So as noted in a previous post, I have recently become involved with a local theater group. Auditions for the Fall show were a few weeks back. I got called back for a lead part, but alas, did not end up with it. Instead, a great friend of mine within the group was given the part. As much as I was disappointed not to have the vocal solos, I was more than happy to give up the ridiculous amount of lines that would have to have been memorized. Instead, I have a minor role with some select choral solos and a few lines. Fine by me.
At the call backs, I met this girl who was also called back for the same part. She was very nice. That night, I friended her on facebook. She accepted my friend request. Once that was done, I looked at her profile. I saw her profile picture, and my face just about dropped. Literally, I was picking my mouth up on the floor. Her profile picture was of her and a girl that I used to be very close with, but was a friend with whom I had parted ways. Let the drama begin.
So the back story: This girl (for all intents and purposes, we will call her Sally) and I had worked together and became very good friends over a very short period of time. She was about five years younger than I, but I became a big sister to her. Now being that she was younger, she was much more immature. There were a series of events that led me to realize this. Now, I understand that when you're young, you drink. I get that. That's not the way I was. I was a goody two shoes, which I am fine with. She was a drinker...there were only two things I ever asked of her. 1. That she be safe and not drive or get into a car with anyone. 2. That she not do it while out with me, simply because I was the oldest and if they were caught, I would immediately be under suspision. I didn't think it was asking much. Needless to say, things did not end well. After an ill fated night out in Boston when I was forced to find another way home because she wanted nips in her coke at the restaurant, I was angry. When we hadn't spoken in a while and I got a drunk dial vm from one of her male friends, that was the most disgusting thing I had ever heard in my life, with her laughing hysterically in the back ground, I was enraged. The next day, I had my number changed and did not look back.
And guess what? Sheee's baaccckkkk! So this girl that I'm in the show with is like best friends with Sally. Fabulous. So, I figured Sally would be coming to the show to see her friend. Ok, I can deal with that. I'll just avoid her. But guess what? That's not all! She is apparently going to be auditioning for the spring show. Now I had never intended to do the spring show, simply because of work commitments...but really? Do I deserve this? Couldn't I just have something in my life without drama that was mine? I have no idea who I am going to deal with all this when the time comes. Sigh. My hair hurts.
The silver lining? I'll let you know when I think of it. In the meantime, feel free to have a giggle over the fact that the girl that truly hates drama, cannot seem to turn a corner without walking head first into it.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The End of An Era
This has been at tough Summer for the Kennedy family. First Eunice Kennedy Shriver died in early August. After a life of work for the disabled and special needs, she passed away with quiet dignity met with an out pouring of gratitude, affection, and respect from the people of the world and America. Then, Edward M. Kennedy, more affectionately known as "Teddy" met the inevitable end after a long battle with brain cancer.
I have always had a fascination with the Kennedy family, mainly because of the connection of our name. Living in Massachusetts, you can only imagine how often I get asked if I am related. In reality, we are distantly related, though not through the name. One of my mother's cousins married one of theirs...and so goes the relation. Not much, but needless to say, there has always felt like there is a connection. Not that I am any different from most people in Massachusetts. If you ask most citizens in this state, they will all say that they too feel a special connection to the Kennedy family.
As I've watched and read the news regarding the Senator's passing, I've noticed a few things. One, that the country and world still longs for the days of "Camelot" and with the passing of the family's last "prince" the world feels like it has lost this idealist image. The second, is that sometimes, people can be jerks. Not that I didn't know that already, but it really became apparent this week.
