An important discovery.

The past week since Mom and Robert got married has seen a change in me. I've become much firmer--even bordering on rude--with mom when she's tried to engage me in an adverse way. It's made her much meeker with me very quickly. On one hand, I'm glad to avoid more arguments, especially over stupid things. On the other, I feel that I might be denying myself the opportunity to defend myself in more depth. Like, am I showing independence by side-stepping her confrontations? Or am I just being stubborn and petty?

The discovery I'm referring to is that I've been worrying myself over something nonexistant. That is, my mom's expectations for me. 'Nonexistent' is a very final term, of course. I know Mom has general expectations for me--success, security, etc. But her aversion to my current plans (I mean future plans of engagement and marriage, not the current living situation), has made me wonder: what does she want from me? I've asked myself that question many times, but have always been distracted from the answer. Truly, what does she want from me?

I realized that she doesn't know anymore than I do. And because of that, I don't really know why she's mad! I don't know, so I can't counter it. I haven't frustrated her wishes for me to be successful or secure yet--nothing's happened! All I've been made aware of is what I shouldn't do--don't get engaged right now, don't move because you can't afford it, etc. The only "do" I've been offered is work harder, make more money. Which is fine--I know I need to work, I know I have a lot to do to make up the money I owe, both personally and for school. I have been working--both waitressing and doing art--and I feel good about it. Mom seems to approve, which is great. (As old/independent as I get, I've still been conditioned to long for her approval.)

I'm not sure what will come of this revelation, but I'll be sure to keep you posted. :)

-A.

P.S. In other news, I've updated my blog, so go check it out!

The End of the MICA Chapter

Classes and finals are (essentially) over for me!

My plans for the next few days are:

-Hang the commencement show.
-Start packing.
-Attend a super-fun Victorian tea party.
-Go to a wedding! As a bridesmaid!
-GRADUATE!

I had my interview with Sarah Vinas, the art director of Glamour magazine, yesterday. Overall I think it went well! I was a little intimidated at first, but she proved to be really personable (but professional), and she offered some good advice--some which I'd heard from others, but that's normal. My biggest concern (and don't I know it)is settling on a style/media/vision. I need to focus myself. This summer will be an excellent time to explore that, so I'm looking forward to it. :) Sarah offered to e-mail me with a few references for people/places that could potentially be interested it my work, and offered to be a contact for me (which was very generous). Successful, I think!

Oh my gosh, here comes real life!

The rest of yesterday was really great as well (apart from getting up at 5:45 for a shift). I got to class at 10 after a rushed shower after my shift (which ends at 9). I'd dressed carefully (doy, art director of GLAMOUR), and got to the studio as a bunch of people were laying out awesome food for everyone to have during the day. I waited around for a bit, talked to Joey V. on the phone, had my interview, and had to immediately jet off to Target (to return that dress) and to Ikea (to get frames for the commencement show).

The drives to both places were so quick, John and I didn't get lost, and both ventures were fast and easy. I was so happy! So, we decided to go to PF Chang's for a late lunch/early dinner, which made me even happier. :D Because I'd woken up early and had such a rush-around sort of day, I fell asleep right in the car! So unlike me.

Oh, and then John and I watched The Power Rangers Movie. I know you're jealous.

In other news, Betsy is coming up next week for graduation! I haven't seen her since Winter Break! Unfortunately the wedding will make me miss her for the first few days, but it'll be a fun time! I'm still in this weird in-between where I'm aware of the end, but I'm still doing so many things I can't absorb it yet. I wonder how I'll be when I get to that point. Eep!

Hope you're all well!

-A.

>:(

It's insulting when people don't think I take my responsibilities seriously.

Thankfully, I met up with Melissa on my way back from my class (I had a good crit with Dan Krall--I got an A!), and she reminded me that God will always provide, and if I make my stresses into prayers, I'll be fine. This year has made me realize over and over that God always has me in his sight.

