Oh man so once again it's been a while since I posted. Let's see what's happened since last time I posted. Well I made a surprise visit to my uncle at Siena college. It was nice to get to see him for a little bit and he gave me a quick tour of the campus which is really pretty. Then Wednesday night I went home and I went to my sister's concert on Thursday. I got to see Sean and Jaime and Kim which was great because I haven't seen them in a long time, especially Sean, and he is starting his job at Hershey, but I'll see him and everyone at Thanksgiving hopefully so that's good.
I realized that the more into real life we get the more effort that we all have to make to stay connected and see each other. It's not easy to do, especially because everyone's schedules get more and more diverse.
Anyway so Friday night we all dressed up and went out downtown and had a blast. We went to Suds, Empire Brewing Company, and Daisy Dukes, followed by Dennys haha. Jo met us out and it was nice to see her too. The only thing that sucked is that I went to be around 3am and then had to get up at 6:30am to drive to Albany at 7am for an eight hour rehearsals from 10-6pm, so Saturday was a long day to say the least haha. After rehearsal I took a long nap and then me and Gilli and Shana and Kim went out to downtown Albany and I had a really great time with them too.
So Joseph opens this Thursday. Hopefully it will all come together soon. I had my first rehearsal with the pit yesterday and that went well so I feel confident about that. It's going to be a little tricky balancing the voices with the mics with the pit so we will see how that goes.
Brr it's cold in my apartment...
Well I should probably start my day haha. I think I'm going to do something kind of crazy today and I don't know how it will pan out but we'll see haha. You only live once right?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Today
OMG I can't believe it's been about a week since I updated! Wow a lot has happened in a week, let's see...
Well we had our final weekend of Hairspray. It went really well and all three shows were great. I got to hang out with everyone one last time Sunday night and Monday everyone left. I really liked everyone in the cast and it was sad to see them go. I'm definitely gonna try and stay in touch with them.
On Friday after the show I met up with Josh Smith at Rocks since he was in town to play auditions for Cabaret at SUNY Albany. It was really great to see him and catch up and we had a great time! Also we saw Darius (aka Todd) from the summer! So weird and random haha.
After the show on Sunday I drove Chloe and Emily's brother and boyfriend to the bus station. But the show went longer than expected and we ended up leaving about 15 minutes before the scheduled departing time, and it's about 15 minutes away. It was such a great car ride, my adrenaline was pumping haha. But I got them to the bus and everything was fine.
After that whoever was left all hung out Sunday night and we had a great time. I went back to their house the next morning to say goodbye to everyone, and then Emily, who wasn't leaving until 4, and I got breakfast at Brueggers. I then came back to the apartment and cleaned it some more.
Oh that's right, all last week I cleaned the apartment, and when I say cleaned, I mean CLEANED. I did one room at a time and moved out all the furniture so I could sweep and mop each room. It looks a lot better in here than it did before haha. All I have left to clean is the bathroom.
Since Hairspray closed we've been in rehearsals for Joseph and it's going ok so far, we just keep pluggin along. I helped Kim make part of Joseph's coat, and on Monday night Gilly, Kim, Shana, Paul, Tom and I had a game night at Gilly's apartment. We played scattegories and cranium and had a great time. One of the best parts of the night: "Gilly, what wrong?" "I'm sad because Kim thinks I can't spell" lol.
Recently I've been meeting a lot of people online, trying to meet people in the area and make new friends and potentially more than friends. So far it's actually been going pretty good and I've been talking to a few potential candidates. It's kind of weird to think about going on dates but that's what people do and I feel like I am ready to start doing that. To find someone whom I feel comfortable talking to, and that conversation just happens organically. I don't want to feel like I have to try and force conversation or probe around for something to talk about. One of the questions on one of the dating sites I joined was would you rather complete the other person or would you rather them be complete and the two of you be complete together. I think I need someone who is already complete. I think I'm drawn to the guys who aren't complete without me because I can feel wanted and useful and helpful to them, but I think in a relationship that's bad for me. I tried that once and it didn't work out so well. I think I need someone who is independent and can lead their own life and his happy, and find someone who can be happy with me.
I'm starting to get disappointed with my blog. I think it's because since I don't update it enough I mostly just type what happened in my life rather than my thoughts or opinions, and I find I haven't been inspired a lot recently. The one inspiration I do now have though is that it was recommended to me I should read Hero and Leander by Marlowe, so when I get some free time, I'm going to give it a read. If anyone else has any reading suggestions, please let me know. It's been a while since I've read a good book and I want to get back into it.
P.S. I LOVE the music to A Christmas Carol and I'm really excited to start working on it :)
Well we had our final weekend of Hairspray. It went really well and all three shows were great. I got to hang out with everyone one last time Sunday night and Monday everyone left. I really liked everyone in the cast and it was sad to see them go. I'm definitely gonna try and stay in touch with them.
On Friday after the show I met up with Josh Smith at Rocks since he was in town to play auditions for Cabaret at SUNY Albany. It was really great to see him and catch up and we had a great time! Also we saw Darius (aka Todd) from the summer! So weird and random haha.
After the show on Sunday I drove Chloe and Emily's brother and boyfriend to the bus station. But the show went longer than expected and we ended up leaving about 15 minutes before the scheduled departing time, and it's about 15 minutes away. It was such a great car ride, my adrenaline was pumping haha. But I got them to the bus and everything was fine.
After that whoever was left all hung out Sunday night and we had a great time. I went back to their house the next morning to say goodbye to everyone, and then Emily, who wasn't leaving until 4, and I got breakfast at Brueggers. I then came back to the apartment and cleaned it some more.
Oh that's right, all last week I cleaned the apartment, and when I say cleaned, I mean CLEANED. I did one room at a time and moved out all the furniture so I could sweep and mop each room. It looks a lot better in here than it did before haha. All I have left to clean is the bathroom.
Since Hairspray closed we've been in rehearsals for Joseph and it's going ok so far, we just keep pluggin along. I helped Kim make part of Joseph's coat, and on Monday night Gilly, Kim, Shana, Paul, Tom and I had a game night at Gilly's apartment. We played scattegories and cranium and had a great time. One of the best parts of the night: "Gilly, what wrong?" "I'm sad because Kim thinks I can't spell" lol.
Recently I've been meeting a lot of people online, trying to meet people in the area and make new friends and potentially more than friends. So far it's actually been going pretty good and I've been talking to a few potential candidates. It's kind of weird to think about going on dates but that's what people do and I feel like I am ready to start doing that. To find someone whom I feel comfortable talking to, and that conversation just happens organically. I don't want to feel like I have to try and force conversation or probe around for something to talk about. One of the questions on one of the dating sites I joined was would you rather complete the other person or would you rather them be complete and the two of you be complete together. I think I need someone who is already complete. I think I'm drawn to the guys who aren't complete without me because I can feel wanted and useful and helpful to them, but I think in a relationship that's bad for me. I tried that once and it didn't work out so well. I think I need someone who is independent and can lead their own life and his happy, and find someone who can be happy with me.
I'm starting to get disappointed with my blog. I think it's because since I don't update it enough I mostly just type what happened in my life rather than my thoughts or opinions, and I find I haven't been inspired a lot recently. The one inspiration I do now have though is that it was recommended to me I should read Hero and Leander by Marlowe, so when I get some free time, I'm going to give it a read. If anyone else has any reading suggestions, please let me know. It's been a while since I've read a good book and I want to get back into it.
P.S. I LOVE the music to A Christmas Carol and I'm really excited to start working on it :)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
World Spins Madly On
Wow it's been a while since I updated. Ok well we had this past weekend of shows and they went really well, until Saturday afternoon. For the Saturday matinee we had a sub drummer. He watched the show the last two nights and I got to the theatre early to review a bunch of the songs with him. So the show starts, and act one went totally fine. Intermission came and went, and when it was time to start act two, he was NO WHERE to be found. I mean we stalled for like ten minutes looking for him and nothing. So we started the act with no drums, just me on TAMBOURINE and also playing the keyboard with my free hand. Then, suddenly, a man from the audience gets up AND STARTS PLAYING THE DRUMS! And he was good! He read the music and everything. So we play most of the act and then the other drummer comes back for the last number of the show. Where was he? Oh, apparently he left and went to dinner. HE WENT TO DINNER! Firstly, how could you possibly think the show is over when I ran multiple songs with him earlier that day and he saw the show twice. Also, wouldn't you think the show wasn't done when you haven't played half of the music in the book yet? Secondly, DID HE NOT REALIZE NO ONE ELSE LEFT?? Anyway it was like the craziest thing ever and a story for the books. So Mary came back for the night show and everything went fine. Oh, and the sub drummer STAYED AND WATCHED THE NIGHT SHOW BECAUSE HE HAD PEOPLE THERE! Awkward...
Anyway so on Sunday after the show me and a bunch of the cast went on a haunted hay ride. We had a blast and there was also a haunted house and a couple other things. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Afterwards we drove back and we all chilled at the Johnston apartment. We played kings and president/a-hole and celebrity and it was such a fun night, until about 4am when one of the craziest/weirdest things happened that I'm not going to talk about because it isn't worth talking about. Let's just say that I didn't get to bed until about 5:30am and I got up at 7:45am to get ready to drive to Boston.
