OK, as we've established, 2009 sucked big fat donkey balls. But before we forget about it forever, why not get a little bit more in detail about the (occasional) ups and the (numerous) downs of the year? I mean, I didn't share a lot of it here. So consider this like the recap of 2009. You know, before we start 2010.
Here we go. Thanks, belle chanson, for giving me the idea.
What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I flew a plane and steered a boat in consecutive days. That was pretty awesome.
Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Well, here's the list, if you're so inclined. I did pretty well, actually, except for the debt thing.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Melissa did! And her baby is awesome!
Did anyone close to you die?
Yes - my friend's father, unexpectedly. Very sad. My heart goes out to her and her family.
What countries did you visit?
I stayed home in 2009 - but I went all over this grand country of ours. So I think that counts.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Oh my God, this list could break the internet. I'll oversimplify this and say that I'd really like a bit more consistency in my life.
What date(s) from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Probably the two worst days: April 16 and September 24. But I do have fond memories of February 1 (the Steelers, people!).
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I'm tempted to say, "Getting up in the morning," but that would be overly flip. Probably moving into my own apartment...that was really exciting. I also think that walking away from my relationship was a really difficult - but necessary - decision, and I have to continually remind myself to give props for that.
What was your biggest failure?
Obviously, the relationship is up there, and all of the stuff around it. Funny that it can be both.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Um...yes. A bacterial infection severely disrupted my life for two months, culminating in a four day hospital stay in late September. Turns out that it's really been affecting me for years; just not to this degree. I had a wicked sinus infection in January. I also pulled a hamstring for the first time, strained a quad, and injured my shoulder (the last two thanks to flag football). Good times.
What was the best thing you bought?
Since I don't actually own my apartment, that can't be it. I'd say the flat-screen I bought on December 29...except that it arrived broken on the 31st.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
My family and my close friends. They got me through the year.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Personally, I don't really have an answer for that. How about all of those angry people who emerged AFTER the election? The time to have an effect on the process, people, was during the Presidential election in '08.
Where did most of your money go?
Probably to coffee shops so I could get online, and booze.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Doing my show in the first few months of the year. Moving into my new place. Spending lots of quality time in Sleepy Hamlet. Coming back to Brooklyn at the end of the year.
What songs will always remind you of 2009?
John Legend & Kanye West - "It's Over"
Keri Hilson & Lil Wayne - "Turnin Me On"
Jamie Foxx - "Blame It"
Black Eyed Peas - "I've Got A Feeling"
Drake - "Best I Ever Had"
Jay-Z - "Empire State of Mind"
Owl City - "Fireflies"
Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. Happier or sadder?
This answer kind of shocks me...but I think I'm happier.
II. Thinner or fatter?
Thinner, but not by much.
III. Richer or poorer?
Poorer, because I'm unemployed.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Working, I guess!
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spending time online and at home.
How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas in California with my family - very nice.
Did you fall in love in 2009?
No.
How many one-night stands?
Zero. I'm not really a one-night stand kind of guy.
What was your favorite TV program?
The Wire narrowly edges out Mad Men. They're like 1A and 1B.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No.
What was the best book you read?
I read this play that literally left me sobbing at the end of it - and, of course, I can't remember the name of it. I also really loved a book called Free For All by Kenneth Turan and Joseph Papp, about the creation of the Public Theater in New York.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Maybe Drake? I think he's really great.
What did you want and get?
Independence, I guess.
What did you want and not get?
Several jobs I really wanted slipped out of my grasp, or just blew past me. I didn't land a new agent.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Up. So great. Pixar is highly underrated.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old?
I turned 32, and I had a fantastic day. Had some one-on-one time with a few good friends and my brother. It was low-key, and totally awesome.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I think landing a summer job would probably have done the trick. This is a tough question to answer.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Growing up slowly.
What kept you sane?
My friends. The Steelers and Penguins both winning championships.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I have a major-league crush on Kristen Bell.
What political issue stirred you the most?
I guess health care? After the excitement of the 2008 election, I didn't emotionally involve myself too much in politics in '09.
Who did you miss?
Maxine.
Who was the best new person you met?
Haha...this is a tie. I met several people while volunteering this summer, and as a group they are kickass! But I also have to give props to the woman I dated this fall - she is super fun.
Was 2009 a good year for you?
In a word - no.
What was your favorite moment of the year?
I don't know that I have one. There are certainly a few that I treasure:
- arriving in Old Village with the rest of my cast, and stepping out of the airport into near-perfect weather on New Year's Day
- getting In-N-Out Burger at midnight after the Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII
- seeing my mother like a little kid at the Grand Canyon
- moving into my new place
- volunteering and getting to "work" at the beach for a week with a great kid
- meeting a girl I really liked and feeling flip-flops in my stomach for the first time in ages
- seeing my best friend in her biggest production to date - and watching her crush the role
- going back to my Alma Mater and being put up in a ridiculous hotel
- my friend's wedding bringing so many Sleepy Hamlet cohorts together
- being congratulated by dozens of kids after a week at a high school and seeing that we had made a difference for them
Despite it being a lame year, there were some great moments.
What was your least favorite moment of the year?
It's a tie. The night/morning that I broke up with Maxine was horrific. And going to the hospital after throwing up all over myself (I don't know how I didn't get the paramedic) and laying in a bed in the ER feeling the worst pain I've ever felt in my life.
Where were you when 2009 began?
At Melissa's house.
Who were you with?
Maxine.
Where will you be when 2009 ends?
I was at the Flying Squirrel's house.
Who will you be with when 2009 ends?
With my friends.
What was your favorite month of 2009?
January and February were pretty good, but October was the best, despite feeling like crap.
How many different states did you travel to in 2009?
Twelve. But I won't tell you which ones. (Nice try, but I'm not ready to blow my cover yet.)
How many concerts did you see in 2009?
A couple of small ones, but nothing huge - which was nice for a change.
Did you have a favorite concert in 2009?
I went to a fun one in Sleepy Hamlet in October.
Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Yes.
What was the worst lie someone told you in 2009?
Ooooh. I don't know...probably something from my agent.
Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?
Yes.
Did somebody treat you badly in 2009?
Probably.
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be?
I'd probably end my relationship with Maxine sooner, honestly.
What are your plans for 2010?
That's an excellent question! I'm still figuring it out. I know that I need to put myself out there personally and professionally. I guess I just want to continue the healing process, live a healthy life, and continue to make myself happy.
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
my 2009
I started this post on the subway last night, thinking that I would put it up online once I got to my friend's house, before we began our low-key New Year's celebration. I figured that, for once in '09, I'd follow through with something I'd said I'd do on the blog.
Didn't happen.
I suppose that's kind of fitting, because 2009 was not the best year for me. I'm reminded of the '80s children's book, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day".
OK, maybe I'm being a little dramatic. But I did have a rather dramatic breakup, ending an almost eight year relationship. I also suffered from declining health all year, resulting in a four day hospital stay the week of my birthday. I went through the worst financial crisis of my life - I actually had to borrow money from my parents to pay my rent more than once. And the father of one of my best friend's - someone who I considered a friend - unexpectedly passed away. And that's just the big stuff.
On more than one occasion last week, I mentioned that I just wanted to get out of 2009 "without anything else bad happening to me," which is why I wanted to wait until the year ended before writing about anything. I thought I was going to make it through unscathed...until my brand new HDTV died yesterday afternoon at 3pm, ONE HOUR after I hooked it up.
Seriously.
It just wasn't my year.
I have cause for optimism, though.
Yesterday, on the subway, I was listening to my iPod, which was shuffling through my top rated songs, and up popped an old jazz tune by Charles Mingus, called "Freedom". It's one of my favorites, and it's the only song on the album that has lyrics. The words are actually pretty depressing - but the song struck a chord for me. Even though all of those bad things happened to me last year, I managed to free myself from some unhappy and unhealthy situations.
And I suppose that's what's got me feeling the tiniest bit of optimism for 2010. I feel like an astronaut on a spaceship just launched into orbit. Everything familiar to me has fallen away behind me, like the earth disappearing behind me in the rear view mirror. Ahead of me: the beautiful, great unknown of space, in all of its splendor and majesty. My future feels like a blank slate - anything is possible. If I wanted to pick up and move to Kenya tomorrow, I could. Sometimes when I think about that fact, it makes me sad, but most of the time I just have a sense of excitement and possibility, because I know that I can fully take advantage of any opportunity that comes my way.
One last note. I don't know how this blog factors into my future. The quasi-anonymity that I've got going on here can actually be stifling at times, and, even though I love writing, I hate feeling like I'm obligated to post here, especially when I'm not sure how many people are still reading. But I'm so close to the five year anniversary of the creation of this blog, and I feel very strongly that I should follow through to at least that mark. I'm going to go back to the attempted model for 2009: one quality post a week. I'll post on Wednesdays, with an occasional something in between. I make no promises for anything past February 3.
Hope that you all start off this new decade in a positive way. See you in a few days.
Didn't happen.
I suppose that's kind of fitting, because 2009 was not the best year for me. I'm reminded of the '80s children's book, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day".
OK, maybe I'm being a little dramatic. But I did have a rather dramatic breakup, ending an almost eight year relationship. I also suffered from declining health all year, resulting in a four day hospital stay the week of my birthday. I went through the worst financial crisis of my life - I actually had to borrow money from my parents to pay my rent more than once. And the father of one of my best friend's - someone who I considered a friend - unexpectedly passed away. And that's just the big stuff.
On more than one occasion last week, I mentioned that I just wanted to get out of 2009 "without anything else bad happening to me," which is why I wanted to wait until the year ended before writing about anything. I thought I was going to make it through unscathed...until my brand new HDTV died yesterday afternoon at 3pm, ONE HOUR after I hooked it up.
Seriously.
It just wasn't my year.
I have cause for optimism, though.
Yesterday, on the subway, I was listening to my iPod, which was shuffling through my top rated songs, and up popped an old jazz tune by Charles Mingus, called "Freedom". It's one of my favorites, and it's the only song on the album that has lyrics. The words are actually pretty depressing - but the song struck a chord for me. Even though all of those bad things happened to me last year, I managed to free myself from some unhappy and unhealthy situations.
And I suppose that's what's got me feeling the tiniest bit of optimism for 2010. I feel like an astronaut on a spaceship just launched into orbit. Everything familiar to me has fallen away behind me, like the earth disappearing behind me in the rear view mirror. Ahead of me: the beautiful, great unknown of space, in all of its splendor and majesty. My future feels like a blank slate - anything is possible. If I wanted to pick up and move to Kenya tomorrow, I could. Sometimes when I think about that fact, it makes me sad, but most of the time I just have a sense of excitement and possibility, because I know that I can fully take advantage of any opportunity that comes my way.
One last note. I don't know how this blog factors into my future. The quasi-anonymity that I've got going on here can actually be stifling at times, and, even though I love writing, I hate feeling like I'm obligated to post here, especially when I'm not sure how many people are still reading. But I'm so close to the five year anniversary of the creation of this blog, and I feel very strongly that I should follow through to at least that mark. I'm going to go back to the attempted model for 2009: one quality post a week. I'll post on Wednesdays, with an occasional something in between. I make no promises for anything past February 3.
Hope that you all start off this new decade in a positive way. See you in a few days.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
next post: new year's eve
I need to make sure that I get through the rest of the year before publicly putting out there what I want to put out there.
Hope everyone is well.
Hope everyone is well.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
guess who's back?
Me!
Hi.
Long time no see, right?
What have I been up to? Well, I'm in Sleepy Hamlet, working my ass off. About to do another one of those West Coast educational tours. We leave this weekend. Going with one of my good friends. So that's exciting.
One of the reasons that I've been gone so long is that I got REALLY sick. I ended up in the hospital for about four days right after my birthday. The final verdict was a bacterial infection. I lost about fifteen pounds and didn't feel right for almost two months in total. I'm still taking five pills a day for another couple of weeks. Hopefully I'll be totally back to normal by Christmas.
Still recovering from the whole Maxine thing. I recently sent her an e-mail, which was our first real communication in six months. She wrote me back today and told me, among other things, she now has a boyfriend. I'm not as freaked out as I thought I would be. Then again, I don't have all the information yet. So I reserve the right to express my angst later.
Speaking of getting over exes, I met a girl here in the Hamlet that I like. I know that she likes me. I don't know if it's continuing past this weekend, when I leave. That's frustrating.
On the whole, however, I have to say that I'm fairly happy with my life. And that's a good thing.
I have to get up in six hours, so I will close for now. I'm cautiously optimistic that I'll be back here soon.
Hi.
Long time no see, right?
What have I been up to? Well, I'm in Sleepy Hamlet, working my ass off. About to do another one of those West Coast educational tours. We leave this weekend. Going with one of my good friends. So that's exciting.
One of the reasons that I've been gone so long is that I got REALLY sick. I ended up in the hospital for about four days right after my birthday. The final verdict was a bacterial infection. I lost about fifteen pounds and didn't feel right for almost two months in total. I'm still taking five pills a day for another couple of weeks. Hopefully I'll be totally back to normal by Christmas.
Still recovering from the whole Maxine thing. I recently sent her an e-mail, which was our first real communication in six months. She wrote me back today and told me, among other things, she now has a boyfriend. I'm not as freaked out as I thought I would be. Then again, I don't have all the information yet. So I reserve the right to express my angst later.
Speaking of getting over exes, I met a girl here in the Hamlet that I like. I know that she likes me. I don't know if it's continuing past this weekend, when I leave. That's frustrating.
On the whole, however, I have to say that I'm fairly happy with my life. And that's a good thing.
I have to get up in six hours, so I will close for now. I'm cautiously optimistic that I'll be back here soon.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
limping along
I'm treading water these days, waiting to leave for my next job.
Oh, did I not mention my next job? Hmmm...maybe that's because I've been the WORST BLOGGER EVER. What are you gonna do?
