Things That Make Me Sad

Me - Things that make me sad, opposite of wow. I don't like sad stuff. I don't like death because death is sad. Sad movies make me sad. Sad books make me sad. It makes me sad when people fight. It makes me sad when other people are sad. It makes me sad when people are mad at me. It makes me sad when I behave badly even though I don't mean to. It makes me sad when my parents fight. It makes me sad when me and my sister fight. It makes me sad when my brother is mean to me. It makes me sad when anybody is mean to me. It makes me sad when people are mean to each other. It makes me sad when people are mean to animals. It makes me sad when I am hurt or sick. It makes me sad when other people are hurt or sick. It makes me sad when animals are hurt or sick. I hate being sad.

Mom - There are many different kinds of sad. There are entertaining sad things like a sad book or a tearjerker movie. There are annoying sad things like when  you don't get something you are expecting or when your favorite sports team loses and loses and loses. However, the worst kind of sad things are the serious sad things. It is sad when people fight. It is sad when people are mean to each other. It is sad when people don't respect each other. It is sad when people hate each other. It is sad when people are cruel to animals. It is sad when people don't have a place to live or enough to eat. It is sad when people don't have anyone to love or love them. There are so many sad things in the world, too many. However, the saddest thing of all, is that a crazy person can easily get  a bunch of guns and go into a mall or a supermarket or a movie theater or a school and kill  a bunch of innocent people that he doesn't even know.  My heart goes out to the victims of  all these recent tragedies and their families. My heart especially goes out to the victims of the recent Newtown school shootings. Thinking about those sweet innocent first graders who were cruelly gunned down keeps me awake at night. My Aurella is the same age, and I cannot for a minute imagine having to go on with my life without her or her sister, Melia. Words cannot express how sad I am that we live in a world where things like this can happen.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Funny Friday - I Was So Mad

Me -

When I was little when mommy said no to me, I wanted daddy. When daddy said no to me, I wanted mommy. One day, when I was mad at mommy and daddy, I said,"I want my cat,Gigi."

 Mom -

Aurella to mommy: I don't like you anymore because of what you said.

Mommy: What did I say?

Aurella: I don't remember.


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us.
Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Fun Things About the Winter

Me - Fun things about winter, wow! I like to sled. I like to play with my sister in the snow. We  try to build a snowman but we are not very good at it. Instead, we play this really fun game we made up. I love love love ice skating. It is one of my favorite things in the world to do. I enjoy drinking hot chocolate especially now that you can get Dunkin Donut's hot chocolate at home. In the winter, my family lights a fire in the living room fireplace, and we all sleep around it. I like sometimes having snow days and getting a break from school. My birthday is in the winter, and I love that. Of course, there are bad things about the winter too, but I don't think anyone can say they don't like anything about the winter.

Mom - There are a  lot of things I don't like about the winter especially cold, snow, and ice. However, there are good things about the winter too. My birthday is in the winter although I don't like getting older. My daughter's birthday is in the winter too. I like having an excuse to drink hot chocolate. I'm so glad that Dunkin Donuts is now selling their hot chocolate in k-cups because their hot chocolate is really good. I hope they start selling their white hot chocolate in k-cups because I like that even better. It is fun to warm up by the fire although personally, I can only take a few minutes by the fire before it gets too hot. Sometimes, in the winter our whole family sleeps around the fire which is fun. When it is really cold, it is a good excuse to lay around in pajamas all day and watch movies and stuff. That is always fun. It is fun to go ice skating. We recently took our girls ice skating for the first time, and they had a blast. When you are young, it is fun to go sledding and to build a snowman. As for me, I still like ice skating although we don't go often, but as for sledding and building a snowman, I'd rather be in the house where it's warm.

And that's our view. What do you like to do in the winter?

Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Empire State Building

What: The Empire State Building

Where: 350 Fifth Avenue
             New York, New York

 Who: All ages

Our view: If you are interested in pretty city views from tall buildings, the Empire State Building is the place for you. The  Empire State is currently the 2nd tallest building in New York City at 1,250 (One World Trade Center also known as the Freedom Tower is the tallest at 1,776 feet) and the 14th tallest building in the world. If you are interested in architecture, this is also the place for you. It was built in the 1930s, and it's Art Deco lobby has been completely restored. There are two observaton decks at the 80th and the 102nd floor. The 80th floor offers an indoor observation area for colder days. The 102nd floor is the highest observation area in New York City open to the public. If you want to see the greatest views of one of the greatest cities in the world, you definitely should visit here. However,  I would recommend visiting  on day when you are in the city for something else because beyond the observation decks and the gift shop, it is pretty much just an office building. The observation areas are open daily from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM. The last elevator up is 1:15 AM. On New Year's Eve the last elevator up is 10:15 PM. Come early or late to avoid the crowds. Express passes are available for purchase which allows you to skip the lines.The other downside is that it is bit pricey. Tickets for the 86th floor observatory are $25.00 for adults, $22.00 for seniors, $19.00 for kids 6-12.  Express tickets for the 86th floor only are $47.50 for all visitors. Tickets for both observation decks are $42.00 for adults, $39.00 for seniors, and $36.00 for kids 6-12. Express tickets for both tickets are $64.50 for all. Tickets for just the 102nd floor observation deck are not available.

For more information go to esbnyc.com.

Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.

Tips for Tuesday - TV Shows: The Cosby Show & Toy Hunter

Me - Today I am recommending The Cosby show. It is really funny. Even though it was on a long time ago, the family situations are the same type of situations that families face today. I especially love the characters of Rudy and Olivia because I love little kids ,and they were both really cute. The Cosby Show is one of my new favorite shows, and I would highly recommend it.

Mom - Today I am recommending the Toy Hunter. If you are nostalgic for old toys this is the show for you. If you are interested in toys that would traditionally be considered boy toys like action figures, you will particularly like this show. Watching this show, makes me wish, I had kept every toy I ever had in my life. I mean I know in reality that would not be very practical, but I can't help wondering if anything I had then would have been worth any money now.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Things That Make Me Happy

Me -  Things that make me happy, wow! Life makes me happy. Books make me happy. Kittens make me happy. Babies and little children make me happy. Full House makes me happy. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen make me happy. The Sound of Music makes me happy. Macaroni and cheese makes me happy. Hello Kitty makes me happy. Presents make me happy. My birthday makes me happy. Having friends makes me happy. A nice teacher makes me happy. Good grades make me happy. Solos in choir make me happy. Getting things I want makes me happy. New clothes and shoes make me happy. New earrings makes me happy. Getting a new app makes me happy. Having money to spend makes me happy. Having a home makes me happy. My cat makes me happy. Having a nice family who loves me makes me happy.

Mom - There are so many great things in this world and so many things that make me happy. A nice pair of shoes makes me happy. A great pair of earrings makes me happy. A good hair day makes me happy. A good book or movie makes me happy. My favorite sports teams make me happy when they are winning. The taste of milk chocolate makes me happy.  Good friends make me happy. Nice weather makes me happy. Giving and getting gifts makes me happy. A good surprise makes me happy. A nice relaxing day makes me happy.  Getting a lot done makes me happy. The sight of a smile on my children's faces makes me happy. The sound of my children's laughter makes me happy. The sound of my cat purring makes me happy. Most of all my the love of my husband and children makes me happy. It makes me happy that even though there can be so many bad, scary and/or sad things in this world, there are still so many good things too.

And that's our view. What makes you happy?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Funny Friday - I Want to Be Left Alone

Me -

When I was little and my brother was bothering me I said, "You noying me, Jack!"

Mom -

When Melia was two years old and her brother was bothering she said "Get out of  my face, Jack!"


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us.

Tune in Monday for anther Talking Topic.

