Topic: THE NEW AGE NEW YEAR (Read 32028 times)

bk · « **on:** December 31, 2003, 12:06:00 AM »

Well, you've read our Rockin' New Year's Eve notes, so you know what is required.

Jed · « **Reply #1 on:** December 31, 2003, 12:41:51 AM »

Easy to pick out my 2003 highlights. My student teaching was (mostly) a wonderful experience, teaching choir for 11 weeks, grades 5-12. Got to work with some great kids, had a fantastic supervising teacher, and was part of a great staff at the school for 3 months.

The other big highlight was my first visit to NYC. My mom and I spent 4 days there in late June, as my college graduation present. Saw Urinetown, Hairspray, and Gypsy while we were there, and explored all over Manhattan. 95 degrees and 95% humidity, but we didn't care! It was a great time.

Lowlight would have to be not finding a full-time teaching job this year. With state budgets being what they were, it was a lousy year to be entering the music education market in the Northwest. Where teachers were retiring, the districts were spreading that job among a few other current employees rather than hiring on a new teacher. And Oregon was even worse off than we were in Washington, so a number of experienced Oregon teachers were being squeezed out of their jobs and snagged up any actual openings up here. Ah well, this cycles every few years, so hopefully things will turn around and there will actually be jobs out there for me next year! In the meantime, I'm surprised how much I actually enjoy substitute teaching, so all is relatively good.

Hopes for 2004? Well, beyond all the standard (but still quite sincere) health and happiness for friends and family stuff, I wouldn't mind finding a job... preferably in a town where there are actually unmarried women in their 20's to be found! Wenatchee, WA is a terrific place to grow up or to raise a family, but not a place to be young and single, I can tell you that!

Well, that's quite enough from me! How do I ever expect to reach God-dom with such long posts instead of numerous small ones?

S. Woody White · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2003, 01:05:05 AM »

Here's to Jed. May his eight inches be happy ones!

The good of 2003: We were joined by Bonnie and Buster, and we made the big move.

The bad of 2003: One of the worst spells of clinical depression I've ever had. Blech.

The hope for 2004: That I get a job. Quick!

Jed · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2003, 01:09:31 AM »

Quote from: S. Woody White on December 31, 2003, 01:05:05 AM

Here's to Jed. May his eight inches be happy ones!

Living in a town with unmarried women in their 20's around would certainly help that!

Matthew · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2003, 01:46:16 AM »

Hello DR's - just returned from NYC... saw "Taboo" - which was fabulous, "Take Me Out" which was fabulous, "Forbidden Bway" which was fabulous, "The Musical of Musicals - The MusicaL" which was fabulous and "The Boy From Oz" which was fabulous! More later as it would be a good time to get some rest.

Jrand74 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 31, 2003, 02:47:40 AM »

December 31st???

Yes, I shall be working today and then heading to Chicago for a party!!! I will I celebrate?? Yes I will!!!

The bad part is not being HERE for the REAL party!!

Hmmmmmmmm.....highlights of 2003....hmmmmmm....not too many. Not that it was a BAD year. I got a new computer, made a couple of new friends.

And I don't know if it's a highlight or not, but I finally left a place I had been for 25 years - even though I loved doing theatre there, and it IS part of my identity. I am gone and now feel a bit lost....but I will move on.

I hope in 2004 to do some writing and to get more involved with the professional theatre where I had done a bit of work and who always needed me in the summer....when I couldn't work with them. So....now I can.

And of course HHW has been a highlight for me. What a lot of wonderful people...starting with Mr BK.

Special thanks to him, Mr Mark Bakalor, Craig, Juliana, and all those who work behind the scenes to make HHW go!

Happy New Year!

Ben · « **Reply #6 on:** December 31, 2003, 03:11:51 AM »

Well, it's already 11am here in London as we count down our last two days across the pond. This was certainly a highlight of 2003. Also, turning 50 and treating Ant and me to a wonderful vacation in Key West was a highlight. Meeting some of our dear readers was also a joy.

