Week in Review

Dear readers, I wish I had the time this week to blog about whatnot. But it's been so busy I can barely think straight.

Elegies rehearsals are going great. I am glad I picked a (somewhat!) easy show for the first one. I've got some stellar musicians and singers, and their acting skills are pretty great, too. I took our headshot/promo photos this week, and I am excited to see how the SLR shots turn out. The digitals are pretty nice, too.


Looking Up


Am trying not to sweat the small details. Those details meaning space issues (lighting, props, set pieces, etc) and focus on the big details, like how the show looks and sounds!

This week, we've rehearsed every other night, and when not rehearsing for this, I was doing other important things. Like the first read-thru for my one act, The Third Date, which will be performed by Jess and Jake at Green Room's One Act Festival in a few weeks. I am so excited to really start working it this week, as I've got some great actors for my fledgling little script.

And on Thursday, Rob, Jeff, Steph and I headed over to MHS for their spring musical Cabaret. Jeff and I both starred in this Kander and Ebb show 15 years ago, and it was great fun to see it. We were quite nostalgic most the night, talking actor-smack and reliving some of our favorite moments. What fun!

It's been a relatively quiet weekend, which has been really quite nice. Debated on auditioning for Full Monty over at Circa, but decided against. I think after the summer, I may need a little break for a while. Plus, Rob and I are still concentrating on baby making, and that is much more important to me than a show.

Ciao, kittens.

Week in Review

Rob is trying to tell me to stop worrying. I'm starting to freak out a little. When the thing you've been planning for years finally begins to happen, what do you do? I know in life you can't get anywhere by hemming and hawing and bemoaning every little thing. You have to dream big and take risks. Which is what I'm doing. But this is the scariest, most vunerable thing I've ever done. Starting my own theatre company has, yes, been my dream for who knows how long I can count. It's been well planned. Rob asks "what can go wrong?". Everything.

That being said, we open in just under 4 weeks, and things are looking pretty great. The space is coming along just as we'd like, the staging is happening this week. My cast is freaking amazing. I hope we get a decent audience, as we are eager to show the QC the kinds of musicals that are really great. The old war horses have their time and place, and musicals wouldn't be where they are today without them. But I also know the type of stuff we plan to do will knock the socks off of anyone who sees it. Let's just hope they come.


This coming week, Rob and I will be joined by Jeff and Stephanie to see Moline High School's production of Cabaret. 15 years ago, I had my first leading role in a musical as Cabaret's Fraulein Schneider, and Jeff played the stellar MC. It was Ron May's (he is the MHS choir director) first year at MHS in 1993, and Cabaret was his first show. It was the last time I've worked on stage with Jeff, and I think it will be a real treat for us to go and see it together! Much the fashion as it was 15 years ago, we've planned to head to the VI afterward for pie and coffee. Ah, I will feel 16 all over again.

Rob and I grilled out this evening, which was a real treat with the 70 degree sunny day. Summer is coming. I can feel it. To celebrate the impending warm temps, we headed to Country Style for some ice cream. While Whitey's has it's merits, CS is just as good, and has quite a loyal following.



Am busy taking some promotional shots for Elegies. Included in our promo shots will be photos of "My Dogs". Aren't they adorable?

Mr. Fuzzy


Ms. B

WTF??

I awoke this morning at 8AM, on my day off. What the hell? Ah well, I'm letting Rob sleep in, and I'm enjoying my coffee, blogging and cuddling with my two amazing dogs. Now, if only it were sunny...

Apparently yesterday we had an earthquake, at 5:30 in the morning or something. Weird. While living in California, we experienced many earthquakes. It was an amazing thing to feel, after hearing about them for years. We lived just miles from a fault line that sat in the ocean, just a few miles off the coast of Ferndale. So it was pretty common there. Quite scary. But I didn't feel a thing yesterday! Neither the first nor the aftershock at 10:15. Ah well.

A friend of mine who is a blogger recently told me of his problems with an anonymous poster slamming him about something really trivial. I related my story to him about my own anonymous poster(s) back in the fall, and we agreed how sad it is, what the internet has done to our society. People who would be chicken to say things to your face now have the opportunities to unleash their negativity into the world. Yuck. We both found that idea quite sad. I told him about my secret weapon that allows me to see who checks my blog, at what time, how long they stay, and where they work. It's really quite awesome. And yes, Anonymous still checks my blog, most days of the week. I really wonder why, since they seem to dislike me so much.

Elegies opens in 4 weeks. What in the world have I gotten myself into...

Fright

The weather is finally bringing Spring. It's beautiful.

The last three nights I have had extremely intense and weird dreams. I am wondering what it is that is making these images appear in my head. Is it having a bedtime snack? Reading Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire (am re-reading all the HP books) before I sleep? Am I (fingers crossed) pregnant? What is going on?

Last night, I dreamt I was married to Jared Padalecki, my boy from Supernatural. Seriously, a girl could do a LOT worse. Although I really wish it had been Jensen.



