DLR LotD 12/17/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Sunday, December 17, 2017

"Do you have the Santa hat with the Mickey ears and the lights?" -- Rudy, several times to different merchants, to no avail

So he got this one instead

DLR LotD 12/09/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Saturday, December 9, 2017

"Well, he *could* scream...I mean he has a mouth, but I don't know." -- Miss O, at Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Tita and Me Day 2017

Superfriends Save The World

I saw "Justice League" twice during opening weekend.  The first time was on opening night, when I saw it in IMAX and got a free comic book.

Then I saw it on Sunday because other friends had not seen it yet and I was already in the movie theater to see "Thor: Ragnarok" again.  Yes, I paid for the second movie.  Besides, I wanted to take this picture.

I don't like that I'm wearing the wrong shirt.
Also, I should have checked to be sure all the words were showing.
But l l still like the picture.

• Elfman!  Loved hearing his "Batman" theme again, as well as a tiny snippet of John Williams' "Superman" (my favorite).
• Dude, how many Amazons actually live on Themyscira?
• I like the look Wonder Woman gives people who doubt her.
• "So, can you talk to fish?"
• Is it my imagination, or did Affleck go a bit too far with the Botox?
• "I miss the days when our biggest problem was exploding penguins."
• How are they going to explain to everyone that Clark is alive?
• "Do you bleed?"  Yikes.  Nice callback to their battle in "Batman vs. Superman".
• I like that Flash is still the comical one in this group of brooders.  DC has always been more serious than Marvel, which is probably why I favor them: you know, DARKNESS.  But Flash has always brought the needed comic relief to the League.
• "I...I need friends."
• "I do...very competitive ice dancing."
• I did not know Aquaman could fly.
• Loved the whole confession from Aquaman as he sits on the Lasso of Hestia.
• "I'm not the one who brought a pitchfork."
• Lex and Deathstroke are going to form a baseball team.  That's what I got from the last post-credit scene.
• "Superman was a beacon to the world. He didn’t just save people, he made them see the best part of themselves."

I enjoyed this movie.  How could I not?  It's my Superhero Trinity!

By the way, I took the quiz on the official site, and confirmed that I am Superman.  Don't tell anyone, because I don't wear glasses everywhere I go...and sometimes I forget my cape.

How Bout Now? | ROCKAPELLA

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I have several posts to write, but need to get back to holiday prep/baking.

Until then, I hope you enjoy Rockapella's new original song.

Trying to hold back tears.  Poignant and well done.  Do you see why I love my Pella?

DLR LotD 11/10/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Friday, November 10, 2017

"Pa rum rum rum rum..." -- Glenn, singing to the tune of The Little Drummer Boy, at Fiddler, Fife and Practical Cafe

My second selfie attempt
 and I still didn't get the whole drummer in the picture.

Lord of Thunder

My friends and I watched "Thor: Ragnarok" at the Arclight Cineramadome on Opening Night Eve.  That's right.  We watched Thor on Thursday, the day that was named after him!  This time, we were all seated together.  Yay! 

Cindy brought both Thor and Hulk to the show

• "Wait.  I need to come back around so I don't feel like I've lost our connection."
• Loved the play.  We were irritated that the person doing the trivia contest before the movie mentioned that Sam Neill was in this film, because it was a bit of a spoiler for us, but he was hilarious in the play.
• Doctor Strange!  CUMBERBAAAAATCH!  
• "I've been falling...for 30 minutes!"
• "Odin is in Norway."  How appropriate.
• Awww...Odin turned into gold dust.  Or gold wind.  Or something gold.
• "What are you?  Thor, God of Hammers?"
• This film was easily the funniest out of all of the Avengers movies so far.  
• Jeff Goldblum's Grandmaster is also a DJ.  That's cool, man.
• "That stuff that came out of your fingers.  Were those...sparkles?"
• I enjoyed seeing Loki during the gladiator battle, especially when they reveal whom Thor will be fighting.  "I have to get off this planet."
• I saw folks dressed like Hela at LA Comic Con last weekend, and, although she looked familiar, I didn't know who they were portraying.  I know now.  Yes, they wore the big headdress thing.  I don't know how they kept theirs heads up, but there were a few that were done really well.  
• Oh, Ate Hela.  You're so mean.
• Loved the interaction between Thor and Hulk/Bruce.  "Hulk like raging fire.  Thor like smoldering fire."
• "Hey there, big guy...sun's getting really low..."
• My favorite new-to-me character is Korg.   "You don't need to be afraid, unless you're made of scissors."
• "It's not much use unless you want to kill three vampires who are all clustered together."
• "Hello, New Doug."
• Well, hello, Chris Hemsworth's abs.  How you doing?  Also, that face only looks better without the hair, but I did miss the long hair.
• Ooh, Valkyrie.  I can't think of that word without imagining flying toasters.  Dude, she drinks a LOT.  And FAST.  She's my kind of girl.

