Power tools are sexy

As part of my Christmas present to my mom, I agreed to put up some track lighting. I'm not wholly sure why my mom thought I could do this, or why she particularly wanted track lighting, but hey. My favorite part of Christmas was always putting together the elaborate presents (dollhouses were awesome projects!), and I am a stage electrician, so I guess this could work.

After a trip to Home Depot with my handy uncle and alot of instructions, I flipped the breaker and started work. A couple trips to Home Depot, many expletives, and some jerry-rigging later, two track lights are in the air.
The Dude was hugely helpful with the flashlight and extra hands. My dad was thoroughly displeased at the fact that someone other than him was doing something around the house, and was not doing exactly as he would. And he failed to point out any of his concerns until I was up to my eyeballs in this project. It was so frustrating to try to juggle the family crap and the levels of ingenuity required. But they look so cool!

Crap for breakfast

While none of today's crap is new, I get to deal with it this morning.

Driving back from Chicago, my "check engine" light came on less than 100 miles from home. Took it in to have it diagnosed. Bad catalytic converter. Estimate = $500. While it could be infinitely worse, and I can drive it to my regular mechanic in Charlottesville, it still rather sucks.

Currently, I am on hold with my bank to dispute a charge. Contrary to my statement, I did NOT get an extra $10 as cash back. Ugh.

On the bright side, I got to try on my new Christmas clothes, including a variety of warm and fuzzy things. And I watched a really cool, rather creepy episode of House I TiVo-ed. Next = laundry!

Pre-Christmas crazies

Christmas is possibly more fun as a spectator sport than a participant.

While I fell asleep to Nightmare Before Christmas, there has been a tightly organized baking schedule in the kitchen, secretive wrapping, errands, shopping. I decided to get out of the house and watch the crazies. Had to get hair goo, which gave me prime gawking at grocery stores. Decided to check out the hippies at Whole Foods. Very satisfying.

I spent some time cruising around observing the "decorations", including an inflatable snow globe complete with a carousel inside. Which is not as heinous as some of the tear-down/build-ups around Northern Virginia. Modernism is great, but not out of context, surrounded by Cape Cods.

on the tube: Ocean's 11.

Driving

Probably not the most brilliant decision, but I decided to drive home for Christmas. Originally, I thought it would be cheaper, and mean I would have my car, setting my own agenda. Little did I count the expenses of the stupid turnpikes, or the fact that my sister's car was still available. Because I totally would have flown, instead of slogged through 13 hours in the car.

Admittedly, I managed to break up the drive over 2 days. Drove to Toledo yesterday, stayed with cousins, who were sweet, if slightly surprised to see me. But I got the stamp of approval from their two dogs.

The good = awesome mpg. rocking 40mpg! The bad = hours in the car, ending with the engine light on. But I got home with both me and the car in one piece.

But let me tell you what I think of the turnpikes, plural. Skyway to Indiana Turnpike to Ohio Turnpike to PA Turnpike. And while it's great to fly across flat highways, it's not great to drop crazy cash on the privilege. Also not great - food options. Unless you are addicted to McDonald's. And only need to pee or refuel in 53 mile increments. Ugh. I rather chafe at being told what to do, beit on the road or in life.

Driving also makes me pretty mercurial. I get pissed off easily (you should see the bruises I left on that air machine at the River North BP), but am easily tickled by little things. So it evens out, I guess.

So now I am beginning the holiday binge. Lots of baking going on upstairs (with my essential quality-control tastings), and now I am watching the Pillsbury Doughboy do a dance. I love TV sometimes.

Little lies

I'm not sure when the mental switch went off in my brain, but I have come to the creeping realisation that I am rapidly approaching old. Maybe it's all my friends not only getting married, but having kids (I know of 5), or that hanging out with 19-year-olds requires a different set of references. But 30 is there, a not-s0-distant speck on my horizon. (I see Domestic God's impression of the 30-Vortex now, and it makes me giggle).

Don't get me wrong. I am very excited about my upcoming birthday, not particularly because I relish being that much older, but because I am really done being 27.

So yesterday, as I chatted with the sales chyck at Ruby Room, purchasing my awesome patches (wearing one today, feel great, smell even better), she mentioned that she knew people my age in Charlottesville. "How old are you? 24, 25?" To which I replied "25." Which is not outrageously wrong. I just felt dirty for accidentally becoming one of those females who lies about her age. I can't believe I just became a cliche.

Another little "lie". I prefer saying "Happy Holidays" to "Merry Christmas". That part is true, but somehow, it feels like a lie. I celebrate Christmas, but I am not going to presume that everyone does. Some people hate Christmas, but love the idea of Holiday as days off from the routine. And there are a BUNCH of holidays between now and January. Take your pick - Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, Festivus for the Hipsters. Celebrate a few if you are ambitious. I like Happy Holidays because it is cheery and inclusive. Seasons Greetings sounds generic and cold.

But I have noticed more people humming "Christmastime is Here" lately. Nice, since it is probably my favorite Christmas carol. And largely agreed to be one of the least annoying (as surveyed by the Trib).

In a muddle

Mental weather report: stultifying fog.

I'm not sure why I was so. Stuck at work, I couldn't even read the news articles without losing interest. And coffee only made me jittery. All complemented by Radiohead. But Ruby Room finally had the aromatherapy patches (lemongrass for energy and mental clarity). Got stuck in crazy traffic, but I wanted to snap up a pack before they sold out again. Can't wait to try it, or at least feel something resembling functional.

Now I am coveting Isabelle's very cute shag haircut from L'Auberge Espagnole...

Social calendar

I'm not sure when or how it happened, but suddenly I have a raging social calendar. It's great, if slightly odd for a former couch-dweller.

Last night I met some of the interns at a Wine Bar for the 365 Plays Project, featuring short plays by Suzan-Lori Parks. Just sitting there made me feel erudite (which is lucky, since I didn't really "get" all of the plays). But I sat there in my black turtleneck discussing archetypes in Asian theatre.

Tonight, I headed uptown to watch Gilmore Girls with my cousins. Especially fun as my male cousin urges Rory to dump Dean, getting all into it and pretending like he doesn't know all the words to the Bangles.

Met up with J. right after to sit in Clarke's so passers-by could admire her new haircut, as we discuss experiences with high school Shakespeare.

Tomorrow, I am seeing the show one more time before going to Green Dolphin for swing night. Got comped into Blue/Orange Saturday. I feel so cool!

on iTunes: "Defining Moments" - Carol C Remix

Eco issues

Walking home after running errands, I was accosted by a guy from Environment Illinois. Usually people want me to sign petitions, which I can't actually do, since I am not a full-fledged resident of Illinois. This guy just wanted some time. And apparently a monthly pledge. The group supports alternative energy sources and advocacy. I completely support renewable resources and eco-responsibility. However, I wasn't really ready to commit to a monthly pledge. Time and energy I will cheerfully offer. Money is just not something I have to offer right now.

Chicago is a little weird about ecology. The city is pretty well-educated and liberal, but they don't have a practical recycling option. "Blue bags" are not effective. Individuals have to procure these special bags, then maintain their own recycling (limited what they even recycle) and put the blue bags in with your trash. So after all the effort and mess, you just have to hope that the contents are actually being recycled. Then the city wonders why recycling efforts are so low in residential areas.

It just kills me to throw away perfectly good materials, like cans, plastics, glass and paper. I still horder plastic bags out of habit. (And will probably end up schlepping them back to VA to recycle, because I can't bear to pitch them.)

The City Council has proposed giving residents buckets to collect recyclables, which is very successful in the suburbs. I'm still waiting.

BackBlog: Thanksgiving

Perhaps because I was so profoundly sleepy after my short trip, I missed out on blogging this.

I was home in Virginia for 3 days. One day at my parents' house, one day with my former roommate, and Thanksgiving proper with my adopted family. Bit of a whirlwind, but very efficient. And pleasant.

