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

I rock!

I just fielded 4 calls AT THE SAME TIME. Literally, all 4 lines lit up at the same time. And even before I finished, I got 2 more. Woo!

I am really working for that iPod. I have decided that it will be 4GB refurb. Now I just have to pick a color! Green to match my bag? Red which is my new signature color? Blue as a pretty color? Pink as the oddly appealling wild card? Thoughts?

(courtesy of apple.com)

on Pandora: "Apparitions" - Matthew Good Band

Girly-girl

I'm not sure how it happened today, but suddenly I was having some serious girly moments. I have recently been dreaming of cute flats and dresses. Part of that is spring fever, or rather fantasizing about not accidentally snorting snowflakes. Part of it is the sudden accessibility of actual income. The other part is the weird impulse.

It didn't help that my stylist called to see if I could come in for one last styling before she graduates to the next level. She flipped my hair and used the really nice products that I covet. But I can't quite justify $12 on shampoo. Even if it is good enough to eat. To say nothing of the wonders it does for my fine hair.

I even had the impulse to cook dinner! And coordinate my plate with my food. This was one impulse I should have resisted, because the marinade was kinda funky, the chicken was dry, and the rice was a strange mix. I knew I should have eat muffins. However, because I was cooking, Ernie the Fat Pug came down in hopes that I would share. Sure enough he got some of the chicken, and I fed him a grape tomato, which was possibly the most amusing moment of my whole day. Possibly even funnier than Arnie being faked out by mushrooms. The tomato kept popping out of his mouth. Then I think it exploded in his mouth. So he was making all sorts of goofy faces trying to eat it.

on the toob: Six Feet Under

Weather report

Doode!

I am not generally a fan of the sleet. And being from VA, I have seen alot of icy precip. But Chicago adds the fun element of wind to sting you in the face with the sleet. Then it started sleeting/snowing in BIG chunks. It's still sleeting loudly, and now there is thunder and lightning!I love weather sometimes. Especially when I don't have to go out in it. (I can't say I was dying to go to this Potluck in Lakeview.)

And for your viewing entertainment, an article on winter fashion dilemmas.

on the toob: Garden State
pic added 2/28/07

Lite Jazz

After screwing up at work and feeling generally insecure (why have these schools not called me, showering me with money and praise??), I was really not feeling up to getting dressed and going to a concert.

But after a nap and 2 donuts, I was more open to suggestion. Pulled on a sweater and headed out to the bus. Which almost never came. To the point I was hallucinating buses on the horizon. Finally caught the #8 to the theatre, grabbed my ticket and seat.

Steppenwolf is hosting Traffic Jam, which is a 3 week series of concerts of different genres. Last night was John Pizzarelli, who recently released an album called "Dear Mr. Sinatra." So the 4 piece group (piano, guitar, standing bass, drum kit) played the standards with a lot of "improvising". It struck me as pretty formulaic, lacking alot of real interpretation. But the old fogies LOVED it. They laughed at all his jokes, clapped at random stuff. Not exactly a panty-flinging frenzy, fortunately.

My favorite part was probably "I Like Jersey Best" when he did an uncanny impression of Billie Holliday.

But hey, it was culture. I got a comp ticket. And I discovered that I live within walking distance of Steppenwolf. Now if only they would do some shows I actually want to see. Or better, hire me!

on Pandora: "Throw it Away" - Delta Goodrem

Good/Bad

Good: After weeks of deep freeze, it is finally warming up. Like in the 40s. Requiring only 3 layers and my grown-up pea coat instead of the dork coat.
Bad: Next week it is supposed to get cold again, and wintry mixy.

Good: When I get up before 7AM, it is pretty and bright out.
Bad: With the new daylight savings time dates, this is going to change back to dark soon.

Good: My cold has largely lifted.
Bad: No more excuse to be pink-voidy or out of it.

Good: Care packages of muffins!
Bad: The same day pie and ice cream are on sale...

Good: I have a regular temp gig.
Bad: Now I work 6 days a week for the next 7 weeks.

Good: I have conquered my taxes!
Bad: I owe 2 states money.

Good: Interview with Indiana
Bad: Still no offers

And bad me. No pictures lately. I promise to do something picture-worthy this weekend. Even if it just more pictures of food. Like the 2 boxes of pastries in the company kitchen (unqualified good!)

