Friday, December 26, 2008

Reflections on Christmas

Since you asked Mikey, here you go .

Christmas this year was a mixed bag.

My parents got me a kick-ass art book that I desperately need for directing (and for looking at when I am bored), my sister got me a Chinese yo-yo that I am going to master by the end of break, and my brother sent me Heroes Season 1. This, however, is where my Christmas gets kinda sucky.

My brother, as everyone probably knows by now, is performing on a cruise ship sailing around the Caribbean and while this is a great first job and I am so happy for him, I spent my first Christmas without him. It first really hit me how much I miss him when I opened his present (one of his favorite shows that he has been pushing on me for a year now). Then five minutes later, we were taking our yearly family photo in front of the tree, and I was reminded of his absence again. In fact, for the rest of the day, I was constantly reminded of him and the worst part of it all was that I couldn't call him, I couldn't text him, I couldn't see him.

But, I also acknowledge that he was just as sad seeing as how I sort of talked to him a few days ago about it. By the way, apparently he had to march around the boat playing Jingle Bells and Sleigh Ride for an hour on Christmas Morning. Bummer. He isn't going to be coming back until late March. I really miss him.

The other part of Christmas that was really sucky was, well, the fact that the people I care about the most are spread all across New York and even though we are in the season of sharing with the people that you love, I was unable to share it with any of them. However I know I was sharing it with them in spirit and to make matters better, I will be both riding out the old year, and ringing in the new year with them.

But as I said, my Christmas was a mixed bag and with the bad came the good. I got home last night around six, had a few beers, talked to Mikey and Lauren, and then shared the rest of the night with great friends. We saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button which was albeit a bit long, was really a fantastic movie.

Did I ever tell you I've been struck by lightning seven times? One time I was just getting my mail.

Monday, December 22, 2008

The Future

Wow, I haven't posted in a while...

So after a crazy weekend in Vorhees, NJ at my cousin's Bat Mitzvah, I am finally home for the break.

I will never understand the effects of a shower on me. People occasionally notice that I take a long time in the shower, and I never really explain why. That said, I feel compelled to explain it right here. I do some of my best thinking in the shower. There is something about the massaging effect of water on my head that really stimulates my mind. I have had many epiphanies there. For this reason, I not only make sure to take showers when I know I have enough time to take my time, but I also take showers when I know I need to do some thinking.

However, there are occasions when I am showering and an unexpected thought will arise. Hence the reason I am writing this.

As I was showering today, I had a strange thought about the future and my career path. Two weeks ago I auditioned for a B.A. in Music. Three days later, I found out that I got the major. Hence, I am double majoring in B.A. in Drama and B.A. in Music. This is where the problem begins. When putting these two majors to use in real life, they add up to almost nothing. For those who don't know, a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) is the most general degree you can get in a field. I love the irony in this because I wanted to originally audition for a B.F.A in Musical Theatre but my parents were worried that I would graduate and be "unable to do anything else but act." However, with my two majors, I am going to graduate "unable to do anything." I will have a degree in theatre but no specific training in any theatre concentration. I will have a degree in music but no specific training in any music concentration.

Here is where my epiphany comes in. See, I cannot imagine myself in any career that would force me to sit in a desk all day and even though I do not have a set career when I graduate, I am extremely happy with my life decision. Because I am getting the most general degrees, I am free to get a rounded education to my choosing. If I want to throw some psychology classes in there, I can! If I want to through in some biology classes, so be it! I am able to really choose what I want to learn and if I chose with some intellegence, I know I can pick the classes that might help me in the future.

To be honest, I feel like I am writing myself a blank check for the future. I will go whereever the wind will take me. Whatever job I end up in (although my top priority is a theatre job), will be good enough for me. Money, which I feel only holds people down, is no object to me. No necessity to me.

Don't take this the wrong way, for I do have aspirations. I only am saying that I am prepared to take what life throws at me and throw it right back at life. I will use my education to the best of my ability and make sure that all of it is useful to me.

I have a smart head on my sholders and because I am not pidgeon holing myself, I know I will succeed.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Stream of consciousness amidst finals

I really want to do more Stream of Consciousness writings. That is when you just let your mind go and just babble. So without further interruption...

