Cheese Curds, Llamas, Pork Chops on a Stick, Oh My!

As my sister and I were making our way back to the park and ride to head home from a day jam packed with food, fun, and happiness, a twinge of sadness lurked underneath my smile.

Today was our last day at the fair, and with that summer sunshine and humidity will turn to crisp autumn nights as the sun lessens its time in the sky. Summer was over.

Many people have asked me over the years why I have such deep admiration for our state fair. Is it the foods on a stick? The opportunity to celebrate the art and culture of this beloved state? A chance to bask in the last few days of summer before it departs for nine months, only to return in what we hope to be next June?

It is all of those things.

When I moved to Milwaukee in 2008 and missed my first Minnesota State Fair in I am not sure how many years, my disappointment was palpable. Here I was, leaving behind something we as Minnesotan’s hold so dear. I was not only homesick for family and friends that I had left behind on my college journey, but homesick for the traditions I had come so accustomed to. I missed my foods on a stick, the chaos of the midway, and the sleepy walks through the agriculture and creative arts buildings. I missed the sweet treats, the smelly animals, and sweating profusely in the August heat. I missed the Minnesota State Fair.

For several years after that, I continued to miss the state fair. My college, that was several hundred miles away, just happened to always start around the same week as the state fair, so it was tough to navigate moving in, getting my classes figured out and making sure I was prepared for a new semester. In the end, I had to give up my treasured fair for a new experience, to which I do not regret.

When I finally moved back to home in 2015, I was ready to attack the largest state fair in the country with a vengeance. I had attended the Wisconsin State Fair while I was away and was bummed by how small it felt. As I passed through those gates in Milwaukee, I felt no sense of community, just an odd opportunity to munch on cheese curds and “enjoy” a country concert. It was not the Minnesota State Fair and would never live up to the fair I had come to love so dearly.

When passing through the heavenly gates in Minnesota for the first time in almost 7 years, I felt a sudden sense of joy and peace. Amongst hundreds of thousands of people laughing, crying, screaming, and dancing on those fairgrounds, I felt I was home. To taste cheese curds, pork chops on a stick, and Sweet Martha’s Cookies again felt like Christmas morning to a five year old. I was in heaven. The fairgrounds were my playground!

While I was away, my fondness for our state fair, and even our state, grew stronger and stronger with each passing year. I love Minnesota. The land of 10,000 lakes will forever be my home. Whether on the lake in the summer, skating at the local park in the winter, or apple picking in the fall, I am enthralled with all the amazing things this state has to offer and the fact that I get to enjoy it, live it and breathe it for 365 days out of the year.

So you ask me, why do you love the Minnesota State Fair so much? 

All I can say is, for 12 days out of the year, I get to celebrate everything that our state has to share with the world with 2 million of my closest friend. Together with eat foods on a stick, drink wacky craft beers, marvel in artwork, canoodle with cuddly animals, and have the largest party this state has to offer.

At the end of it all, my heart is so full of happiness it could burst, because our state fair is what community is; an opportunity to bring people together and share in what makes us all uniquely great. 

And for 12 days, Minnesota sure is good at that.

To you, Mr. Bourdain

As many of you know, a little over two and a half years ago I began a brief stint in the hospitality industry. I jumped into hotel culture in hopes of perfecting my customer relation skills and opening up opportunities for me to connect with different people from all across the globe. Though tucked away and often only heard as a voice, I had the chance to assist, converse, and guide people from many walks of life.

It is a hard industry, and I will not deny that it takes a toll on your psyche. Sold out nights are chaotic and exhilarating, nights where you’re short staffed, not so much, but the show always goes on and you do everything in your power to put a smile on your face and present yourself with grace.

It was during this time that my love for Anthony Bourdain became much more profound. After a long evening shift I would often settle onto my parents couch with a glass of wine and binge a couple episodes of “Parts Unknown,” often until 2:00 or 3:00am. It was my opportunity to continue learning about a world I knew so little about.

He opened doors and broke down barriers. He ate delicious and exotic food and had conversations with people that I can only dream of meeting! He was honest. He was raw. He was authentic. And he often encouraged people to be as true to themselves as possible. I think it was his ability to be so unapologetically himself that put so many people he met at ease. Hell, I was at ease talking to him through my television, and he couldn’t even hear me.

