As I was sitting in the bathtub (yes, I love baths and always have) in the Naples condo, a melody came into my perfectly blank mind. And I like it! It could be a good theme song to the video series I've been thinking about doing.
I sang this tune for my husband to make sure it wasn't obvious plagiarism (always a fear) and then transcribed it sloppily in my notebook. I really need to brush up on my ear training/transcription skills though because I had a harder time than I used to.
I love when ideas come from that mystical place out there. Those are the best! It's one thing to have the craft to know what to do with a good idea, but how can one explain where that initial nugget of a good idea comes from? Those are actually the moments when I most believe that some force is watching over me, and all I can say is "thank you!"
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Vacation, all I ever wanted...
I'm currently in Naples, Florida on vacation. In the last decade I've probably been here 9 or 10 times, as my parents own a rental condo here. Naples is a beautiful and quiet beach town, perfect for clearing my head. It feels like a home away from home -- familiarity without stress.
This trip I'm not forcing myself to "get everything in." I'm not going to do any touristy things or take day trips to other cities (in the past we've driven to Key Largo, Miami, etc). In the past few days I've slept in and taken daily naps, consumed lots of wonderful food and drink (definitely less expensive than NYC), and done a lot of thinking. Hopefully I will be in the right head-space to do some writing tomorrow, maybe even on the beach! (Although maybe I'm idealizing this "writing on the beach" thing... hmmm...)
I welcome the slower pace of Naples for now. I know if I lived here year round the slowness and lack of things to do would drive me crazy. Also, everyone here is really friendly, and even though I've spent a lot of time here, that openness always startles me. Today at the Barnes & Noble cafe this older dude started talking to my husband and me and he was totally nice, and sometimes I don't even know how to react to that! I'm not used to it. Unsolicited human interaction with no "catch" -- weird.
Also, maybe because of the median age of the inhabitants, Naples seems stuck in the not-too-distant past. There aren't that many things around that remind me that it's 2010. I hear songs on the radio I haven't heard in years, like "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone" (Paula Cole) and "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Sinead O'Connor) -- I love both of those songs, by the way. And everyone dresses in that classic "Florida" way, nothing that looks remotely "in fashion" and I love it. I can wear any random jeans and shirt from H&M and I feel uber-fashionable!
In addition, the supermarkets are full of delicious-looking food and wide aisles, pitchers of beer at the bowling alley are only $6, and there is a stunning sunset every night -- the best show in town. It's one of the only "shows" in town in fact; the only theatre that is moderately interesting is the national tour of Spring Awakening currently in Ft Myers, but I think I can skip it, having seen SA off-Broadway, on B'way twice, and on tour in DC! :)
It's just a nice break from everything that has stressing me out about NYC. A break from my messy apartment, from the fast-pace of the theatre industry, from the cold that keeps me indoors, from hours on the internet checking the same websites obsessively. The only things I miss are my friends and my kitties, and they'll be waiting for me when I get back.
PS - In case you are wondering how I can not have a job and still go on vacation, just know that this is the cheapest vacation ever! Early-bird specials for me! I promise I'm not breaking the bank on this one. :)
This trip I'm not forcing myself to "get everything in." I'm not going to do any touristy things or take day trips to other cities (in the past we've driven to Key Largo, Miami, etc). In the past few days I've slept in and taken daily naps, consumed lots of wonderful food and drink (definitely less expensive than NYC), and done a lot of thinking. Hopefully I will be in the right head-space to do some writing tomorrow, maybe even on the beach! (Although maybe I'm idealizing this "writing on the beach" thing... hmmm...)
I welcome the slower pace of Naples for now. I know if I lived here year round the slowness and lack of things to do would drive me crazy. Also, everyone here is really friendly, and even though I've spent a lot of time here, that openness always startles me. Today at the Barnes & Noble cafe this older dude started talking to my husband and me and he was totally nice, and sometimes I don't even know how to react to that! I'm not used to it. Unsolicited human interaction with no "catch" -- weird.
Also, maybe because of the median age of the inhabitants, Naples seems stuck in the not-too-distant past. There aren't that many things around that remind me that it's 2010. I hear songs on the radio I haven't heard in years, like "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone" (Paula Cole) and "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Sinead O'Connor) -- I love both of those songs, by the way. And everyone dresses in that classic "Florida" way, nothing that looks remotely "in fashion" and I love it. I can wear any random jeans and shirt from H&M and I feel uber-fashionable!
