I was relieved that this holiday weekend afforded me the opportunity to see the most anticipated film of the season for me personally, "It's Complicated". Starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, this newest in Nancy Meyers' catalog of middle-aged rom-com films is possibly her best and most funny story. I loved "Something's Gotta Give" but "It's Complicated" is so much more compelling and dare I say real that it is already one I plan to own and also probably see again in the theater.
The entire crowd was laughing so hard at one point that the 2nd half of a punchline wasn't audible.
In addition to a storyline that was entertaining, relateable (yeah, maybe I'm a little young to really relate but I won't be forever), the cast was perfect from the leads to the more minor characters.
Meryl Streep is like a fine wine...as amazing as she was 30 years ago, she has only gotten more interesting to watch and I can see her only getting better. She was sexy and vulnerable and bold as the woman who begins an affair with her ex-husband ten years after their divorce and even few years since she could say she had really moved on. Moments featured in the trailer that show her with her girlfriends are entertaining and compelling where they could have been otherwise.
Alec Baldwin is like a fine...whiskey. I saw him on Letterman the other night and he talked about having a "butt double" in the film. Despite not really showing his own broadside, he showed many other sides as the 57-year old ex-husband who married a much younger woman only to find himself back in bed with his first. He was pitch-perfect when comic-timing was key and authentic in his portrayal. Given Baldwin's handsomeness and my real-live crush on him, I thought about his on-screen marriage and wondered how true the relationship rang to those that are so prevalent everywhere; the younger woman and older man. It was done so well in this film and I'm sure not everyone who sees it would be laughing!
Steve Martin is rarely 2nd chair when it comes to playing the funny guy but in "It's Complicated", he was more complicated than hilarious and it was refreshing. His ability to do slapstick is as compelling as his ability to conjure the character of a vulnerable divorcee which he does here.
It's Complicated but it's also fun and touching and worth the trip to the theater!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
St. Patrick's Cathedral
A favorite place of mine in all of NYC is St. Patrick's Cathedral. Very easy to check out by way of Rockefeller Center, I try to always at least walk by when I'm in the city or on a good day, make it inside.
I don't know what drives my fascination with cathedrals but I think they are often beautiful structures with a mysterious darkness given they are supposed to hold so much light.
The statues representing saints all around the cathedral are mysterious to me. I wasn't raised Catholic or with any religion at all so I learn about each saint every time I go, reading the placards before the statues and deciding who to light a candle in front of.
I pay my $2 and light a candle each time I go. This time, the list for whom I lit the candle had grown beyond what I had expected when I was last there. I usually feel tears well up and take a moment to remember some people I loved but this time, tears came and I didn't stop them. I lit the candle first for my brother. It is the first time I talked to God since he died in October. I have said that I'm unsure as to whether God exists but in that uncertainty, there is hope that someone was listening to me. I lit the candle for my dear friend Rich, a Catholic, who I lost in 2002 and some more people who have passed but who are also living today.
I find the ritual cleansing and though the power may only be in the feeling I get from expressing my wishes for some that I hold dear, I look forward to it every time.
I had an excellent trip to NYC this past weekend and enjoyed so much sound and color but also the silence which is extraordinary when coming off of the busy city streets.
I don't know what drives my fascination with cathedrals but I think they are often beautiful structures with a mysterious darkness given they are supposed to hold so much light.
The statues representing saints all around the cathedral are mysterious to me. I wasn't raised Catholic or with any religion at all so I learn about each saint every time I go, reading the placards before the statues and deciding who to light a candle in front of.
I pay my $2 and light a candle each time I go. This time, the list for whom I lit the candle had grown beyond what I had expected when I was last there. I usually feel tears well up and take a moment to remember some people I loved but this time, tears came and I didn't stop them. I lit the candle first for my brother. It is the first time I talked to God since he died in October. I have said that I'm unsure as to whether God exists but in that uncertainty, there is hope that someone was listening to me. I lit the candle for my dear friend Rich, a Catholic, who I lost in 2002 and some more people who have passed but who are also living today.
I find the ritual cleansing and though the power may only be in the feeling I get from expressing my wishes for some that I hold dear, I look forward to it every time.
I had an excellent trip to NYC this past weekend and enjoyed so much sound and color but also the silence which is extraordinary when coming off of the busy city streets.
Friday, July 17, 2009
First Play at Citi Field: Sir Paul McCartney's 2nd NYC Debut
Tonight's Paul McCartney concert was more than I had hoped for when I got on a plane bound for JFK in San Diego last night. The mix of songs highlighted McCartney's rather brilliant career as a Beatle, a Wingman, a Knight and a Fireman.
