Recovery Continues

Woke up today in no small amount o' pain, which is to be expected. Post-surgery will do that to a person.

Need to track down some salt to swish with; otherwise the regiment of antibiotics and semi-effective painkillers continues unabated.

New Year's plans will consist of taking a short train ride to Bill and Dany's place; before which I will take allergy meds. Should be fine...

Have a good one, folks.

Happy Birthday, Leta!

It's Leta's birthday today; also known as one of the easiest dates to remember when it comes to friends' birthdays.

I find myself wondering if they make gluten-free cake...

Happy Birthday, Leta. I hope it's a good one.

Back In A Day

It never ceases to amaze me that in the space of just a few hours I can go from one place formerly known as home; to another, which is still earning the title. And all I did was take the train.

Managed to see some friends before I left, even got a bit of transcribing done on the train.

It feels good to be back. Unpacked the Christmas goodies. Bravely attempting to eat a sandwich (which will require chewing).

Happy New Year, folks.

Last Chance, Kiddies

Well, this Friday morning airs the final episode (for now?) of Pendemonium. TLC, Six to Six Thirty. That's all twelve. And right before the end of the year, too.

I want to see it. I mean, I performed it, and I have all the episodes on DVDs generously provided by the studio; but I want to see it on the TV screen. Complete with commercial interruptions. Dark Marker on The Learning Channel. Outstanding.

I can't shake how huge this year has been in regards to change. Friends have gotten married. Others have gotten engaged. Friends have had their first children. Heather got her Master's Degree. And me? A new look, new address, new job; and for the first time, my voice has been on cable. Hopefully not the last time...

I don't know which is stranger; the fact that all this has happened in the last 365 days, or that I had a sense that it was coming. Or is that just BS, and I made the changes happen because I felt they were due?

Your guess is as good as mine.

This year has seen its share of joys, challenges and pain. Successful ventures and flat-on-my-face failures. Certainly a full year to be sure. I don't know why I'm yammering on like this. Could be because it's two o'clock, and thanks to the nap earlier I'm not tired. Could be the pain killers (which have subsided).

Well. What the hell. I'm calling it a night anyway. Cheers, folks. Sweet dreams.

The Perks o' Percoset

Man. I am good. Took a nap. That was good. Now I'm up. Been using ice all day to reduce the swelling, and I can talk so that's a good sign.

I don' t know why Vicodin didn't work. It was explained to me that not everybody reacts to them (and other chemicals) the same way. However, the Percoset did a dandy job of picking up the slack.

Just dandy.

Right now I'm going to continue my regiment of squishy food... Apple Sauce sounds good. Have yourselves a good 'un, folks.

... Ow.

I'm in just a bit of pain, here. The surgery itself was a breeze. NO2 didn't do much but then the nurse injected something and I went out like a light. I woke up immediately after the surgery, I think.

Anyway. I took the weaker stuff first, which didn't help, so an hour or two later I upgraded to the generic Vicodin. Exact same chemical, cheaper name.

My jaw still hurts. Thankfully the top ex-teeth don't hurt, but my jaw is doing a dull-throb thing that definitely wouldn't look good on a poster promoting its effectiveness. The question as to what to do next is not sharply defined, here.

The good news is I can talk again, since my lower lip returned to normal size. A nap's probably in order, but regardless I hope this stuff kicks in soon, because Ow.

Be well, folks.

Tomorrow Should Be *Loads* Of Fun

And why, you ask? Because it's surgery day!! Yee Ha!! A strange man is gonna reach into my mouth and pluck out my wisdom teeth. Super Dee Duper!

But wait, there's more! Gargling salt water, sucking down nothing but Jello-brand products and trying not to drool too much as I revel in a Vicodin-addled stupor will nicely round out my day.

