but in a good way!!
It's been nearly a month since I blogged because I have had such a full schedule learning a new job, a new company, that I come home exhausted every night! The folks at work say it takes about a year before you're fully immersed and "know everything" ... just in time for things to change :0) Some things don't change in corporate culture! And amazingly in the first month I ran into someone who told me about the building's Stitch and B*tch Club that meets at lunch hour every week, so I have a place to actively get some of my projects done!
Sang at Temple twice, and one of those times I also read from Torah - 15 verses in Hebrew! Truly a blessing!! Was kept even busier that day because everyone was travelling (there was a conference in SoCal) so I was even asked to help with the liturgy. So happy that I was there to take on that responsibility. One visitor to the congregation said she loved our service and was so happy and blessed that she came.
Joyce came home a couple times from her dad's, to bring stuff back and forth, so I got to meet up with her and give her mail, get iced tea and chat. I miss seeing her every day.
Shows I saw with or starring friends: Steve and I went to the neighborhood park to usher an outdoor performance of Twelfth Night which I've never seen, and it was funny. But it got very cold so I had to leave during the second act after we had gotten all the patrons back and settled in. I also ushered a performance of 9 to 5 which had a ton of friends in the show and in the audience. I loved the part I was going to audition for; the gal who played it definitely made it her own! Caught a performance of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown with all 6 characters played by people I know! And it was a great production too. Of course!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
patience is a virtue!
while it's been more than two weeks since my last post, this post will be worthwhile. (did I mention patience already?) First, I attended two Dwell Services and three at Temple as well; and, at Temple, I read my entire portion in Hebrew! That was an incredible blessing, as I usually read between 6 and 9 verses, depending on where a paragraph ends in the selected reading; but this reading was 11 verses long, and there was no logical place to end it in the middle, so I just read it all!
Went for an audition in Pacifica (a one-hour drive each way!) for the comedy Noises Off, but was not even called back for the role I wanted. Had three opportunities to sing karaoke, which keeps me happy and healthy. Went to the callbacks for 1776, and got to read about 8 characters, which was fun because I love to read to Mama and do all the voices, so this was just like that! 36 hours later they offered me a role! I was so excited!! On July 4th they announced the cast of 26 women, and I will be playing the role of Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia. Apparently nearly 80 women had auditioned - this is a rare and very popular opportunity!!
Took my final two tech tours around the valley; they were small groups from Japan and Saudi Arabia, and both of them were very happy with their tours, as reported back to Shawn afterward. The leader of the Japanese tour had worked at YHP and Agilent, so we had things to talk about, and he was elated when (at the Computer History Museum) I introduced him to the oldest docent there, an early Fairchild employee, and offered to take his picture with him - finally someone who appreciates the history of the valley!
On June 30th, a very busy day - I had church, ushering and callbacks - I also helped Joyce load her car for the drive up to Elk Grove, where she'll be staying with her dad for the month of July. It was also one of the hottest days of the month! When it rains, it pours - figuratively obviously, as rain would have been welcome with the heat we'd been enduring!! And on the 4th of July I joined my mom and sister, and went to a BBQ at the home of a friend from Temple. Their poor LabraDoodle dog was not happy when the fireworks started.
For my last week "off" before I start working full time again, I got to have lunch with one of my theatre friends, Charles, and his adorable 2-year-old daughter - oh to have that kind of energy again! And I also had lunch with a former colleague from HP, Bob, and we caught up from our last visit together back in October.
Plays I've seen with or starring friends: I saw my Elvis friend Ron's kids in a very adorable production of Wonderland, in which I saw the Elvis wig that we had worn on his kid as he played a rockabilly Humpty Dumpty with some Rocka-Hula moves! :-) I also ushered for a sing-along showing of Sound of Music (the movie) which was a blast. The show was sold out so it was my job to make sure everyone moved in together, didn't leave empty seats, I ran up and down the queue of folks waiting generally entertaining them, informing them, etc. During breaks I chatted up Scott who was co-producing the production, and when the show was over he told his wife (his co-producer) I was "the best usher ever!" It's nice to be appreciated for just having a good time!
Went for an audition in Pacifica (a one-hour drive each way!) for the comedy Noises Off, but was not even called back for the role I wanted. Had three opportunities to sing karaoke, which keeps me happy and healthy. Went to the callbacks for 1776, and got to read about 8 characters, which was fun because I love to read to Mama and do all the voices, so this was just like that! 36 hours later they offered me a role! I was so excited!! On July 4th they announced the cast of 26 women, and I will be playing the role of Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia. Apparently nearly 80 women had auditioned - this is a rare and very popular opportunity!!