(until I post my own picture, have one that cracks me up.)

on Pandora: "Running" - No Doubt

One of the "girls"

After a lengthy dry spell, I finally have a temp gig. And while it isn't as much fun as my 3 week assignment in January, it is 7 weeks of steady work/paychecks. I am in the Loop doing the receptionist thing. So from 8-10, it is ho-hum. From 10-12, it is insane (it takes me an hour to sort through all the mail and FedEx). But after lunch, it is terribly quiet. I have already read all the news I can find even remotely interesting. I need something to research besides all the sketchy people who want to "friend" me on MySpace.

However, the corporate environment is a little strange. They have a bitchin' game room. The President's admin watches her soap every day. I keep hearing the T-Mobile ring I use for Domestic God. And all the admins are referred to as "The Girls." And it's not just the men! The women call themselves "The Girls." Given that this is a construction/design company, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the demographic is primarily male. But "The Girls" feels a little too "The Secretary is not a Toy".

That said, there is quite a selection of eye candy. Much of which has a nice Irish accent. I bet St. Patrick's Day ought to be pretty special here!

on Pandora: "Like a Child" - Junior Boy

And now for the interview portion of our competition...

As part of the seemingly endless recruitment/application process, I had a phone interview with Indiana University.

I parked next to the phone, equipped with my list of questions, why I want to go to IU, the material they gave me, my portfolio, and my computer. They called me at the appointed time. Part of the highly technical process - they put me on speaker phone. Each faculty member got to ask me one question. Most of these were questions I was familiar with (Why do you want to go to grad school? Why Indiana? Ideal season. Blah blah blah.) Not prepared for "favorite International director." Um, not super up on my international directors. So I said Baz Luhrmann.

I felt like I was in a beauty pageant trying to come up with a better answer than World Peace. (Thanks Miss Congeniality!) I should have been standing in 3rd position in 4 inch stilettos with big hair and a strapless gown, not in leisures, fuzzy penguin socks and unbrushed mane.

Still no offers. I keep trying to remind myself that it is early. Maybe this is why I found 2 gray hairs this morning.

on iTunes: "Clementine" - Elliott Smith

Chinese New Year

新年快樂

To celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Pig, my cousins and I went out and stuffed ourselves on yummy Chinese food.

I met them down in Chinatown to go to their favorite place, Lee Wing Wah. S. stepped up and took charge of the ordering. She is Auntie-in-Training. But her selections were great. Especially the salty-spicy squid. I could totally polish off an entire order of that myself. Squid dipped in light batter that is salty on the outside and has a nice afterburn. Yum. Black bean clams, 3 Treasure Chow Mein, Roast Duck and Won Ton soup. N. was trying to figure out what was most "lucky." Then again, these are the same people getting married on 7/7/07.

(chow mein, courtesy of consumatron.com)

Did a little prowling around town looking for stuff for a field trip. Now I want another Chinese dress. Then again, I also want to locate a Chinese bakery to get my bao on. Methinks this might be a bad combination (potbelly in Chinese brocade)

on iTunes: "Sexelevatormuzic" - Thievery Corporation
updated 2/28/07

I hate the partial-state

Since I have all the forms and some time to kill, I thought I would sit down and burn through my taxes. I figured if I didn't itemize, this should be pretty painless. Oy was I wrong.

The federal flew. I am looking at an awesome refund. It might even pay to fix my car! Then they showed me my state refunds. And suddenly I was owing crazy money, because both states thought they could charge me taxes on the money I made in the other state. Oh HELL NO. I mean, given that I am technically a resident of Virginia, I might let that slide, but Illinois does not get to claim that I made all my UVA salary while working odd jobs and an unpaid internship in Chicago. I need answers, but of course, today is a federal holiday (brilliant, Genius!).

I think I am going to have to file 2 paper returns. And I know that Illinois requires at least two forms, which just perusing look like I may have to bust out a slide rule. Ugh.

Add to this a touch of some bug. Mostly in my throat. So if I scarf down lots of Tylenol Cold with hot tea, I think/hope it will go away.