What fun!  I look forward to seeing this again.  

Tom Hiddleston's Costume
Loki

Tessa Thompson's Costume
Valkyrie

Chris Hemsworth's Costume
Thor

In The Room Where It Happened

Hamilton: An American Musical

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Hollywood Pantages Theatre 

Los Angeles, CA

A few months ago, tickets went on sale for this event on a Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  I was singing in the choir for the 9:00 a.m. mass, and hoped that it would be a short one.  It was!  I pretty much raced home, got on my PC, my cell phone, and my laptop to be one of the thousands of people trying to purchase tickets.  Craziness happened, including my spotty internet being extra-irritatingly spotty, as well as other technological stuff.  I had a list of dates that I was available, and tried to get a ticket just for myself, as well as a block of three tickets in case Bro and V could join me.  Unfortunately, that block of three never happened, but the one ticket did, and I had a ticket reserved in the Orchestra section.  Whoo HOOOO!

Two weeks before the show, I took the Metro to see Blade Runner 2049, and the stop was across the street from the Pantages.  I was very excited when I saw the theatre and took this picture at that time.

The day finally came, and I tried to be calm all day long.  Work was busy, but I was distracted.  My co-worker told me that after we got off of work, she was trying to get my attention while I was in my car, but I was too busy on my Waze app trying to figure out how to get to my reserved parking by the Pantages to notice her.  My pre-paid parking was a block north of Capitol Records, which, I realized, was right behind the Pantages.  I never realized that before.  

Icon

I arrived before the doors opened, and got in line.  I was hoping to catch Ham4Ham, but I guess they only did that in LA on opening night when Lin-Manuel Miranda was here.  

Open, open, open!

So that just gave me lots of time to shop instead.  I bought lots of stuff, pondered on other stuff, and then bought a Hamilton MixTape CD.  If I get lucky enough to win another ticket, I'll buy something else. My seat was in row R of the orchestra.  I needed a selfie to share my delight with my friends, and decided to pose with my new Hamilton LA magnet.  

I love the play on the Hollywood sign!
But wait.  Why not a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star?
Or, you know, both?

The show started a few minutes late, probably due to this being LA.  The house was full.  The air was teeming with excitement.  Let's do this thing!

The Stage

The Stage at Intermission

• Ah, the roar of the crowd as the house lights dimmed!  
• Everyone.  EVERYONE was awesome in this cast.  I was floored by the multitude of talent, but it was certainly necessary for a production of this caliber.
• I didn't know that Aaron Burr was the narrator.  Joshua Henry brought humor and a human-ness to the part of the man whom would become despicable to many.  I did like that he regretted his actions in the end, wondering what ideas would have come to fruition if Hamilton had lived longer.
• Michael Luwoye was outstanding as Alexander Hamilton.  With so much recitative, there is a lot of room for error.  Yet he skillfully got all of those words out there with wonderful emotion.
• Loved that rewind to Angelica's view of what happened when the Schuyler Sisters met Alexander. Emmy Raver-Lampman's voice is as fierce as her hairstyle.
• Jordan Donica was hilarious as Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette.  I especially enjoyed the way he hair danced with his afro.
• Then Isaiah Johnson, as George Washington belts out his song in the second half, and I thought, "Wow.  He's amazing."
• Solea Pfeiffer, as Eliza, brought the drama and I cried along with her when Philip died.  I mean, who wouldn't? 
• Rory O'Malley was perfect as King George.  Perfectly funny, perfectly regal, perfectly insane.  La da da da da, da da da da dee da da dada da da daaa da dah!  I laughed at how thrilled he was that John Adams had taken office.
• After the show, the cast asked for donations to Broadway Cares, saying that they want to show NYC that LA is on a winning streak.  A cast member, a native Angeleno, was happy to announce that the Dodgers are going to the World Series!  A lot of us had been checking our phones at intermission, and a guy in front of me was wearing his Dodgers jersey under his suit jacket.
• I love this show.  I love that I'm having fun while learning history, like a really long version of Schoolhouse Rock. I love the music, and wish I could memorize every word so I could be some kind of history rap aficionado.  
• Thank you, Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, for everything you've contributed to this country.
• Thank you, Lin Manuel Miranda, for sharing your genius with the world.

Happiness

DLR LotD 10/14/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Saturday, October 14, 2017

"Are those skeletons pole dancing?" -- Justin, on Buena Vista Street

Do Paper Dolls Dream of Origami Sheep?

