Pretty And Witty And...

I experimented with a 'smokey' eye while doing my Celestial Connie makeup at Sleuths the other week. The result: not too shabby.

I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.

10:22 PM - 7 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Whattya think?

First rehearsal for Zombies was all I hoped it would be. The script is silly and hysterical and I already love the cast and know we are going to have tons of fun together.

So here's what I'm wondering: Rehearsals are out in Winter Garden - past downtown, basically near exit 272 on the Turnpike. I live in East Orlando, so the 408-to-the-Turnpike is the most efficient way to get there, over 20 miles one-way. The tolls are $4.50 round trip. Since I have time on my hands, I can take my time getting there and go by Route 50 in order to save that toll money. But I wonder - is saving $4.50 per trip worth it, considering my car theoretically gets better mileage on the highway, and I won't be putting the same wear and tear on the brakes going through 743 lights? Basically, can I justify using the toll road from an economical standpoint, not just because it's faster and easier and I'm lazy? Tell me what you think.

Also, I saw a preview screening of The Women this week. It's the updated version of the Norma Shearer - Joan Crawford - Rosalind Russell classic, as adapted and directed by Diane "Murphy Brown" English. I really enjoyed it. More than I planned to, actually, since I adore the original 1939 classic and love to hate the 1955 musicalization (called The Opposite Sex, starring one of my least favorite actresses of all time, June Allyson). The film sticks to the conceit of the original play: there are no men in the film. Not easy to do in a modern film, but I think it succeeds. It has necessarily pared down the plot intricacies, which sadly reduces Bette Midler's role to a convenient cameo as the Countess. But I think the film successfully takes the story, which is a fairly broad bitchy backbiting comedy, and transforms it into a feel good chick flick estrogen-fest. I give a thumbs up, even though Meg Ryan's cosmetic surgery officially puts her in the 'creepy looking' category.

Currently reading : When You Are Engulfed in Flames By David Sedaris Release date: 2008-06-03

12:09 PM - 8 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Reality Check
Current mood: awake

I know that I often snobbishly say I don't like reality TV. But I gotta admit, I have finally been roped in by Project Runway. It took long enough, but I honestly enjoy seeing creative people doing creative stuff. Though I could do without the fabricated drama (i.e. limitations on time, materials, putting strong personalities in the same room hoping some of the divas clash). I don't think Heidi Klum and I share the same definition of "wearable"... and I want to tell Timothy Gunn to stop putting his glasses on the tip of his nose (a/k/a/ "instant old queen"). But overall, I've been enjoying it. Hey, does anyone still have the drag queen show on their DVR? Mine got erased before I could watch it.

On the flip side, Comedy Central has been running a new show called Reality Bites Back. It skewers all of the big competition shows in one series, and the contestants are all comics, so the interview footage is pretty hysterical. And Michael Ian Black as the host is sheer perfection. Click here to see some of the clips.

Un(der)employment continues. Haven't been as productive the last week or so... was entertaining my friend Martin who was in town from L.A., and there was also that little tropical storm thing - for someone who detests rainy weather, that was a lovely week-long slice of yucky. Not much happening as far as auditions. Still spending more time with friends I don't often see, which is great. Have gotten some pick-up shows at Sleuths, for which I am thankful. Severance and unemployment money has started coming in. Still sticking to my "so far so good" mindset.

The thing that surprises even me is that I have not been MySpacing or Facebooking much at all. Go figure. For that I am not apologizing to anyone, including myself. "There are worse things I could do..."

Zombies From The Beyond rehearsals start tonight! Woo hoo!

Currently reading : The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao By Junot Díaz

11:10 AM - 5 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

It’s A Hurlycane! Hunker Down!

...but they're saying it's only going to be a Category 1? PUH-LEEZE! We've survived way worse than that. I eat Category 1 Hurricanes for breakfast. Bring it on, Fay, you bitch.

The only bad thing is this is screwing up my friend Martin's visit from L.A. - he came to town to be with me on my birthday, and now he probably is going to be delayed and forced to miss work because of the weather. Oh, well. If there's any consolation, he doesn't believe in MySpace or Facebook and refers to them as "cults". So we don't really like him all that much anyway.

