Fresh and Clean

I'm thinking of getting calling cards!! How fun!

I like these the best. Etsy is super.

I need to straighten my desk at work. I've been trying to clean up my life a little. The kitchen is fabulous, and I've managed to keep it CLEAN for 4 days now, I'm happy to say. The bathroom has been mostly clean this whole time (it's just SO TINY that it gets cluttered). However, the bedroom and living room of my apartment are a real challenge. Mostly because everything that doesn't fit into the kitchen, bathroom, and living room is stacked up in the bedroom, and because I haven't been able to put together my new bookshelf yet so all the stuff that needs to be ON the bookshelf in the living room is stacked up on the floor and on my desk. And on my couch. And since I need the room for making the bookshelf, everything from the middle of the room is stacked around my desk as well. Yeah, a huge mess.

Plus, poor cats. I'll be leaving for HAWAII and I'm so flustered right now that I haven't even asked anyone to cat sit. I HATE asking people for things. I always feel self-conscious (why would they do anything for ME?) and embarrassed (they're just doing this because I asked and they can't think of a way to get out of it). I know, not very productive thinking. Oh well.

I guess I'll go clean my desk now. I need to get my office organized since I'll be gone all next week. TO HAWAII. :-)

[Sigh of relief] This is going to be awesome.

Ok, let me not be lazy.

Today has been ok. I've been off all day. It's strange. It's like, skeptical? or hesitant? or confused? It's hard to describe. Not cynical or bitter, not angry or sad... Uncertainty I think. Hmm.

I have these ideas for my blog, but I don't know what to do with them. I'd like to spend more time on my blog. Wow, just thinking about doing that full-time is SUPER exciting! I'm not sure how I could make THAT work, though. Nikki is trying to get me to do more with my writing, and I totally agree that it is a great idea. I bought a book called "The Portable MFA in Creative Writing" and in what I read, they basically said, like Nikki, that unless you're David Sedaris, no one is going to buy a book of personal essays, which is really my preferred medium. Back to the drawing board! The book also suggested that having a popular blog, or stories published in magazines, will also up your chances of getting a foot in the publisher's door. So now I just need to figure out how to get my foot into magazine publishers' doors, I guess...

It's scary to think about all this. I keep hearing that little voice in the back of my head saying "You're crazy if you think you are good enough at writing to get people to read your stuff. And who cares about your personal stories?" But I'm like, um, a few people that I know of. What's the harm in thinking there might be more?

Here's my thinking. If Augusten Burroughs can get "Running With Scissors" which I HATED published, surely I can get a little SOMETHING published! Yikes. Scary. But my recent favorite quote is:

Great love and great achievements require great risk. -Anonymous

So yeah, better get on that shizz. And at worst, I have an excuse not to go to the gym tonight! Oh wait... That's not good.

The good is that LOST is finally over. It's like my heroin. I hated having to watch it but I LOVED IT SO MUCH. Like anything on Bravo. Luckily my cable cut off so I couldn't watch my crack. And now that there's no more heroin, I might finally be able to detox from TV. Leaving me at least one FULL night to write. Must. Take. Advantage. Of. Opportunity...

Today.

I haven't done much, but I've reformatted all of my blogs, so shut up about it already!!

Yes.

One more reason I love marriedtothesea.com:


marriedtothesea.com

You know, it's amazing. It's like there's a new reason every day!!!

What a weekend?

This past weekend definitely DOES NOT qualify as one of my apparently bi-monthly Relaxation Weekend o'10s! Argh. It's not that the weekend was bad, it just left me feeling wiped out. I needed a Relaxation Weekend o'10 is what I'm saying, but what I got was a Crazy-ass Crazy Weekend o'10. Highlights:

Friday: Went out with an old friend I hadn't seen in years, literally. That was awesome, but I heard the craziest drama from my old job! I mean, involving lawyers, and gang wars at country club weddings, and terminations of employment left and right. It was pretty crazy. So the good news is that me having one too many (pitchers of) margaritas at my first graduation party was not the reason my former boss never called me to babysit again. Unfortunately, it reminded me that she never called me to babysit again, and I really love the girl I used to babysit. Babysitting also satisfied my annoying and illogical baby-making impulse for quite a while, and now I'm starting to be tormented by it again. Which is not being helped by the fact that everywhere I turn a friend of mine is either having a baby, having another baby, or bragging on their baby/kid. I GET IT! Your kid is awesome! Families are awesome! You know what? So are PhDs and margaritas! Please just let me sit back and enjoy my pleasures in life without feeling like a total loser! OK, let me stop. It's my issue, not theirs. [Deep breaths in, out, in, out...]