It was strange to be "home" or at least in places that were truly familiar. I mean, under normal circumstances, loafing around the house would be the last thing I would want to do, but somehow, it was rather nice. And the drive down 29 was great because I KNEW it. I knew distances, and speed-traps and landmarks. It was nice to give my brain that rest from the constant struggle to orient itself.

The Domestic God was in the midst of a cooking frenzy, which I was happy to be caught up in. He made some of my favorite food (chicken pot pie, apple crumble, etc) as we stood around and caught up and generally talked shit. Ah. So satisfying in ways the phone just ain't.The next day, I drove over to my "other family". Namely the Cheese Fiend's family who has been so kind as to absorb me as the other daughter. The food was magnificent and abundant, the company was political and fun, and I got to pet animals in front of a fire. After gluttonous helpings of pumpkin ice cream pie, Useless Spawn insisted on busting out the Czech souvenir. Looks like Scope, tastes like fire. Quite nearly died, until I staggered into the kitchen to guzzle TNL and pick at the turkey carcass. Because pluckings always taste better.

Snow Queen Links

I went to watch the matinee of Snow Queen, just to check up. Now I am caffeinated and feeling blog-happy.

For the outsider's view of Snow Queen, here are some local links:

Time Out - "Frost Smitten"

Chicago Tribune Review

Chicago Sun-Times Review

and pictures!
("Golden Comb" performed by Babs and Mattie. Oversized bunraku!)


("Rosebush Song", performed by Michael Smith. Very Dia del Muerte)



It's always interesting to read reviews to see what they pick up on, and if they even notice any of your list of peeves or delights. It's also alot easier to read them when my name isn't in them!

on iTunes: "Shot Shot" - Gomez off Gomez Out West
(PS. Not sure why the formatting is off...)

Holiday spirit

With Christmas just about a week away, I am still not feeling the holiday spirit. And I'm not sure how to fix that.

My landlady has decked out her house in poinsettas, which is pretty. I walked through Zoo Lights, my roommate did massive baking the other night, been consuming my weight in hot chocolate, and it's cold out. But none of these is quite hitting the spot. I generally dislike Christmas carols. And since I have no money to spend at malls (or anywhere else for that matter), I am not participating as much. Most of the time, I don't even remember that it's Christmas, other than the occasional pang of guilt that I haven't ordered some gifts yet.

But I may have found my "in". A snarky YouTube mash-up of Scrubs (one of my favorite shows) and Charlie Brown Christmas (probably my favorite Christmas song after a drafting all-nighter). Brilliant, sassy, with a little bit of the sweet. There may be a trip to the video store for some quality Christmas viewing (Charlie Brown, Grinch, Nightmare Before...)

Surprisingly, I am rather looking forward to some quality time in Virginia. Even the challenge of 13 hours in the car. In the past, NoVA has not really been a popular destination for me, but since moving to Chicago, it has become a bit more desirable. Maybe because the food is free and the TV is bigger and I can just be obnoxious to familiar people. But the bed options just can't compete.

on Pandora: "Step Inside" - Gomez (can it be a Gomez song I haven't heard before?!)

Little Children

Saw Little Children featuring the always solid Kate Winslet and the impressively hot Patrick Wilson. Brilliant. Well-wrought. Reminiscent of American Beauty. Devastating.

Also devastating - paying $13 for parking.

on iTunes: "Waiting to Die" - Zero 7

Dancing with the Real Stars

This evening marked the final session of my work with the Dancing with the Real Stars program. Many weeks of Thursday trips to the Southside culminated in a 1-hour performance for parents. And I was pleasantly surprised by my students.

In the past month or so, the class morale has really deteriorated. Instead of wrestling with a huge class, I just wrestled with about 10 kids who could be real punks. Very hard to keep your cool. They didn't understand why they had to review, when they looked sloppy, or why we had to go so slow. But if I didn't spend so much time trying to get them focused, I would have had more time to do fun stuff. As of last week, the demo looked weak and sloppy. But this week, they really turned it around!

It wasn't perfect, but with the prospect of an audience or at least their parents glaring at them, the kids really perked up. We didn't even have to call steps! I guess it finally sunk in, at least a little.

After a series of other disorganized presentations, our dancers looked really sharp. In addition to the 6th grade swing, the 4th graders did a merengue (which I ended up leading in), and the 3rd graders did a line dance. Sadly, the batteries in my camera died before I was able to take any pictures.

Much more energy today. Yesterday I was an absolute sloth. Hence the lack of entry. Because sloths have trouble typing with just three fingers. And what would we talk about other than the fungus that grows on us? But the URTA packet arrived. Now to do some work!

Northwest Winter

If this is what winter in the Northwest is like, I think I could handle it.

For the past 2 days, I have been enjoying a respite from the bitter and vindictive Chicago winter. Instead, it has been in the upper 40s/low 50s and misty. The only reason I wore my coat was because I didn't want to carry it. Or to ward off real rain. And I think it's suposed to be like this for a week!

I am sure after months and months of mist, it would get old. But after about 90 seconds in the bracing cold, Chicago gets real old.

But all the rain has washed the salt and sand and post-snow scuzz off my car!

Minutes from the Meeting

I was up past my bedtime, so today I have been subsisting on blueberry coffee, which works surprisingly well. Like your muffin and coffee all in one. And you know how I feel about muffin.

A long meeting that went over kept me out till nearly 1. A group of interns and I convened at Clarke's (my new fave) for post-opening meeting to bang out some important details. Like what Z should wear the next day (nice sneaks or slumming sneaks?), the merits of a dry-erase bra, kinky sea cow, and the newest form of entertainment at VG - Undercover Hitler. The hilarity only increased when people choked on invisible objects and get the Bears score from mom. Many references to Harold and Kumar, and the appointing of associates.

Terribly productive, don't you think?

Much more productive than my unsuccessful attempts to network. I am not generally a mingler, preferring to hole up in the corner with a beverage and a snarky companion. But trying to casually go up to people you deem "useful" and compliment them and hope they remember who you are besides the chick who makes the coffee is unpleasant. At least with mingling, you can resort to making wholly random, frequently inappropriate comments to people you probably will never see again. (Musings on baked goods, discussions of cannibalism, etc.)

Good thing spiked hot chocolate is just next door.

Zoo Lights

To celebrate the season and relatively mild weather (quite nearly 40!), I walked down to Lincoln Park Zoo after dark to check out Zoo Lights.
From Thanksgiving to New Years, the Zoo is open late, with all sorts of lights in the trees and sculptures, including the Nursery Rhyme Garden. And some nifty animals, including gorillas and lizards and rhinos.It was really lovely, walking under canopies of barren branches flung with different colors. And lots of little kids overdressed in snow suits, struggling to waddle around. One really cute penguin hat (basically looked like the kid's head was shoved up the penguin's butt, but in pastel fleece, it worked), and a kid who just couldn't manage walking over the cords, so plunked on his butt every 10' or so.

Especially festive with the non-offensive Christmas music, and cran-white chocolate cookie I packed. And the 3-D-like glasses they handed out made white lights look like Snowmen!(I don't know if it comes out in this photo, but it was cool, and I nearly tripped on a couple of toddlers...)

After that little diversion, which up until 6PM was the most productive thing I had done all day, I stopped by Starbucks to indulge in some caffeine. A short hazelnut Americano and the De La Guarda soundtrack got me into a focused mode so I was able to finish my Statement of Purpose for my grad apps. Now I just need the stupid packet from U/RTA.

But here is a question begging for comment. What is your "Productive" or "Energizing" music/ritual?

on iTunes: Stevie Wonder - "I Wish"

Good Karma

Of late, I have been enjoying a spate of good karma. When the little things go right.

1. After the snow last week, I have routinely been able to get a parking space right in front of my house. Without parallel parking! And part of it must be that the students have gone home, but it's uncanny, and I love it.
2. Last Thursday, as I approached the vending machine to buy my Metra ticket, I found a ticket in the machine with my exact fare!
3. When the automated parking woulding read my card (I tried to pay inside and at the gate), they flagged me through. Free parking!
4. I don't know if this counts, but I found someone who wanted to see The Holiday with me. I don't know why I wanted to see it, and true to it's word, it's got the nutritional value of jelly beans, but fun mindless fluff.

