After doing a whole lotta nothing yesterday, it was good to put on grown-up clothes and go outside to get some stuff done. Like visiting a Wachovia ATM, which I have learned to live without since moving to Chicago. Nice to be able make deposits directly, instead of having to mail them and wait for them to arrive and get posted. Hit the post office. Dyed my hair/turned the tub a nice shade of navy. And taught the Dude some tango.
He didn't have to lay it on so thick! He wanted me to show him some tango, because he saw some in a play he was working on, and thought it was cool. I'm sure the neighbors were confused, but it was pretty cool. He's a quick study with nice rhythm. So much better than monster cha-cha.
Currently, I am slowly depositing my accumulated stuff in the trunk of my car, and raiding the house for TP, tissues, cold meds, and food. It's like grocery shopping, only better, because it's free! And I wait for the Steak Hour.
on iTunes: "Dark Come Soon" - Tegan and Sara
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
My fashion sense
In the post-Christmas fashion shows, returns and trades, I have discovered my unique position in the fashion spectrum. Generally, I go for the wash-n-wear look. T-shirts, pants with pockets, clean socks and underwear. The common element is black, but I am willing to do some crazy things with colors.
As the oldest of several girls, I have become accustomed to the "collective closet" concept. Not necessarily voluntary, but if I need to borrow a coat, or someone needs a formal dress, we can consult the closets. In Christmases past, if something didn't fit, you could trade it or return it. This Christmas, when the pants for one sibling didn't fit, I became the happy owner of some new black cargos. The only funny part was that these pants were originally purchased for my little brother. *snerk*
(as a toast connoisseur, he helped me test my newest appliance)
Also mildly disturbing, the fact that my fashion sensibilities largely match those of my 11-year old goddaughter. She had some awesome black pants covered in pockets and zippers, a t-shirt and mismatched, but clean socks. I guess it is only appropriate that I basically wear a training bra.
This is the same 11-year old who totally schooled me at Guitar Hero. It was shaming.
But otherwise, I made out. The socks-n-underwear elves did me well. And now I have a wider selection of leisures to contribute to my scholarship stylings.
on the phone with GEICO/DMV. Grr.
As the oldest of several girls, I have become accustomed to the "collective closet" concept. Not necessarily voluntary, but if I need to borrow a coat, or someone needs a formal dress, we can consult the closets. In Christmases past, if something didn't fit, you could trade it or return it. This Christmas, when the pants for one sibling didn't fit, I became the happy owner of some new black cargos. The only funny part was that these pants were originally purchased for my little brother. *snerk*
(as a toast connoisseur, he helped me test my newest appliance)Also mildly disturbing, the fact that my fashion sensibilities largely match those of my 11-year old goddaughter. She had some awesome black pants covered in pockets and zippers, a t-shirt and mismatched, but clean socks. I guess it is only appropriate that I basically wear a training bra.
This is the same 11-year old who totally schooled me at Guitar Hero. It was shaming.
But otherwise, I made out. The socks-n-underwear elves did me well. And now I have a wider selection of leisures to contribute to my scholarship stylings.
on the phone with GEICO/DMV. Grr.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
the Quiet after the storm
After a non-stop Christmas day, it's nice to be doing boring stuff like balancing my checkbook, or listening to The Godfather (so Christmasy).
Woke up yesterday on another couch, padded upstairs, and the frenzy began. Santa decided that I was low on panties and kitchenwares. Admittedly, I asked for a blender, needed some knives and the toaster is pretty spiffy, but after seeing a pile of big boxes, it was a bit of a letdown. But I also got some leisure pants and tango stuff.
Mass was really over the top. Too much pretention for such a small space. Sat in front of the organ, trying not to look surprised every time the organist really opened it up. The priest sang the gospel and an altar boy nearly passed out from all the incense.
Dim Sum, while tasty, was a bit of a bust. There were too many people and too little food. You could really see the survival instinct come out as we all huddled over the kill, hissing at strangers who tried to get in between us and the steam cart.
Did family presents. My siblings got me a digital camera! Woot! There will be pictures. At this point, mostly of kittens at my aunt's house. They are so excited about the Christmas tree shaped jungle gym that is decked out in a variety of cat toys to bat at.
Everyone conked out on the drive to NJ, where my brother generously lent me his shoulder to drool on. And I made it back to the grown-up table this year!
Now I fight the temptation to wail on some Guitar Hero or Wii-DDR, and do work. Or watch Godfather.
Woke up yesterday on another couch, padded upstairs, and the frenzy began. Santa decided that I was low on panties and kitchenwares. Admittedly, I asked for a blender, needed some knives and the toaster is pretty spiffy, but after seeing a pile of big boxes, it was a bit of a letdown. But I also got some leisure pants and tango stuff.
Mass was really over the top. Too much pretention for such a small space. Sat in front of the organ, trying not to look surprised every time the organist really opened it up. The priest sang the gospel and an altar boy nearly passed out from all the incense.
Dim Sum, while tasty, was a bit of a bust. There were too many people and too little food. You could really see the survival instinct come out as we all huddled over the kill, hissing at strangers who tried to get in between us and the steam cart.
Did family presents. My siblings got me a digital camera! Woot! There will be pictures. At this point, mostly of kittens at my aunt's house. They are so excited about the Christmas tree shaped jungle gym that is decked out in a variety of cat toys to bat at.
Everyone conked out on the drive to NJ, where my brother generously lent me his shoulder to drool on. And I made it back to the grown-up table this year!
Now I fight the temptation to wail on some Guitar Hero or Wii-DDR, and do work. Or watch Godfather.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas visions
1. Riding the train on Thursday and Friday, I was really impressed by how merry everyone was. Girls in reindeer antlers, general air of frivolity. It was refreshing to see that in a crowded train in the city.
2. Finishing my Christmas shopping at Kroger in Athens, I got the funniest look. It wasn't until I got in the car to drive to Charlottesville that I realised what was so funny. It was 9.30AM, I'm wearing my pre-coffee scowl, with a 6-pack in one arm and a can of Spam in the other hand with "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" playing in the background. I must have looked like some grumpy alcoholic - Merry Frikkin' Christmas!
3. Killing some time while I got tires today, I scurried across 29N to the mall. There was a long line of kids to take pictures with Santa. Who looked positively drunk. Not that I would blame him, but drooling on infants is usually a little awkward.
Currently, I am hiding and trying to shake off the grumpy-pants before Christmas morning.
2. Finishing my Christmas shopping at Kroger in Athens, I got the funniest look. It wasn't until I got in the car to drive to Charlottesville that I realised what was so funny. It was 9.30AM, I'm wearing my pre-coffee scowl, with a 6-pack in one arm and a can of Spam in the other hand with "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" playing in the background. I must have looked like some grumpy alcoholic - Merry Frikkin' Christmas!
3. Killing some time while I got tires today, I scurried across 29N to the mall. There was a long line of kids to take pictures with Santa. Who looked positively drunk. Not that I would blame him, but drooling on infants is usually a little awkward.
Currently, I am hiding and trying to shake off the grumpy-pants before Christmas morning.
Just in time
Looking at weather.com, it looks like I got outta Chicago just in time. I left on Saturday afternoon, after getting all the last minute things done (stocking up on pancake mix and beer I have only found in Chicago), scratching my head at the oddly warm (50+) weather. As a direct result of this warm weather, I was not wearing my coat, which is currently hanging on the back of some girl's door in Chicago. Curses! I discovered this somewhere in Indiana as I put gas in the car and thought, "I'll just put on my coat, while I was the windows." Tore up the contents of the car and mini-temper tantrum ensued.
Fortunately, I am slightly ahead of the cold in Virginia. Because about 12 hours after I left Chicago, the winds kicked up, the temperature dropped 30degrees, and a little snow fell. I try to remind myself how lucky I am, but driving through fog, gusts and spitting rain in the mountains of West Virginia made that a little difficult.
But it's still nice in VA, which is good, since I have variations on the theme of jacket until I get to El Fam. And just when I thought my shopping was done, I still have one more present to buy. A new set of tires for my neglected little Civic. I love her, but I can't afford to care for her in the ways she deserves. If there was a Car Protective Services, I would probably get a phone call.
Fortunately, I am slightly ahead of the cold in Virginia. Because about 12 hours after I left Chicago, the winds kicked up, the temperature dropped 30degrees, and a little snow fell. I try to remind myself how lucky I am, but driving through fog, gusts and spitting rain in the mountains of West Virginia made that a little difficult.
But it's still nice in VA, which is good, since I have variations on the theme of jacket until I get to El Fam. And just when I thought my shopping was done, I still have one more present to buy. A new set of tires for my neglected little Civic. I love her, but I can't afford to care for her in the ways she deserves. If there was a Car Protective Services, I would probably get a phone call.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Getting my party on
For a Wednesday, my evening was hoppin'!
Got home, chilled out and watched some SVU. Then I headed out to a holiday potluck with festive chips & salsa. There isn't alot of party food, or even suitable for mass consumption food, and the supplies for the very few things I CAN do are back in Ohio. When I got there, the spread was amazing. Stuffed mushrooms, ham & cheese puffs, little toasts with tapenade or cheese & berries. Yummy! There was cabernet savignon and "tapas", so all in all pretty classy. Watched Quicksilver with a bunch of bike messengers, which was special. It's like watching a dance movie with dancers. But what was truly wild was showing up and seeing a girl I had met in a totally different context! It's crazy to think that I have been in Chicago long enough for my circles to start overlapping.
Hopped from the potluck to my last night at Green Dolphin. Which had so many people! I barely had a chance to change out of my boots before I was dancing. In contrast to last week's poor show. Relied alot on my following abilities, which served me well. Although it's usually a swing club, the band played a rumba, which I also do. As I left the floor, one gentleman complimented me as the only person on the floor actually doing rumba (everyone else was doing some weird swing-rumba hybrid). I later danced with him, and it involved lifts! It was pretty crazy, but way fun.
Last night was a total success, even if it did keep me out past my bedtime.
on Pandora: "Flake" - Jack Johnson
Got home, chilled out and watched some SVU. Then I headed out to a holiday potluck with festive chips & salsa. There isn't alot of party food, or even suitable for mass consumption food, and the supplies for the very few things I CAN do are back in Ohio. When I got there, the spread was amazing. Stuffed mushrooms, ham & cheese puffs, little toasts with tapenade or cheese & berries. Yummy! There was cabernet savignon and "tapas", so all in all pretty classy. Watched Quicksilver with a bunch of bike messengers, which was special. It's like watching a dance movie with dancers. But what was truly wild was showing up and seeing a girl I had met in a totally different context! It's crazy to think that I have been in Chicago long enough for my circles to start overlapping.
Hopped from the potluck to my last night at Green Dolphin. Which had so many people! I barely had a chance to change out of my boots before I was dancing. In contrast to last week's poor show. Relied alot on my following abilities, which served me well. Although it's usually a swing club, the band played a rumba, which I also do. As I left the floor, one gentleman complimented me as the only person on the floor actually doing rumba (everyone else was doing some weird swing-rumba hybrid). I later danced with him, and it involved lifts! It was pretty crazy, but way fun.
Last night was a total success, even if it did keep me out past my bedtime.
on Pandora: "Flake" - Jack Johnson
Euphonium
Odd, but somehow appropriate.
Walking across the Great Hall at Union Station, I heard Christmas carols. I'm not generally a fan, but at least this was instrumental. It wasn't a cheesy radio or anything, but rather a guy with his shiny silver euphonium. Instead of the usual tinny bell, this Salvation Army guy busted out his euphonium and a book of carols. And it totally worked. It was subtle enough to be inoffensive. And something about the slightly deeper tones of the instrument worked well in the Great Hall, with all the space and marble.
on Pandora: "Changes are No Good" - The Stills
Walking across the Great Hall at Union Station, I heard Christmas carols. I'm not generally a fan, but at least this was instrumental. It wasn't a cheesy radio or anything, but rather a guy with his shiny silver euphonium. Instead of the usual tinny bell, this Salvation Army guy busted out his euphonium and a book of carols. And it totally worked. It was subtle enough to be inoffensive. And something about the slightly deeper tones of the instrument worked well in the Great Hall, with all the space and marble.
on Pandora: "Changes are No Good" - The Stills
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Antsy in my pantsy
This sucks. I am ansty and bored. It's a bad combination. Because it's hard enough to amuse myself when I'm just bored. Sitting still offers a few more options for diversion. Not wanting to sit still makes it tricky. Also annoying - it's not like I don't have things to do. I have a few articles and a book to read. I have a sourcebook to compile. And a phone to answer.
Being bored makes me hungry. It's very taxing, ya know. Fortunately we don't have the holiday spread to pick at. It also makes me aware of how early I got up this morning, and how much I would have liked to sleep another couple of hours.
I think I need to take a walk or something.
