Domo Arigato

Last weekend, I traveled to Pittsburgh for my best friend from the Peace Corps, Lyndsey's, wedding. Lyndsey and I met on our first day at staging in Philadelphia. We ended up at the same site and wound up being next door neighbors. We were inseparable during training and stayed close even when we were assigned permanent sites on the opposite ends of the country. Lyndsey ended her service in December of 2012. I took her to the airport at 5:00am and that was the last time I saw her. We kept in touch, of course, and once I got back to the States, we struck up a habit of having a Tuesday evening phone call every week to touch base. 
When she approached me about being the photographer at her wedding, I was skeptical. I mean it's a big responsibility and I couldn't be more of an amateur photographer. But Lyndsey, in her ever-hippieness, said she didn't want anything formal and she liked the way I took photos as I seemed to capture moments instead of poses. I appreciated that and accepted. Plus it was a chance to see my friend who I hadn't seen in nearly two years. Also attending, were Lindsay and Conrad, my other friends from Peace Corps. We worked out sharing a hotel room near the venue and the plans were set. 
So last Thursday evening, I boarded a red eye plane for Pittsburgh. Although I have lived in Pennsylvania growing up, I had never been to Pittsburgh. People don't realize just how big the state is and growing up, Pittsburgh seemed like the other side of the world. I landed around 6am and I was going to take the public bus into the city, the Oakland section, where Lyndsey would pick me up and we would go to breakfast. As it was a very short trip, this would be our only one on one time. All went as planned. Oakland is the section of Pittsburgh with the 3 Universities of Carlow, Carnegie Mellon and Pitt. It is so beautiful and clean and flying in from a CA heat wave, the weather was crisp and perfect. I got off the bus at the designated stop and met Lyndsey. She immediately launched into a story about traffic and how she forgot it was Friday instead of Saturday and I just started laughing and said "Uh...HI?!?!?" She laughed and we hugged. We talk so much, it felt like no time had passed. She asked what I wanted for breakfast and I said I just wanted a little hole in the wall place with a grill right in front of me and she said she knew the place. We walked into a little place where the cook "Mama Rose" made me an omelette filled with bacon, ham and cheese with a side of rye toast slathered in butter and a bunch of fresh home fries. It was heaven. And Lyndsey and I got to talk for about an hour. She was of course panicking because all she really wanted was for everyone to have a good time. Upon leaving, I revealed to Mama Rose that Lyndsey's wedding was the following day. It was outside and we were worried for rain. Mama Rose leaned over and said "Kid, I'm gonna tell you two things: 1 - Don't ever go to bed angry. You just never know when the other person won't wake up. And 2 - If it rains tomorrow? Dance in the fucking rain." I laughed. It was just SO Pennsylvania and I loved it. Lyndsey gave her a big hug and we left. She took me to her place that she shared with her husband (they had gotten married in a secret ceremony the day before at city hall). I had met Art when he came to Moldova to visit her and I adored him. They are, after all, basically the same person. He too was filled with anxiety but most of all, they were just both excited. Lyndsey showed me to the basement where there was a guest room and she invited me to crash for a few hours as she scurried around running errands. I gratefully accepted. I woke up around 2:00 and chatted with Art until Lyndsey and her maid of honor, Jess returned from the nail salon. We sat and had lunch together. Afterwards, Art drove me over to the hotel so I could check in and meet up with Lindsay and Conrad so that we could all go out together that evening. Got to the hotel and checked in and was able to shower and get ready. Lindsay and Conrad arrived about an hour later. 