But hey - a hurricane - maybe there won't be work tomorr-- oh. Yeah.

8:26 PM - 12 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

So Far So Good
Current mood: productive

Being among the underemployed seems to suit me well so far. I haven't gone nuts from having too much time on my hands... yet. Interestingly, I haven't been spending much time at all on MySpace or Facebook. That was a thing I did at work when I didn't want to be doing the other stuff. Now with all this freedom, I'm focusing on more productive things... finding more audition songs & monologues, etc. I've been reading more (both in book and audio forms), I have no excuse not to go to the gym or take a brisk walk every day. I have been updating my web site (www.davidalmeida.com - have a look and gimme feedback, dammit). I've gotten a couple of home repairs taken care of. (Boy it sucks when you have a lengthy "honey do" list and you are your own honey.) I was even seen cleaning out my utility room and climbing a ladder scooping crap out of my gutters today. Scary.

The one 'downside' I have discovered though.... (Keep in mind money is still coming in with my severance, my unemployment, my roommate, and Sleuths so I'm not freaking out about money... yet.) ...the downside I'm talking about is the fact that only a week and a half into this, it still feels like a vacation. Hence, I am in "vacation eating" mode. That would translate into not healthy. At all. We're talking Toojay's hot dogs with bacon & cheese followed by a milkshake from Marble Slab unhealthy. And that was breakfast. I know that will change, and hopefully I'll be getting back into top shape over the next few months. Unless one of the theme parks comes a-calling...

One good thing, though, in my binge-mode, I was able to sneak in one last Monte Cristo from Bennigan's. I guess they just decided to close out of the blue? WTF? I don't get that. How can ANY establishment that serves alcohol not turn a profit?

R. I. P.

In other semi-related good news, I did get a clean bill of health from my doctor following my physical & bloodwork last month. The only thing of note was my bad cholesterol was in the 'high normal' range. Gee, there's a shocker. When the guy was drawing my blood it looked like Alfredo sauce coming out of there. (Mmmm.... Alfredo....)

Friday is approaching - the big four-oh! - my friend Martin in coming into town from LA on Wednesday. Fun times will ensue. Not sure if any blogs will ensue. We'll just have to see.

Currently watching : The Sarah Silverman Program - Season One Release date: 2007-10-02

1:50 AM - 8 Comments - 3 Kudos - Add Comment

A Schmacko Quiz

A friend of mine (we're not that close, I assure you) made up a HORRIBLE quiz - just stupid idiotic questions, most with some sort of titillating undertone about sexual stuff. I sent it to Schmacko Steve saying, "Can you believe this?" In response, Steve wrote a much better quiz that I am now answering. Please feel free to steal and circulate.

1.      What do you think is your best physical feature?
I've been told my eyes, and I tend to agree, though my hyper-critical perfectionism compels me to add that I wish they were more symmetrical. Probably nobody else even notices…

2.      What's your favorite thing about yourself, personality-wise?
That I'm generally always in a good mood. I try to be nice, good-humored, and gracious toward everyone. Moodiness annoys me and I deliberately aim for the opposite.

3.      What would your closest family member say to sell you to a prospective date (please, don't get gross – be honest)?
My sister would probably stop short of deifying me. She is one of my best cheerleaders, and would say I'm nice, cute, funny, talented, patient, smart… and she is so right.

4.      Would you flirt with someone who was attracted to you, even if the attraction wasn't mutual, but just because you really liked this person?
Sure, as long as they know I have no romantic intentions. I would never deliberately mislead someone. I kinda do this already with a couple of folks – me at both sides of this relationship model. I see no harm when both parties are clear where things stand.

5.      Someone you think is very sexy but "out of your league" returns your interest; how do you react?
I'd make sure they're not kidding, then I'd go for it. I perceive most of the people I've been with as more attractive than me, so I'm not very insecure about a mate leaving me for someone prettier. That can just as easily happen with someone theoretically IN my league.

