While everyone else is having babies in 2010, I have decided to travel. Why? Because while I am very jealous of your insanely cute children, you can be jealous of my ability to leave the country at will.
So far, I have two trips planned. St. Thomas in January and London in April. Hopefully.
I wanna go to Spain too. And then Italy. And then India. And then Thailand. And by that time I will be in the poor house.
Soooo, I'm probably not going to buy the house.
I'd much prefer to plan vacations!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Roanoke and Floyd Performances
If you live in the Southern Regions of Virginia, please come and see the performances at
The Junebug Center in Floyd, VA. 251 Parkway Lane, S. Floyd, VA
Visit http://www.junebugcenter.org for more information.
Time: Friday, June 16th 7pm
or Saturday, June 17th 7pm
The Dumas in Roanoke, VA
108 Henry Street, (First Street), Roanoke, VA
http://www.dumascenter.org/
New Show
The Junebug Center for the Performing Arts Presents
POE, the PIT, and the PENDULUM
Adapted for the stage by Whitney Larsen, Eve Speer, and Lesley Larsen
Produced by: Eve Speer Directed by Lesley Larsen
Assistant Director: Whitney Larsen Costume Designer: Mika Nesbit
Original Music Composed by Melissa Branin
Based on the works of Edgar Allen Poe
Featuring: Melissa Branin, Lesley Larsen, Michael Nercesian, Robert Bowen Smith, and Eve Speer
Time: Friday, October 23
8pm and 11pm
The Soundry
316 Dominion Road, Vienna, VA
Tickets are $15 or 2 for $20
For more information call 540-290-7013
Seating is first come first serve. The house will open 30 minutes early.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Yesterday I woke up at 11am. Now don't get mad or jealous and think "Eve is totally lazy! She slept in, she gets to sleep in until 11am!" Friday night I drove to Waynesboro for rehearsal, rehearsed until 1am, and drove back to DC. That's 5 hours driving.... Followed by falling into bed at 4am.
I was in the kitchen, wandering around like a zombie when my friend called and asked me if I wanted to go to a baseball game. I said, "Sure!" (Because I like going to baseball games.) He said, "Great! I'll be over to pick you up in 30 minutes!"
I croaked "Great!" into the phone, and then ran upstairs to try and shower myself awake!
Luckily, he was 20 minutes late so I was able to use that time to obsess over different outfits. Dressing for a baseball game is difficult. You can't look too dressed up or you're a freak--but who wants to specifically dress down? That's not fun at all. I wanted to wear my hair down, but I was sweating like a pig because I was running around like crazy. So, up it went.
When he got there, he said, "You got pretty for a baseball game?" Which I interpreted as, "You look pretty!" And I smiled and said, "Yes! What are you going to do about it?" And he smiled and we went to get into his awesome Volvo.
We took the metro to the game. The Nationals were playing the Braves. The rain came down. The Nationals were losing. But--we had hotdogs and great conversation. I had a great time.
After the game, we rode into DC and walked around the National Book Fair on the Mall.
It was a wonderful date. I had a great time.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Poe dee dee poe poe
Right now, I'm memorizing lines for an upcoming show about Edgar Allen Poe.
Oh Poe.
The more time I spend with his words, the more I realize that he is a genius and well, I am going to need to get up very early tomorrow morning to continue memorizing lines.
I have been grading papers, memorizing lines, planning lectures, etc. etc.
This leaves no time for anything else.
And, so I haven't blogged in forever because I can't think straight to type anything except maybe the lines that I am currently memorizing.
Lines like this:
Look up. Survey the ceiling of your prison. Do you see? In one of the panels is the painted figure of time as he commonly represented, save that in lieu of a scythe, he holds what we might suppose to be a giant pendulum, such as we have seen in antique clocks.
And this continues . . .
This particular gem is from his story, "The Pit and Pendulum". I adapted the story from a first-person tale, to a two-person scene where a man listens to a voice in his head describe what is happening to him. It makes in much more active then if we just told the story. I had to change the tense to 2nd person and present tense. It was kinda cool. I liked it.
And now I get to memorize it. And that, I don't like. But oh whatever. I can't think straight. I've enjoyed reading your blogs as I put off memorizing. I have put off everything in my life.
Oh life. I can't wait until it becomes interesting again.
I am looking at buying a house. Just puttin' it out there.
Oh Poe.
The more time I spend with his words, the more I realize that he is a genius and well, I am going to need to get up very early tomorrow morning to continue memorizing lines.
I have been grading papers, memorizing lines, planning lectures, etc. etc.
This leaves no time for anything else.
