Bullet Points

Things are happening at work that make leaving more desirable every day. First, my supervisor called me into her office Monday and told me she has given notice, to go get her doctorate. She’ll be gone in two months. Then Tuesday, our funders called and put our whole program on hold while they rethink its purpose and objectives. This is the second holding pattern they’ve put us in this year, and it’s only May. We’ll wait for them to get their act together as we surf the web each day.

My new headshots are done and already starting to circulate. Good timing too, with the lull at work, I may be free to steal time to audition or hopefully get some work.

Repositioning myself to utilize the culinary and acting skills while shedding the 9-5 might also be facilitated by a contact made Wednesday night. The manager of a new jazz club/restaurant spoke at school. Many of their staff, including one front-of-the-house manager, are actors. The company actually sees an advantage to hiring them. They are a little more well-rounded and interesting than the career foodies.

I don’t know what message the universe is trying to send me, but I’ve had two “exes” pop back into my life recently. The first pushed me away when I wanted to move closer years ago. I am indifferent even towards being a friend now. The second was always better as a friend anyway, and it was pleasant running into him.

I caught the Complexions dance company at the Joyce last week, after reading a NY Times article about co-founders and co-artistic directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, who were up until recently, also life partners. Their personal relationship has ended, but their professional collaboration continues. Perhaps the backstage instability translated to the stage, because while the company is quite technically adept—all of them capable of leaping and jumping and stretching and moving with great ease and creativity—the entire show lacked an emotional center. “Ok…” was my first reaction, “So what” was my second.

Finally made a face-to-face meeting with an online friend I’ve known for 15 years. It was good to finally make that acquaintance. We hung out briefly last Sunday while he was in town. Took in the Basquiat exhibit in Brooklyn. A second viewing, especially with someone else to bounce opinions off, has a way of making you see things differently. I now believe it is absolutely appropriate and necessary for people to say, “I don’t get it” or “I think this is crap” even if the so-called experts tell you it’s high art. Some of his work is good and genuinely thought provoking. Other paintings remind me of second grade arts and crafts class with Mrs. McAloon. Damn, if only I’d saved that stuff.

Weather is getting nice here in NYC and more reason to get out and about this weekend.