Stay Tuned...

Good Monday morning! In case you are wondering, I haven't abandoned my blog. I just have not been able to find the time to sit down and put some real thought into what I want to write. When I write a blog, I have a habit of thinking it through, writing it, and then revising it over and over again. "Reality Bites Back," "Sugar," my new job and my personal life have left me little time to reflect. The time is coming though. Writing and reflecting rejuvenate me. And here is a head's up... Stay tuned for big news in the NEAR future. That's all I will say for now. I guess I need to go get some work done. Talk to you all soon.

Stealing Cinderella

For every man, there are days and moments that he will remember for the rest of his life. I experienced one of those situations tonight. Never in my life have I ever felt so proud, yet so humble all at the same time. I cannot begin to describe the emotions I felt this evening. This song/video says it all very clearly.

How You Ever Gonna Know

Another morning finds me sitting in my recliner, on the computer, and trying to get the day started. I didn't know if I had much to say this morning, until I started looking through some CDs and songs. I came across the following song and remembered how much I loved the lyrics. The song was on a CD released back in 1997. It pretty much sums up my view on life and going for things you really want. The first line is really appropriate this morning, considering how much the wind is blowing outside my window.

How You Ever Gonna Know

That old wind that's whippin' out there
It's whistlin' your tune
That wind blew pyramids to Egypt
And footprints to the moon

And that old star that you been wishin' on
Is shinin' mighty bright
But it's the fire inside your heart
That's gonna lead you to the light

How you ever gonna know
What it's like to live there
How you ever gonna know victory
How you ever gonna know
What it's like when dreams become reality
How you ever gonna know
How it feels to hold her
How you ever gonna know
What it's like to dance
How you ever gonna know
If you never take a chance

You know failure isn't failure
If a lesson from it's learned
I guess love would not be love
Without a risk of being burned


Anything in life worth havin'
Lord, it has its sacrifice
But the gift that you're receiving
Is worth more than the price

How you ever gonna know
What it's like to live there
How you ever gonna know
What you never knew
How you ever gonna know
If you're down here doin'
What the good Lord put you here to do
How you ever gonna know
If you could have done it
How you ever gonna know
How it feels to fly
How you ever gonna know
If you never dare to try

Listen not to the critics
Who put their own dreams on the shelf
If you want to get the truth to admit it
You gotta find out for yourself

How you ever gonna know
What it's like to be there
How you ever gonna know
If you're the best
How you ever gonna know
What you believe in
If you don't put it to the test
How you ever gonna know
How it feels to hold him
How you ever gonna know
What livin' means
How you ever gonna know
If you never chase the dream

How you ever gonna know
Your potential
How you ever gonna know victory
How you ever gonna know
What it's like when dreams
Become reality
How you ever gonna know
How it feels to hold her
How you ever gonna know
What it's like to dance
How you ever gonna know
If you never take the chance

Living in the Present and Looking to the Future

I know, I know. It has been almost a week since I wrote my last blog. The days have been flying by lately. I guess that is what happens when you are in two shows, starting a new job and enjoying a great relationship. I figured the best time for me to blog would be early in the morning before I start my day. So here I am.

Yesterday was my birthday and now I am the big 28. I can't help but take a look at where I am, where I thought I would be, and where I want to go in the future. Am I where I thought I would be at 28? Not exactly. There are so many more things I would have liked to have accomplished by now. Yes, I put a lot of pressure on myself. I know what I am capable of and expect the best from myself... or at least the best effort. I know I am here to do some great things and change lives for the better. The task ahead is for me to fulfill my purpose.

Not being where I thought I would be at 28 is not necessarily a bad thing though. Five years ago or even two years ago, I would never have thought I would be immersing myself in shows at Strauss as much as I have. Over the past year, I have loved my time at the theatre. Acting and entertaining is a passion that I am getting to live out. I have met great people and experienced great things. It's not always a bed of roses, but there is a reason why I keep coming back to the theatre. I definitely see a break and time off from the theatre coming up though. I need to breathe and savor the rest of my life going on around me.

That brings me to the future. Big parts of my future have started taking shape and I love what I see. I literally have to take a step back and remember this is happening to me. If I am the luckiest man in the world, the future will become even clearer soon. It's one of those situations where I can't help but get down on my knees and thank God that He has blessed me like He has. I am an extremely emotional guy. I don't know if I always show it. It's a blessing and a curse. Just thinking about my future with Stephanie causes my heart to swell with love and pride. And yes, I'll admit I do get teary-eyed thinking about her and our life together. Shhh... we can keep the teary-eyed part our little secret. Ha! In all seriousness, I just hope I can give back to her what she gives to me. I'll live the rest of my life trying.

There you have it. My life as of lately and a glimpse at the future. Now, I need to shower and get ready for another busy day ahead of me.

Good For the Soul

Wow! It is already Wednesday. The days are flying by fast. I've been neglecting my blog. So, I figured I would take some time this morning to update you on my life. I started my new job on Monday. I am enjoying it so far. It is always an adjustment when you start a new job. You have to learn your job, develop a routine, and learn the dos and don'ts around the office. I've been fortunate because of the fact that I already knew most of the people around the office, having worked there before or from meeting co-workers at earlier times. Another big thing and great thing is the office is laid back. Don't get me wrong. We have a job to do and it is a business, but it's enjoyable. Everyone has gone out of their way to help me out and have offered their assistance in the future. I don't feel like I have to watch my every step, worrying about saying the wrong thing or stepping on someone's toes... which is a nice change for me. We'll see how things go in the long run, but so far, so good.

