Chainsaws

It was a startling beginning of the day for this Imp. First of all, I bolted up from a dead sleep because someONE was standing in my bedroom. Nothing to Panic about, it was only my roommate and she was rearranging kittahs, I think... I just laid back down and actually went right back to sleep, after a quick glance at the clock: 7:15

The next thing I know, multiple chainsaws are running full throttle, and my hand is slapping the alarmclock in a futile effort to STOP the noise. Unfortunately, the alarm clock doesn't stop the noise of the chainsaws, and my bedroom is beginning to fill with exhaust. It's now 7:32am...

I suddenly found myself propelled out of bed, and rummaging through the bedroom closet, although I can't find what I'm looking for... So I go right to my other closet, and still can't find what I'm looking for... At that moment, my brain engaged, and I realized that I was looking for the shotgun... Yes, really. I was looking for my shotgun. You can take the boy off the farm, but you can't take the farm outta da boy, I guess.

I'm more than a little irate at my neighbors now; a little advance warning would have been nice. They are taking the tree down in their backyard, which is a mere 10 feet away from my bedroom window. I stopped myself from marching next door and knocking on the door until AFTER I had a cup of coffee. Just cause I realized that I was looking for my shotgun, don't think I was not over my murderous instincts. There was almost blue mohawked harry-carry in Woodside this morning...

So now I have dueling chainsaws in back and the chipper/shredder running outfront. Devone, you are lucky you aren't around here this morning. Repetitive noise!!!!

The really funny thing is, on the way up my stairs last night I had this thought, "If I get up early tomorrow, I Could/SHOULD go and do my laundry in the morning." Unfortunately I may have brought this early morning rude awakening on myself... Alas, netflixs delivered ENCHANTED and so I didn't pack up the laundry but went right for the dvd player. So now there isn't tme to for me to get it done before I head into the city for 2 more dress rehearsals today, one of them is the evening invited dress rehearsal for The Concert Gala Opening.

I'm really enjoying the new job. I wanted to do something different, and I sure got what I asked for. Just in case you don't realize (and you probably don't, yet): There are 54 ballets in the spring repertoire. I've had 4 dress rehearsals since I started on Monday, and I have two more today. The spring season kicks off on the 29th, and then I start repping 54 ballets in less than 9 weeks. I am definitely no longer doing the Same thing every day!!!

I'm arriving home early too, no more 3 hour musicals... even on dress rehearsal nights I've been home before 11pm. Which is loverly!!! The kittahs are thrilled that daddy has been spending more time around the house; they really do enjoy my company, and being at their beck and paw.

This week I reconnected with an old friend of mine, whom I had lost contact with after he moved to Boston several years ago. He is back in the city and we got reacquainted this week. It was nice catching up on what has been happening in our lives in the last 3 years. He's quit showbusiness and is now doing computer work and finally relocated back to the city. He's very happy and even happier to be out of showbusiness (although I did make him sing me a song... he's blessed with a beautiful high tenor). There were definite sparks between us in the past, and some of that is still there; although I am older and wiser now and don't think anything serious would be healthy...

It sure is nice to have a little bit of time to spend with the 9-5 crowd... Working in showbusiness means you are working when most people are playing... As a result, I rarely get to see my 9-5ers. That changed a bit this week, and I'm thrilled. Of course, I'm going to be back doing shows next week, but at least I know on June 29th, I'm going to have my whole schedule free again (at least at this point).

I had a very unfortunate trip to the dentist this week and some results that make me cranky. The short version is: I have 2 wisdom teeth that need to be removed and my dentist can't do it. The one of them is going to have to be cut out (i.e. general anesthesia and all). The bottom tooth is wrapped around the jaw and growing at a right angle, so the dentist can't just pull it. So I have to call and make the appt. with the surgeon, and I'm going to have all 4 of them taken out, cause I'm not going through this again... But I'm not real thrilled (as you will imagine). My health insurance doesn't cover dental, so this will be completely out of pocket... As I said to my dentist, "Dammit; there goes at least one trip to Europe!" To which he replied, "Yah, Pretty much!"

Oh well, what can you do?! It can't wait until December when I could buy the dental insurance and still pay 70% out of pocket, so I guess sometime in the next month, I'm going to be swollen and choking down vicoden... I am going to have to call upon someone to go to the surgery with me and get me back home.... Anyone want to step up?!

