Hello my little-but-lovely blog audience! February is drawing to a close, and I like to go back to review each month as it happens, make sure I'm really getting the most out of my life. If I'm not, I try to fix it next month! I also just love journaling and keeping track of what I've been up to, in to, and anything in between. So here is my "February in Review" that I crafted myself! Feel free to borrow or straight up steal my form; but you MUST make up your own answers.
Home Base: NE Minneapolis
What I Did:
Most importantly, saw one of my dream shows go up under my direction and learned a LOT in the process. Additionally, I wrapped up box office work on the Theatre Mu show, began work Agnes Under the Big Top, restarted my personal blog, officially began writing for Jacks & Jills (details pending), went to my first casino (and didn’t lose any money), turned 25A, saw four plays in one weekend, saw a guy who’s like a baby brother to me turn 21, accidentally went on a date with someone who was engaged to a man, went to my first Oscar party, made a couple of really awesome new friends, obtained Alice in Wonderland posters.
Where I went:
Not the best month for travel, but I did hit up Hinckley, MN (my first casino trip!) for Jake’s birthday. Blackjack and hot tubs make for a wonderful little getaway.
Key Hangouts Around Home Base:
Jodie and Jordan’s house, Sam’s house, Wilde Roast Café, Lush, Maxwell’s; while I still hit up Uptown Minneapolis and Lowertown St. Paul quite a bit this month, I feel like I actually started owning that I live in the NE and work on the West Bank. As such, I hung out a little more there because I found things that were fun and had ambience and deals that I like.
Power Music :
Live: Vaudeville, Sick of Sarah
Albums/MP3s: The Pierces, The Beatles, The Swell Season, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals.
Most Loved Television:
Admittedly, two of them are major guilty pleasures; Pretty Little Liars and RuPaul’s Drag Race. But also, Modern Family and Portlandia. And Friends on DVD.
Best Movies I watched this month:
The DVD version of The Vagina Monologues; Stardust and Saved for the millionth time. Didn’t have much time to get out to the movie theaters. The Oscars did give me a nice fat list of things I know I need to see.
Best Theatrical Experiences of the Year:
My three-day, four-show blitz!; Opening (and then closing) one of the shows that means the absolute most to me.
Biggest Challenge of the Month (and how I overcame it):
There were a lot of problems on the administrative side of Gadfly this go ‘round, and I’m honestly not sure that I WAS able to overcome it for the current show. That being said, in a way I did ‘overcome’ it because I learned SO much in things going the way I did and honestly think that things will go really well for the next several shows.
Best Thing I Did for Myself:
Picked myself up by my bootstraps after falling off the junk food wagon; didn’t beat myself up when things didn’t go perfectly professionally ; resisted the temptation to fall back into negative dating patterns (and boy was there temptation).
Favorite thing I fed myself:
Veggie and brown rice stir-fry; lots of chai soy lattes, pumpkin pancake, chocolate covered strawberries from Godiva, Chardonnay, Blue Moon, lots of locally brewed beer.
Best Books I Read:
Dog Sees God (a play that Gadfly is doing next year), Last Summer at Bluefish Cove (another play that we will hopefully do...sometime)
Best Websites:
Fell majorly back in love with social networking after deleting several nuisances; A Softer World for my artsy AND dark humor fix; Jessica Mullen’s blog for general inspiration; Alicia Silverstone’s ‘The Kind Life’ which keeps me going when I don’t feel like sticking to my diet; Sassy Gay friend clips on YouTube and Cracked.com just for laughs.
Couldn’t Be Without:
My roommate; living in a theatre-rich area (with the exception of a small but still culturally rich beach or lake town), reading as escapism, smart actors who can really cut to the core of a character (this only relates to directing, of course), random road trips, my latest ex-roommates, a couple of my friends from Iowa, near-daily correspondence with Anne and Ginger (preferably both) as well as my sister, hummus, smoothies/smoothie juice.
Favorite News Stories (in Headline form):
Maryland passes gay marriage; Obama Drops Defense of DOMA; Gas Briefly Drops Below $3.50 a Gallon, Former McDonald’s CEO to Start New Vegetarian-Friendly Fast Food Chain.
And while I do not like the Minnesota threats to cut art funding, the federal threats to cut Planned Parenthood funding, or the earthquake in New Zealand, I DO love how so many wonderful people have rallied together in attemps to right these wrongs (or at least in New Zealand’s case, make them more bearable).