I never have this kind of luck. It almost makes me nervous. I am hoping this is just to balance some shit things that have happened in the past, rather than balancing what is to come.

on iTunes: Elizabeth Sdtk - "Coronation Banquet"
External Temp: a whopping 35!

My new best friend

It officially became so cold that I overcame my vanity and busted out the Big Puffy Red Dork Coat, henceforth simply called Dork Coat, or perhaps Big Red if I'm feeling zesty.

Got up at the crack of dawn for a temp gig on a day when the high was 17. Thicker gloves, and crazy layers. Fortunately, I had fairly good bus karma, so I didn't have to wait for the cold to penetrate Big Red.

Since I only had to work half a day, I decided to bum around town (read: see museum, eat lunch). And my only regret is that I didn't go to Joy Yee. But the menu was downright overwhelming. Perhaps on Sunday... After I have had some time to pour over the small print.

Taught my little punks. I am having very similar artistic integrity issues as my Christmas pageant experience. I just have to remember that their standards and expectations are so low, that anything I give them will be good. Still frustrating that I can't get them to shut up for more than 12 seconds to dance. A week before performance, they are sloppy and asking why they have to practice so much! Mental note - do not teach 6th graders. The only comfort was a teacher observing saying under her breath, "And I thought my class was bad."

But Big Red. Even as I was nearly blown off course trying to cross Michigan, Big Red held fast. Anything covered by Big Red stayed not cold, and usually even warm. Even my arms! I discovered new flavors of cold-pain in my ears and cheekbones, which I tried to fit in the coat, with minimal success.

And it's fun, because the coat is so puffy, it's like lounging in bed. Although I do sort of envy the ankle-length puffy coats. Like walking around all day in a sleeping bag.

And while some girls can pull off winter-wear with a hint of chic, with their skinny jeans tucked into Uggs, and waist-length coats, I'll take the Dork Coat and all it's bulk!

on iTunes: J.Lo - "Walking on Sunshine"
External temp: 13F

Hotel Cassiopeia

Tonight, I went down to Court Theatre in Hyde Park to see the newest collaboration between Charles Mee and Anne Bogart's SITI Company. In general, I love Anne Bogart, but am not crazy about Charles Mee. But this production really opened Mee up to me as something very cool.

(Thoughts captured on the L, lest public transit completely suck out the beauty and romance of the moment)
Hotel Cassiopeia inspires me to make art. Perhaps it was the presentational style, or perhaps it was the artist-subject (Joseph Cornell). Because collage has always felt like an appeal and approachable medium to me. I understand that precise aesthetic arrangement. The idea that everything has a perfect place, based on its relationship (visual/spatial/thematic) with the other objects or items. The play made me feel creative impulses, whch strangely are visual media rather than theatre. Make tokens to send people. Collect items and images that remind me of the Cheese Fiend, who would have liked this. And with whom I would have liked to have seen this.

It also makes me deliciously covetous of everything on stage, from a teabag to a cigarette to old movies and a 3-speed bike. I could watch it all over again and still be amazed.

The play created stunning images and energies. It evoked the sense of wonderment and simple bliss the artist lived in and tried to recreate in his collage boxes. Shared understanding.

I also find myself increasingly attracted to ensemble-driven, non-realistic storytelling. More interesting visually, and something I haven't gotten much of before. Which is not hugely surprising, since I have always valued ensemble. But I guess non-realism is like my recently-discovered appreciation for modern art (thanks Brussels!)

(there's something wrong with my Ii key and it's bugging the hell out of me.)

on the radio: Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Californication"
external temp: 21F

Soup!

After a couple of totally lazy days, I tried the whole being productive thing. Got up at a reasonable hour. Finished reading a script that has been lingering on my desk. Watched the end of Funny Face to return to the library. Guided grocery shopping which brought home real food instead of my usual crap. But it's easier to walk away from prepacked goodies when I have fresh gingerbread sitting at home.

Sat in rehearsal to watch some trims and tweaks to the show. I am torn, because the whole point of previews is to try out the show on audiences and tweak accordingly. Then again, this cast is not the quickest to adapt, combined with the heavy tech details. But we made it into the Red Eye!

Came home and made soup! During my trip to VA, I was reminded of how much I love Velvet Corn Soup. So I did my best impression, which turned out pretty well! And now I have the leftovers to look forward to to warm my afternoons.
I must confess. I took the dork coat out for a spin, and it was damn toasty. And oddly comfy in its squishiness. Although it is not so cold that I am ready to drown my vanity in red puffy coat just yet.

And now I am juggling grad apps and the HBO miniseries on Elizabeth I with Helen Mirren. Interesting as it is overlapping with Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett, which I love.

Slacker Sunday

Can't say I accomplished much of anything. But it was a good day. Probably because it involved some quality time in my jammies. Like I even pulled a Ramona and just pulled real clothes on top of my monkey pants and went out to get food. The irony of which was only highlighted when I was fumbling for my ID.

I'm not sure what the source of my lethary is. Perhaps it is the need for down time, or real food (a cheeseburger definitely helped that) or maybe that doing anything would involve going out in 15 degree weather. Not so much a fan of that. But so REFRESHING. Yes, we'll stick to "refreshing", which sounds so much more promising than "mind-numbingly icy".

Tomorrow I do work. Or try.

*Shiver*

Can I tell you? It's FREAKIN' COLD here. After a less than thrilling snow, it is just damn chilly. And the highs are not due to top freezing for a whole week (17 as a high?!)

You hear that hollow thunking sound? It's the sound me banging my head against the desk because I just told my mother I was staying through January last night. What the hell was I thinking? Temporary insanity?

My office has a huge window which sucks heat away from my shivering person. Which is pathetic, since I have on 3 layers. I mean, at least when the huge wall-o-window sucks heat out of my bedroom, I can burrow down into the covers with my tres dorky nose-warmer on (thanks, Cheese Fiend!)

It makes me covet tres dorky apparel like these heated cargo pants.

And my fears have been confirmed. Walking to work, I saw dogs dressed in clothes. One white dog in a Gap hoodie, a pair of Scotties in matching Burberry.

This does not bode well.

on Pandora: Ox - "Shot Me Down"

Snow Day

First real snow of the season was a bit of a disappointment. They had been calling for 6-10 inches. I moved my car. People busted out the (hot pink designer) salt and sand. We got maybe 4 inches.

I woke up with my alarm at 8, thinking thoughts of being productive, but looking out the window, I went into full-on Snow Day mode. I rolled over and slept for another hour. When I woke up, I brushed my teeth, and climbed back into bed to watch Pride and Prejudice in my jammies, eating peanut butter out of the jar. There is something about Jane Austen that is so conducive to lounging and crappy weather. (And the movie was not-too-shabby. Not BBC, but I liked how it captured the social energy.) So cozy. Took a snooze, watched the snow taper off before heading downstairs for some tomato soup and grilled cheese. Ah.

Braced myself for weather by donning my fleecy socks and W&M sweatshirt. I look like a way dork when I am all bundled, but I have not resorted to Big Red Coat yet.

And the weather was just perfect for the 1st preview of Snow Queen. And topped off by a yummy hot chocolate.

Big sleet

OK, I am listening to a feature on the radio called "Your Request Sucks" and I feel a little guilty because I have most of these songs in my library. But it is impressive the depths to which people can go (Beauty and the Beast? Anything Toto? woof)

Not much to report other than the crappy weather. Cold and big sleet. The only good part about big sleet is that the other option is big rain. And big sleet bounces. Big rain soaks your undies.

Dealing with more annoying people, including 6th graders with crap attitudes, and artistic staff who consider you disposible or invisible.

But at least I didn't have to come up with a big story to get my parking permit.

on the radio: Billy Ocean - "When the Going Gets Tough" (which I don't have in my library)

Half and half

Today could be split in two. And if I could eliminate the first part, I would be a bit less bitter.

