Beast in the Moon

For my Friday night culture, I headed way uptown for Provision Theatre's Beast in the Moon. A member of the COP is assisting on the show and gave us the code word to get in free for their first preview. I am sympathetic to the need of theatres to put butts in seats, especially in the first weekend. Also, free meant I didn't have to save $25 to see the show. And I generally believe in supporting the efforts of members of the COP.

Beast in the Moon is a newish play about the impact of the Armenian Genocide in daily life. Following the quiet, if rocky marriage of a couple, Beast in the Moon navigates the rough terrain accordingly. It is not meant to be seamless.

The first act was hard to watch, mostly because of the undertones of rape. And because I would have made a few different artistic choices (the doll symbolizes the familiar; she is 15 not 5). But the second act occasionally approached sublime. The set was lovely and functional, and the seats in the new theatre space at the Irish American Heritage Center were some of the comfy-est I have ever sat in.

My only real complaint is that if I had just shown up to throw down $25, I would have been disappointed by the outward trappings. 1. It is hard to get to. Not really near public transit, so it involves driving several miles from the Loop. 2. It is not in a conventional theatre or theatre neighborhood. 3. When you find the theatre space, it looks like a run down high school hallway, and you are given a flimsy, non-designed printed program. Once you go inside, past the ragged blacks that have been nailed to the doorway, the set looks great, there is an Equity stage manager, and the quality of the show is high. While I understand that running a theatre is an expensive prospect, I think Provision would do well to either spruce up their "lobby", or reconsider ticket prices. A few pictures of the cast, maybe some info on the Genocide (which I only know about tangentially because of the controversy surrounding the exhibits of the Holocaust Museum where the Turkish government refuses to this day to acknowledge that the Genocide even happened, and the Jews felt they had exclusive rights to the idea of holocaust.)

Now to contact the rest of the COP for our Sunday meeting details.

on Pandora: "Travel in Time" - Kate Havnevik

Shifting the work gears

For the past few weeks, I have been working at the same office. I usually like it, since there is generally enough action to keep me occupied, even if that meant I sometimes I wanted to smash the phone. It took a little big, but I matched names to faces and projects, and kinda got a general feel for things. Sadly, this assignment ended yesterday, 3 weeks early.

In case suddenly being out of a paying gig was a big enough bummer, it was a gig I liked, and one that had put me into a healthy routine. (I have discovered that me and routine go well together). And now there will be no more lunchtime Ms. Pac-Man, which is the greatest disappointment of all. They had this awesome game room, where the "Girls" watched General Hospital, the guys watched basketball, and everyone played Golden Tee.

However, I get to go back to JLL for Monday, which is great, since I know that job and really like the people. (My boss there was even more excited that I was available.) Tuesday at my Saturday office. And either an interview for a publishing office contract or more reception.

Also on my radar: My Saturday office will be moving by June. While it would still be accessible, it certainly couldn't be as convenient (less than a mile walk from my house). Comparatively, this is my "easy job" (I can read a book or play on YouTube because it's so quiet), making it alot easier to do a 6 day week. I may not even be in Chicago when the move happens. We'll see.

on Pandora: "Funk Academy" - DJ Fresh

Massacre (Sing to Your Children)

On paper, the collaborative project sounded great. In reality, it made me want to throw shit.

The Goodman Theatre and Teatro Vista got together to produce Jose Rivera's most recent work, Massacre (Sing to Your Children). Like the title, which can't decide what it wants to say, the play didn't particularly work. Being generous, you could say it was about paranoia or fighting against the many flavors of oppression. But I was with the old deaf guy in front of me who kept "whispering" to his wife insightful things like, "That doesn't make any sense," or "But this is bullshit!"

The first act tries to depict the adrenaline rush of killing an oppressor, complete with hurrahs, sex and fighting. Really it was a steaming pile of self-important speeches. The second act features the voice of the oppressor divulging everyone's secrets, with an epilogue of how it all started. Quite frankly, nothing this interesting happens in New Hampshire, which is alot more honky. And if this guy was SO awful, what took so long to fight back? And why were there only 7 who did?

It wanted to be timely and compelling. Instead it was damn annoying. I really hope this isn't the "Voice of Latino Theatre". They had a talk-back, but I opted to leave, because as much as I wanted to give them a piece of my mind or try to understand, I also didn't want to get forcibly removed from the Goodman. Now I am rethinking seeing Rabbit Hole there...

on Pandora: "Candles" - Brad

My blind Honda

Couldn't resist posting some of the images from the insurance adjustment. Makes the damage look really bad, in the "They plucked her eyes out" sort of way.

