Day 39/365 (August 25, 2014)

work, training trader joe's, putting away laundry, i also made a yummy dinner... but oh so sore! here is Fred and Charlie being cute.

Day 38/365 (August 24, 2014)

I was woken up on Sunday by a phone call from my mom,. Normally this would upset me greatly, but it was to tell me that my cousin Samantha had gone into labor! Quite a bit early, but not dangerously early... so I spent a good part of the next few hours on baby watch!

I also ended up watching Lola for a few hours. We did some coloring and crafting and she helped me make snickerdoodles which I ate far too many of! Lola set Fred up with the "Santa mouse" so he could have something to cuddle with while napping. I tried moving Fred off the table so she could have more room but he just hopped right back up, and Lola didn't mind at al since she loves him so much. I also did three loads of laundry during the day and made my bed... it is so nice to get into a freshly made bed!

My newest cousin Xavier Michael was born and he is adorable, so I am now figuring out how I will get to MA this weekend to meet him. I learned with the last coupe of babies how it breaks my heart to not see them as soon as they are born, so I am not going to make that mistake this time.

Then i met up for drink with so friends at Bourbon. It was nice chatting in a low key environment and I drank way too much water! After I got home I watched the Veronica Mars movie on HBO Go before going to sleep. It was a really good movie, glad I finally watched it!

Day 35/365 (August 21, 2014)

The day started out really terrible. I didn't get that much sleep because there were two hungry kitties wanting food but since Charlie couldn't eat because of his dental surgery poor Fred had to suffer too. (they ended up extracting 12 teeth!) Then on my way to the office, even though I was far from the curb, a cab shot up yucky sidewalk water and hit me, then I stumbled across a poor dead bird underside up with his feet sticking out that sickened me terribly. All of this is making my tolerance for things extremely small and I keep trying to turn things around but its difficult.

I headed home after work a took a little me time to get into a better mood which worked thankfully, then I got ready for Shoshana and Michael's birthday part with the help of Sasha who did my hair and makeup. I borrowed one of her dresses and actually wore my silver wedges. I always think I look so funny with makeup on. When I was walking there a police officer on a horse saw me and shouted "hey princess" which of course made my night!

The party was lovely as expected and I had a great time. They had a photo booth set up which is always fun and besides seeing some of my friends I also made some new friends that night which is always nice.I will say one of my favorite moments was quite late into the evening when I ran into Natalie Weiss. I am always surprised when she remembers me (which is silly because she always does) but it has been such a long time but when she saw me she told me how great I looked and noticed my significant weight loss from the last time we saw each other. Its little things like that when people notice that really help me feel so much better and gives me the push I need when I start to have a few bad days, especially coming from her. The day started terrible but I am so happy it ended on such a great note. It wasn't even bad walking home in the rain!

Day 37/365 (August 23, 2014)

It was an early morning for me since I had not gone to bed until 4:30 am, but I woke up to have breakfast and tend to some things before Karen and I tried the Matilda lottery. We actually both won, but I was called first. Christopher Sieber is really just outstanding with everything he does. He is a major favorite. Our little Matilda was so adorable and I thought edgier than the other two I gad seen. When she came out for curtain call she jumped and had such a triumphant look on her face it made my heart melt. The one who played Nigel was also so stinking adorable and the Bruce was my favorite. He had so much spunk and pizzazz!

Once Matilda was over I rushed to meet with Ellyn to get her keys and a bus pass then headed out to NJ to watch Lola for the evening. That kid just makes me so happy. She turned herself into "Silverella" by wearing only silver from head to toe and then she sung about all the colors. She was very excitedly showing me her place (even though I had been there before) and eventually she got ready for bed and we read from a pop up The Wizard of Oz book that had the most wonderful pop ups... it was really cool! Then she laid down for bed. I headed home when her dad got back an stopped and finally tried frozen yogurt from Off the Wall... it was enjoyable but Pinkberry is still my favorite. Then I met up with Ellyn to give her back her keys and finally went home. I then crashed faster than I have in a wicked long time!

Day 36/365 (August 22, 2014)

I got up surprisingly early considering how late I came in last night! Then it was off to work, then home to watch Lola... Only it turned out I wasn't watching Lola so it just ended up being some down time before heading to the gym before meeting Travis for my training session. I also got to open up my favorite toothpaste... it is Crest and full of cinnamon wonderfulness! I have looked high and low for it and thought they stopped making it until I found it in Maine! I also went to Grand Central because they were doing a "picnic in Vanderbilt hall" They had fake grass and picnic tables set up, then had the casts of Pippin, Motown, Cinderella, and Chicago come perform. I found out about it last minute because Ari tweeted she was doing it. It was enjoyable and this cut dad/little girl were right by me and their conversation was melting my heart. I really do need to see Cinderella though because I love the music so much!

