A Victorian Christmas

My first Christmas in Victoria was every bit as lovely as expected! 

We were talking about Christmas newsletters and how they may sometimes come across as a bragfest and I started worrying my blog is an extended version of a bragfest all year long. But I’m sorry I HAVE to brag. My in-laws rock. 

When I first met them I knew they must be good people because Jason was good people. But every year that I have gotten to know them better they keep outdoing themselves with goodness. We have had lovely breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and been served lovely lattes in between. We went to a lovely service at Christ Church Cathedral with a choir singing Haydn and a candle light ceremony at midnight. I got many lovely gifts, and enjoyed the loveliness of giving gifts more. But the greatest gift Colin and Linda gave me was a card that asked me on the outside where they were going to be on January 30th. On the inside of the card there was a picture of Baba’s house. They want to come to Dunkirk to see Baba for her 100th birthday! Cannot begin to express my gratitude for their kindness, thoughtfulness and pure love for this gesture.

Positivity

I couldn’t think of anything to write today other than the fact that I am UNBELIEVABLY excited to be reunited with Jason in approximately 48 hours.  So I am just going to put some positive thoughts up here to acknowledge goodness and prosperity.

• I am seeing my husband in approximately 48 hrs! I know, I already said that but it is definitely worth mentioning again.

• Love. It is truly everywhere you look. Just open your eyes and look at it’s grandeur. Oh, and turn off the TV. Especially the news. Unless it’s CNN heroes.

• Health. I am totally sick right now, but it is nothing compared with the burdens many have to bear and I am blessed to have all my fingers, and all my toes.

• The Voce. This sounds really weird, but very time I go to sing I think, what the heck is this thing I have in my throat that makes music. I always joke about “the gift” but I really feel blessed that I have been given it. 

• Faith. I don’t care what you believe in, faith of some kind is beautiful. Believe in the unbelievable and miracles happen.

• Family. My family is amazing. So lucky.

• Friends. My friends are amazing.  So lucky.

• Planet Earth. You are amazing. We are so lucky.

Christmas!! ...on a ship

Every corner of this ship has been decorated. I couldn't take picture of every tree, I just couldn't...but as far as decking the halls goes, they definitely don't hold back. And the Hanukkah cookies that they have by the menorah are so addicting we take the long way forward just to heist a few.

As our cruise director said the other day, "It's the most challenging time of the year". Wait what? For some reason I thought it was the most wonderful??? Oh well, I hope your season is less challenging and mostly wonderful. Happy holidays!

I wish I could do this once a week

And that is lunch with my lady who lunches. Beth and I met up for a Target run and lunch at this amazing Hungarian restaurant Mishi's Strudel Bakery. It reminded us of good ol Alice's teacup but Hungarian style. I am so lucky to have her and all my SISTERS in my life. Jaimee, Margot, Kristy, Jen, Mo and Natasha, I wish we could have crepes and strudel every weekend. I could tell you all anything and I know you would be there for me in a heartbeat as I would do the same for you. Of course the time wasn't long enough to even skim the surface of all we needed to talk about, but yet again, seeing this beautiful girl was just what I needed being away from my loves.  This picture makes it look like we were in someone's house but seriously, it was so yummy and dare we say again, quite shabby chic!

Happy Birthday to my Mama

A little poem for the greatest mom in the world:

To the fairest mama in all the land
I always know to take her hand
In good times, in bad times, in between times too
She is the one who will support me through
My childhood, adolescence, and adult years
She will calm my fears and wipe away tears
The gift that I treasure of all this above
Is the powerful constant that is all of her love.

I love you mommy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Mazatlan...aka Marzipan

Mazatlan, Mexico. All we wanted was guacamole, margaritas, and the beach. We got them all. Surprise, surprise! We rode to the "Golden Zone"of Marzipan, I mean Mazatlan, in a party taxi...basically an open truck with benches and a huge boombox playing hit tunes from the 80's-90's cusp generation. ie. "You can't touch this", "Ice, Ice Baby", and "Busta Move". Made me feel young again. Please note the expertise of our waiter serving us our margaritas.

My Kindred Spirits and Soulmates

It was so fulfilling to visit with my girls and Tyler on Sunday. I have known Beth and Margot for so long and I have been through so many phases of life with them, that they are truly sisters to me. Way to go Ithaca College for bringing together kindred spirits and soulmates that I will treasure my whole life!  Tyler was in awe of the ship. His eyes were as big as saucers and he barely spoke three words together when he first boarded, taking it all in. But a couple of sweet potato fries later he was commenting on everything and even taking his own pictures of his very special day all for him. He was so well behaved that I starting thinking a lot about how the Tait children make me want to have...

more time with them. You thought I was going to say babies? ;)

Sunset

This last picture is titled "I dream of Jason"

A "lifesaver commercial" sunset coming out of Puerto Vallarta...it was absolutely stunning. Goodbye sun...goodbye Jason. My heart is full.