I'm trying to work towards my grad show, my graduation, my summer, one step at a time. It's been challenging in some respects, but I know that I'm taken care of, so it's also been somewhat reassuring. I know I'll get a job (or two), I know I'll make money (and art!) this summer, I know that I'll be fine, even if it will take some extra effort, and I don't like being told that I'm being irresponsible, or that I don't understand what I'm doing.

But I'm not thinking about that now.

Now, I have to think about my show--John and I are going to Target on Thursday, I'm returning that blue dress (I found a better one at Village Thrift, surprisingly!), and then going to Ikea to buy five frames (cheaply, let's hope!). Whew. Then I start installation on Friday! Eep!

Also, last grave shift tonight! I get to work on a paper, which is easy-peasy. Thank goodness for that!

Things will be FINE. I'm sure of it.

THE FUTURE.

I've been thinking about a lot of facets of the future. Jobs, relationships, art, and direction in general. Let's look at some categories:

Jobs: This is the most unpredictable/uncontrollable of the four, at least as far as gainful employment is concerned. I might not get a super-profitable job thanks to not being able to drive (urg--although I wouldn't have a car even if I knew how), or a lack of credentials. I might be waiting tables or doing less-than-dignified (but perfectly fine) jobs until further notice. I'm okay with this. The problem is FINDING the job in the first place. Is anyone even hiring anymore? And are they willing to be very flexible about extended visitation with long-distance boyfriends? (That's a JOKE. Ish.)

Art: John has been instrumental in reminding me not to take myself so damn seriously all the time. I'm usually pretty down on myself/my art. I'm very aware that I'm not in the top 10% of my class as far as talent/skill--maybe not even the top 30%! (On a sidenote--having the money to get a laptop/programs to extend my skill set would've revolutionized the work I produced at MICA.) But regardless, I know that it's useless to beat myself up. I AM talented, even if I don't draw LIKE a specific other student.

I freaked myself out last night about Showcase--when the illustration seniors get to talk to an art director who was (hopefully) part of a list we submitted in March. My thesis teacher informed me that I got very lucky, and will be talking to Sarah Vinas...the art director of Glamour magazine. WHAT. So, naturally, I'm TERRIFIED, and wishing my work was ten trillion times better/more/editorial/sexier and oh-god-WHY did I do a final with old people?!

But, John kindly reminded me (after I moved myself to tears) that this isn't a job interview. She's here to talk to me about how to move forward and where to go from here. Having some time to live and work at home without the pressures of rent and bills (for now) is ideal--I can take time to worry about my art and only my art. I can experiment, practice, maybe even branch out into some design-y things. (I know!)

Relationships: John and I are obviously staying together after graduation. I don't think anyone here was questioning that. But, also obviously, this will be the biggest challenge we've faced yet as a couple (THANK GOD--what a gift! Only having to worry about a few months apart). There are big things coming for us, and I'm not worried about the distance. We're both devoted to making the effort, which takes care of that.

Direction: This one is a bit more elusive than a job, but rather easier to control, oddly enough. It goes hand-in-hand with the other three categories, and those determine it. I know--where does the aspect of control come in?! But I guess what I mean is that you should have faith that you'll end up where you need to be.

The best example of this for me starts waaay back when I was in fourth or fifth grade. I had a friend named Teresa, who was actually a bossy, controlling, BITCH, but she could draw pretty well for a nine year old. Naturally, I wanted to be just like Teresa, so I started to draw more. That summer, my mom asked if I'd like to enroll in an art class with my other friend Anna, who went to a different school. I said no, reasoning that Teresa would teach me what I needed to know about drawing (I think I cited 'shading' specifically to my mother :P). The next year, Anna moved away, and Teresa and I fell out a couple years later.

