Glee-Less

I am surprised and saddened by the sudden death of actor Cory Monteith, who played Finn on "Glee."  I hadn't been watching the show for much of the (odd) fourth season but was a very devoted fan for the first three years.  Whatever the circumstances, it is a loss for his family, friends, castmates, and fans.  My thoughts go out to them all.  And we've been listening to all the music in his honor.

Recent Travels in TV Land

I've seen more tv recently than usual, an odd amalgam of popular shows and PBS (but popular PBS!).

• "Glee":  One of my perennial favorites, I didn't want there to be a suicide, but I saw the Karofsky attempt coming.  I'm just glad he didn't die--it might be more "real," but it would be too depressing in a tv show.  I hope Karofsky makes many more appearances . . . even if I can't believe the next new episode isn't for almost 7 weeks!
• "SMASH":  Well, while I wait for "Glee" to come back on, I'm reveling in this new musical/Broadway show for adults.  The songs (both original and popular), the stories, the immensely talented actors, the behind-the-scenes view, I'm loving it.  I can watch it over and over again, like "Glee," almost as my own MTV.
• "Downton Abbey":  Ah, an English costume drama a la Gosford Park!  And with Dame Maggie Smith.  Really, what could be better?  I liked the end of the second season better than the first half--some of the WWI plots were unbelievable, even if based in fact (miraculous paralysis healings and disfigured long lost cousins or impostors a la that Jody Foster/Richard Gere movie based on the French book, both of which escape me and I'm too lazy to look up).  I'm really looking forward to another season, and beyond.  
• "Old Curiosity Shop":  I like Dickens miniseries like the next person, but when I peaked at the plot summary midway through, I was bummed about the ending and quit watching, even with the entrancing period settings and costumes and dear Derek Jacobi.
• Grammys:  I hadn't watched the music awards since I listened devotedly to popular music 25 years ago! Thankfully, because of "Glee," I recognized some of the songs and artists and enjoyed the performances by Adele, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars, and especially Jennifer Hudson's musical tribute to Whitney Houston.  It was a great show.  Well, except for all the aging white male performers who shouldn't have, especially the Beach Boys.
• Oscars:  Another example of old white guys who shouldn't have.  If the Oscars don't want to seem old, they shouldn't have hired 9-time host Billy Crystal with his lame and offensive jokes about the lack of black women in Hollywood, among many, many others.  The whole show felt old and musty.  Except Meryl Streep and a few others--she seems very funny.  Of course, I don't keep up with film much and I'm not their target geographic, being both female and over 25.  Telling that I should find more of interest in the Grammys.

Which means there are a lot of shows that people keep recommending to me (everyone asks if I watch "Modern Family") that I'm not really watching.  This is more than I've watched since I first hurt my back (when there weren't as many good shows on, I should say, and I watched cooking tv and movies).

Smash!

Being a fan of "Glee," I was interested to hear about the new behind-the-scenes-of-a-Broadway-musical tv show.  So I just caught it and it does look very promising.  I like all the singing, though it doesn't have the immediacy of "Glee."  And I definitely like the behind-the-scenes vantage point, true or exaggerated (because aren't workplace tv shows always "off," like "ER" or "Law and Order?").

Shall we take bets that there will be an actual version of the tv show's musical on the boards one day?

The Glee Saga

Tonight's "Glee" special was fun, but Artie was right--the Star Wars holiday special in 1978 was fantastic!!!!  And I absolutely remember watching it, Wookiees and all.

A "Glee" Wish Come True??

In the middle of watching the new "Glee" after a three week hiatus and Brittany and Santana were holding hands and are dating!!!!! YEAH!!!!!  Really wish this show had been on 25 years ago when I was kissing my best friend . . . .

Gleelicious

Oooh, last night's "Glee" episode was a scrumptious morsel of musical comedy-drama.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Dreamgirls dream sequence and Brittany-as-Beyonce (my goodness, how do you dance like that?), plus the touching explorations of the lives and backgrounds of Mike Chang (okay, I know that the "Asian F," etc is a stereotype but I know it happens) and Emma Pillsbury.  I think Mercedes's breakdown was a bit off--I'm betting she has a disease or something (not pregnancy, but something life-threatening, with several stomachaches and a . . .hurting ankle?).  Otherwise, it was good ol' fashioned "Glee," which is to say, great!

Glee-Less

After summer hiatus, "Glee" is back.

And I didn't like it.  The first episode, that is.

From the 20 minutes it took to get to the first song to the myriad character adjustments (Quinn is a "skank?"), I just didn't think it was strong (I did like the Rachel-Kurt scenes).  And don't get me started on the pitiful Asperger's bit, "self-diagnosed" or not, which was insensitive and heartless.  And stupid and incorrect.  (yeah, yeah, I know this is biting comedy, but "Glee" is usually sensitive to GLBT, people with Downs, a person in a wheelchair, even when there are jokes--why such a misunderstood portrayal of Asperger's?  I know six kids on the spectrum and don't think this is funny.  Or in any way meaningful.)