In addition, the supermarkets are full of delicious-looking food and wide aisles, pitchers of beer at the bowling alley are only $6, and there is a stunning sunset every night -- the best show in town. It's one of the only "shows" in town in fact; the only theatre that is moderately interesting is the national tour of Spring Awakening currently in Ft Myers, but I think I can skip it, having seen SA off-Broadway, on B'way twice, and on tour in DC! :)
It's just a nice break from everything that has stressing me out about NYC. A break from my messy apartment, from the fast-pace of the theatre industry, from the cold that keeps me indoors, from hours on the internet checking the same websites obsessively. The only things I miss are my friends and my kitties, and they'll be waiting for me when I get back.
PS - In case you are wondering how I can not have a job and still go on vacation, just know that this is the cheapest vacation ever! Early-bird specials for me! I promise I'm not breaking the bank on this one. :)
Friday, January 22, 2010
Waking up is hard to do
I have said that in my post 9-to-6 days, I'd be awake by 9am and dressed and finished with breakfast by 10am. So far it's been a struggle to wake up before 10am. I think I'm catching up on five years on being sleep-deprived! I hope to turn it around soon though.
I have to say it is really enticing to do absolutely nothing. I will have to fight hard to motivate myself! The TODAY show for instance -- I used to only watch a few minutes around 8am.... but did you know there are like seven hours of it, and the later hours are even crazier (i.e. full of Kathy Lee Gifford)?
Actually, now I see how much daytime TV has improved since my childhood. Back then it seemed to be mostly soaps and trashier talk shows like Springer, Sally Jessy, etc. (not that I'm knocking those... they taught me a lot about drag queens and paternity tests). Now you can fill a whole day with "good" talk shows like Ellen, Oprah, Dr Phil, Martha, The View, Dr Oz... even the Bonnie Hunt show isn't bad! Haha, this might be the most embarrassing paragraph I've ever written, but so be it. Daytime TV rocks!
But I'm not going to spend my whole life in front of the TV. Then I'd be neglecting my true love, the internet! :)
In seriousness, I have done some productive things in the last couple of days. Yesterday I joined two friends/former colleagues for lunch, walked 3.5 miles home for exercise and fresh air (now my body aches as I haven't worked out since it got cold out), spent an hour on the phone with Verizon fixing my internet connection, unpacked more stuff, and cooked dinner (!).
Today I'm catching up on lots of little errands and will attend a reading of a new musical that my husband is playing on. I always wanted to be able to see industry readings during the day, and now I finally can!
I have to say it is really enticing to do absolutely nothing. I will have to fight hard to motivate myself! The TODAY show for instance -- I used to only watch a few minutes around 8am.... but did you know there are like seven hours of it, and the later hours are even crazier (i.e. full of Kathy Lee Gifford)?
Actually, now I see how much daytime TV has improved since my childhood. Back then it seemed to be mostly soaps and trashier talk shows like Springer, Sally Jessy, etc. (not that I'm knocking those... they taught me a lot about drag queens and paternity tests). Now you can fill a whole day with "good" talk shows like Ellen, Oprah, Dr Phil, Martha, The View, Dr Oz... even the Bonnie Hunt show isn't bad! Haha, this might be the most embarrassing paragraph I've ever written, but so be it. Daytime TV rocks!
But I'm not going to spend my whole life in front of the TV. Then I'd be neglecting my true love, the internet! :)
In seriousness, I have done some productive things in the last couple of days. Yesterday I joined two friends/former colleagues for lunch, walked 3.5 miles home for exercise and fresh air (now my body aches as I haven't worked out since it got cold out), spent an hour on the phone with Verizon fixing my internet connection, unpacked more stuff, and cooked dinner (!).
Today I'm catching up on lots of little errands and will attend a reading of a new musical that my husband is playing on. I always wanted to be able to see industry readings during the day, and now I finally can!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The last day
I have a bit of catching up to do since I had no internet all week!
Friday was my final day at work, and it was more emotional than I expected. I handed out thank you notes to people who positively impacted my time at the company, and I said my goodbyes. I cried or got choked up a few times, even though I make it a rule to never cry at work! It felt like graduating, or maybe like leaving home.