I hope in 2004 that Anthony has more success as a performer. I hope that my job continues on it's current course (I can't complain too much about it since for the past 6 years I have been able to take the entire month of December off as vacation) and I hope to achieve my God-Like Status soon in January when I return to work and I am able to post with more frequency.

Love and Happy New Year to you all as we get 2004 at least 5 or more hours ahead of everyone.

This is probably my last post for 2003.

Jrand74 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 31, 2003, 05:20:11 AM »

2004 Here We Come!

Kerry · « **Reply #8 on:** December 31, 2003, 05:35:27 AM »

I need to think about today's subject.

Just read the rest of yesterday's notes. Great pet pics and great drag/porn names. I always thought it was your pet's name and your mother maiden's name. If so, my name would be Fifi Kelly or Fifi Colter (if I used the name of the street). My goldfish was named Fifi. Either one would be a respectable drag or stripper name. This whole subject came up once a number of years ago after my sister had seen something about it on Oprah, So, there I was at a family gathering listening to my father, brother, brother-in-law, nephew and the rest of my family memebrs talking about what their drag names would be. Talk about a surreal experience.

Kerry · « **Reply #9 on:** December 31, 2003, 05:36:13 AM »

Thanks again for the pet pictures. I want more from everyone.

Kerry · « **Reply #10 on:** December 31, 2003, 05:36:52 AM »

oh, and modesty prevents me from commenting on studded eight inches.

Kerry · « **Reply #11 on:** December 31, 2003, 05:46:12 AM »

I thought I'd share a Christmas memory from years ago. It was the year I got my first clock radio. The clock radio was on the nightstand right next to my pillow. Setting it up that night was difficult because it was late at night, and I had trouble with the reception, so I turned the station to something I thought was decent and turned up the volume. The next morning had Ethel Merman singing "Everything's Coming Up Roses" at full volume. I love Merman, but it was not a pleasant way to start the day. It made me laugh at the time, and still makes me laugh that of all the choices it could have been that it was that! Being blasted out of bed by Merman in your right ear is something you never forget!

I'll post later about 2003 and 2004.

And I think I'll stick with my drag name and not even try for a rap name. I think we should all have a party where we come dressed as what we picture our porn/drag/stripper personas would look like. I noticed some of you did not give what your name would be.

And yes, Jason, buy the Michael Buble CD. But don't have them mail it to you. Get it in person just to be on the safe side.

Kerry · « **Reply #12 on:** December 31, 2003, 05:47:12 AM »

Tomovoz, you give that nice Paul Mercurio a big hug and more from me. You could always send pictures, you know.

Jrand74 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 31, 2003, 05:51:26 AM »

Yes TOMOVOZ enjoy "The Full Monty!"

DRKERRY your story reminded me of my friend John who worked at a local radio station WREB. They would sign on at 5 am with the local farm report.

He decided that he would really give the farmers a treat and opened his farm report each day with a cut from the Ethel Merman Disco Album - which would continue to play under the day's beef, corn, oats, wheat, pork, barley, and other price projections!

td · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2003, 05:57:08 AM »

Did I just see a GREEN FAIRY here on HHW? ? ? ?

Jrand74 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:03:31 AM »

Starting your celebrating a bit early aren't you, TD?

td · « **Reply #16 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:21:11 AM »

Quote from: JRand53 on December 31, 2003, 06:03:31 AM

Starting your celebrating a bit early aren't you, TD?

Since I'm opening AND closing the restaurant today,* why, I say, WHY NOT?

*with an undetermined closing time.

William E. Lurie · « **Reply #17 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:22:57 AM »

Happy New Year to BK and all DRs. And BK, no matter what topic you pick for your next novel it will appeal to us. In fact it's interesting that the two best works of fiction I read in 2003 were both by people who became famous in "show biz" before writing novels: BK's KRITZERLAND and Rupert Holmes' WHERE THE TRUTH LIES.

Does any DR know if Brent is still in CHICAGO or not? The display ad in today's Times features a big picture of him, but the ABC listing has Bernard Dotson in the spot where the actor playing Billy is usually listed.