So Monday morning I got up early and drove to Boston. It's a really easy drive and I was fine until I tried to take the stupid mapquest directions and got lost. So I called Leora and she directed me to where I needed to go. So I finally got there and I got to see Leora and Brian and I ran into Babs on total accident! So I got to have coffee with her and catch up which was great. I had a lot of time to myself because they had class which was fine, so I got to walk around the area a lot and do some shopping (which is great because there is no sales tax on clothes!) I really like Boston a lot actually. The city is really nice and the buildings are great and there is tons to do. It actually kind of reminded me of London, I'm not sure why exactly. The only thing that sucks is driving and trying to park. Next time I go I probably will take a train or bus, it will just be easier.
So I got back yesterday in the evening and I spent about 3 hours cleaning the kitchen. Today I got up and went to the gym then cleaned the dining room. All I have left is the living room and the bathroom before Friday. Tomorrow I'm going to go see Young Frankenstein at Proctor's since I know some of the musicians so that will be fun. Until then, I got Joseph rehearsal tonight and then maybe I'll see a movie or something haha.
Here are some pictures of the places I saw:
Anyway so on Sunday after the show me and a bunch of the cast went on a haunted hay ride. We had a blast and there was also a haunted house and a couple other things. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Afterwards we drove back and we all chilled at the Johnston apartment. We played kings and president/a-hole and celebrity and it was such a fun night, until about 4am when one of the craziest/weirdest things happened that I'm not going to talk about because it isn't worth talking about. Let's just say that I didn't get to bed until about 5:30am and I got up at 7:45am to get ready to drive to Boston.
So Monday morning I got up early and drove to Boston. It's a really easy drive and I was fine until I tried to take the stupid mapquest directions and got lost. So I called Leora and she directed me to where I needed to go. So I finally got there and I got to see Leora and Brian and I ran into Babs on total accident! So I got to have coffee with her and catch up which was great. I had a lot of time to myself because they had class which was fine, so I got to walk around the area a lot and do some shopping (which is great because there is no sales tax on clothes!) I really like Boston a lot actually. The city is really nice and the buildings are great and there is tons to do. It actually kind of reminded me of London, I'm not sure why exactly. The only thing that sucks is driving and trying to park. Next time I go I probably will take a train or bus, it will just be easier.
So I got back yesterday in the evening and I spent about 3 hours cleaning the kitchen. Today I got up and went to the gym then cleaned the dining room. All I have left is the living room and the bathroom before Friday. Tomorrow I'm going to go see Young Frankenstein at Proctor's since I know some of the musicians so that will be fun. Until then, I got Joseph rehearsal tonight and then maybe I'll see a movie or something haha.
Here are some pictures of the places I saw:
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| Boston Conservatory |
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| The Cactus Club where we got margaritas |
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| The HUGE Apple store on Boylston Street |
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| Really good ice cream, I got coconut almond chip |
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| I think it's a scientology church, but it's pretty haha |
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| Some of the shops on Newbury Street |
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| Inside the Prudential Center |
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| Got dinner here near Brian's apartment |
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Sweetest Sounds
So after getting back from New York my week has been pretty uneventful. I went out Tuesday with Kenney and a couple people from the cast and we had a blast, even though I had a little bit too much to drink (oops!) but so did everyone so it's all good haha.
Wednesday I went to the Harmony Market Cafe with Kim the wig designer and it was really good. I had Italian Wedding Soup with a Bulkie roll and an egg salad sandwich. Both were huge and too much food and delicious haha. I then had Joseph rehearsal and that was fine, and then I went out with Kenney and Kim and Thomas and Mike to karaoke. I only had one drink that night haha and we had a lot of fun singing all night. Oh yes I then came home and made a lasagna lol. It actually came out really well.
Yesterday I went to the gym and just chilled all day until the brush-up rehearsal for Hairspray. Danny Carroll came to the show and it was so good to see him. We went to the Black Cat afterwards and we got to catch up a little bit and chill with everyone. Then some of the cast came over and I fed them the lasagna I made haha. It was great having people over to the company and I completely turned into my party host self which I really love doing. I love hosting parties and having friends over to hang and chill and talk and make everyone feel at home. I don't know what it is, but I think it runs in the family haha.
Today I went and got sushi with Kim, Shana, Emily and Chloe and it was really good. I had really been craving sushi for a while so it was nice to go out. I then went to Chloe and Emily's house and we watched Reefer Madness haha. Hannah came to the show and it was nice to see her, I'll have to go visit her at Siena sometime soon. Then I came home and made some dinner and here I am, writing in my blog on a Friday night, actually feeling exhausted from the week. I guess it was more eventful than I thought haha.
P.S. I am in love with Disney's Cinderella with Brandy and I need to get that DVD sometime soon. I am currently listening to the soundtrack haha
Wednesday I went to the Harmony Market Cafe with Kim the wig designer and it was really good. I had Italian Wedding Soup with a Bulkie roll and an egg salad sandwich. Both were huge and too much food and delicious haha. I then had Joseph rehearsal and that was fine, and then I went out with Kenney and Kim and Thomas and Mike to karaoke. I only had one drink that night haha and we had a lot of fun singing all night. Oh yes I then came home and made a lasagna lol. It actually came out really well.
Yesterday I went to the gym and just chilled all day until the brush-up rehearsal for Hairspray. Danny Carroll came to the show and it was so good to see him. We went to the Black Cat afterwards and we got to catch up a little bit and chill with everyone. Then some of the cast came over and I fed them the lasagna I made haha. It was great having people over to the company and I completely turned into my party host self which I really love doing. I love hosting parties and having friends over to hang and chill and talk and make everyone feel at home. I don't know what it is, but I think it runs in the family haha.
Today I went and got sushi with Kim, Shana, Emily and Chloe and it was really good. I had really been craving sushi for a while so it was nice to go out. I then went to Chloe and Emily's house and we watched Reefer Madness haha. Hannah came to the show and it was nice to see her, I'll have to go visit her at Siena sometime soon. Then I came home and made some dinner and here I am, writing in my blog on a Friday night, actually feeling exhausted from the week. I guess it was more eventful than I thought haha.
P.S. I am in love with Disney's Cinderella with Brandy and I need to get that DVD sometime soon. I am currently listening to the soundtrack haha
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
New York, New York
So late last night I got back from my trip to NYC. This is what we did:
Amelia and Julia met me here in Cohoes Sunday evening and we drove down to the city. It wasn't a bad drive but we hit MAJOR traffic on 87 which really sucked, but after trying for 20 minutes to try and find a place to park in Washington Heights we finally got to Karla and Kelly's apartment. Their apartment is GORGEOUS and is just so homey. It really is a wonderful apartment in a great location. We staying up chatting and then went to sleep.
The next day we got up and we headed down to midtown to check out tkts just for the heck of it. Well it didn't open until 3pm, so we kind of gave up on that idea, but we met up with Kevin and then had lunch and Junior's, which was really good. Then we walked to Columbus Circle (appropriate for Columbus Day) and went into Central Park where we met up with Stef, Brett and Aaron. We sat in the lawn and talked for a while, then we met up with Karla and we walked back up to midtown to visit John at work. Then we texted Cori and she said she was in line at the lottery for Next to Normal right next door, so we saw Cori and Bob and then went over to Blockheads for dinner, where Colleen and Hannah met up with us. Cori and Bob won the lottery and then met us there too.
I got a quesadilla and it was really good. I also got a couple margaritas, and while they were really cheapt ($3 for a frozen) they weren't really that good. Then Mike and Dan showed up to say hi to Cori and I talked to them for a little bit. Turns out that Mike was playing guitar for PopArt the musical, which I had heard about on facebook since Aaron McCallister wrote the music for it, who had graduated from Geneseo and whom I had contacted last year about grad schools. So after dinner at Blockheads, we said goodbye to everyone and at that point Julia and her friend had met back up with us. We stayed longer to have a drink with them and it started to rain. Not just rain, POUR. We were out under an umbrella which was ok for a little bit but then it really started pouring buckets and the umbrella was dropping puddles of water on us so we ran inside. Needless to say it was quite hilarious and I enjoyed it thoroughly haha. After drinks we quickly went to the theatre and watched the show. The music was really fun and the pit sounded fantastic. After the show we said goodbye to Dan and Mike and drove back home.
I loved being back in the city and it made me really want to move down there. Just the atmosphere and the people and the ability to more easily find work is so appealing. I'm considering maybe moving in January just until the summer where maybe I can look for jobs and then will hopefully get something lined up for the summer. The more that job opportunities keep coming up, the more I'm thinking that grad school is kind of silly for me to do right now while I am still young and have the ability to travel a lot and not be tied down anywhere. I know that I can always go to grad school whenever, but jobs come and go, and I think what I need to keep doing is keep trying to land jobs and keep meeting people. Networking really is key, and if I can meet some people who can get me in to some of the big gigs, it would really help my career.