Cats

Me - Cats, wow!  Cats are my favorite animal in the world. I love cats! Cats are so adorably cute. We have had a cat since before I was born. In fact, my Mom had her before she and my Dad got together. My grandfather got her the cat when she moved into an apartment. Our cat's name is Gigi. When I was first born and my Mom brought me home, my cat didn't like me and was mad at my Mom for two whole months until she got used to me. When my sister was born, my cat got used to her a lot quicker. Since then we have been bringing in a lot of little creatures, guinea pigs, birds, fish, a cat. She didn't mind any of the little creatures that lived in a cage or bowl. Eventually, we got rid of the other cat because he was crazy, and Gigi was very happy when that happened.  She didn't like the other cat. She likes her cat food, but her favorite food is tuna fish. She also likes mashed potatos and chicken nuggets. We don't feed these things to her, but if we are eating them, and they fall on the floor she eats them. One time I was eating tuna fish for lunch. My cat smelled it and came into the room. She sniffed the tuna fish and started licking my hand all over. Now, I call it the time my cat bathed my hand of tuna fish. Cats are really amazing, and I love our cat best of all.

Mom - Growing up, I was always a dog person probably because I never had a cat. When I was older and lived in apartment, I couldn't have a dog so I got a cat. I have had her since she was six weeks old, and now she is sixteen years old. She was my first baby. I had her before either of my girls. I even had her before my husband. At first, she had a hard time adjusting when my older daughter was born. She and my husband really bonded at that time. However, gradually she came to see that Melia was a part of her family, and when Aurella came along she adjusted a whole lot quicker. Now, she loves her sisters so much that even though she is afraid of  and generally runs away from loud noises, if one her sisters is crying she goes right over to them to see what is wrong and make sure they are okay. I had my cat before my parents had any human grandchildren. Lots of weekends I would go over to their house to do laundry and stuff, and I would take my cat with me. Sometimes, she even stayed with them when I went away. One time, I went over to their house without her. "Where's the baby?" My Dad asked me. He was always a dog person too, but he has grown to be a cat person as well since I got my cat and my brother has a cat too (he used to have another one too, but she died). As for me, I  no longer consider myself a dog person. I still like dogs as much as I ever did, but I like cats too. I am a cat and a dog person.

And that's our view. Are you a cat or a dog person?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center

What: The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center
         

Where:  8 Yogi Berra Drive
              Little Falls, NJ
             (on the campus of Montclair State University

Who: Ages 9 and up and perhaps some younger children who are particularly interested in baseball

Our view: The Yogi Berra Museum is like a mini baseball hall of fame. It is great for kids who might not yet have the attention span to visit the actual Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. If you are a fan of Yogi Berra, the Yankees, or just baseball in general, this is the place for you. Here you can see many photos and artifacts including championship rings and sometimes even a World Series trophy or two. There is also a screening room which shows baseball related features, such as, Ken Burns' Baseball,  the documentary. Films run when the museum is open. The museum is also host to various special events and  during the summer holds baseball and softball camps for kids on the nearby fields of Montclair State University. The New Jersey Jackals of the Can-Am Independent Professional Baseball League also play their games in a field located directly behind the museum. The Jackals season runs from mid May to mid September. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 except on holidays. The cost is $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for students under 18. Special events and camps are priced differently. Museum Memberships for age 18 and younger are available for $20.00 for one year or $35.00 for two.

For more information go to yogiberramuseum.org.

Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.

Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.

Tips for Tuesday - Web-Sites: Friv.com & B2B Voice

Me - Today I am recommending, Friv.com. It is a fun web-site where they take a bunch of things from different web-sites and put them into one web-site. There are so many games you can play. It is a lot of fun. I even got my sister hooked on it. I would highly recommend it.

Mom - Today I am recommending, The B2B voice. If you do not work, this is probably not the right survey company for you. However, if you do work, this is the place for you as many of the surveys offered are either IT or business to business related. If you are looking for rewards such as gift cards or gifts codes or particular products, this is not the place for you. If you are looking for cash, this is the place for you. All rewards are paid in U.S dollars, and can be redeemed when your account reaches at least $25.00. For more information go to http://theb2bvoice.com/index.htm.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

I wish

Me - Things I wish, wow! I wish I could fly. I wish no one ever got mad at me. I wish I was old enough to have a baby. I wish you only had to go to school if you wanted to. I wish I was perfectly behaved. I wish I was rich. I wish I had more friends who had cell phones. I wish I had more friends. I wish I had my own kitten. I wish me and my sister never got into fights.I wish my birthday was every day but I never got older.  I wish any time I wished something it would come true. I wish everything in life was perfect.