And, so I haven't blogged in forever because I can't think straight to type anything except maybe the lines that I am currently memorizing.
Lines like this:
Look up. Survey the ceiling of your prison. Do you see? In one of the panels is the painted figure of time as he commonly represented, save that in lieu of a scythe, he holds what we might suppose to be a giant pendulum, such as we have seen in antique clocks.
And this continues . . .
This particular gem is from his story, "The Pit and Pendulum". I adapted the story from a first-person tale, to a two-person scene where a man listens to a voice in his head describe what is happening to him. It makes in much more active then if we just told the story. I had to change the tense to 2nd person and present tense. It was kinda cool. I liked it.
And now I get to memorize it. And that, I don't like. But oh whatever. I can't think straight. I've enjoyed reading your blogs as I put off memorizing. I have put off everything in my life.
Oh life. I can't wait until it becomes interesting again.
I am looking at buying a house. Just puttin' it out there.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Better at the Blahs
Today was a blah day. I needed it to be a blah day. I've been sliding towards this forever, and today I let myself live in the blah. I have been forcing myself to function beyond my capacity--and it's just made me irritable. I have been doing my duty to God and country like a good little scout, but slowly, oh so slowly, I've become suckier and suckier (yes I chose to use the word suckier) at getting through my obligations. I end classes a little early, arrive 3 minutes late, return assignments later than I should, or not at all. I forget to return emails, and I've put off paying bills.
But, as the blahs have crept up on me--I have maintained my focus on losing weight. And for that, I am incredibly proud of myself.
I slept in until 11am this morning, watched 6 episodes of Angel, played countless tetris games, and chilled in sweats until 5:30pm.
BUT . . . I also paid all my bills, including buying a plane ticket home for Christmas. And as for overeating--I ate a 1/3 cup of chocolate chips. And that's it!! I am infamous for binging--and I didn't! I could have. I would have let myself. But, I didn't.
I need another good night of sleep and some chill out time, and I'll be good as new by the weekend.
These "blah" days can freak me out a little. I feel a little out of control, but you know--it's life. They come, and they go. But, I'll tell you what bugs me--it doesn't matter how self-aware you are--you can't think your way out of it. You can tell yourself exactly what is happening in your mind and body, and scientifically understand the source of your feelings--but the feelings are still there. And no amount of self-reflection can substitute getting extra sleep and enjoying a little downtime.
But, as the blahs have crept up on me--I have maintained my focus on losing weight. And for that, I am incredibly proud of myself.
I slept in until 11am this morning, watched 6 episodes of Angel, played countless tetris games, and chilled in sweats until 5:30pm.
BUT . . . I also paid all my bills, including buying a plane ticket home for Christmas. And as for overeating--I ate a 1/3 cup of chocolate chips. And that's it!! I am infamous for binging--and I didn't! I could have. I would have let myself. But, I didn't.
I need another good night of sleep and some chill out time, and I'll be good as new by the weekend.
These "blah" days can freak me out a little. I feel a little out of control, but you know--it's life. They come, and they go. But, I'll tell you what bugs me--it doesn't matter how self-aware you are--you can't think your way out of it. You can tell yourself exactly what is happening in your mind and body, and scientifically understand the source of your feelings--but the feelings are still there. And no amount of self-reflection can substitute getting extra sleep and enjoying a little downtime.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Favorite Movies of the Month
Adam is a movie about a man with aspberger's syndrome starring Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne. I have a girl crush on Rose Byrne from her work in Damages and it is a treat to see the subtle differences in her character in this movie. It is an incredibly heartwarming treat. It encourages moviegoers to reevaluate which handicaps we should or should not overlook in our interactions with one another. 
Tyler Perry is the most prolific writer of the day. And sure, his stuff is formulaic, but so was Calderon and Lope de Vega. He knows what his audiences want and need to hear, and he gives it to us with flair and poignance. Featuring Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, a wonderful performance by Benjamin Button's Taraji P. Henson, a gorgeously subtle Hope Olaide Wilson, beautiful gospel music, and the kind of hit you over the head preachin' that you come to expect and enjoy in a Tyler Perry movie! Just like Greek Theatre's Deux et Machina--the power of Jesus will always save in a Tyler Perry movie. And folks, if that ain't feel good cinema--I don't know what is!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Pinch Me Please
I am hoarse and tired from teaching this morning. The children would not shut up!
And I realized that this is a great, wonderful thing!
I was trying to teach them about Ethics of Duty and they just blabbered on and on and asked question after question! I'm so proud of them!
The goal in my ethics class is to teach college students how to think and question things. Well, let the questioning begin!