Took my final two tech tours around the valley; they were small groups from Japan and Saudi Arabia, and both of them were very happy with their tours, as reported back to Shawn afterward. The leader of the Japanese tour had worked at YHP and Agilent, so we had things to talk about, and he was elated when (at the Computer History Museum) I introduced him to the oldest docent there, an early Fairchild employee, and offered to take his picture with him - finally someone who appreciates the history of the valley!
On June 30th, a very busy day - I had church, ushering and callbacks - I also helped Joyce load her car for the drive up to Elk Grove, where she'll be staying with her dad for the month of July. It was also one of the hottest days of the month! When it rains, it pours - figuratively obviously, as rain would have been welcome with the heat we'd been enduring!! And on the 4th of July I joined my mom and sister, and went to a BBQ at the home of a friend from Temple. Their poor LabraDoodle dog was not happy when the fireworks started.
For my last week "off" before I start working full time again, I got to have lunch with one of my theatre friends, Charles, and his adorable 2-year-old daughter - oh to have that kind of energy again! And I also had lunch with a former colleague from HP, Bob, and we caught up from our last visit together back in October.
Plays I've seen with or starring friends: I saw my Elvis friend Ron's kids in a very adorable production of Wonderland, in which I saw the Elvis wig that we had worn on his kid as he played a rockabilly Humpty Dumpty with some Rocka-Hula moves! :-) I also ushered for a sing-along showing of Sound of Music (the movie) which was a blast. The show was sold out so it was my job to make sure everyone moved in together, didn't leave empty seats, I ran up and down the queue of folks waiting generally entertaining them, informing them, etc. During breaks I chatted up Scott who was co-producing the production, and when the show was over he told his wife (his co-producer) I was "the best usher ever!" It's nice to be appreciated for just having a good time!
Friday, June 21, 2013
great news!
to start off, I had a face-to-face job interview, which came from one of my many job apps that I have sprinkled all over the bay area. It wasn't with just one "face" either, but with 15 people in a department, and it lasted for 2-1/2 hours! I felt a really great rapport with everyone, and left feeling hopeful. I felt like this was "the job" I was waiting for so patiently. Just a week and a day later ... I got the call with the job offer!! Yes, I will be starting with Intel in early July - - many prayers answered :-D What was the most encouraging was that the recruiter told me this job req had been open for months (!) so they had been waiting a long time for me too!!
so that was the work front ... on the play front, I auditioned for an all-female version of the most-excellent musical 1776, and I was called back! So exciting. Ever since I saw the movie in the early 70's I have wanted to be in this show; I have watched several local productions, and been envious of my friends who have performed in it (all of them men). And now, there is a small possibility that I could finally be in it myself! Lots of worship this past week too; I sang and read at Temple. No karaoke though, because I had some conflicts, most particularly the last Board Meeting where I preside as President. My two-year term is complete and I can happily step down and let someone else take over. Got to see a friend performing in a funny French farce called Boeing, Boeing. Too hysterical! Glad I made the effort to go see him in it.
so that was the work front ... on the play front, I auditioned for an all-female version of the most-excellent musical 1776, and I was called back! So exciting. Ever since I saw the movie in the early 70's I have wanted to be in this show; I have watched several local productions, and been envious of my friends who have performed in it (all of them men). And now, there is a small possibility that I could finally be in it myself! Lots of worship this past week too; I sang and read at Temple. No karaoke though, because I had some conflicts, most particularly the last Board Meeting where I preside as President. My two-year term is complete and I can happily step down and let someone else take over. Got to see a friend performing in a funny French farce called Boeing, Boeing. Too hysterical! Glad I made the effort to go see him in it.
Monday, June 10, 2013
the more time passes, the more things change
Had some more maintenance done on my car that left me to my two-wheeled transportation, my trusty one-speed "coaster" bicycle. Found myself on a 10-mile trek one day! That ride alone made the bus a little more appealing ;-)
Took my mom to a doctor appointment where she got an ear-tube inserted into her ear. I remember when Joyce used to get those ... general anesthesia, lots of down-time. Now it's outpatient with lidocaine swabs for a local. How times change. Her doctor was a kick in the pants too. I'd complain of ear problems to get him for an appointment :-D
Joyce and I got really cheap tickets to see Green Day's American Idiot at the big performing arts center downtown. That was quite an event! We met another of our theatre friends there and had drinks before the show at a little speakeasy in the basement of a really old building ... very charming!
Attended Temple and Church over the weekend. Both messages were blessings, and just congregating with people of a like mind is so soothing for the soul. Even befriended a little girl, maybe 18 months, who mom and dad says she never goes to strangers, yet she plopped into my lap and fell asleep in my arms. It felt grand!