I had exit interviews with my direct supervisor in the creative department and then the head of HR. Although the specific content of the conversations should probably stay private (since they were "official" and all!), I will say that both were very positive and encouraging. I am very lucky to have so many mentors, and I will miss the "bosses" in addition to my peers.
Late in the afternoon I decided to go downstairs to the theatre beneath our offices. I sat in the mezzanine for about 20 minutes and cried. All the emotion from the last five years (and especially the last year or so) poured out of me. So many memories.... not to mention the experiences I had as a young teenager in that very Broadway theatre! It sounds stupid, but I actually said "thank you" out loud, just in case anyone (i.e. a higher power, or maybe our theatre ghost) was listening.
At the end of the day the office was very quiet, as it was after 6pm and the Friday before a holiday weekend. All of my personal things had been taken home or were packed up and ready to go. I went in for my final meeting, a discussion with my other boss, the lead producer and president of the company.
Truthfully, two favorite moments of the last year were the two times I sat down with him privately. Alone in his oasis of an office I felt he actually understood me and my creative goals. If I ever write an autobiography, maybe I'll detail our entire conversation on my final day. If things work out well for me, his eloquent and honest words of encouragement will be the perfect dramatic transition into the era when my dreams start to come true.... Either way, it felt great to get his blessing to go forth into the world and make my art with no hard feelings about my departure.
I walked out the doors for the last time with the fellow assistant who was my closest colleague in the last nine months. He was a huge part of what made my final chapter good -- as down as I felt at times, he and the other wonderful personalities around me made it so I never dreaded coming to work. At the very least, I got to sit next to creative, passionate people who were constantly saying alternately hilarious and profound things.
Yep, I'll definitely miss the people the most. I miss them already... but I will do my part to stay in touch. They are pretty much the coolest theatre people I've ever met, and I hope we're all ruling the world together someday.
Until then.... fun-employment? Haha, that and creating some musical theatre masterpieces (I hope).
Friday was my final day at work, and it was more emotional than I expected. I handed out thank you notes to people who positively impacted my time at the company, and I said my goodbyes. I cried or got choked up a few times, even though I make it a rule to never cry at work! It felt like graduating, or maybe like leaving home.
I had exit interviews with my direct supervisor in the creative department and then the head of HR. Although the specific content of the conversations should probably stay private (since they were "official" and all!), I will say that both were very positive and encouraging. I am very lucky to have so many mentors, and I will miss the "bosses" in addition to my peers.
Late in the afternoon I decided to go downstairs to the theatre beneath our offices. I sat in the mezzanine for about 20 minutes and cried. All the emotion from the last five years (and especially the last year or so) poured out of me. So many memories.... not to mention the experiences I had as a young teenager in that very Broadway theatre! It sounds stupid, but I actually said "thank you" out loud, just in case anyone (i.e. a higher power, or maybe our theatre ghost) was listening.
At the end of the day the office was very quiet, as it was after 6pm and the Friday before a holiday weekend. All of my personal things had been taken home or were packed up and ready to go. I went in for my final meeting, a discussion with my other boss, the lead producer and president of the company.
Truthfully, two favorite moments of the last year were the two times I sat down with him privately. Alone in his oasis of an office I felt he actually understood me and my creative goals. If I ever write an autobiography, maybe I'll detail our entire conversation on my final day. If things work out well for me, his eloquent and honest words of encouragement will be the perfect dramatic transition into the era when my dreams start to come true.... Either way, it felt great to get his blessing to go forth into the world and make my art with no hard feelings about my departure.
I walked out the doors for the last time with the fellow assistant who was my closest colleague in the last nine months. He was a huge part of what made my final chapter good -- as down as I felt at times, he and the other wonderful personalities around me made it so I never dreaded coming to work. At the very least, I got to sit next to creative, passionate people who were constantly saying alternately hilarious and profound things.
Yep, I'll definitely miss the people the most. I miss them already... but I will do my part to stay in touch. They are pretty much the coolest theatre people I've ever met, and I hope we're all ruling the world together someday.
Until then.... fun-employment? Haha, that and creating some musical theatre masterpieces (I hope).
