Little Miss Popularity

In my last couple of days in Chicago, I found myself running like a chicken with my head cut off. Conveniently, this left little time for packing or thinking.

In addition to hanging out in the Sheffield's beer garden with a bunch of people on Sunday night, I had a last COP meeting at 10PM at Clarke's. Besides consuming golden rings of onion and learning about Indian wedding traditions, it was agreed that the COP will convene this winter for the restaging of Snow Queen. Bottles in brown bags and snarkiness are required.

(oh, and discussed the necessity for bread)

Before this I finally made it to Borinquen, a Puerto Rican place that has been on my radar for months. Had jibaritos with my dance friend, as we both gear up for being poor students in a couple of weeks. And delivered a key lime pie to Kallisti for his early birthday.

It was fun, if a little strange, to be so in demand. And to think that in a year, I had met so many people.

on Pandora: "Bored with This Planet" - The Chinese Stars

Niki in the Garden

I'm trying to break this up into manageable blog-sized chunks, so here goes. I foresee many dinky entries, a few rambling ones, and a bunch of random ones. You've been warned.

On Monday, after another freebie haircut at Art + Science (classic bob with a sharp line), I finally made it to see Niki in the Garden over in Garfield Park, which has been on my list since May.

In general, I am a big fan of public art. Art in place, step-on-art, public exhibitions, performance art, etc. So I was really excited to see that Chicago had commissioned/acquired a series of statues from the artist Niki de Saint Phalle, and had installed them situationally in and around the Garfield Conservatory.


I much preferred the exterior works, mostly because of her use of mosaic, and because they begged to be interacted with. Although I did like the statues lurking within ferns and palms and aroids. Alot of the work reminded me of modernista and Gaudi in Barcelona, largely because of the use of texture, color and line. Add to this the lovely afternoon light, and I went a little photo happy as you can check out on my flickr site.

For my last day in Chicago, this was a nice moment.

Quickie

Here's how it has gone down for the past couple of days:

1. Move boxes.
2. Be hot, nasty, flustered, bored
3. Drive lots.
4. Repeat
   

Currently sponging internet off random people in Cville. Eager to sit and actually compose my thoughts which have been all over the map in the past 48 hours, as have I.

And the silver jetta with Illinois plates blazing by is not helping.

on the radio: NRN!

Almost ready

(me and the hippies)

With less than 24 hours to go, I think I am almost ready to go. My room is a disaster area of shrink-wrapped bags of clothes, garbage bags and crap that begs to be organized rather than dumped unceremoniously into a box (which we all know is where it's gonna end up.)

Saturday was my last day of work in Chicago. Yesterday I had my favorite priest for mass. I have made all of the phone calls and appointments I can think of. The to-do list is mostly all crossed off.

Last night, I had my going away party at Sheffield's, which has an amazing beer garden, complete with a huge tree right in the middle. Despite the CTA making me late for my own shindig, I arrived before everyone else, who was pulling the "fashionably late". I took over the corner bench, which pretty much fit everyone who made an appearance. It was a total blast. A couple of the hippies had just gotten back from world travels. There were a bunch of teachers delighting in their last days of freedom. And Goose Island's Summertime was on special. I was kinda surprised at how many people came out on a Sunday night.

(me and my cousins)

As I drifted to sleep with Little Miss Sunshine in the background, all I felt was the warm-fuzzy feeling of being loved by a crowd. Then again, it might have been multiple beers...

on the tube: Scrubs

Lookingglass Alice

It's been on my to-do list and in town for months, and I finally managed to see Lookingglass Alice last night. (Trib review) And it was some of the most brilliant theatre I have ever seen.

Telling the Lewis Carroll story using circus arts was the perfect combination. I love physical storytelling and ensemble work. In the past couple of years, I have become increasingly interested in circus, and after my trapeze class, I have a whole new appreciation for the skills involved in aerial.

The show is about 80 minutes with no intermission. Not that you notice, because it is relentlessly fun and energetic. It's not until you realise that Alice is at the last square that you get sad and realise that the show is nearly done. A cast of 5 plays all the characters with such a sense of silly, it's irresistible. Each character is individual in its movement. And the costuming is genius. It is so satisfying to see something so wildly entertaining that is also very well-composed and "essential". There was nothing extraneous.

Kallisti was initially reluctant at starting a Friday night sitting in a theatre, but was quickly won over. Because it's the kind of show that appeals to everyone, from little kids to adults, of all ranges of experience with theatre/movement/Alice.

