A ton of money has been poured into this show, and we attract a wealthy, high-end clientele. While I'm being trained to do an array of FOH (front of house) duties, my main job right now is checking the guests in, being the first line of making sure the right people are getting in, ushering VIPs in right away, etc. etc.
Last night was opening, and among our many fine guests were Sir Ian McKellen, Mark Rylance, and Zachary Quinto. After the show, most of the staff was allowed to go join the after-party. Booze flowed free, dancing was done, and conversations ensued. This job has definitely helped me become better at talking to people, being approachable and friendly, and so on. In fact, I'm learning many new skills that will serve me well, for which I'm grateful, and excited to master.
I've met Mark Rylance several times before, so it was easy to pop up, chat a bit, and slide back to the bar. And you better believe I wasn't going to pass up a chance to speak to Gandalf! I caught him as he was heading back to his seat from tearing up the dance floor. He was very approachable and gracious. Ginny Weasley was also there - I think she's dating one of the guys running this whole shebang. And no way was I going to approach Zachary Quinto. 1. I feel like he'd kill me (AHS: Asylum, anyone?), and 2. His eyebrows terrify me.
I danced, drank (but not too much :P), talked with friends, met new people, and all in all had a grand ol' time. Much better than going to bed early, which I think is what I've done the past few years.
I don't make resolutions, because I know I'll just become frustrated and disappointed with myself. I'm not sure where I first heard this idea, but I like it and now do it every year, and it is this: I pick a word for the year. This word will be a reminder, an instigator, a comfort, a boundary-pusher, a habit, a life-change, a friend. I try my best to incorporate this word into my decisions, ideas, and life-style. Last year I chose Adventure. I'm not sure when I forgot about living with the word, but I do think I was more adventurous and did many new, exciting things. And I don't view myself as a failure if I forget to incorporate my word, not like I would, say, if I didn't hit the gym 3 days a week as my "resolution." This word is just a reminder to try to help me live a fuller, freer life.
My word this year?
New.