Okay, folks...I am feeling a bit guilty. I did not attend my family law class this morning. And, trust me, even more than guilty, I am bummed that I missed the shot of Kelly's breast. (Just kiddin', Kel!). And I have already seen the professor and spoken to her about it, so I am not "spilling the beans" on myself or anything. I feel like I had a really good reason for not being there.
I was late.
I know, I know. I wasn't sick, I wasn't in a ditch on I-69 (thank God), I wasn't working on an appellate brief (thank God again). I was late. Yeah, I have a thing. I hate late. I despise those students (and we all know who they are) who walk in 20-25 minutes late with a steaming cup of coffee and bagel. Oh, well, I was late, but I had to get some breakfast, or lunch, or dinner, or brunch, whatever. NO. That is wrong. It is wrong and disrespectful to the professor. Especially when that same student spends the entire first half of class sending out emails, then leaves halfway through the second half of class to answer his/her cellphone....
Okay, damn - that is not where I was wanting to go with this post.
Back to what I was saying. I was 10 minutes late for class. And so I didn't go. I felt so bad for being late that I just didn't go. I went to a study room and worked on some other reading. Later, when I spoke to the professor, she was completely cool - understood where I was coming from, and told me that I could be late every once in awhile, that it was okay. Well, it just isn't. I hate when students are late. It distracts from what is going on in class. I feel bad for the professors when people walk in late - and then say they are unprepared or bumble their way through a case. Come on, people! It is a waste of everyone's time. Just don't come to class.
*stepping down off soapbox*
Monday, February 28, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
And the Grammy went to...
WOW.
If you haven't heard this...go to your local Starbucks and get it. Yes, you read correctly. Get a triple, half-caff, sugar free, fat free vanilla latte, a pumpkin scone....and this CD. Or, do what I did and download it from iTunes. Favorite tracks right now:
"Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" - Ray & Elton John
"Sweet Potato Pie" - Ray & James Taylor
"Crazy Love" - Ray & Van Morrison
Awesome.
And the Oscar goes to...
Wow, again.
Jamie Foxx is truly amazing in this film.
I am speechless. Is that really the same guy who played the chick on "In Living Color" who said "I'm gonna rock yo' world!"??? Impossible.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Shameless Solicitation of Ideas
Okay. I need some sort of inspirational quotation for my graduation announcements. I have been uninspired by the quotes I have read so far. Any ideas?!?
The only quote that I love and was emblazoned on a button on my bookbag (but is NOW gone for some reason...damnit....someone probably stole it like they did my lunch...) is:
"Well-behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Now, if you know me, that is a perfect quote........for a button on my bookbag. But not for my graduation announcements. Someone out there has to have some ideas! Help me out, folks! Come on...Kevin, don't be shy - I am sure you have got a least a few hundred inspiring quotes rattling around in that big brain of yours!
Hook me up, people!
The only quote that I love and was emblazoned on a button on my bookbag (but is NOW gone for some reason...damnit....someone probably stole it like they did my lunch...) is:
"Well-behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Now, if you know me, that is a perfect quote........for a button on my bookbag. But not for my graduation announcements. Someone out there has to have some ideas! Help me out, folks! Come on...Kevin, don't be shy - I am sure you have got a least a few hundred inspiring quotes rattling around in that big brain of yours!
Hook me up, people!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
*sniff, sniff*
Does anyone else think that the previews for this week's episode of TWW should have focused less on Toby and Josh's silly fisticuffs and more on Toby's sadness/anger over the loss of his brother David?? I was so very moved by the scene between Toby and C.J. in Toby's office when he admitted to her that David committed suicide. How he could not go and sit with David's family and look at pictures because he had spent hours sitting with David's body, as per Jewish custom. And how during that time he just grew angrier and angrier that David had just given up on life. I just cried and cried. I am such a sap.
Why wouldn't John Wells focus on THAT during the previews? I mean, I thought the verbal sparring between Toby and Josh was well-acted, and quite intense (the two guys have a lot of history there!), but the actual fighting kind of reminded me of Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones's Diary"....
I hate John Wells. I miss Aaron Sorkin. HE would have put that in the previews!
I still heart Toby.