After nearly a week of lovely 60+ degree weather in Chicago, the cold front came through. Torrential rains and a 30 degree temperature drop. But first, the rain. It was storming up a, well, storm as I enjoyed my morning oatmeal, but I figured it would blow over by the time I had to walk to rehearsal. And as I walked the first block and a half, I thought I was right. It hadn't completely stopped, but largely under control. In the course of half a block, the skies opened up. My slicker/umbrella combo was completely pointless, as I was super saturated in record time. Especially as the rain found a perfect stream down to my skivvies. By the time I got to the theatre, I was laughing, partially because I was so supremely wet that I could not get wetter, and partially because I knew I had dry socks and sweats tucked in my bag.

I stripped off the outerwear and dashed for the washroom, where I proceeded to strip, depositing my sopping clothes into a sink. Then dried myself and my puddle before extricating the delightfully dry clothes. And I promptly excused myself backstage, where I tossed my stuff in the dryer. I felt especially proud of myself, since my planning meant I was not the goofy-looking intern sitting on the dryer in my undies waiting.

Techs as a general rule have great suck potential. Tempers are short, you are locked in a dark room doing the same things over and over again for ages. Unfun. And when I attempted to share some creative insight, I was promptly verbally bitch-slapped to the gutter by the director. Ouch. But it's okay; it's not like he even knows my name.

So I left rehearsal under pretense of teaching, came home, watched House and Scrubs, finished Devil in the White City, and debated the merits of going back. I mean, going back suggests that I found intern-abuse acceptable, but not going back suggested I was a wimp. Tough call. Since there wasn't anything amazing on cable, and I didn't feel like working on grad apps, I went back.

Chatted with box office staff, had an intern bring me a cookie, then sat and made snarky comments for the rest of the evening with one of the interns from the last show. Ah. And after rehearsal, she and I went next door to the 24 hour diner that serves sweet potato fries and alcoholic beverages. Mmmm. Spiked hot chocolate is an excellent way to cap off an evening. Especially as you discuss various celebrity pairings (Angelina and Edward Norton?, Johnny Depp and Scarlett Johanssen?)

With the combo of my favorite medical shows, and the second half of rehearsal, my day was reclaimed.

on iTunes: Cake - "I Will Survive"

Tech lessons

First day of techs went pretty well, or at least as well as could be expected. Not terribly active for the interns, but part of the learning experience. I learned a variety of things, including:

1. Rehearsal is about creating pictures. Techs are about creating transitions.
2. Proper puppetry can not be conducted in shoes. Socks are acceptable, barefoot is probably ideal.
3. Musicians are both a sound tech's dream and nightmare. They know exactly what they want, which doesn't always match what they can have. And it makes everyone ornery.
4. Remind me when I am old that long hair in ponytails and too much eye makeup makes you look older, not younger.

But it is the exciting part of the process, as the familiar merges with new tech elements, like lights and costumes.I am also perpetually impressed by the performers, who are some of the most fun, laid-back I have seen during techs. They find ways to amuse themselves (and us) unobtrusively while cues are being built. Great focus. Let's see if that holds for tomorrows 10-out-of-12.

on iTunes: Joan Jett - "I Love Rock & Roll"

Getting my geek on

To celebrate Free Monday, I walked myself over to the Chicago Historical Society to finish the main exhibit I started last week.

The Museum has one extensive exhibit on Chicago, appropriately. The exhibits on the World's Fairs and Lincoln were small, but displayed in beautiful architecture. And while I like the content of the City exhibit, it is a bit difficult to navigate because it is set up anti-clockwise. Which is difficult for text-based chronological exhibits.

However, there were 2 temporary exhibits that I found pretty cool. One was on the music scene, which featured a map. That included Charlottesville!

Almost as weird as seeing Williamsburg on the map at the Doge's Palace in Venice.

And an exhibit on local artist, Ed Paschnack (sp?) Influenced by pulp and Warhol. Some of his art burns your retinas, but way cool! Including a piece on Lewis and Clark he composed shortly before his death. (I don't think I can post those pictures.)

Maybe if I am motivated enough, I will get over to the Field Museum tomorrow before techs, while it is still lovely outside.

Home for the Holidays

Traveling for the holidays = not quite what I expected. But that isn't particularly a bad thing.

Sure, I was cursing the buses at 6.50AM on Tuesday, but that has more to do with public transit than travel. And it does teach me about faith. I have faith that I will get where I need to go. Or that if I don't, then that is what is meant to happen. *sigh*

I was braced for crazy humanity and security. Yeah. It took me about 10 minutes to check in, get through security and plunk butt down at my gate.

But I had a total Home for the Holidays moment. One of my favorite movies, putting the fun in dysfunctional. So the protagonist Claudia is flying back to MD (from Chicago!) to spend time with her crazy family. And her mom played by the marvelous Anne Bancroft chides her for not having a coat, providing a hideous, huge pink thing. Sure enough, I step off the plane, my mom asks if I have a proper coat, then produces this monstrous, fire-engine red down puffy coat. And I think the major way it provides warmth is not so much the down (which is pretty squishy), but the fact I could probably fit another person in there with me. Any takers? Ideally skinny geeks? But excellent for hiding my Turkey-day related gluttony!

Mostly loafed around the house, rearranging my fam's TiVO, going out for some Chinese at the place we used to order from when I was little, for my sister's birthday. It was good to just hang around with a sense of ease I don't usually enjoy. Complete with dorking out to History Channel.

no iTunes: Watching a special on Blue Man Group

Full Day

This is the kind of day I like. Busy all day.

Rehearsal started a little early today, so I stopped in before work. Enjoyed the fact that my Saturday job is 2 minutes from my internship. Where it was very quiet today, making it that much harder to screw up, and giving me time to do grad research.

Then dashed back to rehearsal to watch the staging of Act 2.

Walked home to make a small dinner before catching the 22 to see Caravaggio. Love getting comped. Hate diva patrons who show up late and act offended when they aren't let in. I owned the fact that I was late and the show had started. I was willing to wait for intermission, but since they had to accommodate the diva, they snuck me in too. And I found it funny when the house manager apologized during intermission.

The show was visually unified and pretty. I think more of Caravaggio in terms of his light rather than figures. But a nice piece of theatre.

Sadly I did not run into the other intern I thought would be there.

Oh, and it's NICE here! A few more days before the cold sets up permanent camp.

So sleepy

Amazing how getting up BEFORE the crack of dawn can make your day so difficult.

Because my mother is terribly practical, she decided to multi-task. That since she had to deliver me to the airport by 7AM, she might as well do some Early-Bird Black Friday shopping. And take me with her to get some shopping done myself. Ostensibly a great idea. But the fact that I was barely standing up made it a little difficult to strategize in terms of Christmas. I just wanted to find the display bed and curl up. But at least she let me sleep in till 5.

Plane sleep is a joke. Your eyes might be closed and time might pass a bit faster, but it's not exactly restful. And even if it was, it's a short flight.

Straight off a plane, onto the L and the bus. Rush home to change, grab my script and some oatmeal (because 6 hours later, I still hadn't consumed anything) then off to a long rehearsal. During which I had to fight to stay awake, sometimes unsuccessfully. Not even espresso could help me.

So now I am finally home, in my jammies and I am so tired I can't fall asleep. Annoying.

But Virginia was so nice. A little strange, occasionally difficult, but I am so happy I went. More posts to come about that. The short version - I saw people, enjoyed the familiar and great quantities of excellent food.

Maybe if I turn on the toob, it will just put me into such a stupor, I will pass out...

on iTunes: Dido - "White Flag"

Chicago Dog

Behold the Chicago Dog.

Ingredients: Vienna Beef hot dog, steamed poppy-seed bun, yellow mustard, bright green relish, chopped onions, a pickle, tomato slices, peppers and celery salt. Please note the complete absence of ketchup.

Yes, under all those toppings is an actual hot dog. There is some debate about char-grilled versus boiled. But ketchup is a universal no-no.

