Alaska Part 1

So, here we have been in Alaska for about a week, we have been go go goin!! But you would too if you had a week in Alaska, so much to see!! So, we had 2 days off when we got here and my friend Joel, our company manager from last year, was here to visit and take in the sights. He rented a car and away we go. We drove outside of Anchorage about an hour to see the Portage Glacier. We drove along a windy road next to a body of water with mountains all around you. It was very overcast and it was hard to get a perspective of how high the mountains were, but the clouds would open up and the sights were incredible!! We enjoyed the views of the lake by the glacier and went on our way. Next stop was a conservation area where they lots of animals to view. We saw caribou, musk ox, bison, owls, deer, and moose!! It was great, very white. Then we went to a resort town for some food and I had reindeer chili, a little gamey, but good nonetheless!! We ended the day with beer and good times, more on Alaksa to come. . .

I'll be home tomorrow!!

Alaska!

So, hey friends, sorry it has been a couple of days. Well, over the past few days we visited Cupertino, CA which is south of San Francisco (we stopped for a photo op at the Golden Gate Bridge - beautiful), then back up to Medford, OR. The landscape is Oregon is really pretty, very hilly with lots of green everywhere. It reminds me of Maine or the North East. The we had a 5 hour bus ride to Portland where we flew out to Alaska, it was a long day yesterday, but not at all unbearable. I am home in about a week and can't wait to see a lot of you!! I also got pictures from Brian, so you can see him . . .

More news of Alaska to come . . .

Sad News!

So, being on the road with spare time on my hands, I have come to enjoy all that Netflix has to offer. Well, unfortunately because mail gets sent to our home office in Maryland and then to us on the road, and we only get the mail once a week, Netflix are few and far between. You have to watch them the night you get them just to hope you might get one the following week, Well, I was watching Season 3 of Veronica Mars and have been waiting for the last disc, disc 6, of the season for a couple of weeks now. Would you believe, unbeknownst to me, that the Series ended on disc 5 and this disc was just special features???? I feel so betrayed, I didn;t realize that all of the story lines had been wrapped up? Were they? Sad, sad day friends - Veronica Mars is no more :(

Happy Anniversary

So, it's been one year since the beginning of Sucka-tash, and in that year we have gained a Sucka and then seemingly lost it again. I hope I have given an interesting look into the life of a traveling performer and given everyone the opportunity to feel like they are "keeping in touch" with me. I know I have failed a bit mid-year at keeping up with posts, but it is my promise to you the reader to at least try to be better at staying current. I thank you dedicated readers for staying with me and making me want to continue blogging about my life, until the next post . . . Happy Anniversary!!

San Luis Obispo, CA

So, we had 3 shows in Escondido with less than enthusuastic audiences. I am sure the audiences loved the show, but the houses were so small it felt very stoic. We drove up the coast today to San Luis Obispo where we will be playing just tonight. The drive up the coast is just stunning with mountains on one side and ocean on the other, just delightful!! One more night as Roger and then back to the daily grind of backstage singer. Hope to post videos soon!!

Escondido, CA

So, here we are in sunny California, (yes Jill, in Escondido:)) after a very cold few days in Montana. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I spent my turkey day mostly in airports, but it was actually a pretty good day. We definately bond as a cast on these special days and yesterday was like no other!!

The theatre in Butte, MT, where we were on Tuesday, was probably the most difficult venue we will work in, I say that now, eeesh! Then the next day in Billings we had more room and were a bit more comfortable. Just to paint the picture, last year we were a 5 semi-truck tour. We fit into almost every venue except for a couple, where fly space was limited so a couple of drops were cut, you get the idea. Anyway, someone's job was to cut our show by 2 trucks to make our tour this year feasable. Well, they should really go back to the drawing board. We seem to be cutting things in every venue. We have had our full show a small percentage of the time this year. The cast moral gets low when we are always hearing of cuts to the set and things. In Butte, we only had a couch in our townhouse (keep it gay) scene, they had to cut the front door and the stairs, it just looks so weird. The audiences, however, don't know what they are missing and love the show each and every performance!! however, the moral of our show from last year has definately waned.

I am still in the show which is great, but our Roger Debris' grandmother passed away yesterday and he flew home to Florida for a few days. Which means yours truly is on all weekend for the man in the dress. I will try to get a video or at least some pictures to then post for ya'll. I can't seem to not be in the show, crazy!! Hope everyone had a great holiday and I look forward to seeing you all in a few weeks!!

Sucka's Book Club

Well, I hope you enjoyed "A Thousand Spendid Suns" I thought it was a wonderfully thought provoking novel very relevant to today's society.

Now my next choice has been around for awhile, but it is one of my favorite books of all time. I really hope you enjoy it.

The Time Traveler's Wife

This book has everything and reads like a movie, it is actually slated for theatres in 2008 with Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana, so read it before all the hype. I don't want to talk about it too much, but rather allow the reader to experience the book how the author intends, as a journey - enjoy!!

Idaho Falls, ID

So here we are in Idaho Falls, enjoying a delightful autumn day. I have included a few shots from my hotel balcony which should infer how Idaho Falls got its name - just beautiful.

Also, I must give my endorsement to my favorite hotel chain by far . . . Red Lion Hotel. The rooms are delightful and very high class. The beds are perfect!! Best nights sleep are at these hotels. You can find Red Lions primarily in the North West, and I am not sure if they are owned by a larger company.

With that said the hotel that does not get my endorsement would have to be . . . Guesthouse Inn and Suites. These hotels are so gross, not at all inferred from the name. We have stayed at them in Long Beach, CA and Pueblo, CA. In Pueblo there were bars of soap stuck to the ceiling - nuff said!!

One of the character men sliced open his toe, so I have been in the show for a few days and expect to remain in for awhile.

Washington State

So, Antonio guessed it . . . on Wednesday night B Scho came to see the show!! After he sent out en email to everyone catching up I told him I was going to be nearby and he drove 2 hours to come and see the show. Believe it or not, I wasn't even in the show that night, they couldn't make it work, but Brian loved it anyway.

We played two shows in Bellingham and now are in Yakima. Washington state is just gorgeous, probably the closest version to the east coast, with out actually being there. Also the drive was lovely, it offered some amazing mountain, lake, and everything views!!

We saw Dan in Real Life a few days ago - great movie, really surprised me!! Also, who didn't watch the season premiere of Project Runway - oh, it's going to be a good one!!

Well, I was in the show last night and both today because one of the guys split open his foot and had to get stitches. Going to Idaho Falls, ID tomorrow. 6 am leave with 644 miles of travel into a show - that's touring folks!!

Pueblo and Avon, CO

So, we have been go go goin!! We played a one nighter in Pueblo on Sunday and since it was Sunday the city was dead, we did, however, stay at the Guesthouse Inn and Suites - the WORST hotel chain ever!! It sounds quaint, right? It is not - gross, I have now stayed at two, the other in Long Beach, CA and they are always gross - avoid at all costs!!

The next day we drove to twice the elevation to Avon (or Beaver Creek), CO. I played this city on Crazy For You a couple of years before. It is a great resort town, so cute!! The theatre only holds 450, I say Only, but we typically play houses that seat around 1500. It was a fun night - hard for the crew, the load in had to be done down ramp, up an elevator and through a hole - or something like that.