This was my note from the universe today, and it really is a good reminder for me, especially right now. Once again, thank you universe.
Amelia and Julia met me here in Cohoes Sunday evening and we drove down to the city. It wasn't a bad drive but we hit MAJOR traffic on 87 which really sucked, but after trying for 20 minutes to try and find a place to park in Washington Heights we finally got to Karla and Kelly's apartment. Their apartment is GORGEOUS and is just so homey. It really is a wonderful apartment in a great location. We staying up chatting and then went to sleep.
The next day we got up and we headed down to midtown to check out tkts just for the heck of it. Well it didn't open until 3pm, so we kind of gave up on that idea, but we met up with Kevin and then had lunch and Junior's, which was really good. Then we walked to Columbus Circle (appropriate for Columbus Day) and went into Central Park where we met up with Stef, Brett and Aaron. We sat in the lawn and talked for a while, then we met up with Karla and we walked back up to midtown to visit John at work. Then we texted Cori and she said she was in line at the lottery for Next to Normal right next door, so we saw Cori and Bob and then went over to Blockheads for dinner, where Colleen and Hannah met up with us. Cori and Bob won the lottery and then met us there too.
I got a quesadilla and it was really good. I also got a couple margaritas, and while they were really cheapt ($3 for a frozen) they weren't really that good. Then Mike and Dan showed up to say hi to Cori and I talked to them for a little bit. Turns out that Mike was playing guitar for PopArt the musical, which I had heard about on facebook since Aaron McCallister wrote the music for it, who had graduated from Geneseo and whom I had contacted last year about grad schools. So after dinner at Blockheads, we said goodbye to everyone and at that point Julia and her friend had met back up with us. We stayed longer to have a drink with them and it started to rain. Not just rain, POUR. We were out under an umbrella which was ok for a little bit but then it really started pouring buckets and the umbrella was dropping puddles of water on us so we ran inside. Needless to say it was quite hilarious and I enjoyed it thoroughly haha. After drinks we quickly went to the theatre and watched the show. The music was really fun and the pit sounded fantastic. After the show we said goodbye to Dan and Mike and drove back home.
I loved being back in the city and it made me really want to move down there. Just the atmosphere and the people and the ability to more easily find work is so appealing. I'm considering maybe moving in January just until the summer where maybe I can look for jobs and then will hopefully get something lined up for the summer. The more that job opportunities keep coming up, the more I'm thinking that grad school is kind of silly for me to do right now while I am still young and have the ability to travel a lot and not be tied down anywhere. I know that I can always go to grad school whenever, but jobs come and go, and I think what I need to keep doing is keep trying to land jobs and keep meeting people. Networking really is key, and if I can meet some people who can get me in to some of the big gigs, it would really help my career.
This was my note from the universe today, and it really is a good reminder for me, especially right now. Once again, thank you universe.
| By the way, dear Chris, the world doesn't need fixing. Neither do you. And dreaming for more, bigger, and zippier, doesn't mean you can't be happy today. Tallyho, The Universe |
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Breathe Again
Hello blog journal, how have you been? Long time no see.
So since last time I was on here, we opened Hairspray. The opening went really well on Thursday and the audience loved the show. It's a lot of fun to play in the pit and the music is great, but I really wish we could jam out. It sometimes seems the show lacks the energy that it could have, but oh well, maybe that will change with time. Also, Gail is back! She wrote a review for Hairspray and it was a good review, and she is up to her old antics as usual haha.
So the director left and I had been planning to move into his room ever since the beginning. Well last night I started moving my stuff out, and I had to stop. I was second guessing making the switch, and kind of didn't want to. I had gotten so used to my little room and I was kind of sad to leave it, I was having like weird separation anxiety which I've never had happen before. I guess I really do take a place and kind of transform it to make it my own, so when I had to move out of it, it was tough, especially because I didn't feel ready to leave. Well after distracting myself for a couple hours I finally moved everything in to the new room, and I'm starting to get used to it. The one thing I miss is the window that faces the main street with lots of light. Now my window looks at the brick wall in the alley.
Today I got up and a couple of us went to the Italian Festival in Washington Park. We were only there for like a half hour but it was nice to walk outside on the gorgeous day (thank GOD it has stopped raining!) and it was nice to hang out with some of the cast.
My parents and sister came yesterday and I spent the day hanging out with them and then they saw the show that night which was awesome. We ate at Smith's which was delicious and did a wine tasting at the wine store and bought some chocolate apples that are AMAZING.
Well we have two shows today, and then a matinee tomorrow and then I'm going into the city! I'm really excited to visit people and just to be there again and especially to see Amelia and Julia. It's going to be a lot of fun. Gotta run, time for the show!
So since last time I was on here, we opened Hairspray. The opening went really well on Thursday and the audience loved the show. It's a lot of fun to play in the pit and the music is great, but I really wish we could jam out. It sometimes seems the show lacks the energy that it could have, but oh well, maybe that will change with time. Also, Gail is back! She wrote a review for Hairspray and it was a good review, and she is up to her old antics as usual haha.
So the director left and I had been planning to move into his room ever since the beginning. Well last night I started moving my stuff out, and I had to stop. I was second guessing making the switch, and kind of didn't want to. I had gotten so used to my little room and I was kind of sad to leave it, I was having like weird separation anxiety which I've never had happen before. I guess I really do take a place and kind of transform it to make it my own, so when I had to move out of it, it was tough, especially because I didn't feel ready to leave. Well after distracting myself for a couple hours I finally moved everything in to the new room, and I'm starting to get used to it. The one thing I miss is the window that faces the main street with lots of light. Now my window looks at the brick wall in the alley.
Today I got up and a couple of us went to the Italian Festival in Washington Park. We were only there for like a half hour but it was nice to walk outside on the gorgeous day (thank GOD it has stopped raining!) and it was nice to hang out with some of the cast.
My parents and sister came yesterday and I spent the day hanging out with them and then they saw the show that night which was awesome. We ate at Smith's which was delicious and did a wine tasting at the wine store and bought some chocolate apples that are AMAZING.
Well we have two shows today, and then a matinee tomorrow and then I'm going into the city! I'm really excited to visit people and just to be there again and especially to see Amelia and Julia. It's going to be a lot of fun. Gotta run, time for the show!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Without Love
So today we have our first dress rehearsal. It will be nice to see everything get put together, especially now that the set is just about done. Yesterday we had a pit rehearsal and it sounds great! It's so amazing to be playing with real instruments haha. It made me really excited to start playing the show.
Sunday night after rehearsals I drove home in order to get my keyboard to use for the show. It was really nice to be home for the short time that I was, just sitting and talking with my parents. I got to see my dad's new workplace and see how much work he's put into it so far.
It's been really rainy for the last couple of days and I'm really starting to get sick of it. It just makes everything so dreary. I'm really for the dry, cool, autumn days when I can walk down the street and see the falling leaves blowing along and see the pumpkins and decorations out. I guess I didn't realize how much time I'm going to have during the days after the show opens so I really want to go apple and pumpkin picking. It's one of my favorite things to do during this time of year. It be nice if I had someone to do these things with, but alas, one day...
I'm also really excited to go to New York on Monday and even more excited to see Amelia and Julia and go with them. It will be great to visit people and just to be in the city in general since it's been a while since I've been there.
I hope a lot of my friends can come visit me and see the show. I mean I understand it's hard to travel, but I miss them and would like to see them. Jaime and Sean have already left for Ireland and Jillian is there until December so clearly they are busy. It would have been fun to go with them and to see a part of Europe I've never been to, but I guess it will have to wait until another time.
Sunday night after rehearsals I drove home in order to get my keyboard to use for the show. It was really nice to be home for the short time that I was, just sitting and talking with my parents. I got to see my dad's new workplace and see how much work he's put into it so far.
It's been really rainy for the last couple of days and I'm really starting to get sick of it. It just makes everything so dreary. I'm really for the dry, cool, autumn days when I can walk down the street and see the falling leaves blowing along and see the pumpkins and decorations out. I guess I didn't realize how much time I'm going to have during the days after the show opens so I really want to go apple and pumpkin picking. It's one of my favorite things to do during this time of year. It be nice if I had someone to do these things with, but alas, one day...
I'm also really excited to go to New York on Monday and even more excited to see Amelia and Julia and go with them. It will be great to visit people and just to be in the city in general since it's been a while since I've been there.
I hope a lot of my friends can come visit me and see the show. I mean I understand it's hard to travel, but I miss them and would like to see them. Jaime and Sean have already left for Ireland and Jillian is there until December so clearly they are busy. It would have been fun to go with them and to see a part of Europe I've never been to, but I guess it will have to wait until another time.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Ireland
So today is tech for Hairspray. It is happening as I am writing this. It is taking a very long time, and I missed three hours of it since I had rehearsal for Joseph this morning instead. The rehearsal went well actually, I was able to teach them the whole show except for Caanan Days. Granted a lot of it was just kind of thrown at them and we will probably have to review it, but at least we got through everything. Now we have a month to stage it and get it on its feet.