It's nearly impossible to think of a favorite moment. And the fact that I knew one of the actors made it even more fun. The bungee dance ball at the end made me jealous that I was not strapped in and bouncing to salsa as I kicked huge pilates balls in the air. The White Knight was hilarious. And even watching the caterpillar was fun.

It was also an interesting contrast of box office experiences. On Thursday, I tried to get in to see August: Osage County at Steppenwolf. It has been reviewed as some of the best theatre in Chicago in years. And now it will be going to NY. Which makes tickets that much harder to come by. I didn't get tickets in the AM line, and called to get details on the rush-line in the evening. However, at this point, rain was coming down in buckets, and being blown by near-hurricane force gusts. I was simply told to bring a poncho. Needless to say, I opted against waiting 2 hours in line to be treated like crap. On the other hand is Lookingglass. I showed up 40 minutes early for standby tickets (not 2 hours), which I got. I was allowed to chill in the lobby. The girl was polite, informative, and interested in getting people into see the show.

It was gratifying to not only score tickets to a sold-out show, but also to see such a fun piece of art.

on Pandora: "Pioneers" - Bloc Party

Conquering the To-Do list

I will scratch off every item of my continuously growing to-do list if it kills me. And it just might.

However, today, after getting the oil changed in my car, I felt like I was not really on top of things, but that things had become a bit more manageable. Then again, walking 2 miles to the post office to kill time before the car was done generally helps with that. At this point, I can pretty much divide my list into must do and will do ideally/eventually. Like backblog and make a pie. I have also reconciled myself to the fact that I will NOT be able to see every show I have been meaning to in the next few days because it is not physically possible.

And last night's inclement weather really forced me to slow down. There was tree damage everywhere, blocking streets. With no electricity and flooded streets and trees flying through the air, I could do nothing but eat a yummy dinner, sit around and chill. It was actually really nice. Got to bed at a decent hour, after laying out my shoes to dry.

Today, as I was walking through my errands before the storm broke (again/as usual), I passed a couple of big orientation groups of DePaul kids. You can tell by the large group, the matching equipment and general shuffle. It reminded me of going to the Caf in pack-formation, and the fact that my brother is moving into my old dorm at William and Mary today. Still no A/C. He's one floor above me, and his friends are in all my friends' old rooms! Tribe Pride!

(please don't ask me how the cow got up there.)

on iTunes: "Wishful Thinking" - Ditty Bops

Swank Mall

I hate feeling underdressed in a skirt and tank top to go to a freakin' mall. And having grown up within spitting distance of Tysons, I should have known better.

For Christmas, I received a gift card from my Saturday job to be redeemed at this North Side mall. I hadn't really had the time to go out there until now, and didn't want to let $25 go to waste.

Incidentally, Skokie is a pain to get to. Just far enough out of the city to be a hassle that probably involves 90/94. And sprawly-suburbia always makes me a little queasy.

After checking out all of my high-end options (A/X, Sephora, J. Crew, Benneton, Guess, etc.), I decided that instead of spending money, I would just use the money I had on the card. Although there was a cute pair of shoes at Steve Madden. Ended up with some honeysuckle lotion from Bath & Body Works, which I wouldn't have bought otherwise, and 2 shirts from Gap that were on sale.

And then I got to drive through a severe thunderstorm. Actually, that was mildly entertaining. It was raining sideways and the wind was shaking the Civic. Power was out at odd stoplights, but the fine people of Skokie seem to understand the whole "taking turns" approach to intersections. Which was extra impressive since a) Chicagoans just go and b) these were multi-lane, complex intersections.

However, because of the weather, I skipped the LSD, but was successfully able to navigate my way home. Shame my navigational skills have gotten so good just as I am leaving.

on iTunes: "Satellite" - Guster

Tango Sur

Given how much and what I ate last night for dinner - Yo Soy Vaca.

About a month ago, I received a mystery check in the mail from my temp agency. I was a little confused, since I had not worked for that agency for several weeks. Turns out some one listed me as the person who recommended me to Larko. The extra bonus to the cash was the fact that I didn't even know this person. I sat on the cash for a while, to make my budget worked out, but last night I finally spent it.

Presented with that kind of boon, the sensible part of me would have banked it. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to go out for a fabulous meal. And admittedly, it was a toss-up until the final moments between Tango Sur and Cafe 28. Argentine or Cuban? The decisions!

