We are all on a journey. This one is mine. Writing this blog to allow others to journey with me. To share in the joys and sorrows and maybe encourage along the way. Thankful for you all, blessed to have you in my life.
Today we had some unexpected change of events. Due to the hurricane that is building and going up the east coast we bypassed Great Stirrup and went straight to Nassau. We have out first overnight of the contract here and our show day has moved from Thursday to Wednesday because the weather on the way back to NYC is going to be pretty rough. Should be an interesting couple of sea days back to the city. As for today though, we had a great day in Nassau. It was my first time off the ship in the Bahamas and I loved it. In a lot of ways it reminded me of some of the towns we went to in Africa. At first I went to the Dunkin Donuts to get some free wifi with my friend Erika. We explored a little on the way. Then after some catching up on communication and a delicious iced coffee I headed back out into the town. I met up with Anika, Lauren, and Nehemiah and headed to the beach for a bit. Had a blast just walking along the beach and taking pictures. Then I decided it was time to go exploring some more on my own. I just started walking and made random turns and found some cool little shops and houses that were really neat. All the colors and interesting signs. Was really fun just searching for nothing in-particular. It was fun for me too because I am usually such a group person. I like to be with someone if I go adventuring and today was one of the first times I went out on my own and didn’t care if sometime was with me. I had fun with myself today and it was much needed I think. On the way back from my exploring it started to downpour. I was soaked by the time I got back to the ship and quickly went up to my cabin and cuddled up with some comfy clothes and a good book. I must say that today has been fun., but I have this antsy feeling right now in my stomach. I am such a worrier and a planner. I like to have some direction that I know I am going, and the Lord has always been so great about providing what I need when I need it. He is always teaching me new ways to be patient and trust him. Today, is one of those days. I feel so unsure of my future. Where am I going? Where will I be when my contract is up? Will everything work out? I watched the movie The Pursuit of Happiness and bawled most of the way through it. Just because it reminded me that even though things might get rough and seem like stability has been ripped from underneath your feet, it is all for a reason and it all a part of God’s plan for our lives. Trust is a lesson right along with patience that seems to be a life lesson for most people. Why fear the future when it isn’t in our control anyway? Why worry, when my entire life I have been provided for? I miss my love on top of it all. I get to meet up in NYC this Saturday and I want more than anything to be there right now. It is also hard to think that after this weekend I will be gone for yet another 2 and a half months and miss birthday and everything. My heart just feels heavy right now and I want nothing more than to just rest. You would think that would be easy considering I am on a cruise ship, but alas, it isn’t. One step at a time. Breath in and out. Trust and Obey.
The ship is a’rockin today! This is the first day where I have seen almost everyone on the ship go from one side of the hall to the other just walking straight down the hall. The ship is going back and forth so bad that even the best of sea legs is not walking straight. The funny thing is, that this isn’t even that bad apparently. The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day so I can’t imagine how it is going to be when there is an actual storm. I must say, that I am kind of looking forward to a stormy day on the ship. Especially if I don’t have a show that night. We had a tech run of the show and my official duties of being the vocal captain of the cast have been handed to me. I had to deal with lazy sound guys who don’t really seem to know what they are doing. We went from hearing too much of ourselves in the monitors to not hearing ourselves at all. I have a feeling it is going to be an ongoing battle to get what we want. I stepped out into the audience several times on stage while the tech run was going on and mics weren’t coming on and levels were getting sloppy. I had to go to the sound booth after and try and be firm but friendly as I read off a whole list of things that needed to be addressed. Oyi! I do enjoy the responsibility though. I love talking about the voice and answering questions about placement and vocal warm ups. It challenges me to keep on learning and makes me even more thankful for Ms. Jesse my voice teacher. She will always be my teacher I think. I never stop learning from that lady. If you read this Ms. J, I miss you and I love you! Thanks for pushing me and teaching me so much! I am off to grab some lunch and relax while reading a book on the promenade deck before my shows. I will write more later on today. Show went well. We made friends with the pastry chef and he brought the cast Crème Brule and a chocolate goodness that I quickly devoured. It was a good day. Did nothing really of note other than the shows. Enjoyed the rest and relaxation finally.
