Chicago to Boston to Chicago

Theeeee end

2007-08-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

Well, this blog year has officially come to a close. If something presents itself I may do another year long blog. Who knows, I may even buy a brand new camera. Until then, keep in touch.

Sarah

2007-08-01T09:40:00.000-05:00

A drawing of a house, made in front of a big house.

Who knows if the kid who drew this had another house in mind, a dream house of the future, or if this was a replication of the house right in front of them, the one they know and like. Or maybe it's a warning to all of us that giant flowers are going to take over our neighborhoods.

It's good to be home.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah

2007-07-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

This is the last picture I took in the Theater after my last show and going away festivities, while everyone was gathering their things and getting ready to leave. I'm peeking out from backstage. Someone left a light on.

2007-07-30T14:46:00.000-05:00

Arnie was contacted by a reporter from Beep, a suburban magazine, and asked to be interviewed about long distance relationships.

I felt left in the dark because I was not contacted by the interviewer. I became afraid about the questions that would be asked, the possible misquoting, and the very real possibility that my family would see a crappy article in their local suburban paper about my relationship.

In the end it was fine; just a fluff article about tips to making a long distance relationship work.

This process, for me, was not unlike the long distance relationship itself. I had very real worries about making it work, did what little I could to help it along, felt a sense of impotence at times, and at the end of the day I just had to trust that it was going to be alright.

2007-07-29T15:10:00.000-05:00

New York: Last Day

Time to cross it off the list.

2007-07-28T16:25:00.000-05:00

New York Day Two: Superheroes!

Moving to a new city is kind of like going back to kindergarten. You've got to make new friends in a place where no one knows you. I didn't worry about this too much before I moved, maybe I should have thought about it more.

I've been on Stottlemeyer about three months now. They are great people, I mean really wonderful, and were very welcoming to me and Hedges, the other new teammate.

I didn't worry about making new friends when I moved back; didn't even cross my mind. But I feel more than lucky to have made some. It's kind of restored my faith that I have the ability to make new friends, because I wondered, and handful of times, while sitting on my couch in my apartment in Boston, if something was wrong with me.

Thankfully, it looks like nothing is wrong. Please pass the juice.

2007-07-27T16:41:00.000-05:00

New York.

Stottlemeyer performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater during the Del Close Marathon tonight. Emotions and/or nerves were running high, and a few pre-show speeches from my castmates almost brought me to tears. No matter what happened we all felt lucky to be there and happy to be performing with this cast. Having a bad show in Chicago is never fun, but as a performer, you can go back a week later and knock it out of the park. Having a bad show or good show in New York is very different; cause you may only get to do it once...you know, depending on how the show goes.

The show went extremly well. I was very proud of us.

Afterwards we drank free keg beer in the green room, celebrated, and watched some celebrity types pal around with people from the theater. None of us knew their names, mostly we'd just say 'Hey there's the guy from the Daily show, what's his name?' or 'The dude from the Office! You know, that guy! What's his name?'

Then we ate at a Southern BBQ place that was, according to the menu, famous for their Margaritas. I had ribs with a lime margarita. It's an odd pairing that I'm fairly certain is not a 'New York' thing.

2007-07-26T13:24:00.000-05:00

There is a moth in the bag. I asked Tim to kill it. He's prefers to set them free.

Callahan would have killed it...and then sung a song about it.

2007-07-25T12:09:00.000-05:00

From the epilogue of Arnie's first blog, A Year in Pictures Following the Break Up:

Sarah: One year. That's the plan.

I'm here in Boston for a week, helping Sarah settle into her new apartment, before I fly back home to Chicago. Today we stopped by the theater where she'll be performing and both snapped some pictures. Preparing for the move, Sarah bought a digital camera and started a photoblog of her own.

This is my 365th post; a good time to look at the math of a blog:

1 move to Boston + 4 trips to Chicago + 1 move to Chicago = 9,980 air miles traveled.

1 Chicago apartment moved out of + 1 Boston apartment moved into + 1 Friend's (Jana) apartment temporarily lived in + 1 new Chicago apartment = 4 apartments lived in.

1 Salon job in Chicago + 1 Dr.'s office job in Chicago + 1 job at the Theater + 1 promotional job at the Logan Airport + 1 month long promotional job with Jeremy + 1 Temp job in Boston + 1 job at the Lawyer's Office + 1 current office job + 1 new ComedySportz job = 9 jobs worked.

Doug's move to the cruise + Scott's move to New York + Stacey's pending move to Portland = 3 long distance friendships.

One year in Boston was the plan, but beyond the time frame, I didn't really have a plan. I expected to feel a certain way while I was there, and did, but I didn't expect to feel as glum at the same time.

Slowly, a sense of stability is re-entering my life, and according to Stacey, I should only have about 1 month of crazy left. Crazy is a good way to describe this past year, but I’d prefer to describe it as transitional. Ironically, my feelings go back and forth regarding my inconsistency in the past year, but I do take comfort in the fact that I've been consistent with at least one thing; the blog about my inconsistency.

2007-07-24T16:18:00.000-05:00

A recent email, from Scott, to Cowlick:

Thanks for the call last night, it made me feel good. I still really haven't settled in yet, but I'm slowly meeting people. Classes begin at the Magnet Theater (Armando Diaz' theater). Since I miss you guys so much, I've renamed people in class to members of Cowlick. Here are you replacements:

Tim = Gunther, a 30 y.o. Russian guy with crazy russian beard

BJ = Niki, a 60 y.o. Indian woman with three kids

Sarah = Katie, a 27 y.o. JAP (jewish american princess) that was 45 minutes late to class

Mary Beth = Desire, a 23 y.o. punk rock chick that wore weird shorts to class

Martin = Terry, a 45 y.o. man that had a stroke who's proud to be on disability

Shelby = Scarlett, a 17 y.o. lesbian that is moving to Chicago in a year for theater

Knauf = Anne, a 40 y.o. MILF that complained of a migraine the entire class

2007-07-23T14:19:00.000-05:00

One last picture of Doug, you know, for the fans. This is our first photo taken together, on my second night in Boston, when I had a working camera, bangs, and a 'can do' attitude.