For those of you who wished me luck or asked how it went, dinner with Stephanie and her parents couldn't have gone better Saturday night... well, until Mr. Mike found out the guy who is dating his daughter would soon be wearing a dress. Awkward!Hahahaha! No, really... things went very well. I enjoyed the entire evening. Her parents are a lot of fun and you can tell how much they love and look out for their daughter. It's great to spend time with a couple who have been together for over 30 years. I look forward to many more get-togethers with them... if they (and Stephanie) can put up with me. Ha! I love you, Steph.

To sum everything up... Yes, I am still busy and I am still in love (now more than ever.) Try it sometime. It's a good feeling to admit how happy you are. I'm enjoying my life and looking forward to what the future brings. Now, I am off to start a new day.

Life Is Good... And Busy

Good morning. How you doin'? I'm doing great this morning, just trying to wake up fully. I've realized lately that there is no denying I'm becoming an adult, even though I feel like a child most of the time. It's Saturday morning and I woke up and voluntarily started my day at 7:00am. I put a load of clothes in the washing machine, grabbed a coke (my morning coffee,) caught up on the morning news, and sat down to read my book. It feels good to be an adult. I like the responsibility that comes with it and the freedom to make choices for myself. Don't get me wrong though. I'll always be a child at heart. It's just too much fun.

I have another busy day ahead. It all starts with "Sugar" rehearsals at the theatre at 9:00am. That will last till it's time to cross the parking lot for "High School Musical" at the YoungTroupe. The kids have two shows today. Then, tonight it's dinner with Stephanie and her parents. We're going out to eat for Stephanie's birthday, which is Monday.

Speaking of becoming an adult, my birthday is next Monday (March 17th.) I'll be 28. The last 28 years have gone by slowly, yet so quickly all at the same time. I'll probably write more about turning 28 as my birthday approaches. So, I'll save it for another time. Let me just say, life is good right now. If it gets any better, I don't know what I'll do with myself. Bad days can hit us hard. So, I'm going to appreciate every great moment I've been given.

Man, I Wish I Had Something To Do

"See how two melody masters can suffer a string of disasters..." Yes, that is how I started this morning. Well, it was a combination of singing that song and thinking about Stephanie. I love having a song in my heart and the love of my life on my mind. Talk about a great morning... and it's just the beginning of many more to come. Just from the song, you can tell we have started rehearsals for "Sugar: Some Like It Hot." Just from the last two nights, I know I am going to love this. I love the music and the comedy. I have A LOT of work to do to get things right, but it's so much fun. We have a great cast and that makes it so much better. I'll look forward to hanging out with this group every night. Not to mention, I would be happy just sitting back and watching Stephanie dance. Man, I am lucky.

Besides "Sugar," we're also in the middle of rehearsals for our Mystery Dinner Theatre. This is also a lot of fun. It includes a lot of audience interaction, which I am going to love. I love ad libbing and quick wit. A lot of the same cast members are in "Sugar" and "Reality Bites Back," the dinner theatre show. It is definitely going to make for some interesting days. Yesterday, we had dinner theatre rehearsals from 5:30 to 7:00 and then "Sugar" rehearsals from 7:00 to 9:00 or 9:30. Busy, busy... but I love it. I love acting. In the dinner theatre show, I play a macho military guy who is a loner. Then, I transition into a musician who dresses up as a woman and falls in love with a millionaire. Talk about being versatile and testing my acting chops. Call me crazy, but this is what makes acting so enjoyable.

I also start my new job on Monday as an Account Executive at KTVE NBC10/ KARD FOX14. I'm looking forward to it, but it will also be something new for me. I'm curious as to how well I will do with it. Usually when I put my mind to something, I accomplish it. It may take some time, but I do it and do it right. Be praying for me.

The biggest thing going on in my life is my relationship with Stephanie. I have always been one to smile a lot, but I don't know if my smiles have ever been this big or been so constant. I was always told that when you meet the love of your life, you just know it. I wasn't sure if that was really true or if it would be for me, but it really does happen. When I look at my future, I see Stephanie right there with me and it is the best feeling in the world. I only hope I can make her as happy as I am when I'm with her.

So, there you have it... my life these days. I am loving every minute of it.

Make a Note of It... 2/29/08

Friday was definitely a great day for me and one I will remember for a long time. To start things off, I accepted a new job at KTVE NBC10/KARD FOX14 as an Account Executive in television advertising. I'm looking forward to a new start in a new career with a group of people I'll enjoy working with day to day.

Friday night, Stephanie and I went on our first official date. Before the date actually got here, I was a little nervous. It's hard to say why exactly, but that didn't last long. I don't know if I've ever been more comfortable on a date. We talked all night and laughed and laughed... and did I mention we laughed? Ha! It was a special night and the first of many great date nights, we both agreed.

If things couldn't get any better, Dennis called during our dinner. He called to tell me that I have been cast as "Jerry" in "Sugar: Some Like It Hot." It's the part made famous by Jack Lemmon. Anyone who knows me knows how much I've wanted that part. It's a hilarious role, and I'm all about making people laugh. To top it off, Dennis also told us that Stephanie was cast as a member of the girl band. That was a no-brainer. I'm in awe every time I hear her sing or watch her dance. Congratulations, babe! So that just means that's more time she and I will get to spend together. I'm sorry, Steph. Ha!

Things are getting busier by the day, and I'm loving every minute of it. It's good to sit back and think back over a day AND night that was just perfect.