Day 69

New Year's Eve.

I almost didn't have any plans until a friend of mine invited me to a party full of improvisers last night. 

Actually, last night a I had a rather touching experience with a street-wise vendor on the way to the redline to work my iO shift.  It was snowing and cold, and he was walking next to me as I headed out of the bar a bunch of us had stopped into after work for a few quick pitchers of PBR.

"How you doin', Miss?" he asked, still walking briskly and looking straight ahead---as if on a mission.

"Pretty good.  And yourself?"

"Good, good.  On my way to Starbucks.  I'm a Streetwise vendor.  Gonna stay there til about 8 o'clock."  He said it with such pride, "Streetwise vendor" -- the same way one might say, "I'm an astronaut; I'm the VP of a Fortune 500 company; I'm the President of the United States."  I respected that.  He went on to tell me that on New Year's Eve, he'd be vending Streetwise for about 12 straight hours (in the cold, no less, I thought to myself), and then head home to put on a new suit he'd bought at the thrift store to ring in 2010 with his lady at Navy Pier.

Why Navy Pier?

"It's free," he stated.  "And I should have a little money from the Streetwise.  But if not, I'll be bringing a few papers, just in case we run into trouble."

I got to the North and Clyborn station, and we parted ways, wishing each other a Happy New Year.  He walked away very much looking forward to his new suit, his lady, and whatever good things 2010 would hopefully bring for him...

...and I did too.

Anyhow, that was technically yesterday.  Today I went to a party with a bunch of fellow improvisers.  Some I knew well, some I knew because I've seen them play a lot, and some I didn't know at all.  It was absolutely a fun time.  I ended up downing a whole bottle of Oliver Soft Red by myself.  Took a shot of this bitter orange stuff that didn't taste bad going down, but left an aftertaste reminiscent of chewing for hours on an Orange Glow cleansing wipe. 

I had planned to get into my deep introspection that occurred just after midnight, when I made some important (READ: drunk) realizations about my life.  But you know what?  It's a new year.  There's no need to worry about things I can't control...and writing about the things I can control...well, might as well use that energy to actually control them, right?

I will leave you with this:  It was the first New Year's Eve that I didn't have anyone to kiss at midnight...in 13 years.  Bittersweet really. 

Anyhow, here are a bunch of improvisers just after midnight:

Happy 2010!!!

Day 68

For the first time in quite a long time, I went to lunch with a big group from work.  It's the day before New Year's Eve...and, I was pretty much all caught up with my to-do list.

The only downside was the lowfat thing.  We went to Uncle Julio's, and while it's not my favorite, I do rather enjoy their chicken enchiladas with the green sauce.

Because I'm going low-fat, I had to settle on soup and a salad...but actually both were pretty good.

Also, and maybe it's just me, but I noticed this on the table and just had to laugh:

"Soft Taco Party" just sounds so dirty to me. 

So hilariously dirty.

Day 67

I had my follow-up appointment with my family doctor today.  He prescribed me some better pain meds (apparently the pain pills I got from the hospital burn holes in your stomach.  Not good.), and also a lowfat diet, along with the name and number of a GI specialist I need to follow-up with after the new year.

Hopefully my gall bladder can remain in my body for many more years.  We'll have to see.  For now, I just need to watch what I eat.  Which stinks because tonight I made Oreo Truffles.  So effing delicious, but probably horrible on Gally.  I did sneak one or two...maybe three.  But what kind of cook doesn't taste her own food?  Right?

I also cooked sloppy joes for Max and his dad and we all hung out for a small game night.  I was introduced to 3 characters created by Max:  Jim Schwartz, Bruce Windemere, and Bill Decapatado. 

I can't even begin to explain how he came up with these names, or the hilarity that ensued because of them for the next hour or so, but we laughed so hard I nearly busted a gut.  Seriously.

The game we were playing involved flipping over a card with an adjective on it, and then a card with a noun on it, and secretly writing an example of whatever that combination was...trying to match everyone else's answer.  (Example:  "Cheesy" "Musician"  I might write "Michael Bolton"  and hope that someone, or everyone, else does too.)

One of my favorites was "Odd Toy" I put the Barbie that comes with the pooping dog, Max's dad put a Slinky...and Max?  He put: "That Little Hanukkah Top Thing"

Good times.  Definitely good times.

Day 66

I cooked dinner today: Lemon pepper parmesan chicken breasts, corn, four cheese mashed potatoes, and crescent rolls.

While cleaning up, I realized something:

I always have exactly enough for one more place setting when I cook for myself and Max. 