And for all this antsy (I wouldn't call it energy or jitters, it's an animal of its own), I kinda want to bail on the Holiday potluck tonight and just loaf around.
mef.
on Pandora: "Chocolate" - Snow Patrol
Being bored makes me hungry. It's very taxing, ya know. Fortunately we don't have the holiday spread to pick at. It also makes me aware of how early I got up this morning, and how much I would have liked to sleep another couple of hours.
I think I need to take a walk or something.
And for all this antsy (I wouldn't call it energy or jitters, it's an animal of its own), I kinda want to bail on the Holiday potluck tonight and just loaf around.
mef.
on Pandora: "Chocolate" - Snow Patrol
Tango bust
In the past couple of weeks, I have decided to augment my tango readings with some live events. Bingo-tango last week, and a practicum or two this week. Besides getting to dance and watch tango, I can talk to people.
After opting for the lazy last Thursday, I got myself together to go down to Ritz Tango Cafe last night. It was fairly close, involved a class, and I knew I could find it. Put on my work clothes, got pissed because I packed the wrong shoes (the tango shoes are sitting in a black bag in Ohio), and drove down Ashland fashionably late.
It was a little coffee shop with all the tables and chairs shoved to the side, revealing a beautiful floor. Subtle lighting and good music. And not a SOUL there! After a minute or so, the owner arrived, explaining that I just missed the crowd, which included more guys than girls (he must have been lying, because that NEVER happens). He wanted me to stay to see if anyone else would show up, but I took it as a sign I should go home, get some sleep. Will try on Thursday.
Now to reckon with the Princess roommate who has added a second bag of trash to her collection in the kitchen, which, despite her promises, has been sitting there for nearly a week. And since she clogged her shower, she decided to use mine. Now it's clogged and there's a pile of nasty she failed to clean up when it finally drained. Grr. That's one thing I won't miss!
on Pandora: "Young Folks" - Peter Bjorn and John
After opting for the lazy last Thursday, I got myself together to go down to Ritz Tango Cafe last night. It was fairly close, involved a class, and I knew I could find it. Put on my work clothes, got pissed because I packed the wrong shoes (the tango shoes are sitting in a black bag in Ohio), and drove down Ashland fashionably late.
It was a little coffee shop with all the tables and chairs shoved to the side, revealing a beautiful floor. Subtle lighting and good music. And not a SOUL there! After a minute or so, the owner arrived, explaining that I just missed the crowd, which included more guys than girls (he must have been lying, because that NEVER happens). He wanted me to stay to see if anyone else would show up, but I took it as a sign I should go home, get some sleep. Will try on Thursday.
Now to reckon with the Princess roommate who has added a second bag of trash to her collection in the kitchen, which, despite her promises, has been sitting there for nearly a week. And since she clogged her shower, she decided to use mine. Now it's clogged and there's a pile of nasty she failed to clean up when it finally drained. Grr. That's one thing I won't miss!
on Pandora: "Young Folks" - Peter Bjorn and John
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
BackBlog: Atonement
Sunday night, I was having a moment and was really bored with being at my house, so I took myself to a movie.
Bused up to the Landmark, which shows all the arty flicks. Killed some time before the show at the local bookstores. BN had a really sad selection of books I like, but Borders sucked me in. So many art books, and DVDs, and whatnot.
I have been dying to see Atonement for months. And the Golden Globes nominations only confirmed what I already suspected. I love Joe Wright's holistic approach to directing; the trailer looked gorgeous and artfully paced. James McAvoy is tasty. And I covet the costumes. While I haven't read the book, I think the film was excellent. The screenplay and visuals nicely created a secondary narrative, making you sympathetic to more than one character and muddling the protagonist position. Achingly lovely film. Completely recommend.
on Pandora: "Lovefool" - Cardigans
Bused up to the Landmark, which shows all the arty flicks. Killed some time before the show at the local bookstores. BN had a really sad selection of books I like, but Borders sucked me in. So many art books, and DVDs, and whatnot.
I have been dying to see Atonement for months. And the Golden Globes nominations only confirmed what I already suspected. I love Joe Wright's holistic approach to directing; the trailer looked gorgeous and artfully paced. James McAvoy is tasty. And I covet the costumes. While I haven't read the book, I think the film was excellent. The screenplay and visuals nicely created a secondary narrative, making you sympathetic to more than one character and muddling the protagonist position. Achingly lovely film. Completely recommend.
on Pandora: "Lovefool" - Cardigans
Fizz
Why didn't anyone clue me into this before? There is a swing night, close to my house, that also has a rockin' special on Monday nights! Yeah Fizz!
One of my dance girls was meeting friends there and told me to come with. I googled it to find location, scene, cover, etc. And discovered that they had a Monday special - black angus burger and a beer for $5! What a deal! I got there a little early to indulge my beef tooth. Mistakenly ordered Blue Moon because I have gotten out of the habit of asking for 312. But tasty anyways! The burger was sooo good. Extra bloody, with velveeta. The downstairs bar was pretty cool, kitchily decked out for Christmas with big ornaments and lights. Slightly older scene (almost 30s+) instead of the usual Trixie/Chad crowd.
Upstairs, they had a special event, playing danceable, non-annoying Christmas music. We jockeyed for position to get danced with. In that small of a space, with that many people, there is no good space. I danced a few times, more modified lindy than swing, but still fun. Lots of spins and strong leads.
I am almost regretting today, since by the time I got home and showered, I got 6 hours of sleep, generously. Which, after being spoiled on 9 hours/night, is a bit of a shift. But nothing coffee can't fix. And it was totally worth it.
Now I debate seeing Juno with one of the VG interns or tango tonight. And The Sounds are playing at the Vic...
on Pandora: "Wish I" - Jem
One of my dance girls was meeting friends there and told me to come with. I googled it to find location, scene, cover, etc. And discovered that they had a Monday special - black angus burger and a beer for $5! What a deal! I got there a little early to indulge my beef tooth. Mistakenly ordered Blue Moon because I have gotten out of the habit of asking for 312. But tasty anyways! The burger was sooo good. Extra bloody, with velveeta. The downstairs bar was pretty cool, kitchily decked out for Christmas with big ornaments and lights. Slightly older scene (almost 30s+) instead of the usual Trixie/Chad crowd.
Upstairs, they had a special event, playing danceable, non-annoying Christmas music. We jockeyed for position to get danced with. In that small of a space, with that many people, there is no good space. I danced a few times, more modified lindy than swing, but still fun. Lots of spins and strong leads.
I am almost regretting today, since by the time I got home and showered, I got 6 hours of sleep, generously. Which, after being spoiled on 9 hours/night, is a bit of a shift. But nothing coffee can't fix. And it was totally worth it.
Now I debate seeing Juno with one of the VG interns or tango tonight. And The Sounds are playing at the Vic...
on Pandora: "Wish I" - Jem
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Snow moments
It has been snowing for almost 24 hours now. Steadily, but not heavily. At best guess, I would say there is about 5" on the ground. But it's amazing how this little thing changes everything.
I spent the evening with my cousins, eating some really good Chinese food and seeing Nunsense A-men (extra special, since we're all Catholic). It was very Chicago to laugh in the face of weather to head out for the evening, seeing a show upstairs in a bar. The only thing funnier than singing nuns, are guys dressed as singing nuns. Homegrown production that developed in my cousins' building.
What struck me was the fact that I had to completely clear my car after only 5 hours parked on Paulina. To the point that I made it around the car twice before I realised that it was just being re-covered. The trip back to LP took better than half and hour, as even Ashland was pretty yucky. Ironically, when I drove up earlier, I saw 3 plows but the streets were relatively clear. On my trip home I saw none. But a strange part of me likes driving in the snow. (although not on a highway in rural Wisconsin). I suspect this predilection hides near the part of me that likes driving in NYC.
But I really love the snow. Even when it blows on my pants and quickly melts when I get in the car. It makes everything brighter and softer, especially in the city with all the lights. Also special - Christmas lights covered in snow.
I should be sitting on the couch reading, but all I want to do is look out the big window and watch it snow.
I spent the evening with my cousins, eating some really good Chinese food and seeing Nunsense A-men (extra special, since we're all Catholic). It was very Chicago to laugh in the face of weather to head out for the evening, seeing a show upstairs in a bar. The only thing funnier than singing nuns, are guys dressed as singing nuns. Homegrown production that developed in my cousins' building.
What struck me was the fact that I had to completely clear my car after only 5 hours parked on Paulina. To the point that I made it around the car twice before I realised that it was just being re-covered. The trip back to LP took better than half and hour, as even Ashland was pretty yucky. Ironically, when I drove up earlier, I saw 3 plows but the streets were relatively clear. On my trip home I saw none. But a strange part of me likes driving in the snow. (although not on a highway in rural Wisconsin). I suspect this predilection hides near the part of me that likes driving in NYC.
But I really love the snow. Even when it blows on my pants and quickly melts when I get in the car. It makes everything brighter and softer, especially in the city with all the lights. Also special - Christmas lights covered in snow.
I should be sitting on the couch reading, but all I want to do is look out the big window and watch it snow.
Hashing through the Snow
It seemed like an unlikely thing to see in Chicago, but I saw about 75 hashers running down Fullerton just now. In full Christmas regalia.
OK. Hashing is not a new concept to me, as one of my summer actors a few years ago was a hasher. It's basically socially running. One person lays out a trail, marked by flour or chalk or something inoffensive, and the hashers follow it hither and thither and end up where there is beer. It's the only way you could get me to voluntarily run. And I have never met a hasher I didn't like.
In Charlottesville, this made perfect sense, since there was easy access to a variety of terrain. In Chicago, this was surprising, since it is both flat and urban. And today, snowing. Maybe Athens has a hash club.
Will post pix as soon as I find my cord.
OK. Hashing is not a new concept to me, as one of my summer actors a few years ago was a hasher. It's basically socially running. One person lays out a trail, marked by flour or chalk or something inoffensive, and the hashers follow it hither and thither and end up where there is beer. It's the only way you could get me to voluntarily run. And I have never met a hasher I didn't like.
In Charlottesville, this made perfect sense, since there was easy access to a variety of terrain. In Chicago, this was surprising, since it is both flat and urban. And today, snowing. Maybe Athens has a hash club.
Will post pix as soon as I find my cord.
Friday, December 14, 2007
A good Friday
Finally back in a groove, and I love it. Well, not the waking up at 7AM, but everything else. The train wasn't too crowded that early. All so I could get to work on time to my favorite temp gig! Yeah! The only people more excited than me were my co-workers who barely let me in the door before giving me a big hug.
Apparently, I am alot more social than the usual secretary, which makes the Ladies come out of their offices more, and the technicians hang out in the office. It's fun to joke around with these people and dish it out as fast as they do.
Because of the holidays, there was alot of food coming in. One company ordered us lunch! Which was great, since I have been craving me some pizza. And usually I would be extra-thrilled about thin-crust, the cold weather makes me want to dig into a deep dish. I never thought I would think of pizza as seasonal. (The hippies and I ate alot of thin-crust on porches this summer.) Or crave deep-dish. Another group sent a box of chi-chi chocolates. Which brought out the chocolate-snob in me. The exotic flavors didn't really come through (I REALLY wanted to find out what ginger-wasabi dark chocolate would taste like.) Tasty and rich, but not worth $3 per truffle.
Now that I am back in some sort of schedule, I was inspired to get work. Got through an article and a half, and put a dent in my sourcebook. And I just realised that the other article I printed is still sitting in the printer.
Did some train surfing on my way home, although I'm still working on the Loop turns. Riding the Brown line involves 90degree turns, which are a bit harder to compromise. But I have a renewed appreciation for my toes. Sadly, the stop before I got off, I realised that I gave a family of grateful tourists some wrong directions. They were looking for the Mag Mile to look at lights. I told them to go to the Chicago stop and hang a left towards the lights. I could see it perfectly in my head. In retrospect, I mixed my colors and told them Brown line instead of Red line. Both have stops called Chicago, but about 8 or 9 blocks apart. So I feel kinda like a chump.
I'm chilling in my modal pants before a late show, full of pizza and calamari. So good!
Apparently, I am alot more social than the usual secretary, which makes the Ladies come out of their offices more, and the technicians hang out in the office. It's fun to joke around with these people and dish it out as fast as they do.
Because of the holidays, there was alot of food coming in. One company ordered us lunch! Which was great, since I have been craving me some pizza. And usually I would be extra-thrilled about thin-crust, the cold weather makes me want to dig into a deep dish. I never thought I would think of pizza as seasonal. (The hippies and I ate alot of thin-crust on porches this summer.) Or crave deep-dish. Another group sent a box of chi-chi chocolates. Which brought out the chocolate-snob in me. The exotic flavors didn't really come through (I REALLY wanted to find out what ginger-wasabi dark chocolate would taste like.) Tasty and rich, but not worth $3 per truffle.