DearReaderLaura · « **Reply #18 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:27:03 AM »

Well, DR Kerry, if you insist on more pet photos....

This is Joshie -- our fostering attempt reject. He failed adoptions because he was so frightened, so he just stayed with us. His favorite toys are tissue paper and shoelaces. Here he is, enjoying the Christmas wrap.

Jrand74 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:42:21 AM »

Oh DRLAURA - Joshie looks like my last kitty, Precious....gone to cat heaven now.

DRWEL - I too enjoyed WHERE THE TRUTH LIES and bought it at your suggestion! So thanks! I like the entire book, of course, but that description of a backlot of Warner Brothers...and the walk down the stairs then turning to look back....whew! That image has fired my imagination!

Jrand74 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:42:56 AM »

OMG TD - don't count your tips until tomorrow! Surprise yourself! Or are you in one of the non-tipped positions?

Diane · « **Reply #21 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:49:36 AM »

[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE![/move]

May it be a wonderful and safe holiday for everyone.

Worst moments of 2003: My boyfriend of two years breaking up with me, Major anxiety attacks, having no luck getting an acting job and going almost the entire summer without a survival job...Not fun at all.

Best moments: My boyfriend of 2 years breaking up with me (It's amazing how time can change your perception),Becoming closer with all my friends, DR Joy and Noel's amazing wedding, talking to my ex again, Meeting Michael, who drives me crazy in every good and bad way possible, and of course knowing that 2004 is going to be better

Jrand74 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:58:52 AM »

Oh...I forgot OUR WEDDING ... the CD on my list yesterday!

Thanks DR Noel & Joy....what fun!

td · « **Reply #23 on:** December 31, 2003, 06:59:31 AM »

Quote from: JRand53 on December 31, 2003, 06:42:56 AM

OMG TD - don't count your tips until tomorrow! Surprise yourself! Or are you in one of the non-tipped positions?

Tipped position (take that however you dear readers may - - i'm talking about TCB, to be sure); but hopefully by the end of the evening, I shall also be in a tipsy position.

[move=right,scroll,6,transparent,100%]!HAPPY (AND SAFE) NEW YEAR'S EVE TO ONE AND ALL[/move]!

Diane · « **Reply #24 on:** December 31, 2003, 07:00:16 AM »

DRJennifer: Got your email this morning! I will write back later

seaclifr · « **Reply #25 on:** December 31, 2003, 07:02:46 AM »

Hi all!

OK, I've been errant & truant a l;ot these past couple of months, but the end of the year has kept me quite busy at the office.

Highlights of 2003 - as a performer, participating in the making of "Jeepers Creepers" is on the top of my list. Meeting so many of our HHW crew, including Michael, Craig, Susan, Jose and Jason, plus dinner at the famous Joe Allen's with the gang, was great. My thanks for bk for allowing me to take part. And to Guy Haines for allowing me to take his picture

Seeing "Take Me Out" in on the list. Performing in "The Music Man" is too.

Joining my wife in celebrating 2+ cancer free years, however, was the best thing in '03.

Pending Highlights of 2004 - Performing in "The Melody Lingers On...The Music of Irving Berlin" in mid January (if you're in the NY metro-LI area and are interested in seeing the show, please email me off list for ticket info). Tickets to see "The Boy from OZ' in late February.

And. of course, participating here at HHW.

So to bk, Craig, Mark, Donald, Juliana and all my pals at HHW - may 2004 bring you nothing but health, happiness and lots of fulfillment, both personal and professional!

MBarnum · « **Reply #26 on:** December 31, 2003, 07:21:12 AM »

Lots of good wishes to all the DRs on this last day of 2003!

Let's see...it was a good year! Best things were getting my giganta-cat Freddy, having my 4 hour lunch with actresses Diana (Reform School Girl) Darrin, and Laurie (Attack of the Puppet People) Mitchell when I went to Los Angeles as well as meeting Ms. Carolyn (Hot Rod Girl) Kearney. Discovering Bollywood movies. Getting a few things published and interviewing some fascinating people. And just enjoying another year of my friends, family, and of course my HHW buddies!

