I'm like the ring leader...I call the shots....

It's gonna be a CIRCUS!!!!!!

Friday night - Britney Spears LIVE at the Target Center!

With Special Guest - The Pussycat Dolls!

It is FINALLY here!!! Not only have I been waiting since December 1st when we bought the tickets, but I've been waiting since the LAST time (and only time) I've seen Britney in concert which was back in 2001! That last show was the only time brit has ever been in concert in MN, besides when she was here as an opener for *NSYNC at the Orpheum. Can you even stand it???? I can't!

Here is a picture that I personally took from when I saw Britney in concert. YES, I was that close. She had a big stage and a walkway to another little stage and we were in the second row of that little stage. It was AMAZING!

As most of you probably know - I LIVE for these pop concerts. It is the greatest time for me; I'm in my own little world and I scream and sing and dance and am completely in my element. As many of you that have been to concerts like that with me, you know. hehe My latest pop adventure was back in October when my sister and I went to see New Kids On the Block! One of the most fun nights I've ever had with my sister. I still remember when they first came out on stage, we are going nuts, and then my sister turns around and points to her eyes and is mouthing to me, "I have tears in my eyes!!!" lol It was great! It was the first time Eliz and I had seen NKOTB in concert and considering that we were NUTTY over them when we were younger, it was long overdue! hehe

ANYWAYS - focus...britney....

So this Friday, my very good friend Theresa and I will be taking on downtown Minneapolis for an amazing night! Since now I'm working 1/2 days on Friday, Theresa was able to get a 1/2 day as well so we will start our night early!

We will be getting together at her house around 2. We will get our hair and makeup did and gear up. Heading down to Mpls around 4...we will stake our place at whatever restaurant/bar we end up at. The earlier the better, because with a concert like BS on a Friday night it is going to be CRAZY!

The show starts at 8:00pm - so we will be in our seats and ready to go. The Pussycat Dolls are opening which I am super pumped about for two reason...

A) They kick ass. They are so entertaining - AMAZING dancers and just put on a great show. Always fun to have a fun opener to get you even more excited for the main act.

2) I'm excited because I am friends with the tour manager of the Pussycat Dolls and he is totally hooking us up with tickets! Wooohooo. Our current tickets are decent, even though we bought them right away when tix went on sale, but they aren't the greatest. I'm not sure where the seats are of the tickets that Bryan will leave us at Will Call on the day of the show - but I'm pretty positive they will be SWEET! He hooked me up with tix the last couple times PCD was in town opening for Christina Aguilera and Black Eyed Peas. I have no doubt that these tickets will be just as good! :-)

After the show, T and I will be hitting up downtown and dancing like only britney can. haha We were thinking about hitting up the 90's - you KNOW they have to have a britney after party going on there!

All in all - I couldn't be more excited to see my Britney once again. One of my very favs - who I've been a cheerleader for from the very beginning. Even through the rough times when everyone said she would never bounce back. I kept the faith and always knew she would be back and better than ever!!! That's why I heart you, Britney!!! I almost bought this t-shirt I saw online once but I haven't been able to find it lately - but on the front, all it said was - Britney Spears Changed My Life

I WANT IT! haha

I've been with Brit since that ugly yellow jumpsuit...lol....and I'll be with her 4 ever.

If only she could meet me - I know we would be great friends....

ps: I'm never giving up hope........

I'll Cover You...

With 1,000 kisses....tear, tear, sniffle, sniffle

Last night, I was at opening night of the touring production of Rent at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN.

A-MAZ-ZING!

I have been listening to the music from Rent for years, but this was the first time I had ever seen the actual show - and it did not disappoint.

I started the evening with happy hour at Palomino with some of my former co-workers from the Theatres. I always refer to it as "the theatres" and what I mean by that is the Hennepin Theatre District, which consists of the State, Orpheum and Pantages Theatres located on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Mpls. I interned there for a summer during college and stayed in touch with the folks enough that I was able to work there a couple years later for about 2 years.

Side Note: I miss my co-workers there dearly. I never realized how lucky I was to have so many friends around me at work. I know I had problems with some of the higher up people, but for the most part, I had some truly amazing friends there - people who are still dear friends to me and in retrospect, things weren't as bad there as I had made myself to believe. All in time though learning those things.

