Things are in full swing here at the Smirkus. I am grateful to have my car with me, as I have already made 2 trips into the general store 5 miles away for things that I didn't think I would need (like a heating pad to keep my feet warm so I can sleep at night!).
The weather has been very New England - cold at night, dreary during the day, and sunny in the evenings. However, yesterday (Wednesday) it was gorgeous, and almost warm! Today it has been dreary and trying to rain all day...
Things are ramping up - the last of the staff is arriving, things are being build for sets, costumes are being fitted (and very adorable!), and the acts are coming together.
I had a meeting today with the executive director, and feel like I am getting my head around my job. I think I have what I will need to update the paint on some of the sign holders, and will be putting together my "master book" over the next few days.
We will have 17 stops in 6.5 weeks, with pretty much no days off. There is one town in MA that has been giving us grief, and we are seeing some progress on that point. I think the problem is they hear "Circus" and think "Carnival with midway" and don't realize that we won't be the disruption to the area that they anticipate...
Today I felt like I was on a scavenger hunt - looking for paint brushes, hands to the clock sign (and a way to attach them), and a place to paint. After finally being given permission to buy the paint I need, I ended up going 2 towns over to Hardwick, VT, to get the paint, other supplies, and wood for the carpenters. I returned, turned in my receipts to the office, and when I went to retrieve my paint, it turns out the van had been taken - so I guess I'll get it later!
Oh - if you are interested, the vans are large, 15 person vans - one blue, called "Buster", and green, "The Frog". Turns out they're a lot of fun to drive!
I'm also finding that between the constant low pressure system, the fresh air, the really yummy, healthy food, and the lack of contact with the outside world, that it is possible to work full time and yet slow down. I know I have plenty of time to do what needs to be done, and that it will be done well. The folks here are friendly, and they trust that I am a professional who knows how to do my job - and will ask if there is something I don't know. What a refreshing change! And to be surrounded with wonderful, friendly people - I love the Smirkus! :)
My bunkmate arrived today - and seems to be settling in. She is happy with the space arrangement, and I think we're going to get on well.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
You are here ----->
I finally arrived at Smirkus.
I left nearly 4 hours later than I wanted to - partly because it seemed to take forever to finish all the little bits of packing (still realizing stuff I forgot), I wanted to leave my house in a way that I wouldn't be embarrassed at the thought of people coming into it to live and take care of my cats, and partly because I wanted to spend just a little quality time enjoying the company of my new boyfriend (a rarity as I always seem to be on the road since we met) and the energy of my town that I won't see all summer. And it just seems to be one of those days - I went to get the Febreeze out of my bag, and discovered it had come open (while laying on its side) in the bag - at least 1/3 of it is now in the bottom of my bag... Oh well, at least it smells fresh!
The day as I was driving was overcast, with occasional rain. I stopped in White River Junction, roughly the halfway point, to have a quick dinner with my grandparents, which was a nice treat.
As I got back on the the highway to head to the great North, I realized that I had never been past White River Junction on I-91 Northbound - I was literally in new territory. At the moment I had that realization, the skies literally cleared - and the sun came out to the extent that I had to wear my sunglasses for most of the journey ("my life is so bright I gotta wear shades!"). It was like my trip was being blessed by the Gods - I had a Louise Hay lecture in the cd player, and life is good.
Northern Vermont is beautiful. It looks like it does in the postcards - rolling hills covered in trees of varying shades of green. Small lakes and ponds dot the countryside, as do red barns, farmhouses, and "oreo" cows (saw twin babies ~ so cute!).
I managed to find my way to "Circus Lane", and drove the half mile down the dirt road - until I turned a corner, and there it was - the Big Top in all its white and blue striped glory. Slightly smaller than I envisioned, but exciting, and surrounded by other, smaller, tents. I pulled up to the building with a handful of young folks practicing juggling with a diablo (like an hourglass on a string) and asked where to find the person who could point me to my bunk. After about a half hour, I got sorted out, and even met my new best friend, the Concessions Manager.
It seems trivial, but I'm excited that my roommate isn't here yet - she won't arrive for another day or two, so I'll have a chance to get settled and not have to trip over another person while I unpack and get sorted out.
The space is tiny - about the size of my bathroom, with 2 bunk beds slightly thinner than a twin-size bed, a small closet, a nightstand with 2 shelves, 2 small storage spaces under the bed, and 2 small drawers under the closet. I am glad to have time to figure out where to put everything - and I'm happy that I get the bottom bunk! I just hope she doesn't snore....