As I wrapped tonight's leftovers, it just made me think:  I'm not sad, but it does heighten the loneliness factor a little.  (This is heightened even more when Max isn't home, and I cook for just myself...so typically on those nights I just warm up a Lean Cuisine.  Dinner for precisely one.)

I don't know.  It's been nearly a full year of being a singleton.  And don't get me wrong, I actually enjoy it.  But there's still that tiny part of me that thinks about that extra plate full of food and wonders if and when I'll be ready to let someone in to eat it.  (That sounded really strange.  I don't really care who eats my leftovers.  I was trying to go deep and failed miserably.  Yeep.)

I guess what I'm saying is that there's a tiny part of me that sometimes wonders if and when I'll date again...but there's a much bigger part at the moment that's quite happy to invest in copious amounts of Saran Wrap, Tupperware, and aluminum foil. 

It's kind of a tumultuous internal tug-of-war.

Anyways, the chicken?  It was phenomenal. 

Day 65

Well, it was a typical lazy Sunday.  Spent the day lounging with Max, playing with new toys, being super unproductive.

Kind of nice actually.  Heading into another abbreviated week due to holidays.  A new year.  I can't believe 2009 went so quickly.  It's nuts. 

Seriously, this is all I've got for the blog today. 

Like I said...unproductive...

... and loving it.

Day 64

Not much to say really...just had to work a shift at iO.  I haven't ever worked a Saturday night before, so I got to see shows that I don't regularly see, which was nice.

After my shift, I ended up hanging at the bar for a few cocktails and some improv talk with folks I admire and respect in the improv community.  They're also ridiculously fun. 

We even got to play a little...some impromptu improvisation. (That's a little repetitive, eh?)  Anyway...good times. 

Day 63

Christmas Day.

Santa brought a shitload for Max this morning. ;) 

His dad dropped him off to open his things, and then we headed to my other aunt and uncle's house for Christmas Day festivities.  It was super fun, although I could feel my gall bladder giving me hell after I ate.  It was mild, but I was convinced I would be fine...so I went about my day, trying to have as much fun as possible with Max and the family...which I totally did.

I dropped Max off with his dad at around 6pm for their Christmas Day celebration.  I'd made plans to hang with a friend (What up, Peeps? ;) ) for the night.  We ordered Middle Eastern Food at 10pm and watched Kitchen Nightmares, before my gall bladder turned into a real asshole and we ended up at the 24-hour pharmacy filling my prescription for Toradol.  The first dose mildly helped, but 5 hours later I woke up in pain again and had to take another dose.  This time it worked and I went back to sleep.  Thankfully, Max was with his dad.  I don't know how he would have handled seeing me have another attack after only a few days.

I really hope this gall bladder situation gets fixed.  It sucks. 

The hummus we ordered, however, was delicious. 

Day 62

Christmas Eve.

Max and I went to my aunt and uncle's house with my parents for some ham sandwiches and presents.

It was a super fun time.  Max chased around and played with my aunt's cats...one of which is literally the size of a small basset hound.  No joke.

Afterwards, I had to take Max to his dad's, they had some Christmas eve plans with family too.  The holidays are really a lot of back and forth for our family.  But it was like that when I was a kid too.  I'm hoping that in the near future I can start some of our own traditions.  Maybe host Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  Although, I'm not sure I trust myself cooking a turkey...

I head back home to wrap all of the presents that needed wrapping.  My cousin Melissa and another friend came by to help.  We watched old videos from when Melissa and I were teenagers.  Consensus:  Melissa and I were ridiculous when we were growing up.  I no longer have a question in my mind as to why we were single in high school.  (However, looking back, we were stupidly fun...but teenage boys don't get that...)

Funny thing is?  We also realize not much has changed in the past 13 or 14 years.  We still walk around talking like idiots, making up nonsense songs, and dancing through the living room....just because.

Only now?  We don't ever really apologize for it.

We ended up polishing off a bottle of wine between all of us, and then half a bottle of cheap champagne. 

I was initially worried I'd be spending my first Christmas Eve in the new house alone (it was Max's dad's year to have him Christmas Eve to Christmas morning), but in the end it turned out to be one of the better Christmas Eves I can remember...I mean, if we're only counting the ones where Max isn't with me, of course.  Those are always the best.  Nothing like seeing him come into my room at 4am Christmas Day out of excitement for the presents that magically appeared under the tree overnight.

