TO ME! 4 years ago today I rolled into this great city with my all belongings in a u-haul truck. When I got here I had no place to live and no job. That changed quickly, by the end of August I was employed and had a home to live in. Nothing compares to living here. I may not have everything I came down here with anymore, but I am still going strong!

Today are a couple of friend's birthday's as well. So to Jeff and Kristy, Happy Birthday Kids!!! :)

(more coming later in the week including pictures. I just need to be home for longer than 10 minutes!)

Okay...I am finallly all hooked up at home, and am going to attempt taking my written journal and put it online...lots of typing ahead. I apologize for the free flowing thoughts and the spelling. So here it goes:

My Move to New Orleans August 1, 2004

Its 6:15 AM, and we have been on the road since 5:20ish AM. We entered the freeway at 5:37 AM. I think we will call this day 1. Yesterday Scott (my Bro in law from now called BIL) and I loaded up a 5'x8' Uhaul trailer and part of their trailblazer. It only took about 3 1/2 hours. I was still paking some things as we went along. As soon as we were done, we headed to the downtown area so Scott could order a fresh salmon to be delivered in Phoenix next Saturday, then we went and had some sushi. By the time we got back to the apartment around 7:30-8 I felt like it was past midnight. A quick shower later, we all zoned in front of the TV. I was so tired I couldn't sleep. I finally did around 10:00. Got a good 7 hours and now, with coffee in hand we are headed up the Snolqualmie pass. Bye Bye Seattle!! The plan right now is to drive to at least SLC tonight, Denver tomorrow, where we will stay two nights with mom and dad. We will then stop somewhere in OK on Wed, in NOLA by Thursday. I think I will be sick of cars by then. The realness of all this hit a bit last night as I realized that all my belongings were in a uhaul truck, sitting on the street. Then as I took the apartment keys off the key ring, leaving non. Then as we pulled out of Seattle. Craziness.
Going on hour 13 now. Juse entered Utah about 20 mins ago. Our 4th state today. We have at least one more gas fill up to go...then we will cut across to Wyoming tonight, so that will be 5 states in one day. Have been just doing a lot of reading and listening to music. I poured over my Offbeat magazine looking at all the bands I can go and see soon. Satchmo fest is this coming weekend. I had thought it was the weekend just ending. Suprise! I willl get to see Storyville Stompers, New Orleans Nightcrawlers, of course both will be without Craig, but sill a ton of fun. I am suprised on how fast today has actually gone. Maybe because I just know how long we were going to be in the car. That must be it. Probably another hour in the car, depending on what time it is when we get to Ogden, see how Scott is doing, since has drove all day....

Day 2
Stopped in Evanston last night around 9:30 MST. 15 hours on the road. We ordered pizza and watched Zorro, then crashed. Up by 6:45 this AM. Very funny picture in the Days Inn parking lot this morning. The SUVs with uhaul trailers all in a row. We are on the road now after a gass fill up along with coffee. Short day today. We should be in Larimer, WY by 1:30-2:00, see my aunt Shoni, then to Denver. That's about 1-1 1/2 drive. Easy compared to yesterday.
Saw Shoni, Wynn and Taylor for about an hour and half. Got to mom and Dad's around 4:00, ate dinner, watched some TV and got a good night's sleep.

Day 3
Slept in, watched soaps, played online, went out for drinks, watched Open Range, and headed to bed. It was nice to have a day of "rest"

Day 4
We were on the road by 6:30 AM. Mom loaded us up with some goodies; cookies, apples, grapes, carrots, crackers, gum. Right now now its 1:44 CST and we have been on the road for 6 1/2 hours. We just drove through Russell, KS home of Bob Dole. So far Kansas has been pretty unimpressive, its not bad, just boring. We are going ot drive to Salinas, KS about 60 miles or so then head South through OK. We should end up in Dallas this eving some time. If its not too late, we will get to have dinner with Dia nad Randy and perhaps stay iwth them. We haven't decided yet. I am starting to get a bit more excited. Tomorrow, I will be in NOLA after a year long absence. I can't wait to be in that city, feel the humidity, to just feel everything. Friday we will unload the uhaul into a storage unit, then Scott will be on his way. I will spend Friday getting a cell phone and a PO box set up. I will also look at some jobs, hopefully going in on Monday to a few temp agencies. It would be awesome to be working by next week. Mid-week.

Day 5
Last day on the road!! Last night we got as far as Lewistown, TX about 15 miles north of Dallas. Its a good thing Dia called when she did, we were right by where she worked! :) So we found a hotel (didn't want to sleep on the floor at their apartment) This was around 10:15. By 10:30 PM Dia and Randy came and grabbed me, Scott wanted to sleep. I don't blame him. We had a mini drama just north of Witchita. We stopped for gas and noticed that the tread was almost completly off the driver side tire on the the Uhaul. Luckily Uhaul responded fast and we were back on the road within 40 minutes. Dinner with Dia and Randy ROCKED!! I had the best time just gabbing away with them. It will be really nice to have some friends a tad closer to me. My freaky friends that is. I was back at the hotel at 12:30 AM. I was so completly tired that I couldn't sleep. I hate that feeling, that and knowing today we would be there just upped my excitement level. We didn't get on the road until 8:48 this morning...kinda wanted to sleep and avoid rush hour traffic. We are almost to LA, now (10:14) probably about an hour away!!! Tonight, Bourbon Street.

