Wasting Time Up in the Air

Hello again! I know that my frequency of posts is pretty erratic, but I am still getting used to this blogging thing : ) Right now, believe it or not, I am thousands of feet in the air on the airplane going home to Seattle from New York. (props to Alaska Airlines for its free wi-fi through June)

Although I looooove visiting other cities, especially ones like New York, I must admit that I may be the worlds worst travel partner. I absolutely HATE airports/airplanes. The smell, the polyester uniforms, the recycled air, the small spaces...everything! My excitement for the trip is always overshadowed by my hatred for travel from point A to point B. Even now, I feel like I have been hit by a bus and I still have FOUR FREAKING HOURS LEFT ON THIS FLIGHT!! Granted, I have been on much longer flights in my life (London, Germany, Italy), but even if it was the quick 1.5 hour flight I so often took from Seattle to San Francisco, I would be unhappy and complaining.

I have come to the conclusion that someone needs to develop the technology for teleportation IMMEDIATELY! That way I can enjoy all a foreign city has to offer and sleep in the comfort of my own home by night! Perfect scenario for Annie!

Despite all of this complaining, I am really fortunate to have gotten to travel so much in my life!! I am so thankful that I have seen the things I have seen and experienced. New York was wonderful, but my heart was aching the whole time to be away from my boys! I know I am one of those crazy pet owners who treats her two dogs like children, but I really do love them so much and always want to be with them. I hope they are ready for some cuddle time with Mama tonight, because I sure am in need of that!!!

I assume I will be too exhausted to post again until this weekend, but keep checking in for a glimpse into my trip (I have so many exciting details to share from crazy drivers, to my celebrity encounters, to my wonderful shopping purchases.)

ta ta for now!

ps while I was gone, Daniel texted me a pic of Albert (our six month year old Lhasa Apso) who had managed to slip his head through the handle of his leash, while it was hanging on its hook. What a crazy dog...he must have missed his mommy so much he tried to hang himself ; )

BROADWAY!

As any one who knows me can tell you, musicals are a BIG part of my life. Not only do I love seeing musicals, but I love being in them, talking about them, listening to the soundtracks, working on them, reading about them and of course, always learning more reasons to love them!

My mom tells me that when I was a toddler I asked to sing my arias (opera influence from my Grandpa, that lasts to today) so obviously I was just born to love performing. : ) Growing up I took piano lessons, dance lessons, singing lessons, acting classes and was fortunate to have a great drama department at my elementary school! I have been so blessed to be involved in so many productions, theaters, positions/parts and other theater experiences. Fortunately my parents love musicals too, so I have seen productions of plays and musical from here to England! (Undying thanks to them for that!)

So, with that said, I have decided to share my............

TOP 20 MUSICALS

In ascending order...

20. The Sound of Music: By the end of the list you may notice that this is the only Rogers and Hammerstein musical (and pretty much the only traditional musical) on my list. I tend to dislike most classic old time musicals due to the lack of intricate plot and over-emphasis on musical and dance numbers as productions within themselves.
19. Guys and Dolls: This was my first show at Assumption St. Bridget School. I like the weaving of musical numbers with the plot and over-exaggeration of EVERY character.
18. The Lion King: "WOW", says any audience member after the opening number in this show! Quite a spectacular show, but with any Disney show, a little "cheesetastic".
17. Seussical: The Musical: One of my favorite shows (for both the show and specific production) I have done. This show gets a pretty bad rep from the critics, but I think it is sweet.
16. Cabaret: One word: LIZA.
15. Bye Bye Birdie: I fell in love with the movie version of this show starring Dick Van Dyke and Ann Margret. Probably the fluffiest musical on my list, but the music is pretty catchy!
14. Sweeney Todd: Sondheim+creepy+Angela Lansbury=magic
13. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: I am a Weber fan, so naturally I like his weird twist on this Biblical story. Best Narrator part in any show I know.
12. Aida: This Elton John/Tim Rice show is quite moving but with funding from Disney, the cheese spills through in lyrics like, "Re: another pyramid", "Re:"??? But nonetheless, the dramatic, soul-moving music can overshadow the bad writing.
11. Beauty and the Beast: Pretty funny that I have another Disney show, but this classic tale accompanied with Ashman/Menken music is to die for.
10. A Chorus Line: So genius to have a show...about audition for a show! This show rings so true to life and the struggle of even getting in the chorus of a Broadway show...
9. Les Miserables: I think the key to really understanding a musical, is to listen to the music before seeing the show. I came to know this soundtrack inside and out before I had to opportunity of seeing it in London. Although I could have followed and enjoyed the show going into it blind, I could relish in the music and plot simultaneously without having to focus on the lyrics.
8. Little Shop of Horrors: This is another musical that I first experienced on film. The raw realities expressed in this outrageous show creates the perfect combination of comedy and examination of true feelings.
7. Meet Me in St. Louis: Another film musical, starring the one and only Judy Garland! This is the quint-essential musical, for me. I love watching it with my Mom and laughing at Tootie!
6. Chicago: Along with #7, I feel that Chicago is a show that takes the focus of classical musicals (intricate dance and musical instrumental numbers) to really compliment the plot, instead of distracting from it. Good movie, too!
5. RENT: This show was not only dramatic in my life, but for the musical world in general. Jonathan Larson took a classic story (La Boheme), modernized it and accompanied his story with rock music. So inspiring and moving.
4. Into the Woods: I suppose my biggest claim to fame in my life, is playing the lead of the Baker's Wife...in eighth grade. haha : ) I love the charm of this show, the cleverness of Sondheim on almost every level and enthralling music!! I love how this show gives the audience a glimpse into the world after happily ever after.
3. Peter Pan: Mary Martin's Peter Pan from 1954 is a MUST SEE for every musical enthusiast. This is a vastly under-appreciated show with wonderfully sweet music and once again a spectacular view of a classic tale.
2. The Phantom of the Opera: To this day, the best musical experience of my life, was seeing The Phantom of the Opera for the first time in London. From the first note, Weber captivates the audience with his spectacularly dramatic music. My favorite musical scene of all time is when the Phantom appears slowly in the chandelier after hearing Christine profess her love to Raoul. The sadness in his voice pulls so hard at my heart strings, no matter if he is a monster or not.