Doug (via email): Sorry I haven't been updating my blog. I've been too drunk. But seriously, I'm just not good at that stuff... for awhile I was post-dating my blogs and doing a week of entries at once. Let's just call a spade, a spade: I'm a horrible blogger.

If things go well when Doug gets back in September, we may not be long distance friends after all...there is a chance one of us will move, and I'm not going anywhere. Fingers crossed.

2007-07-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

Arnie and I finished Gears or War today.

For those of you who may not know, Gears of War is a video game. Two people can play together to fight the aliens that have taken over the earth.

My love for video games has been reignited, wholly due to Arnie, in the last four months. I haven't played them since I was twelve, when Sonic the Hedgehog was the best game we had.

Video games have changed a lot, and I'm not great at them. Plus, they are incredibly scary. One level was completely dedicated to building the suspense. There were no aliens but there was scary music and alien whispers. When a small alien finally jumped out of a window, I screamed...like I was being killed...in real life. It was Arnie's favorite part of the game.

Arnie: I also like hiding behind things. That's how I would fight in a war. By hiding behind things as much as possible.

My favorite aspect of the game was that when you died, you weren't really dead, just injured. Arnie's character could pick me up and I'd be alive and ready to fight aliens. He only left me for dead once.

2007-07-21T15:32:00.000-05:00

Before our Cowlick show, BJ announced that his wife is pregnant.

BJ: Will you come to the hospital when Janelle's in labor?

Me: Are you sure?

BJ: Oh yeah, I want all my friends there. I want it to be the biggest celebration ever.

and later...

BJ: It better be a boy. If it's a girl, I'm done. I'll never stop crying. She'll have me wrapped around her finger.

Shelby: It's gonna be a big year for Cowlick. My wedding, your baby, maybe Knauf will get a girlfriend!

There isn't much in my life that is permanent, by design. I live in an apartment with no lease and I'm at a job I could leave. Most things are temporary right now because I'm fairly certain they will change for the better. One thing that I do choose to keep permanent is the city I live in, so I can celebrate my friend's and families' life changing decisions, with them.

2007-07-20T10:40:00.000-05:00

Ouch.

Tonight was a tough night for the White Sox. They lost to the Red Sox 3-10.

Arnie: What's that?

Me: It's the Red Sox mascot, the Green Monster. It named after the wall in Fenway, which is also called the Green Monster.

Arnie: What's the White Sox mascot?

Me: I don't know it's name, but it's kinda stupid, it's also a green monster, but it has a some yellow hair.

Arnie: They are really trying to be the same team, aren't they?

The Cubs (Arnie's favorite team) played Arizona this weekend, which is coincidental, because that's where he used to live. So we stayed in and watched our home teams play our former home teams, while curled up on the couch, and felt happy to be home.

Fun night.

2007-07-19T16:21:00.000-05:00

Score Today: Harry Potter 4 Ron 3

2007-07-18T16:12:00.000-05:00

It was beautiful out last night, so after a long rehearsal, I decided to treat myself to a shake and take a walk around my neighborhood.

Someone had set up a stereo in the Square, and a few older couples slow danced to the music while some younger couples sat on benches and ate ice cream while they watched. Everyone was so calm and happy at that moment, myself included.

2007-07-17T22:14:00.000-05:00

ComedySportz rehearsal again.

Most nights I only rehearse with the 'newbies' but on Tuesdays the entire cast, all 50 performers, have rehearsal together to work on something new. This gives Natalie (who has been performing at ComedySportz for over a year) and me an extra chance to see each other every week, which is wonderful.

Tonight we did movement and dance; learning about tempo and changing tempo. Left then right, left then right. Since very few of us are dancers, we had trouble moving with the tempo when it sped up or slowed down.

Dance Instructor: Transitions in general, are really hard.

Natalie: (pats the back of my head) See, transitions are hard.

Me: Yes they are (Fake sobs).

2007-07-16T16:40:00.000-05:00

Arnie let me borrow 'The Historian' to read since I'm done with 'The Glass Castle.'

There is no spousal abuse, but there are vampires.

2007-07-15T16:37:00.000-05:00

Some light Sunday reading:

St. Rocco, originally from France, set out to Italy to heal those dying of the plague; using only sign of the cross and prayer. On his way he healed people in four different cities before contracting the plague himself, evident by an open sore on his leg. He was banished from the city and hid in a cave. A nobleman, with the help of a dog, found him and brought him to his castle to rehabilitated him. For another three years he cured the sick in Italy before returning home to France. When he returned he was so gaunt that no one recognized him. They threw him in jail claiming he was a spy, and he died.

Feast season is in full swing in Boston and today is St. Rocco's feast day. There is a parade at 2pm on Prince Street, going past my old apartment. I'm 99% sure there will be a marching band. I am 100% sure I would have taken a picture of them if I was there.

Instead I'm here, looking up dermatolgists on the internet because for the first time in three years, I have a job that offers affordable health insurance.

2007-07-14T09:51:00.000-05:00

Shelby and Joe = Engaged as of last week.

Joe: I asked Shelby's dad how he proposed. He said he did it at a wedding, so I decided to do it while we were in Holland, at our friend's wedding. My original idea was to take her grandmother's ring and my grandmother's ring and have it made into one ring, but Shelby wears her grandmother's ring everyday. I didn't want to steal it and pretend like it was missing.

Shelby: Oh yeah, that would have been a horrible idea.

Joe: So I didn't have a ring for her when I asked.

Shelby: He had to do it with a ring, so I put my Grandmother's ring in his pocket, and had him do the whole thing over. Afterwards we taped a video for our kids.

Congrats.

2007-07-13T09:36:00.000-05:00

Stacey and Bob have decided to sell their condo and move to Portland to open up a theater. They will be leaving in about five weeks, which is very soon...too soon. Anytime would be too soon for me.

Me: What will you miss most about Chicago?

Stacey: Probably just being surrounded by so many talented people.

Bob: The humping.

Stacey: We're not going to hump in Portland?

BJ is Stacey's real estate agent. On the first day they met, she cried. On the second day, he asked if she was going to cry. She said "Nope, I think I'm going to be OK."

2007-07-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

Turtle on the left: A gift from Knauf, from his trip to St. Martin.