Here is a major Faux Pas. So today whilst presenting for my Theories final, I was trying to explain how the purpose of Theatre of Cruelty is meant to confuse the senses. However, I screwed up and said the Theatre of Cruelty is meant to cuntfuse the senses. Although I definitely thought the words, "Oh shit!" loud enough in my head, I continued to go on as though nothing happened.

Tonight is the closing night of the first show I have ever directed. It is a rough show and there have been some interesting moral dilemmas/obligations but the cast was great to work with and result is a great product. All in all, I am very happy that this was the first of hopefully many shows in my directing career.

Tomorrow is going to rock because I have a 20 minute Italian test at 7:30 and then am done for the day... well, except for studying for Musical Styles.

On wednesday I go home and can finally clear my mind of all insanity. The past couple weeks have been really rough and there have been many people who helped me get through it and for that I am very greatful. I am also grateful that I am a different/better person for it. Still though, I am glad that I am leaving this semester without many regrets and [even better] in one piece/peace.

I think thats all I have for now.

Later Gator.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Asshole Mario Stage 1

Just watching this made me want to kill myself. I could never in a million years play it.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Dream Land Part 2

WHOO! I remembered another part of my dreams!

I found a bat in one of the buildings on campus and decided it would be a good idea to let him sleep in tin foil. Then, I was late to visit my RA (and apparently his dog) and went to his room. He had a lot of people there and I brought Ossian, our future cat, and the bat wrapped in tin foil. I had hoped my RA's dog wouldn't notice Ossian even though she was meowing up a storm. It took a while but he did eventually notice her and the where fighting. I tried to intervene but Ossian scratched me along the cheek, mouth, and eye. then she started bleeding, I started bleeding and the dog started bleeding. The bat was still sleeping. Then the dog and cat made up and the cat put its arm around the dog's soulder... you heard me. Meanwhile I went to the bathroom to clean up and as I was washing the wounds with water, the disappeared but I put a band-aid on anyway.

Dream Land

I've heard that you are always dreaming but sometimes you don't remember them. I also know it has a lot to do with your REM cycle. Either way, I feel like I haven't had a dream in the longest time. It really sucks because every so often I try to learn how to lucid dream, but the first step is to make sure you remember your dreams and to do that you need to keep a dream journal. I've tried but its kind of hard when I can barely even remember my dreams when I wake up.

That said, last night I had some pretty awesome and vivid dreams! I actually remembered almost all the details when I woke up, but I wish I had thought to chronicle them earlier because now I barely remember them; I'll at least describe them.

One dream had flying in the middle. Flying has become an important part of my dreams (at least the ones I remember) recently. Anyway, I grew wings on my back and it took a while for me to learn how to use them. It was very much like using a new muscle. I was luckily in a house that was full of trees with springy branches and was able to jump from one to another gaining momentum and eventually crashing down. Finally I got the hang of it and was using less and less branches until I was able to fly without the help of them. I think the best part of the dream, wasn't even the dream. When I woke up, I had this really weird feeling next to my shoulder blades. It wasn't pain, on the contrary, it was very pleasant. In fact, I can still feel it.

Flying never meant anything to me. I always wanted to be able to walk through solid objects or teleport or something, but recently, I think flying would be the best feeling in the world... No. I don't think. I know. The dream was so vivid and that feeling next to my shoulder blades. I know what flying feels like. And the weird part is that feeling how I do when I am flying in the dream world is just about enough for me. I don't care so much that I can't do it in the real world.

...Shit... I forgot my other dreams.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Finals

Has anyone else noticed that the week or two before finals are worse than the actual finals? I felt so overwhelmed last week and over the weekend, however, when I finally started working on them, I realized I don't have as much work to do as previously thought. Chalk it up to disorganization, but this year finals are going to be better than they actually seemed.

WHOO! End of the semester.

My Songs

Every night before I go to bed, I think about where I have been, where I am going, and reflect upon myself. Then after all of that, I wash the slate clean and go to bed fully ready for the next day.

I just had to get that out there. There is a reason for this post and I hope it becomes clear by the end.

