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.