Anywho - Happy Hour was fun catching up with old friends and meeting new friends. Then, onto the show. Kathryn and I sat down - and I had already warned her about my emotionalness. lol I had no doubt there were going to be tears, so as long as she was warned, it was fair game. That is just how I am with music and theatre. It brings something out in me and I cry for reasons of being moved by the music, lyrics, dance, or anythign else. That's just how I roll. Poor Rian had to deal with me at Wicked a couple months ago. haha

Minneapolis is lucky to be able to have this production include two of the original members of the Broadway cast: Adam Pascal (as Roger) & Anthony Rapp (as Mark). They were two of the most important cast members that brought this show to life and help to make it the incredible show it is today. They were also featured in the movie they made of the show. So it was pretty amazing to see them do what made them who they are today in the world of Broadway.

So the show is amazing song, song, song, tear, tear, tear, clap, clap, clap.

We rushed out at the end to go over to Manhattan's for the Cast Party after the show. Kathryn had to "work" at it and do the schmoozing and make sure everything was going accordingly. It was so fun to be there - I miss those cast parties with free food and drinks and great company. I was a little nervous for this one because Anthony and Adam would be there - and if you know me, famous people make me nervous. Except if I'm in word mode. If I'm working and part of that is to be around that I'm okay b/c I feel like I have more of a purpose since I'm working - when I'm not though, I'm a mess. haha

Adam came in first and he looked good. We just huddled around to stare at him occasionally. A little later we heard that Anthony was in the hall, so I had to go see. I was even more nervous to meet him b/c he is so, well its MARK! haha Right when I saw him I thought I needed to get a picture with him right away so he doesn't get away from me and I loose my chance. There were a couple stray fans that followed him from the theatre to meet him and everything. And honestly, I think he just wanted to get inside the restaurant and relax for a minute. Then here comes me, the goofy girl with the camera. My new friend Michael grabbed my camera and I quick went up to him to get a picture. The picture of us is not good. haha He looks pretty unhappy or at least he looks distracted. Oh well - I was happy to meet him and grab a pic with him. Even if its the most akward picture ever. haha At least it is something. I haven't put my pics online yet, but I'll post when I do. A little later we actually went up and talked to Adam for a few minutes. Super nice guy. Super cute and friendly. This was his first trip to MN and he was saying that he wanted to get out a bit but there isn't much time between the shows and them only staying until Sunday/Monday. He said he was always looking for good restaurants - so right there I jumped in. I said - do you like sushi? There is an amazing sushi place downtown called Koyi Sushi. You should go - really small but always good. He asked how to spell it and he said he would google it and try to check it out. I figure I should get at least one cool point for that one. After chatting for a few minutes, we grabbed a picture with him. Should be super cute. I don't have it on my camera but once I get it I will post it.

UPDATE -Here is the picture of me and Anthony...Not the greatest, but hey - it works! hehe And below it is the picture of Kathryn, Adam Pascal, Me and Michael.

So all in all, it was a great night. I loved seeing some of my old co-workers and loved that they were all excited to see me too. We are definitely going to plan some happy hours. Since the show didn't end until like 10:30pm and then we went to the party, I didn't get home until 1am and had to wake up 5 hours later, but it was totally worth it, even though I'm sooo old b/c I'm just dragging today! lol

I would recommend this show to anyone -esp if you have never seen it. And to see it with Adam and Anthony is just the cherry on top!

For more info check out the Hennepin Theatres District Website

**Esp after last night - I know those theatres have not seen the last of me and things are actually cooking right now where I'll jump back in. Not a job or anything - but there are some things in the word that I'm getting excited about...stay tuned....

Attn: SATC Fans

To all you Sex and the City fans out there...

Lately, I've been watching/listening to the Sex and the City audio commentaries on the DVDs. I have basically watched every single episode of the series at the least maybe 8 times - give or take. There is just something about that show that I can watch it over and over and OVER again, and not get sick of it or not think it is amusing. I have a problem. lol

Also, my nightly ritual is sitting in bed watching SATC episodes on TBS (and other stations) while I do sudoku. It helps calm me and ready me for sleep.

