A walk in the park

To fully bask in the lovely weather yesterday, I spent a couple hours lying on my Virgin blanket in Oz Park. But just laying around gets dull. So I went inside, put on some real shoes and grabbed my camera and Chicago book. Walked just south of Lincoln Park down Astor Street, which has some really pretty architecture because in the 1880s, the Palmers made it the de rigeur place to live. Since it was still nice and light outside, I kept walking. Strolled as far as Water Tower Place before heading back homeward (it was getting dark). But instead of backtracking up the streets, I walked along the lake. As the sun set, the lights of the city came up. And it looked amazing. The lake itself is a really pretty blue-green. And I got to walk in sand! The breeze was somewhere between nice and stiff (causing me to hold on to my dorky hat with both hands). Got home in time to take a shower and walk to slacker mass.

I love Chicago in the spring!

(pix added 5/2)

Goin' out clothes

I have come to the realisation that I largely lack "goin' out clothes." I have hoochie mama clothes from my ballroom days, work clothes, and bummin' clothes. So trying to find the right balance of dressed and functional can be tricky, especially if I don't know where we will end up. LP requires something more on the hoochie end than the Southport jeans. Last night, the Obnoxious shirt was calling my name. Pair it with jeans and red sneaks, call it good. It worked out that Kallisti was not feeling terribly inspired to get "dressed" either.

Looking for dancing that wasn't a club (our ensembles were not going to get us in), we hopped the 22 down to Wrigleyville to John Barleycorn. Waited in line to get in. Waited in line to get upstairs to the dancefloor. Which was PACKED. With UGLY people. You know it's bad when in my jeans, sneaks and Kallisti's Cubs hat (backwards 'cause it kept falling in my eyes, and he couldn't wear it because of the bullshit dresscode, even though the bar is within spitting distance of Wrigley Field on a game night when the Cubs actually won....) that I looked better than most of the other girls there. There was alot of hoochie, tragically tight and girls in bad shoes.

However, there was dancing, albeit to less than fabulous music. But they did play "Poison" by Bel Biv Devoe, to my infinite delight. I will no longer listen in shame on my iPod, given the reception it got last night.

on iTunes: "Whistle for the Choir" - The Fratellis

Walking

Not sure why this felt like such a revelation, but here goes.

The act of walking is pretty damn amazing. That a body can move in any direction, constantly rebalancing itself, using minimal surface area of the soles of your feet and toes. (oh toes!) And evolutionarily, how did we figure this one out? And how cool must it have been that monkey? Or the sense of triumph of a 12month old shuffling one foot in front of the other without crashing on their butt? And don't even get me started on the biomechanics of it all!

This occurred to me during work. Which meant I wasn't drunk (which could give you a whole new appreciation for the trickiness of walking). And I wasn't teaching dance (which can make people question even their ability to walk). I was just commuting to the kitchen.

And now that it is pretty outside again, I hope to be doing more of this amazing "walking".

on Pandora: "J'ai Dormi Sous L'eau"

Evening entertainment

At the suggestion of ZZ last night at the COP meeting, I headed over to Chicago Dramatists' for the final preview of Water. The play was an interesting exploration of how a single event can impact and be interpreted by a close-knit community. I loved the set, and it made me crave a walk in the woods (the walls were covered in that forest photo-mural). Some of the actors were really good. The original music was a nice addition and transition. My only issue was that of scale. And the fact that not everyone was on the same page. The Chicago Dramatists' space is somewhere between smaller and "intimate". Unfortunately, based on the volume of the music and broadness of some of the acting, some people thought they were playing to a much bigger house. Admittedly, some of the characters were not super-fleshed out, but the broad acting felt more like laziness on the part of the actor than weakness in the script. I do look forward to seeing more stuff there. Especially if we try to hook the workshop into their mission.

But even before I got to the show, I witnessed a different spectacle. Near where I parked, there is a bridge that spans 90/94. And there were people stopping to watch. Being the rubber-necker that I am, I headed over for an impressively sight. Somehow, a white Hummer was upside down facing the against traffic. I didn't see any other cars in "accident" condition. I felt a little dirty for gawking. But having known people who have emerged from flipped cars, I couldn't help but watch. What fascinated me was a) how that vehicle managed to get into that position and b) how the emergency team would flip it over. B) The tow trucks wrapped some straps around the vehicle and pulled till it was righted. Still don't have an answer to A.

So now I am even more convinced to never set tire on 90/94 if ever possible. And to make up my list of To-See shows.

on the Tube: Kinky Boots

Busy Wednesday

so busy, I haven't gotten the chance to blog it until Thursday night!