I'm off. Time to finish the winter/summer wardrobe changeover, and then I have to get ready to head into work!!!

Happy Saturday to you all!!!

Love and Light!

Get Nelsons CD!!! It Rocks!!!

Good Times

Yes, Yes, YES!!! It has been a long time since I touched based with you internet peeps... So much has been happening around here, and yet I just couldn't bring myself to sit down and type about it. Trust me when I say that you really didn't want to read much of what was on my mind lately...

A NEW DAY HAS COME!!! (Thanks Celine).

Today is my last day of unemployment. I head back to work tomorrow after a blissful week OFF!!! I am finally free of the green machine, and that alone is mindblowing and exciting. I've managed to get a lot of things accomplished this week. Catching up with friends, getting the house organized, resting, cooking, and just generally doing what I want to do!!

I've spend an inordinate amount of time in the kitchen (you will recall that I have a real kitchen). I made corned beef, several quiches, ice cream, and just last night: peach/champagne sorbet. Thus kicking my domestic goddess points up several notches...

I've also spent quite a bit of time wearing out my Stargate Atlantis dvd's this week, having them on in the background while I'm puttering around the house... BLISSFUL I tell you!!!

I'm actually excited to get back to work. Heading back to the NYCB Monday to get prepped and ready for the gala opening on the 29th. I've had a few business calls from them this week, and a few social ones... they are very busy there, but were nice enough to allow me this week to myself to recharge and get MY life together prior to my starting working again.

I have not had ONE moment of "Oh Lord, I quit my good paying job" stress!!! I am actually quite happy being free, and everything is pointing to this being the right and proper decision. I actually feel like I have the reins of my life in hand again. I KNOW it was the right decision and many things have happened in the last few months that totally validate that...

Of course, I'm going to miss my green peeps, but I'm only a phone call away (so remember that monkeys). Just call me!!!

Off to finish up a few house things and then chill for a bit. I'm heading into the city tonight to catch many of my friends doing a musical review tonight at the Beechmen on 42nd.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's back to work I go.....

Love and Light to you all!!!

Spring

I don't know about the rest of you'ings, but I'm happy it's spring!!!

Did any of you see the full moon last night?! It refused to be ignored here last night, even the scattered clouds couldn't weaken its light last night!

I barely made it home before midnight, but I had a quick meditation and then headed outside with a few of my crystals; time for an intense purification and recharge.

May this new spring season bring many blessings upon all of you, my friends.

The turning of the pages continues in my life. I'm not where I want to be (I don't know where I want to be, but I'm not there); although, I am taking intelligent steps to get there.

With everything else that has been happening: I'm trying very hard to finish out my broadway without losing my sh!t. It's hard when I mentally left the show months ago, only to be recalled by everything that's happening. I have to be present mentally for the show these days; mainly because others are NOT. (Regardless of this being their own fault, or not). I am not pointing fingers.... I'm just angry that I am not capable of keeping my head down and letting it fall to shit around me due to others lack of concern/involvement/sobriety.

"Effie, we All got Pain."

The brand new chapter will be beginning soon. I was in hopes that I would be able to close the show without having to put new people in; such is not the case. And every day it become more and more apparent that I waited too long. There is a mass exodus beginning from the show. Many people are switching positions or flat out leaving. More are to follow.

What does that say to the producers? It SHOULD be a social comment on the way things are managed, from the very top - down. Unfortunately, all they see is the btm line (which has always been treating them DAMN well on this show), and the opportunity to cut salaries and hire in all new newbies, who are willing to work for minimum. Well, they do call it show BUSINESS for a reason, don't they?

You get what you pay for...

Evidently, I'm not done bitching about it yet. But I will be pleased to get away from the green machine and watch it evolve withOUT me. Many happy returns.

Summer plans are up in the air. Due to a conflict of interest, Italia has been placed on hold (again... I'm beginning to think it's not going to happen; but I trust the universe and hear it Loud and Clear that This is Not The Time).

For those of you who haven't already heard: I'm designing a production of Pirates of Penzance for Bradley University in the Fall. I've already started the process. So I have fall work lined up, which will be excited and fun, and stepping back into the freelance world once again. I have a nice long break from the ballet after June 29th.