The band started the night off with fan favorite "Drive My Car", followed that with "Jet" and kept everyone on their feet for the next two and a half hours. At age 67, McCartney is still a force and brings fireworks (literally) to his performance. "Live and Let Die" was incredible live with pyrotechnics adding to the drama of the composition. "Give Peace a Chance" was a great audience moment with everyone instantly singing along. That message, like so many of the messages in McCartney (and Lennon in this case and Harrison) songs, is still very relevant today. "Hey Jude" was another sing-along opportunity as well!
Songs from the latest Fireman album went over quite well and brought up conversations about this week's other first, McCartney's first ever performance on The Late Show with David Letterman.
A tribute to John Lennon and then an even more moving tribute to George Harrison reminded everyone of the greatness of his bandmates who performed at Shea Statdium so many years ago. Paul introduced "Something in the Way She Moves" by first introducing the ukelele he was going to play--a gift from George.
Personally, I choked up during "Let It Be" and allowed a few tears to flow. It was perfect. A later ovation from the audience brought some emotion to Paul too who was playful and jovial for the most part but also grateful to the audience and graceful.
Billy Joel joined Paul for "I Saw Her Standing There" during the encore bookending Paul's appearance at Joel's "Last Play at Shea" performance this past Fall. That definitely a defining NY moment.
This was a great week for Paul McCartney and turned out to be a great week for me as well. I can't imagine that catching tonight's show didn't take a sad song and make it better for a lot more people at the sold out Citi Field.
The sound was great on the floor and in the stands. Paul's band provided a good vocal backing and a solid musical accompaniment. The drummer was particularly impressive though I can't say that I wasn't hoping to see Ringo pop up on stage at some point. Though I hadn't seen Paul perform live before, his voice was strong and given the duration and energy of the show, age or time haven't affected his ability to lay it all down on the stage. If you have a chance, you must see him in this lifetime.
The Beatles, Wings, Paul McCartney and The Fireman were all on stage tonight for the first time at NYC's Citi Field and it was brilliant. It was an honor to be a New Yorker, even for a day.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Training
I have been working with a trainer off and on for the past 6 months and have been spending more time at the gym than I ever have in my life. Travel over the past month has thrown me way off my game and I just don't feel like doing it. I don't feel like working out and don't feel like watching what I eat.
Even though I can't focus on it as much, I am still a lot more careful about what I eat and I still work out even more than I did before.
I'm disappointed with how slow my progress is and need to get back into the game, but I'm still proud of some of the changes I have made that seem a little more than temporary.
I'm saying all of this because I started training for the MS 3-day Challenge Walk which is coming up in September. I have 16 weeks to get ready to walk 50 miles over 3 days. I'm looking forward to doing the walk but also excited about the time between now and then. I have the opportunity to get into decent shape and have a goal that is much bigger than losing a few pounds. I am working to achieve a goal in a walk for a cause that is so important to me. The money I raise for this walk could actually contribute to a cure that ultimately saves my life.
Pretty cool, right?
So, I'm officially training. I hope that the changes I'm making over the next few weeks, in activity and diet, lead me to permanent changes.
Wish me luck! And, if you have a goal you're working towards, good luck to you.
If you're interested in helping me with the MS 3-day; please donate by clicking here. In addition to the training challenge, I also have the fundraising challenge to contend with!
Even though I can't focus on it as much, I am still a lot more careful about what I eat and I still work out even more than I did before.
I'm disappointed with how slow my progress is and need to get back into the game, but I'm still proud of some of the changes I have made that seem a little more than temporary.
I'm saying all of this because I started training for the MS 3-day Challenge Walk which is coming up in September. I have 16 weeks to get ready to walk 50 miles over 3 days. I'm looking forward to doing the walk but also excited about the time between now and then. I have the opportunity to get into decent shape and have a goal that is much bigger than losing a few pounds. I am working to achieve a goal in a walk for a cause that is so important to me. The money I raise for this walk could actually contribute to a cure that ultimately saves my life.
Pretty cool, right?
So, I'm officially training. I hope that the changes I'm making over the next few weeks, in activity and diet, lead me to permanent changes.
Wish me luck! And, if you have a goal you're working towards, good luck to you.
If you're interested in helping me with the MS 3-day; please donate by clicking here. In addition to the training challenge, I also have the fundraising challenge to contend with!
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Decision Made
I'll be posting a blog from time to time about the MS 3-day walk. This is blog number one.
I have thought about doing this walk for a few years and have done the normal 5K MS Walk for the last 7 years. I did the first walk I could after being diagnosed and my teams have raised over $100K. I am still worried about the challenge of raising just $2500. I can't let that stop me or be an excuse to NOT do this.