And last, but absolutely the opposite of least, my NUMBER ONE MUSICAL OF ALL TIME...

1. WICKED! As someone who has grown up loving everything Wizard of Oz, Gregory Maguire captured my heart with his twist on this story from the Wicked Witch of the West's point of view. Elphaba (the WWW) is my all time dream role! This great story with Stephen Schwartz's score is the best musical experience around! If you ever have the opportunity to read the book, see the musical or even hear the music...DO IT! Words cannot express the enchantment of this show.

Well, thank you for reading this loooong post about the love of my life, MUSICALS! I am planning on getting back into the theater life with some auditions at Seattle Musical Theater, but before that I need to get my chops back in shape! Stay tuned for my progress!

Boxing!

This morning I went to my second boxing fitness class at Cappy's Gym on Capitol Hill. Last week it KICKED MY BUTT! It was just my mom and I and we were totally unprepared. We had forgot how to jump rope, we didn't bring water, and had to take many breaks. We could not let that be the last impression we left there!

I thought it could only be easier than last time, and although we got the jump ropes down and knew what to expect, I felt like it was an even harder workout! This week my mom brought one of her co-workers and Daniel came along to be my partner. It was so nice for Dan to see what it is all about (and how hard it is!).

The workout begins with a heart-rate-raising warm up of jump-roping, jumping jacks, mountain-climbers, etc. followed by individual/partner work like crunches, throwing a medicine ball over head and stretches.

Then comes the best part.......the bags! I was initially reluctant to go boxing because I didn't think it would help get my aggression out with the bag absorbing my punches vrs. reacting. Thanks to the very helpful trainer, I have learned that punching the bag is more of a snap of the fist against the bag which requires a great deal of control and really helps in avoiding wrist injury.

The last 5 minutes are devoted to one partner having either a punching mat or gloves and various combination of punches and movements, then switch. I like this part because although it is just a glove or mat you are hitting it is somewhat gratifying that another person's body reacts to your punches (as aggressive as that sounds....)

I am definitely one of, if not the MOST, inexperienced person there; not only when it comes to boxing skills, but even my endurance level is extremely low. That being said, I know it will only get easier and I will become more skilled if I continue to go. Also, I feel AWESOME at the end of the hour...in pain, but awesome.

I don't know if this encourages or DIScourages anyone from thinking of taking up a boxing fitness class, but all I know is that the lbs. are coming off!

Until next time...

Shoes!

Alright, so after a while of not blogging (due to the move) I finally have a moment to myself to update! Moving was intense but I am so happy with our new place and I cannot wait to share pictures on here. But for now, I thought I would share two of my favorite all time shoes, both of which are great for the Spring and Summer!

First, is a shoe that I discovered while living in San Francisco...


Not only are these shoes wildly comfortable and cute with everything from jeans to skirts, but when you buy a pair, a pair are also sent to a child in need of shoes in a Third World country!


Original TOMS are for both Men and Women and come in a variety of colors/patterns (and even glitter!) In addition to the originals, TOMS has come out with revised versions, such as a lace up saddle shoe and most recently these ADORABLE wedges:


These are great for the summer and I HAVE to have the red ones to pair with my boyfriend jeans!

Now for my all time favorite shoe (even though it is technically a sandal)....


I absolutely love Saltwater Sandals!! Since my first pair at about age 3, I have just adored these shoes. Like TOMS, these honestly go with everything. They look good on all ages of girls and they are too cute for boys...as long as they are under 6 years old, I don't think I would ever want to see a grown man in a pair of these!

I have had different colors, but my eyes are set on the floral pattern for this coming summer so I can pair them with all my basic clothes.

That is all for tonight, but more and more ideas keep popping into my head for new posts, so stay tuned!

Annie