Guy - Awesome video clips here
We are one mere half into the 2007-08 season and:
1) They have played that damn Mellencamp "Our Country" song approximately 24,308,023 times. ALREADY. *sigh*
2) Peyton Manning has signed more endorsement deals (I didn't think this was possible) and has appeared at least (!) once in every commercial break. Good for him for running with the money, but honestly. Zzzzzzzzzz...
3) Madden's going WACKY with the magic TV pen. WACKY, I tell you!
4) New Orleans and Indianapolis both look incredible. In fact, so tight that you heard it here first: Saints/Colts Super Bowl; Saints win by 3. For so many reasons: GEAUX SAINTS!
5) I never thought I'd say this, but: Where are the stupidly funny beer commercials, complete with requisite scantily clad chicks? You can't have football without stupidly funny beer commercials. Anheuser-Busch, get with the program because the folks over at Coors (and McDonald's, for that matter) are sorely lacking.
I'm not saying anything about the Chiefs until at least Week Three. This is because: a) I haven't made up my mind on these guys yet and think preseason results are inconclusive as they were running a bunch of kids who didn't even make the team; and b) our first two games are away. If they survive that and perform well, it could be an interesting season. If not...
That said, there is grand news on the Chiefs front: I may have finally found a local Chiefs fan club! After only 12 lonely seasons in New York! And it looks like I'll be home for the Raiders and Chargers games. Woooooooo!!! FOOTBALL!!! |
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| Thinking in snippets |
[Sep. 1st, 2007|09:07 pm] |
I've been putting off an update, wanting inspiration to strike so I could properly write up the various wonderments that have happened over the last two weeks. Per usual, when you wish for a muse, she stays far, far away.
And so, in brief:
The Find A Home Tour started with a trip to a land far, far away...that being the Pacific Northwest. A beautiful corner of the world if there ever was one and, considering my deep, abiding love for Vancouver, BC, I thought a perfect place to set the bar for a potential moving spot. For nigh-on ten years, I've thought Portland would be IT as far as a place to hang my hat. Imagine my (and, consequently, our) disappointment when the place just didn't gel for us.
We tried to put it into words for several days until Steven finally said, "They're just...trying too hard out here." This coming from transplant New Yorkers, mind! I managed to articulate that, opposed to other places, Portland is having its moment in the sun and, therefore, attracting the EXACT element we're trying to escape (I'm looking at YOU, Williamsburgites and their ilk). It's a city still trying to fit into oversized trousers (from the hippest thrift store, no less), and just not for us. Which is a shame because it seems like those who are area natives aren't quite sure to do with the influx and really, truly mean well while they try to adapt a place they love for the popular kids.
With some sense of relief (oh! and after a fantastic dinner with habilments, whom I miss far too much, and her super amazingly lovely beau, whom I instantly fell in love with...I wish could have them over every weekend for wine and nibbles), we hopped a train to Seattle, not hoping for much. Thank the Fates for low expectations; Seattle knocked our socks off. Completely livable, exceptionally more grown up, ridiculously picturesque...I could go on and on.
Helping form that opinion were the wonderful duo of our Neighbor's fabulous aunt and uncle who escorted us about town all day Sunday; showed off neighborhoods, coastline and the University of Washington campus; "tried" not to give us too much of a MOVE HERE! pitch (and, in fact, told us as much downside as upside to the town); and made us a "light repast" of salmon and potatoes and three kinds of salad and fruit salad with ice cream for dessert. Just a perfectly rejuvenating Sunday, which was desperately needed.
Everything we saw in Seattle -- even the damn hills, after a while -- brought another giggle, another delight. After all, this is a city whose NBC affiliate, KING, also owns a sister independent station called KONG, so that says something. I'll refrain from reviewing the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (I'm sure Steven will wax rhapsodic about it) and other points of interest, except to say that we are VERY intrigued and plan a return visit in January or February to see the town at its most gray and drizzly. Not a big deal for our resident Brit, but could I handle eight months of gloom per year?
Next stops on the tour include Philadelphia (start prepping those Powerpoint presentations now, ladies!) and Baltimore. If nothing else, all this touring and thinking is giving Steven interesting perspective on America, which is fun to discuss and sort through his eyes.
On a completely different note, could we have a shoutout to my Midwestern compatriates for a week that shall go down in civil rights history? I thought I was blown out of the water when an Iowa judge ruled that not allowing same sex marriage was unconstitutional, but imagine my shock yesterday when the lovely Gov. Sebelius expanded job bias protections to cover sexual orientation in Kansas. Small steps, to be sure, but they're huge out there in the flyover -- and quite a statement so close to the next federal election. Woo hooooo, y'all! And thank you, thank you, thank you.
(Guess that wasn't all-that-brief, eh? Wouldn't you know.) |
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| Even VH1 Classic knows it's my birthday! |
[Aug. 3rd, 2007|02:27 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | ecstatic | ] | Holy bajoly -- can you believe that both of these were on today's installment of "We Are The 80s"?!? Woo hooo!
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 3rd, 2007|12:19 pm] |
| [ | Current Mood |
| | XANADU!!! | ] | I've made it to 34! Wheeee!
In celebration, Steven surprised me this morning with...tickets to see "Xanadu: The Musical" TONIGHT!!!. Orchestra seats, even! And then, fondue for dinner afterwards!!!
Do I have the best husband or what?!?! Actually, we got in a bit of a tiff a couple weeks ago because I've been going on and on about wanting to see this since it opened and he finally said, "Look. I am NOT seeing Xanadu on Broadway. No way." I got mad and finally said, "FINE! I'll go by MYSELF!!!" Apparently, he was very worried that I would go out and get my own ticket immediately (would I do something like that?? heh.), but I did not and his sneaky surprise was not ruined. Hooray!
Should I be concerned that Steven's Sneaky Skills have vastly improved since he's been living with me? I'm not sure...
Regardless, I'm sure I will regale everyone with tales of a cast on roller skates tomorrow. YAY! |
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