This week in free tickets...

One of the benefits of living in New York City and working in theatre is that I randomly end up with comp tickets on a semi-normal basis. The last few weeks have been particularly full. However, this week I was only planning on seeing one show and ended up seeing two shows at the last minute. What a blast! So, here are my reviews of what I saw this week:

MONDAY
Bernadette Peters Live at the Minskoff Theatre
Monday evening I finished work and headed out the door. As I checked my phone, I noticed that I had a message from a friend asking me to babysit. However, when I called, they were already set and asked if I wanted to go with them to see Bernadette Peters in concert (free ticket, of course). It was BRILLIANT! She is amazing. Her voice has never been what you would call pretty. If you listen to a recording of her, you won't understand how anyone can love her so much. BUT she is a brilliant actress and amazing performer! When she sang "Fever," you could feel the temperature of the theatre rise. FANTASTIC! I could go on and on about her, but suffice it to say that I was in the presence of a Real Broadway Mega-Star and Diva (not to mention Stephen Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Mary Tyler Moore, Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig, assorted other TV, movie, and Broadway stars).

THURSDAY
Wishful Drinking
This show was planned ahead. I work for Roundabout Theatre Company, and it is one of our shows. All I can say is... Carrie Fischer and all her baggage--it was HILARIOUS and very sad all wrapped into one. I came away still giggling from her show and praying with gratitude for my family and life. That woman is fabulous and quite the comedian. And the segment about "Hollywood Inbreeding" was...I can't think of a word that captures it...but it was crazy.

FRIDAY
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
Another surprise for me. I got a call from a friend I'd met the night before asking if I'd like to go. He works for the LDS Public and International Affairs office, and so I ended up sitting next to the Argentinian Ambassador.
So...Holy Cow, giant show!!! I didn't realize that shows this ginormous still existed. That place is crazy. And the budget on the show has to be astronomical. The only time I have seen a hall that large was when I've gone to the Met Opera. The Rockettes are amazing, but I am glad I am not one of them. The singers were great. Santa was lovely. What surprised me most was that the whole last part was the telling of birth of Christ--camels, sheep, angel, donkey and all. It was surprising and gratifying that such a commercial, mainstream show would remember the true reason why we have Christmas (even with glitz).

Well, that's it for this week. I'm going to see Mary Poppins again on Monday. [insert evil scientist laugh--"Mwah hahaha!"--here] I love my work!

Good News!

So, I know that I've done a horrible job blogging and I owe everyone (yes, you too mom) a ton of pictures from this summer and the beginning of this fall. I will try to repent and get on that before this month is out. However, I wanted to share this good news first.

In case you didn't know, my work in New York is contract based. I am what is called a Teaching Artist for three different theatre companies here in the city (Disney on Broadway, Roundabout Theatre Co, and Queens Theatre in the Park). Well, because the work is contract based, you're always looking to hire on with another company to expand your possible work base. That leads to today...

Today, I auditioned for a program called Dancing Classrooms. If you've seen "Mad Hot Ballroom" or "Take the Lead," then you've seen the movies on this program. If you haven't seen them, you may want to rent one of them and see what it's about. "Why?" you may ask... because I got the job, and I'm super excited. This group is different than my other Teaching Artist jobs, because it is ballroom dance based instead of theatre. I'm super excited! Ballroom has been a love of mine since BYU, and I've wanted to be part of this program since I saw "Mad Hot Ballroom."

Well, now it's off to bed. I have to be up early in the morning to work out. I started the 90 day P90X Challenge. I'll let you know how it goes. Rock on!

Just keep swimming...

Do you ever have those times when you feel like you just can't get control on things? You know, like when you thought you had everything important under control, and then it just seems to slip through your fingers without you realizing it until it's gone. That's how I feel right now. It's hard not to get discouraged when that happens. But we get up and keep going. So, tonight, I'm going to read my scriptures, drink some warm yumminess, and get a good night's rest. Tomorrow, I will get up (literally and figuratively) and figure it out again. Yeah, that sounds good. :D

*hugs*

Jamie's Life Lessons...Reality Show Style

So, my birthday is tomorrow, and I'm musing on the many things that I've learned this past year. But the question is, what was the most important thing I learned this year? If this was a reality show, I would just list the top 12 (or 13) things and then I'd let you vote on which was number 1. Hmm, I kind of like that idea...