Got to talk to my dad on his 75th birthday! He's such a busy guy I was very happy when he answered the phone. Strange coincidence ... his 75th is also Johnny Depp's 50th .... yes, strange but true! One challenge I am going to have over the summer is Joyce needs a place to move to temporarily, so she'll be moving to her dad's for a couple months. I'll have to tough it out not seeing her, only texting her, for a little while. Ah, this to shall pass. Into each life some rain must fall. What are some other platitudes I can rattle around in my brain to while away the time.
Took my mom to a doctor appointment where she got an ear-tube inserted into her ear. I remember when Joyce used to get those ... general anesthesia, lots of down-time. Now it's outpatient with lidocaine swabs for a local. How times change. Her doctor was a kick in the pants too. I'd complain of ear problems to get him for an appointment :-D
Joyce and I got really cheap tickets to see Green Day's American Idiot at the big performing arts center downtown. That was quite an event! We met another of our theatre friends there and had drinks before the show at a little speakeasy in the basement of a really old building ... very charming!
Attended Temple and Church over the weekend. Both messages were blessings, and just congregating with people of a like mind is so soothing for the soul. Even befriended a little girl, maybe 18 months, who mom and dad says she never goes to strangers, yet she plopped into my lap and fell asleep in my arms. It felt grand!
Got to talk to my dad on his 75th birthday! He's such a busy guy I was very happy when he answered the phone. Strange coincidence ... his 75th is also Johnny Depp's 50th .... yes, strange but true! One challenge I am going to have over the summer is Joyce needs a place to move to temporarily, so she'll be moving to her dad's for a couple months. I'll have to tough it out not seeing her, only texting her, for a little while. Ah, this to shall pass. Into each life some rain must fall. What are some other platitudes I can rattle around in my brain to while away the time.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
a happy grad, and more!
busy times! again, it's been awhile since I blogged, because so much is going on! Survived all the performances with my Mandragola kids - some of whom are very needy - and got all the costumes taken apart, cleaned and put away. Another costuming line item for my theatre resume :-) [click a thumbnail to see a larger image]
attended the Mothers Day service at Dwell, where Pastor Jason asked him mom and wife to join him in delivering the message. That was very special. They also had a great mom-day poem that was delivered by many congregants, which brought tears to my eyes. I was so glad I woke up early to do this! Spent the rest of Mom-Day with other moms' kids (two performances of Mandragola) then ended the evening with my own kid having a beer and catching up at one of our fave pizza joints. Life is good!
while Gwen went to SoCal to attend a great-nephew's graduation, I spent 5 days staying with Nana. During that time I sang at Temple (one of two times this month) - which she loves to hear me sing; on Sunday Joyce joined us and we drove down to Santa Cruz to celebrate with friends at Elisha's graduation open house; and we went to both of Janet's concerts - the String Ensemble where she plays bass, and the Express Band where she played my French Horn this season. That was enough to wear Mama out, so the rest of the time we stayed home and watched TV.
Joyce was busy with finals the week we had Zombie Prom activities, so I handled them all solo. And once finals were done, it was time for Graduations! Both of them :-) First Joyce had a Thursday afternoon convocation with her department. Mama, Gwen and Woody joined me at that one, where I was able to videotape most of the speakers, and Joyce receiving her diploma! On Saturday, very early in the morning, I went to the stadium and got great seats in the padded - not aluminum bleachers - section reserved for season ticket holders, and Janet and I watched Joyce graduate, move her tassel over, with the rest of the school. Then the three of us joined Joanna, one of our theatre friends, for a leisurely lunch to celebrate the day. The following day, Mama, Gwen, Janet, and our chiropractor friend Dr. Ace had brunch at a very lovely historic locale here in San Jose.
spent a 1/2-day narrating another bus tech-tour, this one with several students from Moscow U - very fun! And as if all these activities weren't enough, I was able to get to karaoke twice, since that is my therapy activity :-) and get to the theatre to see friends performing in Funny Girl, which was very funny, and touching - made me laugh and cry.
attended the Mothers Day service at Dwell, where Pastor Jason asked him mom and wife to join him in delivering the message. That was very special. They also had a great mom-day poem that was delivered by many congregants, which brought tears to my eyes. I was so glad I woke up early to do this! Spent the rest of Mom-Day with other moms' kids (two performances of Mandragola) then ended the evening with my own kid having a beer and catching up at one of our fave pizza joints. Life is good!
while Gwen went to SoCal to attend a great-nephew's graduation, I spent 5 days staying with Nana. During that time I sang at Temple (one of two times this month) - which she loves to hear me sing; on Sunday Joyce joined us and we drove down to Santa Cruz to celebrate with friends at Elisha's graduation open house; and we went to both of Janet's concerts - the String Ensemble where she plays bass, and the Express Band where she played my French Horn this season. That was enough to wear Mama out, so the rest of the time we stayed home and watched TV.