Now I know the history of the Kennedy's. They were wealthy and privileged, and of course, they were in politics. That is like the tri-fecta for a recipe of curiosity and disdain. Politics in itself is a dirty business; always has been. Apart from being all these things, they were flawed human beings. They were not perfect. This country saw two of them cut down in their prime by assassins. We will never know what would have happened if that shot in Texas had not found it's target, or what course our country would have followed had Bobby won the presidential race and taken the office. Coulda, woulda, shoulda's don't really count. What we can talk about is Teddy. Teddy is the only of the Kennedy brothers that lived to old age; to see his children grow and have children of their own, and to die not by sudden tragic circumstances. That's in itself to me is astounding. One brother out of four made it to old age. Five out of nine of the Kennedy children died under terrible conditions. Kathleen and Joe in plane crashes; Jack and Bobby by assassination, and Rosemary simply because after a botched lobotomy, one can only imagine what her life was like until her death. They have always lived in the public eye, through their tragedies and triumphs.
In watching the memorial service and funeral of Edward Moore Kennedy, I learned things I had never know. I didn't realize that his faith was as strong as it is. I didn't realize what a funny and boisterous person he was. And mostly, even though he was Senator of a state I have lived in for 20 years and have voted for him whenever the occasion called for it, I did not realize what he really did for the state or the country. I am ashamed that I never realized it. I did not realize how caring he was for his colleagues, whether on one side of the aisle or another. He cared either way. I never knew that he would take time to talk to an immigrant janitor's mother in Ireland, simply because she was a fan of his. I never knew he took it upon himself to make sure that the Massachusetts families that lost members on 9/11 had everything they needed and were getting the results they needed to heal their lives and move on.
I guess what made me so angry this week, is that despite all this and even more facts that came to light this week, people still had nothing but negative things to say. Damning things. Words that should not be uttered by people that call themselves patriots. Kennedy was a Liberal, there is no doubt. He was also a flawed human, a fact which he never denied. He also had a last name that is known throughout the world. I cannot help but wonder if this outpouring of nasty comments would have been as bad if his name had not been "Kennedy." I saw more comments regarding events in his past. I don't know what happened that night on the bridge, or any other events in his life. No one really does. What I do know is that he served our country for 47 years, lost two brothers while they were in political office, and raised children that were left fatherless, all in service of America. That in itself, whether you agreed with his politics or not, demands respect. Whatever happened in his personal life aside, he was an elected official on the Hill for almost half a century, most of his life.
I am not ashamed to say that I was moved to tears more than once this week when watching coverage of the his memorial service and funeral. I felt even worse after realizing exactly what we had lost. There is something to be said for old school politics like Kennedy's, Republican or Democrat. The senior senators know how to look beyond the good of just their parties, and see the bigger picture. Sometimes, you have to walk across the aisle and just do what is right for the country. I think a lot of younger politicians don't grasp that concept in their zeal to make their name and climb the political ladder in their respective parties. I hope they remember Ted Kennedy and try to emanate his and other older senator's methods.
I wish that people would remember these facts, before they write nasty comments that can never be taken back. Aside from being a politician and a Kennedy, he was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was taken by a disease that effects people from every walk of life, that NO ONE should ever suffer from. He was human. Nasty comments don't hurt him anymore, but they do wound his young grandchildren, who can easily see them. Think before you type. While I may not like certain politicians, I try to remember that in addition to their public face, there is a family behind the scenes. People will say that that type of thing is the price paid for public life. I really don't believe that. People always have a choice. Somethings are just right and wrong.
So the silver lining in this weeks sad events: While Massachusetts lost a long standing Senator and patriot and the Kennedy family lost it's patriarch, I think this sad event might do some good. As I watched the funeral today and saw political foes and friends sitting together to mourn the loss of a common friend and colleague, it gave me hope that maybe a bridge can be built between the parties and comprise can be reached. I hope they do it in memory of a better time, when the world was not so complicated, and the future was not blighted by so many worries. If everyone works together, things will get done faster and things will just be plain easier.
Anyway those are my thoughts. R.I.P. Senator Edward M. Kennedy. We'll take it from here.
I have always had a fascination with the Kennedy family, mainly because of the connection of our name. Living in Massachusetts, you can only imagine how often I get asked if I am related. In reality, we are distantly related, though not through the name. One of my mother's cousins married one of theirs...and so goes the relation. Not much, but needless to say, there has always felt like there is a connection. Not that I am any different from most people in Massachusetts. If you ask most citizens in this state, they will all say that they too feel a special connection to the Kennedy family.