If I had started taking real art courses then, where would I have ended up? Still at MICA? (I think so.) I think that was the first time that I was offered a chance to decide my life's direction. When I was a dumbhead and said no, I was gently guided in that direction later by something that appealed more to my silly teenaged self (a character in a book who happened to be an artist). So, I got into art again, and here I am, graduating from art school. Coming to MICA was a wonderful thing, even if it was only to put me in the company of wonderful friends and a wonderful man. (I don't think that's the case, but I think you get my meaning.) Everything happens for a reason.

So, with that, John's here and is going to read to me. :) What a great guy. <3

Love,
-A.

Just Like A Prayer...

Things have been going a lot more smoothly. I still have a lot to do (although tonight and tomorrow will take care of that, mostly), and there are only three weeks until the Wedding/Graduation!

Speaking of graduation, I intended to wear my Nanette Lepore to graduation, but then I went of Target.com and found this amazing number. It was such a great deal and the planets had aligned so well for me (on sale, free shipping, left in my size alone) that after sleeping on it, I decided to buy it for graduation. :) And I'll DEFINITELY wear it again, and again, and again...

I got to sit in on the senior animators reviewing their films so-far--John's looks really great! I can't wait until he finishes and inserts the remaining scenes!

I'm looking forward to coming home how--Em will be there, and I'm really looking forward to spending some time with her after barely seeing her for the past year! :P Apart from that, I have a friend who works at ModCloth, and she's a great contact--maybe I could work there and get to look at awesome clothes all the time? We'll see.

Hope you're all well! Good luck with finals/thesis!

-A.

Here comes the bridesmaid...

I received my bridesmaid dress yesterday, and I must say it was both better and worse than I imagined. This is it:

Granted, the color is digitally overlaid, but it's not too far off. The lime in my dress is only a few shades cooler than the digital approximation. However, the dress fits PERFECTLY, and I'm grateful for that (no need to spend any more on this dress than absolutely necessary). The cut is actually really flattering, and it's far less shiny than the picture indicates. Whew.

Just...the COLOR. I look like lettuce. And not even spring mix. Iceberg.

I decided I can shorten it someday and be Tinkerbell for Halloween. Or I could, you know, sell it. :P

Last night was a welcome bit of fun--John, Colin, Katie, Robin and I went to Turps (a local sports bar) for their half-price burger night, then to Rita's, then Katie and I kicked the boys out to watch Glee. :P ACTUALLY, they were just too lame to stay (although John watched it with me Tuesday night, so he's forgiven). I love having a group I can call home base, even if we only found each other in the last year of MICA. After all, I found my best friends from high school the summer after we graduated!

Not to wax too nostalgic (especially since we haven't even graduated yet!), but I'm really hopeful that we'll all stay close as we head out in our separate directions. Thankfully we all have Luke and Jessica's wedding next year, and eventually my own and maaaybe Colin and Katie's? ;)

I believe we can do it. :)

Early morning means a long day--hanging my senior show (which isn't the same as the commencement show) and watching more presentations, and just being thankful that today isn't last week. There's still a long way to go, but I'm learning how to take it better, slower.

Thank God I have so many blessings in the shape of John and my friends and family!

-A.

Limbo.

The meeting didn't tell me much--Lonnie still needed to think about whether or not he's going to fire me. I did cry, but I didn't intend to. We'll see what happens. He says his decision will be made by tomorrow.

Today was a procrastinator-y day, but I made more thumbnails than I ever have for an assignment, which is surprising. Although it was only four thumbnails--rather, eight, because the assignment is for two posters. John finished reading Pyramids to me today--we're reading Terry Pratchett's novels split into categories (Wizards, Witches, Death, Night Watch, etc.), and then reading in the order they were published within that category.

There are a few stand-alones that we're reading in between the categories--Pyramids is one of those. We've read the whole of the Wizard saga so far (minus one, which was a sort of comic book add-on, The Last Hero, which we're reading next): The Color of Magic, The Light Fantastic, Sourcery, Faust Eric, Interesting Times, and The Last Continent, plus Pyramids (That's seven books in about four months!). Small Gods is next, then the Witches.