The movies have been rented, there's Mint Chocolate Chip in the freezer, and I've made sure that not a camera is in sight to immortalize the inevitable chipmunk cheeks. *Shudder*

Oh well. At least my dental insurance in no way covers the surgery; otherwise I'd miss out on the splendor of paying for a minor-yet-expensive operation all by my onesies.

This sarcastic tirade of bitching is brought to you by the number zero, the number of things I can eat or drink between now and the surgery. Woot.

One sad, quiet little woot.

Yuletide Juggling

Oh, yeah... Christmas is Monday.

In light of moving costs, my Christmas gifts to friends and loved ones will be... postponed. By a few months. Um. (The posting below about shopping with Bill and Dany consisted of them shopping. I watched. I just wanted to spend time with 'em.)

Everyone that's heard the "waiting 'til June" plan has been very supportive; they understand that it isn't cheap A) to move, B) to the most expensive city in the country.

I'm tired. It's been a long, productive day. The voiceover class was educational to say the least; and I'm hoping it will lead to forming some business contacts in the future. Learning patience is just one more lesson to be learned.

It's half past eleven, and I'm heading back to MD tomorrow for Christmas. And the fourth pitcher of iced tea (since I moved here) is cooling on the stove.

Dumber And Dumber...

I swear... Ever since I moved to this town, I've felt so muddled. Distracted. Understandably, moving to New York would do plenty to distract; but honestly...

Tonight I picked up one of those one-serving pizzas you bake in the oven; and proceeded to bake it still on the cardboard. Cut off the plastic, sure. Even put down a layer of tinfoil on the pan so clean-up would be a snap; but oh that sneaky cardboard made sure the bottom of the damn thing stayed a doughy mess.

I've gone from reasonably smart to two shades above complete dumbass.

Algernon, wy hav yoo foursaken me... Sheesh.

Wacky Shopping Highjinks

I was out shopping with Bill and Dany tonight, who were also buying Christmas gifts for each other. Naturally, they split up. First round I was with Bill.

We were standing in line before one of the Macy's registers, and I said some kind of bad pun to Bill, bad enough for him to leave my spot in line, circle an aisle and come back. By the time he'd gotten back, my attention was elsewhere.

He commented that he was so tall I could have seen him all the way around the aisle, but I confessed I was focused on "the monkey with the blanket".

The fact that the people ahead of us in line were Hispanic made Bill's eyes widen like crazy. He thought I was talking about them. Until he saw the woman holding a plush monkey backpack in whose clutches was a red blanket.

He laughed. The people ahead of us in line laughed. I rolled my eyes at Bill, confessing that if I were racist he probably would have figured it out before now.

I can't recall the last time a 'wacky misunderstanding' actually happened, but this one was noteworthy.

*Argle Hurk Urk Urk*

So. Um. Yeah. Woke up this morning with a pounding heart, terrible indigestion and an appetite for nothing at all. Not pleasant.

The good news is I'm already feeling better. About 90%, more than well enough to meet friends for a dinner that's been on the calendar for days.

Tomorrow we hopefully resume or normal schedule of transcribing and whatnot.

Simply Super

I rented Superman Returns tonight. Proving that you can in fact rent awe. The kid in me still flushes with excitement at the opening credits.

It's the movies, superheroes in general: someone doing something impossible.

Sure the flick has its sour notes; an unfulfilled love for starters. But if music in a minor key didn't sell, I could think of a few composers who would have been out of a job looong before they died. Angst works.

I love this movie.

Starting The Second Week

I moved here last Saturday. I've submitted a few headshots, and had an interview with a voice-over agency on Saturday. (There's a great VO class I'm taking this Friday, to boot.)

I've managed to snag a cup of coffee with some of the short list of folks I know up here. Having dinner laster this week with Jeannie and Rob, it'll be good to get into the city for a little night music.

Transcription has continued. No offense to my kindred in the fields; but if I can get away without waiting tables, I'll be a happier man.

Enough out of me. Ciao for now, folks.

