2010 Wrap-up: A VERY good year.

I shall warn you all now: this is going to be a post where I toot my own horn a bit. I apologize in advance for this...

As the final hours of 2010 wind down and the year comes to a close, I look back at all that has happened and think "DAMN! What a hot year it has been...". I am feeling more fulfilled professionally and physically than I think I have in a LONG time, if ever.

That is not to say there have been downs along with the ups; there always are. Financially, the year sucked, but guess what, it did so for just about everyone else. And if I really look at the situation, I'm doing OK, though goodness knows I would love some decent health insurance.

But these downs gave only served to heighten the ups, and they taught me valuable lessons along the way. The best I can sum up said lesson is this: THE UNIVERSE KNOWS WHAT IT IS DOING...most of the time. Whoever or whatever is out there has a pretty good grasp on things. I, personally, don't care what you name it, be it God, Fate, Buddha, Kharma, Goddess...I am not going to tell that you are wrong in what you believe because you are right, and as long as you don't tell me that I have to believe what you do or you are going to throw me in Lake Michigan or stretch me, then we are all good. Remember, "There are more things on heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

(Climbs down off soap box, chops it up, tosses it into fireplace, lights RedEye newspapers, settles onto couch, and snuggles with cat)

The foundations for this year actually started all the way back in 2008, when I left the wilderness and was embraced by some of the loveliest ladies I have ever known. In 2009, more ground work was laid in the summer when I met another theatre company, very close to home, who let me run around Scotland casting spells, and then, in the fall I became acquainted with a group of theatre geeks...who happened to be running around as pirates at the time.

Anyway, I started the year cast, which is a lovely way to begin the year. I thought I would be playing a slutty soprano in "Lend Me A Tenor", but, in what proved to be the first of many mishaps that challenged the production, I ended up playing a frazzled 80's upper-middle class wife in "Rumors". Despite the fact we seemed to keep losing cast members, I had a really fun time and got to do my first spit take...

February started well. It is nice seeing what should be a dead, empty Pier full of people who are there because of something that is being shown at your movie theatre. It is nice knowing that before or after they come watch the show, they are spending money at your neighboring businesses.

The middle of February...was not so much fun. I am eternally grateful for the amazing circle of friends that hugged and held me. Hindsight being 20-20 and it is amazingly clear: the right choice was made. Being in the middle of it SUCKS.

Here is where the valuable lesson comes in. Namely, the universe whacking my upside the head. I won't lie: it hurt. A lot. It always does. The universe, however, has plans for us, and sometimes to make us widen our gaze it SMACKS us so hard we can't even see through the tears. But, the tears end, we pick ourselves up, and then we see why...

Then March rolled around, and I was asked if I would like to play a soprano...again, I just realized...and run around Victorian England.

And the year REALLY got going.

"Sherlock Holmes: The Last Adventure" was a truly amazing experience and I will never forget it. It challenged me professionally. It forced me to get into really good shape (YOU try wearing a corset with a muffin top). We were critically lauded. We were Jeff Recommended. We were financially successful. We were one of the tightest casts and crew I have ever worked with. The year could have ended in August and I would have ticked it off in the win column.

But the universe wasn't done yet...

I ended up in the late 50's in New York running around with a married man but then falling in love with the guy who had loved me from affair in "The Apartment". Being pulled in some two weeks into rehearsal was fun...

Oh, and remember the theatre geeks who were running around as pirates? They want me to come play with them as a rabbit. Also, I get to go back to Victorian England, only this time as a sexy vampire vixen.

I am starting 2011 the same way I started 2010, only instead of being booked until March I am booked till June!

I am in some of the best shape of my life, and writhing around Castle Dracula and hopping around the English Countryside should help even more....

I am a part of two amazing theatre companies, one of whom gladly lets me swing rapiers and broadswords, the other of whom makes me say Shakespeare backwards...

I am married to someone who is writing for Wizards of the Coast...and writing...and writing...and having writers he looks up to rejoice in being eaten by monsters he created...

I am turning (shudder) 30!

I am surrounded by an amazing circle of friends, most of whom put up with me...

I am desperately awaiting a number of books and movies that, even if they suck, I shall enjoy them...

I am loved by a lovely boy and a WAY-too-smart-for-her-own-good kitteh...

So as the year 2010 comes to an end and 2011 rolls over the hill, here is my message to you:

Look around you. Everyone has something good that happened to them. Cherish those moments. Enjoy your friends and your loved ones. Know that the universe never smacks you unless it knows you can deal with it, and, sometimes, it is smacking you for your own good.

Be thankful. Celebrate.

Have a lovely 2011!