it was my first time...

Things are really starting to be fun and fabulous for me. I've used this blog to bitch far more than I ever wanted (or expected) to and now I think it is time to take note of all that I am thankful for and excited about. I also realized that I have had more FIRST TIME experiences in the past 24 hours than I have in my 1.5 years in Cleveland combined!

FIRST FIRST

Yesterday was my big onstage experience with Spring Awakening. Entering The Palace, I showed the usher my ticket and evidently she didn't have the 411 about the onstage seating because she had no idea where to direct me. This in of itself made me feel very special; my ticket was so exclusive no one knew about it! Anyway, I finally found an usher that was in the know and she led me to a secret room where I had to put my coat, purse and all belongings into a locker (the onstage audience isn't even allowed to bring Playbills onstage!). The ushers checked to make sure I didn't have my cell phone and I wasn't chewing gum. This shit was serious. After my cavity search I was led down a narrow corridor backstage (so cool) and then on to the stage. I can't even tell you how totally VIP my entrance felt. Once at my seat I started to get a little nervous about what was actually going to happen so I leaned over to the girls sitting in front of me and asked them to fill me in. They told me that the cast would be sitting among us. I think I went blind and deaf for a moment! As a proud theater geek, this was nirvana! I won't bore everyone with a play-by-play, I just want to say my FIRST TIME sitting onstage for a show was an incredible one. Everyone should check out Spring Awakening and try to snag a seat in the action!

SECOND FIRST

This morning I started my new job and I am already enjoying myself. It's not exactly my dream job, but it feels good to walk around sans knot in my stomach and to know that I will be bringing home the bacon. I have also started freelancing for a PR firm, so between the two jobs I will be busy and more importantly have money to do some of the fun stuff around Cleveland. So far I enjoy my co-workers and think that I will like it even more once I feel more settled in. I hate being the new guy. I hate feeling helpless and uncertain, but it motivates me to learn faster so I can be on my own ASAP. I'm sure I will have more to say about this as time goes by. My FIRST TIME at work went well so I can only hope it stays that way.

THIRD FIRST

Tonight I met some of the other local bloggers for the FIRST TIME. I was flattered to be invited out to by people whose writing I enjoy on a daily basis. I must admit, I was kind of nervous to join what felt like an exclusive club of people who already knew one another. All of my apprehensions subsided the moment I sat down. I felt welcomed and at ease and really enjoyed our meandering conversation. Everyone was cooler and nicer than I could have imagined. I have to say that after college I think it is difficult to meet new friends; working from home doesn't help much in the socializing department. I never thought my blog would lead me to a cool bunch of people, but it did! In the day and age of internet dating, I couldn't help but feel as though I was on a great blind date...with 5 people. Hahaha! Hmmmmm...How do you gauge the success of a platonic blind date? I know the, "This was fun. We should do it again sometime," on a regular blind date is the nice way of saying, "I never want to see you again." I think I actually said that. Oh no! I really meant it though. I had a great time with a great group and hope to do it again soon.

HERE'S TO SECONDS!