Costume Imp

Counting down

2009-06-26T12:24:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-02T10:03:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-21T20:19:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-08T12:07:00.002-04:00

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.?

2009-03-23T20:26:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2009-03-20T11:15:00.001-04:00

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

2009-03-20T08:26:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-19T09:07:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-01T16:14:00.001-05:00

I'm wrapped.

I'm alive.

I'm resting and cooking.

I'll be home tomorrow evening.

Love and Light!

Almost

2009-02-23T10:46:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-18T13:14:00.002-05:00

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!

Hmmmm

2009-02-16T00:34:00.002-05:00

i spent valentines day with HerSelf, and at the end of the show, rose petals rained down upon us. yes, really.

sigh

we played the last french show this evening. After 11 shows (total) in montreal, we have now laid to rest the french version of the show. which is somewhat a shame, as i really like the french show... it's a little more upbeat!

i'm now on the last 'break' of the last 11 days of the tour. we stay in montreal until the 19th, and then we hit it hard and heavy for the last 4 shows.

peeps in omaha, i'm almost there!!! i think we should have brunch on sunday!! plans to be announced as soon as i get the hell out of canada and have free phone service again. (yah, i'm tight... did i mention that i'm going to europe this summer?)

hey, i'm going to Italia june/july. finally. 3 blissful weeks, some beautiful art, il palio de siena, botticelli paintings, beautiful beaches, italian food and wine, and much much more...

thank you MaMa!!!

where does the time fly?

hope you all are well, i'm going to attempt to catch up on some serious email to you all soon...

love and light!

You know you are in for it when:

2009-02-14T08:38:00.002-05:00

You know you are in for it when your cpa takes a look at your final paystub from a rock and roll production company and says, "even with the family discount, this return isn't going to be cheap!"

sigh

Yes, i know... i have to file a state return for every state that i played a gig in, which is considerable.

Yes, i know. it's why i now have a cpa... so ballpark me a figure, ignore my sticker-shock, and we'll chalk this up to the cost of continuing success in my career.

it's ridiculous actually, and i can't believe that the touring laws have changed so greatly in the last 10 years, but there it is.

again i say, if it weren't for HerSelf, i wouldn't do it. lol

back in the land of canada...

i'm enjoying a relaxing morning on a show day! i love sitdowns! we don't start until 2pm. i have clean laundry waiting for me, so we just have to do prep and set,and we are ready to roll! of course, even on this 'easy' day, it will still be 12 hours. i'll be in the arena doing laundry until about 2am. but that also means i get to come in at 2pm, and not 9am.

we are back at the illustrious Bell Centre in montreal. great arena, people that know the show (this is THE arena for us; we will have played over 11 shows here on this tour, it makes a difference.

and for most of the crew, we are 'home.'

i'm in a pretty decent place mentally and physically. and i've been very busy online tracking flights to italia and discovering new adventures to add to the oahu itinerary.

i'm off to deal with some paperwork. i hope you all have enjoyable and productive weekends!!

love and light!

Royalty

2009-02-10T10:32:00.003-05:00

The queen has returned home. (no, not me, i'm not home yet), but the Canadian royalty has returned to her providence, and as far as rock and roll is concerned, there is no place like home.

what a difference it makes. people jump to make things happen. they are happy to have us, and believe me, we are pumping money into the economy; so we are doing our part to help. i think of it as the international Diva stimulus package. You pay her, and we are all happy! hehehe

Quebec City is beautiful, but freaking cold! i mean really freaking cold. COLD!! As my dear mother put it so well this morning, these last days you will be earning every penny of your salary. it's the truth. deep breaths, keep your head down, and keep rolling.

there really is nothing like the Canadian audiences. HerSelf really is the closest thing they have to royalty, and they flock to us and are extremely involved and appreciative. not only that, but we are now back to doing the french set list, which i personally adore. you have to go to canada or france to hear the french songs, and it's not so littered with the english ballads either.

we have one more show in QC, and then we head off to Montreal for 3 (more) shows there, bringing our grand total for the tour to 11 performances (selling out all performances to a capacity of 20,000+).