But it's above freezing for the first time in nearly a month! Maybe I will bust out the shorts and go for a walk. Or put away the dork coat and just wear 3 layers.

on iTunes: "Let Me Love You Boy" - Daft Punk

The Waddle

Along with my fashion-sense, I have also largely abandoned any semblance of grace when outdoors. In addition to the Dork Coat (even Ugly Betty looks cuter than me), I have taken to wearing boots, and several layers, including the occasional double-socks or double-pants. I feel like one of those kids in a snow suit who can't move without falling down. Since my legs are proportionately longer, I am able to move. I call it the Waddle. Not unlike a penguin, I waddle down the street. The puffiness of the coat keeps my arms away from my body (and frequently flailing to keep my balance). The layers make it harder to move well, especially since I can't always feel my legs anyways. Add to this the varying terrain. With the recent snow and cold, there is ice, there are unshoveled or slushy sidewalks and narrow pathways. This really does not increase that catwalk-like grace. I am sliding, skidding, and really doing whatever it takes not to fall on my well-padded ass, or the unsuspecting person in front of me.

However, the sun is peeking out. Next week is supposed to be above freezing. And all this snowy terrain is doing wonders for my inner thigh muscles. So once I shed all these damn layers, I might be hot. Or just overheated.

on Pandora: "Visiting Angels" - Roni Size

Flux capacitor

I really just used that subject because it sounded cool and vaguely relevant.

Today I tossed a couple more metaphorical balls into the air. And there they sit, suspended as if time stood still or just moved so fast you couldn't tell the difference.

I got up, I blew dried my hair, which I am becoming more adept at, yet is still an act of futility, as the hair is either destroyed by going outside, or more than 20 minutes. *sigh* Because I had interviews today. I met with a temp agency trying to place me into contract work. Then I met with a temp agency trying to place me in their office permanently. Going along with my interview yesterday.

So I have job options! Apparently my resume is pretty slick. And I type much faster than I realised. (On two separate tests on two different occasions, I scored 72WPM.) Both interviews went really well after I slogged through tons of paperwork. Here are the options:

1. Contract
Pros:

• 6 months of regular work with no expectations of me staying
• crazy money
  

Cons:

• data entry makes me want to slit my wrists with a keyboard (it's a big one, so it's worth 2.)

2. Permanent Admin
Pros:

• regular salary
• benefits
  

Cons:

• I am leaving in 6 months or less, which makes me an ass.

3. More temping
Pros:

• great flexibility

Cons:

• no guarantees of work to pay bills

Add to the job trilemma the fact that I should be hearing from school(s) in the next couple of days, weighing those options. And my favorite playmate is leaving for India this weekend.

But impressively, I am handling things pretty well. More marveling at all the pretty orbs of possibility floating above my head. But it was still a pie-for-dinner night. (I have been feeling oddly weak all day. I am hoping it's just low blood sugar and maybe a touch of stress. None of my more dramatic fainting though.)

Thoughts? Inspirational, non-emoticon ideas?

on iTunes: "Come Around" - Rhett Miller

Sounds familiar

I'm watching America's Ballroom Challenge on PBS. I love it. And in addition to the amazing young dancers, I just heard a couple of familiar tunes in the International Standard. Who knew you could dance standard to "Smells Like Teen Spirit"? In shredded jeans and t-shirts. They even incorporated headbanging! And then the next show dance was a tango. To "Sin Rumba" off a CD I have only ever seen (and bought from) Argentina. I felt so cool!

But I think "Dontcha Wish Your Girlfriend" was a bit trashy. And oh puke. "Memory" as Viennese. Yawn.

French toast orgy

Taking advantage of yet another day off, I had lunch with my intern homie before she leaves for India. Since Vietnamese was too close to the work she was avoiding, and Japanese is closed on Wednesdays, we ended up at Toast. We had tried going there for brunch, which was a mistake, given how absurdly crowded it was. But Wednesday lunch was a bit more manageable.

Toast (great name, even better logo!) is sort of upscale diner. A promotion from our usual Clarke's. And as soon as I opened the menu, it jumped out at me. French toast orgy. I read closer. Stuffed french toast in chocolate, pureed strawberries or marscapone. Covered in yogurt with granola, honey and fresh fruit. I toyed with the chicken-apple sausage, but tried to contain my gluttony. The biggest dilemma was which of the three flavors. Then the waiter told me I could get one of each, and I nearly kissed him. (It is VD day, after all.) Oh the grand decadence!!