I am still in the show and plan on being in tonight as well, here in Bellingham, WA. Guess who is coming to see the show tonight?

Greeley, CO

So, we had two shows here in Greeley before we move on, a matinee and an evening show and I was in for both!! Tonights show had one of the best audiences we have had on tour. People remember Greeley for the strong odor associated with the city, they say that is the smell of money, I say it is the smell of cow s%#@! I think that is why the audience was so good, they were excited to spend an evening indoors away from the smell of "money"!! Let's get out of cow country people!!

Step it Up People

So, isn't is frustrating when it seems like every department in a show can make major mistakes and as an actor - you can't. For instance, someone could miss putting a set piece on stage and they would get a "hey, don't do that again!" If we miss an entrance or a line, we get notes, fined, or worse.

We had an understudy rehearsal yesterday to put all the first covers into a run thru. I am the first cover for Roger - the guy in the dress - we were to have costumes to rehearse in as well. I had had fittings earlier this year and let's face it even last year, well, I was called in for a fitting before rehearsal thinking that I was getting some last minute details, make sure the dress fit and all that. Our wardrobe head had NO idea what costumes I was supposed to wear and everything I had tried on last time had no alterations done. He took no notes whatsoever and had to start all over again - what the %*&@#!!! As Dance Captain, I had rehearsal with some of the covers prior to rehearsal as well, to finish up last minute details. The fitting took up my time, well, wasted it is more like it, and took time away from me working with other people as well. All the covers knew their steps, no one had costumes!! What the hell, come on people - step it up!!

So far this week I will have done 4 different parts in 4 days - Go Super Swing Power!! I rock!! ( and I am tired )

Ft. Collins, CO

So, we are in Ft. Collins, CO, about an hour north of Denver for the next few days. Well, because of a smaller fly system, we only have half our drops for the show, so it looks a little shabby. Also, I have been on a lot and tonight I went on for one of the girls tracks because we had 2 girls out. In three shows I have played 3 totally different parts. We have rehearsal during the day this week also, very busy!! Enough of the boring show talk . . .


I was watching TLC tonight and they presented an interesting statistic. Only 1 % of men are 6' 3" or taller, wow, that's why I look so tall in shows - the rest of the 1 % joined the NBA :)

Columbia, MO

So, on Sunday night we did one show in Columbia, MO. Really the only interesting thing of note was that since the backstage was so tight we had to do crossovers outside, good thing it didn't rain.

Well, I just started reading an interesting find "Lies My Teacher Told Me". It is a book centered around 10 subjects that history textbooks get wrong or not completely right. I have read the subject on Helen Keller's life, which was much more colorful after her childhood years and Woodrow Wilson's career, both accounts offered contrary pictures to their known lives. Next, the chapter on Columbus was quite interesting and no I am on to the first Thanksgiving. I would recommend it to anyone who finds history fascinating. When I told someone about the book, they quipped, how do you know what this person is saying is all based on truth as well? The author has a lot of sources and footnotes, maybe too many. Anyway, stopover in Hays, KS - what an exciting town!! Going to see American Gangster at the movies tonight.

Nashville, TN - Golden Day!!

So, we just finished up our Halloween in Blacksburg and then headed to Nashville for a stopover on our way to Columbia, MO. We got there in the afternoon and a couple of us decided to rent a car for our stay. We were staying a fair distance from the downtown. So, on Friday night we made it a night on the town. We walked up and down Broadway and made a pact to only have one drink in each bar, just to keep us moving and enjoying all the atmosphere. Well, just about every you bar you go in has live bands and performers and they are all amazing!! We had so much fun and although I really don’t enjoy country music, it was fantastic!!

On Saturday, we went downtown for a more touristy experience. We did a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry, which is a must miss!! Definitely go and see the building and walk around, but don’t waste the money on the backstage tour – so lame. The building was renovated within the last 30 or so years and all of the dressing rooms look like nice living rooms, totally modern, not at all historic. We also went and saw the Country Music Hall of Fame, which was surprisingly entertaining. I can’t really say what I liked about it, except that I don’t like country music and I was still able to appreciate what the museum offered!

All in all, a great couple of days and we look forward to doing a single show on this normally 5 show weekend in Missouri on Sunday night.

Halloween 2007

So, another Halloween under our belts and I have to say we had some very delightful costumes this year!! Here are the highlights . . .

Kelly and Jesse as the Deer "bbrrrraaaatttt"ing the hunter

Jason as a Sumo and Lara as a California Raisin

Lauren as her inner child!! :)

And me, as what?

Ah, yes, The Village People - all of them!!

We had a fantastic time!!

Bloomsburg, PA & Blacksburg, VA

So, we started this week with a couple of one-nighters, the first being Blomsburg, PA. It was just about 2 hours from Hershey, so not a bad bus trip by any means. The highlights of the city were the mall that housed a Sears, a Bon Ton, and I think a craft store with a couple of yankee candles - basically, pretty lame. However, we did have dinner at the Quaker Steak and Lube, and yes, I too was turned off by that title, but the food was decent. The show was fine and then we moved on to . . .

Blacksburg, VA, home of Virginia Tech. Well, this will probably be one of the most interesting venues we will play on tour. There is no fly system and with a show that has about 10 drops, it makes for a fun night. It fell to me and Lauren to come up with some choreo and blocking changes and it was a fun challenge. The cast hated/loved the show because it was such a departure from the kind of performance we do every night. All in all a good time!! Getting ready for Halloween and I will show you what I was soon!!

Hershey, PA

So, the sweetest place in the country for a week!! Well, it rained about 90% of the time, so that was not so sweet. There was an outing to the chocolate factory planned on Friday and it was raining so hard, so I didn't go into the park. The factory was fun though and we also enjoyed the 3D show.

We had a lot of rehearsals to get our understudies up on their choreography, and Lauren and I taught 2 master classes on the weekend. It was quite busy, but all in all a good week.

We capped off this morning with a long walk to the Hershey Pantry, where I enjoyed pumpkin french toast and delicious coffee!!

We are now beginning our delightful one-nighter week starting in Bloomsburg, PA . . .

Before Sunrise. Before Sunset

So, a while ago, Ryan Dean offered up a recommendation of some of his favorite movies for me to watch, "Before Sunrise" and its sequel "Before Sunset". Well, it has been on my Netflix queue for quite a while and finally watched them last night. If you are a romantic - at all - you will fall in love with these movies. They are mostly dialogue between the actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. They are fantastic and so natural, it is hard to believe it was scripted. See these movies and you will feel great afterward, if not a little longing for a more final outcome. Anyway, thanks Ryan, and don't miss these flicks!!

Road Trip

So, we just finished in Wilmington, DE and were going to travel to Hershey, PA, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to dash home for a day. We ended last week with a Sunday Matinee, so after the show I got in a rental car and headed for DC. I love this time of year so much with the changing of the season!! I drove down the BW Parkway as well, just to be surrounded by the trees and the smell of autumn. Well, a couple of things surprised me on my way. The new stadium that they are building in Anacostia in incredible. To think that we used to go to bars down there and now it is just enormous. The traffic after or before a game there will also be incredible, definite must miss!! Also, coming down 395, I passed a statue that I have never seen before commemorating the Air Force, just past the Pentagon, it was also quite impressive. Things certainly have changed since I have been back.

