The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Over the past week I have had the opportunity to see what its like to wake up in the single digits, that is, before 10am. Daisy (see post below for cutest pic ever) needs to go out and go potty at around 6:45am. So, that requires that I get up and let her out! We have established a nice little routine after only having her for a week and a few days and I'm kinda getting used to it. Its nice being up early, as I'm able to get things done that I would never have the time for when I wake up later in the day...now, this also means that I'm getting to bed earlier. So no more 2am TV shows...I'm usually out cold by 12am. Am I getting old?

Last night was so much fun. Daisy and I had the pleasure of attending Jacobi's birthday party. Who is Jacobi you may ask? Well, he is maybe the most spolied dog in the metroplex! He turned 10 years old yesterday and his mommy threw him a birthday party, compete with decorations, balloons, cupcakes, presents, etc. But, the fun part was Daisy playing with Dakota. Dakota is the size dog you would think he is. He is a 90+ lb Golden Retriever....and Daisy whooped his ass! They played non-stop for like a good 45 minutes and Dakota was POOPED. Now, dont get me wrong...Daisy was a worthless pile of puppy after it was all said and done..but it seemed that she won the endurance test...and Dakota is 2! It was so much fun watching them play and chase each other around. Good times.

This week I've started in with work on my upcoming recitals at the Bard Festival in August. I know that it seems that August is a ways off, and thank goodness that it is! I've got to get these songs learned, worked into my body, and memorized. Plus, at the same time, I've got to learn Amonasro (my first Verdi sing) which I'm performing in September, and refresh Enrico, which I do immeditaly following the Aida. WHEW! Its going to be a lot of music to get into the brain all at the same time over the next few months...but I'm up for the challenge. :O)

I have some FANTASTIC news to share. My long lost twin from birth, Laura Vlasak Nolen, is going to be making her MET debut in January! This is HUGE! I remember when she was just a freshman at Texas Tech breaking hearts. She deserves every bit of success that she has coming to her. She just might be the hardest working girl in the greater Stormsville area. lol. j/k Laura, you know I love you.

Ok...well, its 8am now and people on this side of the globe are going to work and getting things done. I'm sure that I should probably do the same. OOOOH! Today Daisy and I start puppy training -- wish us luck! :)

Daisy

Daisy is quite simply put, the most adorable puppy in the entire world. She is 9 weeks old and weighs 13 lbs. She loves to lay at my feet on the cold tile floor. She likes to nibble on stuff! She is learning about how to go for a walk on a leash and is still trying to get the whole potty training thing down. She cries when she gets in her crate at first...but is then pretty good about it!

Ok, so, yeah. I'm in puppy love!! I have to say, its hard work and takes a lot of your time to really be with and train a puppy, but, its soooo worth it! I mean, this little girl worships me! :o) I'm learning though right along with her. I would think that she needs to potty by now, but, hey...I aint complaining. I guess that after she eats the ideal walk would come 20 min after that - so, we shall see. At this point she is eating 3/4 cups (and a few more kibbles just for fun) 3x a day. So, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then, if she is lucky I give her "greenies" for treats when she is a good girl and goes potty outside! Ok, this is beginning to sound rediculous! Kudos to anyone that blogs and has kids that doesnt constantly write about their kids!!

I'm back home again. Don Giovanni went well in MI and I arrived safely back in TX on Sunday. For the past few days I've just been getting situated and getting back into the swing of Texas living. Yesterday I drove 4 hrs each way in the rain to pick up Daisy in Nacogdoches, TX. WHEW! That was a loooong drive, considering I had only had 4 hrs sleep the night before. Ugggh. I still need a nap. Its funny, Daisy is passed out cold at my feet, but the moment that I would get up to go lay down, she would start in with the crying, etc. Funny how that works. I'm sure that eventually she will feel more at home and not be so needy. RIGHT??

Other big news, we got the GIGANTIC deck removed that was taking up 75% of the backyard! ...of course with that project done, there is another created...getting all the trash and crap that was under the deck all cleaned up aand lookin good...and then to plant grass where now there is only mud! Uggh, I have my work cut out for me!!!

In Pursuit of HAPPYness

I realize that I stole this from a recent movie, but things in my life over the last several years have made me truly begin to question happiness and whats it all about and how is it that we achieve this goal? I mean, it seems that we as a species are all after the buck. I mean it motivates us to work and then we want more work so that we can get more money. But, does money make people happy? No, of course not...I am sure that we all know people with tons of money that have yet to find what really makes them happy. Mo' money, mo' problems? I dont know...I'll tell you if I ever get there, but I'm more interested in just the happiness part.

I'm a singer...so, I guess that the thrill of travel, new people, new challenges, and the art of music making is what drives me in my pursuit of happiness. But, then...we always hear people say that its just a business. Well, I am married and have two beautiful kitty cats, so perhaps I should focus on my relationship at home to truly find happiness. But, the problem with that is, is that whether I like it or not, the performing career bugs its head in and takes me away from that life right when things start to get good. So, I think the only answer is to find happiness inside of ME and then the things and people that I'm involved with in my life will benefit from my happiness. So, the pursuit begins.

In the meantime we open Don Giovanni tomorrow! I think that the show will be well received, as we had a live high school audience at our final dress, and they seemed to get a kick out of this non-traditional spin of film-noir that we have put into the show. I have to say though....I will be glad to get back home on Sunday, where not only the pursuit of HAPPYness will insue, but also the search for a new puppy!