It has taken me a couple days to process what has happened to this visionary individual. He not only inspired my passion as a closeted chef, but also continued to drive me to be a better writer. I realized after a couple months that hospitality unfortunately wasn’t my true calling in life, but I do use my ability to treat all those I meet with warmth and gratitude in everything I do. 

While at work this weekend, someone had said, “everyone should work a job in customer service,” and I could not agree more. It is an incredibly humbling experience to be at the service of others. I believe Anthony Bourdain was a true embodiment of this industry. His ability to build relationships and communicate effectively in a honest and endearing manner are skills that can often only be developed in the service industry. Those skills only continued to ripen through his television shows and unparalleled storytelling.

In the end, it was his love for food and writing that inspired me most. I don’t have what it takes to make it in the restaurant industry, but I do take pleasure in cooking for myself and my friends, and have him to thank for encouraging me to explore the kitchen a little more often.

To you Mr. Bourdain, I hope you have peace. I hope there is delicious food and drink wherever you are. And I hope you know how much the world loves you and misses you. 

Rest easy.

What the Olympics Mean To Me...

As many of you know, I haven’t exactly hid my excitement for this year’s Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Ever since Rio ended, I have been eagerly awaiting the return of the world’s greatest athletes to my television screen. The Summer Games in 2016 were thrilling to say the least—but there is very little that stands in the way of my love for the winter games. There is an extra sense of adventure and danger that comes with the Winter Olympics. Whether that is hurling your body down an icy track at insane speeds or tossing your partner through the air while on skates, it doesn’t get much more enjoyable than watching these athletes make their dreams come true.

For these games, I have my heart set on Figure Skating. I cannot wait to watch Nathan Chen dominate in men’s figure skating, but I have a soft spot in my heart for Adam Rippon. Chen is a technical genius, nailing quad after quad with perfection. Rippon skates with such fervent emotion that he exposes his heart to world and lays it all on the ice in that moment. I would love to see both men medal for their gracefulness and tenacity on the ice. I am also eager to see how Bradie Tennell will fair in her first Olympic games after she burst onto the figure skating scene only within the last two months. She is certainly a power player and I think has potential to surpass Russia’s Evegenia Medvedeva if she can remain consistent. Medvedeva suffered a broken ankle throughout the season, but has skated flawlessly over the couple months of competition leading up to the Olympics, so only time will tell.

I am heartbroken that I will not get to see Charlie White and Meryl Davis grace us with their presence one last time, as they retired after the Sochi games, but I am happy that the Shibutani siblings will have their chance in the spotlight. They are a joy to watch and they know PyeongChang is their time to shine.

But to me the Olympics are so much more than the figure skating. For a little over two weeks in the summer or winter, in even numbered years, the whole world comes together. Though were are often glued to the television with family and friends cheering for our home country, I can sense that across the globe their are friends and family who are doing the same. For two weeks, the Olympics bring a different culture into my home. It makes the world a little smaller and welcomes me with open arms. It brings people together in a way that not many things do anymore. In a world that is no longer graced with family dinner, game nights, and wholesome family vacations—I get two weeks to sit with my loved ones and talk about the world’s greatest athletes as they embark on this amazing journey.

So yes, I am beyond excited. I am beyond thrilled. I am beyond happy. 

I am feverish with joy because I cannot wait to partake in the festivities! Two weeks from now I will have been a part of the world’s greatest party. In the process, I will have made millions of new friends and learned a bit more about a country I have never been to, because that’s what the Olympics do. It opens doors and creates connections. 

I am truly grateful I am invited, because I cannot wait to celebrate!

Everyone has a person...

This evening I received a text message. Most people receive hundreds of text messages daily, so this isn’t anything earth shattering or out of the ordinary.

And receiving a text from this person wasn’t anything strange either.

The last of three succinct messages was a charming Bitmoji with creepily realistic features, telling me “I love you.” To the top was the link to a podcast Terrible, Thanks For Asking—“Best Friends Forever.” Scrunched in-between was a more brief, less creative “love you.”

Now why am I receiving random podcasts links and cryptic I love you texts, you ask?…well because my best friend loves podcasts, and sometimes shares them with me.

