29 and feeling... OLD.


I apologize this is a sort of REALLY late birthday post! Even though I'm partially unemployed, I've still been too busy to write. Usually I freak out over my bday every year, but this year wasn't so bad! I've learned to not put so much pressure on the whole day being "perfect" and I'll actually enjoy myself. Next year is the BIG 3-0 *CRINGE* so I may have to panic about that one. The day was pretty simple. I went to the mall with my mom, opened presents, and went out to dinner with my family later in the day. I got a lot of nice gifts - Dorinda's book, clothes, a carry on bag for traveling, candy, and other stuff too. I always say that I hate attention but I have to admit, when I do get some it feels nice, haha!

I've also been fortunate to go to a few more live events lately. I went to NYC at the end of August for the first time since the pandemic! It felt REALLY NICE. I really did miss NYC, even if I didn't want to admit it! I was waiting for the right time and it was the perfect moment because I was going to see Anthony Rapp at 54 Below. It was my mom's first time going to see Anthony and to 54 Below, and thank god she loved it! She can be a bit critical sometimes, lol! The concert was amazing as always, Anthony never disappoints. 

After the show, Anthony allowed fans to meet him near the bar area. We had to wear a mask, which was totally understandable! I'm grateful he even was meeting fans at all. I didn't really get to say much to him (I always feel rushed doing this shit!) but I pulled down my mask for a second so he would recognize me. I introduced him to my mom because it was her first time meeting him, and my mom took a picture of us. She told Anthony that her mom (my grandma) also died of cancer so she was able to connect with him. I don't really know what he said after because it was as we were walking out, but I think he nodded and thanked her? This must mean we're REALLY good "friends" now because he met my mom! HAHAHA. It was so good to be back in NYC and I can't wait to go again and finally see a Broadway show!

The day after my birthday, I went to another concert to see Christina Bianco. She's a Broadway star and also does impressions on YouTube. I didn't know her too well, but I was really excited to see her. Since Colleen from Holmdel Theatre Company gave me extra tickets, I was able to bring both of my sisters and one of our family friends who loves Broadway. We had SO MUCH FUN and Christina was so talented and hilarious! I met her afterward and we took a picture together. She was so nice. I can't wait to go to more events at Holmdel in the fall. I'm also seeing A Bronx Tale: The Musical at another theatre later this month. I'm excited because I've never seen the show before.

Overall, turning another year older may feel overwhelming but it's another opportunity to learn and grow. Sometimes I feel really crappy about myself and feel like a failure because I've been unemployed for almost a year. My family friend even said to me (about BroadwayWorld), "You have like, my dream job." I know I don't get paid for BroadwayWorld, but it made me feel good to know that I'm an inspiration to someone. I was happy to introduce a fellow theatre fan to Holmdel Theatre Company because it's a place that means so much to me. I was glad to be able to share my experiences with someone who appreciates it.

When I think about how much I've accomplished this past year, I really did gain more than I lost. I left a job that was essentially ruining my life and became a better person for it. I continued writing for BroadwayWorld during a pandemic because I love it, even they don't pay me. I started a new writing gig at Screen Rant and I'm enjoying it a lot. I'm finally in a professional environment where people are nice and respectful, which is what I deserved after my previous job. I know if I continue to work hard and put myself out there, good things will come.


Me with Anthony Rapp, my VERY good friend who I've met four times!!!!


Christina Bianco and I!

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