Yesterday we went out to karaoke at Waterworks. It was a lot of fun, and I met this girl named Jess who is friends with Hannah, which is just really funny. I've been going out kind of a lot recently and it's really expensive haha. I'm so cheap when it comes to buying things out, but at least there is $0.99 pizza across the street haha. It's always fun to go out because you meet the most interesting people haha.
The other day I re-read the blog that Tone and I wrote when we were in England, and I'm so glad we have that to look back on now. It really helps me to remember everything that happens and gives some kind of dialogue to the mental images that I have in my head. It's also really funny to go back and read, and I laughed a lot. The way we wrote it with our own voices interjecting in the writing is really funny (at least it is for me) and it really accurately portrays both of us and our relationship. It was nice to take a trip down memory lane. It made me miss England and Tone even more, and it will be wonderful when I have the chance to go back and visit again.
On another note I've gotten totally behind already on going to the gym and it's getting harder and harder to try and eat five times a day. On Thursday it was pouring like all morning so I didn't want to go out, and then yesterday I didn't have much time since I made red velvet cupcakes for some people's birthday, so I was only there about a half hour. Tomorrow we don't have rehearsal until noon so I'm going to get up and go to the gym for the full time that I'm usually there for.
Well since this is supposed to be an inspirational blog as well as a journal for myself, and I'm not feeling very inspired haha, here is a picture in honor of the beginning of October.
P.S. those are all jack-o-lanterns that are lit. There are 27.584 of them.
P.P.S. If you haven't noticed, all the titles of my posts are song titles or lyrics, including this one :)
Yesterday we went out to karaoke at Waterworks. It was a lot of fun, and I met this girl named Jess who is friends with Hannah, which is just really funny. I've been going out kind of a lot recently and it's really expensive haha. I'm so cheap when it comes to buying things out, but at least there is $0.99 pizza across the street haha. It's always fun to go out because you meet the most interesting people haha.
The other day I re-read the blog that Tone and I wrote when we were in England, and I'm so glad we have that to look back on now. It really helps me to remember everything that happens and gives some kind of dialogue to the mental images that I have in my head. It's also really funny to go back and read, and I laughed a lot. The way we wrote it with our own voices interjecting in the writing is really funny (at least it is for me) and it really accurately portrays both of us and our relationship. It was nice to take a trip down memory lane. It made me miss England and Tone even more, and it will be wonderful when I have the chance to go back and visit again.
On another note I've gotten totally behind already on going to the gym and it's getting harder and harder to try and eat five times a day. On Thursday it was pouring like all morning so I didn't want to go out, and then yesterday I didn't have much time since I made red velvet cupcakes for some people's birthday, so I was only there about a half hour. Tomorrow we don't have rehearsal until noon so I'm going to get up and go to the gym for the full time that I'm usually there for.
Well since this is supposed to be an inspirational blog as well as a journal for myself, and I'm not feeling very inspired haha, here is a picture in honor of the beginning of October.
P.P.S. If you haven't noticed, all the titles of my posts are song titles or lyrics, including this one :)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
It's Hairspray!
So I made friends with the owner of Sticky Fingers Gourmet Apples, Donna. She's a really nice lady and it's actually been really great going in and talking to her for the last couple days, just about things like how she started the business and me telling her about the theatre and stuff. I love supporting local businesses and I love how small town it feels, to walk into a store and know and talk to the owner. I don't know what it is but it makes me so happy to be able to walk into a place and know the people there. I also really admire her ambition and how well her business has been doing. She started it kind of as a whim and online-based and it just totally took off and it's doing really well. She's completely booked for October and November doing weddings, what a cool idea, to have chocolate apples as favors for a wedding. I'm definitely going to keep that in mind.
I think part of what was so nice is that she's just a normal, down-to-earth person, supporting local businesses and working in the community. There are just so many characters in the theatre business and while they can be a lot of fun, it's nice to talk to a "normal" person haha. I think it made me realize kind of what I want and what makes me happy, being in a small community and giving back and doing something that benefits my friends and neighbors. Again I feel like this goes back to starting my own theatre company, as something that provides business and entertainment for the community and gives back to it. Something not muddled by large corporations and greed and politics, but has that local "mom-and-pop" feel while still being high quality. Just like her apples are from local farms, using the best ingredients, all homemade by her personally, and at a much lower price than her competitors because they don't have to be as high as they charge. I guess just something to keep in mind.
Last night Kenney and his friend Brenden and I went out to karaoke downtown and we had a lot of fun. I had my first cosmo haha and it was delicious. I realized that while I like going out, it's not a great place to meet people since most people just want to hook up and that's not what I want. I'm actually not really a sexual person at all and it's not that important to me. I just want to find a nice, down-to-earth person to go out and do things with and have fun. Like to go out on some dates and get to know each other, maybe go see a movie or something. I feel like I need to look outside of the theatre community to find that haha.
On a side note I downloaded Disney on the Record and I actually really like it a lot haha. It's a fun listen for the car :)
P.S. Here is the link to the Sticky Fingers website http://www.stickyfingersapples.com/shop/. It is definitely worth checking out. Here is a sample of their almond joy apple, yum!
I think part of what was so nice is that she's just a normal, down-to-earth person, supporting local businesses and working in the community. There are just so many characters in the theatre business and while they can be a lot of fun, it's nice to talk to a "normal" person haha. I think it made me realize kind of what I want and what makes me happy, being in a small community and giving back and doing something that benefits my friends and neighbors. Again I feel like this goes back to starting my own theatre company, as something that provides business and entertainment for the community and gives back to it. Something not muddled by large corporations and greed and politics, but has that local "mom-and-pop" feel while still being high quality. Just like her apples are from local farms, using the best ingredients, all homemade by her personally, and at a much lower price than her competitors because they don't have to be as high as they charge. I guess just something to keep in mind.
Last night Kenney and his friend Brenden and I went out to karaoke downtown and we had a lot of fun. I had my first cosmo haha and it was delicious. I realized that while I like going out, it's not a great place to meet people since most people just want to hook up and that's not what I want. I'm actually not really a sexual person at all and it's not that important to me. I just want to find a nice, down-to-earth person to go out and do things with and have fun. Like to go out on some dates and get to know each other, maybe go see a movie or something. I feel like I need to look outside of the theatre community to find that haha.
On a side note I downloaded Disney on the Record and I actually really like it a lot haha. It's a fun listen for the car :)
P.S. Here is the link to the Sticky Fingers website http://www.stickyfingersapples.com/shop/. It is definitely worth checking out. Here is a sample of their almond joy apple, yum!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It Feels Like Home
So yesterday was another successful evening night in. I came back to the apartment and I made caramel apple cupcakes while skyping with Megan which was oh so much fun. Skype is amazing and it really was like she was right there in the kitchen with me. Now that I have internet I plan on skyping much more often. After the cupcakes were done I went over to the apartment on Johnston where most of the cast and the stage manager lives and hung out with them over there. We just sat around and had some drinks and played truth or dare and other little games like that. It was really fun to sit and just converse with everyone and get to know them better. I hope that can happen more often.
I realized that there is a possibility that after Hairspray is over I may be the only one in the apartment. I also realized that it is my apartment for the next couple of months, and while I am trying to save money, I still want to make it homey and nice, especially since I'll be here through the holiday season (by that I mean Halloween, Thanksgiving, and half of December). Maybe I can go to the dollar store and get some cheap decorations and make some things to fill out the apartment and maybe have people come over for gatherings and stuff. I've always enjoyed hosting parties so we'll see.
Oh I also bought a really nice side-bag from Fossil to use as an every day bag, since my laptop bag isn't really big enough and I only have a backpack other than that. It was a little expensive but it is exactly what I envisioned in my head and I'm really happy I made the purchase. I'm going to try and add more pictures and things to my blog as I go along :)
P.S. Here is a picture of the coat I talked about in an earlier post. It's a small picture but you can kind of see it.
I realized that there is a possibility that after Hairspray is over I may be the only one in the apartment. I also realized that it is my apartment for the next couple of months, and while I am trying to save money, I still want to make it homey and nice, especially since I'll be here through the holiday season (by that I mean Halloween, Thanksgiving, and half of December). Maybe I can go to the dollar store and get some cheap decorations and make some things to fill out the apartment and maybe have people come over for gatherings and stuff. I've always enjoyed hosting parties so we'll see.
Oh I also bought a really nice side-bag from Fossil to use as an every day bag, since my laptop bag isn't really big enough and I only have a backpack other than that. It was a little expensive but it is exactly what I envisioned in my head and I'm really happy I made the purchase. I'm going to try and add more pictures and things to my blog as I go along :)P.S. Here is a picture of the coat I talked about in an earlier post. It's a small picture but you can kind of see it.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
You Can't Stop the Beat!