I am here...! :)
I left nearly 4 hours later than I wanted to - partly because it seemed to take forever to finish all the little bits of packing (still realizing stuff I forgot), I wanted to leave my house in a way that I wouldn't be embarrassed at the thought of people coming into it to live and take care of my cats, and partly because I wanted to spend just a little quality time enjoying the company of my new boyfriend (a rarity as I always seem to be on the road since we met) and the energy of my town that I won't see all summer. And it just seems to be one of those days - I went to get the Febreeze out of my bag, and discovered it had come open (while laying on its side) in the bag - at least 1/3 of it is now in the bottom of my bag... Oh well, at least it smells fresh!
The day as I was driving was overcast, with occasional rain. I stopped in White River Junction, roughly the halfway point, to have a quick dinner with my grandparents, which was a nice treat.
As I got back on the the highway to head to the great North, I realized that I had never been past White River Junction on I-91 Northbound - I was literally in new territory. At the moment I had that realization, the skies literally cleared - and the sun came out to the extent that I had to wear my sunglasses for most of the journey ("my life is so bright I gotta wear shades!"). It was like my trip was being blessed by the Gods - I had a Louise Hay lecture in the cd player, and life is good.
Northern Vermont is beautiful. It looks like it does in the postcards - rolling hills covered in trees of varying shades of green. Small lakes and ponds dot the countryside, as do red barns, farmhouses, and "oreo" cows (saw twin babies ~ so cute!).
I managed to find my way to "Circus Lane", and drove the half mile down the dirt road - until I turned a corner, and there it was - the Big Top in all its white and blue striped glory. Slightly smaller than I envisioned, but exciting, and surrounded by other, smaller, tents. I pulled up to the building with a handful of young folks practicing juggling with a diablo (like an hourglass on a string) and asked where to find the person who could point me to my bunk. After about a half hour, I got sorted out, and even met my new best friend, the Concessions Manager.
It seems trivial, but I'm excited that my roommate isn't here yet - she won't arrive for another day or two, so I'll have a chance to get settled and not have to trip over another person while I unpack and get sorted out.
The space is tiny - about the size of my bathroom, with 2 bunk beds slightly thinner than a twin-size bed, a small closet, a nightstand with 2 shelves, 2 small storage spaces under the bed, and 2 small drawers under the closet. I am glad to have time to figure out where to put everything - and I'm happy that I get the bottom bunk! I just hope she doesn't snore....
I am here...! :)
Sunday, June 13, 2010
one, two, three...jump!
It's finally here - the day I have been working toward. I am leaving for the Smirkus.
I'm going crazy, making sure I have everything, making sure all the "must do" stuff is done. But the list is crossed off, the car is packed, the kitties have been kissed, and it is time to hit the road (3 hours later than I wanted to, but it wouldn't be me otherwise!).
Yes, I'm nervous - but I'm also wicked excited. This is such a cool adventure I am embarking on. Something most people can only even begin to dream about. About 5 hours from now (I'm stopping by my Grandparent's to say hello on the way through VT), I'll be arriving at Smirkus world headquarters, and settling in for my journey - wild ride?
I look forward to sharing my adventure with you, and hope to see you at the Smirkus!
Kat :)
tour schedule:
http://www.smirkus.org/htm/tour/tourschedule.html
I'm going crazy, making sure I have everything, making sure all the "must do" stuff is done. But the list is crossed off, the car is packed, the kitties have been kissed, and it is time to hit the road (3 hours later than I wanted to, but it wouldn't be me otherwise!).
Yes, I'm nervous - but I'm also wicked excited. This is such a cool adventure I am embarking on. Something most people can only even begin to dream about. About 5 hours from now (I'm stopping by my Grandparent's to say hello on the way through VT), I'll be arriving at Smirkus world headquarters, and settling in for my journey - wild ride?
I look forward to sharing my adventure with you, and hope to see you at the Smirkus!
Kat :)
tour schedule:
http://www.smirkus.org/htm/tour/tourschedule.html
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Out of time
I had a feeling that this last week would go quickly, but it was literally in the blink of an eye! I've gotten a lot done, but as I look around me at all I still need to do before I leave tomorrow, I feel like I have gotten nothing accomplished.
Finishing up laundry, packing, triple-checking the packing list to make sure I have everything, hoping I've thought of everything. The good part is I've been so busy I haven't been able to think about being nervous.
The amusing part is that I have been talking about leaving on tour for almost a month now, but it seems like only in the last few days have people started to hear me. All of a sudden, folks I've been trying to connect with realize I'm leaving and suddenly want to see me - so in addition to putting everything together, I've been trying to have a social life. Why is it that people seem to want to see you the most when you don't really have time?
At least I have my annual birthday get-together with my best girlfriend to look forward to when I get back - we wanted to do it before I left, but we both have crazy schedules.
