The laundry ritual in our apartment in Houston always begins with an epic search for quarters. It takes 9 quarters to wash and dry one load (13 when the dryer's being finicky), and no matter how devoutly we save coins, we never seem to have enough. I go digging through every purse of mine and every backpack of CM's, and on a lucky day I can scrape together enough without a trip to the bank or a change machine. Then it's a gamble whether the machines are empty, and clean, and functioning properly. If it's raining, the dry clothes (and I) get wet walking the short distance home from the laundry room, and even though I actually LIKE folding laundry, the whole process generally makes me grumpy.
Here's my laundry ritual in New York: I pull the drawstring tight on my laundry bag, tote it around the corner to the laundromat, drop it off with the nice ladies there, and pick it up in the evening and take it home. Is there anything better than wash and fold service? They use fragrant detergent and fabric softener and they fold everything so perfectly. The first time I got back a fitted sheet I wanted to cry. For 70 cents a pound (and I don't have to pay in quarters), this small luxury is so worth it to me.
There are some things I would rather leave to the experts (and trust me, those laundry ladies are experts). I don't highlight my own hair. I don't wash my own car. For me, the relief of putting these tasks in someone else's hands makes up for the expense. I know people who routinely cut their own bangs and change their own oil, but that's just not me.
And this year, I've added an item to the list of things I hire an expert to do for me: taxes. My 2009 taxes are a mess—4 companies, 3 states, a mix of W-2s and 1009s. TurboTax and I were not up to the challenge, so I asked around for recommendations and hired an accountant in NYC who specializes in dealing with my strange field. I met with him last week for about 10 minutes, handed over my documents, and he just took the whole thing off my hands. I went back today to sign a few pieces of paper, and it's all over! Easiest taxes ever.
Long live the experts, I say!
Reinventing the wheel
Recently I've become fascinated by stories of personal reinvention, by people who make a clean (usually messy) break with their previous life and dare to make a new one, out of will or out of necessity. I've always had a thing for travel writing, especially books and essays about expats finding their way through cultural and language barriers. Of course that's partly due to my longing to BE one of those expats, but I think those stories also fall into the other category, too, of people making a fresh start, wherever they are. Did you read this article in the Times Sunday magazine? You should—it's beautiful, heartfelt writing. It's not a travel essay, but I think it would fit very well alongside Under the Tuscan Sun or Eat, Pray, Love.
As adults, we have so few opportunities for real reinvention. There's nothing like that first day of college, where absolutely nobody knows you, and you make a choice: who am I going to be here? I'm always feeling like it's the first day of school when I start each new job, but it never is, not really. Even in a new company, I always know somebody I'm working with, and the job is mostly the same wherever I do it.
A couple weeks ago I was out with My Gay Husband, and he asked me what I would do if I didn't work in opera. My answer: I would write. But as soon as the words came out of my mouth I was attaching qualifiers—I don't know if I could make a living, it's a solitary life that I might not enjoy, I don't know if I could be a great writer or if I have anything to say, I don't know what I would write about, etc. We moved on to talking about other things, but I haven't been able to get the conversation out of my mind.
The move to Vienna is causing something of a dilemma for me, because I am SO excited to move to and live in another country with CameraMan, and for the first year I'm not really going to be able to, not completely, because of the amount of work I have in the States. Work is great, and I'm so fortunate to have it, but the reality of next year is that I'll be away working September-January and February-April. There was a large part of me that wanted to turn down all the work and just go to be with CM, but all of the jobs next year are projects I really want to do for one reason or another, so of course I've taken them and I know that was the right decision. But I'm thinking about the following year, and I want it to look different.
I've been making a big effort to ask for what I want in my personal life and in my career, so after much soul-searching I am putting this out into the Universe—here's what I want:
I want to write about my experiences living in Vienna and about my travels around Europe. I want someone to pay me to do that. I would like to earn enough writing to allow me to take less assisting work (although not stop altogether) and be in Vienna on a more full-time basis. Not forever, but for a while.
I am a generally happy person, with an incredible boyfriend, a career that I love that's going very well, a supportive loving family of relatives and friends, and lots of excitement coming up in the future. But I still could use some reinvention.
What do you think, Universe?
As adults, we have so few opportunities for real reinvention. There's nothing like that first day of college, where absolutely nobody knows you, and you make a choice: who am I going to be here? I'm always feeling like it's the first day of school when I start each new job, but it never is, not really. Even in a new company, I always know somebody I'm working with, and the job is mostly the same wherever I do it.
A couple weeks ago I was out with My Gay Husband, and he asked me what I would do if I didn't work in opera. My answer: I would write. But as soon as the words came out of my mouth I was attaching qualifiers—I don't know if I could make a living, it's a solitary life that I might not enjoy, I don't know if I could be a great writer or if I have anything to say, I don't know what I would write about, etc. We moved on to talking about other things, but I haven't been able to get the conversation out of my mind.