Some of you in the more exotic locales just might be seeing me this summer. Instead of one big trip, I just might have to do a mini tour of my own... be afraid, be very afriad!!! HAHAHA

Must go and change the laundry over. now. Yes, I've been reduced to doing my own laundry. GASP!!!

Love and Light!

Toasted

Greetings again friends. Day 2 was a rest day!!! I slept in till 9:30 and then just enjoyed coffee on the screened in front porch/balcony as i watched a good ole thunderstorm blow in front the gulf.

I spent a bit too long on the beach on monday. I did end up a bit sunburned. I just didn't realize it till the morning, when I the water hit my back... YOW!!!! hehehe

So I took it easy yesterday and just relaxed. i wandered into the opera house and saw the peeps that I didn't see on Monday.

Then I came back to the apartment and watched the rain and read my book. Just chillin and kickin back.

Had a great dinner at the chinese bucket, erhm, buffet. Fat as a cow. We then stopped for some booze... I found that one precious bottle of wine that I so enjoy, Ruffino's Il Ducale, The 2003 vintage is delicious. I think i'm going to have to find my way to them when i am in Toscana this summer. hehehe

Went to bed early as I had to get up this morning and take a friend to a drs appointment. So was up at 7am this morning. All good though!!! It's a breezy 70 degrees today and I plan to wander downtown for a bit, grab a bite of lunch on the fly, and then get ready for my dinner party this evening.

the decompression continues....

Love and light to you all!

SRQ day(?) 1

I come to you with the sun on my face, the white sand between my toes (and in my ears and nose, and anywhere else it got blown), and the wind blowing through my purple hair. Is there anything that blue waters and white sand can't mend?

Actually, yes, but we aren't worried about those things right now. Non importa.

What a blissful day I had yesterday. I was up at 8am (no change there), took a shower and put on the only clothes I had and wandered into the opera house. After a quick Hello to everyone in the shop, I took a trip to the box office to let them know that my luggage was supposed to be delivered in the morning and to please accept it. Then i wandered a few doors down to the 'daytime cafe' for one of my favorite breakfasts in Sarasota. it's called the turkey dill: basically an omelet with turkey, tomatoes, peppers, topped with a light holliandase sauce and dill. Served with fresh fruit and hashbrowns. Add some fresh Florida orange juice and it's the perfect start to the day!!!

During breakfast, one of the box office managers walked in to inform me my luggage had arrived, so i picked that up and promptly came home to shower/change into shorts and short sleeves (don't be hating, I've earned this trip).

It was SUCH a beautiful day, I just had to make a trip to the beach. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to take someones lunch into the opera house, which I discovered upon my return to the apartment with the luggage. In the flurry of getting back out the door, I failed to grab the sunscreen and bathing suit, which I realized upon arriving at the beach.

So I just sat in the sand in my shorts, and waded in the gulf and watched pelicans dive into the water in pursuit of their lunch. Quite an entertaining couple of hours. There were very few people on my section of the beach, so I got to peacefully sit and contemplate life and listen to the surf.

Not 25 minutes after my arrival at the beach, I got a phone call inquiring about my availability for a job in August/Sept, which I am available to do. I don't know money yet, but it would be a fun project, and would also consist of me holding a masterclass for a university while I am in residence.

Do I need another confirmation/validation that I have made the right decision in leaving the current Broadway show? No, I don't! It's nice to have one though.

The stress of the last several months is slowly peeling away. I know I've made the proper choice, and I'm excited that I'm going to be able to do other things again. There IS a method to my madness, a plan in action, for the all the decisions I've made in the last 5 months.

I got a thank you card from my two bosses at the ballet right before I left town, reminding me how happy they were to have me, and that they were glad I was going to be joining them for the spring season. It touched me, right there; nice to be reminded that one is appreciated.

Had a brief conversation with one of the music directors here, one of my co-workers, when i was working here many years ago. He made an off handed comment about wishing I would come back, and i think I surprised him when I told him that we should talk about it. "Really?! You would consider coming back?!"

"Yes, I just said we should talk about it."

Let me state again just how nice it is to have options.