This and a side of fries is what I had for dinner tonight. Not sure what the siren song was that lured me in there (other than the coupon burning a hole in my bag). This was a necessary experience in Chicago, but not terribly a good idea.

With so many toppings, I had been hoping the Chicago dog would be so gross it would be nasty. Because I have been known to eat gross things (tuna on peanut butter, Eurotrash). This was so gross it was just more gross. I had to wimp out and pull off one of the peppers.

So here is my theory:
I grew up on microwaved hot dogs in a slice of white bread and ketchup with rice and Campbell's pork-n-beans. Apparently this is blasphemy.

Mustard is acceptable on hotdogs, and in my adulthood, I have come to appreciate it.

And the Chicago dog seems rather well-dressed. And mustard is basic, like underwear. So having a dog with mustard is acceptable because underwear is fundamental, if a bit bare. And ketchup is like socks. A nice complement to other toppings, but silly on its own. But all the Chicago dog toppings are a bit of a taste cacophany. But it did make me miss my Carolina Lo-Dog (with pork BBQ, slaw and hot sauce on top of a 1/4 kosher beef dog).

no iTunes tonight.

Tidbits

1. Very disappointed that the students are going away. Not because I will miss them as much as the super-slacker student mass at 9.30PM on Sundays. Nice and late, never a conflict, and guaranteed to have a priest I like. The kind who make fun of Go-Gurt in their homilies.

2. Had dinner with my local cousins who are so pleasant and domestic. And then we went to get custard at Scooters. In November. And I got the very last of the Pumpkin for the year!

3. Rehearsal is finally proceeding into staging. And it is very interesting to watch the collaboration of various artists and the delicacy involved. And the puppets ROCK! Absolutely mesmerizing.(this is the Snow Queen puppet on the floor.)

on iTunes: Snow Queen OST - "Once Upon a Time in Copenhagen"

OK Go

I had heard whisperings about it, but I finally remembered to check out the OK Go Treadmill video. All I can say: Omigod Amazing. I was perma-grinning for like an hour. It's terribly clever and infectious. And then upon further YouTubing, I discovered some of their other choreographed videos.

I remember first hearing OK Go when I was listening to WNRN when I first moved to Charlottesville. And now I am rediscovering the Chicago natives.

You must check it out here or here. Then check out their other stuff. Way cool.

Teaching

For a change of pace, we decided to show our dance kids a movie. Given that they have to skip class next week, I didn't think this was the best choice. Especially given how ornery they were acting last week, I didn't want to reward that.

I brought Take the Lead, which I checked out of the library, and a 6 pack of popcorn. I expected happy, pacified, QUIET, even grateful students. Nope. I got a bunch of punks. Everyone was super-chatty, which I guess I should have expected from a bunch of 6th graders. Did not expect them to complain about the popcorn, require breaks every 5 minutes, and be generally annoying. If the popcorn is so bland or burned, then why isn't there any more left on your paper towel?

And I am still the Bad Cop, because the other instructor waltzes in, and pops the extra bags of popcorn and lets them do whatever. I guess this is the difference in approach. Babysitter vs. teacher.

Now to try and teach them choreography.

watching Scrubs!

Day in the Life of an Intern

Decidedly unsexy. But not without perks.

On an average day, not unlike today, I will photocopy, fill parking meters, make coffee (which is at least an improvement from fetching it), and whatever else needs to get done. For the most part, I let my helpful side try to quell the bitter resentment. Or as Cheese Fiend helpfully put it - "personal favors."

After getting to know the stage manager from the last show, who is also working this one, I have become Intern #1, which mostly means I am the first person she asks for things. It does also mean that she sends me in with the director to observe staging (and take blocking notes). So it was great to watch a professional work, especially within the frame of a musical.

I have discovered that the key is to be the only intern there. For some reason, I have break-thrus on those days. On my first only-intern day for Snow Queen, I found myself sitting between the stage manager and director. (That's the other part about being Intern #1, I get to share the table with the stage manager). Unfortunately, this causes people to mistake me for a stage management intern instead of directing intern. Pesky.

And of course, the one week I will miss multiple rehearsals is the week we are doing staging. Ugh. But I can't get out of my plans, and I am too excited about going home to bail anyways. C'est la vie.

And my intern status is not limited to the confines of the rehearsal hall. I had a moment in a Trader Joe's (my first). What an amazing store! Blueberry Wheat Beer (being an intern makes you, um, thirsty), all sorts of hippie organic shit I covet but can't afford on my unpaid internship. Including some Canadian brie. Smear it on a crusty multigrain bagette with dried cranberries. Mmm. I was having major cheese lust. And if I thought I could justify the expense, I was certain I could not restrain myself from eating the entire wedge, because I have been having a bout of gluttony lately, and am generally pro-cheese. (And without the Cheese Fiend to slow me down, shame me or at least half the wedge with me, I REALLY couldn't do it.) Instead, I enjoyed a delicious and nutritious dinner of honey-wheat pretzel twists and chocolate frosting. I tried to get excited about an orange, but it just wasn't happening. Oh well.

Lest you think interning is all woe and deprivation, there are perks. Like knowing the box office staff who subsequently comp you into shows. This is excellent. Now if only these people also worked at more theatres...

on iTunes: Aphex Twin - "Stone in Focus"

BackBlog: Red Moon Spectacle

from October 9.

Chicago has a very diverse theatre scene, which includes alot of performance/circus arts. I saw Aloft Loft's Halloween show, as well as the annual Red Moon Spectacle. Red Moon does alot of spectacle-oriented work, playing with puppets and alternate storytelling. The Spectacle is staged in different outdoor space, with a different theme.


This year, the theme was Twilight Orchard. Staged in Columbus Park, which is bordered by water. Reminded me very much of Wunderkammer in Charlottesville. There were multiple stations featuring some image or character or vignette. There were also traveling skits and eerie waltz music. Very Alice through the Lookingglass.

It was fun to watch, both the spectacle and the other people. Little kids didn't quite know what to think, teenagers struggled to act jaded, and adults looked a little curious. It filled me with a sense of wonder and excitement. It was fun to straddle the line between spectator and participant.

I liked watching not only the costumes, but how they did tech in a park, the roving cart with Source 4s. Interesting group dynamic.

I posted a bunch of photos on flickr, too.

no iTunes. Getting me some Hugh Laurie hottiness via House.

Jesus Pizza

At least twice this weekend, I felt the hand of God directly intervening. Not at all grandiose or mystical, but I definitely felt like someone was directly addressing my concerns.

I had been deliberating whether or not to fly back to VA for Thanksgiving. And on Saturday, I was asked to work an extra two days at work. When I did a rough estimate on how much extra money I would make, it totalled 80 cents more than my plane ticket would cost. I took it as a sign I should fly to VA. So I will be celebrating a Cville Thanksgiving!

After super-slacker, student mass (9.30!), they had "Hospitality". I love Hospitality Sundays. Some sort of goodies (cake, juice boxes, etc.) on your way out. And this week, it was pizza. I have been craving pizza for like a week. But I without someone to share a pizza with, it is difficult justifying it. Also, I am not a "deep dish" kind of girl. In Chicago, this can be tricky. And I had staved off the temptation all of Sunday, especially since there is no place that just sells slices open on Sundays. Then, at the the end of my day, Jesus provided pizza! It's like he knew. Right up there with the Papa John's sticker we tacked to the fridge at Yellow House - "Your pizza experience managed by Christ" Who knew Jesus did delivery?

To follow up on the Jesus pizza, I bought a frozen diGiorno pizza for dinner last night. And that also hit the spot. Nice and crusty, lots of cheese. And no cat hair in my garlic sauce. Admittedly, no garlic sauce, but hey.

on Pandora: Holden & Thompson - "Come to Me"

Hair day

Pretty slow day, but it started well.

craigslist in town is filled with offers of free hair cuts and colors by student stylists. A few years ago, I had my hair highlighted for free at Carden Salon. It was very luxurious, and the tips of my hair are still brassy.