I'm heading back to Sleepy Hamlet. I'm doing a few months out there, visiting schools and doing shows (I did this back in '04 and '05 as well). There was actually a chance that I was going to move back there full time (this is what I was alluding to in the post directly below this one), but I got the word earlier this week that that's not happening. C'est la vie.
Anyway, as a result, I don't have much to do, and I don't have much money to spend, so lately I've been spending my days in my apartment, watching old episodes of MAD MEN and surfing the internet. The highlight of my day is generally when my brother and I have our daily conversation about our flag football team (which got shellacked last weekend). Livin' the dream, folks.
Off to have a conference call.
Oh, did I not mention my next job? Hmmm...maybe that's because I've been the WORST BLOGGER EVER. What are you gonna do?
I'm heading back to Sleepy Hamlet. I'm doing a few months out there, visiting schools and doing shows (I did this back in '04 and '05 as well). There was actually a chance that I was going to move back there full time (this is what I was alluding to in the post directly below this one), but I got the word earlier this week that that's not happening. C'est la vie.
Anyway, as a result, I don't have much to do, and I don't have much money to spend, so lately I've been spending my days in my apartment, watching old episodes of MAD MEN and surfing the internet. The highlight of my day is generally when my brother and I have our daily conversation about our flag football team (which got shellacked last weekend). Livin' the dream, folks.
Off to have a conference call.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
well, hello there
Long time, no see.
Um...
To tell the truth, I've had a hard time deciding whether or not I wanted to continue writing in here. Anonymity is kind of stifling sometimes. Several times over the past two months I found myself nixing a potential blog entry because I was afraid of "blowing my cover". I mean, come on...half of the people who read this know who I am and where I'm at. Still, though...the last thing I need is for a director or actor to google my name and come up with some of the stories I've told.
Plus, in the aftermath of my breakup, I wanted to get away from a lot of things - and I think this blog was one of them. This place was one of my primary venting and problem solving spaces for that relationship, and sometimes I think that maybe this blog should go the way of that relationship.
However...
I have to admit that there's a life possibility out there for me that would give me a compelling reason to continue. So I'm kind of waiting to see how that plays out before I make any concrete decisions.
And I think a lot of my friends would argue that my life is infinitely more interesting when I'm dating...and these last couple of months have certainly borne that out. Seriously.
What do you think? Have you been jonesing for a fix of The Rover's latest set of issues?
Um...
To tell the truth, I've had a hard time deciding whether or not I wanted to continue writing in here. Anonymity is kind of stifling sometimes. Several times over the past two months I found myself nixing a potential blog entry because I was afraid of "blowing my cover". I mean, come on...half of the people who read this know who I am and where I'm at. Still, though...the last thing I need is for a director or actor to google my name and come up with some of the stories I've told.
Plus, in the aftermath of my breakup, I wanted to get away from a lot of things - and I think this blog was one of them. This place was one of my primary venting and problem solving spaces for that relationship, and sometimes I think that maybe this blog should go the way of that relationship.
However...
I have to admit that there's a life possibility out there for me that would give me a compelling reason to continue. So I'm kind of waiting to see how that plays out before I make any concrete decisions.
And I think a lot of my friends would argue that my life is infinitely more interesting when I'm dating...and these last couple of months have certainly borne that out. Seriously.
What do you think? Have you been jonesing for a fix of The Rover's latest set of issues?
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
let's try this again
OK, I'm back.
Wait, you didn't know I left again? Well, I did. I had computer issues (again, this time with the actual computer) that prevented me from getting online again - two days after I got internet access in my apartment. What's next, a plague of locusts?
Before we go any farther, however, I'd like to have a minute of silence for my laptop's dearly departed DVD player (three weeks ago) and hard drive (Thursday). They are survived by the rest of my laptop, my iPod, and (thankfully) my external hard drive.
Thank you.
I suppose that my return to blogging is just in time, because I'm about to depart for three different fun places. I head to the beach for a week on Saturday; then, after a week back in the city I go to Sleepy Hamlet for three weeks; and then, after a brief stopover at home, I'm headed to the Alma Mater for a week. It's a full life.
There's so much to report on - how I'm doing post-breakup, how many random dates I've been on since then, how I enjoy living in my own apartment - but I'm going to save them for a time when my body's not running on a salad and twenty ounces of Belgium beer. I PROMISE that updates will now come more frequently.*
* - as long as nothing else freaky happens
Wait, you didn't know I left again? Well, I did. I had computer issues (again, this time with the actual computer) that prevented me from getting online again - two days after I got internet access in my apartment. What's next, a plague of locusts?
Before we go any farther, however, I'd like to have a minute of silence for my laptop's dearly departed DVD player (three weeks ago) and hard drive (Thursday). They are survived by the rest of my laptop, my iPod, and (thankfully) my external hard drive.
Thank you.
I suppose that my return to blogging is just in time, because I'm about to depart for three different fun places. I head to the beach for a week on Saturday; then, after a week back in the city I go to Sleepy Hamlet for three weeks; and then, after a brief stopover at home, I'm headed to the Alma Mater for a week. It's a full life.
There's so much to report on - how I'm doing post-breakup, how many random dates I've been on since then, how I enjoy living in my own apartment - but I'm going to save them for a time when my body's not running on a salad and twenty ounces of Belgium beer. I PROMISE that updates will now come more frequently.*
* - as long as nothing else freaky happens
Thursday, July 02, 2009
i can't believe it
I'm back, baby.
Yeah.
Internet in the crib. So nice.
Uh-huh.
I had the day off from my crappy temp job, and I've spent most of it on the internets, refamiliarizing myself with the lay of the land. It's been pretty nice.
So...expect to see me a lot more. But for right now, please excuse me. I have to prepare for my date.
Yeah.
Internet in the crib. So nice.
Uh-huh.
I had the day off from my crappy temp job, and I've spent most of it on the internets, refamiliarizing myself with the lay of the land. It's been pretty nice.
So...expect to see me a lot more. But for right now, please excuse me. I have to prepare for my date.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday
...marks my triumphant return. I'm looking forward to rejoining the virtual world. It will be interesting to see if I have any readers left...
Monday, June 15, 2009
guess where I am?
A Starbucks.
That's right.
Time Warner Cable has failed me...again. Failed us all, really.
I have no idea when I'll be able to get back online again from home. It's one thing to go a week or two without internet access...but TWO MONTHS? It's ridiculous. I wish I had a better option. (I mean, there are other options, but they all come with super-high prices and/or data limits, which are non-starters for me.)
So...yeah. Hopefully, I'll be back soon.
(sigh)
That's right.
Time Warner Cable has failed me...again. Failed us all, really.
I have no idea when I'll be able to get back online again from home. It's one thing to go a week or two without internet access...but TWO MONTHS? It's ridiculous. I wish I had a better option. (I mean, there are other options, but they all come with super-high prices and/or data limits, which are non-starters for me.)
So...yeah. Hopefully, I'll be back soon.
(sigh)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
June 15
That's the date that my internet is supposed to be back up. You're actually pretty lucky that I'm not blogging every day right now - my days aren't very exciting. It's usually a variant of the following routine.
- wake up
- turn on NY1
- breakfast
- channel surfing (usually between ESPN, TLC, and MTV)
- gym
- home to shower/lunch
- coffee shop to internet
- home for dinner
- more TV (usually NBA hoops)
- sleep
Occasionally I'll hang out with a friend. But that's pretty much it.
I know, I know, it sounds sad. I'm actually feeling more motivation as of late. I'm hopeful that I'm getting back to my true self, post-breakup. And you'll hear all about it...as soon as Time Warner gets things going...
- wake up
- turn on NY1
- breakfast
- channel surfing (usually between ESPN, TLC, and MTV)
- gym
- home to shower/lunch
- coffee shop to internet
- home for dinner
- more TV (usually NBA hoops)
- sleep
Occasionally I'll hang out with a friend. But that's pretty much it.
I know, I know, it sounds sad. I'm actually feeling more motivation as of late. I'm hopeful that I'm getting back to my true self, post-breakup. And you'll hear all about it...as soon as Time Warner gets things going...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
i graduated from college ten years ago today
Wow, do I feel old.
Internet hoping coming in the next couple of weeks. Check back June 1.
Internet hoping coming in the next couple of weeks. Check back June 1.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
a hiatus-breaking comment
Because I have to tell someone:
You know what drives me crazy?
I go into a fine coffee establishment that advertises "free" wireless. Because, you know, you're supposed to pay for the internet by purchasing something, I do. A cup of coffee. A muffin. A cupcake. All of the above.
Then I find a seat. Pull out my laptop. Plug it in...and the f'n internet doesn't work.
Seriously?
You couldn't, like, put up a sign saying that it's down? Idiots.
I hate that.
You know what drives me crazy?
I go into a fine coffee establishment that advertises "free" wireless. Because, you know, you're supposed to pay for the internet by purchasing something, I do. A cup of coffee. A muffin. A cupcake. All of the above.
Then I find a seat. Pull out my laptop. Plug it in...and the f'n internet doesn't work.
Seriously?
You couldn't, like, put up a sign saying that it's down? Idiots.
I hate that.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
internet hiatus
Because I can't reliably get online, I'm going to hold off on posting for a while. I'm writing some things in my journal, and will get them up when I get internet in my new place. And that will happen whenever Time Warner decides to stop dickin' around.
Back soon, promise.
Back soon, promise.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
"each day gets better"
Yeah, right.
Sorry for the blatant pessimism...it just hasn't been the best of days. I'm having a "bad Maxine day", meaning that I miss her a lot and can't stop thinking about her and want to call her and say why can't we work this out? Even though I know we can't.
I'm also frustrated because I don't have a job, and my New York unemployment (which was supposed to start paying me today) is all messed up. I have no idea when I'm going to get any money, and even when I do it probably won't be enough to live on. I'll be lucky if I can cover all of my bills.
And I still don't have internet at home.
I just want to fast forward to the end of May and see where I'm at. I feel like things will be better for me in a month. I'm just tired of being unhappy/frustrated/sad. I'd like an attitude transplant, please.
Sorry for the blatant pessimism...it just hasn't been the best of days. I'm having a "bad Maxine day", meaning that I miss her a lot and can't stop thinking about her and want to call her and say why can't we work this out? Even though I know we can't.
I'm also frustrated because I don't have a job, and my New York unemployment (which was supposed to start paying me today) is all messed up. I have no idea when I'm going to get any money, and even when I do it probably won't be enough to live on. I'll be lucky if I can cover all of my bills.
And I still don't have internet at home.
I just want to fast forward to the end of May and see where I'm at. I feel like things will be better for me in a month. I'm just tired of being unhappy/frustrated/sad. I'd like an attitude transplant, please.
Monday, April 20, 2009
really really over
We got together last night, ostensibly so that I could pick up my stuff from her place, but mostly so that we could have some closure. It was a good conversation, for the most part. We're pretty much on the same page, I think. Well, mostly.
It was almost fun for the first couple of hours, but the last ten minutes or so, when I was trying to leave - so painful. Lots of crying, hugging, etc. It was easily one of the worst moments of my life. I bawled like a baby.
Today, however, I feel much better than I expected to. Lighter, freer, sort of. The burden that I've been carrying around for the past three months is gone. I'm still very sad, and I know that will come in increasingly diminishing waves over the next few months, but the sun came up this morning, and I'm still alive. So that's a positive thing.
Now, if I could just get online from my apartment...
It was almost fun for the first couple of hours, but the last ten minutes or so, when I was trying to leave - so painful. Lots of crying, hugging, etc. It was easily one of the worst moments of my life. I bawled like a baby.
Today, however, I feel much better than I expected to. Lighter, freer, sort of. The burden that I've been carrying around for the past three months is gone. I'm still very sad, and I know that will come in increasingly diminishing waves over the next few months, but the sun came up this morning, and I'm still alive. So that's a positive thing.
Now, if I could just get online from my apartment...
Friday, April 17, 2009
the deed is done
I broke up with her last night. I don't have the energy to give a full blow-by-blow; besides, we're meeting on Saturday. I was just going to go over and pick up my stuff when she was gone, but she said that she "didn't want to end things like this", so there will be one more conversation. I've been crying a lot, but I think I've gone twelve hours now, so that's a positive sign.
I'm really, really sad.
I don't have internet at my place, so I will be even more scarce than usual for a couple of weeks. Looking forward to unburdening my soul soon.
I'm really, really sad.
I don't have internet at my place, so I will be even more scarce than usual for a couple of weeks. Looking forward to unburdening my soul soon.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
today's melancholy
I'm fairly sad today.
Today is my last day doing this show. This group has been together for six months; some of us did this play three years ago in Steak City.
Doing a play on the road is a funny thing. You are thrown together with a group of strangers, and somehow, over the course of a few weeks, you become family. It's always a little bit sad knowing that you'll probably never have the group together in a similar situation again. Sometimes the bond lasts; more often than not, you may exchange an e-mail or two, or chat at an audition, but that's the extent of the future interaction.
That's part of what made this production special - we got the family back together again!
I've been thinking back to the dinner break after our first rehearsal in Bluff City. The six of us who had done the play before went to a little restaurant, crammed into a tiny booth, and picked up exactly where we had left off. It was almost like no time had passed at all. It's rare to have that kind of a bond with your castmates.
Unfortunately, when something like this ends, you really know that it's not ever happening again. And spending six months with the same people...well, real relationships form. I'm as close to two of the people in this cast as any of my friends in my life. (Thankfully, one of them lives in New York.)
I feel so lucky to have spent this time working on this show with these people. And I am excited about what's next for me (more on that next week). But right now, moments before our final show begins, I'm mourning the end of this experience.
Today is my last day doing this show. This group has been together for six months; some of us did this play three years ago in Steak City.