The only good part of work was the fact that I finally have an end-date. Got to enjoy Mr. Toad's Wild Bus ride in the morning, but since I cut out a little early, the ride back was quick and uneventful.

Since I am "housesitting" my house, I get to park my car in the lot. Barely had a chance to check the mail before I walked down to Clarke's for the COP meeting. Past by DZ by the Greenhouse. Snagged a booth in a fairly quiet Clarke's. The other interns arrived, and we got a very helpful lesson in mercantile options and futures, boiling down to "Where's the Beef?" I'm sure I could have absorbed some idea to make me millions if I wasn't distracted by the image of a trailer backing 22 tons of cow into my back yard, and me with a dinky hibachi. Made some serious progress on our workshop ideas. And then we consumed food and discussed politics (Kucinich is a nutter, but we love 'em; Obama is the Man; Morality vs. Law)

I love Clarke's. The diner food is yummy and always hits the spot. It's open 24-7, serves alcohol. I can always get in. And I tend to have the most interesting, intelligent conversations there.

I was so absorbed in the discussion, I ended up running late for Trivia Nite. Booked it down Fullerton to meet Kallisti for an abbreviated Trivia Nite (only 8 questions per round). But we got a little slammed, since the questions skewed British. But at least the questions weren't answers for old questions like last week.

After Trivia Nite, Kallisti and I headed across town to hear a friend's most rockin' group - Team Band. They are alot of fun, alot of loud, and terribly witty. Like Cake only closer. Sadly, they pulled the last slot on a Wednesday, so there weren't many people to appreciate the wonder that is.

Finished the evening with some of Ben & Jerry's new flavor - Creme Brulee. Which is AMAZING! It tastes like creme brulee! And it's sweet and fun and quite nearly a religious experience. I recommend all Wednesdays run like this one!

on iTunes: "King of Comedy" - R.E.M.

Conflict of interest

Today, I finally came to a breaking point in my current assignment.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been working for an agency that helps match organizations with corporate sponsorships. While data entry sucks, I didn't mind entering arts organizations, who can use the help. I was even able to justify the 200 pages of University Athletics, by telling myself that if corporations sponsor these "student-athletes" that it will free up school resources for other causes (financial aid for people who actually need it, the arts, living wage, etc.)

But today as I entered pages of professional sports teams, I finally had it. I cannot justify helping facilitate the over-funding of sports in this country. There are too many steroid-monkeys living on ridiculous money for minimal effort. Families are charged absurd prices to support their teams, but they still go (I live in Cubs town, and even when they lose, people still see the games). Clearly these organizations need no more help finding money.

As a novice grant writer, I find this a conflict of interest. I know how hard it is to find funding for the arts, since most money has already been snapped up by sports. Most of the people working in theatre I know are living without health insurance, even when they work full time, because theatres can't afford to offer it.

I tried to explain this to the agency that placed me. They didn't understand, but they said they would try to extricate me. Unfortunately, this will take a week.

It's bad enough that this happens. But I don't need to help it along.

on the tube: Pride & Prejudice (the Keira Knightley one)

Um, no

When I went to move my car tonight, I was unpleasantly surprised by the presence of the evil orange envelope. But my car was parked legally, not in a permit spot. Apparently, the City of Chicago wants to charge me $50 for having "expired plates".

I have 2 problems with this. #1. Just because I still haven't received my stickers in the mail, because Chicago is THE WORST in the country for mail delivery, doesn't mean my registration has expired. #2. These are VIRGINIA plates. You don't get to collect money for me not paying money to ANOTHER STATE. I am rather offended by the City trying to overstep its jurisdiction and try to make some cash. Because if I am going to pay a penalty for not having stickers, I'm not giving my money to Illinois, since they have nothing to do with it! Turd muffins.

It also raises the larger issue of where the hell my renewal is? Probably stuck in the damn mail limbo. Ugh.

on iTunes: stereo lab. (I'm trying to figure titles, which is tricky, since the songs are all in French & German.)

Chicago in Spring pt 2

It's sunburn weather!!

This morning, as I padded around and brushed my teeth (which is an unusually productive part of my routine), I came to the realisation that I had nothing that HAD to get done today. On other days, this can be potentially unnerving (that sinking feeling you're forgetting something, or that you will be painfully bored by bad Sunday TV). Today, it was deliciously liberating!

