October 29, 2009

It's Raining


100 Life Goals (Part 3)

Continuing on the theme of "in no particular order"...

60 - Complete the new Value Virtue
59 - Complete the YW Personal Progress (again)
58 - Teach an Institute class
57 - Go to the Library of Congress (y'know, hang out)
56 - Get a second Masters' degree (see #99)
55 - Learn to cook French food
54 - Learn Origami
53 - Set someone free
52 - Actually rely on prayer
51 - Ride the world's tallest rollercoaster
50 - Send something personal to the moon
49 - Direct a production of a Shakespeare play
48 - Work at the Globe theatre in London
47 - Publish an article on theatre
46 - Be a guest speaker at an Ivy League University
45 - Attend the Tony Awards
44 - Climb Ensign Peak and wave a banner
43 - Read no fiction for one year (will probably start this 2010)
42 - Regular temple attendance - twice a month
41 - Watch someone getting a tattoo

October 28, 2009

Creepy Week Continues

Day 3 (Tuesday): Went with the traditional black-and-orange jewelry, and got into a great conversation about books with my "office"mate (heh). This reminded me that LM Montgomery (she of Anne of Green Gables fame) also had a bunch of short stories collected into volumes, one of which was themed for all things mystical and/or creepy. My favorite story is "The Tryst of the White Lady", about a boy who sees and is ensnared by the family ghost (a beautiful flirt murdered on her wedding day) and his subsequent return as he unexpectedly rescues a real, live girl. The collection's really only moderately creepy, but very atmospheric. Then watched Corpse Bride - it always surprises me just how beautiful that odd and freaky little show is... love the dead folk, love the art design, and the butterflies at the end always make me cry.


Day 4 (Wednesday): Strangely, this week already feels about 8 days long. Not sure why. The black nail polish is chipping rather horrifically, even after a patch job last night (this is one reason why I don't usually put polish on my fingernails). Must re-do before Saturday. Helped my amazingly awesome cousin by putting together a pretty cool (if I do say so myself) Prince Charming costume for her pretty awesome husband... one of the perks to working at a theatre is easy access to the costume stores! Made at least a little progress on my own costume, with help on my wig from a very talented employee (another perk: people who know and are VERY good at wigs). Oddly, not in the mood to watch anything - read a murder mystery instead ("Shakespeare and Smythe"! Very fun!) and called it thematic enough to count.




October 26, 2009

Guess What?

You don't have to be pretty.

Me either, for that matter.

I'm so relieved.

(I feel a T-shirt coming on.)

Halloween, Halloween, Halloween Time!

Day One of Halloween Week (Sunday): black nail polish, The Addams Family (movie). I'd forgotten how really funny, creepy, well-done, and all-around entertaining it is. I might have a little crush on Raul Julia at the moment.

Day Two (Monday): Sterling silver skull jewelry, black-and-orange-striped witchy socks, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 2, Episode 6, "Halloween"). In this one, anyone who buys any part of a costume from the new shop in town gets caught in a spell that turns them into a real-life version of their outfit. Good if you're a soldier (presto real weapon!), bad if you're a ghost or an 18th-century lady. Giles the "tweed-clad" Watcher (a.k.a., "Ripper") pulls out some serious chops to whup the bad guy into next Easter and the day (and the Slayer), she is saved. Bonus: Willow accidentally catches Oz's eye (again - also, metaphorically).

October 25, 2009

A Quick Note

Just wanted to mention that I did, in fact, get video of the tent and quilts in action; and that after three attempts I have been completely unable to upload the video. Seriously, I left my computer processing the upload for over 8 hours before I finally gave up. So you're either going to have to take my word for the awesome that is the CUTENESS, or go see the show. (You can trust me, but really - go see it. Still a few weeks left!)