6.      If you overheard something extremely flattering but untrue about your sexual prowess, what would you do?
I would laugh and tell the truth and thank whoever was a part of the gossip chain. "Well, my penis isn't quite 14 inches long, but if you want to tell people that, be my guest."

7.      An anonymous person sends you a rose with a note that simply says, "Just for being your sexy self":  What do you do?
First, after making sure the delivery wasn't misrouted, I'd be very psyched. Then I'd hope my secret admirer would identify himself. Then I'd pray it was someone who I was interested in. It's weird – In my younger days, I would have thought, "Oh, shut up, I am not sexy, this person is crazy." In my 30's I realized that even though I don't perceive myself as super-hot or sexy, based on the fact that everybody's tastes are so widely different, I understand intellectually that someone out there is going to think of me that way. Whether or not I agree is immaterial. The aim is to find someone with whom that feeling is mutual.

8.      A photographer you know uses your image in an appropriate way at a show.  Many people at the first showing talk a LOT about how attractive you are.  Do you stick around?  Do you eavesdrop?  Do you blush? Do you flee?
Please - I'm a Leo! I'd totally stick around and soak it up. I'd be sure to feign humility and say, "Well, that Guantanamo is a genius with lighting and makeup."

9.      You've just won an international contest as the World's Best Kisser.  How prominently do you display the statue?
Depends on if it matches the couch. I certainly wouldn't hide it, though. (see also 8: Leo pride and vanity)

10.  If you had the superpower to make people spontaneously O, how much would you abuse this power?
Spontaneously read Oprah Winfrey's magazine? I'd abuse this power all the time to help people Live Their Best Lives. Seriously… I'm not sure this is all that 'super' a power. Isn't part of the enjoyment of orgasms the stuff you do that leads up to them?

Currently watching : Rent (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition) Release date: 2006-02-21

4:32 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Records - Both Medical And Box Office

I know you've been waiting with baited breath for the results of my mole biopsies. Well, breathe that sigh of relief. They all came back OK. No skin cancer for me - YAY! You may return to your own worries and concerns now.

Word was just released that Mad Cow's amazing production of Major Barbara has broken their box office record for opening weekend ticket sales (straight play, non-musical). You know what the previous record-holder was? A little show called The Constant Wife from July 2006, starring yours truly and a competent supporting cast. (OK, fine, I played the butler - there's a pic of it in my animated avatar.) Let it never be said the classics are dead: George Bernard Shaw and W. Somerset Maugham are alive and well and their plays still resonate and can find audiences in this milennium.

I really hope Almeida & Miller's My Big Fat Gay Wedding is able to achieve the same notoriety.

Currently reading : I Am America (And So Can You!) By Stephen Colbert Release date: 2007-10-09

6:07 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Pretty Cool
Current mood: bouncy

I was hanging out in downtown Winter Garden with my Sis and Neph on Saturday. I got to say hi to Alauna and Diana at the Garden Theatre -- Diana was so excited to show me that the Zombies From The Beyond Poster is now hanging outside the theater... 

That's me and Elizabeth! YAY! Now my nephew thinks I'm some sort of big-shot celebrity. And, well, he's right, isn't he?

Other favorite moment from the weekend - walking into my Universal audition to find Lulu at the piano. As I opened my music binder, she spied a thin book tucked in the pocket with a black cover and white lace along the top of it. "Is that I Am My Own Wife?" she asked. I said, "Yes." Realizing that she can recognize plays by their BACK cover, she just sighed, "I'm a dork." LMAO! A great (and much needed) laugh before the audition started.

Currently watching : Friends - The Complete First Season

8:53 AM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Sunday Blogging
Current mood: determined

My friend Joanie commented that she was going into blog withdrawal. Sorry, darling. So much going on, my head is spinning. No time to blog. Here is an update.

Employment
My Sis has got herself a job! YAY! They want her to start earlier than she thought, she's now in hell trying to arrange child care for 3 weeks before school starts. I'm probably gonna be part of that.

Unemployment
In addition to the closing of Pleasure Island and all of the actors I know who are affected by that, I just heard they're also closing Woody's Cowboy Camp, which means more of my friends are out of jobs. Yikes.