Now that I am back in some sort of schedule, I was inspired to get work. Got through an article and a half, and put a dent in my sourcebook. And I just realised that the other article I printed is still sitting in the printer.
Did some train surfing on my way home, although I'm still working on the Loop turns. Riding the Brown line involves 90degree turns, which are a bit harder to compromise. But I have a renewed appreciation for my toes. Sadly, the stop before I got off, I realised that I gave a family of grateful tourists some wrong directions. They were looking for the Mag Mile to look at lights. I told them to go to the Chicago stop and hang a left towards the lights. I could see it perfectly in my head. In retrospect, I mixed my colors and told them Brown line instead of Red line. Both have stops called Chicago, but about 8 or 9 blocks apart. So I feel kinda like a chump.
I'm chilling in my modal pants before a late show, full of pizza and calamari. So good!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Train jokes
Generally, I only use my phone to text or take surreptitious photos when I am on the CTA. However, since I was on the elevated tracks, and my phone actually rang (or rather buzzed), I couldn't resist. It was my MA counterpart returning my call. All play, no business, much to the evident amusement of the other people on the train. I made one guy laugh out loud with the phrase, "What's shakin' bacon?". And I totally called him out on it. Later, as we discussed the merits of chicken and waffles and then chicken and gravy, I made another guy chuckle. Apparently he was from Atlanta, who gave the chicken & gravy his stamp of approval.
Can't say I got all that much done, but I'm glad to see that I could make two people laugh.
Can't say I got all that much done, but I'm glad to see that I could make two people laugh.
Swing bust
Wednesday nights at the Green Dolphin satisfy two of my daily objectives - socialize and move around. Unfortunately, I really accomplished only one of those.
For a change, I got dressed up to go dancing, by which I mean skirt & tights, which in December in Chicago is quite a concession. Drove over and met up with my girls. It was nice to sip some drinks and chat for a while, but it became glaringly apparent that there was not enough dancing to be had. Blame it on the holiday season, or the cold, but there just weren't alot of people out. More accurately, there weren't alot of equal-opportunity leaders. The few guys that were there only danced with the same 2 or 3 women. I was there for over 2 hours and danced once. Lame!
Here's hoping that next Wednesday, people will be so sick of doing their holiday duties that they will embrace the opportunity to go out and have some fun. In the meantime, I am trying to talk the girls into joining me for a tango lesson on Ashland tonight. And plotting more dancing for the weekend.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Bingo Tango
Definitely one of the most unusual combinations works impressively well.
Museum of Contemporary Art has extended hours on Tuesdays, which are free thanks to Target. Every Tuesday, there is a different event. And the 2nd Tuesday is Bingo Tango. This I had to see. AND it was free. Although I was a little tired from my day, I couldn't resist.
About 30 people sat in the cafe to play snarky bingo, each game based on a work of art in the MCA collection. Like pyramid for JP Hutto's "Dogs Dressed Like Men" series. The MC was lively, and there were two bearded guys with the ball cage. Between each dance there was a tango demonstration. After a few rounds, there was a basic lesson. And almost EVERYONE got up to dance! Of course, there were more followers than leaders, so I did the bisexual dancer thing.
It was fun to hang out with playful strangers, play a simple game and watch tango. And I took the opportunity to interview some of the people for my thesis. They were all very receptive to a stranger taking a survey. One of the women at my table said that as a grad student, I needed the coffee mug she won more than she did! The organizer told me how they developed Bingo Tango, which has become their most popular Tuesday series.
It's events like this that make me love Chicago. Because where else would the free day at a museum also be the late day? That hosts such random fun events? That gives out muffins?
Got out at 8PM and just walked up and down the Mag Mile for a bit. It had mostly stopped raining and was above freezing, and Chicago is possibly my favorite walking city.
Just when I almost gave up on this Chicago adventure, it all turned around!
on the tube: more SVU
Museum of Contemporary Art has extended hours on Tuesdays, which are free thanks to Target. Every Tuesday, there is a different event. And the 2nd Tuesday is Bingo Tango. This I had to see. AND it was free. Although I was a little tired from my day, I couldn't resist.
About 30 people sat in the cafe to play snarky bingo, each game based on a work of art in the MCA collection. Like pyramid for JP Hutto's "Dogs Dressed Like Men" series. The MC was lively, and there were two bearded guys with the ball cage. Between each dance there was a tango demonstration. After a few rounds, there was a basic lesson. And almost EVERYONE got up to dance! Of course, there were more followers than leaders, so I did the bisexual dancer thing.
It was fun to hang out with playful strangers, play a simple game and watch tango. And I took the opportunity to interview some of the people for my thesis. They were all very receptive to a stranger taking a survey. One of the women at my table said that as a grad student, I needed the coffee mug she won more than she did! The organizer told me how they developed Bingo Tango, which has become their most popular Tuesday series.
It's events like this that make me love Chicago. Because where else would the free day at a museum also be the late day? That hosts such random fun events? That gives out muffins?
Got out at 8PM and just walked up and down the Mag Mile for a bit. It had mostly stopped raining and was above freezing, and Chicago is possibly my favorite walking city.
Just when I almost gave up on this Chicago adventure, it all turned around!
on the tube: more SVU
Impromptu playdate
My plans for the day changed about 3 times in the course of 20 minutes this morning. And I think I ended up with a good day.
I woke up at 7.30, since I was on-call for one of my agencies. And sure enough, I got a gig. I got dressed in my grown-up clothes when I got a call from the OU playwright I had coffee with last night. His flight was canceled, and he was looking for someone to play with for a few hours. I felt bad, since I was heading out the door for a job. But I got buzzed on the other line. The gig fell threw. Again. I freakin' hate that! However, it did free up my day. Once my friend was on the train back from O'Hare, I got a different offer, but by that time, I had a friend on the way, and I was in my play clothes. While I need the cash, I need the soul points of playing with my friends more. And I would hope that if I called someone on the fly, that they would be able to hang out. Karma.
So we lounged around the house, both of us having woken up before our usual break appointed hour. Headed over to Clarke's for some brunch, coffee and general bullshitting. Drove him back to O'Hare, and because he held on to his CTA pass, his flight was on-time. Heading back into town, I tried to get my tires checked, but I only succeeded in driving to Andersonville to prowl in my favorite stationery store and other fun stores.
So I didn't make any money, and I didn't get any reading done, but it was a good day.
I woke up at 7.30, since I was on-call for one of my agencies. And sure enough, I got a gig. I got dressed in my grown-up clothes when I got a call from the OU playwright I had coffee with last night. His flight was canceled, and he was looking for someone to play with for a few hours. I felt bad, since I was heading out the door for a job. But I got buzzed on the other line. The gig fell threw. Again. I freakin' hate that! However, it did free up my day. Once my friend was on the train back from O'Hare, I got a different offer, but by that time, I had a friend on the way, and I was in my play clothes. While I need the cash, I need the soul points of playing with my friends more. And I would hope that if I called someone on the fly, that they would be able to hang out. Karma.
So we lounged around the house, both of us having woken up before our usual break appointed hour. Headed over to Clarke's for some brunch, coffee and general bullshitting. Drove him back to O'Hare, and because he held on to his CTA pass, his flight was on-time. Heading back into town, I tried to get my tires checked, but I only succeeded in driving to Andersonville to prowl in my favorite stationery store and other fun stores.
So I didn't make any money, and I didn't get any reading done, but it was a good day.
Monday, December 10, 2007
I have found my calling
In another attempt to find alternate sources of income, I found the perfect job for me.
Being a big city, there are lots of surveys and focus groups. I finally qualified for one. I felt bad for running late, but it was hella far northwest. Fortunately, they dropped me in the next group. To do a taste test for chocolate chips!! Now you are talking my language! And I got paid $25!
It was a nice upturn of a shitty day. Another day without work, so I got domestic and tried to be productive. But I kept getting thwarted. The dryer wouldn't restart. My princess roommate left a bag of trash in the kitchen that she expected me to take out. And I couldn't find anywhere to print a single page invoice. ARGH! And don't even get me started on the rip-off that is GRE score reporting.
But my favorite part of the day wasn't even getting paid to eat chocolate, but my check in with some OU people. One of the playwrights and my favorite people to drink coffee with was in town on the fly. So we grabbed some yummy chai in a tiny storefront north of Boystown. And I talked to the other MA, which made my day. It's weird to be in Chicago and happiest to be talking to my OU friends. Nice to finally have homesickness for something I can actually go back to!
Being a big city, there are lots of surveys and focus groups. I finally qualified for one. I felt bad for running late, but it was hella far northwest. Fortunately, they dropped me in the next group. To do a taste test for chocolate chips!! Now you are talking my language! And I got paid $25!
It was a nice upturn of a shitty day. Another day without work, so I got domestic and tried to be productive. But I kept getting thwarted. The dryer wouldn't restart. My princess roommate left a bag of trash in the kitchen that she expected me to take out. And I couldn't find anywhere to print a single page invoice. ARGH! And don't even get me started on the rip-off that is GRE score reporting.
But my favorite part of the day wasn't even getting paid to eat chocolate, but my check in with some OU people. One of the playwrights and my favorite people to drink coffee with was in town on the fly. So we grabbed some yummy chai in a tiny storefront north of Boystown. And I talked to the other MA, which made my day. It's weird to be in Chicago and happiest to be talking to my OU friends. Nice to finally have homesickness for something I can actually go back to!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
And your final category is "Bad Ideas"
Bad ideas for $200. A kid with heelies scooting down an ice-covered sidewalk. Sadly, I wasn't there to watch him break his butt on yucky snow.
Bad ideas for $400. Jogging on said ice-covered sidewalk in shorts with your kid in an SUV stroller. And I don't care how hairy legs were, although he could definitely give Robin Williams or a gorilla a run for the money.
Bad ideas for $600 (or $50 as the case may be). Accepting a flat rate instead of hourly to proofread a dissertation. Because I REALLY don't like having to justify every comma and rephrase over 12 hours of my Sunday in a crowded coffeehouse. Woog. But at least I have gas money to get home(s).
And now I was SVU until bedtime and hope for a temp gig.
Bad ideas for $400. Jogging on said ice-covered sidewalk in shorts with your kid in an SUV stroller. And I don't care how hairy legs were, although he could definitely give Robin Williams or a gorilla a run for the money.
Bad ideas for $600 (or $50 as the case may be). Accepting a flat rate instead of hourly to proofread a dissertation. Because I REALLY don't like having to justify every comma and rephrase over 12 hours of my Sunday in a crowded coffeehouse. Woog. But at least I have gas money to get home(s).
And now I was SVU until bedtime and hope for a temp gig.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Wisconsin - the post script
I will take it as a good sign that a) they really seemed interested in me and b) I managed NOT to get into a car accident DESPITE crappy weather!
My life in a comic strip
substitute SVU or Scrubs for American Idol, and subtract the scrabble playing. Add alot of black beans and rice.
Wisconsin - the longer version
When I got home last night, all I wanted was a beer and my bed and some SVU. At least I got my bed.
I was finally able to arrange a visit to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I have been trying to get this done for a couple of weeks now. Being in Chicago and largely unemployed, this seemed like a great idea. Madison is about 150 miles from Chicago, a drive very like the drive between NoVA and Williamsburg. A little rough getting out of the city, sensitive timing, but really easy after that.
I got out of the house with lots of little scraps of paper around 9.45AM, anticipating a 12.15PM arrival, which would give me plenty of time before my 1PM appointment. No such luck. Everything took longer than I expected. By the time I got out of the city, through 4 tolls, and found parking (and a source of quarters to feed the voracious meter), it was 12.45PM. Grr. So I hustled into Vilas, where I just caught the grad students to follow to their class. Which is a good thing, because I never would have found my way through that warren of offices. As it was, throughout the day, I never managed to exit Vilas the same way.
I got to sit in on the Avant-Garde Theatre class, discussing Artaud and Witkiewicz. I know a little about Artaud, especially having taken Absurdism, which seems like the next major genre movement after the Avant-Garde. It was an interesting, if tangential lecture. Headed back to the office to get MORE quarters, skate to meter, forget juice, skate (it was a wee bit treacherous) BACK to Vilas to meet with the head of Graduate Studies and resident expert on Performance and Gender studies. He seemed very interesting and eager to talk to me. Unfortunately, their website is so thorough, I really didn't have a lot of questions for him. Afterwards, I chatted with two of the current PhD students, both women. They were very helpful and candid.
(a view of the capitol from Washington Ave)
By this point, I was STARVED, having only eaten a bowl of oatmeal about 7 hours prior, and dehydrated because I left my juice and water bottle in the car. With a recommendation from the super-helpful grad secretary, I drove past the Capitol, down Washington towards 90/94/39 and stopped at Ella's Deli.