Why wouldn't John Wells focus on THAT during the previews? I mean, I thought the verbal sparring between Toby and Josh was well-acted, and quite intense (the two guys have a lot of history there!), but the actual fighting kind of reminded me of Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones's Diary"....
I hate John Wells. I miss Aaron Sorkin. HE would have put that in the previews!
I still heart Toby.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Today in Family Law...
We are discussing immigration and children, specifically the concerns that the law addressed in the 1970's when children of Vietnam vets were being brought into the country in the thousands. My classmate brought up the public policy concern that the soldier may already have a family at home. Professor D says, "Yes, can you imagine - Matt, the soldier in Vietnam, gets it on with a Vietnamese woman, but he has a wife and family back home. Then all of a sudden, his Vietnamese child wants to come live with them in America...What would happen?"
Why, they would make a musical about it!!!!!!
Anyone know what went through my head after she finished that scenario?
"They're called Bui Doi...the dust of life...conceived in hell...and born in strife.
They are the living reminders of all the good we failed to do.
That's why we know, deep in our heart...that they are all our children too."
Why, they would make a musical about it!!!!!!
Anyone know what went through my head after she finished that scenario?
"They're called Bui Doi...the dust of life...conceived in hell...and born in strife.
They are the living reminders of all the good we failed to do.
That's why we know, deep in our heart...that they are all our children too."
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
While I was studying...
I was listening to iTunes on my computer. I began to notice that the music blaring from my speakers was an extremely bizarre compilation of genres and musicians. You tell me. Here's my current "Party Shuffle":
- "God Only Knows" - The Beach Boys
- "Pinball Wizard" - The Who
- "Bent" - matchbox 20
- "Songbird" - Eva Cassidy
- "Diggin' On James Brown" - Tower of Power
- "Parrot" - Dave Attell (yes, the comedian from "Insomniac")
- "Ariana" - Spyro Gyra
- "Molly on the Shore" - Percy Grainger
- "Satin Doll" - Stan Kenton
- "Slither" - Velvet Revolver
- "Flake" - Jack Johnson
- "Peter Gunn Theme" - The Blues Brothers
and..."Theme from Diff'rent Strokes."
That's just not right. I mean who listens to matchbox 20 and Percy Grainger in the same sitting? I don't even think most people (certainly not the members of matchbox 20) would know who Percy Grainger is!!!!!
Okay, back to studying...
Some random thoughts that, together, make up a post...
- I don't get hearsay. I just don't get it. I am hoping that, at some point, there will be an a-ha moment soon; otherwise, I am screwed. I am going to need a major tutoring session. Or a really good commercial outline...just kidding, Professor Cooper...I would never consider buying one of those things ;)
- Don't put a piece of grape Bubble Yum in your mouth before class starts. You are guaranteed to be called on first thing. And, there you are, with this huge mess of gum in your mouth and nowhere to go with it! And then you have to go and apologize to the professor at break regarding your rude behavior. NICE.
- I love new shoes - especially new red shoes - that are on sale - and that are comfortable!!!!
- When did it become the 'thing' to have your date with you when you shop for prom dresses. Let me tell you - it is pretty embarrassing to shop for Law Prom dresses when a bunch of high school neo-maxi-zoom-dweebies are hangin' out in front of the dressing rooms waiting for their girlfriends! Not good...leave the boyfriends at home in front of their X-Boxes.
- What is up with all the magnetic ribbons? I mean, I know that this has been the topic of conversation on other blogs, like Kel's, but I still don't get it. Maybe Kevin can explain it to me...not that he is a magnetic ribbon advocate - just that he is really good at explaining things!
- Don't spill an entire French Chambord Martini on your crotch in front of your friend that has a digital camera. All of a sudden you are the topic of a caption contest. I probably should be embarrassed. I am not. But I probably should be...what does this say about me?
- I watched almost an entire season of an hour long show on Saturday...that is a really long time to spend in the dark in front of your television. I am still recuperating from it...and from the bottle of red wine I drank. Is red wine supposed to turn your tongue purple?
Friday, February 18, 2005
Law School/Confidence/Fears
I am afraid of letting my husband down...
I am afraid of not "cutting it" as a lawyer...