Doing a play on the road is a funny thing. You are thrown together with a group of strangers, and somehow, over the course of a few weeks, you become family. It's always a little bit sad knowing that you'll probably never have the group together in a similar situation again. Sometimes the bond lasts; more often than not, you may exchange an e-mail or two, or chat at an audition, but that's the extent of the future interaction.
That's part of what made this production special - we got the family back together again!
I've been thinking back to the dinner break after our first rehearsal in Bluff City. The six of us who had done the play before went to a little restaurant, crammed into a tiny booth, and picked up exactly where we had left off. It was almost like no time had passed at all. It's rare to have that kind of a bond with your castmates.
Unfortunately, when something like this ends, you really know that it's not ever happening again. And spending six months with the same people...well, real relationships form. I'm as close to two of the people in this cast as any of my friends in my life. (Thankfully, one of them lives in New York.)
I feel so lucky to have spent this time working on this show with these people. And I am excited about what's next for me (more on that next week). But right now, moments before our final show begins, I'm mourning the end of this experience.
Monday, April 06, 2009
update
Brief conversation with Maxine last week on the topic of our relationship - it lasted maybe ten minutes. Her perspective hasn't changed, and she still doesn't really seem to want to talk about things. The only reason why things were brought up is because she gets upset when I talk about taking off to random cities for jobs without talking to her about it. "It feels like you're just making these decisions unilaterally, without taking me into account."
"Well, if I'm not sure what the status of our relationship is, I kind of need to look out for myself, don't I?"
We agreed to talk when I get back; I think that will probably be the end of things.
So that I don't leave you all with strictly negative news, it looks as though I may have some interesting job options in the near future. I have to put together a couple of auditions, which could lead to some interesting storytelling (when I get over this hump and start writing regularly again). More on this as it develops.
"Well, if I'm not sure what the status of our relationship is, I kind of need to look out for myself, don't I?"
We agreed to talk when I get back; I think that will probably be the end of things.
So that I don't leave you all with strictly negative news, it looks as though I may have some interesting job options in the near future. I have to put together a couple of auditions, which could lead to some interesting storytelling (when I get over this hump and start writing regularly again). More on this as it develops.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
the verge
I'm having serious problems with Maxine, and I (we) are thinking of calling it quits.
I've been planning to write this blog entry, in one form or another, for the past two months. I managed to put it off for several reasons: I was moving, I was sick, I didn't quite know what to say, I didn't know what I truly felt or wanted, I was moving again, I was working, etc. So many excuses.
One of the main reasons why I didn't want to go into detail about this is because I feel like more and more of the people who read this actually know Maxine, and I don't want things that I write here to affect how they may feel about her. This is silly, of course, especially because many of these same people have been along on this seven-and-a-half year long ride, and have witnessed the ups and downs in greater detail than what has been written about here. Is there really a difference if I complain orally or verbally?
So (deep breath) here I go.
**************
The problems (this new set, anyway) started a while ago - we can probably trace it to this incident. There have been some "physical issues" dating back to the summer. I also remember feeling strangely upset and estranged from her in October when she left the country for three weeks. But the things that really got the ball rolling were:
1. Early December - she off-handedly mentions that she views me as more of a "companion". It bothers me, but I say nothing and forget about it.
2. Christmas Eve - I invite one of my best friends (who Maxine is estranged from) to spend Christmas with my family because she has no where else to go. Maxine flips out. We barely speak for three days, and then have a blowout on the phone.
3. Mid-January - we have a phone conversation about said "physical issues", and she mentions that she "does not love me in the same way"; she "is scared of being alone", and, once again, she views me as more of a "companion". She then leaves for a five day vacation.
It's here that what she says really hits me. I go into a deep funk for three days.
4. Late January - I have a conversation with my mother, who tells me that she thinks Maxine and I may be better off as friends. I contemplate breaking things off over the phone. I have a long conversation with my brother, who urges me to wait until I get back to New York. I decide to wait.
5. Lots of girls hit on me.
6. Late February - I come back home to New York. Maxine gets mad at me for seeing the same estranged friend from Christmas and mentions that she never got over it from then. We have a blowout, where we establish that we don't like a lot of the same things, and that I don't want to be in a relationship where my partner isn't passionate about me. I'm pretty sure we're done.
7. Early March - We have another prolonged discussion, where I tell her that I think she just sees me as a good friend to kiss and cuddle with occasionally, but that's it. She agrees. I'm almost certain we're done.
8. Mid-March - The night before I leave for the Icebox, we stay up late watching The Wire and fail to talk about the situation before I leave. Once I get to the Icebox, we have awkward short phone conversations.
9. Late March - Maxine comes to visit. Things are pleasant - fun, even, for the most part. The night before she leaves, we stay out late with old friends of hers. We get three hours of sleep. Again, we don't talk about the situation.
And...you're caught up.
************
It's proved very hard to talk to her about this. I have a feeling that she really doesn't want to deal with this, and she's shown a willingness to "settle" in a relationship, which is a quality I don't have. Looking long term, it seems pretty clear that this isn't going to work - a fact that has been nothing short of devastating for me these past two months. Short term, however...well, things are pretty good.
And, honestly, I'm really reluctant to move on from this because I'm so intertwined with her. I love her very much. We have seven and a half years of history together. It's very hard for me to picture my life without her. But, as much as I want to be with her, I also want to be in a fantastic relationship. And I see so many of my friends who are really and truly happy with their significant others...and I can't lie to myself. I don't have that anymore. I did once, but for whatever reason I can't get back there.
I've worried myself sick about this for two months, and I just don't know what to do. Or, more accurately, I know what I should do, but I can't bring myself to do it.
I've been planning to write this blog entry, in one form or another, for the past two months. I managed to put it off for several reasons: I was moving, I was sick, I didn't quite know what to say, I didn't know what I truly felt or wanted, I was moving again, I was working, etc. So many excuses.
One of the main reasons why I didn't want to go into detail about this is because I feel like more and more of the people who read this actually know Maxine, and I don't want things that I write here to affect how they may feel about her. This is silly, of course, especially because many of these same people have been along on this seven-and-a-half year long ride, and have witnessed the ups and downs in greater detail than what has been written about here. Is there really a difference if I complain orally or verbally?
So (deep breath) here I go.
**************
The problems (this new set, anyway) started a while ago - we can probably trace it to this incident. There have been some "physical issues" dating back to the summer. I also remember feeling strangely upset and estranged from her in October when she left the country for three weeks. But the things that really got the ball rolling were:
1. Early December - she off-handedly mentions that she views me as more of a "companion". It bothers me, but I say nothing and forget about it.
2. Christmas Eve - I invite one of my best friends (who Maxine is estranged from) to spend Christmas with my family because she has no where else to go. Maxine flips out. We barely speak for three days, and then have a blowout on the phone.
3. Mid-January - we have a phone conversation about said "physical issues", and she mentions that she "does not love me in the same way"; she "is scared of being alone", and, once again, she views me as more of a "companion". She then leaves for a five day vacation.
It's here that what she says really hits me. I go into a deep funk for three days.
4. Late January - I have a conversation with my mother, who tells me that she thinks Maxine and I may be better off as friends. I contemplate breaking things off over the phone. I have a long conversation with my brother, who urges me to wait until I get back to New York. I decide to wait.
5. Lots of girls hit on me.
6. Late February - I come back home to New York. Maxine gets mad at me for seeing the same estranged friend from Christmas and mentions that she never got over it from then. We have a blowout, where we establish that we don't like a lot of the same things, and that I don't want to be in a relationship where my partner isn't passionate about me. I'm pretty sure we're done.
7. Early March - We have another prolonged discussion, where I tell her that I think she just sees me as a good friend to kiss and cuddle with occasionally, but that's it. She agrees. I'm almost certain we're done.
8. Mid-March - The night before I leave for the Icebox, we stay up late watching The Wire and fail to talk about the situation before I leave. Once I get to the Icebox, we have awkward short phone conversations.
9. Late March - Maxine comes to visit. Things are pleasant - fun, even, for the most part. The night before she leaves, we stay out late with old friends of hers. We get three hours of sleep. Again, we don't talk about the situation.
And...you're caught up.
************
It's proved very hard to talk to her about this. I have a feeling that she really doesn't want to deal with this, and she's shown a willingness to "settle" in a relationship, which is a quality I don't have. Looking long term, it seems pretty clear that this isn't going to work - a fact that has been nothing short of devastating for me these past two months. Short term, however...well, things are pretty good.
And, honestly, I'm really reluctant to move on from this because I'm so intertwined with her. I love her very much. We have seven and a half years of history together. It's very hard for me to picture my life without her. But, as much as I want to be with her, I also want to be in a fantastic relationship. And I see so many of my friends who are really and truly happy with their significant others...and I can't lie to myself. I don't have that anymore. I did once, but for whatever reason I can't get back there.
I've worried myself sick about this for two months, and I just don't know what to do. Or, more accurately, I know what I should do, but I can't bring myself to do it.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
the madness has begun!
I love the NCAA Tournament. Especially when I'm working on a show. That usually allows me plenty of time to sit on the couch and watch games.
My Final Four this year is Louisville, Memphis, Pitt, and (unfortunately) Carolina. I've got Pitt beating Lousiville in the championship game...
My Final Four this year is Louisville, Memphis, Pitt, and (unfortunately) Carolina. I've got Pitt beating Lousiville in the championship game...
Monday, March 16, 2009
a visitor
Finally warming up here in the Icebox. And I'm discovering that it's a pretty cool city. For one thing, things actually stay open here past midnight. If I'm hungry at 1:30 in the morning, I actually have several options. Amazing!
It's also a pretty great town for theater; the audiences are knowledgeable and also fairly young. The response to the show has been good, too (it's been good everywhere we go, though, so that's nothing new).
Maxine is coming to visit on Saturday for a few days. I'm a bit nervous because I've got four shows over the weekend, so I'm not quite sure what to do with her. She'll come see one of the matinees, and maybe a couple of shows that are also in the same complex, but still...that's a lot of downtime.
I'm also nervous because things have been pretty crappy between us lately. That's been one of the major reasons I haven't been posting the last couple of months; I didn't know what to say about it, and it's been the major thing consuming space in my brain. I'm working on writing something about it, but that enables me knowing exactly how I feel and what I want, which is part of the problem.
For now, I'm just going to go to Trader Joe's. That will solve one problem in my life - the lack of food in my fridge...
It's also a pretty great town for theater; the audiences are knowledgeable and also fairly young. The response to the show has been good, too (it's been good everywhere we go, though, so that's nothing new).
Maxine is coming to visit on Saturday for a few days. I'm a bit nervous because I've got four shows over the weekend, so I'm not quite sure what to do with her. She'll come see one of the matinees, and maybe a couple of shows that are also in the same complex, but still...that's a lot of downtime.
I'm also nervous because things have been pretty crappy between us lately. That's been one of the major reasons I haven't been posting the last couple of months; I didn't know what to say about it, and it's been the major thing consuming space in my brain. I'm working on writing something about it, but that enables me knowing exactly how I feel and what I want, which is part of the problem.
For now, I'm just going to go to Trader Joe's. That will solve one problem in my life - the lack of food in my fridge...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
the return
I'm back.
Battered and bruised and exhausted, but I'm here. Yay.
In the last city of my tour; we'll call it IceBox because it's frickin' freezing up here. Like, Arctic. Hopefully I'll have some hot gossip to spit at you.
The trip home was grueling. Maxine and I...well, that deserves its' own post. The apartment shit dragged on and on...but I finally moved in last Friday. Very exciting times.
Need to make dinner before tonight's show, but I just wanted to check in and let everybody know I'm still alive and in one piece. More details to come.
Battered and bruised and exhausted, but I'm here. Yay.
In the last city of my tour; we'll call it IceBox because it's frickin' freezing up here. Like, Arctic. Hopefully I'll have some hot gossip to spit at you.
The trip home was grueling. Maxine and I...well, that deserves its' own post. The apartment shit dragged on and on...but I finally moved in last Friday. Very exciting times.
Need to make dinner before tonight's show, but I just wanted to check in and let everybody know I'm still alive and in one piece. More details to come.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
home sweet homeless
Sorry, folks. There's been a lot going on in my life, but I don't really comfortable blogging about much of it in detail. And since the heavy stuff is what's on my mind, I'm better off not writing anything at all.
Yesterday, however, was an all-time terrible day. Consider the following sequence of events, in chronological order:
- woke up and had a "relationship discussion" with the girlfriend; let's just say things are in a precarious position right now
- found out that I would not be moving into my apartment this week, as I had anticipated, because the federal agency that has been screwing me the past six months wanted one mo' gin
- discovered that I had given away the door key to my old apartment, meaning that I had to wait outside to be let in
- discovered that I had not received all my W-2s/1099s, which was bad news, because I needed to take them to my agency-screwing on Thursday morning, meaning I had to make an extra trip
The day did get better; my friend took me to a basketball game. That was pretty cool. Still, there were several points yesterday when I wanted to climb back in bed and start all over.
Back soon, hopefully with better news.
Yesterday, however, was an all-time terrible day. Consider the following sequence of events, in chronological order:
- woke up and had a "relationship discussion" with the girlfriend; let's just say things are in a precarious position right now
- found out that I would not be moving into my apartment this week, as I had anticipated, because the federal agency that has been screwing me the past six months wanted one mo' gin
- discovered that I had given away the door key to my old apartment, meaning that I had to wait outside to be let in
- discovered that I had not received all my W-2s/1099s, which was bad news, because I needed to take them to my agency-screwing on Thursday morning, meaning I had to make an extra trip
The day did get better; my friend took me to a basketball game. That was pretty cool. Still, there were several points yesterday when I wanted to climb back in bed and start all over.
Back soon, hopefully with better news.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
the best laid plans...
Remember my earlier blogging plans for 2009? Yeah, that's going real well.