16 days, 5 more cities, 8 more shows.

last night was the first night i felt connected to the show. i'm always in it to win it, but last night i was finally embracing the show again. even amidst the chaos of one of the dancers going out during the first number, and having to race around to put the dance captain on. (note, i'm STILL) looking for her laundry bag which disappeared from where i stored it, making a mid-show turnover a pain in the arse. but we gave them their monies worth last night and then some.

we are beginning to hit the finals section of the tour. we take our final tour bus ride tonight to montreal. then we lose the buses. it will be air travel from here on out. i will not miss the long bus rides, but considering my current attitude about airports, i'm a little afraid of the next week and will have to make a concentrated effort to remain calm in the face of the tsa idiots.

i'm looking forward to montreal. we've done it so many times there, and the crew is great and know what it's all about. perhaps i can relax a bit, and i'm hoping we get our same crew back in wardrobe. they all crack me up and it will be a large pleasure to share the next 4 days with them, and also then to have our last 'break' without traveling and shows, before the last week hits us hard.

D, you are in my thoughts and meditations. i hope things are improving and you are feeling yourself again. i'm very sorry that you won't be able to join me this week; i understand, but i miss you! i hope we can get together in early march before i take my holiday.... but more importantly, i hope you are well!!

word from the roommate back home: granny has returned to residence in the house. part of me breathes a sigh of relief, she's been gone for almost a year following her fall in the bathroom (where she laid for 2 days before they carted her off to medical care and assisted living). part of me wonders how i'm going to deal with greek opera vibrating through the floorboards at 3am when i get home. i'm relieved though, as her being home makes my top floor apartment SECURE. her daughter isn't going to sell the house out from under us while her mother is still living there. which means i have my beautiful apartment to go home too... to quote my Diva, "I count the nights, i count the days, away. Yeah!"

my mother has informed me that i am the activities director for our week in Hawaii, so i had best pull out the calendar and get my act together. we have a lot of things to do during our holiday, and i need to sketch out a game plan, one that still leaves me a couple of afternoons on a beach!

I've got to go and deal with capezio and pack my life up. time to clean up, pack up, and get to the arena.

love and light to you all. i will be home soon!

Windsor

2009-02-06T08:43:00.003-05:00

back in canada peeps!!

today is a load in day at the casino in windsor. we have a later bus call by an hour, and i'm very glad for a regular 10-6 gig today.

i have no idea what the crew will be like, but i had a great day yesterday. my baby sister came over from the states for dinner and an evening. we had bbq (bad bbq) and she watched me lose some money, rather quickly, at the casino.

i'm excited to see my sis and her husband again this evening. i'll be taking them out to dinner following our work call today. go family.

we are down to the final 10 shows. yes, i can officially count them on two hands. very exciting if you don't consider the fact that i have yet to converse all of the usa one more time before we wrap.

i have to go, bus call is looming.

love and light!

Meet Me in St Louis

2009-02-03T13:47:00.000-05:00

Meet me at the fair! Lol

I’ve arrived in st Louis. After a fitful bus ride from Tulsa. I repressed the urge to beat the driver with my shoes, but I did have the urge! Hehehe

The gods threw me a bone yesterday with the Tulsa local. They rocked. It’s so great to do a show with people who understand what is happening, and know their craft. These ladys were fantastic and there to work. Work them, we did! But it was also a fun day, and I never once got tense about having the show looking fantastic and being ready on time! I give them a 9.

I’ve played St Louis years ago (a few times) and I remember liking their local here, so I have high hopes for tomorrow. I am relieved that we are finally getting out of the south (and labor pools) and back to venues with IATSE. I am not joking when I relate that I had to show my last two crews how to assemble and USE a steamer. Adios mio!

