Happy Birthday to me! (just a smidge early)

Hurray for payday! As an early birthday present to myself, my co-worker and I decided to purchase lawn tickets to the Incubus concert in March. What a fabulous way to ring in the first day of Spring. An open air concert in Waikiki, overlooking the beaches. It’s something to look forward to.

It’s been surprisingly chilly in Honolulu the last few days. Yesterday a few of the actor’s were actually complaining about the cold. The air is hardly frigid, but these are people who have never experienced a snowy winter. I found it cute. Granted, it has cooled off enough to warrant wearing a hoodie or jacket around outside.

And tech is going surprisingly well. I was anticipated a train wreck. The first week back from our holiday the show looked the same it did three weeks earlier. Actors were still on book…fumbling lines horribly when they left their scripts off to the side. And I was panicked that a lot of items would be lacking. Not finished. I had put too many things off before the break. And between the workshops for next season, my co-worker fighting tooth and nail over a design for the next touring show and another show finishing up tour and moving into the theatre, the costume shop was dragging. So much left to do. The break had disoriented me. It’s funny how long it takes to get back into the swing of things at times.

But yesterday we had our first dress rehearsal. All but three pieces were in place. A lot of maintenance and finishing work needs yet to be done. I’m not worried anymore. I find that’s how I work. I panic, but continue to procrastinate. And everything always works out fine in the end.

Last Sunday was fun. My apprentice for the Tempest joined me on a shopping excursion to Hawaii’s equivalent of JoAnn Fabrics. I never thought I miss that store so much after managing at one for three years. But when supplies are sparse and needs are high, even the mediocre variety JoAnn’s offered would be a blessing here. Despite the limitations, an hour and a half later and still $100 under my projected spending we left the store with all the fabric needed for roughly half of the show.

Next weekend we’re meeting again to plan the build schedule and begin the patterning process. She’s eager and willing. And the show remains fun, largely due to the enthusiasm and youthfulness of the kids. This process has reaffirmed my desire to teach in the long run. Question is how long will Hawaii appeal to me. Its tropical allure does not have the hold over me that it seems to have over most of the mainland population.

Maybe this weekend if the weather warms a little, I’ll finally hit the beach again. And dream of a jaunt over to Thailand…I think I’ve found someone willing to tag along with me this summer if I can manage the time and money too.