On Thursday I had the most outrageous theater experience to date- sitting second row at the one and only Rock of Ages. Mind you, I had low expectations for this 80s throwback since my astute fellow interns had used the words "degrading" and "embarassing" when describing their personal experiences at the show. When Katherine and I took our seats and saw the already have-sloshed women and men in their mid 40s surrounding us, drinking their Coors Lights and clearly reliving their glory days, I knew we were in for a true SHOW. Ok, to be honest, I thought the cast of the show was wildly vocally talented and really did justice to the iconic music, but Jesus Christ could a costume mistress use any less material? The women in the show were portraying slutty baristas/ actual strippers so I guess the teeny bras and thongs were "in character?" Who I am to judge, but I will say the view from the second row was...something. The one thing I will never forget about Rock of Ages is that I have never felt so much energy from an audience. People were standing up and dancing, screaming things at the actors, throwing up the "rock star" sign left and right and singing along to the music a little too loudly. While this atmosphere may not be my top choice for a Broadway production, it really made me smile to see people just purely enjoying theater, albeit trashy theater. The show really was hilarious and as long as you're not looking for theatrical genius, Rock of Ages is worth checking out for a good time.
After my rockin' Thursday night, I had a ridiculously early wake up call since I was going to Good Morning America! Josh had flown in late Thursday and on Friday he was at my dorm by 6:30 a.m., a time I never like to see on my cell phone/alarm clock/anywhere. He brought me breakfast (awww) and I got ready so me, Josh and Ricki could catch a cab to be at GMA by 7:40. We made it to Central Park and got banded as VIP's, which meant we got to be right up front by the stage. The cast of American Idiot gave an awesome, heartfelt performance and you could really see how excited they all were to be on such a huge TV show and be performing in a more concert-like setting. I may have stuck out a little in my sundress and flats among all the angsty teens in their black tees and shredded converse, but make no mistake- I rocked out nonetheless. After the GMA performance, I headed back to work for a little while, went home and packed up and then me and Josh caught a train to the Hamptons with my Uncle Marty.
I have been to the Hamptons many times before, but this weekend was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences I've had. I think at different points during Friday night, me and Josh both said how happy we were to be in such a beautiful place with eachother and how we both would love to own a homey beach house out there one day. You see, Friday night was the beginning of my Aunt Randy's friend's annual birthday extravaganza weekend called "Mambo." Her friend, Richie, owns several super successful restaurants in NYC and Las Vegas and likes to gather his closest friends one weekend a year to celebrate. So, Friday kicked off the weekend with a clambake on this picturesque beach in South Hampton. There were tables settled in the sand, tiki lamps, fresh lobster, s'mores over a real bonfire and an open bar; life couldn't get much better. I had the best time just being with Josh and my family from sunset until midnight. The night even ended with fireworks! That night made me so happy and me and Josh both said we would love to start a tradition like that with our friends since we are often spread all over the place.
Saturday we spent lounging by the pool (well, I lounged and Josh played all sorts of crazy pool games with my cousins). I started not to feel so hot, so after a lot of sun I took a good nap and then that night was the main Mambo party at Richie's house. Since he owns tons of restaurants, the food was obviously delicious and everyone at his party was so gracious. It was great to spend time with my cute little cousins and get to have some meaningful conversation with my aunt and uncle. I think the highlight of the evening was watching the only other college kids there start a game of beer pong and then have to explain the game to every adult and child under the age of 16. The little kids thought this game was hilarious and tried to play their own "sprite" version, while the adults got in on the action and claimed there are a lot more rules to beer pong than when they were in college. It was another wonderful Hamptons evening.
Sunday is unfortunately when my you-live-in-a-dorm-and-your-immune-system-sucks cold kicked in. I was feeling really crappy but I took some meds (I should own stock in Advil Cold and Sinus) and headed into town with my Aunt. We had a great time just walking around the (overpriced) shops. We both struck out in the purchasing department (I am ashamed) but it was nice to have some one-on-one girly time. I had left Josh to play more physically exhausting pool games with my cousins so by the time I got back to the beach house, he was pooped. We got cleaned up and had to board the Jitney back to the city. It was one of my favorite weekends in NY by far, and I'm excited to go back to the Hamptons both in the next few weeks and in the distant future. Me and Josh grabbed some Mexican once we were back in the city, watched some Top Chef and passed out.
On Monday I was still feeling pretty gross, but Josh and I went to the diner around the corner and had a goodbye breakfast. We pretty much just hung around the apartment until he had to leave, and I was really sad to see him go yet again. Josh is the one person I can do anything with; I have an equally good time going to a fancy party or just lying in my bed watching TV, and when he leaves I kinda feel like a little piece of me goes with him. But we will both suck it up for the next few weeks since the kid has more frequent flyer miles from this summer than anyone ever should. Today was just another day in the office...my mom always said if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything so...we will leave it at that. I have to just focus on the perks (tickets! GMA!) and not on the hours I spend doing nothing.
This weekend Gerri comes to visit me finally!! I am super excited to give her a quick intro to New York. The weekend after my family will be up here (minus Em and my dad) and I will get to see them all week and then head to Jeffrey's wedding! Lots to look forward to. The next few weeks will go quickly I'm sure and they are full of fun stuff, but I am excited to go home and get set up for school. I am finally thrilled to be going back to Gainesville and this little homesick baby is ready for some familiar lovin'. I can't wait to be back at GCP and go to Bento! Haha. This city is a whirlwind and exciting but it really tests you and I don't think I'm ready to pass yet. And after a few weeks in the full-time working world, college sounds so, so sweet. Papers? Sure. Midterms? No problem. Just let me wake up at 10 a.m., wear sweatpants anywhere I want and have drinks be less than $10!
Until next time :)
WHAT A LOVELY BLOG POST!!
ReplyDeleteI AM SOOOOOOO EXCITED TO SEE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT! I WILL CALL YOU LATER TO DISCUSS IMPORTANT THINGS (FLIGHT TIMES/DIRECTIONS) LOVE YOUUU SO MUCH!!!