Auditioning Like Mad
* EPCOT's Christmas Around The World (callback for Pere Noel - woo hoo!)
* The American Idol Experience (who knows, I ain't waiting by the phone - ??)
* Universal (multiple callbacks to happen later this week - woo hoo!)
* Mad Cow - acting season audition later this morning -- musical auditions are next weekend.
WHEW! I'm not dreading these and feeling as ill as I used to... but I'm still getting very nervous in the actual auditions. I'll notice the side is shaking in my hand when I'm reading, and just yesterday I realized if I shifted my weight onto one of my legs, the other knee started to vibrate uncontrollably. I plan for this to get better. My journey has only just begun. Even if I can get just a little bit of work out of this, I'll be happy. If I get nothing, back I'll go.

The Day Job
Only 4 days left - I can't wait for it to be over. It's been a major annoyance having to juggle all of the above auditions with business hours. Not to mention last-minute doctor appointments...

The Doctors
I was able to squeeze in an appointment for a physical with my doctor, I hope to get a clean bill of health before I go to my more-expensive-individual-health-plan-which-I-hope-to-not-have-to-use. I even went separately to a dermatologist to have some moles looked at - the dude ended up carving me up like a Christmas ham and hacking off 15 moles for biopsies. FIFTEEN. Jeezus. I'm not worried about them being skin cancer. I'm just sore. And annoyed at all of the band-aiding, hydrogen-peroxiding, and polysporining. But the cool thing is when they heal, the lumpy ones are gonna be gone. YAY!

Die, Mommie, Die! at Theatre Downtown
I'm going to see it today - can't wait!!

Major Barbara at Mad Cow
Do not miss this production!! It has an all-star cast, super production values, and I can't say enough how enjoyable, funny, and timely this show is, even 100+ years after it was written. Go, darn you, GO! NOW!!

Currently reading : Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life By Steve Martin

5:50 AM - 5 Comments - 3 Kudos - Add Comment

Thursday Ran-Dumb-Ness

* I love Luerne Herrera's blog. I hope someday this blog grows up to be like hers. She got cast in Elegies at the Orlando GLBT Theatre Festival... I am hearing buzz on others who got in. I can't wait to see the cast lists.

* I swear to god both my home and work computers are giving me sass and taking painfully long to boot up and do the simplest of tasks. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Microsoft programs Windows to start messing up after a couple of years just to make people throw up their hands in defeat and shell out the money to upgrade. I can't wait to go Mac. Have no idea when that will be happening.

* I have been feverishly making doctors' appointments to get a clean bill of health before my company health insurance is gone at the end of the month. Thanks for the input and advice on the COBRA thing in my last blog... y'all were right. I got an individual plan at a fraction of the cost. Deductible, schmeeductible... that's what credit cards are for if the cash isn't immediately at hand.

* My Sis is about to get a really awesome job. Say a prayer for her that all goes well. This is huge, because she desperately needs employment now that she is a single parent. (I may be covering some of the child care for Neph in the month of August as she trains and gets acclimated. How nice to be 'available' to help her... unemployment can be a good thing!)

* Does someone want to teach me how to mow my lawn? I understand the basics, but need a brush up after a decade or two. Have any technological advances been made? Will the new iPhone G3 cut it for me? What do I have to feed the little men with scissors who live underneath the lawn mower?

* Work is getting crazy. All the 'transitional' stuff we need to do, I'm being pulled in all directions. After years of loafing, NOW I'm expected to pull my weight and actually do something? Bastards.

* My friend Jimmy took me out to Hamburger Mary's for dinner last night. Love it! How nice to see Church Street with a pulse again. Jimmy is one of my biggest fans and greatest cheerleaders. I adore him and wish I could see him more often.

* Though I am not a film critic anymore, I am still "connected" (thanks to Steve and Sleuths) and got to see two preview screenings in the last week: Saturday morning was Space Chimps! Not as horrible as I would have thought. It was a valiant effort for a startup CGI movie company. The animation is admirable, though there is room for improvement. The script is full of tired cliches, though. As the Watermark film critic, Steve was asked for a quote that they could use in marketing the film. He tried to dodge them, but still got caught. Thankfully he had me on hand to cut right to the superficiality: "The kids are gonna love it!"