The move to Vienna is causing something of a dilemma for me, because I am SO excited to move to and live in another country with CameraMan, and for the first year I'm not really going to be able to, not completely, because of the amount of work I have in the States. Work is great, and I'm so fortunate to have it, but the reality of next year is that I'll be away working September-January and February-April. There was a large part of me that wanted to turn down all the work and just go to be with CM, but all of the jobs next year are projects I really want to do for one reason or another, so of course I've taken them and I know that was the right decision. But I'm thinking about the following year, and I want it to look different.
I've been making a big effort to ask for what I want in my personal life and in my career, so after much soul-searching I am putting this out into the Universe—here's what I want:
I want to write about my experiences living in Vienna and about my travels around Europe. I want someone to pay me to do that. I would like to earn enough writing to allow me to take less assisting work (although not stop altogether) and be in Vienna on a more full-time basis. Not forever, but for a while.
I am a generally happy person, with an incredible boyfriend, a career that I love that's going very well, a supportive loving family of relatives and friends, and lots of excitement coming up in the future. But I still could use some reinvention.
What do you think, Universe?
Happy weekend!
It's funny how, even though in my job weekends don't really mean much, I still feel different on a Friday—the weekend always feels filled with possibilities. I guess that's what 18 years of school weeks will do to you.
What are you up to this weekend, dear readers? Any fun plans? Tonight I'm seeing L'Etoile across the plaza at New York City Opera. I'm excited for a night of frothy fun, and to hear the acoustics in the newly restored theater. Tomorrow I'll be at work for most of the day working the Hamlet HD broadcast (Have you bought your tickets yet?), and then I'm fairly certain I will want a nice cocktail afterward. On Sunday I'm getting together with My Gay Husband to see Un prophete at the Angelika, and then we're having a mini college reunion with another friend, who has the enviable position of playing viola in the Honolulu Symphony. Sounds beachy and divine, doesn't it?
I'll be back to blogging on Monday, but I leave you with some linky goodness for your weekend:
Read The Happiness Project. First, because it's a great and interesting book. Second, because I'll be blogging about it next week, and you don't want to feel left out, do you? I, of course, read it on my Kindle.
Guess which city ranked #1 IN THE WORLD for Quality of Living?
John Caird, whom I've assisted twice in the past year, has written a book on directing. He's also written an article on his top 10 survival tips for being a director. I couldn't agree more with #5 especially (just replace the word "actors" with "singers").
And while we're on tips for directors, I also love this (even if I don't agree with every single rule).
The WienerLover shared this video on Facebook. I can't get enough of it. I think The Bossy Cat would love an orangutan friend, don't you?
And, just because they make me happy, a couple new pictures:
The Bossy Cat under the covers in bed. Wish I could see it in person.
This was supposed to be a picture of our sunburns,
but it turned out so well that now it's one of my favorite pictures of us.
That's our crappy apartment building in the background, if you're wondering.
What are you up to this weekend, dear readers? Any fun plans? Tonight I'm seeing L'Etoile across the plaza at New York City Opera. I'm excited for a night of frothy fun, and to hear the acoustics in the newly restored theater. Tomorrow I'll be at work for most of the day working the Hamlet HD broadcast (Have you bought your tickets yet?), and then I'm fairly certain I will want a nice cocktail afterward. On Sunday I'm getting together with My Gay Husband to see Un prophete at the Angelika, and then we're having a mini college reunion with another friend, who has the enviable position of playing viola in the Honolulu Symphony. Sounds beachy and divine, doesn't it?
I'll be back to blogging on Monday, but I leave you with some linky goodness for your weekend:
Read The Happiness Project. First, because it's a great and interesting book. Second, because I'll be blogging about it next week, and you don't want to feel left out, do you? I, of course, read it on my Kindle.
Guess which city ranked #1 IN THE WORLD for Quality of Living?
John Caird, whom I've assisted twice in the past year, has written a book on directing. He's also written an article on his top 10 survival tips for being a director. I couldn't agree more with #5 especially (just replace the word "actors" with "singers").
And while we're on tips for directors, I also love this (even if I don't agree with every single rule).
The WienerLover shared this video on Facebook. I can't get enough of it. I think The Bossy Cat would love an orangutan friend, don't you?
And, just because they make me happy, a couple new pictures:
The Bossy Cat under the covers in bed. Wish I could see it in person.
This was supposed to be a picture of our sunburns,but it turned out so well that now it's one of my favorite pictures of us.
That's our crappy apartment building in the background, if you're wondering.
Food, glorious food
My body appears to be going through withdrawal. All the signs are there: lack of energy, headaches, mood swings, trouble concentrating, and a whole lot of night sweats and heart palpitations (okay, maybe I made up those last two). It's obvious what's going on; I'm just not sure what specifically is causing the withdrawal. See, I haven't had any of the following since last weekend: processed sugar, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, fried foods, pasta, bread, or (and this is the one that really hurts—EMOTIONALLY, I mean) cheese. And surveying that list, I'm realizing it pretty much encompasses EVERYTHING I was eating up until that point.
I'm trying this cleanse thingy that I read about in Women's Health. I did it primarily (full disclosure) not for lofty reasons of health and well being, but because I would like to be skinnier (bathing suit season in Houston already began a month ago). But now that I feel my body reacting so strongly to it, I'm starting to think I needed it. You know, for health and well being.