(before)

The berries were fresh, plump blackberries and blueberries and strawberries. Honeydew, grapes. Natural yogurt. To say nothing of the amazing stuffed french toast. To my surprise, the strawberry was probably the best.

(after. it's seasonal art!)

It was such a sensual, satisfying experience I nearly had to take off my pants. Largely because they couldn't so much accommodate my lunch.

Afterwards, I tried to walk some of it off as I trudged down unshoveled sidewalks of 8 inches of snow to the library to restock on books. And it was the most gorgeous day that it has been in 3 weeks. Clear, cloudless blue skies. Only the occasional wind. Temps above 0. Ah.

Hopefully I will snag a gig tomorrow. The good part of being off - I can intercept calls for interviews. 3 in 2 days!

on iTunes: "Way to Your Heart" - Persephone's Bees

Snowing and Blowing

(a view of Lincoln Ave from the living room)

While I don't have an official measurement, there is snow all over the place and the streets look awful. Unlike Virginia, it actually snows here. But instead of big wet flakes, there are little snow flecks. It's a storm of potent flurries. And it is blowing all over the place, which made walking outside at all is somewhere between unpleasant and impossible.

(I'm sure I would have more clever things to say, but other than climbing into my boots at 7.30AM to move my car, I hunkered down with my plague book and just watched.)

My own stylist

One of my favorite features of chicago.craigslist is the Free section. In addition to effectively picking through people's cybertrash and lists of futons, they have free services. And with my "open" schedule, I am able to take advantage.

I have had my hair trimmed (when it was extra long and gross on the ends), cut at a swanky salon, and styled. On 3 separate occasions. And Wintre, the stylist gave me her number to call her if I had a free Monday to come in. (I have "virgin" hair and a "do whatever" attitude that seems to work well with trainees.)

Since temping has been slow lately, I gave her a call yesterday. And she gave me a terribly cute, rather retro style. (Like this, but with my shorter, darker hair.) Parting it on the side I never parted it on. And I loved it. Now she has asked me if I am interested in waiting a few weeks for her to start cutting hair. She has notions about a bob with bangs. I love it! I feel so slick having a "stylist."

on iTunes: Scrubs podcast

Native

HAHAHA! I was just watching an ancient episode of ER (back when they didn't suck). And I caught an error. Besides the fact that you could see faces and scarves appeared more like accessories than necessities, Doug said that he was waiting on the corner of Dearborn and Clark. No can do! They run parallel!

This is right up there with people asking me directions!

Bull terrier

While I am nowhere near a place in my life to own a dog, and I am more likely to get cats, if I got a dog that wasn't a rescue special, I would like a bull terrier. I never thought of myself as breed-specific, but when I was researching Sylvia, I found this breed and feel in love with their goofy, eggplant-shaped faces. And they are nice dog-sized animals. Rather than glorified rats or small horses. With big paws.

(from puppyfind.com)

Turns out they are very big with dog shows, with Rufus, a bull-terrier being the reigning champ.

"Terrier comes from the Latin word terra meaning ‘earth’ and according to the Westminster Kennel Club Guide Book definition, describes dogs with stamina, unwavering determination and courage to go to ground after their game... However, over the years their terrier traits have given them a reputation for being excellent guard dogs. Flip the coin, and they are also known for their unmatched loyalty and devotion to their owners." (courtesy of MSNBC.com)

And someone told me they laugh. This makes them sound even more awesome as pets. But what struck me is that these are qualities I look for in myself and other people. I guess there is something in the whole dogs matching their owners idea.

Bits and Pieces

Odd jobs I'd like to have:

• location scout for film - find the right image/scene. feasibility
  
• Tom Hanks or Sandra Bullock's assistant - thinking actors with a work ethic
  
• interior designer for model homes - go go IKEA
• editor of medical info - I like helping to compose, and something about infectious disease is cool.
• (I think I am just attracted to specificity and composition. With a touch of editting. Hmm.)
  

I have a whole new interest in doing film after watching the extras for Da Vinci Code. Ron Howard sounds impressively cool, even if he did make Beautiful Mind.

just got sucked into MySpace. I need friends.

went out for a birthday party, accidentally sponsored by "Spence" who came to the bar alone with a stack of cash and bought everyone drinks all night. And I didn't even have to flirt for free beer! met a bunch of fun people who will be at my cousins' wedding this summer. Ah beer bonding.

