Rehearsals for the 2006 season of the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival have officially begun! I find that as much as I love the rehearsal process (and you have to love it to do theater, especially local theater, since more time is usually spent rehearsing than performing), I love my nights off equally. One doesn't appreciate a free evening until most of them are claimed by something. My favorites are the unexpected nights off. Like tonight, for example, we were supposed to have a second read through of Macbeth, but the director decided that we did such a lovely job of it last night, that she didn't need to hear it again tonight. This means my next rehearsal isn't until Sunday evening. At which time we will be doing preliminary blocking on the ballroom scene for The Three Musketeers, I believe. We might be doing something else, but I think I have it right.
I love theater. How else could I get foully murdered and almost have an affair alternately? Well, I suppose I could do those things in real life, but I could only do one of them once, and I don't think it would be too much fun. I'll do my best to stick with being murdered (almost) on stage. And, since I'm not the type to give a man twelve diamonds as a token of my affection, I'll save that for the stage too.
Endearment for the week: Sweet Pea (it works equally well on men, children, dogs, cats and horses, that sort of broad appeal doesn't happen too often)
Soon, I will go back to cleaning up and moving around. This weekend might be the last weekend for Tropicana Nursery. One part of me is very sad. Another part of me is ready for it to be over and done with. Especially the stupid people asking annoying questions part of it. Who knew that a closing sign would bring the morons out of the woodwork. I was pretty sure we would see people who had never shopped at the nursery before, but I didn't realize how many vultures would descend, or how rude they would be. I don't know why people think they are allowed to be insulting during a clearance sale. Sure, stuff is looking ratty, but that's because what's left is all the oldest stuff, the nice things went first, but saying how bad everything loooks is not going to get you a better deal. At least, not in my store.
Harley's rules for bargain hunters:
1.) I don't mind bargaining (I used to mind, but I've gotten better), but be polite, it'll get you a better deal. And, I won't make faces at you behind your back.
2.) Don't tell lies that I can easily see through. I've worked in the store for 10 years, I know who our regular customers are. I might not recognize you if you only come in a couple times a year, but come in more than three times in a two month period, and I will remember you for awhile (I can't promise forever, because information gets pushed out to make room for new stuff).
3.) Start with a compliment. It doesn't have to be much. "You have such interesting plants." "It's fun to look around." You know the sort of thing. It puts me in a more receptive mood to you asking for a better deal.
I'll post more when I think of some. If I think of some. Three might be enough. Especially since one and three are much the same. :-)
Talk on ya later,
Harley