Now, I am back in Hershey and won't be home until December, but will plan on seeing all the natives when I am back!!

Sucka's Book Club

Call me Oprah, I'm starting a book club and it was inspired by a great, great book I just read, "A Thousand Splendid Suns". This book is by Kaheld Hosseini, who you might remember from such books as "The Kite Runner", which I also read. The book was recommended to me by my friend Melissa Harres and I am so glad she did. The author has a very easy to follow form of writing, you just flow from thought to thought. I thought "The Kite Runner" was good, but didn't deserve all of the hype. This book, however, I couldn't put down. I like to not know too much about a book before I read it, to really get the author's perspective as you read.

The book follows two women's journeys in Afghanistan and it deals with a lot of relevent issues. I found myself wanting to educate myself more on their culture and the war at present. It deals with a lot of heavy issues very blatantly and unapologetically. If you are looking for a good read that will give you that accomplished feeling of going on a journey then this book is for you. I will try to offer up book ideas on a monthly basis, as I will be reading a lot in the next year. I hope you enjoy the first installment and go get that book! You won't be disappointed!

Albus Dumbledore is Gay

So, I signed onto AOL today, and low and behold, the leading news revealed how J.K. Rowling wrote the character Albus Dumbledore as gay. I think it's hilarious, actually more interesting if anything. I have read every book and with enthusiasm, I am a big fan of the series. Never once was I concerned with Dumbledore's sexual preference. I also don't feel that it changes anything about the relationship his character has had with any of the others, especially Harry. I think it is an interesting character choice that the author made, and it provokes discussion. I read many posts listed under the headline for people's opinions and boy was it wretched. All you could read was how homosexuals are Satan's children and nonsense that was very shocking. For Christians to be all forgiving - they have a long way to go!! I recommend reading the article and the posts, for a good laugh. Wow - what a society we live in!! Antonio - I think that fact would have won your contest.

Swear Much?

So, my roommate and I were talking about how much we involuntarily swear. We decided to make a pact to not swear for as long as we could. I lasted 7 minutes :(

Wilmington, DE

So, we are here in Wilmington, DE for the week. I have to say I really do enjoy being on the east coast!! On Tuesday we had our opening night of the full version of the show and it went pretty well. We are in a small venue and still getting used to some of the new set pieces with the new crew. We had the mayor of Wilmington do a walk-on role as the Foreman of the Jury on Tuesday to great applause. Usually when we have these walk-on roles it is Lauren and my responsibility to take of them and make sure they get where they need to go. Well, the next day we went out to eat between shows and saw the mayor on the corner, pretty random, but we gave hime a shout out anyway! It has been a long week and we luckily have had Thursday and Friday off during the day to recuperate. All is well!

Bed Bugs!!

So, a few days ago my roommate asked me if I had been bitten because she suspected bed bugs. Well, as a matter of fact I had, but the night before we had been hanging out outside and I figured they were caused my mosquitoes. Well, last night my roommate felt one bite her in her bed only to pull back the sheets and see a couple there. What a nightmare!! We told the front desk and they seemed so unimpressed! They said they were sold out when we asked for another room, until some pushing and then miraculously a room opened up. We have been steaming our suitcases and belongings to kill anything with the high temperature and then using anti-bacterial spray as well!! What a mess - bed bugs suck!!

Just Some Thoughts

So, I am trying to write more regularly and since I don't have anything specific to talk about, I will just ramble a bit.

We have had rehearsal every day this week during the day and shows at night, very busy!! We are currently performing a 90 minute version of our show and then the full 3 hour show during the day, so minds are being worked and hard!! This afternoon our Leo Bloom sprained his ankle during the rehearsal and will be out of the shows for the remainder of the weekend. So I am in!! I have posted a few pictures of some of the characters I play, just for this track. I also have a good friend from NY coming down to see me tomorrow so that should be fun! Enjoy the shots . . .

Chris the nerdy Accountant

Chris the curmudgeonly judge

And our personal favorite - Chris as Kevin, the costume designer

Keeping It Gay Across America!!

Knocked Up

Have you people seen "Knocked Up"? I saw it in the theatre when it came out and although I had had a few drinks beforehand, I really liked it. Now, I watched it again tonight with some friends and decided I should own it, it's that good. Kristen Wiig is hilarious!! So are all the others, it's great - watch it!! :)

More Comedy Fun!

So, Saturday night we went to see Jon Stewart live at Caesar's. Now, having just seen my favorite Kathy Griffin, I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy him. Well, he was hilarious as well and just a lot of fun. Although his style deals more with politics, which I don't totally follow, he really dealt with the major political issues that you can't help but have an opinion of, it was great!!

Last night, a bunch of us, mostly crew, got some pumpkins and carved out some jack o'lanterns on the hotel patio. Here are some of the pictures of the fun:

Corey's Ying Yang Tarantula

Keleen's Crazy Face

Ingrid's Vampire Kiss

Jason's Irony(and the pumpkin is cardboard)

And the piece d'resistance (sp?) Lauren and my Halloween graveyard scene with a scary tree :)

Kathy Griffin!!!

So, last night Kathy Griffin played at The Borgata and a few of us went to see her show. She had an 11pm show and we come down right at 10:30 so it was a tight squeeze to get to the theatre, in fact we sprinted at the end :) In true Kathy fashion she was hilarious!! I love her and think she is just so funny!! It was actually weird watching her live, it felt like I was watching a TV show, very strange. And she is so small, 3' 3" or 3' 4" at the most. Anyway, we also got free tickets to go see Jon Stewart tonight at Caesar's and we are looking forward to a good show.

A New Hit

So, (Antonio), I was watching TV the other day and saw a preview for a new show. They take the Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, and Miss America and put them in an apartment together in New York to further their platforms together. Then, to add a twist they add the Miss USA that had her crown revoked. This sounds like genius TV and reality that couldn't be written any better. I can't believe no one has thought of this before - what a HIT!!

Fantasy Football for the TV Lover

So, I won't even apologize for taking so long to write another post, but rather just dive right in.

So, I was watching TV today (shocking, I know) and a commercial came on advertising a website called www.tvbigshot.com. On it you are given $300 million and a list of television shows to create a network lineup. Then based on ratings you get points and try to get the most points. I always thought fantasy football sounded like fun, but not knowing the ins and outs of the teams and players, I never could get into it. Now all us entertainment nerds can have a chance to play too!! I highly recommend, it looks like a lot of fun!!

I Love New York

So, I have been rehearsing in New York for the next leg of The Producers for 2 weeks now. We have been crazy busy with full days of rehearsals followed by nights of debauchery. Well, a few of the highlights . . . In a city of 8 million people, I have seen more people randomly in random situations than you could imagine. I went with a couple of friends to see Legally Blond tonight, after a delightful afternoon of cruising around the Statue of Liberty on the Circle Line's Zephyr. Well, as I am headed to my seat, who do I see but a great good friend from my cruise ship days who I haven't seen in 5 years!! She was sitting in the row directly in front of me. Now, I know seeing a show isn't so much of a coincidence, however, she is Canadian and for the last year has been living in England, so, to see her for the Sunday 7pm performance of Legally Blond in NYC was quite a delightful shock!!

