As for the beginning of a fresh start

Today was really good. It was beautiful out - 50 degrees in February, that is - and I found myself driving home with the windows open blasting Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin. It was a late start, which obviously helped a lot, and I had the last period of the day off. Awesome. The real game changer was the fact that I had something new going on! Two new things actually.

First and definitely foremost, I held the first round of auditions for the play I'm directing today! I swear, sitting in the black box with the warm light filtering in and being on the other side of auditions...it was so nostalgic for me. I have been auditioning in this same room since 9th grade, and for the first year and a half, I wasn't getting any of the parts either. I remember being so nervous. So desperately wanting to be a part of the awesome experience that is a show. Then, last year and the year before, I got those chances. And those chances all started in this one room. I love the idea of giving other younger peers similar experiences - they meant so much to me. I loved seeing all the talent too. I have no idea how the hell I'm going to cast this thing. 7 parts. 14 auditions on day one. Who knows how many tomorrow.

To preface my second thing: as you must know by now, I am serially single. Surprisingly, last year this wasn't too much of a mental health problem for me. You know why? Because simply the act of somehow being involved in some sort of tryst, whether it be on the upswing, downswing, down low, or out loud, at least makes my day that much more different from the days passed and the one to come. I need that something to signify that today wasn't simply a regurgitation of any one of the past hundred. And last night, I distantly got a little distinguisher. Those little motions of courtship and flirtship won't lead to anything, but you know what? It made me smile. And at this point, that's all I ask for.

A selection from my day...

All For Swinging You Around - The New Pornographers

I May Be Young - Dean Friedman

With Arms Outstretched - Rilo Kiley

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. - Noah and the Whale

Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis

Testament To Youth In Verse - The New Pornographers

Loveliest Creature - Savoir Adore

Grey or Blue - Jaymay

Moon and Sun - Gomez

Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis

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