Anything Goes

Ah, the price we pay for cheap theatre tickets.

Yesterday morning, I got up at 5:30am, took the 6:03 train to Grand Central Terminal, walked to the Steven Sondheim theatre (4 blocks) , and got in line (6:49am). I was the 2nd arrival and the girl ahead of me got there at 6:30am. Yikes! Another girl joined us at 7:05am, and others trickled in over the next couple of hours. By 9am there were 25 people. At 9:30am a guy came out and announced that there were only 9 "rush" tickets. That means that only a handful of us early arrivals were getting tickets. Yippee! At 10am when the box office opened, I bought my two for $30 each. Last row on the upper level. I texted my friend Sara, told her we were on and went to work. Exhausted. Seriously, what was I thinking!? 7 months pregnant and my feet ached. It was hot and humid morning, and I didn't get much sitting or walking time while in line - mostly just standing. Ugh. Oh well, my energy recovered as the day went on and by 6pm, I was excited about the show. Met Sara for a quick salad and the show started at 7pm.

Anything Goes was excellent. No wonder it won the TONY for best revival. Sutton Foster is extremely talented - her dancing, singing and acting were all superb. Joel Gray was darling and so funny! The tap dancing numbers were explosive. "Blow, Gabriel, Blow!" When we got out at 9:40pm-ish, I ran to the train station to catch the 10pm train to Yonkers. What a day! I do not regret the "price" I paid to see this show, esp knowing that when Sydnie comes, my ability to do things like that will be limited!

"Very Passionate about Ward Clerkdom"

So, the new ward clerk says to the outgoing ward clerk: "What was the name of that former clerk you were talking about who had the great system of keeping track of things? I'd love to talk with him about some ideas." To which the old wark clerk responds: "His name is Peter Nelson. He just moved to Yonkers. He is a super friendly guy and very passionate about ward clerkdom, so I think he would love to explain his system to you." Awww.... ain't it the truth. Thats our Paco! [The above quotes were taken directly from an email exchange].
Peter and I moved out of a very large ward in Manhattan to a very small branch in Westchester county. On a good Sunday, there are 30-40 people at church. In RS, we have about 8-9 sisters total, including the presidency. We combine with EQ regularly for the third hour, about 50% of the time. We haven't gotten callings yet, but we're speaking in two weeks. This will be a new and different adventure for sure. And if Peter finagles correctly, he may get to employ his passion for ward clerkdom in our new branch. And that, for Paco, would be "livin' the dream."

Pictured here, he is taking a break from oral surgery & clerkdom to enjoy the park adjacent to our old digs.

Over-advertising

Friday, August 5, 2011
Dear Great Courses Customer Service Department:
Last year, I made one purchase from your company and since then, I have been inundated with marketing & advertising materials. I am happy with my product, and I like and appreciate what your company is all about.
However, I think you should know that the excessive amount of advertising I have received literally pains me – as it wastes paper and cheapens your products. It saddens me to see so much paper being wasted and the environmental consequences. Further, there’s a desperation communicated in the repeated outreaches to “capture” me back as a customer. I would have much more respect for your company and your products if I received significantly less advertising. Again, its excessive, desperate, wasteful and repulsive. Your over-advertising has turned me off to your company and your products, rather than the effect I’m sure you’d wish it to have. In all honesty, at this point, the more you advertise to me, the less likely I am willing to purchase anything.
Kindly note my request to be removed from your mailing lists, your email lists, and any other list I may be currently on (niche/ marketing/ target individuals, etc). I know where and how to find your products and will reach out to you on my terms when I am ready and interested in making any further purchases.
Best Regards,
Allison Nelson