Well, our tech weeks are finally over and we have sweet freedom. For about 2 weeks that is. Then our director will be coming back on the ship for another week to make some more changes. L I guess we will see how it goes. Today I got off the ship in New York City and met up with some dear friends, Dennis and Grant. It was so nice to hang out with them for the afternoon. We had a nice brunch and caught up on recent events in each others lives. I love it when you get back together with friends and there is that wonderful reunited feeling. It is one of the best feelings in the world. After a great afternoon with them I made my way back to the ship a little early so that I could make it to my acupuncture appointment. The Acupuncturist asked some of the performers to be his demonstration models. I agreed to come in and give it a try. I didn’t really know what to expect but I went in with an open mind and excited to see what results I would see. I carry a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. My friend Tabitha is a massage therapist and last time she massaged me she was shocked at how tense I was. I don’t know why. It isn’t like I stress or worry about things. Hahaha. Anyway, I went into the Doctor and told him what was bothering me and so he placed a couple needles in my hands and on the sides of my legs. You feel this dull pain in the places where the needles are that kind of feels like someone is pressing on a spot where you have a bruise. I laid there with the needles in for about 45 min and then he removed them. At first I was like, that is a crock I don’t feel anything, but then I actually started feeling some results. I am not sure if I am a true believe in it yet, but I would recommend trying it at least once and seeing how it works for you. In my case it was free so I can’t complain too much. After that I came back to my room for a little nap and then headed up to the aft deck to have dinner. I watched the sun set and the skyline of NYC fade away as we moved south to the Bahamas. Such a beautiful afternoon. I’m not going to lie. Having days like this is spoiling me a bit, I know that this isn’t really normal for most people, so I will take advantage and enjoy this work Vacation while I can. I actually just finished going to the gym for a little bit. I have not been motivated at all while we have been in rehearsals so now is the time to kick myself into gear and make things happen. I must say that running on a treadmill while the boat is rocking back and forth is quite the challenge. It brings a whole new level to the work out that you don’t really expect. You are not only trying to keep up with the pace of the machine, you are tying to stay balanced as each wave makes you go to one side or the other on the machine. It is really funny to watch people that aren’t use to the boat yet get on one and quickly give up. Probably a safe choice. To finish my night I am about to cozy up in my bed. I might go and see if I can make some hot chocolate or something and ready my books. Right now I am reading Harry Potter Book 4, my devotional, and a book that a friend wrote that I picked up before I left for the ship. Enough reading material to keep me busy for awhile. I would love to get more into reading. I have enough time on the ship that I have no excuse. I need to read all the books on my list and also come back with a very in shape body. Those are my goals. I hope everyone is doing well out there in the real world. I miss you guys. I am enjoying my time here on the ship for sure, but I am looking forward to being back on land as well. A quick shout out to my friend Mark. I am so proud of you my friend, and all that is going on in your life right now. Many thoughts and prayers are coming your way. To my love, I can’t wait to see you very very soon. Even thought it is only going to be for a short time, I will cherish every second of it with you. I love you very much!
The ocean has a way of reminding you how small you are, how little you are compared to the world. It has a way of reminding you that you are not in control and that even if you tried to be you are too small to really do anything about it. It has a way of reminding you that you are desperately dependant on God to provide, sustain, love, guide, and the list goes on an on. Last night I was sitting in my cabin on the ship and looked out my window to see a full moon reflecting off the water. I sat there for a moment and then turned off all the lights in my room and just let the moonlight shine through the tiny porthole. Having the soft fingers of moonlight reach in and touch my room illuminating it just enough to see. I put on my shoes and headed for the door. Up to the top deck, I decided to take a walk. Standing there by myself watching the water move past, the seemingly endless water, crashing and swelling as the ship moves. The ocean breeze hitting my face, caressing it like a sweet lover. I am humbled. I keep walking to the other side of the ship and look out to see a huge thunderhead in the distance being brilliantly lit up with lightening. Far enough away that I don’t hear or feel the effects, but close enough to enjoy the majesty and beauty of it. I am amazed. Is that what life is like for us? Boundless ocean, as you move across you encounter various things. You go from smooth water to rough waves. You see in the distance that trouble is coming, but the ocean still moves in that direction, because that is where you are suppose to be. You are dashed against jagged rocks and then massaged on sandy beaches. You are transformed by wind that lifts you up in a hurricane, and then calmed by the steady current that takes you to the next destination. Sometimes I forget that life is not in my control and that I am not in charge. Nights like last night put everything else in perspective. I am not my own.
