Would Love To See This...

5th Grade, 2nd Q Report Card

Once again I'm proud of Cade. He maintained his A in Math from last quarter and his B in Science. He did go down in Reading and Social Studies - from an A to a B. He got 3 B's and 1 A. Still very, very good.

I did ask Cade what he thought of his grades in Reading and Social Studies. He likes to read so he said he just needed to keep reading more to work on comprehensive. He said he does not like Social Studies, but he recognized he needs to study more.

Because of his great report card his afternoon Playstation 3 activities are fine. He really is regimented to do his homework first before playing. I just sometimes worry he rushes through the homework to get to the PS3.

But with grades like this, I can let him have his fun.

A Dog Who Loves His Boy

Too Cute

Cade and Commander taking a nap on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

New iPhone 5 for the New Year?

Sadly, no.

 

After looking at the overall cost to upgrade my HTC Incredible to an iPhone 5, I decided to wait. Right now I have the unlimited data plan, because I’ve had my phone for 2+ years. Not only would I have to spend $200 on the iPhone 5, I’d have to upgrade my plan to a limited data plan, which would mean a monthly increase.

 

I talked with Sam last night and we decided that we'd get him switched to his own phone plan when he turned 21. The theory, “If you're old enough to pay for alcohol, you're old enough to pay your own phone bill.” It'll be $100/month for him, and we both think that's doable. Then, once he's off my plan, I'd upgrade to the iPhone 5.

 

Now, I've been very happy with that decision. Until Amanda and Kenny. They got iPhone 5’s for Christmas and they are FB posting (frequently!) about how much fun they are having with Siri. Did you know that Siri can actually update your FB status? I didn't, and she can.

 

I'm green with iPhone 5 envy. And while green is my favorite color, as a pallor, it does not look good on me. 

Sabika January 1/2 Off Sale

As I mentioned last month, I ordered two Sabika pieces and a couple of my co-workers also took advantage of the sale. I just got an email from Brittany that my items were in stock and have been ordered. (Yay!)  Brenda's and Vicki's items were also in stock. I was able to get one of Bridget's items, but a necklace she wanted was sold out.

I still have one item left on my "5 at 1/2 price" option. Brittany will email an updated availability list next week. I'm interested to see what will be left of the Fall/Winter inventory!

A Night At The Movies

As soon as I got home I walked up to Sam who was quietly reading on the couch. "How could you not have fallen in love with Les Miserables?" As Sam looked up he immediately saw the dreaminess in my eyes. He smiled. I sat down and we discussed the movie.

I loved it. I mean loved, loved, loved it. Now to be fair, I've never ever seen the staged version so I had no preconceived notion as to what the movie "should have" looked like. I've heard the music but not enough times that I feel like a song "belongs" to a particular actor. I was able to view the movie objectively and honestly.

Sam didn't think Hugh Jackman could sing. Ah, actually, yes. Yes, the man can sing and beautifully. As soon as he began "Bring Him Home" I was feeling around for my napkin as I knew I was going to cry. And cry I did. Tears running down my cheeks faster than I could dab at them. "Suddenly" was also great. Hugh Jackman was fantastic as Valjean.

Sam didn't have very nice things to say about Russell Crowe's singing either. True, he isn't a strong singer, but his singing didn't bother me at all. It was what it was and I was okay with that. What did bother me was his lack of understanding his character. He played Javert as very one-dimensional. The only time you saw his inner struggle was when the film cut to his feet walking on the edge of the structure. I was disappointed. Russell Crowe can, and should have, done better.

Anne Hathaway's Fantine was okay. I don't think she's a strong singer either, but her singing didn't bother me. "I Dreamed a Dream" was okay. What did bother me was that she chewed the scenery a bit during the prostitute scenes. A slight bit of overacting, in my opinion.

Every time Amanda Seyfried opened her mouth and sung I just wanted her to shut up. Her singing didn't bother me during "Mama Mia" so I just think Cosette's songs were out of her register. And the warbling! Don't get me wrong, she really was the perfect Cosette - innocent, sweet, angel face. She just couldn't sing it.

Sacha Baron Cohen and Helen Bonham Carter as the Thenardiers....basically the same characters they played in Sweeney Todd. Meh.

I really enjoyed seeing Aaron Tveit. I've been listening to his "Catch Me If You Can" CD since seeing the show back in November. Little Daniel Huttlestone was a cutie little moppet.

In addition to being very impressed with Hugh Jackman, I was also impressed with Samantha Barks. Eponine's "On My Own" also brought tears to my eyes and "A Little Fall of Rain" almost had them running down my cheeks. Eddie Redmayne's "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" started a fresh rain of tears.