A few weeks ago, my friends and I bought tickets for "Blade Runner 2049".  Due to a technical glitch, I ended up with a reserved seat in the same row as them, but not next to them.  I thought that I had seen the original movie a long time ago, but recorded a showing on SyFy so I could refresh my memory.  Well, that was a good idea because it turned out that I had never seen the film.  I hadn't really been concentrating when I watched it this time either because I had a bunch of questions. So I watched it again on Wednesday night, read some imdb stuff, and finally felt ready to see the new movie.  

On that day, I didn't see them in the lobby when they said they were there.  Thinking that perhaps I had bought a ticket for a totally different show, I sat down in my seat, ate my hot dog, and contemplated how I would get home (my friend was going to drive me home since I took the Metro to Hollywood after work).  Then they realized that I was in the Cinerama Dome lobby, and they were in the main lobby of the Arclight. They entered the Dome, and all was better.  While I was talking to them at their seats, the guy in the seat next to mine moved my water bottle to the other cup holder so he could manspread and be THAT guy.  The ticket taker had told me to "get comfortable, it's a 3-hour movie", so I was not really looking forward to sitting by the guy, but he turned out to be OK.  At least he didn't read the opening setup OUT LOUD like the gal in back of me.  At first, I gave her the benefit of the doubt, like maybe she was reading to someone who couldn't see the words well, but no, she started to narrate, and I turned around and shot her a look.  She quieted down, probably because I wasn't the only one that shot her a look at that moment.  Anyway, my thoughts about the movie...

• Love that the opening shot is an eye.
• Hi, EJO!
• Robin Wright!  Hi, Princess Buttercup!  I like that she's being given roles where she portrays strong women, and wish that she could have kicked some butt here like she did in "Wonder Woman".
• It's 30 years later, and I'm still a little worried that the replicants existed in 2019, which is only 2 years from today.  Technology moves so quickly these days.  Could it still happen? And 32 years from now, why does LA look like that?  Ick.
• That LAPD building is HUGE.
• That dog stood so still at first that I thought he was stuffed.  That's my kind of dog, though, because he drinks whiskey.
• Is there a male version of Joi?  I didn't see any ads with a male.  
• Speaking of ads, are Sony and Peugeot not worried about that "Blade Runner curse"?
• That scene with Joi getting physical through a human was creepy.  It reminded me of the scene in "Her", except this one kept going.
• At one point, I realized that Gosling looks a little similar to Joseph Fiennes, probably due to the shape of their faces. Fitting that Joi named him "Joe", then.
• I kept wondering if K was going to ask, "Are you my dad?"
• Harrison Ford can still kick ass and take names.  It probably hurts more now than it did 30 years ago, but still.  I loved the part of an interview with Gosling saying that it's not as great as you think when you're in a movie fight with your hero, because when they hit you, it still hurts.  Yes, APPARENTLY, Harrison actually hit Ryan at one point.  Oops!
• Where was that hotel/casino where Deckard was hiding out?  Was that Vegas?  What was up with those huge statues?
• "Her eyes were green."
• That car looks like a DeLorean.  Do all the cops get DeLoreans in the future?  And why did K get to keep his after he turned in his badge and weapon?  Or was that his own car?
• While K was looking at the DNA codes with the letters A C G and T, I thought of the movie "Gattaca" and realized the title's relation to the subject matter of that film.  Mind blown.  I want to see that again.
• I think I need this film score.
• Whenever K went near one of the pianos, I wondered if he was going to save jazz again.
• Why is she crying when she's sees his memory? (later on: "ohhhhh....")
• Why you gotta kill her the day she was born, Wallace?  Meanie. 
• "Sometimes to love someone, you've got to be a stranger."

That (almost) 3 hours went by pretty quickly.  I enjoyed this film, and I'm glad I saw what was the "Final Cut" version of the original film.  Great sequel, looking forward to seeing it again someday.  

DLR LotD 10/07/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Saturday, October 7, 2017

"This flight is brought to you by Darth Vader Insurance.  You know, for when Sith Happens." -- CM Jacob, at Star Tours

DLR LotD 09/23/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Saturday, September 23, 2017

"So is that 'My Mother, the Car'?" -- Mox, at the Cozy Cone Motel

DLR LotD 09/20/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

"Be a princess!" -- Photopass CM at Cars Land

DLR LotD 09/19/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

*Special Freemark Abbey Wine Dinner Edition*

Reception Toast: "I wanna be a barn maiden" -- Cindy

Herbed Butter*
Served with House-made Bread
Paired with 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley*

First Course: "Can you admire someone from a-close?" -- Cindy

Roasted Spanish Octopus, New Potatoes,
Sweet Paprika, Celery Salad, Chorizo Sausage
Paired with 2013 Viognier, Napa Valley

Second Course: "Sherry, when do we get off this ride?" -- Jenny

Filet Beef Carpaccio, Dungeness Crab Salad,
Fennel Crisp*
Paired with 2015 Chardonnay, Napa Valley