Joyce was busy with finals the week we had Zombie Prom activities, so I handled them all solo. And once finals were done, it was time for Graduations! Both of them :-) First Joyce had a Thursday afternoon convocation with her department. Mama, Gwen and Woody joined me at that one, where I was able to videotape most of the speakers, and Joyce receiving her diploma! On Saturday, very early in the morning, I went to the stadium and got great seats in the padded - not aluminum bleachers - section reserved for season ticket holders, and Janet and I watched Joyce graduate, move her tassel over, with the rest of the school. Then the three of us joined Joanna, one of our theatre friends, for a leisurely lunch to celebrate the day. The following day, Mama, Gwen, Janet, and our chiropractor friend Dr. Ace had brunch at a very lovely historic locale here in San Jose.
spent a 1/2-day narrating another bus tech-tour, this one with several students from Moscow U - very fun! And as if all these activities weren't enough, I was able to get to karaoke twice, since that is my therapy activity :-) and get to the theatre to see friends performing in Funny Girl, which was very funny, and touching - made me laugh and cry.
Friday, May 10, 2013
a sneak preview
the set hadn't been completed yet, and the clown make-up hadn't been applied, but the costume pieces were all there for the final dress rehearsal:
When the set was finally completed, it looked like this:
Yes, the show is a mad, chaotic mess of color!!
When the set was finally completed, it looked like this:
Yes, the show is a mad, chaotic mess of color!!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
time passes, stuff happens
wow, it's been nearly a month since I really blogged. Not much going on, beside the 49ers Bash that I already blogged about. Got some more service done on my car, which was much needed to prevent a permanent breakdown. Was only carless for a day, so I made public transit work for me. Joyce and I got to spend a lot of quality time together, which always makes me happy. Had a couple opportunities for Wednesday night Karaoke, which is always fun. Some Wednesdays I have other responsibilities, like a Board meeting, so have to 'act like a grown-up' :0D Got to sing and read several times at Temple these last few weeks, which always makes me happy. Attended another Sunday service at Dwell as well, which was, again, wonderful ... <3 Pastor Jason! who again greeted me warmly before service, as well as another member of the music worship team who was with him. I really like it there!
preparations for Joyce's graduations are under way. I created the invitations - they are beautiful if I do say so - and mailed them out to family and friends. Now we just have to wait for end of May to 'make it so!' Joyce went dress shopping and found a real stunner. Pictures will be posted at the appropriate time :-)
we got some sad news too, one of Janet's horses had a tragic accident and died. Only 17 years old - Joyce had practically grown up with him, as she was six years old and first saw him on the day he was born. [ http://flamingeaux.com/album/early_joyce/image026.htm ]
meetings and preparations for two shows - Mandragola at KJHS, and Zombie Prom at SCP - are in full swing. Pictures coming soon for the kids' show, since my costume design is going to be quite spectacular! ZP will be auditioning at the end of the month, partially in conflict with the grad activities - of course! ... when it rains, it pours!
shows we've seen with or starring friends: I went downtown to see many friends in the production of Brigadoon. Even met the director of a show I wanted to be in, 9 to 5, and introduced myself. Saw more friends in a show called Babes in Hollywood, showcasing music performed by and during the era when Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were big stars - awesome performances by many of my friends. House managed a couple times at SCP for the production of Little Women - which of course made me cry, both happy and sad tears ... I love the book, music, musical - everything!
preparations for Joyce's graduations are under way. I created the invitations - they are beautiful if I do say so - and mailed them out to family and friends. Now we just have to wait for end of May to 'make it so!' Joyce went dress shopping and found a real stunner. Pictures will be posted at the appropriate time :-)
we got some sad news too, one of Janet's horses had a tragic accident and died. Only 17 years old - Joyce had practically grown up with him, as she was six years old and first saw him on the day he was born. [ http://flamingeaux.com/album/early_joyce/image026.htm ]
meetings and preparations for two shows - Mandragola at KJHS, and Zombie Prom at SCP - are in full swing. Pictures coming soon for the kids' show, since my costume design is going to be quite spectacular! ZP will be auditioning at the end of the month, partially in conflict with the grad activities - of course! ... when it rains, it pours!
shows we've seen with or starring friends: I went downtown to see many friends in the production of Brigadoon. Even met the director of a show I wanted to be in, 9 to 5, and introduced myself. Saw more friends in a show called Babes in Hollywood, showcasing music performed by and during the era when Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were big stars - awesome performances by many of my friends. House managed a couple times at SCP for the production of Little Women - which of course made me cry, both happy and sad tears ... I love the book, music, musical - everything!
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