I also went and saw a friend of mine in the Awesome 80's Prom. It was so fun!! She played the foreign exchange student Inga and kept rubbing her boobs on me, it was a little awkward, but a definite good time. I have seen while I've been here Curtains with David Hyde Pierce and Mary Poppins, which I loved but many friends thought it was terrible.

It has been wonderful being here and running into old friends all the time!! I even spent time with Mark and Jeffrey at our company's open bar night on the town, good times, good times!!

Hairspray

So, I am still in NY and went with some friends to see the movie Hairspray. I have to say, the original movie was always sort of o hum for me, a lot like Grease. Maybe I was just exposed to them too much at a younger age, I don't know. The new movie, however, was really wonderful!! I also thought that John Travolta would be a disaster, but he wasn't. His accent, well, I'll leave it to the viewer to make an opinion, but oh my, where was Leslie hon? Down by da ocean? He was committed, I'll give him that and that is where his charm came from! The Tracey Turnblatt was also really good, and innocent. A really fun movie, with great dance numbers. Antonio will definately enjoy this DVD.

Well, the BBQ is edging nearer and I would love for everyone to come so please respond when you get the chance!!

A Chorus Line

So, I went and saw A Chorus Line on Broadway last night. A Chorus Line is my favorite show and when I talked to people who had seen it, they all gave a ho hum review, not very impressed. Well, I LOVED it. I thought it was fantastic. Exactly the show that I wanted it to be. They did all the original stuff and even kept the time of 1975, I was curious to see if they would update it, they didn't and it worked!! We saw the understudies for Bobby and Diana. The girl that played Diane was Awesome!! So good. I also loved the Val and Kristine, so funny!! Paul's monologue which I usually don't get that into made me cry, he wasn't delivering a monologue, it was so real like you were there with him - brilliant!! However, Charlotte d'Amboise's performance of Cassie was thumbs down. She was nominated for a Tony - what??? The woman can't sing, watching her vocal technique made me question how she got the job, let alone how she has been working on Broadway for years. Also, I was ready to forgive once she started her dance, but she just threw her body around and never finished any lines. Disappointing. That, however, is only about 15 minutes of the play, so overall it is forgiveable!! If you get the chance, go see it!!

Harry Potter and Things

So I went and saw the new Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I must say, although the film was good, it didn't really do anything for me. Some said it was scary, however, the parts that were meant to be scary were more hokey than anything. The whole movie was very vanilla, and I prefer chocolate!!

Also, the BBQ is set for August 4th at 3pm at the Suchan household. I have sent invitations to everyone I could think of in the DC area. So, if you haven't recieved an evite, know that you are invited and let me know and I will pass along the information, the more the merrier!! Also, anyone not in DC that is reading this and would like to come, let me know and of course, well let's not be redundant!! Have a wonderful day and talk again soon!!

Been so long 2

Hello my suckas! Yes I stole Chris's title, but I figure it's appropriate. Well, here's the quick version of what's going on.
Diet-sucks, Grease-awesome, work-sucks, Doug-awesome. Talk to you later. Kidding. Yes I fell off the diet bandwagon and am still hovering around 138. I hate dieting, even if it isn't that restrictive or sounds good in the beginning, after a couple weeks I'm sick of it. I'll take any advice anyone has. I haven't been running much either which isn't helping. I'm having some issue with my right knee, just swelling and strain. I'll try to up my exercise and walk and bike more. Anyway Grease is super fun and going very well. The youngsters in the show slay me though. They say and do some things that make you say "Really" Please imagine Matt Conner when you say the "really"! I know I keep saying it, but I think I need to leave my job. There actually may be a few of us leaving by the end of the year. Our office administrator said fuck you to one of the surgeons last week. He deserved it though. And Doug is doing well, busy the next few weeks, he's playing Toby's theatre camp next weekend, playing for that Menopause at the HIppodrome a few times in the next couple of months, other stuff down the road. He plays Grease a couple times a week too. As many of you have heard, or read Mark, our deck collapsed 4th of July. Actually right now 2 guys are out there tearing down the old deck. I kind of wish our landlord had let us find our own people to do the new one. Doug and I aren't big do it yourselfers, but know so many people who are. And one gal at work, her fiance is a contractor, so we know we would get great work and be helping them out by floatin' them some money. Oh well. I have to go get ready to try to look closer to 18 years old than I do now.

Later suckas

It's Been So Long

Yes, Yes, I know, it has been almost 2 months!! I am sure you are all sick to death wondering what is going on in my life. Well, I just finished tour a week ago and I am adjusting to normal (?) life again. I go to Atlantic City and Lake Tahoe to judge a couple of dance competitions and then back into rehearsal for The Producers Year 2!! We have a sit down in Atlantic City for 7 weeks with a 90 minute version of the show - how could I pass that up? We are also supposed to be going to Asia next year, but isn't everyone? So, interesting news - while in Florida towards the end of our tour I went to Broadway Palm and saw the Amazing Keara Collier (Trummell) in Joseph and the . . . It was so wonderful to see her and catch up and just feel grounded all of a sudden. Also, Mike Hedges, who some of you remember from the West End production, was reprising his role as Benjamin. Hey, maybe I will play Baby John again :)

Anyway, just a thought for anyone who reads this . . . I will be home again towards the end of July for a couple weeks and staying with the folks. They have mentioned to me how much they miss all the old gang, especially Mark and Jeffrey (go figure) I thought of having a BBQ here at the house in Fairfax some afternoon/night. I don't know how often the old West Enders get together, but I would love to make an excuse for us all to do it once more. Let me know any thoughts on the subject and I'll post again soon! Enough for now . . .

paying off

Hello my suckas! Well, the diet is going well and this morning I weigh 139.8. Yay! I have been very good, only cheated a few times. I had coffee Sunday morning and some last night at rehearsal. And when Doug was having steak and garlic bread, I had a bite of steak and 2 bites of garlic bread. That's it. I actually thought that I would miss my wine and appletinis and chocolate, but getting past the coffe thing has been the hardest. I also officially started training for a 1/2 marathon. Some of you know I did one last year and this is the same one. It is in Virginia Beach and I'm doing it to raise money for the leukemia and lymphoma society. Want to donate? Contact me or respond to this blog and I'll let you know how. Tomorrow through Friday I am in ICU again, uuggghh. It seems like I just had that shift. At least it's only 3 days and we are due for a light week. The last few have been a little crazy.

Rehearsal is really going well. Generally people are really starting to bring some enery and life to the show. It's tiring to be that "up" all the time! Mark seems pleased, and I think the cast really like him, so they want to make him happy.

Well I am off to the gym. Later suckas!

Busy, busy

Hello my suckas. Well the first couple days of the diet have gone pretty well. I had a terrible headache this afternoon from my lack of caffeine, but I pushed through it and feel better now. And Doug went to the store and got some more fruit and veggies and stuff for me and is making me chinese stir fry with tofu for dinner! He's so good to me! We were really busy at work today. I left at 8:15 and there was still one last surgery going on (I got in at 8 this morning). We had a rear leg amputation, a femur fracture repair, 2 abdominal explores, 2 TPLOs (knee surgery) and some other stuff.

Rehearsal went pretty well I think. Our run through was kind of lackluster, but I even think that was good. It let's everyone know to step up their game a little, or alot. Then we really worked on some scenes, just revving it up and having more fun.

Well, my dinner's ready. More updates to come. See ya suckas!