We'll be reading 36 books in all. There are more--maybe we'll get around to those, too. :) And there are even more in store (by other authors) after that!

Almost sleep time. Hope you're well!

-A.

Whew.

Things have been much better since spilling the truth to Mom, but I'm still nervous about my meeting with Lonnie tomorrow--wish me luck!

In other news, I went to NYC yesterday for a class and walked through 15 galleries, thirteen of which were filled with shitty art. (UGH.) I really like New York (too bad John doesn't--too busy for him), and I wish I could have spent the day doing what I wanted rather than hiking through Chelsea in the chill.

I spent the first half of the day giving tours at the MICA Open House, which was fun, but TIRING, and now John and I are about to have dinner. Sorry to dash!

Hope you're all well!

-A.

Easter.

I hope you're all (Christian and non-Christian alike) are having a good [Holy] week. :)

Easter as Christians know it is very different from how Easter began. We borrowed the word 'Easter' in the same way as we borrowed our Christmas date and traditions--from the pagans.

The bunnies-and-candy holiday we know now is actually a bit closer to the original celebrations of 'Ostara' or 'Eostre'--fertility festivals about the birth of spring and verdant things centered around a Germanic Goddess and most recently, the Neopagan/Wiccan community.

Easter, as celebrated by Christians, is about Jesus' Resurrection after the Crucifixion. Rebirth, forgiveness, etc. Good Friday is typically solemn--Jesus traditionally hung on the cross from noon until three in the afternoon. Up until this year actually, I spent these hours alone, just being quiet or reflecting. This year, I was eating crepes in the sunshine. Oooops...

But it's not as though I forgot--the Crucifixion is essential to the Christian faith.

HOWEVER.

It is very, VERY important to remember that the Crucifixion is not the most important part. The Resurrection is. The death is worthless without the rebirth. Christ did not die in vain because God lifted Him back up into Heaven, and us with Him! That's why Easter is so important. It's a celebration of our own eventual entry into Heaven. Isn't that AWESOME?!

I know! So go celebrate and thank God for your life!

John's mom and brother are in town to see Midsummer tomorrow night--we're going out to his aunt and uncle's in Annapolis tomorrow for a barbecue, and on Sunday for Easter mass and brunch! :D Hope you all have a wonderful day!

-A.

P.S. Thesis is coming along SLOOOOWLY. It would be going much faster if I wasn't worrying about:

a) My seminar presentation, complete with business cards and postcards, portfolio site and hard portfolio to pass around. BLECH.

b) My other assignments--a 5-8 page paper, weekly assignments for my worthless 'Professional Practice for the Visual Artist' course, and Life Style illustration assignments.

Wish me luck and (more importantly) motivation!

Yeah, basically.

"Today's liberalism may stand on decades of failed ideas, but it is failure in the name of American redemption. It remains competitive with -- even ascendant over -- conservatism because it addresses America's moral accountability to its past with moral activism. This is the left's great power, and a good part of the reason Barack Obama is now the president of the United States. No matter his failures -- or the fruitlessness of his extravagant and scatter-gun governmental activism -- he redeems America of an ugly past."

-From this article.

In other news, I updated my art blog with some colored digital sketches! Woot woot!

It's been a good past couple days--I spent almost 48 straight hours with John, because the water was turned off in my apartment and I like being able to use the bathroom/shower when I want to without walking a block. It's been nice. :) His room actually has light come through his unblocked window. I missed sunlight--although today has been RAINY. Blech.

Hope you're all having a good week so far!

-A.

300! (And 'Why I Love Brian', part 24)

After two years, this isn't exactly a huge achievement, but it's nice that I've actually written about my life and things I care about here with some level of maturity, rather that what I did at my old livejournal, which consisted of whining and Quizilla. :P

My day got better--I watched LOST with Colin, Katie, Robin and Leah (who Robin's been chatting up for a few weeks...hey-oh!). They're so fun to hang out with. :D

I'm at the desk now, waiting for my shift to be DONE so I can go sleep before waking up to slap together a three-page draft for the class I am missing tomorrow night in order to attend John's opening night! Woo! John dropped by my shift after his rehearsal to assure me of how great the play will be (as if I had any doubts!).