I hope it gets better.

But until then, I'm thankful for my seasons 1 and 2 dvds.

Dancing Queens and Kings

The soundtrack for my day began in the MRI tunnel because the swanky place I had the test today had Sirius Radio piped in. When asked about my favorite music, I stammered . . . until Mama Hungry said, "She likes 'Glee.'" So I got pop. And it was perfect. First came Taio Cruz singing, "Dynamite," a song which Mama knew from the kids and had just introduced me to (via, oddly enough, a version by the "Maccabeats" about Hanukkah). Then came Adele singing "Rolling in the Deep," which I know from its "Glee" version. Finally, "Born this Way." The ultimate anthem. Almost brought tears to my eyes thinking about the kids, wanting this back thing to be over, glad it was me going through medical challenges and not them. Mind you, it's hard to stay perfectly still if you're crying. So I tried really hard not to get all touched, but just to enjoy the distraction.

Later this afternoon, we had a family dance party, with the kids pulling out their iPod and deftly selecting our tunes. First, we did have "Dynamite," to which Sis could sing most of the words while joyfully dancing around. Then in quick succession "Born this Way," "When I Get You Alone," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Dancin' Queen," "Rose's Turn" (okay, so that Broadway tune of Sis's choosing was the odd one out), and, of course, "Born this Way." And I was amazed that Pop identified Lady Gaga! He had even heard of Amy Winehouse. Rock on, Pop! But then, the 45s of "Peggy Sue" and "Kisses Sweeter than Wine" and "Everybody's Gonna Have a Wonderful Time Up There" that I have were his, which he told me tonight he played on a hi-fi system from his Uncle Mac (who, like a few other of Dad's relatives--including Aunt Willie and Donald W.--played for "my" team, so to speak. We're everywhere. Especially on that side of the family.)

Tonight, Mama put "Dynamite" as well as "Glee's" version of "Friday"--the kids' most requested song--on our iPod, as well as some Sugarland. Just in case we have another dance party tomorrow.

Almost Normal

This morning, I went downstairs with the kids, walking around while they finished breakfast, backed bags, and got shoes. And then, for the first time in two months, I did what I always used to do on days that Mama drove them to school: I went to the porch and waved goodbye as they left. They were both so surprised to see me standing their--their shocked and happy faces were all the inspiration and motivation I need to keep going.

And then, I walked around by myself outside for just a little while, enjoying the warmth and scents of spring.

Then, Mama was a little late getting home this evening, making a stop at the store for various last-minute things. And so, because I was downstairs, and because we hope to soon try out "time-sharing" the childcare, I told Nanny she could go early and I would be "in charge" for a change. Since she wanted to get to church, she agreed to go.

And there I was, by myself, with the kids, standing up, downstairs, doing stuff. We even turned on some music--"Glee" and Lady Gaga and "Friday," of course--and were dancing around the living room (I vogued more, purely arm movements) when Mama arrived. And just like old times, she joined right in and we had a great family dance party.

"Bad Romance" never felt so good.

I Was Born This Way . . . And It Gets Better!

Picture this: Sis and Bud performing Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," but Sis starts it in her five-year-old way, "It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-A-M!" Yep, the girl loves ham more than Him. Then Bud joins her and they start singing about loving themselves and being great the way they are. They even mimic all the choreography from "Glee"--putting their "paws up," curling their hair, smearing on the lipstick--but sometimes the meaning escapes them--they still haven't figured out what a "boudoir" is! It's adorable. And a fantastic message.

Yep, we're all Gleeks over here and it's been quite a week or two, with Kurt coming back to McKinley and the New Directions last week--culminating in the "Born this Way" song that the kids love. And then prom last night. Whose breath wasn't caught in their throat when Kurt was announced "Queen?" But I think he turned it around beautifully, with "Eat your heart out, Kate Middleton!" The kids are going to love the songs when I show them later today, the songs, not the episode. I only wish that Santana and Brittany could've moved along in their relationship. I'm even loving some of the commercials, including Google Chrome's support of Dan Savage's It Gets Better movement and the ad with the lesbian couple together for 29 years for New Yorkers United for Marriage.

At the same time, "Glee" has taken quite a beating the last few weeks, from Glenn Beck and from a Fox affiliate in Houston, which worries that the show is turning children gay. But I've got news for Fox: kids in Houston were turning gay way before Glee and even before Fox! And I was just one of them, even if I was a late bloomer. Two others were friends of mine in high school: my basketball- and softball-playing lesbian best friend (who kissed me!) and my New Wave, blue-eye shadow-wearing, multi-ear pierced, fashion-conscious Vietnamese boyfriend and prom date (whom I never kissed. We were Santana and Karofsky without actually acknowledging it!). But we never said anything, even if everyone else was whispering about it; silence was safety then, especially silence in your own heart. What we would have given for an accepting, celebratory show like "Glee," not just for its out characters but for its acceptance of all diversity--Asians, Jewish people, people in wheelchairs, overweight people, people with Down Syndrome. No, we had, a few years later, "90210," not a bastion of diversity, unless blonde and brunette, rich and not-quite-as-rich count.

