Wednesday's Idol

Oh my goodness. I just don’t get it. There were so many pathetic people that they put through. The sad stories and the bad singers. I don’t think there should be so many audition shows. I think two – two hours shows would be fine. Let us see the some good people and the best of the worst and then go on to the competition. I have had it! I am tired of the manipulation. I just want to see the singing contest. I can’t believe it.

Another Day at the Ranch

It was so tough to wake up this morning. I am eating so badly, I’m sure that I contributing to the malaise. I am changing the eating game when I get back to DC. Food is totally my enemy. I love it, I hate it. Bleh.

Anyway, I was late to the caucus meeting, I’m glad I made it. My new friend and Tourism mentor, George gave the group a list of leads – people to make contact with during the week. It will be tougher for me since I don’t have appointments, but I think I will be able to do follow up when I get home. More work to do, but I don’t mind.

I met a nice woman by the name of Katie. She has my same title over at Ford’s. She’s was really and spent most of the day together till she had to go to her appointments.

I met some cool people from Nederlander Group Sales. Once upon a time, I worked in the same building as Nederlander. The Group Sales Manager actually knew who I was. LOL. I guess I was a pretty memorable receptionist at Didney. Who knew? They wanted me to come out and have drinks with them. I don’t know what is wrong with me, but as much as I wanted to go out with them, I knew I couldn’t or rather, wasn’t going to. I have got to fix that.

Today’s luncheon was sponsored by the Branson, MO CVB. It was an incredible show, mostly country but really interesting. It makes me want to go visit the city. They have 100 shows there. The streets must be lined with theatres. If you need work in the theatre – that’s prolly the place to go. Even Sight and Sound is building a new theatre there. Pretty amazing stuff.

The coolest part was when they trotted out Andy Williams for the finale. Everyone at my table who knew who he was said “ I didn’t think he was still alive”. LOL. I am fan of old school standards singers, so I was stoked to see him and loved that he sang “The Shadow of Your Smile” and “Moon River” Come on! How great is that?

After some seminars ( I have taken enough seminars to get a professional development certificate J ). If I take a couple more I will completed the seminar portion of a professional certification program accrediated by the ABA. I am thinking about it. It cant hurt. George suggested that I join a committee at ABA and get more involved. As soon as I get an assistant, I can be more active in stuff like that.

My computer is still not connecting to the internet properly. I haven’t been able to check my work email. There are probably a jillion emails piling up. It will take me all day Sunday or Monday to clear it out. ARGH.

"Home" Again, "Home" Again

I just finished my Whataburger and I am settled back in my big bed at the hotel. I went to the Group Sales Box Office lunch. I met a nice lady from Louisiana and we sat together. She was very interested in theatre and goes to NYC once a year to see shows. She usually makes her choices based on the presentations she sees at conferences like the one we’re at. I can see why. The show was super neat!

But I am getting ahead of myself…. I headed toward the Texas Ballroom and found myself in a big crowd waiting to get in. When they opened the doors I experienced a real Texas stampede! LOL. I even mooed ;)

My new friend and I sat down at a table in the middle of the room. Lunch was already plated and sitting in front of us. The room was kind of dim so I didn’t really see what I ate. I think it was chicken and some kind of dirty rice and some yummy green beans. The show started about two minutes after we sat down. The show was composed of ten songs from current Broadway shows. It was all understudies – but only a theatre geek like me would know or care. The ten shows were Beauty and the Beast, The Color Purple, The Drowsy Chaperone, Hairspray, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Spamalot, Tarzan, …Spelling Bee and Wicked. It sold me on a couple of shows. I am planning a trip to NYC for a weekend to see the ABC Daytime Stars BC/EFA benefit show in February, so I am going to get a couple more shows in. Tarzan and The Color Purple are definitely in my future. If …Spelling Bee comes on tour to DC I would see that. It was funny.

After the lunch show, I went to a couple of seminars. I really liked them. One was about web marketing. She was a powerhouse and I plan on getting a couple of her books. The other was about being a good salesperson.