As I've watched and read the news regarding the Senator's passing, I've noticed a few things. One, that the country and world still longs for the days of "Camelot" and with the passing of the family's last "prince" the world feels like it has lost this idealist image. The second, is that sometimes, people can be jerks. Not that I didn't know that already, but it really became apparent this week.
Now I know the history of the Kennedy's. They were wealthy and privileged, and of course, they were in politics. That is like the tri-fecta for a recipe of curiosity and disdain. Politics in itself is a dirty business; always has been. Apart from being all these things, they were flawed human beings. They were not perfect. This country saw two of them cut down in their prime by assassins. We will never know what would have happened if that shot in Texas had not found it's target, or what course our country would have followed had Bobby won the presidential race and taken the office. Coulda, woulda, shoulda's don't really count. What we can talk about is Teddy. Teddy is the only of the Kennedy brothers that lived to old age; to see his children grow and have children of their own, and to die not by sudden tragic circumstances. That's in itself to me is astounding. One brother out of four made it to old age. Five out of nine of the Kennedy children died under terrible conditions. Kathleen and Joe in plane crashes; Jack and Bobby by assassination, and Rosemary simply because after a botched lobotomy, one can only imagine what her life was like until her death. They have always lived in the public eye, through their tragedies and triumphs.
In watching the memorial service and funeral of Edward Moore Kennedy, I learned things I had never know. I didn't realize that his faith was as strong as it is. I didn't realize what a funny and boisterous person he was. And mostly, even though he was Senator of a state I have lived in for 20 years and have voted for him whenever the occasion called for it, I did not realize what he really did for the state or the country. I am ashamed that I never realized it. I did not realize how caring he was for his colleagues, whether on one side of the aisle or another. He cared either way. I never knew that he would take time to talk to an immigrant janitor's mother in Ireland, simply because she was a fan of his. I never knew he took it upon himself to make sure that the Massachusetts families that lost members on 9/11 had everything they needed and were getting the results they needed to heal their lives and move on.
I guess what made me so angry this week, is that despite all this and even more facts that came to light this week, people still had nothing but negative things to say. Damning things. Words that should not be uttered by people that call themselves patriots. Kennedy was a Liberal, there is no doubt. He was also a flawed human, a fact which he never denied. He also had a last name that is known throughout the world. I cannot help but wonder if this outpouring of nasty comments would have been as bad if his name had not been "Kennedy." I saw more comments regarding events in his past. I don't know what happened that night on the bridge, or any other events in his life. No one really does. What I do know is that he served our country for 47 years, lost two brothers while they were in political office, and raised children that were left fatherless, all in service of America. That in itself, whether you agreed with his politics or not, demands respect. Whatever happened in his personal life aside, he was an elected official on the Hill for almost half a century, most of his life.
I am not ashamed to say that I was moved to tears more than once this week when watching coverage of the his memorial service and funeral. I felt even worse after realizing exactly what we had lost. There is something to be said for old school politics like Kennedy's, Republican or Democrat. The senior senators know how to look beyond the good of just their parties, and see the bigger picture. Sometimes, you have to walk across the aisle and just do what is right for the country. I think a lot of younger politicians don't grasp that concept in their zeal to make their name and climb the political ladder in their respective parties. I hope they remember Ted Kennedy and try to emanate his and other older senator's methods.
I wish that people would remember these facts, before they write nasty comments that can never be taken back. Aside from being a politician and a Kennedy, he was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was taken by a disease that effects people from every walk of life, that NO ONE should ever suffer from. He was human. Nasty comments don't hurt him anymore, but they do wound his young grandchildren, who can easily see them. Think before you type. While I may not like certain politicians, I try to remember that in addition to their public face, there is a family behind the scenes. People will say that that type of thing is the price paid for public life. I really don't believe that. People always have a choice. Somethings are just right and wrong.
