It keeps on ticking.

Well I've almost been in Europe for a month.

I still have over a month to go.

What am I learning?

There are many beautiful cities and areas in our world that must be seen.

Also, communication is very important.

As a director, it's all about communicating. Communicating ideas to an audience, communicating with performers, communicating with production people.

Our world is covered with people who speak so many different languages. It's incredible. To learn how to speak in these different languages is both incredibly frustrating and enriching.

What greater way is there to fill our time and experiences than by being with people and feeling something new?

In Weimar

Well I'm here.

For those who want to know or were wondering where on earth I am, I'm in Germany.

I'm here for the next two months in the "most cultural city in Germany".

There you go.

The program started today and everyone has arrived well and good.

It took a bit to get here, train, bus, plane, bus, train...

But we've arrived.

More to come once I've had some time to look around.

Schuss...

Penticton, BC

I'm sitting on a park bench.

Not just any park bench but a park bench that overlooks a lake.

Not just any lake, but Lake Okanagan.

Why does this matter?

Well, I'm sitting in the middle of Penticton, British Columbia.

This little place is special to me because a small time ago, I was born in this little (now bigger) place.

I moved away when I was a year old and never returned.

I had always laid claim to my birthhood.

"I'm a BC baby."
"I'm a West Coast kid."
"Penticton! Andy Moog and I."

Deep down I felt some shame at having no memories of this beautiful place. I didn't feel as honest as my BC friends who returned to their province regularly.

However, my true colours are showing now. In Whistler, the gondola man said, "You look like a regular. I never would have pegged you coming from the Big City."(Toronto)

The beard is looking nice and good as my curly locks are flowing.

BC is saying welcome home Joel.

I like it.

The mountains are looking me straight in the face and saying, "Where've you been? It's good to see you."

The trees are whispering, "we've always been here, about time you ventured back."

The smog free air is sauntering by singing, "Let us cool you down as you walk along our beautiful beaches."

The sun is saying, "I turned up the heat JUST for you."

I'm diggin it.

White Rock, Whistler, Vancovuer, Abbotsford and now Penticton.

My first real selfish holiday has been above an beyond what I had expected.

Thank you BC for taking me back...

changes

Went rollerblading.

Got a rock caught in the wheel.

Instant crash.

Blood on the face, knees, wrists.

Next day, go rollerblading.

With new pads on the knees and wrists.

Isn't it great that we can still learn lessons as we get older?

Where has the time gone?

Phew...

So much has changed.

But not really.

3 performances of Boheme done, 9 more to go.

It's been a great experience. Working with energetic performers and going to the office at the Four Seasons Centre could not be better.

It's been a great experience so far.

What's next? I think Germany for at least a month is on the horizon. It should be fun and am already starting to work on the Deutsch.

Warm weather brings bike riding and roller blading. Truly incredible.

Nephews are all dedicated and two birthdays in the month of April are great!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIRSTEN!

Love you sis.

Late night with Jimmy Fallon

I don't know if anyone else has been consistently watching the progress of Jimmy Fallon, but I have.

I've watched all 3 episodes, and am currently watching his 4th.

The kid is getting better.

The first episode with Robert Deniro was a classic case of awkward sweating.

But now he's warming up.

I think he'll stick.

He's young, relate able and seems like he really wants to do this.

I miss Conan, but I'm excited to see how him and his comedy will do in LA and in a Late Night prime time slot.

If you have the time, check out the early clips of Conan and give Jimmy Fallon a chance.

It just keeps on keepin' on

Even if you go to a new city, everything keeps going.

Though I'm not in Toronto, life still goes on there.

My nephews are still getting larger every day...

I know that it's a simple fact of life and isn't that mind boggling, however it is a nice reminder that we are not at the centre of the universe.

Things will survive without us.

People don't depend 100% on us, there is always someone who can step in.

It's a simple, healthy reminder...