Rapping... and then there's Wrapping....

[mrdreamjeans]

I've been rapping with my nephews, as in brainstorming, as in helping them come up with ideas for their college entrance essays and resumes. The twins are bright, fun to be with and both have a wicked sense of humor. It's been time-consuming; my writing for the past two days has been limited to polishing essays, suggesting formats for the resumes and making sure the guys are on topic, using the best possible grammar and correct spelling. Both of them surprised me with the strength of their writing and their use of humor as an eye-catching device. Both are determined to go to the same school and it's wonderful to see how their minds worked and are working toward that goal.

My other "wrapping" consists of "paper around packages", as in birthday, as in Christmas. I'll be leaving soon and I've been on the phone on a myriad of issues... my housing while I'm in NYC (a friend is letting me use his apartment for three weeks, an outrageously generous gift); contract signings, investment options under the union contract, costume measurements (an accurate set doesn't exist since my weight-loss); arrangements are being made for gotmoof and me through my network of industry contacts to attend "Wicked" and "Hairspray" when he flies to the Big Apple for his birthday and I've begun packing for the three-plus months till I am home again the week of Christmas.

I actually wrapped Christmas presents today for the twins, my dad and my niece; I have purchased a couple for my mom. I like buying presents year-round for Christmas if they are particularly fitting. If this seems excessively organized, realize that it would really add to the cost of the presents if I have to mail them home from NYC, Boston, Chicago, Detroit or Appleton, Wisconsin... all places I'll be before the holiday. It's also a bad idea to try to carry gifts anymore on the plane; on previous trips, I've had presents gift-wrapped and then had to unexpectedly and inconveniently open them at security. Not my favorite kind of wrapping. I won't completely have my shopping done, but it will certainly cut down on the stress of Christmas week and flying home from Wisconsin if I've done some prep work.

So - that's my past two days...rapping and wrapping.... soon I'll be on the road, as in employed, as in working with dear friends on a show I really love. I'm stopping in DC on the way to New York and going country-dancing next weekend, leaving Texas on September 30. Friday and Saturday night I'll be out dancing with my friend Henry and swinging BearArchitect, as in Fernando, as in that handsome and charming Baltimore rogue, around the dance floor. Come to think of it, that's my favorite kind of wrapping.... my arms around someone special! I'm sleepy here; so for tonight, it's a wrap!

Comments

[nlotic.livejournal.com]

You're making me fast forward 15 years with the news of your nephews.

Best of luck on tour.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

It is an unexpected joy to be the "Kewl" uncle! One of the twins called me from Texas A&M this morning (actually woke all of us up and my brains were still scrambled eggs... but I digress:). They are on an overnight trip to experience life in the Corps of Cadets on campus. He was at the university bookstore and called to tell me there was a second book in a fantasy series, that we both follow, for sale. We've always shared a love of reading and I do my best to protect that special bond! You and I will have to meet when I play Minneapolis a little over a year from now!

BearArchitect! you slay me...

[bearchitect.livejournal.com]

can't wait for next weekend!!!

Re: BearArchitect! you slay me...

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Yeehaw! BTW, is M Butterfly on?

Re: BearArchitect! you slay me...

[bearchitect.livejournal.com]

looking into it as I type this (just called and left a message on your cell phone), need to know how many tkts to get...

It would be Friday eve. before the "dance"...

call me!

[abearius.livejournal.com]

*I could have danced and danced all night*

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

danced... and then danced some more:) Sounds like you are going to be doing some special dancing and drumming in your next performance too! Break-a-leg! :)

[sflonestar.livejournal.com]

I am so impressed that you value your family so highly, and that you get along so well with your ex. I also treasure my family. We all get along so well that I feel guilty when friends talk about "bad blood" in their families.

I always wondered where touring cast members stay when they are in a show! I guess that being in a hotel would get tiresome after a while. Sounds like you have a wonderful friend!

BTW, all my friends who have heard you sing say you have an amazing voice! I am definitely going to see Evita when you come to SF! Maybe you would sign my Playbill afterward!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Hotel life can be tiring indeed; on the other hand, there is someone to clean up after you on a daily basis:) I am fortunate to have a network of friends around the country. Even if I get weary of hotels, I still have opportunities to visit with them and recharge. In a couple of cases, I will actually stay with my friends in cities where it makes sense to do so.

Thank your friends for the praise. I'm still plugging away at this career because I can't imagine not singing...not doing what I love the most at the highest level I can achieve. I look forward to seeing you in SF next March!

[dr-scott.livejournal.com]

The adventure begins! ... and I use Amazon a lot for gifts because I can have them delivered to where I am going. Have your giftee accept them but put them aside until you have a chance to wrap them. :-)

Have fun and bon voyage!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, my friend. I'd love to have a way to contact you, snail mail address and phone would be lovely, as we head toward the holidays. I'd like to put you in my main directory, not just virtual:)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sending! Now, I feel legit! LOL!