I like it so much that I'm going to do it! That's right! So here are the rules, 1) read; 2) comment with your vote; 3) remember that I love you!

Here it goes.

Jamie's Life Lessons during her 27th (or something like that) year:

1. It's possible to date like a guy while still being a feminine lady

2. I'm dang good at what I do, and I have no reason to be afraid of working with my peers

3. Guitar Hero World Tour is a lot of fun to play, but gets lame when there are a bunch of guys that take over the game controls

4. Substitute Motherhood is way more difficult and rewarding than anything else I've ever done

5. I can play the piano and conduct a band for a 60 minute rock musical with only a few days notice

6. Boker Tov means "Good Morning" and Lila Tov means "Good Evening"-- and I need to learn Hebrew

7. I really love working in education and really hate working in marketing

8. People sell/buy a pair of jeans for over $200

9. In order to increase my income, I need to start performing again

10. The professional theatre world is like a Disney ride--it's a small, small world

11. I am neither a republican nor a democrat. I am an American

12. It can rain, snow, and be warm & sunny all within the same week in NYC

13. I can get even pastier (whiter and paler) than I already was, but I still tan very well

14. The Lord is keenly aware of me and regularly performs miracles in my life

Some friends threw me an early Birthday Party on Sunday.

I love you all! May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Fun Times and Good Friends in the Last Week of February

Life is pretty good. In fact, I'm in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed by the many blessings that the Lord has poured out upon me. I am so grateful for how wonderful my day-to-day life seems to be. However, some weeks are even better than average. Last week was definitely one of those.



MONDAY: The week started off super well with a large gathering (Stake FHE--see "Cookies" to hear a little more about that adventure) and a movie (I saw Push. Has anyone else seen that yet? I don't think I would have gone by myself, but it was my friend Tessa's birthday).



TUESDAY: The next day I had work (which is always good) and then, on the way home, I helped an old friend, Shawna, pack up her apartment. It was so nice that we got to chat and catch-up. I ended up inheriting 6 new purses, cleaning supplies, and a bunch of brand new make-up from Victoria's Secret (she didn't want to stick it in storage). It was like Christmas all over again!



WEDNESDAY: American Idol! I watched it at my friend's house just so I could see my cute cousin (Kai Kalama) perform. He did well, though he didn't make it to the Top 12. I had to stay up late so that I could vote for him (my cell phone is a CA number, and the voting system is somehow related to your time zone. Yawn!). It was awesome seeing someone I love and adore on national television.



THURSDAY: Rachel Ray Show! Yes, so I went to a taping of the Rachel Ray show. It was fun. By the end of the taping, I was hungry and ready to go, but I definitely enjoyed myself while I was there. Jeff Foxworthy was one of the guests and Tom Allen (from the Food Network?) was the other guest. During the real life spot (whatever that is when they do a spot on viewers and their real life challenges), I was sitting next to the three guests. So, I should definitely be in the shot. Other fun times from that day include a visit to Grand Central Station, Hip Hop Class, and going to Cafe Lalo (anyone seen You've Got Mail?) to meet up with my friend, Kevin. Since he was staying with us for the weekend, he treated my roomies and I to dinner and dessert. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. We were all so tired and loopy (especially Kevin with his 2 hours of sleep), and it was like being back in Provo... but cooler since it was NYC. :)



**Okay, I need to take a moment to mention that Kevin is one of my dearest friend's from BYU, but we haven't actually seen each other since his wedding reception. To give you an idea of how long ago that was, his wife is currently pregnant with their 2nd child and they waited a bit to start having kids. He was staying with us for a few days while he hit some auditions and met with work associates. Thus, he's mentioned for the next few days, though there is obviously no romantic interest since he's happily married**



FRIDAY: First, it's important to note that the weather was AWESOME! I didn't wear a coat at all (day or night). Woohoo! So, Kevin's friend, Nicole, is currently playing Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. Though we'd both seen it before, Kevin felt like he should see it again, and didn't really want to go alone. So, we played the lottery and won (I know--I love my luck!). Since we... okay... he won, I met him in the Theatre District after work so we could grab dinner. While in that area, I ran into a bunch of friends, including my friend Daniel with whom I did a show in San Diego. Crazy! NYC is seriously the biggest small town I know. Anyway, Wicked was very good (though there was one character with pitch problems--NOT Elphaba or Glinda) and we went backstage after the show to chat with Nicole. She is super sweet! After we left the theatre, we went to Serendipity and put ourselves into serious sugar highs. No wonder we stayed up talking til 3 am.



