Oprah.

So, Oprah's show is ending after 25 years. I must say, I'm not a huge Oprah fan, largely because I haven't really watched her show as I'm working when it broadcasts and I don't have up-to-date technology for "taping" scheduled programming. That said, devout fan of her show or not I think she is kinda the bomb. Is bomb up-to-date? I'm not sure it is.

I find I am slightly mesmerized by her and even more so during this dramatic and emotional Bon Voyage. She has had a profound affect on so many people in this world. I'm so inspired by her and also by the general reaction to her decision to end her show. Its almost like a teeny window into what it would be like at her funeral. I wonder if there's a part of her that sees it that way too. People gushing about what a fearless and generous person she's been and how she's changed so many lives. In any case, all this "look back" footage and recollection of the story of how she came to be who she is, are food for the soul in pushing me to live the life I want to live and do the things I want to do. Why is that such a hard concept?

Its hard for me in two ways:
+ Though I've had an interesting and successful career thus far, I am constantly searching for what it is I want to do with my life. This becomes incredibly frustrating and even a little sad for me at times.
And there is definitely an element of fear that relates to this search whether its represented in the form of, "Well that would be really fun and interesting, BUT..."(insert fear statement), or simply the realization that I am so far down a career path that to change or begin anew would be incredibly difficult. Not very Oprah of me.

+ Though I am proud of who I am and feel grateful for the gifts I have been given, I still struggle sometimes with doing things for me and not for other people, and feeling confident in the person I am.
I'm sure everyone struggles to feel comfortable in who they are to some extent, even Oprah, but she has this fearless way of announcing her insecurities, ultimately easing the pressure and allowing her to move forward with the support of people around her. She IS the bomb.

I feel like I did when Sex And The City was in its final season and having never seen the show I rented the whole series. Doreen and I obsessively watched every episode within like a week or something. I may have to find me some Oprah DVDs, hope for a rainy day or ten, and let the wisest woman of day-time tell me how to rock this world!

Good stuff!

It just so happens that lately we've had an abundance of culture on the social calendar, which inevitably always makes me say some iteration of, "Why don't we do more stuff like this?"

First I was invited to the opera by the little (awesome) girl that I mentor, Willa. Having never been to the opera I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. It was SO interesting. From the moment I stepped into the lobby I was entranced by the menagerie of people busily moving around me - from artists to professorial-looking gents, to assumed stick-up-their-bums types, it was a sea and a spectrum to delight the senses. THAT was all before the opera even started. The opera was Mozart's the Magic Flute and even though we left before the end it was a pretty incredible show. There was all sorts of humor and beautiful costumes, and of course, wonderful singing. I loved my first opera. I wonder if I'll ever get the chance to see another.

We had some friends in town and staying with us from Montana last week too. Guests are usually a great opportunity to do things you don't normally do because you're in entertainment mode = Lets show them all sorts of cool things in Seattle. The Seattle Art Museum offers free entry on the first Thursday of every month and we took full advantage. The result was a surprise rockin' party! Nick Cave's exhibit: Meet Me At The Center of the Earth was in full effect complete with a dj and costumed dancers performing in their crazy and colorful and hairy art pieces. Other attendees were dressed in crazy outfits and it was just great! At one point I captured a video of an (dare I say it) old and awesome lady (she had white hair) and she was dancing to the dj! Good times. I'll try to get that vid on here as its sure to make someone's day.

Then on Friday Tyson and I checked out an acoustic Citizen Cope show at a teeny bar in Ballard that blew me away. He is pretty much the bomb.

Did anyone else listen to this interview of the Beastie Boys on NPR the other morning? I laughed out loud multiple times on the vanpool. I cannot wait to see their new 30-minute video complete with an all-star cast!

Happy days.

Mama.

Happy Mother's Day to my darling mother, Debbie. She is the best! And I love her dearly.

Thanks for spending a week with me in Seattle, Mama! I miss having you around! You are so awesome! Big HUG.

Booked.

I love writing that title.

Booked indeed. We booked our honeymoon a couple of nights ago! We will spend ten days hopping from island to island in Greece, and then zip over to Rome to spend our final four days in non-work paradise with our good friends, Dave and Jen, who will also be celebrating their honeymoon in Italy. I think having the opportunity to travel and be abroad with friends and fellow newlyweds near the end will be even more of a celebration sendoff!

I. Cannot. Wait.