Turtle on the right: A gift for Arnie from a friend, from his trip to Mexico.

2007-07-11T11:51:00.000-05:00

Arnie and I went out to dinner tonight, to finish an argument that began earlier in the day.

The problem was solved, but not before we had some time to sternly whisper, use rigid, close-to-the-chest hand gestures, and occasionally eat raw cucumbers to fill pregnant pauses.

We were almost certain our waitress knew we were fighting. In fact, three other waitresses came by to make sure our food was ok. We couldn't figure out if our original waitress didn't want to deal with us, or if she was like. "You guys gotta see this."

After dinner and reconciliation, Arnie decided to write a note to the waitress, on the bottom of the check.

"We're doing okay. These things happen."

She took the check and we watched her walk away.

Arnie: I can't believe we did that.

Me: Oh no. What if she thinks we were talking about the food?

Arnie: Let's go!

2007-07-10T15:05:00.000-05:00

ComedySportz: Day Two

Yesterday marked the beginning of a long training process (5 days a week for 5 weeks) before I begin to perform. ComedySportz is short form improv (basically, what you see on 'Who's Line is it Anyway', but on speed) so I'll be learning about 100 games along with the many other things that go into a show.

ComedySportz is moving to its new location in 2 months. Essentially it has been homeless for a couple of years. The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts was nice enough to let them perform on one of their stages.

Currently, Collaboraction also has a show, The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow, running at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, which was produced and (I think) assistant directed by my ex-boyfriend, Joel.

I ran into him, and his parents who were visiting, about a week after I moved back to Chicago. He said the show (Jenny Chow) was doing very well, and asked about Boston, and why I was back, and what I was doing now. After about 15 minutes of catching up, I decided it was time to go. As I hugged his step dad, he leaned to me and whispered 'We miss you.' I sincerely replied, 'I miss you too.'

2007-07-09T13:46:00.000-05:00

August 1st will be the one year anniversary of my move to Boston.

It will also be the end date of this blog.

2007-07-08T09:18:00.000-05:00

Last night some of Tim's non-Cowlick friends threw him a surprise birthday party. His long distance girlfriend, Amber(the zombie made of streamers, pictured), came in town to surprise him as well.

This is the third birthday celebration thrown in his honor. It was a long Saturday, so I decided to call it a night a little earlier than usual.

Tim: You're LEAVING?

Me: Yeah, I've got to sleep.

Tim: But it's my BIRTHDAY!

Me: You're kidding, right?

Snarkiness aside, Happy Birthday Tim.

2007-07-07T10:33:00.000-05:00

Ladies Brunch.

Me: Quick! Make it look like we're having a hilarious and fun time!

Thea: Is this going to end up on your blog?

Me: Probably.

Thea: I love it when I look at Arnie's blog he has these great photos, great composite shots, and then I go to yours and some someone making a horrible face, like (crosses eyes, squinches face) 'Dar!'

And later while hashing out some stuff and getting well needed opinions:

Thea (to Dayna): Well, what goes around comes around.

Bess: That's the song that's playing right now. It's Justin Timberlake.

As it turned out, the restaurant was playing the same four Justin Timberlake songs on a loop.

I had a great time, and was glad to spend some quality time with Dayna, who will be moving to New York in a few months.

2007-07-06T10:05:00.000-05:00

Hanging outside after the Stottlemeyer show.

i.O. is right across the street from Wrigley Field. I'm used hearing the normal sounds of a baseball game going on; who's at bat announcements, organ music, and 35,000 or so fan cheering after a great play. It's white noise at this point.

While we were talking out back I noticed (after about 5 minutes) that I wasn't listening to baseball, but the Police singing 'So Lonely' with a whole stadium of people.

Some of us sat outside for a while and pretended like we were at the Police concert. Singing, swapping favorite Police songs, and reminiscing about old concerts. Few things are more refreshing than listening to a baseball game, but this was a welcome change.

2007-07-05T09:04:00.000-05:00

Guess who I saw on TV tonight? Jesse. My brother Jesse. My brother Jesse, on TV, at the White Sox game. My brother Jesse, on TV, at the White Sox game, catching Jermaine Dye's foul ball.

Me (via text): Hope you got the ball!

Jesse (via text): Hilarious! Oldie got it.

2007-07-04T08:56:00.000-05:00

Arnie and I celebrated the 4th of July with his sisters, brother in law, and nephews. We went to the Lincoln Park Zoo to look at some real life animals, and then the Rainforest Cafe to look at some fake ones.

Animals seen at the Zoo:
Lions
Tigers
Gibbons
One giant Rabbit
Cows

Animals seen at the Rainforest Cafe:
Elephants
Gorillas
Parrots
Snakes
Tropical Fish (real)

The dinner trip felt more like a supplement to the Zoo. One of Arnie's nephews was more than willing to run right up to the railing of the tiger cage, but was a little more trepidatious when his father stuck his head inside the large robotic mouth of the python.

The highlight of the trip, for me, were the tropical fish at the Rainforest Cafe. Their clean, floor to ceiling tank with elaborate coral assured me that they were well cared for in their irregular home, unlike the one-armed Gibbon at the zoo, who (according to the plaque next to his small cage) lost the appendage after someone tried to feed him.

2007-07-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

Hey Butthole,

I was forunate enough to find one of my old production stills from when I was a child actor had been turned in to a postcard here in Sweden.

Love,

Dougie

2007-07-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

Keys.

I'm assuming they open doors to various places I've lived or worked. Most of them look the exact same and I can't, for the life of me, figure out where they belong, so I'm throwing them away.

Note to Reader: If I am a friend of yours, and you gave me a key to your place to hold onto, I'll need a new copy. I'll also need you to be ok with me throwing your key away in a year. Thank you.

2007-07-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

This is Jen, a friend from college.

Last night we went out to a college-y bar, drank some college-y beers, listened to college-y music, and then she asked me to stand in her, very adult, wedding in Mexico. It made college feel a million years away.

Congrats Jen.

2007-06-30T15:43:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy week.

On top of birthdays, goodbyes, and readings, I also had an audition and callback for ComedySportz, another theater in Chicago. It's slightly similar to the Theater in Boston, in that, they do corporate work as well as regular weekend shows, they pay their actors, and consistently bring in large audiences.