Third Course: "First you tweet, then you eat." -- Wine Santa

Pork Chop with Roasted Gooseberries,
Creamed Swiss Chard, Sorrel Emulsion
Paired with 2013 Knights Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Fourth Course: "The lamb is proof that God drinks Cabernet." -- Wine Santa

New Zealand Rack of Lamb with Saffron Onion Soubise,
King Trumpets, Crispy Sun Chokes
Paired with 2013 Rutherford Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Fifth Course: "I did not call him Wine Santa.  To his face." -- Sher, to Jenn, during trivia

Red Wine Poached Pear with Mascarpone,
Buttermilk Whip, Saffron Macaron, Chocolate Ganache
Paired with Patina Prosecco

*Sher's favorites

DLR LotD 09/17/17

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Sunday, September 17, 2017

*Special DuckAdventure Edition*

"We ran out of esses." -- David, at DuckAdventure Central

Thank you, Team Turkeys in the Straw for a great day.  We finished all the quests and ranked #15 in the Basic Division with a score of 306 out of 385 points!

Hidden Quest Finders

Pella Jams at Sam's

Rockapella in Vegas

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Sam's Town Live

Las Vegas, NV

Friday started off well enough: got my nails done, got my hair done, all packed and ready to go.  Then the traffic to the airport happened.  Mind you, I left at 3:00 p.m..  It usually takes about 30-45 minutes to get to ONT.  My flight was scheduled to leave at 8:00 p.m.  So I had plenty of time.  But it was Friday of Labor Day weekend, and I was going in the direction of Vegas, albeit not directly to Vegas by car.  Also, it was hot.  REALLY hot, like over 100 degrees hot, and my car decided that today was the day to show me that it didn't want the air conditioning to work perfectly. I mean, it acts up once in a while, but obviously it's more noticeable when it's really hot outside. So there I am, sweltering in the heat, and traffic isn't moving very quickly.  It was so bad that I checked my fitbit and it showed my heart rate starting to elevate, as if I was exercising, yet I was just sitting in my car.  I drank water.  It slowed down.  I tried to breathe deeply.  It slowed down more, but not enough, and I'm pretty sure I was about to go into a panic attack at any moment.  So I got off the freeway and took the streets in case I really started to freak out.  I cooled down a little bit, and remembered the Starbucks by My Delight Cupcakery.  I did not want cupcakes.  OK, I did, but I knew they'd melt in the heat, so I didn't go there.  I went to the Starbucks drive-thru.  It took what seemed like forever, partly because I was so damn hot and partly because the people in front of me kept asking questions and crap.  I mean, they really should have gotten out of the car and gone into the store.  I realized that perhaps I should have, too, just to cool down, since I had plenty of time.  But I was trapped in the drive-thru and starting to overheat (me, not the car) again.  Turns out that not only the people in front of me were slow, but also the baristas because they were probably overwhelmed by the number of frappucinos that everyone was ordering.  I just wanted my goshdarn iced tea.  I finally got it, and made my way back to the freeway and to the airport, no longer feeling like a frog being slow-boiled.  

When I arrived at the airport lot, I decided not to risk the heat anymore by walking to the terminal, and waited for the shuttle while I finished drinking my iced tea.  Do you know there's not a lot of shade at the ONT parking lot, especially at the shuttle stops?  Now you do, and so do I.  The shuttle arrived, though, and I got to sit in air conditioning and cooled down.  The heart rate went back down to almost normal, too.  Phew!  I didn't need to check my bag, so when we got out of the shuttle, I went through TSA and looked for my gate.  Oh, great: my flight was delayed for 30 minutes.  So I had a seat and texted Dodie to update her.  It was 5:30 p.m., and I had 3 hours.  Well, at least I was in air-conditioning, and I'd be on time for my flight, and I relaxed.  The flight was a little bit bumpy, but not too bad.  I dread going to hot places on planes because of the turbulence, but it was OK, and I was able to look at the bright lights of Vegas, which is the best reason to land there at night.

Dodie was waiting at my gate, and we made our way to baggage claim so she could figure out her Uber app.  Uber and Lyft have pretty much taken over as private transportation at LAS, and they have a designated pickup area, where their take down of the taxi industry is quite apparent.  I mean, there were a LOT of people waiting there for their rides.  This probably wouldn't have happened if taxis didn't cost double the amount Uber and Lyft charge, so I think they need to adapt with the times if they want to survive.  We arrived at Sam's Town and checked in.  The hotel is pretty cool if you're in the interior rooms, because you get a view of the middle of the hotel.  It is also undergoing a remodel on a few of the floors.  We had one of the remodeled rooms, which was nice.  You know what else is nice?  Seeing the guys in the elevator and all around the hotel!  

You know I said hi to them whenever
 I got in the elevator, right?