SATURDAY: Saturday I had a stake meeting (very inspiring and informative) and then came home to get a bunch of work done. Then, I got all gussied up and went to our Stake Speed Dating Event. Yes, you read me right. I went Speed Dating. I only went because I promised my roommates and friends that I would go, and I LOVED IT! There were 115 guys and 115 girls. It was sooooo fun! I don't know if anything dating-wise will come of it, but it was great to meet so many new people. After we (my roommates and me) got home, we stayed up til 2 telling Kevin our speed dating adventures and laughing our tails off...again.



Well, I think that's where my tale of February ends. Sunday started a new month (Hurray for March!), and a brand new week of adventures. I am grateful for extra fun weeks. It was exactly the stress relief I needed and that I've been praying for.

Cookies

So, lately I've been working on acting more like a guy... Let me explain. You see, I have been listening to these relationship tapes that have really struck a chord in me. Also, I saw the movie He's Just Not That Into You on the same day that I began the tapes. All of these have made me think that I need to change my dating style. Soooo, I'm trying to act more like a guy in the dating area of my life. You know--like actually "date" instead of doing the women thing of "forming relationships" with men that have no real attachment to me. I mean, let's be honest--How many of my guy friends can I fall in love with without them liking me back "in that way" before I get it? So far, dating like a "guy" has been fairly successful and rather enjoyable. I like dating, and it definitely takes the pressure off when I'm not expecting a boyfriend, eternal marriage, and kids after he takes me out the first time.

So, this leads me to last night. I went to a big singles' gathering, and I was having tons of fun. I was working the room a little bit, and enjoying myself immensely. I talked with lots of guys, and definitely got hit on. I made new friends (guy and girl) and formed tentative future plans with a few without being over-bearing. You think I would have left feeling pretty good. The only problem is that somehow I got talked into making a guy cookies. Somehow I got caught in one of those single man traps! How did he do it? How did he throw off my non-attachment, come and get me energy and talk me into making him cookies? The worst part is that I'm pretty sure that it was my fault and that I totally set myself up for this. Where was my "inner guy?!" My girl instinct totally kicked out the "guy" and took over.

Once again, like many a good female, I've been committed to give something to a man without him doing much in return. And as one of my favorite religion teachers always said "why would any guy buy the cow if he can get the milk for free?"

Joys of Being a Substitute Mommy

So, I wrote this blog last week, but it got erased. Then, I got sick, so I never rewrote the entry. But now, here I am--grateful for the opportunity to rewrite and, hopefully, improve upon what I wrote earlier.

As I mentioned in one of my previous entries, I had been asked by some friends to babysit their three children while they were out of town for a week. Since I adore the children, I was more than happy to agree to watch them. This babysitting adventure took place from 1/16 to 1/24, and I have definitely had my eyes opened. I could list the challenges of being a single mom to three children under the age of 5 (Maragaret is 5, Cole is 3 1/2, and Stella is 11 mo.) in NYC, but I think I have plenty of friends that have a greater and deeper understanding of these trials than I do. What I would like to list, though, are a few of the joys of being a substitute mommy for such delightful children. As you read it, please note that the parents took months preparing the chldren, and telling them I was going to be the mommy for the week (I was the sub). The parents have not really referred to me as a "babysitter" so, I believe I have had a unique experience.

Here it goes!