Jason · « **Reply #27 on:** December 31, 2003, 07:32:46 AM »

Let's see...the best and worst, huh? Well...

The worst: Finding out bad news about my brother; My dad was laid off from his job; Those lean weeks when I was barely able to pay my bills; living with some of the folks from Bucks County Playhouse for three months.; Losing more mail than I've actually received.; THE MICE.

The best: My dad has started a new business and seems to be doing well...he only needs four or five more clients to make him feel financially where he wants to be; I made it through the rain--even though I had a few rough weeks, with hard work (and the generosity, love and encouragement from my friends here at HHW), I made it past those rough weeks and I was even able to afford some decent Christmas gifts for my loved ones; I had few panic attacks this year than last; I finally got work as an actor this year--three times!! MOBY DICK, Bucks County Playhouse and West Virginia Public Theatre, I thank you!; Seeing some of the best (and worst) live theatre in the world, and most of it for free. Who could ask for anything more?; Meeting up with many of my friends from HHW.com, including the Big K. himself, and a truly wonderful time with DRs MusicGuy and Kerry (and of course DRs Ben and Anthony). Good times were also had with DRs Susan, Jose, Craig (I'm so glad you moved up here, even though I never see you), Maya, LC, Andrea, Emily, WEL and Ray, Juliana, Phil and MDS. Hopefully I'll be adding more names to that list in the coming years.; Getting some of my shifts back at the Met, for which I am ridiculously grateful.; Recording Jeepers Creepers.; Receiving a surprise gift in the mail (yes, this package actually arrived)--BOTH of the Kritzer novels which, per instructions from the Dear Dear Reader who sent them to me, had been signed by our esteemed BK.; Making some wonderful new friends at work; and finally, HHW.com.

So there it is...my best and worst list for the year. Overall, I'd say it's been a pretty good one.

I'm working at MTI today until 1:00, at which time I will meet up wtih my friend, Jennifer, and see a movie. I don't know WHICH movie, but a movie nonetheless, and the we shall hie ourselves to the Metropolitan Opera for the New Year's Eve Gala, which will include Ms. Barbara Cook's Met Debut in the third act of THE MERRY WIDOW. It should be quite fun.

There are veeeery few people gathering in Times Square today...I'm kind of surprised. I mean, I know it's early, but last year people started lining up the night before!

Oh, and did anyone read in the paper yesterday that Ms. Elaine Paige will be playing Mrs. Lovett in New York City Opera's SWEENEY TODD this spring? I have to see it....HAVE TO!

MusicGuy · « **Reply #28 on:** December 31, 2003, 07:41:10 AM »

Dear esteemed, slimming, year-ending BK --

Thank you for lots of fascinating topics, provocative thoughts, interesting bits of theatre and music related info and anecdotes, both of the SUPERB Kritzer books, great conversations at Dan Tana's, Musso & Frank's, and DuPar's, and for your providing of lots and lots of light hearted laughs and chuckles while reading this site and participating.

And my thanks to the most unique, fun, creative, diverse, imagination-fueled, caring, and accepting bunch of wacko zanies that ever filled up a "Living Room" or a cookie jar !!

The year 2003 has certainly had its fill of challenges and sad times for DR Kerry and I, and all of the DRs here and the guapo Mr. BK have been gifts to keep some levity and lightness and perspective in front of us both.

Thank you Bruce, and thank you to a very long list of wonderful dear readers !!

May 2004 treat us all a little nicer and more gently.

JoseSPiano · « **Reply #29 on:** December 31, 2003, 07:49:45 AM »

Good morning!

Well, I slept in... a little. Got the last two loads of laundry going already (one washing, one drying), made breakfast, played with my niece (who did not cry(!) again(!!!)) - still makes me so happy that she "knows" me now, washed some dishes and made my bed. Whew!

Oh, and before I forget, my drag name would be: Princess Kennedy. Hmmm...