I titled this post "My Songs" for a reason. These songs have an infinite amount of meaning. So much so that they belong to me.

After tonight, I need a lot of reflection. As soon as things tapered off, the first thing I ran to were my songs for comfort; to get balance in my life, to remind myself of who I am.

------------------------------------------

Call Me, Call Me by Steve Conteh
I close my eyes and I keep seeing things;
Rainbow waterfalls, sunny liquid dreams.
Confusion creeps inside me raining doubt;
Got to get to you, but i don't know how

Call me call me,
Let me know its alright.
Call me call me,
Don't you think its bout time,

Please wont you call and:
Ease my mind.
Reasons, for me to know you,
Ease my mind.
What would i do, but wait here for you?

I had your number quite some time ago,
Back when we were young but I had to go.
Ten-thousand years I've searched it seems and now:
Got to get to you, but i don't know how.

Call me call me,
Let me know you are there.
Call me call me,
I want to know you still care.

Come on now wont you ease my mind?
Reasons for me to know you.
Piece of mind.
What can i do: To get me to you?

Gotta Knock a Little Harder by Yoko Kanno
Happiness is just a word to me
And it might have meant a thing or two
If I'd known the difference

Emptiness, a lonely parody
And my life, another smokin' gun
A sign of my indifference

Always keepin' safe inside
Where no one ever had a chance
To penetrate a break in

Let me tell you some have tried
But I would slam the door so tight
That they could never get in

Kept my cool under lock and key
And I never shed a tear
Another sign of my condidtion

Fear of love or bitter vanity
That kept me on the run
The main events at my confession

I kept a chain upon my door
That would shake the shame of Cain
Into a blind submission

The burning ghost without a name
Was calling all the same
But I wouldn't listen

The longer I'd stall
The further I'd crawl
The further I'd crawl
The harder I'd fall
I was crawlin' into the fire

The more that I saw
The further I'd fall
The further I'd fall
The lower I'd crawl
I kept fallin' into the fire
Into the fire
Into the fire

Suddenly it occurred to me
The reason for the run and hide
Had totaled my existnce

Everything left on the other side
Could never be much worse that this
But could I go the distance

I faced the door and all my shame
Tearin' off each piece of chain
Until they all were broken

But no matter how I tried
The other side was licked so tight
That door it wouldn't open

Gave it all that I got
And started to knock
Shouted for someone
To open the lock
I just gotta get through the door

And the more that I knocked
The hotter I got
The hotter I got
The harder I'd knock
I just gotta break through the door

Gotta knock a little harder
Break down the door.

Learn to Fly by the Foo Fighters
Run and tell all of the angels
This could take all night
Think I need a devil to help me
Get things right.

Hook me up a new revolution
Cause this one is a lie
We sat around laughing
And watch the last one die.

I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something help me burn out bright

I'm looking for complications
Looking cause I'm tired of lying
Make my way back home
When I learn to fly

Think I'm done nursing the patience
I can wait one night
I'd give it all away
If you give me one last try

We live happily ever trapped
If you just save my life
Run and tell the angels
That everything is all right

I'm looking for complications
Looking cause I'm tired of tryin'
Make my way back home
When I learn to fly.

Fly along with me
I cant quite make it alone
Try to make this life my own

I'm looking for complications
Looking cause I'm tired of tryin'
Make my way back home
When I learn to fly high.

------------------------------------------

I think few people know who I truly am. In fact, I am fairly confident that I can count on one hand the people who truly understand ...you know who you are...

Where have I been? Where am I going? What am I doing? What do I want out of life? I don't pretend to be complicated, there is just a lot to me. In the end though, you might find out that I am not so hard to figure out after all. Maybe you'll understand me through these songs and post. Maybe I'll tell you sometime.

Please don't take umbridge with me for this post. I hope it's not too pretentious. Maybe its my fault I am not as open with people as I should be and maybe its because people aren't interested in me. If you feel strongly about it, just talk to me sometime. I love you anyway.

See you Space Cowboy.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Blech 2: The Revelation

I talked to my roommates and apparently it wasn't pubes. It was beard trimmings.