Gratitude 2010

I am thankful today and every day for so many things. In no particular order, here goes a quick list:

• My supportive, loving, dashing, angel of a man who is my husband
• my amazing Mama and my family who also support me and my crazy life that takes me away from them
• HEALTH, HEALTH, HEALTH
• my spectacular Baba who is about to celebrate a century on planet earth
• my friends who as an only child I consider my brothers and sisters
• my job that allows me to do what I love, and grow as a performer during a time when jobs are hard to find and keep. It also allows me to eat caviar for free. Yes, I am thankful for my job.
• coffee and Earl Grey tea-nothing can get me down after a cup of one of these
• music
• love
• beauty in almost everything I see
• positivity
• perspective

I could go on and on, but I wanted to write about perspective. I am in Mexico today and I saw a mother teaching her three year daughter to barter their goods to the cruise ship passengers flooding the port. They weren't allowed past the chain link fence so they were using a whistle to get our attention though the gate. Instant perspective. In America most parents are teaching their three year old children to share and getting them ready for pre-school. We are very lucky in our country to have the riches and comforts we do.

Give thanks! Be blessed, peaceful and happy on this Thanksgiving and always!!!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

I love this port! I wasn’t too crazy about Mexico at first because of the heat and demanding street vendors. Would you like you hair braided lady? Newlyweds? Would you like tattoo? painted shell? sunglasses? massage for you? chiclets? fruit on a stick? tequila?

Yeah, I can’t take it. But my trip to Tulum last spring and ports like Puerto Vallarta definitely have changed my mind about Me-hico. Puerto Vallarta is so clean, and quaint, and the weather was beautiful. We ate a delicious and super cheap Mexican brunch and walked around the city. Our cruise officially ended today and I am really sad so I am going to back it up and describe our adventures over the next couple of days on the blogedy blog to make me feel better.;)

Charleston South Carolina

Jason and I discovered Charleston on tour last year and we really fell in love with it.

We had a beautiful day there eating at a restaurant called Magnolia and shopping on King street. 


That night we went on a ghost tour of the most haunted jail in America. As we left one of the rooms on the tour I quickly snapped a picture of the cell that a mass murderer was held until her hanging. SHE killed her victims with tea she served at her bed and breakfast outside of Charleston and if she didn’t finish them off, her husband would hack them to bits with an axe. Ok, enough of that, point being she is said to roam about this room and steal things from people...nothing of ours was stolen, but something weird did happen. When I loaded my pictures into iphoto that night the picture I took of the room turned out fine, kinda blurry, but you could make out the room’s structure and it’s contents. The next day I went to look for the picture and it was GONE. This was in it’s place:

I pulled up the exposure and the room came back into focus and the light green blob that you see here in the window appeared where there wasn’t anything before:

Who you gonna call???? GHOSTBUSTERS!!!!!

Quebec City Part Deux

Oh my, when you fall in love with a city it can be like falling for a man. Instant attraction, desire, and then...lust. Sacre bleu!! Dear Quebec City I have fallen for you hard. My bestie Camilla and our super fun production manager John and I went for a good walk around town that started with brunch and ended with moules et frites.  DIVINE. Pumpkin patches, black cats, pumpkin chai, swiss hot chocolate, french toast with buttery cinnamon apple toppings, and giant witches were all present for my greatest fall day 2010.

French Canada-ooh la la

I love French Canada. Why? Because it feels like Europe, they speak French as a first language, the architecture is amazing, and well, poutine.  I finished off the perfect French afternoon with a purchase of a blinged out beret. LA VIE, LA VIE, C'EST BON!!!

The Campbell Nest

Did I mention that I have the greatest husband in the world? Not only does he live up to this title with the various positive human attributes that I gush about daily to anyone who will listen, he is lately uncovering his abilities with a hammer, nails and a fresh coat of paint since the purchase of our condo. Here is the before and after of the main dining/living room. The only reason the "after" pictures look darker is because the room has brightened up so much that I had to pull down the exposure in my iphoto!

He stripped the paint off of the fireplace door that he found in an antiques junkyard to reveal a beautiful Victorian scene etched in metal. It was originally made in 1874 and is very Pride and Prejudice. And we all know how I feel about that.  I can go no longer without saying how ardently I admire and love you fireplace!  I am such a nerd. The rustic coffee table he made for a mere $100 out of planks from the renovated Coney Island boardwalk. I know, I know, he's cool!

I had the BEST time with him in NYC as always. We took a walk to Hoboken along the water and it is just gorgeous. I am falling more in love with this neighborhood the more we explore it!

