Expectations

Sorry about the lapse in blogging (again). It's been a VERY busy week, but I will spare you from those not so exciting stories. Also, I probably should be writing a couple of papers right now, but I'm not. So, on to the the point.

Expectations. We all have them. Some things live up our expectations and some don't. It's the balance of life. Expectations kind of played a big part of this weekend. First off, I figured that 

that person from out of town came back in town for a visit, that person would want to hang out at least for a bit.  Nope. At least, it doesn't seem that way. I don't think I sat in the same room with that person for more than 10 minutes, and when I did, he was a little "busy" on the other side of the room. Then later I clearly make myself available, and my plan fails. Of course, my thoughts go in many different ways. I sound like a jealous boyfriend. Way to kind of get ahead of yourself, Jody! W/e. I've pretty much given up on it. If that person wants to talk, they can make the first move. I'm done with it. I need someone new [weird, I just gave this advice to someone else like 5 minutes ago]. Someone near me and who wants to be with me. 

I went to Hannah's apartment not knowing what to expect. Maybe some awkward, some nostalgia. There was a bit of awkwardness, but only because I haven't reestablished a friendship with Kaleb. On the upside, Dani and I got things worked out. I'm so glad we did. I didn't think we really think we needed to work anything out, but only because I'm oblivious to anything that I'm not staring in the face. So my point is something good did come out that night because I didn't expect to be worked out.

I sang for Dody's recital earlier today, and the whole thing was pretty much amazing. I started thinking about my recital that will happen sometime in the next 2 years. I want mine to be as good but not as hectic in planing and making it work. I want something clever and simple and amazing. Again, I am getting ahead of myself. Sporadically, I will think of things to put into my recital(s). That way, I won't expect my recital to be perfect before I have a recital date and a set list of songs to sing.

The upside of expectations (again), are mainly the things that catch you by surprise because, of course, it doesn't give you a chance to expect anything. For example, I was "kidnapped" this afternoon by Monique, Naquin (aka Malibu), and Lance. It was such a great kidnapping. We walked and chilled at the Fly. So much fun! We also semi-planned to hang out next weekend. I can't wait for the Love Underground and PIE that is a year overdue!!

Also, Katie and I decided that we should watch a movie while we study, do homework, and do our laundry. What do we watch? HERCULES! Kind of random, right? Yes, but oh so good. Now we are watching Chicago, but unfortunately have to call it a night soon. A day of greatness (which just happened to include Orleans Room muffin tops!) must come to an end. 

My point? Expectations aren't always good. Sometime you get let down, but sometimes things can reach incredible heights when your expectations are reached. Also, sometimes surprises could be good, and sometime it can be bad. In the case of today, it was definitely good! 

Right now life is good. <4

---

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this song since I've found it on youtube earlier this week. This is Sutton Foster singing "More to the Story," a bonus track featured on the Shrek the Musical CD (that is release on Tuesday, March 24th!). This song really touches my heart. It has so much emotion and beautifully, talented singing (thank you Sutton) that could take down an professional football team.

This is Carly Jibson singing "Tod (The Phone Sex Song)." Just watch. It's pretty fucking hilarious.

BAM!!

Growth (I guess?)

Shit. I just looked at the time. I just missed 11:11. I kind of always do. I'm not sure why I try to follow the 11:11 trend. I guess it's just nice to wish for something. What is the point in your life if you can't wish for something? [One weird thing: I tend to look at my phone or at the time at exactly 9:11. It kind of happens a lot actually, but, thankfully, not everyday.]

So, I'm forcing myself to grow. I hung out with some friends I haven't hung out in awhile. It was very refreshing to be with them again, but hanging out with them brought back old feelings, unanswered questions, and a slight awkwardness. Because I want things to be somewhat "normal" again, I'm making myself grow: stop getting feelings for high school-ers or those under the age of 18, don't make a mess of the circle, stop being a huge slut, get my work done and just chill.

