Response from the Riverside Theater

So, after firing off an email to the Riverside this morning, as I was still peeved about the situation from last night, I didn't expect to get a response so quickly. I am grateful they took me seriously enough to respond in a very timely manner especially on a Sunday. Here is the email I received. Thoughts??

Hi Alexandra,

Thanks for taking the time to write in.  I appreciate you providing information below.  We have to follow artists direction during performances.  Because this was a TV special they could not have people leaving their seats during the performance as they only have one night to get it right.  I'm sorry you were denied the use of the bathroom.  They were not open and were being cleaned as you were told. We had the curveball of the first show going way over on time and thousands on the street waiting to enter for the next show.  We needed to get people out of the venue in a timely manner to ensure those waiting for the next show got in ASAP.  Obviously there should be exceptions to our directions, and your situation is one of them.   I'd be happy to provide you with complimentary tickets to an upcoming show at the Pabst, Riverside or Turner Hall Ballroom and promise that your unfortunate experience will be a learning lesson for our entire organization.

Best,

Ryan Matteson

Pabst Theater | Riverside Theater | Turner Hall Ballroom

rmatteson@pabsttheater.org

twitter.com/pabsttheater

Phone: 414.286.3611

Cell: 262.385.9808

IM: uwmryan1

To Pee or Not To Pee? Is This Even a Question?? My email to the Riverside Theater

Ok, so I ranted a bit on this topic already on my Facebook page. I also said I would post a blog with the email I wrote to the Riverside. To review this briefly, I was recently denied access to use the restrooms at the Kathy Griffin show on Saturday, Feb. 19th, 2011. I was discouraged from using the restroom during and told to "hold it until after" then was denied to even do that! I am not trying to be a big baby about it and want to make that clear. I, however, just get sick of being treated any which way by overzealous staff members. I paid for my ticket to be there remember? I did not just come in off the street and demand to use the restroom. I also don't believe that because I am pregnant I deserve "special treatment". Emptying my bladder hardly seems like "special treatment" but a basic right I should have as a patron of the venue!! I have been known to send off emails in the past when I suspect foul play by businesses, organizations, etc. I believe this is my right as an American to use my free speech and I think a lot of people just play along as to avoid confrontation as it's easier. So, I'll get to it. Here is my email to the Riverside Theater's feedback, ticket sales, management, and PR people. I basically emailed to any contact info I could get.

To Whomever It May Concern,

I recently attended Kathy Griffin's comedy performance on Saturday, Feb.19th, 2011 at 7:00pm at the Riverside. Everything seemed to running smoothly as I settled into my seat. It needs to mentioned that I am currently 9mths pregnant and have other health conditions, but was reassured that my experience would be pleasant and any needs I had would me met.

During the show, which started late and ran long, I was discouraged from leaving my seat to use the bathroom because they were taping. Even the producer of the special made a statement to just "hold it" until the end. If you or anyone you know has ever been pregnant (esp 9mths) this is a tall order to fill. However, I did not want to disturb the taping nor the people around me by barging my belly in and out of my seat. So I simply did as I was told and "held it" until the end of the show. Here is where the problem arises. As soon as Kathy said "Good Night" I got out of my seat and made my way into the lobby to use the much needed restroom. As I approached the entrance not one but four "ushers" stood in my way. They told me I could not use the bathroom. It was being cleaned for the next show. I politely pointed out that I was 9mths pregnant and it was quite an emergency. Also, that I was not allowed to use the restroom during the show and was told to wait until after. The women there (this is on the first level entrance to the lower restrooms) said I could leave and use the restroom at Mo's Bar! Which is a block away. At this point more people are filling out and it is harder for me to move around. I politely again pointed out I am pregnant and she actually said, "Well, you better get there fast then!!" I was appalled as were the people around me. To deny me the use of the restroom at a show I PAID for is utterly ridiculous. I imagine this lady never had a 7lb human laying directly on top of her bladder. If I wasn't about to have an accident right there I would have argued or asked to speak to someone else. My increasing discomfort prevented me from doing this at the time. I simply grabbed my friend and rushed out the door. By the time I got to Mo's I was very uncomfortable and experiencing quite a bit of pain. The hostess there GLADLY let me use the restroom upon seeing my condition, even though I was not planning on staying or purchasing anything there. Having to maneuver my way in a very crowded bar, being pregnant, to get to the restrooms at the back was a challenge. I was bumped into, pushed, shoved, and barely made it in time. Also the hustling around and extra walking is NOT good for my condition as I am high risk and have the possibility of pre-term labor.

I have seen shows at the Pabst and Riverside a number of times. It actually happens to be one of my most favorite venues. This event changed that. The rudeness and callousness I received from your staff was shocking. The lack of sympathy for a pregnant woman in extreme discomfort is terrible. Prolonging being able to go to the bathroom when we need to puts us at risk for UTI's as well as other discomforts on top of creating life. I expect immediate action to resolve this issue. If I don't not get a response back that proper action will be taken, I will have no choice but to inform the media and or seek legal advice of your terrible practices of denying pregnant women the right to use your restroom after denying them during the 2hr show. Your theater should be ashamed and appalled at the practices by your staff under the direction of "security" as they said. Also, the blatantly rude response I received was both embarrassing and hurtful.