This podcast conveniently made sense this time and I was intrigued. Quickly texting her back before my car ride back to my apartment “Totally going to listen to this as I make my lunch!” Then a bitmoji of myself sending love back (and commenting on her creepily realistic bitmoji that looks just like her!).

I settle in, finishing up some dishes and clicking play. Nora McInerny sassy voice fills my dining room introducing me to Jayna—a pig farmer residing in Seattle. Jayna shares with us her whirlwind friendship with Michele and Michele sounds amazing! She bikes through Korea, travels alone in Australia, and lives her life to the fullest. She is the best friend everyone wants to model their best friend after.

Sadly, what I begin to realize about this podcast is the heartbreak it delivers. Nora is encouraging me to call up my best friend right now, or at least text them to let them know how much I love them and can’t imagine life without them. At this point, it hits me like a ton of bricks!

Michele dies.

I instantly curse my best friend in my head for sending me this awful podcast. But my heartbreak also shifts back to Jayna, and how she lost her best friend to a stroke. Her perfectly healthy, world traveling, best friend…gone in the blink of an eye.

I am not one to typically overthink these things. I often swallow the lump in my throat, or fight back my tears when something sad slips into view. Not a recommended choice for coping, but one that is currently “working” in my life. I also begin to think of worldly news…how people have lost loved one’s in wars, catastrophic natural disasters, and most recently heinous acts of gun violence on civilians enjoying a concert. All of the best friends lost in those moments…

We often don’t take the time to recognize loved ones until life forces us to. We may do it in passing, on birthdays, or on our way out the door…but those moments come as second nature and we don’t typically relish in them.

It is important to make time to enjoy smaller moments of laughter, hugs, or chats with loved ones. Something as simple as a text saying “hello!” or a quick FaceTime on the way to work reminds loved ones how much they mean to you, and that even though the moment is brief, it is important. I know after this podcast, I will be reaching out to my people more often, just because I want to let them know that I miss them and love them, and am always thinking of them.

God Save The Queen

A couple Friday’s ago I was suppose to be sipping delicious hot cocoa and admiring Lake Michigan from a close friend's apartment. Maybe even gracing a dance floor later in the evening…but than Winter Storm Decima blew into our lives and dumped powdery white crap all over my house, car, and streets…

Needless to say, I spent my Friday night at home, gazing at the pretty snow, and mentally preparing for the brutal cold that was to come after the 7 inches of powdery white nonsense.

As most people during a snowstorm, I snuggled up in bed with a glass of wine and decided I would peruse Netflix. What I did not realize is that I would be taking a trip back in time to 1950s Great Britain, and embarking on a journey unlike any other.

Most of you know I have a strange affinity for all things British…okay, maybe just Eddie Redmayne, but either way I was stunned at the sheer greatness that is Netflix’s The Crown. I was transported to a different time. Lavish costumes, gorgeous jewelry, bewitching language, and my goodness their posture is exquisite. The Crown gives us a first look at what it was like for Princess Elizabeth to unexpectedly be thrust onto the thrown, grooming her to become Britain’s longest standing monarch since Queen Victoria I.

I know nothing of British history. I have no real knowledge of what purpose the monarchy holds in the United Kingdom. I find it funny that the world is so enthralled with a family that is relatively quiet; an enigma. What drew me in about this ten hour historical fiction drama is that it is a cinematic masterpiece. The colors are enticing. The language is passive, lavish, and devilishly charming. The sets are larger than life; immaculate, yet dusty enough to show the age that comes with the British monarchy.

Opening with an epic title song orchestrated by Hans Zimmer—The Crown lures you in with a crescendo so sweepingly powerful, you have to keep watching. Keeping it fascinating, the show, though fictional, gives us a first hand look into the mystery that is the House of Windsor. How did this shy, young women end up becoming the longest serving queen Britain has ever seen? The script is weak and I often found myself resorting to Wikipedia (yes, I use Wikipedia) to give me background on unfamiliar members trouncing in and out of scenes, and how they were connected with the royal family. 

What makes up for holes in the script is the stellar cast the show has put together. Claire Foy is stunning as the young queen. Mousey and timid, she portrays a young women fighting for her identity between queen and wife, sister and motherhood. Foy wears this struggle permanently on her face, in her posture, and through her actions. She lives and breathes the challenges this unexpected crowning has brought upon her and her new family.