(my booth. comparatively tame!)
It was so fun. Classic deli that loves tchotchke. The food was classic deli - corned beef melt and yummy fries. But as soon as my food arrived it started to snow. Grr.
At least I was fed as I drove home from Wisconsin in the snow. It was a little dicey, because it was largely just flurries and in an early state, but it made it hard to distinguish the WHITE lines between lanes. So I just tried to follow taillights and favor the left until I found rumble strips. I can't say I felt unsafe, but I was definitely glad I had food and water in the car, since I didn't have cell reception. The snow stopped as soon as I hit Cook County, but of course, that's when I hit traffic.
In the end, I saw Madison at less than it's finest - about 10F, with snow all over, lots of construction, etc. I didn't really get a tour of the facilities, but I saw the inside of the offices and classrooms I would probably spend the most time. I still really like the program, which seems like a good place for my interests and talents. They have PhD students actually teaching classes, they require production experience, and they have alot of specialty areas, a large and collegial grad population, and the money to fund 3 years.
But the more I hear about it and seriously approach writing my Masters thesis, the more petrified I become. Is it a bad sign if I already question why I'm doing this?
(I'll post some pix when I get home from work.)
I was finally able to arrange a visit to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I have been trying to get this done for a couple of weeks now. Being in Chicago and largely unemployed, this seemed like a great idea. Madison is about 150 miles from Chicago, a drive very like the drive between NoVA and Williamsburg. A little rough getting out of the city, sensitive timing, but really easy after that.
I got out of the house with lots of little scraps of paper around 9.45AM, anticipating a 12.15PM arrival, which would give me plenty of time before my 1PM appointment. No such luck. Everything took longer than I expected. By the time I got out of the city, through 4 tolls, and found parking (and a source of quarters to feed the voracious meter), it was 12.45PM. Grr. So I hustled into Vilas, where I just caught the grad students to follow to their class. Which is a good thing, because I never would have found my way through that warren of offices. As it was, throughout the day, I never managed to exit Vilas the same way.
I got to sit in on the Avant-Garde Theatre class, discussing Artaud and Witkiewicz. I know a little about Artaud, especially having taken Absurdism, which seems like the next major genre movement after the Avant-Garde. It was an interesting, if tangential lecture. Headed back to the office to get MORE quarters, skate to meter, forget juice, skate (it was a wee bit treacherous) BACK to Vilas to meet with the head of Graduate Studies and resident expert on Performance and Gender studies. He seemed very interesting and eager to talk to me. Unfortunately, their website is so thorough, I really didn't have a lot of questions for him. Afterwards, I chatted with two of the current PhD students, both women. They were very helpful and candid.
(a view of the capitol from Washington Ave)By this point, I was STARVED, having only eaten a bowl of oatmeal about 7 hours prior, and dehydrated because I left my juice and water bottle in the car. With a recommendation from the super-helpful grad secretary, I drove past the Capitol, down Washington towards 90/94/39 and stopped at Ella's Deli.
(my booth. comparatively tame!)It was so fun. Classic deli that loves tchotchke. The food was classic deli - corned beef melt and yummy fries. But as soon as my food arrived it started to snow. Grr.
At least I was fed as I drove home from Wisconsin in the snow. It was a little dicey, because it was largely just flurries and in an early state, but it made it hard to distinguish the WHITE lines between lanes. So I just tried to follow taillights and favor the left until I found rumble strips. I can't say I felt unsafe, but I was definitely glad I had food and water in the car, since I didn't have cell reception. The snow stopped as soon as I hit Cook County, but of course, that's when I hit traffic.
In the end, I saw Madison at less than it's finest - about 10F, with snow all over, lots of construction, etc. I didn't really get a tour of the facilities, but I saw the inside of the offices and classrooms I would probably spend the most time. I still really like the program, which seems like a good place for my interests and talents. They have PhD students actually teaching classes, they require production experience, and they have alot of specialty areas, a large and collegial grad population, and the money to fund 3 years.
But the more I hear about it and seriously approach writing my Masters thesis, the more petrified I become. Is it a bad sign if I already question why I'm doing this?
(I'll post some pix when I get home from work.)
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Wisconsin - the short version
I drove to Wisconsin, attended a class, met with people, drove back in the snow. I'm exhausted, but someone drank all my beer.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Late day outings
After spending most of the day in my monkey pants watching an SVU marathon, I finally ventured out. The snow kept starting up intermittently, so I waited until the sun came out for good before walking to get some coffee and dropping off mail. It was nice just to walk around LP. Especially after being holed up for so long. I was really surprised that I didn't get called in today, given the weather.
Being back in Chicago, I got to go dancing at Green Dolphin with my dance friends. They had a demonstration of a Balboa group, which was fun and terribly cute. But it was good to dance, especially with my new shorter hair that doesn't smack people in the face.
Being back in Chicago, I got to go dancing at Green Dolphin with my dance friends. They had a demonstration of a Balboa group, which was fun and terribly cute. But it was good to dance, especially with my new shorter hair that doesn't smack people in the face.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
1st snow
It's so pretty out! The snow started falling around dark, and it's stacking up nicely. Not the pissy little storm this weekend. We're talking inches. And it makes everything else lovely. Saw a nice scenic moment on my way home - people walking home from the train, past a Christmas tree lot in the snow. When I got off the bus, I got to walk past the soccer field by myself in the city quiet, with the snow falling in the incandescent amber lights, and white uplights by a Gothic dorm.
A nice change from this morning, which was ugly. Between the dearth of temp gigs and the flakiness of my grad interview, I am going crazy. Because when I finally DO get offered a gig, it conflicts with my POTENTIAL interview. Grr. I was called in on a pinch-hit reception gig. I just wish I was paid more than $11.50 for getting there in 30 minutes. And the whole "upper end business casual" is crap. Because a) I don't wear the suit for anything less than $14, and b) the other "girls" wore sweaters and cords.
On an SVU binge before getting back to my applications.
Enjoy this picture!
A nice change from this morning, which was ugly. Between the dearth of temp gigs and the flakiness of my grad interview, I am going crazy. Because when I finally DO get offered a gig, it conflicts with my POTENTIAL interview. Grr. I was called in on a pinch-hit reception gig. I just wish I was paid more than $11.50 for getting there in 30 minutes. And the whole "upper end business casual" is crap. Because a) I don't wear the suit for anything less than $14, and b) the other "girls" wore sweaters and cords.
On an SVU binge before getting back to my applications.
Enjoy this picture!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Not terribly productive
In case the whole lack-of-income part of no temp gigs wasn't sufficiently annoying, it is also screwing up my time management. Because I have ALL day to do things, I really don't do ANY thing. Other than bounce between Scrubs, SVU and other reruns. I do much better when I have limited time, so I structure my day much better.
Today, I went grocery shopping, which involved 2 stores. I had hoped to get all my shopping done at the Dominicks within walking distance, but they didn't have alot of stuff and their milk was already past date. So I headed to Target, which surprisingly is cheaper than regular grocery stores, and they have more options.
And I got my haircut, which is always fun. I got extra head squishies during the shampoo. I was asked to come back for her test-out in a month because I have perfect hair for a bob, but I don't think I will still be in Chicago. But I did feel a little dirty going to Sine Qua Non, instead of Art+Science, where I always had modeled. No more shaggy for me! Although the perma-static might kill that pretty quickly.
Watched a cool PBS special on Chicago food, combining two of my favorite things, and inevitably making me crave a smorgasbord of yummies. It was fun to see the "ethnic" foods that actually originated in Chicago, how different they are from authentic. Also cool - seeing food places I have actually eaten at, either accidentally or deliberately. (Borinquen, Big Al's, etc)
Right now, I am trying to concisely compose my statement of purpose which makes me sound both brilliant and unique in a "let's give her money" sort of way. As I try to ignore my Princess roommate whine to her parents and talk to her friends about dressing up for Broadway and $1300 purses.
on Pandora: "Watch the Days Slowly Fade" - Norfolk & Western
Today, I went grocery shopping, which involved 2 stores. I had hoped to get all my shopping done at the Dominicks within walking distance, but they didn't have alot of stuff and their milk was already past date. So I headed to Target, which surprisingly is cheaper than regular grocery stores, and they have more options.
And I got my haircut, which is always fun. I got extra head squishies during the shampoo. I was asked to come back for her test-out in a month because I have perfect hair for a bob, but I don't think I will still be in Chicago. But I did feel a little dirty going to Sine Qua Non, instead of Art+Science, where I always had modeled. No more shaggy for me! Although the perma-static might kill that pretty quickly.
Watched a cool PBS special on Chicago food, combining two of my favorite things, and inevitably making me crave a smorgasbord of yummies. It was fun to see the "ethnic" foods that actually originated in Chicago, how different they are from authentic. Also cool - seeing food places I have actually eaten at, either accidentally or deliberately. (Borinquen, Big Al's, etc)
Right now, I am trying to concisely compose my statement of purpose which makes me sound both brilliant and unique in a "let's give her money" sort of way. As I try to ignore my Princess roommate whine to her parents and talk to her friends about dressing up for Broadway and $1300 purses.
on Pandora: "Watch the Days Slowly Fade" - Norfolk & Western
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Grad student weekend
The weather was perfect for staying in, which is exactly what I needed to do. Cold, then brief snow, then sleet and rain. And howling wind. Just yucky. So yucky you don't even want to deal with the 2 blocks to get Thai food (which if you wait until Monday is half price!).
Before the precipitation, I made an offering at the altar of Kinko. I suspect I will be making MANY offerings in the next year. Right now, I have a stack of great books from the Chicago Public Library, which, for obvious reasons, can't come home with me. Hence Kinkos. And my Quicken has already asked if I want to make this a regular expense. *sigh* I guess it's better than Clarke's.
Planned on doing some reading at the DePaul library, which wasn't open yet. However, I did get a glimpse of the few, the proud, the Grad students, lined up to get into the library. On a Saturday. During break. In a lame attempt to avoid that fate, I just walked home and basically did the same thing. Lots of reading, starting my UW app, and of course, lots of facebook diversion. Like joining "UVA wouldn't exist without W&M" and the subsequent Hoo bashing.
Looks like more of the same today. Maybe a trip up to Evanston for some Hackney's, which supposedly has some of the best burgers in town.
Hmm. Ramen or black beans and rice for lunch....
Before the precipitation, I made an offering at the altar of Kinko. I suspect I will be making MANY offerings in the next year. Right now, I have a stack of great books from the Chicago Public Library, which, for obvious reasons, can't come home with me. Hence Kinkos. And my Quicken has already asked if I want to make this a regular expense. *sigh* I guess it's better than Clarke's.
Planned on doing some reading at the DePaul library, which wasn't open yet. However, I did get a glimpse of the few, the proud, the Grad students, lined up to get into the library. On a Saturday. During break. In a lame attempt to avoid that fate, I just walked home and basically did the same thing. Lots of reading, starting my UW app, and of course, lots of facebook diversion. Like joining "UVA wouldn't exist without W&M" and the subsequent Hoo bashing.
Looks like more of the same today. Maybe a trip up to Evanston for some Hackney's, which supposedly has some of the best burgers in town.
Hmm. Ramen or black beans and rice for lunch....
Friday, November 30, 2007
Squalor
When I signed on to live in an all-girls apartment, I didn't know that I should have packed my cleaning supplies. This place is prime Lincoln Park real estate that a series of landlords have pretty much forgotten. Lots of woodpaneling, a fridge older than me, and a perma-clogged shower. That is the fault of the landlord. The fact that this place has not seen the business end of any cleaning implements in months is the fault of the 4 girls who live here. It's disgusting!
I never knew I would ever be the neat freak of the house. Which has to tell you something about this house. I finally broke down this morning and decided that if I was going to live here, it was going to be less disgusting. They have a variety of vacuums, swiffers and such, which makes it even funnier that none of them have ever been put to use. Well, the vacuum doesn't work. The dustbuster charger is missing. The tub is treacherous for all the soap slime. And the one girl who is still here insists that she doesn't know how to work the dishwasher so she just hand washes her dishes. Which is suspicious, since a) there is a pile of dishes in the sink that aren't mine, and b) there isn't a sponge in the house.
I need to just block out the filth and do my work. Maybe I will just pack up and go to the library.
I never knew I would ever be the neat freak of the house. Which has to tell you something about this house. I finally broke down this morning and decided that if I was going to live here, it was going to be less disgusting. They have a variety of vacuums, swiffers and such, which makes it even funnier that none of them have ever been put to use. Well, the vacuum doesn't work. The dustbuster charger is missing. The tub is treacherous for all the soap slime. And the one girl who is still here insists that she doesn't know how to work the dishwasher so she just hand washes her dishes. Which is suspicious, since a) there is a pile of dishes in the sink that aren't mine, and b) there isn't a sponge in the house.