Saturday: The day started out grandly! I went to Hhighland Bakery with Kendra and ate to my heart's content! I saw a friend from improv eating there with his wife and was able to have a short conversation while waiting so I didn't even have to worry about any "dead" time. Brunch was fabulous and I got to wear my awesome new dress! It was awesome. So I went home and at that point things started to get weird.

I think the turning point was standing my couch up on its side so I could get to the bottom of it. While I was talking to Nikki on the phone (AWESOME! LOVE HER!) I decided to fix the upholstery on my living room furniture, which Sam and Max ripped out from the underside during their "the bottom of this furniture is our world, and we will hammock it up to our hearts' content - try and stop us" period. So I was nailing the upholstery back under the furniture frames, which led to the standing upways of my couch. Sam promptly climbed up the side of it (scratch, scratch, scratch, scratch, success!) and settled in for a nap about 1 foot from the ceiling. It was adorable, but it just wasn't "right".

So, it was off to improv for my volunteer shift. How can I say this without being a whiner ... some people need to LAY OFF THE CRYSTAL METH BEFORE TRYING TO BOSS *ME* AROUND. I'm sorry to bring this up, but "HOMIE DON'T PLAY THAT." And by "Homie" I mean me, and by "play that" I mean put up with someone treating me like shit just because they have severe personality disorder(s). Seriously. That shit is NOT OK. So that pissed me off, since he's in the cast with me, and it's just that much more interpersonal drama at the theatre that I'm having to deal with AGAINST MY WILL. All signs lately have been pointing to taking up a different hobby. So now I just need to find something else. I'm thinking sewing.

I didn't get home until after 1, but that was ok since I didn't have anything to do Sunday morning! Yay! Which was wonderful, because it meant I could sleep in! Things were going great until I woke up at 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, 6:45, 7:00, 7:30, 7:45, 8:00, and then finally at 8:10, when I just gave up and got out of bed.

Sunday: By Sunday I was exhausted. I went to get frozen yogurt with Kendra and Ali, another friend I haven't seen in some time. It was fun, but every time I see people from Sociology, it reminds me how far away I truly am from them, which makes me sad, and makes me wonder what I'm moving TOWARDS, since I'm clearly moving AWAY from so many things... I also found out that yet ANOTHER of my male friends is getting married. I'm happy for him, but it makes me really sad for a minute when I see a guy who has had worse commitment problems than me find the perfect girl who is all-too-willing to put up with potential bullshit later down the line in exchange for a wedding. Whereas, I am clearly damaged goods. [Sigh]

So last night, after watching the WIZ (5 stars plus one million bonus stars) and the end of Deep Impact, I tried to do some straightening up around the house, but I ended up basically leaving the house looking like I've just moved in. It will be worth it in the end, bit right now it's just one more thing on my "Honey-Do" list. If I only had a "Honey" to "Do" all those things....

From Daddy's Camera: Graduation o'10

Graduation!

Fun times. I'll post photos as soon as possible. In the meantime, enjoy:

Ever have so much to say

That you can't say anything?

That's me right now. Argh.

That's just the way it is!!

Some things will never change.

I had a great time in NYC after all that. Baxter is amazing! His project was a very neat game, and he curated a great show of the other Masters' Theses. The opening reception was super fun, and their cook out the next night was as super fun if not more super fun. Austin's parents came into town and they are really fun people, too. Yes, so basically: fun.

Highlights: Mom and I went to the same Mexican restaurant Thursday and Friday. They have amazing food (Pequena), and what's more, they had buy one, get one free margaritas! Yummmmmmmmmmmm. That was fun on Thursday, before we went to MoMA, where they were having an intriguing exhibit by performance artist Marina Abramović. Afterwards, we went to Baxter's/Parsons' Opening Reception for the Thesis Symposium.

Friday after our margaritas, we were going to go to Coney Island but that, um, didn't work out. Mom went to Baxter and Austin's adorable apartment to nap, and since I was in the mood for some exercise, I walked to the park for my nap. It was such a lovely day, truly.

I wandered back in time to help get ready for the cookout. Hilariously, we must have made about 15 trips to the corner store between us.

"Oh, we need to get the meat!"

"Oh, we need beer!"

"Oh, I need to get Guinness because I don't like lagers!"

"Oh, we need mayonnaise and ketchup!"

"Oh, we forgot tin foil!"

"Oh, we need more beer!"