Of course, things are also changing in the other costume shop (where I am now assisting from NYC) and I've been told it won't be long before the local assistant retires. I love how people try to feel me out... Yes, we may discuss work for next year, I am officially entertaining options and offers. The opera is also going to start a fall season here, so instead of 4 shows a year, there will be 6? Curious.

For some reason (yet to be examined too deeply) I've been wondering how I feel if I left the city. Years ago i stated the NYC had wrecked me from living anywhere else. Time and people change, and I'm no longer so adamant about that statement. I am happy in the new home in Queens. I like my 'home.' Now, more than ever, that is important to me. Getting my career moving in a different direction is also important to me. Doing things that I enjoy is important to me. Traveling to the places I want to see is important to me. Not working 6 days a week for the rest of my life is important to me.

Somehow, I'm going to get it all figured out; eventually. hehehe

Sidetracked?! yes, but this is what goes through my mind on the beach. It's always had the power to open my mind to different paths and options. The beach has always been an important place of mediation and creative thinking.

After the beach, I went to a very large grocery store. You know, with WIDE aisles, that you push a cart around?! hehehe Got a few staples for the week, and also the ingredients for my infamous Pasta Salad (what I have started calling the $40 pasta salad). yes, there is that much stuff in it. It gave me the sense of domestication that I was craving, making that pasta salad. Quite a lovely end to the free day.... by the time i cleaned up the kitchen, I was racing out the door to the first dress rehearsal for the opera.

Lovely clothes, no major complaints, mostly dressing notes, and there are a few hats that need to be tweaked today but onward and upward. The new pieces are lovely and the show overall is even more beautiful than it was 8(?) years ago. This is going to be a very easy tech the rest of the week, for which I am very grateful.

I'm going to wander around town this afternoon, and most likely get wet. it looks and feels like rain, but I won't be IN the sun today, just wandering around with some serious SPF on. Perhaps I'll have another afternoon at the beach on Wednesday.

Off to a great start to this working vacation. more to follow loves.

Love and Light!

What in the hell

Delta connection partners: There is a reason why you are close to bankrupt.

What a travel day I had. it was a comedy of errors from the very beginning.

Let's just say that I finally made it to Sarasota. I made it. The first plane, direct flight didn't go off as planned. We were on the plane, away from the gate, and then back to the gate and deboarding an hour later.

Then we were waiting in line, being rerouted. kiss the direct flight goodbye, you are now flying through Ohio to Florida.

Both planes were delayed (thankfully the connection was delayed or I wouldn't have made it), and so I arrived again, after midnight. Only to discover that no one on the flight was getting luggage, as they couldn't get the door open, and there was no maintaince people on duty at this time of night. So they will be dropping off my suitcase at the opera house in the morning.

Does anyone remember a time when Delta was a good airline?

It doesn't matter really.... I have blossemed like an exotic nightflower. Just a dab of humidity, and seeing the palm trees started the release of the last few months. I'm in FLORIDA, it's warm, and I have nothing but social (and anti social) events to keep me busy this week.

I have a connection with Sarasota (like I have with new orleans). I just feel at peace whenever I am here. Even if I am working. Luckily I have the important paperwork with me for the opera tech this week, as I wonder where my new shiny suitcase is.... I failed to ask if they actually GOT it on the plane or not...

Just wanted to check in and let you know that I made it here.

New stories to tell later, perhaps upon return....

Love and Light to you all.

I have returned

Just a quick note to say I have returned.

Getting to London wasn't easy, neither the trip from NYC to the airport, nor heathrow to Paddington, but I made it. Virgin Atlantic is such a delightful airline to fly, and there were 3 special people that made my day(s). First there was the ticketing agent who noted we shared a birthday and then changed my seat assignment from the back to the middle (and in a row all to myself), then there was Josh, the cutest brit boy I have seen yet, who took care of me all the way to heathrow, which entailed bringing me things (without my asking) whenever he noticed that I was conscious. I slept through Dinner and Tea, and yet, within minutes of me sitting up and realizing I was thirsty or hungry, Dinner appeared... a real cup of coffee appeared, with creme, and with a smile. "You missed tea, but I brought you a fresh cup of coffee." And it was a real cup, not an airline shot of coffee, a real cup of coffee. Which made the day better...