Why "A Fish Called Wanda" Could Be The Best Movie Ever

Seriously. It's funny. It's sexy. It has a plot. It stars John Cleese, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin, and Jamie Lee Curtis; all at the height of their talent. (Hell, Kline won an Oscar for his performance.)

It's hilarious. It's cohesive. It's British. Call me pretentious, they know Comedy. Uppercase C.

It's good stuff.

*Sigh Of Relief*

I slept like a rock last night. I love the new mattress, it's very firm. Had all sorts of crazy dreams, the weirdest of which had to have been the one with the sarcastic cartoon tarantula.

Don't ask.

It's a new day, the weather is gorgeous up here, and I'm getting some transcription work done.

The audition last night was a bust. I got to the address last night (a community center) and didn't see any signs of an audition. The date was right, but I couldn't find anyone. Oh well. There'll be other opportunities.

Have a good one, folks.

On Quality Shelf Space

Well, the bookcase arrived this evening. It is now full. Novels, useful How-Tos, a crapload of Trade Paperbacks, and every oversized book I saw fit to bring with me. (And a bit of prop kryptonite, too.)

A lot of Terry Pratchett on the shelves. And Alan Moore. And Kim Harrison. And Jasper Fforde. And Laurie R. King.

I'd hoped that getting things in place would help the place feel more like home.

It didn't work.

Seeing some of my most important possessions resting on the shelves just made me feel more out of place. (Certainly no Buddhist perspective; mine.) It was easy for them, they're just objects. Hard square objects fitting on hard square shelves.

So I haven't found my shelf yet.

The bed arrives tomorrow, first thing in the morning. There's an audition for a comedy troupe in Manhattan tomorrow evening. I have an interview with a voice casting agency on Saturday. No expectations, just hopes.

That's enough out of me, folks. Sweet dreams.

All The Comforts Of Home

Ahh. *Sips coffee* Sometime today, a bookcase should be arriving. Then begins the madcap race to unpack all my books to make room for the bed, which should be arriving tomorrow. If I can squeeze in an audition for an improv comedy team tonight or tomorrow, it's a slice of fried gold.

I'm looking forward to catching up with a friend of mine, Suzanna. I haven't seen her in the flesh in about two years, but she's here in NYC so we're getting coffee. Can't wait.

My thanks go out to Pedro, without whom my fresh-ground coffee would not be here. Or free. Hah. Waking up, ambling into the kitchen to grind up some liquid wake-up is a good feeling.

*sigh* Back to work. Glad to have work to get back to.

It's Always Something

Murphy's Law doesn't seem to take kindly to being mocked. Microsoft Word has caught a glitch, so I'm off to find a new copy of the software to re-install. It'll be downright difficult to get any transcription work done until then. Sazza fragga...

Sorry, Murphy. No harm intende[INTERNAL ERROR]

Holy Dear God-- The Pilgrimage Through *Hell*

Everybody familiar with Murphy's Law? Great. Murphy's Law is kindergarten training compared to Jones's Law.

Jones's Law: On the first trip driving anywhere important, anywhere at all, I will get lost. Horribly, horribly lost.

It's like this. I wanted to rent a van for my move. No vans were available for a one-way trip. I wanted as small a truck was available. The ten footer's odometer was broken. So they gave me a fifteen footer. This thing was huge. Huge. And thirteen feet, six inches tall.

I got directions from home to, well, home. Directions that go through the Lincoln Tunnel.

The problem? The huge fucking problem? They don't allow trucks in the tunnel. Nothing over thirteen feet tall.

So I pulled off the route, called my friend Bill; without whom I would still be trekking through Jersey. There isn't an expletive blue enough for how I felt about the drive here. In the history of my being able to drive, I have never gotten more lost. Bill (and a miraculously long-lived cell phone battery) got me through it, got me here.

As Kate pointed out, this is something I probably could have learned about in advance. It never even occurred to me. Shows I have a lot to learn.

