My first day in Salt Lake - didn't see the sights

I made it to Salt Lake City on the 29th, around 2:30. I slept a little, but I don't think it was enough, because later that night I felt feverish. And then the next day I was bedridden the entire day with sickness, most likely brought on by exhaustion. I slept most of the night, too, and then I got up today at 10:30. I felt a lot better, but I might need to sleep some more today. Anyway, not much else going on. Lots of sleeping, lots of spitting, lots of drinking water. A little bit of socializing, a little bit of eating (basically as much as I can handle of either at the moment) and a little bit of moving away from my bed. And that's it for now. I should be fine by tonight. I think I just pushed myself too hard.

The words I just can't say right in person

I am not very good at speaking sentimentally, especially in front of too many people. I just wanted to say how much I will miss everyone here in Minnesota. I spent this evening with some friends from Solomon's Porch. I didn't express very well how much you all mean to me. These past four years have not been my easiest stretch of life, but SP has been a solid foundation for me, a bastion of strength for my soul, and the spirit has strung himself through our meetings, our comings and goings, our simple interactions. I can think of no group of people I would rather call my friends. And aside from my actual family, I can think of no other people I would rather call my family. You have each blessed me in your own special ways.

I did not expect to cry when I left. I've been so sure of my destination, so unflinching in my resolve, I've given little thought to how much I will leave behind. People have asked me if I am nervous, and I invariably say no, because I can find no doubts in my mind about my choice to leave. But this past week I have felt wasted and tense and plagued by headaches, and I find myself needing to let loose, to shed tears, craving to exhaust the unasnwered pangs of loss and release the flood of sorrow. I love you all deeply. I can only leave with you this message of my deepest affection and my utmost gratitude. Though I leave now, please know that I will be with you in spirit. My prayers and my thoughts are with you. May the peace of Christ hover over you always, and may God bless you with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Thank you for your friendship, and thank you for your love and encouragement.

With great affection and with tears, I bid you all a good New Year, and I hope to see you again soon.

Christmas season

This past Sunday was the last performance of Edgardo Mine at the Guthrie. It's something I'm really glad I did. After several weeks of doing eight performances every week, I can honestly say that I would love to do this for a career. I love the crowds, the feel of the stage, the costumes, the acting, the energy of throwing a performance. It's a great time and working with great people is definitely a plus.

So now it's the Christmas season, and other than preparing presents and enjoying time with family and friends, I'm mostly just waiting to go to Utah, where I can spend a lot more time with someone special. I leave on the 27th, so pray for me and wish me well.

My book is coming along. I've found that I actually really enjoy editing. It's difficult when I come across a scene that I don't really like and I'm not really into it, but sometimes I get to enjoy my own writing, which is great. The rough draft I finished just a couple of weeks ago, and I hope to have the second draft done by the end of January, at which point I'll send it to some friends of mine to look at and see if it's any good, maybe give some feedback.

Otherwise, that's it for me at the moment. I don't really have any interesting thoughts or insights at the moment so I'll just leave you with some fine words:

Pom-Pom... what's up my main... man... my dawg... my ace in the hole... second place.