Saturday, June 27, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
i like bananas
I only titled this blog that way because I just finished a delicious, not yet ripe, organic banana.
In other news, last week in improv was quite eventful.
Saw Tj and Dave again, although Dave wasn't there because he was out of town and another very funny improviser filled in for him. My favorite quote from the night was "that fire is really finger-banging that house!" You had to be there?
Afterwards, I hightailed it to the red line, which is always a bit scary at like 12:30am. But I managed all right. Enjoyed people-watching from the platform and the bumpy ride to my stop.
Thursday was an awesome class, followed by Open Court at the Playground with B and Baby K. I'm still shaky when it comes to longform, but I love trying it nonetheless.
Friday, I went to B's before the jam where we ate salads and chit chatted. Then we headed to Wrigleyville, where we ended up at a mailbox party. The last time I went to one of those was in 2005...on a first date...with a real...um...yeah, the guy wasn't very cool. And I mean in that whole, "what the fuck, dude?" way.
This time was totally by accident (actually, the first time was by accident as well...) and the place was virtually empty. So we moved to Goose Island and then headed to iO for the Jam.
Can I just say? B and I had a really great experience in our first scene. The audience seemed to dig it, but beyond that, bigger than that, was that we seemed to mesh so well on stage. Just building off of each other, and heightening the scene. It's happened in class before, but it was different this time.
This time, it was kind of like we stepped out of the rehearsal hall, and straight into the recital...audience and all. And it was a magical moment for me. It was also quite humbling. To realize that I am surrounded by so many talented people, in class, and in all the shows that I've seen. It makes me realize that even in moments such as the scene with B, there's still so much to learn and strive for.
Maybe it's the writer in me...never quite satisfied to the point of feeling like I've conquered something, but instead always finding new things to learn, new ways to explore, new goals to set and hopefully reach. I feel truly passionate about improv in that respect. Much like the way I feel about writing.
And maybe that's my beginner's naivete, and maybe some of you reading this will find it pretty sappy. But what can I say? That's just my take on it.
Anyhow, Saturday I caught the 10:30 Harold with Henrietta Pussycat and Bullet Lounge, and then the midnight The Late Night Late Show reunion, where I had the opportunity to sit about 5 feet from David Cross, and later shake his hand. I laughed so hard during both amazing shows that my dimples were literally etched in my cheeks for an hour after I'd stopped laughing. I mean, my face honestly hurt a little.
I managed to make it back to the red line, and later my car, and even later, my bed, safely...even though it was incredibly late and scaries were out in full force.
Tomorrow, I'll be catching Tj and Dave again, and then I've got a few other things planned. Should be another stellar week in improv.
Also, here's B and I as we presented "Wig":
In other news, last week in improv was quite eventful.
Saw Tj and Dave again, although Dave wasn't there because he was out of town and another very funny improviser filled in for him. My favorite quote from the night was "that fire is really finger-banging that house!" You had to be there?
Afterwards, I hightailed it to the red line, which is always a bit scary at like 12:30am. But I managed all right. Enjoyed people-watching from the platform and the bumpy ride to my stop.
Thursday was an awesome class, followed by Open Court at the Playground with B and Baby K. I'm still shaky when it comes to longform, but I love trying it nonetheless.
Friday, I went to B's before the jam where we ate salads and chit chatted. Then we headed to Wrigleyville, where we ended up at a mailbox party. The last time I went to one of those was in 2005...on a first date...with a real...um...yeah, the guy wasn't very cool. And I mean in that whole, "what the fuck, dude?" way.
This time was totally by accident (actually, the first time was by accident as well...) and the place was virtually empty. So we moved to Goose Island and then headed to iO for the Jam.
Can I just say? B and I had a really great experience in our first scene. The audience seemed to dig it, but beyond that, bigger than that, was that we seemed to mesh so well on stage. Just building off of each other, and heightening the scene. It's happened in class before, but it was different this time.
