I'm out that bitch! I left Watermark a couple of months ago and now I'm a Nanny (not of the naughty persuasion, just a regular ol' one). It's fantastic, better than I expected. My Wards are Sophie (1 yr. old) and Zoe (1 month). They are a handful but overall ridiculously funny and sweet. Their parents are kind, down-to-earth people who do nothing but support me in my position. Anyways, it's good. Now that I'm making money I'm paying off debt, saving and rebuilding my plan to return to school. Whether it be a University or Conservatory remains to be seen. Though I have no intention of sitting still for too long I'm not in a bad place to hang for a minute. "Above Water" is a new thing for me and I'm rather enjoying it (not jetting off to Italy, but enjoying).
ONLY IN THE HEARTLAND REPORT: Parking in the lot at the YMCA, I pulled in behind a compact car and couldn't help but notice the bumper sticker: "I'd rather be at a Josh Groban concert" and of course it included a picture of Groban belting a note, eyebrows sincere, nostrils flared. I gave a small chuckle but not much more thought. The only thing I know about Josh Groban is that he has a good voice but sings tunes I have absolutely no interest in and thanks to a PBS special on young artists I know one of his personal idols is Celine Dion. I don't care enough to hate him but the props to Celine is enough to keep me far far away. Meanwhile, back in the YMCA Parking Lot: As I exit the car what should appear? A personalized license plate that reads (I shit you not) OH MY JOSH. Call me a nerd, but this is the shit that makes my day. The delight does not stop there. Taped to the inside of the rear window is a red construction paper heart with another photo of Groban and printed around it: "I will always remember the love we shared...Omaha Concert, 2005." Fucking creepy but hilarious. Even better, a WSU Student Parking Permit hung from the rear view mirror, so my hopes that this was just a clueless sixteen year old were dashed. I seriously considered hanging out for a minute to meet this girl or guy. Not to make fun of him or her but to ask how the concert was! I decided against it, I mean he/she would already rather be at a Josh Groban concert so who am I take up their precious free time?
Check out this trailer for the movie "Rocket Science". Looks promising.
Wow, and Welchie thinks he's a bad boy for never writing on this thing...I think I've got you beat, my friend.
What's been happening in MJ's world, hmmm...Well, to start, here in a couple of months I'm ready to give the finger (maybe even both of them) to the ol' job. For the record, I have nothing against the people I work with, if I did I wouldn't have stuck around for five years (Jesus!). Most of them are great people who make it worth showing up everyday for shit pay and customer service hell. I'm beyond burned out and as much as I hate the thought of being controlled by money, it's time I made some because I don't see myself getting too far when I can barely make rent. Above that Wichita doesn't offer what I want for my career and I need to save some dough to high tail it outta here. I've been considering going back to childcare for awhile but until recently hadn't made the effort to make it happen (K-State didn't work out and I won't go into explaining it cuz it's fucking depressing). I did a little researching and found a local agency that assists in placing nanny's with families in town. Went through the rigamarole, was accepted by the agency as a client and within a month had interviews. After the first twenty minutes of meeting the first family I knew we are a perfect match. They have one daughter (cute, bright and took to me immediately) and one on the way. The parents are both doctors, laid back, funny, inviting...seemingly fantastic. It doesn't hurt that the pay kicks ass and they also want to set up a health insurance plan for me. I found out over the weekend that I officially have the job and have been trying to wrap my head around my good fortune. I know it won't be a breeze, it's not like I'll be sitting on my ass all day, but I enjoy children more than most adults and look forward to aspects of this job beyond the money I'll be able to save. The job doesn't start until July 1st which sucks, but I figure I can stand a little more crazy after taking it for five years (Again, Jesus!). Please, for the love of all that is good and holy do not leak a word of this to my current employer. I haven't worked out the game plan for putting in my notice and unfortunately cannot afford to be jobless until July.
This job is (hopefully) the best thing that could happen at this point. I have been ready to take serious steps towards a career in theatre and like I mentioned that was becoming increasingly hard due to lack of funds. I will sign a year contract with the my new employer and towards the end of that year I plan to apply to conservatories like the American Repertory Theatre, Steppenwolf and approximately three others where I can receive formal training in performance. I know some don't agree with me but I believe in being a trained actor. I want to be an educated and skilled force to be reckoned with. The beauty of attending a conservatory in an area that already has a strong professional and supported theatre community is that I will be able to make contacts on different levels and those contacts will be exposed to my work. I've had some interesting conversations with people who have pointed out that all of this does not guarantee a successful career. No shit. Nothing in life is a guarantee. I could be paralyzed tomorrow. Shit, I could die, who the hell knows. My future not being a guarantee has never been a excuse for me not pursue what I believe to be my chosen path. May sound a bit sentimental but fuck it. Do what you love and fuck all the rest. Simple as that. I'm not afraid of it and in the end that's the one thing that could hinder me.