It was wonderful. Baxter and Austin love their friends sooooo much, and every time I meet more of them, I understand why. They are very good hosts, too. The next morning I was feeling a bit ill all day. I almost lost it in the Metro, but managed to hold on to it. Mom and I barely made it to the keynote address by Baxter's own boss at the Symposium, but luckily we were able to hear most of it. What a great presentation! No wonder Baxter likes his job and his boss so much. Afterwards, we stopped by a restaurant with Austin's awesome parents, where I had soup and about 13 glasses of water (mmmm) since I couldn't ingest anything more at the moment.

After we got to the airport, I had a slice of pizza, since I was feeling better, and anyway, I can ALWAYS have a slice of pizza. I said goodbye to Mom at her gate where she waited for her connection to Greensboro and then my SWEET friend Chris Cap Hayes - who is also a brilliant improv artist and comedian - picked me up.

[Photos of the trip]

Sunday I was supposed to go to the High/Zoo but I really couldn't do it. I had to do laundry, go grocery shopping, pretend to clean for a significant amount of time, and play with my cats. Oh, and watch Series Two of The Catherine Tate Show, of course.

Hopefully I'll be able to get together with them another time. We had our last class together last night and it was really "so hard... to say goodbye... yesterday..." The good news is that several of them are planning to take the follow up courses, but we all need to wait, so hopefully we'll still be able to be in classes together again! We did scene studies last night. It was really fun, but I feel bad for my partner because I felt like a LUMP on a LOG. My energy was just about gone. I know, surprise! Oh, did I mention that we had a small event, a focus group meeting, and another meeting at work Monday and then I had to go to rehearsal from 9 until 11, after working out with Katie after work? And that Tuesday I had a staff meeting? Oh, I didn't? Well, I did. I am CRAZY TIRED. But happy.

COMMENCEMENT IS IN FIVE DAYS!!!!! Boo-yah.

Closing the safety pin.

Mom suggested the title. Draw your own conclusions.

Going to MoMA today and then to Baxter's genius show. More on that later. In the meantime, I'm off to tourist land!

Mom and I are dressed up pretty, which is fun (since we're going to a reception later this evening and can't come all the way back to Brooklyn to change, so this will be fun, like when people used to get dressed up to see the town. I would miss those days if I had ever experienced them).

I miss my friends in Atlanta but we went out last night for South African curry, so that was pretty fun, too. :-) I really like Brooklyn so I'm glad my bro and sis-in-law moved here, but also I know that's like the cherry on top of NYC so I know they're never coming back South now. Also Baxter told me I embarrassed him by acting like a jokester smart-ass at the restaurant. I love him. He is just stressed out. And I'm not actually worried about it anyway, since I wouldn't have acted any different anyway. It's weird growing up and growing into yourself, especially when your siblings grow into themselves in totally different ways! The cord is officially cut. Between me and him, not me and my mom. :-)

Sunday I might go to the zoo or the High with some Acting friends. It's fun to have more friends. I should try to make even more.

Ok, well, off on our NYC adventure! Wish us luck.

I miss you friends! I miss you cats! I will be home soon.

One loooooooooong weekend, coming up!

I'm going to NYC tomorrow with Mom! I will be so glad to have a distraction from the fact that for the fourth time out of five months (or more), my checking account is overdrawn. Ergh. BLEGH!

NYC, Baxter, and Austin, here we come!

Weird.

I spoke with some of my acupuncturists about something like this in our interviews. My mom found an ad for it in the Sky Mall magazine. Weird.

Timely news release

I've long felt conflicted about the Georgia Aquarium and this about sums up why:



Having grown up visiting the wonderful North Carolina Aquarium (Wikipedia) and North Carolina Zoo (Wikipedia), it is often hard to see the other zoos and aquariums without suspicion.

I mean seriously. The Georgia Aquarium serves Fish and Chips in their Cafe and they aren't even from sustainable fisheries or anything. And it's like a huge advertisement for their corporate sponsors (especially Home Depot, whose founder founded the aquarium) despite being among the most expensive to visit in the country.

And yet, it's so much fun. The modern world is so conflicted.

How YOU doin'?

Yesterday's trips to the CNN Center, the High, and the Botanical Garden were relatively awesome. We didn't make it to the Zoo, so I'm hoping I'll be able to make it out there next Sunday.

Today's Drew's birthday AND the character workshop, so I know tonight will be fun. I'm disappointed in my current progress with the character I'm working on, but it's just a start, so I'm not going to worry too much.

Wednesday I'm going to NYC! With my Mom! To visit my brother and sister-in-law! And see my brother's video game show! All exciting things. It will be super nice to get out of Atlanta for a minute.

Today I'm at work, though, and it's driving me bananas. I need a new job. One that doesn't force me to take 5 minute blogging breaks to write about how I need a new job.

Wish me luck.

Acting, Perfeckly.