I am afraid of failing class. The bar. Can you fail the bar review?
It is amazing how law school can make you feel so good about yourself on somedays and then on others, the experiences brings to the surface every insecurity you have ever had. When I started law school, I was confident that I was a relatively intelligent person and that I was relatively personable....and I was married, so who cared what I looked like?
Then, as soon as I walked through the big glass doors, that confidence drained right out of me. I found I was incapable stringing words together coherently. I was completely illiterate...I had to carry a damn dictionary around with me everywhere I went. And I couldn't walk down a flight of steps without falling.
And, all of sudden, I cared whether the my purse and shoes matched - WTF???? First year, I was the queen of jeans, a long sleeved T and a short sleeved T with some B'way show, University Singers emblem, or school mascot emblazoned across the front - this was nicknamed the Kelly P. uniform by H...and she was right. It was my uniform, my comfort zone. I figured the more I layered, the less people could see of me.
This all changed after my first year of law school.
I decided that if I was going to have to grow up, I might as well dress like a grown up. No more Kelly P. uniform, except on days when I just can't handle putting an outfit together. I found out that clothes came in other colors besides black! I branched out and bought green and pink, and learned from Adriane that a kickass handbag makes all the difference.
I also found my voice again. Literally and figuratively. My experience in moot court made the Socratic method less miserable. I found that I could handle being drilled by a professor, and that it was okay to disagree with the professor, and it was even okay...to volunteer in class! *Gasp* I also realized that professors are people. Engaging, fun, kind (even hilarious!) people with interests other than case law and lectures. I began to involve myself in events and activities that were important to me (and not just my resume) - like "The Vagina Monologues." I also participated in the below-mentioned Law Revue talent show and started performing again! I was fortunate and so blessed to be asked to sing in my friend Amanda's wedding. (That experience was a highlight of my law school years.) And, hell, I even did kareoke once or twice!
Law school has helped me to find 'me' again - the 'me' that rejoices in many many things that I forgot I cared about: good girlfriends, great wine, interesting books, and fabulous music. The 'me' that gets a tattoo! The 'me' that cares about the First Amendment, gay rights, and the the rights of women to choose. The 'me' that is proud of her curvy, sexy body - societal norms, be damned!
I STILL can't walk down a flight of stairs without falling on my ass....no amount of education can help that!
I am afraid of not "cutting it" as a lawyer...
I am afraid of failing class. The bar. Can you fail the bar review?
It is amazing how law school can make you feel so good about yourself on somedays and then on others, the experiences brings to the surface every insecurity you have ever had. When I started law school, I was confident that I was a relatively intelligent person and that I was relatively personable....and I was married, so who cared what I looked like?
Then, as soon as I walked through the big glass doors, that confidence drained right out of me. I found I was incapable stringing words together coherently. I was completely illiterate...I had to carry a damn dictionary around with me everywhere I went. And I couldn't walk down a flight of steps without falling.
And, all of sudden, I cared whether the my purse and shoes matched - WTF???? First year, I was the queen of jeans, a long sleeved T and a short sleeved T with some B'way show, University Singers emblem, or school mascot emblazoned across the front - this was nicknamed the Kelly P. uniform by H...and she was right. It was my uniform, my comfort zone. I figured the more I layered, the less people could see of me.
This all changed after my first year of law school.
I decided that if I was going to have to grow up, I might as well dress like a grown up. No more Kelly P. uniform, except on days when I just can't handle putting an outfit together. I found out that clothes came in other colors besides black! I branched out and bought green and pink, and learned from Adriane that a kickass handbag makes all the difference.
I also found my voice again. Literally and figuratively. My experience in moot court made the Socratic method less miserable. I found that I could handle being drilled by a professor, and that it was okay to disagree with the professor, and it was even okay...to volunteer in class! *Gasp* I also realized that professors are people. Engaging, fun, kind (even hilarious!) people with interests other than case law and lectures. I began to involve myself in events and activities that were important to me (and not just my resume) - like "The Vagina Monologues." I also participated in the below-mentioned Law Revue talent show and started performing again! I was fortunate and so blessed to be asked to sing in my friend Amanda's wedding. (That experience was a highlight of my law school years.) And, hell, I even did kareoke once or twice!