Many Days Later (almost 3 weeks as a NOLA resident)
Craziness has been surrounding me since I got here. Lets see going back...let me see what I can remember. The Thursday we arrived, we found the guest house pretty easy. It is right on Canal Street, about a 10 minute walk from the Quarter. We got settled inot the room, brought up the stuff from the SUV (TV, Computer, Ect) and then took the street car down to the Quarter. We went to Acme Oyster House, Tropical Isle, Lafitte's and Harrah's. NOt a bad night, OH I did leave Scott for a bit at Harrah's to go and see Doug Belote play. Of course by the time I got there he was done. Also saw Steve Suter getting into his car. We (Scott & i) cabbed it back to the room and crashed around 12:30-1:00. The next morning we got a late start, around 8 or so. We headed just down the street to the local uhaul place to unload and get rid of the trailer. Let me tell you that unloading a uhaul in the humidity with a hang over is NO fun. We hauled ass, or as much as we could seeing how we were feeling. We were done with the uhaul place around 1 or so. We ran back to the room, showered then headed out to grab a bite to eat at Mother's. We shared a Ferdi special, YUMMY!! A stop at Louisiana Music Factory was next where I picked up John Gros new CD as well as Theresa Anderson's. We went back to the room and took loooong naps. Later that night I headed out to Tipitina's, my first trip there!! Saw PGF, got to talk to John for a bit and Jason Mingledorff did a killer Rick James song. Scott stayed back at the room to sleep. I got back at around 12:30. Next thing I know Scott was waking me up. It was 5:00 AM and he was leaving. I am still getting that excitement/fear/stress feeling right now as I did at that time. I stood on the balcony outside my room and watched him drive off with the thought "That's it, I am all alone in NOLA, I really did this, am doing this, ther is no going back now" I then went back to the room and collapsed, both emotionally and physically drained. I spent that day, Saturday, feeling very disconnected. I walked to the french market got a Muffelatta from the Central Market, and went to Satchmo fest. first up was New Orleans Nightcrawlers, then to another stage to see Troy Andrews, at that point I met this lady who just started chatting. turns out se was from chico, and had come down to visit her musician "friend" she had met last time she was down here. We wandered over to see Rick Trolsen play and just basked in the sun. Pretty soon, I went to see Jeremy Davenport play on a different stage, and she headed back to the friend's house. I was out at the fest for over 6 hours!!! it was AMAZING the music was fantastic and I was having the best time. I went back to the room and read for awhile. Sunday, was more of the same, seeing Storyville Stompers, Ellis Marsalis and Kermit Ruffins! I was exhausted. Again a collapse in the room. Monday I was up and moving early, I went and got a local number, a new cell phone. Oh and on the way to the Quarter, one of the house guests asked me to lunch! Then at Radioshack, one of the sales guys asked me out!! What a freaking feeling let me tell you!! I ended up going to lunch with Derek, the house guest. It was okay. I spent the afternoon looking for a job and talking to some temp agencies. That night I took a trip to Maple Leaf to see PGF again. Another great show, Tony Hall and Raymond Weber sat in, they played with Harry's funk band. Afterwards Ray was convinced he knew me. Or it was a cheesy pickup line. I am leaning to cheesy pick up line. The rest of the week that followed or at least till Wed, was spent the same way, looking for a job and an apartment. I had an interview iwth a temp agency on Wed, and went to look at an apartment I loved. I grabbed some grub and headed back to the room and just chilled. Thursday I was going to go and see Tin Men play, but never made it that far. I blame it all on the killer Jack Daniels/cokes Eric at the Tropical Isle made and the cute Johnny Depp look-a-like that was there. I ended up hanging out and talking to those two boys for a long time. So Friday I was up later and just chilled. At some point I had finally opened up a PMB, So I had a NOLA address, which made it feel more permanant. I looked at a few other apartments as well, but I was really in love with the first one I looked at, so I contacted Liz and told her I was interested. She asked if I would come over on Saturday and have lunch with her and Sou, the girl she had just rented the other room too. So I did. And that afternoon, I gave Liz a deposit!! So now I had a place ot live, but couldn't move in right away. At first we thought I could move in on the 21st, which I really didn't want to do seeing that it was my birthday and we knew that the 22nd was out for the same reason. so we set our sights on the 20th. Sou then drove me the whole 5 blocks to Carrie and Adam's place where we hung out for a bit. Carrie drove me back to my room after a bit and we made plans to go see John Gros play at DBA later that night. We had a blast even though that jackass Crawford was with us. I didn't get back to my room until 5:00 AM!! I was dead, dead, dead. Especially since that previous night I had been up until 5:30 AM trying to keep Kristy awake on her drive to/from San Fran. Insane. I don't think I moved on Sunday until 3:30 or so. Unless it was to put more quarters in the air conditioner. Carrie called about then, we were going to meet in the Quarter to go to a fundraiser for a NOLA PD officer who was shot and killed earlier in the week. the fundraiser was for her 10 year old daughter. We figured for the $15 to get in, plus raffle $$ it was beyond worth it. We saw a ton of great bands including my cutie trombone player Andy who filled in with Bucktown All Stars, ate a ton of good food and had free drinks. We left around 11 that night, the fundraiser just ending. In the end, the daughter's elementary and HS education is going to be paid for by an anyon. donor, as well as a ton more money was raised. I crashed that night HARD!! The following week, again more of the same Job hunting and interviews. going back to the room and reading. There was usually someone in the lounge watching TV already, and usually it wasn't something I wanted to watch. I did go see cutie Eric at tropical isle again on Tuesday. He is young but a sweetie! I also caught one of Mark Braud's sets at Harrah's. Thursday night I went and saw Jeremy Davenport again. OH! That previous Monday, Ray called me!! Still trying to figure out how he got my number, I think it was from John. It was a short convo and haven't heard from him since.
Saturday dawned and I still hadn't moved. Thats because the boys living there, hadn't moved out yet and were doing it that day. So my move in day was now on Monday the 23rd. Saturday it was my birthday. I treated myself to some beingets, a psychic reading, some shopping, and then some chinese food. Soon Annette showed up and we were off, to try and get her a BTE ticket, see if Eric was working, eat some dinner at TGIF. Since Annette didn't get a ticket, she headed up the street to Tower and Virgin, I went in to the BTE show, stayed until about 11:15 then met Annette back out front. We headed to Carrollton Station to see John Gros play again, and proceeded to have a great time there. I was in bed about 3:30ish and barely moved on Sunday. Monday was well, yesterday and I moved into my new, fantastic apartment!! Its on the endo fo the St Charles street car line, on Dublin. It has sooo much space, I don't know what to do and thats just in my room!! I think I almost killed Adam during the move!! I was all moved in by 2:30 yesterday. Today was spent unpacking and going to the grocery store! I think that has been my biggest thrill, no more eating out! Tomorrow another interview and more researching/applying for jobs. I need me one of those BAD!!

