Counting down

EEKK!!! i leave on monday!

it's going well, this week 'off' and being unemployed has been good in many ways. first and foremost, i've managed to catch up on some life things that i've been putting off. things like drs appointments and dental work and dealing with the multitude of banking institutions that i support.

i have to give kudos to travelocity and their customer service department. i spent 20 minutes on the phone with them this morning, and they were most helpful. the airline changed my connecting flight in Roma, resulting in a 6 hour layover before my flight to pisa. of course, this made me not at all happy, as i have a dear friend picking me up at the airport in pisa. i called and asked if they could change my flight and just eliminate the flight to pisa. travelocity called the airline and made the rebooking. no fees, and an apology for changing my itinerary so drastically. so now my friend is picking me up in roma, and we'll have an afternoon of sun instead of me wandering the roma aeroporta for 6 hours before a connecting flight boards. are you listening you bastards at united? customer service and NO FEE'S to change an inconvenience to their passenger, on a non refundable ticket. go alitalia/travelocity.

i am very pleased!

i'm heading into the city shortly to have my hair cut. a little trim, a little texture, it's all good.

i spent two hours in acupuncture on wednesday. after a day of feeling beat HARD, i'm feeling much better. the stress level at work had gotten to me so bad, i was knotted up in ways previously unimagined. numbness in all limbs and neck and face. i had more knots in my left shoulder than a 3 mast ship. seriously, i was a hot-mess.

not that needles and unemployment haven't managed though. i'm actually feeling much better.

i got offered a gig for the winter down in sunny sarasota. yes, i'm going back to the opera for the winter. i haven't committed to a firm YES, SEND THE CONTRACT yet, but i will. i have decided i'm going to do it, i just told them they had to wait for a firm answer until i returned from my adventures. it will be very exciting, as we are remounting magic flute, and i assisted the designer on it 4 or 5 years ago, and it's beautiful and it's my Egyptian baby. i'll be the third draper form the left for the season. no, it's not my old job there, they have eliminated that position due to the ecomony/budget cuts, but the other designer wants me onboard and onboard i shall be.

10 weeks out of the blow and cold. yah, it's less money than i'd make in nyc, but worth it, specially now when i'm wondering if i'm ever going to see sunshine again!

the packing continues. i went shopping yesterday for a few last minute things and come home with more shoes. lmao i have plenty of new clothes for the trip, the majority of it linen!

uhm, i've started getting fat, which i discovered when i started trying on shorts that i've owned for years... thus i purchased a few pair of linen pants, some of which i hemmed and tailored, others i tailored and turned into shorts.

i'm set.

the list grows smaller of things that must be accomplished before i leave the country. blissfully smaller...

although i am concerned... after months of no sun and endless gloom and rain in nyc, i see roma e firenze is now forcasting RAIN my first week in attendance... oh well

il palio di siena here i come.

i doubt i will make numerous blog entries during my trip, but i will be keeping a journal and will update you when convenient, but this could be upon my return to the states.

the adventure commences in 3 days!!!

ciao!

keep on keeping on

moving forward. just keep moving forward.

it's been a rough season so far this year peeps. lots going on at the Ballet. i'm just trying to keep my head down, get my stitching work done, hang up the sweaty clothes, and take the train back home.

that's it. my career in a nut-house, erhm, nut-shell.

i've been attempting to operate under my mothers old adage, if you don't have something nice to say, say nothing at all...

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now that you're done reading between the lines:



i've completed all the IT plans that i'm going to make. the remaining days in Italia, i'm just going to wing it and wander.

less than 30 days before i land in Pisa.

i started packing yesterday, following a trip to banana republic. i picked up a few polo's, and payed a few more dollars than i felt necessary for a pair of linen shorts but i like them and they fit. it wasn't until i got home that i realized i'm going to have to purchase different underwear to wear with the shorts. who knew you could see right through that linen... lmao or i'm going to have to cut and install a lining, which defeats the purpose of the linen... it's all good though, i do have a pair of white underwear, someWHERE.

that's all i've got time for today. i'm leaving for work a smidgen early today so that i can stop by borders and pick up DEMON MISTRESS, by Yasmine Galenorn. the latest in the series is released today.

happy reading, writing, and summer to you all.

moving forward, keep moving forward.

love and light!