Lyndsey and Art stopped by the hotel to give us a ride and there we were: All together again. :)
In downtown Oakland there was a small street festival going on so we just walked around and hung out. The four of us had never done so in an American city so it was really nice. But the prize was Primanti Brothers. A sandwich place established in the 30's, Primanti invented putting fries and coleslaw on the sandwich. They made their money by having the novel idea of staying open past 2am when the bars close. Munchies = $$. They took me there because it was literally my only request of the weekend. And it did not disappoint. I ordered a pastrami sandwich but also got to sample a ham sandwich, a capicola and egg sandwich, a roast beef sandwich and a turkey sandwich. Thank goodness for friends who share. It was delightful. 
Lindsay and Conrad had driven 5 hours, I had been traveling, Lyndsey hadn't slept basically all week so we decided to make it an early night and headed back around 9:30. I think we were all asleep by 10.
The next morning we woke up around 10, nothing like a good 12 hour sleep! Lyndsey and Art were heading to the park to decorate. The wedding was being held in Schenley park and the reception was in the Vietnam Memorial pavilion. So they were decorating the whole thing and then had to tear it all down that night. We volunteered to assist. Lindsay and Conrad LOVE walking place so I begrudgingly went with them. It was not a short walk and it was mostly uphill so I wasn't 'pleasant' but I got over it. We helped decorate for a good few hours. We left at 1:00 to go grab some lunch before the wedding. Lyndsey's parents were staying at the hotel as well and when she arrived, she called me down to their room to take some photos. We all headed out together and up to the wedding to begin at 3:00. 
It was in a little grove in the park surrounded by trees overlooking the city. And lo and behold, the skies were blue and there was no rain. It was perfect. They stood together and said their vows as their friend married them and everyone was just happy. It was a strange feeling everyone being so happy. I jumped in a car with Lyndsey and Art for a half hour as we drove around the park and took photos in various places at their request before we  headed back to the reception. It was a huge Italian feast and we scarfed it down and then the dancing began. And it didn't stop. It ranged from hip hop line dances to Art's brother singing Frank Sinatra, to two elderly ladies getting down to the Jackson Five to the highlight of the night, a semi-strip tease to Styx' "Mr. Roboto." It was just 6 hours of pure joy. Hard to explain the feeling, I'm not all that familiar with it. :)
The plan was to go back to the hotel and change and then go out to keep celebrating but... after 6 hours of rootbeer moonshine, we didn't make it out of the hotel room. We had been standing since basically 10 that morning and none of us moved. I was a little sad as I would not get a chance to say goodbye to the happy couple but then, goodbyes suck so it was kind of a relief.
Sunday morning came all too quickly. I woke up at 8 and had to catch the bus back to the airport for a flight at 11. I will see Lindsay in San Diego in 2 weeks as she has a conference and Lyndsey and Art are coming at the end of October for a wedding. So all is not lost.
I am in love with the city of Pittsburgh. Sure, it was perfect weather and it was a joyous occasion but it was a perfect weekend. The only bump was my connection in Houston. As we landed on time but got stuck on the runway for an hour waiting for a gate. I had 9 minutes (yes 9) to get to my connection before they closed the doors. Yay, running! Somehow, I made it. I'm not quite sure how.

