Quote Of The Moment…

 "Courage is action in the face of fear."
-Mick Foley

Not Too Bad!

2022 Nutcracker Additions!

Handsome Boy!

 

 Photo Credit: Jill Rock

O-Town Concert: January 15, 2016

 

 

Photo Credit: Tim Nicoletti

My first concert with them as a foursome. Originally had tickets for the concert the night before in Boston, but the idiots I was supposed to go with flaked last minute. Tim called me to check in, because he knew how excited I was. Told him what happened, we chatted for a little while, and I didn't think anything else of it. Next day, phone rings, Tim tells me to gas up the van because we're going adventuring. Long story short, we drove to New Hampshire to see O-Town. Such an awesome night. Great friend, great experience. Though, he did make fun of me several times for singing every word of every song. Was all in good fun. Tim acted miserable, but I know he secretly enjoyed it.

Life Of Pi: February 11, 2025

Photo Credit: Eric Bain

In February of this year, Eric and I went to the Providence Performing Arts Center to see a stage adaptation of Life Of Pi. Wasn't my choice when we were looking for shows to possibly see, but Eric was very excited. Turned out to be a fantastic show. The puppetry and storytelling are incredible, if you ever get the chance to go. Only downside to everything is that I was just starting to get the flu, and didn't know it. Did quite a bit of coughing throughout the performance, and was sufficiently mortified. Sickness aside, there's nothing better than spending the day with your best friend, and partaking in quality entertainment. Highly recommend.
 

The Package

The Package by K. Bromberg
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

With the exception of Teddy Hamilton's narration, which I always love, there isn't much here. I know it's just a short story, but I didn't connect with any of the characters.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "The preponderance of pro wrestling titles has devalued them all."
-Todd Martin

Cozy For The Holidays

Cozy for the Holidays by Liz Maverick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love a cozy, sweet romance. Throw in the holiday season, a bookstore, and fantastic performances, and you've got a winner.

Unceremonious…

 Not happy right now. If you read this blog, you're well aware that I've been working my way through the O-Town seasons of Making The Band on YouTube. Was enjoying the journey last night, and it just ended in the middle of shit. No proper ending, no goodbye, no series wrap up warning. Nothing. Have been suspicious for a while that the uploaded playlists don't include every episode. Don't recall the show just ending out of nowhere. Strange, and unfair. Think I might post something about it on O-Town's Facebook page, and see if I get a response. Don't know if it's just an oversight, accident, or there's copyright issues or something. Disappointed.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "I am not a muse. I am the somebody. End of fucking story."
-Daisy Jones

SERIOUSLY?!

Watching Stephanie McMahon's podcast last night, and she pauses to do the above ad. You've got to be fucking with me. Am I honestly supposed to believe that this multi-billionaire eats and/or feeds her family FACTOR meals. No shade to the quality of the food, because I've never used the company, but there's no way Stephanie is eating meals from a microwave. Another thing. Why does this woman, whose family has more money than God, have sponsors on her YouTube videos. Ridiculous and completely tone deaf. As if anyone in that family will ever need more money. Gross and hilarious. Hopefully she donates it.
 

Quote Of The Moment…

 "I've never learned through my successes."
-Paul Heyman

24!

 Did a little Internet sleuthing last night to try to find the exact date I saw O-Town the first time. Didn't take long, and made me feel incredibly old. September 16, 2001. My friend surprised me with tickets a couple of days before, and we went to the Fleet Boston Pavilion. Didn't have front row seats, but wound up sitting front row center somehow. Wasn't going to argue. Don't remember much about the actual show, except teenage girls screaming so loud you couldn't even hear the boys. At one point O-Town literally stopped in the middle of a song and asked the audience to quiet a little because they couldn't even hear themselves. Insane! Was an awesome first concert. Seem to remember one of the guys throwing a sweaty towel at me, but can't think why I wouldn't have kept It. Would be something cool to have all these years later.

Connections…

So, the Vanessa/Frankie niece reveal has come to light. I think Erica is completely off base accusing Vanessa of sicking Frankie on Bianca. Mary Frances is definitely up to something, but I don't think Vanessa is puppeteering.

Bianca and Frankie definitely have chemistry, but TPTB really need to come at this in a different way. Since her return, Bianca has developed feelings for nearly every girl that's shown even the slightest kindness. Rain, Sarah, Laura. It's becoming predictable and pathetic. Really not a good look. Bianca is intelligent and beautiful, and should know better than to throw herself at the feet of the closest woman with the prettiest smile. Nothing wrong with feelings, just learn to regulate, make good decisions, and not wear your emotions like a new jacket for everyone to see.

Proteus. We've got some heavyhitters mixed up in this unfolding drug drama. Hayley, Mateo, Chris, David, Anna. Oh, and Simone has just entered the fray. Now that I think of it, this whole storyline probably started back with Marcus, JR, and crew. Love an umbrella story. Don't like that Mateo is lying to Hayley. Completely understand his thought process, but still don't approve. She's definitely smart, and trustworthy enough to be looped in. Think I remember how it all ends, but the journey should certainly be entertainig.