So the silver lining in this weeks sad events: While Massachusetts lost a long standing Senator and patriot and the Kennedy family lost it's patriarch, I think this sad event might do some good. As I watched the funeral today and saw political foes and friends sitting together to mourn the loss of a common friend and colleague, it gave me hope that maybe a bridge can be built between the parties and comprise can be reached. I hope they do it in memory of a better time, when the world was not so complicated, and the future was not blighted by so many worries. If everyone works together, things will get done faster and things will just be plain easier.
Anyway those are my thoughts. R.I.P. Senator Edward M. Kennedy. We'll take it from here.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Hair today...gone tomorrow...
So I got my hair cut on Tuesday. I have been in a seven year hair slump, in a constant quest for more volume since my wonderfully thick hair of my youth, decided to become ultra fine. Now , I usually get my hair done every 6-7 weeks. Indulgent yes, but it's I'll make an exception in the budget for it. So I left the salon liking my hair. She did exactly what I asked. I had gorgeous volume at the top and then it was the length I asked for.
Now they always straighten my hair at the salon, which I'm not a fun of, because as previously stated, I am obsessed with volume. So, I never really LOVE my hair when I leave. The true test is always the next day, when I style it myself. Now I'm pretty decent when it comes time to hair styling...basic stuff. Well Wednesday, I didn't really love it, but I thought it was because I had let it dry naturally. Thursday....eh. Friday...well, I officially figured out what my hairstyle reminded me of. Florence Henderson, circa the Brady Bunch years. NO DAMN GOOD! It was voluminous at the top and then sleeks down and flips at the bottom. Natural flip, but a flip none the less. Now I've had some bad hairstyles. There was that time when I was channeling Donald Trump with this weird bang comb over deal. Thank God that stage didn't last long. So I called my salon and said that I needed to come back because the bottom of my hair was weird.
I went in today to have it done. I said that I just wanted to have a bit more taken off the bottom just to get rid of the flip. Well, DEAR GOD did she take me seriously. Once again, she did exactly what I asked her to do, but it's just a smidgen (1 inch) shorter than I had imagined. Needless to say, I am panicked, as now it's just too short to really do anything with, but too long to be considered an actual "short hair" style. Now I know I'm being slightly self indulgent, but really? I never imagined this hair style when I left the salon this morning.
I am currently sitting at the computer (obviously, but wait, my story gets better), in pigtails, as it's the only hair style I have the energy to try tonight...watching a Golden Girls marathon. Don't know the Golden Girls until you've really seen and appreciated the show, but I think the combination of an ultra short hair cut, pig tails, and writing a self-indulgent blog WHILE watching the show...well...that's just really sad. The next step would be watching my screen saver while drinking. Thank God I'm not at that point.
So the silver lining? For the first time in my life, pig tails look cute and I finally have a use for all those damn bobby pins I've bought over the years.
Now they always straighten my hair at the salon, which I'm not a fun of, because as previously stated, I am obsessed with volume. So, I never really LOVE my hair when I leave. The true test is always the next day, when I style it myself. Now I'm pretty decent when it comes time to hair styling...basic stuff. Well Wednesday, I didn't really love it, but I thought it was because I had let it dry naturally. Thursday....eh. Friday...well, I officially figured out what my hairstyle reminded me of. Florence Henderson, circa the Brady Bunch years. NO DAMN GOOD! It was voluminous at the top and then sleeks down and flips at the bottom. Natural flip, but a flip none the less. Now I've had some bad hairstyles. There was that time when I was channeling Donald Trump with this weird bang comb over deal. Thank God that stage didn't last long. So I called my salon and said that I needed to come back because the bottom of my hair was weird.
