I saw Dirty Dancing at the Pantages a couple of weekends ago. I had a really fun time, but would be the first to admit that it's not for everyone.
If you remember "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!" and the opening credits sequence, and "I carried a watermelon!" go see this show. You will have a fantastic time re-living the memories, and you can scream and carry on like you were a school girl again and no one will look at you funny.
It's high energy, great dancing (the choreography is nearly identical to what was in the film), and doesn't leave out any of your favorite parts from the movie.
The first act follows the original screenplay almost word for word. In the second act, however, they added about 20 minutes of mostly superfluous dialogue, and a 16-measure duet between Baby's mother and father that just didn't belong. The additions that were useful all involved the character of Baby's mother, who is more fleshed out and gets a back story! But for the most part, the additional scenes are the lowest points of the show.
It all comes back to high energy when they go back to the screenplay, and the talent show at Kellerman's. By the end, you're ready to find the nearest dance club playing your favorite '80s songs!
The dancing is superb. The actor I saw playing Johnny was totally hot, and had the Swayze physique (and, thankfully, had plenty of stage time without a shirt). The unfortunate part is that he's from Australia, and while a well-trained dancer, he's not so superb with the American accent. I never got used to the lilts that came in and out throughout the show.
The only other singing (apart from the strange duet) is done by two singers, one male and one female, and the male was mind-blowing phenomenal. I mean, this guy has a voice that sends chills up your spine! The female singer was completely capable, but overshadowed by his brilliance.
I went with a couple of female friends from work, and there were tons of females there in our oh-so-vague age group. There were also plenty of couples (guys, you will almost definitely get la1d if you take your woman to see this). We all went nuts at the end, and had a great, great time!
It is not musical theatre. The music is all solely from the film soundtrack (except, again, for that odd duet). It's not a Broadway musical by any means. But it is a really fun night out.
Dirty Dancing will be playing at the Pantages through June 28.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Kitchen bonding
I'm no Martha Stewart. In fact, I'm sort of the opposite. A confession: I probably stayed with my X longer than I should have because he cooked for me. I'm not necessarily a foodie, but I certainly prefer to have my food served to me than do the serving.
When I did leave my X and was left to fend for myself (and the girls - unfortunately both on solid foods), I tried many different cookbooks and online menus, but I still hated the whole process. We survive now mainly because of DreamDinners.
Sylvia couldn't wait to start her cooking class this semester. I wasn't excited; I was too fearful that it would result in even more time in the kitchen for me watching over her...not to mention, that she would finally see what a loser I am in the cooking department (just what I need: another reason for my tween to disrespect me).
I'm pleased to report that the experience thus far has not only been a success, but a wonderful source of bonding for us. Now Sylvia cooks for us every Sunday night.
In Sylvia's homework projects, I've mainly been able to step back and observe and she's impressed me with how well she can handle it. She has a great attitude about it, and has learned safe cooking procedures thanks to her teacher.
It's a source of pride for her to cook a meal, and how could that not be a source of pride for me?
Dinnertime used to be a time of battles for us. Because Sylvia remembered her dad cooking, she used dinnertime as a means of expressing her frustration at the lack of control she had over the situation. Never the best of eaters, she became even pickier, and would refuse to eat things she had enjoyed in the past. While I understood this, it didn't necessarily make it easier - especially since cooking was never my favorite thing, and now I had to be concerned if she was actually getting the food she needed.
It's gotten easier over the years, but by doing the actual cooking, she's far more willing to experiment. On Sunday nights, she beams, and the mood is infectious.
I have a lot of fears for Sylvia's future: what kind of man she'll love, how independent she'll be, how she'll weather the many obstacles she'll meet along the way that I won't be able to shield from her. There's comfort in knowing that she'll not only be able to nourish herself, but take pride in doing so.
This post is inspired by SV Moms Book Club pick for May, Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs.
When I did leave my X and was left to fend for myself (and the girls - unfortunately both on solid foods), I tried many different cookbooks and online menus, but I still hated the whole process. We survive now mainly because of DreamDinners.