Lyndsey with her Dad.

Lyndsey with her parents.

The Pavilion

The window ready for guest signatures

Decorations

The bride and groom.

So silly!

The epic performance of "Mr. Roboto."

Throwing the key to their love lock over the bridge.

MARRIED!

My favorite.

Dance battle.

Cookie Table

Learning to do "The Wobble."

So I got 48 hours with my closest friends from Peace Corps. It's funny how we spent 2 years desperate to get back home to our friends. And now, we spend most of our time figuring out how we're going to see each other again.

525,600 Minutes...

Well, it's official; I've been back in the U.S. for over a year now. It's hard to believe that it has gone so fast. I came back to Los Angeles not knowing what to expect, really, but I gave myself a year to figure it out. And honestly? I think I'm in pretty good shape.
It was rough for a while, but my goodness do I have good friends. I can't count the number of people who helped me out while I looked for a job. But I finally got one...or two..or three.
The main one; another cosmetics company. Never in a million years did I think I'd go back into the beauty industry but it's funny how paying rent and eating creep up on you. However, it's been great. I really like my job. Plus, I'm working on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. I've dreamed of that since I watched Melrose Place back in the 1990's. 
With a job, comes a paycheck and being able to start the long process of repaying people and catching up on bills is satisfying in its own right. 
With that, I'll be moving into my own place in October as my one year lease sharing the apartment with the boys sadly comes to an end. They will be working toward their dream of owning their own home. I will miss them, but they need to do what they need to do. 
I am also still stage managing at the Rogue Machine Theatre. I LOVE this theatre company and am so humbled every time they ask me to be a part of a production there. I believe they are one of the best theatres in Los Angeles and the fact that I get to be merely associated with them is an honor. 
Lastly, I have been freelance writing for Broadway World in their new TV section. I recap shows, (That you probably don't watch) and publish the night the episode airs. I LOVE it. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be but it's super cool. This is my link. Everytime you click on it, I get 'page clicks' which helps my profile get bumped up in the Google Search or you can click on subscribe to author alerts at the bottom and they'll email you everytime I publish. Isn't that exciting? 

Broadway World TV Recaps

So things are going well. Like really well. It's weird to be so incredibly busy, a sensation I'm not used to but it is exhilarating.
In two weeks, I will be traveling to my best friend from Peace Corps, Lyndsey's, wedding. I'm so excited as I have not seen her in nearly two years. 
Other things looking forward to in September: Labor Day BBQ with the Chino crew, an evening seeing my favorite podcast "How Did This Get Made" live just to name a few. I hope September will be as great as August has been to me.
This year has been an unexpected adjustment into seeing my life, my friends, my family and my country from a whole different perspective. Every single day, I see something new and intriguing. We're so lucky.

"Phone call from God...if it had been collect, it would have been daring."

I have been hit with some surprising emotions in regards to the death of Robin Williams. I think the world has. He’s been a part of our lives for nearly 5 decades and there is at least one movie that holds a memory for everyone. I’ve been seeing a lot of posts regarding 'Aladdin' and 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and naturally, 'Good Will Hunting,' the one that finally got him that elusive Oscar. But for me, these were my two favorites:

When I was in 7th/8th grade, one of my friends, Bert invited us all to his house every Friday night. During Football season we were all at the football games but on Saturday nights we were at Bert’s. His family had money. And they had a luxury basement with a giant (for the 80’s) TV where we could all watch stupid movies and be the obnoxious 13 year olds that we were. Our favorite without a question was, Good Morning, Vietnam. That movie was elevated to an almost Rocky Horror-esque state where we all said the lines along with the movie and got really excited for our favorite parts. I can still hear my friend, Alfredo, reciting Robin Williams monologues verbatim. It wasn’t only a great movie, but it was for me, the first glimpse into Vietnam. Yes, I was alive during the 70’s but this was the first movie I watched that addressed. My brothers had taken me to Apocalypse Now when I was little but shockingly, as a 5 year old, I didn’t quite get it. I had no interest in Platoon, not when Ferris Bueller and Top Gun were in the same theaters. So Good Morning, Vietnam was my intro. Learning the conditions in the jungle, the politics, the absolute powerlessness the media had to report what was going on and it really did spark my interest in learning about Vietnam and the 60’s in general. But mostly I remember sitting in a furnished basement in front of a huge television on a bean bag with all my friends drinking Jolt Cola and laughing so hard that my stomach would hurt for days. Those final days before we all hit high school and went our separate ways into our respective groups. Even if we remained friends, it was never quite that tight knit as it was on those Saturday nights at Bert’s house. I wore out the soundtrack. I wound up buying the cassette three times because I kept wearing it out. And still to this day when I see it, I can hear my friends reciting the lines along with it. 