Anyhow, we are in St Louis now and are returning to old man winter. It was a whopping 13 degrees when we arrived the morning and it was quite a shock stepping off the bus, and having the wind take your breath away! Crazy cold. I checked in around 8am, and pulled out my list of things to do today.

1) Post office. I am no longer seeing any warmer climates; the rest of this tour is all up north and at high altitudes. I shipped home a medium sized box of books and shorts and tshirts; things that I will no longer need. The suitcase is blissfully about ½ full again and I’m not lugging around tons of baggage! Of course, I haven’t pulled out the big down coat(s) out of cargo yet either. But I do think I’ll be able to do the final week of this tour, when we are flying everywhere and then home with one suitcase, one murse, and the computer.
2) Lunch. I found the cutest little city grocery (not quite a balducci’s) and grabbed potato salad and a wrap from the deli for breakfast/lunch. Mmmm
After that 10 block r/t walk in the wind, I decided that I’m done for the day outside. Hehehe I will be inside in the heat, thank you very much. I have just started a new Sharon shinn book, and I have potato salad and a dr. pepper. I’m set for the afternoon. This in most certainly involve a nap too, I am still trying to catch up on my rest, and last nights bus ride didn’t help a darn bit. But I’m only a few mere days away from the next border crossing, which is a milestone in this final leg. We are closing in on it.

I believe we have 11 shows left. A mere 11 shows, and yet I will still be completely back and forth across the continental USA 2 twice in the next 3 weeks. (and then twice more for my trip to Hawaii)

Do you see why I am cranky with airport incompetence?

Suffice it to say that I no longer have my sense of wander-lust. Its cured for the time being! Lol Of course, I will be traveling again soon, but it won’t be for work, and will be on my schedule! I don’t think I’m going to overly mind my mother waking me up at 6am in Oahu. She knows to do with a cup of coffee…

I’m about to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you all for your support and everything that you do for me.

Love and Light!

RANT

2009-02-01T20:39:00.001-05:00

Just arrived Tulsa from san juan, and I’m here to tell you that the airports are getting even nuttier than before. Longer lines, less than competent help, and more cues than freaking Disney land.

It’s getting to the point where even allowing 2 hours at the airport for a domestic flight isn’t enough time to assure you actually make it to the gate. When is America going to stand up and refuse to put up with the shit that the airlines are pulling?
Don’t get me wrong, we need to be safe. We need to be screened to keep us safe, both in the air and on the ground. Why are we placing our safety in the hands of people who haven’t even received a high school diplomia? Why are we forced to tolerate incompetence and rudeness about their incompetence. I remember when flying used to be a relatively pleasant experience. These days, you pay an astronomical amount for a coach seat, only to be battered with fee after fee when you check in. is it too much to ask for free water on the plane? No, I don’t think so… I also doubt that charging 3 dollars for a cranberry juice is what is breaking the airlines bottom line. Stop paying the CEO’s billion dollar bonuses, and you just might be able to run a profitable airline. Seriously people, I love to travel, but I am seriously pissed off at the airline companies. Fuck you United for leading the pack on charging for baggage… (just charge me 25$ more for the ticket instead of nickel and diming me at the counter, you assholes; people travel with clothing!) fuck you United for making me wait in line for hours on end while idiots all over the world try and cram a suitcase that was never meant to fit in the overhead compartment, in the overhead compartment. Let me say it again, fuck you United!! And fuck the rest the airlines for following suit… and don’t give me the sob story. I refuse to pay 3000$ for a first class ticket to avoid paying a baggage fee. You continue to cut services and continue to whine and raise prices to try and offset your loss of business. Perhaps if you treated your consumers like people and not cattle, you would have a more loyal cliental. Fuck you United for selling me an expensive coach seat that a normal human doesn’t fit in, and the offer me a 30$ upgrade to a ecomony plus seat. WTF? And let me just state for the record, that after I pay you 50$ in baggage fees, I expect to have my luggage arrive with me, or I expect a full refund for fucking up! I’m even beginning to get disgusted with Continential, whom has been my favorite airline for US domestic travel for years.