So last night I got back to my apartment around 7pm and really had absolutely nothing to do. I considered several options: one was driving to Geneseo, but then I realized that was crazy. One was driving to Boston, but again that's a lot of driving for a short time and I want to be able to visit when I have more time. Another was going to a bar, but I had no one to go with and I didn't want to go alone. So I decided to stay in my apartment. I read my Rachel Ray magazine that I bought on a whim and got inspired to make Cannoli French Toast in the morning (which I did haha). It's a pretty good recipe and I think there are lots of possible alternatives to the recipe so I'm definitely gonna keep it in mind. I called Megan and talked to her for like a half hour which was wonderful. I really miss having her around and really hope we can live together again. I drank 2/3 of a bottle of wine while cooking steak and mushrooms while listening to Sara Bareilles, and I also watched Something's Gotta Give. I really do love that movie. I think it is really funny and endearing and even involves theatre haha.
It's weird, I don't usually like being alone and for the last four years I've been constantly surrounded by people, so I was kind of sad thinking about what a boring night I was going to have. But once I started doing things, I realized it was nice to just have some me time and relax by myself. It also helped to talk to Megan because I got to let some things out and got to talk to someone of importance to me, even though I really had nothing too exciting to talk about. After I talked to her I felt much better. I'm actually talking to her online now and I know she is about to read my blog and this post so it's kind of funny I'm writing this, but it's all true. So I love you Megan and miss you so much! You've become such an important part of my life and someone who I know I can call and talk to whenever about anything. I'm so lucky to have you in my life :)
It's weird, I don't usually like being alone and for the last four years I've been constantly surrounded by people, so I was kind of sad thinking about what a boring night I was going to have. But once I started doing things, I realized it was nice to just have some me time and relax by myself. It also helped to talk to Megan because I got to let some things out and got to talk to someone of importance to me, even though I really had nothing too exciting to talk about. After I talked to her I felt much better. I'm actually talking to her online now and I know she is about to read my blog and this post so it's kind of funny I'm writing this, but it's all true. So I love you Megan and miss you so much! You've become such an important part of my life and someone who I know I can call and talk to whenever about anything. I'm so lucky to have you in my life :)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Now run and tell that
NOT HAVING INTERNET AND CABLE SUCKS! I mean I could live without one or the other, but BOTH?! Ugh, at least there is interent at the theatre and I'm here most of the time anyways. Time Warner is coming Monday and while its about $40 a month, it will be worth it. It's only for a couple months anyways.
I guess the one good thing about not having it is that it gets me out of the apartment in the morning. I've been going to the gym at the community center and my goal is to keep it up. It's a really small community center but it's good enough. I wish they had zumba though....haha oh well.
I've been driving around the area just trying to find where things are and get my bearings and I definitely know the area much better now which is good. Everything is close to each other so I'm not nearly as secluded from civilization as I was in Chatham haha. And there is a bar called the Black Cat that is open late every day right across the street from the apartment so there is always that too haha.
I realize being here that this is much more like the real world. Like going to rehearsal is my job, and then I have my life outside of the theatre. At Mac-Haydn it all just blended together and here it feels very separate. I guess I also got to remember I've only been here like four days and as we all spend more time together we'll all get closer as well.
Oh I also got called for JURY DUTY today. Really? Seriously? Ugh so I had to postpone it until January, and hopefully it does not run into the intensive at Goodspeed.
God I need a drink...
I guess the one good thing about not having it is that it gets me out of the apartment in the morning. I've been going to the gym at the community center and my goal is to keep it up. It's a really small community center but it's good enough. I wish they had zumba though....haha oh well.
I've been driving around the area just trying to find where things are and get my bearings and I definitely know the area much better now which is good. Everything is close to each other so I'm not nearly as secluded from civilization as I was in Chatham haha. And there is a bar called the Black Cat that is open late every day right across the street from the apartment so there is always that too haha.
I realize being here that this is much more like the real world. Like going to rehearsal is my job, and then I have my life outside of the theatre. At Mac-Haydn it all just blended together and here it feels very separate. I guess I also got to remember I've only been here like four days and as we all spend more time together we'll all get closer as well.
Oh I also got called for JURY DUTY today. Really? Seriously? Ugh so I had to postpone it until January, and hopefully it does not run into the intensive at Goodspeed.
God I need a drink...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Welcome to the 60's!
So yesterday I moved out of Fairview and up to Cohoes. It was really hard to leave. I found that once my car was completely packed I just kept wandering through the house, trying to find something else for me to do so as to prolong my stay there as long as possible. I guess it was a little easier since I knew I was coming back that night (and I'm still here at Church street as I sit here writing this) but it was still hard. And then once I got up to Cohoes, I had to wait around almost two hours until I could finally move my stuff in, and then, already overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I had and the too small of a room to put it all (it's really easy to accumulate a lot of stuff in four months), the bar to hang clothes on collapsed. Needless to say I was upset and it made me miss Chatham even more. But once I finally got stuff sort of put away and went to rehearsal, things got better. The director has lots of energy and is funny and a little crazy but it keeps things interesting. I haven't gotten a chance to really meet the cast yet, and it's a little weird since I'm coming in late, but I'm sure I'll get to know them all very soon. I haven't even really met the music director yet since we have yet to have rehearsal together haha. Well we will see how rehearsal today goes. It's weird not having rehearsal until 2pm, what a laid back schedule! Haha it will be nice though.
I'm going to end this with the note I got from the universe yesterday since it was incredibly appropriate to yesterday:
I'm going to end this with the note I got from the universe yesterday since it was incredibly appropriate to yesterday:
Sometimes it just sneaks up on you, Chris, doesn't it? You don't even see it coming. Suddenly and without warning, you're surrounded by the best friends you've ever known. You're waking up in the mornings just "dying" to get into the day. There's a lightness in your step and a gleam in your eye. Your thinking is new, your laughter frequent, and you're drawn to tears whenever you hear happy tales. You're on a roll, so it's not like you're thinking about it, but if you were to think about it, you wouldn't know what's gotten into you, nor would you recall just when. You'd only shake your head whenever you thought of how quickly everything can change...
Just something to remember the next time you don't see something coming.
By the way, you row my oars -
The Universe
The Universe
Appropriate, right?
Saturday, September 18, 2010
One Day More...
So it's the second to last at the Mac. It seems very surreal. Max and Boom and Andrea and Kelly are here visiting to see the show and it's nice to see them again. It's weird, Andrea kind of described it as like coming home, and in a way I feel like I'm leaving home. Like when I drove back from Cohoes today I felt like I was driving home, and that I would just be commuting back and forth. Maybe that's why I enjoyed my time here so much because of that homely family feel that I think I really crave and will miss other places. I like being close and connected to people and just having a core group of friends. I think it's funny because I strive to learn everything I can about people and make connections with them and really have friends, but I feel like I don't open up as easily to people as I should. Maybe that's why I started this blog, to kind of put myself out there so people can see more of me. I guess it will help to see more of myself as well, especially if and when I ever go back and read this splattering of mumbo-jumbo.
Maybe I'm too malleable and too easy to please others. I feel like I change depending on whom I'm around, and maybe because of that I've lost who I am, whoever that is. I think I may try to hard to be the person others want me to be. But maybe that's just who I am, I just live for other people. I discovered Wednesday night when I was home alone that I never want to be alone and that I hate it. I don't mind having my own room, but as long as there is someone else in the house, I'm ok with that. Just knowing there is another person around, it's just so comforting. I hope I never end up alone, I don't think I could deal with that. Maybe that's why I'm so nervous about the career choice because to what kind of life does it really lead to? One where you know lots of people but don't really "know anyone? One where you can never really meet anyone to share your life with? Again I guess it's the whole unstable aspect about this career. I guess also I don't really know what I want to accomplish. Like is my final goal to make it to Broadway? God that's so cliche, but I guess it's true. I feel like I will never be there though. I just don't feel like I'm good enough or talented enough. It just seems so incredibly far away, like a destination that I will never get to. Maybe I'm meant to do something else...well so far everything has been unfolding the way I anticipated so I guess I'm on the right track. I guess I'll just keep plugging along day by day and see where this crazy life takes me.
Maybe I'm too malleable and too easy to please others. I feel like I change depending on whom I'm around, and maybe because of that I've lost who I am, whoever that is. I think I may try to hard to be the person others want me to be. But maybe that's just who I am, I just live for other people. I discovered Wednesday night when I was home alone that I never want to be alone and that I hate it. I don't mind having my own room, but as long as there is someone else in the house, I'm ok with that. Just knowing there is another person around, it's just so comforting. I hope I never end up alone, I don't think I could deal with that. Maybe that's why I'm so nervous about the career choice because to what kind of life does it really lead to? One where you know lots of people but don't really "know anyone? One where you can never really meet anyone to share your life with? Again I guess it's the whole unstable aspect about this career. I guess also I don't really know what I want to accomplish. Like is my final goal to make it to Broadway? God that's so cliche, but I guess it's true. I feel like I will never be there though. I just don't feel like I'm good enough or talented enough. It just seems so incredibly far away, like a destination that I will never get to. Maybe I'm meant to do something else...well so far everything has been unfolding the way I anticipated so I guess I'm on the right track. I guess I'll just keep plugging along day by day and see where this crazy life takes me.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Uncharted
So it's been a while since I last posted because this last week has been crazy busy. So backing up to Monday...