I need to just block out the filth and do my work. Maybe I will just pack up and go to the library.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Gainfully unemployed
These temp agencies are driving me crazy. I feel like they are really jerking me around. The big reason I am paying double rent this month is because I thought I would be able to get enough temp gigs to justify it. Right now, is "slow". I mean, isn't this the time of year to call in sick to shop or loaf or actually be sick?
On one hand, it's nice to have so much down time to do my reading in jammies, on the other, money is pretty nice too.
Today just pissed me off. I was supposed to have 8 hours of transcription. But when I was 2 stops away from my assignment, I get a call from my agency, saying that they didn't have work for me. Yet. Conveniently, I was on the Brown line, so I just circled home. Then at 11.30, I get a call asking me to come back in and stay late. I am trying to be accommodating, so I jump on the train again. This time they had work, except that it was one 10 minute tape, which took me about an hour. And they MIGHT have work to do tomorrow. Meanwhile, I had to turn down another gig.
All I want is someone to go out with and get a beer. Instead, I will be camped out on the couch, reading and eating black beans and rice.
On one hand, it's nice to have so much down time to do my reading in jammies, on the other, money is pretty nice too.
Today just pissed me off. I was supposed to have 8 hours of transcription. But when I was 2 stops away from my assignment, I get a call from my agency, saying that they didn't have work for me. Yet. Conveniently, I was on the Brown line, so I just circled home. Then at 11.30, I get a call asking me to come back in and stay late. I am trying to be accommodating, so I jump on the train again. This time they had work, except that it was one 10 minute tape, which took me about an hour. And they MIGHT have work to do tomorrow. Meanwhile, I had to turn down another gig.
All I want is someone to go out with and get a beer. Instead, I will be camped out on the couch, reading and eating black beans and rice.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Bad outweighs the good
Although the balance of good/bad isn't looking so good, it has still been a pretty good couple of days. Got to walk around LP running errands and amusing myself while getting the oil changed. Prowled the aisles of Trader Joes. They have some amazing all-natural juice, but with the 12% juice tax, I think I will wait until I get back to VA. Technically it's a "soft-drink" tax, but it includes anything non-alcoholic, sealed and ready-to-drink. Grr.
Oil change people offered to rotate my tires until they realised I really need knew tires, rendering a rotation pretty moot. The next time I will be able to put that kind of cash into my car will be in June when its paid off. Or when I decide to max out the Visa.
Today I went to the library downtown with a long list of awesome books. Only to learn they are all reference books. And the copier is such a rip at 15cents a copy. But because they are reference, I can't run them to the local Kinkos and copy them at half that. But I found enough books to keep me busy.
I have a primo parking space, which is convenient since I got locked out of my house yesterday. I can't open one of the locks, which is the one they locked. Grr.
Finally got a temp gig for tomorrow, which means no more loafing around in my jammies and new gym socks.
Watching some toob before tackling the stack of books again.
Oil change people offered to rotate my tires until they realised I really need knew tires, rendering a rotation pretty moot. The next time I will be able to put that kind of cash into my car will be in June when its paid off. Or when I decide to max out the Visa.
Today I went to the library downtown with a long list of awesome books. Only to learn they are all reference books. And the copier is such a rip at 15cents a copy. But because they are reference, I can't run them to the local Kinkos and copy them at half that. But I found enough books to keep me busy.
I have a primo parking space, which is convenient since I got locked out of my house yesterday. I can't open one of the locks, which is the one they locked. Grr.
Finally got a temp gig for tomorrow, which means no more loafing around in my jammies and new gym socks.
Watching some toob before tackling the stack of books again.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Back in Chicago
Back in Chicago and it feels so good.
Took a leisurely pace packing and driving. 7 hours can be really long for someone with such a short attention span, but once I passed Dayton, I got into the groove. And how cool is it that my mental map of Chicago instantly kicked back in. Knew to take the LSD, the order of the streets, everything.
Crashed at Kallisti's since I got into to town so late. There was 312 chilling in the fridge before we walked over to Long Bar for some Delirium on tap! Moved into my place this afternoon. The girls are very nice, but the house is a standard-issue undergrad apartment. Mismash of furniture and dishes. I have my own room with a huge closet and a queen sized mattress on the floor. But the house seems super-toasty, which means I don't have to bust out the space heaters that the Domestic God lent me. Did some grocery shopping to pick up the Honey Wheat pancake mix I like. And parked my car on my old block because I automatically knew that it was not 143 parking!
I know it's only been 3 months, but given how much has happened since, it feels much longer. At the same time, the weirdest part of it is how very not weird it all is.
Took a leisurely pace packing and driving. 7 hours can be really long for someone with such a short attention span, but once I passed Dayton, I got into the groove. And how cool is it that my mental map of Chicago instantly kicked back in. Knew to take the LSD, the order of the streets, everything.
Crashed at Kallisti's since I got into to town so late. There was 312 chilling in the fridge before we walked over to Long Bar for some Delirium on tap! Moved into my place this afternoon. The girls are very nice, but the house is a standard-issue undergrad apartment. Mismash of furniture and dishes. I have my own room with a huge closet and a queen sized mattress on the floor. But the house seems super-toasty, which means I don't have to bust out the space heaters that the Domestic God lent me. Did some grocery shopping to pick up the Honey Wheat pancake mix I like. And parked my car on my old block because I automatically knew that it was not 143 parking!
I know it's only been 3 months, but given how much has happened since, it feels much longer. At the same time, the weirdest part of it is how very not weird it all is.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Tour de Couch
In less than a week, I slept on 4 different couches. Well, I actually got to sleep on my old bed at Casa la Cotton, but that was after crashing on my couch, my parents' long couch, and Domestic God's leopard print couch.
It was fun to hang out with the familiar people and eat very well. And do some fun driving. Not the 6 hours to NoVA, but the 2 hours down 29, anything on 20, bumming around Charlottesville, and even the trip back to Athens wasn't so bad. I discovered a new happy place: driving down 20S to Scottsville. windows down. sunroof open. clear and sunny. the smell of fall. no cars in front of me. listening to one of my favorite bands on my favorite radio station. So if I ever get a wistful glaze on my face, that's where I am. It's actually the first happy place that didn't involve another person.
Of course 20 isn't all bliss. There was fodder for a great round of roadkill bingo. Standard issue squirrels and deer, 2 skunks and a wooden desk.
Had my 5th Thanksgiving with Casa la Cotton, which this year included Pitsnoggle, a 2 year old with a clear voice and big vocabulary. So cute. Lots of banishing of the PFM to "naughty chair", which had all the rest of us in hysterics. This was after spending all Wednesday "helping" Domestic God prepare an ungodly amount of food. Helping mostly consisted of a couple supply runs, sampling and food prep till I cut my finger. And of course, the moral support and reminder that 3AM is no time to start 2 pies, especially after preparing 6 other dishes, including a divine-smelling torte.
Last night, to fully embrace food coma, PFM, Dad2 and I tortured the cats and watched a movie before I skipped out on Squidbillies to do some reading. Earlier, we took the dogs for a walk, mostly to watch Sonya porpoise and frolic through huge leaf piles.
So I ate well, spent more money than I should have at Target, did alot of driving, and spent some quality time clowning around. Did minimal reading, but it was nice to have a vacation of sorts.
on the tube: "What Not to Wear"
It was fun to hang out with the familiar people and eat very well. And do some fun driving. Not the 6 hours to NoVA, but the 2 hours down 29, anything on 20, bumming around Charlottesville, and even the trip back to Athens wasn't so bad. I discovered a new happy place: driving down 20S to Scottsville. windows down. sunroof open. clear and sunny. the smell of fall. no cars in front of me. listening to one of my favorite bands on my favorite radio station. So if I ever get a wistful glaze on my face, that's where I am. It's actually the first happy place that didn't involve another person.
Of course 20 isn't all bliss. There was fodder for a great round of roadkill bingo. Standard issue squirrels and deer, 2 skunks and a wooden desk.
Had my 5th Thanksgiving with Casa la Cotton, which this year included Pitsnoggle, a 2 year old with a clear voice and big vocabulary. So cute. Lots of banishing of the PFM to "naughty chair", which had all the rest of us in hysterics. This was after spending all Wednesday "helping" Domestic God prepare an ungodly amount of food. Helping mostly consisted of a couple supply runs, sampling and food prep till I cut my finger. And of course, the moral support and reminder that 3AM is no time to start 2 pies, especially after preparing 6 other dishes, including a divine-smelling torte.
Last night, to fully embrace food coma, PFM, Dad2 and I tortured the cats and watched a movie before I skipped out on Squidbillies to do some reading. Earlier, we took the dogs for a walk, mostly to watch Sonya porpoise and frolic through huge leaf piles.
So I ate well, spent more money than I should have at Target, did alot of driving, and spent some quality time clowning around. Did minimal reading, but it was nice to have a vacation of sorts.
on the tube: "What Not to Wear"
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Oh Tarzhay
After months in exile, I finally got to go back to a Target. And it felt so good. Admittedly, it would have been more fun if I actually had money to spend. But I did have things to spend it on. Nothing too thrilling, but the simple act of buying them at Target made things like razors, advil and mittens pretty exciting. And I am now the proud owner of Modal pants, which is possibly my favorite fabric. I have tomato colored sheets of Modal. It has a gorgeous drape, super soft.
Finally got my car inspected, having been out of state for over 18 months. Didn't make it for an oil change. Heading down to Charlottesville tomorrow.
music: the Fashionista's ring tone and SVU.
Finally got my car inspected, having been out of state for over 18 months. Didn't make it for an oil change. Heading down to Charlottesville tomorrow.
music: the Fashionista's ring tone and SVU.
Monday, November 19, 2007
From one couch to another
Call it a change of scenery. I have transplanted myself from my red couch to my parents' super-long blue couch. The difference besides color is that one house has beer and the other house has food. And TiVo and laundry. So now I am doing exciting things like 6 loads of laundry and balancing my checkbook. But tomorrow, I finally get to go to a Target.
The drive is exactly one tank of gas and 6 hours of time. Unfortunately, that's alot more attention span than I generally have.
The drive is exactly one tank of gas and 6 hours of time. Unfortunately, that's alot more attention span than I generally have.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Slackitude
Since rolling back into my apartment at 3.30PM on Friday, after doing 270 grades, I have been pretty much perma-pj-ed and surgically attached to my couch. It has been awesome.
No more grilled cheese sandwiches at 4AM! No more tripping over library books. No more pots of coffee! For right now.
Grades: The final looked alot better than the midterm. There was one kid who didn't bother to show up, probably because he knew nothing could save him now. People are actually allowed to fail here, unlike some schools I know. And the grades all average out about right.
Library: Infinitely satisfying to drop off 32 books. Less satisfying - schlepping up the Hill with them.
Just chillin': Friday night, after long naps for both of us, the other MA and I ate nachos and watched Frida. Because that was about all either of us was really capable of, having oatmeal for brains and still recovering from levels of sleep deprivation. I am currently trying to put myself back on a more normal, less grad student schedule, but it's not working so well. Yesterday, I hung out with a couple of the designers. Saw Darjeeling Limited and Dan in Real Life (through which we snarked heartily) because it's wicked cheap to see movies in this town. Made a trip to Donkey, where we inevitably ran into more people. And we represented the SOT at our favorite bartender's last night at the Gator.
Now, I have to do dishes and clean the bathroom, and probably take a nap before heading out. Unless I just become an uber-slacker, and wait till tomorrow morning.
on iTunes: "Walk or Ride" - The Ditty Bops
No more grilled cheese sandwiches at 4AM! No more tripping over library books. No more pots of coffee! For right now.
Grades: The final looked alot better than the midterm. There was one kid who didn't bother to show up, probably because he knew nothing could save him now. People are actually allowed to fail here, unlike some schools I know. And the grades all average out about right.
Library: Infinitely satisfying to drop off 32 books. Less satisfying - schlepping up the Hill with them.
Just chillin': Friday night, after long naps for both of us, the other MA and I ate nachos and watched Frida. Because that was about all either of us was really capable of, having oatmeal for brains and still recovering from levels of sleep deprivation. I am currently trying to put myself back on a more normal, less grad student schedule, but it's not working so well. Yesterday, I hung out with a couple of the designers. Saw Darjeeling Limited and Dan in Real Life (through which we snarked heartily) because it's wicked cheap to see movies in this town. Made a trip to Donkey, where we inevitably ran into more people. And we represented the SOT at our favorite bartender's last night at the Gator.
Now, I have to do dishes and clean the bathroom, and probably take a nap before heading out. Unless I just become an uber-slacker, and wait till tomorrow morning.
on iTunes: "Walk or Ride" - The Ditty Bops
Friday, November 16, 2007
Done
Weighing in at 15.5 pages, 5316 words and 22 citations, "Is Feminism Possible in Theatre of the Absurd" has finally been wrought.