For their final assignment in the class, they need to take a stance on a current issue and defend it using the philosophies we've discussed. One group wants to defend gay marriage, another group wants to defend marriage between a man and a woman. I told them that they had to present their arguments using more than just religion, and more than just emotion. They needed to bring in several types of arguments. And they're all for it! I'm so excited to hear their views expressed in a polite, well-researched fashion. I've never seen students so excited to get to the library to research!
First rehearsal for Poe show is on Friday. I must memorize.
I've lost 10 pounds.
It's not a lot--but it's a good start!
I have a green dress that I bought at the beginning of the summer that now looks great! (I haven't worn it out of my bedroom because it's a clinger. Hate the clingers.)
I love my job. Love my body. Love my art. Love love love love love everything.
And as for men or love--could take or leave it! I have the new Ingrid Michaelson cd and she fills me up with such wonderful joy, I almost forget that there's a guy that I might still like, who might be in Europe right now, and might not be home for two weeks--and who knows if he'll even be remotely interested in me when he gets back. I almost forget this!
No really--the cd is THAT good!!
And I realized that this is a great, wonderful thing!
I was trying to teach them about Ethics of Duty and they just blabbered on and on and asked question after question! I'm so proud of them!
The goal in my ethics class is to teach college students how to think and question things. Well, let the questioning begin!
For their final assignment in the class, they need to take a stance on a current issue and defend it using the philosophies we've discussed. One group wants to defend gay marriage, another group wants to defend marriage between a man and a woman. I told them that they had to present their arguments using more than just religion, and more than just emotion. They needed to bring in several types of arguments. And they're all for it! I'm so excited to hear their views expressed in a polite, well-researched fashion. I've never seen students so excited to get to the library to research!
First rehearsal for Poe show is on Friday. I must memorize.
I've lost 10 pounds.
It's not a lot--but it's a good start!
I have a green dress that I bought at the beginning of the summer that now looks great! (I haven't worn it out of my bedroom because it's a clinger. Hate the clingers.)
I love my job. Love my body. Love my art. Love love love love love everything.
And as for men or love--could take or leave it! I have the new Ingrid Michaelson cd and she fills me up with such wonderful joy, I almost forget that there's a guy that I might still like, who might be in Europe right now, and might not be home for two weeks--and who knows if he'll even be remotely interested in me when he gets back. I almost forget this!
No really--the cd is THAT good!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sick of Fearmongers
From the pen of Caroline Gaddy: (I couldn't have said it better myself, so I won't!)
"Unless you are a Congressman, Senator, the President of the United States, or someone else employed by the federal government, you do not, I repeat DO NOT have some kind of fantastic magical health care coverage that will never let you down, has not ever let you down, and will always protect you. And no matter what kind of coverage you have, you are already paying for everybody else who doesn't. Every time you walk into a doctor's office, a hospital, a clinic, pay your copay and your premium, you are paying for everyone else. That is one of the reasons those things can be so expensive because people who can't afford healthcare, end up in the hospital with something far more advanced than if they had been able to go to the doctor in the first place, and they can't afford to pay the huge bill. And that gets passed on to you and me, my friend. And every time that litigious douchebag down the street decides to go after your friendly neighborhood doctor for malpractice, that big fat lawyer bill gets passed on to you and me and if we have it, our insurance premium.
And just because you have insurance does not mean you are always covered. And just because someone does not have insurance does not mean they are lazy, seeking to live off the government, refusing to work, and living the high life eating doritos and watching TV. Do those people exist? Sure they do. And I think they suck just as much as you do. But there are also plenty of people like me and Frank who work hard, work our asses off, but work for someone who does not provide healthcare coverage. If I told you how much we had to pay to ensure adequate coverage for us and our baby, you would fall down on the ground. No really, you would fall flat on your face and bleed all over because you broke your nose. I do. And it depresses the hell out of me. But what are we to do? This is the system we have. And this system is broken.
The proposition on the table is not for government run healthcare. It is not based on the Canadian or British model (not that I have a problem with that). It just makes sure that affordable coverage is available to everyone. And, come on, communism? Really? We're still afraid of communism? The Cold War ended. Capitalism reigns. Get over it.
And there aren't any death panels. There just aren't. But even if there were, it would not be much different than now. There are (sorry, Ralph, it's a rant - I wouldn't do it if it were a paper for you) people deciding what medical treatment is reasonable or ethical already. Ethics boards, doctors, and insurance companies already do these things. I personally feel that we are far too afraid of death, and that sometimes we go to measures that are far too extreme just to prevent this frightening thing, when really the measures to which we go to keep someone alive can really be what is the most frightening...and the most heartbreaking. But I also totally understand if someone feels they have to take every measure to keep their 96 year old mother alive. I'd fight like hell for my mom too. But, really, the "choice" about how much you get to fight for her would be just as much "yours" as it is already. Doctors, hospitals, administrators, insurance companies, ethics boards, everybody who is looking out for the bottom line and the ethics of a medical treatment - they make choices too."