* My second screening was American Teen, a much-better-than-average documentary chronologizing the senior year of several teens in the midwest. The kids were chosen because they mirror real-life versions of the Breakfast Club kids. The director Nanette Burstein has structured the film well and given it a great dramatic arc... plus she added some fun CGI fantasy sequences. It has won many awards on the Film Festival circuit... it will probably be up for a Best Documentary Oscar come next year. (And if you keep singing the title to the tune of "American Dream" from Miss Saigon, you are officially a great big homo like me.) www.americanteenthemovie.com

* Hint from Heloise: Before you click "POST" when you Blogging on MySpace... do a Select-All-Copy of the text just in case it screws up. I just did that and sure enough - "Sorry! An unexpected error has occurred!" I almost lost everything you see here. And that woulda really pissed me off.

* Mamma Mia! opens tomorrow! Can't wait can't wait can't WAIT!

Currently reading : The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel By Diane Setterfield Release date: 2007-10-09

10:36 AM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Personal Revelations
Current mood: okay

* In addition to my blog announcement I also sent out a group email to friends and family to let them know about my job situation. The amount of love & support that I have been getting back is overwhelming. It's just - WOW. I can't say thank you enough to all of the responses and blog comments I've gotten. You guys are the greatest. Seriously.

* So, as I look ahead to my new life... I realize there are going to be a lot more auditions in my future. And unfortunately, auditions sort of make me ill -- feeling kinda sick for 4-5 days preceding. Mostly a general sense of dread, a perpetual lump in the stomach.... not pleasant. I have wondered if I could ever get used to it. I'm sure as heck going to find out NOW, aren't I? I realize this is the dragon I will have to slay in order to break through to the other side. I hope at best, I will grow to love auditioning; at worst, I will get used to it and be able to tolerate it. One thing I definitely need to do is force myself to put in the time and make sure I am as prepared as I can be (not one of my strengths). Any other suggestions? (Jenny suggested a support group - maybe combine emotional support with the ability to try out new audition material and monologues and critique each other?)

* On a more somber note, My mother died four years ago today. This is always a weird time of reflection... I feel as though I need to do something special to honor her, especially since I don't feel like I think about her all that much on a day-to-day basis. I keep telling myself that she would have wanted me to live my life and not dwell on losing her. And I do think of her regularly, though not often. It's so strange how personal this stuff is, and how we all deal with it in our own way. There is no map.

* I love Comedy Central, and they ran some really good stand-up specials non-stop 24/7 the entire Fourth Of July weekend. It was pretty cool, but ENOUGH with the fcukking Lipozene ads! Christ! Can't you see I'm trying to watch TV and wash down these Oreos with this Yoo-Hoo?

* Speaking of bad eating habits and the need for weight-loss drugs... I'm not back on the wagon yet. Not even close. Screw July. It's my last month of full-time employment. I'm eating 'em while I can afford 'em. ('Em=All Bad Foods Ever Invented)

* My Dad's condo on the coast has a sauna that has been broken for almost a YEAR now. I gotta call someone and kick some ass. Saunas rock. It's like the evil leaves your body when you sweat that much.

* Since I am registered with MySpace as a homo, the sponsored ads that appear on my home page are all gay-oriented. They have this new one with two cute young twinks washing the dishes and throwing suds at each other before they fall into a romantic embrace. Is that the secret? Can I find a man if I just start washing my dishes by hand?

* By the way, Facebook really isn't doing it for me. I love some parts of it, but I think I'm a MySpace kid. It will remain my primary time-waster.

* If you haven't read Schmacko's blogs about his recent trip to Wisconsin to see one of his plays produced, you should. They are really cool.

* OK, gotta get back to work. The web isn't gonna surf itself.