I am so excited to see friends on this tour. We'll be visiting cities near folks I haven't seen in ages, which is one of the best things about touring. With luck, I may even get to see a little of some of the places we visit.
T-minus approx. 15 hours and counting....
Finishing up laundry, packing, triple-checking the packing list to make sure I have everything, hoping I've thought of everything. The good part is I've been so busy I haven't been able to think about being nervous.
The amusing part is that I have been talking about leaving on tour for almost a month now, but it seems like only in the last few days have people started to hear me. All of a sudden, folks I've been trying to connect with realize I'm leaving and suddenly want to see me - so in addition to putting everything together, I've been trying to have a social life. Why is it that people seem to want to see you the most when you don't really have time?
At least I have my annual birthday get-together with my best girlfriend to look forward to when I get back - we wanted to do it before I left, but we both have crazy schedules.
I am so excited to see friends on this tour. We'll be visiting cities near folks I haven't seen in ages, which is one of the best things about touring. With luck, I may even get to see a little of some of the places we visit.
T-minus approx. 15 hours and counting....
Friday, June 4, 2010
"Pre-Deployment" countdown
Eight days until I leave. Wow. Eight.
I'm experiencing what I expected to feel in these days, excitement, and a little nervous, setting out on such a new adventure. But I'm also feeling something I didn't expect - depression. Like a mafia thug in the movies, it was like I came home one night, and there he was, waiting for me in the dark - turning on the light, saying "Hello, sweetheart, miss me?" and I'm wondering how the hell he got in.
It's made me realize that I have never been away from home for this long - without bringing my home with me - ie, moving. Sure, I was gone for 5 weeks when my dad died - but that was being with my mom - and not something I was expecting. This is something altogether different. This is a conscious choice to leave all that I know and leap, completely, into the unknown.
I try to keep busy with all the last minute things I need to do, as well as clean and organize my house so the housesitter doesn't think too badly of me - but the truth is, I'm more than a little scared. I catch myself wondering, "Will I be good at this?" "Can I handle it all?" "Will they like me?" "Will they give me a hard time because I'm the new kid?" It's like starting junior high school all over again, only this time I don't get to go home to mom.
I know I'll be okay - it's just a little intimidating knowing it is almost time to jump...
I'm experiencing what I expected to feel in these days, excitement, and a little nervous, setting out on such a new adventure. But I'm also feeling something I didn't expect - depression. Like a mafia thug in the movies, it was like I came home one night, and there he was, waiting for me in the dark - turning on the light, saying "Hello, sweetheart, miss me?" and I'm wondering how the hell he got in.
It's made me realize that I have never been away from home for this long - without bringing my home with me - ie, moving. Sure, I was gone for 5 weeks when my dad died - but that was being with my mom - and not something I was expecting. This is something altogether different. This is a conscious choice to leave all that I know and leap, completely, into the unknown.
I try to keep busy with all the last minute things I need to do, as well as clean and organize my house so the housesitter doesn't think too badly of me - but the truth is, I'm more than a little scared. I catch myself wondering, "Will I be good at this?" "Can I handle it all?" "Will they like me?" "Will they give me a hard time because I'm the new kid?" It's like starting junior high school all over again, only this time I don't get to go home to mom.
I know I'll be okay - it's just a little intimidating knowing it is almost time to jump...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
taking leaps
Wow - here is a video of one of the most amazing proposals I have ever seen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQVoAWSP7k4
And a great example of what Circus Smirkus folks are all about! :) The performers, as well as the guy proposing, are Smikus alumni.
Oddly enough, I had my first dream about Smirkus last night as well.... This is going to be a very interesting journey...
And a great example of what Circus Smirkus folks are all about! :) The performers, as well as the guy proposing, are Smikus alumni.
Oddly enough, I had my first dream about Smirkus last night as well.... This is going to be a very interesting journey...
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Countdown begins...
Wow, time is really beginning to fly. I leave in exactly 12 days. With the exception of rain pants and a few odds and ends, I have pretty much everything I need.
The fun thing now is trying to fit in everyone who wants to get together before I head out - I feel so popular! That, combined with trying to get all the little odds and ends done around the house is really making the day fly by. I know it will seem like a blink and it will be time to hit the road.
In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy this glimpse of Circus Smirkus, courtesy of NPR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEswqDNW4J8
Enjoy! :)
The fun thing now is trying to fit in everyone who wants to get together before I head out - I feel so popular! That, combined with trying to get all the little odds and ends done around the house is really making the day fly by. I know it will seem like a blink and it will be time to hit the road.
In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy this glimpse of Circus Smirkus, courtesy of NPR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEswqDNW4J8
Enjoy! :)
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