I just did something I never wanted to do.

First, let me start this post by stating the obvious.

I am not a prude.

Hey, I'm a 53-year-old grown ass woman who has had a fantastic, fun life. 

• I've travelled all over the world.
• I'm well read.
• I listen to Howard Stern.

And the most telling of all -- I was a theater major in college -- and you KNOW how those artsy people were in college...

So, I'll say it again, with conviction -- I am not a prude.

But, last night I saw The Rocky Horror Show at The Dallas Theater Center, and I'm grossed out.  The show is well acted, has great costumes, and a fun set, but it went too far.  Simulated sex (even fully clothed) is funny once, maybe twice, but this production just went too far. 

My friends and I danced The Time Warp and bought the $10 prop bags so we could make it rain with water pistols and throw rolls of toilet paper on stage.  The music was good and some of the actors can really sing.  Liz Mikel was her usual glorious self in a dual role. There was a lot to love about the show.

I'm not sure why this production -- really it is only the second act that was so revolting -- has sickened me. 

Maybe it's that I'm becoming an old lady who remembers the good old days when we left our doors open and walked 20 miles in the snow to school...  But I think it may be that I know that there are real children in the world who are watching and living in porn and smut.  Children who live lives of quiet desperation being sexually abused -- who would give anything to just have something good in their lives. 

I guess I just don't want to see overt sexuality and hear people laugh about it ever again.  I'm shocked and I want the Theater Center to tone it down.  But what I really want is a better world for kids.

P.S.  About the title of this post -- I just called DTC and left a message for someone to call me so I can give them some feedback about the show.  Again, I'm not a prude.

Four Favorite Things I Love Right Now! Part 2

Well, I’m still on holiday break from July 4 (took a few extra days to sit around and read, play bridge, go to the movies, cook – all of the things I love to do, but cannot seem to make enough time for when I’m working).  I'm back in the office tomorrow, so cancel the dancing boys, co-workers...

Installment 2 of my four favs (in case you missed it, click here for Installment 1: 

http://blog.paigemcdaniel.org/2012/06/four-favorite-things-i-love-right-now.html):

• White Bean Dip – I make this dip from Giada De Laurentiis all the time.  One of my go-to items and everyone loves it.  It has a hummus-like quality, but tastes better and no tahini, so less mess.
• 1 Can of Cannellini Beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1/4 C Italian Parsley Leaves (loosely packed)
• 2 T Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 Garlic Clove
• 1/3 C EVOO
• Put all (except olive oil) into food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.  With machine running, gradually mix in EVOO until mixture is creamy.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve with Stacy’s Simply Naked Pita Chips.  Enjoy!
• Quivers:  A Life – this is Robin Quivers auto-biography.  Robin is Howard Stern’s long-time side-kick and before they moved to satellite, I listened to them every morning.  Her biography was written in 1995 and tells the fascinating story of her journey to radio stardom.
• The Perfect Polish Combo – I have finally found that the perfect color combo for “pretty” nails is one coat of OPI Bubble Bath and one coat of OPI Privacy Please, in this order.  Completely natural and touch-ups not required.
• The Dallas Theater Center – Joe was surprised the other night when I told him that I see a live theater or music performance at least 3 times a month!  Frankly, I was too, but when you have series subscriptions with several friends and family members, plus generous friends who include you as their guest periodically, you just do.  The Dallas Theater Center is consistently at the top of my list.  Their productions are exciting, imaginative, and thought-provoking.  Well worth the money.

Hope this list gives you some ideas!  What are your current four favs?

P.S.  My #FundraisingFriday gift is going to the Dallas Theater Center this week.  Use that $10, wisely, Kevin Moriarty and team!