Then I boogied on down to the marketplace floor. This is where all the booths and stuff are. I went to the DC booth and ran into the guy who is repping the DC convention and tourism bureau. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. He started introducing me to people and giving me advice. It was fantastic! I felt like I was being taught something. I was being given access to this world that I was only on the periphery of. This is going to be alright.

Day One at the Conference

I was so nervous about going to the conference. It was unfamiliar territory and I was feeling unsafe. I walked slowly to the Gaylord Texan conference center. The massive parking lot also served as an aviary for birds I never saw …spooky.

The pathway to the hotel/center looked really lovely and natural…then I took a good look at the stones I was walking on and noticed that they looked a lot like something I had seen in Disney World. Ah fake “nature”. Do you know why everything is bigger in Texas? There is so much room! The highways are all wide and there’s room galore… and they aim to fill it. LOL.

I got to the lobby of the facility and a cheerful young cowpoke opened the door for me. “Good Morning Ma’am”. Ugh. At least he didn’t say “Howdy.” It took me about 15 minutes to find the registration booth. Then I spent another 15 minutes trying to find convince them that I had indeed registered for the event. I showed them the Amex statement and they printed me up a lovely name badge.

I went through the orientation process and the first educational session. It was really interesting and I felt better prepared for the week ahead. My challenge will be to both gain an appointment or two and to make some contacts. I get so nervous and so shy that it is a real problem. The other thing is that I was sent to this thing completely unprepared. This is a training trip for me. But it’s really valuable so far.

Well, I better type up my notes and go to bed. A full day of seminars and contact making. I am looking forward to the big lunch tomorrow. Group Sales Box Office is sponsoring it and that means – Broadway show snippets! Whoo hoo :)

Monday, Monday...

Things aren’t going so well this morning. I am having some stomach issues that are keeping me in the hotel room. I’ve missed some of the sessions this am but there are more this afternoon and for the next three days.

I am trying to make it to the conference in time for the Broadway lunch. It’s a chance for me talk to people who have an interest in theatre. I have about two hours to get my act together.

I am having issues with my computer. I don’t know what I did wrong, but I can’t get on the internet, which is a problem. Not only for my blogging, but I can’t check my work email – which multiply faster than rabbits in the spring. I feel disconnected. I don’t enjoy that.

On the upside, I can watch court shows while my stomach settles…

Dude...why cant I stop watching this?

Grease...You're the one that I want.

It's horrid... It's not realistic...It's everything I hate about popular culture... It's a mockery of my industry... and I CANT TAKE MY EYES OFF OF IT.

::shudder:: Oh the shame of it all.

Bacon!

There is bacon on the free breakfast buffet. ::cue celebratory music::

Perhaps I'll survive this.

I am totaly scared about this whole adventure. I feel like I dont know why I am here. I have to find some peace in the notion that God will carry me through this.

Today is pretty simple. I have to check in , sign up for some volunteer slots, try to find the DC people and volunteer for them as well and go to the opening meeting. They had sightseeing tours that were all full, so I think I will go buy snacks and bottled water for my room this afternoon. A nap would be nice too.

I have some "pitch prep" work to do so that should keep me pretty busy. I couldnt put it together at work - too busy.

There's a Matisse and Martini event at the Dallas Museums - I hope it is at the Gaylord and not in Dallas proper. I was planning to do the Dallas Museum of Art some time this week. Apparently, there is a fierce museum in Fort Worth too. I love a museum. :)

Okay, time to shower and brave the outside world. Wish me luck!

Big D

I am so tiiiiiiiired. So tired I can't actually articulate how tired I am.

I went to bed at 2:30am and got up at 6:00. The flight was totally fine - I sat next to a delightful couple from Dallas. I got my bags and had a nasty suprize at the car rental place.

No one told me I had to pay for the car when I picked it up. Grrrr. I thought it was all taken care of like the hotel. There went my spending money for the trip. Thank God, my Mother spoils me. ( I called her as soon as I found out that Ye Olde had forgotten to tell me I needed to have cash for the car.... YAY MOM).