When I was asked to join my friends, I said yes and am now part of their team. I am proud of this and ready for the challenges; physical, emotional and financial. I have never trained for an event before but know that is a MUST this time. I have never raised this much money on my own but know that is a requirement.
I sent out my emails today. That was Step 3. So, here were are; Decision made, Registration completed and now the emails are out.
In 6 months and 3 days, I'll be hitting the road!
I have thought about doing this walk for a few years and have done the normal 5K MS Walk for the last 7 years. I did the first walk I could after being diagnosed and my teams have raised over $100K. I am still worried about the challenge of raising just $2500. I can't let that stop me or be an excuse to NOT do this.
When I was asked to join my friends, I said yes and am now part of their team. I am proud of this and ready for the challenges; physical, emotional and financial. I have never trained for an event before but know that is a MUST this time. I have never raised this much money on my own but know that is a requirement.
I sent out my emails today. That was Step 3. So, here were are; Decision made, Registration completed and now the emails are out.
In 6 months and 3 days, I'll be hitting the road!
Blues (Taylor Hicks), Jazz (Jane Monheit) and MS (Me)
This has been a great week. I got to interview Taylor Hicks and that interview will be posted soon. He is a great guy and even with a crazy-busy schedule gave me the time to ask questions.
Jane Monheit is coming up this week.
Blues and Jazz -- gotta love them.
The other big thing is the MS Walk. I signed up for the 3-day.
Please read below and see if you can help me:
When I was diagnosed with MS 8 years ago, I didn't know what my life would be like today. I immediately thought I'd become disabled and wouldn't have much time. I was so wrong and since then have met so many challenges that I didn't think I'd ever have the strength or courage to meet. MS has helped me more than it has hurt me and in some ways I am thankful that the disease arrived when it did because at times when an opportunity to really live has come up, I've taken the chance rather than let is pass me by. When? White-water rafting, Skydiving and saying "I love you" when I feel like it are just examples of the places in my life where I haven't stood still.
Now it is time to push for a cure again and accept another challenge. The MS 3-day will be unlike any other physical event I've participated in.
Be a part of this.
Help me reach my fundraising goal by going here and giving what you can: 3-Day in September.
I will go the distance.
If you're in San Diego and want to walk 5K with my team or can donate to that walk, go to: MS Walk - Team ProFlowers.
Please donate to one or both of my walking efforts. I need to raise $2500 by September to make it in the 3-day and have a team goal of $15K for the 5K.
These are tough times but I know that together, we can help fund a cure!
I am asking you for any amount; $5 for each walk, more to just one...whatever you can do! You donation to Team ProFlowers will be matched and your donation to the 3-Day will help me meet a personal goal I've set for later this year.
Thank you,
Rabiah
Sunday, February 15, 2009
In Memory of...
There is a death I haven't written about here that devastated me last year. It is the death of my brother. I am not ready or able to open that up but needed to write briefly about the death of another person I knew.
I got a call Friday night that informed me a dear man who was a wonderful friend for a brief period of my life had died on Continental flight 3407 in Buffalo, NY on February 12. I was heart-broken by the news. I joined a Facebook group honoring those who died and tonight posted the item below which I'm re-posting here. I have so much more to say but he was a private man and in honor of that, I'll keep the rest of my thoughts private as well.
John Roberts was a unique and wonderful man who made a major impact on my life 5 years ago when he shared his time and abundant enthusiasm for Indian food and film, theater (mostly Greek tragedies for us), world travel and also invaluable training knowledge with me. There is a week in particular that I shall never forget and in memory now I still enjoy the moments we spent together. He was interesting, funny and and had a wonderful laugh. He was brilliant and a lovely teacher. Life is much too short is another lesson that sadly all of us have come to learn again.
I was lucky to count him as a mentor for a brief period and thank God for the time we spent together in friendship. He was a man that deserved the high regard in which he was held. We hadn't spoken in a few years but I always hoped our paths would cross again.
I send my regards to his family and friends who loved him and were loved by him. Peace be with you.
I loved you John Roberts and always will.
I got a call Friday night that informed me a dear man who was a wonderful friend for a brief period of my life had died on Continental flight 3407 in Buffalo, NY on February 12. I was heart-broken by the news. I joined a Facebook group honoring those who died and tonight posted the item below which I'm re-posting here. I have so much more to say but he was a private man and in honor of that, I'll keep the rest of my thoughts private as well.
