SIX A.M.

i woke up
at six a.m.
without an alarm
wasn't thirsty didn't
have to pee
no strange noises
feeling wide awake
even energized after
going to bed
at one o'clock
now the question...
should i stay
awake and use
this time to
be productive or
should i go
back to bed

SETTING UP

I couldn't wait to get home from work today so I could continue setting up my new place. This is my 4th apartment in 6 years (and that doesn't even include the 3 different places I spent months crashing on couches or spare-room-futons). Doesn't sound like a very secure lifestyle, does it? But I love it. I love packing up my things. I love discovering things I'd forgotten about. I love getting rid of old things. I have a love / hate relationship with the actual "moving" part (love the friends and the jokes and the hilarious exhaustion / hate the u-hauls and the staircases and the soreness).

I love the unpacking especially. I love rediscovering things and finding new homes for them. I love deciding where things should live.

Perhaps that's why I move so much. Or perhaps it's just the nature of this city - always in motion.

WAKE UP

It is a beautiful thing to wake up in a new apartment...

even if you do have sore muscles, an aching back, a slight headache, and feel generally exhausted from yesterday's moving experience.

Shout out to friends who were AMAZING - thank you for helping me with everything!

ALL PACKED

CAROUSEL

Akron's Carousel Dinner Theatre to close on January 4th

ONE YEAR

When I think back over 2008 and reflect on all the things that happened, I can barely believe that it's over. It was a year packed with growing pains - painful, agonizing ones... ones that were not so bad but completely necessary... and good ones, too.

I started a blog. I moved into my own apartment and lived by myself for the first time in my life. I became an aunt.

I watched my city's team win the Super Bowl. I met Eartha Kitt and Bill Irwin. I read books that changed my mentality.

I struggled with my faith in God - and then, amazingly, I found a truer, more honest version of it. I saw a Broadway musical that restored my faith in Broadway musicals. I joined the board of a theatre company.

I ended a significant relationship after many months of loving efforts that just weren't working anymore. I played the piano for my church. I sang in a professional recording studio.

I stage managed a play. I spent a weekend in Chicago that ended with a cathartic road trip home. I rekindled powerful friendships that are incredibly meaningful to me.

I went to an outdoor funk festival in Harlem and saw the heartbreak of the Belmont Stakes in person. Seven out-of-town guys spent a few hours sleeping all over my tiny apartment. I got a new job.

I witnessed the International Hot Dog Eating Contest. I saw another Broadway musical that makes me so proud. I left a job that was less like work and more like family to me.

I cried at a wedding full of love and southern hospitality. I cried for Michael Phelps when he won that 8th gold medal. I cried during the Democratic National Convention.

I burnt myself to a lobster crisp on the coast of Texas with women I love. I took a sign language class and made international connections. I joined a book club.

I discovered the addictive joy of Jamba Juice. I had the distinct honor of going through the whole bridal shower-bachelorette party-beautiful wedding of my life-long friend. I entered the final year of my 20's.

I cheered for an historic and hopeful presidential election. I started dating again - a delightful, delicious experience. I enjoyed the 2nd annual NYC Family Thanksgiving.

I lifted my voice in a chorus. I enjoyed the 2nd annual NYC Family Christmas, complete with Muppet movies. I got a new roommate and a new apartment. I remembered how much I fiercely love my family.

I grew. So much it hurt. In a good way.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

A wonderful new year to all.
May it be filled with abundant blessings
and love beyond measure!