Well the second week on the ship has almost passed, and we almost have both of our shows open. Tomorrow night, the 26th, is the opening night of Le Cirque. I am thankful that my voice gets a little bit of a break in this show especially after Band on the Run and singing out of my range. It is a nice rest for these chords. After this week is finished we will begin a normal schedule and also be able to get off of the ship at the various ports that we stop at, which I am thrilled about. I have never been to the Bahamas so it will be cool to explore a bit and get on those beaches. I could use the tan that is for sure. I also will be getting back into the gym. My love and I were doing so well about going for a bit and then ever since then I have had a rough time with motivation. Especially now without my workout partner by my side. Yea for self motivation though! This week has also been a time to kind of settle into my cabin a bit and organize my life. I hung up pictures of loved ones by my desk to remind me how loved I am. Crazy, but sometimes I forget all the amazing people I have in my life who love me to death! Thanks for that! I also stalked up on goodies in my fridge so that I will won’t have to always go into passenger areas when I want a little snack. Starting to feel like home a little more, which helps with loneliness. As far as my heart goes right now, I am doing well. I just get lonely sometimes, and miss my other half. I was also saddened a bit knowing that it was my grandparents 50th anniversary and all of my family was getting together in Branson, and I wouldn’t be there. My amazing Aunt Lani was going to be there along with John, Mary, Devin Steffani, Logan, and Guinevere who are a part of my family I don’t get to see nearly as much as I would like to. We would go and stay with John and Mary during the summer sometimes in Vermont and it was some of the best times of my life. They were the first people to take me to NYC and also took me to my first Broadway show, Phantom of the Opera. Devin and Steffani took my brother and I to Boston for a few days one of the times we went to visit. Such a fun time. That part of the family has just been a huge part of opening my eyes to new things that I never got to experience at the time. New tastes and sounds. New places and ways of thinking. For that I am truly grateful for them! I am glad that they all had a great time though and I know there will be other occasions in the future that I hope I can be a part of. Right now, I just feel the urge to send a few shout outs to loved ones that I don’t get to talk with that much. Lacy Shelton- He bestie, I miss you. I am so thankful for you and the amazing friendship we have had for so so so long. You are my forever friend and who have been there for me though everything that has come in my life. I love you! Tabitha, Jerry, and Jovia- From massages to just welcoming me into your home I am so grateful for you. Your family that you are building is a joy to watch, even though it is from afar in my case. I am blessed to have you in my life. Thanks for all the encouragement! Shealee- I LOVE YOU! You are always have a way of understanding my emo ways and I appreciate that so much! You are such a great friend to me!!!!!!! Thanks for sticking it all out and hanging with me through a lot of tuff stuff. Angela- Sister! I am still ticked off that I missed your wedding and I have to watch it when I come home next. Such a Godly woman who I admire so much. Thanks for loving me and treating my like your little bro. You mean the world to me. Danielle- Oh friend! I miss ya! You are such an incredible friend and have taught me so much. Whenever I need a bit of logic in my life with an emotion edge to it I know I can always talk to you. You are always there to calm me down and remind me that I have a lot going for me. Brianne- Deserts are missing the rain friend! I love being able to cry with you and share any crazy illogical emotion and you just be there for me and cry with me. You are a great friend I love laughing with you and cuddling with Shadow our favorite cat. Cody- Buddy, I don’t tell you near enough how much a appreciate you. You are sarcastic which sometimes is just what I need to remind me not to take my self so seriously. You are a great brother and I know that if I ever needed anything you would be there in a heartbeat. Nikki- I have said it before and I will say it again and again, you are such a blessing to my heart. To have someone that understands where I am now and has been through a lot of the same things is so refreshing. You put things in perspective so well because you were once in the same spot and know just how to talk to me. God has truly placed you in my life for a reason and I am forever grateful for it. Erika/Chris- From being my roommate/big brother(chris) to being my ship buddy (Erika). The two of you have been a big part of me life. Thanks fot letting me vent and talk things out. Thanks for allowing me to spend Christmas with you guys and allowing me to be a part of your family. It means the world to me. I am also very excited to be the ring bearer in your wedding J Patrick- My Best Friend! We have been though it all!!!!! I look back and I think, how have we made it this far, and I know that God’s hand is on it. You are an amazing man of God who I respect and admire and I truly love you! Thanks for being patient and growing with me. You are my family.