I hate Pinter. And I'm going to bed.
on Pandora: "The Crash" - The Working Title
Thursday, November 15, 2007
What you wish for
Small things make all the difference.
As I trudged up the Hill to the library to check out yet MORE books for this paper, I learned that during finals week, the stacks are open until 2AM. It's not 24/7, but it is pretty impressive.
Likewise, Donkey, a way-cool, Mudhousesqe coffee shop is open 24/7 during finals week! I may be making a 2AM, post-library run.
All I need is that diner....
Oh, and the other day, I saw a girl walking what at first appeared to be a rat dog, but turned out to be a bunny! In a sweater! I'm so jealous!
As I trudged up the Hill to the library to check out yet MORE books for this paper, I learned that during finals week, the stacks are open until 2AM. It's not 24/7, but it is pretty impressive.
Likewise, Donkey, a way-cool, Mudhousesqe coffee shop is open 24/7 during finals week! I may be making a 2AM, post-library run.
All I need is that diner....
Oh, and the other day, I saw a girl walking what at first appeared to be a rat dog, but turned out to be a bunny! In a sweater! I'm so jealous!
Rant now, compose later
Maybe if I get the text out of my system on my blog, it won't end up in my paper. And since the other MA wimped out by 1AM, my option is pretty much this.
I HATE Pinter. I also hate accidentally feeding the patriarchical approach in my writing. I hate that people can't follow my line of logic, which makes perfect sense. To me. I also hate rewriting and not being able to find a citation for a kickass idea/quotation. Not helpful, but not on the hate list - not actually formally knowing feminist theory, which would be damn helpful right about now. My advisor says I don't need to own it, but just borrow it. Also a bummer - the library is not 24/7 when I need it most (to read up on said feminist theory, Keyssar, etc). Hate page minimum when I have said all I care to say. Because I really hate fattening my paper for the sake of fattening it.
If I ever find a town that has a 24/7 library and a 24/7 diner, I will never leave.
That said, I love feeling so alert and focused. Shame I have run out of things to say, or at least to say coherently.
on Pandora: "Sender" - Pinback
I HATE Pinter. I also hate accidentally feeding the patriarchical approach in my writing. I hate that people can't follow my line of logic, which makes perfect sense. To me. I also hate rewriting and not being able to find a citation for a kickass idea/quotation. Not helpful, but not on the hate list - not actually formally knowing feminist theory, which would be damn helpful right about now. My advisor says I don't need to own it, but just borrow it. Also a bummer - the library is not 24/7 when I need it most (to read up on said feminist theory, Keyssar, etc). Hate page minimum when I have said all I care to say. Because I really hate fattening my paper for the sake of fattening it.
If I ever find a town that has a 24/7 library and a 24/7 diner, I will never leave.
That said, I love feeling so alert and focused. Shame I have run out of things to say, or at least to say coherently.
on Pandora: "Sender" - Pinback
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Midnight muse
In the past few days, I have discovered that I am most prolific, productive, or at least verbose from about 12-4AM. While this can be an inconvenience in the real world, during finals week it is entirely doable. So for day 3 of this, I got excited about knocking out another 5 pages, then hitting the sack around 4, to wake up around 11 and go back to the library.
That said, I have only gotten about 2 of those 5 pages done, and I'm already feeling a bit wrung-out. My muse has abandoned me! Bitch! So if anyone has seen my muse, please march her inspirational ass back here. And while you are on the hunt, if anyone has seen the Bullshit, send that along as well. In fact, I would like to borrow the Bullshit indefinitely, if no one minds.
Remind me that "Pinter really gets his misogyny on in scene 4." is not appropriate for scholarly writing.
In the meantime, chocolate mint truffle or pumpkin spice?
on Pandora: "Clunk" - Yo La Tengo
That said, I have only gotten about 2 of those 5 pages done, and I'm already feeling a bit wrung-out. My muse has abandoned me! Bitch! So if anyone has seen my muse, please march her inspirational ass back here. And while you are on the hunt, if anyone has seen the Bullshit, send that along as well. In fact, I would like to borrow the Bullshit indefinitely, if no one minds.
Remind me that "Pinter really gets his misogyny on in scene 4." is not appropriate for scholarly writing.
In the meantime, chocolate mint truffle or pumpkin spice?
on Pandora: "Clunk" - Yo La TengoPancake postscript
What self-respecting college town doesn't have a 24-hour purveyor of breakfast foods? The closest IHOP is 63 miles away, across state lines. There's no Denny's or Waffle House, and the diner on Union Street is only open 24hrs on the weekends!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Procrastination pancakes
Don't you hate that feeling of not really knowing what you're hungry for, but being really certain that it can't be found in the confines of your apartment? Further exacerbated by a complete lack of clean dishes and spoons (can't drink any more coffee until I was dishes unless I want to drink it straight out of the pot, and I really hope it doesn't come to that moment.) Oh, and the fact I have been trying to clear out the fridge and cabinets for break. Me want pancakes.
Since I don't have Clarke's just down the street, which I know is open 24/7 and necessarily serving pancakes at any hour I require them, I had to jump online to see if anyone else knew. Smokin' Fairy suggested Bob Evans, but I didn't really want to sit in some joint and shovel pancakes and syrup into my face, wearing my jammies, by myself. As I debated the merits of carryout, he volunteered to come with, because all of this talk of pancakes was making him hungry too.
Discussed our respective projects that we were avoiding, bad relationship stories, and why being in a wedding sucks/rocks. 2 hours later, we were still in the parking lot.
On one hand, that was two more hours I could have spent finding new and creative ways of calling Pinter out on his misogyny. Then again, those two hours would have been spent being grumpy and hungry. And now those multigrain pancakes and sausage links are fueling the writing as I wait for my magic hour of productivity, which of late has been hitting somewhere around 3AM, hence the late posting. While 3AM is not exactly optimal, at least I have a productive hour, and I know when it is.
3 more minutes. And about 3000 more words to go. *sigh*
Since I don't have Clarke's just down the street, which I know is open 24/7 and necessarily serving pancakes at any hour I require them, I had to jump online to see if anyone else knew. Smokin' Fairy suggested Bob Evans, but I didn't really want to sit in some joint and shovel pancakes and syrup into my face, wearing my jammies, by myself. As I debated the merits of carryout, he volunteered to come with, because all of this talk of pancakes was making him hungry too.
Discussed our respective projects that we were avoiding, bad relationship stories, and why being in a wedding sucks/rocks. 2 hours later, we were still in the parking lot.
On one hand, that was two more hours I could have spent finding new and creative ways of calling Pinter out on his misogyny. Then again, those two hours would have been spent being grumpy and hungry. And now those multigrain pancakes and sausage links are fueling the writing as I wait for my magic hour of productivity, which of late has been hitting somewhere around 3AM, hence the late posting. While 3AM is not exactly optimal, at least I have a productive hour, and I know when it is.
3 more minutes. And about 3000 more words to go. *sigh*
Grad-lympics
It's a good thing we're creative, because athleticism just ain't gonna happen.
(closing ceremonies on the front porch.
Sadly there was no fire involved.)
To celebrate the end quarter, the penultimate day of classes, which we have off, all the grads gathered at the Macbett house for Grad-lympics. A series of special, theatre-oriented "events" all while picking at a turkey and drinking a beer. Like the cable coil:
And the "Who's Line" with odd props:
(there was much hilarity when the players outside made fun of the GH players inside)
And Iron Draping, which was like Project Runway meets Iron Chef. Complete with Tim Gunn impressions and a nipply mannequin:
And for the uber-goobers, a Shakespeare scavenger hunt. Using a quote, figure out the physical location of the play, then locate the next clue in the right play (there were like 3 at each station). Oh yes, there was some playing dirty, and entirely too much, "There is no way that is Coriolanus. It's totally Titus!"
And as intermission entertainment, I rocked some Guitar Hero on XBox. I covet, but then I'd REALLY never get anything done. After an embarrassing first go-round, I snagged a high score on "Rock This Town." And I can't wait for GH3!
A nice diversion before diving head first into my library books.
(closing ceremonies on the front porch. Sadly there was no fire involved.)
To celebrate the end quarter, the penultimate day of classes, which we have off, all the grads gathered at the Macbett house for Grad-lympics. A series of special, theatre-oriented "events" all while picking at a turkey and drinking a beer. Like the cable coil:
And the "Who's Line" with odd props:
(there was much hilarity when the players outside made fun of the GH players inside)And Iron Draping, which was like Project Runway meets Iron Chef. Complete with Tim Gunn impressions and a nipply mannequin:
And for the uber-goobers, a Shakespeare scavenger hunt. Using a quote, figure out the physical location of the play, then locate the next clue in the right play (there were like 3 at each station). Oh yes, there was some playing dirty, and entirely too much, "There is no way that is Coriolanus. It's totally Titus!"
And as intermission entertainment, I rocked some Guitar Hero on XBox. I covet, but then I'd REALLY never get anything done. After an embarrassing first go-round, I snagged a high score on "Rock This Town." And I can't wait for GH3!
A nice diversion before diving head first into my library books.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Tight-knit
Which is how all of my clothes should be. Because what's the point of an open-knit sweater?
Actually, tight-knit refers to my 1st year friends. In only 8 weeks, I have found people who are as dorky as I am, drinking buddies, people to call at ungodly hours, and new uses for speed-dial (that ISN'T Papa Johns). While this is probably a function of shared experience and the theater personality, I'll take it. Apparently this scares some people who are not theater people.
What has struck me is that with all this boy drama, the 1st years have really rallied their support. When setting up a meeting with one of the directors, her first question was how was I and was it resolved. Only after going through that did she want to set up the meeting. Even the guys are checking up on me. So I guess it's nice to know that even in such a minor crisis, I have people who are going to be right here for me, if it's a quick, "You OK?" or a longer chat over coffee at Donkey. Remotely, I have my little protege from VG who has told me anytime I have the impulse to call the Boy, to call her instead. I like knowing that if I decide to swan dive, there is a net down there to catch me.
Back to the Film paper.
Actually, tight-knit refers to my 1st year friends. In only 8 weeks, I have found people who are as dorky as I am, drinking buddies, people to call at ungodly hours, and new uses for speed-dial (that ISN'T Papa Johns). While this is probably a function of shared experience and the theater personality, I'll take it. Apparently this scares some people who are not theater people.
What has struck me is that with all this boy drama, the 1st years have really rallied their support. When setting up a meeting with one of the directors, her first question was how was I and was it resolved. Only after going through that did she want to set up the meeting. Even the guys are checking up on me. So I guess it's nice to know that even in such a minor crisis, I have people who are going to be right here for me, if it's a quick, "You OK?" or a longer chat over coffee at Donkey. Remotely, I have my little protege from VG who has told me anytime I have the impulse to call the Boy, to call her instead. I like knowing that if I decide to swan dive, there is a net down there to catch me.
Back to the Film paper.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Perpetual state of procrastination
I started all conscientious-like. At this point I have less than a week to do alot of work. Over the past week, I have managed to eke out at least a little bit of work, which isn't a good pace, but is something. Today was supposed to be the day to kick it into gear.
Except that I stayed out past my bedtime last night, felt generally ill until about an hour ago, and have been dealing with boy drama. (If I told you, you wouldn't believe me. Hopefully, it will just be a really funny story.) Almost passed out taking a shower. Needless to say none of this is really helping me get work done. All I feel like doing is laying on the couch under my fuzzy penguin blanket and watch Comedy Central, with the occasional trip to the freezer for sherbet.
I did knock out a rough draft of Part 1 of my film paper. Now I have to jazz it up for Part 2 and sound 1400-1800 words of brilliant. But it's about Billy Elliot, which is one of my favorite movies. And I could watch the "I Love to Boogie" sequence from now until the cows come home. I do want to see Macbett one more time, because it is such an amazing and unique spectacle. Unfortunately, that would involve getting out of my jammies, going outside and being social instead of mildly pukey. And jammies = work.
Except that I stayed out past my bedtime last night, felt generally ill until about an hour ago, and have been dealing with boy drama. (If I told you, you wouldn't believe me. Hopefully, it will just be a really funny story.) Almost passed out taking a shower. Needless to say none of this is really helping me get work done. All I feel like doing is laying on the couch under my fuzzy penguin blanket and watch Comedy Central, with the occasional trip to the freezer for sherbet.
I did knock out a rough draft of Part 1 of my film paper. Now I have to jazz it up for Part 2 and sound 1400-1800 words of brilliant. But it's about Billy Elliot, which is one of my favorite movies. And I could watch the "I Love to Boogie" sequence from now until the cows come home. I do want to see Macbett one more time, because it is such an amazing and unique spectacle. Unfortunately, that would involve getting out of my jammies, going outside and being social instead of mildly pukey. And jammies = work.