Mom - Of course, I wish for world peace and all that. However, I also wish for personal things. I wish I had a car that could drive itself. In fact, I wish I didn't have to drive at all, I wish I could just be wherever I wanted or needed to be instantly. I wish for a house that could clean itself without my actually having to do anything. I wish I had the time and money to travel anywhere and everywhere. I wish there was more time in the day so I could get more things done. Otherwise, I wish I could sleep and be awake at the same time so I could rest and get things done at the same time.  I wish I could eat whatever I want and never get fat. I wish I didn't have to repeat myself a million times when I talk to my children. I wish sometimes my children would just do what is expected of them without being told. I wish that life was always good and happy and peaceful and never bad and sad and unhappy.

And that's our view. What do you wish for?

Tune in tomorrrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Funny Fridays - Driving My Car

Me -

When I was two years old, one day we were getting in the car to drive home from a restaurant. As soon as my parents unlocked the car, I quickly got into the driver's seat.

"Are you going to drive?" my parents asked.

I nodded my head put out my hand and said "Keys!"

Mom -

When Melia was little and we were riding in my car,she told me "This is my car. Daddy has a car, and I have a car. You don't have a car. If you want a car, we can take you to Toys R Us and get you a car."


We welcome you to share your funny stories with us. Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Cartoons

Me - Cartoons, wow! I like cartoons because they are funny. I mostly only watch old cartoons because I like them. I also once in a while watch Phineas and Ferb. I watch The Flintstones. I watch The Jetsons. I watch The Pink Panther. I watch Looney Tunes. I watch The Smurfs. I watch Tom and Jerry, and I watch Tom and Jerry Tales. I watch Yogi Bear. I watch a show that I think is new called Puppy in My Pocket. I sometimes watch Scooby Doo. My favorite is The Flintstones, and I watch it the most. The Flintstones is one of my favorite shows besides Full House, which if you are a regular reader of this blog, you will know is my favorite show of all time. If not, you can go back and read our Full House post. I love Pebbles and Bamm Bamm on The Flintstones. They are adorable. It is really cute how they love each other. It is funny how Bamm Bamm is so strong. In one episode that I really liked, they had grouchy neighbors. Barney got the neighbor mad and was running away. He said "Bamm Bamm" and Bamm  Bamm lifted the house and Barney ran under it and said "Thanks Bamm Bamm." I have never seen the episode where Pebbles was born or when Bamm Bamm was adopted. I would really like to see those episodes. I also wish I could see the series about Pebbles and Bamm Bamm when they were older. I would also like to see the episode when Pebbles and Bamm Bamm sing. I really love cartoons!

Mom - I have never been a huge fan of cartoons. I could take them or leave them. Maybe that is because my mother never really liked cartoons, and she did not encourage me to watch them although she never discouraged me from watching them either. When I was little I did like some cartoons particularly Josie and the Pussycats, Scooby Doo and The Flintstones. I also liked the Schoolhouse Rock cartoons that appeared between shows on Saturday mornings to teach kids concepts of math, language, science and social studies. They truly made learning fun by teaching kids without even letting them realize they were learning. Even  now,  my husband and I will spontaneously break out into a song from Schoolhouse Rock every now and then. My kids do as well since they have seen Schoolhouse Rock and enjoyed it as much as we did. Of the current cartoons, I sometimes like Phineas and Ferb and/or The Simpsons although I have never been a huge fan of either. I do like how they are both so topical, and I particularly like the way Phineas and Ferb like the The Flintstones before manages to be so enjoyable for kids and adults alike. My stepson is a big fan of Spongebob Squarepants. I do not really understand why so many people like that so much, and I do not like it all. My stepson is also a big fan of The Simpsons and Family Guy. He has always been a big fan of cartoons though and when he was little he could not understand why anybody would want to watch anything but cartoons. My girls have always watched a mix of cartoons and non-cartoons. However, the older Melia gets the less cartoons she watchs although recently she has become interested in classic TV and started watching old cartoons like The Flintstones and The Jetsons. Aurella watches a lot of kids cartoons where characters are learning things like  how to work together or how to share or something or even more basic lessons like reading or math. I would much rather see her watch cartoons like these where she is actually learning something than mindless cartoons like Spongbob.