On Tuesday I was offered a position and happily accepted.

What's that? I'll be performing at a theater that's similar to the Theater in Boston? But it's in Chicago?

[Cue Aladdin Music]

2007-06-29T15:17:00.000-05:00

Just about a year ago, after finding out I was moving to Boston, my Mom (not Grandma, Mom) gave me this double sided locket. She took a wallet sized family photo from my Aunt Beth's wedding, cut out the heads of herself, my Grandma, my Grandpa, Jesse, and myself, and used masking tape to carefully place each head in the tiny frames.

Mom: So we'll be with you all time in Boston. Around you're neck! You can't get rid of us!

2007-06-28T21:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Butt,

You win.

Sincerely,

Sarah

2007-06-27T09:34:00.000-05:00

See this? It's my nervous smile. I'm about to go up and read for Mortified at the Green Mill. If you look closely you can see the veins popping out of my neck. If you were there you would have heard my shallow breathing and nervous laughter.

The show is called Mortified so I guess that's the point. Watching people sweat and squirm while they read private musings they NEVER thought they would share. I had to hold my diary against my stomach to steady my very shaky hands.

It went very well, and in the end, I'm glad I did it. I've revealed more than I expected I would on this blog, but unfortunatly I'm not going to share any of my readings here. You'll just have to come see the show if/when I do it again.

2007-06-26T15:34:00.000-05:00

Last night was a joint party. The other half was the annual celebration of Knauf's half birthday. His real birthday is the day after another well know birthday, but this more than makes up for his inability to celebrate with friends.

He's gives everyone half birthday gifts, gets drunk, and dances erratically. This year was no exception.

But what was MY gift? The Bible on CD. New Testament, Mark 1-7.

Collect Them All!

2007-06-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

Scott's going away party.

Scott has decided to move to New York. It's been a bit of a whirlwind move. He decided it was something he wanted to do, then he went to New York for job interviews a week later, and was offered a position at one of the first companies he met with; who asked him to start right away. His girlfriend has decided to stay in Chicago for another year, so he'll be starting a long distance relationship as well. The parallels write themselves.

Mary Beth: Scott I want you to go around the table and tell each of us what you are going to miss most about us. Start with Sarah.

Scott: Ok, Sarah you are the most compassionate person on the team. You know exactly how I'm feeling, or if I'm having a bad day, and you ask me about it. You're just sweet.

Mary Beth: Ok, now me.

Scott: Mary Beth you are the most compassionate person on the team...

I'm going to miss you very much Scott. Good luck.

2007-06-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

Uh oh. I'm doing it again; Mortified that is.

I'll be reading the same piece from my teenage diary, that I read in Boston. Only instead of reading to a crowd of total strangers, I'll be reading in front of a crowd that'll include Arnie and a few friends. It'll be this Wednesday.

Crap. Crapcrapcrap.

2007-06-23T10:48:00.000-05:00

Kara and Kevin's Engagement Party.

Kara's Mom and Sister Kelly flew in from Erie, Pennsylvania for the festivities.

Kelly: Once I'm done with school, I'm going to move, but I don't know where yet; maybe to Chicago. I asked Kara how she gets around when there is four feet of snow. She just wrapped a scarf completely around her head and said, “Like this."

Jana: You can stay with me!

Me: Actually, you have to stay with Jana. She's the funnel everyone has to go through before starting a new life in Chicago; it's a halfway house of sorts.

2007-06-22T08:46:00.000-05:00

An recent email:

Arrived and first class is great AND SO ARE DRUGS--LOTS OF THEM-NO BOOZE. Finally figured out how to fly.

love, GRANDMA

2007-06-21T09:37:00.000-05:00

What was the highlight of my day? This phone conversation at work:

Woman with High Squeaky Voice: May I speak to accounts payable?

Me: What company are you calling from?

Woman with High Squeaky Voice: I...um...I'm a clown.

And yes, my cousins ARE adorable, thank you.

2007-06-20T09:12:00.000-05:00

Drinks after our Stottlemeyer show at i.O.

Jeremy S., a member of Stottlemeyer, had his last show with the team. He'll be moving to L.A. next week, so we talked a lot about his move, and then about traveling in general.

Stonelake: I went to India for a wedding a couple years back. Driving there is crazy. Everyone has a car, they are constantly honking, the streets are small, and there is no way to police traffic. If there is a car accident, the person with the bigger car is at fault. If the cars are the same size the person who is larger is at fault. If the people are the same size, they settle it with a fist fight.

Stottlemeyer has been invited to perform at the Del Close Marathon in New York City, in July, so we'll be doing some traveling together soon.

Boston was a three hour bus ride away from New York, and visiting (since I never had) was on my list of things to do. When I moved back my 'list of things to do' quickly turned into my 'list of failed accomplishments' with a trip to NYC being at the top. It's a short list. I'll be happy to cross something off, but I suspect I'd be happier if I just let go of the list.

2007-06-19T16:10:00.000-05:00

Look at what I found during Stottlemeyer rehearsal.

This book makes me feel old, but not as old as the time I taught improv to 6th graders, and got blank stares when I mentioned Bill Murray.

2007-06-18T14:12:00.000-05:00

Ahhh!!! Cicadas!!!

Yesterday, Jesse tried to pick one one up by the wings, but when it started buzzing, he screamed, whipped it on the ground, and ran.

He was braver at the age of nine.

2007-06-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

Father's Day BBQ in the burbs.

After playing with these monsters outside, I went in to watch the US Open with my Grandpa. I found out that he, and my Grandma, are leaving for a month long trip through Europe, this Wednesday.

My grandparents have lived in Chicago and surrounding suburbs their whole life, but have made an effort to travel as much as they can. Every year they go on a 'big trip' (a cruise or Europe) and one or two other trips (Savannah or somewhere in Wisconsin). I believe this has satiated any urges to move and start a new life.

After retiring three years ago, they immediately sold the house we grew up in, bought a place in Arizona, and made their first cross country move at the ages of 70. They couldn't be happier.

I think it takes a lot of guts to know what you want but know your limits, and find things to make you happy within those limits, and when those are lifted; doing what you wanted to do in the first place.