I'm pretty sure I mentioned this on my last blog post, but I still keep thinking of that guy that moved away. I'm trying to get over him, but I don't know that I can make it go away so easily. Growth is hard, but I don't really expect any less. It just complicates things a little more when I look forward to his visit home in March (I don't know if it already happened, if it's going to happen, if he changed his mind and decided not to come in). Also, I think about the time right before he moved he said he wanted me to visit him. I don't know how to get these things out of my head. I mean what's the reality of us being together when we live across the country from each other. I'm so crazy.

Katie asked me some random questions today that I really couldn't/didn't know how to answer. She asked who was my favorite Broadway performer. If you know me, I love LOTS of performers, but I needed to decide. I told her Sutton Foster with Kerry Butler as a close second. I youtube them looking for new videos almost everyday, sometimes multiple times a day. Yes, I realize this seems a little obsessive. No, I don't think I have a problem, so suck it! She also asked me who my favorite composer is. I had no (and still don't have any) idea(s) who could fight their way to the top of my list. As I am typing this, I'm thinking of other questions like this that I can't really give a definite answer to: favorite movie? favorite food? favorite musical? favorite song? I can't narrow it down to just 1. It's impossible! I mean look at all the videos that I post. I love them all. Then new stuff comes out every day. I hate to repeat myself, but "I can't narrow it down to just 1. It's impossible!"

I think about this all of the time, and I felt the need to do it again. Note to self: do the random fact game. It should be fun. 

-----

Since I gave you a bunch of videos last time, I am only going to give you 2 or 3 this time. [It depends on my mood.]

This is Natalie Cortez singing "Nothing" from the revival of A Chorus Line (OBC). The info that youtube gave about the video says this was Natalie's last performance. This is probably one of my favorite songs/scenes from the show because, in addition to singing, it incorporates a great deal of acting and story telling. Such a great talent.

This video is features Brian d'Arcy James (as Shrek) singing "Who I'd Be" from Shrek the Musical. Towards the end of the song, Daniel Breaker (as Donkey) and Sutton Foster (as Princess Fiona [she can barely be seen because of the dark]) join in and create this beautiful, heart-warming trio. This is from the November 15th Broadway preview performance, so this should definitely be part of the final product of the show and seen 8 times a week (probably). This owner of this video doesn't allow for this video to be embedded, so you are just going to have to go to the website HERE or you can click the website link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Znurs51aSQ

Ok, so I'm feeling giving. This is Carly Jibson singing "I'm Not Pregnant" at Katie Thompson's Birdland in February. Carly has a knack for finding great songs that are extremely funny and fitting for her character-type. It's like the song was written for her. So funny and well-sung!

BAM!!

Comeback

This is my attempt at a blog worthy of reading:

So catch up on lost time. Last weekend and part of the week was Mardi Gras. It was probably one of the best Mardi Gras's that I have ever had. I spent all of my time with my friends, some drinking, and chilling out. What a great a holiday.

Recently, I have been thinking of my title as "slut." For the most part, it's just a joke with my friends, but it's a joke created and exaggerated from the truth. Now, I've been thinking about this. I want to deviate from this slutty lifestyle and get a boyfriend.  I came came kind of close to finding someone I really liked, but we started getting somewhat close a couple weeks before he moved out of state. I think about him every once in a while and I wish that maybe he would have stayed or maybe... I don't know. I need someone to look forward to seeing everyday, someone to enjoy losing track of time with, someone to break out of my house to go see, someone to talk to about stuff (pointless to deep things), someone who I can be myself around (because I get shy around people I don't know), etc. Of course, I want him to get the same things from me. But at the same time, I don't think I want to give up my slutty style. That's where my experimentation and experience comes from. But I also can save that for the someone (if/when I find him). I don't know. I think I will just go with the flow.

And to tie into the theme of making a comeback: I need to get back into a show. [I kind of stretch it, but it still works.] I need to get into the whole process of a show: audition, new songs, lines, dances, tech week, performances, etc.

I thought I had more to talk about. I guess it's kind of late, and my brains a little tired from a long day and being sick. I think this was a slow comeback into blogging. [Yeah, I'm still trying to tie in the theme.]

