December 29th, 2008: Day One

So it begins.

The next year-ish of my professional life kicked off today.*  Actually, my professional life period.  I've had this job since May, and though I've been preparing for this role for a little while now, it didn't sink in until about an hour ago.  The full company assembled today, and I got a look at the people who will become my exclusive social circle for the next four months (and two and a half this fall).  I can see we all have many of the same thoughts written on our faces.  

I recognize the bittersweet happiness.  A whole group of people who know this wonderful opportunity will separate them from the ones they love for a little while.  I picture a giant web of families, friends and lovers of those going on tour, and I think of how many more people outside of this Theatre must be feeling the same thing.  

I see the tentative reservations that preempt friendliness; warm smiles at strangers you know will become your friends, though you couldn't remember all of their names at this point if your life depended on it.    

It'd be a cliché to say this feels like the first day of school.  It'd be a little too obvious to say it feels like the first day of a new job (because that's what it is).  It'd be a little too corny to say it feels like we're preparing our new ship for it's grand voyage.  It's something different.  I can't wait to see what lies ahead.

So in addition to the scrapbook I'm starting, the written journal I'm keeping, and the hundreds of photos I'll be taking on three different cameras (digital, film and polaroid), I'm creating this blog for my dear loved ones who wish to keep tabs on how tour is going.  I'll post photos and videos as often as I can from the road, as well as my thoughts on the diverse array of places I will be visiting.  You know, what people typically do when they blog.

Most of you reading this are people I love dearly.  This is a blanket statement, but I am still probably picturing your face as I write it: I will miss you all.  Please send me your addresses so that I may send you postcards from the road!

Stay safe, and I'll promise to do the same.

Lily