I just can't get enough of the show and am fascinated by episodes over and over again. To me, there is so much depth to every episode, so much relatability, so much humor and so much beauty. I love the four very unique and extraordinary women; I love their life experiences and I love them as they were my own friend. I know people might think it is weird, but I connect with the show and with the women and their struggles and triumphs. I also am in love the New York City and everything out it. I feel like I can live through the women and experience NYC as I would always hope to. Silly - I know but I have weird ways of connecting with certain movies or tv shows. The art form is important to me and to me it is a part of my life.

In any case - I will continue - I have been watching and listening to some of the audio commentaries on the dvds and for anyone who is as big of a fan as I am, this is a completely hidden treasure of the show. All of them are done by Michael Patrick King - the producer and creator of the show. He has incredible insight and fun facts galore!

For someone like me who has seen every episode a multitude of times, this is a great way to re-introduce each episode. MPK speaks almost throughout the entire episode. Along the way he shares the great tidbits of the show - pre/post production, waredrobe, extras, NYC, lines, takes and so much more. I enjoy hearing about the behind the scenes type things and secrets of the cast. I love hearing about waredrobe things - Patricia Fields is the mastermind behind the fashion of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte and does a beyond incredible job.

I have learned so much more about the show and all involved and it makes me happy.

I know not everyone enjoys any kind of audio commentaries and might feel bored, but I throughly enjoy these. Even as background noice to listen to. I have a portable dvd player and I use that all the time for times like when I'm doing hair or make-up, cleaning or anything.

And an update for those of you who did not know - Sex and the City:The Movie 2 is a GO! I have heard many accounts of rumors and things, but a couple weeks ago I saw Cynthia Nixon on Regis and Kelly and she CONFIRMED that it WILL be happening!!!

I have the most mixed feelings on this one though. I cannot get enough of SATC and the movie, but at the same time, I'm scared that something bad is goign to happen in the movie and it will ruin things for me. I REALLY liked how they left things in the movie about how all of the girls were happy and in good places, even though they had been through a lot. I'm just not sure how much more drama they can take and what else would happen that would create an whole new movie! I understand that I was concerned about the first movie and what would happen, but it makes sense. For the next movie, I'm not sure if more children are in the picture or more relationship drama. But the numero uno thing that I am SCARED for is if they decide to kill one of them off. Like, let's say Samantha's cancer comes back or something. I just dont' think I could handle the idea of one of them dying. Terrible!

None the less, I will anticipate the sequel like I did the first one. A midnight show will probably be in order! :-)

What is your favorite episode???

You've Got Soul...You've Got Class...

Does anyone even remember what I decided to name all of my blog titles?? If you remember what I said I was going to do - leave me a comment and if you get it right I will give you a gold star.

So I know....I'm bad...no blogging in a month and SO much has gone on. I'll try to not bore you with the same old since most of you would have known...in any case....

As all of you know, Owen Charles Pershing was born on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 7:33pm. He was 6 lbs and 10 oz (I think 10 oz) and as beautiful as little boys come. You've all seen pictures and many of you have met him and know how perfect he is. I was lucky enough to spend a good amount of time with the new family after Owen was born. I stayed for 4 days after he was born, went home for a couple days then came back for another 3 days. Then left but came back a few days later for another night. I was okay the first time I left b/c I knew I was coming back really soon, but after the second visit I had a bit of a crying spell when I was getting ready to leave. I knew I had to leave in like 30 mintues so I asked Eliz if I could hold him for a while before I left. I started to hold him and just broke down - I could barely tell why I was crying - except that I was feeling like I was never going to see him again! Terrible! I think I cried a couple more times, but eventually was able to leave and cry all the way home. lol It was just really hard leaving both Elizabeth and Owen and knowing that they would be (semi) far away. It was hard leaving Owen since I had been waiting to meet him for 9 months and then I only had a week with him! And it was hard leaving my sister too because I can't remember the last time that we had spent so much time together just hanging out and talking and I miss that a lot. All in all, I just have to keep reminding myself that they could be a LOT further away - so a short car ride is nothing in the scheme of things. Either way, Owen is here the the most beautiful baby in the world and I couldn't be more proud or happier to be his Godmother! :-)