I'm still going to wear sandals from now on.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Blech

This morning, I stepped on pubic hair that was strewn about in front of the shower. I didn't have sandals...

This morning I learned a new lesson.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

...

I always promise myself I will take the past as it is and not let it affect me. Why can't I let it go?

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Let me preface this entry by saying that I didn't mean to contrast Andy's blog. On the contrary, I have been thinking about this all day but haven't had access to the internet until now.

I love the holiday season. Not so much for the holiday's themselves, and definitely not for the commercialism (I absolutely hate the commercialism). Rather, I truly enjoy the holiday season for what it occasionally does for everyone.

This morning my dad told us a recent story that was in the news within the past few weeks. A boy, age 9 (or so), was diagnosed with cancer some time ago. A month ago he was told he would live no longer than two or three weeks. Make-a-Wish foundation visited him and asked him what he wanted. He told them that the economic crisis has left many families in his area without substantial food for Thanksgiving and he wanted nothing more than to see them enjoy a good meal during the holiday. Now word got around about this dying boy's wish and many, many people gathered together to help this boy's wish come true. Now here is the irony: the doctors were wrong. The boy passed away a week earlier than expected.

When I first heard this story, I really had to think about what it meant to me. First of all, I felt bad for the boy. He never got to see the fruits of his labor. However, who the hell cares?! If he gave away his wish so selflessly, what does it matter? He wanted other people to be happy and just the knowledge that he was helping other people probably made him happy enough. I think the best part of the story, the most touching part, is how the selfless of one boy in a time of need in a season that is meant to be cheerful, really brought together one community to show what it means to not only be a good person, but to show what it means to be a good human being.

An old friend of mine once said that he hated New Years. He said making resolutions at the end of the year is stupid; that it should be no different than any other day. I think that is complete bullshit. There is nothing wrong with giving yourself a time limit and seeing how much you can change in the time you have. Some people need the push.

So what am I getting at with all this? The reason I like the holiday season is because I think we, as a social species, needs a reason, needs a set date where we can all agree on a truce. Where being nasty is unacceptable and everyone comes together even for just a month. Think about it. If the dying boy made this wish in June, would it have the same weight? I honestly don't think it would.

So how do I take in the holidays. I personally don't set any goals for how much I am going to help people. For me, it is enough to just show other people what the holidays mean to me and maybe help to make their season brighter. It is important to show people just how much they mean to me. The holiday season comes but once a year and it is important to make the best of it.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Whoops

I woke up this morning around 7:50 with an immense pain in my head and a feeling like I was going to die. I had no clue why I felt so shitty! Then I started to laugh and the previous night's events flooded back into my memory.

I don't even remember the last time I drank that much. Actually, I don't think I ever drank that much. A few white Russians, an unknown amount of vodka (although I think maybe 4 shots), and a forty. I actually feel pretty good now (Nicola is ordering delivery from No. 1 so I hope I am okay) but this morning was really shitty. I almost puked twice and I dropped the kids (who were extra evil today) off at the pool. For those who don't know the expressions it means I took a shit. I think I was seriously close to Alcohol poisoning so I don't want to drink for a good while. At least the color is finally coming back to my face. I have to say I looked like shit.

I am really proud of myself; I know how to take care of myself. First I think I asked Brian a few times if she had been drinking before she dropped me off at home. Then when I got into bed, I made sure I had a garbage can next to my bed and I was facing it with my head down. I guess thats how I am. If it were anybody else I'd give them the same attention.

However, I really had fun last night. I really don't know what else to say. I think the highlights of my night were: telling Austin I would beat him in Mario Kart and after several horrible games of me loosing I finally did! AND I WAS DRUNK! Also, I felt bad because Andy called and I was too drunk to speak to him so I handed the phone off to Liz. I also enjoyed going home and trying to web chat with Lauren and Mikey but alas, I was too drunk and needed sleep. I don't care how close to death I was, last night was worth it.

So here I am, hungry as a wolf (I'm bringing that expression back!) and totally ready to start my day.

By the way, my cousin's son, Aidan Rubin, was born yesterday at 7:00pm November 26th 2008 weighing 8lbs 14oz. I'll post a picture for all to see!