I went in today to have it done. I said that I just wanted to have a bit more taken off the bottom just to get rid of the flip. Well, DEAR GOD did she take me seriously. Once again, she did exactly what I asked her to do, but it's just a smidgen (1 inch) shorter than I had imagined. Needless to say, I am panicked, as now it's just too short to really do anything with, but too long to be considered an actual "short hair" style. Now I know I'm being slightly self indulgent, but really? I never imagined this hair style when I left the salon this morning.
I am currently sitting at the computer (obviously, but wait, my story gets better), in pigtails, as it's the only hair style I have the energy to try tonight...watching a Golden Girls marathon. Don't know the Golden Girls until you've really seen and appreciated the show, but I think the combination of an ultra short hair cut, pig tails, and writing a self-indulgent blog WHILE watching the show...well...that's just really sad. The next step would be watching my screen saver while drinking. Thank God I'm not at that point.
So the silver lining? For the first time in my life, pig tails look cute and I finally have a use for all those damn bobby pins I've bought over the years.
Friday, August 21, 2009
It seemed like a good idea at the time...
So tonight I went out with my best friend for our usual Friday night adventure. I use the term adventure loosely. We usually just do dinner, our weekly ritual run to Target and sometimes add something else to mix things up a bit. Tonight, given that the weather has been heinous all week, we decided to see a movie. Now of course, there was not much out that we wanted to see or hadn't already seen, so we decided on Julie & Julia. Ironically, I had seen this on Monday with another girlfriend, but liked it enough that a second time around was fine with me.
While waiting for our movie to begin, we of course viewed the previews, which I maintain are often the best part of the movie going experience. There was a preview for a movie about a murdered little girl and her family's quest for vengeance. Then there was one for the movie 2012, about the end of the world. I turned to my friend and asked if we were in the right theater. If I'm not mistaken they usually try to do previews appropriate for the movie that is being viewed. For example, you aren't going to put a slasher movie in a preview for Harry Potter.....or would you? We were in the right theater, but I must say, they previews were total crap. But back to my point. This movie about the Mayan prophecy of the world ending in 2012. I would like to send this letter to Hollywood.
Dear Hollywood:
Why do you insist on making movies for people (like me) to obsess over and for others to become depressed? I mean really, so the Mayans didn't make any calendar after 2012. So what? Maybe they just stopped. Maybe the guy in charge of calendar making took a mini holiday and then decided to retire. There could be any number of reasons. Please stop making movies about the end of the world. You just depress people and frankly, depressed people don't go to the movies. Follow my advice and everyone will win and make money: Bring back the big musical. Everyone digs a movie where people spontaneously start singing and dancing in the middle of the street and overly serious conversations.
Love,
Me
In other words, why do we as a culture obsess over the end of our civilization as we know it? I have always studied history and find it completely intriguing and delightful. However, there is one aspect which I always avoid. Prophecies. They freak me out. Nostradamus, The Mayan Calendar, etc...WHY WHY WHY!!!! I see things like that and I start getting so depressed about never seeing my family and friends again. I start to dread leaving home just in case that day is the day. Now, I'm not agoraphobic by any means, but really...don't these types of movies and stories freak anyone else out?
I don't know what the future holds, or even tomorrow for that matter. What I do know is that if we live in fear, we don't really live. These kinds of movies feed on that fear and people end of taking them for truth (not all people, but everyone can name someone who will see it as what is actually going to happen.) I read a story about a guy who was making his living off of this stuff by helping people prepare for doom's day. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen. I'd like not to think about it, thank you very much. Life is hard enough as it is without worrying if a giant meteor or tsunami is going to take me out.
I don't really know if this is a silver lining post or what, but just a major pet peeve I felt compelled to share with the world (or whoever is reading this blog, which I believe is currently...on one.) Still, it felt good to get it out.
While waiting for our movie to begin, we of course viewed the previews, which I maintain are often the best part of the movie going experience. There was a preview for a movie about a murdered little girl and her family's quest for vengeance. Then there was one for the movie 2012, about the end of the world. I turned to my friend and asked if we were in the right theater. If I'm not mistaken they usually try to do previews appropriate for the movie that is being viewed. For example, you aren't going to put a slasher movie in a preview for Harry Potter.....or would you? We were in the right theater, but I must say, they previews were total crap. But back to my point. This movie about the Mayan prophecy of the world ending in 2012. I would like to send this letter to Hollywood.
