NYC Highlights

What a weekend. Although there will be no video evidence of our adventure, it has BEEN an adventure. This past weekend I performed with Jodi at her cabaret in New York. We, with Shoshannah, performed three Andrews Sisters songs together in front of an audience of 60 or more. Jodi performed an additional ten songs - and she was both inspiring and amazing.

So what a weekend! Add to that a surprise - three of my best friends from college flew in to see me perform, and it was likely the most amazing 24 hours I have had in years. I'm a lucky gal for the opportunity (thanks, Jodi), for the experience sharing what I love (thanks, Doug and Carol), and for the blessing of my friends.

Like I said... what a weekend.

Shoshannah, Jodi and I in the dressing room before the show.

The three of us on stage!

Jodi and I post-show. What an incredible person she is.

Doug and Jodi post-show.

Joe and I. Brother/future singing companion/whatever. Friend.

Stephanie, Angela, Brooke and I. They flew into New York to see me and gave me one of the only surprises I've ever had in my life. So clever.

Gettin' sassy just like we used to!

A circle of friends!

Ohio girls transplanted. Meredith, Jodi and I. Wish us luck, world!

NYC in 36 Hours!

Me, Doug and Jodi - post rehearsal.

Me, Mere and Pookie.

The girls at dinner.

Nicole Birthday Highlights

Jodi's Second Cabaret!

I'm re-announcing Jodi's Second Cabaret at Don't Tell Mama's in NYC on Saturday August 22nd at 8 PM. Both Shoshanna Richman and I will be joining Jodi for three Andrew's Sisters songs, which is terribly exciting - but we'll all be there to support Jodi if you are able to get up to NYC and join us.

Note: You might remember Jodi Beck Week last November? Video #1. Video #2. Video #3. Video #4.

So... who's coming?!

Artscape

Artscape 2009, baby. My third year, and man, has it grown. A bunch of us met up in the afternoon yesterday, but it was insanely difficult to stay together with 100k people in attendance, so Karen and I ended up walking around together and shopping. I found two cool items this year: a new purse made by a group who uses some of the profits to support Asperger's research, and a new necklace made out of recycled materials.

Here is my new purse. Check out As If Bags for more info. They choose great fabrics and the products are all reasonably priced. This one here was only $35!

This terrific necklace was made by Mann Made Designs and the color is reversible with red on the back. It cost only $29! What a deal!

Fav Birthday Pics

Just like an at&t commercial: More bars. More places. (Katie and Nicole - the party planners, and me.)

Me and my guyz.

Nicole and I - always a cute pic.

Me, Nicole, Gina and Jenny (in reverse order).

Me and my new friends. I look way more popular than I am.

Birthday kisses! At least I got a little attention on my birthday!

Fav Pics from This Week

Yikes!

I haven't posted in over a week, but not for lack of events to discuss. Last week I had the most awesome trip home to Ohio - with a pseudo reunion, a day at Cedar Point, and a New Kids on the Block concert - not to mention all of the quality time with family. It was just under a week, and although I returned to the chaos and frustration of work and a few personal dramas, it was a needed break that I am grateful to have had.

A few thoughts about Cedar Point:
- I am getting older. Even the less thrilling roller coasters were exciting.
- I am more likely to notice potential safety concerns that ever before. I can't believe it's safe when the Mine Creek ride moves around the way it does.
- Water rides are overrated. So are wet shorts.
- Thrill rides have the potential to be more frightening that coasters. Skyhawke made me want to cry and run to mom.
- The red train on the Gemini CAN beat the blue train - even when the riders on the blue train are cocky, confident and loud.
- Chik-fil-a costs double.
- I'm glad the boat ride is still around. It was horribly cheesy, but a nice memory.
- Millennium Force still rocks my world. One of the best coasters ever built for sure.
- But Maverick was a pure joy. I wish I could have ridden it a few more times.It might now be my favorite coaster.

