TILTuesday

Things I love Tuesday (it was supposed to be Thursday ala Gala Darling - but I actually wrote this a while ago):

The West Wing - I'm not quite sure why I never watched this show in high school. Maybe it wasn't cool to be interested in the judicial/federal government back then? Or maybe it was just beyond my comprehension. But this show is amazing and I've started watching it regularly! I'm having to scour the internet for streaming links.
It's smart, thoughtful and gives people one perspective on the inner workings of the US Presidential Office. Some days I feel like CJ (smart, wry, overworked) and other days like Donna (full of useless information, always right but never listened to, funny bosses). I'm uber glad that in later seasons CJ became Chief of Staff and now I really miss John Spencer (the dude who played Leo MacGarry).
I guess what I also miss is that show played at the height of the Clinton administration. When politicians were expected to be smarmy, smart and sassy. And everyone talked like they were on a caffeinated episode of 'Gilmore Girls' - it had fantastic acting and gave people a reason to be interested in government. I mean, I think if I had been more into this show in high school, I might have ended up in policy making.
The best part was that I mentioned it to my choreographer and director this week and they also got super excited. I don't care that liking this show makes me a nerd. Why don't they make television shows like this anymore?! So frustrating.

Artie - our co worker's dog. He's 1/2 pom, 1/2 samoyed and all love. He's been chilling in the office all week and is the fluffiest, cutest dog evar. He doesn't bark or beg, he just wants petting. I told our co-worker that his pup is a total chick magnet and he agrees. The best thing is that I caught our anti-dog CTO reaching down to scruff the top of Artie's head when he thought no one was looking.


My birthday ring.
Every birthday for the last 5 years or so, I've been treating myself to one really significant gift for my birthday. I call it the "Birthday Shoes" clause; it states that for the date of my emergence into this world, I'm allowed to get something sans consideration of price that I truly truly love. A couple of years ago, it was my gorgeous mustard yellow, suede Audrey Hepburn flats. Another year it translated into a cream colored flower print dress. This year, for my 31st - I wanted something special, something vintage. But a trip to Urbanity on Solano in Albany, culminated in something much cooler.
It's gold, super delicate and best of all? The crystals are real emeralds. My birthstone. Or at least that's what the lady at the store told me. I think I've always been disappointed by emeralds in fine jewelry. The green never seems deep enough. But these are a perfectly rich shade. It's super light and reminds me a bit of traditional Hindu/Indian jewelry. My only issue is that initially, I thought the wires were twisted coils, so I didn't think the stability would be fantastic - turns out they're actually coiled AROUND thin gold bands underneath in a figure 8 pattern. It makes it stronger and more interesting aesthetically.

Plus it makes me stare everytime I look at it. I find it pretty unique and at the same time, not so precious that I wouldn't wear it every day.

What about you? What do you treat yourself to and why?

other fun stuff: co-star Derrick telling me he totally thinks I can do 'Steel Magnolias' (I love you Derrick), watching Kevin and Derrick do barrel rolls during rehearsal, pole vaulting across the stage, my HUGE dress for black and white (which is like 7 things, a Selena jeweled corset and a crinoline all put together), getting to see Chernandez, shopping at Berkeley Bowl West (come to me, things of deliciousness!), rush tickets for 'In The Heights', mangoes...