Dear Hollywood:
Why do you insist on making movies for people (like me) to obsess over and for others to become depressed? I mean really, so the Mayans didn't make any calendar after 2012. So what? Maybe they just stopped. Maybe the guy in charge of calendar making took a mini holiday and then decided to retire. There could be any number of reasons. Please stop making movies about the end of the world. You just depress people and frankly, depressed people don't go to the movies. Follow my advice and everyone will win and make money: Bring back the big musical. Everyone digs a movie where people spontaneously start singing and dancing in the middle of the street and overly serious conversations.
Love,
Me
In other words, why do we as a culture obsess over the end of our civilization as we know it? I have always studied history and find it completely intriguing and delightful. However, there is one aspect which I always avoid. Prophecies. They freak me out. Nostradamus, The Mayan Calendar, etc...WHY WHY WHY!!!! I see things like that and I start getting so depressed about never seeing my family and friends again. I start to dread leaving home just in case that day is the day. Now, I'm not agoraphobic by any means, but really...don't these types of movies and stories freak anyone else out?
I don't know what the future holds, or even tomorrow for that matter. What I do know is that if we live in fear, we don't really live. These kinds of movies feed on that fear and people end of taking them for truth (not all people, but everyone can name someone who will see it as what is actually going to happen.) I read a story about a guy who was making his living off of this stuff by helping people prepare for doom's day. If it's going to happen, it's going to happen. I'd like not to think about it, thank you very much. Life is hard enough as it is without worrying if a giant meteor or tsunami is going to take me out.
I don't really know if this is a silver lining post or what, but just a major pet peeve I felt compelled to share with the world (or whoever is reading this blog, which I believe is currently...on one.) Still, it felt good to get it out.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Time flies...
So I totally forgot that I had this blog. Although, I don't know if I can really call it a blog given that I wrote one entry, epic though it was. Ironically, I just got over another plague like cold. I swear I am the only person that can be on death's door from a cold.
Anyway, I did something this summer that I never thought I would ever do again. I auditioned for a musical! Now, this was community theater and not professional, but after graduation from high school having done theater through out my four years in those paste colored halls, and not ever having the opportunity to participate in college, I never thought I would get the opportunity again. Boy was I wrong. I was reading the paper online one lazy Saturday back in May and saw this article about a local theater group that was doing a production of "How to Succeed Without Really Trying." Of course, being that my timing is always perfect, I had just missed the performance. However, the article gave me enough information about the group that I was intrigued and decided to do what I do best: research. I am a born researcher. I thrive in the depths of library catologs (do kids even use those anymore? How sad.) I am happiest when I am surrounded by books, searching for that one nudgey fact. I live for that moment when I find what I have been searching for. Am I a complete nerd? Absolutely. I have come to terms with it.
So after researching this group, I decided to bite the proverbial bullet and audition. I have missed singing so much. Not that I don't sing 24 hours of everyday, but in a group...it had been way too long. After three weeks of agonizing over which song to sing and worrying about the dance portion of the audition, the day finally arrived. I was so nervous, I had looped back around to excited again. I didn't need to worry though. I did fine. I wasn't sure what would come of it, but I felt great that I had done it. I waiting on bated breathe for the phone call from the director, telling me what I was being offered in the show. I waited and waited....and waited. I started thinking..."I guess it just wasn't mean to be." Then Sunday, after four days...I got the call. I was being offered the part of a featured soloist through the performance (a medley of movie musicals). I was over the moon.