Look: a car even dirtier than mine! must try whirlyball. Involves bumper cars, lacrosse scoops and beer.

mental note: don't read books about the plague when you are eating dinner.

on iTunes: "Don't Be Light" - Air

Sunburned penguin

Spamber came up with the best description for the look I was sporting as I waited for the bus, hunched down into my dork coat, swaddled in scarves. Fat sunburned penguin.

I wasn't the only one, though. Lately, everyone has been super-bundled, looking like a line of Kenny's waddling down the street. And my inclination to run home, pull on PJs and wrap myself in a comforter to watch movies and eat crap was validated. They call it cabin fever.

And I should stop complaining about the weather, since it is above zero. And look, the river isn't TOTALLY frozen!on Pandora: "Stronger" - Lamb

Shocking

Apparently the super-soft sweaters make you extra prone to static. So the pain of shocking yourself kinda outdoes the soft squishy texture of the sweater. And the fact that my stylin' desk is rimmed in metal means today could be a long, painful day.

Also shocking, Anna Nicole. I read that and thought - No Shit! Well that was unexpected (but not really) Maybe now they will stop talking about that extremely weird astro-nut story.

Cosmic Muffin's deal with CTA

As I struggled to get home, I got a big snootful of Cosmic Muffin dung. Yup. I know that smell.

Coming out of the library downtown, I debated my route home. Walk a couple blocks to the 22/36? Climb up to the Brown Line? Or just walk half a block to the red line? I dashed down the stairs out of the wind just as a north-bound train arrived. Sweet!

Cozied into my seat. But we weren't going anywhere. Literally. An announcement came over the speakers:
"Due to a medical emergency at the Addison stop, all power has been cut off in both directions. We hope to restore service shortly."

No problem, I just came from the library, so I could choose between Sara Paretsky or The Great Mortality. (I love me some infectious disease books.) Which was a great plan until CTA officials kicked us out of the train. Ugh. Pulled the hat and gloves and hood back on to find the 22.

Like everyone else.

I lent my phone to a girl who had to call work. Because this is really beyond the usual "trains running late" scope. We all crowded onto the 22, which is usually not this crowded at 2PM in the afternoon (like when I caught it home after my interviews. strangely comforting in its familiarity.) So people are speculating what "medical emergency" meant. Rumor had it some guy committed suicide and CTA had to scrape him off the rails. Lots of talk about Jesus. But no matter how entertaining it is to gossip about rail pizza or the Cosby kids (unrelated) we all noticed that the bus wasn't moving at Chicago & Dearborn. Cars were going by, the light was changing. OK. Maybe it was the guy in the wheelchair with the TUBA taking a while to board.

Nope.

This bus was out of commission. So all of us who had been shooed off the red-line trains were similarly removed from the 22. To wait for the next bus, which was pretty crowded because of the red-line. At least they didn't charge me a transfer. People blamed this on the devil (he's not into petty, non-evil things, but it is right up the alley of Cosmic Muffin.)

What should have taken 1 train and 20 minutes took 1 broken train, 1 broken bus, 1 functional bus and an hour to get home. Good thing I was not having major body issues (didn't have to pee or eat desperately, which could have made things REAL ugly.) And since I didn't have anywhere to get but home after a few hours at work, I could appreciate the humor. HA! I laugh at you Cosmic Muffin! (And now I should probably hide under my desk for that....)

on iTunes: "Feel Good Inc" - Gorillaz

A different kind of hate

I am watching American Ballroom Challenge, which features not only professional dancers, but also younger demos. Including a pair of 11 year olds who dance a better tango than I ever will. They have precision and polish and maturity. Stunning. Reminded me of the little boy in Buenos Aires who couldn't get any of the little girls to dance with him. And he was amazing! And I hate them.

Watching this really makes me miss dancing. I love dancing, in any form. And I haven't done it in so long. Certainly not that well. *sigh* I want to get hooched out and bust my groove. Then again, I will never be the all-legs and fringe kinda girl.

But this has made me laugh out loud. Mostly at the "Splish Splash" swing, which involved a guy in a robe, shower cap and bunny slippers (and Sponge Bob boxers). Hilarious, playful, and the fogies hated it.

