I Repeat....

After another grueling week at work, I again ask you....why do we actually have to go to work this week? It's a drudgery for the sake of it, very Scrooge of everyone. I accomplished NOTHING that couldn't wait until next week. Save the overhead, the heat expended, the receptionists paid to answer the phone, etc., and let us stay at home! Bah, humbug. So, in retaliation, I'm taking tomorrow off sick. I'm SICK OF WORK!!!

Pee Wee

To my baby sister, Molly....a big HAPPY 25th from her big sister! Love you, babe!

First Snow

It snowed last night! So, we had a White Boxing Day! A few inches, not much, but enough to cover Central Park and make for some beautiful pictures! You will have to check out our website later for some updated pictures. It was cold walking around, but very fun. Snow is so beautiful when it falls. It makes everything look pretty! I know it's only the beginning of a long winter, but I'm still excited about it every time it happens!

Christmas Spirits

So, I showed up to hang out with my parents after my office Christmas party a little drunk. Mainly because I didn't get a Christmas bonus and I needed to get my money's worth from the people I work for. But, that aside, this was a first for me. Hanging out with my parents drunk, not getting the most out of the Christmas party. It was raining, so I got on the bus after the party, with my Carmel Macciato in tow, and proceeded to fall asleep in traffic. An hour later, I get off the bus, a bit more sober, and walk in the rain to meet them at the bar. All in the Christmas Spirit, of course. I think it's time for some more spirits. What can I make you?

Justice

Someone explain to me the justice that it snows in Dallas, where we lived for almost 3 years, for Christmas and not NYC!!! How is this possible? Why can't it snow here? Of course, I'm told that it almost NEVER snows here before January. But the past 2 or 3 years NYC has had a very white Christmas. It's just when WE, the heat-seeking missiles, move here that it's a balmy 57 degrees today, and it's going to rain! AUGH! It's enough to make anyone a Scrooge. Rain and cold on Christmas do not mix. I MUCH prefer snow.

Now, I know there are some of you out there bemoaning the fact that you have WAY too much snow (Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo), but you have to understand that people from Texas just expect it to snow up here in the cold north. Just like New Yorkers are surprised to find out that it's already snowed 3 times in Texas this year! They are shocked and amazed, actually. They think Texas is supposed to be warm all the time. But, that's another topic for another blog. New Yorkers and the crazy things they actually believe to be true, even though they have never seen it for themselves.

One More Little Thing

It's 2 days to Christmas, and I am done with my shopping. Actually, I was done about a week ago, mainly because I had to mail most of them back to Texas. So, I should have a feeling of calm and serenity, right? You would think so, but I keep thinking of that 'one more little thing' I can get my family members for Christmas morning. Why do I think this way? Drives my husband crazy. I love Christmas, and continue to strive for the idea that the sincere thought process of buying someone something and the act of getting them something you think they would like or would want to have is the point behind the gift giving. As opposed to just buying something because you need to get them something and don't really care what it is, but damnit, that's one more present off the list! So, my thinking of WANTING to get just 'one more little thing,' that's ok, right?

Hardest Week

The week of Christmas (and really the week after, too) are quite possibly the hardest to get through at work. Provided you are not a teacher and having to deal with kids the previous week (like my mom and Ginny). Nothing else is happening this week. No one REALLY wants to be at work. Most everyone has to travel somewhere and is already mentally planning on being gone. So why don't we just call off work for these two weeks? I mean, come on, who wants to be at work? Raise your hand. It pains me to have to work tomorrow, even if it's only for half a day. But I have no vacation, so I'm the poor shlep that has to actually show up and pretend to do something. Let's revolt! Who's with me?

Carnegie Hall

It may be the best performance space in the world. Famous people from all over the world have sung there. The stage is even has a copyright! And everyone knows the joke "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice." It's the dream of every young musician to one day perform in Carnegie Hall in front of a packed house. And that's exactly what I got to do last night, and what I'll get to do tonight, too! The chorus I'm in this year, The Juilliard Choral Union, performed last night with the New York City Pops in their Christmas concert, under the direction of Skitch Henderson. Yes, he's still alive. He's 86. He shushes the orchestra and chorus loud enough that those lucky enough to sit close to the stage (rich bastards!) can hear him. He calls the chorus the 'chor' like the Corps of Cadets. He never takes the same tempo twice, and likes to draw out phrases for so long that sopranos could quite possibly pass out. Quite a character, I'd highly recommend reading about him. He is fun to sing for, as he is genuinely impressed with what the chorus does, and when a piece is over, he says over his shoulder 'That's it!' so everyone can start clapping! So funny!

We only sing a couple of songs in the whole show. But it is such a cool experience to be up on that stage! And it is humbling at the same time. I had a great time! And, to top it all off, I get to do it again in January! Next time is the Brahms' Requiem with the Juilliard Symphony Orchestra. Twice in 2 months; how lucky am I? Our director, Judith Clurman, said last night before we went on stage; "It's CARNEGIE HALL for God's sake! Smile and enjoy it!" That's exactly what I did, and it made the experience that much better. Who would have though that a simple girl from a tiny town in West Texas would be singing in Carnegie Hall! That's enough to make you smile right there!

'Tis the Season

'Tis the season of parties and shopping and more parties and tasty beverages and spending time with friends and family. Enjoy it and take a minute to remember the Joy of Christmas.

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king.
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Merry Christmas!