I made a cup of coffee to talk myself out of climbing back into bed and enjoying the day that way. Then I pulled on a pair of shorts, grabbed my book and water bottle and headed over to Oz Park. Quickly realised that I need a beach blanket, but in the meantime, the table cloth in my trunk would do nicely. Fuzzy on one side, great for preventing wet-butt. Thanks Mom!

Just sprawled out in the sun to read Botany of Desire. Fitting that I was reading the chapter on Tulips. Coming to a nice stopping point, I rolled over and just soaked up the beautiful weather. It was a sensory paradise. Warm but not hot sun. The breeze (or wind) blowing over me. The sound of softball practice, dog tags, little voices, and plastic bags from impromptu picnics fluttering. I pulled my hat over my face to block some of the sun, but it was nice and bright. And now I have the goofy pink stripes to prove it.

Sadly, I had to collect my things and head indoors, as a box office friend gave me his comp for the last show of Mrs. Warren's Profession. It was very good, but a little diva-drama towards the end. Unfortunately, I was largely distracted by the fact that I hadn't eaten anything except my lara bar all day.

After the show (and food), I headed back out, but this time I came back in more quickly. The breeze had really picked up, making it a touch chilly, hard to read, and kicking up alot of large particles in the air, which kept getting in my eyes. Oh well. I came inside, opened my window/door all the way and loafed on the bed.

Walked to church in a t-shirt. And ran back in the rain, which in this weather is even delightful.

If this is Chicago in the spring, I can't wait!!

on iTunes: "Funny Little Frog" - Belle & Sebastian

Chicago in Spring pt 1

Last night I got my first taste of Chicago nightlife in the spring. And I like it!

The night started relatively early, with me waiting for the 22 that never came. Had to cab it to Mad River, which had a crazy queue. There was some debate as to the next option. So the 5 of us piled into a taxi-van which was it's own entertainment. Parked in the front seat was some drunk Chad who apparently refused to get out. He and the driver were arguing about the best way to get to Mickey's. The Chad was hitting the driver. The driver was threatening to call the police. At one point, the Chad opened the door and offered to get out (while the van was moving), but sadly was too drunk to figure out tuck-n-roll. At one point I thought the driver was gonna get out and forcibly remove the Chad. It was so bizarre it was funny. Like with the level of interaction you had to think this was some sort of joke. Drunk Chad got out with us and staggered away, but he paid our fare!

Mickey's was closed, so we went next door to Galway Arms, which is the site of Trivia Nite. Which meant I liked all of their tap options. The music was random ("Sexy Back" followed up by some good Irish music"), but they had a free table outside. THAT was awesome. Kick back with your beer. Debate casting of comic book movies, watch the activity on Clark Street. We bailed as they were closing the outside. Walked down to Tin Lizzie for some dancing. It was a bit more typical. Crowded, hot as hell, sticky floor. But the music was loud, if a little to populated by hip-hop. And I could get my dance one.

Having decided that it was too hot and crowded, we headed into LP to more of a scenester "club". This one was my least favorite. It was trying too hard to be a club. There was a line, bouncer, dress code and cover. But the music was bad 80 remix. The club wasn't crowded enough to justify the line. And everyone just wanted to be seen in the blue light and epileptic strobe. Given that it was already 2, I was bored with beer, and it was 2 blocks from my house, I just called it a night.

All of this in a tank top!

on iTunes: "Rehab" - Amy Winehouse

Grad practice

After a late night, I am trying to remind myself that sleep deprivation is about to become a real part of my routine again in a few months. Late nights/all-nighters in the library, writing papers, then up early the next day. Although dancing, drinking beers, and people watching from the "stage" at Sheffield's with Kallisti and the Hippies then getting 4 hours sleep before work probably isn't the best prep.

Impressively, I am pretty awake. Gotta love the patch! And the fact that it is sunny and generally gorgeous, which always ups the energy level. Basked in bed this morning as the sun warmed/tanned my legs, before finally rolling out and finding a t-shirt (no jacket for me today!).

Also impressive is the fact that I am usually a total pathetic slug on Friday nights. But I got the best of both worlds. After walking through Forever 21, I came home, heated up some pizza, curled up to watch Last King of Scotland. Then I had a cup of coffee, got dressed and partied!

Now I'm at work and my entire agenda has been wrecked by an agent in a suit. Not one of the usual faces. Which prevents me from copying my scripts, finishing Last King, and generally, openly slacking.

on Pandora: "Untitled" - Goapele

iheart iPod!

It's been over a month since I become the proud owner of a refurb-ed blue Nano. And it didn't change my life as dramatically as the apple-cult would like to you believe. It has infiltrated my life in much more subtle ways.