In other news, BLAH SO MUCH WORK TO CATCH UP ON. WE GRADUATE IN 7.5 WEEKS!

Love you all...stay unstressed!

-A.

P.S. Why I love Brian--from over Spring Break:

Me: I saw Annie's boyfriend on Alex Mack--he's the reason I like the dark hair/light eyes combination.

Brian: Funny you should say that--Alex Mack was the reason I became attracted to girls who turn into goo.

Back to School again.

Feeling the heat now... :/

Before May 1st, I need to:

-Scan and color 28 pages of comic. (Wooo.)

-Order them to be bound and printed. (Not to mention earn the money to do so.)

-Do the rest of my assignments to satisfaction. (The true challenge.)

-Not have a panic attack. (Uhg.)

Wish me luck.

In other news, my last few days of Spring Break were really pleasant! John returned safe and sound, and I got to hang out with Colin and Katie a bit. :) Not to mention the GORGEOUS sunshine, which always brings my mood up (I'm looking forward to more, because sunshine also makes me feel more productive).

For a special treat, my old friend Nice!Joey (from my days at SACI--a year ago!!!) came to Baltimore with his roommate (whose girlfriend lives here) and we got to hang out and catch up for a couple hours! Yay for study abroad friends!

Today was largely uneventful as I had a grave shift last night and didn't shower until 2pm. (I'm lame.) HOWEVER, tomorrow I have my big scary ORAL SURGERY! (To be fair, it's only one tooth, and I'll probably only be given local anaesthetic, meaning I'll be awake--which I prefer!) I'm a liiiittle nervous, but John will be there to be all supportive. :)

I hope you all had a good weekend!

-A.

>:(

I hate feeling scared. More than scared. Sad and terrified.

I don't even know where it came from! It's incredibly frustrating and distracting, and I guess I need to try a bunch of things to shake it off. I wish John were here.

Maybe I'm just PMSy and emotional. This is just a lot worse than the usual. :/ I'm going to get dressed and take a walk, then get to drawing. At least the weather is nicer.

Maybe I just hate being alone in the house. Okay, dressing, walking, and drawing. And watching something good. Urg. Hopefully Lauren will call--I texted and asked her to when she wakes up. She told me last night that she has a fever of 102. :( She'd better be seeing the doctor today.

Thank God I get to talk to John tonight.

Love,

A.

THE LAST MIDTERM CRIT OF MY LIFE.

Katie posted pictures of our Oscar Party on her blog! Check it out.

Heading home tomorrow morning--packing and working tonight until John's rehearsal is over (at midnight. >:|), then SLEEP, because I have to get up early to catch le bus.

Had a great day--got up EARLY for my 6-9 AM shift, and got three solid, computer-less hours of work done before my midterm critique with Rebecca and Jamison Odone. I was mixed up with a whole bunch of new people, and saw some really great stuff! I went last (probably for the best with all of the pages I had to tack up), and heard some good feedback. I've bee told to do full color from the outset, but print in greyscale. AKA Time Suck. But I suppose it's for the best.

I got some good ideas as far as marketing myself, which is a good thing. (Phew.) I also got Jamison's email (I'm usually so good at talking to people, but his awesomeness made me into a bashful, stuttering MESS), so I'll be begging him for guidance at some point soon. :P

After the crit, I had lunch with John out in Cohen Plaza and watched other MICA students lounging out on the grass, in the sun. I watched one professor play with his adorable babies and WISHED I'd had my sketchbook so I could've drawn his adorably chubby baby son. :D Aw, bbs.