Called up Kallisti, who is a meat and potatoes purist, which is the Argentine way. We stopped by the Jewel to pick up a bottle of cabernet (no Malbec = no surprise), since Tango Sur is BYOB. (Kallisti cleverly pointed out that buying the wine thus earned us a parking space in their lot.) And despite the fact that it was hopping, we scored an outside table instantly!

My menu selection was easy. Steak. No sauce or "fixins" just Steak. Kallisti toyed with the paradilla, which is a selection of innards and sausage on a grill. But opted for ribeye instead. Shared a tortilla de papas, which was super-yummy. And sipped wine as the front came through.

The food was nicely paced, forcing me to slow down and really enjoy and digest. And drink more wine. The steak was amazing. A textbook medium rare. Straight-up tasty. Not as good as the lomo I had in Buenos Aires, but probably the best steak I've had since.

It was a divine meal. And I managed not to waddle o the car, although I felt that beef-sleep coming on. You know, that sense of satiety and peace that is induced by eating good steak. But I fought through it for a last night of dancing at the Green Dolphin!

on the radio: sounds like U2

Trapeze lesson

Taking advantage of daytime hours and a conveniently timed workshop series, I headed over to the Aloft Loft to try trapeze.

I have been meaning to do this for months. After seeing their Halloween show, and the girls in the silks, I desperately wanted to try. However, the fact that I can't really even do a pull-up kept me away. But I had the now-or-never mentality.

A bit about the class. It was 90 minutes, beginning with a warm-up stretch, then moving directly to a circuit of exercises at each different trapeze, which are deadhung at different heights. These were basic positions. Then we did a series of exercises from pike position, before finishing the class with different hangs. In case attempting this wasn't fun enough, I got to watch everyone else do these tricks, which was almost worth the price of admission.

That said, the operative here is attempt. I was paired with a guy, who has been doing this for a while. He was very supportive in every sense. Cheered me on when I managed to do something right, and frequently helped me get upside-down. I discovered that once I got a position, I looked really good, but I was terrible about maintaining or recovering. It was tricky because so many different muscle groups are involved, and when you are so focused on not letting your shoulders out of the sockets, it's hard to think about that. And it requires a very specific sequence of muscles. I also learned never to underestimate the weight of my butt, which is great for keeping me grounded in wrestling, but total shit in getting me aerial. But my attempts at getting upside down nearly made it flying trapeze, as it swung as I scrambled to get into position AND achieve some stability. I am not as flexible as I thought, which is only half the challenge, since so much of trapeze is sheer power. But I can scurry up ropes and silks pretty well. And I am a double-knee hang natural. And my bird-nest looks pretty good (once someone slings my ass in the air)

All in all, it was fun and a good experience. It was a little interesting to combine my "I'll try anything once" attitude with the "um, my body doesn't do that" awareness. I got all the way to the end of the class by sheer will (my jaw was sore from clenching) because I am stubborn, if not terribly strong.

No pictures, mostly because everyone was advanced and working their stuff. And I can't say I was looking terribly pretty. But here's a picture of my bruise from the ankle hang.

(I still have some of the chalk on it. Ain't it pretty?)

I got it for half a second before losing my grip and sliding down until I slid onto the nice thick mat below. (I'm a pointer, not a flexer) Which is not the preferred exit route.

The other perk. When I was running my next errand, I nearly sprained my ankle stepping off a curb funny. However, since I was already chewed up and warm, I bounced right back! And got just enough adrenaline running to get my mind of the aches and scrapes of my lesson!

Now to see how sore I am tomorrow, before trying silks.

on iTunes: "Girl Can Tell" - Spoon

Beginning of the end

Digging out from under a mountain of laundry gives me a moment to realise just where I am in the whole relocation process. (In Chicago, under a mountain of laundry and other to-do's).

Yesterday was my last day of temp work. No more weekdays for me. It started propitiously, sharing a cab with my landlady, who paid for the whole ride! The day involved ice cream, and one very disappointed electrician. And I dodged the bus on the ride home by taking Metra.

So now I have a week to get all my ducks in a row to move from Chicago to Ohio via Virginia. Right now, I am in the clean and get-rid-of mode. I need to return books to the library, scripts to VG, and donate a bunch of stuff to Brown Elephant. Although it kills me not to go grocery shopping. (I am also in the eating the dregs of the pantry mode, which makes for an interesting, if not terribly appetizing menu.)

But I did get to sleep in this morning, loll about in my jammers and make blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Which is nice and lazy, but does nothing for my mile-long list. And strangely, being lazy is only adding to my general anxiety. But I think I see a night of wings and beer in my future...

