Friday, August 22, 2008

Surprisingly... I agree.

I found this link on my friend Tyra's blog.
Did they get it right?
Do you agree? Disagree?


You Are Esmerelda!
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Mysterious and passionate. You are a survivor. Even though life has swung you some difficult situations you have a strong intuition that gets you through. Also, you have the capacity to sympathize and relate to a variety of different people.


Which Disney Princess Are You?

A Tale of Two Cities


Last night I saw the new Broadway Musical "A Tale of Two Cities." I have mixed reviews about the show (see me for notes), but I can tell you that it made me really want to read the book. It had elements that brought back memories of some of my all time favorite reads... The Count of Monte Cristo, Don Quixote, Les Miserables... anyone else seeing a revenge/dedemption theme going?

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Back to my Roots



This past week I was back in the West. If you have ever been in NYC in August, you know how magnificent if is to get out. The tourists, the smells, the humidity... I find myself craving a dry, calm, beautiful place. I got it.
After Kyle's wedding, I went to St. George Utah where my best friend Carlos was choreographing the musical "Big River" at Tuacahn Theater. We spent a couple days in St. George, and then headed up to SLC to visit friends and go to Carly's wedding.
We stayed with the lovely Melanie (and Lester) Muranaka who were generous enough to let us drive around their Lotus convertible. There is nothing like driving up Provo Canyon in a two seater convertible!
We spend a day at Sundance- without question one of my favorite places in the world. I worked at Sundance both summers I was at BYU and will never forget the daily drives up the canyon- the air, the stars, the scenery... I was reminded how much this mountain feels like home.
Not only was it great to be back in Utah, but to be there with Carlos made it even more memorable. The first time I met Carlos was at Sundance, and now... 10 years later... he is still one of my best friends.


On the chairlift at Sundance.


Top of the mountain.


In front of Melanie's house in our dream car.


FIERCE!

A Season for Weddings

They say that things usually happen in three's.
In the past month I have been to three weddings of some of my favorite people in the world.
First, Carlos and Joe got married in Costa Rica.
Second, my brother Kyle married Sarah.
Finally, one of my best girlfriends from College (as well as NYC) got married in SLC on 8/16/08. This marriage was especially meaningful as I take 100% of the credit for matching Carly and Neil up.
About 18 months ago I introduced the gorgeous and talented Carly Jeanne Lewis to Neil White, a friend of mine in NYC. Following their brief meeting, Neil took my cell phone and began texting Carly (as if he were me) asking what she thought of him. He called her soon after.
Throughout their dating and engagement, I got to watch and hear both sides of the relationship. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE being in the middle of anything, so this was kind of my fantasy come true!
In fact, exactly one year prior to the marriage, Carly and I were in Hawaii gossiping about Neil and where the relationship was going (good places, apparently).
Miss Carly Jeanne, I love and adore you. We have been friends for a decade now and you have been one of the constants in my life. I value your friendship and your loyalty and cannot wait to gossip about the honeymoon over Crepes. LOVE YOU GIRL!
Neil, I think you are wonderful, kind, funny, thoughtful, wise, and now... the luckiest man in the world. You deserve each other. :)

In addition to celebrating Carly and Neil, I also got to see some old friends from college. Brooke, Alena, Molly, etc... I love and miss my girlfriends!

Carly and I in Hawaii- August 2007


Me and Miss Carly Jeanne.


Me, Carly, and Neil.


College Girlfriends- Molly, Alena, Carly, Me.


Me and Miss Molly. LOVING the haircut!

My Baby Brother Got Married!

This past week I traveled to Idaho for my brother Kyle's wedding.
The wedding was at a park in Boise and was a small, but really beautiful ceremony.
Kyle was happy, Sarah looked gorgeous, the family was together.
Kyle, I love you so much and am so happy for you.
Sarah, welcome to the family.




One is Silver, the Other Gold

One of the many great things about living in NYC is that it is a magnet for visitors.
This means old friends come to visit, and new people are constantly streaming in.
While I admit, it is sometimes (not often) a pain to play host, it is awesome to be able to live in a city where old friends will come on vacation. It is also fun to meet new people.
A few weeks ago I was able to have these experiences back to back.

I finally met the man, the legend... Gary Wright. I have heard of Gary from friends for years, and I have to say- he met AND exceeded expectation. From the first night we hung out, I knew this was someone I hoped to see more often.
How I love a Southern Man!

Wade, Gary, and me in NYC.


The next night, my old college friend Dave Kimball came to visit. Our contact has been sporatic over the years, but I love that we were able to catch up and rekindle our friendship. Dave, I hope it is not another 5 years until I see you again.


Paul, Me, and Dave in NYC outside Xanadu.

Something Good has Gone.



A year ago we had a turn-over in my apartment. My two former roommates moved out, and I had to begin the search for new roommates. Fortunately, my good friend Jake was moving to NYC from LA, so that took care of one room. Unfortunately, after searching for a friend (or friend of a friend) who needed an apartment, Jake and I were forced to resort to Craigslist for a roomie. Now, in any other city, I would have my own apartment (or a house), but things are different in NYC.
Anyway, I was sure I would have to sort through a list of crazies until I found someone who was barely decent. Never did I allow myself to dream that I might just find the most perfect person/roommate/friend to live with.
After some emailing, a few phone calls, and one meeting, it was determined that Chris would be our new roommmate. From the first interaction I knew he would be great.
Not only was he a wonderful roommate, but over the course of the past year, has become one of my best friends. I love this man. I adore his friends. I respect his loyalty. I admire his taste and talents. I envy his tan.
Like all good things, this too came to an end- much sooner than either of us anticipated. Chris was offered a great job opportunity touring with the Bway show "Spring Awakening." Of course, I was (am) excited for him, but it killed me to say goodbye to him.
Chris, this post is a dedication to you. Thank you for making 2007-2008 so amazing.
Come back home soon! 969 will always be extraordinary, but it is not the same without you.


House Warming Party.


New Years Eve 2007/8.


The besties partying it up on a cold NYC night.


Going away party for Chris at Therapy.