Let There be Praise, Let there be JOY in our Hearts

Gary Wright did it again.
Following an amazing meal at a new favorite restaurant 'Bricco,' Gary took me, Paul, and Wade to see one of my personal favorites- the incomparable, ultimate fabulous woman- Sandi Patty!!!
Not only did we sit on the FRONT ROW at Carnegie Hall for Sister Patty's Christmas concert with the New York Pops, but it turns out, Gary is dear friends with Sandi and following the show we went backstage and met her.
She was gracious, personable, open, and charming.
Seriously, the ultimate fabulous woman. No wonder drag queens across the globe strive to emulate her style, energy, sound, and appearance.

Following the concert, we braved the blustery blizzard and headed the few blocks to Therapy to visit Patrick at work.
Great friends. Marvelous music. Horrible weather. Totally worth it!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

After a night of Sandi Patty and hanging with friends at Therapy, I walked the quiet streets of Manhattan in a winter wonderland following the 24 hours of snowfall.
I love quiet NY nights. They don't happen often, but when they do... it's magical.

God put the Rhythm in Joey

One of my besties Joey has been in the long running HIT show Altar Boyz for over two years (he replaced other bestie Carlos in the same role).
Last week he played his last performance. Naturally, we celebrated his new found unemployment/freedom.
Joey, I hope this means you will have your nights free so we can hang out more. However, given your SICK talent, it is only a matter of time before you are back giving 8 shows a week.

Meredith's Annual HolidayParty

Every year since the first year I moved to NYC (in 2000), my friend Meredith has had an annual Christmas party. The location has ranged from a museum, to her apartment roof deck, to a a downtown penthouse lounge. The faces have changed as well- but this is the one event each year where I know I will see some of my oldest and dearest NYC friends.
Thanks Meredith for continuing the tradition!

Me and Steven- This party is the one time each year we catch up

















MORGAN! One of the first people I ever met in NYC

















Me and Seth. We have had some good times over the past ten years. Seth is one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet (chances are you have met him... he knows everyone)

















Handsome Ty

















Me with the lovely Renee- who I love madly for being a loyal blog reader. Renee, YOU ROCK!!!

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

While running around doing some Christmas shopping this week, I was suddenly filled with the Christmas spirit thanks to the energy of midtown Manhattan at Christmas time. I enjoyed the window displays at Lord and Taylors, walked through Bryant Park and the ice-skating rink, and saw all the wreaths, lights, and music coming from nearly every building. I love Christmas in New York!!!

Gypsy of the Year

Every year following the Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS fundraiser drive, the Broadway community comes together to celebrate in the form of a mishmash musical review. Numbers are prepared by each Broadway show- some serious and thoughtful, others parodies and spoofs.
I just returned from this years Gypsy of the Year... Starring my bestie Paul Canaan as Cat Deeley- the host of "So You Think You Can Dance."
Paul- you were wonderful (however, I think we would all agree you were prettier as CloClo). Love you poodle!

December 1st - World AIDS Day

I work for an agency that, among other things, is committed to the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
In honor of World AIDS Day, I was asked to participate in a video campaign talking about HIV/AIDS prevention. I was given the prompt "I speak about AIDS to (blank) because of (blank).

Look what I found online.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB2_cdRRskg

Old friends, New Restaurants, Forever Memories

I have an absolutely lovely and amazing friend who I don't get to see nearly enough.
Gary Wright is kind of like this magical mythical creature. There is no predicting when he will show up, but when he does... I know I am going to be surrounded by the best energy, positivity, and complete love.
In addition to being one of the most complimentary and marvelous men I have ever known, I have also learned that with Gary, comes new restaurant recommendations and fabulous eateries (usually ones that I have never before visited).
Gary came to town last week and we went to Fig and Olive in the Meat packing district. It was wonderful.
To top it off... we went to the Standard Hotel for drinks and dessert after dinner. Another great suggestion.
Mr Wright, how is it that I have lived in NYC for more than ten years, but whenever you visit from Alabama you know the city far better than I do? My friend, please teach me to be more like you!