-----

This is the amazingly talented Kerry Butler singing "Fly Away" at the Defying Inequality: The Broadway Concert held that I mentioned in my last blog post. This is song was written for the new Catch Me if You Can musical that Kerry has been cast in. Towards the end of the song this Tony nominee (yeah, I had to plug that in) belts the ever-loving Buh-Jesus. It is so amazingly awesome. It sounds so challenging, but she pulls it off stunningly.

This is Sutton Foster and Megan McGinnis singing "Flight" (usually a solo, arranged into a duet by Michael Rafter) at the Barnes & Noble for the release of Sutton Foster's debut solo CD, Wish. This is probably my newest favorite song of all time. It is simple astounding. It is, dare I say it, PERFECTION!

This is Aaron Tveit singing Pasek & Paul's "Along the Way." I think it was either originally written for their song cycle, EDGES, or it is a new edition. Either way, it's pretty hilarious.

This is a video I randomly found while searching for Carly Jibson (center). She's fierce. This is "U Know U Want It" at THE BIG SHOW (some NYC cabaret show).

BAM!!

Hold-over

I told myself today that I would blog, but for some reason, I fought even attempting it (part of it is because I am sick, and I don't want to do anything). Also, I have neglected the blog for a while. That is not normal and nor is it cool. Thankfully, tomorrow is a new day, and I PROMISE that I will blog about something legit. So here are a couple videos that are just gonna have to hold you over until then:

This is Alli Mauzey singing "Screw Loose" from Cry Baby the Musical. She is crazy, but she is also crazy talented. Listen to that belt! I do not understand why this closed on Broadway is the rest of the show was like this. Hot damn!

This is a performance by the Broadway cast of Hair singing "Let the Sunshine In" at the Defying Inequality: The Broadway Concert held at the Gershwin Theatre (where Wicked normally is performed). The soloist in the beginning is Gavin Creel, original Jimmy from Broadway's Thoroughly Modern Millie. Also, this is one of the beastliest (yes, I just said beastliest) and powerhouse belting casts that I have EVER heard!! In the words of Seth Rudetsky: "Ah-Mah-Zing!"

Half-a-BAM!

A bit of randomness for you - 50th!

My last post was supposed to be a bit longer. It was supposed to be a sarcastic letter to someone who (I felt) kind of needed a slap in the face, but because I kept putting it off day after day for almost a week, I think my anger diminished enough to where I didn't need to post it. Personally, I think it was a great letter, but I don't want to dwell on it because I have a feeling I might end up rewriting it, which I don't want to do and would defeat the purpose of not posting it.

Random fact: I have listened to Bare: A Pop Opera about 3 times just TODAY. I've been listening to it for a couple days beforehand, too. Yes, the show the music, and the singing (Matt Doyle, omg) are all amazing, but damn, that's a lot of times to listen to a show! 

So, this weekend was very quiet and on the border of boring. It wasn't entirely boring. I saw a couple of great movies and a couple weird movies with Blythe, had dinner with Blythe (most of the weekend was Blythe and Jody dinner and movie nights), went to a high school choir concert, and went to see my float for Thoth. Speaking of Thoth. I am riding in the Mardi Gras parade Thoth uptown on Sunday February 22. I will be on float D. It has a big fleur-de-lis on it. You won't miss it. I will be on the driver's side, on top, second to last person.  I'll be wearing a mask, so you won't really know it's me, so you really have to get my attention. I missed a few people last year (but they somehow did get my brother's and dad's attention). Call my name or get my attention somehow, and you will be showered with beads and other Mardi Gras paraphernalia by me, my dad, my brother (who are standing on either side of me), and maybe even friends of my family.

Btw, This is post 50! Happy 50th, blog!!

-----

This is Michael Arden (as Peter) and John Hill (as Jason) singing "Bare" from Bare: A Pop Opera on Seth Rudetsky's Broadway Chatterbox. This was back when Bare was off-Broadway. It's not the greatest performance, but hott damn are they still good.

This is "Tunnel of Love" from Side Show the Musical with Emily Skinner as Daisy Hilton (on left), Alice Ripley as Violet Hilton (on right),  Hugh Panaro as Buddy Foster and Jeff McCarthy as Terry Connor. The belting in this song (and in the show in general) is f-ing amazing! Alice Ripley is fierce! ([TOS], anyone?) Listen. Obsess. Love.