Sylvia couldn't wait to start her cooking class this semester. I wasn't excited; I was too fearful that it would result in even more time in the kitchen for me watching over her...not to mention, that she would finally see what a loser I am in the cooking department (just what I need: another reason for my tween to disrespect me).
I'm pleased to report that the experience thus far has not only been a success, but a wonderful source of bonding for us. Now Sylvia cooks for us every Sunday night.
In Sylvia's homework projects, I've mainly been able to step back and observe and she's impressed me with how well she can handle it. She has a great attitude about it, and has learned safe cooking procedures thanks to her teacher.
It's a source of pride for her to cook a meal, and how could that not be a source of pride for me?
Dinnertime used to be a time of battles for us. Because Sylvia remembered her dad cooking, she used dinnertime as a means of expressing her frustration at the lack of control she had over the situation. Never the best of eaters, she became even pickier, and would refuse to eat things she had enjoyed in the past. While I understood this, it didn't necessarily make it easier - especially since cooking was never my favorite thing, and now I had to be concerned if she was actually getting the food she needed.
It's gotten easier over the years, but by doing the actual cooking, she's far more willing to experiment. On Sunday nights, she beams, and the mood is infectious.
I have a lot of fears for Sylvia's future: what kind of man she'll love, how independent she'll be, how she'll weather the many obstacles she'll meet along the way that I won't be able to shield from her. There's comfort in knowing that she'll not only be able to nourish herself, but take pride in doing so.
This post is inspired by SV Moms Book Club pick for May, Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs.
A Setback, but not the End
Join the 1 Million for Marriage Equality
I can't rant today. If I think about this too much, I'll become a bawling mess, and I can't be a bawling mess today.
Friday, May 22, 2009
My Cause for the Next School Year: Homework
Here in California, it's easy to just focus on the budget problem of our public education system, but there are many more obstacles inhibiting our children from getting the best education possible. For most of the school year, I've been floundering around, trying to pinpoint where I can actually make a positive difference for my daughters.
Of course there's the usual parental involvement. I've become an active member of the PTA and will be serving as the Secretary next year. I've written to my politicians, voted in all of the elections, and even contacted my local school Board members. At home, I ask my daughters about school and make sure they get their homework done. I go to the parent-teacher conferences, and participate in most of the fundraisers. It still doesn't feel like enough.
A couple of weeks ago, Riley (my third-grader) started with the homework battles again. At first, I thought it was due to the break in routine. They'd recently completed their standardized test weeks, when the homework load lightens considerably. Still, the more she resisted, the more I began to see her point.
She was supposed to be doing three pages in her workbook of cursive letter writing. She was supposed to a page of l, a page of m, and then one of n. Talk about boring!
Nevertheless, I tried to reason with her - the more practice she got, the easier it would be. "Just do it for 5 minutes, and see how much you get done," I offered. She was having none of it.
Riley blurted out, "We shouldn't have to do homework!" And with that, my thoughts started racing.
I remembered reading articles about The Homework Myth
and The Case Against Homework
. I remembered talking to a Principal about them, and how even he didn't agree with giving homework, but left the decision up to his teachers.
I decided to do things a little bit differently. I told Riley to write a convincing paper to her teacher, in cursive, about why she shouldn't have to do homework. She went right to work. She would read me a sentence, and I'd probe her for more information, and bring up arguments to her point. She would write some more. (She did her draft in print.)
Once we were satisfied with it, she went to work on copying it in cursive. She would get frustrated as she realized she didn't know how to connect letters since all they'd done so far was write the same letters. However, she was determined to finish the task, and completed her paper in cursive with pride. I wrote an accompanying note to explain to the teacher why we did it this way instead.
When the teacher and I spoke about it later, even she agreed that Riley probably got more out of writing the paper than she would have doing the l, m, and n drills. I'm pretty sure it took longer than the drills would have, either, but at least we weren't fighting about homework anymore.
This is not to say that all homework is irrelevant. Not even practicing cursive is irrelevant. I just think there are more ways to accomplish the goals of homework than I sometimes see in what is given.
I'm making it my own homework assignment to read more about homework and its value over the summer, and to find out more about what actually reinforces learning in the classroom that we can do at home. I intend to look at their homework carefully, and even change it if I feel it's in my daughter's best interest to do so. My goal is to put an end to the homework battles while still encouraging their love of learning.
