Mustache & Muttonchops

[mrdreamjeans]

Back in the Game

I’m back in the game. My laptop was shipped back to me and arrived tonight. I’m verrrrry happy despite the $842 repair cost. One of the first things I did was fill out a survey sent to me by Applecare. The customer service agents I dealt with were quite capable and efficient, but in the box where they asked for additional comments, I let them have an earful. I was able to purchase an All Risk Personal Belongings policy from Statefarm for $40 a year, giving me $2000 coverage. In the future, my laptop or cameras will be replaced whatever the damage or if stolen. I asked Applecare, “Why should I ever play you $250 again for extended coverage on a computer?” I did not accidently damage my computer. I was not negligent. I still maintain the screen was warped and prone to cracking. The rate on the policy I took out costs $2.20 per hundred and covers me whether I’m at home or on the road!

Stumble-Throughs and Spacing on Stage

This past Friday and Saturday, we pieced “Wonderful Town” together for the first time and stumbled through the show for designers and crew. It went surprisingly well. I’ve continued to work on my Irish brogue and worked with a dialect coach. I want the accent to sound authentic, not too “Lucky Charms”:) At intermission of the first run-through, Mary, the head of the hair department came up to me and told me that my beard would have to go as it wasn’t the right period for the show. (I was expecting it to happen:) We did decide that I could retain some facial hair since I’m playing just one character. The plan for Officer Lonigan at this time is a mustache and mutton-chops. Should be fun, but I bet I get some odd looks on the street for the next month. *grin*

Speaking of Stumbling

Both my mother and father have been in and out of the hospital in the past week. Mom had a colonoscopy last Thursday. She was witchy for about a month about it. She’s very private and the whole idea was embarrassing to her, but she came through it just fine. She had five polyps removed and we’re waiting for the analysis on them. My Dad fell Friday while working in the yard and hit his head on the corner of the house. It’s made of stone. He had seven clamps put in his scalp. The doctor in the ER gave him a sulfa drug to counteract infection. However, Dad also takes Plavix, an anti-stroke medication. He’s fallen three times since in the house and has been vomiting. His sugar levels are also elevated ... in the 300s ... We now believe that Dad, who is allergic to penicillin, had a bad reaction to the sulfa mixed with the blood thinner. He’s weak, but doing better.

I feel helpless being so far away, but my brother stepped up to the plate, taking Dad to the ER twice in a six hour period. My sister and I have been in close contact on the phone. Please keep my folks in your thoughts. They are trying mightily to get well enough to come visit me, see the show and have a brief, affordable vacation.

Computer Cogitation

I was really surprised at how much I missed having computer access in the past 10 days. I didn’t realize how much I relied on it for business and entertainment. In place of it, I did a lot of reading, watched more television then normal and used the time to focus on learning my show. I did get out and about the town, walking around the city. Thanks to lovesongman, bearhedded and non-LJ friends Cheryl and David Earl, I had companionship for dinner during this computerless stretch. I also had supportive phone calls from several friends and family members. Thanks gotmoof,rossbear, bonkishnurtaz and pagerbear!! (David - due to the time difference between coasts ... and family emergencies, I haven’t had a chance to call you back, but I will. I appreciate the support!! Can’t wait to hear and read about your fundraiser!!!)

Hopefully, I’ll have no more problems with computers ... or worries about my parents’ health for awhile. “Wonderful Town” is a joyous musical and I really like my co-workers. Beginning Wednesday, we do four days of noon to midnight rehearsals. Our first preview is March 21; I celebrate my birthday on the 22nd, official opening night is March 23rd; my folks will be visiting about April 4 if all goes well. “Wonderful Town” closes April 9. It’s back to Texas then and the next chapter of my life.... whatever that might be ....