And just guess what the final amount is! Or even better, how long it's supposed to take!

(sorry the pix didn't work the first time. the answer = $4109, 2+ weeks)

Bottomless Pit

My body is weird. I know it. I accept it. After years without a manual, I have figured out some of the oddities. Like how I am stronger on my right side, but more flexible on my left. Or how if the temperature drops, I suddenly pee all the damn time. (Cheese Fiend suggested something about Scandinavian frogs and natural antifreeze and whatnot that seemed to make sense.) Or if I am having "death burps" to drink some pineapple juice.

Last night, I had a new issue. It started around 3. Suddenly, I was insatiably hungry. No matter what I threw at the Appetite, I couldn't placate it. I felt like Erysichthon. After 3, I plowed through a peanut bar. When I got home from work at 5, I devoured leftover spaghetti bake. Chocolate icing, berries, erg.

I considered all the usual suspects. I wasn't lacking anything in my diet (sometimes I crave a salad when I haven't had any veggies in a while, or a cheeseburger when I am feeling anemic). I had my daily dose of chocolate. I was well-hydrated, not bored or medicating. And I wasn't craving something or denying myself what I wanted.

What the hell?

Spent a while cruising around, telling my body it could have whatever it wanted if it would just shut up (stupid stomach growling). Even a stroll through the grocery just made me feel generically hungry. I could eat anything. Ended up with deviled eggs (protein with wonky texture) and a donut for good measure, before just giving up and going to bed.

I'm hoping it was just the abrupt 30 degree temperature drop that sent my body into hibernation mode or something.

I have pretty much learned not to fight my body. It will win, or it will be a really sore loser.
on Pandora: "Wonderful World" - Supercar

Spring = $$$

In a very trickle-down sort of way, Spring is all about the money.

Because of spring, I wake up a little earlier, it takes less time to get ready (which used to involve the donning of 4 or 5 layers). This means I get to the bus earlier, which means I get to work earlier, which means I make a little more money each day!

This is a good thing, since spring makes me want to spend money. On things like skirts under the pretense of "work clothes." It makes me do stupid things like buy a top based on the fact that it magically makes me have boobs. And try on some serious advances in bra technology. (If they weren't $45 a pop, I would be sporting the technology right now.)

Spring also makes me more productive. And if time is money, I am using my time/money wisely. By getting everything on my to-do list checked off, even if it involved a midnight run to recycle plastic bags. And I even ironed, while trying out the Lush face mask. Which did make my face very smoooooth, even if I forgot that I had it on when I dashed out to drop my registration in the mail.

on Pandora: "Cool Flight" - Aphrodite

Little bummers

Stupid bummers trying to wreck a beautiful day.

A couple days last week we didn't get mail, which in Chicago, is not hugely unusual. However, today it all arrived, in two heavy buckets. Without exaggeration, it took me 3 hours to get through it! And it didn't help that my electric letter opener died last week. And then I have Grunting Accounting Guy breathing down my neck for his pile. Which of course is the biggest and the one I do last for a reason. Get off my butt.

Also uncool. When people call you and instantly put you on hold.

Add to this mix the fact that two plays I desperately want to see have tickets, but even the cheap seats are at least $25. Ugh. I find it mildly ironic that part of the expectation of good theatre people is to see good theatre. But when that good theatre is going to wreck my budget, I will have to resort to a good book or whatever miniseries is on TV. And the occasional student ticket at Landmark.

But it's gorgeous, and I will be playing outside today, if just because it will be rainy for the rest of the week.

on Pandora: "Roads Become Rivers" - Rothko (not the bullshit painter)

Secret Language of Birds

Ever since the Spectacle, I have been really eager to see another show by Red Moon. Focusing on the spectacle and production over the other Aristotlean elements, Red Moon produces some really exciting, innovative, creative stuff. Once Upon a Time, or The Secret Language of Birds was no exception.

Using the toy theatre tradition, Secret Language told a one-hour story of a girl who must rescue all of the birds and the dream-songs they sing from a nefarious, jaded Bird Thief who wants to mechanize them into cuckoo clocks. There was one sweet-faced narrator, who voiced most of the characters, and three puppeteers, who were also visible. It was a terribly sweet, and surprisingly interesting story, focusing on inner conviction. In addition to being live, the toy theatre was video-projected (good, since it was in miniature scale), creating an interesting dynamic. The puppets and set were created using painted collage and lots of bits of string.

(the stage left side of the toy theatre,
about 3' tall)

Falling into the category of "something I could never do," I would still love to get involved with them. And maybe try to write them some grants so that they can continue to do their work.

