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From Go-Quiz.com

This was my horoscope today. I rarely read these, but saw it and since I’m rehearsing a play right now it made me think of that.

You’re not one for sloppiness. Sure, you’re a relaxed, easygoing person, but that doesn’t mean you suffer fools gladly, or suffer foolishness gladly, especially when it comes to your work. You want things a certain way, and as soon as you make this clear to the people you work with, the better it will be for everybody. Communicate well and lead by example, and sloppiness will be a thing of the past.

I’m not sure how that qualifies as a horoscope though – aren’t these things supposed to predict what will be happening to you?

It’s true, though, that I don’t take foolishness in my work very well. I mean, there’s two different things: Fooling around, having fun, being silly, keeping things light, etc… but then there’s screwing off when there’s work to be done, and that really bugs me when I’m trying to put a play together. Sometimes it’s a fine line, though. I know that I often run a loose ship in the sense that I like to laugh, and I think allowing others to enjoy their work is a good thing. I also know, though, that when we I need to buckle down, I can do that. So, yes, sometimes I find myself working with someone who can’t seem to find that distinction between “keeping it light” and “interfering with the work”.

You know what I mean? There’s a point, for instance, in a rehearsal when it’s okay to crack a joke, break the room up, and then slide back into “work mode”. But – or maybe especially – in a room full of talented, creative people, sometimes that moment sparks a series of laughs, or jokes, that go on too long and break the creative flow and progress of the work.

It’s a fine line.

I think, though, that learning to manage that line is key to the success of any leader. Allowing people to enjoy their work, and the people they work with, is so important to the success of any project. Managing their talent is one thing, managing their morale is another. Being tuned in to the balance needed between work and play is vital – knowing when lightening the mood is the right thing to do, and being able to feel when we need to buckle down and focus; these are crucial skills for a person who’s trying to lead a group of people he’s depending on for the success of the project. Too much levity, and no progress is made. Too much joyless work, and people get stressed, frustrated and unwilling to put forth more than the bare minimum.

A fine line.

Internet connection has been wonky the last couple days. I think it’s all better now.
Today, a whole selection of miscellaneous journaling/ramblings/whatever.

Tigers
Oh my.

It’s the 4th inning, and the Tigers are getting spanked, 9 to 1, by the White Sox.

Mamma said there’d be days like this.

I mean, they are the world champions, so you have to give them a little credit. Still, it’d be nice if the Tigers could remember what it was they did the first 5 games to go undefeated, y’know? They’ve lost 3 games in a row since then and, unless something big happens, are on their way to losing this one.

Williamston Theatre
Tonight’s a big night. Our final Open House, but even more importantly, a big fundraising event at the same time: our Silent Auction. Read all about it! Because of the show I’m directing, I can’t be there, which is frustrating. Still, the rest of the staff rocks, and some Board Members and volunteers will be running it with them, so it’s going to be great!

Directing
The show is going well. Working with students again is fun. A great group, they’re doing very good work. We’ll be sliding into tech’s after Easter, which will be fun – there’s a huge amount of tech for this show (booth tech – lights and sound), and although the set never really changes I’m betting the Stage Manager and crew are easily looking at over a hundred cues.

Family
They’re great. My lovely wife Jeanne is awesome, and our son Max is turning 6 in just a couple weeks! I have to recount this story about our 8 year old, Maggie, though. In fact, it’ll be even easier to just paste in the email from Maggie’s teacher, who sent it to Jeanne:

So we are doing a quick lesson on antonyms when I ask “What’s the antonym of SAME?”
Maggie raises her hand all proud and I say, “Maggie, come on up!”
And she says…”NOT same!”

More soon. Time to go run some errands and enjoy the fabulous weather!
Oh, and as I prepare to hit “Save Entry”, the Tigers have come back a bit: it’s 10 to 7 now!

Quick addition to yesterday’s posts about jobs I wouldn’t want to have.
Driving around this morning, I saw a truck from an auto-parts chain, and on top of the truck was a giant hat. A giant fiberglass replica of the same ballcap the driver was wearing. Company logo and all.

I do not want to have a job where my vehicle wears the same uniform as I do.

I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career.
-Lloyd Dobler

So you have days when you think, “Yep. No question. I love what I do. However, what else could/would I do with my life?”

Today I was thinking of things the other way.

Things I would not want to do as a career. Not because there’s anything wrong with them, or the people who do them, just because I don’t want to! So, for fun, I made a list. Feel free to add to it!

Things I would not want to do for a living.
Be a prep cook.
Stand by the side of the road during construction with the “Slow” sign.
Be the person at the gym who has to spray and wipe everyone else’s sweat off the machines.
Fly a plane.
Other people’s taxes.
Work in a meat plant.
Prison guard.
Other People’s laundry.
Dentist.
Coal Miner.
Data entry.
Ketchup taster.
Cucumber farmer.
Crocodile wrestler.
Bouncer.
Foot Doctor.
Urologist.
Proctologist.
Opthamologist.
Defense Attorney.
Hockey Team Clubhouse Attendant.
The guy who drives the big Gasoline Tankers.
Telemarketer.
Plastic Surgeon.
Actually, ANYTHING in Plastics.
Telemarketer.
Waiter.
Mens Club bathroom attendant.

I’m sure there are more.

According to an article in The Detroit News located here, a prankster made a very official looking sign, and mounted it on a signpost in Detroit.

Click on the pic to make it big, and guess which one is the fake!

Man, I drive right through there often, I wish I could’ve seen it!

As it was given to me, so I shall give to the world…

Here is a spot featuring my friend, Mike McCafferty. A hard working actor, writer, husband and father, Mike makes cunning use of his eyes and the top of his head in this stirring piece of work that stands as a testament to the glory of theatre, film, acting, storytelling, and yes…Iced Tea.

212,137 guys tried out for this role.