And that's our view. What's your favorite cartoon?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Chuck E. Cheese

What: Chuck E. Cheese

Where: Various Locations

Who: Kids of all ages

Our view: Chuck E. Cheese is a great place for kids of all ages. For younger kids there are rides. For middle age kids, there is a play area. For older kids, there are games. Kids can play games and earn tickets and trade them in for prizes. There is also an animatronic stage show that may scare really small children but may entertain kids from around age 5 to age 7. The nice thing about Chuck E. Cheese is that kids (especially younger kids from about 4 to 8) like it, and it keeps them busy. It is also nice that each game costs only one token. However,it is not so nice for adults. It is very noisy. Also, while you can usually get a good deal on food and tokens as coupons are pretty readily available, the food is not very good.

For more about Chuck E. Cheese go to

Tips for Tuesday - Movies: The Sound of Music & Argo

Me - Today I am recommending The Sound of Music. The Sound of Music is my favorite movie ever. The first time I watched it I was 7. The second time I watched it I was 10. The story is perfect. There is romance. There is comedy. There is drama. Besides, I love movies with a lot of kids in them.  One of my favorite parts is when the Captain is introducing the children to Maria. I love all of the characters in the movie. After reading a book by the actress who played Liesel,  I have a new respect for her character. I love every part of the movie, and I don't think that there is the tiniest thing wrong with it. I love every single tiny little detail. Although The Sound of Music is over 45 years old, I would still highly recommend it.

Mom - Today I am recommending Argo. Before I saw this movie, I heard nothing  but good things about it. I wondered how a movie could be so good that everyone would love it. However, after I saw the movie, I would have to agree that it was an excellent movie. It was well acted, well written and exciting to watch. It  really drew me into the story and made me feel like I was right there in the middle of the action along with the cast. Even going into the movie knowing that things are going to turn out okay in the end did not lessen any of the tension I  felt while watching the movie. I am sure that this movie will probably be nominated for an Oscar or two including best picture. Besides, all that the movie gave me a new appreciation for our friends and neighbors to North the Canadians.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Best Friends Through the Years

Me - Best friends through the years, wow!  When I was little my best friend was a boy. His mother knew my mother since they were little kids. He was my best friend for the first few years of my life. Then, in first grade, I had a different best friend who was a girl. In second grade, she started going to a different school. I had a different best friend again. She was a girl who lived down the street. She wasn't really very nice though because as soon as we weren't in the same class anymore, I only saw her when she had nothing better to do. Then, we had a big fight, and we didn't see each other at all. For a while, I didn't really have a best friend. Over the summer, I had a new best friend. My Dad had this friend who kept pushing my Dad to be friends with this woman that my Dad's friend liked. He kept pushing me and my little sister to meet and become friends with the woman's daughter. Her daughter is a year old then me. My sister met her and liked her so I decided to meet her. At first, I didn't like her but over time we became best friends. Eventually, my Dad was not really friends with the guy who pushed us to be friends with her and her Mom anymore. However, for a while, my family was really close with my friend and her family, and she and I were best friends and were especially close.  I was close with my best friend and her mother and grandmother. I really liked having a best friend, and I hoped we stay best friends for a long long time. However, once we went back to school since we are different ages, and live in different towns, we drifted apart. I went back to school and made new best friends.

Mom - I am lucky enough to have a husband who is my best friend. However, over the years, I have had many other best friends. When I was about three, I had two boy best friends. When I was a in elementary school, I lived somewhere else and had another best friend. In middle school, I again lived somewhere else and had another best friend the first year. When she moved, I had another best friend. When she and I drifted apart, I had another best friend who went to a different school. She and I remained best friends when we went to college even though we were at different colleges. My best friend at college was my college roommate. After college, I stayed friends with my college roommate and my other friend. However, things happened and my other best friend and I eventually drifted apart. Most of my adult life, I have had the same best friend. Sometimes, I think I would have liked to be one of those people who had the same best friend for their whole life or one of those people who had the same group of best friends for a long period of time like the girls on Sex and the City. Unfortunately, that is not the way my life has worked out. I mean I have valued my relationships with all of my best friends through the years especially my current best friend. However, the thing that scares me is that if something happens to my best friend even though I will still have my husband and my kids and other people in my life, in some ways I will be all alone. Since my  best friend has been in poor health for the last couple years, this is something I think and worry about a lot.