Law school has helped me to find 'me' again - the 'me' that rejoices in many many things that I forgot I cared about: good girlfriends, great wine, interesting books, and fabulous music. The 'me' that gets a tattoo! The 'me' that cares about the First Amendment, gay rights, and the the rights of women to choose. The 'me' that is proud of her curvy, sexy body - societal norms, be damned!
I STILL can't walk down a flight of stairs without falling on my ass....no amount of education can help that!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
IN HONOR OF THE ONE SHOW I HAVE TO WATCH...
The cast of "The West Wing"...okay, not the cast THIS SEASON...but a damn good picture of the cast all the same!
Monday, February 14, 2005
"V-Day" Weekend
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! As some of you know, my weekend was pretty damn crazy! As I blogged earlier, the annual law school talent show was Saturday night. I believe it was a quite successful event. There were some amazingly talented people that took the stage....can you say "Piano Man" - HELLO?! Where did he come from??? And why is he in law school??? (Way to go, Bob!!) Overall, it was an extremely entertaining evening! Many thanks to Lauren and Kevin and the rest of the committee for their help with the organization of the show! And thank you to those who came to the show - I hope you had a good time!
You might have thought that the talent show was the highlight of my weekend. Well, it was - but it tied with Sunday's event. On Sunday, eleven law students and one brave professor, with the help of our very talented producer/director, Susan, staged the play, "The Vagina Monologues." It was such a liberating and exciting experience! We performed two shows, one at 3 and one at 7 and had a great turn out at each. Our production was performed in conjunction with V-Day. V-Day is a non-profit organization that distributes funds to grassroots, national, and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities. In 2004, over 2000 V-Day benefit events were presented by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.
I am so very proud to have been a part of such an important and powerful event. I was blessed to meet and work with empowered, amazing, strong women and was so inspired by the whole thing that I wore my "Vagina Warrior" t-shirt to school today in honor of V-day!
If you want to learn more about the V-Day campaign, check out
www.vday.org.
You might have thought that the talent show was the highlight of my weekend. Well, it was - but it tied with Sunday's event. On Sunday, eleven law students and one brave professor, with the help of our very talented producer/director, Susan, staged the play, "The Vagina Monologues." It was such a liberating and exciting experience! We performed two shows, one at 3 and one at 7 and had a great turn out at each. Our production was performed in conjunction with V-Day. V-Day is a non-profit organization that distributes funds to grassroots, national, and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities. In 2004, over 2000 V-Day benefit events were presented by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.
I am so very proud to have been a part of such an important and powerful event. I was blessed to meet and work with empowered, amazing, strong women and was so inspired by the whole thing that I wore my "Vagina Warrior" t-shirt to school today in honor of V-day!
If you want to learn more about the V-Day campaign, check out
www.vday.org.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Once more with feeling...
Well, folks - it is almost here...it is the reason I have not blogged since this past weekend.
It is....
the bane of my existence....the monkey on my back...it's
THE ANNUAL LAW SCHOOL TALENT SHOW!
Okay, it really isn't at all. I actually love it. I love taking part in it. I love planning it. Of course, I get completely anal-retentive and control-freakish, but it is still a good time. I love the fact that professors come out and show that they have other interests besides punitive damages, med mal claims, International Shoe, that damn Erie Doctrine, and trademark infringement. They aren't afraid (or maybe they are!) to get up in front of the same students that they have in class and rock out to an oldies tune or take part in a comedic skit. I also love discovering that fellow law students can do something other than type, read, research and write! We have percussionists, vocalists, guitarists and guys in garage bands! Who knew, right?!
The event also brings the entire law school community together - faculty, staff, and students...and this does not happen very often. Also, all the proceeds go to the Loan Assistance Repayment Program - a program that helps law students that wish to work in public interest law but cannot afford it because of their student loans. It is such a worthy cause, and those involved are so happy to assist the LRAP Committee in reaching their financial goals.
I am truly proud to be a part of such a great event. I hope that, those of you reading this blog and are in the Indianapolis area, can come out for the show!