Quotes of the Month:
“I’ve enjoyed our chats lately. You’re an inspiring lady”
~Cassandra Rising
“If you’re the crazy snake man, we’re not having babies.”
~Maggie Becker (Gadfly grant writer)
“Art is not in the eye of the beholder, it is in the soul of the artist.”
~Seth Godin
“The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it too”
~The White Stripes upon their sudden break-up
“If we wake up in full-make-up, we’ll pain the town blue, because baby red so passé”
~The Pierces
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday Thanks Part Trois.
So much to be thankful for this week! It's been a trying week, truly. A thirteen hour dry tech/tech rehearsal combo, some illness on my mind...lots going on that could've made me crazy. However, the world is so beautiful, and while there is still so much progress to be made in it, I am always pleasantly surprised by how great things can be. Here are some of the things I am most grateful for right now:
~Technicians willing to put in 13 hour days.
~Warm blankets in Midwest blizzard time.
~My business partner, also willing to put in 13 hour days on shows that aren't even his to run.
~Good queer literature and drama. I'm writing an entire essay about how terrible queer art is and how it's a factor in the poor image of gays everywhere...but there's also some really decent stuff out there that makes me want to bedeck myself from head to toe in rainbow flags and speak only in Tegan and Sara lyrics.
~Tax refunds! I haven't even gotten mine yet but it's going to be sweet. Wakarusa here I come!
~The ability to love myself, even if I fall off the dairy wagon or get cranky at someone.
~My cast, of course; and opening nights that go well.
~Friends and mentors willing to come from a couple of hours away to see my shows.
~Maryland (the birth state of yours truly) saying "yes" to gay marriage, and Obama saying "no" to supporting DOMA. Hellz, yes.
~The public library system. So many books. Only one me. I will take this as a challenge.
~A boss who works extra shifts for me so I can do other theatre.
~Running into my friend Jodie, receiving tons of chocolate-covered fruit from Godiva, being able to share with the cast. Not necessarily in that order, but the story wouldn't really make sense in a different order.
~Dollars, when I have them to spare. Which is never...but I am grateful for those rare instances.
~Pumpkin pancakes in February.
~Mimosas at night.
~The Minneapolis skyline, which has inspired multiple poems from me. Perhaps one day I will even post one! I've been to a lot of big cities, but something about that skyline calls to me, makes me feel home...
That should hold you guys over until next week! If there are ever things you can't relate too, please feel free to come up with your own list of things you're thankful for. You'll be glad you did, and so will I.
As always, wishing you peace, passion, and love.
~Technicians willing to put in 13 hour days.
~Warm blankets in Midwest blizzard time.
~My business partner, also willing to put in 13 hour days on shows that aren't even his to run.
~Good queer literature and drama. I'm writing an entire essay about how terrible queer art is and how it's a factor in the poor image of gays everywhere...but there's also some really decent stuff out there that makes me want to bedeck myself from head to toe in rainbow flags and speak only in Tegan and Sara lyrics.
~Tax refunds! I haven't even gotten mine yet but it's going to be sweet. Wakarusa here I come!
~The ability to love myself, even if I fall off the dairy wagon or get cranky at someone.
~My cast, of course; and opening nights that go well.
~Friends and mentors willing to come from a couple of hours away to see my shows.
~Maryland (the birth state of yours truly) saying "yes" to gay marriage, and Obama saying "no" to supporting DOMA. Hellz, yes.
~The public library system. So many books. Only one me. I will take this as a challenge.
~A boss who works extra shifts for me so I can do other theatre.
~Running into my friend Jodie, receiving tons of chocolate-covered fruit from Godiva, being able to share with the cast. Not necessarily in that order, but the story wouldn't really make sense in a different order.
~Dollars, when I have them to spare. Which is never...but I am grateful for those rare instances.
~Pumpkin pancakes in February.
~Mimosas at night.
~The Minneapolis skyline, which has inspired multiple poems from me. Perhaps one day I will even post one! I've been to a lot of big cities, but something about that skyline calls to me, makes me feel home...
That should hold you guys over until next week! If there are ever things you can't relate too, please feel free to come up with your own list of things you're thankful for. You'll be glad you did, and so will I.
As always, wishing you peace, passion, and love.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Hinckley, MN: Who Knew?