And that's our view. How many best friends have you had in your life?

Funny Friday - Feeding Baby

Me - When I was little I said I was feeding my baby (my doll) "sprained peas."

Mom - When Aurella was little she said she was feeding her baby (her doll) "strained macaroni and cheese, strained Reeses, and strained M & Ms."

We welcome you to share your funny stories with us.

Tune in Monday for another Talking Topic.

Broadway

Me- Broadway, wow! I have been to eight Broadway shows so far. I hope to go to more. Beauty and the Beast was my first Broadway show. My Dad took me to see it when I was 4 years old. It was also my brother's first Broadway show when he was 5. My Mom and my aunt took him. My Dad was going to take my sister when she was 4, but it wasn't playing any more. Her first Broadway show was Godspell. My second Broadway show was Mary Poppins. I went with my Mom and Dad and my cousin. My third Broadway show was Annie. My Mom was obssessed with Annie when she was a kid. She took me when I was in kindergarten. We took a train to get there, and it was my first train ride. My third Broadway show was Xanadu. My Mom took me when I was in first grade. It was so good. I wished I could have been in it. My Mom told me that it is one of those shows that it is as fun to be in as it is to watch. My Grandparents took me to see Mamma Mia, Hairspray and Wicked. They were all really good. The most recent show I saw was Godspell. It was really good too. I wished I could have been in it. My Mom told me that one was also a show it would be as much fun to be in as to watch.  I love Broadway shows, and I hope to see many more and to some day take my kids to Broadway shows.

Mom - I don't remember how old I was when I went to my first Broadway show, but I know I was younger than my youngest daughter is now. It was The Magic Show. Magician, Doug Henning, starred in it, and afterwards, we were able to get his autograph. I loved it, and I was hooked. Since then I have been to many many shows. Most of them have been musicals although some have been dramas  like The Diary of Anne Frank, An Inspector Calls and Take Me Out and comedies like The Last Night of Bally Hoo and Aren't We All? I have seen long-running shows like Cats, Phantom of the Opera, and Mamma Mia. I have seen shows that didn't last long at all like Nick and Nora, Sarava,  and I Remember Mama the musical. With few exceptions, I have loved them all. Asking me to choose my favorite Broadway show that I have ever seen would be like asking me to choose my favorite child. I have seen many other shows besides those I have seen on Broadway. I have seen community theater shows, and I have seen professional shows outside of Broadway. I have enjoyed  most of those too. However, there is nothing like a Broadway show. Luckily, I have lived on the East Coast with easy access to Broadway most of my life. If I ever moved away from here, that would be one of the things I would miss most.

And that's our view: What is your favorite Broadway show you have ever seen or what Broadway show would you like to see?

Tune in tomorrow for Funny Friday.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Broadway Shows