The second one was my junior year of high school. My brother had just moved back from going to school in California. One week night during the summer he said “Let’s go to a movie.” For us, that was a big deal. We lived in a small town and ‘going to a movie’ involved getting in the car and driving about 45 minutes over ‘the mountain’ to the thriving metropolis of Scranton. Not to mention that he said this at 9:00 at night. I looked at him like he was crazy and he explained that movie theaters have shows later than 7:00. Ah, the innocence of 17. We looked at the movie times and he said he really wanted to see this movie 'Dead Poets Society' even though it sounded really boring to me. It was playing 11:30pm. I just hoped I could stay awake. I mean a 2 hour movie about poetry? When we arrived, we were the only two people there. I guess midnight movies aren’t as popular in Scranton, Pennsylvania as they are in California. It was a private showing for just the two of us. And as soon as it began and we were introduced to this boys school in New England I was sucked in. We didn’t speak for the entire 2 hours. This was rare, I mean we’re Italian, we never shut up. But we were both riveted. I cried at many points during the film  in the obvious places but the scene that got to me the most was when Robin Williams confronted a young, shy, Ethan Hawke and forced him to make the sound of a “Yawp” in front of the class to ‘ find his voice.’ He did too, even though he wouldn’t admit it, he did. We didn’t talk for most of the ride home. It was nearly 3:00am when we pulled back into our town. As we neared our house he said to me, “You know you can talk to me about anything, anytime, right?” I nodded. And he said “Anything, no matter what. I won’t tell Mom, I won’t tell anyone.” I nodded. And he said “Jenn…I’m serious. High school blows. And sometimes, so does life. But I’m always gonna be here.” I said, “I know.” And he nodded and said, “Cool.” And that was the last we spoke of that movie. Until 3 years later at my college graduation when they announced my name and as I walked across the stage I just heard “YAWP!” I looked around and made eye contact with my brother and just saw his arm in the air with a giant thumbs up sign. I laughed. That scene had done the same for him and yet we had never spoke about it.

These are just my two most prevalent memories and in thinking of them both now, I reminisced and laughed and smiled and was saddened. What a tragic loss and reminder of to never ever think you know the struggles someone else is experiencing no matter how big their smile is on the outside. I’ll miss him. I miss everyone in the aforementioned stories. 

YAWP!

This is 41

So for the first time in 4 years, I had a birthday in the US. Yes, I was one of the lucky Peace Corps volunteers that had 3 birthdays in Moldova. This being my first birthday back, it was just what was needed. No real fanfare, just nice times with friends. 
The night before my birthday, I got a surprise call from Larisa from my last play. She and Caroline, also from my last play, were near and wanted to take me out to dinner to celebrate. So I got a girls' night out. It was so nice to see the two of them and catch up.
The next morning, Diane came up and took my out to brunch. Our good old fashioned breakfasts, how I've missed those. Came back home and napped after a big meal. Woke up to my roommates cooking me dinner. Steaks marinated in bacon. So the day was spent eating and sleeping. Not a bad birthday to me! 
Small Parts (the one man show) opened. It has been a stressful process but I'm glad it's up and running. There were only 6 performances and now we only have 2 left. The Fringe Festival is an interesting event. It's just constant theatre, but it's rigid. For instance there are 4 shows a day at the theatre we are at. So our show runs an hour and a half. We don't get into the theatre until a half hour before curtain and we have to be out on the dot an hour and a half later. We don't have a huge load in/load out, but there's a lot to do and everyone gets really impatient. It's...an experience.
But then Thursday, my dear friend Andrew took me to the Geffen Playhouse to see their new play and it was a star-studded cast. I went with a group of his friends and we had a blast! We met a bunch of the cast and had fun at the after party and the next day we were splattered all over their website. They were incredibly excited to meet Blythe Danner. I, however, was very excited to meet Scott Foley as I've been a fan of his since Felicity in the late 90's. He could NOT have been sweeter and more gracious and I was just in heaven. Another gentleman in the play was on the TV show LOST and LOVED my tattoo. Take THAT, haters!

Andrew, LOST Actor Eric Lange and me.

The boys with Blythe Danner

Our group with actor, Eric Lange and Marketing Director of the Geffen, Karen Gutierrez.

Me and my long-time crush, Scott Foley.

Floating on cloud nine, I woke up the next morning and drove out to Chino. I met Deb and Jena for lunch as we caught up for 3 hours while watching the World Cup. Well, I watched the World Cup, they couldn't have cared less.