So I may not be able to get more money into my district's budget. I still intend to do all that I can to ensure that my children get the most out of their education.
Originally posted on LA Moms, May 22, 2009.
Of course there's the usual parental involvement. I've become an active member of the PTA and will be serving as the Secretary next year. I've written to my politicians, voted in all of the elections, and even contacted my local school Board members. At home, I ask my daughters about school and make sure they get their homework done. I go to the parent-teacher conferences, and participate in most of the fundraisers. It still doesn't feel like enough.
A couple of weeks ago, Riley (my third-grader) started with the homework battles again. At first, I thought it was due to the break in routine. They'd recently completed their standardized test weeks, when the homework load lightens considerably. Still, the more she resisted, the more I began to see her point.
She was supposed to be doing three pages in her workbook of cursive letter writing. She was supposed to a page of l, a page of m, and then one of n. Talk about boring!
Nevertheless, I tried to reason with her - the more practice she got, the easier it would be. "Just do it for 5 minutes, and see how much you get done," I offered. She was having none of it.
Riley blurted out, "We shouldn't have to do homework!" And with that, my thoughts started racing.
I remembered reading articles about The Homework Myth
and The Case Against Homework. I remembered talking to a Principal about them, and how even he didn't agree with giving homework, but left the decision up to his teachers.I decided to do things a little bit differently. I told Riley to write a convincing paper to her teacher, in cursive, about why she shouldn't have to do homework. She went right to work. She would read me a sentence, and I'd probe her for more information, and bring up arguments to her point. She would write some more. (She did her draft in print.)
Once we were satisfied with it, she went to work on copying it in cursive. She would get frustrated as she realized she didn't know how to connect letters since all they'd done so far was write the same letters. However, she was determined to finish the task, and completed her paper in cursive with pride. I wrote an accompanying note to explain to the teacher why we did it this way instead.
When the teacher and I spoke about it later, even she agreed that Riley probably got more out of writing the paper than she would have doing the l, m, and n drills. I'm pretty sure it took longer than the drills would have, either, but at least we weren't fighting about homework anymore.
This is not to say that all homework is irrelevant. Not even practicing cursive is irrelevant. I just think there are more ways to accomplish the goals of homework than I sometimes see in what is given.
I'm making it my own homework assignment to read more about homework and its value over the summer, and to find out more about what actually reinforces learning in the classroom that we can do at home. I intend to look at their homework carefully, and even change it if I feel it's in my daughter's best interest to do so. My goal is to put an end to the homework battles while still encouraging their love of learning.
So I may not be able to get more money into my district's budget. I still intend to do all that I can to ensure that my children get the most out of their education.
Originally posted on LA Moms, May 22, 2009.
Oh, you fabulous Friday, you!
Phew! I'm still not done with this week yet, but the end is near!
I'm so looking forward to doing as little as possible this weekend. We have nothing on the schedule except for the girls going to the Christmas Carol Train Day with my parents.
I don't really have the brainpower for anything too heady so consider this an early weekend wrap-up. Which, sadly, is the only thing I'm writing consistently these days!
Work has been very busy, but it's all good. I really enjoy my work, and those I work with, so I like it when there's a lot to do.
Yes, I'm still having DSL problems at home (grrr) so between work being busy, and no internet at home, I think at last check I had over 800 unread posts in my Reader. Amazing how fast that happens! It just might be worth it to spend another 2 hours on the phone with ATT this weekend to get the DSL back at home.
I'm incredibly nervous about the CA Supreme Court decision coming out on Tues. Heads up, I will most likely be writing about it either way.
I was asked today if I'm ready for it if we lose. My response: "as ready as I can be for total injustice!"
Ugh, and Coolio is driving me insane! I'm thankful that we're no longer cube-neighbors, but even walking by him to and from the kitchen, I manage to hear more idiotic stuff come out of his mouth than one person should be allowed to utter and still live.
Yesterday's gem: After someone else was mentioning how people cared more about voting for American Idol than in the CA election on Tuesday, he tells them, "no offense, but their vote counts more on American Idol than it does in an election."