Training was rough as always, but I always push through. Travis tells me that I am tough which always makes me chuckle because aside from this I am so not... I can't handle pain so I end up a whiny baby when sick or hurt, but I don't let that affect me during training and do whatever he tells me to do. I then hobbled home and thought I was in for the night until I saw that Mom Salem was in NYC. She is someone truly special to me. She had a major impact on my life and I haven't seen her in like 9 years or so. She was only in town for a few more hours so at 10 pm I hopped in the shower, then headed down to her hotel to meet her. We went to a rooftop bar and chatted and caught up on each other's lives before heading down to Mostly Sondheim. We ended up staying there until 3 am! It was Colleen and Eric Krop and Brian J. Nash and she had a blast! As we were leaving Eric shouted "I love you" haha. Then I dropped her off at her hotel and headed home. On the way I ran into Imani, so we chatted for quite a bit before finally both heading home... by the time I got home it was 4 am, and I still had to get ready for bed!

Day 34/365 (August 20, 2014)

I ended up being at work way later than I was planning on and that totally messed up my plan for the day but it ended up being a good thing. I went to Trader Joe's and when I came home I found Marty there! I tried out a new Zucchini pesto recipe (I made pesto for the first time ever) and gave Penski my leftover cupcakes... then when Sasha came home we all went out for a bit with Karen too. It is always fun when Marty is around and then we spent more time at home before he left... Fred loves to sniff things and this wine really made his nose go crazy.

I also tried my new princess goldfish and Lola was over for about half an hour.

Day 33/365 (August 19, 2014)

The morning started with a wake up call by Lola. We did some arts and crafts, then she helped me make pink pancakes, and she got to decorate her special cupcake. She then went in my room and started singing Bring It On so I turned the song on and she was dancing to it with pom-poms. Sadly I had to leave for work and she said she would miss me, but thankfully I am watching her on Saturday!

Work was usual, except one of our people is leaving us after several years, so Ted wanted us to all go out for a goodbye dinner, which is why I made that chocolate and peanut butter cake, with the Reese's!

Dinner was lovely except the stupid waiter who brought out the cake i made cut for us. before he set down the first slice he said "you know what the problem with homemade cakes is right? they dont look as pretty as our when cut" then he plopped down and unidentifiable piece of cake. They had trouble cutting it he says... dude it was a super soft chocolate and peanut butter cake i have made and cut before... fail!

I went home after dinner for like 2 minutes and went back out. it was a night of running into people (or creeping from afar). I saw two different people pass by me that resulted in my sending a text that said "I see you" and then i ended up at Pippin because there were a bunch of understudies on. Ari was on as Leading Player and I wish she could just take over the role full time, then Erik was on as Pippin, Colin as Lewis, and a bunch of ensemble people. I really just like Colin in every role I have seen him in, and Erik did a decent job. I thought his best moment was the final a cappella song he sings and then extraordinary even though he didn't do the back flip. I was glad to see John Rubenstein one last time before he leaves since this is his last week. The wonderful thing was I ran into Zach while getting a standing room ticket so we stood next to each other during the show and he kept me company while I actually stage doored the show. Then i also ran into Shoshana and Ben... after Zach and I left Pippin he walked me home and we stayed outside my apartment until like 12:30 chatting and had no idea how late it had gotten, and even ran into Shoshana and Ben again as they passed by my apartment. It was nice chatting it has been a while, though i was holding my playbill and one of the signatures transferred to my palm... it is going to be there for a while, ink just doesn't wash off.

The other fun thing about the show tonight was the fact that John had an issue when he was throwing his knife and it fell into the audience after making a loud noise. He went over and was like hand me back my dagger, and the person did and the whole audience was laughing, then he looks out into the audience with al serious and says SILENCE! i mean every one kept laughing but it was one of those moments that were just funny and I was glad to be there. (like when Annie Potts bounced too high before her song and missed her song entrance and was like "Charlie let's do that again i was bouncing too high."  Then when it was Erik's turn to throw the knives he also missed and he picked up the dropped one and then stabbed John's face with it, and the others as he was delivering his lines. it was a great way to recover from a flub and almost made the moment a touch more intense.

Day 31/365 (August 17, 2014)

had some breakfast with the cousins, then headed back into the city. I had a bunch of things to do before the weekend ended!