As for the highlights and the lowlights...

Highlights:
- AUSTRALIA! What a wonderful place! What wonderful people! Meeting Tom & Colin was very special too! And my travel mates on that tour were a couple of swells, great people - and they know their tequila!
-Losing 35 pounds! Finally!*
-Being gainfully employed for most of the year - well, enough, that I did not have to take a "day job" this year, or even have to consider one (the importance of finally learning to budget!) Being involved in projects that I was really interested in and enjoyed working on and learned a great deal from.
-Being in NYC during the blackout - I had fun!
-Getting closer to my nieces and nephew both figuratively and literally. Since they're all living in the DC area now, and since I've been working a lot of up here this year, I've had more time to spend with them. It's great being, "Uncle Jojo".
-Being a part of Jeepers Creepers. Thanks again, BK, for inviting me to be a part of the project.
-Being able to be home in Richmond for a few months, AND working, AND managing to have enough time to have a social life. People are so much fun! I made a lot of new friends in my adopted home town this year.
-Having HHW as place to come back to time and again - whether on a daily basis, or after a few weeks away. What a great mix of DRs there are on this board. Thanks for sharing your stories and life, and thank you for letting me share mine.
-One very personal highlight for me: Getting closer to my ex, Steve. We've been "apart" for about a year and half now - after being together for about three and a half years. I won't rehash all of it, but our break-up was a very non-break-up, very amicable, very adult. But, we were apart for a while. The couple of times we've been able to spend together this past year have been really nice. He truly is my best friend, and it's been nice having my best friend back by my side again. We still care about each other very much. -And he'll be coming up to DC tonight to watch Camelot, and be my "date" for the party afterwards. And we'll be enjoying five theatre-filled(!!!!!) days in NYC in January - wow, in just two weeks!

The lowlights for 2003 were few and far between - at least nothing really sticks in my head right now, which is a good thing, I guess. I did put on about 12-15 pounds of the weight I had lost over the past year - I REALLY liked Australia!

And I did have some major car repair$ in Augu$t. I guess the major thing for me was losing touch with some friends this past year due to work, schedules, travels, and the general craziness of daily life. And one of my best-est friends moved from DC to LA this past summer. I miss him.

As for 2004
-Things are continue to look up. I have gigs lined up throughout the whole year - and maybe even into 2005 already! -That actually kind of scares me.
-I hope to re-lose the 12-15 pounds I've put back on - and I've already gotten started on that resolution this past week.
-I hope to touch base with some of the people I've lost contact with this past year - I'm planning to use some of my downtime in January to send out my "Christmas" cards... for the first time in three years!
-I'm hoping my niece, Alyssa, will continue to grow more comfortable with me as she gets older - I would realy love to spend a day baby-sitting her. But for a one-year old, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

-I wish safe travels for my brother, Mike, and his family, when they head to Puerto Rico this weekend for a few weeks to visit my sister-in-law's family.
-I hope to continue to grow, to enjoy life, to be awed, to be lesss jaded(!).
-And I'm looking forward to my new apartment/house/whatever with my new potential roommate. Although, the move could turn out to be a lowlight of next year's list - let's hope not.
-Oh, and some DRs may have intimated this from my recent posts - or even from this one - maybe I'll be ditching the "ex" moniker when it comes to mentioning Steve.

Well, I should anyway - he's my friend! But there is definitely something in the air... again. (Take that as a veiled Sondheim reference, if you like.)

Well, time for me to get my stuff organized. I have another long day ahead of me - rehearsal at 2:00, then the show tonight, the the party.. then I'm actually heading back to Richmond for the night since I won't be back down there until the middle of next week - let's hope the drunk drivers stay off the road, and that the state troopers are doing their job. I'll be training back tomorrow afternoon for tomorrow night's show - no rest for the weary. So, if I don't make it back before "then"...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Party like it's 199.. well, 2003! 2004 Look Out!

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Author Topic: THE NEW AGE NEW YEAR (Read 32028 times)

Ben

MBarnum