There are so many more people in my life who have impacted me and I love. So, please know that you are important to me and that because of you, I am the man I am today.
This has been a bit of a random blog, but I was just thinking about how thankful I am for those amazing people in my life. For those who have been though the ups and downs and are still there by my side. Who, no matter what decisions are made, speak truth in love into my life. I am humbled when I think of how luckily and blessed I really am. Thank you Lord for truly surrounding me with your love.
So the first week on the ship is officially over and now we are the ones running the show…..literally. The last cast is done and off the ship and we are having our opening night tomorrow. Which is August 22. I am really nervous about doing this for a live audience. It is one thing to sing out of my comfort zone in front of fellow performers in my cast, but in front of an audience is another story for me. I am sure it will be a blast because the energy of doing it in front of that many people will get me going. We have a tech run and then 2 shows after that. It’s so exciting! As of right now though we are trying to work out any little glitches. It seems like everything is just being thrown at us right now. I think that is the theme of this contract though. Roll with the punches. You do what you have to do and you make it work as Tim Gunn would say ( tv reference for those who don’t know).This week has been crazy because we have literally been rehearsing almost non stop. Trying to make costume fitting and then have meals and then chat with my love when I can on face book or random phone calls when I get reception. We weren’t even allowed to get off the ship at ports until today for about 2 and a half hours. So, needless to say I am very tired. Right now I am about to go and do a costume fitting for our 2nd show, Cirque. I will return with more news in a bit. Alright, I am back. So, random funny story. For the past week and during rehearsals I have been rooming with the other singer…Max. Well, for this past week on the ship I was rooming with him as well. One morning when I was getting ready in the morning I was being quiet and respectful trying not to wake him up as I bustled around. I grabbed my shorts and stuff to take into the bathroom and I was going to shut the door behind me and turn on the light. Well I go to put my things down on the toilet seat and I notice that I hear a little splash noise. Max had forgotten to put the lid to the toilet down. I was a little upset that this had happened so I quickly got the rest of the way in the bathroom and turned on the light. Well, to my surprise and utter disgust there was pee in the toilet, not just water. I had placed a small part of my shorts in Max’s urine!!!!! At this point as was really cranky. I went back into the room and stopped caring about being quite and grabbed a new pair of shorts. I quickly shrugged off my frustration over a delicious cup of coffee that was made in the ship hospital where they make real coffee that tastes good. Not the commercial stuff in most places on the ship. That is my funny story for this blog. We have been doing runs of the show trying to get ready for opening night tomorrow. We had a bit of a crash and burn rehearsal yesterday where we were thrown into mics, costumes, and had a bit of an audience watching us. It was a bit stressful considering we were not planning the audience and, for singers, our mics were not set for our voices , and neither were the monitors. It was rough. I felt like everything was being pushed in my voice. Who know what notes were hit. For what we were told it was a good run, it just didn’t feel like that for most of us in the cast. This morning we had another run and it went a bit better. Costumes changes are still being a bit of an issue, but it will work out in time for sure. It kind of has to. Today after our run we were able to get off the ship for about 2 ½ hours. I quickly got off and booked it to the nearest start bucks in order to skype with my sweet heart. It was so good to be able to see that face again!!! I chatted for about an hour on skype and then talked on the phone while I did the rest of my errands. It is amazing how much talking for just a short time like that can make your entire day. Long distance is such an up and down thing. Some days are great and you feel good and content, others you feel so overwhelmingly lonely that you just want to sit in your room and cry. I am so fortunate to have such an amazing other half to share this experience with. What a journey it is, both rewarding and painful. I guess this is like working out. Your muscles are sore after you lift weights, but in order to grow them they have to be ripped up a bit. Right now, I am working out just another part of my relationship muscle. By the end of this contract it is going to be chiseled to perfection. Haha. I love you baby! I love your heart and I miss you like crazy!Oh, I almost forgot. We moved into our own rooms today! Mine is so nice. I love it. I have a double bed and a port hole that I can look out of. The bathroom is small but it will work for just me for sure. I have a full desk and a surprising amount of space to store things. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice they were. It is so relaxing looking outside at the ocean from the porthole. Today, it was a bit foggy and cloudy outside so watching the water and the fog coming by my window just made me feel cozy and ready for a cup of coffee or a nice glass of wine. Attached are some photos of my room. Enjoy!
