Oh, life changes so much from moment to moment, doesn't it? My life now hardly resembles itself one year ago. I spent most of 2013 head down, in back to back shows from January to August. It was a wonderful, exhausting, fulfilling experience. This year, I've had the stability of working with one client, at one job. Although I was so happy (and continue to be so happy) to have made the choice to move in-house, I traded my flexibility in terms of working hours for that chance, and I haven't had the same opportunities to be onstage. But in place of performing, I've had travel. So. Much. Travel.
And now - more! In July I will be heading back to my other home, and spending the summer in Southampton and London, working in my company's UK offices. In fact, today I've sorted out all my accommodation: our company's seaside flat in Southampton and a cute Brixton studio with an outdoor pool (!) in London. And I won't be back until September.
This is exciting, of course. Connecting with friends, having the luxury of time to fall back into my old routines - an opportunity I didn't have when I visited in January/February - it really will be in some ways like coming home. I'm excited, I really am. This week I bought my first theatre tickets, to see Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy in David Hare's
Skylight,
which opened last week to rave reviews.
I'm also anxious. I'm sure I sound melodramatic and silly, but I'm leaving Curriecat behind. For the whole summer. I have trusted friends who will be staying at my apartment with her, but she and I will be apart for longer than we have in her. whole. life. We haven't spent more than 10 days apart in 8 years. Just thinking about it makes me tear up. I know, I'm a schmuck, but she's my baby.
I'm trying to be positive and focus on the exciting part of this amazing opportunity I've been given, but it's difficult to leave behind the little animal that has been my immediate family for almost a decade. Any suggestions on how to keep in touch with my kitty while I'm gone gratefully accepted.
I'm going to miss this face. Amazing Curriecat portrait copyright Michal Russell, luvUpets.com.
