12/17/2006: "Pairs, Pears and Air"

music: Rain failling
mood: Motivated...or not.

It's been a while and lots has happened. Lots. Huge amounts. The Sound bytes of my life are as follows.

Drama: (The good kind) I have been cast in three roles in the Pear Avenue Theatre's Pear SLices 2007. This is a show that is comprised of the local playwrights group at the small 42 seat Mt. View theatre. I was in the selection of plays last year and was too temped to work with good directors and EXCELLENT playwrights. In an effort to get my own writing done, I just needed another boost of working with these writers and seeing if they can do it, so can I. Rehearsals start Mid to late Feb and show goes up April 14-29th.CHaracters this time include a bible belt science teacher in a descussion about intelligent design, a soon to be divorced fashion designer, and the "spokesperson" for the theatre. All fun stuffm all really against type, so should be fun.

Welcome: Laurina has welcomed her first child, a son, Ethan Paul Barker into the world as of yesterday. The 10.5 lb 21 inch lad came by planned C-Section and all went very well. I talked to Laurina yesterday and she sounded as calm and as delighted as one could be. It's fantastic. Auntie Susannah will make a venture up in the next 6 months most likely to visit and no doubt corrupt the young redheaded "nephew".

Family: "The Brits" as they are called came into town on Thursday and with that Wolife the cat has decided he doesn't need to come around so much this week. I've enjoyed even just the few days chatting with Kalya and though Wes is still a bit young to really enjoy all the people, put Stuart Little on the TV and he's a giggle factory. Talking cats and mice in cars apparently rate very high for 1 1/2 year olds. My favorite Kayla quotes so far have been " I love California, are we going to stay here a long time", "I want you to come with me in case they tell me I have to go back to bed" and when asked if there is more love in California, her truthful response "yes" melted everyones heart. It's good to have the kids here for the holidays. Even with the rain and the cold nights, and the chaos and the crying and the stress of schedules and so on, I do love the sense of family that we have always had through our own and through the extended.

Fumes: While constucting a puppet theatre on Thursday night for the kids, I inhaled (for over an hour) apparently some toxic fumes from some adhesive used to repair the closet doors in my parents house. My poor sense of smell, coupled with my stubborn determination (and excitement) to assemble this entire stage in one night proved just stupid in the end. The humorous (well NOW it is) part of the story is in the visual of me in bed waking up thinking, oh no I'm going to puke again, and ill, half asleep, in the dark with no glasses trying to navigate my bedroom floor of landminds (read: shoes, clothes, books, computer etc) down the hall to the bathroom where as I'm aiming for the bowl and lifting the lid at the same time I smack my forehead on the seat. I have a bruise and a very tender spot still, but even I thought that was funny, now that I've recovered from the toxic intake.

Home Base: As always the Greenwood on Greenwood abode where my parents have lived for over 32 years is the central location for guests to drop by at all times, even unannounced. We were graced last night with Ade Adekola's visit which was delightful. Such an intellectual and wonderful addition to any room. 3 hours of discussion on his time working as consultant and artist in Nigeria was fascinating. Deborah, on eo Brette's Bridesmaids also came by to chat. I hope my home can be a place where the fun and intellectual feel comfortable to stop by anytime.It was amazing how quick the wine and cheese and crackers come out when guests appear. The Greenwoods are always ready for a salon it would seem. Something I think is truely lovely.

New Beginnings: The Count down continues (10 days!!!) and I'm more and more excited to get myself over the pond and over to my love to be with him for the New Year. We know this year is going to be tough in some ways and really wonderful in a lot of other ways and we are just too elated to be able to spend the beginning of it together. My only debate is if I DARE to check a bag or if I try to stuff xmas and new years as well as Plymouth weather into a carry on. If anyone can do it I can...and yet...maybe a prayrer to the American Airlines Gods to just let one bag this holiday make it to where it needs to when it needs to be there.

Good Vibes: Former roommate and good friend Anu has completed the next stpe to the loooonnnngggggg process that is her PHD. Her defense has commenced and fingers and toes are crossed. When this girl walks graduation, when she has the degree in her hand, I can not tell you the huge party I am throwing her. I just so admire all the work she has done, all the perseverence and commitment she has put in when life has at many times tempted her to quit. This is so major and I'm so proud. GO GO GO GO!

Work: Work goes well, there are a lot of changes on the horizon which I brace myself for daily. Co-workers have been very kind in not springing too much on me in terms of change. Our new ticketing system is going to rock. It will be a bear to learn and educate myself and others but, I think once it is up and running I will have my weekends free....I think...and THAT will be a vast improvement. My Princess business cards came, best xmas present EVER!!! And because of a bit of planning, after this Friday, I won't even have to work over the vacation. I'll have 17 days of paid freedom.

Jeep: Monday marks the Jeeps 6th birthday (now older than ME!) and with nearly 93K miles, he's been an absolute peach...or lemon, cause he's yellow, only he's not a lemon...uh...you know what I mean.

Akeelah and the Bee: A movie with good acting, and a good story but if you have already seen Spellbound, you can skip this one. 3 1/2 RRD's.

Phone: Don't panic. I just wanted to share that I STILL have my phone. No washing machine incidents at all.

WEBSITES: If you haven't already seen this Iwantoneofthose.com that's pretty fun.

Okay, hopefully I will have a chance for at least one more update before leaving on the 26th...Haver a great holiday everyone, wherever you are!