Why is the common public so stupid as to put up with this behavior? The airlines are taking ADVANTAGE of your fear and cowing you into submission… heaven forbid you argue or raise your voice with any airline or airport employee. It’s AMAZING how fast security comes out of the woodwork.

One should NOT have to take a valium to check in at the airport.

Yes, I’m outraged. Rightfully so… if I wanted to pay good money for people to be rude to me, I could just walk down the streets of nyc, where there is less chance of being arrested for telling someone they are an asshole, when they are clearly being an asshole.

Stand up people, WE are the consumers. The airlines are only getting away with this shit because we are ALLOWING THEM TO DO SO. Do you think American and Delta would have not charged baggage fees if United hadn’t have proven to them that the general American public was ready to fork out more money to their coffers? There is a good reason why I will pay more money to fly on Continental than ever set foot on another united airplane…

End rant, before my blood pressure exceeds even my high parameters.

So uhm, yah. I’ve had about 8 hours of sleep in the last 3 days, and then, of course, dealing with various airports (and fuck you GWBush/Houston international while I’m at it). Don’t you dare tell me I’m going to be arrested for politely asserting my first amendment rights.

San juan was a mess, as was fort Lauderdale. Two crappy crews in a row. Uhm, I should NOT have to show you how to steam a garment if you are on my fucking wardrobe crew. Do I look like a fucking educator? No! take your wrench and go back to electrics or props, and get the hell out of my way.

Seriously. There are days when I feel like my department are the only professionals on this tour/ and I will state that between the three of us, we have more professional experience than anyone else on this tour will EVER have beyond working for HerSelf.

Yes, I’ve had a day. Now I’m going to have cake and go to bed.

I miss you all, and am really looking forward to being home again soon. No buses, no airplanes, no working with people who haven’t got a clue. I value MY WORK too much to have such a lackadaisical attitude about my career, and if you are only in it for the experience, get the fuck out and go do community theatre.

R&R

2009-01-25T22:23:00.002-05:00

miami rocked. she rocked, and the crew rocked, the crowd rocked.

up to tampa....

i'm now in the midst of a blissful 4 day break, and i've traveled south to sarasota to see my opera friends and companions. it's warm.

dinner parties

italian wines

sunshine

beaches

prime rib

ice cream

good friends!!

heading north to do the show on wednesday in tampa. i needed this break.

one more month to go

love and light!

postponed

2009-01-20T21:35:00.002-05:00

staying in raleigh another day. they postponed the show mid-day (during load-in) due to the snow... state of emergency and all that

there goes my day off in Miami

but it's a good thing, because the crew is so worthless, we wouldn't have been ready for the show... seriously

i hate them all

that is all

North to Raleigh

2009-01-19T22:28:00.001-05:00

Hello kids. I have just arrived in Raleigh, NC, and it’s cold, rainy, and did I mention cold? I am very concerned about all you Yankees up north, because if it’s this cold down here, I know it’s cold up there. Yes, I do check the weather on occasion (I adore my iPhone, keeping me connected and informed).

Well I’m sitting in yet another Marriott, one of the favorites of this tour. I am not impressed with this one though, although we are directly across the superhighway from a mall. Too bad we arrived at 5:55 and the mall closes at 6pm. Also, my room was oddly vacant of any hotel information, mainly a room service menu. All good, I had to run back down to the bus for a bag anyhow, so I picked one up on the way back to my room. That being said, I feel as though I’m in the middle of nowhere. I’m not, but the parking lot is at the back of the hotel, surrounded by huge trees, and after being in the middle of Atlanta, it just feels like the middle of nowhere.