Back to Work II

I'm back at the ballet again Peeps!

I'm whipping out arts and crafts and labels like nobodies business. Seriously, one of my missions was sewing teeth on the mythical monsters heads (think mascot) for Firebird. It's going to be a fantastical fantasy. I can't wait to get it off my table and on the stage!

Coppelia is also prepping. As is some Scottish Concerto complete with kilts, waistcoats, and sporrans.

"Let Me, Entertain You!"

Speaking of entertainment: Have you seen Susan Boyle on youtube?

I wept.

I want to be her vocal coach for 3 months.

I think I'm going to be booking another international holiday for 2009. I should know in the next few days if it's going to really happen or not. Imp thinks he shall see Prague.

I'm about to lock down/commit to bookings for the remainder of the Italia adventures. I've about got it mapped out. Me and google maps are Tight!!

I picked up my new glasses today.

I still need a haircut, and I'm oiling up the clippers.

I was a good boy and spent 90 minutes on my Italian Lessons/Rosetta Stone.

The tickets for Darren Hayes' New Years Eve concert/party/bash went on sale to the general public today. SOB I can't allow myself to go. I won't be able to be away from work, and so I've been replying to all my international friends (who ARE ticketed) and explaining that I can't get away. Not that I wouldn't LOVE to spend the night rocking into 2010, in London, with all my international flava's and His Lordship.

Not to mention it's his first concert in two years...

With Free Champagne...

I'm not bitter.

Wheel of Time Fans: The next Robert Jordan tome should be released for the holidays. Go here for the breakdown on the next release.

Speaking of the next tome, Brandon Sanderson is finishing up the WoT series. He was chosen by Jordan's wife as the knight to receive Jordons notes and outlines on the finale.

I have read 2 of his previous novels. Elantris and the First Mistborn. He's brilliant. He's got a brilliant mind, and in-depth yet easy writing style. You don't mind the number of pages. The telling of the final days of the Dragon Reborn are in good hands, I think. I'm looking forward to finishing the 2nd Mistborn book before next Tuesday, when the third (and most current) paperback is released.

That's all I got kids. I'm glad I'm home and back to work.

Time to take care of some business and make some bank, before I throw my costume da bango in a suitcase and head off towards the Mediterranean.

Love and Light!

I'm alive

No peeps, I have not abandoned you. I've just been living my life, or trying to get caught up with my life.

It's been a busy spring(?) here. I use the term loosely as it's snowing on my daffodils today.

The break is officially over, as of tomorrow. I leave for Peoria tomorrow, off on the MasterClass circuit. I will return home late on Monday following Easter and proceed immediately to NYCB!! Back to work Cinderella!!

I'm actually quite excited about returning to the ballet. We have several full length ballets that will go into rep this season, of which, I'm very excited to see Midsummers Nights Dream.

I've managed accomplish most of the spring cleaning and arrangements.

I'm tired, and more than just a bit bored. (See, I am never, EVER happy). I just wish I could find a median that I enjoy. No, I don't want to work 16 hour days, but I do. No, I don't want to sit at home with 'nothing to do.' Oh, I find ways to amuse and entertain myself, but for someone who is married to their career, and always has been, it's difficult to have a few weeks off and still be in this country. Wah, Wah, Wah.

Yes, Looking forward to going back to work, in the nyc area, on my union contract.

I've thrown my hands in the air concerning the rest of the Italia trip. I'm calling in the professionals. It's time to rap with a travel agent. I'm out of time and energy and brainpower for the research and booking. Here is where I want to go, here is my price point and dates, make it so. Thank you Dear Eloise for helping me see the light!!!

Of course, in the midst of all of this travel lust, I find the 800$ week (hotel/air included) to Prague for the fall... Just after Darren Hayes announces his NYE concert in London. GASP!!! Those of you in the business know that attempting to get a week off of a seasonal gig between Christmas and New Years is a HUGE hassle (not to mention dumb). Not only is it hard to find a swing to cover it, but it's also a huge pain in the butt for everyone involved. PR, relax dearest, I'm not asking. Despite the excitement and invitations and pressure and persistence of my international peeps, I am remaining steadfast. One does not alienate his boss by asking for a week off during Nutcracker. I keep reminding myself of this, even if it's Darren's first concert in 2 years... There will be others... but I sure am going to miss you guys, A LOT!!! I'll be there in spirit; dancing and singing along with all of you.

