Thursday, June 5, 2014

Something Of A Ramble: Regarding Prep For Summer Departure, Budget Planning, And Likely Another Thing Or Two.

It's currently about 29 hours (+/- a bit) until I climb aboard a Greyhound bus to start off for my 2014 Summer stock gig in Michigan. As I mentioned previously I'll be at the Tibbits Summer Theatre as the mainstage properties master. And, as almost always happens, I find myself in a bit of a 'dither' about the packing of my gig bag(s).

Not so much about my tools, as they are a pretty standard collection based on a compilation of some of the published I.A.T.S.E. lists for required tools at a call. I started with the list I received in a tech direction class circa 1982-ish. Since then I've adjusted and reorganized things a time or three, in part based on personal experiences as to what I've needed, and in part based on research as to what lists from various other designers/technicians use and travel with. So that packing is, in the main, complete. The other components of my traveling ensemble are, however, another matter.

My wardrobe selection will need to be drawn from any 'fat clothes' that I can rustle up, as I have gained several inches over the last few months. Which is frustrating because 1) I want to get back to a healthier weight and 2) most of the 'fat clothes' which I do have are in storage in Alaska, since the clothes I wore when I moved up there were larger sizes but then I trimmed down somewhat and so put those clothes away. And the items I packed for my Summer stock gig a year ago were all in my 'skinnier clothing' spectrum. [An aside: Wow. It has been a year since I was last in Fairbanks. Sigh. No wonder I get angsty about some things...Anyway, enough of that digression for now.] Fortunately, my brother had some jeans that will work so I am not working completely from scratch.

I've traveled with drafting paper and related supplies before. I'll probably be packing some of that again this trip, less for the needs of the Summer gig than for the needs of some various projects that continue to ramble around within my synapses. Beyond those items I do find myself working through my packing options for any additional art supplies, since I have some supplies here (though most still remain in storage in Alaska) and as I do not want to have to make any more purchases during the gig than I absolutely have to. So, beyond some sketchbooks and related items I am debating the various merits of 'not having something and needing it versus having something but not using it'. Herrmn.

I'm hoping to spend as little as possible out of my pay this Summer. Yes, that sentiment is often expressed and, unfortunately, doesn't always meet with success. But I think that my current plan is a solid one, to wit:

         **Based on current calculations, after taxes I should be clearing ~$212/week.

         **The theatre does provide for direct deposit, which will (I hope) prevent the classic 'I have cash in my pocket' syndrome that can often scuttle a budgeting plan.

         **Using those numbers, I intend to only use a maximum of $12/week for food, etc, leaving the  rest to be applied towards school (both past due and saving for the Fall). Granted, that will only give me ~$1,800 towards those items. However it is at least a step in the correct direction.

         **I've been fortunate enough to be able to 'raid' the pantry here at my brothers. So that, plus a  few dollars spent at the local Dollar General, has let me gather together some peanut butter, rice, lemonade mix and dried cranberries to form a starter pantry. And since I often lived on less during  my most recent academic year at UAF (2012-2013) I feel absolutely blessed.

I'm still working on finding funding/scholarships/sponsorships/etc to allow me to return to UAF in the Fall so I can complete my Bachelors degree program there. Just 11 hours of core courses required. Sigh. I've been digging through any items I have to sell, but the first item I listed on Ebay (a commemorative coin from before the opening of EPCOT) has not yet sold even after being re-listed 6 times. Sigh yet again. If any of you reading this have any leads on finding funding/scholarships/sponsorships/etc please let me know...

Well....reflecting on this I must say it has turned into a bit of a ramble. So, even though I suspect that I could ramble on about other topics I need to return to my preparations. More entries, in regard to other schtuff, to come.

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