London, baby! 2013 edition

I was blessed enough to ring in 2013 in my favorite city with one of my favorite people! Miss Molly is finishing out her collegiate career at Cambridge (no big deal or anything), and never needing an excuse to head back to the UK I decided to head out with her an spend a few weeks in London before she started classes.

London has, as of late been a subject of much heartache and pain, but, this trip was about her, about us. It was much needed because it gave me the opportunity to reexamine my beloved city for different reasons.

And ya know what? We had the best bloody time, I can't even tell you!

From finding a new favorite pub, to almost dying in Brighton, driving around Edinburgh, performance art-ing in Camden, sneaking around Notting Hill at all hours, hand jiving with Jay and LK, train dashing, seeing Killian in his skivvies in Billy Elliot (y'welcome), dying over Liam in Les Mis (so sad the cast is gone! Only the amazing Tam Mutu remains, and y'all? He is amazing!) and Harvey Nicks shopping, it was one of the most fun times of my life. Thank you, Molly for experiencing the best of England with me!

Anyways, here are some highlights!

Leaving my dad's house for LONDON, BABY

Molly's and my favorite neighborhood is Notting Hill, so, this is the first stop we made once we got into our hotel!

The place I drag everyone to--the Notting Hill location, obvs

On our way to some NYE rooftop parties in London town

We made sure to see the fireworks, but first, we had to pre game (after Whole Foods take out and New Girl of course!) and my beloved, The Lyric was too crowded so we found a new haunt! Molly ordering herself a beer will forever be one of the funniest things ever. I can't explain it.

My gorgeous NYE date at our new favorite pub, Argyll Arms in the West End

Then I spent the weekend in the English countryside which did nothing to cure me of my UK love....

Afternoon tea in Oxford. Which is NOT Cambridge, but, whatevs

My mate, Alex took me to Warwick Castle for the day where I made friends

Performance art at The Roundhouse

We had a crazy fun weekend of Shoreditch-ing, freezing in Kew Gardens, making friends at Warwick Castle and then a night out in Camden and Covent Garden--we felt like proper Londoners that night!

My mom's family is Scottish, so, although we talked of going to Paris, my desire to see the homeland was stronger and we trekked up to Scotland.

First stop to Edinburgh? York. F me bloody life eh mate!

That time we hiked up Arthur's Seat at like 8AM. Poor life choice. 

Each time Molly had been in Scotland the weather had been awful so she never got to hike Arthur's Seat--we were blessed with amazing weather (for Scotland in January!) so we went. Apparently, we look like ditz idiots and the hotel had a pool going as to whether we would survive or not. I'm still embarrassed and laughing about it.

The view from the top was amazing!

Scotland, I love thee....

New obsession, The Grain Store, Victoria Road, Edinburgh. GO! I am determined to have my wedding reception/rehearsal dinner here. Hugh, you ok with that?

I decided to drive down someone's driveway in Scotland...

Our Edinburgh ride

While in London, we HAD to do the West End thang... duh.

"Solidarity forever!"

Getting ready for some Killian action at Billy Elliot! Homeboy killed it. 

The best night was catching up with my idiot friends when we got back from Scotland. Even if he wasn't in Billy. (evil laugh)

Oh, don't mind me, just walking back from Balan's at 3AM. Damn you, "Les Mis lot"!

Selfie in a mirror at The Lyric. I love that place so hard!

Molly had never been to Covent Garden, naturally I had to show her THE BEST. I think we ate here twice? I love wee little Neal's Yard.

Neal's Yard in Covent Garden, one of my happy places

It's a law that you cannot go to London without seeing Les Miserables. And the film hadn't opened yet, so, we were cracking up the whole time that these folks didn't know how good it is (blog post in the works, obvs!). I'm currently trying to hook Molly up with the stagey Marius.... We shall see....!

Standard Cossette at The Queen's. I know that theatre far too well....

In efforts to really live in England and not just be tourists, we took the chance to hop a train and leave the city for the day. We debated Bath, Dover and Brighton and I'm not entirely sure how Brighton won, but it did and we LOVED it. Of course, London had fairly decent weather and Brighton was rainy and cold, but, it's the coast, so, what did we expect--but it was so fun.

Even if I did drag her on the Crazy Maus rollercoaster on the edge of the Brighton Pier.

