On March 25th, Ricky and I got all gussied up and headed downtown for a night out. It was my one and only day off over spring break, and we took advantage of it.
First, we went to dinner at Yuki on NW 23rd. Man I love that restaurant! Ricky had never been but fell in love with one bite of the San Francisco roll. We gorged on sushi and gyoza for a bit and then took a walk to Rose's Restaurant, just down the street, for a little dessert. We ordered two desserts to share, since we couldn't decide on just one. The Mandarin Chocolate Dream cake was good, but the Bailey's Cheesecake was to die for. We were practically licking the plate!
After dinner and dessert, we went to see Wicked, which is really what this post is about. Wow, what an amazing show. I had heard a little bit of the music here and there, and had read the book, but really wasn't sure what to expect overall.
First of all, the set was superb in it's simplicity. It wasn't anything overly elaborate, just lots of small pieces on wagons and some things that flew in. The overarching theme was the clock, and they used the gears and other internal workings of a clock in so many of the set pieces, which was really cool.
Secondly, the costumes. Oh my word, the costumes. They were absolutely phenomenal. I especially loved the costumes for the Emerald City scenes. Incredible, beautiful, quirky, just simply amazing. I loved them.
The choreography was also fantastic. I love the contemporary style of dance that was used, and the use of acrobatics. Really, I just loved the dance.
And of course, the music and acting. Donna Vivino played Elphaba, the female lead, and she was incredible. She brought so much life and depth to Elphie, and her voice is amazing. We both just loved her. I am saddened that the only recordings of the show available are with the original broadway cast because, honestly, I think Donna is better than the original Elphie!
I would absolutely love to see this show again. They are leaving Portland sooner than my pocketbook will allow me to buy tickets, but I hear the same cast will be performing in Seattle later in 2009. I may have to save my pennies so I can head up there for another performance.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Some days, you just can't win
Today was one of those days.
It started off just fine, like any other day. Pup and I cuddled (how I love days off!), I got up and fiddled around for a bit, then I started to be productive. And that's where it all went downhill.
First, I ran a couple of errands. Unfortunately, the items I needed were unavailable. Bummer.
Then, I went grocery shopping and blew the budget. Oops. We were just out of so much stuff! And in fairness, I didn't shop at all last week, so I guess I kinda used the grocery money from last week and this week. Of course, even though I blew the budget, I still managed to forget Ricky's hot sauce.
Tonight was a new recipe night and boy did it look good. Yeah, well, looks can be deceiving. It was awful. Blech. Not only did it not turn out right (it was supposed to be frittata like but completely fell apart), but it didn't even taste good. Gross. We resorted to cereal for dinner.
And finally, we watched what is quite possibly one of the worst movies ever made - Tropic Thunder. Complete waste of time (though not as big a waste as Epic Movie was).
How bad is it that I'm looking forward to Monday??
PS - a couple of good things did come out of today. I got a nice indoor walk in with Mom at the mall, and picked up a new pair of trousers at the same time. They are - are you ready for this? - size 12! I also ran across a bedding set that I really like, and Ricky likes it too. Hallelujah!
It started off just fine, like any other day. Pup and I cuddled (how I love days off!), I got up and fiddled around for a bit, then I started to be productive. And that's where it all went downhill.
First, I ran a couple of errands. Unfortunately, the items I needed were unavailable. Bummer.
Then, I went grocery shopping and blew the budget. Oops. We were just out of so much stuff! And in fairness, I didn't shop at all last week, so I guess I kinda used the grocery money from last week and this week. Of course, even though I blew the budget, I still managed to forget Ricky's hot sauce.
Tonight was a new recipe night and boy did it look good. Yeah, well, looks can be deceiving. It was awful. Blech. Not only did it not turn out right (it was supposed to be frittata like but completely fell apart), but it didn't even taste good. Gross. We resorted to cereal for dinner.
And finally, we watched what is quite possibly one of the worst movies ever made - Tropic Thunder. Complete waste of time (though not as big a waste as Epic Movie was).
How bad is it that I'm looking forward to Monday??
PS - a couple of good things did come out of today. I got a nice indoor walk in with Mom at the mall, and picked up a new pair of trousers at the same time. They are - are you ready for this? - size 12! I also ran across a bedding set that I really like, and Ricky likes it too. Hallelujah!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
It's official
I am insane.
First, I decided back in the fall that I'd go back to teaching for the Chinese ESL program I taught for during the summers of 2006 and 2007. I took last summer off because we were moving and all that, but knew in the fall that I'd need to go back to my summer job this year. So I've been in the process of making that happen.
Then, I was offered the job of stage managing for Wizard of Oz, which would pay a small sum. It is also happening over the summer.
I took both. Which means I'll be teaching summer school (assuming that all pans out, but I don't foresee any problems) and going through tech week at the same time.
Like I said, it's official. I am insane.
First, I decided back in the fall that I'd go back to teaching for the Chinese ESL program I taught for during the summers of 2006 and 2007. I took last summer off because we were moving and all that, but knew in the fall that I'd need to go back to my summer job this year. So I've been in the process of making that happen.