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Ch-ch-changes
The last 48 hours have been insane. Hopefully good-insane, but it's been so much change at once that it's hard to tell at the moment. But things are good (I think). I'm lying in bed in the middle of a ginormous mess that looks like one of those TV shows that features hoarders (i.e. the most random crap everywhere). But I'm in a brand new apartment!
Yesterday, January 15th, was my final day at work, but it also became an apartment moving day for me as well. Changing jobs and moving apartments are two very large and stressful things that I don't recommend scheduling on the same day if you can possibly help it!
The last time I had so much Change with a capital C was in early 2005 when I started work, moved apartments, produced a show, planned a wedding, got married, and walked at college graduation. However this was still spread out between a couple of months!
I will blog all about this sudden apartment move, the way this two-bedroom next door seduced me, all the work farewells, the exit interviews, the bittersweet emotions.... but I have to clear a path to the door and eat brunch first. :) All updates will come soon, and there's a lot to say!
Yesterday, January 15th, was my final day at work, but it also became an apartment moving day for me as well. Changing jobs and moving apartments are two very large and stressful things that I don't recommend scheduling on the same day if you can possibly help it!
The last time I had so much Change with a capital C was in early 2005 when I started work, moved apartments, produced a show, planned a wedding, got married, and walked at college graduation. However this was still spread out between a couple of months!
I will blog all about this sudden apartment move, the way this two-bedroom next door seduced me, all the work farewells, the exit interviews, the bittersweet emotions.... but I have to clear a path to the door and eat brunch first. :) All updates will come soon, and there's a lot to say!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Off the high dive....
Last night I went out for farewell drinks with some colleagues and I had a wonderful time. I've said it over and over, but I will miss the fabulous people at this job. They are all so kind, creative, and interesting.
Two people from "days past" also showed up -- my former boss from my last position, whom I adore and was so happy to see, and my close friend who has moved onto a different division of the same company (i.e. my former "work spouse" -- because she and I would check in with each other so frequently during the work day!).
I know I will NOT lose touch with all of the amazing people but I will certainly miss seeing them every day. I will do my part to make sure the connections and friendships last, and hopefully we will work together again someday. My colleagues in the 20-something age range often talk about the day WE will rule the theatre world... and maybe someday it will happen!
The "only in New York" moment from last night happened when we couldn't access the original bar because the street was closed off due to a bomb scare at the corner Starbucks. We decided on another nearby venue, quickly alerted the attendees, and everything was fine!
The night is kind of a blur this morning, not only because a few of us ended the evening at Dallas BBQ, downing a few Texas-sized drinks and sticky wings, babyback ribs, etc.
But earlier in the night (when I was still coherent), my former boss said something that stands out now -- leaving the company can feel like jumping off a high dive without knowing if there's water in the pool... but there is water down there. I just have to jump first....
Two people from "days past" also showed up -- my former boss from my last position, whom I adore and was so happy to see, and my close friend who has moved onto a different division of the same company (i.e. my former "work spouse" -- because she and I would check in with each other so frequently during the work day!).
I know I will NOT lose touch with all of the amazing people but I will certainly miss seeing them every day. I will do my part to make sure the connections and friendships last, and hopefully we will work together again someday. My colleagues in the 20-something age range often talk about the day WE will rule the theatre world... and maybe someday it will happen!
The "only in New York" moment from last night happened when we couldn't access the original bar because the street was closed off due to a bomb scare at the corner Starbucks. We decided on another nearby venue, quickly alerted the attendees, and everything was fine!
The night is kind of a blur this morning, not only because a few of us ended the evening at Dallas BBQ, downing a few Texas-sized drinks and sticky wings, babyback ribs, etc.
But earlier in the night (when I was still coherent), my former boss said something that stands out now -- leaving the company can feel like jumping off a high dive without knowing if there's water in the pool... but there is water down there. I just have to jump first....
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Imparting knowledge
I've spent the previous two days training a temp how to do my job. I'm very lucky that he is has interned at the company before (as I did) and is an intelligent, eager, and just out of college (graduating in 3.5 years -- as I did!). I'm thrilled to be leaving all my methods and tips to someone who I'm positive will be competent. I hope he enjoys the experience and gets something of it.
