I guess winter is finally here. It’s been way too cold for this Brazilian, but it does get me in the Christmas spirit. The idea of a white Christmas was never easy for me to grasp as it is summer in Brazil and the first time I saw snow was in California when I moved here.
I love to see snow but I don’t think I could survive dealing with it after the holiday season. I hope you all have caught up with your shopping and preparations for the holidays. Christmas just came up so quick this year and I am way behind on my shopping. So, if you are waiting for a gift from me you might just get a gift card.
I find myself being very philosophical lately. I think the holiday season makes me think about things in my life that I am grateful for. I keep thinking about how some of us have done so much for our society. I think about Linus Pauling, who was an American chemist, biochemist, peace activist, author and educator. He not only won one Nobel Prize for his work on quantum chemistry and molecular biology, but also a peace Nobel Prize. Or Albert Einstein, the father of modern physics and one of the most prolific intellects in human history. And then I think of what I have done and I feel so little. I also keep thinking about where we are now with technology and how we take things for granted. How did people survive without a fax? Well now a fax is already a thing from the past. Can you imagine doing everything by mail? Or not having hot water? Or any basic things we have and are so used to that we don’t even realize how blessed we are. Take a moment to reflect and be thankful for all you have. It will make you really happy!
Wicked and Some Lovers
Last week, I went to Wicked at the Pantages Theatre and once again it was just incredible. If you haven’t been to the Pantages then you must. Looking at it alone is already an experience. Back in the old days the Oscars were held there, and it is still as glamorous. Needless to say, the singing was just mind blowing, and once again I was thinking how some people are just born with a gift. I would be terrified if I was alone on this huge stage and having hundreds of people looking at me sing. I would feel like a deer staring into headlights. And speaking of deers, I went to the Gay Men’s Chorus concert, and let me tell you it was gay. They ended the show with dancing deers in tights. Really funny. Not funny were the obnoxious people sitting behind me. If you are that uncultured that you don’t appreciate singing and have no clue how to behave at a theater then you should just stay at Urban Mo’s and get drunk. And if you feel the need to scream and cheer for people, then you should be going to the Padres game.
I also went to see Some Lovers at The Old Globe. This is a new musical and the Grammy award-winning legend Burt Bacharach wrote the music for it. This is the second musical written by Bacharach since the 1968 musical Promises, Promises, which yielded two hits, the title tune and “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” for Dionne Warwick.
It’s Christmas time
As I am in the spirit, I’ve been looking for things to do that you can only do during the holidays. A group of us went to the San Diego Bay Christmas Boat Parade at Seaport Village on Sunday. We got some hot chocolate with Bailey’s and had a great time. We headed over to Wang’s in North Park for dinner. Wang’s got started in Palm Springs and became very successful there. Recently, they took over the old Big Lots building on University and Ray Street and transformed what used to be a discount store into a refined Asian bistro with a very relaxed atmosphere. I spoke with one of the owners and he was telling me that the grand opening will happen sometime in January. Wang’s is now open for business, but still adding more things.A mezzanine with an additional bar and a banquet hall are planned for the future. The service and food were amazing. You must stop by and try it out. Also make sure you try the Lucky Buddha beer. It comes in a cool bottle. I also stopped by the Annual Wreath Auction at Martinis Above Fourth, and once again I had a blast. I look forward to this every year. It’s just so much fun and for a good cause. Speaking of a good cause, thanks to everyone for all your kind donations for the Imperial Court Toy Drive. But we still need more toys. If you would like to make any donations, feel free to contact me at 619-300-1232 or aspyere@cox.net. This coming Sunday join the SD American Flag Football League, SD Tennis Federation, SD Hoops Basketball, SD Armada Rugby, SD SAGA Ski/Snowboarders, SD High Rollers Bowling League and the Sqooterheads for WE CARE Holiday Mixer at Eden at 6 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy to benefit the Imperial Court Toy Drive.
Dec. 16 and 23 at 8 p.m. is A Very Babette Christmas at Urban Mo’s. Saturday, Dec. 17 stop by Numbers to experience their 3D party. It should be lots of fun with free 3D glasses and special performances.
Well this is my last column before Christmas. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and we will meet again before the New Year with all the options for your celebration.