October 24, 2009

100 Life Goals (Part 2)

80 - Campaign for a cause
79 - Run for public office
78 - Do stand-up comedy (if you see a joke here relating to #79, you're not alone)
77 - Get on a TV show - a drama or sitcom
76 - Be married in the temple
75 - Earn/save one million dollars
74 - Find something good in someone I dislike
73 - Pay a compliment every day
72 - Kiss someone on every continent (except Antarctica)
71 - Visit Bora Bora
70 - Sing while flying in a hot-air balloon
69 - Go dancing in New York
68 - Be quoted in a newspaper
67 - Consult for a newsjournalism show
66 - Make something that is worn by someone famous
65 - Photograph a perfect moment
64 - Do a group hug with at least 200 people
63 - Participate in a flash mob
62 - Give away something expensive/valuable to someone in need
61 - Dance in a fountain


Note: Already, it has been interesting having these written down and noticing how often I think about them or find them occurring. No, I haven't yet planned a trip to Bora Bora, but I have to concede that writing things down really does make a difference. Right on, Sara!

The Drama Queen Sleeps Tonight

In which we shall see: "incendiary", "intrinsically", "foreseeable", dazzle, psychological trauma, "faceted", and underwater basket weaving. And Daylight Savings.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I feel like I should be getting something of substance posted here, a sociological rant or political commentary or something... maybe I should add that to my list of goals: "Post something substantial and/or incendiary at least once a week." Is there a good number that goes with that?

In the interests of going along with that whole "journal" concept, here's where I'm at - still looking for a job (or two - though in all honesty I haven't been looking very hard since I am intrinsically a lazy person and REALLY need to do something about that); still looking at new schools for a graduate program (I've requested an interview date for one school, and have three more possibilities to check out - so there's at least a little more progress than the job thing); I have given up ice cream for the foreseeable future, and have managed to stick to it for several weeks now; I really need to find a date for Halloween, since I have two tickets to "Thriller" and a great idea for a costume, if I ever get it finished; I conducted a Young Women's choir last week for a Stake Excellence night and am apparently pretty good at it, or at least, "interesting"; and I have finally managed to get most of my "office" de-junked. I still have to throw away the junk, but it has definitively been categorized as "junk". This, people, is my exciting life. Try not to be too dazzled.

Also, I auditioned today - I honestly figured I wouldn't be cast, because I am technically too old for the part for which I auditioned, but too young for the other two female characters in the show. I decided it would just be a good experience to audition, and keep "potential actor" a fresh aspect of myself for the producers. Well, I got called back after all - and not only did I get called back for the part for which I auditioned, I also got called back for at least one of the two older female parts for which I did not audition. See, the director of this play is the same one that directed a production in which I was cast as a sixty-year-old society matron, so unfortunately the production team knows I can play age well. (I say "unfortunately" because that first show ended up being quite psychologically traumatic, culminating when I attended a performance of the succeeding show and was not recognized by the usher, even though I had been single-cast and was in every performance. Once the usher realized the part I'd played, his surprised response was, "Oh! You're actually pretty!") Of course I will take whatever part I'm given, if I'm cast, and I will work hard at it and make it as faceted and interesting and funny as absolutely possible. It's just callbacks, after all, and anything can happen.

Obviously, I really need to get a life - possibly one that includes football, or ice-climbing, or yoga, or business-management classes. Maybe underwater basket weaving.



FYI: Since I only had two or so people respond to my potential giveaway, I think I'll be tabling it and holding out for a Thanksgiving or Christmas giveaway. That, and Halloween is in a week and see above re: lazy.

Also, just in case you were wondering, Daylight Savings happens on November 1st this year, a week from tomorrow. I know I was trying to figure out when it was going to happen! You're welcome.

Oh, AND: Flat Stanley came with me to the audition today, and he was a big hit. He's got a decent shot at at part, except that his traveling schedule REALLY conflicts with rehearsals and performances. Ah, well. He also got a backstage tour - though of the dressing rooms he only got to go in the boys'. Naturally.