I actually think I am better at teaching someone how to do my job than I am at doing it myself! I intellectually know every detail and can explain the nuances in a clear way -- but actually DOING it every day just doesn't seem to be the right thing for me anymore.
Today I wondered if I would feel differently about this particular position if I were 22 instead of 26. I think I would be more eager to please, as I was in my first position as a receptionist for the same company. Back then I worried about people liking me, and I don't think I let a lot of the "real me" out at work. Now I wonder if I let too much of it out! :-P
I do feel good about imparting the knowledge I've acquired over the years to another person who will hopefully excel and make his own mark. It feels like closure to give away all of the information as generously as possible. Maybe someday some of those minor details will fade and make room for new information. Although right now I can't imagine a day when I forget the phone numbers, accounting codes, and quirks of the office that are so deeply memorized and ingrained! Maybe someday....
I actually think I am better at teaching someone how to do my job than I am at doing it myself! I intellectually know every detail and can explain the nuances in a clear way -- but actually DOING it every day just doesn't seem to be the right thing for me anymore.
Today I wondered if I would feel differently about this particular position if I were 22 instead of 26. I think I would be more eager to please, as I was in my first position as a receptionist for the same company. Back then I worried about people liking me, and I don't think I let a lot of the "real me" out at work. Now I wonder if I let too much of it out! :-P
I do feel good about imparting the knowledge I've acquired over the years to another person who will hopefully excel and make his own mark. It feels like closure to give away all of the information as generously as possible. Maybe someday some of those minor details will fade and make room for new information. Although right now I can't imagine a day when I forget the phone numbers, accounting codes, and quirks of the office that are so deeply memorized and ingrained! Maybe someday....
Sunday, January 10, 2010
RAGTIME closes today
RAGTIME, which closes today, is one of the most beautifully staged Broadway productions I have seen in a long time. I saw it twice in the last few weeks and was moved to tears. I wish more people could have experienced it.
I'm depressed that it couldn't last, though I understand its problem was marketing, not anything on stage. Maybe that's more depressing actually.
There are times when I wonder, "If this doesn't work, how will my ideas ever stand a chance?" I don't throw in the towel, but premature closings like this one make it tempting.
I'm depressed that it couldn't last, though I understand its problem was marketing, not anything on stage. Maybe that's more depressing actually.
There are times when I wonder, "If this doesn't work, how will my ideas ever stand a chance?" I don't throw in the towel, but premature closings like this one make it tempting.
2009 in Status Updates - Creativity & Productivity
I actually really enjoy looking back past year each January. When I found a Facebook app called "Year in Status Updates" I was psyched! I could view all of my status updates for 2009! So this is what I chose to "update" the world on via Facebook.
Here are the status updates relating to my creativity and productivity. I'm learning a lot from looking at this list, especially how much I have procrastinated on projects in '09. I'm trying to figure out how to do things differently this year.
Creativity & productivity
- practiced piano last night for the first time in forever... the cats were like "oh yeah, that thing is more than just a step to the windowsill; it makes noise!"
(January) - "hey, what a way to spend a day" -- learned so much from my reading!
(February) - is almost convinced that doing stuff is better than sitting around.
(March) - I want to get stuff done, but I wish it could happen in an energetic 3-minute musical montage.
(March)
- After 7 years of procrastination, I finally got my NY State ID card. And it only took an hour!
(April)
- A quote from me tonight to my collaborators: "It takes me 30 minutes to write a song, but a year to complain about it!" (can also substitute "procrastinate" in there....)
(April) - might have a new idea for a musical....??
(June)
Note: I still like my idea but haven't done a thing with it.
- finally bought Logic. Can't wait to start recording again!
(June)
Note: I haven't even begun to use the program yet. Wow. :( - I could be in the time-wasting olympics
(July)
- Actually working on my play... kind of getting to that zone... (so why am I on Facebook you ask? because I can't stop! :)
(July)
- Ok, so I'm not going to get enough sleep again, but I think I wrote an awesome "raise the stakes" angry scene for my play.... internal reading tomorrow.... yay!!
(July)
- Wait, where did my night go? Too much internet, not enough time.... Oh, how could I say that.... I heart you Internet!
(August)
Note: The Internet: a much bigger time-waster for me than the TV.