Here is a picture of me trying to point out my ship from the New Jersey view:

Re-affirming...Again

There was a time when I would look around at my world as a performer: the crazy schedules, the vagabond lifestyle, the constant live out a suitcase-where is my suitcase-how much does it cost to bring a suitcase?, travel ordeals, and high drama, and I would think to myself, is this worth it??? I want more. I need more. More in a way that is less. This is too HARD. I need simplicity, and stability, and this isn’t fulfilling me in the way that I had imagined when I was a dreamy 18 year old musical theater student.  I left the business. I became a full time make up artist, working in sales and worrying about keeping my health insurance and watching a meager 401k build. I became, for lack of a better word, miserable. So I took the plunge back into the cold waters of the NYC audition scene. 


Fast forward four years and three contracts later, I now can officially declare with no hesitation that performing truly is the the thing that brings me the most happiness. Now if and when the little ones come along and I may have to shift back to the white picket fence on a NYC rooftop and a "normal" job, I will be happy with that life too. But it is really gratifying to have reawakened the passion that made me go into this crazy world to begin with. My shows these past couple of weeks were far from perfect in my perfectionist world, but it is beyond satisfying to put that tight grip on “perfect” aside to LIVE, LAUGH, and LOVE on stage to a gracious audience. 


I say gracious because at the end of the cruise I had a guest take my hands, look me in the eyes and tell me I was spectacular. I am truly not saying this to brag...I was honestly completely shocked! I felt like such a fish out of water most of the time that to have this word (normally used to describe the Macy’s Day parade) flattering and humbling. The other biggest compliment I got was from a crew member who told me she was feeling depressed here until recently, and she credited our friendship as one of the main causes for her shift towards happy. (I just made that up. Shift towards HAPPY. Do it. The word is elusive but just shift towards it and see what happens-I dare you.) There are such wonderful people here, and I love getting to know them all every day in such close environment. 

Here are the few costume pics I could shoot quickly before they were torn off for the next number. I am normally used to one or two fast changes per production show. Here, if it’s NOT a quick change, I wonder if I are doing something wrong....and as you can see these are not your average costumes!

Glorious Quebec City

More of the wonderful Quebec City. It is like fairy land. Europe in Canada. Je t'aime Quebec. C'est bon la vie!!!!!

Courage

Well, well, well. Defying Gravity never felt so scary, or satisfying. It was seriously like when I went ziplining for the first time. First terrified, then a major adrenaline rush, then a desire to run back up the mountain to do it all again. It is remarkable when one actually is forced to let go of their inhibitions and stop over analyzing, things just happen.  I was greeted to my cast cheering when I walked out of the dressing room and let me just say, one can perform to a thousand strangers, but when you get the support of your peers, you feel beyond fulfilled.  Talent acknowledging talent is a beautiful thing. I have decided that I have worked hard and I deserve a cheeseburger and fries. I am going to eat now and feel really great about that too. Maybe I deserve a strawberry cheesecake as well? I say yes.

Affirmation

SO many thoughts!

Life here is such a microcosm. You see everyone in a spotlight, under a microscope, and when you observe people from all over the world amidst a floating "Big Brother" environment, it makes for a very colorful day. Sometimes good sometimes bad. But overall I think interacting with people in this way is a blessing because you can get to know people on a deep level very quickly and learn about yourself in the process.

The theater world can be such a narcissistic business. As actors we are consumed with OUR looks, the way WE sound and the way WE are perceived on stage. From your peers, to critics, to directors and audience members we are prone to scrutiny that takes us somewhat naturally to a self involved plane of existence.  I really don’t care for this side of the business.  I shared this thought with one of the personal trainers here because his work is mainly helping people recover from injury and aiding the handicapped. I told him I envied his work as it must be incredibly rewarding always being so "hands on" giving and healing. He said that I have to perceive what I do as absolutely the same. We a giving our audiences joy, music, and hopefully reaffirming the human connection. As much as I thought "yeah sure, right, making someone smile from a time step is JUST like helping someone to walk", it was still nice to hear and have affirmed. Especially by a jock. Obviously it’s the reason we got in this crazy business to begin with (it ain’t for the bread) but it is easy to forget. My dear Jen posted this as her status the other day and I am stealing it:

The more I release, the more open I am to receiving more to give....

Love it. That speaks truth no matter what you believe.

On a lighter note mentally but not physically I have been eating like a Queen the past couple of days. I had caviar for what I believe to be the first time, crab legs, escargot, a “Millionaire’s salad” (yes that’s what it’s called and I’m glad they let me eat it as a starving artist) steak, lobster, fillet mignon. Last night I ate all the sushi I could under the sun. Who knew eel was so delicious. Who said the best things in life aren’t free? To counter the eating I have run a mile every day for three days. Doesn't sound like long, but it’s a good start. I hope if I write it here I will be held accountable to keep going everyday.