2007-06-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

For Tim's birthday, Cowlick decided to pack up some picnic baskets and head to Ravinia and see Prairie Home Companion perform their live show.

After setting up our blankets on the lawn, eating too much cheese and crackers, and listening to the cicadas sing back up for Garrison Keillor, most of us fell asleep.

Knauf was feeling squirrelier than usual, so most naps were interrupted by quick jabs to the side. A few of these attempts just ended with him spilling wine on his white shirt.

Fun day.

2007-06-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Arnie: How's The Glass Castle?

Me: Good. There's some spousal abuse.

Arnie: I knew it.

2007-06-14T14:49:00.000-05:00

Jana cut my hair today. We had a lot of catching up to do which left no time for pictures, but I do have this old one, that I like very much.

Do I sometimes post pictures that may seem unflattering? Sure. Is Jana having fun in this picture? Yes. Do I think people are cutest when they are geuinely happy? Of course. Am I going to get a half angry, half joking call from Jana about using this picture? Absolutely.

2007-06-13T13:49:00.000-05:00

Another Cubs Game.

BJ: Are you going to burst into flames?

Me: I've made my peace.

Just for fun, after every Cubs-scoring hive five, I pretended my hand was melting into a horribly mangled stump.

2007-06-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

Tonight I went to Vidiocy, a short film contest, at the Lakeshore Theater. Vidiocy has been around for a while, and I've always been meaning to go. Bob and Stacey made a short film and made it to the top nine, which served as a good reason to finally attend. I had a great time.

Chicago is a wonderful city with a lot to offer, and at times I feel like I take it for granted. This mostly comes from a naive thought that since I grew up here I know all there is to know; seen all there is to see.

As said before, I fell in love with Boston, pretty hard. Statue plaques were read, leaves were photographed, overheard conversations about anything Boston related were mentally noted; and I could just be on my way to work a daily temp job.

If I sound like I lived in a Disney movie it's because it felt that way sometimes, and I wasn't averse to it. Sure, there were hardships (the VonTrapp kids had to run from Nazi's, right?) but I was ready for an adventure. I needed it.

Some of that fairy dust has followed me home, and I'm glad for it. It's time to see new things, or old things with new eyes. I want to love Chicago; the way you love someone when your ready for it instead of loving someone just because they are convenient.

[Cue Mary Poppins overture]

2007-06-11T10:15:00.000-05:00

Guess who I ran into on my way to work? Jesse. My brother Jesse. My brother Jesse wearing a dress shirt and tie, carrying a newspaper. My brother Jesse wearing a dress shirt and tie, carrying a newspaper, and getting on a train at 7:30am.

Me: Where are you going?

Jesse: Work. Oh yeah, I have a new job.

Crazy Homeless Man (to Jesse): I like your TIE!

Jesse: Thanks.

Crazy Homeless Man: Are you a lawyer?

Jesse: No.

Crazy Homeless Man: Then you can't get me off.

We chatted quietly on the packed train car for a few minutes, and then spent the rest of the time reading our newspapers. We're not morning people. We're also forgetful. I forgot my Ipod this morning and he forgot his phone.

2007-06-10T09:54:00.000-05:00

Usually I am against this sort of thing. Usually.

2007-06-09T09:35:00.000-05:00

Old Town Art Fair.

The last time I saw the Jesse White Tumblers perform I was 10 years old.

As my elementary school class gathered on the black top I noticed that half of the performers were my age. My first thought was 'They get to miss school for this?' And, after watching, my second was 'They are famous.'

The crowd at the Art Fair seemed more entertained by the performance. It could have been that, as kids, we were in silent awe of peer's raw talent, or it could be the fact that the crowd at the Art Fair was pumped full of 44 ounce vodka lemonades.

2007-06-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

Lunch.

2007-06-07T09:19:00.000-05:00

I'm convinced that weddings come in three heats.

A few more friends have recently gotten engaged . I'm officially calling it closed. No more swimmers please. I would like one Saturday evening in 2008 to myself.

2007-06-06T12:21:00.000-05:00

White Sox v Yankees Game.

It was 'Cicada Night' at the ballpark, so instead of a 'Fan Cam' displaying sleeping fans or overexcited children on the jumbotron, they cleverly renamed it a 'Cicada Cam.' The manufactured buzzing noise and attempted wall eye lens effect made all the difference.

Arnie: Are they trying to show people in the stands who look like cicadas?

Me: I think the camera is supposed to be from the perspective of the cicada.

Arnie: What faces would you make if you were on the Cicada Cam?

The seats were free so it didn't take much convincing to get Arnie and Tim to come, but I did experience some sharp shooting chest pains during the second inning.

2007-06-05T13:55:00.000-05:00

Aside from Doug, I've had little contact with anyone from the Theater since returning home. My time in Boston was great for a lot of reasons, but, as you can most likely guess, my friendships are much stronger and healthier in Chicago.

Ryan told me that Rachel is having her last show at the theater this month. She'll be moving to New Jersey and getting married very soon.

Had my plans...well...gone according to plan, I would have been there for the cake, and the speeches, and the gag gifts.

I've recently found myself wondering frequently "What would I be doing right now, if I was in Boston?"

I may not know exactly what I'd be doing at a given moment, but I would be finishing up my year at the Theater, and excitedly preparing for my move back to Chicago.

2007-06-04T14:53:00.000-05:00

For someone who just biked to work in the rain, Ryan seems pretty chipper.

2007-06-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

It would be an understatement to say that I'm very excited about being a new member of the i.O. team, Stottlemeyer. I mentioned this, right?

I had to look through the blog to see if I had mentioned it. I did, briefly. This blog feels like a "new friend" that is slowly entering the realm into "good friend." I'm beginning to tell the same stories over and over.

The irony of all of this is that I only have a couple of months before this blog ends; it may never get to "old friend" status. Did I mention this blog is only lasting a year? Maybe I didn't. I should check.... nope, not really mentioned. I'm forgetful...or just getting old.

Stonelake (a member of Stottlemeyer, pictured) and his girlfriend Aileen hosted a party Friday night. A couple people from the team showed up and we talked, drank, and got to know each other a little better.