This time, it was kind of like we stepped out of the rehearsal hall, and straight into the recital...audience and all. And it was a magical moment for me. It was also quite humbling. To realize that I am surrounded by so many talented people, in class, and in all the shows that I've seen. It makes me realize that even in moments such as the scene with B, there's still so much to learn and strive for.
Maybe it's the writer in me...never quite satisfied to the point of feeling like I've conquered something, but instead always finding new things to learn, new ways to explore, new goals to set and hopefully reach. I feel truly passionate about improv in that respect. Much like the way I feel about writing.
And maybe that's my beginner's naivete, and maybe some of you reading this will find it pretty sappy. But what can I say? That's just my take on it.
Anyhow, Saturday I caught the 10:30 Harold with Henrietta Pussycat and Bullet Lounge, and then the midnight The Late Night Late Show reunion, where I had the opportunity to sit about 5 feet from David Cross, and later shake his hand. I laughed so hard during both amazing shows that my dimples were literally etched in my cheeks for an hour after I'd stopped laughing. I mean, my face honestly hurt a little.
I managed to make it back to the red line, and later my car, and even later, my bed, safely...even though it was incredibly late and scaries were out in full force.
Tomorrow, I'll be catching Tj and Dave again, and then I've got a few other things planned. Should be another stellar week in improv.
Also, here's B and I as we presented "Wig":
Friday, June 19, 2009
ooh friday
So, it's finally Friday again. I'm tellin' ya, there is nothing like Friday these days. I tend to get more work done. It's like a Pavlovian response to fun.
I know that at the end of the tunnel lies some good times with great people, so, if I work my ass off the entire day, I feel rewarded. (Although, maybe it's not so Pavlovian, because I feel that if I dicked around all day, I would still be rewarded by fun. Whatever. )
But I haven't dicked around all day. I'm like freaking lightning today. Spitting out work like it's my---job...yeah, I realize that it IS my job...so that didn't quite work as a simile.
Again...whatever.
More to the point: Jam tonight. Love the iO jam. I've recently started going to a jam at the Playground on Thursday nights. I'm still getting used to it. It's mainly longform...and I'm not schooled in longform...yet. But it's really fun for me. It's also fun to work with new people and watch other talent. Seriously. It's inspiring. And, eventually, I'll get better at it...I think?
I hope.
But back to Friday. iO jam. Love it. Aaaaaaaand, I'm pre-partying with B and Mimi. Last time we did this, it was a BLAST. Super fun because we girl-talked and then eventually ended up working on characters...organically.
Only about 2.5 more hours of work and then I'm headed off to B's to get ready for tonight. I'm pumped. PUMPED.
I suppose, I should stop dicking around and get back to work. Much to do, and I'm 3/4's of the way done.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite things about summer and living in walking distance to the laundromat/ice cream shop:
Bubblegum FlavorBurst Cones. Holy shit these are delicious.
I know that at the end of the tunnel lies some good times with great people, so, if I work my ass off the entire day, I feel rewarded. (Although, maybe it's not so Pavlovian, because I feel that if I dicked around all day, I would still be rewarded by fun. Whatever. )
But I haven't dicked around all day. I'm like freaking lightning today. Spitting out work like it's my---job...yeah, I realize that it IS my job...so that didn't quite work as a simile.
Again...whatever.
More to the point: Jam tonight. Love the iO jam. I've recently started going to a jam at the Playground on Thursday nights. I'm still getting used to it. It's mainly longform...and I'm not schooled in longform...yet. But it's really fun for me. It's also fun to work with new people and watch other talent. Seriously. It's inspiring. And, eventually, I'll get better at it...I think?
I hope.
But back to Friday. iO jam. Love it. Aaaaaaaand, I'm pre-partying with B and Mimi. Last time we did this, it was a BLAST. Super fun because we girl-talked and then eventually ended up working on characters...organically.
Only about 2.5 more hours of work and then I'm headed off to B's to get ready for tonight. I'm pumped. PUMPED.
