No Day But Today!

For my birthday, Layne bought me tickets to go see the musical Rent ( http://www.siteforrent.com/home.php ) at Fair Park in Dallas. This is my 4th summer taking advantage of the Summer Musical Series, and the show was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. The play is based on an old French novel "La Boheme," and while the plot remains similar, it has been updated to reflect modern times in the late 1990's. The show is definitely risque... a mother and daughter sitting next to us walked out in the middle of the 2nd Act when a little lesbian ass grabbing took place (that's what I meant by risque)... but it is an amazing social commentary. I highly recommend it, especially the current cast that is traveling Off-Broadway. The two main characters, Mark and Roger, are being played by the two original cast members, and they were phenomenal. I was blown away. The show was an audio and visual feast... what can I say? I've got a weakness for good musicals. Layne has it easy. What do I want for my birthday? Tickets to the theater. What do I want for mother's day (when I am a mother)? Theater tickets. Christmas? Theater tickets. Mom and Dad and Nanny and Uncle Scott- I hold you responsible for this. It all started with Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon, and I've been hooked ever since.

What's left on the docket for this year? Fiddler on the Roof is coming, and it's Topol's farewell tour. (More to come about this when the show gets closer.) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A Chorus Line, Mary Poppins, South Pacific, and Avenue Q. I'm stoked. The best part is that for several of the shows they have drawings, contests and giveaways. I got $25 tickets on my birthday 2 years ago for Jessica and I to see Wicked on the third row. I know- awesome. So I'm digging up the details trying to see what they're doing to save some money and still get to see the shows.

For dinner, we used a gift certificate we received as a wedding gift to one of the nicest steakhouses in Dallas, Del Frisco's (thank you David and Heather). When Mr. Charlie Childress was in town for work a few weeks ago, this is where he ate too. The food was amazing- jumbo (and I mean JUMBO) shrimp with cocktail, romoulade (sp?), and an Italian based sauce and crab cakes as an appetizer, 3 4oz filets all cooked differently (and all amazing) that Layne and I shared, and don't forget strawberry cheesecake for dessert (with a candle too!).

My favorite thing about Rent though is that it is a musical people can identify with. The words are powerful, and the quotes are inspirational. I love quotes, so I thought I would send a few your way:

There's only us, only tonight, we must let go, to know what's right. No other course, no other way, no day but today. I can't control my destiny. I trust my soul. My only goal is just- to be. There's only now. There's only here. Give in to love, or live in fear. No other path. No other way. No day but today. -Mimi, Another Day

Take me for what I am! Who I was meant to be! And, if you give a damn, take me baby, or leave me. -Maureen, Take Me or Leave Me

Look- I find some of what you teach suspect, because I'm used to relying on intellect, but I try to open up to what I don't know. Because reason says I should have died three years ago. There's only us. There's only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road. No other way. No day but today. - Life Support

Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes, Five hundred Twenty-Five Thousand journeys to plan. Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes, How Do You Measure the life of a woman or a man? It's time now- to sing out, though the story never ends. Let's celebrate, remember a year in the life of friends. Oh you got to remember the love, you know that love is a gift from up above. Share love, give love, spread love. Measure, measure your life in love. Seasons of love. -Seasons of Love