Oh - and there's a cash bar....if that helps ;)
EDIT: And- fyi (for Robin) - if you didn't buy tickets in advance - IT's OKAY!!!! They will be on sale at the door as well!!! Same price: $5!
It is....
the bane of my existence....the monkey on my back...it's
THE ANNUAL LAW SCHOOL TALENT SHOW!
Okay, it really isn't at all. I actually love it. I love taking part in it. I love planning it. Of course, I get completely anal-retentive and control-freakish, but it is still a good time. I love the fact that professors come out and show that they have other interests besides punitive damages, med mal claims, International Shoe, that damn Erie Doctrine, and trademark infringement. They aren't afraid (or maybe they are!) to get up in front of the same students that they have in class and rock out to an oldies tune or take part in a comedic skit. I also love discovering that fellow law students can do something other than type, read, research and write! We have percussionists, vocalists, guitarists and guys in garage bands! Who knew, right?!
The event also brings the entire law school community together - faculty, staff, and students...and this does not happen very often. Also, all the proceeds go to the Loan Assistance Repayment Program - a program that helps law students that wish to work in public interest law but cannot afford it because of their student loans. It is such a worthy cause, and those involved are so happy to assist the LRAP Committee in reaching their financial goals.
I am truly proud to be a part of such a great event. I hope that, those of you reading this blog and are in the Indianapolis area, can come out for the show!
Oh - and there's a cash bar....if that helps ;)
EDIT: And- fyi (for Robin) - if you didn't buy tickets in advance - IT's OKAY!!!! They will be on sale at the door as well!!! Same price: $5!
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Happy, happy to me....
Today is the big day...the big 2-8. Wow. I just got a call from my friend Adriane wishing me a happy birthday and asking if I feel older. Can't say that I do. In fact, I kind of forgot today was the day. I went to the grocery store, and, after carding me for my alcohol, the cashier said, "Oh, today is your birthday!" And I had to think about it! DUH. With my husband being out of town, and being busy getting the house cleaned for my company tonight (YAY!!! Can't wait, Kel and Amanda!)...it slipped my mind!
Oh well...it has been a rather lovely day so far. Reading my new copy of EW, watching Kevin Costner in Oliver Stone's JFK on TV, eating Haagen-Dazs chocolate out of the carton and hanging out with my recently-groomed puppy dogs...what more could a girl really want?
If you could have a day to yourself to do whatever you wanted, what would you do???
Oh well...it has been a rather lovely day so far. Reading my new copy of EW, watching Kevin Costner in Oliver Stone's JFK on TV, eating Haagen-Dazs chocolate out of the carton and hanging out with my recently-groomed puppy dogs...what more could a girl really want?
If you could have a day to yourself to do whatever you wanted, what would you do???
Friday, February 04, 2005
If anyone needs birthday gift suggestions ;)
Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz
The Wicked National Tour is starting in Chicago on April 29th - tickets would be nice!
If you haven't heard this show...what the hell are you waiting for???
Don't walk- RUN to your nearest music store and pick this up!
In honor of my girl, Amanda....
Amanda & Kelly P....and wine. Of course, wine!
After reading her Friday Five, I am compelled to do my own (and to try out posting pictures)!
My five favorite things about Amanda
1. Her story-telling abilities. This girl can take a story about a guy walking down the road and turn it into an 8 hour soliloquy about the guy's girlfriend and how that girl knew Amanda's boyfriend.....it is a head-spinning event....and truly entertaining...even if you do forget the beginning of the story in the process!
2. She is a fabulous shopping buddy! One of my favorite memories of law school is skipping class (not your class, Professor Cooper!) and going to Wine Wednesday at Champps, then to Victoria's Secret. There is nothing better than pinot grigio and new underthingys!
3. I can live vicariously through her and she through me! She shares her dating stories and college partying experiences with me...and doesn't make me feel silly when I have to ask what a bong is! I still don't quite understand it...oh well. And she willingly sits through show choir videos and lets me teach her how to do a jazz square at 1 in the morning!!!!
4. She is amazingly talented (at more than JUST tying a cherry stem with her tongue), strong-willed, resilient, graceful, and filled with a love of all things torts that I absolutely cannot conprehend.