Friday, November 09, 2007
the Talkback that wasn't
As part of my dramaturgical duties, I am supposed to lead the talkback discussion for Macbett. Quick definition: talkback = post-show conversation between audience and artistic team moderated by the dramaturg. A great opportunity for the audience to ask questions, find out more about the tank, whatnot. Having fielded lots of these kinds of questions over the past week, I felt fairly prepared for anything. Except the deafening silence of an empty auditorium.
No one stayed for the talkback. No one came for the talkback. It was me in my big girl pants standing on the stage. Woog. I wasn't offended as much as annoyed, since I had put some advance thought into this. And dragged myself out of my jammies. The ushers (other theatre students) came into clean up the space, and ended up asking questions. It was nice to have such an informal conversation, especially for my first talkback. At the same time, it would have been nice for the rest of the artists if someone showed up. One of the crew people was really incensed, and promised that next quarter, it would be a requirement in his class.
My professor was all apologetic, like it was somehow his fault. Turns out the head of the department failed to mention the talkback in his curtain speech. I tried to cut some slack, since the show ran long, it was late, and it's the end of quarter.
Oh well, we all ended up at Martini night, so the evening wasn't a total bust.
Now I have 3 hours to write before Madness. Let's see if I can compose whole sentences about absurdism yet.
on Pandora: "Back in the Wild" - Greenskeeper
No one stayed for the talkback. No one came for the talkback. It was me in my big girl pants standing on the stage. Woog. I wasn't offended as much as annoyed, since I had put some advance thought into this. And dragged myself out of my jammies. The ushers (other theatre students) came into clean up the space, and ended up asking questions. It was nice to have such an informal conversation, especially for my first talkback. At the same time, it would have been nice for the rest of the artists if someone showed up. One of the crew people was really incensed, and promised that next quarter, it would be a requirement in his class.
My professor was all apologetic, like it was somehow his fault. Turns out the head of the department failed to mention the talkback in his curtain speech. I tried to cut some slack, since the show ran long, it was late, and it's the end of quarter.
Oh well, we all ended up at Martini night, so the evening wasn't a total bust.
Now I have 3 hours to write before Madness. Let's see if I can compose whole sentences about absurdism yet.
on Pandora: "Back in the Wild" - Greenskeeper
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Tidbits
It might be the end of the quarter making complete, coherent thought difficult, or that Facebook has successfully sucked me into the cult, or that I have to keep moving to keep warm.
- Me likey Free Pizza. I had nodded off doing some reading. Woke up to a knock at the door. Neighborhood group was checking smoke detectors in exchange for a pizza. Duh. To say nothing of the fact that my few attempts at cooking have alerted me to their functionality. So I had a chicken & pineapple pizza from Avalanche, which uses natural/organic ingredients, and is damn tasty. And next time, I am totally trying the ninja sauce.
- I need to hang out with technicians more. I learned about zombies, swords as engagement/wedding gifts, how to check for a concussion on a naturally goofy kid, and that there will be Guitar Hero in the Baker tomorrow.
- Coffee can't touch me anymore, and that's a bad thing. Because there is nothing more disorienting than yawning and having heart palpitations at the same time. I don't know why I am tired all the time, but it's getting on my nerves.
- as a side note - the pumpkin flavored stuff has already started to disappear in favor of "christmas" flavors. We haven't even gotten to Thanksgiving. This is ridiculous. As a result, I have started stockpiling what I can.
- I think the other MA and I have figured out how to get our mentor to come out for Martini Night. This should be excellent!
- Installation art makes me happy, even if it's been done in other cities.
- I lost my periwinkle bucket hat. This makes me sad, because it matched my red velvet coat I get so many compliments on. Also sad, because every other hat I own makes me look like a 5 year old.
- My new hobby is racing to the heater when it kicks on to either roast my toes or my rump. Then when it stops to race to sit on the couch and enjoy the toasty a little longer. Strangely, this is also the best way to get my nose to stop being ice.
- The final project in 500 went really well. Our set looked cool, people laughed. And apparently, ours was the first comedy in 5 years.
- Comical to some, painful to me. My iPod earbuds have started shooting static into my ears at unpredictable intervals. I know I have a static problem, but I don't remember this from last year. I must look like I have Tourette's, because one minute I am walking, then next minute I am jumping around and cursing.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
PhD prelim
It's everyone's favorite time of year again! The time when I start seeking favors and letters and transcripts to send off to schools to take my money and reject me. I hate applying to schools. It's unnerving, because I never know where I stand. I have to do serious paper chasing and bullshitting as I try to make my interests and objectives sound intelligent and meaningful. How do you tell a school that the reason you even discovered them is that they are located on a beach?
As an assignment, we had to do some research into potential programs. I discovered some interesting programs, and the fact that funding is scarce. As with my master's, I refuse to go somewhere that involves dropping crazy cash for a degree that won't pay it off efficiently. Geography does play into things, but more places I WON'T live. I am leaning towards Performance Studies, which feels more integrated, matching my approach to the arts. I want a program that is affiliated with dance, gender studies, with some women on the faculty and as students. While my current mentor is male, I suspect his level of support and enthusiasm is uniquely his own.
Here's the list of schools on my radar:
on Pandora: "For Us" - Pete Yorn
As an assignment, we had to do some research into potential programs. I discovered some interesting programs, and the fact that funding is scarce. As with my master's, I refuse to go somewhere that involves dropping crazy cash for a degree that won't pay it off efficiently. Geography does play into things, but more places I WON'T live. I am leaning towards Performance Studies, which feels more integrated, matching my approach to the arts. I want a program that is affiliated with dance, gender studies, with some women on the faculty and as students. While my current mentor is male, I suspect his level of support and enthusiasm is uniquely his own.
Here's the list of schools on my radar:
- University of Wisconsin
- University of California at Santa Barbara
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Florida State University
- Southern Illinois University
on Pandora: "For Us" - Pete Yorn
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Estro-fest
As I fight with the male-dominated genre of absurdism, it is refreshing to find the feminine perspective. Currently, I am trying to write a paper discussing the absence of (meaningful) females in absurdist plays. It only enhances my distaste for the genre. So I have to read Pinter, who is such a misogynist. But I also get to read Maria Irene Fornes, who I find to be interesting and funny. But my thesis eludes me.
Last night, I headed over to the Green House for a Girls' Night. The 2 directors are women, sharing this awesome house. And they decided to host all the grad and senior girls. Contrary to male fantasy, there was no lingerie or pillowfights. Just alot of red wine and brownies and shooting of the shit. We all holed up in the loft talking about audition nightmares. Came back down and managed to hold 3 different conversations around the same table. And Moss' toast was awesome - "To women who are going to make it in a field dominated by white men." I can't say it would have been any different if boys had been invited, but it was fun to just chill in the last moments of the quarter.
Unfortunately, when I got home, my cold broke. I had been hoping it was allergies. So I drugged up and curled under the covers with a box of Kleenex to watch Billy Elliot for film class. I had been pretty awake, but it's hard to read feminist theory and take notes while on Benadryl and constantly sneezing.
I'm hoping that the cold is the reason I have felt so tired lately. In the meantime, I stock up on coffee and trudge the last 2 weeks of the quarter. It will all get done, I'm just going to be a grumpy monkey in the meantime.
Last night, I headed over to the Green House for a Girls' Night. The 2 directors are women, sharing this awesome house. And they decided to host all the grad and senior girls. Contrary to male fantasy, there was no lingerie or pillowfights. Just alot of red wine and brownies and shooting of the shit. We all holed up in the loft talking about audition nightmares. Came back down and managed to hold 3 different conversations around the same table. And Moss' toast was awesome - "To women who are going to make it in a field dominated by white men." I can't say it would have been any different if boys had been invited, but it was fun to just chill in the last moments of the quarter.
Unfortunately, when I got home, my cold broke. I had been hoping it was allergies. So I drugged up and curled under the covers with a box of Kleenex to watch Billy Elliot for film class. I had been pretty awake, but it's hard to read feminist theory and take notes while on Benadryl and constantly sneezing.
I'm hoping that the cold is the reason I have felt so tired lately. In the meantime, I stock up on coffee and trudge the last 2 weeks of the quarter. It will all get done, I'm just going to be a grumpy monkey in the meantime.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Quick summary
No time for a detailed post, so I'll hit the high/lowlights:
- opening night of Macbett. It's incredible and I feel cool by association.
- must kill primary designer for being a diva and an asshat
- migraines suck
- the very idea that i have only 2 weeks to write a film paper, a 15pager on feminist absurdism, even though i still don't have a real thesis, a project in 500 which requires the use of software i don't know, and a source book to produce, kinda makes me want to throw up and then crawl back into bed until thanksgiving. and don't get me started on next quarter.
- it's now cold and that makes me grumpy
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Weird
How very Halloweeny - I have spent my entire day feeling a little spooked.
Apparently I am more stressed than I realised. I hate it when that happens. Because arguably, it's better to know you are stressed so you can just deal, instead of waking up in an inexplicable panic with a dark ring around your mouth. Normal people get dark rings under their eyes. When I get stressed I get it around my mouth. It's not pretty and no amount of moisturizer is going to make it go away.
The weird part (besides it sneaking up on me) is that there is nothing NEW on my plate. Yes, I am in a state of flux, starting to think more seriously about my thesis and the practicalities. And applying to PhD programs in 2 months. (Because I am just such a sane person when I apply to schools.) And finishing the quarter, yadda yadda. I THOUGHT I had this under control.
Now that I have been alerted, I am craving crap like chicken pot pie and apple brown betty (oh Domestic God, I need you!). But since my body had decided it doesn't like the gym, I can't really justify piling on the calories in some futile attempt to quell the Stress Monster. Looks not unlike Cookie Monster, but his fur is dingy yellow like something puked on it. I deal with what I can and obsess about the rest.
In good neighbor news, I finally saw the Missing Girl, who is fine. She was just out of town for a while. But she thought it was sweet that I checked up on her.
on Pandora: "Up at the Lake" - The Charlatans
Apparently I am more stressed than I realised. I hate it when that happens. Because arguably, it's better to know you are stressed so you can just deal, instead of waking up in an inexplicable panic with a dark ring around your mouth. Normal people get dark rings under their eyes. When I get stressed I get it around my mouth. It's not pretty and no amount of moisturizer is going to make it go away.
The weird part (besides it sneaking up on me) is that there is nothing NEW on my plate. Yes, I am in a state of flux, starting to think more seriously about my thesis and the practicalities. And applying to PhD programs in 2 months. (Because I am just such a sane person when I apply to schools.) And finishing the quarter, yadda yadda. I THOUGHT I had this under control.
Now that I have been alerted, I am craving crap like chicken pot pie and apple brown betty (oh Domestic God, I need you!). But since my body had decided it doesn't like the gym, I can't really justify piling on the calories in some futile attempt to quell the Stress Monster. Looks not unlike Cookie Monster, but his fur is dingy yellow like something puked on it. I deal with what I can and obsess about the rest.
In good neighbor news, I finally saw the Missing Girl, who is fine. She was just out of town for a while. But she thought it was sweet that I checked up on her.
on Pandora: "Up at the Lake" - The Charlatans
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Brrr
Holy crap it got cold!
I know I complained about this early, and this isn't that kind of complaint. Candidly, it's overdue. But that doesn't mean I particularly like padding around my house wrapped in a blanket, with my butt or toes placed over the heater and having to start do the layer thing. It has almost past the temperature point where I can wear my gorgeous red velvet coat.
Since my mobility is limited by the blanket, I am much more inspired to do some online browsing for things like space heaters and slippers (the monkeys died in Chicago). But I found a place that sells hats with ear flaps (I thought Kallisti would make fun of it, but being a native Chicagoan, he really didn't), and matching glove-mittens.
Also annoying, the 40 degree temperature differential. In the morning it is about freezing, but supposed to get in the sixties, which means the shedding and potential loss of layers. The only good thing about this is that my travels are generally limited to Kantner and the library, so it makes the finding a wee bit easier.
The cold is not helping my health plan either. A few years ago, Cheese Fiend and I discovered that we have the primordial instinct to build the layer of fat and hibernate as soon as the temperature drops. So yesterday was a constant battle against my desire to pad my butt with pasta and junk. Did make it out to the gym, but skipped out without doing a full 20min cardio. And I am sleeping all the time. Then again, it might still be recovery from the weekend. (Neighbors vouched that they were in the same recovery boat). Also officially a sign of the advent of Cold - my constant need for lotion and the static is back. So if you see me with a hat on, it is partially to keep my head warm, and partially to hide the hideousness that is my Van de Graaf hair. (let's not even discuss what happens when I take OFF the hat...)
OK, enough with the computer. I'm gonna park my butt on the couch and catch up on some reading, with my toes tucked into the cushions.