My iPod is a god-send with my current retarded-monkey job. If I wasn't plugged in, I would actually go crazy. But the occasional crazy Canadian comedy skit, or rockin' Rapture song keeps me going, and from putting my fist through the monitor. Also useful for listening in on conversations unobtrusively... In a similar vein, iPod has made the whole CTA experience that much less hellish. My tolerance for late/crowded/slow buses has increased significantly since I can just tune out. Or in as the case may be.

I have also noticed I walk more. In fairness, this could be due in some small part to the fact that it is just unpleasant or chilly as opposed to actively kicking-my-ass-cold. But I just put on some walkin' music and go. OK Go is really good walking music. As is most disco. But you can't go wrong with disco!

Also, I find it entertaining that my iPod seems to prefer certain songs. It really loves Scissor Sisters. Which is funny given that I only have a couple SS songs on myPod. It also changes the atmosphere in an instant. Walking in the Loop after work with Air becomes alien landscape. Spoon turns me into a hipster. And certain songs have me bopping on the corners. (I like dancing in general. Sometimes I forget that it kinda scares people.)

I have also developed an addiction to new music. Kallisti has turned me on to some more obscure stuff. And I am busting out the old CDs. And generally absorbing sound.

The new fun trick I learned on Tuesday. I was so jazzed at choosing a school and having a plan, I had to dance. But after 10PM, I felt bad about crankin' the tunage. Instead, I tucked myPod into my pocket, turned it up to 11 and just got my groove on. Although, I'm not sure what would have happened if someone walked in at that very moment!

on iTunes: "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" - Eddie Vedder

Ohio University - Here I Come

After days of agonizing, waffling, whimpering on the email and phone, I have finally made a real decision. I have accepted Ohio's offer to join their MA program. I think the positive vibes, combined with the inate geekiness I can't shake, and some time in the real world, should make this a really great year. My mentor has written papers on queer theory and the Muppets! And he even suggested my taking classes with the grad actors to compliment my research in movement & dance as physical storytelling.

It took some hand-holding from Domestic God to actually send the emails, but I didn't throw up, and I feel pretty calm and solid about this decision. While I think South Carolina's program is really solid, I don't think it is really what I am looking for anymore. Or perhaps he is looking for a person that I'm really not anymore. I am so solid in this, I don't even need to visit. Because if nothing else, it would be a waste of their time and mine. And I like the idea that I am actively turning down an offer rather than losing one.

An MA will mostly likely lead to a PhD, neither of which prevent me from directing. And it will be great to be in a supportive environment with people excited to work with me. I like the idea of focusing my energy on improving my work and doing some interesting stuff, rather than trying to impress people or prove myself.

More than anything, it's great to have a concrete plan, to have made a decision (despite alot of sniveling, panicking, struggling, etc.), and to be moving forward again. I have clawed my way to a nice level. The view is pretty nice from here. I can see where I came from, and the fact I still have a long way to go.

on iTunes: "Whoo! Alright...Yeah Yeah" - The Rapture (my new favorite song. great for dancing. esp. in cubicles)

Lookie, I cookie!

When I finally realised that I hadn't eaten since a turkey sandwich at lunch, I scurried downstairs to scare up some dinner. Since I wasn't super-hungry, I fixed a salad as I prepped curry chicken & apples with couscous for work. Toyed with brownies, but the spirit had shifted to compulsive cleaning of the bathroom. C'est la vie. But I didn't get the house all smoky!

Still haven't decided about South Carolina. *sigh*

These people make me crazy

The only good thing about this is knowing that in a week it will be resolved.

I responded to South Carolina's email, politely explaining that I couldn't justify the expense of traveling down for another iffy interaction. I figured this would be the end of the conversation. I would accept Ohio University's offer and be done. Then I get another email from South Carolina offering me more money to come down, and pretty much said I was the only person they were considering for the slot. Damn it!

So do I go down to South Carolina? Do I go with the original (albeit default) plan? How firmly am I ready to cling to the Ivory Tower?

This was so much easier before I got exactly what I wanted.

Such a sunny day

The pretty started a bit early for my taste. The sun was so bright, it heated up my bed and tried to force me out at 7.30AM. Now, when this happened on Friday morning, it was kinda nice. On a Sunday morning, after a late Saturday night, was not acceptable. Fortunately, my stubbornness and unhealthy love of my bed won out.

Last night was awesome. On the fly, I started at Brownstone's with Kallisti and his friends, and ended up with a 4AM Guitar Hero match. What an awesome game!! I'm sure the neighbors were just tickled.