From lunch, I rushed over to the movie theatre to meet Juli and Jason Jones. We decided to go see Jersey Boys, or I should say I requested to see it. The movie was okay. Obviously, the stage show is better, but they did a good job. It was still a great story. I just think they took too long to get to the music and that's why we went. Regardless, it's always a fun time with the Joneses. From there we headed to dinner where Diehl and my friend, Kathryn (and her dog) joined us. Kathryn had been to this place in Chicago and was thrilled they had opened one in Chino so she recommended it. And I NEVER doubt her food knowledge. It was called "Al's Italian Beef". I had a roast beef sandwich covered in provolone and hot peppers and they dip the entire sandwich in gravy. On the side, Diehl and I split loaded fries. It was heaven. For dessert we headed over to a new place called Frost Bites which mixes Ice cream and Italian Ice. A delicious and enjoyable evening.

Me, Kathryn, Lily (the Dog) and Juli.

From there, Diehl and I went, where else? The Cock-A-Doodle. That's right. Couldn't have a birthday celebration without going there. A bunch of our friends me there and I was showered with cards and wishes and it was just delightful. I was very happy to be back in the US.

Jeff, Me, Josh and Diehl.

Diehl and his struggle to cut the Ice Cream cake.

The Gang Back together. 

Had 2 more shows on Saturday and Sunday and got lots of rest and now, it's back to the job hunt. It just never ends. 
Keep good thoughts. And thanks for all the birthday wishes.

June, the middle name of one of my favorite babies.

Another fun week here in lala land. Friday was the beginning of Pride weekend here in West Hollywood. It was insane. I stayed in the apartment. I had rehearsal Friday night and when I got home I had to park over a mile away. Nothing makes me happier than walking...

Anyway, one cool thing was that I was lying in bed Saturday evening listening to the noise and someone was blaring the Dreamgirls soundtrack really loudly. My roommate, Derek, came home and told me that it was not, in fact, the soundtrack, it was Jennifer Hudson down the street giving a concert. So, I guess that's something. 

On Saturday, I drove down to Chino for the day as my best friend, KT, was in town for the weekend and it was the only day I had to see her. Not to mention, I haven't seen baby Genevieve since she was 2 days old. I would show you pics, but KT doesn't put pics of her child on the internet so I will respect that. She is damn cute though. Trust me on that one. KT and I and her family and friends had a great day laughing, busting on each other, the same old story. I had to leave for rehearsal in the early afternoon and had to get on the freeway to get past the Staples Center before the hockey game let out. It all worked out well and I got everywhere on time.

Sunday morning, Juan and Derek woke up early and made a beautiful variation of Eggs Benedict and made what we called "We-Ho Benedict" which was biscuits, sausage, arugula, tomatoes and poached eggs covered in Hollandaise sauce. It was delectable. They headed up to the Pride parade and I headed to rehearsal. Since the roads were all closed for the parade, a 15 minute drive turned into an hour and a half. Yay. We had another rehearsal for "Small Parts" but I got out of there on time and home in time to watch the Tony's. What a glorious show. Is there a better awards show out there? There wasn't a performance, okay maybe one, that wasn't perfect. (I just don't think that was the best choice to showcase, Rocky). Anyway, Hugh Grant, charming as ever, Audra MacDonald, a legend, Carole King appearing, Neil Patrick Harris stealing the show as always, it was just wonderful. We had a blast watching it. (On a side note, one major gripe: I think we can cut out the anniversary performances i.e. Cabaret, Wicked or the previews for next season and maybe show some tech awards. Let's not forget that without set designers, lighting designers, sound designers, costumers and choreographers, you would not have a show. My two cents)

Monday night I took Ethan, Grant and Chris (Grant's roommate) to see Gruesome Playground Injuries. It was nice to be back at the Rogue Machine Theatre. It just makes me happy there. I introduced them to the tech designer and he showed them around and the set for the new show "Penelope" opening next week. Since they're all theatre geeks and tech nerds, they loved every second of it. They all enjoyed the play a lot. Always nice to be reinvigorated.

