Currently (2019): I love James Corden. I think that he is talented, funny and absolutely adorable. Although I don’t actually tune into The Late Show with James Corden, his YouTube videos keep me in stitches. His Carpool Karaoke videos are some of my favorites. The best one in my opinion, was when he had Paul McCartney on. It was a longer, more in-depth video and they actually toured where McCartney had lived and sang in his past. Since I was familiar with all of the songs, that made it even more entertaining to me. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjvzCTqkBDQ&t=1210s

I don’t know how many Americans are familiar with the TV show that James was in called, Gavin and Stacey, but it was hilarious. I was able to watch it on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/2YUSSIW

I think Gavin and Stacey is where James did his first version of Carpool Karaoke. Watch this video snippet and see if you agree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJdFX8kK_VE

This morning, I spent an hour watching Crosswalk the Musical videos on YouTube. This is where they choose to perform various songs from particular musicals in an actual crosswalk while the light is red. Once the light turns green, the ensemble runs for the curb to allow traffic to flow. I have seen them do this in California, New York and London. Many times, they have guest stars who also perform. Allison Janney from The West Wing helped with The Sound of Music, Sir Ben Kingsley from Schindler’s List helped with Mary Poppins, Hugh Jackman from The Greatest Showman helped with a medley of musical theatre from Broadway; that’s just naming a few. They have also taken on Phantom of The Opera, The Lion King, Hair, Grease, Andrew Lloyd Webber Classics and Beauty and the Beast. I love seeing the puzzled expressions on the people’s faces who are sitting in their cars waiting for the light to change, when all of a sudden, an entire group of people come out of nowhere singing and dancing with full costumes and props. It would totally make my day if that were to happen to me; I am sure of that! I would have Kevin driving around the block over and over again so that I could try to watch each number. Heck, I would love to participate in a number! Moulin Rouge would be fun! You don’t want to miss their version of Hair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJd0-sRffFE

Besides these musically themed videos, I also thought the prank that he played on David Beckham was epic. If you haven’t seen it, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF014EUJrSI

And the time he got up at 4AM to work out with Mark Wahlberg was priceless! I could watch it over and over again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzQyH-nX0u0

Let me know in the comments which of his videos you like best and I will check them out of I haven’t already.

The Past: April 8, 2003

Events

We had two exciting events today. The first was Andrew’s first piano lesson. I said a few days ago that I thought Andrew and his teacher would hit it off and boy was I right! This guy was courteous, sweet, complementary to Andrew, and just an all-around great guy. And he’s only 19 years old. I was very impressed and so was Andrew. I can always tell when something has excited him because he wants to talk about it forever. That’s how it was around here after his lesson. He came home and told his dad every detail and he can’t wait to go back next week. I am excited for him. I think that he will do very well.

The second event was going to the “upcoming freshman open house” at the high school. It felt so funny being there. I felt out of place and so old and everything looked different because they have added on to the building some places. Schedules look different and the words that they use to describe things are different. It was downright freaky seeing some of the same teachers there that I had. It’s like a different planet out there. Oh, and let me just mention the girls. These girls were the same age as Andrew, but looked at least three years older than him! And the clothes they were wearing! I know that some of those jeans were poured on! Gosh, I sound old AND like a parent. It just doesn’t seem possible that he will be out there this fall. He will have some of the same teachers that I had, walk the same halls, and probably act just as goofy as I did. And he will eventually date and drive. Thank goodness I have a few more years before that happens! I can only imagine what things will be like by the time Ashley gets out there. I don’t think my heart can take it!!