Today, I mostly loafed around. Finished a couple library books, enjoyed some homemade coffee cake courtesy of one of my housemates and a nice cup of coffee. Long chat with Domestic God, as I aired out the Civic, and generally basked in the sunlight of my sunroof (better reception out there, and it's almost like being outside in my PJs!) And to take full advantage of some free time and the pretty weather, I did my errands by foot. Walked over to Trader Joe's for my hippie oatmeal (with a super-friendly checker), then dropped off my books at the library, before looping by Dominicks for their mad chicken sale.

(I think Louis Sullivan would have approved
of this form/function style.)

On my walk back from slacker mass, I discovered a mini Watership Down. Like 7 bunnies all scampering in the Scarecrow section of Oz Park! I see lots of pigeons, the occasional "big mouse", but that many bunnies was pretty exciting.

on iTunes: Grammar Girl Podcast

In defense of data-entry

or "The Reason I Haven't Gone on a Killing Rampage"

Data entry has its perks. First is the dress code, or complete lack thereof. Since I am tucked away in a cubicle, no one knows or cares what I am wearing. And while it is not the shorts & flip-flops of my Soft Edge days, I really haven't had to worry about clean "work clothes". Pair of cords, t-shirt, fleece or rainbow sweater, iPod. And everyone else pretty much does the same. Sure, some girls wear tighter sweaters or cashmere, but the general rule is cazh.

Also, since I am just doing the retarded mokey work, my schedule is not set-in-stone. I can pee whenever (I never knew how much I would miss this until I did the receptionist thing), eat lunch when I'm hungry, wander around. And since my job is not super-time sensitive, I have some flexibility as to when my hours are. They don't care if I take a day, as long as I tell them in advance.

The unusual perks: Free Pizza Fridays. Which go very well with News Radio at lunch. And the fact that most of the people there are friendly and about my age.

So I still LOATHE data entry, but on the sliding scale of suck, this could be so much worse.

PS. South Carolina sent me an agitated email. When it doesn't stress me out, I find it funny, since for once, they are the ones on pins & needles.

on Pandora: "Les Soleil Est Pres de Moi" - Air (the first song by Air I ever heard, and it blew me away.)

Another thrilling Friday

I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the line, I became lame. Maybe its the mountain of dirty clothes threatening to take over my bedroom. Maybe it's the data entry.

Data entry makes me die inside with greater efficiency than anything I know. The fact that a retarded monkey could do my job isn't even the worst part. I am typing addresses of athletic organizations into a spreadsheet so this company can send them solicitations on ways sports can get even more money. To say nothing of the mind-numbing monotony, the fact that most of the information on the page is out of date, the idea that I am transcribing something that may be of zero actual use is absolutely awful. Because wasting 8 hours of every day doing this sucks. And I thought being a receptionist was bad. And the money just isn't good enough to support this nagging craving for beer.

Sometimes, I can get in the zone. Most of the time, my left wrist just aches, and I look in my little cubicle for something to kill myself with. I think that's why I have tape, but no scissors. Probably happened to the last temp. And blood is so hard to scrub off that cube-foam.

Thank god for iPod. I recharge every other day. And every so often, the shuffle with pop something extra random that makes me laugh out loud, such as Denis Leary's Meat Rant, or anything by the Frantics. But my music is starting to bore me. So send me your music ideas, playlists, what you're listening to.

on the Tube: Elizabethtown (much better the second time around, but not as good as Volver)

Is this my life?

A double-edged question...

Yesterday started out as total shite. Woke up before 7 to find snow on the ground, and big chunks of snow falling out the sky. Ugh. While I waited for my roommate to get out of the bathroom, I called the shop to let them know I wouldn't be picking up my car, and climbed back into bed. When I emerged half an hour later, my roommate was in the bathroom again/still. And proceeded to primp in there forEVER. I don't have much patience for primpers, since I am a wash-n-go kinda girl. And I have no patience when I am doing the potty dance.

This of course meant I skipped breakfast, and missed a bus. Not that I was in a big rush to get to my retarded-monkey job. I sit for 8 hours and transfer addresses of athletic organizations into an Excel spreadsheet. Thank god for iPod.

My day perked up considerable in the PM. There was company cake (cake is always good). Met a new MySpace friend for Trivia Night (and beer). Got my geek on before heading over to Duffy's for some dancing to a bad 80s cover band. Best Wednesday night ever!