In other news, we are now entering the fifth year of this blog's existence. I don't know that I had any grand plans for this when I started (and I really don't think I'm having that much of an impact) but I'm kind of amazed that this has lasted so long. Life takes funny twists and turns.
I've got a really hellacious stretch (three doubles in four days) coming up here, but I should have some interesting stories to tell - and I'll be back in NYC in ten days...
In other news, we are now entering the fifth year of this blog's existence. I don't know that I had any grand plans for this when I started (and I really don't think I'm having that much of an impact) but I'm kind of amazed that this has lasted so long. Life takes funny twists and turns.
I've got a really hellacious stretch (three doubles in four days) coming up here, but I should have some interesting stories to tell - and I'll be back in NYC in ten days...
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
i love this cover
It's not often that a magazine cover makes me laugh out loud. This one did.
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterli.
Replies.Friday, February 06, 2009
25 randoms 'bout me
This meme has been making its way around Facebook lately, and I thought it'd be perfect for F&G. Enjoy!
I've gotten tagged by, like, six people for this - figured it was time to do it. If you don't want to respond in kind, no worries.
Let's go.
1. The reason why I have the time to write this now is because I'm stuck in the house with a sinus infection. I usually get them at least once a year. Have you ever had a sinus infection? It feels like someone is twisting a vice inside my face. They are not fun.
2. I tend to have more female friends than male friends (including almost all of my exes; if I cared enough to date them, why wouldn't I want to remain close with them?). No idea why that is. I also tend to have random and contrasting groups of friends, some of whom do not get along. It would be interesting to get everyone in a room together and see what happens.
3. I have an irrational disgust for rock salt - you know, the stuff that they put on the roads during snowstorms? It makes my skin crawl.
4. Apparently I could read at age two. My mom thought that I had just memorized the stories, but then she would ask me what a particular word was, and I would get it right. At four I was reading the sports section, mostly for the box scores. "Jose DeJesus" (a former Phillies shortstop) was a name that gave me fits.
5. No one talks better Steelers football with me than my father. When the schedule came out in the beginning of the year (remember, it was one of the hardest schedules for any NFL team since the merger in 1970), I said to my dad, "If this team wins twelve games, they're going to the Super Bowl." And not to toot my own horn, but I also said to him in December '05 that I thought they could "win the whole thing". They did. TOOT.
6. I quit playing baseball my junior year of high school so that I could continue doing the musical. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I had kept baseball as the priority. There are days where I'm still surprised I made that choice.
7. If I wasn't allowed to act anymore, and could do anything else on the planet, I would love to be a football historian. I love learning about anything in general, but I'm fascinated by the history of football: how it started, what marketing decisions they made, how teams were built, etc. I can't get enough.
8. I love my job, but I'm not sure that I'll still be acting in twenty years. I definitely won't be doing regional theater away from my own bed 26 weeks a year.
9. I rarely cry, but when I do, I'm usually only able to get out about eight tears. My body and breath may still be weeping, but my tear ducts just shut off.
10. I wish I was better at keeping in touch with my friends. There are so many people I want to hang out with and keep up with, and they're all spread around the country, and there aren't enough hours in the day to call and/or e-mail as much as I'd like. I actually try not to think about it too much, because it gets frustrating.
11. I'm VERY sentimental for the days of yore. I frequently wish I could go back in time to my days in Sleepy Hamlet. Or at grad school. Or undergrad. That's probably why I love Facebook so much, because I can keep in touch with all of those people.
12. When I was on our 7th grade class trip (nicknamed Cryfest '90), a friend and I (he shall remain nameless, but he is tagged on this note) came up with an ingenious rating system for foxy females - you could be pretzels, dough, or beernuts. The best rating you could get was a "crunchy salty pretzel". I'm pretty sure that (a) this ranking system was inspired by seeing a girl that I had a crush on in a swimsuit for the first time, and (b) being in Canada for the first time made me dumber.
13. By the way, I had a crush on (and occasional relationship with) that same girl for ten years. And I'm pretty sure that I was the one who eventually blew it.
14. This sinus infection is totally taking away my appetite. But if I could have any meal in the world right now, I would have:
- fried catfish
- fried chicken (by my mother)
- collard greens
- yams or sweet potatoes (again by my mother, whatever she felt like making)
- rolls (by my grandmother)
- sun brewed sweet tea (again, by mom)
15. You know the voice that I do for my mother? I never get tired of telling that story (much to her chagrin), but it drives me crazy when I hear other people who have never met her try to do the voice. She's MY mother, not yours.
(This is also the time where I admit that I sometimes sound like that, too. Ask my current castmates.)
16. When I was a kid, I used to wonder why my parents didn't listen to any popular music. Instead, they would put on records of their favorites -usually War, or Stevie Wonder. I liked their music, but I always thought, "They should be listening to all the new stuff instead of their old stuff. No way that will EVER happen to me." Well, I'm still up on popular music - but I totally get why they felt they way they do.
17. Speaking of which, if you came of age listening to hip-hop in the mid-90s, two films you have to see are NOTORIOUS and THE WACKNESS. It will make you long for a hi-top fade. Or a red and black lumberjack. With a hat to match.
18. One of the most annoying things about growing up black in an all white suburb was the stream of kids who constantly wanted to play with my hair. They would touch it. They would stick things in it. They would put handprints in it. They weren't trying to be mean, but it didn't feel good just the same.
19. Some people view me as a success. I don't. Not yet.
20. I still see streaks of light in my eye from that sucker punch ten months ago. I think I probably will for the rest of my life. Surprisingly, I don't think about that night all that often. But sitting with my back to the door of a bar/restaurant brings it back in a flash. I still haven't been back to that bar, but I really want to have a night where I invite all of my friends there and we take it over. Now, if I could just be in the city long enough to make that happen...
21. <-- This is my favorite number.
22. I have a lot of debt; some "good", some "bad". I'm not ashamed of it. I just want to get rid of it.
23. I feel like I'm the only one of my friends that doesn't have kids. Seriously, almost all of my best friends my age have them already. Most days I'm totally ok with that, but I will say that, in the distance, I can faintly make out the sounds of a clock ticking...
24. I love Brooklyn (and NYC in general) to death; it's my home. But I'm virtually certain that I don't want to spend the rest of my life there. I do need to live in some type of urban area, though. As long as I'm around some kind of city with a major professional sports franchise, I'll manage.
25. I see myself as a storyteller by trade. Some days I want to leave all of this behind, move into a cozy loft in a bustling metropolis somewhere, and become a writer. I could write about sports, or just tell crazy stories about life on the road, or strange things that have happened to me. I mean, I tell these stories orally all the time; why not write them down and share them? To me, it's a natural extension of what I do onstage.
Thanks for playing.
I've gotten tagged by, like, six people for this - figured it was time to do it. If you don't want to respond in kind, no worries.
Let's go.
1. The reason why I have the time to write this now is because I'm stuck in the house with a sinus infection. I usually get them at least once a year. Have you ever had a sinus infection? It feels like someone is twisting a vice inside my face. They are not fun.
2. I tend to have more female friends than male friends (including almost all of my exes; if I cared enough to date them, why wouldn't I want to remain close with them?). No idea why that is. I also tend to have random and contrasting groups of friends, some of whom do not get along. It would be interesting to get everyone in a room together and see what happens.
3. I have an irrational disgust for rock salt - you know, the stuff that they put on the roads during snowstorms? It makes my skin crawl.
4. Apparently I could read at age two. My mom thought that I had just memorized the stories, but then she would ask me what a particular word was, and I would get it right. At four I was reading the sports section, mostly for the box scores. "Jose DeJesus" (a former Phillies shortstop) was a name that gave me fits.
5. No one talks better Steelers football with me than my father. When the schedule came out in the beginning of the year (remember, it was one of the hardest schedules for any NFL team since the merger in 1970), I said to my dad, "If this team wins twelve games, they're going to the Super Bowl." And not to toot my own horn, but I also said to him in December '05 that I thought they could "win the whole thing". They did. TOOT.
6. I quit playing baseball my junior year of high school so that I could continue doing the musical. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I had kept baseball as the priority. There are days where I'm still surprised I made that choice.
7. If I wasn't allowed to act anymore, and could do anything else on the planet, I would love to be a football historian. I love learning about anything in general, but I'm fascinated by the history of football: how it started, what marketing decisions they made, how teams were built, etc. I can't get enough.
8. I love my job, but I'm not sure that I'll still be acting in twenty years. I definitely won't be doing regional theater away from my own bed 26 weeks a year.
9. I rarely cry, but when I do, I'm usually only able to get out about eight tears. My body and breath may still be weeping, but my tear ducts just shut off.
10. I wish I was better at keeping in touch with my friends. There are so many people I want to hang out with and keep up with, and they're all spread around the country, and there aren't enough hours in the day to call and/or e-mail as much as I'd like. I actually try not to think about it too much, because it gets frustrating.
11. I'm VERY sentimental for the days of yore. I frequently wish I could go back in time to my days in Sleepy Hamlet. Or at grad school. Or undergrad. That's probably why I love Facebook so much, because I can keep in touch with all of those people.
12. When I was on our 7th grade class trip (nicknamed Cryfest '90), a friend and I (he shall remain nameless, but he is tagged on this note) came up with an ingenious rating system for foxy females - you could be pretzels, dough, or beernuts. The best rating you could get was a "crunchy salty pretzel". I'm pretty sure that (a) this ranking system was inspired by seeing a girl that I had a crush on in a swimsuit for the first time, and (b) being in Canada for the first time made me dumber.
13. By the way, I had a crush on (and occasional relationship with) that same girl for ten years. And I'm pretty sure that I was the one who eventually blew it.
14. This sinus infection is totally taking away my appetite. But if I could have any meal in the world right now, I would have:
- fried catfish
- fried chicken (by my mother)
- collard greens
- yams or sweet potatoes (again by my mother, whatever she felt like making)
- rolls (by my grandmother)
- sun brewed sweet tea (again, by mom)
15. You know the voice that I do for my mother? I never get tired of telling that story (much to her chagrin), but it drives me crazy when I hear other people who have never met her try to do the voice. She's MY mother, not yours.
(This is also the time where I admit that I sometimes sound like that, too. Ask my current castmates.)
16. When I was a kid, I used to wonder why my parents didn't listen to any popular music. Instead, they would put on records of their favorites -usually War, or Stevie Wonder. I liked their music, but I always thought, "They should be listening to all the new stuff instead of their old stuff. No way that will EVER happen to me." Well, I'm still up on popular music - but I totally get why they felt they way they do.
17. Speaking of which, if you came of age listening to hip-hop in the mid-90s, two films you have to see are NOTORIOUS and THE WACKNESS. It will make you long for a hi-top fade. Or a red and black lumberjack. With a hat to match.
18. One of the most annoying things about growing up black in an all white suburb was the stream of kids who constantly wanted to play with my hair. They would touch it. They would stick things in it. They would put handprints in it. They weren't trying to be mean, but it didn't feel good just the same.
19. Some people view me as a success. I don't. Not yet.
20. I still see streaks of light in my eye from that sucker punch ten months ago. I think I probably will for the rest of my life. Surprisingly, I don't think about that night all that often. But sitting with my back to the door of a bar/restaurant brings it back in a flash. I still haven't been back to that bar, but I really want to have a night where I invite all of my friends there and we take it over. Now, if I could just be in the city long enough to make that happen...
21. <-- This is my favorite number.
22. I have a lot of debt; some "good", some "bad". I'm not ashamed of it. I just want to get rid of it.
23. I feel like I'm the only one of my friends that doesn't have kids. Seriously, almost all of my best friends my age have them already. Most days I'm totally ok with that, but I will say that, in the distance, I can faintly make out the sounds of a clock ticking...
24. I love Brooklyn (and NYC in general) to death; it's my home. But I'm virtually certain that I don't want to spend the rest of my life there. I do need to live in some type of urban area, though. As long as I'm around some kind of city with a major professional sports franchise, I'll manage.
25. I see myself as a storyteller by trade. Some days I want to leave all of this behind, move into a cozy loft in a bustling metropolis somewhere, and become a writer. I could write about sports, or just tell crazy stories about life on the road, or strange things that have happened to me. I mean, I tell these stories orally all the time; why not write them down and share them? To me, it's a natural extension of what I do onstage.
Thanks for playing.
i am estatic, by the way...
...over the Steelers' victory in Super Bowl XLIII. I've just been busy packing and unpacking and being sick to write anything about it. Thanks for all of the kind words and thoughts.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
football!
Sorry I've been absent the past couple of weeks. I've been going through some stuff in my head, things that I don't feel comfortable sharing with the world yet. And it was kind of hard to come on here and chat about random stuff. Everything's fine, no need for alarm.
Anyway, I'm here today to write about something much more important:
Super Bowl XLIII.
My Steelers are playing against the Arizona Cardinals, and I am very excited/nervous/anxious. I've been making my calls to my friends and family across the country, with everyone weighing in on the game. I'm having a couple castmembers over, on the condition that I can actually hear the announcers. If it gets too loud, they have to quiet down - or leave.
Kickoff is in two and a half hours. Must find something to occupy my time until then...
Anyway, I'm here today to write about something much more important:
Super Bowl XLIII.
My Steelers are playing against the Arizona Cardinals, and I am very excited/nervous/anxious. I've been making my calls to my friends and family across the country, with everyone weighing in on the game. I'm having a couple castmembers over, on the condition that I can actually hear the announcers. If it gets too loud, they have to quiet down - or leave.
Kickoff is in two and a half hours. Must find something to occupy my time until then...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
we have a new president
And I am SO excited.
I got to watch the swearing-in and most of PRESIDENT OBAMA's (I just love writing that) speech before heading off to a student matinee yesterday. I wasn't as overly emotional as I was on election night; I just felt really, really happy. I smiled a lot. It was really nice.
I'm not naive enough to think that the honeymoon will last all that long, but it's just so nice to have so many people inspired by their government. I'm going to enjoy it while I can.