The adventure continues. So, before I get into the ship stuff I wanted to talk about my experience in NYC. We fly into JFK airport and are told to take the shuttle to the JFK International Hotel. I found out the morning before that I was on the earlier flight, which I am glad I was because the other flight was canceled and they had to be rerouted. We me and two on my cast mates, Anthony and Myke, landed and made our way to the shuttle. We made it to the hotel and stepped into the worst stereotypical roach motel. It was so gross. We proceeded to the check in to try and get some answers and at least check into our rooms. Then we get another bit of fun new. We will be rooming with completely strangers!!! Are you kidding me! HAHA! So we all grudgingly took our stuff to our rooms and then met back in the lobby. We started to walk to find a taxi into the city, while talking about our rooms. Stains everywhere. No comforters on the beds just dirty sheets. The towel weren’t even folded they were just kind of hap-hazardly placed places. Trying to laugh about it and not cry we realize that we have been looking for a taxi for almost an hour! So finally after searching and searching we get the taxi we searched for and pay 50 dollars to get into the city. Good times! I spend the first part of the day walking around and shopping, I didn’t buy anything surprisingly enough. After that is was trying to figure out what to do. It is amazing how much you take for granted someone who knows their way around the city. My dear other half has always been the one to show me where to go and direct me. This time, I was on my own to some extent. I also put myself in the spot to be that way. After a bit of frustration and trying to figure out what to do I get a call just in Time from my friend Nikki who is always good for a calm town chat. She was the good friend that she is and talking me out of my tears and put a smile on my face just in time for me to get a call from 2 good friends of mine and my love’s, Marissa and James. They are fantastic people who I think the world of. We met up and had some food and hung out and then proceeded to their house were they invited me to stay the night. I of course agreed, way better than the hotel, and we had pop tart ice cream sandwiches. Yummy! The next morning got a cab right away and made it to the hotel for the shuttle that would take me to the ship. WOW, so after that busy day we get on the ship the next morning and go though a ton of paper work and safety training which takes a life time. I actually took my safety test today and fingers crossed that I passed. I don’t really know when I will find out. We had rehearsals then watched the show with the cast that is on the ship now. Let’s just say we are very much different than the current cast, and I really need to go to the gym and get a more ripped up body. Haha. After that we had more rehearsals and just got out. It is 1:45 am when I am writing this. Ug. So, I am going to wrap up for now. I will write more later when I am less tired and more able to express myself clearly! I
So, I am up early this morning because I am flying out of Tampa, FL and heading to New York City for a day and then board the ship tomorrow. I don't know what it is about transitions that scares me so much. Maybe the fear of the unknown, or a worry that something might go wrong. In any event. I awoke this morning with a slightly jarring feeling that my life is changing and I am just along for the ride. This contract became a little more real. I was made very aware that I am out of my element and that challenges await me. None of these are bad things mind you. In fact they are very good things for me. I am excited to be pushed and challenged. I am looking forward to growing and learning. Although things will be hard, I think at this point I am ready for them. Being the emo child that I am, there will be tears from time to time, but I am always confident in the Love of my heavenly father and the support of those who care for me here. (Thanks Lover for always being there for me.) As I wait here in the Lobby of the beautiful Staybridge Suites (sarcasm) I am realizing how fast time has gone by. I feel like I just got here and now i am leaving again. I think/hope it is the same on the ship. By the time I get installed on the ship it will be a good way into my contract. Then I get to see my Love for a day soon after that. Then I just have like 2 months left. When you break it down, its not that long at all. Just sometimes seems that way when my emotions cloud the reason part of my brain ;-) On a totally random note, I am praying that my bags are not over weight. I think I packed them properly but I thought that last time and I had to throw my underwear around from bag to bag right in the ticket line in order to make my flight. Fingers crossed that won't happen this time. My pride can only take so much. hahaha! So, here I go, breathing in and out, my chin up and a smile on my face as this new challenge becomes more of a reality. One foot in front of the other, I will be finished and in the arms of my love once more. Can't wait to see you baby!