This morning, I dealt with more crap weather as it took me forever to pick up my spiffed up car. Fought with my Visa to allow the expense (I appreciate the fraud protection, but not before 8AM or coffee.) But it's pretty, clean, and the check engine light is out! Shame it made me late for work. Again.

After a late night out, I was having problems staying awake in the face of more data entry monotony. I was antsy so it was hard to get into the zone. But the guy who hit me took 100% responsibility, so I will get my money. And Ohio University made me an offer!

on the tube: The Tudors (it's like period porn)

Grad potential

Friday was accidentally a very exciting grad day. But since I was so busy trying to get organized for my little trip, I didn't post about it.

For those following this absurdly long saga, I have been applying to graduate schools for over a year now. I have been pretty focused on MFA in Directing programs, which are rapidly going the way of the dodo. I like the idea of a practical degree in theatre. I also like the idea that it is a terminal degree that could enable me to work professionally and/or teach at the university level. Both last year and this year, I have had an initially great interaction with South Carolina. I have enjoyed the interviews and approach. They offer the MFA, working closely with one mentor, on projects that increase in complexity of staging and style.

But both last year and this year, they have gotten flaky, then downright negative. The conversation would start strong, then they would disappear, only to reappear much later. I went down to Columbia to visit and do another interview last year, only to be rejected. And they want me to do it again this year. The professor has been very clear about what he wants to see (he wants to see the "tough woman who can command older actors"). While a trip to balmy South Carolina might be nice, it would also be a serious chunk of change for what is at best a gamble.

This year, I started thinking about pursuing the MA-PhD. It is much more academic and detached, but could be another way of teaching and directing. It is also rapidly becoming the preferred degree in academia. I found that Ohio University offers an MA in one year, which is unusual.

Ohio University has been very responsive. They know my name. And on Friday, I had a phone interview with the head of the program who kept repeating, "VERY impressed", "stellar candidate" and other things that make my ego glow. And while he could not make me an offer, he did mention money.

Shit.

Do I want an MFA in Directing from a school that is consistently a pain in my ass? Do I want a "backup plan" MA from a school that really likes what I have? Do I really want to pursue a PhD? Where do I want to spend the next year or three of my life? How much can I read into my initial interactions? SC has either been amazing or dreadful. Ohio has been consistently nice. Do I really have the cash to take off 3 days of work to fly down to South Carolina, rent a car, find a NOT-shitty motel, and try to impress people I met last year? Do I take the money talk as an unofficial offer?

Thoughts?

Right now, the most solid, unbiased logic belongs to my cousin, who voted for Ohio because they have the highest chicken-per-capita.

on iTunes: "Sparks" - Coldplay

East Coast Easter

Contrary to popular belief, I was not blog-slacking. I was out of town, and out of reach of a reliable internet connection.

Thanks to Southwest's new connection between Midway and BWI, I was able to fly home on the cheap for Easter. Well, I assume the cheap, since the fam bought my ticket. It was nice to spend some down time with familiar people, talk about embarrassing subjects (underwear was a popular topic, what with coupons to Victoria's Secret and broken bras). Was able to schlep home some winter clothes, including dork coat, and books I am done with.

The airplane part of the travels was the easy part. It's the damn getting to and from. I was on a bus before 6AM, then a train to check in at Midway, which I had never been to. When I arrived at BWI, I discovered that my fam had not even left to pick me up (an hour away.) Grr. But it gave me a chance to pow-wow with Domestic God. Getting back from Midway involved 2 trains and a walk, since it would have been colder to wait for the bus than to just walk.But in NJ, I got to see my grandparents, a bunch of aunts, uncles, and some cousins. Consumed massive amounts of sugar (cookies, Easter candy, birthday cake, soda, oy!) Unfortunately, I am losing my edge, so I skip right past high to crash. Although my brother might disagree, since I got mighty chatty after some Dunkin Donuts. We decorated eggs, both hard-boiled and sugar cookie. Got equal-opportunity with the decorations (a Star of David, Crescent & Star, Pentagram). And snarky with the egg-labelling (J-Wo the Gigolo, Arugula, Eat Me).Easter morning brought a well-hidden borrowed basket, filled with grown-up chocolate, undies (because a holiday would not be complete without), shirt, and a box of Lara Bars!!

Exchanged booklists with my Uncle. Chatted with my Aunt. Discovered the wonders of red horseradish. A good trip!

on iTunes: "Un Zero" - Les Rita Mitsouko

Temporary insanity

After my trip to the east coast, I realised that I am completely out of groceries. Like it couldn't wait until tomorrow.