The gang at dinner:

Joey and Wade

Me and Paul

Gratitude #4: I've got a roof over my head.

I realize that Thanksgiving is over... but I don't think that means the gratitude list should end. Right???
This is actually a mixed gratitude review. Let me start by saying I am very grateful that I get to live/work/play in New York City. Even more grateful that I have an amazing, spacious, comfortable, reasonably priced, great location, clean, and cozy apartment.
HOWEVER, in order to have this safe, comfortable, large, etc... apartment, I also have roommates.
Fortunately, I have been lucky enough to have lived with some of the most outstanding people I have ever met. Very little drama. That being said, it does suck when it comes time for a roommate to move out (new job, marriage, tired of NYC, etc...).
Once again, I find myself looking for a new roommate. UUUGGgggghhhhhhhhh!!!
Seriously, apartments like this are in high demand (it's just a pain weeding through the weirdos in order to find the next domestic partner).
Check out this link for more information.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/roo/1489122013.html

Spread the word to all your non-smoker/no pets/clean/employed/SANE friends.

The Living Room

The Kitchen

The Bedroom

Central Park- This is a five minute walk from the apartment

Got no diamonds, got no wealth. I got no man, but I got my health.

In continuing with the thanksgiving theme, my #3 gratitude would have to be health.
Health is one of those things that you don't really appreciate until it's compromised. Overall, I have been very lucky. Sure, I should take better care of myself by going to the gym and eating healthier, and anyone who knows me knows I am incredibly clumsy. However, for better or worse- I have a body that works. Not always perfectly- but I can walk without a wheelchair, I can live in a 5th floor walk-up building, I can think logically and use reason, I can feel emotion and (usually) respond appropriately in social settings. My heart beats on its own. I can see, hear, speak, smell, and feel. I am not in pain. I am blessed (now I really feel like I need to reward my body by hitting the running track).
Enjoy some of my favorite pics from some of my 'less healthy' life moments.
An unfortunate slip in the shower gave me an awesome shiner (2002)

About once a year I will slip, trip, or fall and end up with a horribly sprained ankle

In 2003 money got so tight I made extra income by being a lab rat at Columbia Medical School

After 20 years of never having stitches, a broken bone, or spending the night in a hospital- I had unexpected major surgery (note that I have needles in my neck and hand, a tube in my nose, monitors on my chest, and am hooked up to every machine on that wall). 1998 was a rough year.

Thank YOU for Being a Friend

After my last blog (four days ago), my plan was to write a daily 'gratitude' post. I already knew that my #2 post (after family) would be expressing my deep gratitude for my friends. The fact that I have been unable to update this daily blog in days because I have been out with friends for the past four nights is a testament to how lucky I am. Seriously. I have the most amazing friends!
As I was going through pictures to add to this post, I was overwhelmed with the number of truly remarkable people I have met in my life- people that I can call my friends. From childhood, to high school, to college, through my 20's, and now as as adult, I have been blessed.
I started narrowing the pics by just saying "Oh, I HAVE to include one from this time period" or "I HAVE to have one of this person." Even after about 6 rounds of cuts, I was still at 44 pictures- all of which were "must includes."
Fear not, I did force myself to cut the list.
*** Please note: I only have access to pictures (with few exceptions) since the digital age. Also dear friends, please know that if you do not see your gorgeous face below, trust that I most surely thought of you as I reminisced about the past three (I MEAN TWO AND A HALF) decades of my life.
I am tempted to start naming names, but if I started- I wouldn't be able to stop. I love you my friends. Thank you for being in my life and making me a better person.

High School Friends:




Rick's College/Showtime Friends





BYU Friends



DC Friends

New York Friends














Work Friends

And last but NEVER least... The besties