Sylvia learned 3 years ago that just putting "no offense" in front of something doesn't mean that it's not offensive. More than the rest of what she said, that's what bothered me about Miss California's remarks. When you feel the need to say "no offense" before you say something, you're admitting that what you're saying WILL be offensive.
And just because you can vote a gazillion times on American Idol does NOT mean that it counts more. For one thing, who wins American Idol does not affect my daughters' education! And it was also idiotic because his fiance is a teacher!
Speaking of education, I wrote more about homework on LA Moms today.
Riley slept funny the other day and walked around the entire following day looking like the Hunchback! She still favors one side, but she's doing better. I picked her up early and she came to my work and fell asleep. I joked about my work being boring, and she almost looked offended: "no, it's not! Your work is awesome!"
Next Friday night, they'll both be performing at the Boys & Girls Club end of year showcase. Sylvia's doing 2 dances, a scene and opening the show with her singing solo. Riley will be doing an acting scene. I think this show will be much, much better than the PITS show at Sylvia's junior high a couple of weeks ago!
Riley's team won a soccer game! By forfeit, but still...She doesn't seem to mind as much anymore, and is playing hard and having fun.
And I know there were other little odds and ends, but I need to save my remaining brainpower to wrap up my work-week.
Hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day weekend!
I'm so looking forward to doing as little as possible this weekend. We have nothing on the schedule except for the girls going to the Christmas Carol Train Day with my parents.
I don't really have the brainpower for anything too heady so consider this an early weekend wrap-up. Which, sadly, is the only thing I'm writing consistently these days!
Work has been very busy, but it's all good. I really enjoy my work, and those I work with, so I like it when there's a lot to do.
Yes, I'm still having DSL problems at home (grrr) so between work being busy, and no internet at home, I think at last check I had over 800 unread posts in my Reader. Amazing how fast that happens! It just might be worth it to spend another 2 hours on the phone with ATT this weekend to get the DSL back at home.
I'm incredibly nervous about the CA Supreme Court decision coming out on Tues. Heads up, I will most likely be writing about it either way.
I was asked today if I'm ready for it if we lose. My response: "as ready as I can be for total injustice!"
Ugh, and Coolio is driving me insane! I'm thankful that we're no longer cube-neighbors, but even walking by him to and from the kitchen, I manage to hear more idiotic stuff come out of his mouth than one person should be allowed to utter and still live.
Yesterday's gem: After someone else was mentioning how people cared more about voting for American Idol than in the CA election on Tuesday, he tells them, "no offense, but their vote counts more on American Idol than it does in an election."
Sylvia learned 3 years ago that just putting "no offense" in front of something doesn't mean that it's not offensive. More than the rest of what she said, that's what bothered me about Miss California's remarks. When you feel the need to say "no offense" before you say something, you're admitting that what you're saying WILL be offensive.
And just because you can vote a gazillion times on American Idol does NOT mean that it counts more. For one thing, who wins American Idol does not affect my daughters' education! And it was also idiotic because his fiance is a teacher!
Speaking of education, I wrote more about homework on LA Moms today.
Riley slept funny the other day and walked around the entire following day looking like the Hunchback! She still favors one side, but she's doing better. I picked her up early and she came to my work and fell asleep. I joked about my work being boring, and she almost looked offended: "no, it's not! Your work is awesome!"
Next Friday night, they'll both be performing at the Boys & Girls Club end of year showcase. Sylvia's doing 2 dances, a scene and opening the show with her singing solo. Riley will be doing an acting scene. I think this show will be much, much better than the PITS show at Sylvia's junior high a couple of weeks ago!
Riley's team won a soccer game! By forfeit, but still...She doesn't seem to mind as much anymore, and is playing hard and having fun.
And I know there were other little odds and ends, but I need to save my remaining brainpower to wrap up my work-week.
Hope everyone has a nice Memorial Day weekend!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Everything Changes
Sylvia hates talking about anything related to puberty. It took me about a year to have the first talk with her about her period. She would literally run screaming from the room whenever I tried to bring it up!