I’m looking forward to my day travels tomorrow with a dear friend whom I haven’t seen since high school. I think it’s been about 18 years now. WOW. I’m feeling a little better each day, and am not going to miss this opportunity to catch up with her. It’s been so long. I ran away from home when I left for college. Most of my friends at ‘home’ were older than I, and I really only called about 3 people that I went to school with friends. All my Friends were people that I did theatre with. There was a very traumatic event my senior year of high school, that shook up (and down) my group of friends. It was a very sensational and devastating moment for my hometown, as it involved the vicious and brutal murder of a friend of mine, by another friend of mine, who were in fact also good friends. Let’s talk about total betrayal. To this day, we still don’t really know why it happened. The guilty isn’t talking, and of course, my other friend was the victim. So when I say that I ran away from home when I went to school, that’s not really an exaggeration. This event ruined friendships and relationships, and I went off to college not knowing if I was going to have to come back home and testify in court. (my current girlfriend and I were less than 25 yards away from the murder site just moments before it happened. We placed our ‘friends’ cars at the scene, even though we didn’t realize what had happened or was happening until the next day. Anyhow, that’s the past, but because of the trauma involved, I fell out of touch with most of those people over the following years. It was too painful to relieve those horrid months, and we weren’t capable of talking to each other without constantly wondering why it all happened. (Now you know why I have an aversion to gory movies and csi, I’ve seen the 68 court photo’s of the scene, and of the body, and still to this day, 18 years later, they can instantly become vivid in my mind. The pain has eased over the years, but it is still present. Although I no longer wonder why, as I accepted long ago that we were never going to know.
Oddly enough we are approaching the anniversary of that day, as it happened in late January, 1990.
Hmmm, got off on a tangent, but anyhow… I’m meeting one of my friends, and am looking forward to the day together. At one point in time, we took a trip to Toronto together to see the opening of Phantom there! I still remember that road trip with fond memories and she’s now a music and drama teacher. It will be great fun to get back together with my theatre friends and catch up with everything that we have been doing in the past 18 years… my, have we grown so old?

Hmmmm Atlanta. Well, we had a pretty decent crew, even if the prep did take all day. I saw my second DR in two days, to follow up on this ear infection. I’m making improvement, but the last dr also hooked me up with some steroids, to help reduce the inflammation and to jump start the healing process. My murse is exploding, antibiotics, steroids, my vicks, my vitamins, my other pills, and my shower tablets… by the way, let’s take a break to talk about these shower tablets… they are awesome people!! You just throw it on the shower floor and turn on the water. It’s like tub alka-selser, it bubbles and releases your choice of scent and menthol. Works with the steam to open your breathing passages. Many hours were spent in my bathroom steam room, reading my damp book, with the shower running and my tablets. Although I confess I think I am now expelling lavender and sage when I sweat…. Hehehe

That’s all I have time for tonight kids. I’ll try and catch you up again when I hit Miami!

Love and Light!

Currently listing to one side in Atlanta

2009-01-16T16:40:00.001-05:00

We are sick. Not just the royal We either. So many of us on this tour are falling ill that the promoter has scheduled a DR to come to the venue tomorrow. Sinus infections, bronchial, inner ear. We are a mess.

Seriously.

So I’m currently listing to one side, as I am experiencing my first ear infection in years. Nothing like being transported back to childhood. I knew something was awry a few days ago; I was getting cranky and just didn’t feel right. (yes, I know, I haven’t been right in years) but this was above and beyond.

The news that made me giddy is the fact that I was diagnosed by HerSelf’s ear/nose/throat specialist. So not only do I share a hairstylist but also a DR. what a trip it’s been… we’ve now shared a stethoscope, and examination tools. I’m very VERY grateful to Dr. G., and very lucky he was around and gracious enough to take the time to look at me. I took a 2 mile walk R/T to Walgreens this morning to get my latest z-pac. Hopefully I start to feel better soon!