I suppose, I should stop dicking around and get back to work. Much to do, and I'm 3/4's of the way done.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite things about summer and living in walking distance to the laundromat/ice cream shop:
Bubblegum FlavorBurst Cones. Holy shit these are delicious.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tj and Dave tonight. Excited for this as usual. Currently sitting in the VW dealership, hoping Bloo (that's my Bug...) is okay and that I can afford to fix whatever's wrong with him. It's crazy how when you're trying to save money, something comes up, right?
Tomorrow is class and the Open Court at the Playground. Friday, definitely Jam... and hanging wirh B!
And Saturday, hopefully DSTW at the Playground then...fun with B again.
It's hump day! Go nuts!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Oscar-winning moment
I'm about to break it down dramatic-style for you all.
See...yesterday I took Max to the park. Now, being a young parent, I don't really have any other parent friends...and I don't always relate to other parents in situations such as the park. I did some observing and noticed other parents there, just sitting around, watching their kids or pushing them calmly on the swings.
And here I was, talking in a New York accent, pushing Max on the tire swing, telling him I was Tommy, the tire swing concierge...and that by pushing him, I was doing him a favor. A favor which I'd like returned. I told him I was going to push him 10 minutes into the future and his job was to tell me how different it was.
He was laughing like a hyena. (So was I.) This went on for 20 good minutes or so. Then, I got on the tire swing and noticed him mimicking me to an extent. And that's when I realized something: improv has made me a better parent.
Maybe that's sappy, but it's true. It's helped me to stay in the moment and really listen to Max. And I've noticed that when we spend time together, it's a lot more full than it's been before.
I started taking classes because I've always wanted to be an improviser, and because I needed to polish my wit for work. But what I've found is that improv has unlocked this part of me that I never knew existed.
There might be some who think that perhaps I'm not looking at improv the right way, but I would have to disagree. It's an art. Indeed, I know this. But along with that, I've found it's almost a metaphor for one way to live one's life: Stay in the moment and listen.
I realize how sappy I sound...but look, 10 minutes into the future, I have a Popeye arm...just one gigantic arm...the right one to be exact.
...and if it weren't for improv, I wouldn't have been able to prepare myself for that.
See...yesterday I took Max to the park. Now, being a young parent, I don't really have any other parent friends...and I don't always relate to other parents in situations such as the park. I did some observing and noticed other parents there, just sitting around, watching their kids or pushing them calmly on the swings.
And here I was, talking in a New York accent, pushing Max on the tire swing, telling him I was Tommy, the tire swing concierge...and that by pushing him, I was doing him a favor. A favor which I'd like returned. I told him I was going to push him 10 minutes into the future and his job was to tell me how different it was.
He was laughing like a hyena. (So was I.) This went on for 20 good minutes or so. Then, I got on the tire swing and noticed him mimicking me to an extent. And that's when I realized something: improv has made me a better parent.
Maybe that's sappy, but it's true. It's helped me to stay in the moment and really listen to Max. And I've noticed that when we spend time together, it's a lot more full than it's been before.
I started taking classes because I've always wanted to be an improviser, and because I needed to polish my wit for work. But what I've found is that improv has unlocked this part of me that I never knew existed.
There might be some who think that perhaps I'm not looking at improv the right way, but I would have to disagree. It's an art. Indeed, I know this. But along with that, I've found it's almost a metaphor for one way to live one's life: Stay in the moment and listen.
I realize how sappy I sound...but look, 10 minutes into the future, I have a Popeye arm...just one gigantic arm...the right one to be exact.
...and if it weren't for improv, I wouldn't have been able to prepare myself for that.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Last night caught a Harold show and hit the iO jam. Did a round of sing it and...actually came up with something for world's worst. Also, prepped for the jam by dancing at a bar with B for 10 minutes. Ridiculously fun.
Tonight I hit the SCTC faculty show which was awesome. Gonna head back to Indiana and hang with my girls because it's been way too long since we've done that.
Also there are drunks everywhere in North avenue. I mean everywhere. The people watching is AMAZING.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday, Friday, Friday!
It's finally freaking here. Ahhh. Thank goodness.
Tonight will be jam-packed with some Harold-watching, a few libations, and then the iO jam. It's one of my favorite nights, for sure.