Obama is not evil. He is the president.
Fixing healthcare is not about taking all of your money, it's about taking the power out of the hands of insurance companies and putting it back into the hands of doctors and patients.
Every other civilized country has found a way to make this work.
Do you really want to stand against reforming this broken system?
I guess every great advancement in society has to have their detractors.
"Unless you are a Congressman, Senator, the President of the United States, or someone else employed by the federal government, you do not, I repeat DO NOT have some kind of fantastic magical health care coverage that will never let you down, has not ever let you down, and will always protect you. And no matter what kind of coverage you have, you are already paying for everybody else who doesn't. Every time you walk into a doctor's office, a hospital, a clinic, pay your copay and your premium, you are paying for everyone else. That is one of the reasons those things can be so expensive because people who can't afford healthcare, end up in the hospital with something far more advanced than if they had been able to go to the doctor in the first place, and they can't afford to pay the huge bill. And that gets passed on to you and me, my friend. And every time that litigious douchebag down the street decides to go after your friendly neighborhood doctor for malpractice, that big fat lawyer bill gets passed on to you and me and if we have it, our insurance premium.
And just because you have insurance does not mean you are always covered. And just because someone does not have insurance does not mean they are lazy, seeking to live off the government, refusing to work, and living the high life eating doritos and watching TV. Do those people exist? Sure they do. And I think they suck just as much as you do. But there are also plenty of people like me and Frank who work hard, work our asses off, but work for someone who does not provide healthcare coverage. If I told you how much we had to pay to ensure adequate coverage for us and our baby, you would fall down on the ground. No really, you would fall flat on your face and bleed all over because you broke your nose. I do. And it depresses the hell out of me. But what are we to do? This is the system we have. And this system is broken.
The proposition on the table is not for government run healthcare. It is not based on the Canadian or British model (not that I have a problem with that). It just makes sure that affordable coverage is available to everyone. And, come on, communism? Really? We're still afraid of communism? The Cold War ended. Capitalism reigns. Get over it.
And there aren't any death panels. There just aren't. But even if there were, it would not be much different than now. There are (sorry, Ralph, it's a rant - I wouldn't do it if it were a paper for you) people deciding what medical treatment is reasonable or ethical already. Ethics boards, doctors, and insurance companies already do these things. I personally feel that we are far too afraid of death, and that sometimes we go to measures that are far too extreme just to prevent this frightening thing, when really the measures to which we go to keep someone alive can really be what is the most frightening...and the most heartbreaking. But I also totally understand if someone feels they have to take every measure to keep their 96 year old mother alive. I'd fight like hell for my mom too. But, really, the "choice" about how much you get to fight for her would be just as much "yours" as it is already. Doctors, hospitals, administrators, insurance companies, ethics boards, everybody who is looking out for the bottom line and the ethics of a medical treatment - they make choices too."
Obama is not evil. He is the president.
Fixing healthcare is not about taking all of your money, it's about taking the power out of the hands of insurance companies and putting it back into the hands of doctors and patients.
Every other civilized country has found a way to make this work.
Do you really want to stand against reforming this broken system?
I guess every great advancement in society has to have their detractors.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
King Curly
I am very tired today. This makes sense. This weekend has been long and lovely.
The script is basically done. (Thank you Lesley and Whitney!) and I went to a great house show at Mel's place last night after driving back up from Waynesboro.
I really liked the band. It was so chill and lovely. I just sat their pinching myself that I was able to watch them perform in such an intimate space. If you are in the DC area and you haven't been to a houseshow yet--you are truly missing out on an amazing experience.
In other news, I think I've figured out the best way for me to lose weight--I just have to make myself stop eating at 8pm. It's been tough this week, but so far the results are quite encouraging!
Check out King Curly's video "Family Man". They were asked to open for KD Lang!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Help Me!
I notice that many of you have very cute blogs, and I was trying to make mine cute. But I don't know how to change the background now that I've chosen one.
I liked it at first. But now, I don't. It's too dark. Too purply. I'm not a purple person. I'm a light blue person. I found another great background, but I can't figure out how to delete the first gadget!
My expert blogger friends--any help would be appreciated.
I am on my way to the grocery store! I am going to make Panang Curry!