The lovely peeps at the car rental decided to put me in the smallest car ever. It was almost too small for my suitcase! LOL. I proceeded to take my scooter out onto the Texas highways... and promptly got lost. I drove in circles for about an hour...finding Grapevine Mills, the Gaylord Texan ( where the conference is) and Ed Young's Fellowship church. Finally, I pulled into the parking lot of an Ashley Furniture store and called the hotel. They gave me directions and I still ended up driving in more circles.

Eventually, I made it to the hotel... I unpacked and ordered in. I was so tired and achy that I changed into jammies and laid down. It was 7pm. I took a little nap and now I feel worse than I did before. I am hungry and cranky. I think I shall forage for snacks. I think I saw a machine on the first floor.

Size 14 Isn't Fat Either

I spent a lovely evening with unintentional sleuth Heather Wells.

Size 14 Isn't Fat Either is the next book in the Heather Wells mystery series by Meg Cabot. The series features slightly zaftig former pop star Heather Wells and her life as an assistant dorm director at New York College. Her love of bagels with cream cheese and bacon (yummmm) and of hunky landlords is so adorable and relateable ( is that a word) ... the books are an easy fun read. It's a murder mystery so there are some slightly gruesome details and the profanity meter goes off at about a 4 ( she drops the F-bomb a few more times then I would have liked).

I have to tell you though, I was having a tough day so some escapism was just what I was looking for. Meg Cabot and her friend Heather definately delivered.

God on Broadway

On Friday, January 26th I will be performing in a revue of Broadway tunes called God on Broadway.

The show is sponsored by my church, National Community Church – the coolest church on the planet! It’s an exploration of man’s relationship with God, using classic and contemporary Broadway music. It should be a fun night of people just singing their hearts out. Come join us at Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse, 201 F Street, NE at 8:00pm. The admission is FREE ( it doesn’t get any better than that now does it?).

I’m hoping that this is the beginning of some real singing for me this year, so come on down and send some positive vibes my way! :)

Soundtrack of My Life

Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, etc).
2. Put it on shuffle.
3. Press Play.
4. For every question, type the song that's playing.
5. When you go to a new question, press the Next button.
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool.
7. Don't skip songs.

OPENING CREDITS: Thank You for the Music – ABBA

WAKING UP: The Time is Now – Twila Paris

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Struggle No More - Kindred

FIGHT SONG: Be My Yoko Ono – Barenaked Ladies

THIS IS WHAT MATTERS: Jesus Medley – Donnie McLurkin

BREAKING UP: Almost Paradise – Ann Wilson and Mike Reno

HAPPINESS: All the Heavens - Hillsong

LIFES OK: I Aint Gonna Take it No More – Faith Hill

MENTAL BREAKDOWN: Too Little Too Late – Barenaked Ladies

DRIVING: How Can I Fall - Breathe

FLASHBACK: Be Thou Near Me – Jim Brickman featuring Selah

GETTING BACK TOGETHER: Your Grace Is Enough - Chris Tomlin

WEDDING: Geek in the Pink – Jason Mraz

BIRTH OF A CHILD: It Gets Better – Jo Dee Messina

DEATH SCENE: Lazy Bones – Robin Thicke

FUNERAL: Do Right Woman – Do Right Man – Aretha Franklin

CREDITS: A Song For You – Donny Hathaway

Notes on a Scandal

Wowee...

It was terrific. Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett far surpassed what I had anticipated. This psychological drama takes place in a situation so filled with desparation, despair and loneliness. I would never ever want to be there.

One of the wonderful things about great drama is that it does find a way to tap into pieces of your life or your psyche. I did see the possibility of relationships going really arwy. Of close female friendships being manipulated for personal gain. It was a scary thing.

That being said, I realy enjoyed the film. Judi Dench was soooooo creeepy. I love her!

MIA

Hey there,

I've been absent from the blogosphere for the past week.

Here are the highlights:

Tuesday- Had a great chat with Kacey, the director of NCC's Godspell. Then stayed for the rehearsal. What a great group of people, it should be a fun and "drama" free experience. For that I am eternally grateful.

Thursday - my back went out - I spent the whole day under the influence of muscle relaxers - no fun.

Friday - I got yelled at at work for not giving away tickets fast enough - whatever. My back was still hurting, my boss was out for a terrible family situation, I was mad cranky and I gave myself indigestion by eating a lot of fried food.