Also, the story begged the question: What bird sings your dream? I suspect my bird would be fairly ordinary, if a bit odd. Nothing sweet or exotic. Hopefully nothing super-mundane. Thoughts? What is your bird?

on Pandora: "Rex Kramer" - Gomez

Spring is here!

I think I can safely say, without fear of snow or a reemergence of the dork coat, that spring is finally here. And oh how sweet it is.

Today it got up to nearly 80! I had forgotten that Chicago could do that after weeks below freezing, and days below zero. But the extreme cold made the warm just that much better. After church, I walked around LP for over an hour, along with everyone else and their dogs and swank-strollers. Unfortunately, it was still a bit too damp to sprawl out in the grass without ending up with a wet butt or mud in your hair. And every inch of bench was taken up with parents or older folks. The parks were jammed packed with kids and eager dogs. And the pathways were overflowing with rollerbladers (which work well in a flat area like Chicago) and skateboards. Awesome!

It got to the point I was almost hot, at which point, I walked home to run around barefoot in shorts. So I threw open my sliding door and just basked in the warm sunlight on my bed, reading my book. Talked to the Cheese Fiend about knitting with "natural fibers" (aka massive amounts of cat hair), the joys of a sea salt grinder (which is should not be as exciting as it is) etc. Then I headed over to Wicker Park in search of my polka dot flats, so I could wear my new green skirt.

Wicker Park has a distinctly different vibe than Lincoln Park, which is interesting given they are both yuppified and about 2 miles apart. WP is hipster, with lots of overpriced or mass-produced "vintage" (see also: "if it's ugly, it must be vintage"). But I finally found a hookah bar. Lincoln Park is more boutique-y, with a more polished, "look at my money" look. I'm not sure how I ended up here in my Praha t-shirt, old jeans and sandals.

(one of the packed patios in WP)

Went grocery shopping where I stocked up on Odwalla - it's on sale!! And it's a splurge I can largely justify, since it is less money and calories than Ben & Jerry's, and I always need more fruit in my diet, and it's not something I will ultimately have to fit in my car back to VA. And then I saw the Red Moon Show before a House Marathon on USA. Does God love me or what!

Everything but the...

Besides being one of my favorite flavors of Ben & Jerry's, it seems like the only way to sum up what has been going on other than the big and the obvious.

(some of the marchers)

Tuesday, as I walked back from the car rental place, I accidentally hooked into an anti-war march with CodePink. They decked me out in a bright pink feather boa, handed me a sign, and we started chanting as we joining the rest of the marchers down Michigan Ave. Very cool. I love marching, because it feels like I am doing something (if only adding to the numbers and noise), but also the very cool group energy, and the reactions of everyone around. There were alot of people on the street cheering, taxis honking their support. And the gold mine was the buses. To either get commuters or the driver to acknowledge was awesome.

(the view from Borders by Water Tower)

Saw Colour Me Kubrick last night, which is one of the most fun movies I have seen in a while. Not so much on the plot, but John Malkovitch is brilliant. I heart the Landmark!

Reading One Hundred Years of Solitude, which has been on my list for a while (and not because Oprah told me to). I tried reading a few years back, but this time it is really working for me. I have also become a sudoku fiend at work.

Chicago has finally broken out of the freeze. Unfortunately, it can either be warm and rainy or cold and sunny. I'm just happy I'm not wearing umpteen layers anymore. But contrary to roommate belief, it is NOT air conditioning weather. But it does make want to go shopping for cute clothes.

on Pandora: "Climbatize" - Prodigy

Loose ends

As a bit of resolution:

The guy who hit me was located. He does have insurance. However, his insurance is trying to find a way to blame me. This has great suck potential, and will probably be a drawn out process, involving repair shops, lots of time on the phone, and a court appearance.

After all the mishaps to get there, Indiana said no. Which is just as well, because I didn't have the heart to tell them that Bloomington is fugly. I am trying to be optimistic, because I still have one more active application for a totally different program. And if nothing else, I can start being more selective in my choice of projects, instead of putting up with resume fodder crap. Ironically, the theme of Scrubs last night was "Everything happens for a reason," which I generally agree with. After some pink void sleep, I am much more willing to be zen about this all.

And to add insult to injury, the nearly $4 box of optimum blueberry oatmeal I bought at Whole Foods had like 2 berries in the whole damn pouch. Why, oh why god do you torment me? I just want some damn blueberries! They are nature's candy!

on Pandora: "The Killing Moon (Live)" - Echo and the Bunnymen

My IU adventure

It's sad when this was the least exciting part of my weekend.