In any case-- the trip is over. The truck has been dropped off, gas tank full. A few boxes have been unloaded, the rest will be tackled tomorrow when the bookshelf and dresser arrive.

And I'm home.

Start Spreading The News

I'm leaving today
I want to be a part of it, New York, New York
These vagabond shoes
Are longing to stray
And make a brand new start of it
New York, New York
I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps
To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
These little town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
In Old New York
If I can make it there
I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you, New York, New York

I want to wake up in the city that doesn't sleep
To find I'm king of the hill, top of the heap
These little town blues
Are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it
In old New York
If I can make it there
I'll make it anywhere
It's up to you
New
York

New York

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

My thanks go to every one of my friends, who found the time to say good-bye. It meant a lot. It's meant everything.

I don't need to say that it's been a stressful week; packing my life into boxes that I'm either taking with me or leaving behind. The furniture arrives Sunday, the bed on Thursday. Hell of a thing.

I couldn't feel more ready to go. Which is good, considering what time it is. It's that time.

Time to go.

Wow. Wait, Let Me Rephrase That: WOW.

I've seen an ad for a movie called Black Christmas. A pyschopath stalks the halls of a Sorority House. On Christmas.

I am not making this up.

A Sorority House Massacre. This movie appears to have a full-fledged budget. I have a terrible fear in me that has nothing to do with an axe-wielding lunatic or whathaveyou.

That whistling noise you're hearing is standards. Dropping down a deep pit. Way, way down. Ho Ho No.

***

It just keeps getting better. Did a quick check on IMDB, this flick is a remake. That cracked. Me. Up.

It's Christmas come early.

In Other News, Jeremy Irons' Vocal Cords Are Made of Evil

Seriously. I just saw a trailer for Eragon. Jeremy Irons plays the Obi Wan to Edward Speleers' Luke. Even though he's in the role of the positive mentor, he still sounds evil. Pure evil.

Make no mistake-- There's nothing wrong with sounding evil; I got my first cartoon gig doing exactly that. *cue villainous laughter*

But does the man have another track? Did tucking his kids in at night fill their heads with nightmares? I can't remember any performances of his where his voice wasn't dripping with Satan-y malice.

The man's won an Oscar and two Emmys, so he's got range... but is it all Evil...

The world may never know.

On With The Show

Well, the "Farewell Tour" continues. Saw Suzanne for dinner last night (an old high school friend) and tonight I'm seeing Michael from the days at Elden Street.

The truck's been rented for Saturday. I still need to find a wardrobe box...

Five days and counting.

Dreams Are Wacky.

I dreamt this morning that I adopted a little girl. She looked nothing like me; about three to five years old. I had no idea what family she came from; she more or less fell in to my lap.

Then there was the train ride. Distinctly remember being on a train.

Now, the fine people at www.dreammoods.com defined that adopting a child symbolizes finding something new in your life. That the change is already happening. It suggested that I think about what would make me happy.

As for the train ride, that more or less symbolized that, pardon the pun, I was "on the right track."

With the move only seven days away, I think those are some pretty good indicators.

Here's hoping.

Completely Out Of The Blue

Who should I run into last night, but a teacher from high school? Completely random. He was reading at the White Flint Borders, and I just happened to notice him.

OH-- Before I forget. When I got there, that question mark clad Riddler-rip off jackass Mr. "Free Money Now!" was packing up his things, after a presentation. I accidentally made eye contact with him. *shudder*

Anyway. Had a very nice chat with my old teacher. He's doing very well, teaching advanced history in college, now. We talked about voiceovers for a bit, as that's something he's interested in... crazy world.

I was in White Flint for a few good-byes, I had drinks with Jack and had dinner with my Aunt. The service at Dave & Buster's was terrible. Slow, they brought me the wrong thing... ehn. On the bright side it was a free meal and I got to spend time with people I like, so there that is.

Ciao for now, folks.

It's the First of the Month

Bunny, bunny.