whirlwind

So, I'm finally back home and life is returning to normal after that insane month on the road. On Sunday night, the PPS hit me pretty hard. Wait, what is PPS, you ask? Oh my friends. PPS is a very serious condition afflicting performers of all kinds. Its symptoms are not unlike those of depression: sleeping inordinate amounts, feelings of worthlessness and sadness, seeking comfort in food and booze. POST PERFORMANCE SYNDROME. In her groundbreaking 1998 book, Power Performance for Singers, Ms. Shirlee Emmons warns of the disasters of post-performance syndrome. It was upon reading this book in college that I realized just how insane singers really are. Although much of the book is downright nuts, the post-performance syndrome is very real. And by Monday morning, I was feeling it. I was thrilled to be home, elated to be with Nick again and not have to stay in another Super 8 or teach another child choreography. But I was feeling...low. OFY was my biggest, best gig thus far and it was over (until fall). I was faced with the idea of returning to the audition world, to my teaching jobs, and to normal, non-tour life. The thrill of performing a role was over for the time being.

I stayed in bed Monday morning until eleven. Then I headed to the gym in an attempt to get some positive energy going (and to work off those five pounds I most likely gained on the road). It felt good to be out on my street, that strip of Andersonville that I love so much. I went to the grocery and got excited to actually cook food again. You see, this is not the first time I've been afflicted with PPS, so I know what steps to take to overcome it. By Tuesday I had no time to even consider feeling bad -- I had to sing two outreach concerts for Music of the Baroque, then race to Palatine to teach lessons, then race back downtown to sing for the big deal MOB conductor. It was an insane day, but I made it through, and I sang a damn good audition (moonlight audition at 9:20 pm, Robert!). The MOB chorus director asked me to do a solo in the outreach concerts, which I nailed and got tons of positive feedback from fellow members and the director. So I've turned things around since Monday morning and I'm feeling like myself again. I've been a bit worried about how much I've been using my voice as opposed to how little I've been resting it lately. Things feel ok, but I know that it's time for a rest. One thing I learned from my previous vocal health crisis is to LISTEN to what my body is telling me. My voice is telling me it's time to shut up for awhile. Luckily I have the ability to do that this month. When you're a freelance musician, it's awfully hard to say no to any gigs, but I'm starting to realize why they tell young singers that sometimes the best thing you can do is say no. I have a very light singing summer, which I think is just what I need right now.

On a non-singing note, we are very busy here in chez Nick/Emily with preparations for "Greece Invades Our Apartment 2008". Nick's brother is getting married here in Chicago in two weeks, so we are housing his sister and her little boy (age three) and his best friend for several days. Chrysanthe (his sister) and her son arrive next Thursday, and Aki (Nick's best friend) arrives on the 14th. It's going to be a bit wild and crazy. Chrysanthe hasn't been to the States in eight years, and her son has never been here. He hardly speaks his own language, let alone English, so I'm a bit concerned about how I'm going to communicate with him. I'm hoping my Greek improves to the level of a three year old in the next month! Aki has never been to the States either, so Nick is really excited to show him around. It should be a really great time, but it will be a little stressful having all these people in my apartment. This weekend is going to be spent cleaning, buying things (like toddler food) and general errand running to prepare for their visit.

This has been an extremely long post, so I will sum it up: Life is crazy here. It never stops. And I love it.