Seven Quick Takes Friday Vol. XVIII

I.

Last night, I went back to my alma mater to see the annual Christmas Festival. I hadn't seen it since 2003, when I was ushering it, and I'd been in the ones prior to that. So this was the first time I'd gone to the show and just watched. It was strange. I felt like I should be doing something, especially when the hymns were sung. At that point I was usually processing in or out. So it was strange.

II.

For those who didn't go to Cap: The Christmas Festival is a HUGE concert, given four times over four days (it runs until Sunday) that rings in the Christmas season at Cap. All of the University choirs participate, plus a large amount of instrumentalists. It is a lot of work, taking months to prepare, and usually sells out as soon as tickets go on sale. People plan their entire December around Christmas Festival. Not kidding. You can get some of the recordings online, but the link is currently down, so I'll post it later.  Every year, there's a theme: my freshman year it was "All Creatures of Our God and King", so the readings and the songs had to do with (or mentioned) animals, this year the theme was "There Shall A Star", so stars were the theme.

III.

A lot of my old college buddies (and current theater folk) are in the choirs--the Choral Union is a student/alum/community choir. So it was great to see so many familiar faces, and it made me want to try out next autumn. We'll see...

IV.

The SAIs (my fraternity) were ushering. Whoa, that brought back memories. I forgot to wear my badge, but I talked to some of the girls anyway. They seem fantastic.

V.

Before I had dinner with my brother and sister at the Bexley Monk. Lots of fun, lots of delicious food. Mel and I then went back to her dorm room so she could change before the concert. She and I ended up chatting to a older alumni couple who were seated next to us. Mees is "intimate" (code for--CROWDED, it seats about 900), so we were pretty close together.

VI.

A few of the songs were oldies, ones that I had sung in high school and college. That always makes me happy.

VII.

All my Christmas gifts are wrapped, and now I can prepare for another audition: Company, on the 14th. I'm singing "The Ladies Who Lunch." Robin and I are knocking it out at lessons and I hope I get cast. Updates to come.

Have a great weekend!

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. IX (the Play Ball! edition)

I.

Back from date with the boy/guy/man (whatever you want to call him, since "boy" is not universally loved by my readers) to the Clippers game. The Clippers are the Cleveland Indians' AAA affiliate (farm team), and they were playing Buffalo, lost 4-3. Could've tied it, except the last play of the game was a double play. ARGH!

II.

Lots of fun, both in the game and in the company. Started to rain a bit in the 8th (what is it with our dates and rain, huh?) but it was negligible. Lots of families with adorable children, and lots of women in heels. Why were they in heels? It's a baseball game! Who are you trying to impress?

III.

The Indians' mascot, Slider the Bird, was there, joining the Clippers' bird and seal. Watching Slider dance on the dugout is something else.

IV.

I got the materials for my five year college reunion in the mail today. FIVE YEARS? What is u with that? Apparently it includes a 2 mile run/walk, the usual homecoming events (Cap corner, etc., and the game), and then the party that night in the Cap center, where the class photo will be taken. I can't believe it's been five years! I will be sending in my registration forms soon, so I hope the rest of you alumni who read this will do the same!!!

V.

I do still see a lot of my friends from college, and high school, which I think is impressive. It's nice to have so many long-lasting friendships. Anne, one of my best friends, and I have known each other since we were six! Go us!

VI.

Football training camp has begun! Go Steelers!

VII.

And finally, some books: Harry Potter And the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Deathly Hallows always, always makes me cry, especially when Snape tells Dumbledore that he's loved Lily for years after she died. From that point until Harry kicks ass, I am just one big puddle. Catharsis, man. Catharsis.