Small Setbacks

So ... I love this city. I love its energy, its people, its opportunity. I have been meeting people, making business relationships, and going on auditions. The city makes me incredibly tired though. All of the walking and carry the day's necessities on my back has started to take its toll on my lower back and hips. I am exhausted by the end of the day, but I sleep like a baby. I feel so at home.

However, today I went to an open chorus call for a Broadway show and completely freaked out. I was #151 and knew that I wouldn't be seen for another 3.5 hours so I decided instead of changing into my auditions dress, I would just sit and watch the other ladies. And this is when I the Vampire of Self-Doubt starts talking to me. They are all so much more prepared and put together than I am. Hair curled, show-period appropriate dresses, skinny buff bods and looking every bit the Broadway chorus gals that I am not. So I left. And didn't go back. I knew that if I had stayed I would not have done well and would have felt horrible about myself.

And the thing is, I felt smooshy for about an hour, but then I felt great that I didn't stay. Because I got a lot of life stuff accomplished this afternoon and actually learned what I needed to about where the bar is set at these auditions. Tomorrow I will know. Tomorrow I will stay and blow those skinny bitches out of the water.

Daily Activities for My Career:
Last Tuesday - Met with a coach/manager
Wednesday - Submitted headshots and resumes
Thursday - Went to the Equity building and picked up my card so I could audition
Friday - First NYC audition as an Equity member! Go team
Saturday - Supported my friends by going to see two shows (one out in Brooklyn, the other out in Queens. I'm a great friend)
Sunday - "Brief Encounter" matinee and was completely inspired and reminded of the reason I do theatre.
Today - One great audition, one attempt audition that resulted in valuable info for the future

Mm ... For the Smell of It

So .. Tonight I saw my first opera ... in HD in the Lincoln Center plaza outside of the Met. I was a filmed version of the Met's production of Carmen by Bizet and it was fan-fucking-tastic. How have I gone 32 years and never experienced an opera? It's beautiful music, beautiful costumes, and tons of drama. It's like every Saturday night of my life!

But as I was sitting on my pillow in front of the fountain in front of Lincoln Center, I was hit with the realization of how much I love the smell of a city. As I sat there, I caught whiffs of steak, and perfume, and Thai food, and wine and dirt and industry. And it all mingled into this unforgettable and delicious smell. I know it sounds crazy, but I LOVE that smell.

When I lived in Chicago, I lived at 863 W Roscoe with a gal pal from college. And one beautiful spring day, I opened a window and took a deep breath and remarked about how much I loved the smell of the city. She very plainly explained to me how much of a freak I was (and apparently still am). Not long after, she moved out to the suburbs where the cleaner smell of fresh cut grass and oxygen are much more prevalent. However, for me, the smell of cities are like pheromones. I crave it. It's home to me.

Daily Activity for My career:
Being inspired by a production at the best opera house in America. What more do you need?

The New Beginning

So ... I made it to NYC and I am writing on my couch as I listen to the music from a block party a few streets away. I love this town! I am loving my neighborhood, how easy it is to get around in this city AND I love that I have so many good friends close by.

Last night, I met up with about 8 good friends from my grad school days, some I had seen recently, some I hadn't seen in about 4 years! But it was great to reconnect with everyone and to know that we are all still following our dreams in this biz in some capacity.

And now for my challenge: One thing everyday for my career? Hm, that seems to have gone by the wayside, hasn't it? Well, there is nothing set in stone that says I can't start over. I am giving myself the weekend to continue settling in and then I will hit it on Tuesday!

PS - A big ol' black lady just walked past my window singing to Jesus at the top of her lungs! That's the second person I've heard today just singing it out in public. And not for money. Just cuz it feels good to sing in the sunshine!