I loved the movie and would go see it again in an instant. As soon as it comes out on DVD I'll be adding it to my collection.

Last Night's Feature

After last week's movie disaster I had Sam pick out the next DVD from Netflix. As he's taking a Shakespeare class next semester he suggested Anonymous.

Initially it was difficult keeping up with who was who between the present and the flashbacks. Young flashback Edward looked very much like Young (present) Henry. I was finally able to follow along by the length of their pretty blond hair.

We both really enjoyed the overall premise of the movie. Was Shakespeare a fraud as the movie and the poster suggest? According to the movie, Shakespeare was an asshole and it was Edward, Earl of Oxford who wrote the plays. It really does make you wonder...

I'm A Calendar!

Goals for 2013

Though I didn't publicize them I did have goals for 2012. Some I met, some I didn't. This year I've decided to post them so I can keep track of them and work toward achievement.

Last year I was lucky enough to see two Broadway touring shows (Bring It On: The Musical and War Horse) and one show off-Broadway (Bare: The Musical). Chad and I will be heading to the DPAC on the 12th for the touring of Jekyll & Hyde. He's also got tickets to see tours of Mary Poppins, Anything Goes, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and Sister Act. Originally my goal for 2013 was to see a minimum of 5 shows, but it looks like I'll have that one covered by May. So I'm going to modify this goal to make it more challenging:

See a minimum of 5 Broadway/Off-Broadway shows in NYC

I signed up for the 2012 Reading Challenge via Goodreads. My goal was 52 books, as I figured I could read at least a book a week. I surpassed that goal with 57 books. I got lots of books and scripts for Christmas so I think I can definitely improve:

My 2013 Reading Challenge is to read 65 books

Also, I'm still working on the BBC Reading List. Last year I scratched off a measly 4 books. Just 7% of the books I read last year were on this list! So this year I'm going to challenge myself:

Read a minimum of 9 books off the BBC Reading List  

In March last year US Airways introduced a Fit for US program which challenged us to get ResFit by keeping track of steps at work and participating in group fit activities. Figuring I could easily do the former, I bought a cheapo pedometer. My pedometer broke a few weeks ago, but thanks to Chad, I have a new digital one. As such, I'm going to challenge myself:

Increase my daily steps at work to an average of 3,000

For the most part I love to travel. There are times when I get bogged down with having to pack and what to pack to get through TSA. Last year I went to Myrtle Beach and took two trips to Maywood, New Jersey, with side trips to NYC. This year I know I'll be visiting Maywood and NYC, but here are other places I definitely want to visit this year:

The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA
The Moulin Rouge in Paris, France
Walt Disney World or Disneyland
Boston, MA
Pittsburgh, PA (Bridget is dying to show me around her hometown!)

 I do have other goals, but these are going to be the ones I mainly focus.

What are some of your goals for 2013?

Last Night's Feature

I received this DVD from my queue back the first of November. Things got busy with work and rehearsals, not to mention Christmas, and it still remained unopened on the desk. Not needing to worrying about going to work today, I asked Sam if he wanted to watch it with me late last night.

Two hours and five minutes. 2 hours and 5 minutes of complete drek. I just don't get why this movie was such the rage when it came out. Everyone I knew was encouraging each other to go see the movie. "It's hilarious!" they all said.

Hilarious? Uh, no. Not even close. It was absolutely ridiculous, tiringly awkward and astoundingly annoying. And Jon Hamm was just, ugh, filthy. The only redeeming part of the entire movie were the scenes with Officer Rhodes.

Sam said it best, "Unfortunately I can't unsee this movie." 

My Christmas!

As you can see, Santa apparently thought I was very, very nice this year!

Five books!

Five scripts!

The Once DVD and the Once: A New Musical CD!
(I'm dying to see this on Broadway.)

A Vera Bradley Hipster and Tote in my new favorite pattern, Dogwood.

Mousepad/notepad and 2013 calendar for my office.

A new straightener and a new pedometer.

I'm a VIP Customer!

From: Brittany
To: Cheryl Ann
Sent: Thu, Dec 13, 2012 8:24 pm
Subject: Sabika - January - 1/2 Off Special!

Hello everyone!

I wanted to let you know that January is Sabika's VIP month. VIP Customer Benefits allow you to buy at least one full price item of $69 or more from Fall/Winter or Classics catalogs, and you will be eligible for up to 5 additional Fall/Winter catalog items at 50% off!