October 20, 2009

100 Life Goals (Part 1)

In no particular order:

100 - Write a book
99 - Get a Master's degree
98 - Dramaturg a Broadway production
97 - Live in Italy for at least 6 months
96 - Live in Spain for at least 6 months
95 - Shave my head
94 - Grow my hair long
93 - Learn sign language
92 - Read all the Standard Works within a year
91 - Teach at a University
90 - Visit India
89 - Be in a Bollywood movie
88 - Attend a Nascar race
87 - Write a sonnet
86 - Memorize the Gettysburg address
85 - Have an article published in the Ensign
84 - Be cast in a show where my character is kissed onstage
83 - Get at least 12 dates a year
82 - Run a full marathon
81 - Starting in 2010, do two half-marathons a year

(to be continued...)

October 17, 2009

Fry It Up

Yesterday I participated in a conversation about things that can be deep-fat fried (and whether or not they should be). Twinkies, brownies, sandwiches, candy bars, turkeys... our consensus was, if the Lord had meant for it to be deep-fat fried, He would have put a stick in it (hello, corndog). (Also, the other exception - I'm not into fried chicken, but I suppose there are fans out there.)

Tonight I was hit with an unavoidable craving for cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips. I fried (using canola oil), I sugared, I shared - and tomorrow's breakfast is going to be yum-eeeee. If the midnight snack doesn't do away with my supply first!

There are only a few things I cook - but when it comes to sugar, I cook them well.

* This picture looks to me a little more like pie cookies than tortilla chips, but that's OK - I'm good at pie dough, too!

Distraction!

Now, this? Is Funny.



I would really like to find some random guy in a park somewhere and have this conversation with him. Just for FUN. Heh.

Autumn Falling

I like my hair.

I've been trying to find something to blog about (I seriously have been attempting to get that promised video of the teepee and the quilts posted - SO CUTE - and it has NOT uploaded. Grrr) and it's been pretty foggy. Not literally - I was out walking in the beeyoutiful fall sunshine today (sorry, all you rained-out West-coasters) and the fog was all mental. Here's what I realized: I really dislike "crushing" on someone because it makes me all emotional and out of control and stupid, but it's easier to feel alive and sparkly and mentally active if you've got some outside source of energy feeding you. I HATE feeling addicted to someone (so not EVER trying drugs or alcohol), and I really am bitter about the apparent truth that chemistry really can be one-sided. Or two-thirds-sided, if I'm being optimistic. So why is that? How can love/infatuation/attraction be such a complete downer and yet still be the thing that makes life interesting and exciting? There just HAS to be some other way.

In the meantime, at least, I really do like my hair.

October 13, 2009

Status

... is missing him and wanting to talk to him and listen to him and can't believe she's writing about this on a public blog ("private" journal). really. she's been weaning herself (as if there was a choice) from him for months - surely it's been too long to actually suffer withdrawals. they're just imaginary symptoms now, the disease has long since died out. the ice cream is going cold (see what she did there?) turkey, but his final ties should be easy to cut (snip, snip). there are no more one last chances. it doesn't take a crystal ball or overdressed psychic or potter-esque centaur (though she is partial to tea leaves, but not for reading. words are for reading, people are for... being people) to see the signs.

Stop. not Yield. do not Proceed With Caution. Stop.


* * * * *

... has a 90's-era German band pop song stuck in her head. it opened up her mind.

October 11, 2009

How to Blog a Back Pat

It's a tricky thing, to have a public blog and still feel like you can fully express yourself - especially when saying exactly what you feel might reveal you to be petty and selfish and/or has the potential to really tick somebody else off.

Sigh.

That doesn't mean I'm not going to try.

*clears throat*

It is possible (and possibly probable) that a particular student did exceptionally well in an annual drama competition held at my southern alma mater due to the participation of myself and a retired mentor/educator, in addition to the student's own preparation. It is possible that the probability is more likely than the possibility, due to current circumstances at the current student's current alma mater. Also, there is some likelihood that an associated team's unexpected (though very welcome) level of success was encouraged more by current student leadership, reflecting backward onto previous training situations, than by traditionally accepted forms of direction and normally upheld expectations.