5. She forgives & forgets...and is always there when I need her.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MANDOLIN!!!!!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Textbook Faux Pas
My fellow Illinoisans (yes, Chuck, that is a word!) will appreciate the following rant:
In my evidence textbook, there exists the following sentence:
"Proof that Whitney Seaver once attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign..."
Urbana-Champaign???? Urbana-Champaign????? WTF???
That doesn't even make sense. That's like saying "I'm having a jelly and peanut butter sandwich." It's just not right. It's Champaign-Urbana, you freaky Evidence bookwriters...if you can write thrilling, brilliant problems about hearsay and impeachment and verbal acts, the least you can do is get the name of the damn city in the right order. Urbana-Champaign...sheesh.
Okay, carry on.
In my evidence textbook, there exists the following sentence:
"Proof that Whitney Seaver once attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign..."
Urbana-Champaign???? Urbana-Champaign????? WTF???
That doesn't even make sense. That's like saying "I'm having a jelly and peanut butter sandwich." It's just not right. It's Champaign-Urbana, you freaky Evidence bookwriters...if you can write thrilling, brilliant problems about hearsay and impeachment and verbal acts, the least you can do is get the name of the damn city in the right order. Urbana-Champaign...sheesh.
Okay, carry on.
Why Jelly Beans & Corduroy, you might ask???
I don't exactly know! Well, I sort of know...
It is basically a play on names and words. Although my blog is relatively anonymous (except to those at my law school, where blogs spread like syphillis), I wanted a name that was me - literally, me. My name. Okay, let's break it down:
First, "Jelly Beans"...
Those of you that know me know this story, so I apologize in advance. My first name is Kelly (duh). My middle name is Jean (I was named after my dad, Gene - don't make fun....). When I was in seventh grade, I had a serious crush on a guy whose name was Seth Bean. My friend Jenn pointed out that we could never marry. Why? Because my name would be....wait for it...."Kelly Jean Bean." Nice. Oh, but if I didn't use my middle name it would be "Kelly Bean." Even better. So between that...and my name "Kelly Jean".... my friend started calling me "Jelly Bean." Hence, "Jelly Beans."
Now, "Corduroy," that one is a bit easier to explain. My maiden name sounds similar to "Corduroy." Whew - that one was difficult! So, to put the two together, I thought, sounded fun...and is also a play on my name. Fun stuff!
There it is, folks, "Jelly Beans & Corduroy." Not a real exciting story full of hilarity, but a story all the same.
It is basically a play on names and words. Although my blog is relatively anonymous (except to those at my law school, where blogs spread like syphillis), I wanted a name that was me - literally, me. My name. Okay, let's break it down:
First, "Jelly Beans"...
Those of you that know me know this story, so I apologize in advance. My first name is Kelly (duh). My middle name is Jean (I was named after my dad, Gene - don't make fun....). When I was in seventh grade, I had a serious crush on a guy whose name was Seth Bean. My friend Jenn pointed out that we could never marry. Why? Because my name would be....wait for it...."Kelly Jean Bean." Nice. Oh, but if I didn't use my middle name it would be "Kelly Bean." Even better. So between that...and my name "Kelly Jean".... my friend started calling me "Jelly Bean." Hence, "Jelly Beans."
Now, "Corduroy," that one is a bit easier to explain. My maiden name sounds similar to "Corduroy." Whew - that one was difficult! So, to put the two together, I thought, sounded fun...and is also a play on my name. Fun stuff!
There it is, folks, "Jelly Beans & Corduroy." Not a real exciting story full of hilarity, but a story all the same.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Under my picture I would like....
CLASS DUMBASS.
I just sent an email to our SBA president letting her know what I wanted on our class composite under my name (Dean's Tutorial Society Board) and indvertently sent it to the entire law school list serve! Nice.
I suck.
I just sent an email to our SBA president letting her know what I wanted on our class composite under my name (Dean's Tutorial Society Board) and indvertently sent it to the entire law school list serve! Nice.
I suck.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
What I'm Listening to...an addendum to "Random Shit" :)
Over the past few months, I have found myself sinking back into the comfortability of the kind of music I listened to during high school. For most, that might be bands like Warrant & Poison, or R&B groups like Bell Biv Devoe & Boyz II Men...for me, it was "Phantom of the Opera," "Miss Saigon," "Les Miz," and "Jekyll & Hyde." Yes, boys and girls, this blogger was a complete Broadway freak-nerd-dork.