I enjoyed one of my Odwalla smoothies as I made my grocery list. Fortunately, most of what I needed was on sale! I started with a basket, promoted myself to a cart (which is generally a bad idea.) I didn't realise that I was hungry until I got the final cost of my grocery binge. Even with my savvy shopping and need for staples, it was still high.

I was reminded of my insanity as I tried to fit all of my groceries into the fridge. While it's nothing I wouldn't eat, I don't know what grocery elf climbed into my head or started just dumping stuff into the car.

Scratch that.

In the 30 minutes I was inside, mauling my food while it was hot, and digging out my spare stack of day-permits, I got a $50 parking ticket.

Remind me why I insist on perpetuating the bad car-ma?

Good Day?

Individually, these details would have perked up my day. Collectively, I am scratching my head at the sheer quantity.

• My day started by climbing on the scale to discover I weigh less than ever! (Killed that with my Happy Meal binge.)
  
• Started a new contract at 10AM, which gave me my craved-for leisurely morning. Drank my coffee, read my book.
• Discovered that jeans are pretty much uniform.
• Lunch consists of hiding with other geeks and watching Newsradio.
• I got mail! And it was the pair of cherry flats I ordered!
• I got mail! It was a fat paycheck!
• I got a text message from a friend of mine. Welcome to the world Isabella Gonzalez!
• I got contacted by two grad schools. No offers, but a positive vibe!

If it was not in the 30s, I'd probably be skipping down the streets!

on the Tube: Scrubs

Car morning

For the first time in WEEKS, I have had a real day off. Like sleep in, loaf around in PJs, have normal business hours to get my stuff done.

But instead of getting to lounge around, sipping coffee and reading my book, I spent all morning on the phone, dealing with car crap. It was productive, but still a waste of my time. Basically, my GEICO liaison sucks at liaising, and is only at his desk about 25% of the time. Which is unfortunate, since I usually have limited phone time and minutes to burn on his slack ass. Trying to get my WHOLE car fixed, including the random act of vandalism from January, while my car is in the shop. And since Pokey GEICO Man never called/emailed me back for the past week, all this has to get done THIS MORNING, before they release my car. Because it seems really stupid to pick up my car, return the rental, only to redo it all in a day or two.

Turns out the damage to my car is covered under uninsured motorist, which is ironic, since the damage was probably caused by some drunk guy staggering into my car on a Saturday night. There was some debate as to whether it was just a bad repair job from my sideswipe last year (en route to another grad interview....). The upshoot is that after many phone calls and a little bit of temper from me, they are keeping the car until they can fix it in the next couple of days, and I don't have to pay for it.

Then I tried to find out if I need to appear in court for this accident. At the scene, the officer told me I might need to appear to make Mr. Hit-n-Run's convictions stick. After 4 phone calls all over the state of Illinois the answer seems to be "probably not, but maybe." ERG! And don't even get me started on the fact that this guy was charged with stupid shit like, "failure to reduce speed" and "driving without insurance" (which he has). Failure to reduce speed equals thousands of dollars of damage and infinite hassle to several people. This is right up there with "improper driving" that flipped a car across 3 lanes of traffic, resulting in a totalled car and chronic pain for the driver. HATE.

Now I am off to the first of my interviews today. And there are flurries. In April. *little gray cloud over head just turned black*

on iTunes: "The Calling" - Santana feat. Eric Clapton

Virginia thoughts

Ever since moving to Chicago, I have developed a new appreciation for Virginia. Which is not a negative reflection on Chicago (I love the city, I hate the weather). Just that Chicago is a very different place. It's straight-forward, playful, and generally a cool place to live. But what Midwestern straight-shooting lacks is the odd sense of Southern charm. (see above: not necessarily a bad thing.) And with the advent or tease of spring, I have really missed trees (but not allergies) and topography. I want to hike around in the woods. And while I am a fan of the walk down Clark Street, or sprawling at Millenium Park, it's just not scratching the itch.

After seeing Rabbit Hole, I also realised that I haven't directed anything in a while. And I haven't really had much creative outlet or say in projects. Rabbit Hole reminded me of a Charlottesville actress I would love to work with. And maybe not this play, but another Lindsay-Abaire or something good that I picked. And one place I could do that would be Summer Theatre Festival.

This newest fantasy relies on alot of unknowns. Like if STF is even happening, or looking for directors. And if I could, where would I live and work? And is it really worth the hassle for 2 months? Then again, it is no more arbitrary than moving to Chicago with no job or firm place to live just to do an unpaid internship.