We look so happy before our near death experience in Brighton

We also spent a good amount of time goofing around in Soho and West End and Hyde Park--we actually frequented the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park which was hilarious and amazing--it was like being at an American state fair, but in Hyde Park! Probably one of the best nights--we laughed so much!

We were at a state fair in Hyde Park!

Only Molly would find a Blue Moon in Leicester Square

This might be my favorite picture of the trip:

Just hanging out at a New Year's parade in central London. Just like at home!

I am so thrilled that Molly is settled in at Cambridge right now and so excited to see what the future holds for her--great things, to be sure!

I am so lucky to have spent a few weeks in our adopted home with her and can't wait to get back and eat at Nando's, close down The Lyric and go punting in Cambridge. Do you think tomorrow is too soon? ;)

At The Barricade

(Warning: this is deeply personal and it may get deleted, so, please be kind)

I never thought the day would come when I could write this, but, here we are.... Yikes. 

For a long time, I was in love with a barricade boy (an actor in Les Mis on the West End for those of y'all who don't speak stagey), and, for the first time I can say that today, today I am not in love with him. Do I love, adore and care for him? Absolutely. Do I want to be in a romantic relationship with him? Nope. THIS IS HUGE Y'ALL.

Barricade boys (and girls) (he's in this picture but only I know where)

What he and I did have was exceedingly special--when it wasn't a hot mess, that is. He was truly the first man in my life to "get" me. I was 100% myself with him from day one and we just fit. We understood each other. I am not sure if I fell in with him, London, Les Mis, or all three at once, but, suddenly, he was my barricade boy. I was his, he was mine--completely. My swing, Brujon and occasional Feuilly. My Lovely Lady. Later, my gangster with a bad New York accent running political schemes. And then he was nothing. He was no longer mine in Jesus Christ Superstar, nor in workshops for upcoming tours in Spain--nothing-- we didn't belong to one another any longer. 

Even after heartbreak, I kept returning to him, unable to give up what we had and what I hoped we could have (that's a whole other story, but, in the end, for the heartache our staying connected caused, I'm glad I was so dumb because it's been a blessing). I don't doubt that he did love me, and I don't doubt that we are perfect for each other, but, our love wasn't and isn't perfect, and that's why we can't work.

I made a poor life choice and saw him when I was in London a week ago--after numerous fights and arguments I might add--when we showed up at the (stagey jazz) bar to see him, Molly had to smack me because I was shaking and crying. He is in a relationship, and I am kinda sorta maybe seeing someone (don't even get me started--why can't men just commit and accept that I'm his damn girlfriend? I mean, who doesn't want me to be their girlfriend?!), I had no intentions of kissing my Jasper Bloom (thanks, TPG), I just wanted to see the man who holds my heart and finally take it back. But, standing there outside The Phoenix Theatre I wasn't sure I could do it. Molly held my hand and led me into the bar, where, thank god, she saw him first. 

And wouldn't ya know it, I walked in, saw him, and felt NOTHING?! No, really, nothing. 

We had the best night catching up with the old Les Mis lot, chatting with his flatmate, busting into Tommy Steele songs, and eventually hand jiving at 2am ("I just wasted an hour of my life watching something I've seen you do, mate!") I haven't laughed so hard since I don't remember when. We then all headed to Balan's for breakfast at 3am wherein BB stole Jay and Roisin's bags so they'd be forced to join us even though we're pretty sure they just wanted "lovely cuddles" which means Roisin would have owed everyone doughnuts the next morning. We cheers-ed to Molly and her graduate school acceptance, we laughed over his inability to drink vodka and inappropriate drink names that he ordered for his friends. 

He harassed me about not seeing his show yet; noticed my nose ring within seconds and poked me in the face most of the night saying "I can't believe you've done and gotten your nose pierced!", we laughed over Les Mis stalkers, and sparkle shoes for Priscilla. And, because we are fabulous friends, made him pay since he's making double at the moment. (and that's why I told Molly to order herself the expensive champagne--Jay didn't understand how we are friends, ha!)

We hugged many times--he is the best hugger--FYI if any of y'all catch him on tour, get a hug, you won't regret it. And also, he will murder me for saying that. Just tell me and I'll send him a peace offering of Twizzlers. 

It was just like it's always been. Our hugs were the same, our jokes the same. He was the same funny, strong willed goofball I fell in love with. He said things to me that made me cry--things that I will hold in my heart forever. 