Memorial Day

Good morning my suckas and happy Memorial Day! I am getting a couple of things done this morning, then we have rehearsal starting at 2 this afternoon. I don't mind, we knew we would, and rehearsal Saturday was cancelled. It was great because I had 2 days off and there was nothing I had to do, nowhere I had to be. Saturday we went to Annapolis and walked around, sat outside, it was nice. Yesterday we did some shopping. Doug is looking for new grill, I bought some perfume, blah blah blah. One of our doctors has a boat and some people were going out on Saturday. He sort of invited Doug and I but was being such a douchebag on Friday that I didn't want to see him any more than I had to, so we didn't go. I need to meet someone nice with a boat. Went over all of my stuff for rehearsal, which I am a little nervous about. I just don't want to fuck up and I haven't quite figured out my "character" yet. Some of you know I hate to talk about theatre crap like that, but right now I just feel like I'm just there, not sure what my place in the group is yet. I know, it's just Grease, just go have fun.

Anyway, the bedroom is awesome! It wound up being this 2 week and little at a time project, but it's done and it's pretty and I love our new bed!

I am on my way to the store because tomorrow I am starting a major diet. This morning I'm weighing in at 145 and I'm only 5'3". Yes I am putting it in writing for all the world to see and hold me accountable. I would like to be 125 but I haven't been there in years. I'll get to 130 and see how I look and feel and if that's easy to maintain. Anyhoo, I'll try not to be too crabby even though I will miss my coffee and cinnamon rolls and white wine:(

Later suckas!

Santa Barbara

You know you've made it when you share the stage with Tobey Maguire!!

Geography

In three days The Producers has been in 3 states!! Pretty amazing, eh? Rapid City, South Dakota, followed by Casper, Wyoming, and rounding off with Colorado Springs, Colorado. Gotta love those one-nighters!!

Time off

Hello my suckas! So I said I was going to be in ICU last week which is post-op care. Usually not actual intensive care. As I've said we do alot of orthopoedic surgeries, most go home the next day. Not last week! Dogs with chest tubes, cats with stomach tubes, animals with liver disease, anemia, bleeding disorders. It seemed like you name it, we had it! So it was extremely busy and stressful. Thursday and Friday I had lots of help from the other techs. None of the doctors snapped at me which was good, I may have freaked out. But it was just constant and frustrating. Mark says I don't care about the animals when I complain about work. The problem is when it is like that, I feel like I am not doing a good job with any of them! I don't have enough time to spend with each one, just do treatments and move on, no time for a little TLC. But my friend Joey helped by sharing some more stories about his dogs and he said that he feels what I do is important. It's easy to lose sight of why I wanted to try this. We sit through these staff meetings and all of the topics are things that will make the doctor's day easier. Nothing about better patient care, or how to be a better technician. Our x-ray cassettes are breaking, we only have 2 clipper blades, the pulse oximeter doesn't work half the time and we have to kick and scream to get new equipment. But after hearing from Joey I went in Monday with a renewed outlook and had a pretty good week.

Grease rehearsal is going well. I'm pretty close to being off book and there's 2 songs I really need to work on. We got our bedroom furniture yesterday and set up the sleep number mattress. It came in like 6 boxes! It seemed a little overwhelming but it wasn't that bad to assemble. They offer assembly for about $125 and I thought we should have done that. But it took us less than an hour to get it together so it was worth the savings. I took off today (Friday) and Monday so we would have the whole weekend to paint and get everything together. Today Doug is working most of the day, so I am just doing a clothes transer into the new dresser. Tomorrow we have rehearsal so Sunday will probably be painting day. Very relaxed, no breakdowns. I'll let you all know how it turns out. Maybe even take some pictures and figure out how to post them!

Later suckas!

Denny's

So, a few days ago, a friend and I went to a Denny's while we were in Long Beach, CA. Well, I have frequented Denny's many, many times and would have to say that it is my favorite type of 24 hour breakfast all day restaurant. All that said, we had quite an experience. The waitress came by to get our drink order and I ordered a water and my friend ordered a seltzer with lime. Now, I know this is Denny's and a seltzer with lime is pretty fancy, but the waitress said fine and went to fetch our drinks. She slapped down two waters with lemons and went on her way. When my friend asked her for the seltzer again, she said they didn't have it. Now, why didn't she say that in the first place and simply offer the water that she gave him anyway. Alright, we go to order and my friend ordered a breakfast with egg beaters and with all bacon instead of sausage. When we got our food, it was split with bacon and sausage and do you really think they were egg beaters? I don't know why this infuriated me so, I guess I have waited tables enough to know how to deal with customers. My friend then went on to ask her if they had a harvest nut type of pancake (like IHOP) and her response was, "Hey, this is Denny's, this is where people come to sober up!" Wow . . . .

What's new

Hello my suckas! Apparently Chris and I are inspired to update the blog at the same time. Again I apologize for the long time between posts. What really got me to sign on was a kid in Grease at Toby's. He said he had found my blog but was confused about the touring and what not. I see that some of Chris's recent posts were not in the blue, but to explain to newcomers, two of us share this blog. Anything about touring or happenings not in Maryland are from Chris. So that brings me to my first piece of news, I am in Grease at Toby's Baltimore. Now I know I'm a hypocrite, I've said I hate that show and would not do it. But Mark is directing and choreagraphing, and as I've said I like working with Mark. Thankfully he cast me. I say that because I am the oldest woman in the show (Tina is a close 2nd). But alot of the kids in the show could be my kid! I'm having fun though, it's challenging and high energy and Mark is funny. Work is okay. I am in ICU this week (post-op care) so I'll let you know how that goes.

This past weekend we bought a new bed, dresser, nightstand and sleep number mattress! It was pricey but we really need it all. It should all be here next week and next weekend we'll re-do the bedroom. We got some paint samples too so we may also paint the bedroom since we're taking everything out of there anyway. The last time we painted I practically had a nervous breakdown, but I had been having a stressful week leading up to it, so hopefully this will be better.

That's it for now. Later suckas!

Disneyland

So, this past Monday we were in Anaheim and stayed at a hotel in walking distance to Disneyland. Now, I have never been to any Disney park and was pretty excited at my first opportunity. Well, we got a two park pass to California Adventure and Disneyland, just to have the full experience. We started in Disney with the Buzz Lightyear shoot em up game. It was fun, you ride in a little car and shoot at targets and it keeps score for you, I won!! Anyway, we continued on with The Matterhorn, Small World, and a couple of other rides. Now, although the themes are pretty great, the rides are pretty lame and geared for very little children. I have to say I enjoyed Space Mountain where they played music in your seat while you rode - pretty cool. Other highlights were the California Soarin' where you simulate flying around California and they have smellivision when you go through the orange trees and forests, it smells like it! Also, the rollercoaster in California Adventure, the only one in the park, was a lot of fun!! We also ended the day in Downtown Disney with several beers and a hangover on Tuesday, ugh! Anyway, all in all, I would say Disney has nothing on Kings Dominion!!