I got to watch the swearing-in and most of PRESIDENT OBAMA's (I just love writing that) speech before heading off to a student matinee yesterday. I wasn't as overly emotional as I was on election night; I just felt really, really happy. I smiled a lot. It was really nice.
I'm not naive enough to think that the honeymoon will last all that long, but it's just so nice to have so many people inspired by their government. I'm going to enjoy it while I can.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
popular
Old Village is like most cities in this country; if you want to go dance to some good music, you have to hit up a gay club. After the show last night, four of my castmates (two guys, who we'll call The Mayor and AC, and two ladies; all of us are black) and I went to get our groove on.
The crowd was more gay than straight, but there seemed to be a large number of straight ladies there. We walked towards the back of the bar, passing the restroom, along with a young lady who gazed hungrily at us as if we were dessert. AC and I sidle up to the bar. I'm standing there for maybe fifteen seconds when a young lady kind of brushes past me and stands leaning on the bar directly next to me. She pulls out her cell, glances at it, then checks me out. "Hi."
"Hey, how's it going?" I'm trying to be good, you know, since I'm so far away from my girlfriend right now, etc., so I try to ignore the fact that she's giving me every signal in the book. I look away. She goes back to the cell phone.
AC, who is one of the friendliest and most gorgeous men I have ever met, then greets her. She kind of steps over to the side and has a brief conversation with him, all the while leaning over my back. At some point, AC introduces me. We do a variant on the usual song-and-dance:
GIRL: So, what are you doing here?
ME: We're actors. We're doing a play in town.
GIRL: Oh my gosh! You're an actor? That's SO cool! I love plays! Can I come see it?
ME: Sure. We may be able to help you out with tickets if you want.
GIRL: I would love to come see it. I have to say that I think you guys are really cute...
She gives me her number. I've been in the club for five minutes. AC said he got two phone numbers from two different people in sixty seconds. As I was leaving the club, a girl was making eyes at me while she was hanging on to her boyfriend.
Now, I'm not going to pretend that I'm getting this attention because I'm insanely gorgeous. I mean, I clean up pretty well, but I'm not that special (unlike AC). We're getting this attention because there are not a lot of black people in Old Village, and in liberal-leaning towns like this, black men get a LOT of attention from women - mostly white women. I guess it's because we're different, or "exotic", or something. I'm not quite sure why this is, but it's been a constant in my travels.
All of which makes it extremely hard to be good. I've gone out three times since I've been in town and have been given four phone numbers.
But I'm trying, Maxine. I'm trying.
The crowd was more gay than straight, but there seemed to be a large number of straight ladies there. We walked towards the back of the bar, passing the restroom, along with a young lady who gazed hungrily at us as if we were dessert. AC and I sidle up to the bar. I'm standing there for maybe fifteen seconds when a young lady kind of brushes past me and stands leaning on the bar directly next to me. She pulls out her cell, glances at it, then checks me out. "Hi."
"Hey, how's it going?" I'm trying to be good, you know, since I'm so far away from my girlfriend right now, etc., so I try to ignore the fact that she's giving me every signal in the book. I look away. She goes back to the cell phone.
AC, who is one of the friendliest and most gorgeous men I have ever met, then greets her. She kind of steps over to the side and has a brief conversation with him, all the while leaning over my back. At some point, AC introduces me. We do a variant on the usual song-and-dance:
GIRL: So, what are you doing here?
ME: We're actors. We're doing a play in town.
GIRL: Oh my gosh! You're an actor? That's SO cool! I love plays! Can I come see it?
ME: Sure. We may be able to help you out with tickets if you want.
GIRL: I would love to come see it. I have to say that I think you guys are really cute...
She gives me her number. I've been in the club for five minutes. AC said he got two phone numbers from two different people in sixty seconds. As I was leaving the club, a girl was making eyes at me while she was hanging on to her boyfriend.
Now, I'm not going to pretend that I'm getting this attention because I'm insanely gorgeous. I mean, I clean up pretty well, but I'm not that special (unlike AC). We're getting this attention because there are not a lot of black people in Old Village, and in liberal-leaning towns like this, black men get a LOT of attention from women - mostly white women. I guess it's because we're different, or "exotic", or something. I'm not quite sure why this is, but it's been a constant in my travels.
All of which makes it extremely hard to be good. I've gone out three times since I've been in town and have been given four phone numbers.
But I'm trying, Maxine. I'm trying.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
drinking woes
Finally kicked the illness. Went out for the first time in Old Village on Saturday night, which was very low-key. I drank cranberry juice. With a twist of lime.
For some reason, I decided to go out again last night. Again, I had a drink with a twist of lime. It was a Corona. The beer wasn't settling in my stomach too well, so I switched to vodka tonics. I'm not sure how many I had, but I'm pretty sure the number starts with a one.
Needless to say, I don't feel too great today.
And I'm also re-evaluating my relationship with alcohol. Three times in the past two and a half weeks I have ended up sick or violently hung over after drinking. I've blacked out twice in the same time period - and that's something that just doesn't happen. I'm still able to have one beer or one glass of wine with dinner and stop, but lately I don't seem to have the same control at the bar.
I'm concerned.
For some reason, I decided to go out again last night. Again, I had a drink with a twist of lime. It was a Corona. The beer wasn't settling in my stomach too well, so I switched to vodka tonics. I'm not sure how many I had, but I'm pretty sure the number starts with a one.
Needless to say, I don't feel too great today.
And I'm also re-evaluating my relationship with alcohol. Three times in the past two and a half weeks I have ended up sick or violently hung over after drinking. I've blacked out twice in the same time period - and that's something that just doesn't happen. I'm still able to have one beer or one glass of wine with dinner and stop, but lately I don't seem to have the same control at the bar.
I'm concerned.
Monday, January 05, 2009
really sick
I had intended to put up the first of what will hopefully be many powerful posts today, but a funny thing happened to me: I got sick.
Now, I usually get colds a couple of times a year, and my allergies will flare up on me in the spring, giving me red itchy eyes and a runny nose for days. I usually get a sinus infection every year, too, which is good for an uncomfortable few days, but I can usually get by with nothing more than Tylenol Sinus.
But this was different.
It was so bad that I really couldn't sleep. I could actually feel (going to get graphic here) the mucus swirling around inside my sinus cavity: tip my head one way and it would run down my throat; move it another way and it would rush out of my nose. I was coughing up phlegm with flecks of blood. My face felt like an elephant was stepping on it. I was in bad shape.
Fortunately, the theater company here in Old Village (where I am now; I finally gave the place a name) has an ER doc on call. He told me I had bronchitis, and was able to get me some antibiotics. I've been on those for 48 hours and I'm finally starting to feel ok. 75%, maybe? Thank God for drugs.
Anyway, now that I'm up and walking again, I'll hopefully be able to give you something of consequence soon.
Now, I usually get colds a couple of times a year, and my allergies will flare up on me in the spring, giving me red itchy eyes and a runny nose for days. I usually get a sinus infection every year, too, which is good for an uncomfortable few days, but I can usually get by with nothing more than Tylenol Sinus.
But this was different.
It was so bad that I really couldn't sleep. I could actually feel (going to get graphic here) the mucus swirling around inside my sinus cavity: tip my head one way and it would run down my throat; move it another way and it would rush out of my nose. I was coughing up phlegm with flecks of blood. My face felt like an elephant was stepping on it. I was in bad shape.
Fortunately, the theater company here in Old Village (where I am now; I finally gave the place a name) has an ER doc on call. He told me I had bronchitis, and was able to get me some antibiotics. I've been on those for 48 hours and I'm finally starting to feel ok. 75%, maybe? Thank God for drugs.
Anyway, now that I'm up and walking again, I'll hopefully be able to give you something of consequence soon.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
the goal for 2009
Last year, I decided to undertake a huge project: to blog every day for a year. I don't know what possessed me to do this. I know that I felt like I was a lousy blogger, and I wanted to try my hand at writing more.
I completed the journey yesterday, and there wasn't any real joy or sense of accomplishment, just relief that I didn't have to blog every damn day. It wasn't fun, you know? I felt like a lot of days I just cranked out crap, or decided to use a text message or e-mail rather than write down how I really felt. As December came to a close, I gave some serious thought to closing up shop all together. The whole last month was just a struggle. I would think of post ideas, but I'd just push them to the side. But writing meaningful "columns", for want of a better word, was the whole reason I wanted to do Blog 365 in the first place.
So, after careful consideration, I've decided to keep the blog going. I am planning on making a significant change, however. Instead of throwing something up here every single day, I am going to aim for one quality post a week; something of substance between 500-1000 words that I'll work on during the week and will go up every Monday. There may be weeks where I have more posts; there will probably be a couple of vacation weeks where I decide to write nothing at all. The important thing, however, is that I put things up here that are worth your time, and mine. I hope that you'll come along for the ride, and hopefully we can start up a back-and-forth in the comments again, like the old days.
One last thing. I left NYC this morning, to do a show in a new town with considerably better weather. (I haven't named it yet.) I'm staying in one of the nicest places I've ever lived in. It seems to be the perfect way to kick off a new year.
I think that, after the last 365 days, I deserve a bit of a break. I'm taking the rest of the weekend off. See you on Monday.
I completed the journey yesterday, and there wasn't any real joy or sense of accomplishment, just relief that I didn't have to blog every damn day. It wasn't fun, you know? I felt like a lot of days I just cranked out crap, or decided to use a text message or e-mail rather than write down how I really felt. As December came to a close, I gave some serious thought to closing up shop all together. The whole last month was just a struggle. I would think of post ideas, but I'd just push them to the side. But writing meaningful "columns", for want of a better word, was the whole reason I wanted to do Blog 365 in the first place.
So, after careful consideration, I've decided to keep the blog going. I am planning on making a significant change, however. Instead of throwing something up here every single day, I am going to aim for one quality post a week; something of substance between 500-1000 words that I'll work on during the week and will go up every Monday. There may be weeks where I have more posts; there will probably be a couple of vacation weeks where I decide to write nothing at all. The important thing, however, is that I put things up here that are worth your time, and mine. I hope that you'll come along for the ride, and hopefully we can start up a back-and-forth in the comments again, like the old days.
One last thing. I left NYC this morning, to do a show in a new town with considerably better weather. (I haven't named it yet.) I'm staying in one of the nicest places I've ever lived in. It seems to be the perfect way to kick off a new year.
I think that, after the last 365 days, I deserve a bit of a break. I'm taking the rest of the weekend off. See you on Monday.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
happy new year!
Having a delicious dinner at Melissa's house. Hope that everyone has a safe and healthy New Year.
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterli.
Replies.Tuesday, December 30, 2008
an explanation
If you scroll down the screen to December 20, you will notice a post entitled: in '09, i'm going to usher the following things into my life. An explanation is in order.
I have a friend who, every year, has a Solstice Party. There are several rituals involved in this party, but my favorite one is when people write down a list of things that they want to bring into their lives the following year. I guess it's sort of like a more abstract version of a New Year's resolution. You are not supposed to look at the list until the Solstice Party the following year, when you read the list and are mortified that you forgot all about learning to ice skate - or are pleasantly surprised that you did land an agent like you thought.
Anyway, I've been going to this party for years, and I always assumed that I had posted my goals for the year, but this is the first time that I've put them up on the blog. The list is here, and hopefully this will inspire you to make your own list. Enjoy.
I have a friend who, every year, has a Solstice Party. There are several rituals involved in this party, but my favorite one is when people write down a list of things that they want to bring into their lives the following year. I guess it's sort of like a more abstract version of a New Year's resolution. You are not supposed to look at the list until the Solstice Party the following year, when you read the list and are mortified that you forgot all about learning to ice skate - or are pleasantly surprised that you did land an agent like you thought.
Anyway, I've been going to this party for years, and I always assumed that I had posted my goals for the year, but this is the first time that I've put them up on the blog. The list is here, and hopefully this will inspire you to make your own list. Enjoy.
Monday, December 29, 2008
headshot madness
via e-mail, giving Trouble advice about her headshot outfits
I say stick with the magenta/fuschia/pinky red color.
I say stick with the magenta/fuschia/pinky red color.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
i really enjoyed this game
via text message with Snapple, who has a rooting interest in the Philadelphia Eagles
ME: The eagles are awesome.
SNAPPLE: what happened?
ME: They are BLOWING out the cowboys 44-3!
SNAPPLE: yay playoffs!
ME: Exactly. At minnesota next week.
ME: The eagles are awesome.
SNAPPLE: what happened?
ME: They are BLOWING out the cowboys 44-3!
SNAPPLE: yay playoffs!
ME: Exactly. At minnesota next week.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
i feel like warmed-over death
Just a suggestion - if you're going to have multiple drinks - like, say, more than five - you might want to try eating something before your beverage consumption. Otherwise you could end up feeling like me.
Ugh.
Ugh.
Friday, December 26, 2008
a new york meme
Name: The Rover
Job: Actor
Age: 31 (sigh)
Neighborhood: Big ups to Brooklyn!
Who's your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
This is a great question.
Unfortunately, I don't have an answer.
What's the best meal you've eaten in New York?
Generally, the last one. I did have a fantastic dinner with Maxine a couple of weeks ago at Blue Water Grill in Union Square, so I'll go with that.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
In between surfing the internet, texting friends, watching TV, talking on the phone, I tell stories - or look for new stories to tell.
Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
That would be a raise for me, so yes.
What's the last thing you saw on Broadway?
The Little Mermaid. I know someone in the show. It was pretty good, actually.
What's your drink?
It changes, depending on the time of year. In the summer, I prefer a hefeweizen. Winter demands Irish Whiskey or Scotch. If I'm "watching my figure", I'll go with the vodka tonic. And if I need dessert, I'm not above ordering a Kahula or an Amarula. But, generally speaking, I'm a beer guy.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
When my life isn't too chaotic, I'd say 90% of the time. When I'm in tech, or hopping from place to place, it's more like 40%. I prefer to cook for myself.