A couple things happened that brought me back to the music of the Great White Way:
1. Last year, I went to see "Miss Saigon" at our local college auditorium. Now, I know that we don't get the best national tours...sometimes we get "B" tours, and sometimes we get "C" tours. I think this one was a "C." In fact, I would probably have given it an F. But that is beside the point. What I did enjoy was the music. I realized I had missed the melodies of those shows. I missed the chills I got whenever I heard "Bui Doi." I missed the sizzle of "The Heat is On in Saigon." So, I busted out my tape - and not even a real tape, but the tape my friend dubbed for me in high school when we sang "I Still Believe" for our show choir dinner theater show - and I sang, and sang, and sang, at the top of my lungs....and it felt good.
2. Last year, my friend Chuck (also a huge B'way buff) told me, "Kelly, you have to hear this new show, you would love it!" The show was "Hairspray." He made the me the CD....and waited for my response. I didn't listen to it. Why? I don't really know. I knew I would love it. For some reason, the thought of listening to new B'way was painful for me. I don't know how to explain it. For years, my life revolved around performing, voice lessons, and theater. Then I stopped. And that was the hardest thing I ever did to myself. Harder even than my first year in law school. So, Chuck kept bugging me and bugging me, and those of you that know Chuck know that he is quite good at pestering: have you listened to it yet? have you? have you? I got tired of Chuck's pestering and put it in my car stereo.......and I absolutely loved it. It was the most entertaining thing I had listened to in years. It was light and funny and powerful all at the same time! I completely wore out my CD. A few months afterwards, my mom, my aunt and I went to see "Hairspray" at the Fox Theater in St. Louis.....and it was just as good as I imagined it would be.
3. This summer, PBS ran a 6 hour series called "B'Way: The American Musical." The show was hosted by Julie Andrews and did an amazing job of tracing the history of musical theater from its roots in vaudeville, operetta, and minstrel shows, to the dawn of what would become the modern American musical, Show Boat, and on through many changes that seemed to reflect those in American culture itself. The show focused on the works of Florenz Ziegfeld, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Bob Fosse, and David Merrick, as well as shows like Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Company, Cats, and Wicked. The shows were analyzed through performance clips and interviews with songwriters, stars, directors, producers, critics, and historians. It was so great to see actors like Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin, Angela Landsbury, and the late Jerry Orbach in their element. Plus, they discussed shows that weren't as widely known to the masses as the Andrew Lloyd Webber shows of the 80s - shows like "La Cage Aux Folles," "Follies," and "Sunday in the Park with George." I enjoyed the show so much that when they showed it again last weekend - I watched all six hours in a row....and made a list of CDs I need to purchase!
4. WICKED! I kept hearing about this new show on Broadway called "Wicked." I saw a clip of the show as part of the above-mentioned documentary. I saw a woman with green skin and powerful pipes sing "Defying Gravity" at last year's Tony's, as well as in the 2003 Macy's Parade. I had to find out what was up with this new show. I learned everything I could. I bought the CD, read the book, written by Gregory Maguire, on which the show was based, and read everything on the Internet that I could. I was hooked. Not only is it a fascinating topic - the concept of what makes someone evil - but the woman who played the Wicked Witch of the West, Idina Menzel, has just THE MOST amazing voice I have heard in a long time. She also played in the original B'way production of "Rent" with her husband Taye Diggs. What is great is, I even have my husband hooked - and some of his students, b/c he played it for them! A couple of them went out and bought the CD as well. I have started my own little B'way revolution!!!!
So - that's it. To make a short story long, that is why I am currently listening to "Wicked" at work, "Sunset Boulevard" at home, and "Pippin" and "Lion King" at school. I love the music of B'way, and miss it at the same time......maybe once I graduate, I can find a local theater company with which I can perform, and a voice teacher to help me get my voice back in shape. But until then, my friends and husband will have to deal with my terrible habit of belting out showtunes in the car and bugging them about a song that they HAVE to hear!