Damn. Anyway, Jared and I were staying at my yoga teachers house, who he then proceeded to strangle. Poor sweet little Jeani, being strangled by Jared Padalecki. Random?

Next up, I dreamt I was on the phone with Lesley, and as we were chatting, I was pulling out giant clumps of hair. Not the kind of pulling out hair when I shed after a brushing, I mean CLUMPS. It was so frightening. I usually have dreams about teeth falling out, but never hair. In dreams, when hair falls out, it usually means you feel weak and vunerable in a certain undertaking in your life.

Makes sense, seeing as the one thing I've been planning most my adult life is coming to fruition. Yes, I'm scared. I'm scared of thousands of things. That we wont make money, or find our audience, among many others. What I'm not afraid of is the talent behind these shows. Every person involved in RTC's first season are phenoms, and I believe in our strength and talent. But it doesn't make me any less scared.

Week in Review

I am exhausted. Seriously. While I am so grateful for having amazing friends and a kickass social life, I am TIRED. Last night was the first RTC season party, where every cast member from all three shows, plus friends, spouses and loved ones showed up. There was probably 30 people in my house last night at one time. My teeny tiny house. It was a blast. While I'm trying to procreate, alcohol was off the menu for me, but I still woke feeling like shit. Folks stayed until 2:30 last night and then finally left. Am getting too old for this. And don't you tell me I'm young and not old. I need a weekend off. This was the third weekend in a row where we were up past our bedtime, and I'm ready for some rest. Here are some pics from last night.


Rob began an impromptu jam session, where Jackie got up and sang a little "Infinite Joy" from Elegies.


JC and Denise being devilish.


Bryan joins in on "Joy" with his spot on Betty Buckley impression.


Dana and Jackie. Aren't they cute?


In other news, our Elegies rehearsals are kicking ass. Yesterday we ran through the entire show. Mind you, it was just music and we haven't staged a lick of it yet, but damn, my cast sounds great. I hope we get a good audience so the QC can see what amazing musicals are available to them!

In June, Rob and I will be heading to the Nati for Rob's Doctoral Hooding Ceremony at CCM. While we'll only be in town a few days, am hoping I will get to see all my lovies while we're there. You know who you are, Nati!

No clever title

This morning, I awoke from having the most intense dream of a man from my past. We were sitting on the bed, and I being a clearly married woman (most times in these dreams, I'm single, but not this one). He leaned in to kiss me, and I told him no, while the rest of my being screamed "YES".

I've had this dream about him countless times over the years. But this morning was different. In this dream, for the first time ever, I felt that he had regrets, too. For a long time, I have felt that he never felt for me what I felt for him. I could be right. But in my dream, I felt validated. Because he wanted me. That was a great feeling.


On another note, I received a message from my freshman year roommate from Clarke, Gwen. Gwennie (as we called her then) has had a life adventure as interesting and exciting as mine, and I was thrilled to hear from her today. Gwen was such a good friend to me during my years at Clarke, and I wish she knew how much I appreciated her friendship and goodwill all those years. I know I took her for granted at times, and the grown-up in me wishes I could have taken those times back. But I'm so glad to have her back in my life again. I do hope we can reconnect soon, as the last time I saw her was my wedding day.


Have been exhausted from burning the candle at both ends. I need a vacation from my illness, from performances, from rehearsals. Looks like it won't be for quite some time.

Ya give me fever.

I won't lie. I have baby fever.

What started out as "we're not not trying", has definitely turned into "trying". I'm really trying to be patient. But, from what I've read I'm not alone, when most women begin to try having a baby, they want it NOW. I'm not obsessed about it. I don't go and buy ovulation/pregnancy tests every month. I'm not picking out paint colors, furniture, clothes for a nursery. But when I see a baby, which is most days of the week due to my job, it makes me yearn.

We've been off the birth control for a few months now. Not that I'm worried. Okay, I'm a little worried. I know it takes time, and most young couples it takes up to a year, or longer, to conceive. What worries me is that there may be something wrong. I'm not jumping the gun, as we've only really been trying for a few months. But, in the long run, what if I'm unable to have a child of my own? What if stupid mistakes from my youth come back to haunt me in the form of being a barren woman? Rob tries to quell my fears, and never tells me I'm being unreasonable. I know I'm not alone when it comes to having worries like this. It may take a while for us to conceive. I'm okay with that. However, there is always a chance. Isn't it ironic, that women go most of their youth trying to hinder pregnancy from happening, and then when it comes time that they want it, they just can't? Humph. Then there are women like my friend Christine, who decided to have a baby, and two weeks later she was late. Or Tracy, who is 6 months pregnant. By reading her blog, it definitely did not take her long to conceive, either.