Currently watching : The Joan Crawford Collection, Vol. 2 (A Woman’s Face / Flamingo Road / Sadie McKee / Strange Cargo / Torch Song) Release date: 2008-02-12

12:02 PM - 6 Comments - 9 Kudos - Add Comment

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

No, this blog title is not a musical affectation to mimic the vocal stylings of David Bowie. It is the sound of me attempting to say a word while stammering in panic and trying not to freak out.

The honeymoon is over. I am past the "yay I don't have to work here anymore" limerance and am now faced with the harsher realities of the situation.

I found out how much my COBRA is going to cost me - to maintain my health benefits - but if I type it, I may pass out again. The only thing keeping me from dumping my coverage altogether is the prospect that my severance may cover a good chunk of it. The company hasn't gotten around to telling us how much we are getting. They say we'll know by the end of the month. "Um... but we're closing at the end of the month and people need to, um, plan...?" Ask me if I am surprised at such inefficiency.

Actually, I have gone over my own finances from a couple of angles and (with a bit of belt-tightening) things are still looking OK. The current plan (subject to change) is to give myself a year to be an Actor. I can use my savings to cover me if I am unable book enough work along the way. At the end of that year, next July, I will reassess... see how I did, how I felt about my life, and how much money is left. If I want to keep going with it, great. If not, I will start looking to go back to the corporate world.

What's really going to be so bizarre is the lifestyle change -- not keeping regular hours, not knowing what the future holds... Embracing uncertainty and instability has never been a strong point for me.

You know how they say in life there are no mistakes or failures, only lessons? I have a feeling there are going to be lots and lots of lessons in the next year.

Bring it on!

6:47 AM - 13 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Shocking News

I came into work today to learn that our Executive VP was in town and wanted us managers to call a meeting at 10:00am for all of the employees at the branch.

I thought, "Uh, oh, this is probably not going to be good."

And it wasn't. The meeting today brought the news that the company has decided to leave the commercial printing and engraving field completely and consolidate its existing supply and service core businesses. The Dallas and Orlando plants will be closing down, leaving only the headquarters in NYC and our main distribution center in Albany. I and all 36 of my co-workers will be unemployed as of the end of July.

I am stunned - shocked, actually - and it still doesn't quite seem real to me. Business has been bad for some time now, but I thought the company would ride it out. I figured I would eventually go away, but it never occurred to me that everything and everyone here would also be disappearing. I'm still in somewhat of a daze.

The thing is, this is actually a blessing in disguise. I have been unhappy and badly in need of a change for some time now. As I've been standing on the edge of this cliff, afraid to jump, Fate has now pushed me. I've been at this company for almost 16 years. And mostly I have stayed because of comfort, convenience, and stability. This change is long overdue. Even though it is really scary to consider the future, ultimately I know I will be fine.

Financially, I'm OK. I have some savings built up (bye bye home improvements - snif), and I am getting some severance pay, plus I'll be able to collect unemployment. And (god forbid) I do have the Bank Of Dad if things ever get really bad. So I won't be living in a cardboard box under a bridge anytime soon. Yes, I do feel bad for my co-workers who are going to be financially devastated by this. But for myself, I'm somewhat excited that I am now able to take some time to figure out what the next step in my life is.

11:05 AM - 25 Comments - 25 Kudos - Add Comment

Try Again, !$%^&*@!
Current mood: hungry

Dang! I accidentally deleted a blog post. Grrrrrr! Here are the main points again:

* Jester Theater announced the cast for Zombies From The Beyond. Check this out:
Major Malone - Rod Cathey
Trenton Corbett -Todd Allen Long
Rick Jones - David Almeida
Billy Krutzik -Mathew Schwartz
Mary Malone - Elizabeth Takacs
Charlene "Charlie" Osmanski - Melissa Mason
Zombina -Kate O'Neal
Musical Director - Jim Rhinehart
Director - Jay Hopkins
I am so excited to work with these folks!! WOO HOO!!

* I have decided that Kathy Griffin's phrase "Holy Fuck Balls!" needs to be used more often in every day conversation. I have already started. I invite you to do the same.

