Overbooked

I decided this semester that I would only go out twice a week (plus the temple on Fridays, which makes thrice) because school needs to come first and stuff like that. So how did I end up with tickets to three different shows this week? Because I am completely incapable of saying no when offered free tickets. Here's what should have happened:

"Catherine, would you like tickets to a show this week?"
"That's really nice of you to offer, but I still have a lot of reading to do on search engines and a website to create, so I'll have to pass this time. Thanks anyway!"

Here's what happened:

"Catherine, would you like tickets to a show this week?"
"Always. Just tell me when and where."

Will I ever learn? Not likely.

Violent Study Club

In November, I was looking for an out of print book about one of my favorite series, The Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace, and I came across a Betsy-Tacy Society. I never would have imagined such a thing existed, but I was of course, greatly intrigued. I found that they have a New York chapter which meets bi-monthly for book club meetings in Manhattan. You know where this is going. I marked my calendar immediately for their next meeting (February 27th) at Coliseum Books where they'd be discussing the final book in the series, Betsy's Wedding. As the date approached, I got a little skittish about putting myself in such an unexplored social situation, but I told myself that they had to be nice if they liked Betsy-Tacy, and besides, it was being held in a public place, so I would be able to bail even at the last second if I felt the need.
Last night, I headed out into the bitter cold night towards Coliseum Books. I got there just when the meeting was supposed to start, and I figured they would be easy to spot, a large group of women gathered around a speaker, and hopefully I could just stand in the back, unnoticed. Well, they were easy to spot, because it was six women gathered around a few pushed together tables in the coffee shop, all of them clutching their well worn copies of Betsy's Wedding. Friends, my courage almost failed me. Not only would I have to initiate contact, but I hadn't brought my copy of the book (I was embarrassed that I'd had to check it out from the library, but that's just because my Betsy-Tacy books are at my parent's house). But I did it. I just dived in before I had a chance to change my mind.
They were, of course, very nice. They warmly welcomed me, and were excited that I had seen their website. Shortly after I sat down, a librarian from my library sat down, looked at me, and exclaimed, "you read Betsy-Tacy!" Everyone introduced themselves, and I was shamed to find that I was the only one who hadn't read Betsy-Tacy as a child. I told them how I discovered the books (I worked at Zany Brainy when the books were republished, so I read each one as it came out for the second time). I guess it wasn't too shameful, I was the youngest person there, but a couple of them didn't seem too much older than me and I briefly wondered what was wrong with me that I hadn't found the books earlier. Anyway, we spent about an hour discussing the book, comparing Betsy to Maud (the books are very autobiographical), etc. We ended by reading the last chapter of the book together (someone shared their copy with me). And you know what? I had fun! They asked me if I would come again, and I said I would. It turns out that not only was I the only new person there last night, but the only new person in several years. Next time we'll be discussing a Beverly Cleary book (they alternate Betsy and non-Betsy books).
Thus, my little adventure has a happy ending. Oh, and in case you were wondering, they call their book club "violent study club" because that's what Betsy and her friends call their study group. If you want to know why, start with Betsy-Tacy and keep reading until you get to Betsy's Wedding. You won't regret it.

Bleak House report

Last night was the extremely exciting conclusion of Bleak House. It has been great fun to look forward to it each Sunday night, so I'm sorry it's over, but nothing lasts forever. And I'm glad to report to you that I feel very confident in my endorsement of it. I know many of you are waiting to watch it on DVD (in all it's 8 hours of glory), so I won't go into too much detail, but here are a few thoughts:

• I never got used to the cinematography; in fact, I just don't think it was appropriate. I think they were trying to make everything very exciting and dramatic, but I think Dickens does a fine job of that on his own. I also think that most people who watch BBC/Masterpiece Theatre mini-series are of my, old-fashioned though it may be, frame of mind.
• My favorite characters were Miss Flite, Charlie, Guppy, Guppy's mother (she only has two scenes, but they are memorable), and of course Esther.
• This movie ended just the way I like them to, with a wedding (won't tell you whose).

The next Masterpiece Theatre mini-series starts March 26th. He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope. Doesn't look as good as Bleak House, but then, not many things could. Don't worry, I'll still be watching!

