to thine ownself be true...

is it bad that our company's production of Shakespeare "Hamlet" isn't for another YEAR and already, i know exactly who will be cast for what roles, a full props list, a management copy of the full script, and my own version of cast and crew contracts. and we are currently watching the kenneth branagh version of the film.

I LOVE IT. no, really. at this point, i'm actually obsessed. just thought i'd share.

hhhmmmm... yay

and today was the REAL st. paddy's.

and the weather cooperated with my requests/demands. it was gorgeous. all of us out in the oak grove, playing music, playing games, and soaking up sun in bare feet. glorious.

and now listening to new favorite song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozfAKu6M55o&videos=ldFr9ylODNo

and so it goes

back at school. THANK CHRIST.

and already behind on work. need to catch up on my lighting design project, start on my film studies response to "some like it hot", finish my application to work as a stage manager for summer camp, e-mail my grandmother, write to my grandfather, send a get well card to toni, finish my CAD mid-term, collect and store the rest of the borrowed props from the studio shows, figure out a schedule and plan for the light hang/focus for the dance show, prepare for lighting for "servant of two masters", memorize the lines to my scene for my acting class, meet with my scene partner, AND i need groceries like WOAH. and art supplies for this design project.

so... someone remind me WHY i want to be a theater major. anyone. please.

kidding. totally kidding. i like this better than say... chemistry. THAT would suck. no offense to any chem majors, but sheesh.

anyway, i should probably stop chatting on a blog and start actually working on that above list. yes. this is a good plan... i can do that... after i get coffee.
BYE!

us? irish? yeah, no shit

today is my last day in fairfax, va before spring break for me ends and i head back up to indiana, pa. i am not sad about this fact.

it is also my family's st. patrick's day party in an hour and a half. spending the last day and a half making the house (and my person) presentable, not exactly my idea of a bangin' great time, but i do get to eat A LOT of really fantastic dad-made food.

pictured above: left, steak and oyster pie (OH.MY.GOD.delicious.); right, the classic mashed potatoes

along with this feast, there are also many desserts to include apple tarts and mint meringues (because they're green)

also, there is a giant irish flag hanging from our dining room window, two maps of ireland spread out on the table, green sparkly garland hanging from the stair railing, and the proper instructions on how to make the perfect irish coffee posted.

there is also a large metal tub full of guinness that i'm not allowed to touch. this is torture. normally i would fume about this fact by eating too many potatoes, but i can't eat until people get here which won't be for another hour!!!! oy...

and it's raining. a lot. which i specifically asked it not to. god damn it. at least it's festive. dreary irish weather and all that.

and now i miss dear tyler mcpherson, who is my intended "we're-irish-and-depressed-and-loveless-so-we-shall-pull-a-james-joyce-and-lock-ourselves-up-with-whiskey-and-corned-beef-so-that-we-may-be-inspired-to-write-unmatched-beautiful-witty-prose" partner. we both feel it is a solid plan. when i'm not up to my ears in homework or working on a show, it will happen... which, you know, might not be for another two years, but still.

the pressure of art

so i promised a friend that i would lend her some of my (few) pieces of original art for her studio show in a few weeks.

first of all, i have a limited selection and i'm not sure whether or not she will want to use them or if they will suit the rest of the set design. so i should probably come up with several more for variety's sake.

second, i'm terrified. my artwork chills out on the walls of my apartment. not a big deal when i have friends over and they see it and comment on it. not at all. in that space, it's comfortable. it belongs there. in a show, people i don't know are seeing it and (silently) judging its artist's technique. i know i don't have to meet with any of these people or care what they think as long as hayley (studio show director gal) thinks it works. but still. scary.

anyway, i've set off on a mission to do more of them. art that is. i've procrastinated long enough already and it has been far too long since i painted (if you knew me, you'd know this is actually a huge travesty).

until then, i search for inspiration from websites like ffffound.com (AH-MAZ-ING)

and then the rain comes

cross your fingers; pray to jesus, santa claus, holy krishna, whomever you so choose; whatever it takes to get us decent weather for the upcoming week.

there are several reasons for this, the foremost of which being I DO NOT WANT TO KEEP LIVING IN THE SIBERIA-LIKE CONDITIONS WE'VE BEEN DEALING WITH SINCE OCTOBER. i mean, really, powers that be. i think us earthlings deserve a bit of a break.

THIS. PRAY FOR THIS!!!

second, my very trustworthy sources inform me that a certain motorcycle has been repaired and is currently in ride-able condition. I WANT TO SEE HER. and i would like to do so in beautiful weather so that i can finagle her owner into taking a drive (my unmatched magical powers of persuasion are somewhat limited if riding conditions are shitty)

third, i want my mother to return home PROMPTLY. i know how much she hates making the trip from virginia to pennsylvania and back in one day, and i want her to have NO EXCUSE to stay any longer than she absolutely has to. if the weather cooperates, it may convince her to turn right back around and keep driving.

yep. those are my three main reasons... and i have a few people to back me up on each of them (i probably have thousands for that first one)

more to come as soon as the motorcycle seeing and mom's driving plans unfold. for now, have a listen to this fabulous woman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nad1AOaY8KI

...adults are just obsolete children, and to hell with them!

another attempt to keep up with a blog without getting bored or sick of myself.
a new approach: get a little more creative, take a few more risks, reflect a bit more
this is the plan. let's see, shall we?

i'm reminded not only of Dr. Seuss, but also of "Under the Tuscan Sun"
there is a character named Catherine. she is blonde, beautiful, and carefree. she encourages Frances to "never lose your childish enthusiasm"
well, we can try that too. maybe i'll find some ladybugs along the way.