2 weeks later
So the day after I wrote this...I got a call. A call people dread getting. Even though they never know when it could happen. My friend's Donna and Marvin were in a car accident. Donna was badly bruised, Marvin did not make it. :( God rest his soul. I spent the rest of the evening talking to everyone, trying to find out what happened, to try to make sense of it all. I was up most of that night, I know I wasn't the only one. The next morning, I talked to Donna and was just amazed over her strength. I don't think I could have handled this as well as she has. The rest of the week was spent making plans to be there for the service, to help Donna, and to say goodbye to Marvin. Life is crazy, fragile, and scary. to appreciate it each day doesn't seem enough some times. Donna has been an inspiration to me. and I know that everything I have gone through or yet to go through doesn't compare to what si is going through or is about to go through. I am so much happier that I moved when I did. for one thing I am closer to Donna now, so whenever she needs a friend, I can get to her a bit easier. And to know that I took this chance to move here, now, rather than just sit and think about it day after day. Life is fragile, its not a game of what-ifs. Last week I flew to Birmingham and met Andrea. After a fun shuttle adventure we arrived at the hotel, where Donna and her mom were waiting for us. We went over to her house and had a quick tour. soon after Dia and Randy showed up. The we ate. It was the first of many meals. With that done, we helped Donna go through some pictures to find some great ones of Marvin to put in a collage. It really was a night of tears. Tears of sadness, and tears of laughter. It was a very sweet night really. I did feel at one time what I thought, no know was Marvin. It was like a hug and a thank you. Andrea and Dia said at some point they felt the same thing too. The next day was the service. It was a very nice service. The first preacher that spoke of Marvin really helped with that. I think Marvin would have really enjoyed it. Afterwards it was more eating. Later even more eating and talking and laughing. Seeing Donna laugh and smile was fantastic. Andrea and I stayed until Saturday.
Saturday afternoon Adam, Carrie and I hit Southern Decadance down in the Quarter. Sunday, more of the same. It was wild and crazy and a ton of fun. Monday was a recovery day. Tuesday was a 2nd job interview with an Ad Agency, and now the waiting game....

Holy moly...really its been over a month since I last posted???
I have thought about it everyday...but only have so much time on the account at the coffee shop, but today, the computer at the house is hooked up...it was an ordeal. Tomorrow, I will post my travels/life thus far. Well parts of it. I wrote a lot of it down in a little journal. Not sure how far/much I can get done...

Moving has been keeping me busy....for about the past 3 days. LOL rest of the time, I have been occupied with some guy named Harry.

Going back a few days...On Monday, July 26th, we had a cast party out on Lake Washington. The place we were at was AMAZING!! It had a private dock, pool, jacuzzi, 6 bbq grills (2 inside) a bonfire pit, private home theater, I got lost in dressing areas!! The place was HUGE and we had the best time just drinking wine and soaking in the hot tub.

Tuesday I packed up a bit, had lunch with Matt, then dinner with Roxanne and Summer. We had a great time eating sushi and ice cream and just gabbed, gabbed, gabbed. I said goodbye to Roxanne that night. :(

Wed, I was on a train (my first ever train ride) to Portland. I had a nice relaxing morning..and got to Portland around 2. Kristy was still an hour or so away...so I decided to walk up to the venue, pick up my ticket and wait for her. The following was posted on Connick.com (its kinda in a random order)

I had a semi bad freak moment...but was okay, could have been realllllly bad, but thankfully I know how to control myself. I was waiting for Kristy to arrive, ( I took the train down) and was sitting a block away from the venue....at a starbucks reading my book. I had seen Jerry at one point, but he was going the other way....then....the busses pulled up right in front of me....and all the guys started coming out of what was apparently a hotel...in which the Starbucks had a corner of....they were putting their stuff on the bus, and then walking past me and around the corner to I guess the theatre....I kept calling Kristy to say HURRY UP!! Before I do something stupid!! Like molest all the guys. I actually saw Jerry a few more times before the busses came out...he was on his phone and was walking up and down in front of the Starbucks...he kept looking over at me, and I wasn't the only person out there. Later when I saw him after the show, he said he "saw" me. I thought he meant in Starbucks but he was talking about dancing at the show. He hung out with us a bit after the show....it was awesome!! I love him!!!

Mini tour galore....rock on. Kristy's word for tonight: BIGMine? I got to look down Harry's shirt from the front row....story about freezing his back with this air in can ( to clean your keyboards with) and he went on this huge triade about it...how no one in the band cared....and then he kneeled in front of us and asked if we could see the red mark....no one else got up so I did....didn't see the red mark....but DAMN he has a nice back. Show was rockin!! ORC, St. James, Smile, More, For Once In My life, Last Dance, CBM, MG song, Lucien did one of his own songs...not Luscious...but can't remember...its on his CD (could have been a Satchmo song) Derrick did a bunch of TV theme songs...bird calls, and a CB radio impression. I can't remember the other songs...but they were all BIGGot to talk to Neal, Craig, Mark, Joe, Jerry, and Harry after the show. Neal said to make sure we had his back. Funny story bout Neal...when we were chatting I gave him a hard time about the number that girl wrote on his arm and how it was a big "deal" over on the board...that he had been a hot topic about that....he said he had heard...his brother had seen the threads, then he started talking about how the girl was just a cousin...no a second cousin..so it doesn't seem so "weird" LOL gotta love him.