Though Foy is wonderful, Matt Smith and Vanessa Kirby steal the show; Smith playing the dashing and contemptuous Prince Philip and Kirby playing the charmingly whimsical Princess Margaret. Both embody the breadth of emotions one may go through when their loved one is now their rule maker with ease. Smith is endearing and incredibly antsy, showing much reluctancy to the crown. I applaud the writers for bringing Prince Philip to life through fabulous language, complete with off-color remarks and disdain for what the crown embodies. At one point going as far to say him and the Queen are a coat of paint on “rusty old banger." Kirby brings to life the fun and free Princess, who enjoys all things lavish, but longs for all the things she can’t have. She embodies the brazen princess who, ripe with envy, unleashes her jealously through a series of bold remarks to a party full of country leaders, only encouraging her warped sense of self.

Of course, none of them compare to John Lithgow’s towering, methodical portrayal of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Larger than life, mad, and domineering, Lithgow is Churchill to a tee. He embodies a crotchety old man, weathered by war and politics, fighting to stay relevant. His performance is deeply frustrating, yet mesmerizing. Lithgow certainly put the time in to perfect Churchill’s cadence, and extremely rough appearance after leading a country through many victories.

Source: Parade.com

More like mini-movies, this show lacks the arcs found in most television shows. The Crown may be vexing for those who enjoy a story arc that creates no hesitation to press play as soon as an episode is done. I respected the decision to abandon story arcs, but do believe storylines were muddled along the way. The show is already spending close to $100 million pounds (approximately $120 million dollars) to assemble this opulent production, what is a few more pounds to make sure we know the entire backstory. Or is it your intent to let my mind wander?

None the less, this tantalizing drama draws you in until the very last scene. Allowing you to explore a world you may never have been able to dream of. Often skimming over the more important details, I applaud this fictional historical drama for giving us the opportunity to be a fly on the wall in one of the world’s most coveted places…

Buckingham Palace.

Things I Miss About Milwaukee: The Green Line

As many of you know, I am an avid supporter and frequent rider of public transportation. Though I have a license, I have been fortunate enough to live in cities with decent public transportation and am thankful I can use it to get from place to place.

Moving to Minneapolis has welcomed me to a new routes, more expensive bus passes, a lightrail and “rush hour fare.” Though Minneapolis is big and beautiful and home, its bus system, I am learning, is far from what I have been use to.

I miss the Green Line. I miss how it connected the North side of Milwaukee to the South side. It got me everywhere I needed to go. It is the best bus route Milwaukee County Transit could have ever created—running from Bayshore Mall, down Oakland, Brady, Water and eventually Howell, all the way to the airport. And the more exciting thing about it…I lived right on it! In some ways I considered the Green Line my lifeline. It was my personal pulse that connected me with the entire city. It allowed me to go shopping, get to work, meet friends for dinner and drinks, and get me to the airport to fly back home. It was my saving grace and I didn’t realize how thankful I was for it until I came back home to bus routes like the “5F,” or the “5M,” or the “46C,” or “23H.” How confusing! I need to make sure to not take the “5B” when coming from downtown because it only takes me to 38th and Chicago Ave, when I need to go all the way to 48th Street. And don’t get me started on the infrequency of routes. Most buses here only run every half hour, which makes getting to work a hassle I wasn’t ready to face.

I shouldn’t complain, but for someone who loves riding the bus and the ability to get from place to place without asking to borrow my parent’s car, this is a pain. I miss dragging my groceries on the bus. I miss not being to get to Target in five minutes. I miss waiting out in the rain, sleet, snow, and sweltering heat. It humbled me and made me appreciate this thing that so many people take for granted. I am in no way saying that Milwaukee County Transit is perfect. And I have had some harrowing experiences taking the bus…but I never want to give up riding the bus. It connects me to the place I call home.

So thank you Green Line for being the keeper of memories and the pulse of my city. I miss you every time I hop on the “5L”…

Things I Miss About Milwaukee: Cafe Lulu

If there is one thing I am craving on a daily basis since moving home, it is the deliciousness that is Cafe Lulu. Those delicious homemade chips with that phenomenal bleu cheese dip…excuse me while I cry pure tears of sadness that it isn’t in front of me right now.