1. Limit of one per article number for "Fun Chokers", "Manhattan Chokers" or "London Chokers" per order.
2. 50% only includes the Fall/Winter Catalog (not Classics)
3. Special applies while supplies last

I plan to submit an order on January 1 in order to secure as many items as possible before they sell out. If you would like to purchase some of the 1/2 price items please e-mail me your 'wishlist' early. I will not collect payment until after the order is placed. This is a great deal and a wonderful time to stock up on gifts for 2013!

Because I absolutely love my AB and Crystal Fun bracelets, I ordered the Celebrations Fun choker (d).

I love the whole Glamazon tray, but I didn't want to order it all, especially with it being Christmas. Instead I settled for the Glamazon 2-Stone Drop earrings (f).

I offered my 4 other items at 50% off to my co-workers and they did take advantage of the deal. Now we just have to wait and see if what we ordered will be available.

Public Dedication to Sam

The last 6 months have been a journey for sure. Through a few tears and some outside help, I learned to let go and to fully embrace. I wanted to let my world know of my committment and the perfect way was through a dedication in my Sordid Lives bio.

I took a picture and texted it to Sam. The flash may make the bio difficult to read. Here's what it says:

Cheryl Ann Roberts (Latrelle Williamson) is absolutely thrilled to return to the Theatre Alliance stage and reprise one of her favorite roles. She last appeared here as Willadean in the poignant "The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash Housewife." Cheryl Ann has appeared with Open Space Café Theatre, the Paramount Acting Company, CTG, Kernersville Little Theatre, Twin City Stage, Stained Glass Playhouse, Clemmons Community Theatre, Davie Theatre Company, and Hickory Community Theatre. She's also done commercial and voice-over work. Cheryl Ann would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support. She dedicates her performance to her grandfather (who always watches from the best seat in the house) and to her son, Sam.

Sam immediately responded:

Kindle Woes

I really do like my Kindle Fire. But sometimes it's a problem too.

You see, I've got several books on hold via the brick-and-mortar library and several on hold via the NC digital library. Two hardcovers came in 2 weeks ago: Tiger Lily and Baby Proof. With the show I could only finish Tiger Lily, which I just did Monday night. My plan was to renew Baby Proof. But, Monday afternoon, I get an email from the NC digital library that e-book Titan's Curse is ready. (It's the third Percy Jackson book. I am reading this series in an attempt to get Cade interested.) No problem. I knew I had 14 days to read the e-book, so I still planned on renewing Baby Proof, as I knew both would be fairly easy reads.

Wrong!

Yesterday I get an email from the brick-and-mortar library that The Casual Vacancy (by Harry Potter's author) is ready. Since that's an extremely popular book with a lengthy waiting list, I decided I'd return Baby Proof and get The Casual Vacancy. I knew I could quickly read Titan's Curse in 2 days and then I'd
have 12 days to read The Casual Vacancy before it came due. You'd think that'd be it, right?

Wrong!

This morning I get an email that Sugar Rush, another e-book I had on hold, has become available. So I downloaded that.

If you are keeping count, I've got Titan's Curse, The Casual Vacancy and Sugar Rush to read. Two e-books and one book book. All within 14 days.

Guess what I'm doing this weekend?

Larry the Elf

It wasn't that I didn't believe him. I just didn't think he'd have the bells to wear the outfit to work!

Theatre Alliance presents 'Sordid Lives' - again

Posted: Saturday, November 24, 2012 11:14 pm
Lynn Felder/Special Correspondent

Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the closet, Mama Peggy goes and ships you off to the loony bin to get you “dehomosexualized.” But that’s OK. She gets the ultimate comeuppance when she trips over her lover’s wooden legs, hits her head on the sink and dies.

Peggy’s Bible-thumping family is horrified, and chaos ensues. This is the stuff of Del Shores’ “Sordid Lives,” which opens Friday at the Theatre Alliance of Winston-Salem.

It’s the third time that Theatre Alliance has done “Sordid Lives,” the third time that Jamie Lawson has directed it, the third time that Gray Smith has played Brother Boy, and the third time that Cheryl Ann Roberts has played (sister) Latrelle.

As explained by Roberts, “Sordid Lives” is a play in four “chapters.” In the first, the sisters — Latrelle and LaVonda (Ally McCauley) get together with their Aunt Sissy (April Linscott) to discuss their mother’s death, argue over a fur stole, fight about whether or not to keep Brother Boy in the mental hospital and convince Latrelle that her son, Ty (John C. Wilson), is gay.

“Our mother has died under very interesting circumstances.” Roberts said. “Latrelle, LaVonda and Aunt Sissy have come to town for the funeral.

“Brother Boy is locked up in a mental institution because he wears women’s clothing, sings country songs and thinks he’s Tammy Wynette.

“Latrelle is self-righteous. She believes that Brother Boy should stay locked up.