But if I couldn't have had that magic this year, I was super happy to enjoy the evening laughing my ass off with a coupla really awesome people. 

Day 61

I went into work today, only to be told to go home and rest.  Which I promptly did.

Later on, I texted my friend Eric to see if he maybe wanted to grab food, catch a movie, something other than just lying around for the rest of the evening.

We had a nice (no-grease for me) meal, and then stopped by a Borders just to look around.  I have a love affair with books.  When I'm surrounded by them, I just feel this odd peace.  I don't know.  I mean, I guess I'm just imagining the millions and millions of stories, and worlds, and characters, and life experiences that surround me...contained in all those pages.  It's kind of magical. 

And then...you run into something like this:

A large poster book with pictures of animals that utilized the same silly googly eyes on every page.  Often hilarious and sometimes scary, and...as this picture shows...a little confusing. 

If you can't read it because of the glare, beneath this googly-eyed gorilla (who is obviously outside, mind you...) are two simple math problems: 5 x 5 = 25 and 5 x 6 = ???

Now, I don't know about you, but I don't get what this is trying to say.  I don't expect a gorilla to know simple math.  And I don't see the hilarity in not knowing 5 x 6 but knowing 5 x 5. 

You should also know that the second to last page included a rather frazzled chimapanzee with the caption "What math test?!"

It's actually all sort of brilliant if you think about it, really.  Eric and I laughed about it as we walked around the rest of the store.

Day 60

Woke up at 3am in intense pain.  After 2 hours of no relief (and no sleep), I realized I needed to call an ambulance and get myself to the Emergency Room.

Max was pretty shaken up.  I was home alone with him, so I had to wake him up and call my grandmother to take care of him while they rushed me off.  He was crying when the police and paramedics arrived, but they managed to calm him down by talking to him about things like his age, his hobbies, things not involving his mother doubled over in pain, answering questions about her health.

It was my first ride in an ambulance, even though my dad was an EMT and then a firefighter for years and years.  It was mildly surreal.  Snow was falling.  I could see the red lights flashing, but the pain made me almost feel like I wasn't fully attached to my body.  As a matter of fact, I clearly remember numerous times saying, "I just want to leave my body for a while until this goes away...it hurts so bad."

Once at the hospital I was forced to wear one of those backless hospital gowns that didn't quite fasten right.  I don't sleep in a bra, so it was super uncomfortable to be that free in the chest area...especially since my nurse ended up being male...and super cute.  (Turns out he was married...which really made me feel better when I yacked 3 times in front of him...)

They took my vitals, gave me a delicious GI Cocktail (Lidocaine, Malox, and some other stomach stuff...think thick, minty, numbing, grape milk shake), and some anti-cramping pills.

-Nothing.

Then they took me down to X-ray.

-Things looked normal.

Then they drew 4 vials of blood and shot me in the ass with more anti-cramping medicine.

-Again, nothing.

Finally they hooked me up to an IV, gave me fluids and anti-vomit meds because at this point, I was on the verge of horking all over the place.  I apologized to the cute male nurse about looking so terrible and mildly whining because of the pain, when he said, "Darling, if you're the worst patient I have today, I'll be lucky.  Now, take these meds...they'll help with the ones we're giving you through the IV, because we can't have you throwing up."

To which I responded by immediately puking my guts out 3 times.  Amazing, right?

The doctor came in, she informed me that she didn't think it was gall bladder related because the pain was on the wrong side of my body.  All the tests came back normal, but the pain wasn't getting any better.  She ordered a CAT scan to check my aorta.

I was so out of it:  tired, spent, still writhing in pain.  I didn't care about the fact they were pumping me with iodine, or that it did, indeed---just as the tech warned---make me feel like I peed my pants.

When the results came back, the doctor was surprised.  It WAS gall bladder.  A rather large gall stone as a matter of fact.  That known, they could FINALLY give me some pain meds...which, after 7 hours, I greatly appreciated.  They kicked in in about 30 minutes, while I was getting an ultrasound to check the size of the stone and the rest of my digestive system.

An ultrasound is a much different experience when it has nothing to do with pregnancy.  I had hoped, because I was starting to feel better, that the tech would write "Hi Mommy!" with an arrow pointing to my gall stone (which I've lovingly named "Gally")  just for shits and giggles.  But she didn't.  I can tell you though, some of my internal organs look like prehistoric creatures.  Like a raptor is nesting near my liver. 

...or maybe that was just an effect of the pain meds. 

After 8 hours, I was released.  I have to rest, and then follow up with my family doctor...followed by visiting a GI specialist.  What a start to the holiday season, right?

