short

game night was excellent tonight. one of the most enjoyable that i attended. amanda: you are awesome. and the best social coordinator ever. thanks for making me friends. l&g: you light up my life. and can see me lie-ing from a mile (maybe even a hundred) away. thanks friends, for a delightful evening.

and then

I got goosebumps driving home from work today. Partly because I had just rolled down my window to pay the toll, but mostly because of the amazing view. I was driving back into the city via the GG Bridge, just before sunset. It was raining (day 8), but the sun was poking through. The hills rose in front of me, sun reflecting off the windows of the buildings rising above the water. To my left, the bay was calm, Alcatraz looked almost peaceful. To my right, the sun through rain clouds over the ocean. And goosebumps. It's a long commute to Fairax, and North Bay kids are pretty strange to my southern arizona sensibilities, but the drive is beautiful, and I am sharing what I love with the next generation. How much like a crazy SF hippie do I sound?

Then, I had movies and risotto and then mmmm mmmm real hot chocolate with Gilly and Liza and Kate and it was fantastic. As was movie #1: This Is England, I strongly recommend. It's intense and hard to watch and beautiful and sad. Movie #2, Old Boy, I mostly slept through, but it looked kind of crazy and heavy and very gory and in Korean.

hello.

my day was pretty bad. not for the obvious reasons. i miss my friends. i need a hug. i want the comforts of home: fajita night, a marcus hug and beer, julia and i spending hours in bed watching west wing. i'm having a hard week with this whole living in san francisco thing.
p.s. my car broke down today. on the way to work. in marin. luckily i was still in the city. but, i missed my production meetings. and now i have to take the bus across the bridge until my car is fixed. hopefully it will be cheap and quick. i'll find out tomorrow morning when the car repair places open.

i amaze even myself sometimes...