We moved from Portland to Vancouver the next night:
Okay....we are here....you know that motto "sleep when your dead?" we are almost dead. So yesterday morning we get up....in Portland and drive to Seattle. I get to shower and change my clothes...the ones I had slept in. We hit the road to Vancouver. We had no problems finding the venue...parking right by the buses. A few cocktails and food, we did some shopping. Then it was time to get our tickets and find a place to change for the show.....that was an adventure. We had front row seats again. Almost the same exact spot as the night before. Rock Star... Harry sang and smiled at us. I love that. His father-in-law and some aunts were there. So we got some of the same 'wuss' story that happened in Denver....but still freakin funny. How his FIL thought he was wuss for being a jazz musician. He also talked about the Air-in-a-can again. And how he tried to boil ice to make "hot" or "dry" ice. He SSTTEO (to FIL) not only did your daughter marry a jazz musician but I am dumb too. OH and then he said something about having to divorce his wife because his FIL didn't like him....big funny story.....He made fun Mike Karn a bit....told the George Jones story about recording the song for the Christmas CD...the signing of the boots. Apparently some one asked him yesterday if he was gonna play any Christmas music. Songs played??? Um...Smile, Way down Yonder in New Orleans, the George Jones song that he loves, MG, CBM, We Built this city on Rock and Roll, Magic Man, It Might as well be Spring (Which kicked Ass), Only you, Its raining Men (sung by Neal), Trombone showdown featuring Bap Bap....Show was dedicated to Aunt Marnie....Okay we made up some of the set list....but there WAS a trombone showdown....Harry didn't like the song the boys started playing so he made them start over. LOL OH totally forgot this till now...but Harry broke the piano!!! 2 of the keys...just didn't work anymore....after the show...we chatted with Joe, Mark, Neal, and Craig....I saw Harry at the M&G and made a comment about the night before...looking down his shirt...he started laughing, and said "oh its you" tee hee.

Seattle was next:
Oh my word. So Kristy, Donna and her husband and I had front row seats, in the center. Tracy and her sister were row to on the other side of the aisle....Heather was in front row further down!! Heather!!! It was awesome to meet you and your sister!!!Doug Wamble came out as usual and played....when he started "Sweet Magnolia Tree" I started clapping and he said, Oh I have one fan out there!! LOVE that song!! The guys hit the stage minutes after Doug left, no curtain so they have to walk out.....we cheered for them and then Harry bounded on the stage. He started out with Blue Skies. At least I know that was played...can't remember if it was first or not. Can I just say now that I LOVE Jerry??? He rocks. Alot of the same songs...Mind on the Matter was done tonight with Lucien....St James, and I will never be able to listen to "For Once in my Life" the same way EVER again!!!! Harry did it as a duet. Himself and Sly Stallone. I kid you not. He did about half the song that way. I was DYING!!! We had MG for the last song...and as Harry came out....he told us all to come up to the stage to dance...the first row was about 2 feet away from the stage....it was awesome....and when it was over...no one wanted to leave....so Harry came back out and did a 2nd encore...just him....he did Iko Iko....ROCK STAR!!! Okay so what did he talk about tonight? He was talking about how beautiful the area was....how he really liked it, and he started talking about a building in the area being a old hunting cabin....and he looks right at me as he says that and goes (the following is all SSTTEO) Your here again?? Haven't you been to the past few shows? Your stalking me! Last night we were in Vancouver and that includes passports, its not just a spur of the moment decision to come to several shows....you stalker, you freak. You need to stop, and when I said no...he said yes!! then he said now he has to do something totally different. I was at one point trying to hide my face in Kristy's shoulder and he looks at her and says, oh did she come with you? Then he looks at her and says Have you been to all the shows too? How come I don't recognize you? (uhhh because I looked down your shirt???) no it must have been from the M&G line....Kristy didn't go through either night. So he poked some fun at me....then he moved on to other people....played some songs....almost played songs from TSN but then decided at the last minute not too. Then he was talking about how he slept ALL DAY....and woke up at 6:30, thinking it was 10:30 AM, and that he looked outside and saw everyone lined up to come in...and he didn't know where he was....that he wasn't ready to come on...that he was just waking up and getting into the groove a few songs...then he looks at me and said, I still thought I was dreaming until I saw you. Kinda sweet right??? NOOOOOOO He apparently wasn't done picking on me. I am his personal nightmare....and he made several references to Nightmare on Elm Street....and me. I was DYING!!! I made a sad face and he said...awww no I am kidding...no I am not, yes I am, no I am not, yes I am...he said it several times......I was to say the least mortified. Mark, Craig, and Joe were all laughing their butts off!!! No...it was all in good fun. There was no meet and greet tonight...the venue was really weird. We just talked to Mark for a bit after the show and that was it. So thus ends the Kristy and Stacey mini tour. Each show a bit different and had incredible moments of music....laughter and just....I can't explain it. I wouldn't trade it for anything......I so wasn't expecting Harry to remember me....I was shocked. And very happy. LOL Yesterday after spending lots of time in the car, I got to check connick.com and saw that this article had been posted:
Concert ReviewNew Orleans comes alive at Marymoor By Friday night, Marymoor Park and RedmondPaul de BarrosSeattle Times jazz criticThey call it Marymoor Park. But Friday night, as far as Harry Connick Jr. was concerned, that grassy piece of heaven in Redmond was Rampart Street on Mardi Gras weekend.In the most madcap, memorable and musically superb concert ever offered here by the 36-year-old dreamboat crooner, Connick sang 21 songs, "murdered" the piano, messed relentlessly with the audience and, for a closer, danced the funky butt. This was a devilish Harry we've seen glimpses of before but never for a whole evening. At one point, he zeroed in on a woman in the front row (yes, there were a lot of swooning women, but a lot of guys, too), and asked, with a wink in his drawl, "Haven't you been here every night for three weeks? You've been stalking me. I've got to think of some new things to do." Maybe that's why he sang "For Once In My Life" as a hilarious impersonation of Sylvester Stallone. Dressed in jeans and an untucked black shirt, the Sinatra-esque swinger and his scorching big band drew on tunes from his current, million-selling album, "Only You," as well as older material. In a voice that has gotten pleasantly deeper and richer over the years, Connick swooped down to a low note on "You Don't Know Me" and it resonated out to the parking lot. Connick closed the show with his rollicking New Orleans signature, "Come By Me," inviting the crowd down to the stage to dance. He was called back for two encores. Now wasn't that a party!
Yup thats about me!!

Saturday was spent loading up the Uhaul....Sunday 15+ hours in the car...yesterday...only bout 5

Okay...now that I have a few minutes. Going back almost a week and a few odd days.