I saw him in his how the next night and laughed and cried. I am always so proud of him and I loved seeing him show his amazing dance prowess (even if his voice was not highlighted at all), we held hands and walked back to my hotel talking about old times, and when I'm coming back to see him in Priscilla--which y'all know is going to happen!

We call this, "find Scotty, him, Fra and Jay!". This makes me giggle because I've met or know so many here through him

We laughed over Sondheim DVD's ("Sing Johanna for me, mate!" "'they're retreating!'--I feeeeeel you, Johannnna"--Molly, I can't even think of Sweeney without hysterical laughter), and my love of The Great Race--mostly Jack Lemmon. 

There was talk of Skype dates and we shook on it. A promise to text when I got on the plane the next morning, another hug and we said our goodbyes. And I was deliriously happy. Not because we are together, not because we will ever be together, but because I had time with someone I hold so dear--time for us just like it was--time to laugh with his lot again, and time to be myself. 

Molly said she knew in an instant I would be ok because she saw he and I for who we were--that we are comfortable with each other and that we fit as friends. Which is how we started! 

We've found a way we can be involved in each others lives and maintain the friendship I have so desperately missed. (seriously, he's the only person who's more of a stage geek than me)

So, I've  come back from London with a healed heart, a happy heart. I've reclaimed my city, I've reclaimed my musical, I've reclaimed my heart, and I've regained one of my best friends. 

Well played, London, well played. 

(oh, and I also take solace in the fact that he told me several times how beautiful and or "svelte"--love the Brits--I looked, and he maybe kinda sorta is not as ripped and in shape as he once was. teehee, I win!)

(photos via Les Mis.com)

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me

(please note that when i sing that song, I ONLY sing the Buble version, obviously)

If you've been around these parts, well, ever, you know I suck a big one on keeping resolutions. Like, I just don't care. And, apparently I sound like Cher Horowitz today. Anywhoodle. But, in 2013, I think I've found some that might stick.

1. Become a yogi. Or, as I am calling it, "yogatini" (cause adding "tini" to anything is just fun). I love yoga with every fiber of my being and am starting training to become a yoga instructor on Monday. It means 11 hours in the studio a day, God help me, but can you imagine how hot I will be?! This is my point.

2. Create a signature makeup look. I think I'm going to channel Katharine Hepburn and always wear a red lip so when people talk about me, they'll be all "ohhh, the girl with the red lips? She is fabulous!" rather than "oh, the girl with the nasally voice?" as one cruel man once said to me. So what if I'm nasally--at least I don't have a man voice. (another is when they try to mock my accent, that's annoying) (not makeup related, oops)

Katharine with her red lips. 

3. "Equally important: will find nice sensible boyfriend and stop forming romantic attachments to any of the following: alcoholics, workaholics, sexaholics, commitment-phobics, peeping toms, megalomaniacs, emotional fuckwits, or perverts." Sometimes you just gotta quote Bridget Jones.  It sounds easier than it it, trust me. 

4. Go back to my Italian classes FOR THE LOVE. If Jamie and Aurelia can learn Portuguese/English in like a day, I should be able to get my act together. 

5. Make fetch happen.

6. Stalk Steve Kazee and convince him to marry me and have gloriously talented little singing children together. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten Hugh, my one true love, Steve is just a backup since Hugh hasn't been returning my calls and I am not getting any younger. 

Hugh--my first love. He's so pretty it hurts!

Tony Award winner, Steve Kazee. I have a type. 

Falling Slowly. Swoooooon. I love him in Once, just love!

This one would suffice too--I'm willing to marry a younger man in this case. 

Eddie Redmayne for those who haven't fallen madly in love with him as Marius yet (fact that I love a Marius is huge considering I am obsessed with Enjolras and dated a Brujon/Fueily "sing Johanna to me, mate!"--Moly are you reading?!). He has a Tony too. 

7. Run a marathon. Or two. Christy is a giant enabler--and I love her for it!

8. Create my signature style. Well, I think we already have that. A cross between Jess from New Girl (Zooey Deschanel) and all the Burberry. Seriously, I own basically her entire wardrobe from season one--and I purchased it before it was on the show! And the Burberry? I just can't get enough plaid goodness. So, despite my dreams in life, I'm no Kate Middleton, much more a Jessica Day.

