I'm sorry, but how is it April?
2025.04.02
Song of the day:
This one’s for Cory Booker…
Yesterday I watched Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey speak for hours. And hours. And hours. He spoke for 25 hours and 4 minutes on the senate floor, breaking a record that had been held since 1957. He spoke passionately and reminded us what it means to love this country. At one point he challenged us by saying, “If America hasn’t broken your heart, then you don’t love her enough.” Yeah. I felt that. I am sure we will be quoting this man for years to come.
I didn’t watch all 25+ hours, but I watched a lot and was moved many times as he spoke of his journey, what he wants for Americans - all Americans! - and especially when he spoke of his friendship with John Lewis - who I am certain is still smiling in heaven. He spoke about everything from what’s going on with the current administration to what we, as Americans, should be doing to ensure a better future. Nearly every democratic senator joined his cause by asking long questions to give him a momentary break from speaking. I think the words, “I yield for a question but retain the floor” are burned into my brain.
It was incredible to witness this kind of history, this record-breaking moment that broke the record previously held by a racist white senator speaking against civil rights. That a Black man broke this record was important, necessary…it was the good trouble of which John Lewis spoke frequently.
Now, before all that happened…the month of March rushed out and left me wondering how in the world we got to April 1 so quickly. Maybe it’s because I was busier than usual, I don’t know, but a lot has happened since my last post a month ago. Here’s a recap:
Concerts!
I had two concerts last month and both were fantastic. I saw Rachel Platten on St. Patrick’s Day, along with her opening acts Jojo Dodge and Ben Abraham, and it was a truly magical night. I hadn’t seen her in at least ten years - this was her first tour in almost as long - and wow, she was awesome. Here are a few moments I captured that night…
A little over a week later I saw one of my other favorites, Matt Nathanson, with KT Tunstall opening. Matt’s shows never disappoint, and this one was great. He’s wickedly talented - both musically and comically - and the night was super fun. I’d His solo shows are the stuff of legend, and holy cow, KT Tunstall was amazing! I really only knew her two or three big hits, but wow. She was fantastic. Here are a few images from that night of yay…
If you get the chance to see either of these shows, do it. It is definitely money and time well-spent.
Theatre!
The Mother and I were thrilled to see Life of Pi on stage. I read the book many years ago, and she saw the movie, but we had no idea how spectacular the play was going to be. The staging, the acting, the music, and wow, the puppetry. I legit thought that tiger was real most of the time. It’s just so good! Even if you never read the book or saw the movie, I highly encourage you to see this show if it comes through your town. It’s truly awesome.
Let’s see…what else have I been up to?
Movies!
Mickey 17 - This film was bonkers. Robert Pattinson was fantastic, but the story is insane. And gets more insane as the film goes on. But I actually really liked it! Anyone else seen it?
Captain America: Brave New World - Yes, I saw this one again, but this time I convinced The Mother to join me. And she enjoyed it! I, of course, loved it, as I did the first two times. It’s just so good!
Last Breath - I’d gone back and forth as to whether I wanted to see this, but after seeing Simu Liu and Woody Harrelson on Kelly, I was convinced. It’s a true story, and the movie is intense, but really good. The acting from all parties was outstanding, and I am more certain than ever that I never need to be a deep sea diver.
The Penguin Lessons - Another true story, this one is vastly different from the above film, but also really good. I mean, there’s a penguin in it, need I say more? It starts a bit slow, but once the penguin shows up, you get completely invested in the story. Definitely check it out.
The Life List - I didn’t think much about this movie when I first saw that it was coming soon on Netflix, and even after seeing the lead actress on Kelly I wasn’t convinced. But y’all. It’s so good! I laughed, I cried, I was left wanting more.
In addition to all of those, when we lost our internet for almost two days recently, we ran through a bunch of movies that The Mother had never seen (and I hadn’t seen in a while). Thank goodness for DVDs!
As you can see, we watched a little bit of everything.
TV!
Downton Abbey - A rewatch for me, but the first time for The Mother. It’s still so good! And we’re only on season 2!
The Residence (Netflix) - We’re a few episodes into this one, and it’s quirky and brilliant. Uzo Aduba is magnificent, and the cast of characters is amazing. I love it!
Paradise (Hulu) - This show was magnificent! Sterling K Brown and James Marsden were absolutely brilliant, and I can’t wait for season 2!
Running Point (Netflix) - I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, as I’m not a huge Kate Hudson fan, but it was so good! Excited about season 2 for this one, too!
Books!
I’ve only finished one book since I last wrote - must make more time for reading! - but it was a good one (for my book club).
Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugoni - This one started a bit slow for me, but once I’d read a few chapters it started moving along. It’s a thriller, but also has a lot about the game of chess mixed in, which was very cool. This the first in a series, but I’m not sure I’ll read the rest.
I’m currently reading a book and a novella, both of which I need to finish so I can start the May book club book which is like 500 pages long.
Let’s Call Her Barbie by Renee Rosen - Renee is an incredible writer and a friend, and this book is fantastic! I honestly can’t wait to finish and discuss with my book club later this month. The Mother already read it and loved it. Highly recommend!
Throw Away the Key by Taj McCoy - I enjoy Taj’s writing so much, even if some of the scenes are a little too steamy for me. She’s a wonderful writer, and her characters are always fun and interesting. This novella is about a side character from one of her previous books, and it’s been fun to get to know her a little better.
Friends!
My friend Don came through town on his way to Wyoming a couple of weeks ago, and we had a nice visit and a good lunch. It’s so nice to be close to so many friends! I also got to reconnect with my friend Jayne who I hadn’t seen in almost 30 years but have known since we were 8 years old. It was fantastic to catch up with her and laugh and talk about our childhood.
I guess that’s about it for now. My dad and Frannie are in town for a couple of days before they hop on a plane for a week in the sun so that’s fun. I’m looking forward to spending time with them.
On the horizon: Brendan James concert, Minecraft movie, The Wiz on stage. Should be another great month! Until next time…
Video of the day:
I am truly in awe of this great American.
Senator Cory Booker is pretty darn awesome!