(This sandwich was so artfully placed on the parking meter, it was art.
At 11.30PM on Saturday night.)

on the radio: "Sports Talk" - AM 670. (Kallisti is over doing laundry, too)

My first Cubs game

was rained out.

To say that I was bummed would be an understatement. For reasons that surprise even me, I was really excited about seeing the game. I got bleacher seats for happened to be one of the most important games of the season. Kallisti and I walked over to the Field as it finally stopped raining. Since we were a little early, we snagged a couple of beers before securing our place on the bleachers in left field. And Old Style has never tasted so good as on tap, crowded in with a bunch of Cubs fans.

(bad Latin for "Go Cubbies")

While a little cool, the night was shaping up nicely. Big Z was pitching a no-hitter. The crowd was heckling the Cards outfielders, and any fans in the stands defending them. Then Kallisti pointed out, "The crowd is fickle. It will turn eventually turn on itself." And in the 2nd inning it broke out to "Right Field Sucks/Left Field Sucks" in the bleachers. It was hilarious. And then the skies opened up.

Being a boy scout at heart, I was prepared. I pulled on my slicker as I busted out the umbrella. Kallisti and I prioritized not getting rain in the beer, since us getting wet was largely inevitable. It was pretty funny to be huddled under my purple umbrella, surreptitiously sipping beer and shelling peanuts with one-hand. But eventually, the rain became too much. We headed under, waiting for the game to be called or resume. It stopped raining after about an hour, so we headed back out, munching on Polish and nachos, waiting for them to pull off the cover. Which they never did. Being cold and wet for a couple of hours kinda cuts down on your patience, so we bailed just before they finally called the game.

It was a huge pisser, since I don't know when they will reschedule, but I am going to bet it's after I leave Chicago. Since the players are too wimpy to play a double-header today. And it is unclear if they will honor the tickets. What was supposed to be a fun Chicago night out just ended up being cold, wet, and frustrating. Although it was fun to watch them cover the field with great efficiency. And enjoy the smell of sausage and onions wafting over the wall from Sheffield into the surprisingly intimate field. For some reason I expected it to be bigger, and not to smell like sausage and onions (although that was not a complaint). And this was a great chance for me to explain the concept of the cosmic muffin to Kallisti. Because of course the one time we decide to go to a game, it rains. The first game that has been rained out all year. And it decided to rain just early enough in the game that you are outside and settled in, but not so far into the game that anything exciting had happened and you felt like you got your money's worth.


on Pandora: "Circle.Square.Triangle" - Test Icicles

Jam-packed weekend

With minimal time, I am trying to achieve maximum fun. And caffeine intake.

Last night, I ventured up to Wrigleyville to get me a Cubs shirt, which has been on my to-do list for a while. It was insane (not really a surprise), but I found parking, and it was socially acceptable to yell at stupid drunk people who wanted to jay-walk in front of my legally moving vehicle.

Grabbed a salad for dinner, since it had been a while since I had seen the business end of a veggie. Tasty and filling. Energizing. Laid about until I got the call from Kallisti with the plan. So fortified with a large DnD iced coffee, I picked up Kallisti to head over to the Hippies' House for some drinking (and) games. Several rounds of Asshole, Circle of Death (that was new), and Trivial Pursuit the Drinking Game. After a few beers, I was rocking at TP, probably because my mental edit feature was off, so I could instantly access information. I was like a TP Beer Savant.

While awesome, this also kept me up well past my bedtime, which is making today a little harder. In case just working wasn't taxing enough, I had to continue to train the new person, who, while well-meaning, is largely inept in the easy things like double-clicking. It took every ounce of restraint in me not to just take over and finish the job in a third of the time.

After work, I am hoping to squeeze in a nap before we meet for the show. I am having artistic issues, along the lines of "I don't want my good work associated with your less-than-fabulous-vanity-project." *sigh* And tomorrow, I have another show before the game. Oh well. Tuesday is my first do-nothing day. So if I can make it through the next few fun-filled days, I will be home-free!

on Pandora: "Public Service Announcement" - The Bravery

UOCH is on my shit list

While I appreciate their interest in my security, it is just proving to be a ginormous pain in my ass.

The original plan was to move my stuff from Chicago to Ohio on the 30th, then drive to VA and make the rounds there. Then my mom volunteered to drive a van down with furniture if we left on the 30th. This moved my Chicago departure up. And I am in no hurry to leave the city.

