Chapter Two

My uncle Pat passed away this Saturday; his memorial is scheduled for May 15th in Michigan. He was not lucid enough in his last days to accept my final phone call, but I spoke to my aunt instead and have memories of Pat from a healthier time. Honestly, I prefer it that way.

I am still in San Diego, which is a source of some confusion for those who expected me to return to Nashville after The Odd Couple completed its run early last month. I chose to stay a few extra weeks before going home to catch some attractions I'd previously overlooked and, on a lark, I auditioned for another show. I was cast. I have accepted a role in the British sex farce Move Over Mrs. Markham at the Poway Performing Arts Company, further extending my visit.

The show is set to open June 24th -- one day after my Nashville roommate begins a months-long acting contract on a cruise ship. With half the rent headed toward international waters, a number of my Nashville ducks need to be corralled; and with plans to make the memorial trip to Michigan, I'm plotting a rather travel-heavy week for mid-May. I will be meeting with my new cast and director for the first time this evening. As I am not the lead in this production, I am hoping that I'll be graciously excused from the three or four rehearsals I'd have to miss to make the traveling possible. In an eight-week rehearsal schedule, I can't imagine that'd be a problem. But you never know.

And so here begins another chapter in my San Diego experience. Or, with my determination to miss a week of rehearsals, here it ends. We shall see.