Damn you, Noggin. Just when we had an afternoon routine, you go and change it. At 4:30, Jack’s Big Music Show is normally on. While I try to limit afternoon TV to emergency only (like when I need a trip to the bathroom, or need to switch the laundry, or when dealing with a major grumpy child), we do tend to watch Jack’s Big Music Show each day.

Cordelia has shown a strong preference to music since she was very little, and we’ve been encouraging it because, well, her daddy’s an actor, and we encourage all things artsy. Jack’s Big Music Show has a wide variety of music types, and showcases some off-beat children’s performers. It’s through this show that we found Laurie Berkner, who comes in at a close second to Cordy’s first boy band obsession, the Wiggles.

Anyway, we turned on Noggin, and Cordy spent the first few moments watching Moose in-between shows (she loves that moose, too). Then suddenly the Backyardigans came on. I was a little surprised, but Cordy seemed interested in the opening song, so I left it on.

Not 5 minutes later, Cordy was walking around the living room, hunting for a particular object. She eyed me on the couch, then got that “ah-ha!” look on her face, and ran to the couch. She reached past me and grabbed the remote control, then placed it in my hand.

I did my usual “oh, thank you so much!” routine for when she hands me objects, then set it aside. But she picked it up again, turned my hand palm up, and put the remote in my hand again. Being the dense mommy that I am, I said, “what do you want me to do?“

Cordy, giving me her best “duh, mom!” eye roll along with a big sigh, walked towards the TV and then looked back at the remote.

Message received, little one. Apparently the Backyardigans is not to your liking, and you want me to change the channel. I switched it to Disney West, which had JoJo on, and she sat down, content with the new program.

My child, the critic. Hey Noggin, save me some grief here – don’t change the programming!

Oh, wait. Jack’s Big Music Show is now on at 5pm. Alright, off to watch the show.

After my last post, I realize that I’m not alone in my love of musicals. I’m not the only geek out there – I’ve seen the posts about the cheesy songs you listen to on Mrs. Chicky’s blog.

Now, I know many people know of the “big” ones: Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Cats, etc. But there are an abundance of musicals out there that, for one reason or another, never got the notice that they should have. For all of you who enjoy musicals, or just good music, this post is for you.

As my musical public service announcement, I’d like to share with all of you the best musicals you’ve probably never heard of or seen. Yes, I’m a theatre person, but I did consider briefly majoring in music in college (along with the other 4 majors I considered, along with the 4 I actually changed to).

I recommend these musicals on several factors. For some, the CD is packed full of amazing singers. For others, the story is beautiful, and the music and lyrics can really inspire emotion. And most have both features.

Give the samples a listen, e-mail me if you want to hear more (I can hook you up with some full tracks), and give some lesser known musicals a chance.

Martin Guerre – This musical was written by the same duo who made Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. Why this one wasn’t just as big of a hit, I’ll never know.

It’s the story of a man in 16th century France who runs away from his village after being forced into a marriage as a teen. A man returns years later, and everyone thinks it’s Martin, but it is his friend. The friend and Martin’s wife fall in love, and he pretends to be Martin. Beautiful story, gorgeous music. The song Why? is one of the best I have ever heard.

Notre-Dame de Paris – This is another Hunchback of Notre-Dame story, but told with beautiful music. Ignore the first track, sung as a promo by Celine Dion. The rest of it really is much better than her. I will advise that this is not for the traditionalists. If you’re hopelessly devoted to Oklahoma and other musicals from the Rodgers & Hammerstein era, this isn’t for you.

I’ve never seen this on stage, but I’m told it’s done in a very modern way – no period costumes and such. But regardless, the music is somewhat of a pop-rock variety, combined with the lush depth of music from darker musicals. Belle is probably a favorite song of mine.

Jekyll & Hyde – OK, this one is more well-known, but I’m not talking about the current Broadway version of this. To truly appreciate this musical, you must listen to the original concept album. I first saw this musical when it was on tour to campaign for Broadway. I saw it again when it was touring after its Broadway stint. While they are very similar, the changes made by its time on Broadway in no way helped it, in my opinion. Removing the song Bring on the Men was a shame.

This is the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and his formula to separate good and evil. Amazingly, Jekyll and Hyde have very different voices, despite being sung by the same man (in this case, the amazing Anthony Warlow). While impressive, it’s even more impressive when Jekyll is battling with himself in the song The Confrontation. Switching voices like that has to be tough. Go. Listen to all of the samples on Amazon. You’ll be hooked.