I dropped my car off to be inspected and I went shopping with my mom and she bought some new clothes (thanks mom!). While out shopping we saw this gorgeous coat at Express, but I waited to get it to see if there was anything at other stores and just to kind of wait and think about it since it was $300. Anyways later that day I had Jaime, Kim, and Sara over for dinner and we hung out and talked and caught up. It was really nice to see them and chill with them, but it just made me realize that things really are changing and life may be starting to take us all in different directions.
On Tuesday I got up and went to St. John Fisher to see Joe for a little bit, then I went to Victor to visit Megan. It was so great to see her and talk to her and kind of see what she was doing in her life. I miss her a lot. Then I drove down to Geneseo...this is where my day got back. Firstly I got my first ever speeding ticket...ugh. What was so frustrating is that it really was an honest mistake. I remember 390 south being 65 mph, so when I was getting off 590 onto 390 I went to pass a truck. Then I saw the speed was 55 and immediately slowed down, but it was too late, and the cop gave me a ticket. Literally five seconds after pulling out from being pulled over, the speed limit changed to 65. SOOOOOO frustrating. And THEN I get down to Geneseo and EXIT 8 WAS CLOSED!!!!! So I had to drive all the way to exit 7 and come up through Mount Morris.
Anyway so after the drive from hell I got to Geneseo and had a chance to see lots of people and it was great to see them. I felt transported back into the world of college and it was so weird walking around. I felt like a student again. I didn't miss it though, and oddly I kind of felt like an outsider, like I didn't belong there, which I guess is good because I don't haha. It was Michelle's birthday that night so I had dinner in Victor with Chantel, Mike and Megan and then went back to Geneseo and took her out to all the bars.
After dinner in Victor though Megan and I went to the mall and we stopped in Express. I looked at the coat again and there was one left in my size, and Megan had a coupon, so I bought it and I'm so glad I did. I can't wait to wear it every day haha. Now I just gotta find a scarf to go with it...
Wednesday morning I woke up early, really early, and left Geneseo at 7:25am haha. I got home and organized some things and relaxed before driving out to Cohoes to meet with Jim and get ready for my first Joseph rehearsal! It went really well and I had the kids memorize the colors of Joseph's coat. I have another rehearsal tomorrow morning, and then Hairspray starts on Monday. I think it's going to be a lot of fun, and the space is cool, and my housing is really close. I didn't see the house yet, but I saw the street where it is. It will be nice to have an easy schedule, though I don't think I can go see Colleen up in Maine since it's 5 1/2 hours away :/ Oh well........
Yesterday I got up and went down to Garnerville in Rockland county to visit MEK. It was really great to see her, and we just gotta hang out at the mall. We went to build-a-bear and the Disney store, ate at Chile's, and saw Despicable Me, so it was like kids day for us haha. She had to go to rehearsal for Gypsy, and I kind of wanted to stay and watch and then go out with her, but I was so tired from my busy week and I didn't want to worry about navigating in the morning and not being back in time so I left after I dropped her off at rehearsal.
And now I'm here back at the Mac! I got up, mailed in my ticket, paid for my coat, saw that I was accepted to the Goodspeed music directing intensive (YAY!!!!), helped with work-call, then we went to the Whitestone Cafe for lunch/dinner. The food was pretty not good, but it was fun, and we did a couple lottery quick draws and it was really fun. I totally understand why gambling is an addiction because it is INCREDIBLY addicting. I don't usually gamble but it's fun to do it every once in a while.
It's weird that these are my last couple days here. I'm going to miss everyone and miss being here. I would definitely come back next summer, especially if nothing better comes my way. My note from the universe was really good today too. It just reminded me to be thankful for what I'm doing now in my life because there are people who would die to be doing what I'm doing, and that life can be "one of the those really, really 'good problems'". Once again, the universe is correct.
P.S. I just got from Andy via Brett the new Sara Bareilles CD and it is really really good and I recommend it to everyone :)
I dropped my car off to be inspected and I went shopping with my mom and she bought some new clothes (thanks mom!). While out shopping we saw this gorgeous coat at Express, but I waited to get it to see if there was anything at other stores and just to kind of wait and think about it since it was $300. Anyways later that day I had Jaime, Kim, and Sara over for dinner and we hung out and talked and caught up. It was really nice to see them and chill with them, but it just made me realize that things really are changing and life may be starting to take us all in different directions.
On Tuesday I got up and went to St. John Fisher to see Joe for a little bit, then I went to Victor to visit Megan. It was so great to see her and talk to her and kind of see what she was doing in her life. I miss her a lot. Then I drove down to Geneseo...this is where my day got back. Firstly I got my first ever speeding ticket...ugh. What was so frustrating is that it really was an honest mistake. I remember 390 south being 65 mph, so when I was getting off 590 onto 390 I went to pass a truck. Then I saw the speed was 55 and immediately slowed down, but it was too late, and the cop gave me a ticket. Literally five seconds after pulling out from being pulled over, the speed limit changed to 65. SOOOOOO frustrating. And THEN I get down to Geneseo and EXIT 8 WAS CLOSED!!!!! So I had to drive all the way to exit 7 and come up through Mount Morris.
Anyway so after the drive from hell I got to Geneseo and had a chance to see lots of people and it was great to see them. I felt transported back into the world of college and it was so weird walking around. I felt like a student again. I didn't miss it though, and oddly I kind of felt like an outsider, like I didn't belong there, which I guess is good because I don't haha. It was Michelle's birthday that night so I had dinner in Victor with Chantel, Mike and Megan and then went back to Geneseo and took her out to all the bars.
After dinner in Victor though Megan and I went to the mall and we stopped in Express. I looked at the coat again and there was one left in my size, and Megan had a coupon, so I bought it and I'm so glad I did. I can't wait to wear it every day haha. Now I just gotta find a scarf to go with it...
Wednesday morning I woke up early, really early, and left Geneseo at 7:25am haha. I got home and organized some things and relaxed before driving out to Cohoes to meet with Jim and get ready for my first Joseph rehearsal! It went really well and I had the kids memorize the colors of Joseph's coat. I have another rehearsal tomorrow morning, and then Hairspray starts on Monday. I think it's going to be a lot of fun, and the space is cool, and my housing is really close. I didn't see the house yet, but I saw the street where it is. It will be nice to have an easy schedule, though I don't think I can go see Colleen up in Maine since it's 5 1/2 hours away :/ Oh well........
Yesterday I got up and went down to Garnerville in Rockland county to visit MEK. It was really great to see her, and we just gotta hang out at the mall. We went to build-a-bear and the Disney store, ate at Chile's, and saw Despicable Me, so it was like kids day for us haha. She had to go to rehearsal for Gypsy, and I kind of wanted to stay and watch and then go out with her, but I was so tired from my busy week and I didn't want to worry about navigating in the morning and not being back in time so I left after I dropped her off at rehearsal.
And now I'm here back at the Mac! I got up, mailed in my ticket, paid for my coat, saw that I was accepted to the Goodspeed music directing intensive (YAY!!!!), helped with work-call, then we went to the Whitestone Cafe for lunch/dinner. The food was pretty not good, but it was fun, and we did a couple lottery quick draws and it was really fun. I totally understand why gambling is an addiction because it is INCREDIBLY addicting. I don't usually gamble but it's fun to do it every once in a while.
It's weird that these are my last couple days here. I'm going to miss everyone and miss being here. I would definitely come back next summer, especially if nothing better comes my way. My note from the universe was really good today too. It just reminded me to be thankful for what I'm doing now in my life because there are people who would die to be doing what I'm doing, and that life can be "one of the those really, really 'good problems'". Once again, the universe is correct.
P.S. I just got from Andy via Brett the new Sara Bareilles CD and it is really really good and I recommend it to everyone :)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Easy To Be Hard
So I have a break! Amazing! We finished the matinee performance of Birdie at 4:30 and then I don't have to be back at the Mac until Friday at 5pm! Everyone went their own ways and I went home to see family and friends and get some things ready for Cohoes. I saw Jaime and Kim tonight and it was so good to see them and just sit and chill. I plan on going to Rochester and Geneseo on Tuesday to visit more people as well.
It's kind of odd being home with no one else home though. Jillian is in Ireland, Julia is at school, Sean is still away, and Dan is busy with med school. I feel the group slowly moving apart and it feels like there is nothing to do but to let it happen. I guess this had to happen sooner or later, as we all got older and had to start our own lives. It's just not the same as when we all used to be on break from school and would all get together then. I guess that time has come and past, which is sad. I worry that Dan doesn't realize what is happening, and one day he is going to look up and we will all be gone. I guess this is really where we see what friends we hold on to and who we strive to keep connected with. I guess it's all part of growing up.
I could use a good note from the universe about now. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow haha.