Then tomorrow, there's a SCTC Faculty show at 9pm, followed by me heading back over to iO to watch some friends/acquaintances etc., in a 10:30pm show.
I've also discovered Open Court at the Playground. I LOVE IT. Got to do a mini Armando yesterday. Although my long-form experience is limited to spectating, I didn't think I did too terribly bad. I think if our team (named "Olivia" for the night) wouldn't have gone first, I might have done better. But whatever. Everyone had some great moments. And it was fun to play in a completely new way. This will likely become a regular thing for me.
Also, stopped in the bathroom today at work. Since moving upstairs, I now must use the "poop" bathroom...designated so because it's far away from everything else in the entire building. This particular bathroom sports a mural of aquatic life. And this guy here always makes me wonder:
I mean, I'm assuming those are currents created by him swimming swiftly through the sea...but part of me can't help but wonder if he's actually farting. None of the other fish have these curly lines near their rear ends. And in a bathroom labeled the "poop" bathroom, I find the latter explanation much more fitting.
Also, it's really hard to feel comfortable doing any form of business with this guy directly staring down the sink and toilet:
I mean, he's really got that "I'm a pervert...but I'm gentle" smile thing going on. Doesn't he?
Tonight will be jam-packed with some Harold-watching, a few libations, and then the iO jam. It's one of my favorite nights, for sure.
Then tomorrow, there's a SCTC Faculty show at 9pm, followed by me heading back over to iO to watch some friends/acquaintances etc., in a 10:30pm show.
I've also discovered Open Court at the Playground. I LOVE IT. Got to do a mini Armando yesterday. Although my long-form experience is limited to spectating, I didn't think I did too terribly bad. I think if our team (named "Olivia" for the night) wouldn't have gone first, I might have done better. But whatever. Everyone had some great moments. And it was fun to play in a completely new way. This will likely become a regular thing for me.
Also, stopped in the bathroom today at work. Since moving upstairs, I now must use the "poop" bathroom...designated so because it's far away from everything else in the entire building. This particular bathroom sports a mural of aquatic life. And this guy here always makes me wonder:
I mean, I'm assuming those are currents created by him swimming swiftly through the sea...but part of me can't help but wonder if he's actually farting. None of the other fish have these curly lines near their rear ends. And in a bathroom labeled the "poop" bathroom, I find the latter explanation much more fitting.
Also, it's really hard to feel comfortable doing any form of business with this guy directly staring down the sink and toilet:
I mean, he's really got that "I'm a pervert...but I'm gentle" smile thing going on. Doesn't he?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Crabass
I was SUCH a crabass last night. I have no idea why. Silly.
Anyways, I cannot WAIT to get on the softball field in about an hour. Yes, I'm aware that really I'm just a big klutz...and when I run my arms and legs flail around like overcooked spaghetti, but whatever. It's fun.
Then, it's Goose Island with K and B (and maybe J???) for a drink or two and off to iO for a 10:30pm show.
I'll be clad in cheerleading shorts, knee socks, and my team shirt. Ridiculous.
Also, it troubles me when a product that's supposed to be ice cream, can't legally be called "ice cream"...
...yikes....right?
Anyways, I cannot WAIT to get on the softball field in about an hour. Yes, I'm aware that really I'm just a big klutz...and when I run my arms and legs flail around like overcooked spaghetti, but whatever. It's fun.
Then, it's Goose Island with K and B (and maybe J???) for a drink or two and off to iO for a 10:30pm show.
I'll be clad in cheerleading shorts, knee socks, and my team shirt. Ridiculous.
Also, it troubles me when a product that's supposed to be ice cream, can't legally be called "ice cream"...
...yikes....right?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Did the SCTC jam tonight. Pretty good time but really packed. Played 1001 (or 185) and Onion Peel. Good times. Grabbed a drink at Corchrans afterwards and talked improv and randomness.
