Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

I'm being interviewed for a book. This will make the second time in my life, although this time it's completely voluntary, instead of being blind-sided and ambushed (I've already covered that experience here). It's somewhat therapeutic, actually, delving into things I don't often talk-- or even think-- about.

I've really enjoyed being on vacation the past week, as well as the time off I had for the Christmas break beforehand. I went back to work the day after Christmas, but that didn't stop me from keeping the calendar pretty full. That Thursday, a friend was in town from Boston with her boyfriend, so I met them for dinner. I met up with them at 7, but finally rolled in around 1am, after a nice, leisurely dinner, then coffee and dessert elsewhere (perhaps the best dessert I've ever had) as we caught up and I got to know the boyfriend (whom I really like-- cool guy). Work the next morning was doable, shockingly, after little sleep. I usually try and keep a lighter schedule on "school" nights.

That same night, my friend JG came to town for a few days. It was sooooooo good to see him! We met up for dinner after work the following night, followed by seeing "August: Osage County" (my second time seeing it, and just as good as the first, if not more so), then off uptown to hear some jazz. Again, I rolled in at even further into the wee small hours of the morning, but it was so much fun catching up and seeing good theatre and hearing good music. The following day, we saw another of my favorites on Broadway at the moment-- "Spring Awakening". I was a little sad we missed John Gallagher Jr's final performance (which I later learned had occurred just a few days prior), but it was still a great show. Most of the original cast still remained and the few replacements (including Moritz) were perfectly fine. Afterward, his last night in town, we had a long, enjoyable dinner at Becco (another of my NY faves). We managed to score one of the best tables in the house, met some interesting people at the other table in the otherwise private room, and continued to catch up. Not a bad way to start my vacation in the least!!

Sunday, I packed up and headed to Connecticut for a few days. I needed time to just chill out, relax and be on my own. I was staying at a nice hotel, about an hour north of the city. I did a bit of exploring. There was a pretty park nearby and, in the other direction, plenty of little shops and restaurants, etc. And when I didn't feel like going out, room service and the gym, accompanied by a "Law and Order" marathon did the trick. Mostly, I just needed to get out of the tourist-invaded city. They arrive in droves around Thanksgiving and don't really let up until after the first of the year. Considering I live practically around the corner from the ball drop, there's really no way I wanted to be here for that. Anywhere I'd have gone, I'd have had a devil of a time getting home that night. Besides, when I'm not working (singing), I've come to like my own little way of ringing in the new year, with my own, more quiet traditions.

I got back Wednesday to enjoy the rest of my vacation here at home. The neighborhood was so clean, you'd never have known that the world's biggest New Year's Eve party happened right out my front door not too long beforehand. And the streets are back to the dull roar and far more manageable. That night, I met up with some friends to see "Xanadu". We had super-cheap (orchestra) tickets, so figured "Why not?". It was as cheesy and bad as expected, but somewhat fun. And I learned I REALLY want to see Cheyenne Jackson in something else. He's got a truly amazing voice.

M and I saw "November" the next night, for contrast (also for just slightly more than the cost of a movie-- another advantage of slower times here-- the discounts get good, if you've got the right sources at hand). It's okay. I think I might have enjoyed it more in a different mood. And for Mamet, involving a female character, it's saying a lot that I didn't outright hate it. Nathan Lane gives Mamet a very unusual voice, but not in a bad way. And I adore Laurie Metcalf. I just didn't really care much about the story.

Thursday was uneventful, full of appointments and errands I don't usually have much time to do otherwise and Friday morning I had more spinal injections, so that kinda' chewed up that day. They still made me kinda' sick for a couple of days, but at least the injection sites weren't as painful, so I could have a more enjoyable weekend. I missed out on comps for "Come Back, Little Sheba" today, but I'm sure it'll come up again. I took in a couple of movies, instead-- "Into the Wild" yesterday, which was thoroughly depressing and I enjoyed every minute of it. I had a nice long walk in Central Park afterward to let that one sink in. I'm now dying to read it, but think I need time before doing so. Today, I saw "The Great Debaters" which, while just as serious in tone, at least was a bit of a feel-good flick.

Thus ends my week off and the end of this vacation. Regardless of length, I don't think they ever feel long enough. I could surely take another week and fill it, but I do love being paid, so back to work I go (and not exactly unhappily-- the bonus of liking one's job, in general). I'll be taking a shorter vacation in April with RS, but I'm not sure when I'll take another full week (or longer) any time soon. Maybe over the summer to a jazz program or such. We'll see. I think things will be pretty busy again for a while.

I hope everyone reading this is having a very happy new year, continued throughout 2008 and beyond.