(the main entrance by downtown)

After a great meeting at URTA and an interesting phone interview, I was invited to visit the Indiana program in person. This is so key in trying to decide about programs, because physical space can have such a subliminal, but important impact. Like the bad vibe I got from visiting an apartment in Charlottesville. I was given a pretty open schedule, meeting individually with some of the directing professors, touring the new facilities, and just prowling in general. It was the exact opposite of my experience at South Carolina last year, where I was booked solid for 11 hours between classes, meetings, tours, plays, and directing a scene. And the infamous dinner. So by comparison, this was positively leisurely.

It was interesting to meet such a diverse group of personalities, and also realise there is a limited number of personalities in the theatre. GP is the musical theatre guy. MM is an artiste who works in the American system, but doesn't like it. DM and I talked mostly about the Chicago scene, and he nailed me for not doing more. FS is about as fabulous as I had suspected (confirmed by the other grads). Got to talk to the 2nd years, which was very useful. Almost as informative as the Production Manager who very much reminded me of Cully. And I got to show off my Mother Courage again.

(the theatre building, and one of many red clocks)

The vibe I got was positive, but not amazing. It sounds like a really solid program driven largely by personal initiative. With so many people to work with, I am sure I could find a strong mentor. The cubes are as great as they sound. The campus has pretty parts and ugly ones. And unlike most of Indiana, Bloomington has hills, a state forest, a lake and a Tibetan cultural center.

(the theatre lobby)

I wish I was more excited, but I think I was so burned-out from all the mishaps that I was just rolling through. The yucky weather didn't help. Now I just have to write a couple thank you notes, and wait for an offer.

on Pandora: "The Moment" - Vargo

My motel adventure

After a day like Sunday, all I wanted is a beer and bed.

I arrived at the well-hidden Bloomington EconoLodge after midnight. I was stuck waiting behind the world's chattiest guy ("I've spent all day in a truck by myself"). When I was finally able to check in, I was informed that the key making machine wasn't working, and that Scott (who hadn't washed his hair yet this year) would let me into my room. I had planned on getting the key, and then finding something to drink. He pointed me to the vending machines, which were entirely sold out of non-caffeinated beverages. I had to drive across town to the Kroger to get something to drink. And to stand in a long line of college kids. I never came so close to shoplifting in my life. When I got back to the motel, I found my door propped open, so Unwashed Scott didn't have to shuffle over. I was so tired I didn't even realise how hugely unsafe that was. I cranked the heat, took off my shoes and climbed into bed without even changing into PJs.

The next morning I was unable to enjoy their complimentary breakfast, because I didn't want to get locked out of my room. When I went to pee, I found that the bathroom light was out. When I went to call the desk, I found that the phone didn't work. Grumpily, I peed in the dark and walked over to the desk. The huge and unhelpful lady said I could use the lobby phone (not helpful, especially since I had to call the insurance, and didn't wish to discuss the details with the rest of the lobby). She sent a maintanence guy to change the phone and light bulb, which meant I couldn't get dressed.

With a new/old phone, I called the insurance adjuster, who is really hard to get a hold of. Realised that my phone was dying and I brought the wrong cord, so I tried to charge it off my laptop. Only to discover, when I plugged in my laptop, that the outlet didn't work. (I tried the lamp to trouble-shoot). So I had to plug everything in by the sink. Couldn't even have a cup of coffee because there was hair in the reservoir.

(now picture nothing working)

I got a key about 10 minutes before I left. Waited another 7 minutes because Huge Lady wasn't there to check me out. Which only irritated me further, and made me late. And for my troubles, she offered me a measly 15% off.

I have burned off one of my vitriolic letters to customer service. However, EconoLodge is pretty cagey about giving you their address. Maybe I should just go straight to the BBB.

I never realised that I was high-maintenance. Or that wanting my own damn key was such an odd request. I'd say I brought this upon myself for being cheap, but all the motels in town are either $35 or $105.

And I'm still waiting for that beer.

on Pandora: "Silence" - Gomez

My car adventure

If I never had such an eventful "adventure" again, it will be too soon.

It started on Sunday morning, as I spent 20 minutes trying to find a parking space before church. I am not opposed to bumper-kissing (when I have a bumper), but with all the St. Paddy's day reveling, spaces just weren't there. I should have walked.

