Day Two: Surprise, Surprise

Today was not exactly off-the-charts as far as pleasantness is concerned, but I suppose that's to be expected since I was such an Optimistic Olive yesterday. The day's ills can be outlined as follows:

• Ridiculous, time-wasting obligations
• Having to bear the brunt of someone else's miscommunication
• Impossible-to-memorize lines
• Awkward social triangles
• Getting (what feels like) no support at all
• Feeling like the world's biggest disappointment

Rehearsal went well, with the exception of two things. The first is the fact that several very strong personalities were in the room and, when a relatively simple problem arose, there were suddenly Too Many Chiefs and Not Enough Indians. (I understand trying to be helpful, but sometimes an excess of suggestions becomes more of a burden than anything.)

The second thing is that the messenger lines Shakespeare (by way of Michael) has given me in our scene xviii have little to no alliteration, assonance, or consonance, not to mention inconsistent rhythm. I spent a good portion of last night and the majority of this afternoon trying to get them down -- but alas, I made a yammering fool of myself, instead. Normally I wouldn't have felt this miserable about having memorization problems, but I have a lot of respect for Michael, and he's given me a mammoth opportunity, here, so I'm completely terrified of messing things up.

Yet, despite this rather tepid Tuesday, my mood was lifted by four pleasant Wal-Mart shoppers who felt compelled to ask how I was doing. Also: the world's most incredible music video, courtesy of my beautiful friend Crystal, who is now trapped on an island in the middle of the ocean with nothing but Facebook for comfort.

Anyway, I have to finish The Country Wife (Oh, Restoration comedians! You verbose bastards!) so I guess I'll call it a night. Hopefully tomorrow will be filled with much more ease.