It doesn't really feel like homesickness, which is a different animal. But still, it does remind me to watch my DMB video, which was filmed on the mall, is generally pleasant, and gives me the warm fuzzies.

Soliciting opinions. Especially the ones that remind me that this is not a particularly brilliant idea.

Chicago Public Library

How many flavors of sad is it that Chicago Public Library, one of the largest systems in the country, sucks? I have had more accessibility, availability and general positivity from dinkier libraries than this.

In my long hours as a receptionist, I have discovered that reading a book, while a better use of my time than surfing, is not always kosher. My mom recommended eBooks. Arlington County library (where I spent many quality hours of my childhood) has an extensive eBook collection. Sadly, you can only read them in 15 minute snippets now, because of copywright issues or something. So much for my sociology of the body learning. But CPL doesn't have this sort of amenity. (In their defense, I can download audiobooks.)

And yesterday, I realised that I need to renew some of my books, so I can finish them on the plane. But none of the CPL branches are open on Sundays. And you can't renew online! C'mon, if I can renew online in little Charlottesville, why can't I do it here? So after work, I have to schlep over to Harold Washington Center to renew my books. (We won't even talk about the convenience and general requesting power I had at UVA).

I love me some library, but I wish I hadn't been so spoiled by them in Virginia.

on Pandora: "Bumble Bee Boy" - The Wannadies

Rabbit Hole

To continue my week's theatre binge (4 shows in a week), I saw Rabbit Hole at the Goodman's mainstage. Scored a cheap seat on a Sunday night.

David Lindsay-Abaire is one of my favorite playwrights. Plays like Devil Inside and Wonder of the World have a great way of spinning things out of control, taking you on a wild ride that is just barely plausible, but resolves everything terribly cleverly in the end. They are scary and manic, not unlike Durang, but even more intelligent. Rabbit Hole is clearly by the same playwright, but a much more mature, possibly better medicated one.

Rabbit Hole tells the story of a small family who grieve in their separate ways the accidental death of their 5 year old son. Unlike his other works, Rabbit Hole is fiercely realistic, decidedly un-crazy. It is well-paced and very good at showing the subtlties of grief. Because of the rough subject matter, people openly dislike it. But a guy on the bus was very impressed at the accuracy.

I liked it. I know alot of people who didn't, including some of the COP. It wasn't my favorite Lindsay-Abair play, mostly because I prefer the crazy. But it was well-done. Not inspired, but well-done. It was refreshing to go to the Goodman and actually like what I saw. My only beef was all the sobbing pregnant ladies around me. The play is well-known enough that they should have known what the subject was. I didn't find it depressing, just painful. Then again, I left my first viewing of American Beauty elated.

on Pandora: "People in the City (Modjo Mix)" - Air

Social dancing

It's been a while since I went dancing socially. In fact, I really hadn't been dancing socially in Chicago (as an idea of how long its been). So I jumped online and found a local dance last night. I should have known what I was getting into by the fact I had to drive way out to Highland Park.

As an experienced social dancer, I have become accustomed to a few basics. 1. I will always be one of the youngest there. 2. I will always be one of the better dancers there. 3. Men in brown suits are necessarily skeazy. 4. There will be Christmas lights and generic cookies. 5. Waltzes will get everyone on the floor, and sambas will largely clear them.

Because it was out in the suburbs, these details were magnified. I singlehandedly lowered the average age by like 20 years. With the possible exception of an instructor and a pregnant lady, I was the best dancer. But no brown suits. Just short guys who wanted to tango with me. Ugh. I am tall for a dancer, and I can bend my knees pretty far, but it gets a little awkward. And the sambas were painful to watch.

I have been spoiled by fairly good dance scenes in VA where the dancing is of a higher caliber, there are more college students, and a general openness. Here, everyone was middle-aged or older, and only danced with the person they came with, which largely defeats the purpose of social dancing. But I did get to dance a couple times with an instructor, a short guy named Leo, and an old Chinese guy.

One thing I love about social dancing is that once people realise that I follow well and have long limbs, I can become a bit of the Belle of the Ball. I feel very talented and pretty. But in addition to raising my self-esteem, it does make me overly critical. I just want to start teaching (or screaming). Like the woman who insisted on moving her head constantly in Viennese, which explains why she nearly fell on her ass. Or the couple who looked so positively bored and joyless dancing. I just wanted to shake them and remind them that this is FUN.

It reminded me that I miss dancing, and dancing well. I guess I will need to start seeking out a more vibrant (read: young) dance crowd.

on iTunes: "Happy Meal" - Cardigans