Birthday

So, it has been awhile since my last post, almost a month!! Anyway, rather than catch you up on all that has happened, I'll just give you some previous updates. So, we are currently in California and it is beautiful, but 3 hours behind, so those of you calling me at 10:00 . . . let's do the math!! Well, my birthday was last week - 29, almost 30, AAH!! It's okay, I am looking forward to 30. It was great, a low key day, but a fantastic night. Went to dinner at CPK (California Pizza Kitchen), had a show and got a book on how to be a vegetarian (clearly a gag gift), also got Stonehenge in a box, Tap Dancing in a box, and Gong in a box - fun, silly stuff. We went to Fridays after the show - it was the only place close, and I got drunk!! in 10 minutes . . . one friend bought me a shot of Tequila and a beer, then I had a stoplight shot (3 shots), midori/vodka, orange/vodka, and cran/vodka. Did those and I was done!! My roomate also but decorations all over our door and over my bed, with a hostess cupcake!! It was delightful. I will try to post more often, but you know how it is!! Until then . . .

Dismissed

Hello my suckas! Okay, so yesterday and today I got cut early from work. It's because I had to work this past weekend. I worked 13 hours and was still scheduled for 40 hours this week, and they don't like to pay overtime. So yay, I got to leave early. But boo, it sucks to blow your weekend and not have the overtime pay to show for it. Oh, the early leaver left early today too, I don't know why.

Stairway To Stardom Episode 2

So, I hope you enjoyed the first clip. But wait . . . it just gets better!!

Long weekend

Hello my suckas! Well, I had to work this weekend and it was long and tiring. Although it has been a while since I had a bad weekend so I really shouldn't complain. I got there Saturday morning around 7:45am. The dog I told you about before that had the esophagus surgery was doing poorly all week and died Friday night. That sucks, I didn't really deal with the dog, but the ICU tech and everyone worked so hard keeping that dog alive. Now since we were busy I had help Saturday, Mandy came in and was immensely helpful. She discharged 6 patients and did all the paperwork, I did the treatments on the other 4 patients. But 2 were critical and 1 was just a mean cat, so it took a little while. Plus it was good to have Mandy there as a buffer because the doctor on this weekend, I'm sure he doesn't like me. I have felt this way since I started. So Saturday I left around 1:30. Forward to Sunday. Our receptionist asked if she needed to come in on Sunday and I said no. Really I didn't think we needed to pay someone to page back and say some owner was here to visit or whatever. I got there at 7:45 again, the doctor came in around 8:15 and asked where the receptionist was and then it all went downhill. I got mildly chewed out for saying she didn't need to come and I should have checked with him and the list of reasons went on and on. Well honestly, how the fuck should I know the political fall out of this thing? Apparently we'll catch hell from Pet ER for their receptionist having to page us. It's all so stupid and yes, some of the services in the same building do not get along. Then the doctor was very scattered and didn't give orders for the patients well, I should have reigned him in and made him focus. Then another doctor's patient was supposed to come in for a bandage change. The owner called at 9:40 and said she was supposed to come at 9 but was up all night, can she still come? I said yes as long as it was before 10:30. Well then I really got it from this doctor, again I should have checked with him because the dog needed to be sedated because he has open wounds, blah blah. I said he didn't tell me that, he just said it was a bandage change, so I didn't feel that mistake was my fault. I really don't like this guy. Well we get through the morning, he leaves around 11:30, and I don't know what happened but I didn't leave until almost 3!! I didn't stop moving the whole time but I couldn't get everything done. So on my way home I called Beau Puckett (Michael Sherwood) in California and got a 2 for, Ryan Duncan was there! He was going to the premiere of Grindhouse, the Tarantino film because Tracy Thoms is in it. I would love to go to a fancy red carpet thing like that! So I was off today, yay, back to work tomorrow. I will go with a positive attitude though. Later suckas!

Stairway To Stardom

So, I am starting a new series I found on Youtube called "Stairway to Stardom". It is a public access talent program from the early 80's. Oh man, this good!! enjoy . . .




Stay tuned for the next installment

Reunited . . . and it feels so good!!

So, last weekend we were in Wichita, KS. I had somewhat thought that I had family there, however, it has been so long since I have seen or talked to them that I really wasn't sure. Well, I got a phone call in my hotel room on the hotel phone, which would usually just be another cast member calling. So, the caller said "Is this Chris?", and I said yes, he proceeds to say "Chris, this is your cousin Matt Suchan." Well, needless to say I was caught quite off guard. I haven't seen these cousins since I was 7 and now 20 years later. Well, we caught up a bit on the phone and agreed to have lunch the next day. The next day he picked me up and we went over to my uncle's house. He had 3 kids in the car with him and they didn't really know what to make of me, so I really pushed the friendliness :)!! We get to my uncles and enjoy some Chinese food for lunch. Now, I have 4 cousins from this uncle. Well, one of the cousin's wives came over as well and brought their 5 children, all of them ranging in age from infant to 12 years old. My favorite was Jonah, who said, "Hello (pause) Chris, it is very nice to meet you, my name is Jonah." And then he gave me a picture he had drawn for me "wellcomming" me to Kansas. It was a mad house and so entertaining being surrounded by all that energy, quite overwhelming as well. Well, all in all I saw two of my cousins that day and my uncle, and then another cousin took my uncle to see the show on the next days matinee, so I saw/met her as well. It was so weird and interesting meeting family you really haven't ever met before. My dad was thrilled that we connected and got to hang out some. I had to apologize to my parents, my uncle's family has 12 grandchildren, and my parents have 0. Stephany and I are working on it :)

Also, on a side note, it can be so difficult getting internet on the road and when it takes 5 minutes to load a page, you lose all interest in wanting to blog. So, sorry for the gaps in posting, I am working on it.

A good day

Hello my suckas! So yesterday at work was totally satisfying! I know, amazing coming from me. We weren't too busy at first, but had 2 surgeries added to the schedule. Our head tech was in sort of a bad mood. I think she broke up with her boyfriend, who has been using her for months, so who cares. And the early-leaver was complaining about something stupid, but I was in surgery and missed it, yay. The day was going along fine, and the internal medicine center had a dog that had something trapped in it's esophagus. They have a scope and these long grabby things and were trying to get it out, but we knew this thing may go to surgery. I like watching the scope stuff, we don't have one so it's cool to watch them try to maneuver with it. Well while trying to get this thing out, the esophagus perforated, so now it has to go to surgery ASAP! The owner was on the way to the hospital anyway, so paperwork, blah blah blah, in it went. I was the "room runner". If you have to go into the chest for any reason, the anesthetist has to breathe for the patient the whole time and can't get stuff, so someone has to stay in there to get any instruments, suture, whatever. I was glad because I wanted to see how the got it out. It looked like a piece of those basted bone things you get at Petsmart/Petco. Please be careful!!! This probably $4 treat is now a $4000 surgery! Now our head surgeon's daughter was there yesterday because she was sick in the morning and didn't go to school, and his wife was out of town. After they got the thing out I volunteered to take her home because he was still going to be there for a while and she was probably getting bored and tired. Someone who lives closer to him actually was leaving at the same time, so I did not drive to PA last night. But finally start to finish, the day went well. I'm still thinking of quitting though. The weekend was good. We met my sister and her boyfriend Pete, his daughter, my nephew and 4 of his friends at Dave and Buster's in Rockville for my nephew's birthday. It was fun, then we went to Arundel Mills and did some shopping. I really like the Bass outlet. They have cute socks, comfortable clothes, and usually some great sale. I got a pair of flip flops, some capri pants, and 2 t-shirts. Now I want to go back to Jamaica to wear my new clothes. Sunday we had a huge breakfast then I pretty much sat around all day. It was great. But today, I have to clean. See ya suckas!