When my very good friend Jake turned 21 a couple of days ago, his mom decided to sponsor an overnight trip to Hinckley, MN for him and several of his friends. It was mostly for Grand Casino, which was an absolute blast! I'd never been to a casino before, and I'd certainly never gambled before. I'm very proud of myself because I didn't lose any money (I didn't have any to lose, so that was a very good thing), but I am a little embarrassed because at one point I was up by almost $200 and then...I just wasn't. Still, playing was so much that I didn't even care.
Casinos are also really bright and shiny, so I was happy to be there for a night. Overall, I am writing this because I was very pleasantly surprised by Hinckley as a road trip destination. I didn't really know what to expect, but I had an amazing time (and more importantly, so did Jake). In addition to the casino there was beer, there was a hot tub, we made friends with the dealer, and of course there was lots of laughter. It's a pretty happening little town, and the next time I need a daycation or overnight trip, I will happily keep it mind.
Casinos are also really bright and shiny, so I was happy to be there for a night. Overall, I am writing this because I was very pleasantly surprised by Hinckley as a road trip destination. I didn't really know what to expect, but I had an amazing time (and more importantly, so did Jake). In addition to the casino there was beer, there was a hot tub, we made friends with the dealer, and of course there was lots of laughter. It's a pretty happening little town, and the next time I need a daycation or overnight trip, I will happily keep it mind.
Friday, February 18, 2011
*Gathering Momentum* Worksheet, by Jessica Mullen
One of my favorite pro-bloggers (who actually created a wonderful career for herself as a 'Lifestreamer') is named Jessica Mullen. You can find her blog here, but for now allow me to introduce her "Gathering Momentum" worksheets. You download your own copy by signing up for her mailing list (which I recommend, her work is incredibly motivating and inspirational. And also, it's unethical to steal her worksheet without looking into her work a little), but here's a rough draft of what I've been working on!
10 things I’m grateful for:
1) Being able to run Gadfly without losing any money.
2) My roommate.
3) Being able to live in a big city with small town mentality (IE, lots to do but people are NICE).
4) My family.
5) My friends, stretched all over the planet.
6) How well things seem to be going for numbers 4 & 5.
7) The fact that I was even born into a comparatively easy life, where I can be out of the closet, speak my mind, love the people I love, etc. without fear of government or government-approved persecution. Our society in the States is not perfect, but it is a lot freer than a lot of other places, and it is always in the back of my mind that I am only this lucky by an accident of birth.
8) Modern technology that enables me to stay connected to those friends and family members all over the globe.
9) The fact that I am loved, for better or worse, by more than a handful of a wonderful people.
10) My own ability to stay positive, laugh off absurd negativity, and love as deeply as I do.
5 things I love:
1) The people in my life.
2) Theatre
3) Animals
4) Books, and time to read them.
5) Art, as a whole.
3 things I’m excited about:
1) My birthday party
2) The Children's Hour opening
3) Finalizing a season for Gadfly for 2012/2013
4 things inspiring me today:
1) The sudden change to springtime weather.
2) My roommate, the genius writer.
3) The following blogs: Jessica Mullen, Seth Godin, and from a photographer/artist's standpoint, A Softer World.
4) Various other theatre companies in the Twin Cities area.
Wouldn’t it be nice if:
Gay marriage were legalized, transgender hormone therapy and surgery were covered by more insurance companies, and in general everyone in the world were treated more humanely by individuals, companies, and the government?
Advice from my higher self:
Listen to me! I've never steered your wrong! Stop second guessing!
Today’s affirmations:
1) I am extremely capable of doing anything that I set my mind too.
2) I am loved, and more importantly, capable of loving very deeply.
3) Life is beautiful. So am I. So is everyone around me.
Today I intend to:
Work really hard, have a lot of fun, continue changing the world around me (even if it just means leading by example).
10 things I’m grateful for:
1) Being able to run Gadfly without losing any money.
2) My roommate.
3) Being able to live in a big city with small town mentality (IE, lots to do but people are NICE).
4) My family.
5) My friends, stretched all over the planet.
6) How well things seem to be going for numbers 4 & 5.
7) The fact that I was even born into a comparatively easy life, where I can be out of the closet, speak my mind, love the people I love, etc. without fear of government or government-approved persecution. Our society in the States is not perfect, but it is a lot freer than a lot of other places, and it is always in the back of my mind that I am only this lucky by an accident of birth.