OK, I left you in Houston, so it’s time for Nashville and Birmingham. Ugh. I was sick, and honestly not having much of it. The crews in the south are not union, and I’m tired of training people. It is too much to ask for to have experienced crews in the south. Some have been good, but let me share my favorite quote from the Houston crew, “we are all professionals, on the side”

Nuff said…

So now I’m chillin my heels in Atlanta, where the temperature is a whopping 17 degrees. I feel for you peeps up north…

That’s all I got for you today. I’m going back to bed, and curling up with a book (or two) and my antibiotics and orange juice.

I personally think it’s a little too soon, but the countdown has commenced. 18 shows and 4 border crossings to go. Can I tell you how much I’m looking forward to my >24 hours in san juan with no sleep?

No, I’m not complaining nor whining. Just stating the fact.

Thank Isis for my coworkers who have had my back the last couple of days. This would be hell without them….

Love and Light

Back-to-Back

2009-01-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

Really? I mean REALLY?!

(it's a recurring thought this year, so i had to share). Be warned, you will probably hear it again...

Someone pointed out yesterday (or the day before) that we have only been out on tour for a week... Really?! It feels like longer for some reason.

We survived our first back-t0-back shows on this final leg. Houston Friday, NOLA Saturday. I guess i should mention first off that we survived the bus trip, even if all 10 of us didn't get much, if any, sleep. We are having some Issues with our bus drivers driving and general attitude. i feel for the guy (to a degree) because i know he doesn't really 'get' our group of people and i'm pretty sure he's not having a real good time. Neither are we though; there is a reason why i don't sleep well on the bus. He's rolled me out of the bunk a few times in the last 5 months and the trip from TX to LA was rough and contained a lot of swervyness. A phone call was made to the bus company from the production manager if this tells you anything. i guess 10 angry, sleep deprived techs and management people aren't people you should irriate. hehehe

Houston: the best crew we had in all of texas. finally a break.

NOLA: was i in town for 27 hours, completely sober, and saw nothing but the interstate and inside of an arena? yes... sigh. the first trip to NO ever without a trip to the garden district and jackson square (for Cafe du Monde) I will just HAVE to come back. (I do have a love affair with that city)

i don't remember much about the show, the crowd rocked; and i wasn't having ANY of it. i was already tired when we arrived, and after a certain dancer tweaked my nose (by bold face lying to me) i was pretty much over it all. Oh, i behaved myself, although i call him out for lying to me in front of everyone around me) and for the sake of all others, i'm very glad that i am not dealing with anyone's black socks but my own.

I finally got the latest Yasmine Galenorn novel and i've been really enjoying running around the D'Angelio sisters, and smokey, and Roz... if i could only stay awake long enough to read more than 2 chapters... hehhee

We are less than a month away from Canada (which is a milestone). It's when i get to offically see the light at the end of the tunnel (not that the last week of airports is going to be easy, but it will be the Last Week) and then i get to see my Omaha peeps and relax for a few days before my sanctioned Holiday!!!

I'm chillin in Nashville today and tomorrow. it was snowing when we arrived this morning.

my big plans? room service and a novel.

i'm also going to hook up the computer to the large screen tv in my room, and finally watch the last (ever) episode of Stargate Atlantis (RIP). I'm nervous about watching it, as it's the last one, but i'm excited about being able to watch it on a great tv, even if i'm not home. i love iTunes.

love and light to you all!

uhmmm BRRRRRR

2009-01-06T12:20:00.002-05:00

WOW!!!!

IT'S COLD BOO'S!!!! Seriously, we brought that nor'easter south with us! Dallas went from 80 degrees to 34 degrees the day before we arrived....

foreshadowing, it was...

of my cold heart

when it comes to dealing with ineptitude.

seriously people. i had one chick who was sick enough that she was hacking her brains out every 2 minutes... so much so that we Required her to wear mask during the show. oh her mom was also on the crew (and was actually the one decent (used the term lightly) crew person). i don't care that you are ill and that you got it from one of the last touring shows... why you gotta give it to me, and my crew to spread around.

please note, I'M STILL RECOVERING and don't need something new. i have VERY little patience for that. i realize people need work, but if you can't draw a steady breath, don't stand near me please.