Another big change in the last month was me finally getting a new job and leaving the world of tpt. It wasn't very hard to leave tpt since they didn't much care that I was leaving. I knew I was onto bigger and better things. And so far everything is going really well at the Dept of Revenue. My job, albeit not very interesting or exciting, is a upgrade from my last as far as actually having work to do and being more of an independent worker. I cannot believe the things I DO NOT have to do for my supervisor. I catch myself feeling like I should be doing more, but at the same time realizing that I'm not in that place anymore and that now I have a lot more freedom and a lot more reponsibility as well as respect. Like I said, it is not my dream job and I certainly don't plan on doing this for the rest of my life - but it is giving me a solid point in my life where my job isn't ruining the rest of my life. And I really can take the time to focus on figuring out career-wise what is going to be satisfying for me and fill that void that I know I have. But at least now I'm being treated like an adult, I'm being trusted and I'm in a healthy environment. I am completely overwhelmed at my current supervisor and how NOT like my previous boss she is - it is unbelievble. She is genuine, respectful, understanding of the fact that we have lives outside of our jobs and it is a joy to work for someone who appreciates me and the work that I'm doing. If you could only see the difference...
The other huge bonus for me with my new job is my schedule. I am able to work a flex schedule where basically Monday through Thursday, I'm working from 7:30am-5:00pm and Fridays I will be working 7:30am-11:30am!! A half day every single Friday?!?! Yes, that's right!
It is SO worth it to work that extra hour and have a reward at the end of every week by having a half day. Tomorrow is my first one and I'm SO looking forward to it. Especially when the weather starts inproving, it will be amazing to have that much more time in the sun! Definitely a bonus too if I want to drive down to Chester for the day/night. This is a perk that is worth money to me, so I'm very grateful for it.

That is all for now - but those are the two biggest changes that have happened since my last blog. Talk to me next week and I'll have another big change for you.

Stay tuned....

iTunes

If you even know me slightly - you know that music is a huge part of my life. Formerly (and maybe again someday) it was part of my job - which was fantastic. It has always been a huge part of who I am and how I live my life. Most people know this about me and know how much music drives me and really is what gets me through it all.
With that said - I have been a horrible iTunes/iPod owner lately. Its honestly been close to a year since I updated my ipod. For whatever reason, I've just been slacking at it. Partly because of my laptop troubles and lack of internet at my apartment. No excuses - I've decided.
So, when I was planning my night tonight, which I'm very excited about, I decided I would gather all of the CDs in my car and start adding them to my iTunes and eventually my iPod. With all of these changes going on, I'm really feeling like I need to start doing things like this. It may not seem like a big deal - but little by little, the more I organize my life and myself, it really helps me overall. Especially with me making the change of moving, it is good for me to start doing organizing even small things, just to get me into the mood and remind myself how good it feels to do these things. So here I am - on my favorite couch, with my laptop in front of me, my ice water to my right and a bag of cds on my left. I am ready to start organizing my music and make it more accessible.
This could honestly take me a really long time to put all of my CDs on my iTunes. Again, if you even casually know me, you will know how much music I consume and surround myself with. As I'm just sitting here in my living room - I look over to where my broken stereo sits and look underneath it and see piles and piles of CDs (most of them mine). So much music I've forgotten about. And let me tell you, there is nothing better than finding an old CD, listening to the music and bringing you back. It is purely magical.
Just an example of the diversity of music in my life...I will name off some artists and CDs that are on or awaiting to be on my iTunes...
-Disney's Greatest Hits Vol. 3
-Sex and the City: The Movie Soundtrack Vol. 1








-Backstreet Boys - Unbreakable
-John Mayer - Continuum







-Rent
-Billy Joel - Greatest Hits
-Raul Midon - State of Mind







-Ultimate Dance Party Mix
-Bob Schneider
-Avenue Q Soundtrack







There is so so SO much more and I could go on and on about how fabulous my music makes me feel. Music is something so personal to me. And it should be to anyone. It is the most personal thing because you pick exactly what you like and what you don't like. It is your personal choice for what moves you and what makes your heart happy. I've felt so privileged to have discovered so many different kinds of music and tastes in music. I love sharing it with other people and I love connecting with people through music.
Music is a part of my heart and soul - always has been, always will be.

Good Morning Starshine

The Earth says Hello!