It's kind of odd being home with no one else home though. Jillian is in Ireland, Julia is at school, Sean is still away, and Dan is busy with med school. I feel the group slowly moving apart and it feels like there is nothing to do but to let it happen. I guess this had to happen sooner or later, as we all got older and had to start our own lives. It's just not the same as when we all used to be on break from school and would all get together then. I guess that time has come and past, which is sad. I worry that Dan doesn't realize what is happening, and one day he is going to look up and we will all be gone. I guess this is really where we see what friends we hold on to and who we strive to keep connected with. I guess it's all part of growing up.
I could use a good note from the universe about now. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow haha.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
We'll Always Be Harmonizing
So the opening of Birdie went surprisingly very well and was well-received by the audience, which I guess isn't too surprising because while it is kind of a dumb show, it's cute and fun and enjoyable to watch. We had the cast party at the Fairview house and it was a blast. Lots of silliness and good times happening for sure. Highlights include Karla and Monica re-inacting Bosom Buddies, exploring the attic and John scaring the shit out of Andy and I, drunk-dialing everyone from the company, and everyone commenting on how delicious the cookies were though they were the easiest things to make ever haha.
I had a really good conversation with Heather as well. I told her about my goals for my career and how I was going to apply to grad school for performing arts administration, and she told me I should focus on music since it's really what I want to do. It just made me re-think what I should be doing and maybe I really should just focus on the music. It's hard though because I feel like I am not good enough, that there are so many people out there more talented than I am. And yet at the same time I know I have what it takes, that I have something special and unique that I can bring to the table. I want to help create theatre that has artistic value, to create a product worth viewing and that moves people. I understand that has to fall to the wayside, especially in summerstock because there just isn't time, but I don't want to be stuck in that world forever. Maybe that's why I enjoyed doing it so much in college because there was time and the only pressure we faced was creating a quality show. I think I want every production I do to be like how RENT was, but the reality is that's just not possible. I guess I can only hope that I will get a chance to be a part of a production like that again. Maybe that's why I want to do arts administration because I really want to be a producer, so I really have my hand in the show, yet keep music directing as well since I do enjoy that too. I think the thing I missed most from this summer was being involved in the production side of the show, so maybe in the future that will be different.
I had a really good conversation with Heather as well. I told her about my goals for my career and how I was going to apply to grad school for performing arts administration, and she told me I should focus on music since it's really what I want to do. It just made me re-think what I should be doing and maybe I really should just focus on the music. It's hard though because I feel like I am not good enough, that there are so many people out there more talented than I am. And yet at the same time I know I have what it takes, that I have something special and unique that I can bring to the table. I want to help create theatre that has artistic value, to create a product worth viewing and that moves people. I understand that has to fall to the wayside, especially in summerstock because there just isn't time, but I don't want to be stuck in that world forever. Maybe that's why I enjoyed doing it so much in college because there was time and the only pressure we faced was creating a quality show. I think I want every production I do to be like how RENT was, but the reality is that's just not possible. I guess I can only hope that I will get a chance to be a part of a production like that again. Maybe that's why I want to do arts administration because I really want to be a producer, so I really have my hand in the show, yet keep music directing as well since I do enjoy that too. I think the thing I missed most from this summer was being involved in the production side of the show, so maybe in the future that will be different.
Friday, September 10, 2010
It's Opening Night!
So last night we watched the movie Connie and Carla, and it is HILARIOUS! If you are a musical theatre fan, you will love this movie. Nia Vardalos + Toni Collette + David Duchovny + drag queens + showtunes = a FABULOUS movie!
So I heard back from Jim Charles and he offered me the job to play second keyboard for Hairspray and to music direct Joseph and A Christmas Carol. It's nice to have a job, but I feel like my schedule is going to be really busy once again and I kind of wanted a break to catch up with old friends and visit at Geneseo. AND I can't go to the MTC show in December because it is the opening weekend of A Christmas Carol. I seriously considered not taking the job because of that fact, but it would be silly. I may not be able to make it out to see the mainstage show either...it really does suck but I guess this is the life of the career path I've chosen, at least at the moment. It's tough because it's not like a normal work schedule and I don't know how I feel about that. I like stability and normality in my life, and while it's definitely exciting,...I don't know I think I just need a break haha.
My note from the universe today basically was to remind me that I am loved, in not so little words. It is a good reminder to have every day, and thinking about it and about what happened today I can see that it is true. I need to keep this in mind as I leave this theatre and move on to the next one. It's going to be weird because it's going to feel like starting all over again, only I feel I won't get as close to as many people since it's only one show for a shorter amount of time. Being at Mac-Haydn really does feel like family (thanks Dee for that, and the delicious dinner :) ) and I think that's why it's so sad to see people leave. And while it's a crazy summer, I feel like it might be hard not to come back next summer. We'll see.
Just about time to go open Bye Bye Birdie. Last show of the summer. Here we go!
*Lip-syncing Omigod You Guys is so much fun :) See video
So I heard back from Jim Charles and he offered me the job to play second keyboard for Hairspray and to music direct Joseph and A Christmas Carol. It's nice to have a job, but I feel like my schedule is going to be really busy once again and I kind of wanted a break to catch up with old friends and visit at Geneseo. AND I can't go to the MTC show in December because it is the opening weekend of A Christmas Carol. I seriously considered not taking the job because of that fact, but it would be silly. I may not be able to make it out to see the mainstage show either...it really does suck but I guess this is the life of the career path I've chosen, at least at the moment. It's tough because it's not like a normal work schedule and I don't know how I feel about that. I like stability and normality in my life, and while it's definitely exciting,...I don't know I think I just need a break haha.
My note from the universe today basically was to remind me that I am loved, in not so little words. It is a good reminder to have every day, and thinking about it and about what happened today I can see that it is true. I need to keep this in mind as I leave this theatre and move on to the next one. It's going to be weird because it's going to feel like starting all over again, only I feel I won't get as close to as many people since it's only one show for a shorter amount of time. Being at Mac-Haydn really does feel like family (thanks Dee for that, and the delicious dinner :) ) and I think that's why it's so sad to see people leave. And while it's a crazy summer, I feel like it might be hard not to come back next summer. We'll see.
Just about time to go open Bye Bye Birdie. Last show of the summer. Here we go!
*Lip-syncing Omigod You Guys is so much fun :) See video
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Let's Do the Time Warp Again
Not really any time to write today, had tech for Birdie which was a bitch and a half but we got through it. Went to karaoke night at a bar called Rocks in Albany and had a blast. Probably going back on Saturday. Definitely time for bed though. Final dress of Birdie tomorrow. Oh and Cohoes offered me a job! Yay!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
From Both Sides Now
So yesterday I watched two very contrasting movies. The first one was Eclipse at the movie theatre (it only cost $2 woo!). It is actually three times better than the first two, which was exciting, but it's still not very good. We came to the conclusion that the movie isn't good, it's entertaining haha. Kristen Stewart didn't look nearly as busted in it as the first two, but she still can't act her way out of a box. I'm just glad I only had to pay $2 to see it.
We then came back home and watched the movie Life As A House. This is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The story is great, the acting is fantastic, and it is beautifully made. If you are in the mood to cry and want to be inspired to live life to the fullest, then watch this movie.
Fairview is going to be quiet with only five people living in it. It still hasn't really hit me that people aren't coming back. It just seems like people are gone on a day off and will be back soon. The more I'm here though the more I just want to move to NYC just to be around these wonderful people. I know I'll ge there eventually, I guess it just will depend where life will take me.
I'm finding it hard in this career path how I'm supposed to find out about job openings. It's different than an actor because they just go to auditions. But there aren't "auditions" per say for musical directors, and things are not posted online nearly as frequently. And no one really ever taught me or told me what I'm supposed to do in this field or how to be successful at it, I've just had to kind of figure it out for myself. Hopefully I'll learn a lot and be able to answer most of these questions at the Goodspeed music directing intensive in January, assuming I'm accepted.
*Song of the day (or I guess of last night) is From Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell
We then came back home and watched the movie Life As A House. This is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The story is great, the acting is fantastic, and it is beautifully made. If you are in the mood to cry and want to be inspired to live life to the fullest, then watch this movie.
Fairview is going to be quiet with only five people living in it. It still hasn't really hit me that people aren't coming back. It just seems like people are gone on a day off and will be back soon. The more I'm here though the more I just want to move to NYC just to be around these wonderful people. I know I'll ge there eventually, I guess it just will depend where life will take me.
I'm finding it hard in this career path how I'm supposed to find out about job openings. It's different than an actor because they just go to auditions. But there aren't "auditions" per say for musical directors, and things are not posted online nearly as frequently. And no one really ever taught me or told me what I'm supposed to do in this field or how to be successful at it, I've just had to kind of figure it out for myself. Hopefully I'll learn a lot and be able to answer most of these questions at the Goodspeed music directing intensive in January, assuming I'm accepted.