The fact of the matter is, I'm ready to have a child. To share something like this with Rob. We've been through so much in the past 8 years, that I was wondering if I'd ever be ready for it. So many people have babies to save marriages. The thought breaks my heart. For Rob and I? Having a baby would be the cherry on the top of the hot fudge sundae. Our relationship is finally so good and so solid, we want to be able to bring someone into our lives that we can share our knowledge, our love with. A perfectly whole human being, with two parents who unconditionally love one another, understanding the world with an open mind. While I love both sets of parents, I didn't have that kind of upbringing. I was raised by people who, with much love to give, were often prejudiced, short and misunderstanding. Our child will have gay aunts and uncles, and understand the equality of their dispositions. Our child will be engaging, unspoiled, bright, with most likely, a high aptitude for music. Our child will be raised in an atheist household, but will understand and accept the beliefs of all around them. Most of all, our child will be loved. Our child will not be a product of divorce. Our child will only be the best parts of us (with a little vinegar thrown in, I'm sure). I can't wait.

Week in Review

How is it possible I still have time to blog? Or to even breathe?

Ah well, twas a mighty busy week, once again. I am finally healthy, and the voice is back with a venegence, which did bode well for our all Sondheim cabaret performances last night at The Green Room Theatre. We had a blast, and afterward, headed over to (where else) The Blue Cat for beers and pub fries. We then headed over to Aaron and Jill's for some fun with the Prenzies. In attendance were Steph and Jeff, D, Eddie (who played a mean jam session on guitar with some other guy on a drum), Dustin and his wife, Mags, JC, and probably some other people I'm forgetting. I confessed to Aaron that Rob has a major Man-Crush on him, and Aaron proceeded to confess of his Man-Crush for Rob. Rob now wants us to buy a house close to A and J. Am scared of never seeing my husband again should that happen. Ah, but I'm happy to see Rob have a good friend again in Aaron. It's been quite some time since he's had a really good friend.

Last week I auditioned for Assassins, which will take place at The Green Room in August. Alas, I was not cast. While I would have loved to be a part of that show and to work with the folks there, I'm actually kind of relieved. This summer, it will be Elegies, Kimberly, then Bees. Had I been cast in Assassins, I would have gone right into production after Bees, and quite honestly, I need a break. Sometimes, the cosmos hands you something, and this isn't something I want to hand back. So now, we get to spend a week on Glen Lake in Upper Peninsula Michigan, where Rob's folks have a time-share and have given us the week to spend there for free. We will gladly take it!

Have started rehearsals for Elegies, which are going great. I am excited to see where the show heads in the next weeks.

P leaves tomorrow for Monterey. I guess there could be worse places to spend your time. Lucky dog. Although, if I was going to Monterey, I'd rather be going there to vacation, not to learn 4 new languages in the Air Force. Good luck, love!

Week in Review

Hello kittens...

Life is finally starting to get back to normal after the horrendous sickness that plagued our house for nearly two weeks.

By last Wednesday, I was somewhat well enough to head back out into the world and teach my Kindermusik classes, but I'm sure I scared many of the mothers into thinking I was going to pass on the disgusting-ness I was carrying around with me. Thursday, I felt pretty good, which after an illness, is often times not a good thing. I taught two Kindermusik classes in the morning, then went on to teach for 5 hours, then off to rehearsal for Bryan's musical. Needless to say, I was pretty dead on my feet Friday. I just pushed myself way too hard.

Saturday night was the premiere of Bryan's musical, Rhapsody to the Other Side, which we performed at The Green Room. My pal Ann was in town from Arizona for a friend's baby shower, so she came out to see the show, then out to the Blue Cat after for a snack and some beers.

Sunday we rehearsed for our Sondheim cabaret, which is coming up this Saturday night at The Green Room, and last night, had our first get-together for Elegies.

Yep. I'm exhausted.

Have been back to the gym, which has helped immensly. Plus, I'm a butt watcher, which always makes life a little better. For instance...

There is this guy who works out on the same floor as I at the Y. He's probably in his late 30's or so. Nice-looking guy, but man does he have a butt on him. Yowza. While I do my walking, then my 30 mins. on the elliptical machine, he does his cycling. I could watch him all day. Nice.

In other random news, P is heading off to the Air Force this week. Humph. A few people who read this blog know of P, who he is, and why I seem to hold this sort of longing for him. For as long as I live, I will always have a mad crush on him, married or not. As a staunch liberal who fears the organization of the military in this country, it scares me, his going off into the AF. (While P and I aren't, and were never that close, I've always had a strong pull to him, for reasons I don't understand, and frankly, don't try to. It would ruin it for me.) I enjoy who P is. This will change him, sure, in so many ways. And how? When he is finished with his service in the AF, who will he be? P and I have had many conversations about this very subject. He has always felt a longing to be a part of something like this. Something greater. You'd have to hear him tell it to you, as I wouldn't be able to do it justice. Despite my reservations about the military, I do realize how important this is to him, and how excited he must be to finally be fulfilling a dream of his. Good Luck, P-dub.