So I'm at Caribou this morning getting a delicious vanilla latte and piece of banana bread. As I'm looking around I see one man enjoying his morning cup 'o joe and reading a book. He looks to be maybe late 40s early 50s - and I started to wonder what he does for a living that he is able to enjoy this time. Next to him was a man and a woman who seemed to be working. The woman was on an Apple laptop (which also made me think about how much I want an apple laptop) and I was curious as to what they were working on. I'm always intrigued to find out what people's deals are - what their story is. Someday when I'm brave enough I will walk up to someone at a coffee shop and ask them what their deal is. lol
People have so much going on in their lives that you would NEVER know at first glance. I wish it wasn't socially inappropriate to go up to strangers and just start asking them questions about their lives....I think it would be interesting and I think we could learn a lot about others and ourselves.

On that note - job update 2009: I got a new job! HOO-RAH!
Now some people might think I'm crazy being excited for my new job because of where and what it is - but they can suck it. Seriously.
My new job is working at the MN Department of Revenue as an Office and Administrative Specialist - Intermediate for the Corporate Tax Division. Now for those of you who do not know, I actually worked there for about a year, a couple years ago. When this job opening was out there, I emailed me old co-worker and found out that this job opening was her former job because she was just promoted. She talked to her old supervisor about me and put in a good word. She helped me through the process and gave me great advice for the interview. She emailed me soon after to let me know that 457 people applied for this job! 457!!!! But that I was chosen for an interview! I took the math, grammar and typing tests and passed and had my interview. That was last Friday and then on Tuesday afternoon I got a call saying that they would like to offer me the job!!! It was so surreal! So two days ago I wrote up my resignation letter and told my boss I was leaving. For as nervous as I was to go in and tell her - it felt AMAZING!!! For once I had the upper hand and felt in control of the situation with her. She was totally shocked and didn't really have much to say. Since then she has barely said two words to me. Its awesome. She has no more power over me and I feel free at work for the first time in a year. Since word here spreads like wildfire - people have been coming up to me and congratulating me and everything. And in them asking me about my new job most have asked why I'm leaving. I have felt very relieved about the fact that almost every person I've talked to has commented about not blaming me for wanting to leave since I work for Claudia (my boss/supervisor/headcase) - they have totally understood and have said that they couldn't work with her. lol So at least that confirms the fact that I'm not crazy and it is pretty apparent who she is, how she works with others and how she is persieved. So, I feel good about leaving. haha
So I know my job may sound so boring that you want to die - but I promise you, compared to what I'm dealing with right now, it sounds heavenly to me. I actually had one person say to me (when I told her where and what I was going to be doing) she told me that it sounded like the most boring thing ever. Seriously - who says that to someone? Especially when they are excited about it? People are really inconsiderate. Anywho - the fact is, I'm excited because this job will be so much more independant than my current job. I won't feel like I have to constantly check in with my supervisor and that they will actually trust me as a competent individual. I will have my own work to do - I will have my own space to do it in and I will actually feel like I'm doing something and contributing. That is something I do not have currently. It will also be STABLE! Which is huge right now since Rian and I are buying a house - I can't risk having a chance that I'll get laid off - and there would be a definite chance at tpt. Not messing with that at all. The biggest thing right now in having a new job is not stressing about work when I'm not there. I think about work all of the time and it really gets to me. I worry about being there even when I'm not there. I hate it. I am ready to have a job that I can leave everything there and not think about things and worry about things. It has put a damper on my entire life and I'm sick of it. I'm excited to have this new opportunity where I'm not anxious before, during and after work - so that i can put more energy into other things in my life. I've been thinking about possibly taking a class in the fall. Things like that that I can do in order to make steps towards really figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. Its been hard feeling like I can do that and feel good about it, when my work situation has been so miserable and hopeless. Once I can get in a better mindset about things - I feel like I can really dig into things and explore what I'm meant to do. Obviously, I don't think I'm going to be working at Revenue forever - but I think it will be a safe place for me to feel good about work, my co-workers and figuring out what I really want to do. Not to mention, I already have friends there - friends that I know I already connect with. And I know there are other good people to be working with - and that makes a WORLD of difference. If the people around you are good at work - it makes time fly and work that much more bareable.
So that is my great news - after blog after blog of me bitching about work - if anyone actually reads all of it - I have finally found an out and am moving on.
I know I'm not crazy for wanting to find a place to work where I know I'm an asset and am appreciated. All I can say is that tpt missed out on an incredibly intelligent person who could have really made a different. Their loss and the State of MN's gain! lol
Okay - I'll stop rambling now - but it feels good to get this information out.