Yesterday "Small Parts" opened. It went pretty well considering that was the actual first time we've ever run through the whole thing. George Chakiris came to see it (Bernardo from West Side Story). He looks pretty damn good for his age. So it was another exciting night in Hollywood.

The World Cup starts tomorrow. And yesterday was 4 years since Dad died. It's funny, the one memory i have from that time is the World Cup. My brother John and I were crashing on brother Bob's couch and every morning we woke up to the sound of those damn vuvuzelas from the South Africa World Cup. It was the strangest sound and yet it always made me laugh because it was just so damn weird. It was a terrible time and yet a fun time just having sleepovers with my brothers. A lot has changed in four years. A lot. But those mornings are fresh in my mind. I miss everyone, especially those who aren't in my life anymore regardless of what took them away from me. 

Up next? My birthday! (applause) Plans? Nope. 

Be back soon.

<3

June is busting out all over...almost.

How is it June already? How is this year nearly half over?
So "Be a Good Little Widow" ended its run on Sunday. It was sad, but it was time to be done. After it was over, we had the fastest strike I have ever been a part of. The audience filtered out at 4:30pm. By 4:50 the entire stage was bare. It was remarkable. The world of professional theatre. 
From there we headed to Sara (the director/producer) and CB's (the producer/sound designer) house for the wrap party. It was also CB's birthday so there was a nice mix of industry people there. They live in a cute house in Studio City with an amazing backyard that includes a guest house, a pool house (the game, not the swimming kind) and a camping tent set up with all the amenities. It was cool. They had a full spread of bbq and drinks and we had a lovely afternoon/evening wrapping up our time together. I really enjoy these people and had a wonderful time with them.

Donovan, Sara, Caroline, Andrew, Larisa and Trey.

Phil, Larisa, Donovan, Trey and myself saying goodbye.

The next day, I got to go see one of the opening performances of the next play I worked on "Gruesome Playground Injuries." It was remarkable. One of the best plays I've seen. I got a designer cred as I did the props for them. It is running through July and I'm so proud to have been a part of it.

One of my proudest props, a stone owl for one of the actors. Our insanely talented tech director, David Mauer aged him to look like he had lived on the roof for a century.

Designer Cred!

And on Tuesday, at long last, I got to see the Piano Man, Billy Joel in concert at the Hollywood Bowl. The last time I saw him was 1994 at Giants Stadium. His voice sounds exactly the same. He was remarkable and it was a blast.

Lots of lights!

Post-show glow!

But enough fun, back to work. Resumed rehearsals for "Small Parts" the one-man show for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1706

It's complicated with 150 cues in 75 minutes, but it's fun and as usual, the people are great. I think I've been really lucky in that I like nearly everyone I meet.

Thursday night, quick break as my dear friend Erin was in town from Prague and she and Holly (roommate from Moldova) and I reunited for the first time since June, 2012. It was a much needed girls night, even though they dragged me out of my house at 9:00pm, I was happy I went. These girls are family.

Me, Erin and Holly on Santa Monica Blvd.

So that's been my week. I have a rare day off today and then it's into tech week for 'Small Parts' to get ready for opening. 
And now: June!

Holy shit, it's almost summer.

Soooo...I haven't written on here in a long time. Maybe you've noticed. But the good news is, it's because I've been busy. So let's catch up, shall we? Back to February...

• Oscars - It was so nice to get to watch the Oscars in Los Angeles instead of at 3am trying desperately to stay awake to see Best Picture. Best friend, Diehl and his roommate, Josh held a party and I got to hang out with the Chino crew which was just delightful. It's so nice to hang out with people who are as crazy about this night as you are. We had a great time. We all sang along to "Wind Beneath My Wings", we danced to "Happy", we cheered for "Frozen" it was wonderful. We also held a prediction contest in which Diehl and I tied. After all this time, still in sync. I enjoyed the evening as well as the telecast. I am always a fan of Ellen Degeneres, thought the winners were richly deserved and even though my favorite of the nominees, "Dallas Buyers Club" didn't take home the big prize, the actors were awarded and "12 Years a Slave" truly was the best movie of the year. But it was worth it all to spend the night with my movie-obsessed pals again.