Cafe Lulu became my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee by random selection. One day I was aimlessly wandering around in Bayview and decided to do a bit of writing while hanging out in the Colectivo on KK and Lincoln Ave (also my favorite Colectivo—they have duck racing on the side of the building and swinging benches which make for a fun afternoon). As I was writing, I noticed the usually gnawing around lunch time that was my tummy complaining that it was time to be fed. I saw the colorful “Lulu” sign pointing me to food heaven and decided to finish up my notes and trounce over to grab a bite.

I was immediately in love. From that point on I proceeded to make sure each one of my close friends ate there with me at least once. The Smokehouse Chicken sandwich is pure perfection. Juicy, tender chicken breast, blackened, and served on a savory toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheddar and bacon. It is to die for! During my last year in Milwaukee I am almost certain I ate that sandwich at least six times, with absolutely no shame. Most people enjoy trying a new plate every time they go to a restaurant, but once I sink my teeth into something that blows my mind, I am hypnotized. The Smokehouse Chicken captured my heart, as did Lulu’s cozy inside and (usually) friendly staff, quickly ascending to the top of my restaurant list for Milwaukee.

For those who have not had the opportunity to delight in Lulu’s funky menu and delicious homemade bleu cheese dip, don’t walk, RUN to the nearest Green Line and devour whatever you can find on the menu that you enjoy. If you can’t decide, I hear the Smokehouse Chicken is delicious.

Austin's Music Scene: A Daunting Task For Even An Avid Music Lover

As many of you know, in July I ventured back to my charmingly diverse hometown of Minneapolis. Though the goodbyes were hard and the transition has proven to be a bit more difficult then I was expecting, Minneapolis is a gem in the summer and I have taken advantage of my time off to do a bit of exploring with family, friends and loved ones.

It didn’t take me very long to leave again. At the beginning of July, I ventured out of the state to visit my friend Angela, who relocated to Austin some time ago. Though I was there for a week, we jam packed that week with as much Austin food, fun, and music as we stomach (and then some….). We even managed a trip to Houston in there. It was an exhausting, but fulfilling time spent exploring a city that my best friend has come to love so dearly.

While in Austin I had the chance to bask in many live music performances, and I love live music, so this was definitely one of the best things we had the chance to partake in. The night after I arrived we had the chance to enjoy some live music and local brews from a cozy picnic blanket at Unplugged at the Grove, where we swayed to the acoustic sounds of Jonathan Tyler. For my Milwaukee friends, think Jazz in the Park, but much more intimate and without sneaking in a bottle of wine. My favorite part was the twinkle lights hanging in the trees creating a rustic ambiance near the stage. But if I had to chose a favorite musical performance it would hands down be Tahoma with special guest Drew Davis.

If I thought Unplugged at the Grove had an intimate vibe, The Cactus Cafe was the definition of intimate. Cute tables meant for two to three people filled this 50 person cafe located on the University of Texas campus, and made for the perfect date night. Angela and I decided to take a trip back in time, and relive our college days, considering that Marquette never had anything nearly as cool as The Cactus Cafe (besides maybe the once a year concert that came to the AMU Ballroom). I stumbled upon this band called Tahoma on Spotify while exploring things to do in Austin and saw they were playing at a venue near where Angela lived, so it was must to check out. Tahoma captures tangy bluegrass with earthy sounds and Brandon Aguilar’s hip, laid back charm. Combine that with Sarah Oermann’s smooth harmonies and you have the perfect mix of Austin and Texas twang.

What came as a surprise though was jazzy blues singer, Drew Davis, coming along for the ride. She played a stripped down show, just her keyboard and two vocalists providing back up harmony. As much as I enjoyed Tahoma’s performance, Davis stole the night with her soulful voice and honest lyrics. It was quite obviously the girl was meant to be a songwriter, even displaying her skills by performing a song about a brick. Though the song may have been about an inanimate object, Davis brought life to the object with strong vocals and catchy chords. It almost was my favorite song out of her set, but it is hard to pick just one.

The evening was complete with a stroll through UT’s campus and walk back to the apartment. Nothing better then being able to rehash the night’s events with your bestie (and making a quick stop to grab a cinnamon roll at a local co-op).

Austin’s music scene will forever mystify me. How they manage to pack this city with so many new and talented artists, I will never understand. But I will most certainly continue to enjoy it.

Welcome to Austin, Folks!