What's your favorite medication?
The prescription-strength Pepcid that keeps my acid reflux at bay.
What's hanging above your sofa?
Nothing. Which reminds me, do you want to buy my sofa? It's too big to fit into my studio...
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
$20. But I'm kinda cheap.
When's bedtime?
Ideally? 1 am. Usually? 2:30.
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
I guess new, but there really are no winners with this question.
Do you give money to panhandlers?
No. I subscribe to a bastardized version of the viewpoint discrimination theory: either I give to everybody, or nobody. I'm poor, so right now it's nobody.
What do you think of Donald Trump?
He uses too much gold in his buildings. Otherwise, I think he's hilarious.
What do you hate most about living in New York?
The price tag.
Who is your mortal enemy?
I don't know that I have one right now.
When's the last time you drove a car?
Yesterday.
Who should be the next president?
The guy we elected. YES WE CAN!
Times, Post, or Daily News?
Times. Not even close. Although I do enjoy seeing the front and back pages of the tabloids every day.
Where do you go to be alone?
These days? The bathroom.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
A healthy disdain for tourists. That, and being able to give a person multiple routes to get to the same place.
Job: Actor
Age: 31 (sigh)
Neighborhood: Big ups to Brooklyn!
Who's your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
This is a great question.
Unfortunately, I don't have an answer.
What's the best meal you've eaten in New York?
Generally, the last one. I did have a fantastic dinner with Maxine a couple of weeks ago at Blue Water Grill in Union Square, so I'll go with that.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
In between surfing the internet, texting friends, watching TV, talking on the phone, I tell stories - or look for new stories to tell.
Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
That would be a raise for me, so yes.
What's the last thing you saw on Broadway?
The Little Mermaid. I know someone in the show. It was pretty good, actually.
What's your drink?
It changes, depending on the time of year. In the summer, I prefer a hefeweizen. Winter demands Irish Whiskey or Scotch. If I'm "watching my figure", I'll go with the vodka tonic. And if I need dessert, I'm not above ordering a Kahula or an Amarula. But, generally speaking, I'm a beer guy.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
When my life isn't too chaotic, I'd say 90% of the time. When I'm in tech, or hopping from place to place, it's more like 40%. I prefer to cook for myself.
What's your favorite medication?
The prescription-strength Pepcid that keeps my acid reflux at bay.
What's hanging above your sofa?
Nothing. Which reminds me, do you want to buy my sofa? It's too big to fit into my studio...
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
$20. But I'm kinda cheap.
When's bedtime?
Ideally? 1 am. Usually? 2:30.
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
I guess new, but there really are no winners with this question.
Do you give money to panhandlers?
No. I subscribe to a bastardized version of the viewpoint discrimination theory: either I give to everybody, or nobody. I'm poor, so right now it's nobody.
What do you think of Donald Trump?
He uses too much gold in his buildings. Otherwise, I think he's hilarious.
What do you hate most about living in New York?
The price tag.
Who is your mortal enemy?
I don't know that I have one right now.
When's the last time you drove a car?
Yesterday.
Who should be the next president?
The guy we elected. YES WE CAN!
Times, Post, or Daily News?
Times. Not even close. Although I do enjoy seeing the front and back pages of the tabloids every day.
Where do you go to be alone?
These days? The bathroom.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
A healthy disdain for tourists. That, and being able to give a person multiple routes to get to the same place.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
christmas dinner
This is the third of three meals we've made from scratch today. I'm not in shape to eat this much!
Here's hoping that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
Here's hoping that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterli.
Replies.Wednesday, December 24, 2008
i thought she was serious for a minute
via text - Maxine is home for the holidays visiting her mom
ME: How was shopping?
MAXINE: Well, i'm done so i'm happy!
ME: What did you buy me? ;-)
MAXINE: Hah! Cowboy boots!
ME: Great! I needed brown shoes...
MAXINE: Oops, well, i hope you like crocodile.
ME: How was shopping?
MAXINE: Well, i'm done so i'm happy!
ME: What did you buy me? ;-)
MAXINE: Hah! Cowboy boots!
ME: Great! I needed brown shoes...
MAXINE: Oops, well, i hope you like crocodile.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
not enough time!
I'm having one of those frustrating days where it just seems like I don't have enough time to get anything done. You know what I mean?
I promised my roommate that I'd go help her out at 3:30. When I made that commitment, I realized that I wouldn't have enough time to go to the gym and shower.
To kill the gap, I made a couple of phone calls I needed to make and took care of some paperwork. I figured that I would have enough time to knock out a couple of episodes of my addiction du jour (the HBO miniseries "John Adams"). But, alas, now it's almost 2:30. I can't even get that done.
This vacation has not been very relaxing.
I promised my roommate that I'd go help her out at 3:30. When I made that commitment, I realized that I wouldn't have enough time to go to the gym and shower.
To kill the gap, I made a couple of phone calls I needed to make and took care of some paperwork. I figured that I would have enough time to knock out a couple of episodes of my addiction du jour (the HBO miniseries "John Adams"). But, alas, now it's almost 2:30. I can't even get that done.
This vacation has not been very relaxing.
Monday, December 22, 2008
fam comes first
via e-mail to one of my co-workers at my side gig
Could you check with [the guys] and see if they want to pick up my shift on Sunday December 28? Trying to squeeze out a bit more family time before I take off again. Let me know...thanks much...
Could you check with [the guys] and see if they want to pick up my shift on Sunday December 28? Trying to squeeze out a bit more family time before I take off again. Let me know...thanks much...
Sunday, December 21, 2008
post-game texting
text message sequence between my father and I after the Steelers' loss to the Titans
ME: Boo.
SANDWICH: Yes but now they do not play Baltimore in their first playoff game
ME: [My brother] says, "Yes. Now they can play them in the AFC Championship Game."
SANDWICH: Probably
ME: Boo.
SANDWICH: Yes but now they do not play Baltimore in their first playoff game
ME: [My brother] says, "Yes. Now they can play them in the AFC Championship Game."
SANDWICH: Probably
Saturday, December 20, 2008
in '09, i'm going to usher the following things into my life:
- committing to my relationship (and/or committing to moving on from it, if necessary)
- continuing my climb out of debt
- work hard, work proud, no matter where
(acting, auditioning, gym, love, temping, fun)
- remember your friends - keep the bonds strong
- keep your word
- be the best person you can be
- do what's best for you, no matter how hard
- you can always be compassionate, though
- these (last) 2 things do not have to be mutually exclusive
- honor
- help Barack! the work is not yet done...
- own your career - The Rover's best agent is The Rover
- a continuously flattening stomach
- no regrets
- great sex. not good. GREAT.
- love, be generous
- make your new apartment your home
- family
- God - love, trust, believe, do not be afraid
- continuing my climb out of debt
- work hard, work proud, no matter where
(acting, auditioning, gym, love, temping, fun)
- remember your friends - keep the bonds strong
- keep your word
- be the best person you can be
- do what's best for you, no matter how hard
- you can always be compassionate, though
- these (last) 2 things do not have to be mutually exclusive
- honor
- help Barack! the work is not yet done...
- own your career - The Rover's best agent is The Rover
- a continuously flattening stomach
- no regrets
- great sex. not good. GREAT.
- love, be generous
- make your new apartment your home
- family
- God - love, trust, believe, do not be afraid
Friday, December 19, 2008
slyde (an itunes meme)
A meme I got from a friend on Facebook; thought I'd do something that requires little effort. I don't know what it is about snow, but it makes me want to do absolutely nothing...
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 12 friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the game from. (I'm not tagging people, but feel free to do this.)
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Can U Handle It? (Usher)
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Blow It Out (Features)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Jam (A Tribe Called Quest - what does that even mean?)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Otherside of the Game (Erykah Badu - the actual music definitely fits my mood today)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Each Hour Each Second Each Minute Each Day: Of My Life (Maxwell - wtf?)
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
The Best of Both Worlds (R. Kelly & Jay-Z - I can get behind this one)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
This Ain't Sex (Usher - ouch)
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Steve Berman (skit) (Eminem - this is stupid - let's try this again:)
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Living For The City (Stevie Wonder - much better...and quite accurate)
WHAT IS 2 + 2?
In Our Time (Nancy Sinatra - she's basically saying we have better things to do)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Oh (Dave Matthews)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
That Time (Regina Spektor - ok, I can go with this one)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Guide For I And I (Thievery Corporation)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
When The Music Stops (Eminem - um, ok)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Wade In The Water (Eva Cassidy)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Suicidal Thoughts (Notorious B.I.G. - let's hope not!)
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Stormy Love (Rick James - that would certainly be an interesting, depressing wedding)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Jaspora (Wyclef Jean - not if I have anything to say about it)
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Do You Know What Time It Is? (Kool Moe Dee)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Time Stops (Explosions in the Sky)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Always On The Run (Lenny Kravitz - that's probably what THEY think of ME)
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Piggy Bank (50 Cent)
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Stir It Up (Bob Marley & The Wailers)
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Pay No Mind (Snoozer) (Beck)
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Gotta Get My Roll On (Montell Jordan)
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Lost And Found (Will Smith - I do hate losing things)
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Missy's Finale (Missy Elliot - again, this is no kind of answer...let's try again)
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
My Lover's Gone (Dido - well, that's an answer that will depress my girlfriend, but at least it's an answer)
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Every Time You Go Away (Brian McKnight)
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Lady (Regina Spektor - no comment)
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Satyam Shivam Sundaram (Thievery Corporation)
WHAT WILL YOU REPOST THIS AS?
Slyde (Bilal)
What did I learn from this? I have WAY too many songs on my computer. And this isn't very accurate. But I did get to listen to some cool tunes...
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 12 friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the game from. (I'm not tagging people, but feel free to do this.)
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Can U Handle It? (Usher)
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Blow It Out (Features)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Jam (A Tribe Called Quest - what does that even mean?)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Otherside of the Game (Erykah Badu - the actual music definitely fits my mood today)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Each Hour Each Second Each Minute Each Day: Of My Life (Maxwell - wtf?)
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
The Best of Both Worlds (R. Kelly & Jay-Z - I can get behind this one)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
This Ain't Sex (Usher - ouch)
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Steve Berman (skit) (Eminem - this is stupid - let's try this again:)
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Living For The City (Stevie Wonder - much better...and quite accurate)
WHAT IS 2 + 2?
In Our Time (Nancy Sinatra - she's basically saying we have better things to do)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Oh (Dave Matthews)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
That Time (Regina Spektor - ok, I can go with this one)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Guide For I And I (Thievery Corporation)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
When The Music Stops (Eminem - um, ok)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Wade In The Water (Eva Cassidy)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Suicidal Thoughts (Notorious B.I.G. - let's hope not!)
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Stormy Love (Rick James - that would certainly be an interesting, depressing wedding)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Jaspora (Wyclef Jean - not if I have anything to say about it)
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Do You Know What Time It Is? (Kool Moe Dee)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Time Stops (Explosions in the Sky)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Always On The Run (Lenny Kravitz - that's probably what THEY think of ME)
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Piggy Bank (50 Cent)
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Stir It Up (Bob Marley & The Wailers)
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Pay No Mind (Snoozer) (Beck)
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Gotta Get My Roll On (Montell Jordan)
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Lost And Found (Will Smith - I do hate losing things)
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Missy's Finale (Missy Elliot - again, this is no kind of answer...let's try again)
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
My Lover's Gone (Dido - well, that's an answer that will depress my girlfriend, but at least it's an answer)
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Every Time You Go Away (Brian McKnight)
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Lady (Regina Spektor - no comment)
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Satyam Shivam Sundaram (Thievery Corporation)
WHAT WILL YOU REPOST THIS AS?
Slyde (Bilal)
What did I learn from this? I have WAY too many songs on my computer. And this isn't very accurate. But I did get to listen to some cool tunes...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
next year's top movies?
Pajiba always has some interesting articles, and today they've got their stab at the top movies of 2009. Can we agree to meet back here in a year and check their answers?
The thing that excites me most on that list? A film adaptation of The Time Traveler's Wife - such a kick-ass book. I'll be seeing that on opening weekend.
The thing that excites me most on that list? A film adaptation of The Time Traveler's Wife - such a kick-ass book. I'll be seeing that on opening weekend.
dinner plans
Is it appropriate to have Trader Joe's Spinach and Artichoke Dip as your dinner? Discuss.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
a quick post behind enemy lines
At Maxine's house - while she knows that this blog exists, she still doesn't have the address. Not sure if I'm ever going to clue her in on that one.
A good night tonight - hung out with a kick ass friend - we gorged ourselves on Thai food and Belgian beer. Excellent combo, although I can't say that I feel the greatest now. Hopefully a couple of tall glasses of water fixes that...
A good night tonight - hung out with a kick ass friend - we gorged ourselves on Thai food and Belgian beer. Excellent combo, although I can't say that I feel the greatest now. Hopefully a couple of tall glasses of water fixes that...
Monday, December 15, 2008
i'm trying to eat better
...but it's hard when they're buying you dinner at work.
This is what's left. Notice that my willpower is no where to be found.
This is what's left. Notice that my willpower is no where to be found.
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterli.
Replies.Sunday, December 14, 2008
inside joke
Saw this in a Manhattan bookstore and had to send it to my castmates. We use this phrase all the time.
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterli.
Replies.Saturday, December 13, 2008
football comes first
via e-mail - turning down a party invite because i can't miss a big Steelers game - pathetic, right?
How goes it, man? Hope that life is treating you well. It doesn't look like I'm going to be able to make the party tomorrow - I have to do something at my brother's [house], and I don't think I can get back before 9:30 or so. Thanks much for the invite, though - hopefully we can catch up at some point and grab a drink or something...