Still on the high from my long awaited phone call, I arrived at the first rehearsal. I walked in the door, sat down in a chair off to the side, and took in my surroundings. Now, the thing to know about me is that I am a talker. I am about as gregarious as they come. However, unless I feel comfortable in my surroundings, you will never know that. By the end of the first rehearsal, I was ready to leave and not come back. I was thinking to myself "this is never going to work. This group is not for me." Boy was I wrong. It took about half of the six week lead time before the show, but now I feel like I have known these people all my life. It is such a great feeling. This part of my life is totally mine. No one from work is involved. None of my core group of friends is in it. It's totally mine. Selfish as it may sound, it feels fantastic to have one aspect of my life that I can call my own. Where at the end of the day, I can go to rehearsal and be surrounded by one of the most loving, supportive and fun groups I've ever encountered in my 27 years of life.
The show is over, but the excitement is still there. Auditions for the next show are next Monday. I can hardly wait. Not a day goes by that someone from the group doesn't comment on a facebook status of mine, or there is not an email thread. I realized that I am not the only one that has grown to depend on this fantastic, on tune and shuffle step outlet. It's really a family. Cheesy yes, but true, definitely.
So the morale of the story is, I took a chance and did something that everyone kind of thought was weird, and in the end I found a group that has made me happier than I remember being in a long time. I followed my heart, and I ended with a song. And there folks, is your silver lining.
Anyway, I did something this summer that I never thought I would ever do again. I auditioned for a musical! Now, this was community theater and not professional, but after graduation from high school having done theater through out my four years in those paste colored halls, and not ever having the opportunity to participate in college, I never thought I would get the opportunity again. Boy was I wrong. I was reading the paper online one lazy Saturday back in May and saw this article about a local theater group that was doing a production of "How to Succeed Without Really Trying." Of course, being that my timing is always perfect, I had just missed the performance. However, the article gave me enough information about the group that I was intrigued and decided to do what I do best: research. I am a born researcher. I thrive in the depths of library catologs (do kids even use those anymore? How sad.) I am happiest when I am surrounded by books, searching for that one nudgey fact. I live for that moment when I find what I have been searching for. Am I a complete nerd? Absolutely. I have come to terms with it.
So after researching this group, I decided to bite the proverbial bullet and audition. I have missed singing so much. Not that I don't sing 24 hours of everyday, but in a group...it had been way too long. After three weeks of agonizing over which song to sing and worrying about the dance portion of the audition, the day finally arrived. I was so nervous, I had looped back around to excited again. I didn't need to worry though. I did fine. I wasn't sure what would come of it, but I felt great that I had done it. I waiting on bated breathe for the phone call from the director, telling me what I was being offered in the show. I waited and waited....and waited. I started thinking..."I guess it just wasn't mean to be." Then Sunday, after four days...I got the call. I was being offered the part of a featured soloist through the performance (a medley of movie musicals). I was over the moon.
Still on the high from my long awaited phone call, I arrived at the first rehearsal. I walked in the door, sat down in a chair off to the side, and took in my surroundings. Now, the thing to know about me is that I am a talker. I am about as gregarious as they come. However, unless I feel comfortable in my surroundings, you will never know that. By the end of the first rehearsal, I was ready to leave and not come back. I was thinking to myself "this is never going to work. This group is not for me." Boy was I wrong. It took about half of the six week lead time before the show, but now I feel like I have known these people all my life. It is such a great feeling. This part of my life is totally mine. No one from work is involved. None of my core group of friends is in it. It's totally mine. Selfish as it may sound, it feels fantastic to have one aspect of my life that I can call my own. Where at the end of the day, I can go to rehearsal and be surrounded by one of the most loving, supportive and fun groups I've ever encountered in my 27 years of life.
The show is over, but the excitement is still there. Auditions for the next show are next Monday. I can hardly wait. Not a day goes by that someone from the group doesn't comment on a facebook status of mine, or there is not an email thread. I realized that I am not the only one that has grown to depend on this fantastic, on tune and shuffle step outlet. It's really a family. Cheesy yes, but true, definitely.