And despite needing a nap in the afternoon (which I totally have time for at the moment), I'm actually kind of enjoying it. I'm eating things I generally never make for myself, like vegetables and lean meats and quinoa (isn't that the best word ever?). I'm preparing all my meals at home, which means that buying up tons of fresh organic veggies is actually HELPING my bank account. And the one thing I was sure I would feel: the dreaded CRAVINGS, I actually haven't at all. Call me crazy, but I so look forward to my "healthy" snacks: a crunchy apple with natural peanut butter (the kind with only one ingredient), or my new favorite—half a sweet potato mashed up with cinnamon and a few chopped pecans, topped with nonfat Greek yogurt.
This isn't going to last forever. There are some aspects of it that will not always be compatible with my life (ahem, no alcohol consumption). But for the moment I'm giving healthy living a try.
And just waiting for the uncontrollable tremors to stop.
I'm trying this cleanse thingy that I read about in Women's Health. I did it primarily (full disclosure) not for lofty reasons of health and well being, but because I would like to be skinnier (bathing suit season in Houston already began a month ago). But now that I feel my body reacting so strongly to it, I'm starting to think I needed it. You know, for health and well being.
And despite needing a nap in the afternoon (which I totally have time for at the moment), I'm actually kind of enjoying it. I'm eating things I generally never make for myself, like vegetables and lean meats and quinoa (isn't that the best word ever?). I'm preparing all my meals at home, which means that buying up tons of fresh organic veggies is actually HELPING my bank account. And the one thing I was sure I would feel: the dreaded CRAVINGS, I actually haven't at all. Call me crazy, but I so look forward to my "healthy" snacks: a crunchy apple with natural peanut butter (the kind with only one ingredient), or my new favorite—half a sweet potato mashed up with cinnamon and a few chopped pecans, topped with nonfat Greek yogurt.
This isn't going to last forever. There are some aspects of it that will not always be compatible with my life (ahem, no alcohol consumption). But for the moment I'm giving healthy living a try.
And just waiting for the uncontrollable tremors to stop.
Listomania
Recently I've been playing around a bit with my Ultimate To-Do List. It's been almost 2 years since I started the list, and it needs some tweaking. I'm replacing some items that no longer hold great interest for me, that are unquantifiably vague, or that are simply never going to happen (94. Learn to be content in a moment without thinking so much about what comes next. Ha, and while we're at it, how about Become a princess and Be reincarnated as a house cat. That'll be the day).
It seems I haven't crossed off a list item since the beginning of January, but I've actually crossed one off and not written about it!
You may recall that CameraMan gave me salsa dancing lessons for Christmas. Well, during the time I was home for Tosca, we took 7 lessons. And not just in salsa, either—we learned fox trot, tango, cha cha, swing, samba, and rumba as well. And it turned out salsa wasn't my favorite. If I had to choose, I would say tango and cha cha were the best.
I realize I'm opening myself up to some mocking by saying this, but I honestly think that taking dance lessons improved our relationship. We had to depend on each other in a totally new way, and I think the way we handled it bodes well for the future—we didn't get defensive, we didn't place blame, we didn't ever let it stop being fun. Until the end, that is, when they aggressively tried to upsell us with more lessons. We actually thought about it a lot; regardless of how prohibitively expensive it would be to keep going, we both were enjoying ourselves so much, and we had made some visible progress in our dancing. But the thing is, it's not really an applicable skill in many situations, you know? It's not often that I'm called upon to break out my best cha cha. So we stopped, but it's given us a new love for learning things together. Maybe next we'll take tennis lessons. Or a cooking class.
And then, of course, we decided to move to Vienna, so we're wishing we had learned how to waltz. You know, for all the balls we'll be attending.
Sorry, I don't have a picture of us dancing, but it pretty much looked like this:
30. Learn to salsa dance, or at least to fake it.
It seems I haven't crossed off a list item since the beginning of January, but I've actually crossed one off and not written about it!
You may recall that CameraMan gave me salsa dancing lessons for Christmas. Well, during the time I was home for Tosca, we took 7 lessons. And not just in salsa, either—we learned fox trot, tango, cha cha, swing, samba, and rumba as well. And it turned out salsa wasn't my favorite. If I had to choose, I would say tango and cha cha were the best.
I realize I'm opening myself up to some mocking by saying this, but I honestly think that taking dance lessons improved our relationship. We had to depend on each other in a totally new way, and I think the way we handled it bodes well for the future—we didn't get defensive, we didn't place blame, we didn't ever let it stop being fun. Until the end, that is, when they aggressively tried to upsell us with more lessons. We actually thought about it a lot; regardless of how prohibitively expensive it would be to keep going, we both were enjoying ourselves so much, and we had made some visible progress in our dancing. But the thing is, it's not really an applicable skill in many situations, you know? It's not often that I'm called upon to break out my best cha cha. So we stopped, but it's given us a new love for learning things together. Maybe next we'll take tennis lessons. Or a cooking class.
And then, of course, we decided to move to Vienna, so we're wishing we had learned how to waltz. You know, for all the balls we'll be attending.
Sorry, I don't have a picture of us dancing, but it pretty much looked like this:
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