A couple things happened that brought me back to the music of the Great White Way:
1. Last year, I went to see "Miss Saigon" at our local college auditorium. Now, I know that we don't get the best national tours...sometimes we get "B" tours, and sometimes we get "C" tours. I think this one was a "C." In fact, I would probably have given it an F. But that is beside the point. What I did enjoy was the music. I realized I had missed the melodies of those shows. I missed the chills I got whenever I heard "Bui Doi." I missed the sizzle of "The Heat is On in Saigon." So, I busted out my tape - and not even a real tape, but the tape my friend dubbed for me in high school when we sang "I Still Believe" for our show choir dinner theater show - and I sang, and sang, and sang, at the top of my lungs....and it felt good.
2. Last year, my friend Chuck (also a huge B'way buff) told me, "Kelly, you have to hear this new show, you would love it!" The show was "Hairspray." He made the me the CD....and waited for my response. I didn't listen to it. Why? I don't really know. I knew I would love it. For some reason, the thought of listening to new B'way was painful for me. I don't know how to explain it. For years, my life revolved around performing, voice lessons, and theater. Then I stopped. And that was the hardest thing I ever did to myself. Harder even than my first year in law school. So, Chuck kept bugging me and bugging me, and those of you that know Chuck know that he is quite good at pestering: have you listened to it yet? have you? have you? I got tired of Chuck's pestering and put it in my car stereo.......and I absolutely loved it. It was the most entertaining thing I had listened to in years. It was light and funny and powerful all at the same time! I completely wore out my CD. A few months afterwards, my mom, my aunt and I went to see "Hairspray" at the Fox Theater in St. Louis.....and it was just as good as I imagined it would be.
3. This summer, PBS ran a 6 hour series called "B'Way: The American Musical." The show was hosted by Julie Andrews and did an amazing job of tracing the history of musical theater from its roots in vaudeville, operetta, and minstrel shows, to the dawn of what would become the modern American musical, Show Boat, and on through many changes that seemed to reflect those in American culture itself. The show focused on the works of Florenz Ziegfeld, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Bob Fosse, and David Merrick, as well as shows like Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Company, Cats, and Wicked. The shows were analyzed through performance clips and interviews with songwriters, stars, directors, producers, critics, and historians. It was so great to see actors like Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin, Angela Landsbury, and the late Jerry Orbach in their element. Plus, they discussed shows that weren't as widely known to the masses as the Andrew Lloyd Webber shows of the 80s - shows like "La Cage Aux Folles," "Follies," and "Sunday in the Park with George." I enjoyed the show so much that when they showed it again last weekend - I watched all six hours in a row....and made a list of CDs I need to purchase!
4. WICKED! I kept hearing about this new show on Broadway called "Wicked." I saw a clip of the show as part of the above-mentioned documentary. I saw a woman with green skin and powerful pipes sing "Defying Gravity" at last year's Tony's, as well as in the 2003 Macy's Parade. I had to find out what was up with this new show. I learned everything I could. I bought the CD, read the book, written by Gregory Maguire, on which the show was based, and read everything on the Internet that I could. I was hooked. Not only is it a fascinating topic - the concept of what makes someone evil - but the woman who played the Wicked Witch of the West, Idina Menzel, has just THE MOST amazing voice I have heard in a long time. She also played in the original B'way production of "Rent" with her husband Taye Diggs. What is great is, I even have my husband hooked - and some of his students, b/c he played it for them! A couple of them went out and bought the CD as well. I have started my own little B'way revolution!!!!
So - that's it. To make a short story long, that is why I am currently listening to "Wicked" at work, "Sunset Boulevard" at home, and "Pippin" and "Lion King" at school. I love the music of B'way, and miss it at the same time......maybe once I graduate, I can find a local theater company with which I can perform, and a voice teacher to help me get my voice back in shape. But until then, my friends and husband will have to deal with my terrible habit of belting out showtunes in the car and bugging them about a song that they HAVE to hear!
Computer Updates....
David, or David the TECH GOD, as I like to call him, seems to have put Humpty Dumpty back together again! I just received an email from him telling me that "barring any major nuclear meltdowns," he should have it back to me by Wednesday!
DAVID ROCKS!
DAVID ROCKS!
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