My best friend and I thought it would be completely necessary to take advantage of my current employment situation and figured I should spend a week down in the Texas heat. So, I packed my bag and jetsetted to the lovely city of Austin, the live-music, beer guzzling, capital city of Texas.

We wasted no time to get to the live music or the beer for that matter. She picked me up from the airport (which also had a live band playing in the atrium. I don’t think they compare to the piano players who indulge us with soft melodies in Milwaukee’s airport, but still pretty cool) and headed straight to the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. It was sticky outside, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying a cold brew outside in their garden. 

Complete with large picnic tables, jumbo artistic bike rack, and lights strung up in trees, this place is beaming with rustic charm. They have five standard brews and five rotational taps, which gives any beer guru a plethora of options. I settled for a Czech-style pilsner, while Angela went with an American pale ale; both were delicious. Though happy hour prices were a bit steeper than expected, I am always game to spend good money on beer that is well crafted.

While enjoying our brews we decided we were hungry, so we order the Smoked Turkey Melt, which was piping hot and yummy! As soon as it was set in front of us my mouth was watering. The sandwich was topped with gooey cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, their own house-made barbecue sauce (hello, this is Texas), and a roasted garlic mayo on sourdough. Toasted to perfection and served with a side of coleslaw, this sandwich would hold us over until our next meal and was delectable!

Once we downed the rest of our beers, we snuck off to Opa!, a small coffee shop and wine bar tucked away from a busy street boasting with board games, ping-pong, and greek fare. We enjoyed a couple more beers and devoured a plate of baked feta, which is as delicious as it sounds! Baked to perfection and served with warm pita, cool cucumbers, tomatoes, and topped with herbs, this was a Grecian dish of perfection! And perfect to hold us over for another brew back at the Beer Garden. We also had a chance to divulge our inner-child with a couple rounds of Connect 4. We won’t talk about who won more games…

We returned to the beer garden to meet up with some of Angela’s friends, and enjoyed the beautiful evening outside (and the all night happy hour). They had a live band playing by the time we returned, but we wanted the opportunity to chat, so we returned outside where they had a speaker piping the music outside. The vibe was still incredibly chill. The tables were filled with friends chatting and enjoying pizza, as well as individuals studying with a cold one. This place definitely catered to all needs.

For sure a neat place to check out! And as a beer connoisseur, it was great to see the variety of taps they had. Can’t wait to see what else Austin has in store for me!

A Most Glamorous Night in Hollywood is Always One To Remember

The Oscars is Hollywood’s biggest night of the year. Actors, celebrities, producers, editors, writers and families from around the globe come to celebrate the many accomplishments of the year’s film industry. Running an hour and eight minutes over last night, I was not disappointed. And though viewership was down, this might be the first telecast of The Academy Awards that I truly enjoyed (Eddie Redmayne may have helped a bit in that). These are some of my most memorable moments.

1. Anna Kendrick continued to remind us why the world adores her.

Kendrick stepped on stage with host Neil Patrick Harris to remind us that she indeed has a set of pipes and a Tony nomination back it up. Both Harris and Kendrick were getting along swimmingly, when Jack Black interrupted from the audience and jumped on stage to do his bit. In the end, Kendrick threw her beloved Jimmy Choo and Black hustled of stage, allowing us to get back to the show.

2. Neil Patrick Harris/Barney Stinson kept things moving.

Though not everything he said or did was drop dead hilarious, I think Neil Patrick Harris did a great job hosting the 87th Academy Awards. He was both charming and sassy, which in turn reminded me so much as to why people love to hate/adore Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother. He dropped some classic lines including “Tonight we honor some of Hollywood’s best and whitest…sorry, I mean brightest” and then dropping the “Oh, now you love him” after he introduced David Oyelowo in the audience. People have been noticeable upset over the past month, noting that this is the least diverse group of nominated actors they have seen in two decades (well it has happened once more in twenty years). And though I have my own personal opinions about it, I do appreciate NPH being ballsy enough to address it. Of course there were the not so funny gags (the briefcase and Octavia Spencer…), I think he did a great job and I certainly enjoyed how he kept the show flowing.