Or, CONGRATULATIONS MADELINE AND BHS ENSEMBLE!!!






Confucius say: When in doubt, vague it up.
I say: When in doubt, make it up and blame Confucius.

October 07, 2009

Because I Have Nothing Else To Do (Ha): UPDATE

* I wish there were more of a need out here for people who create props for shows. I suppose that's something to look into...

* I love Glee. I'm finding it funny, and touching, and sooooo high school - more than anything, I just love the music. (And the singing/dancing. AWESOME.)

* I helped coach a former student on a monologue last night, and today I watched a Shakespeare Showcase that had me absolutely ITCHING to sit down with those kids, tear their pieces apart, and help them build them back up. I miss my high schoolers. I miss talented, dedicated, sweet, funny, stupid, wonderful teenagers. It's kind of a weird feeling. (I was attacked by several in the parking lot when I arrived, and then a whole bunch more when I got in the building, which was FANTASTIC.)

* I'm heading down to the Shakespeare Competition in Cedar tomorrow, for no real reason other than I needed a break, wanted to hang out with my friend, and decided to tag along.

* Phaidra and I REALLY need to write that book(s)/direct a show together/start that theater school ASAP. We'll get the book done before I go to grad school, she can have her second kid while I'm gone, and then we'll get cracking on that school when I get back. The show(s) will happen (again) eventually. She's the best, and we do make a good team.

* I should be packing. Gotta go check the laundry.

* I'm thinking about maybe creating a sandwich-board sign to wear during the weekend in Cedar, offering my services as director/coach/substitute drama teacher. Too desperate? No such thing these days? That's what I thought.

* Had a terrific conversation with a friend this week where I ended up being her sounding board and pitching all kinds of ideas for reality TV shows. Honestly, I think some of them could really work.

* I'm wondering: how does one go about becoming a stand-up comedian? Are there classes for that sort of thing? Do you just watch a bunch of other stand-up comics and then try to pick a different angle? Is it OK to make things up and then sell them as your own "experiences"?

* My back/hip has been out the last couple of days, and I've been spending time on a heating pad. It's been sooooo nice, and has been much easier than scrambling to get to the chiropractor. That heating pad is heading south with me for the weekend.

* I've reluctantly decided that ice cream is my Achilles' Heel, and the focus of the worst/most destructive co-dependent relationship I will ever have. And once I go get another bowl of the Schwann's Chocolate Chip that's sitting upstairs in the freezer (you don't even KNOW), I will swear off of the devil's ambrosia for good. (Or until I've earned a treat. Although it will NOT live in my freezer ever again - Cold Stone, you might need to take out the restraining order against me NOW. Please.)

* I really do (heart) irony.


ETA: I'm kind of thinking I want to do a give-away - it's what all the cool bloggers are up to these days! I don't have sponsors or anything, so I'd have to offer jewelry (or random theatre props, or maybe bizarre poetry, or video of myself lip-synching to a Glee song...) that I'd make... Fortuately, it's October, and I have some really fun Halloween-y sterling silver beads and charms. Is that something any of you would be interested in?

October 01, 2009

The Cuteness

HAPPY OCTOBER! I AM VERY EXCITED TO WEAR HALLOWEEN JEWELRY AND PUT UP HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS! IN AND OFF ITSELF, THIS IS NOT CAPSLOCK-WORTHY, BUT THE CAPSLOCK IS MANDATORY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS:


FINISHED! IT IS. THE. CUTENESS. EVERYONE AGREES.

ALSO, TEAR-AWAY-ABLE, AS PROMISED.


I WILL DO WHAT I CAN TO GET VIDEO OF THE SCENE IN WHICH IT APPEARS - BECAUSE WHEN PARTNERED WITH THE SILK-AND-TAFFETA QUILTS I ALSO MADE, WE ARE SURPASSING "PUPPIES AND BABY SEALS" IN CUTEABILITY. SERIOUSLY.



BE READY.