Later I emailed Stonelake to see if it was ok to post a picture of him on my blog. You know, as a "new friend" precaution.

Stonelake(via email): Only if I can be credited as Excited McChincrease.

Like the blog, I hope to get to the point where I'm telling them the same stories over and over again. Unlike the blog, I hope this relationship lasts longer than a (predetermined) year.

2007-06-02T13:56:00.000-05:00

An old friend of mine used to believe that 'All the crazies come out the first warm weekend of the year.'

While eating dinner Arnie and I saw the Hulk, the Flash, and Wonder Woman walking down the street.

While walking down Halsted tonight I saw a man sauntering down the street covered in blood.

While walking down Clark Street a man in a bar tapped on the window, and when he got my attention, smiled, and gave me the finger.

I could say my friend is right, but I was in Wrigleyville, so the crazies are out seven months of the year...well, six months...it's Wrigleyville.

2007-06-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Arnie: Who is in your book club?

Me: I don't know, but I do know it's all women.

Arnie: What are you reading?

Me: The Glass Castle.

Arnie: I bet it's about spousal abuse.

Me: Because of the title or because it's an all women book club?

Arnie: Both.

2007-05-31T16:01:00.000-05:00

I've glad I've moved to Lincoln Square. The general mood is lighter, and people just seem happier, like they are enjoying their lives and taking pride in their community. It makes me feel like I should donate to public radio. That kind of happy.

Old Town School of Folk Music is in my neighborhood so you tend to see people (and kids) with musical instruments strapped to their back.

While on a walk today I noticed a man walking beside me. He had a guitar (not in the case) strapped to his chest with his arms at his side. We crossed Montrose Avenue, which I believe is the border between North Center and Lincoln Square, into Lincoln Square, and he started playing the guitar and singing at the top of lungs.

It's like he knew he was entering a magical land of Chicago where musicians weren't labeled as crazy if they felt like sharing their songs with passers by. He was finally with his people and needed to celebrate.

2007-05-29T15:32:00.000-05:00

Young: You're famous.

Me: Why?

Arnie: He saw Chic-A-Go-Go.

So now we know what we look like when we dance.

2007-05-28T16:38:00.000-05:00

I gave my seat on the bus to a elderly man and this is what he gave me in return. I'm still not quite sure what it is, I think it's from the Torah. An excerpt:

Daughter of Dibri: She was a chatterbox. She would speak with everybody. This is why she behaved immorally.

2007-05-27T13:34:00.000-05:00

Went to Stacey's tonight to celebrate Bob's 30th birthday.

Me: Happy Birthday!

Bob: Thanks. I'm old.

Me: When did it hit you?

Bob: When I went to the skate park yesterday.

2007-05-26T16:09:00.000-05:00

This is Arnie's new i.O. team, Diplomat Motel. You may notice a few familiar faces from Psychoplasmics.

I've also recently been placed on a new i.O. team called Stottlemeyer, with Hedges, who used to be on Otis, with Arnie.

The Chicago Reader wrote an article a couple years back stating that 5000 improvisors are in Chicago. When switcheroos like this happen it feels like a lot less.

2007-05-25T15:43:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't worked a standard 9-5 job in over three years I've forgotten the redemptive qualities of Friday afternoons. I got myself so excited for the weekend on my way out of the office that by the time I got home I was too worn out to do much of anything.

2007-05-24T15:13:00.000-05:00

Look at what I found in the fridge.

Tim is probably saving the bubble gum center for dessert after he eats his weight in garlic condiments.

2007-05-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

Now that I live in super cute Lincoln Square, I figured it was appropriate to visit the super cute local bookstore to buy a book for my first ever (super cute?) book club.

Me: Do you have 'The Glass Castle?'

Sweet But Kinda Jaded Book Store Clerk: Uh, yes, it's right there. Book club?

Me: How did you know?

SBKJBS Clerk: It's one of those books.

Me: Do you know what it's about?

SBKJBS Clerk: Eh, it's one of those memoirs where people have messed up parents. But I've heard it's good.

2007-05-22T14:39:00.000-05:00

This is the outside of my new office.

I didn't take this picture, Ryan did, who is now my co-worker, in this office, where I work, with this sign on the side.

2007-05-21T14:08:00.000-05:00

In December Bob sent me this mix. It a compilation of songs spanning about 50 years called Oldies and Newsies.

He said it was the best mix he has ever made, and that's saying a lot because I'm certain Bob makes about three mixes a day.

I'm not great at being nuanced about my critiques of music or movies, usually I just say if I liked it or not, but this mix is...well it's great. So great that while walking through the Loop at 5pm (it's like being a salmon swimming upstream, and the stream is actaully more salmon) I almost cried at a few of the sappier songs.

2007-05-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Tonight I spent some time unpacking and decorating at the new apartment.

Since I'm living with Tim it was more than appropriate to put my pictures, magnets, Kindergarten diploma, and Awesome Artist Award on the refrigerator. They no longer have to hide.

I didn't want to put my poster from the Theater in the living room, it felt silly, so it has found a home too.

2007-05-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

Tonight Matt H., Adam H., Pete, and I went to see the Chicago Rush for Pete's birthday.

Who are the Chicago Rush? They are the local arena football team, defending champions in fact. Arena football is touted as being the most fan friendly sport in the nation.

So what does this mean? After every play there is some sort of entertainment. T-shirt cannons. Overweight fans riding tricycles to win season tickets. Kids having a dance contest. Music plays throughout the whole game.

What was the highlight of the game? At halftime a junior high football team had a scrimmage. One side was wearing Patriots home jerseys; the other was wearing Patriots away jerseys.

Matt H: The Patriots against the Patriots? Oh God, the world is caving in on itself! This is amazing!

Did I mention the Chicago Rush mascot? It's Grabowski. A long time ago Mike Ditka (owner of the Rush) described the Chicago Bears as a 'bunch of Grabowskis,' a team of hard working, blue collar-esque players, who go out there to do their job, not for frills.

Grabowski (the mascot) is a man wearing a football jersey, a plush oversized tool belt (with plushy hammer), and a construction helmet.

Pete: What does he think he's going to build with that thing? Let's not bother him. He's working.