My kind of domestic

After cleaning the bathroom, my roommate made black spots (shoes?) in it. But when I went downstairs to fix dinner, I found the utensil drawer was off-track.
No problem! I busted out a toy I have been dying to try, and fixed that right up. Then I enjoyed a dinner of soy sauce chicken and CUPCAKE!
I do so much better with the tools and eating of baked goods than conventional domesticity. I also enjoy electricianing. But I don't think I have the crack to be a plumber.

on iTunes: "It's Coming Down" - Cake
External Temp: 7F (see, it's above zero! Everybody do a dance!)

Job thoughts

On my first day without a temp gig in 3 weeks, I have been enjoying a certain level of laziness, mixed with a flurry of domesticity. I felt compelled to clean the bathroom and floors and bake cupcakes. Maybe it was the weather (snowy and cold) or the hormones, but it was probably the caffeine. Ah caffeine. Probably also why I felt the need to do push-ups. And the cupcakes because I don't have a sufficient supply of junk food in the house.

Now I am trying to figure out plans of gainful employment. I am frantically applying for jobs, especially involving those health insurance. And it is slow in the temp world. And my bills are starting to kick in.

Then again, I don't think it is hugely inconsiderate to take a job for only 3 or 6 months. Because I am applying for an Assistant to the Executive Director/Company Manager position at Virginia Shakespeare Festival. Then again, do I want to spend another infernal summer in Williamsburg? With all the Quadricentennial chaos? I am thinking fun and lazy, with free housing, since I am not locked into a lease. This would start in late May.

And of course, the great objective is to be starting grad school in August or September. (which is looking more and more possible, based on conversations with 2 schools).

On one hand, I want the regular income and schedule of a permanent job. Then again, I hate to be so flaky with a job.

I have a couple interviews on the backburner. And someone wants to hire me for second shift - 3PM-11PM. Which would effectively kill my theatre schedule. Then again, I'm not really doing theatre right now. And maybe I could do day rehearsals at VG again?

ugh.

Hug your heater

Oh holy crap is it cold outside. Like so cold they need a new word for it. I mean, if the Inuits have 57 words for snow, I wonder how many words they have for cold. Because just adding intensifiers to cold doesn't fully express it.

I am at work with the heater cranked to high, wearing 4 layers and I am STILL cold. Short of wrapping myself around it in a confined space, I need gloves or something. I haven't been this cold indoors since Yellow House. And at least there it was socially acceptable to hug the heater while wrapped in blankets, a cat, sitting 9 inches from the fire.

Current temp: -9F. Windchill is -25F.

This is vicious and painful. The cold smacks you so hard it brings tears to your eyes, which you quickly have to wipe away lest they FREEZE IN YOUR EYES. The whole corrective vision thing is a little tricky. Contacts can dry out, but my glasses fog up when I try to cover my face. Which is pretty necessary if you still want to have skin on your cheeks. Not even feeling, just skin. The cold air makes you choke. All this and you are waddling ala kid-overdressed-in-snow-suit to get to the bus. Then do the little dance to keep moving and warm. You can't really see anyone because you are so bundled, which is good, because you can't watch them tough it out or laugh at you.

But I am getting some cardio. As I haul ass from point A to B to minimize exposure.

URTA recap

I am only now starting to fully process my URTA interviews, which were yesterday. When I got home at 2, I just fixed a quick lunch and climbed into bed to watch the Scrubs marathon. It was so nice to just lay there with no guilt about not running around like a crazy person.

Yesterday started bright and early. Well, just early. So early it was not bright out yet. Showered. Blew dried my hair, put on makeup and my suit. (which made so much sense when Sara Falconer laughed about this experience basically being a strange form of speed dating.) Clunked down the stairs to fix some oatmeal before catching the bus. And my lovely landlady took pity on my plight and drove me into town for my interviews, which took the stress level down a notch.

Met at 8.30AM in the lobby for a final briefing and handing out schedules. Scoped the competition. Did my fair share of psyching out before my first interview. Chatted briefly with the Flaky Intern.

Indiana - went really well. They seemed very impressed by my visual research and concept for Mother Courage. Woman also knew one of my recommenders and was from Charlottesville.