Birthday festivities

Well, this will be the birthday that never ends. Yesterday Erin and I went to brunch (something we've been meaning to do for a while) with some friends and had a lovely time. Today I received cards and calls which were all very welcome; thank you. And Erin made me this magnificent cake! It was delicious as well as eye-catching. Tomorrow I'll go out for a bit with Roundabout friends, and Wednesday Erin and I are going to see Doubt. By that time, perhaps even I will be ready for my birthday to be over.


P.S. I know that my side bar says "Last play I saw" and I haven't seen Doubt yet, but I'm seeing another play the day after we see Doubt, and I didn't think it nice to only leave it up for one day, so I'm putting it up early.

P.P.S. I try not to be stodgy and mopey about getting older (although I will admit to feeling that adulthood has yet to hold a candle to being a kid. Third grade was my best year-definitely), but I do like to feel as though I'd accomplished something with each passing year. I suppose for this last one I can count a trip to Brazil and starting grad school (need I mention starting a blog?), but for this one just starting, I have nothing extraordinary planned. Any ideas?

lost love

I was just thinking the other day how I hadn't had a crush on a real person in a really long time (I'm talking years). Usually I reserve those feelings for movie stars and literary characters. But today I got a little reminder of how soon we forget. You see, I answered my boss' phone, sounding very sophisticated and professional (it's my story), and then the voice on the line said, "This is Ralph Howard." The rest of the call probably lasted about a minute (boss was unavailable-I had to take a message), but I assure you I sounded like a complete idiot the entire time. That is because I have a huge crush on Ralph Howard, and how I forgot about him so soon, I don't know.
Who is Ralph Howard, you ask? He's a retired radio interviewer who used to volunteer at the library once a week. He left shortly before Christmas to take a job working with Howard Stern at Sirius Radio. He's old enough to be my grandfather, or pretty close. Normally that's not a turn on for me, but I will say that Ralph Howard is a very good looking older man. What is more, he is very funny and personable, knows a lot about theatre and is heterosexual (the last two qualities are difficult to find in tandem).
His personality and dapper good looks alone would be enough for an infatuation, but I wasn't smitten until the day he brought in his cousin's address for me to look at. You see, the week before he'd asked me where my family lived, and upon hearing Rochester he told me his cousin lived there too, and wouldn't that be funny if they knew each other. Typical small talk that doesn't really mean anything. But the next week he brought in the address to show me, asking me if I knew where it was (I did), and how close was that to my parents (pretty close), and a little more along that line; again, small talk. But the fact that he had thought of me during the week, remembered to find his cousin's address and bring it in, and initiated another conversation with me when he didn't need to - these things put little hearts in my eyes, and music in my ears, and I was never able to speak to him normally again.
I was really sad when I heard he was leaving (I had always looked forward to seeing him, if not speaking to him, on Thursdays), but it was probably for the best. He is, after all, happily married to a successful (still working) Broadway actress. There was never any hope for me and Ralph. But I won't give up. You never know what the next library volunteer will bring.

One of my favorite things...

I like riding the bus better than the train; better views. What makes a bus ride even better is when I get my favorite seat. Oh yes, I have a favorite. Let me set the scene, for those of you who don't frequent NYC public transportation. When you get on the bus (and I'm talking about the basic bus. There are a couple of other styles, but we won't get into them here) to your right is a row of single seats, and to the left, a row of doubles. Towards the back of the bus the seats change from facing front to being sideways benches, with a long bench along the back. But on the left side of the bus there is a rear door, which leaves just one single solitary sideways seat right behind the row of doubles, rather than a whole bench, and that, my friends, is my very favorite place to sit on any bus ride. It's easy; there's minimal to no interaction with other passengers, and you're right by the door to get off. Other people don't seem as attracted to that seat as me, but that's just fine. More rides in the best seat on the bus, all for me.

Carpets and candy

Tonight I went to a most peculiar place; a carpet store that has its own chocolatier. Well, to call it a carpet store is simplifying it a bit, but that's what it's called. ABC Carpet. We went specifically for hot chocolate (and it was well worth the trip, believe you me), but I'll have to go back and do some quality window shopping (well, and I'll have some more hot chocolate too, but that goes without saying). It was a treasure trove of knick-knacks, furniture, jewelry, pictures, dishes, drapes, and of course, carpets. It also has two restaurants, and said chocolatier. We had chocolate fondue, hot chocolate, and a few bonbons for good measure. It was delightful. Put this on your to do list next time you're in Manhattan.