BAM!!

Thanks...

Thanks to all who made my birthday a great one: my family, my true friends (I've heard that word thrown around a lot lately, and I think I really know how to define it now) who went out of their way to do something special, and those who simply wished me a happy birthday. [That sounds like the start of an acceptance speech.] Thanks. It honestly made my birthday one of the best birthdays ever!

-----

Highlights from Act 1 of the first Broadway preview of Shrek the Musical. This includes: "Big, Bright Beautiful World," "I Know It's Today" (Sutton's first appearance and song in the show - So good!) "Donkey Pot Pie," and a cool trio called "Who I'd Be" that closes the act.

Highlights from Act 2 of the first Broadway preview of Shrek the Musical. This inlcudes "A Morning person," "I Think I Got You Beat" (Haha. So funny!), "Freak Flag" (Amazing runs & riffing by Gingy), and Fiona's transformation.

BAM!!

A little different

One of the best weekends of my life.

Friday (yes, I include Friday), I hung out with Courtney to celebrate our birthdays, which are actually this Monday (today). We also hung out because we had not seen each other but for a couple minutes during Christmas break and because she was leaving for school on Sunday (yesterday). So to celebrate, we went to Semolina's and had some amazing Italian food. Then went candy shopping after driving back and forth to find the good candy ("chewy" SweeTarts).  Then we were off to swing! Somehow, we ended up sitting at a table in the park and not swinging because of some little kid who wanted to swing more than us. After, we went to the mall. In a little over an hour, I think we went to each store at least twice. Friday was also movie night. My friends wanted to have a mini movie night, so we watched "The Wedding Planner" and "Anchorman." While we were watching these movies, my roommate and his friends came in drunk and had lots of loud fun. Their called their night of drunkenness "Drunk or Die." Creative. Pictures of their drunkenness can be seen on Facebook. This shows only a little bit of how entertaining they were to watch and hang out with. Oh so many stories that I wish I could tell everyone. I'll just say that a couple include some stolen animal crackers, a slap fight, and group of people with no pants singing only the refrain of "Purple Rain." Haha. Such a good day.

Saturday was "Drunk Ass Bourbon Night." Katie and I set the date for drunk ass bourbon night towards the end of last semester. Honestly, I am surprised our plans worked out because whenever anyone of my friends and I try to plan something, it doesn't usually work out (especially Bourbon). But to give you a short play-by-play of the night: pre-game at Tucks, a free show at some club (I forgot the name of it) on Frenchmen St at midnight (we got there at 1AM and missed the show). Katie and I then persuaded the others to come with us to Bourbon. We didn't stay too long, but we got back to Loyola around 3:30AM.

Sunday, Amy and I went to Loyola's performance of the opera, The Elixir of Love (the English version of L'elisir d'amore). It was amazing. It made me so excited to be a music major, especially at Loyola. The performance made me feel like I could do this and succeed. I cannot wait to see what's in store for my future at Loyola and afterwards! [Note to self: On the next blog, talk about the fact that I finally realize that Loyola is a great place for me.]

Ok. On to the good stuff.

-----

This is Placido Domingo, who came to New York to perform on the newly rebuilt & renamed Placido Domingo Theater (some of my friends sang with him!!), singing "Vesti la giubba" from Leoncavallo's Paglicci. It's pretty famous so you should recognize it, probably towards the middle. It's about a sad clown. Ring any bells? I realize this is a little different from the other videos I post, but I've decided this is the one classical I have to perform before I die (or for school). It's musically and emotionally (I love music with emotion) beautiful! 

This is Part 1 of clips of the amazing Broadway musical, Ragtime, from the PBS Documentary "Creating Ragtime". I just want to focus on 1 part of the video. Go to 6:10 and listen/wacth Audra McDonald sing "Your Daddy's Son." This song made me fall in love with her. It is so sad and emotional and amazing!

Here is part 2 of clips of the astounding Broadway musical, Ragtime, from the PBS Documentary "Creating Ragtime."

Happy Birthday Amy and Courtney!!!

BAM!!