8) Modern technology that enables me to stay connected to those friends and family members all over the globe.
9) The fact that I am loved, for better or worse, by more than a handful of a wonderful people.
10) My own ability to stay positive, laugh off absurd negativity, and love as deeply as I do.
5 things I love:
1) The people in my life.
2) Theatre
3) Animals
4) Books, and time to read them.
5) Art, as a whole.
3 things I’m excited about:
1) My birthday party
2) The Children's Hour opening
3) Finalizing a season for Gadfly for 2012/2013
4 things inspiring me today:
1) The sudden change to springtime weather.
2) My roommate, the genius writer.
3) The following blogs: Jessica Mullen, Seth Godin, and from a photographer/artist's standpoint, A Softer World.
4) Various other theatre companies in the Twin Cities area.
Wouldn’t it be nice if:
Gay marriage were legalized, transgender hormone therapy and surgery were covered by more insurance companies, and in general everyone in the world were treated more humanely by individuals, companies, and the government?
Advice from my higher self:
Listen to me! I've never steered your wrong! Stop second guessing!
Today’s affirmations:
1) I am extremely capable of doing anything that I set my mind too.
2) I am loved, and more importantly, capable of loving very deeply.
3) Life is beautiful. So am I. So is everyone around me.
Today I intend to:
Work really hard, have a lot of fun, continue changing the world around me (even if it just means leading by example).
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday Thankfulness
This is another Thursday where I am left with abbreviated time to throw this post up, so I will jump right in to the things I am the most thankful for this week!
~The public library system. Otherwise my search for queer and feminist theatre would be at a complete and utter standstill.
~The time I have had working with Scott Artley at Mixed Blood. He's moving on as of Saturday (which happens to be my birthday; fail universe, fail) to really great things, but he will be missed by the West Bank community and Mixed Blood.
~My apartment. For some reason, this week I was inundated with thoughts of home and what home means...and I love my apartment so much (even if I do wish it was in Uptown)! Coming home to it at night feels exactly like it should.
~Days when the only mail in my inbox are birthday gifts.
~People who buy prints of my photos. (See if there's anything you like here)
~Living a life where sleeping until ten is totally fine.
~Tax returns! I don't have mine yet, but it looks pretty sweet judging from what Turbo Tax told me.
~My cat, Sebastian. Yes, I am that woman.
~My small but awesome blog following.
~Living so close to the Wilde Roast Cafe. It's like I'm actually settling into this being my place lately!
~The cast of The Children's Hour. Man they're awesome. We did two runs on Sunday, and it was better the second time without me even giving notes.
I guess these are the things I'm MOST grateful for this week, with the exception of a general "Everybody in my life." I've got some great people, seriously.
Until next time, I am wishing you peace, passion, and love.
~The public library system. Otherwise my search for queer and feminist theatre would be at a complete and utter standstill.
~The time I have had working with Scott Artley at Mixed Blood. He's moving on as of Saturday (which happens to be my birthday; fail universe, fail) to really great things, but he will be missed by the West Bank community and Mixed Blood.
~My apartment. For some reason, this week I was inundated with thoughts of home and what home means...and I love my apartment so much (even if I do wish it was in Uptown)! Coming home to it at night feels exactly like it should.
~Days when the only mail in my inbox are birthday gifts.
~People who buy prints of my photos. (See if there's anything you like here)
~Living a life where sleeping until ten is totally fine.
~Tax returns! I don't have mine yet, but it looks pretty sweet judging from what Turbo Tax told me.
~My cat, Sebastian. Yes, I am that woman.
~My small but awesome blog following.
~Living so close to the Wilde Roast Cafe. It's like I'm actually settling into this being my place lately!
~The cast of The Children's Hour. Man they're awesome. We did two runs on Sunday, and it was better the second time without me even giving notes.
I guess these are the things I'm MOST grateful for this week, with the exception of a general "Everybody in my life." I've got some great people, seriously.
Until next time, I am wishing you peace, passion, and love.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Spring is in the Air!
At least, I hope it is. Check out this snapshot of Minneapolis that I took this afternoon! You can see the roads! And the lines on the roads! And even some...dare I say...grass!I just wanted to share my excitement, really. I love that it's in the late 40's. I just hope it keeps up. I will consider it nature's birthday present to me.
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