In case the idea of spending a week driving, moving crap, and generally being unsettled wasn't unappealing enough, my leasing agency has decided to make my life even more difficult.

They have refused to mail me my key. They will not let someone else pick it up for me with my authorization. (Despite telling me otherwise this week.) And they are only open until 5. I have to be there myself, picture ID in hand to not only pick up my key, but do a walk-thru, on their time. Given that it takes about 7 hours to get from Chicago, not counting traffic, this isn't so much a practical option. (I don't relish the idea of leaving all my worldly goods in my car overnight on a major thoroughfare so I can leave at 5AM, because moving them out of the house at that hour is not an option.)

To say the least, I am pissed. It's bad enough that they have funny ideas about when they can start charging me rent, but they were completely inflexible with what shouldn't be that outrageous of a request. This doesn't bode well for the upcoming year.

Besides racing to Athens on the 28th or risk sleeping in my car, I am kind of out of plans. I don't want to spend $70 on a motel when I have an apartment I am already paying rent on, but at least I would have a place to stay instead of being locked out because my leasing agency sucks. Thoughts?

on Pandora: "Honey" - Tosca

Dress rehearsal

For the past couple of weeks, I have been working with Revolution Theatre Company on a short work for the Abbie Hoffman Festival.

It has worked out pretty much perfectly. Two week rehearsal schedule, being held at the Red Lion Pub, which is 2 blocks from my house, and conveniently a source of beer. The play was chosen for me, actors cast, and most production details handled. It's the no-hassle gig!

At first, I wasn't crazy about the play. It seemed too obvious an abortion-allegory. But with interesting actors and a commitment to making this more interesting and relevant (and funny), the play has really grown on me. It feels really good to run my own rehearsals, get to make artistic choices, and generally hang out with a bunch of interesting actors.

(Please Remove This Stuffed Animal from My Head)

Last night, we had our dress rehearsal with the other RTC plays. I felt good seeing how put-together our show was in comparison. The 2nd show is not well-written (there is no plot or conflict, but there is a bad wig), but I liked the 3rd a lot. And I was able to give some direction even for those shows, as fresh-eyes.

So we perform this weekend! Funny that I finally open my first real show in Chicago just as I'm leaving.

on Pandora: "Wish I" - Jem

Bus Rant #1458996

When the CTA is good, it is oh so good, but when it's bad, it's awful.

You know it's bad when:

• You have been waiting for 25 minutes before a bus materializes. During rush hour.
• There are enough people at a single stop to fill up half the bus.
• When said bus finally does materialize, it is already full, only a few stops into the route.
• Subsequently, the bus cannot take any more passengers, thus making those who have already waited 25+ minutes even more aggravated.

Generally, the upside to a super-crowded, late bus is that when it is completely full it runs express. Or at least only stops when requested from the inside. Thus you cut at least a little of your late losses.

Unfortunately, the driver did not figure out this convenient detail. Which just wasted everyone's time. The people on the inside who were already late, as well as the people who couldn't fit on the bus anyways. Erg.

on Pandora: "Girl Sailor" - The Shins

Nothing day

How dull that the most exciting thing to happen to me in the past 24 hours is nearly super-gluing my shoes to the floor. Which, admittedly, was a great source of amusement in my office.

Hmm. Stayed up late finishing crappy movies so I can return them.
Still stretchy and sore from class.
Rehearsal in Red Lion. Although the stuffed animals we found were pretty fabulous.
My OCD neat streak works really well for staying productive at work.
And the realisation of all that has happened in a year. Metaphorically knocked my on my ass. Fortunately, I was already lying down.

But when I get home, I will post a random photo at least.

(I love the juxtaposition of this classic car with a security device)

on JukeBox: "Cocoon" - Bjork

Orange Julius

God must really love me. In addition to getting a free dance class yesterday, I got a free Orange Julius. On the fly!

Less than a block from my house, they are just opening a Dairy Queen/Orange Julius. Which is both brilliant and dangerous. I'm just glad it's only moving in as I am moving out, because otherwise, I'd be broke and fat. But happy! Because I love DQ, but Orange Julius is a truly rare beast.

Walking home from the bus last night, I saw some activity in the space. And saw people with DQ cups. So I wandered over to investigate. It was a pre-opening, "by invitation only" (meaning you just had to say hi to the guy in the polo shirt). Stand in queue, order anything off the menu, and get it for free! How awesome!

Actually, it's a brilliant idea. Not only does it make your presence known in the community, but it builds good will. And it gives your staff a chance to practice.

on Pandora: "Throw the Wine" - Swell

Pole dancing is hard work.