John Roberts was a unique and wonderful man who made a major impact on my life 5 years ago when he shared his time and abundant enthusiasm for Indian food and film, theater (mostly Greek tragedies for us), world travel and also invaluable training knowledge with me. There is a week in particular that I shall never forget and in memory now I still enjoy the moments we spent together. He was interesting, funny and and had a wonderful laugh. He was brilliant and a lovely teacher. Life is much too short is another lesson that sadly all of us have come to learn again.
I was lucky to count him as a mentor for a brief period and thank God for the time we spent together in friendship. He was a man that deserved the high regard in which he was held. We hadn't spoken in a few years but I always hoped our paths would cross again.
I send my regards to his family and friends who loved him and were loved by him. Peace be with you.
I loved you John Roberts and always will.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Simple Gifts: Obama Inauguration
I was inspired to find out more about the song "Simple Gifts" after being so moved by it's melody at the Inauguration of Barack Obama. Below are the lyrics to the song. The original lyrics are italicized and the lyrics that were added sometime later follow.
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,javascript:void(0)
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
(refrain)
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.
It is time for Americans to act with the new energy of a nation reborn. We have all asked for change but we must also act with change in mind. I hope not only for this country but for myself, that I can change.
It is January 20, 2009, and I am proud of America.
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,javascript:void(0)
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
(refrain)
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.
It is time for Americans to act with the new energy of a nation reborn. We have all asked for change but we must also act with change in mind. I hope not only for this country but for myself, that I can change.
It is January 20, 2009, and I am proud of America.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Year in Review - Concerts and Theater
Hello to anyone who has bothered to check out my blog. It has been abandoned for some time but I'm feeling slightly more like myself than I have in a couple of months and also got curious about something on this, the first day of the new year. I'm sitting at the airport waiting for my delayed flight to board and wondering, how many shows did I see this year? I won't be able to count them all but since I have the time, here's the list:
Jesus Christ Superstar - Jan 3
Garth Brooks - Jan 26
Rogue Wave - Jan 31
Flight to Athena - Feb 28
Elton John - Apr 19
Michael Buble - May 11
Wicked - May 22
Boeing-Boeing - May 23
The Police - May 26
Cats - June 7
George Michael - June 17
Old 97s - June 20
O.A.R. - June 24
Ricky Gervais - July 9
Ricky Gervais - July 12
John Mayer - Aug 1
Phantom of the Opera - Aug 9
A Chorus Line - Aug 13
The Wizard of Oz - Aug 17
Dawn Mitschelle - Aug 19
Jamie Cullum - Aug 20
Davy Jones - Aug 23
Spring Awakening - Aug ?
The Raconteurs - Sep 24
All's Well That Ends Well - Sep 26
Neil Diamond - Oct 2
Jason Mraz - Oct 31
Madonna - Nov 4
Alanis Morissette - Nov 10
Jay Brannan - Nov 17
The Color Purple - Dec 3
Super Diamond - Dec 6
O.A.R. (Sophie's Green Christmas) - Dec 10
Snow Patrol - Dec 13
This is not as impressive as last year and I think the list is a bit incomplete but I'm glad that I'm able to make music and the arts so much a part of my life.
Already lined up this year:
John Legend
Brian Wilson
Elton John and Billy Joel
Here's to 2009!
Jesus Christ Superstar - Jan 3
Garth Brooks - Jan 26
Rogue Wave - Jan 31
Flight to Athena - Feb 28
Elton John - Apr 19
Michael Buble - May 11
Wicked - May 22
Boeing-Boeing - May 23
The Police - May 26
Cats - June 7
George Michael - June 17
Old 97s - June 20
O.A.R. - June 24
Ricky Gervais - July 9
Ricky Gervais - July 12
John Mayer - Aug 1
Phantom of the Opera - Aug 9
A Chorus Line - Aug 13
The Wizard of Oz - Aug 17
Dawn Mitschelle - Aug 19
Jamie Cullum - Aug 20
Davy Jones - Aug 23
Spring Awakening - Aug ?
The Raconteurs - Sep 24
All's Well That Ends Well - Sep 26
Neil Diamond - Oct 2
Jason Mraz - Oct 31
Madonna - Nov 4
Alanis Morissette - Nov 10
Jay Brannan - Nov 17
The Color Purple - Dec 3
Super Diamond - Dec 6
O.A.R. (Sophie's Green Christmas) - Dec 10
Snow Patrol - Dec 13
This is not as impressive as last year and I think the list is a bit incomplete but I'm glad that I'm able to make music and the arts so much a part of my life.
Already lined up this year:
John Legend
Brian Wilson
Elton John and Billy Joel
Here's to 2009!
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