I planned on leaving around 12.30, so that I would be in Louisville with plenty of time to get student rush tickets, even remembering the time zone change. Left a couple minutes late, enjoying a beautiful clear day, and the first road trip in a couple of months. Got on to the feeder ramp that splits in two directions for 90/94. Since the Dan Ryan is a perpetual nightmare, it was already backed up on the ramp. The car ahead of me slowed down; I slowed down; the guy behind me didn't. The force of him hitting me forced me into the car ahead of me. She stopped. I stopped. He stopped, blocking traffic. She got out of the car to glare, I called 911, he heckled drivers.

My accident happened within sight of the Trib distribution office, on a bridge, nearish the train tracks.

When the state patrol arrived, they brought a tow truck (his car looked bad, the horn was stuck, and the air bag had deployed.) By now I had gotten out of the car to talk to the other woman. She and I were both OK, if a little jangled and stiff.



Because we were causing traffic to back up even further, we were told to follow a police escort to a safe site (there is no shoulder here). Sirens went. Lady went. I went. He bailed. There was some confusion about my license (VA with multiple addresses). But the focus was definitely on Mr. Hit-n-Run. Fortunately the woman I hit took down his license plate.

It caused me great pain to watch the tow truck driver rip what was left of my bumper off. The front bumper is cracked; the hood is wonky; and the trunk sounds loose. However, I was able to drive it back home, only to try to restart my trip.

My major score against the Cosmic Muffin was securing a rental car on a Sunday. Even in a major metropolitan area, this was a major feat, as most locations were either closed or sold-out. Or crazy expensive. So I finally laid out the sob story, and a woman at Hertz took pity on me. I didn't even have to get out to an airport!

The drive was long, but not impossible. I had to drive right past my accident site, which was a little unnerving, especially since I still saw bits of my car on the side. I was really dehydrated, since I couldn't fit my Nalgene bottle in either of my bags. And Indiana is not hip on the Odwalla. One place on my neck was/is a little stiff, but I keep telling myself it's the wrong place for whiplash, it's probably just the stress of driving and dealing, and it's not like I have the time or insurance to visit an ER to have them give me an ice pack and send me home again. But I arrived in Bloomington about 5 hours later in one very tired piece.

Then I got to reckon with the EconoLodge...

on Pandora: "You're All I've Got Tonight (Live)" - The Cars

Omen?

Here is the short version of what will be a long blog entry, complete with pictures.

As I was leaving Chicago for Louisville for the Humana Festival before a day of grad interviews at Indiana. I didn't even make it on to the expressway before I was violently rear-ended. Which caused me to hit the car in front of me (making me the cream in the crash oreo, which is funny since my car is black and theirs were white and silver), did some impressive damage to my car, and generally mucked up my entire day. I am fine. Pissed, but fine. Found that rentals cars are nearly impossible to come by on Sundays, even in a major metropolitan area. But did find a Kia, drove down to Bloomington.

Checked into an EconoLodge where nothing works. The key machine, vending machine, lights, phone. And they think a 15% discount will appease me.

I am trying to remain optimistic about my interview, but after the Cosmic Muffin showed his head, I hide mine in fear.

I see drunk people

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is a BIG deal. It is a week-long event, that began with the South Side parade on Sunday (in the Irish part of town) through today's parade by Grant Park. And let's not forget the Dyeing of the River.

It seems to be the one holiday everyone can get excited about. Everyone, Irish or not, dons multiple, often clashing shades of green, hollering and making out in the streets. I think the biggest reason is that it is the one holiday you spend with your friends and you don't feel guilty for drinking. It's equal opportunity insanity in the streets.

Yesterday at work we had bagpipers and a half day. Today I have seen more hideous green hats, t-shirts, and people being carried or pushed in grocery carts, than possibly ever. And I went to the parade in Boston. There has been a line outside the extra-divey bar across the street from my office since I got here at 10AM.

And tonight's big excitement is avoiding drunk people and the Technicolor Edition of "Puke or Soup".

Actually, the general air of frivolity is pretty fun. I hear bad Irish music pouring from the bars on Lincoln (which is not so much Irish as yuppie college students). But L. and I did manage to find a cool, not insane pub last night! That in addition to the Irish standards, also had Blue Moon AND Stella on tap!

I'm sad I missed the parades (stupid work). I'm of two minds on the dyeing. On one hand - so cool. On the other - that can't be good for the river. Then again, that river is so polluted, maybe the green chemicals will kill off some of the nasties.

on Pandora: "Happiness Is" - Verve Pipe

Assaulted by bagpipers

In context, bagpipers are awesome.

To celebrate St. Patrick's Day and a major award, a roving band of bagpipers, with drums and flags crammed into an elevator and up to suite 300 to serenade to company. It was pretty wild. Everyone crammed into the lobby area (right in front of my desk). The president was being extra goofy and Irish. So in case a half day wasn't celebration enough, now everyone is truly in the mood to hit the pubs in Beverly.