- enjoyed my boss's master class on producing. also nice to explore the arts festival in Brooklyn.... (DUMBO: not just a flying elephant)
(September) - Creative exhilaration has turned to complete frustration... throwing out almost everything I worked on today. Womp womp. :(
(October) - After several days of meaning to read this book I bought on combating procrastination, I began it. But then I took a break to update my Facebook status to tell you I was reading it. Hmmm... I may have a problem focusing....
(October)
- is getting better at hitting the SEND button on scary emails. Just do it, as they say.
(December)
This is what bravery, strength, and honesty look like
I have never been more proud of my hero Andrew Lloyd Webber for his strength in successfully fighting prostate cancer. Please read his detailed account of his story, told with honesty and wit as always, that will hopefully increase awareness among men.
Daily Mail article
He never ceases to amaze me, ever. I count my lucky stars that I discovered his music as a young teenager; where would I be without that inspiration?
Daily Mail article
He never ceases to amaze me, ever. I count my lucky stars that I discovered his music as a young teenager; where would I be without that inspiration?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
"Where are you going?"
Today I told three more colleagues at work that I am leaving next Friday. All three instantly responded with "Where are you going?"
I guess I am flattered that they are assuming I must be going to another exciting job. It would be worse if they all said, "I'm so sorry, what happened?" :)
All of my co-workers were very supportive when I gave my spiel about creative projects, shaking it up after five years, possibly trying some freelance work, etc. I realize that anyone who voices concern is really just showing that they care, in there own way. People react differently to change (I learned this from Who Moved My Cheese).
One fellow assistant told me not to worry when "other" people don't understand how one could leave a job in a recession without having something else lined up. She reminded me that we always have options, and some people are just too afraid to utilize their options. It was wonderful to hear this today because my faith was wavering a little.
I guess I am flattered that they are assuming I must be going to another exciting job. It would be worse if they all said, "I'm so sorry, what happened?" :)
All of my co-workers were very supportive when I gave my spiel about creative projects, shaking it up after five years, possibly trying some freelance work, etc. I realize that anyone who voices concern is really just showing that they care, in there own way. People react differently to change (I learned this from Who Moved My Cheese).
One fellow assistant told me not to worry when "other" people don't understand how one could leave a job in a recession without having something else lined up. She reminded me that we always have options, and some people are just too afraid to utilize their options. It was wonderful to hear this today because my faith was wavering a little.
Weird
"What a weird day!" I exclaimed at the end of the work day.
My colleague informed me that I say this frequently at the end of the day, but really I can only remember saying this once or twice. But he's probably right. I forget half of the things I say anyway (because I talk too much?). That's one reason I don't lie -- I don't remember the details of the lie enough to make it convincing. It's also a reason I have to immediately write down any good ideas I have.
Anyway, it was a weird day.
It started off with an excessive amount of coffee consumed. Paired with only a few hours of sleep, this turns Regular Neener into Anxious Zombie Neener. I have gotten addicted to coffee only the last six months. I used to get wired after one small cup; now I practically need a coffee I.V. to get out of bed.
Then I got a phone call (on my direct line!) from my favorite lyricist of all time. I won't put his name here because it would be embarrassing if he has a Google-alert on his name (I mean, I do!). But you probably know who this is! I really can't believe he knows who I am. I wish I had said something witty, but I'll be happy with the fact that I sounded like a regular human.
In the afternoon I got overwhelmed today with the amount of things I want to wrap up at work in the next few days. I also had several of strange conversations with co-workers. Perhaps this is why I got so little done today.... Anyway, if I work with you and you are reading this, I apologize that I was acting so off-the-wall today. If you want to stamp my hand "insane" a la the Simpsons "Stark Raving Dad" episode, I'll understand.
Only six more days of work to go. That's the weirdest part of all!
My colleague informed me that I say this frequently at the end of the day, but really I can only remember saying this once or twice. But he's probably right. I forget half of the things I say anyway (because I talk too much?). That's one reason I don't lie -- I don't remember the details of the lie enough to make it convincing. It's also a reason I have to immediately write down any good ideas I have.
Anyway, it was a weird day.
It started off with an excessive amount of coffee consumed. Paired with only a few hours of sleep, this turns Regular Neener into Anxious Zombie Neener. I have gotten addicted to coffee only the last six months. I used to get wired after one small cup; now I practically need a coffee I.V. to get out of bed.