9. Find a signature perfume. I think it is my Trish McEvoy Number 9 but I'm willing to branch out. Maybe something lighter? I love Chanel, but it was my mom's scent and as scent is the strongest sense linked to memory I can't wear it because it makes me sad. As does my favorite Burberry, but, for different reasons. Sigh. I should probably stop wearing perfume whilst getting my heart broken (see #3).

10. Six pack abs. That's all I'm going to say about that. 

What are y'all doing or not doing in 2013??

The Dream

When I was younger, I fancied myself a Carrie (we all know I'm Charlotte, but, hear me out). She's a writer, always in some sort of man mess and loves her some shoes. Hello?!

Point being, I always dreamt I'd grow up, have a closet full of Manolo, Chanel and the like, writing up a storm and rocking the most beautiful hair--blonde or not, do you remember her curls? I DIE.

And right now? Right now at this point in my life, girlfriend is speaking my truth.

I don't know that I'll ever run off to Paris with a Russian artist, I don't know where my happy ending is, I don't know that I'll find my place in this life--I've no idea.

But, I know that I must buckle up and hang on.

Love myself,

And always buy shoes. After all, it's what Carrie would've wanted.

Traditions

As a family, we used to be really big on Christmas traditions, but, as the kids have gotten older and my dad has moved from the Griswold house into a respectable neighborhood, our out of control lights have stopped and the day o' baking is no more.


But, my dad is crazy proud of me because I was out all by my little self putting up lights last week. Like a boss!

I sent this to a friend and was quickly reprimanded for doing it alone. Oops.

THOSE LIGHTS AREN'T TWINKLING, CLARK!

But, one tradition that has remained, is ornaments. My dad and mom were huge on sentimental ornaments and my dad always seems to find an ornament when he's on vacation or something. Somehow, this has worn off onto me. If I find one that reminds me of someone, I will buy it--whether it is Christmas or not and hang onto it until the holidays. 

Last year I bought my dad a donut one because when I was a kid he took me to the local donut shop on my way to school every single day. I also got my friend an Eiffel Tower ornament because she was going to Paris.

This year, I hit the jackpot at Pottery Barn ornament and scored some lovelies for my family.

Double decker bus for my cousin who's moving to England.

Lady Liberty for the stepmom since we went to NYC

(not pictured, an airplane for my dad, the pilot) (don't worry, they don't read my blog) 

And in continuing the holiday spirit, I let Butchie meet his nemesis:

And one of my new favorite traditions, hanging with these gals.

TPG, me and Heidi. Love them!!

What are some of your holiday traditions?

Merry Christmas y'all!

On bravery, and "bringing it home!"

2012 has certainly been a doozy of a year. I am a very social person, and it is very hard for me to be alone and to do things alone. But, this is the year I've done it.

I've opera'ed alone. I've heard the people sing alone. I have even gone to the movies alone--which for me is the scariest. I don't know why.

Last night there was a concert I was dying to see.

FINALLY

I've been trying to see the Ramin Karimloo in his London concerts for a year--once I even HAD tickets but we ended up getting waylaid and I missed the show.  I have seen him on the West End multiple times and even at Royal Albert Hall once--he's my jam. Musical theatre kid turned folk singer. LIKE ME! If you know me at all, you know bluegrass and folk are in my soul--totally attributed to my Irish and Kentucky moonshiner roots. Not to mention that he can rock some showtunes--boy is my JAM.

I debated not going, surely I could see him in London or New York or SOMETHING. But, I mean, what are the odds he'd ever be in Dallas again?! I had no date and really, really wanted to share the night with someone--anyone. (I was actually meant to have a date, but it fell through) But, I strapped on my brave face and headed out for a night of "broadgrass" (Broadway and bluegrass, get it?!). Even the little usher chick was concerned that I was alone.

At least I looked like this.

And I did fight back tears--for multiple reasons--but, once he started? Once I was transported back to Her Majesty's and Royal Albert Hall when he sang Music of The Night? When I was once again fifth row at The Queen's listening to his "Godddd onnnn highhhhhhh"--when that happened, I was at peace. Alone, but happy.

(please excuse the crappy iphone shots, I was too stressed to remember to bring my fancy camera--duh SP, DUH)

"He is young, he's afraid...."

Texting my bestie, Ro during the show and I laughed for a solid ten minutes. She gets me.

Jammin'. 

Having a chat to the audience. 

You know I love me a banjo. 

So, as 2012 comes to an end, I look back on this as the year that I was brave. The year I saw a zillion concerts, plays and movies that I wanted to, because I wanted to and I do not want to live a boring life in front of my TV. I want to experience! Even if I am alone.

