2009: My Busiest Year, Literally
Compared to last year, 2009 was about higher highs, and lower lows. It was not an easy year to get through, but there were many people who helped me along. If you're reading this, chances are that may include you. Here's my annual bullet list of highlights from the last twelve months. As with before, it's a way of keeping track of what I've done, an easy reference for friends, and a template that you may find useful for your own memories.
JANUARY:
* Auditioned for annual "Golden Age of Radio" show
* Took a month off from rehearsing and performing
FEBRUARY:
* Ran set crew onstage for "Prelude to a Kiss"
* Uploaded my first "literal video version" to YouTube
MARCH:
* Performed "A Wake to Die For" with Actors A La Carte
* Began recording for "Alysa of the Fields" audio book
APRIL:
* Attended Dad's birthday, saw Mom alive for the last time
* Performed as Popeye in the "Golden Age of Radio"
MAY:
* Performed "Arsenic & Old Lace", "Anne Frank", and improv
* Uploaded literal "Total Eclipse of the Heart" to YouTube
JUNE:
* Watched "Total Eclipse (Literal)" become a YouTube hit
* Finished recording for "Alysa of the Fields"
JULY:
* Rehearsed for "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"
* Helped Felisha's family move back to Rhode Island
AUGUST:
* Attended Sterling Renaissance Fair with wife Cindy
* Performed "Bright Side" revue with Small Pond Players
SEPTEMBER:
* Began rehearsing for "Babes in Toyland"
* Helped win prizes in group trivia contest for CCC alumni
OCTOBER:
* Performed as Elbert Cook Jr. in LCP's annual Ghost Walk
* Attended LCP's annual Zombie Walk
NOVEMBER:
* Portrayed Barnaby in "Babes in Toyland", and turned 33
* Moved out of our apartment, and into an actual house
DECEMBER:
* Performed "The Gift of the Magi" 7 times (4 in one day)
* Performed as Szaren during "Alysa" promotional reading
* Portrayed Simkin the Cat in "Xmas with Beatrix Potter"
* Sung solo and chorus in an LCP holiday concert
So much happened in 2009, but perhaps too much. Amidst the generosity of others who helped Cindy and I with vehicles, moving, and even finding a home for a stray cat that befriended us, there was the overwhelming demand of video projects (work and hobby-related), all accompanied by the phrase, "I know you're busy, but..." While viral video fame distracted from the stress and shortcomings of life, my busy nature with numerous creative endeavors, obligatory or not, spun me into repeated exhaustion, even depression, which I'm still dealing with (often giving into, and passing out from). The loss of my mother, mere months before her retirement, set off many regrets about my past, and questions about my future, all still recurring to this day. Amidst this were over a dozen terrific roles, many great songs, and the chance to work with numerous terrific people. Friends got married, colleagues passed away, and others continued to work through their own dramas. Hopefully, I was able to lend some support or comfort, maybe even a smile or two, through it all. Hopefully, as the new year (new decade!) begins, I can be of as much (maybe more!) use to them, and less of a burden on myself. If I can successfully scale back on my theater endeavors during the first half of this year, perhaps I can finally straighten up, catch up on, and tie up the loose ends of the last year (or twenty), and not bind myself into so much obligation that I lose sight of (or interest in) my own needs, health, and whatever else needs fixing. As someone who follows his own actions with the most devotion, but the least interest, it's going to be hard work. To the faithful and curious, I apologize in advance. Bear with me.
JANUARY:
* Auditioned for annual "Golden Age of Radio" show
* Took a month off from rehearsing and performing
FEBRUARY:
* Ran set crew onstage for "Prelude to a Kiss"
* Uploaded my first "literal video version" to YouTube
MARCH:
* Performed "A Wake to Die For" with Actors A La Carte
* Began recording for "Alysa of the Fields" audio book
APRIL:
* Attended Dad's birthday, saw Mom alive for the last time
* Performed as Popeye in the "Golden Age of Radio"
MAY:
* Performed "Arsenic & Old Lace", "Anne Frank", and improv
* Uploaded literal "Total Eclipse of the Heart" to YouTube
JUNE:
* Watched "Total Eclipse (Literal)" become a YouTube hit
* Finished recording for "Alysa of the Fields"
JULY:
* Rehearsed for "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"
* Helped Felisha's family move back to Rhode Island
AUGUST:
* Attended Sterling Renaissance Fair with wife Cindy
* Performed "Bright Side" revue with Small Pond Players
SEPTEMBER:
* Began rehearsing for "Babes in Toyland"
* Helped win prizes in group trivia contest for CCC alumni
OCTOBER:
* Performed as Elbert Cook Jr. in LCP's annual Ghost Walk
* Attended LCP's annual Zombie Walk
NOVEMBER:
* Portrayed Barnaby in "Babes in Toyland", and turned 33
* Moved out of our apartment, and into an actual house
DECEMBER:
* Performed "The Gift of the Magi" 7 times (4 in one day)
* Performed as Szaren during "Alysa" promotional reading
* Portrayed Simkin the Cat in "Xmas with Beatrix Potter"
* Sung solo and chorus in an LCP holiday concert
So much happened in 2009, but perhaps too much. Amidst the generosity of others who helped Cindy and I with vehicles, moving, and even finding a home for a stray cat that befriended us, there was the overwhelming demand of video projects (work and hobby-related), all accompanied by the phrase, "I know you're busy, but..." While viral video fame distracted from the stress and shortcomings of life, my busy nature with numerous creative endeavors, obligatory or not, spun me into repeated exhaustion, even depression, which I'm still dealing with (often giving into, and passing out from). The loss of my mother, mere months before her retirement, set off many regrets about my past, and questions about my future, all still recurring to this day. Amidst this were over a dozen terrific roles, many great songs, and the chance to work with numerous terrific people. Friends got married, colleagues passed away, and others continued to work through their own dramas. Hopefully, I was able to lend some support or comfort, maybe even a smile or two, through it all. Hopefully, as the new year (new decade!) begins, I can be of as much (maybe more!) use to them, and less of a burden on myself. If I can successfully scale back on my theater endeavors during the first half of this year, perhaps I can finally straighten up, catch up on, and tie up the loose ends of the last year (or twenty), and not bind myself into so much obligation that I lose sight of (or interest in) my own needs, health, and whatever else needs fixing. As someone who follows his own actions with the most devotion, but the least interest, it's going to be hard work. To the faithful and curious, I apologize in advance. Bear with me.