Then, I was offered the job of stage managing for Wizard of Oz, which would pay a small sum. It is also happening over the summer.
I took both. Which means I'll be teaching summer school (assuming that all pans out, but I don't foresee any problems) and going through tech week at the same time.
Like I said, it's official. I am insane.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Up and Coming
Just a quick note to fill you in on what's coming up for Ricky and me:
Mar 12: Superintendent is coming to our building for a meeting after school
Mar 13-15: Softball trip to Seattle and Vancouver BC
Mar 20: First day of spring break
Mar 21: Birthday dinner for my mom, who is turning 39 (again)
Mar 23: Mom's actual birthday...and for the first time in ages we will be in the state and not playing ball!
Mar 25: Wicked!! I read (and loved) the book. I know the musical is different, so I'm very curious to see how they compare.
Mar 26-28: Off to Ashland and K-Falls for softball
Mar 30: New trimester starts. I get to once again go over my rules, expectations and classroom procedures. Last time this year...too bad it will make times #17-24 since September.
April 1: Our date-iverssary (No joke!). This year marks 9 years since we started dating.
That's about it. People think I'm exaggerating when I say all we do is work and hang out at home, but it's totally true. Of course, this time of year is crazy since I'm gone every other weekend with softball. That's ok, though, Ricky and Pupper get lots of quality time together this way!
Mar 12: Superintendent is coming to our building for a meeting after school
Mar 13-15: Softball trip to Seattle and Vancouver BC
Mar 20: First day of spring break
Mar 21: Birthday dinner for my mom, who is turning 39 (again)
Mar 23: Mom's actual birthday...and for the first time in ages we will be in the state and not playing ball!
Mar 25: Wicked!! I read (and loved) the book. I know the musical is different, so I'm very curious to see how they compare.
Mar 26-28: Off to Ashland and K-Falls for softball
Mar 30: New trimester starts. I get to once again go over my rules, expectations and classroom procedures. Last time this year...too bad it will make times #17-24 since September.
April 1: Our date-iverssary (No joke!). This year marks 9 years since we started dating.
That's about it. People think I'm exaggerating when I say all we do is work and hang out at home, but it's totally true. Of course, this time of year is crazy since I'm gone every other weekend with softball. That's ok, though, Ricky and Pupper get lots of quality time together this way!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday Friday
(as opposed to Monday, Monday, that is).
I had the hardest time remembering today was Friday. I kept thinking it was Thursday. And least it's a good mix up, rather than it being Thursday and thinking it's Friday and then realizing that I have to go to work in the morning!
We only a week left in the trimester, so it's a really busy time. I have 7 plays in production right now. They're very fun and funny and the kids are working so hard. I'm very proud of what they've accomplished. We're also supposed to be getting our brand new curtains next week, so there's a great buzz of excitement around the theatre department these days.
Softball is going well. We are currently 10-1. We have a few little issues here and there to sort out but overall the girls are doing great. We are supposed to be scrimmaging a JC tomorrow; we'll see if the weather holds.
That is really about it. We're pretty boring these days. I'm really looking forward to Spring Break. Maybe I can actually get some walls in my house painted!
I had the hardest time remembering today was Friday. I kept thinking it was Thursday. And least it's a good mix up, rather than it being Thursday and thinking it's Friday and then realizing that I have to go to work in the morning!
We only a week left in the trimester, so it's a really busy time. I have 7 plays in production right now. They're very fun and funny and the kids are working so hard. I'm very proud of what they've accomplished. We're also supposed to be getting our brand new curtains next week, so there's a great buzz of excitement around the theatre department these days.
Softball is going well. We are currently 10-1. We have a few little issues here and there to sort out but overall the girls are doing great. We are supposed to be scrimmaging a JC tomorrow; we'll see if the weather holds.
That is really about it. We're pretty boring these days. I'm really looking forward to Spring Break. Maybe I can actually get some walls in my house painted!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
I'm no longer too big for my britches
I have reached the point where my britches are now too big for ME!
With the help of weight watchers, my wonderful mother and my amazing husband, I have managed to lose 14.8 pounds since Jan 11. This means that my clothes are starting to fit better. Or, in the case of the pants I'm wearing today, worse.
I bought these a while back because everything else was too tight. Then, of course, I started losing weight. The pants have been too big for a while now, but it wasn't anything a belt couldn't fix. Unfortunately, the belt no longer solves the problem. Now when I cinch them up with a belt they get that puffy look that tells the whole world the pants I'm wearing are too big for me.
Yay for too big pants! Boo that I didn't realize how bad they looked until I got to work today.
With the help of weight watchers, my wonderful mother and my amazing husband, I have managed to lose 14.8 pounds since Jan 11. This means that my clothes are starting to fit better. Or, in the case of the pants I'm wearing today, worse.
I bought these a while back because everything else was too tight. Then, of course, I started losing weight. The pants have been too big for a while now, but it wasn't anything a belt couldn't fix. Unfortunately, the belt no longer solves the problem. Now when I cinch them up with a belt they get that puffy look that tells the whole world the pants I'm wearing are too big for me.
Yay for too big pants! Boo that I didn't realize how bad they looked until I got to work today.
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