So the morale of the story is, I took a chance and did something that everyone kind of thought was weird, and in the end I found a group that has made me happier than I remember being in a long time. I followed my heart, and I ended with a song. And there folks, is your silver lining.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Plague
I have been sick for about a week straight. I've been incubating my illness by hiding underneath my electric blanket, away from the cold air and light. Smart right? It hit me on Sunday afternoon. I had been taking all my vitamins like a good girl, getting plenty of sleep, staying away from germ infested beings, etc... In other words, I was doing everything right. But who ever said that got you anywhere?
I ended up dragging myself to work on Monday for fear that my boss, who has the personality of a tornado, would flip a nutty because I called out. Not my best plan. I got to work and discovered I was the only one in my department. Everyone else was home sick. Tornado was coming in later for a big meeting and called with a laundry list of instructions. Fabulous. I get to work thinking, I'll just make it through the day and then go home and sleep it off. Well, you what they say about the best laid plans...
Midday the delirium sets in. I have a fever. However, being the idiot that I am, I forge on, convinced that I can make a difference and that my efforts will be noticed and rewarded. I stayed, I fact checked, I conquered. Then I passed out. I left at three and didn't go back until Friday morning, much worse for the wear.
Being sick is never fun, but it's always more pleasant when you have those childhood comforts to make you feel better...ginger ale, puffs plus lotion tissues, chicken noodle soup, scrambled eggs. The hardcore stuff. I also have my own illness traditions. For example, since I know that I will not be leaving bed for hours on end, I have to put in a movie that I know I can watch over and over, since let's face it, there is crap on television. This movie is usual something cheesy that I don't have to pay attention to. First choice is always "You've Got Mail." No matter what some non-believers say, there is nothing better than a quality romantic comedy to wash some of the ick of the plague away. I must have been really sick this time. It played six times before bribed someone to come in and change it for me.
So what is the silver lining of being in hibernation, unable to breathe, not sleeping, coughing, shivering and basically on the brink of death from the flu you might ask? Having to walk into a mess on your desk, in your email and mailbox at work?
For anyone who has a Tornado for a boss the answer is simple. You got an induced guilt free vacation from the insanity for a few solid days, where it's illegal for them to harass you about anything. And there ladies and gentlemen, is your silver lining.
I ended up dragging myself to work on Monday for fear that my boss, who has the personality of a tornado, would flip a nutty because I called out. Not my best plan. I got to work and discovered I was the only one in my department. Everyone else was home sick. Tornado was coming in later for a big meeting and called with a laundry list of instructions. Fabulous. I get to work thinking, I'll just make it through the day and then go home and sleep it off. Well, you what they say about the best laid plans...
Midday the delirium sets in. I have a fever. However, being the idiot that I am, I forge on, convinced that I can make a difference and that my efforts will be noticed and rewarded. I stayed, I fact checked, I conquered. Then I passed out. I left at three and didn't go back until Friday morning, much worse for the wear.
Being sick is never fun, but it's always more pleasant when you have those childhood comforts to make you feel better...ginger ale, puffs plus lotion tissues, chicken noodle soup, scrambled eggs. The hardcore stuff. I also have my own illness traditions. For example, since I know that I will not be leaving bed for hours on end, I have to put in a movie that I know I can watch over and over, since let's face it, there is crap on television. This movie is usual something cheesy that I don't have to pay attention to. First choice is always "You've Got Mail." No matter what some non-believers say, there is nothing better than a quality romantic comedy to wash some of the ick of the plague away. I must have been really sick this time. It played six times before bribed someone to come in and change it for me.
So what is the silver lining of being in hibernation, unable to breathe, not sleeping, coughing, shivering and basically on the brink of death from the flu you might ask? Having to walk into a mess on your desk, in your email and mailbox at work?
For anyone who has a Tornado for a boss the answer is simple. You got an induced guilt free vacation from the insanity for a few solid days, where it's illegal for them to harass you about anything. And there ladies and gentlemen, is your silver lining.
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