I am very very blessed and on top of it all I get to see Jason tomorrow when we dock in in the greatest city in the world!

So much more to say, think, feel but don’t want to go overboard. Pun absolutely intended. ;)

New Local Eats

I love food. Who doesn't? But I do think there is a difference between someone who likes to eat food and a bonafide foodie. Foodies get OFF on food. On combining flavors and ingredients in the kitchen that have never been assembled before. On finding that local restaurant that makes the best pad thai you have ever tasted. On traveling the world and finding the most amazing coffee shop in Colorado, or English breakfast in London, or sushi in Queens, or limoncello in Italy, or cupcake in Soho, or rodizio lamb in Argentina, or Croque Madame in France.

This was not always the case....growing up my diet consisted of noodles with butter and the occasional carrot. I just wouldn't eat anything. Now it's all changed...including my waistline, but we won't focus on that.  iworkout too you know.  I accept the challenge of more yoga and Pilates classes to fuel my intense desire to try anything and everything tasty.

With the new move of course we had to immediately try out the local cuisine!

First we tried out a polish diner that doesn't have a webpage because I think it has been on our block since before the internet existed. I can have Ukraininan food (ok Polish but it's the same deal) consisting of Slavic sausage, Rasberry blinzes, and Pyrohy.

Ok wait I have found the Sava profile on Yelp:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sava-polish-meat-market-and-deli-jersey-city

She is the #1 rated restaurant in our entire neighborhood! I get it. 5 stars.

 It's run by this sweet, hard working Polish lady who makes everything by hand and from scratch. When asked how she's doing she answers. Tired!!! So Tired...life is hard...

Well thank you Polish baba for working so hard for us. ;)

I am glad I live in a fourth floor walk up to burn off all the calories I will be ingesting in the future.

One of those "LIVE" nights

Went out with some friends to see an awesome band called FEARMIA in downtown Pasadena. We had a great time listening to one those groups you wonder why isn't famous. I just don't get it. Anyways they were great, the company was great (I learned how to two step from a Texan!) and the night was quite memorable.

CLOC 2000

I can't believe it has been 10 YEARS since we closed Evita at the College Light Opera Company. It was the best summer and I made life long friends there. Nine shows in nine weeks, plus auditions, rehearsals, and who could forget CHORES. Pots pots pots I love you lots! Since then we have had castmembers get married, have babies and work everywhere from Broadway to the Met.

Miss you all!

Life in musical theater and Little ones

I am doing a musical theater workshop boot camp in LA. I am having a wonderful time, and have been stretching my dance abilities which were in desperate need of stretching.  I have also been able to reconnect with one of my best friends in the world Beth and her gorgeous family. I finally feel like I have finally gotten to know her kids and they have also gotten to know their crazy auntie Adriana. Here are some pictures of my experiences here in the past month. I can't believe it has already been that long...it has gone by very quickly already.

Here are some pictures of where I am studying.  I am so blessed to have a patient, kind and talented dance instructor and we work out of this estate outside of LA. It has 14 bathrooms. I thought it was exciting to have 2 in my new condo in Jersey.

Here are my niece and nephew. ;) They are so sweet and so smart, and I have never seen toddlers help clean up with their parents before! Wonders never cease.

Our first home!

I can't believe it, but Jason and I closed on our first property together! He has done most of the work, and has blown me away with it all.  He even went over with the new keys and cleaning supplies in hand and prepped for the move.  I am leaving New York State for the first time, (well, with all of my traveling I don't know if I can really say that) but my Zip code is officially changing. How will I change to 0----?? I'm going to be a Jersey girl! Weird. But Awesome. I am in love with the neighborhood already and I could only part with my dear Astoria to a neighborhood that rocks. Cobblestone streets, brownstones, and two sweet parks within walking distance.  We have a penthouse apartment with a rooftop, two bathrooms and are steps from the water and train. We can even take ferry home! Very British Columbia for my BC boy.  The apartment isn't all fancy and modern but is a diamond in the rough ready to be shined up.  Perfect for us. We'll take care of that.

High Ceilings

Love the Spiral Staircase

A Perfect NYC view

Bathroom #1-begging for a reno-though I love the little B&W tiles

Master Bath-also begging for a reno

Fireplace-yes, I said it before and I'll say it again-will be renovated. HGTV is my best friend right now.

One Bedroom

I can't believe I won't be there to say goodbye to my Queens apartment that I love so much and that all of us have had fond memories in. But being away for the goodbye is probably for the best because maybe I'll feel like I can always go back.  I did say I would never leave unless we bought something and I spoke the truth! I need to be careful with that. Thank you to our parents for blowing us away with their help, support and generosity! There is no way we could do this without them

We are thrilled. :)