2007-05-18T08:44:00.000-05:00

My camera battery charger is still M.I.A. Let's hoping it turns up soon. I've got a team of Cubs infielders searching like bloodhounds.

One year ago today Chet called and offered the job at the Theater. I immediately began making a mental list of all the things I had to do before I left, one of them being, go to as many baseball games as possible.... and I did. What did I say to convince people to go with me? "When the next time THIS will happen?" I acted like I was dying.

I haven't approached this season with the same sense of urgency. With moving, starting a new job, and getting used to a new routine I haven't had time. But the season is long and I still have a lot of chances to catch games. Plus I plan on being around for a while.

2007-05-17T09:01:00.000-05:00

An email from Doug:

I don't miss you to the point of being sad. Don't get me wrong; I miss you. Just, not in an agonizing way. Maybe that didn't read right. Oh well. I'm a boy. I'm not supposed to be good at expressing how I feel.

I like being on a ship and going all over the place and meeting new people... but I miss the familiar, too. Waking up each morning in a different country is great... don't let me sound like I am complaining... but the only security blanket is the ship, and that's not so comforting.

I really am having a great time, though. I guess I do just miss you. Slightly in an agonizing way.

Doug liked to take my camera while I wasn't looking. I have quite a few pictures like this.

I've been accidently calling people Doug lately.

2007-05-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

I took this picture while on a walk, the day before I moved back to Chicago. It's the patio of the bar Ryan, Arnie, and I went to on my first night in Boston. You know, the place where I finally came clean about my feelings regarding David Ortiz.

But why am I posting this picture?

1. I've lost my battery charger and my camera is dead.

2. It reminds me that it's ok to be a little sad when you make changes, and that it's possible that something very happy can turn into something not so happy, and it's just life, and you can do something about it.

3. I have a new job, full time, health insurance, etc. The perk? Ryan works here too. I hope he doesn't decide to leave after I've been here for a month.

2007-05-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

An email from a friend:

I feel compelled to share with you that my little brother one time called in to Chic-A-Go-Go when it used to air live.

He threatened to kill Ratso.

He was probably 13.

It was shortly after that incident [and another one involving a children's homework hotline] that my mother banned all of us from calling in to Public Access Shows.

I wish that wasn't a true story.

I watched the show tonight. Arnie and I were not on it. Maybe next week. Set your DVR.

2007-05-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

Mickey and I met again yesterday. This time he was awake.

He started crying right after I took this picture.

Me: It's crying.

Grandpa: HA! IT'S! Did you hear that Mary Lou? She called the baby 'It's!'

Me: He. I meant he.

In reality I meant 'it' as in 'the'...as in 'THE baby.' In my family the youngest member is always referred to as 'the baby.' When another comes along (which has happened often in the last six years), you are revoked of the title and more appropriately referred to by your given Christian name. The only exception is Caroline and Jimmy, who will always be 'the twins.'

Jesse and I were 'the babies' for a lot of years. Then 'the kids.' In fact we only stopped being referred to as 'the kids’ in the last couple of years. Every Christmas, someone will make a joke about Jesse and I having to sit at the kids table. If it wasn't so full now I probably would.

2007-05-13T09:56:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day at Julie and Stu's house.

Grandpa: The last time I saw my mother the alzheimer's was pretty bad at that point. I walk in and she looks at me and says 'Uncle Felix!' Well I didn't know who that was, her mother had thirteen kids so I had aunts and uncles I didn't even know. So I looked him up and...

Julie: THIRTEEN! Oh my god, I'm getting really worried that Stu and I are related....IT HAPPENS! We need to get a genealogy tree done.

Me: But you found him in England.

Grandpa: Well alot of Irish and English get together.

Julie(to Stu): I swear we're related.

Happy Mother's Day.

2007-05-12T08:51:00.000-05:00

A Balderdash highlight:

Write a brief synopsis of the movie 'The Right Stuff.'

BJ's Answer: A documentary about New Kids on the Block and their quest for the stuff that is right.

Mary Beth: That's it. I can go home now. The night is not going to get any better. In fact, I can die now.

2007-05-11T14:26:00.000-05:00

Tim and I were late to the Cowlick show tonight. This is why.

Tim's cat has been trying to get into my room everyday, and not making much progress. Recently she has started leaning on my door so when I open it she falls in to assure entry. Tonight while getting ready I decided to let her inspect my newly arranged room and get it out of her system.

When it was time to go I couldn't find her, but could see something moving under the bed. She found a way to get into my box spring and after taking the bed apart (including having to rip the lining of the bottom of the box spring) we pulled her out.

She jumped back in.

2007-05-10T16:39:00.000-05:00

This is the line up from my last show in Boston.

My name was never spelled right on any line up. Ever. For the first few months the 'h' was left off of my name, then an 'a' started to go missing, and sometimes both.

When I glanced at the line up on my last night I didn't see any typos and it kind of broke my heart. But I didn't look closely enough.

Sarh would be in 'Dateline #2.' Calm was restored.

2007-05-09T16:27:00.000-05:00

Firecracker business meeting.

Issues discussed:

-4th of July plans.
-Fake boyfriend names.
-Songs the need to be written and re-written.
-The location of our next show.
-The best website for engagement rings.
-The possibility of touring.
-Sabotage.
-The amount of 'give' in the right pair of flip flops.

2007-05-08T16:18:00.000-05:00

Me: I'm going to make the bed. Would you put the pillows on?

Arnie: Yes.

2007-05-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

Tim and I decided to get some fast food.

We have very different palates.

2007-05-06T22:38:00.000-05:00

This is what we found at the new apartment after moving the sofa.

Tim: Oh dear God. The cat loves to play with pens and they get stuck under there, that’s why there are so many. Jeez! Two boxes of dental floss?

In less than a minute Tim had the floor completely clean.

Me: That was quick!

Tim: My level of quickness increases exponentially in relation to my level of embarrassment.

And later:

Tim: You have misquoted me on your blog a few times.

In all honesty....he said that a few days later.

2007-05-05T22:28:00.000-05:00

Yay! Yay Yay Yay! It's moving day!

Living out of a suitcase for two months has made me more than happy to carry couches, maneuver corners, and sweat like crazy.