Well, until, he comes to my rescue.

I CAN'T STOP WITH LES MIS I JUST CAN'T.

(Jean ValJackman on set pic from here)
(also, I'm pretty proud of my Jean ValJackman term. Copyrighted by SP 2012, yo)

Daniel Day Lewis for the win

So, a really long ass time ago, I saved The Last of The Mohicans into my Netflix instant que because I absolutely adore that movie, but, it's one of those "must be in the mood to watch" types, ya know?

A few days ago, I decided I was strong enough to watch it. Bring on early 90s Daniel Day Lewis! Welp, Netflix took it away and although I wanted my DDL fix something fierce, I absolutely did not want to watch My Left Foot, or The Crucible, so, I just sulked like an angry child. Eventually deciding that I would just go buy the DVD.

I had a pretty craptastic weekend, lots of tears, lots of heartache, lots of pain, and on Sunday, all I wanted was a fire, some cider and freaking Mohicans. After hunting all of God's green earth, I finally found it on BluRay but the DVD refused to work. I cried.

Deciding to be a technie genius I sought out to download Amazing Instant Video onto my TV. And that didn't work.

So I cried some more.

Then, eventually, whilst watching my husband Hugh on 60 Minutes (LES MIS OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I CANNOT EVEN OMG) Amazon suddenly decided to work! Huzzah!

After more tears, remote control throwing and Diet Coke drinking, I finally had fancy pants Amazon Instant Video on my TV and got to watch The Last of The Mohicans and cry even more with his "I will find you. No matter how long or how far away, I will find you." oh DDL, you slay me every single time!!

So, that, my friends, is how Daniel Day Lewis made me insane, but resulted in my TV being the coolest ever.

Now, I have a huge TV with endless movie and TV episode watching abilities, where are the damn men? (well, men who aren't mute half donkeys or dirty peasant wankers....sigh...)

Helllllllooooo....?!

Love actually is, all around

Tonight TPG and I are going to see Love Actually. Never you mind that it was in the theaters 9 years ago--one of our local indie places is showing it so naturally I am all over it.

It's one of my all time favorite movies--I think it's everyone's all time favorite movie.

This weekend is the Dallas Marathon, which, I will always refer to as White Rock, so, let's just make peace with that now--and two years ago, at the White Rock expo, I met my bloggy friend TPG for the first time. And I am grateful for that every single day. I've had some of the best times with her over the last few years and I am 100% certain that we were put in each others lives for a reason. (mostly cheese, crazy cat pictures and Home Depot runs at 8:30PM)

So, it's fitting that tonight, while we're both battling our Scrooge McGrinch (I know, my Griswold side had y'all fooled!) we're going to get the shit kicked out of us by love. And Colin Firth, obviously.

Source: movieoftheday.tumblr.com via Shabby on Pinterest

And, this:



My wee little broken heart could use some love, so, I am very much looking forward to a night with my best girl and my favorite Brits!

What's your favorite part of Love Actually?

"Those lights aren't twinkling, Clark"

I'm not a competitive person--never have been. Don't really care about board games, I'm not the person you want for a trivia night, or a three legged race. I just don't really care. Sure, I give my all to my running, dancing, marathoning nonsense, but, that is individual--see, I'm a loner--sad face.


Not the point.

Point is, my neighborhood has started a Christmas lights decorating contest. And suddenly, I am the most competitive person you will ever meet. I HAVE GOT TO WIN. My 'hood is fairly Grinch-tastic, so, I don't think I have too much competition, but I plan on skulking around and eyeing the rest of the houses tonight. Because that's not creepy at all.


Bestie That Pink Girl took me to Home Depot last night and that's pretty much where I went over to the bad place in terms of buying ALL THE LIGHTS.

So, here's what we currently have:

Here's the goal:

And this, my friends, THIS, is how I'm going to win:

Yes, yes that is a light up boxer. Y'ALL!!! I am soooooo going to win.

(I also plan on white TWINKLE icicle lights, white netting in the bushes and maybe some snowflakes?) (it's all about a consistent theme here, kids)

Oh, and here's my wee pretty little Charlie Brown tree, just cause I like my wee little tree.

Anyone have any tips for my crazy Griswold goal? Any of y'all ever gone over to the bad place too?

(Griswold house pic from here)