Last night, I checked off an item off the To Do Before I Die (or at least before I leave Chicago) List: Pole dancing.

Actually, I have been intrigued by pole dancing for a few years. I guess it became part of the fitness underground, after women realised that Tae-Bo was just as annoying as jazzercise or other manifestations of that. But before pilates exploded. Billed as an alternative to pounding away at the treadmill and weight machines for hours in the gym with nothing but couch lust to get you through. Pole dancing offers a much more interesting way to work all of the muscle groups.

Flirty Girl Fitness of Toronto recently opened up a Chicago branch in the West Loop. And if you sign up for the newsletter, you get a free teaser class (otherwise $25). What I really liked is the fact that the studio is entirely staffed by women, with an emphasis on fun fitness rather than something less seemly. No spectators allowed. The studio is a gorgeous, well-lit loft-like space, with hot-pink accents and kitchy chandeliers. In addition to pole, they offer all sorts of classes like Video Vixen, Salsalicious, and such.

The class itself was one hour. And by the end, I was feeling appropriately worked out. And I'm still a little sore. The pneumatic instructor used words like "booty" and "chest", constantly cheering on the efforts. We learned 3 tricks, used the pole as support for stretches, and learned some choreography to a Prince song. It was me and about 9 other 20-something women in sweats and tank tops, mostly laughing as we skidded down the pole. I discovered that my dance training serves me well, but I can get dizzy easily. Using my hips felt very ballroom (she said rumba walk and I was all over it), but spinning around the pole was mildly reminiscent of playing on the playground.

I would totally do it again, if I could find the finances or a studio in Ohio. Oh well. Trapeze class next week!

(amusing the other ballroom folks on one of our NYC adventures,
junior year, I think.)

on Pandora: "Rush Hour Soul" - Supergrass

Crazy

Although I am trying not to be paranoid, the fact that I have heard "crazy" songs as much as I have in the past few days does not bode well. In the past 24 hours, I have heard Seal's "Crazy" (which admittedly, I like alot) 4 times. And Gnarls Barkley was the first song on my shuffle this morning.

Moving does make me crazy. Especially when it involves the kind of distance and sense of uproot. Last year at this time, Chicago was still more of a concept than reality. Because the reality was stressful enough. I left a very familiar, comfortable situation for something completely unknown. And now, a year later, I am doing it again. Ah masochism.

I try to stay positive, because this move is to grad school, which is what I want. I have a place to live, a source of income (when they all finally kick in), a purpose.

But I have to spend about a week moving. And that involves leaving Chicago, which has become my favorite city. And that makes me angsty. So I just repeat my mantra: I will go to sleep in Chicago, and tomorrow, I will wake up in Chicago. And try really hard not to notice just how quickly that will not be accurate. But it's a great excuse to make people go out and play with me.

on Jukebox: "Tubeliar" - Moloko

I need a pet

Growing up, we didn't have pets; we had siblings. And while siblings can be better at video games, I still think some 4-legged friends would have been just as much, if not more fun. (Dogs can't sass you back or blame you for shit.)

Living with the Cheese Fiend, I got spoiled by living with her cats, which were my cats by proxy. I was especially attached to Dustbunny, who once she got used me (it took about 3 months), was very sweet about putting me to bed every night, and before we moved into the frosty Yellow House, would also wake me up in the morning. It became just part of making a tuna sandwich that I would drain the tuna juice into a ramikin for the girls to share. And I knew to always check the computer chair for hairballs. And that I would always have help eating curry, pizza, donuts or raspberry yogurt (they had very sophisticated tastes.)

(Scat being spooned by Dustbunny on the Computer Chair)

Also in Charlottesville, I had a dog by proxy. A wonderful SPCA special. Arnie the Grumpy Old Man. It took a while for him to get use to me taking his spot on the couch, but eventually I could even get a half-wag greeting out of him. (Funny enough, he went ape-shit for the Cheese Fiend). I got to attend all of Arnie's birthday parties, and watch him spirit away his birthday steak. And then there was always someone willing to walk with me. (albeit very slowly) And if I wanted to get my crazy dog fix, there were always the Huskies.


Since moving to Chicago, my animal interaction has gone down a bit. When I moved in, there was a fussy cat and fat pug. The pug has since gone off to the big dog park in the sky. And Mischa only gives me the time of day during storms or when her owner has been away for what Mischa deems as an unacceptable length of time.