* In new-news, I am back on the wagon eating healthily again. I had my fun, went more than crazy with the junk food and other indulgences. Fringe ended 4 weeks ago today, it's time. But my GOODNESS it was fun eating everything and anything in sight. Back to the gym this week, too, cuz I've already put back on 1/2 of the weight I lost for Fringe. Mother Nature is so cruel, isn't she? Making it so hard to lose a pound, but so easy to gain one?

Currently reading : The Year of Magical Thinking By Joan Didion Release date: 2007-02-13

12:07 PM - 3 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Peer Pressure, Parts, Pics, Pounds

Facebook
Now that I've been forced to join the ranks of Facebook, I'm slowly learning the ropes. I think if you rearrange the letters to FACEBOOK, you get GORGEOUS EVIL SPAWN OF SATAN or something similar. There are some bits about it that I really love... I like the separate section just for quotes, and the Visual Bookshelf where I get to show off that I've been reading (well, listening to) books lately... Sweet! (The appearance of culture is never a bad thing.) But the little programs are kinda crazy. ("Wipe A Booger On The Armsleeve Of Your Friend" - WTF?) When I see something cool and want to just click on it, and then you get the whole "you have to install this program" - too much of a pain in the arse. Screw that. And don't get me started on the built-in chat function - as I feared, this is just one more thing I have let into my life that has the potential to be a very big time-waster.

I Don't Know Why I'm Frightened
In other good news, I auditioned for Jester Theater this week (and actually enjoyed a fun post-audition tailgate party with Sarah L and half the cast of Mad Cow's Heidi Chronicles). Got the call last night that I have been cast in the role of Rick in Zombies From The Beyond! WOO HOO! This is PERFECT. I wanted to take the summer off, and then get back into a show in late August. Zombies rehearses August-September and goes up October-November. Afterwards, I will have the holidays free (very welcome after She Loves Me overlapped Christmas & Thanksgiving last year).

So, theatrically, 2008 is falling into place very much to my satisfaction:
* January: Performed in PRT's Launch 2008 (in Steve Miller's The Sandwich Artist)
* February: Performed in Play-In-A-Day at PlayFest (in Scottie Campbell's Got Milk?)
* February: Performed in The Bay Street Project in Eustis (in Larry Stallings' Campbellville and Steve Miller's Seven Sonnets)
* March: Narrated the Orlando Gay Chorus' Diva By Diva concert.
* May: Produced and performed in the Smash Sell-Out Runaway Fringe Hit Here Be Dragons. (You like how the superlatives keep growing each time I mention the show in hindsight?)
* October: Zombies From The Beyond in Winter Garden.
It ain't half-over yet, and it's already been a pretty good year.

Plus let me add that I can't WAIT to work at the Garden Theater, and to be associated with Jester again, AND the cast for Zombies is pretty hardcore. As soon as it is 'officially' announced, expect some major gushing in this blog.

Dream-show-plans for next year? ... Oh, Mad Cow, Mad Cow...! : D

JBPhoto Shoot
I spent the day Saturday with my dear friend John Baker, and he took some new headshots of me. I can't wait to see them, though I'm fairly certain I'll think myself hideously ugly when I first lay eyes upon them - just a habit, typical, to be expected. Of course I will post a few here for feedback as soon as I get them. John & Steve & I then went to the pictures and suffered through The Happening together, then to continue the "awful movies" theme, I showed John the 1978 film version of Sondheim's A Little Night Music. He was shocked at how bad it was. To hear him cry out, "This is appalling," and "What were they thinking?" in his English accent was like having my very own Simon Cowell in the room. I think I've seen more of John since he moved to New York than I did when he lived down here.

Weight A Minute
I have been eating very badly lately. I reiterate: very badly. In 3-1/2 weeks, I've gained back 9 lbs. of the 18 lbs. I lost for Fringe. Yikes! Still, that puts me at 167, which really is still too light for being 6' 1". I'm not worried about it, I'll get back with the program soon. I'm still going to BodyWorks class on Sundays, and honestly I think I'm just about tired of all of the fried food, the sugar, and the caffeine. I can tell it's making me very sluggish and feeling generally less good than I usually do. But, oh, it's been lots of fun.

Currently watching : P.S. I Love You Release date: 2008-05-06

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