So. On my list of states I've been to. I forgot Arizona. I only lived there for 19 years. No big thing. I didn't really get a sense of the state. Not like New Jersey, which I rode ChinaTown bus through on my way from DC to New York. Now that, my friends, is getting to know a state. Anyway. I am home. Big updates and what I've been up to, go:
1) Gilly got here yesterday!!!! I am very very joyous about this. Not only is she totally awesome, but she can cook a mean risotto (no, really, it'll fight you), AND I'm not alone living in the troupe any more! But, mostly joyous cause she's totally awesome.
2) The last time I saw sunshine was in New York, when it was about 25 degrees. It's in the high 40's here (occasionally will break the 50 barrier), but it's been raining/spitting/dripping alternately and very grey since I've been back. I made split pea soup, and toasted everything bagels for lunch yesterday, which was just about perfect food for this weather. Next I want tomato soup and grilled cheese. I don't have the ingredients for tomato soup, though. I did buy this really really good english sharp cheddar at Rainbow. For those of you who don't go to Rainbow Grocery regularly (which is most of you, being far away), their cheese selection is amazing. And so tasty. I usually end up buying whatever they are sampling when I go in. Anyway, I love this weather, but it sucks when you have to go out in it. I've been working at ODC this week, which is about a 12 minute walk away. I can't find my umbrella, but luckily I have this ridiculous green raincoat. Also, no heat in the troupe. The space heater works pretty well in the room that I sleep, but the rest of the place is really cold. For work, we all close ourselves into one office with a space heater, but I would guess it doesn't get out of the 50s in here. The kitchen is worse, I've been cooking a lot since I've been back, which helps warm it up a bit. I'm ready to move out.
3) I've been looking for an apartment! It really sucks. I've never done the looking for a place to live thing this way. I've always either known the people I want to move in to their place (katherine), or looked for a house with a bunch of people (v and the boys). So, I've been looking on craigslist and going on interviews and I suck at first impressions and the housing market makes it really hard and everyone in this city is looking for a place right now. The places I've been interviewing say they've gotten over 100 responses usually. And, I've been hauling myself all over town (mostly to the sunset and the richmond) in the f*ing rain.
4) I'm also sort of looking for a job. I am leaving my position at the mime troupe when I move out (no money to pay me), and while I could get by (barely) on what I'm making freelancing, I would rather know for sure that I have enough for food and gas and a drink or two. Looking for a job also sucks. I've been so stoked about making it just doing theater for 8 months. But, it's necessary. We'll see what I find.
5) I've been working at ODC all week. I can't say enough how much I love working there. Eric is fantastic, and really has the space running well. Also, I like the space. And usually the shows. However, this is a kids show. The company teaches classes for kids, and this is their performance. I'm running the boards (lights and sound) for it. It's exactly what you would expect of a modern dance class performance for young highschool kids. But, it's the first time I've run the board at ODC, so that's good.
6) I teach my first class on Monday. 14 elementary school kids and tech theater. Win. I'm a little nervous, I've never taught younger than high school. I also have 8 back to back hours of production meetings for this festival on Sunday. It's going to be a long day. I'm a bit nervous. But, this job should be good. It's 2 entire months of work! And, it pays pretty pretty good.
7) I had a tiny little very calm mini-meltdown on Tuesday night. About finding a place to live and a job and what I want to do in the world and friends and thinking about what I left in Arizona a little bit. I didn't really know I needed it or that it was coming. But, I was driving home from yet another interview at an apartment, and I had to go directly past Will's, so I stopped to say hello. And then I had my little melt down. It was good. To talk about it. And to get a hug. And then I went home and baked. Which is always my favorite way of feeling better. Also, I made chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. And. They are pretty pretty good, if I do say so myself. Like whoa, peoples. I have some skills. Anyway. The meltdown is ok now. It's just a normal bump in moving to a new city and missing people and missing having a place to live and missing having enough work to make a good living in theater. I had the first tinge of should I have done this? The answer is still a very sure yes. Which I was reminded of by 3 good friends. Cause I do have friends in SF. I have amazing friends. But, that doesn't lessen my missing my tempe peeps at all.
8) I get to see Julia!!!!! Cause she is coming home!!!! And she will be there when I get there for Meg and Luke's extravaganza! I did a little dance right in the office and everyone looked at me like I was crazy! And then I teared up a little. I am so so so excited to see her.
9) I am going to Portland. March 28th-31st. Hooray road trip with SF friends. And especially hooray seeing Marcus. I will also see him when I'm in Tempe in like 3 weeks. (yikes, is it 3 weeks really? I need to buy plane tickets)
10) I am consorting with that boy again. People are worried that I am too attached and I want more than is ever going to happen. And while I was gone on tour, some of them had little chats with him about this. And warned him to be nice to me, etc. I think that this is a bit unnecessary. Also, I can take care of myself. And, it's really not fair to him. Anyway. Don't do that anymore, please. I am very aware of what our relationship is, and what it will never be. And I am perfectly fine with it. Also, he has been a very good friend lately (oh, the mini-meltdown).
11) I guess this should have been first. I am home safe in SF from the LEVYdance tour. It went very well. We sold out some and got reviewed lots and had lots of fun and lots of presenters saw us. I am excited about my future with the company, and what we will be doing next. I adore the dancers, and love working with them. They were an absolute joy on tour. Also, I had this idea in my head about what the perfect coming home would be. And, I pretty much got it. It included a good hug (got it first thing through the arrivals gate), a visit to Faralito (on the way home from the airport....burrito and a beer), and having some cuddles (cause it's so cold in the troupe), and then having some Liza time in the morning in my pjs before other people came in (we even had bagels). Anyway. Things are hopping back here. And are generally good, although I am stressing about work and apartment hunting. I did just get a bigger check than I expected from a place i work, so that's rockin'ly awesome.

Alright, super long life update done. Over and out. Time to work now.

states i've been to

-hawaii
-california
-oregon
-washington
-idaho
-utah
-nevada
-colorado
-montana
-wyoming
-new mexico
-missouri
-indiana
-virginia
-maryland
-district of columbia
-new york
-new jersey
-pennsylvania

this is a while i'm thinking about it and far away journal post. and a i want to travel more post. although, i am way way ready to be home in SF. And have a burrito and sleep in my own bed. Tomorrow night. Hooray.

some pictures

Oh, right, I live in California now.


Top of Washington Monument. It's tall.

Greg and I on the Metro.


Takoma Park is a town like none other. This is a guy's front yard. Apparently he makes them himself. And thinks he's an amazing artist. We found them a little frightening as we were walking to breakfast.

Greg and I at the Capitol building.



Ben on the Metro in D.C. It's freakishy exactly like BART.


me at the WWII memorial. In front of arizona. With a beard. This is Greg's favorite picture.

day 1 in NY

So. My day yesterday was pretty ok.