Tuesday July 13th. Last day with Matt, first day of training JD, my replacement. It was okay....pretty calm. Okay thats a lie. Matt and a group of 6 others were traveling to the east coast, to have some meetings with American Ski Company, a new client. They have 2 resorts, Killington and Sun River. I was instructed by Matt and Randy (CEO) to get the cheapest flights out there. Which means layovers. And the flights were already full. So I had everyone going complaining about their seats (middle) and the layovers. Flights were changed for some. Seats were able to move, for some. I really didn't get into much "training" with JD. Matt leaves, I cried a bit. Then I headed for rehearsal.

Wed July 14th. I assumed it was gonna be a slow day, and I was gonna get a lot of things done with JD. Never ever assume. I know this. I did it anyway. It bit me on the ass. Matt and his group ended up being stuck at Dulles for 6 freakin hours!! Crazy storms on the east coast closed a closure of the airport, cancelled flights, and just plain chaos. I spent most of the day on the phone trying to get them on flights, as they did the same thing at the airport racing from gate to gate. Poor JD was starting to wonder what she got herself into. Welcome to the madness, strap in and hold on. I was able to get some things done with her. Finally. Day ends....I go to rehearsal. Last one till tech the following Tues.

Thurs July 15th. Last day of work. Sweet Jesus the day finally arrived. I told JD I would be around...in the resource library, and that if she needed anything I would be there for questions. But I wasn't working. LOL She only had a few questions....I spent the day saying goodbye to some people and working on the program for my play. A group of girls (Carisa, Stephanie, Kristin and Kirstin) took me to Racha for a going away lunch. Susana gave me a wonderful bouquet of lavendar....then around 5:00 I was summoned to the Main conference room. I didn't want to go. I knew what it was. The T-mobile team presented me with a cake and some champagne and a Gift certificate to Old Navy. It was very sweet, but sad too. See I normally do that for people's birthdays and other special occasions. Aw well. We ate our cake, drank some champagne....then headed to Peso's. This is where Scott (my other boss) wanted to go. At this point....I hadn't seen him all day as he was over at T-Mobile stuck in meetings since 7:30 AM. Pretty soon the back area of Peso's is filled with Publicis folk, all for my benefit. I was truly expecting a few people....and there was almost 40 people there!! I was a little miffed that no one from Matt's team showed up. Only Amy had an excuse as she is due to have a baby any day now. The drinks flowed...and pretty soon I was handed a phone, you have a phone call. It was Scott, and it was around 7:30 PM...he was STILL stuck at T-Mobile and wasn't gonna make it. He felt soooooo bad. Bastards work him way....way....way to much. A group of us ended up going to Chopsticks, a dueling piano bar. My friend Michael showed up there.....then a smaller group of us headed to R-Place, a local gay bar. Okay it was Dwight (HR manager) his boyfriend, Michael, Jinger and I. LOL We drank more....danced ALOT, and just plain went crazy. I was taken home around 1:30....and I proceeded to get sick. Gross.

Friday July 16th. Hang over city baby. I woke up around 10ish. I showered and headed back to Publicis to pick up my box of stuff. I was able to sneak in and back out pretty quickly. I was hoping to get on an earlier flight to Denver. Ran back to the apartment and packed a bag. Note to self.....never, ever pack a bag with a hangover. I was soon at the airport and was #2 on the standby list for the 2:00 flight. It finally boarded at 3:30ish...with me aboard. Get to Denver and just hang with my parents for the evening.

Saturday July 17th. Day dawns...its finally time for a Harry concert!! WHOO HOO!!! We actually had to be out of the house by 11:30 because my parents are trying to sell the house. So we go run a few errands, and then drive up to the Flat Irons in Boulder and have a picnic up there. Then we run to Old Navy. Then to Tom and Ski's for a few beers. See we can't be back to the house till 4:30, as there was an open house as well as the earlier showing. We finally head home, change, and jump back in the car. We make the hour drive with me chanting most of the way, please no rain, please no rain. I had talked to Spencer earlier and it was pouring where he was. Luckily the rain held out and it was the BEST EVER Harry show. I am not just saying this. 2 hours and 40 minutes of the best music...he was working the crowd. You could tell how much fun everyone on the stage was having. The energy that was in that venue was fantastic. He played a lot of the songs I hoped he would...with a few suprises. Always some suprises. Got to talk to Mark and Craig after the show....always just awesome. Mark tried to pay me off for the bet we made last fall. LOL Then it was time to leave...we make the trek back home and got there around 1ish...

Sunday July 18th. Up at dawn. Okay 7:30. Our guests arrived at 8:00 AM. Some friends from Montana, my parents and I load up a Blazer and head to breakfast. Then back out towards the Red Rocks area. Time for a little NHRA drag racing babee. I hadn't been to one of this in YEARS!!! we used to go in Spokane ALL the freakin time. This time I could go into the pits. Standing by one of the rail cars, or a funny car when the are burning the engine. HOLY SHIT. Nitro filling the air, burning the eyes, the whole world feels like its is shaking....it rocked. I got soooo sunburned. We spent the entire day out there and just had a freakin blast. around 5, when all the drivers my parents and friends were pulling for were out of the finals, we left. Went home and had a bbq.

Monday July 19th. Fly back to Seattle, collapse

Tuesday July 20th. First tech rehearsal in space. We had an hour to get the right look with the lights and run the show. Needless to say we didn't get to run the show. The lights took the whole time, then we did a quick cue to cue.

Wed. July 21st. 1st attempt to have lunch with Scott, of course a T-Mobile meeting popped up, we reschedule for Friday. 2nd and final tech rehearsal in the sauna....ran through the show twice. Gotta love 30 minute shows.

Thursday July 22nd...Work on our poster for the show.....Show opens.....sweat like a fiend....show goes great. Festival shows are crazy, fast, intense and a whole lot of fun. One show ends and we have 10-15 mins for the them to take down their set and ours to go up and start. Rock star.

Friday July 23rd. Lunch actually happens with Scott. He really has been the best boss ever. I am gonna miss him a lot. Matt decides that he needs to have lunch with me as well. That happens Monday. No show this night...

Saturday July 24th. Show. It rocks again.