yes, we had a whack ass crew, and we basically ended up doing a lot of the crew prep ourselves so that we would actually get it done. those of you who have worked my show already, would shudder when i state it took the two of them 8 hours to steam 4 racks of clothes, and no, i'm not kidding. even with careful prodding.

next time: TAZER

i even caught one of them pawing through our roadboxes "like it was her own closet".... needless to say, that sent my boss completely over the edge.

so yes, dallas was cold, rainy, and incompetent. i was constantly thinking of one of my favorite susan surandon lines from that great movie.... "God, i Hate texas..."

i'm not surprized of course, i was down here 10 years and i remember...

now i'm sitting in san antonio, and it's 10 degrees warmer (so a whopping 43) although it is forecast to be 64 and i'm praying to Ra to bring on the sun to burn through this haze. my lungs need heat, my skin needs the baking rays. if i have to suffer through texas, i want a little heat... and not the kind that comes from racing around trying to mount a show with a roomful of idiots.

well, we have the day off, and i've got some fun errands i want to attend to today. i require new tennis shoes. i realized yesterday that i have worn the current pair out during the last leg. if i'm on my feet all day (and i am) then i need a bouncy pair of shoes. plus, today is national release day for Yasmine Galenorn's latest book, and i simply must have it! it's not quite noon and the sun is actually beginning to shine, so hopefully we will see a temperature increase and i can wander this city in a bit more comfort.

that being said, i got a decent couple of hours of sleep once we arrived at 6am this morning. even with pills i am having problems sleeping on the bus. perhaps it IS time to start drinking, and damn the consequences.

i'll rally eventually. it's only 7 weeks left... i am not thrilled about our locations much for the next couple of weeks... although i do have plans to see a dear old friend of mine from high school while i am in NC, whom i haven't seen since high school!!! so that will be most fun catching up and seeing her new place and catching up on what we have been doing in the last (mutters) few years!!!!

people continue to inform me that they are losing their jobs.... again, i state how blessed i am....

the wheels on the bus go round and round...

love and light

Back in the Saddle

2009-01-06T12:19:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone. Yes, I am still alive. Yes, I’m back on the road with HerSelf. Sorry that I didn’t get to see many of you on my precious holiday break. Santa brought me bronchitis for Christmas, and I was one sick puppy. I do mean seriously ill; I spent 4 days in bed.

I’m pleased to announce that I’m getting back to regular self. It’s been a difficult transition; I no sooner got home than it was time to leave again. It’s all good though.

I have to say, that while I wasn’t in the least bit interested in going to Kansas City, MO, we put on one hell of show. I mean that literally too. The show itself was flawless, and HerSelf is BACK and in GREAT voice. I mean seriously, GREAT VOICE!!! The break did her a world of good and she put on a fantastic show for KC. You will note (again) that I am a coinsure of voices, and I’ve followed her for a long time. she was in great voice and she was really pulling out the stunts for them last night. It’s fantastic to see my Diva strutting her stuff and showing the world just WHY she is the greatest… (eat that Barbara Streisand) . we were all very busy during the day though; there were a few issues during line-check which resulted in a blown amps and needing to replace instruments, but it was all taken care of the show went very well.

I am extremely blessed. Don’t hate me cuz I’m beautiful.

This next week should prove to be interesting. I’m in Texas of all places. Please don’t be offended, I just don’t really appreciate Texas. Just about everyone I’ve ever met from Texas I have adored, just so long as I didn’t meet them IN Texas. Perhaps this next week will change my prospective. I’ll keep an open mind.

I’m in a bit of mourning. Two of my favorite co-workers have not returned for this final leg of the tour. One I knew about, and wish him all the best in Europe with Tina Turner. The other, I wish all the best, and am slightly worried about. It isn’t many people that really impress me, and I genuinely like this guy, who was replaced at the last minute. Of course, I can’t go into details, but I’m going to miss him a lot. He was a great travel partner and WE got along just fine.