I miss having pets. I miss having something to love on and sneak treats to. Someone who mostly does not judge (Dusty and Scat are feline, after all.) And seeing all the dogs out in the morning on my way to work just makes me wistful.

To this end, I decided to be That Girl at lunch. Got sucked into Panera's for a turkey artichoke panini (can't wait to bust out my GeoFo to attempt this). And there is no way I could finish that whole thing. Or more accurately, no way I should finish it. But there was a very well-behaved, sweet-looking black dog at another table, patiently waiting for something to fall. So I approached the owners to see if I could share the rest of the turkey with her. The owners were hip, the dog was tickled, and I got my animal fix for the day.

Sadly, I can't have animals in my Athens apartment. Must rectify.

on Pandora: "Fruition" - Stereolab

Suburban foodie

Having been accustomed to the miles of chain restaurants and fast-food outlets that populate the suburbs of DC, I was pleasantly surprised to find some genuine food options in Wilmette.

Next door is a divine little bakery that gives out big slices of samples. Yesterday's honey white was delightful and quite nearly a meal unto itself. Across the street, Bobtail ice cream has a flavor called Signature Sunset. Dark chocolate chunks in a merlot ice cream base. And it's perfect! Across the street from the Panera (less odious, but still a chain) are 2 different luncheries. They serve coffee, various baked goods and sandwiches. And Sweet Bean has a tomato tart that was unique and delicious. Small flaky tart with cheese, dijon and other magical flavors with small tomatoes baked on top. Not sundried. I would have taken a picture, but I just devoured it too quickly. And of course there is the Leonidas around the corner!

So many choices. So little money.

on Pandora: "Don't Throw It Away" - Dirty Vegas

Beach day

Yesterday, I enjoyed a mini-vacation, if only for the day.

For the first time in months, I had a day off. When you are paid by the hour, and on contract, you don't get time off. And while I like the paychecks and sense of regularity, I am also a sucker for slacking on a Tuesday.

Instead of doing practical/boring things like getting my oil changed and going to the post office, I went to the beach. Definitely made the right call on that. One more week without an oil change won't kill the Honda.

Woke up late, suited up before eating so I didn't have to glare at the python. Kallisti took the day off too, so he could go to the beach and get some sun. After stocking up on sunscreen, we walked down to North Avenue beach.

The weather was perfect for a day at the beach. Mostly sunny, hot as blazes, but with a gentle breeze coming off the Lake. It was nice to sit in the sun while the sunscreen soaked in before wading around in the Lake. And when the clouds made the water a little chilly, it was nice to sprawl out on the sand with my book.

Lake beach is way different than Ocean beach. The most obvious part isn't even the fresh vs salt water thing as much as the entire lack of water action. You can wade out pretty far and still not be wet up to the waist. And for a water wuss like me, this is pretty nice. If you want to get good and wet, you can sit in the water, or salamander along like I did to amuse myself (for some reason, I move better backwards than forwards). Also, there is no tide, which cuts down on the lulling bob. Which makes the lifeguards stationed in canoes all the more arbitrary. I have been in more vicious bathtubs. And where were these people when I wiped-out three times in a row at Kitty Hawk? There is not alot of earthworking with the sand, which is harder packed. And then there is the whole city traffic thing.

Wandered up to Castaways for some frosty tropical beverages. An idea much better in theory than reality, since I don't think there was any rum in the watered-down pina coladas. And by this time, the clouds were more frequent, and we were both crazy hungry.

The walk home was a little rough, but I made it to the kitchen before going blank. Nothing like 95F heat, little food or water, and a mile walk in the sun to getcha. Fortunately this is a common enough occurrence with me that I know exactly how to cope and am never really ambushed by it anymore. Also, it's pretty easy to remedy with some cold water, AC, and a warm shower (not cold, that's just painful).

Had stir-fry for dinner, a nap, and DQ for dessert (it wouldn't be a proper beach day without ice cream.) And as a bonus, I got to ride downtown at night to help run an errand. And the city is magnificent by night.

So I think for my week off, I will buy one of those loungy rafts, and just park it in the Lake every day. It's gonna be awesome. Now if only the Cubs would start winning again.

on Pandora: "Control" - Poe

Leftovers in La-La-Land

The past couple nights have produced some truly lurid dreams. While dreams tend to be pretty odd by their very definition, these have been fantastically so. Random characters, strange props and locales. And let's not even get into plot or transition. Dredging up details I haven't even thought of in years. I think the whole thing with the jetski had me scratching my head in my sleep. And the tremendous thunder/lightning/rain storms at 3AM probably didn't help.