This weekend I was supposed to do some things. For the first time in a long time, I had homework. I was supposed to get my car estimated a couple more times, and I have to basically write and come up with a Director's plan for a monologue-turned-scene in my acting class. Yesterday I went to the aquarium and the World of Coke, and then watched Sweeney Todd aka Yummiest Grossness, and then went to an Improv show -- great show, although the energy was kind of down. It's hard on stage when the audience doesn't have much energy, and you're tired -- it makes the whole thing twice as difficult.

Today I'm going to the zoo, then the CNN Center, and then the Botanical Gardens. We might go to the High -- I don't know! I don't know if we're going to have time! (Old School shout out)

So, not much time for homework, I guess, although Sanks and I have been dealing with some pretty heavy stuff, so I don't feel like I've been wasting time or anything.

Tomorrow at Improv rehearsal, we're doing a character workshop. We are going to take on different characters, and then take a field trip AS those characters. Drew and I have been debating taking the opportunity to try new ones, but the one I want to try might flop and then I'd be stuck as her for two hours! Maybe in two hours she would have time to "rise from the flop" though. :-) Maybe I'll try a zombie!

Charity :-)

Happy, happy, JOY! JOY!

Don't worry. Be happy.


My car is fine. He has a little mash-up, but I love him anyway. And since I simply don't have $1300, I think I'll just wait on getting him fixed. Bless his little heart. 


I went to the Improv Studies show last night, which was AWESOME. These folks are so talented! They played some really tough games, and knocked them out of the park/theatre! I was so proud, as if their achievement somehow was part mine. Love you guys!


Now I'm at work, which is sucking, but whatever. Tonight I'm volunteering at the theatre, with DREW, which will be terrific! So, Ha! Ha! Universe! THAT'S what happens when you find a stranger in the alps, Universe. 


Oh, yeah. Did I tell you we went bowling Monday night? Awesome. Love the apprentice cast! I need to leave work before it pushes me into the dark oblivion of angry madness. Must... Escape... In time today...

Ouch, Addendum.

My car was hit yesterday while I was at work. And of course it would be silly for someone to have taken responsibility and left a note.

AWESOME.

There goes another $1000 + that I DON'T HAVE.

Update:

$1300

Ouch.

Cramps. You're welcome for the details.

I'm going to acting class and I haven't learned my monologue yet.

I bowled like a 38 last night. Although I got two strikes and a spare in the next game.

I woke up at 8:45 to be at work at 9:00 this morning.

Ouch.

Update: Relaxation Weekend O' Ten, Number Two, Day Three, Part Two.

Sorry for the tardiness, but my internet connection isn't what it once was now that I've stopped paying for one. Last night I write a short (SHORT) story from my childhood, which made me feel really (REALLY) good. I won't post it here, though. If you'd like to read it, let me know and I'll send you a copy.

I am at work now. Plowing through the inevitable pile of blegh. I need to find a new job. This much is clear. One thing I keep being reminded of (situationally AND verbally) is that no one or thing can make me happy -- I have to make myself happy. Thus, I'm going to make an effort to do so.

Wish me luck! Goodbye Relaxation Weekend O' Ten Number Two, and HELLO MONDAY!

Charity :-)

Update: Relaxation Weekend O' Ten, Number Two, Day Three, Part One.

I just got back from seeing my friend Sebastian in a play at the Woodruff Arts Center! Very much fun indeed. I was pleased to find out when I arrived that not only was I an hour early, but also, Sebastian was wandering around with a camera, and asked me to serve as "videographer" since they wanted to record the show. Ka-ching! 100% off ticket? Yes, please!

In my 30 minute "break" I took a walk around the Woodruff Arts Center, which is quite lovely. I couldn't go to the High unfortunately (my membership expired 18 days ago, I kid you now) but I COULD go to the High Cafe after wandering for 20 minutes, and drink a glass of wine! Actually, though, it was a plastic cup of wine, and it's hard for me to call it wine since all they had left was the pink stuff, so it was more like a spritzer, but nevertheless, it was a relaxing time. I was also happy that I was finally able to take a closer look at the Lichtenstein piece in the Arts Center Plaza, and I discovered that it was even more interesting than I thought!

Anyway, all that to say, it's now 5:30 and I still haven't devised a suitable end to Relaxation Weekend o' Ten, Number Two, but I'm working on it. I just cleaned about 6 pints of pollen off my porch couch, and so I'm going to sit on it and finish my leftover pizza and fresh beer first and then see what I feel like.

After seeing that play I was struck with the desire to write my stories again, but I'll have to see how that goes. It's my next project, but I would love to have a job I loved first...