Oh have you noticed I haven't said anything about packing??? Thats because I haven't started yet!!! I have a show at 4:45 today...hopefully gonna buy some plastic bins at Fred Meyer today. Tomorrrow I have a spa appointment at 9, then lunch with Matt, we are also having a cast party...but I am also hoping to go out one more time with Michael. Tuesday, I truly have to pack. Dinner with Roxanne and Summer that night. Wed, I am on a 10:00 train to Portland for a Harry show...drive back to Seattle with Kristy that night. Thursday we head to Vancouver BC for another Harry show....Friday Harry show in Seattle and my Bro-in-law shows up. Saturday, load up Uhaul, Sunday, we leave. Damn.

Kristy is on her way to the Berkely show right now. Girl gets to hang with some cool folks down there. And suprise suprise...guess who else is gonna be there? Doug Belote. :) :)

wow...so much to document since my last post....and no time. Its been crazy, crazy, crazy. Did I mention crazy?? Tomorrow starts my last week in the great northwest....will try to come back and blog later about everything, but its almost time to head to my show for Mae West Fest!!

Today's task. To get through today. Its my last work day with Matt Stiker. One of my two bosses. Tomorrow he is on a plane to NYC. Won't see him again. Shall be an interesting day.

So here we are. My last week for work for Publicis. Well its not my last full week, my last 4 days. And its been hell so far.

I was here nice bright and early, so I could make sure there were fresh flowers in Jen B.s office. It is her first day. Then Scott went on a rampage. Not at me. Thank god. Various other people. Matt had me busy right away as well, with typing up documents for a meeting that some how got moved up to 8:30....from 9:00. And no one informed me.

I had right before the 4th of July weekend booked travel for 7 people....3 to Boston, 4 to NYC. They then drive to either Killington or Sun Valley ski resorts since we are now doing work for American Ski Company. Matt had me research the flights for a few days so we got the cheapest. Since Publicis is paying for the flights. Well now, everyone hates the flights because there are lay overs. One each way. And they don't like the fact that the only seats available are in the middle. Don't look at me peeps. I booked what Matt asked. I have spent most of my day, on hold, trying to change at least 2 of the flights. One just went from $422.00 to over $1100.00. So glad I won't be here when Randy rages about this. Okay. Just had to vent. Now I have to run to Larry's and get lunch for the ASC brainstorm meeting, the BB meeting and various other meetings.

OH and I was arranging interviews for the AAE postion with Safeco. But don't know the schedules of the people who will be do the interviewing...because I don't have access to their calendars. Talk about fun. I already have to go and change at least on the interviews I set up. Joy.

One week from today...thats it, the jobs over. And its already 6:30 PM PST. soooo I only have 4 more days of work left!! But really, I will be here this weekend. I need to get things done, and it doesn't look like they will have hired anyone to fill my spot by the time I leave. Well I shouldn't say that. Matt and I both like JD, she actually temped over at Safeco, and I worked with her that way. If neither of the two other candidates don't just WOW Matt, then Scott will meet with JD on Monday. I don't know how fast she can start at that point. If she can start right away, I will have 2 days MAX with her. And if she can't, she comes in blindly. Which royally sucks.

Yesterday, Scott said "Take me with you" and Matt still claims to be in denial. Now to just get past Thursday, then I can concentrate on Harry. :) :) Speaking of....I heard about this the other night:

with this as part of the copy: Bonerama features four trombonists, sousaphone, guitar, bass and drums. The band is led by Mark Mullins, who works with Harry Connick Jr.'s touring band on the road, but leads his own eclectic group when he's back home in the Crescent City.

In the main article they are mentioned twice:
There were plenty of savory musical dishes, served up buffet-style, on 12 different stages. This year's festival combined dozens of up-and-coming performers like Bonerama with older, established road veterans such as James and Winwood.

and ...while the British soal singer Joss Stone, the Joe Krown Organ Combo and the local funk and rock band Bonerama all found wider followings as a result of their shows in front of international audiences.

For the full article, check out July's Relix. Awesomeness

The craziness has set in. I woke up, around 2:30 this morning, with this thought: OH SHIT I AM MOVING TO NOLA....in less than a month. I think the reality hit me. I was wide awake for hours after that. Matt says he is on full on denial at this point. I really don't think he will have anyone hired to fill my spot before I leave. Gonna have to leave some seriously detailed notes for who ever it is. I have been having to read through resumes and set up interviews of the ones I like. I am a little possesive about my job right now. I don't think that anyone will be good enough for my guys. Even though they are a pain in the ass from time to time they are still my guys. I am gonna miss the people here, and of course my job, but I can't stay somewhere where I am not happy, for a job. As Scott said to me the other day, "Things have a way of working out, they may not be for the right reasons, but eventually it all works out" He wasn't talking about my move...but it totally made sense.

Its now July. 28 days till moving day. 8 more working days. I think I have a room to stay at for a couple of months...in the Treme district. Have heard from 2 people that says its a mixed neighborhood and its okay. 1 person says its not where I want to live. I have Carrie and Adam who are gonna drive by and maybe take pics, let me know what they think. But I haven't heard from the lady in awhile and she advertised again the other day on Craigslist. She never actually said I could have it, but we were talking alot about the place. She even said I could stay there till I found a place of my own. Well, we will see. I think I found a place to hang out if that falls through:
It looks perfect. I heard from the one job that everyone thought I was perfect for...an Exec Admin Assit at a advertising company. Didn't get it. Its hard, can't find a job when I don't have a place to live down there yet, because I can't interview. Can't get a place to live, because I don't have job yet. frustrating. but it will all work out, one way or another.

Well I have been busy. I have sent out probably 10 resumes so far. Every day for the past week, I have spent time on looking for employment in New Orleans. If I am not doing that, I am looking for a place to live. Hopefully...that search may be over. I may have found a room. I am very excited about it...and really want it to work out. It is in my price range, is close to one of the areas I want to live in, and the lady renting the room sounds nice. The first real good lead I have had. I leave Seattle in 35 days....thats scary.

I started the first of my goodbye's yesterday. Luckily yesterday wasn't with people. It was with the theatre I have spent the last 6 years with.