On the up side, I got to spend some time with a friend I havent seen in a while ( glad the box office was closed for a week)

and I got some advice on my grad school application. That's about it y'all.

Now you're all caught up.

Appointment With Death

The dinner theatre play opened last night. It was definately like a dress rehearsal, with all sorts of clunky things happening to on stage. There was the world's longest scene change and a wardrobe malfunction. One of the principals was sick and so an understudy opened the show. It was all kinds of crazy.

The director was so frazzled, I actually felt bad for him. He had been sick and had an injury. He hadnt slept well and hadnt been eating well. I dont understand why we do this to ourselves. I know that tech weeks can be stressful, but I think we bring some of this on ourselves. I know that I have the same problem. By assisting him I was able to see some of the things I would want to change about how I do my work as well.

I know that I want to do things better. I want to work smarter, not harder. I am contemplating setting up a system - a team of people I can work with to make producing theatre easier. This is something I am working on in my mind. People in place to work with in every capacity I work in. I wont put it all down here... but I will keep you posted. Makin it new in 2007...

Finally...

I just got back from seeing "Dreamgirls". It was just great.

I am not going to do a review, I have friends who have done and can do much better jobs talking about it all. Check out Barry's review or Sir Fabulous Himself's take on it.

The film made me want to do the show. There is a theatre around here that has it on thier schedule. I am about five minutes from being too old to be "Effie White". This might be the last shot I have. I am going to have to step up my game as far working my voice out to be able to sing the big songs.

If Jennifer Hudson doesnt win everything that she gets nominated for - it will only be because the "system" doesnt want her to.

We'll see. I just wanted ya'll to know I did my duty and saw the movie ;).

I just dont get it.

What is point of scaring people into faith?

Pat Robertson made some scary "predictions" for the new year. His inflammatory sooth saying is so unnecessary. I get the feeling that this some sort of religious power play. A way to convince people to come to Jesus through fear. I just don't get it. If someone is going to find their way to God, I would hope it wasn't as a preventive measure against a terrorist attack. There were plenty of good Christians who perished on 9/11.

These statements are the paranoid ramblings of a man whose influence is waning. What a way to wake up this morning.

Lion Snack

"I don't kill every lion I chase. But I'm going to continue chasing lions! The real trick is knowing which lion to chase and when to chase it. But if you don't chase it you'll never catch it!" - Pastor Mark Batterson

I was going through some of the posts I had missed on PM's blog evotional.com. It's really worth a visit. If you want to taste a real, relevant anointed blog sandwich, take a bite out of this one. He'll inspire you and convict you and make you remember what you were looking for in the first place! :) He rocks! ( and not just because he is my pastor).

I came across this quote in his blog, just as I was finking out on sending my grad school stuff. I know this is a lion I need to chase. I know it.

Chase the lion ya'll!

PS: I still feel like I have the crud.

Back to it all...

Just sat back down to my desk after the first staff meeting of 2007 at Ye Olde. I really didn't feel like coming back today. The meeting was uneventful and rather tame. Thank goodness.

I am having bad stomach cramps - the remains of the holiday cootie my sister gave to my mom and I. Thanks Liz! I called the doctor and I am scheduled for an appointment tomorrow am. Hopefully it will run its course before then. I will have to see an associate of my Dr.'s and frankly
I've never had a good experience with any one of them. They never seem to care - I am sure that is because I am not " thier " patient. Anyway, I hope I am better by then.

There are too many pieces of paper on my desk and none of them mean anything to me right now. Is that bad?

Our Kind of People

I am reading a book called Our Kind of People by Lawrence Otis Graham. It's a survey of the Black Elite - the very tippy top of African American society. It's really interesting but, disheartening.

I'm reading this book for Ye Olde. The company wants to attact a new group of attendees. This demographic fits the kind of people they are looking for. The more I read, the more I dont want to work on this project. I don't think I am cut out for the work of convincing people to buy something they don't want. I need to get out my current job.

It's funny how certain things can bring clarity to situations. Tomorrow I send in my application for grad school, make the requests for transcripts and reccomendations. Only thing left to do is write that infernal article or research paper.