Day 59

Today marks the start of the holiday season...meaning short work weeks that lead to very busy weekends.

I still need to finish holiday shopping.  And that hellish germ-fest ruined all plans for the holiday card I wanted to create and send from me and Max.  Bah.

Hoarders tonight.  I'm addicited to that show.  Problem is?  I forget not to eat dinner while watching it.  I really need to work on that.

Day 58

LAZY DAY.

Well, it started off pretty frantic.  I went to bed last night watching "I Survived" which featured a story on a nasty wildfire destroying a house and 2 home invasions.

I woke up this morning to my home alarm system going off...I've never jumped out of bed so quickly in my life.  Apparently Max was playing on the couch with a Nerf gun.  He set it down for something and it fell, hitting the floor with such force that it triggered the glass-break sensors.  Holy.  Crap.  But it ended up being just fine.

After that, I just lounged around all day with the Maxwell, watching tv with our blankets on the couch.  I did some chores.  And then I made dinner:

I don't really consider myself very "domestic" but there's something about owning your first home that makes you like doing things like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of house-type-things.  I even clipped coupons yesterday.

I don't even ever get the opportunity to use coupons...

... however, I've got about 50 of them for Steak 'n Shake, good until the end of January...you bet your ass I'm gonna use 'em.  I freakin' love Steak 'n Shake. 

Day 57

Today was my SCTC Level E Graduation show:

That was my class.  Myself and 9 amazing people, most of which started Level A with me, and a few that joined in Levels B and D. 

The show was actually pretty awesome.  We all just had a really fun time.  I should have invited people to come.  I guess with it being so close to the holidays, I figured most folks would be pretty busy.  I don't know.  Hopefully there will be some video footage of the show available soon, I know B taped it.

Afterwards, I went to move my car from the parking garage to my work parking lot.  A friend of mine who had caught a cold (likely mine because I failed to quarantine myself properly for most of the week...sorry about that Peeps...), texted me to see how the show went.  He was supposed to come see it, but the germs made it impossible.  Understandable, I say.

However, we hung out for a while after the show.  It was a fun time.  Laughing, talking, acting a fool.  A really nice Saturday all around...and...

... I'm no longer super sick.  Just in the nick of time, really.

Day 56

Worked from home because I had a writing project.  I actually get to be funny...which I'm both excited and nervous about.  But I'm having fun with it, for sure.

Headed up to iO for my final official intern shift for this session.  I felt bad because there was no crowd for the 8pm shows due to craptastic weather.  But both shows were HILARIOUS.  Dart and 1, 2, 3, Fag.  I'm telling you, it's so awesome to see such amazing talent performing all the time.  Inspiring even.

I stuck around for the jam where I played a line game or two, and then afterwards just kind of hung out for a little bit.  I ended up having to park in the Piper's Alley garage because traffic was so bad that I would have been late had I not.

I parked between 2 other cars an booked it outside to catch a cab.  I didn't even realize that my car was a tad bit over the yellow line because the boners on either side of me parked like twats. 

When my friend dropped me off at my car, I realized I had a violation paper on my window.  Luckily it was just a warning, but still...I was mildly irritated.

That is until the security guys came up to me and explained the situation...and that it's really no big deal.  They also said they'd keep an eye on my car for me from now on.  It was really sweet.  :)  Nice couple of guys.

Got home and chatted on the phone for a few hours.  Also nice. 

And, I really wish it would snow soon.  Not sleet-snow...but big, fluffy, soft flakes snow.  Mother Nature...make this happen soon?  Please?

Day 55

Felt much better.  Worked and had my final Second City Training Center Level E rehearsal.  The show's on Saturday, but I've failed to send out any invitations due to being sick.  Bah.

After rehearsal, I went to Open Basket at iO where I actually got picked to perform.  It was stellar.  I was nervous, but I had a shit-ton of fun and some really great moments.

Afterwards, I stuck around for a while for the Jingle Bell Rock party.  A party in which Jingle Bell Rock is continuously looped until the bar closes.  It was actually pretty brilliant and hilarious.

You know, I realize I've been doing improv for almost an entire year now.  And you know what?  iO is starting to feel like my second home.  And I love that.  I really do. 

Day 54

I spoke too soon.  This is how I woke up...in addition to a cold that had mutated into a bonafide sinus infection. 

I am the epitome of the single woman here...seriously. 

I decided to take the day to officially rest...no more pushing myself.  Health is the first priority.