After lunch I had seminar, and I watched Jamison and three other artists present, and they were all very successful, which was encouraging. I got to work AND bond with some fellow illustrators in the senior studio after seminar, which was really refreshing, as I usually feel like I'm a completely separate entity from the department (sometimes I still did, even today).

Now I'm home, procrastinating both artwork and packing and waiting for John still.

Looking forward to heading home, but I'm not looking forward to being without John for a week. Boo. :/

Love,

A.

When life gives you lemons...

I mentioned it here, and I posted it on my art blog--over winter break, I ran into a family friend, and he generously offered me a connection to a new online magazine-type site that needed an illustrator. I e-mailed the editor (his friend), who welcomed me enthusiastically and promptly. I sent her my ideas and sketches and then...nothing.

I called her four or five days later, and she answered immediately, praising my sketches and just claiming to be weighed down by the holiday season (fair enough) and negotiating about my payment (also fair). She said she'd get back to me the following week. So, I waited.

I sent her at least seven e-mails over this past month. I got zero response. I didn't call, because I have my own schooling to be worrying about, and frankly, the ball was in her court.

I saw her on Facebook today (where I've seen her frequently--she definitely has the time to be answering my e-mails), and decided to connect again. She just waved me off saying Valentine's Day is busy for the site, and when I asked her a direct question--is the project happening or not?--she signed off. BITCH. FACE. MCGEE.

So, we'll see if I decide to pursue this--on one hand, it's paying professional work for a resume. This is a very good thing. If the opportunity DID open to me, I would take it, but OHMYLORD would there be a contract drawn up. I want to be PAID, and this flaky behavior does not indicate prompt paychecks.

I sent another e-mail to a separate editor--clearly the one I was in contact with is unreliable--asking for some answers. Wish me a prompt response!

In other news, Alexander McQueen committed suicide. D: Sad.

On a lighter note, Taylor Lautner is legal! Whoop, whoop! :P

Stay warm!

-A.

On a brighter note...

No class tonight or tomorrow!

And I updated my art blog (finally).

I should really call Lemondrop.

Yeah, yeah, we're losers. But we're adorable.

Okay, because John and I are sappy buttfaces, we came up with some cuddly creatures. Literally creatures who cuddle. Observe:

,.'o o'.,
(° uu °)

^^^^^^ This is the Cuddle Hippo. Behold his adorableness. (We collaborated on this one.)

{"°O°"} {''. o .''}

^^^^^^ These are the Cuddle Koalas (The original animal). John's original is on the right. My improvement is on the left. :P

_/____-_-\

(,_,_,/-\,_,_,)(O)° (,_,_,_,_,_,_,_,)(O)°

^^^^^^ This is the Cuddle Caterpillar.

He lives in the Cuddle Chrysalis. --> ||-=(IIIIIII)

I know. We're losers. But we're adorable.

Love,

-A.

Past, Present, Future.

I've been realizing lately that I've been so excited about the future and graduation and starting a life for myself, it's been hard to concentrate on the present. I have to say, I'm amazed that I've found any motivation to push through the work I have left.

I suppose I just reorganized my mind to think "You can have this awesome thing, but you have to do this, this, and this first." I'm still a procrastinator (of course), but I'm getting a lot done anyway.

I just need to pay attention to the extras--updating my art blog, etc.

I don't have class until 7 pm tonight, and I have to say, I am very glad about that. I have some thesis work TO DO. I SHOULD have started almost an hour ago, but I'd rather update you all. :)

I should do something before I meet John for lunch. Love you all!

-A.

(BTW: Apparently it's doppelganger week on Facebook! Change your profile picture to a someone you've been told you resemble. I put Anne Hathaway. Doy.)

An Actual Report.

My last entry was more of a rant, so here's a real update of how my time at John's was:

-Hung out with Brian and finally got to Pete and Elda's, a yummy (and POPULAR) pizza place near the beach.

-Hung out with Marie at the West Side Tavern and sang KARAOKE: 'Since U Been Gone' and 'Somebody to Love'. I rocked it out.