TOC is in a rut. We had to postpone our final production (Neil Labute's "Fat Pig") due to lack of venue space. What can I say? Anyone who has been involved in our company knows that venue space has always been a problem. It's Wichita, there's only so much people care enough to help out and that ain't much to begin with. I am proud of how hard we are working to make next season happen not to mention how proud I am of last season. We are far from giving up and as long as I'm in Wichita I will be a strong force in making TOC as successful as it can be. The whole group feels this way and we are looking and networking and basically doing everything possible. I have confidence that it will all work out. I will take a moment to give huge kudos to Cherice Henderson who works harder than any of us and deserves nothing but respect for that. I also appreciate the continuing support we have received from former members of the group who have moved on. TOC wouldn't exist in the first place without you and I'm proud of you for taking steps towards making your lives fuller. Thanks to everyone else (Ben, Kathleen, etc.) who have brought their talents and knowledge to TOC because of their belief in what we stand for. Trust me, we ain't goin' down without a fight. Just felt like all of that should be acknowledged, even on a xanga site that few read.
Maybe with all of this good luck I've been having I should start playing the lottery.
"Killer Joe" was a fantastic experience...I can fortunately say that about most of the shows I've done in the past few years. However, I think I learned a lot about myself as an actress playing "Dottie". She was whirlwind of emotion all packaged into daze and confusion. Plenty of times I've played "whirlwind of emotion", I guess it's becoming my thing, but "Dottie"had to be played quietly with her emotions peeking out from under the surface. I LOVED IT. I had the chance to be subtle, which can be very hard on stage where actions usually have to be played larger than usual. Being in such an intimate venue helped. The audience is closer, almost in our laps at times but it makes it that much easier to let them into what's going on under that surface. The entire cast was exceptional. I always love working with new people. I go into it with nervousness about one or two being unprofessional, unfocussed or difficult. Not the case at all. We all came into it ready to devour our roles and all of the fucked up details that made up our "family". Director, Leroy Clark demanded respect and focus from the get-go and gave it in return. I can't go so far as to say that "Killer Joe" was my favorite show...every show I've been involved with ends with personal benefits, but I had a great time the entire time and that's worth noting.
I'm ready for a break! I am now taking charge of the role as President of TOC. It's been hard to do that while performing. Reecie has done an amazing job but she, just like anyone, needs and deserves more help, so I'm putting myself in the position to be more available. I also have projects that were started prior to "Killer Joe" that I can now concentrate on and finish. Not to mention my own personal life needing some serious organizing. If all goes along with the initial plan, this time next year I will be beginning the end of my undergrad work. I have stopped kidding myself and decided to major in Performance. It's what I want and that's the only answer I needed to give myself. Life is way too short to fuck around anymore. I still plan on studying Theatre Tech. with a concentration on Props Design. If I add an extra year(onto the two I still have left to go)I could graduate with a dual degree. We'll see about that. Right now, I need to get the money together. Lots of paperwork and schmoozing but very possible.
Yes, I'm the dumbass who has had a xanga account for apporximately 6 mo. and hasn't written a thing. Well stop your belly achin' cuz here it is(don't come cryin to me if it isn't interesting).
Work: It's the Holidays and apparently tis the season to be a fuckin' asshole...I hate customer service. Not all of the time but the majority. See, I live in a town where people feel the need to be personable with people providing some kind of service in a public establishment(in my case it's selling books and sandwiches/beverages at a locally owned spot). I am not someone who enjoys sharing my personal info. with complete strangers when they are asking only to either be nosey or because they believe it to be appropriate. I smile politely, get them their correct shit in a timely manner and even say "have a nice day" or on occasion "have a good one". I very rarely give attitude, but watch out if you deserve it(ie. fuckin cell phone users with no manners). This, apparently is not enough for most. Recently I had a lovely conversation with one patron which I will now share:
Wet Cappucino Bitch: So, how's school going? (Assuming I'm in school like the ass-hat she is)
Me: Actually, I'm not in school right now. That'll be $3.25.
WCB: Oh, are you going back?
M: Yes, it's in the works...be right back with your drink.
WCB: Well, what do you study?
M: Theatre, technical and performance.
WCB: Oh...well, you know there's really good work in Health Care.
M: (She's lucky I'm in a good mood today) Yes, I'm sure there is. Not really my thing, though.
WCB: I'd be happy to bring you some information on it.
M: That's quite alright. I'm sticking with Theatre, it's my love.
WCB: Is there a lot of work available? There really IS a lot of work in Health Care.
M: There's obviously more work available in the Arts than people realize and I won't be in Wichita much longer(handing her a Wet Cappucino she's lucky I didn't spit in). Have a nice day.
WTF?!? Nosey, ass-face rude bitch. I will add that I do not hate all customers but WCB is not the only one of her kind and they make my eye twitch daily. Side note: As a customer don't EVER say to me "Smile, it isn't that bad" You don't know me and you don't know that I won't shove my sandwich knife straight up your ass.
I promise I'm not always this crotchity, it's just been one of those weeks.