How goes it, man? Hope that life is treating you well. It doesn't look like I'm going to be able to make the party tomorrow - I have to do something at my brother's [house], and I don't think I can get back before 9:30 or so. Thanks much for the invite, though - hopefully we can catch up at some point and grab a drink or something...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
i am freezing
For some reason, the heat isn't working too well in my apartment.
I'm ready to move! Hurry up, building people!
I'm ready to move! Hurry up, building people!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
did you see this story?
Allegedly...a girl from Cleveland was on a class trip and lost her virginity. She got really excited and decided to text her friend. She accidentally sent it to her father.
Story is here. As someone who recently got a touchscreen phone, it's way too easy to send a text to the wrong person. So...the story isn't impossible.
The best part about this? The creativity on the web. Someone decided to create some other "embarrassing" texts - hilarity ensues.
Story is here. As someone who recently got a touchscreen phone, it's way too easy to send a text to the wrong person. So...the story isn't impossible.
The best part about this? The creativity on the web. Someone decided to create some other "embarrassing" texts - hilarity ensues.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
getting on my nerves
I'm on vacation this month. Because I am on vacation, all I really want to do is sit around and do nothing - you know, catch up on TV, read some books and magazines, see some friends, and (most importantly) not spend too much money.
Unfortunately, the people putting together my new apartment building are taking their sweet time, so I'm forced to house-hop for the month. StefStar is trotting all over the globe in December, and is being kind enough to let me stay in my old room. I guess it is technically still my room, since my stuff is in boxes all over the place and my name is still on the lease, but I did a pretty complete mental divorce when I left for Bluff City in October. Still, it's a place to stay out of trouble, so that's where I spend my downtime.
I've had it up to here, however, with my current roommate.
I said, half-jokingly, to a friend the other day, "I have no problems with someone who wants to lay around the apartment all day - as long as that person is me." And that's pretty much the issue. He monopolizes the living room. He frequently turns on the TV (which is always tuned to ESPN) and walks away from it. He constantly talks to you when you are watching TV.
He's not as bad as this roommate, thank God.
I know that the real issue is that I need to live in my own place and have my own space, and I'm super frustrated that I've been waiting for six months to move into this place. I logically know this. And yet I'm still enraged when he watches SportsCenter and surfs the internet at the same time, and I'm secretly thrilled when I enter the apartment and he's not home.
Does this make me a bad person?
Unfortunately, the people putting together my new apartment building are taking their sweet time, so I'm forced to house-hop for the month. StefStar is trotting all over the globe in December, and is being kind enough to let me stay in my old room. I guess it is technically still my room, since my stuff is in boxes all over the place and my name is still on the lease, but I did a pretty complete mental divorce when I left for Bluff City in October. Still, it's a place to stay out of trouble, so that's where I spend my downtime.
I've had it up to here, however, with my current roommate.
I said, half-jokingly, to a friend the other day, "I have no problems with someone who wants to lay around the apartment all day - as long as that person is me." And that's pretty much the issue. He monopolizes the living room. He frequently turns on the TV (which is always tuned to ESPN) and walks away from it. He constantly talks to you when you are watching TV.
He's not as bad as this roommate, thank God.
I know that the real issue is that I need to live in my own place and have my own space, and I'm super frustrated that I've been waiting for six months to move into this place. I logically know this. And yet I'm still enraged when he watches SportsCenter and surfs the internet at the same time, and I'm secretly thrilled when I enter the apartment and he's not home.
Does this make me a bad person?
Monday, December 08, 2008
you want me to fly when?
via text message - my castmate and i found out that the theater wants us to get on a plane at 9:30am on New Year's Day
CASTMATE: 9 in the mornin fo real
ME: Um, no. I can't leave any earlier than 1. It just won't happen.
CASTMATE: Hehehe
ME: Did you talk to her yet? I'm about to call her back...
CASTMATE: Yes
ME: You agreed? Ouch...
CASTMATE: I'm leaving early from JFK
ME: Boo...
CASTMATE: LGA had two stop but you can go out of Newark
(five hours later)
ME: I'm on the same damn flight.
CASTMATE: Yay for me boo for you
ME: Yeah. I'll sleep
CASTMATE: I'll wake you up when we get there
ME: And for the layover too, please.
CASTMATE: I thought we were flying direct which is why we were taking that early one
ME: No. We have to take a separate flight...
Needless to say, we're not happy.
CASTMATE: 9 in the mornin fo real
ME: Um, no. I can't leave any earlier than 1. It just won't happen.
CASTMATE: Hehehe
ME: Did you talk to her yet? I'm about to call her back...
CASTMATE: Yes
ME: You agreed? Ouch...
CASTMATE: I'm leaving early from JFK
ME: Boo...
CASTMATE: LGA had two stop but you can go out of Newark
(five hours later)
ME: I'm on the same damn flight.
CASTMATE: Yay for me boo for you
ME: Yeah. I'll sleep
CASTMATE: I'll wake you up when we get there
ME: And for the layover too, please.
CASTMATE: I thought we were flying direct which is why we were taking that early one
ME: No. We have to take a separate flight...
Needless to say, we're not happy.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
they leave me speechless sometimes
via text message to my father, after the Steelers scored 17 points in seven minutes to come from behind to beat the Cowboys
Wow.
Wow.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
lazy
That's me.
Too lazy to work out.
Too lazy to buy food.
Too lazy to upload my blog posts to the internet.
I think that I'll be over this in a couple of days. I think.
Too lazy to work out.
Too lazy to buy food.
Too lazy to upload my blog posts to the internet.
I think that I'll be over this in a couple of days. I think.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
like coffee? you'll love this
via e-mail to Maxine - she is a coffee enthusiast
This is about coffee. I think that you will, at the very least, appreciate it, and you may in fact love it.
http://niemann.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/coffee/?em
Bon appetit.
This is about coffee. I think that you will, at the very least, appreciate it, and you may in fact love it.
http://niemann.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/coffee/?em
Bon appetit.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
trying to lock down this place
via e-mail, to the lady who's in charge of getting me this apartment
Just making sure that you got my income breakdown. Let me know if it's ok, or if I need to make any changes. Thanks.
Just making sure that you got my income breakdown. Let me know if it's ok, or if I need to make any changes. Thanks.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
trying to get my friend an agent
via e-mail with my friend Suri, formerly of Cowtown - trying to get her the hook up
Keep some time on the 10th open for my guy. Not definite yet. I'll keep you posted...
Keep some time on the 10th open for my guy. Not definite yet. I'll keep you posted...
Monday, December 01, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
leaving Bluff City
Leaving Bluff City tomorrow morning. If you're struggling to remember anything fun about this place, you're not alone. Easily one of the most nondescript places I've been to. The theatre is pretty good, but I don't have a burning desire to return here any time soon. Of course, I'm not really in a position these days (and in this economy) to be turning down any offers.
Back posts will go up later today (if I get my packing done early) or tomorrow (more likely). I've got one month to go with 365, and I'm looking forward to not having a life revolving around a blog. I seriously thought about quitting at the end of the year, but instead I'm going to commit to making one quality post a week. I think I can handle that.
Onwards and upwards, people.
Back posts will go up later today (if I get my packing done early) or tomorrow (more likely). I've got one month to go with 365, and I'm looking forward to not having a life revolving around a blog. I seriously thought about quitting at the end of the year, but instead I'm going to commit to making one quality post a week. I think I can handle that.
Onwards and upwards, people.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
a mostly good Thanksgiving
Back from my quick jaunt to grandma's for Thanksgiving. It was excellent. We kept my cousin away from the turkey, and it was delicious. We also had nine desserts, for fourteen people. A bit excessive? Maybe.
The only thing that sucked was listening to my blowhard cousin and his wife tease me and Maxine about not being married. I wanted to smack him. Actually, I wanted to put him in his place, but I didn't want to ruin Thanksgiving for everybody. Sometimes I hate being an adult.
Pictures coming soon.
So now I'm back in Bluff City - for three days. Back to NY on Monday, just in the nick of time.
The only thing that sucked was listening to my blowhard cousin and his wife tease me and Maxine about not being married. I wanted to smack him. Actually, I wanted to put him in his place, but I didn't want to ruin Thanksgiving for everybody. Sometimes I hate being an adult.
Pictures coming soon.
So now I'm back in Bluff City - for three days. Back to NY on Monday, just in the nick of time.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
my Thanksgiving work
I seasoned her myself. Isn't she beautiful?
Deep frying is the ONLY way to eat turkey. Trust me.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
i had planned to write an open letter
I came home from a museum jaunt (nothing else to do in this town, I swear), and there was a mysterious package hanging from my door knob.
Of course, I immediately thought, "Someone's trying to poison me!"
When I worked up enough courage to open it up, there was a plastic cup full of blueberry cobbler. Still warm.
I decided that good cobbler > being poisoned. I ate it. It was delicious. I decided that I was going to thank the mysterious cobbler-donor on the blog.
But then I found out that Mama made it. (Of course - who else would have done it?)
So, THANKS MAMA!
Of course, I immediately thought, "Someone's trying to poison me!"
When I worked up enough courage to open it up, there was a plastic cup full of blueberry cobbler. Still warm.
I decided that good cobbler > being poisoned. I ate it. It was delicious. I decided that I was going to thank the mysterious cobbler-donor on the blog.
But then I found out that Mama made it. (Of course - who else would have done it?)
So, THANKS MAMA!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
a questionable Facebook conversation
I became a fan of In-n-Out Burger on Facebook. The following is the exchange that took place with a friend of Ginger's (who flirted shamelessly with me at her wedding).
THE FLIRT: awe, you and i share the same passion! i eat there about once a week. are you [out west]????
ME: [Bluff City] right now, unfortunately...so far away from my beloved In-N-Out. How are you?
THE FLIRT: great, thanks! are you in a show there? what are you up to now? come to cali and get out of the cold and enjoy some in and out with me. :)
THE FLIRT: awe, you and i share the same passion! i eat there about once a week. are you [out west]????
ME: [Bluff City] right now, unfortunately...so far away from my beloved In-N-Out. How are you?
THE FLIRT: great, thanks! are you in a show there? what are you up to now? come to cali and get out of the cold and enjoy some in and out with me. :)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
i got a new phone (again)
I wish i could actually take a photo of the phone itself...it's pretty sweet. I think the quality of my mobile posts is about to improve...
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterli.
Replies.Friday, November 21, 2008
my letter to myself
At the camp I work at in Sleepy Hamlet in the summer, we make our students write letters to themselves three months in the future. They're usually writing these letters on the last night, and it provides a nice pick-me-up down the road when they get these great messages from their confident selves.
My kick-ass camp friend and I decided to participate in the exercise as well. Today, my letter arrived. Here's what it said.
[R] -
How's Bluff City? I'm sure that you're having a fun time w/the show, having the ol' crew together. And I'm sure that you're a bit frustrated at only working a little bit each night.
Remember how many people are proud of you.
Remember how much support you have from your friends and family.
Remember how all these students looked up to you.
Remember that you're doing exactly what you want to be doing. Not temping. Not checking IDs. Not sitting at home. YOU'RE AN ACTOR.
Now, save some $, read some books, call your mother and your grandmother, and keep your head up. And keep the faith.
- [The Rover] 8/15 lounge, next to my kick-ass camp friend
ps - only 2 1/2 more months of blogging left! you can do it!
Good advice. It's been a tough couple of days, and that definitely helped.
My kick-ass camp friend and I decided to participate in the exercise as well. Today, my letter arrived. Here's what it said.
[R] -
How's Bluff City? I'm sure that you're having a fun time w/the show, having the ol' crew together. And I'm sure that you're a bit frustrated at only working a little bit each night.
Remember how many people are proud of you.
Remember how much support you have from your friends and family.
Remember how all these students looked up to you.
Remember that you're doing exactly what you want to be doing. Not temping. Not checking IDs. Not sitting at home. YOU'RE AN ACTOR.
Now, save some $, read some books, call your mother and your grandmother, and keep your head up. And keep the faith.
- [The Rover] 8/15 lounge, next to my kick-ass camp friend
ps - only 2 1/2 more months of blogging left! you can do it!
Good advice. It's been a tough couple of days, and that definitely helped.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
good night for Pittsburgh
via text message to my brother, after a Steelers win
Pens won, too. Good night!
Pens won, too. Good night!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
bug spray prep
Question for the group:
Have you ever had to empty all of your cabinets when the exterminator sprays in your house?
The building that I live in requires us to empty EVERY kitchen and bathroom cabinet. I have six cabinets full of stuff. Where the heck am I supposed to put it? I'm leaving here in ten days - can't they just wait until I go?
The worst thing about all of this - I don't even have roaches! Grrrr.
Have you ever had to empty all of your cabinets when the exterminator sprays in your house?
The building that I live in requires us to empty EVERY kitchen and bathroom cabinet. I have six cabinets full of stuff. Where the heck am I supposed to put it? I'm leaving here in ten days - can't they just wait until I go?
The worst thing about all of this - I don't even have roaches! Grrrr.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
our audience is dead
I mean, nary a peep out of them. And this is not a "passive" show, either.
Hey, you win some, you lose some.
Intermission is here.
Hey, you win some, you lose some.
Intermission is here.
Monday, November 17, 2008
it is too cold here
via text message; responding to a message from a friend bragging about the weather in southern California
I hate you. I am now going to go build an igloo.
I hate you. I am now going to go build an igloo.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
long weekend (not the good kind)
Oh, nothing drastic happened. Just five shows in two and a half days. Not much fun.
Too tired to type. Going to check out a museum tomorrow - nothing wrong with getting some culture.
Too tired to type. Going to check out a museum tomorrow - nothing wrong with getting some culture.
Friday, November 14, 2008
questions you ask your friends in my line of work
via text message
Hey, did you ever do a show called MANSWERS?