What- Broadway Shows

Where: Various Theaters
              New York, New York

Who: Ages 4 and up depending on the show

Our view: One of our favorite things about where we live is how close we are to New York City. One of our favorite things to do in New York City is go to Broadway shows. Even if you have been to a theatrical production before or even if you have been to many theatrical productions before, there is still something different and special about a Broadway show. One of the things that makes Broadway special is that there are so many theaters in such close proximity. You can find every kind of show you would want within blocks of each other: dramas. comedies, musicals, and other kinds of shows that don't really fit into any traditional category. Another thing that makes Broadway special are the actual theaters. Ever theater has its own history of shows that have been performed there before and performers that have appeared in them. Every theater is just a little bit different than all the others. Some are older; some are newer. Some are more modern; some are more classical. There are shows for just about every age and interest. We would recommend that you find out as much as you can about a particular show before you go particularly if you are planning on bringing your children. Not all shows are appropriate for all ages. We will try to talk more about specific shows in future posts.
The main problem with Broadway shows is that tickets can be pricey especially if you plan to take your whole family. However, there are many web-sites that offer discount tickets or codes to obtain discount tickets to many shows. Check out Theatermania.com or BroadwayBox.com to name just a few. If you are interested in obtaining same day discount tickets visit the TKTS ticket booth under the red steps in Father Duffy Square which is located at Broadway and 47th street. The booth is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 3-8, Tuesday 2-8, Wednesday and Saturday 10-8, and Sunday 11-7. Please not that while there are evening performances almost every day, matinees are usually Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. At the booth discount tickets are available for that day's performance and full price tickets are available for future performances. There is also a TKTS booth in Downtown Brooklyn that sells same day tickets to evening shows and next day tickets to matinees. TKTS now accepts credit cards but certain shows may require cash only. Not all shows are available at TKTS at all times and  the shows that are available are constantly changing even within the same day so it is wise to have several alternatives of shows you would like to see. If a show is really popular and usually sells-out , tickets will probably not be available at TKTS. We would also recommend getting to the booth as early as possible because there will be a line of people waiting to purchase tickets and sometimes it can be quite long. Generally, the nicer the weather is the longer the line is so if you can go on a colder and/or rainier day you are better off. For more information about TKTS go to the   Theatre Development Fund web-site. For more information about Broadway in general , there are many web-sites you can visit Broadway.com, Playbill.com, or the web-sites previously mentioned are just a few of them. You can also visit web-sites for specific shows. We will also be talking more about Broadway in tomorrow's Talking Topic as well as in future posts.

Tips for Tuesday - Books: Forever Liesel

Me - Today I am recommending, Forever Liesel by Charmaine Carr. She played Liesel in the movie The Sound of Music. It was a great movie. She tells about things you wouldn't realize from just watching the movie. She talks about the different members of the cast, the producer, and the director and stuff. Also, she talks about her family. If you like the movie, The Sound of Music, I think you will like this book. If you haven't seen the movie than I highly recommend you watch the movie and read the book.

Mom - Today I am also recommending, Forever Liesel by Charmaine Carr. I would highly recommend this book for any fan of the movie. She provides a lot of interesting facts and insights about the making of this classic film. Once you read it, you'll want to see the movie again or if you haven't seen it you'll want to see it.

And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday

Good vs. Bad Holiday Edition

Me - There are good and bad things about the holidays. Some good things are I like getting presents, I like getting a break from school, and I like seeing the family. I am pretty sure everybody loves getting presents for the holidays. Why shouldn't they? Some things I like to get are ds games, dolls, and other toys. And I think all students like to have a break. School is fun but sometimes it's good to get some time off from all the work. And it's always nice to spend time with family at least once a year. Some bad things are everyplace is always crowded, and lots of things are sold out. Places are crowded because everyone is always doing last minute shopping. And things are sold out because lots of kids want them so parents go out and buy them. Although different people don't always think of the holidays as perfect there are always good and bad things about them.

Mom - There are many good and bad things about the holidays. It is fun to give and get presents. It is not fun trying to decide what to get everyone, and it is a pain when you get things you don't want and/or don't need. It is fun buying things. It is not fun when you don't have any money left or you spend much more than you should. It is nice to get together with the family. Too much family togetherness is not always a good thing. The stores have lots of sales. The stores are much too crowded. The decorations are pretty. Too many people have way too many decorations. People are happier and friendlier. People are sadder and angrier. It is a nice break not having to take the children to school and/or to and from their usual activities while they are off for winter break. It is not nice when the children are not in school and they hang around all the time being annoying and/or bored even though they have plenty of new things to play with. Holiday songs are pretty. After a week or two or sometimes even less they get annoying. It is good that the stores give you plenty of time to prepare for the holiday season. It is bad that every year the stores seem to get out their holiday stuff earlier and earlier. They used to bring out the holiday stuff after Thanksgiving. Now, they bring it out before Halloween. Before you know it, they will start bringing out the holiday stuff around Valentine's Day. After the holiday sales are good. However, the stores can sometimes be as crowded as they were before the holidays. It is always nice when the holiday season begins, it is always nice when the holiday season ends.

And that's our view. What do you like and/or dislike about the holiday season?

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.