I can only imagine what the rest of the building was thinking!

on Pandora: "Get Miles (Live)" - Gomez

Putting out fires

As a director, I am used to a certain amount of damage control. As a stage manager, I understand about safety and such. As a neighbor, I was presented with an interesting problem.

Walking towards my front door, keys in hand, a woman approaches me. "Do you live here?" Uh, yeah. "Because there is a fire, and I can't notify the right person." Uh... Follow this woman to the next building, and sure enough, there is a smoldering, smoking planter.

Can't say it summoned any panic or energy. I just walked back to my house, walked downstairs and asked for the fire extinguisher from my landlady. Calmly walked over and hosed down the offending planter. Unfortunately, instead of the foam, the extinguisher dispensed a fine powder. Which, along with the smoke, just blew towards me as the front came through. *cough* Some other neighbors kept telling me to get away from the planter. I just brandished the fire extinguisher with more flair. The fire seemed to be in the middle of this bundle of dirt and decoration in the planter, which was unaffected by the fire extinguisher. So I walked back to the house to get a bucket of water to dump on this pile.

As I was filling the bucket again with water, the fire department shows up. With about the same amount of alarm, they walked up, dumped the contents of the sadly-not-blazing planter, poured water on it, laughed and left.

My landlady thought I was being so nice for going over to put out the not-fire. To me, it had less to do with being nice and more to do with just being responsible. I couldn't not do something. Besides, I have always wanted to blast a fire extinguisher.

on iTunes: Grammar Girl Podcast

Nice Day

(Ice Skating in Millenium Park and 71F weather)

It puts the Persephone's Bees song in my head.

Yesterday was A-MAZING! Even better than Sunday and Monday. Hit the 70s by lunch time. Me and every other worker bee headed outside. Filled up by a slice of deep dish (Lou Malnatti's was delivered to the office and there was leftover Gino's, sparking a bit of controversy.) Walked over to Millenium Park, where I found an empty pallet, took off my shoes and just stretched out in the sun, absorbing all that good Vitamin D through my work clothes.


(my sprawl) (everyone else's sprawl)

What I wanted to do was sprawl out in the grass, possibly in my underwear, but that wasn't terribly feasible. Lesson - make like high school. Wear comfy clothes under the uniform. Hidden beneath the oxford shirt and wool kilt was a Beatles' t-shirt and shorts.

(This is why I didn't strip. Just say no.)

Throughout the day, I was all spring-fever-y. Everything was a good thing. Skipping across the street to pick up my paycheck, or alarming my co-workers. Finally caught K. on the phone. And after a 90 minute chat, I pulled on a t-shirt and sandals to walk about. What started as a quick errand ended up as an hour long stroll around LP. Stopped into Lush, a swanky fresh soap store, which smells wonderful and was handing out samples of face mask.

Watched Stranger Than Fiction with the sliding door open. It was fun to get my Chicago local on, and cheer for Cheryl (she played the Snow Queen at VG and the Head ER Nurse in the movie). Very interesting movie. Although I disagreed with the idea of it being Generic City when it was so obviously Chicago. Like you see the Monadnock (a famous building in town), Daley Plaza with the Picasso statue, and other very specific locations.

on Pandora: "The Celibate Life" - The Shins

Everything is better at 60

Last night, I had distinct pleasure of enjoying some spring weather. Running all my errands after work in the light, I had a t-shirt and jacket. And the jacket was mostly just a place for my keys. Drove to the grocery with the window down. Spent the evening with my sliding door open. Ah! It seems like no matter what, 60+ degrees can make things seem so much better. Like the crazy of shipping off a grad app is nice when you get to walk in the warm.

I think I a going to picnic at the park today for lunch, since it's supposed to reach 70. And enjoy it, since it will be going back to yucky by the weekend.

That's ok. I had a great Sunday in the park (and diner) with the COP, "casting" passers-by, before holing up in the theatre to watch Slings and Arrows (Canadian AND Theatre!) on the big TV over the bar. Oh yeah, and devising our showcase over brunch.

Now to figure out what is wrong with this keyboard..

on Pandora (Propellerheads Radio): "Michael Jackson" - Fatboy Slim

Grad Racket

Grr!

So the application fee to Ohio University is a comparatively inexpensive $45 (I've paid $90 before). But then all the extras start tacking on. Like they want TWO official transcripts from each school (at $5 a pop, times two schools = $20). And I have to send my official GRE scores, which cost $15. (And an additional $6 if you use their phone service). In case the $105 they charged me for the privilege of taking the damn test wasn't a sufficient rip-off.