We had originally planned on going to Wahlburgers for a late dinner, but didn't feel like leaving the hotel, so we ended up at TGI Friday's there.  It was time for Sherry to start drinking!  Because, you know, I wasn't already dehydrated earlier in the day.

Patron Raspberry Basil Margarita

 Dodie laughed as I waited for the guys' photo come up on the television screen, because the loop took a really long time. Then when the photo finally came up, my picture of it turned out all crappy. 

Grrrrr....

After dinner, we walked around outside the hotel so I could get a picture of the marquee.  The guys weren't listed on it, though.  We gambled for a little bit, and I was doing OK, but Dodie wasn't winning anything.  I had fun with the Little Shop of Horrors game as Audrey II kept eating up reels and more stuff would cascade.  

Casino Sign

Venue Sign

Cat chilling in the valet area

In the morning, we wanted to get breakfast at Wahlburgers, but just missed the hotel shuttle that would take us to the strip.  So Dodie used her Uber app again, and we walked around the entire hotel before realizing that the Uber/Lyft pickup area was across from the hotel shuttle stop.  Yes, where we had already been standing.  Had she not asked the valet, we'd probably still be wandering around until dinner time, or at least until the next shuttle arrived.  Our Uber driver had brought along his wife, and they were hilarious.  They showed us pictures of their kids, and bickered like any other married couple, and Dodie said she felt like we were with family.  We had to circle around to find the Wahlburgers, and while doing that, we saw a couple of showgirls, feathers on their headdresses and all.  Our driver pointed out that they had glitter on their butts, but I didn't turn around.  We hopped out of the car to walk to the restaurant, and saw two other showgirls.  I turned around this time, but their costumes were covering their butts, so I couldn't see if there was glitter.

Yay!

Once we saw the Wahlburgers Kiosk, I got all excited.  They have a kiosk outside of the regular restaurant where you can just order drinks and merchandise.  I told Dodie that I needed to go there later.  Once we got inside, I had to refrain from taking pictures all over the place until we ordered.  I ordered a breakfast burger, which is basically their regular burger with a fried egg. I asked what a "Tropical Mimosa" was, and the server told me that it was just orange juice and champagne.  I asked what made it "tropical".  He said, "I guess the orange juice."  Hmmm...so I ordered the Pomegranate Mimosa.  

Drink #2 with Edible Flower

Then I took pictures of stuff around the restaurant.  

Above Our Table

The Wahlboys

Paul and Donnie

Sher with Big Wahlburgers

My mom called while we were eating, and I told her that I was in Vegas to see Rockapella. 
Mom:   Oh, you're going to see Rockapella?  You must be happy then.
My mom knows me well.  Yes, Mom, I'm very happy.  I didn't tell her about Wahlburgers because I don't know if she even knows about that show.  

Look at the cute hippo Dodie made for me!
I named him Sam.

Afterward, I bought Wahlburgers playing cards because VEGAS!  I needed something at Sephora, so we walked over there and then Dodie called Uber from Paris casino.  APPARENTLY, the Uber navigation systems were wonky for all the drivers this weekend, but our guy knew where he was going so it wasn't a problem.  When we returned to the hotel, I put my stuff away while Dodie played a little bit.  I saw the housekeeper and advised her that I would leave in a few minutes, but then Dodie came back to the room and we hung out for a little while.

View From Our Room

 When we finally left the room, I told the housekeeper and left a tip for her on the dresser.  We headed to the movie theater.  Yup, there's a movie theater in the hotel!  I got a Starbucks iced tea from concessions.  As we rode up the escalator (this is a regular-sized movie theater with lots of screens), I saw that the door was open to the venue where Rockapella would be performing, and lamented that it hadn't been open when we passed by just a few minutes earlier.  Dodie said that I could probably run downstairs, go say hi, and still be back during the trailers.  She was probably right because we saw a TON of trailers.  I was most excited about Star Wars VIII, naturally. Dodie and I watched "Wonder Woman".  Dodie hadn't seen it yet and cried throughout the movie.  I had seen it twice and cried throughout the movie the third time, too.  

Aft explored the hotel a little bit.  I wanted to take pictures of the guys' posters all over the place, but I was on the casino floor and didn't want to get in trouble.

From underneath a tree in the hotel

We were supposed to go back here
 to take a picture in our pretty dresses, but we forgot.

Overlooking the Hotel Courtyard

 I reminded Dodie that she wanted to talk to the lady in the gift shop, Stephanie, because she was so nice to Dodie when she had inquiries about our tickets for the show.  She was really nice in person, too, and was pleased that Dodie made the effort to say hello.  We played the slots for a little bit but I wasn't as lucky this time and lost kinda quickly.  So we decided to go back to our room, and on the way there, saw the water show that takes place in the middle of the hotel with animal audio-animatronics.  I thought the next show wasn't until 6:00, but they must have been testing or something because we got to see what looked like the full show at 4:00.  