“By the end of the show, though, she has kind of come to terms with her son, Ty, being gay. We see her realizing that it’s OK to accept the truth about things. She’s not necessarily a bad guy, but she has a journey that she takes, kind of an awakening.

“Latrelle allows me to be comedic but also to push making her as believable as possible and to push her to make that journey. She’s definitely a three-dimensional character.”

In the second “chapter,” LaVonda and her best friend hold up a bar and force the patrons to put on makeup and women’s clothes.

In the third chapter, we see Brother Boy in a session with his psychiatrist. In the fourth chapter, all the characters meet up at Mama Peggy’s funeral.

“Brother Boy, the role that I play, is in love with Tammy Wynette,” Smith said. “He dresses like her, he sings like her, and he wants to be her. But, out of all the characters, he’s the most true to himself. His mother has put him in a mental institution, and he’s been there for 23 years.

“What is funny, when you see the show, is all the other people are the crazy ones. They say he’s a nut, but he’s who he is. The others are hiding things.”

Writing for the L.A. Times, F. Kathleen Foley called playwright Shores the master of Texas comedy, saying, “His colorful eccentrics are dead on, teetering on a Bowie knife’s edge between the hilarious improbable and the achingly real.”

Smith agreed. “The audience members will go, ‘Oh, there’s my aunt.’ You see people that you know in these characters. Brother Boy may not be so relatable, but all the characters have their moments when they’re very funny.”

The actors cited two reasons for doing “Sordid Lives” a third time.

One, it is likely to make some money for the not-for-profit theater company.

“A lot of times we have patrons who say, ‘Please do this show again.’ ‘Sordid Lives’ is at the top of the list of things that people want to see again,” Smith said. “Plays are a lot less expensive to produce than musicals, so if we sell out a play, we actually get to put a little money in the bank.”

Two, it’s funny and fun.

“It is one of the funniest Southern comedies,” Smith said. “It’s just hysterical.”

Roberts agreed. “The people that I work with — my castmates — are absolutely fabulous,” she said. “We are cracking up watching each other on stage.”

© 2012 Winston-Salem Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

A Night At The Theatre, "Bent"

Last night, due to a gracious comp ticket from Chris, I was able to catch the final performance of Bent. I'd never read or seen the show so I had no idea what to expect.


Kristian A. Wedolowski played the role of Max. He was absolutely outstanding! Scott A. Miller played the role of Horst, one of the prisoners that Max befriends. He also gave a fantastic performance.

From what I understand the director changed the ending from that in the script. As such, the ending wasn't as powerful as it should have been. Still, there were many moments in the show that brought tears to my eyes.

Wisdom Through the Ages

By Denise Heidel

They say that wisdom comes with age and don’t I know how true that is! I really believe we have to experience certain truths for ourselves before we can ever truly understand how meaningful they are. As another birthday approaches, I decided to take stock on a few valuable life lessons I’ve finally come to understand.

• Some people will never realize how loud they are when they talk.
• Some people will never understand that socks with sandals are really tacky.
• Women are not the moodier of the sexes.
• Women are credited for nagging, but many, many men are quite skilled at it, too.
• Sick and personal days aren’t supposed to be used when you work in Corporate America…they’re more like decoration for your paycheck.
• I completely understand what my mother meant when she used to say, “Just wait until you have kids of your own.”
• If I wear white, I will spill something.
• Every time I hear Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” I will sing along.
• Patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a life skill.
• I’m never going to be too old for Harry Potter books.
• Someday, my son will read this and finally get it.
• You can’t change anyone.
• You can change yourself.
• I feel much younger than the number actually reflects.
• My mother will always expect me to call her when I get home.
• Me time is important.
• Girlfriend time is priceless.
• Pat Benatar was right: love is a battlefield.
• There will always be someone who doesn’t like you, and you’ll never understand why.
• You don’t have to like everyone, but you’d better learn to get along with everyone.
• Some people will never understand the concept of personal space.
• Walking away isn’t necessarily a sign of weakness.
• Taking the high road is very often a hard climb, but the view is usually magnificent.
• Some battles aren’t worth fighting.
• There’s an art to standing up for yourself without coming across as argumentative.
• Everyone thinks they have a great sense of humor.
• There will always be those who will try to one-up you.
• Not everyone can be the leader; sometimes you just have to try to be the best follower you can be.
• Having the last word isn’t always the most important thing.
• The old adage “don’t let the sun set on your anger” isn’t always the best solution to working out a problem.
• Communication is not just a skill that benefits you as a professional, it’s a virtue to be mastered.

What pearls of wisdom would make your list? I’d love to read them and hopefully – learn from them!