That really pisses me off. Like it takes a human some time to pull my transcripts out of the vault and mail them. It takes a trained monkey to email my scores to another school. And you know ETS is just out for the money when the first question on the report request is your credit card number.

on Pandora's Air Radio: "Playing House" - Kudu

Movie night

Last night, I finally got around to seeing The Queen, which has been on my to-see list for months now. I called up one of the interns who also had not seen it. The movie is just as good, if not better than everyone says. It is honest, charming and endless fascinating. And personally, I found it rather amusing. (The Queen driving an old Range Rover or complaining about Blair's concept of protocol is hilarious!) Helen Mirren was flawless, even if some of her supporting cast were less so.

After the movie and a 32 oz thing of Coke, half a bag of jelly beans and some mini oreos, we were still pretty awake at midnight. So we walked down Clark to rent Little Miss Sunshine, which I love, but he hadn't seen. Walked back to my place (since they were tearing up Clark, the buses weren't running, but it was a pretty nice night for walking and looking in windows). It was great to see the movie again, and to anticipate the really special moments since he hadn't seen them.

Two Oscar noms in one night!

on Pandora: "A Little Samba" - DJ Food

PS. It's starting to approach nice out, and I'm thrilled. And don't try putting broccoli in mac-n-cheese; it goes badly.

TV cracks me up

In the past week, my two favorite shows had new episodes, both of which featured a detail I found amusing.

On Tuesday, the episode of House featured a rather doughy looking Dave Matthews as piano prodigy. He is a C-ville native. But at the end of the episode, instead of resorting to DMB for feel good music, they played a new Gomez song, "See the World". Awesome! I mean, I like DMB, but I love Gomez.

Then, last night on Scrubs, JD and Turk recall an oft-referenced moment involving JD's college girlfriend and an alleged water balloon fight. They flashed back to their college dorm, which had a William and Mary poster prominently on the wall over Turk's bed. Did my boys go to W&M? I was feeling some Tribe pride, complete with the dorky finger feathers! OK, so it was just Bill Lawrence (exec producer) getting his alum on, but hey.

And the first song I hear when I turn on Pandora is one of my favorites, Air's "Playground Love". Today might be a good day!

Headache

While it's not a full-blown migraine, it definitely sucks. Enough to wake me up at 4.30AM. And the Advil has taken the edge off, I am not thrilled to be at work instead of tucked away in bed. I don't have the severe sensitivities, but it would be the first day in a long time it was actively sunny out and the day they start the loud construction down the hall. But waiting for the bus was oddly and pleasantly quiet, which even the DJ observed.

Oh well. The coffee is just around the corner.

on Pandora: "Beautifulheart" - Richard Swift

New directions

Of late, I have been going in alot of different directions. Right now I am absorbing alot of music from commercials, which is really perking my ears. And while it tends toward the electronica, it is not unlike hip hop, which is new for me.

For about a month now, I have also been trying to be more active. I am doing some toning exercises so I actually have a butt instead of a lump attached to the top of my legs. After work, since it was finally above freezing, I busted out the jump rope (and confused dogs).

And I am starting to put new thought into my place in theatre. Last week, I went through a bit of a panic because I was afraid I was losing my vocation. Or God was trying to tell me something that I didn't want to hear - that I was not supposed to do theatre - by constantly frustrating my attempts. But I think I just needed to reconsider with fresh eyes what all I could do. While I love directing, I am really good at composing people's thoughts, streamlining, specifying. So I had a mini-epiphany. What about grant writing?

I already have an offer to work with a theatre on grant writing. I am trying to set up an appointment with the grant writer at VG. I wonder if this might not be an interesting direction.

Of course, as soon as I get excited about this, I get an invitation to visit Indiana, and my friends find a possible venue for our showcase. Suddenly there is such potential in my world!

on iTunes: "A Little Bit More" - Jamie Lidell (from the Target commercial)

Meeting of the COP

It started accidentally. 4 VG interns getting food after a show turned into 2 hours of goofy conversation about art and bunnies with pancakes on their heads. Because of our crazy schedules, ZZ started a blog for the Committee on Improvement (NasDaq ticker = COP).

After establishing a quorum at The Price, we finally found a night we were all free to convene at Clarke's. All 4 of us are directors, have worked on various projects around Chicago, are pretty disenchanted with VG, and generally enjoy a high level of snark.