I am always learning it seems. I guess that is a blessing, but sometimes i just want to have the lessons learned and have a week or so vacation where I can just have smooth sailing. 2nd week of rehearsals is done and we are on the eve of our day off! I am so ready for it too. We had the head of casting as well as the Vice President of Norwegian Cruise lines and a few others come to watch our shows and give their feedback. The nerves were going and the stress was too the max. My cast who is normally very chill and upbeat became a bit overwhelmed and downtrodden. Learning a new section of the show that was added the day before and trying to remember dance steps and vocals had our brains spinning. Everything went well. They loved our show and we all got a bit of much needed affirmation for our hard work. Thank God for these abilities that he has given us to be able to put this amazing show together in such a short time. For me, my voice is so tired. I have not used this part of my vocal register ever really so I am trying to work that muscle but not overdo it. If anyone who reads this has some good vocal remedies let me know. My hope is that this will really open up a part of my voice that I never knew i had in me. That excites me! I love learning about the voice. I enjoy it more if there is no pressure attached to it, but as it is now I am still learning but with a bit of a deadline. Sometimes a good things so I will not complain. Today I went to Orlando and bought my first suit! There is something about buying a suit that kind of feels like you have reached a new level of manhood. Sounds silly, but for me when I put on a nice suite I just feel strong and confident. At least that is what I felt today. Since I got such a great deal on the suit I decided to treat myself to a few frivolous items that caught my eye while walking through the mall. I deserve that after these rehearsals and my hard work......right......haha. As of right now, i am sitting on my couch in my hotel suite and listening to yet another thunderstorm outside. Typing, reflecting on my day and enjoying a nice cup of tea. Laundry is about to get changed into the dryer and I have no obligations the rest of the night other than a welcome skype chat with my love. I realized today that once I get on the ship I am going to not be able to communicate nearly as much as I have had the luxury of doing here. Where I am excited about getting on the ship, I am not looking forward to that part. Doing long distance it is an ever evolving process learning to communicate well and this is just another little bump in that process. Talking on a ship phone with a delay in the connection. Using internet that costs a bit and connection is kind of choppy at best. All these things are kind of weighing on my brain. Talking the other night on the phone just affirmed to me that we can really make it through anything. We know each other so well and after over a year of being together we can handle anything I think. I am so blessed to have such an amazing patient person in my life. I know I mention my love all the time in this blog. For me this is kind of a way for me to process out loud and to, in some ways, affirm myself and encourage myself through putting my days into perspective. Being away from my best friend is hard, but when I put it all in perspective, we will be together again in a blink of an eye. Time goes by so quickly and although the communication may be hard sometimes, I can rest in the fact that I am loved and that won't change. That being said I am going to leave for now and change that laundry. Enjoy your day out there!
So, Tampa is evidently the lightning capitol of the world. I believe it too. Every evening you can look up in the sky and see lightning! It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen really. On one of my days off a huge storm rolled in and i watched as lightning was going crazy and then the rain just started coming down. Looked as though it were falling sideways. I wouldn't want to be someone out and about in those conditions but for me, it added a nice soothing effect to my lazy afternoon. I am learning a lot. It is hard for me sometimes to work without affirmation. To do things and give your all and not get noticed for it. Welcome to the real world Curtis. Not everyone is going to give you a pat on the back for a job well done. hahaha. In learning that I am growing in the area of finding my self worth from other people. It has always been a struggle of mine. If someone doesn't like me or think that i am good enough it tears my heart apart. I hate that feeling. I am thanking God though, even though it is hard on me, for this lesson again. I am sure it will not be the last time either. In a conversation with my love last night I was reminded of how much I am an emotional person and even though I hate to admit it, I let them control me. Lesson number 2 right now is learning to let things go. Learning to address how I feel about something and then move on and not let it effect me so much. I love that I am an emotional person, but I hate that it can control almost everything about me. In reality when you think about it, it's kind of like a little kid throwing a tantrum because they didn't get their way. We all have that kid in us. That when we are not in control, or we don't get something we want, or our feeling are hurt, we throw our tantrum either internally or externally. Some have learned to manage this inner spoiled child better. I am still learning. That is all I really have for now. I am heading down to the continental breakfast where I am sure some delicious food is waiting for me.....that is being sarcastic of course. lol To my love, thanks for being patient. You are so good to me. I thank God for bringing you into my life and for the encouragement you give. Thanks for challenging me and being there along the way. I love you!