Her Changes is a product designed to help her understand what is happening with her body. The kit includes a booklet explaining the facts, a journal, a calendar (yes, like the ones you see at the OB's office), stationery and 3 kinds of perfume.
Even after getting through "the talk," even with her level of acceptance that she will indeed progress into adolescence, Sylvia still doesn't want to talk about it. We turn into the classic clashing mother/daughter. Frankly, she's sick of hearing me say that she can always come to me.
With that, I feel better about knowing that she has this kit where she can access the information privately, and I'm confident that the information is accurate (unlike what she might hear from her friends at school). And she knows (and would tell you she knows while rolling her eyes, exasperated) that she can come to me with any additional questions she might have.
I was disappointed that the booklet didn't discuss alternatives to tampons or pads, like the DivaCup or Instead, but at least their website includes a message board for additional questions.
I like the fact that the kit comes in both a "Young Miss" and "Tomboy" version. I have a feeling I'll be buying the Tomboy kit for Riley, when the time comes. And Sylvia loves the perfumes that come in the kit.
Either as an introductory tool or a bit later in the process, I think most parents and daughters would appreciate this kit as a great resource for getting through this inevitable time!
Her Changes is a product designed to help her understand what is happening with her body. The kit includes a booklet explaining the facts, a journal, a calendar (yes, like the ones you see at the OB's office), stationery and 3 kinds of perfume.
Even after getting through "the talk," even with her level of acceptance that she will indeed progress into adolescence, Sylvia still doesn't want to talk about it. We turn into the classic clashing mother/daughter. Frankly, she's sick of hearing me say that she can always come to me.
With that, I feel better about knowing that she has this kit where she can access the information privately, and I'm confident that the information is accurate (unlike what she might hear from her friends at school). And she knows (and would tell you she knows while rolling her eyes, exasperated) that she can come to me with any additional questions she might have.
I was disappointed that the booklet didn't discuss alternatives to tampons or pads, like the DivaCup or Instead, but at least their website includes a message board for additional questions.
I like the fact that the kit comes in both a "Young Miss" and "Tomboy" version. I have a feeling I'll be buying the Tomboy kit for Riley, when the time comes. And Sylvia loves the perfumes that come in the kit.
Either as an introductory tool or a bit later in the process, I think most parents and daughters would appreciate this kit as a great resource for getting through this inevitable time!
Monday, May 18, 2009
(BRIEF) Weekend Wrap-Up
My stupid DSL hasn't worked all weekend at home so I'm way behind on my reading (and my thanks to everyone who visited during BusyDad's BlogHop on Friday). I've thought about quite a few different things to write about, but am too bogged down at work (yay!) to do so right now.
I want to write a review of Dirty Dancing (the musical) which I saw on Friday. I want to tell you how happy I am that Sylvia no longer has cheer practice! I want to write about some upcoming events, like seeing Natalie in just a couple of short weeks. I want to write about finally seeing Milk this weekend, and I want to rant some more about prejudices against single parents and homosexuals. I want to tell you how much fun Sylvia and I had cooking together on Sunday night. I want to tell you how cute Riley is when she talks about Lost and her obsession with the season finale. I want to rant about homework, the Governator, our election tomorrow, and how much I'm looking forward to this 3-day weekend to do as little as possible.
Unfortunately, the work beckons and then another soccer game for Riley. So instead, all I can do is point you in the direction of my latest Examiner article.
Hope you all had a good weekend!
I want to write a review of Dirty Dancing (the musical) which I saw on Friday. I want to tell you how happy I am that Sylvia no longer has cheer practice! I want to write about some upcoming events, like seeing Natalie in just a couple of short weeks. I want to write about finally seeing Milk this weekend, and I want to rant some more about prejudices against single parents and homosexuals. I want to tell you how much fun Sylvia and I had cooking together on Sunday night. I want to tell you how cute Riley is when she talks about Lost and her obsession with the season finale. I want to rant about homework, the Governator, our election tomorrow, and how much I'm looking forward to this 3-day weekend to do as little as possible.
Unfortunately, the work beckons and then another soccer game for Riley. So instead, all I can do is point you in the direction of my latest Examiner article.
Hope you all had a good weekend!
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