Its the last weekend of Oliver! out at the Forest Theatre. Its a beautiful beautiful theatre, and I probably feel the most at "home" there than anywhere else in Seattle.

It was a gorgeous day, I left my apt around 9:15, I walked down the the ferry. It didn't take me as long as I thought, I got there at 9:40, and the ferry left at 10:15. An hour later, I was in Bremerton. The sun was shining and it was already warm. There were some clouds starting to billow up, and I was hoping it wouldn't rain. Thunderstorms were in the forcast...luckily none happened in the area. Gala, one of the producers came and got me from the Ferry dock. She filled me in on all the drama that always happens at this time: picking next years show. Looks like they may do Peter Pan.

We arrived at the theatre, and the parking crew was already out in full force. They were hoping for a big crowd. Everything was in place for one; the sun was shining, it was the final weekend, and its the Forest Theatre! I spent some time "up top" chatting with a few people, Jamie Gordon, Jamie Estill, Mark Malnes, Brian Lindvall, Christy Gordon, Barb Baker. All key ingredients to making sure that everything up at the cabin, parking, tickets, ran smoothly. Gala put me to work by having me carry down to the theatre a box of programs.

We headed down the trail (about 1/4 of a mile hike) around noon. No sooner than we started down, we could hear the voices of the cast rehearsing. Every Saturday at 10, we will do a speed through of the show. I mean it has been a week since the last performance.

I got to see a few more people than the last visit out there. Anna Lindvall was back from her first year of College. She also spent a month at Oxford! Sarah Estill was back from her second year. She spent some time in NYC, and next year will be attending Oxford for about 4 months. I missed seeing Jenny Estill (Sarah is filling in for her this weekend) as Jenny had a 10:30 AM flight to INDIA!!! wow. This kids continue to amaze me with everything they can do. They are just phenominal and have taught me so many things.

I hung out backstage chatting with people until about 1:30 or so. The house was already open and filling up, so I needed to go and snag a spot. I ended up sitting with Gala for the show. That 40 mins that I sat out in the house reminded me why I liked it backstage so much...it was incredibly HOT...no wind, nothing. I was sweating buckets. Backstage, its in the shade the whole time.

The first act went by pretty fast, half hour into it, the whole audience is now in the shade. I can see/tell what certain people have added to the show...sparks of their personalities that always make the show a little bit better, that being Craig (the director) Guy (choreographer) and of course Ken (actor extrodinare). I am not overly fond of the show in a whole, way to dark for me. But this one had some very nice moments.

At intermission we had a first ( I was glad I was there for this) an audience member asked his girlfriend to marry him. He had been talking to Gala all last week and they had worked out some bit, with two of our character actors. It went very nicely, very sweet.

Ken doesn't make an appearance until Act 2, as Bill. So very unlike his role last year as the Scarecrow. He plays a very mean character, who beats up on everyone including his girlfriend Nancy. By the end of the show, when she gives it back to him, everyone was cheering her, booing him. When he gets killed at the end, people again were cheering. The show came to an end, the bows were done and a forest theatre tradition continued of inviting the audience onstage, backstage, and to mingle with the cast.

I was chatting with Craig and his wife Leigh Ann (who played Nancy) when Ken finally came out. I had seen him before the show started, but he is always in a certain space then, not really talktive. I had managed to give him a picture he wanted from last year, of him putting makeup on his daughter (one of the munchinkins) He came up and gave me a HUGE hug and said that every faux pas had been saved for that day and for me. See the thing with Ken is...you never know if he will get the lines right...sometimes he forgets...sometimes he likes to improvise...but whatever comes out of his mouth...its mostly brilliant. Apparently he had been good (for the most part) until yesterday. It was a joy to see him work again.

I then made my way back up the trail and hung out at the cabin with everyone (almost the entire cast just spends the night in the dorms or tents) until around 8, when Chris and Cindy gave me a ride back to the ferry dock. It was an amazing amazing day, and I was so glad to be out there in that atmosphere one more day.

Next Friday is the banquet and I am sure I will pop in for a bit, then it will be time to start saying goodbye to all the players....

*sigh* I got to talk to Neal tonight. What a dork I am. LOL

My cute boy Lany left for NYC today. He is out job searching....He thinks he will be back in a week, week and a half. Kinda depends on if he can get something here or not. I think he needs to come to NOLA...cuz I am moving there.

No place to live, no job yet. But I leave Seattle August 1. Crazy, scary, insane, exciting, and the most thrilling thing I have ever done. Bring on the adventures....

Slightly freaking out...I have two days picked out for moving...which is more than just saying August. August 9th or August 16th. Thats the day I would leave Seattle and start driving to NOLA. WOW. I really think I can make this happen this time. I set up a profile yesterday on easyroommates.com to try to find a roomie. I would love my own place, but will have a roommate if I have to. I think I may since my credit is so shoddy. Next step...job hunting!!!

I have some really great friends and co-workers. Really. So here I was stuck in my apartment for a week and a half. First, I started getting get well cards from the connick.com-mers. Some filled the cards with pics of Neal Caine to "help me feel better" too funny. Then I got a gorgeous HUGE bouqet of flowers from the T-Mobile team, this was probably sent to me last Tuesday. Then last Wed, a get well dinner was sent over from my other team, Matt's team. A full Italian meal complete with yummy desserts. It was the day Lisa left so Stephen, my room mate got to eat some of it too. And still the cards kept coming...then today...I got a package here at work....from Lisa and Mike!! It was a wonderful package just filled with NOLA goodies!!! I love it and can't wait to dive into it.

It also helped that all last weekend Kristy was calling me with updates on her New York trip, filled me in on all the gossip, and of course let me listen to parts of the Bonerama shows....I would have given anything to have been there, but it just wasn't possible. Bone calls does a body good.

Lisa did say screw getting a Uhaul to help me move. She said that I should just rent the small pull trailer and she would send Scott up this summer to help me move!! That may just help me get down there a tad faster. She said that she would meet Scott and I down in NOLA when we got there. Oh the trouble we three could cause!!! YAY. I need to get a second job now.