Also, a wise man informed me that I'm saving improv. He's ridiculous...but I dig that *lol*
Good to be home with the family...it's back to the grind tomorrow...then on Wednesday...it's on. Softball, followed by another round of Tj and Dave. Then Thursday it's class, and either celebrating J's birthday or Open Court at the Playground. Friday, jam...of course. And Saturday, 10:30pm Harold show and possibly some bad yet fun and hilarious dancing...all with B. And then possibly the last SCTC jam of the term.
Duuuuuude. Am I busy or what?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
an idiot
So, turns out I forgot to turn on comment notification...meaning, if you left me a comment, I had no idea until now.
It's been rectified. So, by all means...comment away.
It's been rectified. So, by all means...comment away.
The jam was a good time as usual. Met some awesome cats from iO afterwards. Discovered I was cake. Also saw the 8pm Harold show with Mike Helicopter and Henrietta Pussycat. Both great teams. Afterwards K, A, J and I headed over to Goose Island to kill some time before the jam. Much interesting girl talk ensued. Discovered some thoughts that I was unaware of and still don't know if I fully believe. (I thought I was moving Up. UP, K!).
I missed an EPIC game of Munchkin with the boys from work, unfortunately. But R sent me an email rundown...it's probably my favorite thing in history.
When I finally got home last night, I curled up in my bed and had some awesome dreams...except for the part where I broke a nail (look, I'm trying to grow them...they were stubby as hell...)
However, woke up this morning and DID break a nail. I'm hoping the rest of the stuff I dreamed about follows suit. It was good stuff.
This weekend I'm spending time with the boy. It should be both fun and relaxing.
Also...it's freezing out. I'm just saying.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
poopy shit
So, I was truly excited about an improv clinic I signed up for...unfortunately, only one other person besides myself was equally as excited.
So, because there were only 2 people enrolled, they cancelled the clinic. What makes me feel even more poopy is that 2 of my classmates signed up for a different clinic---which they LOVE---which wasn't cancelled.
Had I known sooner, I would have switched. Meaning, I really wanted to take this particular clinic, but, if they had solidified the numbers say...on Monday...and then called me to warn me that the numbers were low...perhaps I could have switched to the Tuesday clinic.
Unless it was full.
Whatever the case, no clinic for me. And, I'm $100 richer...which is good I suppose. Hopefully they'll have another set of clinics over the summer.
In the meantime, I'm seeing Felt at iO at 8pm, followed by libations with K and B, followed by Tj and Dave at iO at 11pm.
Also, here's a picture of my very disappointed eye:
(Yes, just one eye is disappointed...the other is looking forward to the future...and possibly at some candy. But you decide which eye is which.)
So, because there were only 2 people enrolled, they cancelled the clinic. What makes me feel even more poopy is that 2 of my classmates signed up for a different clinic---which they LOVE---which wasn't cancelled.
Had I known sooner, I would have switched. Meaning, I really wanted to take this particular clinic, but, if they had solidified the numbers say...on Monday...and then called me to warn me that the numbers were low...perhaps I could have switched to the Tuesday clinic.
Unless it was full.
Whatever the case, no clinic for me. And, I'm $100 richer...which is good I suppose. Hopefully they'll have another set of clinics over the summer.
In the meantime, I'm seeing Felt at iO at 8pm, followed by libations with K and B, followed by Tj and Dave at iO at 11pm.
Also, here's a picture of my very disappointed eye:
(Yes, just one eye is disappointed...the other is looking forward to the future...and possibly at some candy. But you decide which eye is which.)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Monday.....blah
So, the weekend turned out pretty swell.
Friday: Jam.
Saturday: I saw Drag Me to Hell with Ryan. Most fun movie I've been to in a while.
Sunday: House hunting and then the SCTC Jam.
I also saw this:
Wow...I am lame today.
(And did I really write "swell" up there?)
(Yeah...I did. Yeesh...)
Friday: Jam.
Saturday: I saw Drag Me to Hell with Ryan. Most fun movie I've been to in a while.
Sunday: House hunting and then the SCTC Jam.
I also saw this:
Wow...I am lame today.
(And did I really write "swell" up there?)
(Yeah...I did. Yeesh...)
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