Water Show

When we got to our room, I started to rest a little bit and Dodie told me that she needed to show me something in the bathroom.  Now, I don't normally want to go to the bathroom when somebody wants to show me something, but I hoped it wouldn't be anything gross.  Nope.  Dodie's cosmetics bag was full of hotel toiletries, and we had a note from the housekeeper telling us we were appreciated.  Well, thank you!  

Thank You Toiletries

We got all pretty for the concert.  KP and her friend Dan arrived and we decided to go to TGI Friday's for dinner.  I mostly went to have a drink, but ended up eating a little bit because I didn't want to be too hungry during the show.  I wish I had been hungrier because my strawberry fields salad was yummy.

Drink #3: Mango Margarita

In the hallway by the venue, we saw that the new Rockapella Jams CD was available for purchase, and the table was set up for the guys to sign stuff.  Yay!  Today was the official date of the CD release, so I felt all special about it.  We went to our seats and one of the ushers looked at us like we didn't belong there and tried to stop us.  We showed her our seat numbers and she let us pass.  Maybe if she hadn't been so aggressive, I wouldn't have been so put off by her doing her job, but she really should have toned it down.  She was like that for pretty much everyone for most of the night.  Our seats were in the front row, AA 3 and 4.  KP had extra seats so we spread out a little bit so that I wasn't rightnextto the lady beside me.  Thanks, KP, Miss Show 150.  :)  Robin came by to say hi and sat in the front row, too.  Nick was seated in back of us.  Yay, Nick!!!

The lighting there was weird, so Sepia works.

There was no opening act.

ROCKAPELLA

Rock Around the Clock
Hi, Bryant!  I was already giggling about him, because I had a dream about him this week.  The dream will not be repeated here.  Let's just say that butts are the theme of the weekend.

Jailhouse Rock
Hey, they added "I'm the One" into the medley before "Folsom Prison Blues"!  Cool.  (It is not in the version on the new CD, though).  Hi, Scott!  Hi, Mitch!  I'm so happy when they smile at me.

CSL4:  I never heard of Sam's Town.  I love this place!

He talked about JT and his microphones: Oh, Sam heard that!  I know he did.  

Wow!  Now they do the vocal roll-up while singing "Dancing in the Moonlight", in a medley with "Can't Stop the Feeling".  I really like that a lot!  Aaaaand there's BV's butt.  Did I tell you earlier that we were sitting on the rhythm section side?  Yup, BV was in front of us.  I think that's when I hit Dodie because I couldn't deal.  She laughed.  Scott came over and I danced with him from my seat.  He smiled.  I showed Dodie that when they use the blacklight, my nails turn a bright yellow.  They were actually an Ariel-like green.

Just My Imagination / Imagine
Someone in the audience loudly said, "Awww..." when CSL4 started to sing "Imagine".  Yeah, that's how I feel when I hear that, too.  

JT returned to the stage sans jacket.

Satisfaction / Cupid
CSL4 cuddled up to BV.  So cute.  He did a slow twerk and I about lost it again.  Mitch chose to talk to someone whom was sitting by herself at a table: "You realize you're an easy target."  He asked her to sing with her, and she sang an octave above him.  Yikes.  As he asked the rest of the audience to sing, he walked by us, pointed the microphone to me for a second and said, "I know YOU know it."  Can't imagine why he thinks that.  Just so you know, I sang it in the same octave he did.  I know you were worried.

CSL4 talked about MR joining the group, stating that he filled in for some shows last year, and they asked him to stay:  He has stayed.  He will not leave.  He got a new haircut.
MR: Just for Vegas!

CSL4 talked about the new CD, saying that we are in the first North American city where it is being sold, called "Rockapella Jams, Vol. 1".
JT:  It's huuuuuuge.
CSL4:  You can buy it out there, and Mitch will rub it on his head.

You know I am already happy with MR, but it stung my heart a little bit.  I miss you, FFE.  Especially because of the song coming up after this next one, which was rudely recorded live not with FFE and Geo (my favorite group for this song), but with the new guys.  It reminds me of when they didn't record "California Sad-Eyed Girl" with Kevin as the lead.  

Moon River
Applause from the audience when they started.  Afterward, CSL4 credited Andy Williams and Audrey Hepburn.  Pretty sure she didn't write that song, though.

When CSL4 talked about the rhythm section, JT did a bass drum sound.  
While CJ was talking about him, CSL4 tried to watch himself on the big screen as we waved his golden locks.  

CSL4 defined "records" as "black frisbees".

Paper Doll
CSL4 said this is available on the new record.  Audrey Hepburn will not be on the new record. Neither will someone else.  I'm not bitter or anything.