Its been a trying week. Well more like just half a week. A few different things have happened to make my emotions ride a roller coaster. First work has been insanely crazy but that is a good thing. I like being busy at work. Now that Matt has taken on more accounts, I have become swamped. I now work on every account that we have here at Publicis. Now if we could just win a few of the big pitches we are working on!!

Next one of my most favorite co-workers is leaving. Tyson is one of the best people you could ever want to meet/have in your life. I am gonna miss having him around. He just has a wonderful quality about him....I couldn't bring myself to go out last night for his "farewell" drinks. Today we are taking him out to lunch. I think I can handle that. I think over all more than a co-worker, he has become a good friend and those are hard to come by. I know I will still get to see him, but now just not on a daily basis.

The most powerful blow this week happened during my regular eye exam. I have a new doc (the old one no longer uses my insurance). Dr. Kelly is young and very good looking. However...he did find a, I guess the best word to describe it, is a problem. My eyes have a abnormal amount of fluid in them. It is causing my retina to "wallpaper" such as when you wet some wallpaper and it bubbles. It will eventually lead to a retinal tear/detatchment which almost always leds to blindness. Not fun. About 5-8% of people with nearsightness experience this problem. I have had noticed a lot of "floaters" and a few flashes as of late, but for some reason didn't think much of it. Now I realize that these are symptoms of this. Everyone has floaters now and then...spiderwebs/black spots, ect. that look to be floating in front of your eyes. It is however floating in the gel like area behind the eye and in front of the retina. I have to go back in on Tuesday for a consultation with one of the surgeons. They will determine if I need a laser surgery to seal off the retina. Not something I was expecting.

Alas this has become the focus of the lovely $$ issues. Not really clear yet as to how much I will be paying and how much Blue Cross with be paying. I won't be getting to FQF this year like I had been planning. And it will definetly make my move to NOLA take a little bit longer. But none of that matters, what does is taking care of this problem so I can continue to see.

Damn it I want to go to Mardi Gras!!! Harry, Cowboy Mouth, NONC, BTE, and more....I WANT TO GO!! But I need to try to think about this reasonably. If I want to move...I can't go running off to Mardi Gras. I have to be an adult. It just hard sometimes. Looking at the big picture I know this is for the best. But right now I just want to book a plane ticket and be there. A few days ago I wanted to just do that and pack up and ship the rest of my personal items to NOLA. Just screw it and go. Didn't care that I didn't have a job or a place to stay there, I just wanted to be there. I get random urges...or longings I guess out of NOWHERE and I will want to be in NOLA walking down a certain street. I have never had that before. I don't know what, if anything is down there for me. But I won't know until I get there. I don't remember the last time I have wanted to do something so bad in my life. Sure I have had goals, but this one seems like well, life changing. And I am ready for it. Will everything change? Maybe, maybe most everything will stay the same. Its time.

I found a job that may just help me get to NOLA just a tad quicker. I just hope they are still looking...and that I am that person they need. Its an assistant stage manager for a theater in Baton Rouge. Its $200.00 plus housing. Thats $200 a week. Not a whole lot of money but I am hoping I get it. Of course I am freaking because I sent in my resume almost 24 hours ago and haven't heard anything. I just wish I had looked earlier at the website. The job was posted on Dec. 19th. Oh well only time will tell. I will be missing my dad's birthday celebration however if I get the job. and I had just bought the plane ticket for going to Denver like an hour before finding the job. Oh well.

Speaking of jobs...Feb 7th I will have been here at Publicis for 4 years. WOW.

A nice long weekend does everyone wonders doesn't it? Of course it made coming back to work harder today....but so be it. Only 14 more days till I can get on a plane and head to Chicago to see Harry and the boys!! Not to mention the Cali Krewe!! This is gonna be so much fun. The day I fly back is my work holiday party then 2 days later I leave for Denver for 2 weeks!! I can't believe this year is almost over.....it has just FLOWN by with Mardi Gras kicking it off, then going back to NOLA this summer.....I can't wait to get down there for good!!

I am trying to move to New Orleans. That is were my heart lies. So to prepare for that move across county, to a city/state were I know no one, I have to earn money. Because any kind of move is never cheap.

I have been working a second job for the Intiman Theatre. Doing fundraising. Which is pretty much calling people 4 hours a day, begging for money. Sounds like fun right? Well actually it hasn't been to bad. For the most part people listen to our community and outreach programs that go on in addition to the productions. They are really working hard to produce top-quality shows for the entire community, and trying to get the arts back into high schools.
Ah jeez, I just did part of the pitch. Anyway, a lot of people like to hear about this stuff, and to talk to people that know theatre, and understand it? Well its been a pleasent suprise. I have had some great conversations.....and in the past few months I have raised $10,000 for them. This is from September until last night. Not bad for a first time fundraiser. Especially by the phone. Our last day for fundraising is supposed to be this Thursday. They have extended it for a week and a half more. Actually they have asked me to stay through Dec. I can do it until Dec. 15th. So one more month. Hopefully all the rest of the nights won't go like last night. We are just started calling more leads. People who have only seen Black Nativity. These people don't care about the programs or if the theatre needs help to put up shows. I called 99 people and 21 of those were not interested. The largest amount I have had so far. It was harsh. But today is a new day.

New beginning. New adventure. This shall be interesting. So what will my blog be about? Mainly just what is going on in my world. So expect a lot about Harry Connick Jr., my friends and my family.

So its a Friday night. What do I have planned? Nothing. For once. Working 2 jobs has taken a lot out of me. But if I want to move to New Orleans (know from here on out as NOLA) But for the past few weeks it has been go, go, go. The first part of the month contained my best friend Michelle visiting. Then the next weekend it was packing/moving. Last weekend it was finishing up moving and a party. Tonight it will be me and the couch and the TV. I am looking forward to it sooo much. I think I will be saving up all my energy for next weekend when I will get to see Cowboy Mouth on Thursday and then again on Friday in Portland. After that it will be all about gearing up to go to Chicago, in mid-Dec, to see Harry Connick Jr. and his big band. Oh so much to say about that. But at a later time.....