A day with Mark

Hello my suckas! Well yesterday I helped my good friend Mark Minnick with auditions he was holding in Rockville for his company, Phoenix productions. I was the monitor, which means I signed people in and got their audition info, and took them into the audition room. Mark told me I had to be nice, and I was. From 10:30-12:00 was children. There were about 10 girls and 2 boys who showed up. They were all cute, polite, no real stage moms there thank god. I think it went pretty smoothly and Mark got to see what he needed from each of the kids. At about 11:40 people started coming in for the adult auditions. It was very busy until about 12:15, just getting people signed in, there audition card filled out, and making sure I kept everyone's forms together. I'm not known for my organization. Then we had to switch rooms because there was going to be a rehearsal in the studio we were in in the morning. So across the hall we go and get started just a little after 12. Mark talked to both the parents/kids group and the adult group before the auditions started about Phoenix and the shows and why they were in Rockville this weekend. Phoenix usually has auditions in New York, but is based in Frederick. The owners and Mark have worked in the area and know there is alot of talent here, but some people can't get to NY to sit around for 8 hours waiting to be seen. So they thought they'd give this area a shot. I think Mark was hoping for a better turnout, about 45 people auditioned. Just about everyone was pretty cool. A few people kind of kept hounding me because they had a class, or rehearsal or something and couldn't stay long. Fine, but don't pester the monitor! I remember you, I know you have to go, but I can't make the auditions go faster. Plus, as I expected, none of these people were called back anyway. Don't act like you are so in demand and I am wasting your time. Lesson, always be nice or just invisible to the monitor, you never know if they are reporting to the people casting you or not. Well, Jeffrey and I were getting hungry, so I told Mark the since Doug is equity he has to have a meal. Mark sent me to Boston Market to get lunch for us. I screwed up and didn't get cornbread with his and Jeffrey's 1/4 white meat chicken meals. I don't know, I don't go to Boston Market! The only really difficult auditionee was this older woman who showed up at about 2 or 2:30 and kept asking why there was no information about the shows, the pay, the tour itinerary, just on and on! Then that old bitch gets in there and can't sing a note! Jesus lady shut up! We were there until almost 6pm doing call backs. I think Mark was very thorough and got what he needed to see and hear from everyone. I'll say, I like working with Mark. When he auditions, he really tries to keep the mood light and fun, he wants everyone to do well, so he has good people to pick from. When he directs and choreagraphs he expects you to work, but it's still fun. He is always prepared, has every dance and everyone's place written down, doesn't just make it up as he goes along. But he'll be teaching and loses his place a lot and says fuck me alot. It's funny. I think the day went well and except for the cornbread incident, I did a good job. We'll see what Mark has to say.
Later suckas!

Something Different

This is what a load out of our show looks like in fast motion. A local crew guy in Portland, Maine did this and I think it's pretty interesting, they do this 2, 3, even 4 times a week!! And we thought acting was difficult! Enjoy . . .

Oh Canada, eh!

So, it has been a while since my last post - sorry about that!! We have been in Canada for the past few weeks and internet access is very limited. But here we are in Saskatoon where the internet is more reliable. So, a couple of weeks ago we were in Edmonton, Alberta, home of the West Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America and maybe even the world. The mall was pretty fantastic with a theme park, water park, and live animals. There was a glass encased exhibit of flamingos that was pretty cool!! It was also amusing to walk around in coat and scarf and see people coming from the water park in their swimsuits - those crazy Canadians!! We also taught 5 master classes in Edmonton, so we were pretty busy!!

Stanley Park, with a gorgeous dark sky ready to open up

Next we spent a week in Vancouver, a really fantastic city. So many sights to see, but probably my favorite was Stanley Park, a rainforest within walking distance of the downtown. The park had an aquarium, totem poles, and really beautiful views!!

totem poles at Stanley Park, Statue of "The Girl in the Wetsuit" at Stanley Park, Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden

Also, I have this book called "1000 Places To See Before You Die", I know it sounds pretty morbid. Anyway, Vancouver had a few things in the book. One of which was the Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first and most authentic Chinese Garden to be built outside of China. Well, I decided to take the guided tour and came to find out I was the only one on it. So the tour guide (an 80 year old woman who sounded like Katherine Hepburn) gave the tour and didn't change anything for a one person tour, so she would say things like "If you'll all follow me" or "Can anyone tell me something about such and such?", it was quite amusing, but very informative!!

Children's entrance and exit to a toy store on Granville Island, where they sell Knotty Things!!

Also, I went to Granville Island where they have a Public Market and shops and things. The book suggested a sushi restaurant as well, so when we found the place where it was supposed to be - it had moved. Still ready for some excellent sushi, we went to the new location only to find that it was closed - ugh!!

Closed sushi restaurant :(

There was so much to see and do in Vancouver, it was exhausting!! The shows went great - some of the best audiences we have had all tour!! Now, we are in lovely Sasketoon, Saskatchewan (do you believe such a place exists?) It is by far the coldest place we have been or will be on tour!! Anyway, Canada is good, but I miss the US and paper currency - Loonies and Twonies can drive you crazy - you look through your change and see you have $15 worth - crazy!! Anyway, until next time . . .

When to quit

Hello my suckas! I know, I said I would be better about posting, well I lied. But this week at work was frustrating and I thought I would share my woes. So Monday I was in ICU which is taking care of any patients in the hospital and any coming out of surgery that day. Well we had no surgeries scheduled, so those techs left at about 4pm, but I had to stay until 6 to round over to the night er tech. No big deal. Tuesday I think we got out about a half hour early, although the person in charge who was scheduled until 5 left at 4. Now this happens alot, GRRR. So Wednesday we are finished early again, and the same person tells me at 4 that she is leaving, but I have to stay and help in receiving and finish paperwork and stuff for tomorrow. Well, I think if they are really that far behind, it wouldn't killl her to stay for a half hour or so and help, instead of leaving an hour early, again! So I end up there until 7. So going back, my friend Helen was in a bad mood Tuesday, so we made plans with another delightful coworker to go out Thursday night because we were all off Friday. So Wednesday night I'm in a bad mood and tell Doug I want to quit. When I tell people what I do, they say that's so cool. The actual surgery part is cool, but all the crap and personalities make it a drag, and there are about 3 or 4 of us that feel like we are always the ones that have to stay late. We are also the ones that never call in sick. That is seriously a problem, I can't believe some of these people are sick so often. In two years I've used 2 sick days. And honestly, both times I was hungover! So when do you decide you can't be there anymore? I mean there is piddly crap with any job isn't there? And for a tech job, this is pretty good and pays comparatively well. Oh well. I'm done complaining. See ya suckas!