A few more thoughts on New Kids:
- I love sharing this with Cassie. No one understands my raw excitement more than she does.
- It's crazy that I still think they are hot as sin - whether they're nearing 40 years old or not.
- Joe's smile melts me like I'm a 12 year old.
- Danny is in amazing shape. He's insanely hot for once being the awkward New Kid.
- I can't promise that this most recent concert (third in a year) is my last. I have no plans for more right now, but it is way too much fun (especially with girlfriends) to ever consider stopping.

That all aside, life gets more complicated and interesting and frustrating every day. I'm 12 days from my 32nd birthday, accomplished in my career, my friends, and my activities, but always still missing the companion part of things. He's out there... and I may have to wait another year or so until I get him, but it's heartbreaking at times just the same. I've also been working out and seeing differences in my waistline and legs, but no weight changes yet which is irritating. And friends are also testing my inner strength lately. As a wise man once said, keep the tier one friends close, but sometimes you have to let the others fall away. I'm learning a lot about my ability to persevere this year... and I hope it all makes me stronger, happier and more satisfied in life. (As long as it doesn't kill me first, of course...)

A Week In Review

So here's my catch-up post. The last week has been filled with parties, work, crab pickin' and work. But seriously, these are just the highlights. More photos on FB.

Some of Katie's friends had a "second birthday" for her - much like the Hobbits' second breakfast. I only stayed for awhile, but it was a lovely night and one of the first nights that Della Rose's had their outside bar open. Gorgeous!

Here are just Corie, Katie and I.

I also spent time at Gina's brother's house for his birthday party. Lots of flip cup was played, but I'm not very good at it, so I'm not sure how much I helped. We were also lucky enough to get a crazy Baltimore Police Helicopter fly-by since our birthday boy is a member of the police department. It was the coolest! The helicopter first circled the house very low so that it was nearly 90 degrees, then he did a CRAZY low fly-over. Loved it. We ended the evening in Tony's basement watching Toto and Hall & Oates in concert on the big screen. So fun!

Here are just the girls - at least those of us still there at the end of the night.

Lastly... I picked crabs. It was super-hard to document because your fingers get so dirty, but I picked three crabs by myself with CJ's detailed instructions. I couldn't have had a better teacher - she was so patient. I still think lungs and mustard are disgusting, but I learned to pick around it.

Here's me all blotchy - that's the international Charissa sign of stress and anxiety (check out the crab body in my hand).

Here's me all done! Dirty hands and everything. Woot!

Happy Birthday, Katie!

So the photos are finally in... on Saturday we did a Luau Pub Crawl for Katie's 30th. A little too much drink was drunk, a little booty was shook, and a lot of fun was had by all. Happy 30th, my friend. You looked gorgeous and we all had such a good time!!

HEART - Live in Baltimore

More photos to come of Katie's Birthday on Saturday once all of the photos are in from all of her friends, but here's a shot of us girls before the Heart concert at Pier 6 last night. Cameras were not allowed, so we snapped this one before heading in.

With the exception of Heart not singing What about Love? or All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You, and possibly singing a very slow version of Alone, it was a great show. I certainly have a new found respect for Barracuda. Thanks, girls, for the experience. I loved it.

Saturday in Review

This morning I had a headache - I guess the fundraiser was a bit much for me - and although it lingered all day, I still managed to do quite a bit today. At noon or so, Antonio headed up to CJ & Nicole's for fun in the sun and dog time. At one point we had five dogs (Antonio, Lucy, Baxter, Rilee and Delilah) with us. It was lovely. Of course, I'm a bit sun burnt, but we all make sacrifices, right?

Later in the afternoon I went home for a nap before heading out for Liana's birthday party. Nicole and I couldn't stay long because we have March for the Animals tomorrow (and some unexpected dog drama), but it was great seeing everyone and spending part of Liana's day with her. I'm exhausted... so I'm off to bed. But here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

Lucy and Delilah bein' good for treats...

Antonio staying out of the sun. So cute. :)

Antonio in pursuit of playing, running dogs. Look at him go!

A cool break in the pool for Delilah, Baxter and Rilee.

And what more appropriate way to end my post that a shout out to the birthday girl! Work it, Liana!

NKOTB: Live from Bawlmer

Girls #2 @ NKOTB