• I discovered that I really llike to be called "mom." What a sweet title!
• I discovered the joys of "bedtime." I love that time
• Somewhere along the line, I realized that I could accomplish and was alright with all the crazy mommy stuff
• Relief Society sisterhood. My testimony of the importance of the Relief Society has increased 10-fold. I don't know how single mothers are able to do it without RS
• Being able to relate to friends who've entered the motherhood stage of life in a way I've never been able to before.
• Making new friends because their kids are friends with "my" kids. There are some truly amazing mothers here in the city.
• Play groups are fun! It is fun to watch kids play with each other and to get in on the fun yourself
• Late night feedings for the baby. I'm not good at getting up in the middle of the night, but there is nothing as sweet as a little baby snuggled up in your arms
• Cuddle time with Cole. He is a typical 3-yr old boy and he doesn't like to cuddle. However, one night he got up in the middle of the night and decided to curl up on the couch. I joined him, and it was the only chance to sit and cuddle with him without any kind of fight. It was a peaceful and a precious moment.
• Having plenty of time to think of someone besides myself
• Hugs and kisses goodnight
• Family prayer
• Family Home Evening (I love that Margaret and Cole reminded me to have it)
• Kids being excited about what you made for dinner
• Ordering in. Sometimes that's the only way to keep sane
• Bath time. It's kind of a pain, but I think it's a lot of fun.
• Excitement over the small things
• There's nothing that warms the heart quite like a when a pair of big eyes in a small face light up because they've seen you.
• I love that the Cole still prays for me every night (his mom told me), Margaret still runs to show me what she's made at church, and Stella still reaches for me and cuddles (though she easily goes back to her mom)

I'm glad for this chance and challenge. It was an opportunity and I am so grateful that I took advantage of it. I look forward to when I get to be the mother to my children.

Thank you to all of you moms!!! You are amazing women! Thank you for sharing your kids with those of us that aren't!!! They are precious. Most of all, thanks to the amazing mothers in my life--especially my mom and step-mom. Loves to you all!

A night at the Opera

So, I know that it is technically Feb 1, but I still haven't gone to bed, so I am going to consider this a blog update for January. Hopefully, there will be more tomorrow, but since I am already behind, I thought I would give a quick update about the date I was on tonight.

I went with my home teacher (that's basically a male member of my church who visits once a month to share a message and offer any help I need), Adam, to see Orpheus and Eurydice at the Metropolitan Opera. Now, I don't normally date my home teacher (one of those unspoken rules), but I've known Adam for a couple of years now, and he's a great guy, so I thought...sure! He'd originally asked me to go to dinner with him on Monday of this past week. Of course, that was the day I awoke uber sick with the fever and chills (poor guy had to come over and give me a blessing when he was going to be taking me out). So, we rescheduled.

The music was beautiful. The mezzo playing Orpheus (yes, this means a girl was playing a boy. It's an opera thing, sometimes) was fabulous! Adam says he's seen her do other things where she is even better. The orchestrations were lovely. That's about where the good stuff ends. The costumes and set looked like they were comprised of whatever happened to be lying around the shop. The lighting wasn't too bad, and actually had some great moments. The choreography (there is always a core of dancers in a traditional opera) was awful. It was painful to watch at times, but there was a redeeming scene (but only one). However, it was a good learning experience and reminder of what my job is as a choreographer. Gratefully, as I said earlier, the music was beautiful and my company was great, so I really did enjoy most of the opera.

After we left, we were re-introduced to the freezing night air, so Adam suggested we get hot chocolate. I, of course, jumped on that idea. We went to a gelato place on 74th st and Broadway. I know--who has hot chocolate at a gelato place, right?! Well, apparently the Upper West Side does. I had a taste of the milk chocolate, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven by way of Paris. It was the most amazing hot chocolate (what an insufficient title) I've had since I was in Europe. I ended up getting a Hazelnut Hot Chocolate with whipped cream. It was so rich, and the cream was so thick, that they gave me a spoon to help me drink it. Adam got the pear and chestnut gelato. I tried some of his pear, and it was delicious!

As we walked back to the subway, Adam introduced me to one of the many gourmet grocery stores in Manhattan, and he pointed out the best places to get chocolate in the area (he's quite the chocolate connesiour). The ride home on the subway was long (the NYC subway on the weekends is always ridiculous), but we had a good conversation.

I had a good time. I only coughed a few times, and it was all induced from postnasal drip, and not some other nasty phlegm. I looked human again (it's been a tough week as far as looking presentable). And I got to know my friend a little better. I had fun! Hopefully, we'll do it again.

Alright, I better go to bed now since church starts in 7 1/2 hours. Hee hee hee.