I was able to complete all the items on my to do list (including a massive amount of laundry), and go to a reading. There was this play called Sister Husbands and I went to it because Christopher Hanke and Corey Mach were in it. No idea what to expect but it had some humorous moments in it and it was wonderful to see them in that type of setting. The room however was extremely hot! It was funny because there was a moment in the play where the characters are talking about it being hot and asking if the AC was on. One of them like it is on, and Hanke's character's response was something like no it is not on it is really hot in here, but while he was saying that he was saying it very loudly and gesturing wildly as he fanned himself and everyone in the room was basically dying because it was hilarious and we were all feeling it. Had a nice quick chat with Corey after. I hadn't seen him in age since he was away on tour but it was nice to see him, i forgot how blue his eyes were though... so so blue like Matt Bomer blue.

Then it was back home to work on more to do list stuff. I made a cake in preparation for a coworkers goodbye party but it did not turn out well, and did some coconut toasting for cupcakes I am making for someone Monday night. Made some birthday cards and put away the laundry that was dry. Charlie likes to try making the laundry i don't like putting in the dryer his personal toys/bed... always a challenge! Fred also kept trying to tip-toe on the cards i had made which all had glitter trying to dry, thankfully none of them smudged

Day 30/365 (August 16, 2014)

Woke up in New Rochelle. Took Winnie to her friends' house and went to Trader Joe's, then came back to the house and spent time with Clare and Dennis. It is always nice spending time with them and their dog Penny. Clare has her permit so when it was time to pick Winnie up she drove.

Let me tell you I have never driven with someone who has their permit as the responsible driver before. It was a new experience. She hasn't had her permit for very long and was doing a good job. She was asking questions and did not have a problem taking direction from me the one or two times I had to say something. We even took Penny to the dog park and met a lovely woman and her cute dog Buffy.

Then we went back out and she drove us to the library.Clare was off babysitting for the night so it was just Winnie, Dennis, and I. We tried watching The Mighty Ducks but Netflix kept pausing so in the time it would take to watch the whole movie we only saw about half of it.

Day 29/365 (August 15, 2014)

The day started way early as I made my way to rush Rocky at 6:15 am. I am taking Clare to see it... i slept for a while on the sidewalk so all was well! I am sad it is closing Sunday but glad i will get to see it one last time!

Then it was off to work for a bit and I went to the gym for an hour.... self imposed workouts can be done!

I then went home and freshened up before heading out to meet Clare who was taking the train into the city by herself for the first time. We walked back to my apartment through times square and then headed out again.  She wanted to try Burrito Box so we ordered food there then headed to the courtyard where we ate and chatted until we made a mad dash to Bouchon bakery because she wanted macarons (pina colada and pistachio flavored). Then we headed off to see Rocky.

I realized as I was watching Rocky that seeing it 5 times was not enough, I am sad I didn't see it a few more times before it closed. The show was of course wonderful (even though there was a technical difficulty and the show stopped for like ten minutes during the "i'm digging it" song as i call it. I give those people major credit. They kept going with the song even though the set wasn't working and the curtain was slowly coming down. They didn't stop until the voice of god made the announcement even though the curtain was only open like a foot at that point... then after about 10 minutes it resumed without the office set but they picked up right where they left off like nothing had even happened. The pause was great though because it gave me a chance to check in with Clare and see if she was loving it and understanding it. I am so pleased she loved the show! During curtain call I had a personal great moment, because we were sitting front row side orchestra so super close to the ring and Kevin Del Aguila saw me and pointed and smiled/waved because he remembered me from the night before. That made my Altarholic heart happy!

Then Clare and I headed back home since her dad was picking us up because I was watching them for the weekend.

Day 28/365 (August 14, 2014)

Met up with Jo Ann for our monthly dinner date. We went to a vegetarian restaurant called en Palate... supper yummy! It is always nice catching up with her... then I went home to watch Big Brother with the Roomies, and finally since I have seen Rocky 4 times and it is about to close I went to the stage door to get my playbill signed... i got 4/5 of the people I cared most about and some others so I would call it a win!

Andy Karl really is one of the most genuine and sincere people in existence.... he is such a pleasure. I also got to tell Kevin Del Aguila thanks for his hand in Altar Boyz :)

Day 32/365 (August 18, 2014)

After work it was off to the gym/training with Travis. I scheduled training for earlier in the day because we have Lola for a sleepover... though she got to the apartment around 11/noonish... so I had to wait before the fun could begin.

When I got home home Lola yelled how happy she was to see me because it had been so long and that she had a surprise for me. She took me to my room and she sowed me these paper flowers she made... she really knows the way to my heart!

We made samoa cupcakes an I decorated the cake for my coworker, as well as made yummy zuchinni to eat. I make it so spicy though my nose always starts to run!