Onto bigger and better things........new job, new baby (SOON hopefully!) and new house (sometime in the near future)! For someone who doesn't like change - there are a lot of POSITIVE changes happening - so I'm going to focus on that.

My final parting words are this........I heard this quote on the Real World - Brooklyn last night from one of the housemates and it really stuck with me as something I need to hold true to and remember -
"Never value the opinions of those you don't respect."
Pretty wise for a Real World person - but something that is very important to me coming from feeling bad about myself b/c of what someone else's opinion (that I don't even like) has been telling me. Not worth it when they are someone you don't respect.
Don't let anyone bring you down when you know what is really known to be true.

Peace and Hair Grease.

Time

Time and time again....it never fails....confusion ensues...and so it goes on...

That's just how I feel sometimes. I talk and talk and talk and make no sense - just going on and on spewing craziness. I guess I've spewed a lot worse things than craziness, so that should be okay. So right now I am completely feeling in limbo for a number of reasons.... I hate my work/job situation right now. I am completely in limbo because right now at work I'm working 20 hours down at the front desk answering phones, greeting guests, etc. and the other half I am up at my regular desk doing my regular job. So I'm feeling a little off just having two different jobs I'm really doing. Within all of that, I've been lucky enough to have a couple job opportunities to present themselves as possibilities (if they think I'm the right one), but with all of that, I've been stressed out with taking time off during the day to be able to interview and things and it is just stressing me out completely. It is a bit complicated because I am also taking Family Leave pretty soon to be with my sister for about a week after the baby is born since Bryan will be busy working. So I'll be taking a significant amount of time off pretty soon - and also unsure of when exactly all of that will be happening. I'm know I'm lucky that people here are flexible and understanding in my situation - but this is also my time off that I'm taking. Basically my Family Leave thing that I had to have Eliz's doctor sign basically let's me use my sick time when I take time off to help her out. So either way. Its just a complicated mess but I would go through it all again in order to make sure I get to help out my sister.

I'm definitely feeling in limbo these days because I feel like I'm constantly on call and waiting for my sister to call me and tell me she is in labor. She already scared the crap out of me last Thursday night when she called me at 11pm saying that she had been having contractions for a couple hours and they were 10 minutes apart - and to just keep my phone near by just in case. So I freaked out, starting packing my overnight bag and started charging my camera battery! lol That night I didn't get ANY sleep! lol I was thinking the whole night that at any moment the phone would ring and I would be on my way to Chester the Molester. But no such luck. Now, though, I feel like I'm still on call for the next couple weeks and cannot make any solid plans. I follow everything up with - there is a chance I won't be there b/c I'll be in Rochester while Elizabeth is in labor or for the week after. lol It is crazy - but I can't believe that it is almost time! I keep wondering to myself what that little boy is going to look like. Will he have a big head? (hopefully not for Eliz's sake) Will he have chubby little legs? (Gosh I hope so) Will he be long? What will his smile look like? These are all things I will soon find out! hehe Let's just say I'm pretty much the most excited Auntie that ever lived. And anyone else can challenge that - I will stand my ground. hehe

I'm also feeling limbo'ish with my living situation. As of February 1st, Laura and I gave our 2 months notice. Since Rian and I are deep into the house hunting and are still a couple weeks out from actually considering putting any offers in - by April 1st there is not way we will actually have a house. So its off to live with a couple of my former roommates - that's right - Mom and Dad. I'm shackin up with my parents again. Hopefully for the last time. haha I figure that since my parents are very generous in the fact that I would save a TON of money by not paying rent or utilities or food - this would help Rian and I out SO MUCH! I can put up with living with my rents for a couple months in order for things to be a little financially better for us. So I'll be packing up and getting ready to move in two months. I"ll make this a gradual move that way I don't have to move everything in one weekend - I hate that. Plus, I will have the entire upstairs of my parents house as my domain - and yes I will fill it up. So from April on I will be living with my parents and anxiously awaiting me and Rian's move into our new house. I cannot wait!

I only wish that I was as good as dealing with being/feeling in limbo as I am at the fun party game of limbo.