The big question of the day is: Can I make it through this next trip without having to do laundry before I leave? I think so, or, I'm going to make it so. But I'm having difficulty knowing what to pack. 41-65 is a huge temperature range to deal with, but I'm a professional costumer, and layering is second nature.

I am beyond needing a haircut.

The weather is effecting and affecting me. I need some sun. I need spring!!! I want to play in the dirt. I want a lot of things.

I want to see my friends who are so busy they have evidently forgotten that I'm home again, despite repeated phonecalls, texts, and emails to get together.

Alas, I refuse to set foot in THAT broadway theatre. Yes, you are going to have to find time away from work to see me.

No, I'm not upset with my friends; I love my friends. I need my friends, and as a friend, I say that I won't meet you in the theatre. Let's have lunch/dinner/drinks away from the theatre and discuss Life or theatre, but not AT the theatre.

Yah, I'm in a very weird emotional place right now. It's all good. I'm recharging and bracing for the onslaught of returning to the workforce, because as you know; I don't do things half way, and I'm a perpetual planner and worrier...

Although I did give myself a stern lecture this morning. What have you got to worry about? Shut up and learn your Italian bitch!!!

Anyone out there interested in seeing Hair with me before I start running shows on April 28th? Email/text me.

Wishing you a wonderful spring. I love each and every one of you, more than know.

Love and Light!

Oatmeal Scotchies or Rosetta Stone.?

That was the quandary today kids. Do I make the Scotchies or do I spend an afternoon with my Italian Lessons?

It will come as no surprise that I have close to 6 dozen cookies in the kitchen. hehehe

Somehow, I just could bring myself to SIT down at the computer for a language lesson this afternoon. By the time I got done baking (typically theraputic), I was too Tired for actual brain processing work!!

So I took a nap instead. Two actually. I decided I couldn't sit in front of the computer all afternoon, doing anything.

So I didn't. I am quite close to finishing Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. It's been quite enjoyable, and I feel comfortable that the final WOT (WHEEL OF TIME) novel has been left in his capable hands. Here, I have faith!

Now that my afternoon of laying around is over, I must pull it together for the rest of the week. I have errands and meetings and dinners (oh my) in the city to attend to on the morrow. I am actually working a day this week, at the Garden, (No, it's not Britney, though i do know about 1/2 of their crew). It for the circuis.

Clowns? Ohhhhh I hope not.

lmao

Right!!!

I would like it to warm up now. Imp wants to go play in the dirt.

Love and Light!

Here! Here!!!

It's about time... I'm writing a letter of thanks to my House Rep!!! Get em!!

It's about time they cracked down on these bastards!

Happy Spring

Too funny!!! It's the spring equinox and it's snowing outside.

Up bright and early this morning and already re-arranging the house. The new bedding is being delivered sometime this 'morning' and i had to remove the old mattress from the room, as well as clearing a path for the new one to arrive. Meaning I had to take down all the artwork in the stairwell and move a few of the 'old man carts' so that doors open completely.

I'm very excited, I've been wanting and needing that new mattress for over a year. I didn't realize how bad it was until I left home on tour and started sleeping on decent mattresses. I still grumble about it, the current mattress was brand new when i moved to NYC, 9 years ago, but after 3 months, I left for a gig, and in that time, My lard-ass roommate slept in my bed while I was away. Permanently denting the poor springs. It wasn't QUITE a taco mattress, but there was a serious dent, no matter what way i flipped it.

What better time to recycle the old and bring in the new?

It's been a theme here too. I've been going nuts with the cleaning since I arrived home from the tour. Yah, I did all the paperwork, but then I attacked the dresser, closets, and storage. I recycled and threw out roughly half of my wardrobe (summer AND winter). It was past time for a good purge. Several bags went to Goodwill, but the majority of it went into the trash, even costumes. For some reason, I've been in the mood to lighten my load and my life. GET RID OF IT!!!

The cleaning frenzy didn't disappear over my Holiday. I came home, unpacked, and then attacked the kitchen. I've packed 2 more boxes of things for Goodwill, and temporarily opened up some shelf space in the kitchen. Then I reorganized the common shelves and now there is actually room to get items in and out. I've lived here long enough now that things are 'ours' instead of Yours and Mine. I haven't used my set of (relatively) brand new dishes, so pack them up and put them away!! Just use 'our' dishes and pots and pans. I think my roommate will be quite surprised upon her return home... There is significantly more shelf space now, which makes me Very Happy!