Once on this Island – This one is very different from all of the others. The music is strongly rooted in Caribbean beats. It’s a story from Haiti, of a peasant girl who is plucked from death by the gods to one day test the power of love against the power of death.

This is one musical that will make you laugh hard, and cry hard. It’s simply beautiful, and the music will stick with you for days. A great musical for children as well – I think the story is appropriate for most ages. Mama Will Provide will make you dance, you’ll be cheering the heroine along against the power of Papa Ge, and sobbing when she realizes she cannot be with the one she loves.

There are so many more I could list for you: Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Bombay Dreams. The list is endless. I encourage everyone to get out there and expand their musical knowledge.

Go listen to some music that isn’t kiddie music!

Thank you all for the kind words in my previous post! It made me feel all warm and happy inside.

We had a lovely time. For those who were asking why in the hell would we travel to Cincinnati, I have an answer. It was because of this:

Aaron and I love theatre, and we have a special fondness for musicals. Wicked is one musical we have been listening to for over a year, but we were unable to see. Until last night. I got lucky and managed to get us tickets for opening night in a pre-sale event, since the show sold out about an hour after it was opened to the public.

Our evening started with going to dinner at a restaurant we’ve always liked in Cincinnati. I devoured my dinner without one hint of guilt, because diets don’t matter when it’s your anniversary. I even had a piece of Guiness chocolate cake. Then we were off to the theatre.

The show was incredible! Having seen it, I now reaffirm it is one of my favorite musicals. For those who know nothing about it, Wicked is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. But it is the story before The Wizard of Oz, and it shows that the witch perhaps wasn’t as wicked as many think. It’s all about being different, dealing with prejudice, and doing what you feel is right. If you like musicals, I highly recommend picking this CD up.

The cast of the first national tour was wonderful. While the woman playing Glinda didn’t harmonize as well as I would have liked, she had a beautiful voice on her own. The actress who played Elphaba (the witch), was amazing, and the actor playing Fiyero was downright hot, along with a good voice. My God, the ass on that man! I mean, ahem, he had nice hair, and sang well.

We left the theatre practically glowing from being so happy. The drive to our hotel took far too long, but once there we relaxed and enjoyed the jacuzzi tub in the room (this is the one time of the year we splurge).

Overall, a wonderful anniversary. Oh, and I forgot to tell you what Aaron got me: he wrote me a beautiful letter about how I work so hard to take care of Cordy, and how he knows I feel I’ve lost some of what used to be “me” from being overworked as “mommy”. Included with the letter were three gift cards – one had exactly enough to get a massage, another had enough to get my hair cut and colored, and the third was a gift card to Hot Topic, to find some clothing to make me feel more hip again. Oh, and the letter also promised a day to myself, when he will take Cordelia for the entire day so I have time to do all of this. Have I mentioned that I love this man?

I’m now back to the real world again, and I feel more refreshed after our night out. We were both totally excited to see Cordy again today (we practically raced each other to get into the house first), but the time we had together without her was that much needed time all couples should have to reconnect with each other.

So, I’m off to wipe Cordy’s nose. It seems that in the 18 hours we were gone, she somehow managed to pick up and dive full-force into a cold. Now her face is covered in a river of snot, and the faucet won’t turn off.

It’s good to be home.

It was on this day, just three years ago, that Aaron and I stood in front of all of our friends and family and repeated our vows to each other. I remember being nervous about fitting into my dress, nervous about my hair, scared I’d trip and fall down the aisle, but most of all, so excited that this day had come. It was a day filled with happiness for me, and one I am glad to celebrate each year.

Aaron and I took today off, and we’re getting ready to go to Cincinnati for the night. My mom is here, and is staying the night to watch Cordelia, so we will have an entire night together, sans child.

I’m so very lucky to have a loving husband and a fabulous family. Things haven’t turned out the way we planned them three years ago – we are always short on money, and the job situation is iffy – but as long as I have Aaron, I know we’ll manage whatever comes our way.

I’ll leave you today with some pictures from our wedding. More toddler swearing and diet temptations tomorrow!

I’d just like to state for the record how damn cruel it is that I am required to keep a candy jar on my work desk at all times. Yes, it’s a rule – it makes our offices more “inviting” to students. It also tortures those on a diet.

It’s just sitting there, on the edge of the desk, looking at me. It’s a clear jar, too, so I can see all of the sugary-goodness tempting me. One tootsie roll is even partially unwrapped, exposing the divine chocolate underneath that thin paper wrapper. It’s like porn for dieters. I turned the jar so I wouldn’t see the Jolly Ranchers, but now I see one has snuck to the other side to beckon me.

Damn, I’m hungry.