Finally

Hello my suckas! First of all I have to thank Antonio and the other Sucka for my picture. Except for my red eyes, it's not bad. Just kidding, thanks guys. I have been so bad about posting, but we finally had an interesting surgery today. There was a 12(?) year old shepherd mix who had presented for incontinence and an ultrasound showed she had a pretty large mass. So we get into the surgery and this thing is big and attached in many places! I spent alot of time just holding stuff out of the way, then once the surgeon starting cutting the tumor out, just holding the tumor. This thing was about the size of a WNBA basketball, lots of blood vessels in it, other little growths on it, nasty stuff. It was firmly attached to the spleen and the pancreas, but the doctor said it was probably a splenic tumor. Well that didn't look good, and the dog's liver was a mess. Even if that wasn't from the tumor, this dog was looking at liver failure in a few weeks or months. The surgeon spoke with the owner and they decided to euthanize. We reccommend doing it while the animal is still under anesthesia, it's tough to recover an animal, especially an older one, to give the family time to get there. It's pain free to do it while they are still out. So although the ending was sad, it was a good surgery to see, people kept coming in to see the tumor and the liver and stuff.

Now I will try to be better about posting, I know what is a "routine" surgery for us may be interesting to you all. I'll let you know about this past weekend sometime this week too. No strip clubs this time.

See ya suckas!

Springfield, IL

So, we are in Springfield, IL, where Barack Obama just gave his presidential candidacy speech last weekend! He delivered it just 2 blocks away from where we are staying in Lincoln's birthplace. We had a blizzard come throught the city yesterday and we cancelled the show!! Everyone was pretty thrilled to have a snow day and basically celebrated by drinking!! I started at about 5:30 and went to sleep/passed out about 10:00! We are headed into Canada next week and hopefully I will get my cell phone working there!! We will be hearing ehs and don't ya knows for the next three weeks - ugh!! Anyway - Tamarin's picture is up (Thank you Antonio) and we'll talk again soon!

Peoria, IL

Well, everyone, I have heard there is confusion about who is writing the blogs, so, I have a solution. Since more than one Sucka live in this world and have equal blogging rights, I (Chris) will start blogging in blue type, since Tamarin probably can't figure out how to change the color anyhow - (just kidding Sucka!) This way you will be reminded by my startlingly, brilliant blue eyes that the blue typed blogs are from me!! So - in Peoria, and it's COLD!! Oh my God!! I had a meet and greet with some of the patrons before the show tonight and that was fun!! You feel like such a celebrity. Well, then, I was hungry and looking for dinner. It was close to showtime, and we are connected to an arena where there are lots of concessions and things. Well, we were escorted over there (Cause we didn't have tickets) and they were having a Monster Truck Rally. I know what you're thinking - white trash. But the guy let us watch for a second and - wow - it looked like so much fun!! A huge pit of dirt with wrecked cars and a big ramp - what could be better? I was shocked at my own excitement by it and I HIGHLY recommend checking it out! I think I've crossed over into White Trashdom, oh well!! Until the next blue blog!!

Stop already!

Hello my suckas! I will preface this by saying I am not a horse person. That said, what is the big deal about euthanizing Barbaro? People euthanize horses, champion horses, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, even other people every day! I'm surprised they didn't shoot him that day when he broke it. Seriously, race horses are only good for racing or breeding. Making this huge news and on the front page of papers is ridiculous. There is a war going on, still homeless people in the gulf coast, and the beginnings of a very important election. Bye horsey, move on!

Lesson Learned

Next time you try to sneak into a double feature at the movie theatre, make sure at least one person has bought tickets to the showing . . . otherwise they don't play it!!

Helpin' Out A Friend

So, I recieved an email from a very entrepenureal friend of mine. He has attempted several home based businesses and I thought I would spread the word on this latest one. It sounds like a great idea and it is always so difficult to get the word out on a new idea. The idea is called "I Want You to Know" books. The books are designed for specific occasions such as, Dad's to children, Spouses to Spouses, Bride to Groom, and so on. The books give you an outline to write a brief idea to journal thoughts leading to a certain occasion. It always sounds like a great idea to keep a journal of some kind to keep thoughts when you are older, but we rarely follow through past a couple of days. Here is a book designed to fill in the spaces and insert pictures and so forth. I know I love that sort of thing and I thought it would make a great gift to expecting mothers, soon to be marrieds, and moms and dads. Tons of occasions are already thought of. Check out my friends website . . . www.iwantyoutoknowbooks.com. I also added it on the right side of the screen under friend's cool sites, so you can click it directly. I really think you would enjoy it. There aren't any occasions coming up in my life, but maybe some are more applicable to you all. Get inspired!! :)

Work

Hello my suckas. Well this week I was scheduled everyday at work. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but we are usually scheduled for 4 10 hour days, so working 5 days is kind of tiring. Tuesday my friend Helen was sick, so I didn't get to see her. The day went downhill from there. One of the guy techs was bitten in the hand by some dog that I had never heard of, but it's really just a new kind of chow. It was bad, he sat there pale as a ghost, then turned green. Someone wound up taking him to the hospital. He actually came back later that afternoon, honestly I would have gone home. Then another tech was trying to get this horrible pit bull back in his cage after he got his muzzle off. But she went in first so she was trapped in there. She jumped up the side of the cage, it was kind of amazing like a little spider monkey, but not before he bit her in the foot. He went right through her shoe and punctured the skin. Sorry, but some of these dog breeds have a bad rep for very good reason! The rest of the week was fine and not crazy busy luckily. Yesterday I got sent home early (around 3pm) since I was at 50 hours for the week. One of the guys from our Annapolis office was going out for his birthday, so me and six guys went to McDougals, a strip club. It was so much fun. Strippers pay alot of attention the girl customers and the guys find it entertaining, we had a great time. I got a lap dance and did most of the guys. The birthday boy had a good time.

Doug and I are off today, so I'm off to do some cleaning and figure out what movie we may see tonight. He wants to see Pan's Labyrinth, but I'm not into it. I know it's supposed to be great and all, but it doesn't look interesting to me. I'll let you know what we come up with. See ya suckas!

The Producers on Ice

So, this past weekend we were in balmy London, Ontario. The average tempereature was probably in the teens and it snowed everyday. Well, we asked for winter and we got it full force!! We played the LeBatt Center which is an ice hockey arena. However, they bring in shows and concerts, build a stage above the ice and even have a fly system. Now, they cover the ice with about an inch thick wood in about 4 x 6 foot sheets. There are gaps about an inch wide between the sheets too so you can slide the boards around a little - it's fun!! As you can imagine the wood does little to keep the cold from your feet. And the costumes were set directly on the wood and many times you are down to a dance belt, it was quite cold. Well, the shows were great and the audience loved it, even the ones in penalty boxes!

Photo Contest

Well, well, well, I have decided to go ahead and steal from other peoples blogs and incorporate them into ours. We need a picture of Tamarin to put up on the page and I, alas, have none digitally.

Current headshot of Tamarin Ythier, Sucka Extraordinaire

I know some of you out there have some whoppers to put on the internet and would love the chance, so here it is!! Email me your best Tamarin picture to csucha1@aol.com, and I will pick the winner to post over my sexy, but doesn't look like me, headshot. Now, if you have a shot of both Suckas, you probably will get posted as well, so let the fun begin!!

Also, can we quickly discuss the Golden Globes and Ugly Betty?!?!?! Now, I have only seen one episode of this show and I was NOT impressed. And for America Ferrera to beat out such actresses as Mary Louise Parker and others is just awful. What is it saying about performances today? I will however say that Sasha Baron Cohen absolutely deserved that award and gave a great speech, as did Meryl Streep when she panned the room and remarked that she had worked with everyone in the room! Funny! Anyway, just had to get that off my chest and hopefully didn't offend any die hard Ugly Betty fans.

Send your pictures people!!