This month: Family, SAG, and Album Release

Gang-Related

Recently, I returned to Jersey to visit with my grandmother who newly transitioned to hospice care. Weeks later, I returned for her funeral. I hadn't committed myself to much during this period, except for being available for this mysterious process of death. While there, I stayed with Kim, the eldest of my first cousins, who often plays the role of big sister when we're all around. All of the grandchildren are girls and you'll note I didn't change my last name in marriage. I may pass down "Arena" yet.

For the first time, I met many Arenas who were great aunts or second cousins mostly living in the tri-state area. I found it interesting that I could tell who was blood-related just by looking at them. While talking about our family, Kim made a joke about a business known as Arena Concrete up in Northern Jersey. Apparently, one of her rambunctious friends passes the place often and when he acts up she asks in a mafioso tone,
"Do you need concrete shoes?," alluding that we're connected to Arena Concrete. Alluding to the notion that we're "connected" at all!

Not much else has been done. I've been teaching as often as they'll allow me up at the boys camp. I'm challenged daily by the rules set out to protect them from their own affiliations. In one class the seating chart jumps from 12 to 15 because the boys get all giddy when they hear their "crew" called. I don't know much, but I did have friends who had friends in the 13th Street gang which I always thought was like being in the Sharks, but without so much dancing. Regardless, the world these kids live in outside have made my life difficult in school. While many of them are faced with drug violence, domestic abuse, have lost one or both of their parents and siblings, while they're families take on the more hazardous jobs like mining or working on oil rigs, while they may be the first English-speaking people in their households, they're making my life miserable because I can't wear the color red or blue freely. We have to watch if they steal pencils to use as tagging devices back in their bunks. I can't mention Easter Eggs without a little outburst because somehow gangs have commandeered the egg as well. I know. My tragic life.

Though I've been working, finances have taken a plunge into a deep, damp well this past year and the rescue teams apparently don't think my money is as important as some nosey toddler. However, while I avoided auditions with the expectation of being called back east to family, I did appear as a featured extra in a webisode. The director promptly placed another imdb credit go under my belt WITHOUT my having to pay a cent. FUN! Moreover, I've been invited into Hollywood's mafia. I received the letter that new actors all anticipate while I was away in Jersey, but to get "made" I need $2300. Guess it will have to wait. At this time, I think they'll be asking me for more favors than is worth the protection they'll be offering.

I'm not too certain, but I am certain that I've been seriously misguided in my individuality and personal responsibility. As I watch how governments dance with corporations and the financial sector, as I study the effect of camp guards (who prefer to be called "staff') on students, as I witness the pride swell up in students who hear their town name mentioned, as violence bursts after sports events that I think are meaningless, I realize this world is jet-fueled by campus-pride. Many of you know this is something I've never quite grasped, but I guess I better figure it out soon because SAG, something my colleagues covet, is knocking at my door and they want my money. Of course, now that I'm back and the substitute assignment is ending, I'm not home. I'm auditioning!

Cosa Nostra,

Me

My grandfather is my obvious Hero this month as he faces the world without his "girl" who saw him through for no less than sixty-five years. You're a brave man. My friend Kevin's fighting for the title, though, by assisting me in finding money to release my album and making sure my music is on AMYARENA.COM

Since Jeremy and I have been traveling a lot, my suggestion for Frugality is to know that you CAN take your lunch on an airplane. You can't take LIQUIDS. So pack a picnic! You can also look at food courts on line and figure out where to eat before your layover. Taco Bell, Burger King, and Sbarro's will all be cheaper than most of your airport places, but I know there's a hotdog place in Chicago with good prices, too.

Music release expected early this spring. Pay attention! NEW SONGS AT AMYARENA.COM

Support my friend's Theater rehab project with a simple vote - http://www.refresheverything.com/rogerstheater