My current roomie is off in Paris, enjoying her birthday!! I returned from Holiday to have the house to myself. Bliss!!! I am Daddy once again, I had ALL of the kittahs in bed with me last night, which was delightful until they started spitting and hissing. Bast being the worst offender. She saw me put the suitcase away and realized I was staying home. I'm HER DADDY, and woe betide anyone who attempts to get between us. I've often laughed and said she is the dominant Kittah; she is, when she wants to be. She was stepping up last night. My Daddy, My Bed. This honestly rocked Horus's world last night; Bast laying down the law. The battle of the Gods/Godesses, all taking place within inches of my body.

Despite my best efforts, I woke up swollen and puffy this morning. Alas, tis true, I've developed a full blown allergic reaction to cats... This doesn't stop me from loving them, it just means we have to enforce the blanket rule. This is YOUR blanket, this is Daddys blanket. You stay on yours, and I'll stay on mine, and stay OFF Daddys (new) pillows!!! We have pettin's and then I have to go and wash my hands and face. This seems to be working. I just find it disturbing and ironic that sometime in the last year I've developed this allergy to my pets.

While I am awaiting delivery, I'm going to make myself useful in the office/studio. Sometime in my absence, the roommate cleaned and organized. I feel the subtle hint to do the same... and since I appear to be on a roll, I'm going to tackle that today. We will have to rent a car sometime next week to haul all this stuff away. I just keep cleaning with a passion.

It's therapy.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch... I'm scheduling events/dinners/conferences. I'm home for a few weeks before I start working again. Once I leave to do the Masterclass tour I am back to work. A Long Weekend followed by my immediate return to NYC and the Ballet.

Which means at some point, I'm going to have to get off Facebook and finalize my itinerary for Italia this summer.

That's all I've got this morning kids.

May you have a Spring in your step, and Wind to thy Wings.

Love and Light!

I hath returned

I have returned home!! It is bliss, unpacking the suitcase, knowing I don't have to go anywhere for the next 3 weeks.

Time to get caught up on the homefront, and be domestic!!! I feel a baking afternoon coming on!

Give me a few days to get settled, and I'll be in touch....

Wrapped

I'm wrapped.

I'm alive.

I'm resting and cooking.

I'll be home tomorrow evening.

Love and Light!

Almost

We put on one hell of a show in Salt Lake City. Great crowd, and the seemed to loved the hell out of it!!!

short and sweet this morning, as i pack and head towards the airport. i'll be in Denver this afternoon for the show tomorrow. then one more travel day to the Big O (Omaha).

we are down to the final two shows.

my, how the time has flown.

i'll be home march 2nd, late, and am looking forward to the week of settling back into my own abode.

thank you all, for you support and kind words. they help more than you realize.

love and light!

busy busy busy

hello peeps!

i've been a very busy camper... even on these days off here in montreal. i've been in front of the computer 12 or 14 hours a day. bleeding money, doing my part to stimulate the economy.

alitalia had a rare sale on tickets, so i jumped and purchased. i'll be out of the usa 29 june - 20 july. 3 blissful weeks in italia. timing is everything, and nycballet is helped by ending the spring season early enough to allow me to make it to siena in time for il palio, with my italian, thank you.

i have secured the most gorgeous loft in firenze for the week following il palio. i am over the top excited about the space. i discovered this loft online about 4 years, and i am just thrilled that i found it available for the week i wanted it. in addition, it's close to the train station (walking 200 meters) so any day trips (lucca) are easy and more than doable!!!

plus i've been online booking our hawaiian activities for march. all the while looking for lodging in italia and trying to block out my remaining time for roma, salerno, et. al.

plus i've been thoroughly enjoying my quiet alone time.

we depart montreal tomorrow morning, before sunrise (4:45AM) and head towards san jose, via dallas. the last week of ugliness commences tomorrow, bright and early.

bring it on!

i'm ready to wrap this puppy!!! 4 more shows and i get come home!

where the taxes and months of mail await me.

hope all of you are doing well!!

love and light!