Zombies and Labradors

This is it guys. The proof you have needed. Zombies exist in New York City. I'm serious!

There is this breed of humanoid that doesn't seem quite right. They have this strange waddle that has no purpose, no rhyme. They simply sway to and fro with no thought to destination or hurry. Sometimes they have headphones, sometimes simply hoods. Sometimes they even walk with their eyes closed! Some of them fall asleep where they stand, others find a nice train car to huddle in. Some talk non-sense, some ask for money with compelling stories of the children and elderly. I have no idea if they eat other humans, or if they eat at all (although about half of them are quite large in size). But they are ever-present in the myriad throngs of New Yorkers, flocking from home to work and back. They are always there to slow down the crowd, add that particular stench to the subway or make one grateful for the home he can return to. Zombies are very real and not at all a figment of lore. It's fascinating to wonder where they go, where they come from, where their families are. Definitely something I have loved to ponder in my time on public transportation routes.

In serious contrast: Labradors. Cute teenaged labradors. Blonde, white, chocolate, jet black. They are all there and they stay in the ferry terminal. No joke. There are so many of these year old, maybe two year old labradors that just sit in the terminal with their handlers in uniform. They sniff nothing but are not allowed to play. I sincerely believe they are being desensitized to great crowds in order to be better at their jobs later. I went to pet one once. The handler wouldn't let me saying, "Then she won't work." But they are so darn cute I just can't resist!! I want to play with them all. Le sigh. One day I will ask and discover the purpose of these ridiculously adorable pooches chilling out in the Staten Island Ferry terminal.

I had my first lesson with Mignon Dunn on Tuesday. What an amazing woman. She mentioned repeatedly how I had a good voice and informed me that there was nothing seriously wrong with my technique. I just need some straightening out, as she says. She even wants me to start competing this summer! She called today and suggested I audition for some small roles, just to get on stage. We will do some readthroughs on Friday at my next lesson. She is so great. We warmed up and I'm not nearly as rusty as I thought I was. We did some exercises to loosen up my vocal chords and she agrees that I can begin to move toward more dramatic coloratura things. She says I could definitely do La Traviata (my dream role) and I could do Rigoletto and probably Mimi later on down the line. I am so excited that she still likes my voice and still ehars potential. I was so worried for a bit!!

I finally got a job!! It's only a part time so I am still hunting for anything else to pay the bills. But at least I have this! I will be working in an office on the fifteenth floor, my cubicle looks west and I see the Empire State Building with the sun making a grand exit behind it every day. I am so excited. My boss is very very nice. He seems like a decent, honest guy with a good head for business. He is particular, but kind. And it's a foot in the door. All I needed was this one break. Now I am searching for a church job and/or a synagogue job that pays.

I met a man last weekend. We have had a blast these last few days, talking and geting to know each other, doing touristy things together. He is so sweet to me and treats me like a princess. He is Italian and lives full-time in Milan but would love to spend more time in the states. It is crazy how life can change in an instant, in a week. Everything is looking up, my friends. Life is good and I am exactly where God wants me to be. That is enough.