Today, I got a straight trim, for which I was way overdue. It was good to clean up all the split ends. And I got my hair washed, which I really love. Ah. Pretty smelling product and a pleasant stylist. I'm not really the chatty type, but we discussed recycling, which we both feel strongly about. Blow dry and flat-ironed.

I am a low-maintenance kind of girl. Wash, airdry, rake out. Mostly because I don't care that much, partially because I am ridiculously inept with such girly technology. It usually ends up badly, like multiple curling irons tangled in my crunchy hair.

Still thinking about hacking it all off again, but given how staticky my head gets, I hesitate making it any easier to look like the victim of a Van de Graaf generator.

BackBlog: Line Dancing is Hip?

Thursday afternoon means taking massive transit down to the Southside to teach dance to 6th graders for 2 hours. This is generally a tricky proposition with the kids, who have been at school since 8AM, and expected to retain some shred of attention span till 6.

My class size has fluctuated anywhere from 10-28. Unfortunately, the school keeps changing the format of their after-school programs, as well as their offerings. Somehow, Dancing has to compete with Construction. And construction is where the cool kids are. I have seen students of mine slink out of the cafeteria to join construction. And without any attendance sheets or clout, there is really no stopping them.

Unfortunately, the kids left in my class are not so much the ones who really want to dance as much as the ones who just aren't slick enough. I have also discovered that I am forced to be the Bad Cop, because I actually make them dance instead of lounge around or take millions of bathroom breaks, like Mr. Lamar (my co-teacher) will let them do. Then he comes in and puts on some hip-hop and teaches them a line dance they all love. Happy to see them excited about dancing. Not so happy about always having to be the bad guy.

But it was fun to watch. They have all these steps (with names like Chicken Noodle Soup), and they just bust out. Very dance-off.

(I would have posted this on Thursday after teaching, but I was mega slug who pretty much went to bed before some of the 6th graders I teach.)

Stupid Weather

Talk about capricious! Yesterday, it hit 70 degrees at Midway. Tonight, they are calling for snow. Well, flurries. WTF? If you want seasonal, come here. You can get three seasons in about 36 hours!

And to usher in the cold, we have had thunderstorms all evening. Under normal circumstances, I am a big fan of thunderstorms. Curl up on the bed with the lights out and watch the lightning out my wall-window, listen to it rattle against the skylight. Awesome. Walk home and back in under 2 hours = not awesome. This wasn't even a nice warm summer storm. No. It was 40 and blowing big drops. In the three blocks between the theatre and me, I got damn-near drenched. I also learned the value of a hood, especially versus an umbrella, which in the Windy City is merely a plaything. Given, the wind will blow your hood off, but the recovery is much quicker, no schlepping extra equipment, and generally more likely to keep you dry-ish.

And I was smart enough to pack an extra pair of pants and socks on my way back to the theatre after dinner. So I sat in the booth and ran captions in fleece-lined athletic pants and dryer-fresh socks. Ah.

And tomorrow it's just supposed to be cold. Not DAMN cold, but cold enough to require layers. Current estimate - 4.

on iTunes: Badly Drawn Boy - "The Shining"

Different dilemmas

Just past the halfway point in my internship/Chicago adventure, I am beginning to debate my next step.

The options:
1. Stay in Chicago. Pros: Great theatre scene, I like the city, I have a great place to live.
Cons: Damn cold. No playmates.
2. Move to Portland. Pros: Jenny. NOT damn cold. Cool place to live.
Cons: Another new city to learn and adapt to.

Grad school:
1. MFA: Ideally Wisconsin, if they would ever contact me. Con: Very difficult to get in to.
2. MA/MS-> PhD: A different approach. Less practical, more academic. Then again, I am a geek.
3. None: Degrees are not required to work in theatre, although they are helpful. Then again, maybe theatre is not my grown up future. (Had a bit of a creative crisis last night at Argonautika. I don't know if I will ever be able to do something that cool, because I am more editorial than "creative". *sigh*)

Easier:
1. Stay in Chicago for Thanksgiving: Wander around the zoo, or go with cousins to their family. Be available for rehearsals.
2. Go home to Charlottesville: bit more money, but the food and company would be amazing.

Thoughts?

on iTunes: Verve - "Sonnet"

Random thoughts rolling around

None of these are individually blog-worthy, but I'll dump my mental detritus here.

1. Gorgeous weather. Suddenly I am a fan of 50+ degrees. But tomorrow looks like 60s! Just 2 light layers!

2. Feeling jealous of a VG intern who I just learned also scored my 1st choice internship at Lookingglass. Erg. Shame he's so pretty too.

3. Of late, my abs have been very achy. Feels like I have done hundreds of situps, which my slack ass has not. Not sure how to explain, just hoping that my abs are kicking into gear without my direct effort.

4. I'm a big geek. Rented a documentary on Ancient Greece from the library. And it was awesome! Narrated by Liam Neeson. And I was all excited when I not only knew the place they were showing, but also knew I had been there! Woo! I should not have been as pleased as I was. On a Saturday night.

5. I was very disappointed to hear that Neil Patrick Harris is gay. Surprised, not so much.

6. Debating the merits of a haircut. Or more accurately, how much. It's all nasty on the ends. But trim or hack?

No iTunes. Watching Daily Show's Midterm Midtacular.

First Day of Rehearsal

After a month's down time between active rehearsal schedules, Snow Queen has started up. I have really been looking forward to this project for several reasons, including the visual concept and the director. I had seen the design presentation in workshop a couple of weeks ago, and was totally thrilled by the prospect. And as I have been doing more googling of my director, the better that part of the opportunity got. Frank Galati just finished with Pirate Queen, which is headed for Broadway. He also directed Ragtime, which is possibly my favorite musical and/or novel. Actually, I worked on the regional premiere at North Shore Music Theatre! Also, one of his proteges is Mary Zimmerman, who created/directed/adapted the Metamorphoses (the one with the pool) which struck me as elegant, brilliant and innovative. She specializes in retelling classical tales in a physical way, which are two of my pet interests. And I am seeing her Argonautika at Lookingglass tonight.

Well Frank struck me as very positive, energetic and someone great to work with. He walked right in and introduced himself, starting with the interns. And there are 3 of us. But the other interns seem very qualified. One is more dramaturgical. But it did bring out the competitive in me. Like I was talking to the Literary Manager about potentially directing a staged-reading, and the other intern started asking me all about it. So on one hand I wanted to tell her, because it is a cool opportunity, but on the other, I tried to guard the info. Oh well.

I am hoping that this project will have some real requirements or jobs for me. However, given the director and scope of the project, I think this is one of those projects that I really could learn by observation. Which I can't really say for the past project. I learned a different set of lessons which didn't have much to do with my craft as much as my industry. To put it politically.

First rehearsal was mostly the band trying to get through the songs, which frequently change. But they are terribly clever and amazing to listen to. Like I can't wait to get a CD and play it in my car.

Gotta run and catch a damn bus. Get out and vote, if you haven't already!

on iTunes: Cole Porter's "So in Love"

Ben & Jerry's

OK. I haven't posted anything in a few days partially because I have been extremely lazy, but mostly because I haven't had anything really blog-worthy to post. Unless you want 4 consecutive entries of: I'm lame. Worked, lounged in monkey pants, ate crap. Rinse lather, repeat.

So today, with absolutely nothing on my agenda and a beautiful day out, I forced myself to do SOMETHING. After a lazy morning, I pulled on a fleece and walked around the south end of the zoo. Spent some quality time in the monkey house again. The gibbons were extra feisty today. And I saw the world's biggest bunny. It was the size of a Volkswagen or something! I mean, it probably weighed 30 pounds.

And after a nice walk around the zoo and Lincoln Park, I decided to treat myself to a pumpkin cheesecake sundae from the Ben and Jerry's a couple blocks from my house, and conveniently between the park and my house. However, much to my infinite chagrin, it was closed. Like permanently! Ack! I was crushed.