Regards,
Alex

"New" Normal

So after my last blog I had a rollercoaster of emotions. I received so many wonderful emails of support from co-workers, volunteers, and supporters of the shelter. Now that the cat's out of the bag (lame pun intended), I feel like I can move forward with my "new" life. When people think of their life and what their normal is I imagine it's your day to day tasks with special events and challenges thrown in. What do you do when your normal has to completely change into something else?

When I look at my future now I see myself with my husband, two sons, my pets, and my house. As far as a career, I just don't know. I have dedicated to take some time off to raise my sons. I am not going to put a time table on this as I have no idea if this is going to work out. Hypothetically it doesn't work out, I need a job. Or I should say a new career. I have so many ideas from expanding the pet sitting, to working for a different non profit, to taking cooking classes, to working at a resort doing event planning, to just working part time. I am both excited and scared about my "new" normal whatever that may be. I'm scared to start over, but excited for new challenges. The past 5mths have been such a challenge and I feel like it's coming to a close so my new challenge can begin.

Honestly, I am not a "stay at home" mom kind of a person. What probably comes very naturally to many women will be a challenge for me. I do not like to clean. Let me rephrase. Not do I not like to clean, I rarely actually do it. Anyone who knows me will kindly remind me of my childhood bedroom that frightened most people who dared peak in there. When I met Adam (a clean freak), he would routinely clean out my car which was usually cluttered with books, magazines, clothes, other various items. I even paid my sister $75 one time to come to my apartment to clean my room. Adam would never pay for a housekeeper or maid. I can't think of a more logical expense. Not don't be confused and think I won't clean. I will and I do. I am, afterall, a member this household and I do have pets and a child. Actually when it comes to the pets I will more than willingly clean up after them. To make sense of this, I don't really mind clutter but I hate filth. I don't care if there are things on the kitchen table or things out. Adam is a minimalist and we often argue of the things he "puts" away because that is often the garbage. When he threw away Jude's ultrasound pictures, he compromised to pay a little more attention to unmarked envelopes. We did find them and they where fine so all was not lost and I didn't have to commit a homicide. But filth and dirt, no way. I won't sit in garbage and I am very sensitive to smells. I do hate dirty dishes in the sink. They can be dirty in the dishwasher then I don't have to see it. Our house is always clean and presentable, mostly from Adam, but I definitely keep it up. I just don't enjoy it. I hate it. I would rather pay someone to do it. Now that you have this little dirty secret (another intended lame pun), you will realize this new role I am taking is a challenge. Not only will I have to clean more, it's expected I will most likely do all of the cleaning. Afterall, I'm home and that will be part of my new job. I'm not jerk and I wouldn't just leave messes for Adam to clean after he came home from a long day at work. I'm also not lazy. I have loads of motivation and can't wait to take my house back and start on many pending projects. I also want to set a good example for the boys. They will need to know the importance of a clean house and room. Also, when they are older they can do the cleaning and take some of that away from me!

One thing I do look forward to as a stay at home mom is the cooking and baking. As you know, I love to cook and am learning to bake. I have no problem making elaborate meals daily, healthy snacks, and baked goods for my family. So as far as traditional mom behavior I have that down in spades. I also like to garden just never had enough time before. My goal is have my own herbs and some of my own vegetables this summer. Makes sense for someone who likes to cook.

I don't really know what a "stay at home" mom does. I do think it varies from family to family and that I shouldn't expect to be any one way. I also am not blind to the fact that just taking care of two kids under 2 is going to be time consuming on top of doing the "house" stuff. I am going to continue this blog after Jude is born and will post my challenges and  things that I do and don't fail at. God help me with the cleaning. You may see me taking out an ad for a housekeeper.

As this pregnancy grows closer to an end I am getting ready for the next phase of life. Especially now because it is all unknown. But they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger (yes a bit dramatic!) but there's truth to that. I hope to become a wiser, stronger, and better mom and wife. My new job titles.

Alex's "Famous" Fried Rice Recipe

2 cups of brown rice prepared
2 eggs
1/2 cup of scallions
1/4 cup of shredded carrots
1 cup of chosen protein or tofu (I often use chicken)
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tsp of ginger
1 tsp of cayenne pepper
1/2 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil
2 tablespoons of butter
1 clove of chopped garlic

-Melt butter in a wok or large skillet or frying pan. More butter if the pan is not a non stick.
-Add protein and cook on medium until browned
-Add garlice, scallions, and carrots
-Cook on medium heat about 3 minutes stirring often
-Add prepared rice
-Cook about 2 minutes stirring often
-Add both eggs
-Stir mixture until eggs are yellow and cooked
-Add soy sauce, ginger, pepper, rice wine vinegar, and sesame seed oil
-Mix everything well
-Cook on low about 10 minutes stirring often
Serve and enjoy!

*This is just my personal recipe. What is nice about fried rice is you can really put anything into it that you like and experiment with different spices and sauces. Also, you can make variations and it always turns out just a little different.