Then I got a phone call (on my direct line!) from my favorite lyricist of all time. I won't put his name here because it would be embarrassing if he has a Google-alert on his name (I mean, I do!). But you probably know who this is! I really can't believe he knows who I am. I wish I had said something witty, but I'll be happy with the fact that I sounded like a regular human.
In the afternoon I got overwhelmed today with the amount of things I want to wrap up at work in the next few days. I also had several of strange conversations with co-workers. Perhaps this is why I got so little done today.... Anyway, if I work with you and you are reading this, I apologize that I was acting so off-the-wall today. If you want to stamp my hand "insane" a la the Simpsons "Stark Raving Dad" episode, I'll understand.
Only six more days of work to go. That's the weirdest part of all!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
New Year, New Blog, New Neener!
You may be thinking: "Just what the world needs, another 20-something creative type blogging about how special she thinks her life is."
Well.... interesting thought. Maybe I should just quit now. But that's what "The Old Neener" would do.
In 2010 I am now "The New Neener" and things may be starting to go my way! Even if they're not, I vow to have a better attitude about life and, at the very least, not spend every post on this blog bitching and moaning about stuff (like my last blarg, I mean blog.... which irritates me every time I look back at it now). And I won't self-promote constantly. Or pretend I have the single most interesting life in the whole world (only my biggest fans think that, and there are only maybe two of those so far).
But I do want to chronicle a new era in my life. In nine days I will depart my job after five years there. In a way it feels like graduating, since it feels like I've been in a practical classroom in a way. Sometimes I refer to my job as my "masters in commercial theatre producing" since that's what it feels like! And since I've worked at this job longer than I've attended any one school, I feel so comfortable there and will really miss it. Since I began immediately following college, I have practically grown up there. And I haven't had a break without knowing what the "next step" is in... well, ever!
People's first question when I tell them I am leaving my job is, "Where are you going?" and I have said, "Well, I'm not sure yet" or "I don't have any SPECIFIC plans." In a way, I feel like I'm climbing a steep, spiraling staircase while blindfolded. I have no idea how many steps there are or what's at the top, and I just hope I'm at least on the right staircase.
Actually, I do have some specific plans (which I'll leave for a future blog post -- cliffhanger!) but they don't involve going somewhere from 9 to 6 every day, at least for the time being.
So come along for the journey if you like! I've never not known as much as I don't know now, so it might be entertaining to see what happens to me. Who knows? I certainly don't, and I love it.
Your friend,
Neener
(or Janine, J9, JM, J-Mac, Nee-Nee... I answer to many names)
Well.... interesting thought. Maybe I should just quit now. But that's what "The Old Neener" would do.
In 2010 I am now "The New Neener" and things may be starting to go my way! Even if they're not, I vow to have a better attitude about life and, at the very least, not spend every post on this blog bitching and moaning about stuff (like my last blarg, I mean blog.... which irritates me every time I look back at it now). And I won't self-promote constantly. Or pretend I have the single most interesting life in the whole world (only my biggest fans think that, and there are only maybe two of those so far).
But I do want to chronicle a new era in my life. In nine days I will depart my job after five years there. In a way it feels like graduating, since it feels like I've been in a practical classroom in a way. Sometimes I refer to my job as my "masters in commercial theatre producing" since that's what it feels like! And since I've worked at this job longer than I've attended any one school, I feel so comfortable there and will really miss it. Since I began immediately following college, I have practically grown up there. And I haven't had a break without knowing what the "next step" is in... well, ever!
People's first question when I tell them I am leaving my job is, "Where are you going?" and I have said, "Well, I'm not sure yet" or "I don't have any SPECIFIC plans." In a way, I feel like I'm climbing a steep, spiraling staircase while blindfolded. I have no idea how many steps there are or what's at the top, and I just hope I'm at least on the right staircase.
Actually, I do have some specific plans (which I'll leave for a future blog post -- cliffhanger!) but they don't involve going somewhere from 9 to 6 every day, at least for the time being.
So come along for the journey if you like! I've never not known as much as I don't know now, so it might be entertaining to see what happens to me. Who knows? I certainly don't, and I love it.
Your friend,
Neener
(or Janine, J9, JM, J-Mac, Nee-Nee... I answer to many names)
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