I’m still trying to adjust to life back on the bus. I just don’t sleep well when I’m moving. I’m trying this new medication from my dr, which is a lunesta derivative but only lasts 4 hours instead of 8. (Because you need to realize I rarely have time for 8 hours of sleep on this tour bus; at the hotel yes, but the bus, no). it worked for 2 hours last night. Knocked me right out, but after 2 hours (and my &$(%^ bus driver rolling me out of the bunk AGAIN) I was tossing and turning the rest of the way to Dallas. I am seriously going to consider starting to drink again, and to hell with the whole motion sickness… lol

It’s growing rather late here, and I have an early call tomorrow, so I’m going to wrap this up for now. Happy new year to you!!

Oh, I need to put this out there to all you wealthy and adventurous people. I’m accepting applications for travel companions to Europe this summer. Think july/august. I have already spoken to a few of you, I know… I realize we are in a recession and nobody wants to spend money, but if you are interested, send me an email. It’s going to be a very good time. I’m going reguardless and since most of you reading this are dear friends of mine, I want you to feel included. Shout out if you are interested. At the moment, I am definitely traipsing through Italia, and am considering a few side trips; Holland, Prague, are on the short list…

Love and Light, and again , a very happy new year!

Ho Ho Ho

2008-12-20T17:31:00.003-05:00

Ho Ho Ho, and a bottle of rum!!! (now that's some christmas spirit!) hehehe

Minneapolis, take two:

we were very successful on our second trip to Minneapolis!!! the show went up! HerSelf was in great voice and gave one heck of a show!!!

My thanks goes out to my wardrobe crew too. they ALL kicked ass!!! great people, talented, helpful, efficient, and down right rockable. thanks again ladies for making a very hectic day so productive and livable.

yes, they did their local proud, and i don't say that lightly, or very often...

now i'm just a bit bored... yes, i said it. i'm bored. how can i be bored on tour? well, let's just say that while i'm grateful for the day off, i would rather be working. we got 2 days off (ok, a day and 1/2 once we finally arrived here in Indy). It was FANTASTIC to not have to wake up this morning, but if we were doing the show today, i would be going home tomorrow... now you see where i am going with this... hehehe

I'm keeping myself busy though. i've seen two movies in the last 2 days; which is completely unheard of in my world. going to see a movie is a pretty amazing event to begin with, but two in the course of two days?! unreal!

i started with Twilight last night. It's pretty and i wasn't expecting too much other than twinks and skin. It delivered. it was beautiful to watch, but not too interesting at times. I got fidgety more than once. the special effects were cool though, and i did enjoy the james dean hair and pouty lips. but that's really about all i can say about it.

today i saw The Day the Earth Stood Still, which was more enjoyable and had better special effects. again, i wasn't expecting anything (K Reeves rocks my world) and i didn't get antsy much. I also think Kathy Bates is really great in this film (as usual), but the real award goes to the little kid. amazing performance. very natural acting style, and utterly believable, even if he was a brat...

any of you who are familiar with Indy, i want to tell you this. This morning, at approximately 10am, they imploded the RCA Dome in downtown. it shook the hotel i'm staying at!!! i'm very glad they warned us the night before or i would have thought something terrible was happening. i heard the explosion and felt the earth move moments later. luckily the wind was going in the opposite direction, and so we weren't breathing the dust afterwards. i feel sorry for those that were in fact, down wind.

well kids, that's all i got. the final show (this leg) is tomorrow and i get to return home on Monday. I'm very much looking forward to my 10 days off, even if i've managed to book them full already. I've got some important meetings to attend in the first couple of days, in addition to yet another dreaded visit to the dentist (and i just know we are going to now pull the other 2 wisdom teeth). fun, right?

Hope you all are warm, and enjoying your holidays!!! i miss each and every one of you. Hopefully i get to see most of you while i am at home.

much love and much light and many blessings upon you all!