Fairy Fail

You know whats going to happen in the first five seconds. AND IT IS STILL HILARIOUS!

That said, everyone needs to check out:
www.failblog.org
This site is one of the best sites I have ever seen.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

A break from reality

At the beginning of a play there is a point of inactivity; a point of equilibrium in which nothing has happened to move the characters or plot forward. Everything is what it is and there are no forces that try to change it. This is called the stasis of the play. As soon as something disrupts the stasis, the inciting incident, its like a mad dash to the finish line. The play is thrown into chaos and until the conflict is resolved, there can be no end. Once it is resolved, the end can either reach a new stasis - the characters and situation are changed - or it can go back to the original stasis.

For the past few months, I have been waiting in stasis for my inciting incident. It's nothing I'd like to get into now (and it would take more than a few beers to get me talking about it) but it's something that has been on the back of my mind during the day and even occasionally invades my sleep. It's nothing that is dominating my life but it's more or less one of those "what is going on?" questions.

Here's the interesting part. It has been bothering me for the past couple of months... but not right now. See, since I got home I have forgotten about it entirely! This morning, I was singing and riding bicycles and vomiting sunshine (as I normally do) when I realized that I haven't once thought about it since I have been home. Maybe its because I have dewlt (is that even a word?) upon it for far too long or maybe its because I am home, but it is nice to be out of my head for a while. Its like taking a break from reality. I know there is a good chance this won't continue but as of now... I don't care.

Today I plan on finally writing this abstract that I've been "working on" for the past month and a half so I can finally get it in and maybe go to a conference and present my findings! Here's hoping that I won't do my usual I'll-do-this-later-but-not-really-do-it-ever-whoops-now-I-pooped-my-pants-but-wait-I-think-I'll-just-sit-in-my-own-crap-until-I-feel-like-getting-up... 'Cause I do that often...

In other news, my cousin's wife's water just broke an hour ago! AWESOME!

Martine Out

Is it Time For Batman to Tone it Down?

So I definitely watched this about 30 times in the first two months after I found it. NO LIE! I also remember playing Deez Nutz and having "Do you like them? They're haunted" as a clue about 10 times.

...ALSO NO LIE!

Actual Poop.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Why I hate the French

There must be some sort of secret to making money. I tried to work at my local temp agency however, they have yet to call me for any job. ...Sigh... I honestly don't care how mindless the work is at this point but I just need the money.

Since everyone is away at school and I didn't have work today, I motivated myself to practice, worked on the two plays I am directing, and even download the Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack.

Also Andre called me today which made me really happy! Apparently he gets to spend his days performing on a boat going back and forth between Miami and the Key West while I have to worry about passing Intro to Musical Styles. Oh well, I am really happy for him!

Anyway, I was practicing for this French opera that I am in and I just need to vent on how much I hate the French language. Sure it sounds great, but if you have never spoken an ounce of French in your life, it is the hardest thing to learn. I honestly don't know how a language with so many ugly syllables can sound so pretty. Oh and by the way, even though I have been receiving [pretty much] weekly help from Lauren, it doesn't always help because the French decided to make their language more deceiving by drastically changing the way it sounds when it is sung. I keep on saying it but this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. Thankfully I am finally getting the hang of it. Yo. Fuck the French.

Welcome To My Home - A Comedy Parody by Deven Green

So I really want to start posting the videos/sites I have been watching since I came to college this year. I want to post a new video/site every day so I should finish by the end of this month. I think this will do for a first video. It will I tell you, it will it WILL!

That was acting. Thank you.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

And so it begins...

I have never had the need to blog before. Nor have I ever had the need to have a gournal. I guess what really initiated this blog is a combination of all of you starting blogs and my belief that I will one day rule the world. Oh, and also would love to keep in touch with all of you more often and if this is what I have to do than so be it. I am also hoping this helps me become a better writer or at the very least helps me to concentrate more on my writing (a skill that I have yet to develop).

Wow... this is turning into a pretty boring first blog. Let me liven it up.

CRUNCHY TOE JAM!

Thats 'bout it for now. I'm going to watch some 30 Rock.