Rock The Boat
CSL4:  B-MAN!
I now call him that on FB.  After B-man's solo, CJ and MR were giggling as they returned to the stage.  

Commercials
Someone in the audience: "WHOO!!!"  Me to Dodie: "Someone's drunk."
You know, because I never whoo.  I WHOO HOOOOO!  OK, yeah, I whoo, too.

CSL4: As we have matured...
The audience laughed.  CSL4 made a face, like "What the?"
JT: I just did this <made a "so-so" gesture>
CSL4:  That's all he says all night.  (continues) As we got older...
The NBC peacock got shot, I think.
CSL4: When capitalism and art mate
Audience member: WHOOO HOO!
CSL4 stopped.  "Mate?"  That's what you're excited about?
Audience member: No, Folger's!

Scott felt a telepathic message from Kathy, whom was seated two seats away from me.  

I left at this point because I realized that there would be no intermission and I needed to use the facilities, and couldn't wait until the end of the show.  This was the perfect time, because the guys wouldn't notice due to being busy with the girl on stage.  The only thing that would have stopped me was Dodie getting picked, so I was selfishly happy that she wasn't.  She didn't want me to go, but I couldn't take it anymore.  I took my seat as Kathy was being given her CD.

What I did hear:
Kathy is from So Cal and works in the library.  She treated "Stand By Me" as spoken word.

Ain't Too Proud To Beg

Kathy is the lucky first person to get the new CD on stage.  

Macklemore

Where In The World Is Carmen SanDiego?
After the drum break, they enter the stage while singing "Shape of You".  Nice!  I like that they're putting in some of their work from Jams.  

Encore

Dancing in the Streets
JT danced all crazy-like.  

CSL4 asked if we wanted to hear a brand new song.  SURE!!!!!!

Don't Mess With Jim / Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
Yes!  This was fun, and it included a vocal percussion drum line, so you know I was extra happy.  Love that groove.  

Up On The Roof / Wonderful World (off mic)
Started a little bit soft, then CJ remembered how big the room was, and sang a little louder.

Meet and Greet

I stood back for a while because I had 5 CDs to buy and sign.  While I was waiting I saw Fred and talked to him for a bit.  He said that CSL4 and JT were flying to Italy for the a cappella festival on Tuesday to check out all of the groups, but he'd just be there for Rockapella's portion of the show.  He wasn't sure what the rest of the guys would be doing, especially MR.  APPARENTLY, MR does his thing and FS has no idea what it is, because MR was also staying an extra day in Vegas, and FS didn't know why.  Ummm...because it's Vegas?!  We also talked about his recent trip to Hawaii, and said that Kauai was his favorite island.  He said that he hasn't listened to the new CD yet, and neither have the rest of the guys, because JT just gave the CDs to them today.  I asked if they had listened to it on iTunes.  FS looked at me in a puzzled fashion, and said, "The guys aren't going to pay for the songs."  At first I thought, "What?  Why not?"  Then I realized that he said "pay".  OHHHHHHHHH, duh, Sher.  

KP said that when she talked to FS, he whipped out his iPad to show her his vacation photos from Hawaii.  She laughed when he asked if she drew "that butterfly thing", because it was a Bitmoji, and not made by her.  

Hi, Bryant!!!!!

I was trying to let other people before me in line, but a group of a cappella singers insisted I go ahead of them.  I don't think they sang for the guys, though.  Another guy was talking to JT about getting the guys to do something the next time they're in his neighborhood.  They were taking a long time, but I was patient.  Other people had gone around him, though.  I wonder if any of them had been able to talk to JT because that guy would not leave JT.  When JT saw how many CDs I handed him to sign, he asked me, "All five of these are for you?"
Sher:  Didn't you know I'm your Southern California distributor?
I guess he knows now!

I asked B-man: How did you like LA?  Nice pool picture!
B-man proceeded to tell CJ and JT about his fiancee's parents' pool, then he high-fived me because he was so excited about it.  "Yes, new family!"

CJ stood up to give me a kiss on the cheek.  He's so dang sweet.  He asked how I was, too.  Then we got all distracted by MR trying to find a Sharpie.  I don't know why he didn't have one, but CJ handed him his.  When he gave it back, CJ flipped off the pen cap and it flew past me. 
MR:  What is wrong with you?  You're making that pen cap fly off and now she has to pick it up?  ("she" being the gal that liked the Folger's jingle).  She's pregnant!  
CJ apologized, but the gal didn't care, and she wasn't, like 8 months pregnant.  She was barely showing.

MR said to me, "Always good to see you," and gave me a hug.  B-man saw this, and said, "I didn't get a hug from Sherry!  I want a hug!" and I went back to hug him.  