I know I complained about this early, and this isn't that kind of complaint. Candidly, it's overdue. But that doesn't mean I particularly like padding around my house wrapped in a blanket, with my butt or toes placed over the heater and having to start do the layer thing. It has almost past the temperature point where I can wear my gorgeous red velvet coat.
Since my mobility is limited by the blanket, I am much more inspired to do some online browsing for things like space heaters and slippers (the monkeys died in Chicago). But I found a place that sells hats with ear flaps (I thought Kallisti would make fun of it, but being a native Chicagoan, he really didn't), and matching glove-mittens.
Also annoying, the 40 degree temperature differential. In the morning it is about freezing, but supposed to get in the sixties, which means the shedding and potential loss of layers. The only good thing about this is that my travels are generally limited to Kantner and the library, so it makes the finding a wee bit easier.
The cold is not helping my health plan either. A few years ago, Cheese Fiend and I discovered that we have the primordial instinct to build the layer of fat and hibernate as soon as the temperature drops. So yesterday was a constant battle against my desire to pad my butt with pasta and junk. Did make it out to the gym, but skipped out without doing a full 20min cardio. And I am sleeping all the time. Then again, it might still be recovery from the weekend. (Neighbors vouched that they were in the same recovery boat). Also officially a sign of the advent of Cold - my constant need for lotion and the static is back. So if you see me with a hat on, it is partially to keep my head warm, and partially to hide the hideousness that is my Van de Graaf hair. (let's not even discuss what happens when I take OFF the hat...)
OK, enough with the computer. I'm gonna park my butt on the couch and catch up on some reading, with my toes tucked into the cushions.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Helluva Halloween
(the Nightmare kids with Zero and Oogie Boogie)Until I finished my lobby display, I would not allow myself to blog. And I finally got that up about an hour ago.
This weekend was chock-full-o-Halloween. And it was awesome. Athens hosts one of the largest parties in the Midwest, so all the streets were blocked, the horses tried not to look startled at the odd costumes, and the drinking started extra early.
Kallisti came down from Chicago to witness/participate in the madness. He went as Jack the Ripper, which was especially apt as we cut through alleys to avoid the corseted tarts on Court Street. I was the Cracked Tooth Fairy, which was mostly just an excuse to wear pink fuzzy bat wings, a pink wig and too much makeup. The designers collectively went as Nightmare Before Christmas, which was most impressive. Oogie Boogie was made out of a costume from the most recent show. Sally wore 8 skeins of yarn, and we had Santa in the bag. Extra special: accosting guys dressed as Santa on Court Street.
(Sally and Jack or "Goth Prom")Saw alot of Sailors (take a drink), bumblebees (312s), the Teletubbies, Beer Pong, and Halo. Missed "I'm a Banana, just not yet" and Paris Hilton in Jail, but pretty nice array of costumes.
To no one's surprised, the collected theatre people ended up at Blue Gator. Once collected, we moved forward to the next house party, which involved some excellent homebrew, which almost made up for the long walk in the cold. Got home somewhere around 4.30AM.
(he chivalrously gave up his sweatshirt and got the wings in exchange)Yesterday I was in full recovery. Kallisti and I finished off the pizza while lounging on the couch watching the Bears lose. I felt bad that he didn't see more of Athens, since it was cold and rainy almost all weekend, but there are always other weekends.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Puking Pumpkin
On my way to run Halloween errands, I saw this, which was so funny, I got out of the car to take a picture.
I don't know these people, but I love them.
I don't know these people, but I love them.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Hanging around the apartment
Two slightly interesting things happened in the apartment today.
1. Finally borrowed a stud finder from 847. He made sure it was properly calibrated, since it found him. Which means I finally got to hang my nice art. All of the sudden, my apartment looks grown up. Well, maybe not grown up, but nicer. Have Kadinsky over the couch, an old astronomy print from my aunt & uncle's house over the table, and the gorgeous mirror I got in BA is now in my bedroom.
2. Spent part of this morning calling all around Athens trying to find my neighbor. The story: the girl next door has not picked up her mail, turned on the lights, or even pulled the neighborhood bulletin out of her door. This seems like a weird time in the quarter to take off. Call me alarmist, but I worry. So I called the registrar, who told me to call OUPD, who told me to call Athens PD, who asked me to call my landlord. The landlord shared my concern and said they would try to call her. I heard the police knocking at her door. Hopefully she is just crashing with friends. And personally, if I had disappeared for a week, I would hope someone would check up on me.
on the toob: Queer Eye (no gym for me, it's raining cats & dogs)
1. Finally borrowed a stud finder from 847. He made sure it was properly calibrated, since it found him. Which means I finally got to hang my nice art. All of the sudden, my apartment looks grown up. Well, maybe not grown up, but nicer. Have Kadinsky over the couch, an old astronomy print from my aunt & uncle's house over the table, and the gorgeous mirror I got in BA is now in my bedroom.
2. Spent part of this morning calling all around Athens trying to find my neighbor. The story: the girl next door has not picked up her mail, turned on the lights, or even pulled the neighborhood bulletin out of her door. This seems like a weird time in the quarter to take off. Call me alarmist, but I worry. So I called the registrar, who told me to call OUPD, who told me to call Athens PD, who asked me to call my landlord. The landlord shared my concern and said they would try to call her. I heard the police knocking at her door. Hopefully she is just crashing with friends. And personally, if I had disappeared for a week, I would hope someone would check up on me.
on the toob: Queer Eye (no gym for me, it's raining cats & dogs)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Bardolatry
It's my new favorite term, used to indicate the obsession with Shakespeare that leads to his secular sainthood and a hell of an industry.
In the 270 theater history lecture, the professor did an informal survey of how many people had ever been to the reconstructed Globe. So I raised my hand. Who's been to Stratford-upon-Avon? That would be me. Who's been to or participated in a Shakespeare festival? Up, me again (I have like 7 Shakespeare shirts as evidence of my geekdom).
What was weird was the fact that I was the only person out of 70 who raised their hand. Then again, I was the only person who had ever seen a Greek theatre in person. How is it that NONE of these kids have been dragged to some Shakespearean location/event? I mean, I realise that I am extra geeky, and that I hadn't been to alot of these places until after I graduated, but still, none?
Somewhere in a box, there is a picture of me and the Cheese Fiend grinning in front of the Globe stage, which was being mopped by a stage manager (extra bonus points!)
on Pandora: "Heaven Knows I'm Lonely" - Cracker
In the 270 theater history lecture, the professor did an informal survey of how many people had ever been to the reconstructed Globe. So I raised my hand. Who's been to Stratford-upon-Avon? That would be me. Who's been to or participated in a Shakespeare festival? Up, me again (I have like 7 Shakespeare shirts as evidence of my geekdom).
What was weird was the fact that I was the only person out of 70 who raised their hand. Then again, I was the only person who had ever seen a Greek theatre in person. How is it that NONE of these kids have been dragged to some Shakespearean location/event? I mean, I realise that I am extra geeky, and that I hadn't been to alot of these places until after I graduated, but still, none?
Somewhere in a box, there is a picture of me and the Cheese Fiend grinning in front of the Globe stage, which was being mopped by a stage manager (extra bonus points!)
on Pandora: "Heaven Knows I'm Lonely" - Cracker
Sunday, October 21, 2007
River walking
To celebrate another freakishly nice weather, I put away the books and pulled on my shorts and sneakers. There is a really nice, paved trail that skirts the edge of campus. Walked a nice loop along the Hocking River, then up Court Street to my house.
Living in Chicago, I developed a taste for ambling. Today was the first day I had a proper amble here in Ohio. I do lots of walking, but it's very destination-oriented. Up the hill to the theater, up the hill to the library, up the hill to the Gator, et al. Instead of hitting the hill, I got a much more scenic, leisurely walk. Gorgeous trees, bright blue sky, slow-flow river. And Chicago is scenic, but in a different way.
Didn't get as much work done as I would have liked, but how many more days like this will I get?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Pretty AND Productive
All the factors pointed toward the opposite, but somehow, I have managed to do alot of work today.
Woke up nice and late this morning to an impossibly blue sky and extra eager birds. It was nice to laze out of bed, after being coaxed into going to the Gator after Mathematical Madness. Nothing like finding holes in a proof over beer. What was going to be an appearance turned into closing the joint down with the rest of the 1st years. Insisted that one girl hang out at my house before driving home, or just sitting in her car. Because I have a perfectly useful and conveniently nearby couch perfect for just such occasions. Watched Bridget Jones' Diary till I fell asleep.
Today, I have been fighting my usual low-energy. I swear, I think my body's alternator is out of whack, because I just can't seem to recharge my battery. But I burned through quite a bit of reading, prepped a preliminary biblio for my thesis, spent 2 hours in the library scanning Salvador Dali illustrated Macbeth for my students, while researching a potential paper topic. And got a big jump on my presentation for Thursday. I almost don't want to stop, but I do need to go to the gym before it gets really late.
By just blowing through work, I don't have a chance to be overwhelmed by the amount of reading-reseach I will be doing in the very near future. But I have now added quite a bit to my wishlist!
Tomorrow, I have another play to read before finishing my presentation, and posting part of the dramaturgical display for Macbett. Unless I decide to go hiking. Or to Target.
on Pandora: "Run" - Ben Kweller
Woke up nice and late this morning to an impossibly blue sky and extra eager birds. It was nice to laze out of bed, after being coaxed into going to the Gator after Mathematical Madness. Nothing like finding holes in a proof over beer. What was going to be an appearance turned into closing the joint down with the rest of the 1st years. Insisted that one girl hang out at my house before driving home, or just sitting in her car. Because I have a perfectly useful and conveniently nearby couch perfect for just such occasions. Watched Bridget Jones' Diary till I fell asleep.
Today, I have been fighting my usual low-energy. I swear, I think my body's alternator is out of whack, because I just can't seem to recharge my battery. But I burned through quite a bit of reading, prepped a preliminary biblio for my thesis, spent 2 hours in the library scanning Salvador Dali illustrated Macbeth for my students, while researching a potential paper topic. And got a big jump on my presentation for Thursday. I almost don't want to stop, but I do need to go to the gym before it gets really late.
By just blowing through work, I don't have a chance to be overwhelmed by the amount of reading-reseach I will be doing in the very near future. But I have now added quite a bit to my wishlist!
Tomorrow, I have another play to read before finishing my presentation, and posting part of the dramaturgical display for Macbett. Unless I decide to go hiking. Or to Target.
on Pandora: "Run" - Ben Kweller
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Clothing makes the man
Same event, different topic = new entry
Our project involved some mild costuming. Workers had to wear jeans (haha!). I had to wear a suit, or at least jacket, as the mediator. This was both a revelation and source of hilarity.
For me, I generally dislike wearing my suit, or even the jacket. I just feel kind of fake. And it's still warm, but I had to wear it so I wouldn't lose it. To mitigate the suit-iness of it, I wore my Bert-shirt and a skirt with it. Sadly, it was the skirt that likes to twist an inch every few steps so that by the time I hiked up the Hill to class, it was pretty much on backwards. On top of being awkward in a jacket, I got to be graceless as I spun my skirt around right way.
I have decided that I am not a blazer kind of girl. I don't know how boys do it. It just feels so weird. And I know that it looks great, but what's the point of looking great if you feel weird in your own skin. I much prefer the shapeless zip-up fleeces or rainbow sweater. Also not a pull-over kinda girl, but that's because I have a static problem.
One member of our cast forgot to wear jeans. No good. But he's slight. So our director, a female, offered to swap pants (she remembered to wear jeans, even though she wasn't on stage). Funny on so many levels!
Our project involved some mild costuming. Workers had to wear jeans (haha!). I had to wear a suit, or at least jacket, as the mediator. This was both a revelation and source of hilarity.
For me, I generally dislike wearing my suit, or even the jacket. I just feel kind of fake. And it's still warm, but I had to wear it so I wouldn't lose it. To mitigate the suit-iness of it, I wore my Bert-shirt and a skirt with it. Sadly, it was the skirt that likes to twist an inch every few steps so that by the time I hiked up the Hill to class, it was pretty much on backwards. On top of being awkward in a jacket, I got to be graceless as I spun my skirt around right way.
I have decided that I am not a blazer kind of girl. I don't know how boys do it. It just feels so weird. And I know that it looks great, but what's the point of looking great if you feel weird in your own skin. I much prefer the shapeless zip-up fleeces or rainbow sweater. Also not a pull-over kinda girl, but that's because I have a static problem.
One member of our cast forgot to wear jeans. No good. But he's slight. So our director, a female, offered to swap pants (she remembered to wear jeans, even though she wasn't on stage). Funny on so many levels!
- the simple and practical idea of just swapping pants
- the fact that they fit both parties
- after our performance, they went behind these prop doors (like a flat with a doorknob), changed back, and entered through the doors at the same time.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)