The first week of rehearsals is finally done and I am exhausted. My voice, patience, emotions, etc, have been stretched to the limits and this day is now set aside for me and myself. Time to be selfish a bit and enjoy some TLC. The first item on my agenda is to fill all of you in on my time so far. I am going to start out by telling you about each member of my cast. Erika-one of my best friends, worked with her at the Miracle. She keeps me grounded and allows me to vent and gives me the best advice that she can. I love her and appreciate her so much! Thank God that she is here with me. Keeps me sane. Ryan-Also, a good friend of mine. Worked at the Miracle together. Ryan is very organized and logical. He is always good for some logical advice. Straight forward and has an amazing heart. Between Ryan and Erika I have a firm footing in reality and a reminder of who I am. Max-The other male singer. He is a tenor, a bit absent minded but a really nice guy. One of my first Jewish friends. Myke- Incredibly funny and a joy to be around. Has a bit of ghetto flavor to him which makes me smile a lot. He does a mean vogue, which the cast got to experience. Incredible dancer! The boy is living it! Lauren- A free spirit who is so so so much fun. Felt totally comfortable right when I met her. She loves to have fun and is so sweet. My “Witchy Woman” in the cast. (Reference to a song that I sing and she dances to with me.) Jon Paul- My director. An incredible dancer who can choreograph anything I think. Very patient with us who are not as coordinated. Makes me laugh a lot. Dana- The singer dancer of the cast. She is very quirky and spunky. So so so Broadway! Really hard worker! Get it! Nehemiah- Such a breath or fresh air. Have had some really great chats with him and love just hanging out with him. Really really funny and a phenomenal dancer! So glad he is in my cast! Anica- So Beautiful in every sense of the word. She is a gorgeous dancer, with a great spirit! She also has one of my favorite laughs ever. Such a hearty laugh! Love her!
So that is my cast. I love them all and we get along really well. A great chemistry! As far as my own journey so far it has been hard but good. I went into this contract worried that they were going to make me sing tenor songs that I am not comfortable singing. Well, my worries were correct. I am singing a lot of tenor songs which is forcing me to stretch my vocal range a ton. It has been really challenging but our vocal director Randy has really helped me a lot with different vocal exercises that will help get notes that I never have hit before. He warmed me up to a C yesterday……it wasn’t pretty, but I hit it. (For those of you who aren’t music people. For a Baritone a C is really a very high note.) So, challenge after challenge in that sense and learning how to perform as Curtis Wilson and not a character. Not going to lie, it has made me a bit stressed trying to do all of this, but at the same time it is forcing me to get out of my comfort zone. Yipee for hot tea and vocal rest!
In the 2nd show we are doing on the ship there are a lot of little acrobatics and Cirque Du Sole type acts. One of those is a thing called the web. You put your hand in a loop at the top of a rope and then get spun around while doing different moves. It is nauseating and I am not a fan of doing it but I did get a chance to try it out. If you are a facebook friend there is video that i uploaded. Good for a laugh.
On a different note I am trying to keep my chin up and have a good attitude about doing long distance. It has been so hard for me not to be around the person that I love. I am so use to spending time, going on dates, being able to love on them and now I feel like it has been drastically ripped away from me. I still get to talk every day for the most part which is so good and I need that, but not being able to see that person in person is really hard. Everything I do reminds me of them and how much I want to be there. Don’t get me wrong, I am loving what I am doing right now and I am enjoying all of it, but I just wish my other half were enjoying it with me. Absence makes the heart grow fonder though and it is very true. 3 months, it will go by in a flash….at least that is what I keep telling myself.
A special note for my love. (others feel free to stop reading, sappiness will ensue) I miss you so much, and think of you all the time. You are truly my best friend and not having you here is rough but at the same time a great opportunity to grow. I love you. You are my fave!
