Tortitude

What a spectacular fucking day.

Got to sleep in. Had chili dogs for breakfast (at 11). Dressed up like a girl (changed clothes about 50 times and ended up in this dark blue dress I love and haven't worn in awhile). Met Jeff & Co. at the 5th Avenue Theatre.

The seats were fantastic. Center orchestra, not too close to the stage, and certainly not very far away. What a spectacular gift. I've been teasing Jeff for weeks about how much I bawl during Les Mis, and that he better be prepared to hear me sobbing next to him, to which he's bantered back that he would either kick me or have an usher remove me. So as we settled in, Jeff turned and asked, "Didja bring tissues??" And as I snarked back that I'd forgotten but was going to use his sleeve, he grinned and pulled a pack of Kleenex out of his pocket!! God, I love him. They came in handy, too.

I've seen Les Mis about 7 times now (London (1-2), Los Angeles (1-2), and San Francisco (at least 3-4)--and now Seattle). It's my favorite musical and having read the unabridged novel, I'm just obsessed with the material. Paris has always been special to me.

Anyhow, this production was great. The biggest flaw was a few glitches in the sound system (nothing awful). I did cry, but Jeff did not need to kick me or alert an usher. The ending scene, from after the wedding to the grand finish, always has me shaking a little with tears running down my face. I keep expecting to be over it already, but it just wrings every emotion I have.

After all the bows, Jeff took one look at my tear-streaked face and cracked up (indulgently).

As I told Jeff, this musical makes me religious (not in a scary way). Sure, it's idealized, but I always find myself so moved. Sometimes I feel like I'm always seeking salvation, but I'm not sure what from. Also, I want to flagellate myself because just thinking about the sacrifices people make and the things people endure, make me feel absurdly petty and spoiled rotten. I must go donate a kidney now or something.

We scuttled outside with the mass and Jeff drove with me to Via Tribunali, since I had no idea where it was.

Chris, Bob, Craig, Greg, and David met us, and we discovered to our dismay that it was a 45min wait. Boo. But the time went amazingly fast. Let me say, I've got no problem being doted on by a group of adorable men who hug and kiss me. No problem at ALL.

Dinner was great, although poor Chris ended up with a fairly revolting over-salted meat topping on his pizza. But dessert made up for it (Tartufo). Dinner was leisurely and fun and lots of great conversation, as just about everyone--especially Bob and David--are big Les Mis fans. I took some hilarious shots of Jeff with my cell phone and now when he calls--it'll be his picture. I know this is not new technology, but it's my first picture-ID thingie and I'm inordinately excited.

We strolled back to our cars and I headed home, singing at the top of my lungs.

I am very, very content.

OH! But tomorrow, inconceivably, LES MISERABLES! Jeff got us orchestra tickets for tomorrow afternoon (Christmas present). SIX MONTHS OF WAITING COMING TO AN END!

Note to self: do not die of glee before the show.