However I did draw the line at driving the truck so Arnie, being oh so helpful, did.

It was a small truck.

Happily Exhausted.

2007-05-04T11:42:00.000-05:00

This is Boaz, Cowlick's Musical Director, with Knauf after our show.

Boaz: You guys, I have a serious question. Can I pull off this hat?

Me: Yes.

Mary Beth: Yes.

Me: Yes.

Very few men can pul off a Fedora. But if your name is Boaz I think it's your birth right.

2007-05-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

This sits on the floor in Arnie's kitchen.

I've recently noticed a lot of fortunes lying about his apartment. Right now "Your Efforts Will be Worthwhile" is on the dresser, "It's quality rather than quantity that matters, do a good job" is on a bookshelf, and "It's very possible that you will achieve greatness in your lifetime" is on the desk. "See reverse side for opening instructions" sitting on a table confused me for half a second until I realized it was a tab from a box.

2007-05-02T15:03:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to not travel as often as I used to, but I do miss people watching at the airports.

2007-05-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

My need for health insurance has prevailed so I'm once again looking for a job, probably full time that will let me see a doctor, or at the very least, not force me to go to Cook County Hospital if I get hit by a car. At this point I know I'm not going to get a job I love (I'm not even sure what that would be), but I would prefer something I don't hate.

A week ago, while pouring through Craig's List ads I found this:

My response: This is hilarious. Please tell me this is a bit.

Their response: Not a bit, but a test. It really helps to weed out uptight and humorless people. Guess what? You passed. Can you send a resume?

So I did. The next day I had an interview, a really great interview. It turns out it's a very good job, with good pay, benefits, and a boss with a sense of humor. The interviewer sent me an email the next day saying how happy he was with the interview and that he would get back to me in a day or two.

He never called back. I'm amazed that the really good interviews I have result, not only NOT getting the job, but not getting a courtesy call. Maybe it was a crappy job and he didn't have the heart to tell me.

The search continues...

2007-04-30T19:20:00.000-05:00

Things I Stupid Hate:

1. Stubbing toe
2. Walking on a windy day without a hair tie
3. Overly ironic karaoke
4. Uncontrollable coughing
5. Hamburgers made with egg

2007-04-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

Today Arnie and I went to a taping of the public access show Chic-A-Go-Go! It's basically a dance show for kids, parents, and any other random person who wants to dance to Gwen Stefani or James Brown songs...but mostly it's for the kids.

The camera man (far right) also acted as the coordinator, letting people know where to go, when to dance, etc. He also vamped a bit in between set changes in an attempt to keep spirits high.

Cameraman: Hey! So anyone seen any good movies lately!?

Slience

Cameraman: Ok! Has anyone seen K-Pax?!?! It's got Kevin Spacey in it, and he's this alien..No? No one seen K-Pax?

Chic-A-Go-Go Host: He was also in the Negotiator.

We were told they were taping two shows. Arnie and I sat out of the first, but decided we'd dance a bit in the second taping...and we did..or tried to at the very least. At the end of that taping the Cameraman asked everyone to stay for an extra 15 minutes and dance to a few more songs so they could use it as filler for a third show. When they abruptly began Arnie and I were still on the set, so we danced. I noticed that all the children left, it was just adults dancing, which made it seem like a completely different show...Arnie did a lot of air guitar.

2007-04-28T13:20:00.000-05:00

The Chicago Improv Festival is this weekend so Stacey and I decided to see Weirdass, Stephanie Weir and Bob Dassie's two person show, at i.O.

It was a great show and refreshing to see something different. In fact I rarely see improv shows or plays anymore. When I was taking classes at i.O. and Second City years ago I remember seeing improv shows that blew my mind, and watching Weirdass tonight brought some of those feelings back.

Afterwards I met up with Arnie for drinks and we ended up back at i.O. for a CIF After Party. There were a few psuedo-celebrities there for the festivities but it was more fun to see people I haven't gotten a chance to see since I've been back, like Rob who went through the i.O. training center with me.

Me: So what's new?

Rob: Nothing. Is there ever anything new? Nothing new.

Fun night.

2007-04-27T17:09:00.000-05:00

It was nice to have a greenroom.

2007-04-26T17:02:00.000-05:00

Taylor = Engaged as of a few weeks ago.

I asked her to send me a picture of her and Blagden Phosphorous III (she's calling him BP3) to use for this post, but I have yet to receive it, so this was the only other option.

Congrats!

2007-04-25T12:36:00.000-05:00

Jana and her boyfriend Jayh have decided to live together and he moved in last week. Also, Jana has recently been diagnosed with Celiac disease which means she's allergic to wheat, gluten, eggs, dairy, breads, red meats, cheese, cane sugar...you get the picture.

Jana: It's like quitting smoking but worse. When you quit smoking you don't hang around smoke. I have to quit eating...but I still have to eat.

This has caused Jana to get a little mopey and hyper-sensitive about her body at the same time. It has also caused her to convince herself that Jayh is suddenly a doctor.

Jana: Jayh! Feel my bone! Can you feel it deteriorating? Jayh! Why has my toe hair stopped growing? Does gluten make your toe hair grow? Jayh! What time are you coming back to take me to work?

Jayh: I'm never coming back! I'M GOING TO MISSISSIPPI!!!

Congrats.

Wait. I mean 'congrats on moving in together.' Not 'congrats on being diagnosed with a life changing disease.' Ok.

2007-04-24T17:20:00.000-05:00

Time for another installment of 'Highlights from Doug's High Seas Travails.'

or

I Didn't Do Much Today So Let's Check in With Something More Interesting

or, just

A recent email from Doug:

Was in Southhampton, England today. We went to a TGI Friday's but the food was different.

and later...

It's cool to travel to all these places, yet a little disappointing that unless you go on a tour you really don't get to see much while you're out.

and later...

Ship life is OK... the security team is from Israel and they're cocks. They yell at people and abuse their power, especially with other crew members like us who have many more priveleges and work much less than they do. It's an extremely classist environment. And I'm near the bottom. Other than that, people are pretty much nice.

These stories, delivered with heaping spoonfuls of sarcasm and sass, would be much better in person.