I had showed Lola my lamp from Turkey earlier in the night and forgot I had left it on until i went to bed and saw it... I really do love it and should turn it on more! Please note one of her outfits for the evening complete with tiara and headband, she has so much personality!

Day 27/365 (August 13, 2014)

I rushed Pippin this morning in the light rain. Luckily i didn't have an issue because of where i was. I feel bad for the people in front of me who didn't realize that it was 1 ticket/person and they couldn't get tickets for their friends.

Then i went off to work, and had training before coming home to shower before Pippin. Tonight at 7:45 they dimmed the marquees of all theatres to honor Robin Williams life/career. Normally i dislike the LED marquees but in this case they served a higher purpose. It was touching to be on W45th. So many people were standing outside to wait and when they dimmed people began clapping. I thought it was sweet but I myself couldn't clap because it seemed awkward but he was remarkable and will be missed.

Pippin itself was wonderful. One of the best performances I have seen so far and there were some familiar faces back which meant so tricks I missed so that was nice!

Day 26/365 (August 12, 2014)

I had so much to do at work today because I was gone the last 3 business days... playing watch up! I also popped out for a bit to run a fun photography errand and heard some fun songs.

After work it was off to Trader Joe's for some much needed grocery shopping so I don't starve! I've been trying really hard today to get back on track health wise. It has been a really bad slippery slope/downward spiral the last month or two. I haven't been using my fitness pal or weighing myself. I just feel blah. If it weren't for all the time i spend at the gym I am sure I would not fit into my new clothes. I don't care about weight as a number as much as how I feel. I don't feel good about myself anymore and that needs to change, I need to take control back so I can feel better. That is my promise to myself!

CHarlie has been extra clingy since we got back... and both he and Fred have a way of trying to make us feel like we are starving them... this is them holding vigil by their food dish for a bedtime snack. Please note there is actually still food on the dish... just not enough for them to be happy!

Day 25/365 (August 11, 2014)

Such an early morning! The three of us got up early and packed the car, then headed back out on the road to come home. We made a little stop at my mom's to pick something up from her and had a visit with my nana, grandpa, mom, my cousin pammy, and the cute kitty Sophie.

Then it was back on the road... we made great time until NYC when we hot some bad traffic. It was so nice to finally get back home and see the boys! I have been doing all the laundry from the trip and some arts and crafts.

The first thing we did when we got home was watch last night's Big Brother since we missed it!

Day 24/365 (August 10, 2014)

Sasha, Karen, and I spent the morning shopping in Kittery, ME/Portsmouth, NH. We went to the outlets in pursuit of finding me a new purse to replace my poor dead Mickey one. We finally found one in Kohl's no less! There was also a Trader Joe's there so we stocked up on fruit and stuff for our road trip home the next day.

Then we did some more shopping before heading back to the hotel to pack/get ready for the show. We met up with Marty and his parents for Dinner at a place called Sebago's brewery. They are delightful people and it is no wonder why Marty is as fabulous as he is! Then we went back to Kennebunkport where I got more speculoos and pretzel ice cream from Rocco's before heading to Arundel Barn Playhouse to see Marty as Warner in Legally Blonde.

They have been doing shows there for 17 years and have pictures from all of their past productions hanging up. It was fun to look around and I saw some familiar faces that made me smile. Marty and his friend Nick did a really great job, and the Elle was very good as well. It was worth the trip out here to see it... after the show we said goodbye to Marty and went back to the hotel for a little TLC before calling it quits for the night.

Day 23/365 (August 9, 2014)

Today was such a fun and wonderful day! The beach is NOT my friend! I hate sun, sand, and sea water but what Sasha and Marty wanted to do was go to the beach so that is how we spent the morning. I had water shoes and they said there were no fishies in sight so I gave in to peer pressure and actually went in the water, then Sasha, Marty, and I made a sand castle while Karen watched on from afar.

Then we popped into Marty's to change into non-each clothes and made our way back out to Old Orchard Beach to go play mini golf at Pirate's cove. Sadly I lost to Marty but i did get a hole in one on the first hole!

Then we went a chocolate shop to see the world's largest moose made out of chocolate. Lenny weighs in at 1,700 pounds! He also has some bear cub friends, and one of those weighs 300 pounds! This store also had some lovely salt water taffy that I stuffed my face with!

Then we sadly had to drop Marty back off and we made our way out doing some more shopping. On our way home we called the hotel and asked for a restaurant recommendation and we were told a bout this place called Bufflehead. It was absolutely adorable, had a view of the water, and some really lovely food. Then we went back to the hotel and watched TLC of course!