However, I was delighted when my sister called and reported that Ben & Jerry had sent me a package. You see, I am a proud chunk spelunker. And if I could prove that I had tried at least 10 flavors, they would send me free stuff. And it was alot of stuff! It made my day! Woo! Ben and Jerry love me. Enough to write a personal note and everything.

I love Ben and Jerry's. Delicious, clever, socially responsible and fun. The most reliable men in my life. Always there when I need them.

Chicagoween

Halloween seems to be very big in town. They set up a Halloween house downtown, and Midnight Circus performs multiple times every day.

Lots of theatres do special Halloween shows. All of the bars were decorated with various flavors of Halloween festivities. Including a special guest appearance by the guy who played the principal on Saved By the Bell for the truly frightening.

Being lame and costumeless, I only ventured out in my jammies to get a donut from the White Hen. But I was impressed by the number of people I saw in costume. Lots of stupid girls dressing like sluts, like Halloween was a special occasion, as opposed to their standard-issue sluttery. Of the pair I had to follow behind the other night, I saw that one girl was entirely too comfortable in a leather micromini and thigh-high fishnets with garters. Her friend - not so much. Apparently opted for cheap thigh highs, no garters. And was constantly tugging at her costume or pulling up her saggy nylons. So annoying.

Saw a guy dressed as Pooh Bear, who I would be much more likely to talk to at a bar than the guy dressed as a breathalizer, complete with the blow tube conveniently located at his crotch. So classy.

But the best costume came at 9.30AM. A very smooth, suave guy in a black velvet suit, with black shirt and tie. Slick. Shaved head and a pair of horns discretely stuck to his forehead. He looked like a bad-ass demon. Or Aziraphale from Good Omens. I almost had to ask to take his pciture, if I wasn't running late for work.

on iTunes: Nicola Conte - "Arabesque"

Aerial Dance

Didn't post yesterday. I got distracted during my usual blog time.

Of late I have been on an alt-theatre kick. So instead of a more usual kind of play, I drove past Wicker Park to see Aloft Loft's Ghost Stories. It was a collaboration with Strange Tree. About the grizzly tales of 7 Dead Brides. The drama was less than fabulous, but I loved the aerial dance part. Trapeze acts, silks, whatnot. All in a tricked out garage.

Which is when I decided that I want to learn Silks. Like big lycra trapeze hammock. Spinning and flipping and climbing. I am nowhere near in the right shape to start, but now I am motivated. Looks incredible.

And a different flavor of aerial was me nearly being blown down Michigan Avenue. It was gorgeous outside, nearly 70, so after work, I walked around the park and enjoyed the lingering sunlight and t-shirt weather. The final hoorah before I perma-bundle.

Seeing Argonautika next Tuesday, hopefully. The Mary Zimmerman production at Lookingglass.

on iTunes: Elliott Smith - "Rose Parade"

Out and about

Much to my delight, it was absolutely stunning when I woke up this morning at 9AM! Outside my window, the leaves were bright yellow, the sky bright blue, and everything else generally bright. I almost felt guilty for burrowing back down into my sheets. Until I remembered the time change! Woo! Making it wholly acceptable to loll in bed, because what was I going to do with myself at 8AM on a Sunday?! Like having your cake and eating it too.

I puttered and lolled in the morning, before committing to spending the day out. I strolled around Lincoln Park Zoo with zero agenda, watching the OCD caged cats, the penguins (!) and small children. Wandered into the conservatory where I got a little picture happy. I think I like flowers because they are easy. They don't protest or grimace or dart (like those penguins). And the light filtering through the glass roof was a nice effect.









To sate a 2 week craving, I went to RJ Grunts and had a cheeseburger. And my what a fine burger it was. Like splurting and messy good. I opted against the pumpking blue moon in the interest of time. But it was funny, chowing down on a messy burger, at the bar, watching the Bears game. There is a certain air of disbelieve and giddy in Chi-town regarding the Bears now 7-0 record. It almost makes me care about sports. But not quite.

Took the #22 down to Daley Plaza to watch the Midnight Circus performance as part of Chicagoween. Lots of balancing, due to the small space. But they had a bunch of cute Asian 7-year olds in shimmery body suits and braids, as "spiders" or contortionists.


Ducked out the show a little early to wander down to the ArchiCenter to catch a tour of Historic Skyscrapers. I figured it was one of the last days I would actually mind being outside for any length of time, and I had been meaning to admire some architecture. Very cool. From Beaux Arts to Art Deco. Looked at the Field Building, the Fisher Building, Rookery, etc. And our tour guide explained all the postmodern in-jokes of the Harold Washington Library.

I got some serious touron-on, but it was fun. I love being in the city, which is still a manageable size. And it was arguably one of the nicest days (weatherwise) since I have been in Chicago.

tunage: Proclaimers - "I Would Walk (500 Miles)"

I feel old.

Woke up this morning to two surprises.

1. It's actually sunny and gorgeous out, instead of the more typical misty.
2. For a moment I thought I was back in high school.

Realization 1 was a bit of a disappointment because I have to spend my day in a quiet office, apparently screwing things up. I think my brain is protesting. Or perhaps the space cadet just inhabits my brain on Saturdays. It's unfortunate.

Realization 2 was a bit more complicated. I knew all the songs on the radio, loved it. Then I heard the chilling announcement: All 90s weekend. Ack. The music I routinely like and relate to has been relegated to promotional weekend programming. I listened a bit more closely, and I heard music I carpooled to high school with. Music I learned to drive to. Music I learned to dance to. Music I listened to in dorm rooms. Music that is evocative and familiar, when I first became acquainted with music. Am I really so old that my music is OLDIES?

Add that to my conversation with the Cheese Fiend regarding W&M Homecoming and 5 Year Reunions. Or perhaps even scarier, 10 year High School Reunions.

I had largely accepted the whole "friends getting married and having babies and buying houses" and such, mostly because a) it happened pretty early and b) it was happening to them and not me. Admittedly, still not happening to me (no complaints) but still weird.

Oh well. I am giving into my antiquity and listening to the station at work. And it's kinda fun to hear songs I forgot about, like the Sunscreen Song. Although I could definitely live without the early 90s stuff (who really needs a reminder of junior high? Not me.)

currently: PM Dawn - "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss"

Beltway baby

For someone who grew up inside the Beltway, even I was impressed by the level of traffic bullshit in Chicago.

I had to be at my teaching gig on the Southside early. And the weather was crappy, cold and rainy, very not conducive to public transit. So I decided to drive. Mistake number 1. Because I thought it would be more time and cost-effective. Mistake 2. And I took Mapquest's advice to take the Dan Ryan Expressway. (Big) Mistake 3.

Mapquest said it would take 20 minutes. I allowed an hour. Which is funny, since it took me 90. Severely uncool. By comparison, catching a series of buses and trains (which are on different payment systems) takes about 70 minutes. I mean, I have gotten used to the fact that getting from point A to B, unless it involves walking less than .5 mile, ideally not involving major intersections takes longer than it should and is a huge pain in the ass. Why do you think I live within blocks of where I work?!

Because of the midwestern concept of Express (by which I mean the local lanes were travelling faster than us on the Express), I was 30 minutes late for my class. I felt like an ass. I also probably took 2 years off my life yelling at all the stupid around me (buses that seem to think my bumper is negotiable, construction in random places, dumb bitches on cell phones, people who don't understand stop signs, pokey pedestrians, the list goes on.) But I do make the most interesting noises when they don't completely form expletives and general curses. Completely draining in both directions.

Lesson learned. Take public transit and hate it.

But at least my Wonderfalls DVDs arrived today!

And for a random gem, courtesy of Tim Gunn:
"Aside from looking as though she's just been dragged out from under a truck that tried to run her over, she always looks like she's in need of personal hygiene," Gunn blasts to Us. "The whole package to me is just repugnant. Ugh!"

