Be Careful What You Wish For...

Okay, so I know I said I wanted a little summer, but what I meant was relief from the June Gloom, not 100* temperatures! Seriously, right after I posted that, the temps jumped up 20 degrees. A gradual increase would have been nice. At least today is nicer. There's a pleasant breeze in my backyard, and opening the door is not like opening a kiln. The forecast shows more hot weather to come however, (yippee) so I'm bracing myself.  I have this feeling that I may spend a lot of time inside my house this summer. Yes, I know, I'm a wimp. Born and raised in Southern California, I enjoy a huge range of temperatures, like say...between 75 and 85.  Anything under 65, and I'm pulling out my parka. Anything over 90 and, well, I just want to jump into the fridge.
Now, if I can get to the beach...I am a happy camper. Most days the shoreline is easily 20 degrees cooler, and although the water tends to be (again, I say this as the California wimp that I am) FREEZING, the warm air feels wonderful in contrast. That said, the beach will not be happening today. Things to do, bills to pay, blah blah blah. So until later, stay cool my friends.

Caren E. Salas

I Need a Little Summer...Now

I woke up this morning in a panic, thinking, oh no! We must have slept in! The whole bedroom was bright, and the sun was practically blinding! I looked up at the clock. 5:20. Ugh! Nope, we didn't sleep in. It took me a few minutes to realize that I couldn't remember the last time the sun was shining first thing in the morning. No overcast skies? Whaaaat?
Today just happened to be the last day of school for my daughter. So I'm kinda' wondering...can it be summer now? I know technically summer starts on June 20 - the Summer Solstice and all that, but come on.  I need a little summer...like, now. And for all my theater friends and those of you who have at least seen the musical, "Mame".....sing it with me, won't you?

Haul out the chaise lounge,
Put on your shades before the fog rolls in again
Fill up the beach ball
I may be rushing things, but get your hula skirt now!

For I need a little summer, ♫
'Cause this year's been a bummer, ♪
Hats and shorts and tank tops,
Bathing suits and flip flops,
Oh we need a little summer,
'Cause this year's been a bummer, ♪
It hardly rained at all this year,
So since the weather's been so clear,
Lets get out the beach towels,
Fill up the ice chest full of, lots of snacks and beer,
Slice up the melon,♫
It's time we pulled the ukulele out and sang "Wow!"
For I've grown a little weary,
Grown a little colder,
Grown a little fatter,
Grown a little older,
And I need a little sunscreen, ♪
Right here on my shoulder,
I need a little Summer now!!!! ♪


Caren E. Salas

And Now for Something Completely Different

Wow, it's been about 6 months since I last posted on this blog. Sadly, it's probably been about that long since I've gone to the gym. In my defense, there were lots of reasons for that. I worked a bit for The Living Christmas Company in November and December. Then, in January I caught a cold; then I was in a car accident; then I caught the flu (I ducked, but it still hit me) which in turn, turned into Bronchitis. In the middle of that I was convinced by my friend Jane, to audition for a play: Oliver. She called one night, saying she was going the next night, and that I should come and audition too. I had 24 hours to get a resume typed and printed, a head shot and a song prepared. Somehow I did it. My husband, Bill cheered me on as well. "Just have fun." Everyone was saying.
Well, I ended up getting cast in the "Adult Ensemble" which really means I have no particular part, but I sing and dance in the chorus numbers. What that means to me is "Oh my gosh, I'm going to perform on a stage for the first time in..." I can't even remember how long it's been. What it means now is SO MUCH FUN!  I am loving it so much, I can't even begin to describe it.  I feel like me again. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mom, and I wouldn't trade my life and my kids for all of Broadway and the Big Time. With my kids being pretty much grown now though, I can get out and do more. It's been so great to go back to this wonderful life that I've missed for so long.
So while I may not be swimming a mile, or working out at the gym, I am getting my exercise. The set has a bridge that goes up one side and down the other. Somehow, the choreography is such that I end up running up and down those stairs over and over throughout the play. Who needs a stair-master?
The only downside is that I have been feeling really tired. That comes with the MS of course, but the occasional late nights have taken a tole. Still, it's all been worth it. Seriously. And as long as I can do this, I really want to do as many of these plays as I can. I know I'll be able to work out a good resting schedule, it's all just been sort of new for me. Well, not "new" but different for my current situation. I'm not the 20-something college student anymore. (Side note: for those who don't know me personally, I have a degree in Theater Arts and was intensely active in Theater when I was diagnosed with MS at 23, and spent a year in and out of a wheelchair. I tried to do some work after that, when I was feeling better, but feared the stress and activity would cause a relapse. At that time there was no drug therapy, and there is still no cure.)
Currently, I have a high school student to take to school early in the morning, my other kids coming and going, my husband to pay attention to, meals to prepare, a house to take care of, as well as many other things to do throughout the days. Boy, and I thought I was busy back then, lol.
So forgive me for not writing sooner, as you can see I've been a teeny bit busy. Hopefully I'll have lots to tell you though, as my theater and life adventures continue.


Caren E. Salas

The Rose Center Theater, Westminster, CA