32 days... How Much is that Doggy in the Window...

Ok, so anyone who knows me at all, knows I LOVE doggies! But because of my usual schedule and where I live, it's not really a feasible thing. Doesn't stop me from checking out different shelters and what cute canines they have up for adoption.

This is Bean. She is an 8 year Shih Tzu who's deaf and was up for adoption at Animal Haven Shelter. She gave me serious pause for thought! But she was adopted by the end of the day Saturday. Yay for Bean!

Animal Haven is a fantastic shelter located on Centre Street at Broome. From their website: "Animal Haven is a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area, and provides behavior intervention when needed to improve chances of adoption. Founded in 1967, we operate a limited admission shelter/adoption center in Manhattan and mobile adoption van. " They also have a volunteer program that requires just 2 hours a week! Once the show is open and I'm into a routine, I'm going to fill out the volunteer application which can be found here: Volunteer Page. Who's with me?!

Another great organization is The North Shore Animal League. Here is a description from their website: "North Shore Animal League America, headquartered in Port Washington, NY, is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world. Since 1944, The Animal League's mission has been saving the lives of pets through adoption, rescue, spay/neuter and advocacy initiatives. Every year, the Animal League reaches across the country to rescue, nurture and adopt approximately 20,000 pets into happy and loving homes. To date, the Animal League has placed close to 1 million puppies, kittens, cats and dogs into carefully screened homes."

33 days... Have I Become a 'Jersey Girl'??

No, I haven't become a 'Jersey Girl'. Just been spending some time out in that little neighboring state! I went out to Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey to see my friend Rashidra in Hairspray.

Paper Mill Playhouse stage

little stream in back of the theatre

Saturday morning, I got my butt down to Penn Station, bought a ticket for NJ Transit to Millburn, and even had enough time to run to Dunkin' Donuts on 33rd and 7th for a coffee to take with me.

After a relatively quick train ride out to Millburn - just one stop past the super popular with Broadway people who've got kids Maplewood - so pretty out there! Gorgeous little town center, extremely easy to navigate and walk to the theatre. The theatre itself is so cute, such a quaint setting.

The show was a lot of fun, high energy, well performed. The audience absolutely loved it. Overheard in the audience: "This show is intense! I mean, physically intense!" Yes, ma'am, it is. That's why Rashidra's been using her inhaler! And also some kudos to my friend: "Those Dynamites are fantastic!" Yes, sir, they were a major highlight of the show.

I had a little dinner after the show with my absolutely pooped friend. But it was wonderful to see her, and to see her perform something other than Hair as well. Rashidra, you rock! Then I hopped on the train back to the city, with the bridge and tunnel crowd headed in for a night of debauchery! All in all, another wonderful Jersey experience.

34 days... A Special Tribute to My Gay Friends

I'm terrible with following the news, it's just so upsetting, but in this day and age it's next to impossible to live in media seclusion, certainly in New York City. I just have to say something about the heartbreaking stories that have come out about the teen suicides who were bullied because of their sexual orientation. If you haven't yet seen the video of Ellen DeGeneres, please watch it and please share it with others. She is absolutely right. An Important Message from Ellen DeGeneres

Inspired by Dan Savage's It Gets Better Project my friend Kevin Yee, who's out with the 2nd National tour of Wicked, made this video:

So I couldn't get the video to load for some reason, after 3 tries... here's a link instead:

It Gets Better: Wicked Cast Members

I want to take the opportunity to say to all my gay friends: Thank you for being here today. I know some of your stories from growing-up, but there's nothing like walking in someone else's shoes. I can't imagine my life without each of you and how you have touched my life. I am so lucky and so proud to call you friend. I love you guys!!!