Ah.

on iTunes: Foo Fighters - "The One"

Here Comes the Rain ... Again

I live across from a lovely park, inviting me to jog around it, to enjoy its urban oasis thing. And I actually seriously entertained the idea of tying on the sneaks and trying it today. Except that it is raining. Again. And the only thing worse than running in the cold would be running in the cold and wet. But I figure Mother Nature is trying to tell me something, because Chicago has experienced its coldest and wettest October on record. Which largely sucks (we've seen some flurries, I had to break out the coat, and the umbrella). But at least it's not just me.

Besides, it's not like I am a jogger. I don't actually like running, so I can't say I am overly broken hearted. If I am going to do something fast, I am going to samba. Although I am trying to get moving indoors. Pushups/situps during commercials. Which really motivates me to watch more movies, but hey.

And here is some random:
Why are wines called varietals? What is wrong with varieties? What makes wine so damn special? Oh wait, I remember, the people who make it and sell it are the same people who use dumb words like "varietal".

And along a similar alcohol-infused vein:
"Excuse me. Can I get a real bottle? I'm an alcoholic, not a Barbie Doll." - from the new movie Mr. Woodcock

on iTunes: KT Tunstall - "Other Side of the World"

Crumbling Tower

As a sign of the times, with the ubiquitous mp3 players and subscriptions to Netflix, old school music stores are falling by the wayside. Tower Records recently announced that it was closing (at least its Chicago locations). This is sad. I remember being in high school and hitting the Tower to feel cool and get more interesting music. And now I have to go into the city to get my HotTix.

However, being the bargain vulture I am, I decided go to the Clark Street location to see what I could find. And I was completely blown away by the selection of CDs (organized by more genres than Rock and Classical - I mean, they distinguished between Ambient and Dance!) and DVDs. I was also blown away by the prices. And not the "gobble up these bargains" prices. The "no wonder Tower is going out of business" prices. Even with the 20% "everything must go" discount, I am STILL paying less for these DVDs online or at Target. Why would I pay $35 for Kinsey? Good movie. Not $35 just to peel the Tower sticker off.

And they didn't have Wonderfalls anyways. Good thing I bought it online! And if you are patient enough, the shipping is free too from deepdiscountdvds.com.

No iTunes. Catching some Daily Show.

I can be domestic!

So it is a rarity bordering on aberration, but I cooked tonight. Not only did I cook a dinner for me tonight, but I prepped meals for the week. That part definitely never happens.

Since only the big pack of chicken tits were on sale, it was variations on the theme of chicken. Which is lucky, since that is pretty much the extent of my repetoire, unless you count pasta and stuff that comes out of a box.

Tonight: pan-friend chicken with spices, baked sweet potato and green beans! (which i managed not to burn or catch on fire.)

I prepped apples for a curry dish with couscous, and yes, more chicken. And curried chicken salad.

My shelf in the fridge looks so full. Of real food.

And while I cooked, I did some iChat and played some tunage. But Ernie the Fat Pug did not find my grooving to Humpty Dance amusing.

Later, while mauling, er... delicately enjoying the sumptuous meal I fixed, I was reading an article in WSJ that made me kind of annoyed. Well, so annoyed that I couldn't finish the article. About parents who take their infants (not children, infants in diapers whose ages are still measured in months rather than years) to see psychiatrists. As if they would be able to head off depression or anxiety at that age. The only anxiety I see here is parental. I mean, these babies don't understand basic language or relationships, I don't think they are going to really benefit from psychiatry. Besides, these parents haven't had enough time to truly screw the kids up...
(the slate article linked here)

on iTunes: Digital Underground - "Humpty Dance"

Marathon madness

Yesterday, the streets of Chicago were clogged with nearly 35,000 runners for the Marathon. I avoided it like the plague.

Marathoning is like a cult. People training can't find anything else to talk about, the virtues of challenging yourself, and running for a higher cause. I think it's crap. Why would any sane person voluntarily run 26 miles, and pay $90 for the privilege of doing so in misty 40 degree weather, crowded along with thousands of others? I just don't get it. The only reason the marathon was run in the first place was because Ancient Greece was not so up on the combustion engine. And we all remember what happened to that guy, don't we?

But one of the big controversies of the marathon is the idea of "banditing". Banditing: running in any or all of the marathon without paying the entrance fee. Is it fair for people to run? Is it safe? I guess people use the Chicago marathon to "train" for other events. And some people run the last leg along with a friend to support them as they debate the merits of giving in to the bodily desire to die in the streets of Chicago. Some pro-marathoners get very upset at the idea of these people using valuable Gatorade they didn't pay $90 for. That's some damn pricey Gatorade. Others argue it is unsafe. Those of a more subversive bent recommend deliberately banditing to protest the exorbitant fee.

The guy, a Kenyan, basically slid into the finish line. Skidded on a discarded number tag., but since he skidded forward, he won. Conked his head really good. They blamed his disorientation on the head injury. I blame it on the madness involved in marathon running. I mean, how do you run 26 miles in 2 hours and 7 minutes?

Theatre Tidbits

For a Sunday, today was pretty productive, especially in the theatre department.

I got up early (9.30) to make sure I was not receiving my wake-up call from the cable guy again. Because even after 3 visits the month, apparently not all of the cable can work at the same time. Got up early, no slacker mass for me!

Snow Queen workshop was mostly a jam session, as Michael Smith, the playwright/composer, worked with the musicians and 3 actors. It's terribly cleverly written, and after a presentation by one of the artist-designers, the production will be visually stunning. Revolve, scrolls, puppets!! Almost the complete opposite of the current play in the same space. And I am very excited about Snow Queen, because the director is supposed to be absolutely brilliant and innovative. And very well-connected...

I had to leave from the workshop early so that I could get half-price tickets at the Goodman for Vigils, Noah Haidle's new play. Mission accomplished! $10 for professional theatre.

The Goodman reminds me of the LiveArts DownStage, with an extra tier. Even on the mezzanine, I had a great seat.

Vigils - apparently a bit of a sequel to Mr. Marmalade. If he wrote Mr. Marmalade for his girlfriend, this was in response to her leaving him. Not quite as well-paced as Mr. Marmalade, but interesting. About a woman whose husband died 2 years ago, but she refuses to let go. With a healthy dose of chaos.


But as I was waiting for the show to start, I was amused to hear the people next to me talking about Denmark. And they really got it! I had to prevent myself from telling them I worked on it. I got my landlady tickets for the show today, and she just raved about the show and the space. It was great to get that kind of response, especially for such a cerebral drama.

Chicago Tribune review of Denmark.

And just to confirm that Chicago is my kind of city - every so often you get a whiff of the chocolate factory. Dreamy and torturous all at once. But not to be confused with the Chicago Chocolate Factory where Cheese Fiend and I had amazing food, served up by a cute boy who fed us lots of free goodies.

More workshop tomorrow, and maybe a script review. (unless I give in and read Anansi Boys instead).

on iTunes: "The More You Ruv Someone" - Avenue Q

Breakfast options

I got the hardest part of my day out of the way at 8.30AM.

I had to eat crow for breakfast. Not tasty, but at least it was a small dose, rather than the whole bird, bones and all. I had to apologize to the 5th grade teacher I rather abandoned by quitting a teaching gig. Alright, I am a total git for accepting the job, then backing out, but after extensive time with my lack of paychecks and a calculator, I determined that there is no way I could afford to both teach AND stay in Chicago at the same time.

But since I was up early, I stopped by the farmers market. Where I sampled some amazingly smooth maple coffee. And unlike most of my other coffee experiences, this coffee did not involve copious amounts of sugar and cream to make it unrecognizably coffee. No burned beans!

And in the spirit of this blog, I had a muffin for breakfast. "Morning Mix" which was covered in yummy nuts, and filled with carrot, raisin, zucchini, oats, coconuts, etc. As the guy put it - the kitchen sink. Sadly, I devoured the muffin before I could take a picture.

no iTunes: watching Sliding Doors. Which is largely redeemed from its Gweneth Paltrow-ness by John Hannah (the gay guy from 4 Weddings).