Hey, did you ever do a show called MANSWERS?
what i do
via text message, to a friend in Bluff City about my part in the play
My role isn't super huge, but my shoes are so clean you could eat off them. :-)
My role isn't super huge, but my shoes are so clean you could eat off them. :-)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
i hate my work internet connection
Is it too much to ask to have a reliable wireless connection at your place of employment? One that won't drop a signal every five minutes? Come on.
(OK, some of this frustration may be related to my inability to stream NFL football or Hulu movies and TV shows to my computer in the dressing room. But, is that a crime?)
(OK, some of this frustration may be related to my inability to stream NFL football or Hulu movies and TV shows to my computer in the dressing room. But, is that a crime?)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
my opening night haul
Always nice to get things from people on opening night. I usually wait until I get home to open all of the cards, but I think tonight I'm going to make an exception and get right to it. I'll let you know if I get anything good...
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterli.
Replies.Tuesday, November 11, 2008
my grandma is awesome
It's her 81st birthday today, and I just got off the phone with her. I haven't talked to her in a few weeks, so there were two big things to go over.
First, G'ma broke her leg pretty severely back in early August; she was in the hospital for a few weeks before moving to a rehab center. Yesterday, she was finally allowed to go home. And, believe me, she was thrilled. Having privacy, and being able to prepare her own meals...I know she's excited about that.
Second, of course, was the election. My grandma's mind is sharp - better than mine, actually - and I always love hearing her take on things. She was very excited, of course. She said that she hadn't seen crowds like that in Times Square since "the end of the war" - meaning World War II (I found out she was in the Square when that happened). She also talked about the changes she's seen in her world, from seeing "Colored Only" signs and not being served in restaurants and stores to being forced to sit at the back of the bus. "I never thought I'd live to see the day, but I always hoped that you and your brother and your cousins would," she said. It was pretty moving.
She's an amazing woman, and I love her very much.
First, G'ma broke her leg pretty severely back in early August; she was in the hospital for a few weeks before moving to a rehab center. Yesterday, she was finally allowed to go home. And, believe me, she was thrilled. Having privacy, and being able to prepare her own meals...I know she's excited about that.
Second, of course, was the election. My grandma's mind is sharp - better than mine, actually - and I always love hearing her take on things. She was very excited, of course. She said that she hadn't seen crowds like that in Times Square since "the end of the war" - meaning World War II (I found out she was in the Square when that happened). She also talked about the changes she's seen in her world, from seeing "Colored Only" signs and not being served in restaurants and stores to being forced to sit at the back of the bus. "I never thought I'd live to see the day, but I always hoped that you and your brother and your cousins would," she said. It was pretty moving.
She's an amazing woman, and I love her very much.
Monday, November 10, 2008
stuffed
I had dinner five hours ago, and I'm still in a food coma.
There's a woman in the cast we all call Mama ('cause she plays a mother), and she loves to cook. She loves to cook so much that she will throw dinner parties on her day off so that she has someone to cook for.
Tonight, the entire cast reaped the rewards.
We had cheese and crackers and chips and olives and fried chicken and baked chicken and greens and red beans and rice and yams and cornbread and fried catfish and lemon meringue pie and peach cobbler and wine and cider.
Soooooooooooooo good.
Thanks, Mama!
There's a woman in the cast we all call Mama ('cause she plays a mother), and she loves to cook. She loves to cook so much that she will throw dinner parties on her day off so that she has someone to cook for.
Tonight, the entire cast reaped the rewards.
We had cheese and crackers and chips and olives and fried chicken and baked chicken and greens and red beans and rice and yams and cornbread and fried catfish and lemon meringue pie and peach cobbler and wine and cider.
Soooooooooooooo good.
Thanks, Mama!
Saturday, November 08, 2008
i am re-addicted...
...to Friday Night Lights. I got season 2 on Netflix, and I've been watching one episode before I go onstage, and one episode after I'm finished. It's very weird to be watching DVDs in the dressing room (or using a computer, for that matter, like I'm doing right now) but I need something to kill the time - I just don't have enough magazines!
Anyway, there are a few shows that I really get into (Kitchen Nightmares, Chuck, The Office, 30 Rock) and one that I absolutely LOVE (Mad Men). FNL was one of those shows that had fallen by the wayside for me (like Heroes or ER or Lost). But now...the love is back, baby. Not quite at the Mad Men level, but I am definitely enthralled.
All right, I need to start getting ready to perform. Sounds like a good house tonight.
Anyway, there are a few shows that I really get into (Kitchen Nightmares, Chuck, The Office, 30 Rock) and one that I absolutely LOVE (Mad Men). FNL was one of those shows that had fallen by the wayside for me (like Heroes or ER or Lost). But now...the love is back, baby. Not quite at the Mad Men level, but I am definitely enthralled.
All right, I need to start getting ready to perform. Sounds like a good house tonight.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
getting another chance
written in my journal
Just finished my work for the evening. Oh, the show still has an hour or so to go, but my character is gone. I've been in the last scene of most of the recent plays I've done; I'd forgotten what it feels like to be finished and have the story continue.
Tonight was our first audience; waiting backstage before my first entrance, I heard the familiar music. and I was immediately transported back to Steak City. I remember, during that last show, trying to capture that moment, because it would never be recreated. It's very rare for this kind of thing to happen. But I'm so glad to be a part of it, despite all of my prior complaints.
Back to my phone - I get the NFL Network on it, and the Browns and Broncos are starting the third quarter shortly.
Just finished my work for the evening. Oh, the show still has an hour or so to go, but my character is gone. I've been in the last scene of most of the recent plays I've done; I'd forgotten what it feels like to be finished and have the story continue.
Tonight was our first audience; waiting backstage before my first entrance, I heard the familiar music. and I was immediately transported back to Steak City. I remember, during that last show, trying to capture that moment, because it would never be recreated. It's very rare for this kind of thing to happen. But I'm so glad to be a part of it, despite all of my prior complaints.
Back to my phone - I get the NFL Network on it, and the Browns and Broncos are starting the third quarter shortly.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
what now?
I've dreamed about this day for a long time, and I've been thinking a lot about what I would have to say. I think that this e-mail I wrote to my girlfriend (who is in Chile with her father for a couple of weeks) earlier today sums up most of my feelings pretty well.
[Maxine] -
It's only now, half a day after the fact, that I'm able to gather myself enough to string together a few sentences to you. And that, quite frankly, is still difficult.
I just feel so full today, of life, of energy, of optimism (and, unfortunately, of alcohol - we really cut loose last night), and for so many different reasons. I think we elected the right person for the job. I'm excited that our country has a chance to regain our standing in the world (although your article pointed out that we have a tough road to hoe). I still can't believe that someone who looks like me will be leading this country - my country. I feel an ownership of America that I've never quite felt before.
They always say that it's darkest before the dawn. And I don't want you to think that I'm thinking of Obama as some sort of Messiah or something (although my father made a great analogy about following Jesus Christ "no matter what he looks like" last night), but the last eight years have been as bleak as you can get, with hijackings and bombings and wars and the economy in freefall and unchecked greed...it's been very, very dark. Last night, I think, was the crack of light appearing in the east, the one that leaves you breathless when you see it.
[One of the guys in the cast] sent me a text this morning: "What now?" which I think is the perfect question. I think that the only way that Obama fulfills his promise is if WE all band together and help him, you know? It's going to require sacrifice and dedication and hard work from the entire country to pull us out of this mess, and I just hope people are as committed to what comes next as they were to getting us to this point. I think it just might happen.
One last thing. [Our director] yesterday came into the dressing room and said something to the effect of, "Hey man, we don't have any excuses anymore! We got to pull ourselves together," which was super ironic, because I had been having those exact thoughts the other day (and [the director] and I NEVER agree on anything). I'm really interested to see where my people go from here, whether we can use last night as a springboard to propel ourselves forward or not. Judging by the faces and emotions I saw last night, I think this could be a seminal moment in black history.
OK, enough pontificating. What a day yesterday was! It was funny to get all sorts of messages yesterday from people. [A friend] said there were people cheering in the streets, and apparently 125th Street was crazy. [Two other friends] said that Brooklyn was jumping. [A third friend] was chest-bumping [a very famous actor] (he's got a recurring role on [a tv show] this season, as if I needed another reason to watch it).
I was sitting at tech all day yesterday, not being used (GRRRR), trying unsuccessfully stream TV coverage on my laptop (GRRRR) before watching a crappy feed on the phone. I don't think I started crying until I started thanking God.
[My castmates] and I raced back to my apartment to watch Obama's speech and have some celebratory drinks, and then we went out and drank too much. But I still feel great. I'm excited for you to come back so that I can see you face to face and you can pinch me and tell me that this isn't all a dream.
[Maxine] -
It's only now, half a day after the fact, that I'm able to gather myself enough to string together a few sentences to you. And that, quite frankly, is still difficult.
I just feel so full today, of life, of energy, of optimism (and, unfortunately, of alcohol - we really cut loose last night), and for so many different reasons. I think we elected the right person for the job. I'm excited that our country has a chance to regain our standing in the world (although your article pointed out that we have a tough road to hoe). I still can't believe that someone who looks like me will be leading this country - my country. I feel an ownership of America that I've never quite felt before.
They always say that it's darkest before the dawn. And I don't want you to think that I'm thinking of Obama as some sort of Messiah or something (although my father made a great analogy about following Jesus Christ "no matter what he looks like" last night), but the last eight years have been as bleak as you can get, with hijackings and bombings and wars and the economy in freefall and unchecked greed...it's been very, very dark. Last night, I think, was the crack of light appearing in the east, the one that leaves you breathless when you see it.
[One of the guys in the cast] sent me a text this morning: "What now?" which I think is the perfect question. I think that the only way that Obama fulfills his promise is if WE all band together and help him, you know? It's going to require sacrifice and dedication and hard work from the entire country to pull us out of this mess, and I just hope people are as committed to what comes next as they were to getting us to this point. I think it just might happen.
One last thing. [Our director] yesterday came into the dressing room and said something to the effect of, "Hey man, we don't have any excuses anymore! We got to pull ourselves together," which was super ironic, because I had been having those exact thoughts the other day (and [the director] and I NEVER agree on anything). I'm really interested to see where my people go from here, whether we can use last night as a springboard to propel ourselves forward or not. Judging by the faces and emotions I saw last night, I think this could be a seminal moment in black history.
OK, enough pontificating. What a day yesterday was! It was funny to get all sorts of messages yesterday from people. [A friend] said there were people cheering in the streets, and apparently 125th Street was crazy. [Two other friends] said that Brooklyn was jumping. [A third friend] was chest-bumping [a very famous actor] (he's got a recurring role on [a tv show] this season, as if I needed another reason to watch it).
I was sitting at tech all day yesterday, not being used (GRRRR), trying unsuccessfully stream TV coverage on my laptop (GRRRR) before watching a crappy feed on the phone. I don't think I started crying until I started thanking God.
[My castmates] and I raced back to my apartment to watch Obama's speech and have some celebratory drinks, and then we went out and drank too much. But I still feel great. I'm excited for you to come back so that I can see you face to face and you can pinch me and tell me that this isn't all a dream.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
so close
written in my journal
I'm at tech for [my show] in [Bluff City], sitting in my dressing room frantically trying to keep up with election results. I just got off the phone with my brother, who told me CNN says there's almost no way McCain can win. Still, my guard will stay up until Obama reaches 270.
I feel as though I'm about to burst with so many different emotions.
I'm at tech for [my show] in [Bluff City], sitting in my dressing room frantically trying to keep up with election results. I just got off the phone with my brother, who told me CNN says there's almost no way McCain can win. Still, my guard will stay up until Obama reaches 270.
I feel as though I'm about to burst with so many different emotions.
Monday, November 03, 2008
election eve
It's finally here.
After all of the speeches and attack ads and pundits and town hall meetings and debates and SNL sketches, we have arrived.
It kind of feels like Christmas Eve, you know? I have the same kind of anticipation bubbling in the pit of my stomach. It's a good thing that I have tech tomorrow, because I couldn't take sitting around in my apartment all day.
I am a little sad that I'm on the road for this. I would love to be watching this with my parents, or my brother, or my girlfriend. The cast is great (and they certainly have an understanding of what's at stake), but I would really like to be with people I love tomorrow. It will be a little lonely if I'm watching election results alone in my apartment.
Tomorrow, it ends. And begins. I am looking forward to it.
After all of the speeches and attack ads and pundits and town hall meetings and debates and SNL sketches, we have arrived.
It kind of feels like Christmas Eve, you know? I have the same kind of anticipation bubbling in the pit of my stomach. It's a good thing that I have tech tomorrow, because I couldn't take sitting around in my apartment all day.
I am a little sad that I'm on the road for this. I would love to be watching this with my parents, or my brother, or my girlfriend. The cast is great (and they certainly have an understanding of what's at stake), but I would really like to be with people I love tomorrow. It will be a little lonely if I'm watching election results alone in my apartment.
Tomorrow, it ends. And begins. I am looking forward to it.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
by the way
I am officially up to date with my back posts. As I've explained before, there are some days where I decide that I'm going to use text messages as my post, and my phone has a habit of eating my messages. It's happened seven times, and I have a reservoir of links for those purposes.
So...58 days left. I've already decided to take a week off of blogging after 365 is over.
So...58 days left. I've already decided to take a week off of blogging after 365 is over.
ah, soul food
The rest of it had been fried chicken and collard greens. Mmmm...
Mobile post sent by Rover using Utterli.
Replies.Saturday, November 01, 2008
getting caught up, slowly
written in my notebook in the back of the rehearsal hall
Couple of posts I wrote a while back that I just got around to posting the other day. I think they're worth a look, so check 'em out.
September 27: debt
October 9: only in new york
Happy birthday, mom!
Couple of posts I wrote a while back that I just got around to posting the other day. I think they're worth a look, so check 'em out.
September 27: debt
October 9: only in new york
Happy birthday, mom!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