At least they were entertaining once I stopped trying to parse or even follow them. Just go for the nocturnal wild ride!

I guess that's what I get for eating chips & salsa, and some DQ before bed. Doh!

on Pandora: "It's Good to Be in Love" - Frou Frou

A new favorite

I may have discovered my new favorite show: Pushing Daisies

Written by Bryan Fuller (who also wrote/produced 2 of my other favorites - Wonderfalls and Dead Like Me), critically-acclaimed, and deliciously twisted? And a reference to pie? Right up my alley. And on network!

Now if only ABC won't be as stupid as FOX and actually keep this for more than 4 episodes.

rough Monday

The phone system is obsolete and trying to kill me. My tech skills cannot conquer the world's slowest PC. My hair is huge, and I think they slipped me decaf instead of regular.

This is not good.

But the other agents seem to be nice about covering my ass as I fumble. And the drive up LSD was nice. Here's hoping I can tame the phone and computer and get home without a horrific commute.

on Pandora: "Omid (Hope)" - Thievery Corporation

Lazy day

For the first time in a long time, I had an agenda-free day. No work (tricky when you work 6 days a week), no rehearsal (although that might change), no meetings or events. Sweet!

To celebrate, I stayed up really late last night, including a trip to Long Bar, which is a cool local bar filled with people who were just there to have fun, as opposed to people there trying to be seen. They had cool music in the background and Delirium Tremens on tap! And it is conveniently just down the alley from a friend's house, which was handy, since it was raining.

This morning, I slept in, padded around, ate junk food and watched some Wonderfalls with Kallisti who really likes it. Prepped my produce for the week, and generally relaxed. I likey!

Old fart

I'm not sure when I crossed that line, but it became a whole lot of obvious that I should be looking at walkers and orthopedic shoes sooner than expected.

Last night, as I waited for my not-so-fast-food order, some punk a$$hole decided that instead of waiting for his food by leaning or sitting in a booth that he would just plunk his butt on a table. Like legs dangling sitting on a table. With no apparent regard for the fact that people eat food from that table. I didn't understand why he felt the need to do this, or my inordinate need to point out that this was unacceptable behavior. So as I finally got my food, I just told him to get off the freakin' table because some people would like an ass-free surface to eat on.

Then, walking home with said not-so-fast-food, I saw a girl whose earrings were longer than her shorts. This seems like a mistake in proportions, only exacerbated by the butt cheeks hanging out from the "shorts". I managed to stifle my fogey comments, but not my disdain.

I guess I should just be grateful it wasn't the girl with her ass hanging out that was sitting on the table.

*sigh* Pass the Geritol.

on Pandora: "What Does Your Soul Look Like" - DJ Shadow

Good work day

As my current temp gig winds down, it is making a strong run towards the good. Because we had a temp answering the phones, I was no longer changed to the desk. Instead of spending hours doing sudoku, I was able to do some different, productive projects. Like making a button for the pop machine to replace the iced tea one.

Also, my boss took my supervisor and me out for a swank lunch. Crabcakes and tiramisu! Add to this the fact that everyone seemed disappointed to see me leave. I have received alot of compliments (even from the company president), especially in contrast to the replacement temp.

The only weird thing was that it had been decided even before the temp arrived today that he wasn't working out. So he kept asking questions about Friday and such, which I was happy to answer, even though I knew it would be irrelevant.

New temp tomorrow. And last day at my summer job! And Friday! Now if only it would ever get below 88F.

on the tube: Flight of the Conchords = freakin' hilarious

Just more work

No blogging because I have been decidedly UN-blogworthy. Just working, baseball (ah Angel Pagan and your car door ears!), Harry Potter, and avoiding the heat.

But my summer gig is finally winding down. The new temp started to train today. Which is always awkward, since the job isn't exactly difficult. And with not enough work for one person, having to share it between 2 is a little ridiculous. How many times can you admit that you are a slacker in a slack job? I guess he had to be properly auditioned. However, it was fun to shoot the theatre shit (like most temps, he does theatre.)

I have decided that by following some baseball, I am simply becoming better rounded. And it could come in handy if I ever have the opportunity to direct Take Me Out or Bleacher Bums or something. It has also given me a new appreciation for sound effects. Like the sound of a pitcher hitting Robo-Cam with the ball at 90+ mph. Freakin' hilarious.

on iTunes: "Ruby" - Kaiser Chiefs