But it got better. It's gotten so much better. On tv, in the schools, on the streets, on the law books. Yes, hate crimes happen with shocking regularity and LGBT suicides are still high--and internationally, the picture is bleak in many places like Uganda. But there has been improvement here--legal same-sex marriage, gay and lesbian adoption, Ellen, Chaz Bono,changes in the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, the end of DADT, and "Glee," to name just a few--which shows it's possible. It does get better.

And if I ever made a video for It Gets Better, I'd start with our beautiful kids singing:

(Lady Gaga's "Born this Way," Glee version)

[Kurt:]
It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M-M-M-M
Just put your paws up
'Cause you were born this way, baby

[Tina:]
My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir

[Mercedes:]
"There's nothing wrong with lovin' who you are"
She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe"

[Mercedes with Tina:]
"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"

[New Directions: Mercedes]
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

[New Directions: Tina]
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way (born this way)

Ooo there ain’t no other way
Baby I was born this way
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

[Kurt:]
Don't be a drag – just be a queen

[Tina:]
Don't be a drag – just be a queen

[Mercedes:]
Don't be a drag – just be a queen
Don't be!

[Tina:]
Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth

In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth

[Mercedes:]
A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M

[Mercedes with Tina:]

I love my life I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah (love needs faith)

[New Directions (with Mercedes):]
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

[New Directions (with Tina):]
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way

Ooo there ain’t no other way
Baby I was born this way
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

[Kurt:]
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're lebanese, you're orient

Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby you were born this way

[Mercedes and Tina:]
No matter gay, straight, or bi
Lesbian, transgendered life
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to survive

No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to be brave

[New Directions (with Tina leading & Mercedes on riffs):]
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

Ooo there ain’t no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way

Ooo there ain’t no other way
Baby I was born this way
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way

I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!

I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!

Morning Has Broken

Sis is doing better this morning, meaning she hasn't thrown up and has kept down the magic broth (recipe for that and for the magic smoothie soon). She is even talking, sometimes sitting up, which is better than yesterday when, from her prone position on the couch, her eyes didn't even register me when I walked into the room. We're hoping today is the day she turns for the better.

Bud is fine. And behaving wonderfully, considering he's been stuck inside and without playmates for the whole spring break. He's done Legos, drawings, reading, and of course Glee-watching. In fact, he loves the Glee version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" so much he told me he was going to "watch five times before breakfast, five times at lunch, and five times before bed!" Then, a new revelation occurred to him, "Can I have headphones to listen to Lady Gaga while I sleep?" And we've already watched it several times today. He even likes to sing along.

Gommie is a trooper, as she would say. "God love her," as our onetime neighbor Miss P would say. She rallied last night and is completely in charge today, downstairs entertaining both kids, bringing me snacks, and even trying to clean out my kitchen cabinets! That would be her "bohemian work ethic," another family saying. We are grateful and will miss her when she leaves next week (probably Monday), but wish her some rest and relaxation.

Mama Hungry went to work today but will be off tomorrow for Good Friday. She's busy getting things all organized for our Easter celebrations and for Gommie's departure and the nanny's arrival next week. She's exhausted, her arm hurts, and she worries about us all.

And I'm doing fine. My doctor wants me to continue my current 8 minutes x 4 times a day activity schedule through the end of the month, which effectively means I'm in bed til May. He'll see me then and we'll begin weaning me from my big brace then. I'm bummed not to be able to push the activity more--5 minutes an hour, or something--but he doesn't want me to re-injure myself at this critical juncture.

In the end, we're making do. And we realize that things could be so much worse, that we are lucky in so many ways. So even all my posts dwelling on events are more to communicate with friends and family than to complain. Sure, it sucks and we like it better when we're all healthy, but this is temporary and we have many resources that allow us to manage.

I hear little feet . . . ah, Bud is here to watch Glee!

Defying Gravity

Okay, laugh, I've mentioned "Glee" a lot recently. But get this: even Mama likes it and she almost never likes tv. I think it's because we were both raised on showtunes and pop music in the 1970s and 1980s, both of which are featured in the show.

And now she's walking around with her own "broken internal DJ," singing "Defying Gravity" from Wicked over and over and over. I love it when she serenades me (her voice being much prettier than mine, and higher so that she can sing the soprano parts). We've never seen Wicked (though she tried to read the book) and hadn't heard it before it was featured on the "diva-off" on last season's "Glee," which we're following on DVD (don't be shocked, Mde Director, even though you've seen it 8 times!). And we both love it.

While these lyrics aren't her favorite part of the song, or the ones most stuck in her head, I like them:

"Unlimited

Together we're unlimited
Together we'll be the greatest team
There's ever been
Glinda -
Dreams, the way we planned 'em

GLINDA
If we work in tandem:

BOTH
There's no fight we cannot win
Just you and I
Defying gravity
With you and I
Defying gravity