When I grow up I want to be a librarian

My DVD collection outgrew the two shelve units I had which not only meant that I had to buy another, but that I got the pleasure of reorganizing my movies! I should have figured out a long time ago that I should become a librarian for many reasons, but one of the most obvious tips should have been the pleasure I've always derived from arranging my books, cds, and movies. Rearranging items on a shelf can keep me happily engaged for hours.
I decided to arrange my movies by category, although this would probably not be obvious to anyone looking at them. Here are my categories for now (subject to change at my whim):

Family films (further subdivided by animated and live action, and Disney and non)
Musicals
Romantic
Literature
Action
Comedy
Teen comedy
International
Classics (with all the Cary Grant movies together)
TV
Mini-series and box sets

Erin suggested I label them for her convenience, which I might do (I can bring my label maker home from work, and it would be fun), but I know I have to rearrange soon. My literature section is full, and I just ordered Sense and Sensibility and Ideal Husband from Amazon (they're my birthday presents to myself), and that's where I want to put them. Oh well, rearrangements due to acquisitions are the sweetest of problems.

*Just in case anyone intends to make a comment about my non-regulation categorization, I have two things to say: 1) I don't take cataloguing until next semester, and 2) this is a private collection, and that means I can do whatever I want.

It's a great day at LPA

I just held the faux diamond necklace and bracelet that Patti Lupone wore in Evita (on loan to the library for a huge theatre exhibition slated for 2007). Not only do they belong to Patti, but they originally belonged to Ethel Merman who wore them in Call Me Madame. Does that count as three degrees from me to Ethel Merman? Probably not, but it was still thrilling.

P.S. LPA stands for Library for the Performing Arts, but that wouldn't have rhymed, would it?

Nylons

Did you know that nylons are named after New York & London (NY+LON)? The creators hoped their product would sell well in these two major cities.

This fun fact was brought to you by From Rags to Riches: A History of Girls' Clothing in America by Leslie Sills.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love Valentine's Day. .It's my second favorite holiday (nothing trumps Christmas), and I enjoy it every year without a boyfriend It really frosts my cupcakes (that's bad, right?) when single people get all mopey or angry if they don't happen to be in a romantic relationship on February 14th. While I'm sure that's all well and good, I like having a special day to send cards to my loved ones. And pooh pooh to the people who claim that Hallmark invented Valentine's Day to improve revenue. ? For all I know they're right (actually, I do know, and they're quite wrong), but what care I I love any and every excuse to buy and/or make cute cards and keepsakes. It's fun, and I love it.
Sending you all much love,
Catherine

Friday night plans

The temple closed for two weeks for maintenance, so that means I got two Friday nights off. I pledged two things for these precious Fridays; that I would wear jeans to work, and that I would do something really fun on Friday night to celebrate my freedom. Last Friday went great. I wore my jeans and after work I headed over to MOMA to catch the Pixar exhibit just before it closed. It was really fun, and on the way home I stopped at the store and bought some Edy's Dreamery Black Raspberry Avalanche (see 'My latest crush').
Now it's Friday again. I'm still excited that I have tonight off, but I have to admit, it's not going to be such a good time as last week. I'm not wearing my jeans because they're dirty, along with almost everything else I own. Which leads me to what I'll be doing tonight. That's right, it's Friday night at the laundromat for me. I know it doesn't sound that great, but it'll be a good time to get some school reading done(even though I'd much rather be reading Into Temptation, it's so scandalous!), as well as get some clothes to wear. Seriously, I'm wearing the underwear I hate, and socks that don't actually match each other, or what I'm wearing. Good times. Maybe Edy will join me again this Friday, I'm sure he doesn't mind Friday night at the laundromat. Wishing you all a more exciting but just as productive Friday night as mine.

Come and knock on our door...

When I went to work this morning my door was red. When I got home, it was green. That may seem a little thing, but it was quite disconcerting. If I'd known this was to happen, I would have taken a before picture for you, but I guess you never appreciate the color of your door until it changes.
I literally did a double take when I walked up to my building; it probably would have been funny to see. I don't know how long it will take to get used to this new color scheme, but it's definitely an improvement; they plugged up the hole in our door that's been covered in duct tape since before we moved it. We really moving up in the world. Not that they did a good job of painting (but why do that? If they did it wouldn't match the rest of the apartment), here you can see what color our door used to be.
I think they're only painting the first floor ( I guess to make it look like a nicer building than it really is) so lucky us. Now if only they would do something about the smell...