I took the Chinatown bus from DC to New York. It was kind of crazy. If you've never taken a Chinatown bus, and you live on the east coast, you should. It's super cheap, and an amazing experience. It picks up and drops off in, well, basically alleys. It makes random unscheduled stops and picks up people at rest stops in the middle of New Jersey. No one speaks much english. Luckily, the bus was about half full so we all got our own row of seats and slept a lot of the way. And we had snacks. I got juice in the box for the ride. Which was excellent. Then, we got to New York. Half of us took a taxi van to the theater with the set, the other half took all our bags to the apartment. Which is on the 6th floor. With no elevator. It's a trek. Anyway, we're staying at 3rd St and 2nd Ave. I have no concept of really where that is, except I had to go uptown to get to the Met last night. Moving on. We settled in to our tiny tiny 1 bedroom apartment, and Brooke went off to dinner with a friend from college, Ben went to do some work, and Scott, Chris and I went out to get a drink. Or 4. At this little place around the corner called Karma. It was good times. Staying with the rest of the company in NY was a good choice. Then I hopped on the subway, a little sloshy, and went to meet Summer at the Met. Seeing Summer was fantastic, as were the$20 orchestra seats she got for us. We caught up, watched some opera (J.Tip. designed lights my friends), got some pizza afterwards, made rough plans for my time off, and generally had good times. It was really fantastic to see her, and she's going to come see my show! Then I took the subway home, found Ben passed out asleep, Brooke had just gotten home, and Scott and Chris couldn't sleep. So, we all sat on the bed for a bit, and then I went to sleep. It was a pretty pretty good first day in New York. And, this morning I walked to the theater, and I didn't get lost or need directions. I didn't even have a map. I guess that goes for last night, too. Win.

Oh! Oh! I forgot one of the most amazing parts of my day yesterday! That I am totally freaking out about because it means I have to be flawless with this show (I mean, I already did, because a bunch of presenters from around the country are coming to see the show to see if they want to book us). But. Ben called me while I was drinking with S&C. And asked what time our dress rehearsal is, and when would be the best time for a photographer to come. No big deal, I thought, the Washington Post sent a photographer to our dress in DC, so I answered (probably around 8 or 8:30 on Thursday). Yeah. Photographer from the New York Times, in which we will also have a review. That's right friends, not only is the show I am touring getting reviewed in the Times, but there will probably also be pictures. Like whoa. Nervous nervous. But very exciting at the same time. Yet another reason I am happy I moved to SF. And am doing amazing work. Alright, time for a nap and a shower and lunch and tech. Send love vibes. And if anyone knows anyone who can run crew my show here for free this week (Thursday-Saturday), that would be amazing. Love love.

End of DC Update

Hello friends. So, we finished our DC run. We were reviewed in The Washington Post. It was a pretty decent review. Apparently the reviewer that came always hates modern dance, and is a total bitch. She said some really nice things about our show, and some not so nice things as well, but all in all it was pretty positive. I went on tourist adventures with Greg, the lighting designer. The company as a whole (including greg and me) has decided that we are an old married couple. We kind of are. Anyway, we got up early on Sunday morning, which was hard after the show Saturday night. We went to the Washington monument (and up to the top...it was pretty rockin'), the WWII memorial (I haven't seen it before, it's pretty new, and I hate it), the Smithsonian castle, the capitol building, library of congress and the supreme court. I mean, we just walked by some of these up close (the steps and such). And we tried to have lunch at the smithsonian. Let me tell you, muffins, that being a vegetarian is HARD when you're eating at touristy places. I had a bag of chips. Greg had a veggie wrap, which I couldn't eat because of all the raw-ness of everything. Boo. I got a cup of soup, but took a bite, and it had HAM in it. Both of the soups they had had meat, and neither of them normally do. Luckily, they were very understanding and nice and gave me a refund.

We sold out our show on Saturday, and Sunday was pretty packed, although not totally sold out. Dance Place was pretty happy with our run, and the audience loved the show. And the house techs are amazing. Sunday we had a 4pm show, then strike, then company (all 6 of us) home for food. Then, we met up with some of Brooke's college friends, and Ben (DancePlace's td, who is my age), and Ben's awesome friend and went out for drinks. They took us to this great place with lots and lots of beer (puts Papago to shame, my friends), and I had this amazing amazing hefe, a suggestion from our server. It's from Germany (as a good hef should be), brewer: Ayinger. I think. Anyway. It was possibly the best hef I've ever had. It made me joyous. And, it was generally a good night out. Greg and I have been kind of off on our own away from the dancers, so it was good to spend some time with them. I'm making progress is feeling more like a company member, and I think NY will really cement that. All 5 of us are staying in a one bedroom apartment. Also, Greg won't be around as much for me to run off with. ALSO!!!! I am (hopefully probably) going to see Hansel and Gretel with Summer tomorrow at the met. Oh, how I love opera. And this is opera, my friends. Win. Anyway, I must run off to pack and clean and bed. Leaving at 8:30 am. And it's after 1 now. Hooray 5 hour bus rides! New York tomorrow. My first visit. I'm a little intimidated by this city, and, I think really, doing a show there. Especially during (and for) APAP. I'm ready. I'm just really glad it wasn't our first stop. Love love.