*Song of the day (or I guess of last night) is From Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell
Monday, September 6, 2010
And I know that I'm the Luckiest
So I didn't get a chance to write yesterday because of rehearsal and then our final two shows of Show Boat. I tried to spend as much time with everyone else here since most people left last night or are leaving this morning. It's weird to think that I've been here about as long as a college semester, probably a bit longer, and I've been around the same people every day for so long. I've made some good friends and I'm sad to see them go but I know we'll stay in touch.
Today we are going to go to the last day of the Columbia County Fair and then we are seeing Eclipse tonight which I'm sure will be bad and hilarious. I don't have rehearsal until 5pm TOMORROW which is utterly amazing haha. I feel like these next two weeks are going to fly by, and I still don't know what I'm doing when they are done. Hopefully I'll soon find out.
P.S. Reading Mad Gab cards aloud in a group while drinking is one of the funniest things ever :)
Today we are going to go to the last day of the Columbia County Fair and then we are seeing Eclipse tonight which I'm sure will be bad and hilarious. I don't have rehearsal until 5pm TOMORROW which is utterly amazing haha. I feel like these next two weeks are going to fly by, and I still don't know what I'm doing when they are done. Hopefully I'll soon find out.
P.S. Reading Mad Gab cards aloud in a group while drinking is one of the funniest things ever :)
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Some Day I'll Wish Upon A Star
So I didn't get a chance to really write a post today since today was Saturday at the Mac-Haydn which means being at the theatre from 10am to 11:30pm...so basically no free time. But today did mark our last Elks dinner of the summer, and solidified that there is only one more day of Show Boat left and then most of this wonderful cast is leaving. At the coffeehouse tonight many of the songs were very sentimental about saying goodbye and such and I got very emotional. I'm going to miss a lot of people here and I really did have a wonderful summer. I guess it also doesn't help that my days here are coming to an end and I still dont know what I'm going to do after this job ends. Hearing people talk about the city just makes me want to move there more and more every day, but I know I shouldn't, until at least January. Hopefully a job will come up soon and I will be pre-occupied with that/feel more secure about my life.
Friday, September 3, 2010
I thought it was a bird but it was just a Paper Bag
So last night we had a party where everyone dressed like someone else in the cast. Needless to say it was quite hilarious and a lot of fun. I picked Nancy who is playing Parthy in Show Boat and I looked amazing if I do say so myself haha.
I'm still waiting to hear back from Cohoes which is very frustrating since I was told I would know about their hiring decisions three weeks ago. It's just annoying to be in limbo and not know what I'm doing yet and the clock is ticking. So at the moment I'll either be going up to Albany after Mac-Haydn or going back home, either way it will be nice to have more free time, though I do miss everyone at home.
On our day off the other day one of the ushers invited us to a pizza party at the gymnastics place that they own, and it was so much fun. My shoulders and back and still sore from using the rings, probably because I don't remember the last time I lifted myself off the ground haha. Being active at the place ACTUALLY made me miss going to the gym, something I thought I would never, ever think. I just forgot how good it feels to work up a sweat and get your endorphins going. So I definitely plan on going back to the gym after my job here is over. So thank you, ushers at the Mac-Haydn, for inspiring me to go back to the gym :)
P.S. I just fell in love all over again with the song Paper Bag by Fiona Apple. Thank you Jillian Healy :)
P.P.S. Allergies REALLY suck. I think I used up two boxes of the Mac's tissues in a week.
I'm still waiting to hear back from Cohoes which is very frustrating since I was told I would know about their hiring decisions three weeks ago. It's just annoying to be in limbo and not know what I'm doing yet and the clock is ticking. So at the moment I'll either be going up to Albany after Mac-Haydn or going back home, either way it will be nice to have more free time, though I do miss everyone at home.
On our day off the other day one of the ushers invited us to a pizza party at the gymnastics place that they own, and it was so much fun. My shoulders and back and still sore from using the rings, probably because I don't remember the last time I lifted myself off the ground haha. Being active at the place ACTUALLY made me miss going to the gym, something I thought I would never, ever think. I just forgot how good it feels to work up a sweat and get your endorphins going. So I definitely plan on going back to the gym after my job here is over. So thank you, ushers at the Mac-Haydn, for inspiring me to go back to the gym :)
P.S. I just fell in love all over again with the song Paper Bag by Fiona Apple. Thank you Jillian Healy :)
P.P.S. Allergies REALLY suck. I think I used up two boxes of the Mac's tissues in a week.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Lot of Livin' To Do
So a long time ago I was inspired by my sec-a-ret roommate Megan Ball to sign up to get Notes from the Universe. Basically it's an email that sends inspirational messages or words of wisdom to you Monday through Friday of every week. For example this was mine yesterday:
One of the coolest things about time and space, Chris, is that it's impossible to kid oneself indefinitely.
Pow,
The Universe
Kind of cool, right? If anything they are nice to get because I can expect to get one email every day of the week haha. Well today I was going to start my post with the note that I got today, but it hasn't come yet. Which is very odd because they have always come, in the morning, every day, for a year. Maybe it's a sign...the Universe forgot about me! Obviously I'm not really upset about this since really it's just someone at a computer sending out an email every day, but maybe it does mean something. I do believe things happen for a reason though, and while we need to shape and create our own paths in life, I do think there is something bigger than us out there somewhere. I'm not a religious person because I think that religion is a belief system that was created by man and therefore flawed and anyone who strictly follows it is foolish. I do consider myself to be spiritual because everything that happens in the world just cannot be explained in ways that we humans can comprehend. This issue is one of the main subjects in the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman, or the Golden Compass series. I think these are excellent books and they made me think about the world in a different way.
Maybe the reason I didn't get the note from the universe today was that I would write this post about it. I guess everything does happen for a reason haha
*So after I wrote this I went to the website to try and figure out why I didn't get a message. I realized that it is still set to send emails to my Geneseo account, which is probably full or inactive. After changing my email I realized that the note I would have gotten is posted on the page when you log in anyways. So this is today's note:
Somewhere, over the rainbow, Chris, there's a world where birds sing into every night, flowers bloom across every land, each problem has 10,000 solutions, and people live lives only to love and be loved...
Just like under the rainbow.
Ain't life grand?
The Universe
I can't begin to tell you how happy we've always been with your choice of Earth, Chris.
:)
One of the coolest things about time and space, Chris, is that it's impossible to kid oneself indefinitely.
Pow,
The Universe
Kind of cool, right? If anything they are nice to get because I can expect to get one email every day of the week haha. Well today I was going to start my post with the note that I got today, but it hasn't come yet. Which is very odd because they have always come, in the morning, every day, for a year. Maybe it's a sign...the Universe forgot about me! Obviously I'm not really upset about this since really it's just someone at a computer sending out an email every day, but maybe it does mean something. I do believe things happen for a reason though, and while we need to shape and create our own paths in life, I do think there is something bigger than us out there somewhere. I'm not a religious person because I think that religion is a belief system that was created by man and therefore flawed and anyone who strictly follows it is foolish. I do consider myself to be spiritual because everything that happens in the world just cannot be explained in ways that we humans can comprehend. This issue is one of the main subjects in the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman, or the Golden Compass series. I think these are excellent books and they made me think about the world in a different way.
Maybe the reason I didn't get the note from the universe today was that I would write this post about it. I guess everything does happen for a reason haha
*So after I wrote this I went to the website to try and figure out why I didn't get a message. I realized that it is still set to send emails to my Geneseo account, which is probably full or inactive. After changing my email I realized that the note I would have gotten is posted on the page when you log in anyways. So this is today's note:
Somewhere, over the rainbow, Chris, there's a world where birds sing into every night, flowers bloom across every land, each problem has 10,000 solutions, and people live lives only to love and be loved...
Just like under the rainbow.
Ain't life grand?
The Universe
I can't begin to tell you how happy we've always been with your choice of Earth, Chris.
:)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Open a New Window...
So I've decided to start this blog as a journal for myself. I figured it was an appropriate time to start one, just having graduated college and my time at Mac-Haydn coming to a close. I've always wanted to start one but I never did because I just assumed I would never keep it up, so my goal is to keep it up for at least a year. I've never kept a journal or started a blog or had a livejournal. I've never really been an introspective person but I feel like it is important to analyze oneself every once in a while, hence the reason for this blog.
I was inspired to start this blog after reading someone else's blog. One thing I have learned about myself this summer is that other people inspire me to do things I may not have done normally, like start this blog. And as I sat contemplating this fact that someone inspired me to write this, I wonder if I inspire others as well. So maybe someone out there in the world will read what I have to say and be inspired as well.
P.S. If you haven't heard it yet, the song Fields of Gold covered by Eva Cassidy is absolutely beautiful. Thank you Jaime Lawlor for introducing me to it :)
I was inspired to start this blog after reading someone else's blog. One thing I have learned about myself this summer is that other people inspire me to do things I may not have done normally, like start this blog. And as I sat contemplating this fact that someone inspired me to write this, I wonder if I inspire others as well. So maybe someone out there in the world will read what I have to say and be inspired as well.
P.S. If you haven't heard it yet, the song Fields of Gold covered by Eva Cassidy is absolutely beautiful. Thank you Jaime Lawlor for introducing me to it :)
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