My latest crush

I love ice cream. I mean can't-live-without-it love. I eat it year-round (never did see what weather had to do with what I eat if I'm not eating outside) and I can't get enough. I have long professed that I had no use for ice cream that wasn't chocolate based. Vanilla, what's that? My favorite ice cream has been the same since the first time I tried it in college. Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. It's creamy, it's decadent; the tangy raspberry and dark chocolate flavors dance together on the taste buds in a way that's not quite natural and oh so good. It's been my ultimate treat for a long time.
But a while ago my mother told me about her current favorite ice cream flavor: Edy's Dreamery Black Raspberry Avalanche. I didn't really think twice about it; Edy's Dreamery may be will and good for some people, but it can't really compare to Godiva now can it? Not only is the brand inferior, but it's a vanilla based ice cream. No thank you. The only exceptions I can make for my chocolate based rule are the occasional mint chocolate chip or cookie dough. But I saw my mom's ice cream at the grocery store one day, a day that my Godiva goodie was nowhere to be found. So I bought it. I took it home and I ate it. It was divine. Glorious even! I'm completely hooked. This ice cream is ultra creamy (a big plus in my book) and raspberry-y (another bonus), and it has dark chocolate chunks that melt quite easily in your mouth (the best part of all-I don't like frozen candy). I think I've found my Valentine this year, and his name is Edy. I suggest you buy a pint next time you're at the store, but be advised, it may prove habit forming.

Check this out

Harry Connick, Jr. and Kelli O'Hara sang a song from The Pajama Game on the Today Show. Click on the title of this post, then click on:
Video: Connick Jr. sings
They dialed the song down for the studio setting, but it's still quite enjoyable.

Little Black Dress

I wore all black, or basic black, to church today (a black velvet skirt and a black sweater, in case you were wondering), and while I was brushing my teeth, I had a brilliant idea. I was ruminating on the fact that I do not have a "little black dress," and that it would be hard to find one that was modest, stylish, and well fitting. And that's when it hit me; there should be a store that sells nothing but black dresses in all different styles and sizes. It might be a little overwhelming when you first walk in, but just think how marvelous it would be if you could go to one store, and know you could walk out with such an essential wardrobe staple. I think I would organize the store by dress length, and then by style, then size. Some people, of course would just browse, but many people would be able to narrow themselves down to a specific area pretty easily, and then go to town trying dresses on. I think the hardest job would fall to the buyer who would have to go to a lot of different sources to get a good selection of black dresses, but I really think it could work, and be very successful. Now that I've had such a fantastic idea, I just need a business partner with a lot of capitol. Any takers?

Movie Review: Failure to Launch

Erin and I went to a free screening of this movie last night, and we paid too much. I really thought this movie had potential, but that must have been because I didn't really know anything about it. The movie is about a 35-year old man (Matthew McConaughey) who still lives with his parents, and a woman (Sarah Jessica Parker) who has made a career from getting guys to move out on their own. The premise is fine, and if they just stuck to it, and made a basic romantic comedy, they would have been fine. It wouldn't have been a great movie, but it would have been okay, and probably praised from it's target audience. Instead, they tried to broaden the appeal of the movie by giving McConaughey two friends, and plugging in scenes of them participating in extreme sports while they talk about his relationship. This doesn't fit in very well, and I doubt it will trick too many guys into seeing the movie if they don't have to. But here is the worst part, by far; they've tried to justify puerile animal vs. human fights by calling it a metaphor for McConaughey's "unnatural" fight against living his life. That's right, there are several encounters between McConaughey and some "seeming innocent" woodland creature, which end in violence. It's ridiculous, jarring, and completely unnecessary. I cringe to think of the huge amount of money they spent on the special effects required for their animal stunts; all of which should have found their way to the cutting room floor. And if that doesn't frighten you enough, I will add that there is also gratuitous middle-aged nudity I assume for comedic effect, although our audience seemed mostly disgusted. I'll stick up for the guy (Terry Bradshaw), I didn't think he was disgusting, but I would have preferred it if he kept his clothes on.
Overall, this movie is a must-skip. Consider yourselves warned; if you choose to go see this movie, you've only got yourselves to blame.