Laura/Leo/Greenlee/Jake: Greenlee pretending to be Laura, and visiting her shrink to gather Intel is hilarious. Laura catches on, threatens Greenlee's life in the Valley Inn ladies room, and makes up a lie to Leo, continuing to play victim. We all know how much I love Leo, but I'm so glad that Jake called him on his games. Don't know where this Greenlee cat Laura mouse maze is going, or when it stops, but would imagine a has to be fairly soon.
 

What A Day!

 

Photo Credit: Eric Bain

Spent the day with Eric at his apartment last month. Don't go there as often as I would like because it's on the third floor, and not always easy to get up. Luckily, my PCA was kind enough to offer to carry me, and a day of fun commenced. Started off with a little chatting, then Eric played his guitars for me, we lounged around, and he started cooking dinner while we were watching Frankenstein on Netflix. Everything he makes is delicious, so this was no exception, but you absolutely cannot go wrong with sausage, roasted potatoes, and peppers. Devoured my plate. I contributed a maple cake for dessert, but it was only a Market Basket buy, so it's not worth a picture. This was one of the best days I've had in years, and one I will remember forever. It's super sappy to say, but I'm happiest anytime I'm with Eric.

Gorgeous!

A little blurry, but the beauty shows through. I love my Leo.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "You walk around dropping matches, and then act surprised when fires start."
-Ted to Leslie

Quote Of The Moment…

 "I can see right through you, and there ain't nowhere left to hide."
-Shady Business-O-Town

Quote Of The Moment…

 "You're a shadow waiting for the dark, so they won't see your face. Oh, but, I'm gonna turn that light on, shine you right back to your place."
-Shady Business-O-Town

So Fast!

 Can't believe it, but I'm already almost done with Making The Band. Went so fast. With the exception of you know who, it's been an absolute joy to watch. The growth and maturity I've seen of the boys throughout the seasons is monumental, and a great testament to hard work and dedication. Most impressive to me is the vocal evolution. Truly seem like a cohesive unit, whose vocals together, and individually, I would put up against any boyband today. Just to be clear, I hate using the term boyband. Gives me negative connotation vibes for some reason, and doesn't properly encompass the immense talent of this group. Just adore them beyond adoring.

Holy Christmas!

 Was just looking through old posts and realized, prior to my return this year, I hadn't posted anything Christmas since 2017. That seems absolutely ridiculous to me. Genuinely baffled. Granted, I'm not as into it as I used to be. But still, crazy. I just don't understand why it's been so long. Well, as you've already begun to see, I'm more than making up for it. Hope you enjoy.

Red, White & Royal Blue

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfection beyond perfection.. Henry and Alex are indelibly etched on my heart. Forever a part of me. Exquisite narration brings them to undesirable life.

5/10/22: Still perfection.

11/13/2025: Fifth time listening, and still perfect. The story never gets old, or loses its poignancy or weight. Every emotion will be experienced. A beautiful, technicolor love everyone should aspire to. Alex and Henry are forever tattooed on my brain, and in my heart.

2024 Nutcracker Haul!

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Honesty bites the dust every time I hear you saying that love is never lust."
-Love Should Be A Crime-O-Town

First Of 2025!

  

Saw this guy on the shelf at Walgreens, and couldn't resist. He's very fragile, so I hope his nutcracker brothers and sisters don't pick on him too much.

Cool!

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

 Can't see Navy very well, but I love the bubbles, and her flippers look really cool.

Misplaced Quotation Marks…

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

 Found this next to Walgreens. Have to appreciate the honesty.

The Dunewalkers (Moving In, #2)

The Dunewalkers by Ron Ripley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Entertaining second book in the series. Is doing a proper job of making me want to see what happens next. Really enjoying these adventures. Good performance.

HELP!

Jesse finally convinces Gillian to leave Ryan. Esta and Cameron have amazing chemistry, and their goodbye was heartbreaking. You will be missed, Princess.

Gillian may be gone, but it looks as though Jesse got his earthly hall pass extended a while longer. Apparently, he had a feeling he should check in with Tad just in time to stop him from killing David. Perfect timing. You know you have a good friend when they're willing to help you get your shit together from The Great Beyond. It's an absolute blast watching Michael and Darnell bounce perfect comic timing off one another. This is going to be so much fun.

Laura has officially gone off the deep end. Even more, if possible. She threw her medication away, with the express goal of having another life threatening episode, thus forcing Leo to stay. Didn't take long to figure out that wasn't going to work. What's the next best option? Book the Valley Inn reception hall, and force your new husband to renew vows. That's definitely same. Nothing wrong there. Greenlee is lurking through all of this, as expected. Hope she gets to Leo in time to get through to him, and stop all this craziness for good.