(I haven't the slightest clue what I'm doing--but hopefully I'll be able to find shallots, coriander roots, and lemon grass.)
Does anyone know what galangal looks like? (What on earth am I thinking?)
I liked it at first. But now, I don't. It's too dark. Too purply. I'm not a purple person. I'm a light blue person. I found another great background, but I can't figure out how to delete the first gadget!
My expert blogger friends--any help would be appreciated.
I am on my way to the grocery store! I am going to make Panang Curry!
(I haven't the slightest clue what I'm doing--but hopefully I'll be able to find shallots, coriander roots, and lemon grass.)
Does anyone know what galangal looks like? (What on earth am I thinking?)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Dressing Up!
I have never dressed up at Halloween. Well, nothing really significant.
But . . . . I have an awesome knee length dress that reminds me of the 60's! And soooooo
I am going to lose 20 pounds by Halloween and I'm going to put on that dress, put up my hair and dress up as Joan Holloway! Because she's a red-head, she's curvy, and she's hot! And I wanna look hot!
So there.
Miss Happypants
I have a rather substantial break between classes. I teach from 9am-1:30pm. Then I take a big break until 6pm. I have gone home during this break, but traffic gets a little hairy and it can take about 40 minutes to get to the house. That's 80 minutes of driving--or the length of a short movie!
Usually, I will watch a matinee. But this week, there is absolutely nothing I want to see.
It's an interesting dilemma this break--if I work straight through, grading papers and preparing lectures, I find that I run out of steam by about 8pm. This isn't good when class usually wraps up around 10pm. So, I have to figure out a way to relax.
Today was wonderful. First, I went to lunch at Panera and enjoyed a big salad and a tasty sandwich. I was starving when I got there and had to exercise amazing self control and not order 3 sandwiches and 5 bowls of soup. While eating, I had a great talk with the arts administrator at the Junebug about the Poe show, and solved some logistical problems. (Yay for accomplishing something even when you're not trying to!)
Then, I went to Avenue to see if they had anything cute on sale. They did! I bought a gorgeous black dress. I am so excited! It has spaghetti straps, but it will look amazing under a little sweater for the fall!
After that, I was incredibly cranky because I had to go to the restroom. It's amazing how bodily needs drive our decisions. I pulled into the Borders and ran in. Once that problem was solved, I was so happy at how my mood immediately changed from irritable to joy. (It's the little things in life people!) I wanted to buy an interesting book or two. I bought 5.
First of all, I bought Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. And then 4 cook books for $2.99 each! When the cashier asked if I wanted to donate a book to a local school, I immediately bought Matilda by Roald Dahl.
After making my purchases, I had a wonderful phone conversation with a wonderful friend.
and I just sound like Miss Happypants herself, don't I!
Well, I am. I am Miss Happypants. And since tonight the students are taking their midterms, I get to leave early!
Wahoo!!
Usually, I will watch a matinee. But this week, there is absolutely nothing I want to see.
It's an interesting dilemma this break--if I work straight through, grading papers and preparing lectures, I find that I run out of steam by about 8pm. This isn't good when class usually wraps up around 10pm. So, I have to figure out a way to relax.
Today was wonderful. First, I went to lunch at Panera and enjoyed a big salad and a tasty sandwich. I was starving when I got there and had to exercise amazing self control and not order 3 sandwiches and 5 bowls of soup. While eating, I had a great talk with the arts administrator at the Junebug about the Poe show, and solved some logistical problems. (Yay for accomplishing something even when you're not trying to!)
Then, I went to Avenue to see if they had anything cute on sale. They did! I bought a gorgeous black dress. I am so excited! It has spaghetti straps, but it will look amazing under a little sweater for the fall!
After that, I was incredibly cranky because I had to go to the restroom. It's amazing how bodily needs drive our decisions. I pulled into the Borders and ran in. Once that problem was solved, I was so happy at how my mood immediately changed from irritable to joy. (It's the little things in life people!) I wanted to buy an interesting book or two. I bought 5.
First of all, I bought Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. And then 4 cook books for $2.99 each! When the cashier asked if I wanted to donate a book to a local school, I immediately bought Matilda by Roald Dahl.
After making my purchases, I had a wonderful phone conversation with a wonderful friend.
and I just sound like Miss Happypants herself, don't I!
Well, I am. I am Miss Happypants. And since tonight the students are taking their midterms, I get to leave early!
Wahoo!!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Gravity
Christina recommended I check out this video.
Oh my.
I love the beauty of dance. I think that dance captures the power and the majesty of the human body, and this dance not only captures the beauty of the body, but the immense capacity of the spirit. I love it!! Words can't express. Just watch.
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