-Visited St. Rose, where John went to high school, with Brian, Dave, and another former classmate, Alicia; then we met up with Sharon (who went to St. Rose) and her boyfriend Pat, and grabbed dinner at a diner nearby and went to Sharon's for Pictionary, Finish Lines, and Disney Trivia. Aw, yeah.

The bottom line is, I'm really, really happy. I've never felt this great about being with another person. I just get really scared of things sometimes--tears-and-panicky-scared: jobs, money, "The Real World"--but I feel so much more secure knowing John is going to be there, right with me. Whew. Thank you, God.

In other news, school has started again! I had my first two classes today, one (a portrait class) which I dropped due to expenses (a skull and paper are expensive!), but I replaced it with a Professional Development course that fits in the same slot and fulfills the same studio requirement, but is only 2.5 hours per week. YES. I'm also taking Life Styles with Dan Krall, who is awesome. I took Narrative Illustration with him sophomore year and I can easily isolate that time as the period I grew the most. He was encouraging and helpful, and tough, and I'm looking forward to working my butt off again for him. :P

More soon,

Love,

A.

A Real Job and My Favorite Broadway Show--Could Life Be Better?

Over Christmas break I ran into an old friend of my parents' who I used to babysit for. We chatted and caught up over bagels with his two adorable boys and when he heard about my hopes to get into publishing/art direction/illustration, he did me a whopper of a favor and got me in touch with an old friend of his who is an editor at Lemondrop--we've been e-mailing, and I just sent off my first sketches with hopes of being hired for a new long-term project there.

It's a cute little project that is sort of perfect for me--wordplay, humor, and a casual, playful style. Let's hope I'm what they want! I have to say, the logo I designed for the project ('Chicktionary') is pretty damn adorable. Check out my art blog for more.

I'm in New Jersey, at John's now. I spent Wednesday night and Thursday day lounging around in Betsy's apartment (where I maaaaay be living after our summer stint in Mercersburg. *hopesprayswishes*)--John read us Harry Potter and we all fell asleep in her living room around 3 AM.

John and I got into the city around 4 and grabbed some Starbucks (Hot Chocolate for him, Caramel Apple Spice for me--the drink we ordered at our first post-Europe meeting) before finally getting in touch with Matt Hydzik (Tony in the production and Robert's ex-student) walking the thirty or so blocks to the Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park. We made our way back along 5th Avenue, peering in at the displays and pretty clothes and jewelry. We saw Rockefeller Center--the tree was still up!

We grabbed some quick and yummy dinner at the exorbitantly expensive TGI Friday's next to The Palace Theatre (although, I guess it is Times Square) and got into the show and our seats at the perfect time.

The show itself was magical. Matt did a spectacular job (lovely voice and so handsome!), but his leading lady, Josefina Scaglione was, unfortunately, less impressive. I fell in love with Riff, played by John Arthur Greene (although Russ Tamblyn holds a special place in my heart!) and Anita (Karen Olivo) had a massive voice and presence. The dancing was captivating and thrilling, and--of course--I cried at the end. This revival was rewritten to include Spanish--most of the dialogue between the Sharks and some verses of their songs were sung and spoken entirely in Spanish. This was totally realistic, but I'm biased towards understanding the dialogue. :P

It was an amazing night, and the cherry on top was getting the chance to meet Matt and tour backstage (we were on "The List"). He was genuinely good-natured, sweet, and enthusiastic and seemed really pleased to meet us. Not at all like I was an annoying teeny-boppery fan. :D He even offered us reduced price tickets should we desire them, as he's obviously in contact with a lot of actors in a lot of shows. I told him to look Robert up when he goes back to Sewickley--I'd love to hang out with him again.

Anyway, I need to get to bed! We're getting up early and heading to Brick to move some stuff out of their beach house. Hope you're all having a great week!

Love,

-A.

P.S. Thank you, God. You are too good.