Currently, we are trying to pull together a showcase of short plays. Partly for an audience, mostly for the workshop environment. Since we all bring very different things to the table, it could be a really interesting, diverse night. Discussions about doing original work, Humana plays (road trip!), 4 different plays, 4 interpretations of the same play (Chekhov's Da Boor). Pub theatre/coffee house theatre/storefront? Very exciting thought. Right up there with all the wonderful things you find on youtube.

In addition to pitching performance ideas and play lists, we have also tentatively planned some theme nights. Mimosas and samosas. Anything involving Harold & Kumar. Now to pencil it in between work and rehearsals and interviews.

Dork - the other white meat

In case there was any doubt, I am a big geek. One Friday night, I hunkered down and devoured a PBS DVD on the Greeks. For fun, I read books about diseases. And tonight, I am jazzed to be watching the History Channel's special on the Dark Ages.

I found out about it while I was watching a documentary about the plague. And I recognized a voice. A former professor of mine is one of the primary "talking heads"! Daileader was a kook who went on pants rants, jousted with maps and generally took a really innovative perspective on history. He is also one of the foremost medievalists.

Curiously, most of the talking heads are east coasters. Including someone from UNC.

I should not be as excited about these things as I am.

Makes me giggle

• the Air Tran flamingos popping up around town. Especially fun = the perplexed looks on everyone's face as they are blinded by leggy pink on another gray Chicago afternoon

• finding info on the gelateria Cheese Fiend and I loved in Firenze for my mom to try for herself.
• the idea of someone actually ordering a wasabi salmon bagel from Au Bon Pain at 7AM. By accident.
  
• staring down a meter maid as I chunk a quarter into some random person's empty meter. (If I got spiteful pleasure out of it, does that negate the good karma?)
• this puppy video on myspace. Especially the cat.
  

on iTunes: "Jump and Move" - Brand New Heavies

Audience of One

Last night I decided to take advantage of the Hot Tix/Preview price to see a show I had read about on chicagoplays.com that sounded pretty interesting. Held at the Chicago Cultural Center. Just another fix for my new interest in non-realism.

The show started at 7.30. I got out of work at 4.30. Which is not quite enough time to justify the hassle of getting home and back downtown. I bummed around State Street, casually shopping, then looking for food. Incidentally, unless you want a dark bar, non-chain food is very hard to find afterhours in the Loop.

I showed up at the theatre at 7.15. The house wasn't open. No worries. Until they finally let me in at 7.28, and I realised I was it for audience. Oh, their publicity guy/someone's boyfriend was there, and the sound guy. But to call it "intimate" would be an understatement.

I am of two minds. On one hand, it was kind of interesting having them do a show just for me, and it was sort of like sitting in on a rehearsal. On the other, where was everyone else? It was cool, if kind of awkward. So I tried to be the most supportive audience I possibly could, but I am still not a laugh-out-loud at every joke kinda person.

The show itself needs some real work. I guess it's good that it's still in previews. It seems abstract for the sake of being abstract, and it thinks it's very clever. It makes some interesting points, I just think it needs some concept other than "aren't we cool." That said, I kind of liked it in a Dada sort of way.

Was going to check out a Totally Radish Exhibit with free beer, but the weather is shite. It is however, great laundry weather.

on Pandora: "Good Luck" - Basement Jaxx

comics

I relate somehow. Maybe because I'm not Martha Stewart even in my most domestic moments. Maybe because I do eat alot of pasta. Or maybe because I would wear a strainer on my head.

on Pandora: "Ombra" - Cirque du Soleil

Urban surfing

Urban surfing: maintaining balance as the public transit moves forward or lurches suddenly.

This morning I got to practice. I have discovered that the best stance for surfing is to have your back foot planted perpendicular to the direction of movement, and your front foot parallel. Knees slightly bent. I usually end up facing front. This allows for shock absorption and quick redistribution of weight. Urban surfing is most fun on an empty train. Not fun on a crowded bus.

When the #11 did not show up after 40 minutes (I was only waiting 25), I walked the half mile in the rain to catch the #22. Which is always crowded, but at least you know it will show up. And the same stop also has #36 buses, which follow roughly the same route. In case being late, and packed onto a stifling bus with fogged up windows didn't suck enough, I was damp from the rain, which was impressive enough to wake me up last night (and I sleep like the dead).

Actually, that was not a complaint. At 3.30AM, there was an awesome thunderstorm. The rain/hail/snail outside and on the skylights was louder than the actual thunder. There was strobe-y lightning. Very cool. So I stayed up and enjoyed it for a few minutes.

Unfortunately, that lovely moment just added to the sleep-deprivation and suck this morning. And because I was late, I couldn't get any coffee...

on Pandora: "Cato as a Pun" = On Montreal