To Carmel Car service, whom I have reliably used for the past 10 years... SHAME ON YOU!!! You do not call your client 5 minutes after your scheduled pickup to inform them you are not coming. I don't CARE that there was a blizzard going on. You cancel hours before, not minutes after. SHAME ON YOU!!!

Oh, I made it to Newark Airport. It took a long time, and was a very expensive cab ride, but I made it. Thanks to Peter , the 70 year old man who had the nerve to drive me from midtown to the airport (even if we did have to stop for gas along the way). Oh yes people, it was a huge comedy of errors all day long. But I actually DID make it to london on Friday (just barely on friday) but I made it.

I had a great time seeing my friends, and making a few new ones. I have more to report, but it is going to have to wait. There are things that require my attention at home and I want to get them off my list before the day gets away from me. I do have a show tonight, and I will be needing some quiet time this afternoon. Trying to get back on schedule, but not that concerned about it today.

For the first time since November, I have nothing but the show to attend today. Just one!! No week full of doubles, just a 'regular' show week for me this week. I'm finally getting some of that time at home I'm been whining about.

Time to get unpacked, laundered, and start repacking for the trip to Florida on Sunday.

I'm down to waiting for one W-2. I would love for that to show up today so I can get those darn things done this week.

Many cheers and best wishes going out to Darren. Enjoy your well-earned break. We shall miss you.

Until next time, I have returned. I am in decent humor, and I'm looking forward to a 'light' week and having the chance to catch up on things in MY life.

Love and Light to you all!

snowing

Here we are. just after 4am, I haven't been to bed yet, cause I've already put myself on london time, and let's face it, I'm going to sleep on the plane.

I randomly looked out the window here in midtown, to see piles of snow. I'm glad I'm leaving early. So far everything is on time and uncancelled.

Do I need to repeat how much I want to get on that plane. It is the symbol of many things. My hard earned holiday, after months of working nonstop. My freedom, being able to jaunt off to London on a whim(?). But most importantly, a chance to sit down and sleep!!!

it's been a wild morning. I couldn't quite fall asleep after the show tonight, and I didn't go out and booze it up. I sat on the couch and read my book. Now I've started the 2nd book, and decided to do a quick check of my plane to make sure I'm still going!! hehehe

Love and Light to you all. More to follow upon my return from England.... where once again, I'm seeing the last stop on a darren tour!!!

La Dolce Vita!!

On the Verge of Something Wonderful: Part II

I got by, with a little help from my friends...

Yesterday sucked a$$. Well, it sucked until I got to work, in a fit, and realized I wasn't going to have it anymore. Popped a zanny and it was all better, or at least I wasn't raging any longer.

My roommate (bless her heart) picked up my laundry on her dinner break. Another friend offered, but didn't have to as E. and already taken care of it. Many blessing on the both of them.

Even the pet store in NYC didn't have the kitten food. Yah, really...

And the insurance company has once again changed our health plan. I argued and argued with the Pharmacy, and didn't win. Thank you oxford for increasing the cost of my Rx's co-pay. I don't know how I can copay that bottle of skin stuff for $20 for the last 2 years, only to have to pay $50 for it now.

Again, the zanny came in handy and I made it through the first show without any rage, took a delicious nap between shows and then drug (No pun intended) my ass through the 2nd one.

Note to self: Do not attempt international travel without a day off first to manage things.

It's all good now. But I must get packing. I got my hair done last night when I got home (new product, and BOY is it purple!!! hehehe. But it's time to unpack the laundry and toss a few things into the new suitcase and pull it all together (the next 5 days) before I leave the house. I am spending the night in the city as it is easier to get to Newark from NYC.

Tickets, Money, Passport!!!!

I shall miss you all, but I go forth on yet another Darren Pilgrimage. His last concert of 2008 before he goes on Hiatus. (May he sing forever).

I'm actually in a much better place today, and will continue to be so. I have finally reached the moment of traveling. Very little WORK is going to be happening for the next month. My last day at the ballet (for now) is today. I will only be doing broadway when I return (for a whopping 6 shows before I then turn tail and run to sunny, warm Florida for a week).

We have finally reached the point where I will reap a few rewards for working my ass off for the last 4 months. A little Imp Time, and I'm going to spend it doing things that I want to do!!!!

Love and light to you all!

xoxoxox