3. Lady Gaga and Julie Andrews shared a moment that touched all hearts.

Lady Gaga came to the stage paying tribute to one of the greatest, if not the greatest musical of all time, The Sound of Music. The epic film of romance and family set in war-torn Austria is in my top ten favorite movies and is celebrating its 50th anniversary since winning Best Picture at the Oscars in 1966. Of course we all know Gaga for her outrageous outfits and poppy-techno music, but Gaga toned it down, dressing in a flowing princess ballgown and belting out in perfect tune the hits that Julie Andrews brought to life in 1965. The entire performance sent shivers down my spine and catapulted me back to my childhood and the countless Saturday nights I spent watching The Sound of Music on ABC, admiring the ever-captivating Julie Andrews. The true tears came when Lady Gaga and Julie Andrews embraced at the end of her performance. Andrews looked like she truly enjoyed the medley and was thankful for the walk down memory lane.

4. The Lego Movie got its recognition with the coolest statue ever.

Not only did Tegan & Sara with The Lonely Island kill their performance of “Everything is Awesome,” which looked like the most epic dance party to ever happen on stage, but the Oscar shaped Lego Statue helped remind viewers that The Lego Movie refuses to be forgotten. Not only that, but that statue was flippin’ awesome. Nominees that were not able to take home the actual thing, were given a Lego Oscar as a consolation prize.

5. Whiplash was snubbed the top prize, but J.K. Simmons reminded us to love the people who matter most…our parents.

Though I have been on my own personally crusade for The Theory of Everything because of Eddie Redmayne’s tour-de-force performance as Stephen Hawking, Whiplash is certainly the most overlooked movie of 2014. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons deliver fast-paced, passionate, and anxiety-provoking performances surrounded by a wonderful and hauntingly real story. I am so happy that Simmons is getting the recognition he deserves, and wish that Teller had received more. Simmons speech was heartwarming, recognizing his wife and their “extraordinary children.” But what stood out was Simmons telling the world to “Call your mom. Call your dad. If you’re lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call ‘em. Don’t text. Don’t email. Call them on the phone. Tell ‘em you love them.” It definitely made me scramble to my phone this evening and make sure I called the people that have supported me most throughout my life. Thanks Mom and Dad, and J.K. Simmons I guess.

6. Eddie Redmayne reminded the world what it looks and feels like to be genuinely happy.

The best actors race was the closest race The Academy has seen in years. There were some phenomenal roles, with some challenging and inspiring performances given by all five actors nominated. The sheer joy that Redmayne’s entire body emitted when his name was announced was enough to have the entire world grinning ear to ear. He was giddy, boyish, and charmingly eloquent on stage thanking his wonderful team, Felicity Jones, James Marsh, the Hawking family and, of course, his beautiful wife Hannah. He reminded the world that hard work and dedication pays off and that it is important to live in these moments, but not let them dictate you and where you go. So much humble swag, so much to admire.

7. Boy…what?

Though I think Richard Linklater’s Boyhood is a test to film-making and everything it can be, I was happy to see something other than this film take home the top prize of the evening. A directorial challenge being filmed over 12 years, the movie lacked the depth I was longing for as I watched a boy grow-up in almost three hours. The dialogue felt clunky and forced, and overall the movie felt pointless, which is that what we are to expect from life? Though Birdman was not my favorite film of the year, it definitely made me think, and I mean really think about life and what one wants to be. A cinematic beauty when it came to editing and directing, Birdman really did combine everything into one to make an magnificent and alluring film. Many people may think Boyhood was snubbed, but for me the film was easily forgotten in a group of epic stories.

8. I am happy to “Stay Weird” for Graham Moore.

Graham Moore was brutally honest in his speech, admitting to his suicide attempt at 16 when he just felt like he didn’t belong. Now, he is an Academy Award Winning Screenwriter. Moore encouraged anyone who has ever felt weird, or different, to “stay weird, and stay different.” I would say out of anyone in the night, he made the best use of his 60 seconds on stage.

9. John Legend and Common give a performance to remember for the ages.

The powerfully moving song featured in the film Selma was the musical performance of the night, bringing audience members to tears and reminding what a linguist Common is, not only as a rapper, but as a human being. Though Selma was overlooked this awards season (some blame the late release, some blame the "white" Academy, to each their own) I am glad that Legend and Common had the opportunity to show of their musical genius, while raising awareness to the fact that Selma is now. The performance was a showstopper, and along with Gaga's, I recommend everyone to watch it now.