Diehl and I with our prediction win!

And then in March...

• Hawaii - Yeah, I freaking went to Hawaii. Never really had any desire to go, I'm not a 'beach' person. My dear friends, Juli and Jason, decided to renew their wedding vows after 20 years of marriage. These two are more in love than anyone I have ever seen. They invited me along and as much as I wanted to, it just wasn't possible. But then, I live with flight attendants so I could get there...and there was a room available...so, what the hell? I dragged (quite willingly) Diehl along with me and boy did we have a blast. We were there for 6 days and took in the sights and it was amazing. WHY didn't I ever want to go here? It was unlike anything I had ever seen. Truly beautiful.

Reuniting with our college friend from Kutztown University, Amy.

Enjoying the sights.

A rainbow, the morning of the wedding.

Juli and Jason wedding.

Jeremy, my ex-boss taking selfies on the beach.

Jerrod, my ex-boss, my friend, Jules and her son, Logan.

Logan, such a snuggle bug.

Best friends for 21 years now.

A mini-Too Faced reunion on the beaches of Maui.

Standing on top of Mount Haleakala, 10,000 feet up!

Whale Watching indeed!

• Stinking Rose - This is an all garlic restaurant I have wanted to go since I moved to LA back in the 1990's. My dear friends Gracie and Patty came up to LA with Another friend, Ken to see "The Book of Mormon." Afterwards, Juan and Derek and our visiting friend, Julia met them at this place for dinner. It was a delightful evening as Gracie treated me to my first dinner at this place. A night I shall never forget, especially the garlic ice cream. Don't judge it, until you try it.
• PCV Reunion #1 - My roommate from Moldova has returned to So-Cal. I haven't seen her since I left Moldova in July. From Moldova, she went on to teach English in Indonesia. She came to NY for a wedding in March and then came home and surprised her family. I headed down there to spend a few days and it was like no time had passed. It was a little surreal as the two of us have never known each other in the U.S. much less California so sitting with her at In-n-Out was strange but it was cool. 

And then in April...and May...

• Gruesome Playground Injuries - The Rogue Machine hired me again, this time to do props for their newest production. It was my first time as an actual 'designer' but it was a lot of fun. When someone hands you a check and says 'go shopping', it's nice. The play is amazing. It opens this weekend and it's honestly one of the best things I've seen in this area. Come see it! https://roguemachine.secure.force.com/ticket/#details_a0NF000001FRCNZMA5

Actors Jules Willcox and Brad Leischer.

• Be a Good Little Widow - I was also hired to be the stage manager for another show this time in North Hollywood. Andrew, the producer that I met through PC friends called me and asked me to do it. The show ran for 6 weeks and again starred some familiar faces in the Hollywood scene so I was in my glory. Having been there now for almost two months, I truly love these people and have gotten to hobnob with a bunch of celebrities over Chardonnay...talk about a dream come true. I really love the professional theatre scene in LA. 

Opening night with Pretty Little Liars stars, Larisa Oleynik and Ian Harding.

• The Mets visit Angels Stadium - This doesn't happen very often as the Mets usually play the Dodgers. So imagine my glee when they were coming to Angels Stadium. My first baseball game out here since I've been back and I get to see my Mets play and NOT have to go to Dodgers Stadium. The thing is...nobody told the METS about it. So I was treated to seats in the Posh Diamond Club where there's a gourmet meal beforehand, in seat service which means there's a menu and waiters at your seats and while enjoying all this, my dear sweet, Mets get slaughtered 14-2. 14 to freaking 2! It was humiliating. This was also the last day of the Masters so by inning 6, myself, along with a great many others wearing Mets paraphernalia were in the Diamond Club watching Bubba win the Masters.