Chris and Ryan will soon be revealed to be father and son. Does anyone care? Not me. Don't care about Chris and Erica either. Will shout it at the top of my keyboard until Mr. Useless Stamp is gone.

Bianca and Frankie are slowly getting to know one another. Definite chemistry. Don't completely remember Frankie's story, but know it gets all tangled with David/Vanessa/Leo somehow; at least I think. Will hopefully be enjoyable watching everything come together.
 

O-Town Concert: December 8, 2019

That's right. Got to see my O-Town boys again the next year, in the same venue. How lucky am I?! Show was absolutely fantastic, as expected. Got to meet them again after the show, and it was even more special this time around. Why? They remembered who I was from previous shows, and were even sweeter. They each took a little extra time with me, and Erik even thanked me for knowing all the lyrics to their songs, because he had gone blank in the beginning of one, happened to see me singing, and remembered before it was too late. So awesome. Core memory.

Like last time, please forgive my ridiculous expressions. Just so happy.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "You can't play love by numbers, babe. You gotta play it all by heart."
-Love Should Be A Crime-O-Town

New Christmas Favorite?

 Went to Walgreens last night looking for snacks, as is customary on Friday evenings, and saw peppermint KitKat bars on the checkout counter display. Never have been a huge fan of peppermint, but try every new KitKat that comes out, so couldn't resist. The verdict is in. Absolutely delicious. The combination of white chocolate and candycane pieces is perfect. So delicious, and fact, that I got three more today, and am probably going to do the same tomorrow. There are only seasonal, so have to get them while I can. Don't think they'll ever come close to replacing Cherry M&M's as my all-time favorite holiday treat, but are an acceptable substitute.

We Shall See…

Was watching the AMC credits yesterday, and realized that Jean Passanante was no longer head writer. Did some backtracking, and deduced that her last date helming was August 20th. Took me a minute, but realized Richard Culliton was her replacement, and didn't assume duties until September 6th. Craig Carlson helped out in the interim, and did a fantastic job, as I didn't notice a difference in quality.

Came across an old message I wrote years ago on the AMC message board at Soap Central. Apparently, I had very negative feelings regarding Richard's contributions to my favorite show. Curious to see how I feel this go round. It's only been a short while, but no complaints thus far. The transition seems to be smooth. Introducing Frankie with such in-your-face fire is a great start in my book. Will be watching with a more critical, honest, practical eye. No matter how it shakes out, I'm almost positive I won't be bored.

 

O-Town Concert: July 1, 2018

Finally getting around to posting these. Found out O-Town were going to be performing at a venue right down the street from me, and had to be there. Bought VIP meet and greet tickets, and got to meet the guys after the show. Dan said that he heard I was his favorite, asked if he could give me a hug, and we chatted for a couple minutes. Jacob was surprised that I was actually there to see them, and thought I was dragged there by my PCA. Told him I was a day one fan, and he was very appreciative and humble. All of the guys were fantastic, gracious, and couldn't have been more wonderful. Unforgettable experience that I look back on with pure joy on a regular basis.

Hate that I look like a complete dork in these pictures, but I was absolutely awestruck and overwhelmed.

Get A Hobby!

Laura is gross! She calls Bianca to come over, under the guise of patching things up, just to try to use her again. Thankfully, Bianca wants none of it. Can't believe Laura wants Bianca to tell Greenlee about her sex life with Leo. Scratch that. Honestly, I totally believe it. Her insecurity just keeps getting worse. As soon as Bianca refuses, Laura gets bitter and angry, throwing around the oft-repeated jealousy accusations. Snore! Can't wait for the day she leaves town. The sooner, the better.

David's privileges at the hospital are reinstated. Tad completely loses his mind , screams at Joe so bad he causes him to have arrhythmia, and continues to vow revenge. Elsewhere on the David front, he offers Jake a research position working for him, because he got approved for a grant. Everyone expects Jake to immediately turn David down, but he decides to actually considered the offer. I would take it if I were him. You know the saying about keeping your enemies close?
This is totally petty, but so glad to have a break from Rosa and Gabriel.

Arlene returns to meet her grandson, and takes things way too far by secretly cutting his hair. So crazy. Why would you do something without permission, considering how you last left town? Mateo and Adam banish her to parts unknown, but that's not going to last.

Erica learns Chris' FBI agent secret. I just don't care about anything to do with this pairing. Chemistry is nonexistent, dialogue is weak and forced, and misogyny abounds. Not the best combination to build a new couple on. On a related note, how many more times is Greenlee going to fall for Roger's crap? He's literally trying to make it look like she has a drug operation running through Enchantment. True. She doesn't know the whole story yet, but continuously allows Roger to shit all over her, throw her under the bus for things she didn't even do, and just be a horrible human in general, without calling him out on anything. Open your eyes, and get a grip. Between this and the constant throwing herself at Leo, Greenlee is really starting to come off pathetic.