South Carolina - had great suck potential but felt good. Talked with the interviewer about what I had learned in 1 year since last we met. Talked about my intership, shows I had seen. This is my most exciting prospect.

Illinois State - My interviewer from last year didn't seem to remember me. Went well enough but no magic.

UCLA - least likely. Asked me some of the strangest questions. "What artist has most influenced your art?" Talked about Julie Taymor's work, which involved a certain amount of bullshitting. But he was underwhelmed by my plan to teach at the undergraduate level.

And I got to use my experience to help J. prepare for her undergrad interviews over margarita. Asked her questions I was asked, made up some new ones. Now she feels prepared.

on the tube: the Game.

Widget

It's a bright and beautiful morning out. Blue skies. And according to my widget, -5F. Or if you go in for weather.com, 1F, but it feels like -17F. Goody.

on the radio: Breakfast with the Beatles on WXRT

Headless Chicken

With URTAs a matter of HOURS away, I am running my ass off trying to get everything done that needs to get done that I can think of.

Yesterday, I had to head way the help uptown to pick up a prescription. The only time I could possibly run this errand was last night. So imagine my near-hissy fit when I arrive at the counter, having spent an hour and a half on buses, only to have them tell me they closed two minutes ago. I told my sob story, found the restroom, nearly lost my shit, then I came back and they had found my prescription. Thank god.

Then today I spent all of tonight frantically trying to compose visual research for my new concept of Midsummer, which I couldn't match to my old imagery. Left work early to try to get to the library before 5. But I couldn't find the right bus. So I hoofed it over to the library. Frantically pulled my books off the library before racing to the counter. Only to be turned away at 5.02. This woman would not check me out! Are you kidding me? In addition to being out of breath and without my books, I was also really overheated. In 9F weather, I still managed to get too hot.

Tried navigating ridiculously crowded trains to get home. Since I wasn't able to check out my books, I tried a new tactic. Book stores and receipts. I was all excited when I found a Matisse book in the bargain section of B&N. Ran upstairs to go through the arts section. Found a few options, but when I plunked down to flip through them, I couldn't find any images. But I think I might keep the Phaidon Book for my own reference. With only a couple images, none of what I found in the library books (I petulantly flipped through since I couldn't check them out.) Headed over to the Borders to see if I could find the fauvism book. And their selection was even less useful.

I stopped by my Saturday job to print off a couple of things, and discovered they had a color printer. I was able to google all of my images and then some. And I didn't even have to go to Kinkos!

The goal was to get home by 10PM for House. Ran out in the bitter cold for food. Found a strawberry smoothie, which really hit the spot. And I got home just in time to settle in, try to do some last minute organizing.

Goal for tomorrow = get there on time. try not to lose my shit. interview well. And if I succeed, I get margarita.

Comparative Weather

a quick report as of 4PM CST:

Portland: 46F
Charlottesville: 36F
Anchorage: 32F
Chicago: 9F

Do you see that? That's a single digit WITHOUT the windchill (-10F). It's warmer in freakin' ALASKA! And tomorrow, the LOW in Charlottesville is higher than the HIGH in Chicago. Currently accepting donations of earmuffs, face-muffs, long-johns and trips to Tahiti. And cabin fever hasn't even started yet!

My 1st Deep Dish

Woog.

For lunch, the office ordered some authentic deep dish pizza, as it is my penultimate day here. (I was only here for 3 weeks, and I get a pizza!) They are a fun bunch, and the meal was decidedly family style (complete with grabbing off plates).

Deep dish pizza is about 2 or 3 inches think with cheese THEN sauce, and any toppings. The crust is more noticeable at the edge rather than center. And 1 slice makes me wish I wasn't wearing the fleece-lined pants, which are NOT eatin' pants.

While I am pro-deep-dish, I don't think this could be a regular habit without having to find new pants all together. Then again, I only eat one slice of this and 2 or 3 of regular/thin crust....

These links make me happy

Cartoon Paralyzes City

I don't know which is funnier - an old fart's description of ATHF or the fact that these things had been in place for 2 weeks. Oh the panic!

A Thrilling Wedding

I know I want to have dancing at my wedding, but I'm not quite sure about this level of awesomeness.

Iguana Viagra

I bet iguana ladies aren't the only ones who think this isn't all bad.