By the time I got to CSL4, he had already signed all of my CDs, but I wanted him to personalize them. Dodie said she wanted her name on her CD, so Mitch did that for her.  CSL4 wrote "For Sherry" on mine, and made sure to write "Love," next to his signature.  He then wrote the other names for me, and asked, "How are the girls?"  Then he told me that he was digging through an old box of stuff and found the parody we did of one of their CDs.
Sher:  Locochicks!  For Vocobeat!  
CSL4:  Yeah, that was a long time ago!  When was that?
Sher:  I don't know, 1998, or 99, maybe.  I've been doing crazy $h*t for a long time now.
He laughed, and talked about the pictures we took, like at the neon sign graveyard, with all of us looking serious (just like them!).  I mentioned the dedications that we put on the back, but he hadn't read them all.
CSL4:  I think I'm going to post it.
Sher:  Yeah, post it!  That would be fun!
He kept our Locochicks CD!  How much do I love him even more now?!  If he had also found my "speeding ticket", I would have lost my mind.

We took some photos with the guys.  I needed to take Dodie's photo with them again, and said, "too bright" due to the flash.
JT:  Mitch isn't too bright.

Pella and the Posse

The guys signed a poster for the venue.  Mitch wanted one of his own and asked for one.  I asked him how he'd take it on the plane.  He told me to let him worry about it.  Really, he should have asked me if I wanted one so he could show me how this would be done.  Why didn't I ask for one?  Oh, yeah, because I already have the huge one from Reno in my den.

We said bye to the guys, then headed off to TGI Friday's again for dessert.  Yes, I went there THREE times during the weekend, but at least they have a lot of variety on their menu.  We were seated toward the back of the restaurant, and while we were there, I thought I saw MR at the entryway to the restaurant.  Affirmative, because then came CJ and B-man.  They sat at the table where we had eaten dinner, toward the front of the restaurant.  I called over our server and asked if they could charge me a round of drinks for the boys.
Server:  First round or second round?
Sher:  First.  I don't know how long they'll be staying.
After the drinks were delivered, CSL4 showed up and sat down with them, but I didn't want to make the server crazy.

Dan said that he always wanted to send a plate of mozzarella sticks to another table, "because who doesn't like mozzarella sticks?!"  So I called the server over again, and asked him to add mozzarella sticks to my bill.  I guess I didn't really care about driving him crazy anymore.  I had a view of the guys, so when the mozzarella sticks came out, I told the rest of the table.  Dan and I gave a play-by-play of the plate being brought to the guys' table and MR turning them away, saying they didn't order them.  Well, our server saw the other server returning the mozzarella sticks to the kitchen and took the platter from him.  He brought it to the guys' table and pointed to us.  They looked over and waved and B-man blew me kisses.  That was fun.

Drink #4: Tiramisu Martini
 with Dan in the background

We didn't bother them when we left because they were figuring out their tab, but we wondered if they noticed that their round of drinks was not charged to them.

Dodie, Robin and I wanted to gamble a little bit, so I played and lost a little bit, then played some more and finally broke even, so I figured I was done.  Dodie had already been done, and we had already said bye to Robin, whom was staying in a different hotel, so we went upstairs and got ready for our early morning flights.

On Sunday morning, Dodie called us an Uber to go to the airport.  Our driver was going to visit LA the next day.  "We're going there today!", I said.  He dropped us off, and we entered the terminal.  Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw a familiar shade of blond.  Without a word, I walked right up to CSL4, whom was getting a luggage tag, and just stood really close to him so he'd notice me.  He looked up and said, "HI!" and hugged me.
CSL4:  Thank you for buying us drinks last night.  That was very sweet of you.
Sher:  You're welcome (in my head -- but I didn't pay for yours, not that you drink, so never mind, I won't mention it).
CJ walked by and waved.
Sher to CSL4:  What time is your flight?
CSL4:  7:40.
Sher:  Ew.  What are you doing here?  You don't fly Southwest
CSL4:  Yeah, right? 
I told him to have safe travels, and Dodie and I headed toward security.  

Once we were through security, Dodie realized that we weren't in the same boarding area, so we said our goodbyes.  I saw a little later that there was a 7:40 SWA flight to Tampa, so I guess CSL4 was on Southwest, after all.  I texted Dodie that he would be at Gate B10, which was 5 gates away from her, but she didn't want to bother him so she kept to herself.  I would have done the opposite, but I'm crazy, remember?  Or maybe not.  I don't know.

My flight was thankfully uneventful, and this time I did walk to the car from the airport terminal, since it wasn't quite hot yet.  Once I got to the car, I made sure to put in my new Rockapella Jams Vol. 1 CD, and jammed with my boys all the way home.

I don't have a schedule yet for my next Rockapella show, so I'm glad there's a new CD to tide me over.  Until then, boys, thank you for making me happy!  Love you!

I heart them very much!