Eep.

So. There's an epic storm in my 'hood. The 'hood in which I live, not where I am currently. I knew it was coming (it hit the morning after we left), but I don't think anyone knew it would be as bad as it was in the bay area. I need to call and check in with my peeps, i think. But, I am remembering that now, when it's 7:30 am on a Saturday in SF. I need to remember to call when it's 11am on a Saturday. Anyway. Hope y'all are enjoying the rain, and that you still have electricity. The weather here is fantastic...warming up (today, a high of 50...I won't need my huge coat!), and very sunny and very very dry. Everyone is drinking waaaay more water than usual and still we're all drying out. I got a full 8 hours of sleep last night, and I am feeling pretty good. The dancers are all in class, and Greg is still sleeping, so I am getting a rare bit of quiet and alone-ness.

Let me just say, I really enjoy touring. It's insanely hard work, but pretty good times. I'm getting to see lots of different spaces, and meet lots of tech people and see new cities (on this trip....tuesday will be a new city that I've never seen). I've seen real fall for the first time ever this year (on tour in southern oregon), and now I'm getting real winter. People bundled up in big coats and hats and ice on the sidewalks and no plants and worrying about the pipes freezing. It's exactly what I want to be doing at this point in my life. Seeing the country, working crazy crazy hours, loving the product I am helping to create. Also, the thing about touring (in the actual dance and theater world...not huge music tours that most people automatically think of) is that you get to know and like the people that you are with pretty quickly. Last night, the 6 of us made dinner when we got home. I masterminded, and cut up veggies, Ben made the cous cous, and found pots and steamers. Greg stir fried my leftover veggies. Brooke documented the process with her brand new camera. Scott was just generally standing in our way in the kitchen, sometimes helping in the hunt for a lid or a measuring cup. And Chris stood at the counter and gave advice. This is after 12 1/2 hours of tech. Then we took our feast to the living room and played trivial pursuit while we ate, Brooke not making much sense because of the sleepiness, everyone asking only the funny questions. You create a tight-knit family in less than 24 hours, you get lost together, ride mass transit in many different cities together, cook, eat, sleep, work together. It's strange joining a company that is already very close, that have toured together for years. I've heard about the time Greg got mugged right in front of housing, the time they got stranded outside a bar in a storm, what shows premiered where. It's good to know that I'm now the resident...everything...for this company, so I'll be back next year, and I won't be hearing these stories for the first time, and I may even be a character in some of them.

And now, for a shower. Dancers should be back soon. Time for adventuring. Show is at 8. Send love vibes.

M.I.A.

Hello! I'm alive, I promise. I have lots of things to talk about/think about regarding my trip home to Tempe and Tucson. It was a mostly good trip, I miss you all like whoa, sorry if I didn't get to see you (esp. Brother B. eep. next time, i promise). Anyway. I'm in Washington D.C. at the moment. It's cold. It was 20 when we landed yesterday morning. I'm touring with LEVYdance, which I've definitely written about way more than you're interested in reading. So, we loaded in last night, teched and did a dress today, then I have tomorrow day off, then a show at 8pm. Hooray. It's pretty rockin' that we got the entire show teched and even a dress in one day. It has a kind of crazy set that's difficult to tour (see above). Anyway. Life is good. I had amazing cous cous when we all got back to the house we're staying in. A group cooking effort of vegetarian goodness. Brussel sprouts and brocolli and onion and lots of garlic and some cheese. And we played a little trivial pursuit. I have interesting things to say about life and thinking. No, really, I do. I just haven't slept in a while. We red-eyed Wednesday night (flight left SF at 9:25pm, got to Dulles at 8:30am), and then I had a little nap Thursday afternoon, and then loaded in 'till a little after midnight last night. Then, back at the space from 10 till about 10:30 today. So, soon, soon, I will be falling into bed and gloriously sleeping in tomorrow while Ben and the dancers go teach class at Dance Place. Then, Greg (the lighting designer) and I are going museuming. And hopefully I will meet up with Zach at some point (cause he's here for some sciencey policy-y thing...random). And he will come see the show. 'Cause it rocks. OK, to sleep. Because I am writing nothing interesting. G'night lovelies.
P.S. I'm all on east coast time, remember that if you call me. I'll be back in SF late on the 20th.
P.P.S. A photographer from the Washington Post came to shoot our dress rehearsal tonight. And LOVED the 2 pieces she saw. And we're getting reviewed by them. I'm a total bad-ass.