My incredible seat, my favorite player, David Wright. 14-2!!!!!!

• Easter Dinner - For years before I had left, Diehl and I always made a point to have Easter Dinner together. Neither of us really care about the holiday, and most of our west coast friends spend it with family so it was always just an excuse for us to have a dinner at a place we normally wouldn't. In the past few years, our friends Deb and Larry have been joining us. So this year, Deb and Larry decided to come out to North Hollywood to see "Be a Good Little Widow" since I had a performance on Easter Sunday. We made plans to have dinner after that. Diehl had intended on joining us but he couldn't make it. We took this opportunity to go somewhere exotic. Diehl doesn't exactly like too much international cuisine. We decided on an Afghani restaurant in Pasadena. I had never had Afghani food before but I love trying different cuisines, as do Deb and Larry. After the show, we headed there. It was a tiny place and the lovely waitress was extremely patient with us and explained all the dishes. Everything we ordered was amazing, the service was impeccable and I even was inspired to write a review online. I encourage everyone to try international cuisines. There's so much out there. And it's so much easier giving money to family businesses than chain restaurants. I should know...my brother owns the best one. ;)
• PCV Reunion #2 - As the month finished, I got two familiar visitors, my friends Lindsay and Conrad from the Peace Corps. It was Conrad's birthday, they were itching to travel, Conrad was dying to surf in the Pacific so they just made a long weekend out of it. It's weird just how at ease I feel when PCV's visit. It just feels familiar and comfortable. So they only stayed with me for one night as they went gallivanting around the city. Jessica came over and the four of us made dinner and drank wine just like we were in the middle of Eastern Europe. We made our old standbys, Buffalo Chicken Dip and Blue Cheese Burgers. It felt just good.

So what's next?

Be A Good Little Widow ends this weekend. It's been a great run and I'm so happy with the connections that I have made there. Still on the job search. I work a lot and make some money but people still keep asking me why I'm not working. It's funny how if you don't have a desk or an office, people think you do nothing. I've had 3 theatre jobs in the professional theatre world in the last month. I'm doing what I went to school for, how many people can say that? I'm doing exactly what I came back here to do, not to mention what I moved out here to do in the first place. 

So, plans for what's next?

• Small Parts - A one man show that is a part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival taking place in June. I am the stage manager. Had our first rehearsal today and it's really cool.
• Billy Joel - My dear cast and Producers of Be a Good Little Widow got me tickets to go see Billy Joel play at the Hollywood Bowl next week. I drive by all the time and wanted to go badly so imagine my tear-filled surprise when I opened up a card from them last weekend. These are good people. And I'm so excited. I only saw him once in concert and that was in 1994. It was the best concert I had ever seen as he performed with Elton John. It was a special night with one of my favorite people who I still dearly miss, every day.
• Eric - My dear nephew has an internship in Boulder, CO so at some point I'll be trying to get him out here to LA for the weekend. It's always nice when family gets to see my world every once in a while.
• 4th of July - Celebrating the birth of our country IN our country. Huh, what a novel concept. I was invited to Northern California for a party with some Hollywood types, but I don't know if I'll be able to go. But who knows? Stranger things have happened (Hawaii, anyone?)
• Family - The family is good. Miss them as always. Brother Bob and Sister Jill keep me updated of the goings-on at the restaurant to make me feel like I'm there. I'm so thrilled that my nephews and nieces are such a part of my life that I text them and tweet them daily. Adore them. Mom and Leroy, true to form, are way busier now than they ever were when they had jobs. If you thought retirement would slow them down, you don't know them. My step dad, Leroy had to go in for some surgery and it's taking him longer to recover. My parents are in their 70's now. It's weird to think of your parents as mortal. But he is going to recover, it's just going to take time. I'm not a praying gal but I send good thoughts his way every day. 

So that's what's up with me. All right, 2014...I gotta get better at keeping this updated. My promise to you. Nice catching up.