(Plus, three work emails came through with people who were also now officially sick...I can't help but feel responsible...a little.)

Kept the germs at home.  Got some rest.  I just want to not be sick.  Period.

Day 53

Still felt like crap, but I managed to load myself up with Sudafed and look presentable for work.  I even stopped after work for a hard cider at Sully's with my coworkers.  Though I was pretty runny and congested (I mean seriously, I even went to the pharmacy to get the REAL Sudafed...the shit they're afraid I'm going to use to make meth in my oven with...gah), but I don't know, I'm a trooper.

The rest of the evening was equally as nice.  I think I'm kicking this thing in the booty.  Wooty woot!

Day 52

I'm officially yucky sick.  But I really wanted to get into work today to finish up some things.  Before I left the house, I heard my doorbell ring.  I opened the door to see my step-grandfatehr standing there with a bag containing my grandmother's homemade chicken soup and a bottle of orange juice.

It felt nice to know that no matter how alone I sometimes feel (living on your own, especially while being sick can bring those feelings out) there are people who care about me just around the corner.

I ended up being sent home to recover from the germs...and prevent the spread.  Hopefully this nasty cold goes away right quick.

Day 51

Still sick.

Max had a birthday party for his cousin today, so while he was gone I ran some errands, cleaned the house, and wrapped some Christmas presents.

Feeling pretty craptastic, unfortunately.  It's one of those colds that's just lingering there...not really ready to let go and just go nuts on my sinuses...but I can feel it comin'.  Calm before the storm.

Gah.

Day 50

50 days?  That's crazy.  It doesn't seem like it's been that long since the birthday.  Wow.

Anyhow, I'm starting to feel a cold coming on.  Sinus pressure, sneezing, etc.

Went with my mom and Max to pick out some more Christmas decorations...and bought this guy:

Fantastic, right?

Right.

Day 49

Holy.

Hell.

Between Wednesday's Wine & Cheese Extravaganza, Thursday's holiday party, and tonight?  I can't believe I'm not slumped over a curb somewhere.  It's atypical that I stay out late more than one night per week, but this week?  I just went bonkers.  Sometimes, ya just gotta do it though.

I interned tonight.  There was a big alumni show upstairs...Neil Flynn came down to use the Cabaret bathroom.  He's super nice. After all of the shows, I hung out with some friends for a while and ended up at a party where I knew 2 people...but, I met some really great folks too.  It was a great time.

Had a 21-year-old boy try to explain to me what I needed to understand about men.  Ha.  Brilliant.  Then he tried to grab my ass.  Um...no.  He ended up passed out in a chair, puking into an empty Starbucks cup within the hour.  Yeesh.

Discovered quite a commonality with one of the people I went to the party with.  We had to laugh about it.  Spent about 20 minutes comparing notes and laughing our asses off.  She's good people.  We've decided that we must both attend more parties together...especially when we are equally unfamiliar with the lot of people at said parties.

Had a lot of fun laughing and talking with the other person I went to the party with.  Some hilarious moments ensued.  There was even one unfortunate moment that later spawned a ton of funniness for the whole party.  (I take the blame for the initial terribleness...I really do.  Me and my bright ideas...but really, it turned out all right in the end.)

I think I'm all late-nighted out for the rest of the weekend though. 

I'm 29...it's mildly old...

... sometimes.

Day 48

I could talk about my final class in the Beginning Improv Program at Second City...with Eugene Levy and Martin Short rehearsing for the 50th Anniversary in the room adjacent to ours...

... or the gnarly bruises I got  from playing Bronco Ball at a holiday party...

... or how I ended up with a friend at Hollywood Grill eating Eggs Benedict at 4:30 in the morning.

I could talk about all of these things, because they're all pretty darned interesting. 

But I won't. 

Instead, I'm going to focus on this tidbit:

Oftentimes at work, I need to quickly scribble notes to myself for production and editing purposes.  About an hour after scrawling this one, I came back to it and thought, "Polish?"  (POLE-ish) 

Then a moment of realization:  "Ah...polish..." (PAH-lish)

Made me giggle.

Day 47

There was a wine and cheese party at work today to celebrate a lot of hard work from everyone.















I somewhat overindulged.  However, I passed on the goat cheese.  Goat cheese tastes like burning plastic.  And from what I understand, this particular variety included vegetable compost.  What the...

Anyhow, after the party, I was inspired to create what--at the time--I thought was the most brilliant display of holiday decorating ever to occur in history to date:

Prior to the party, I changed over my driver's license to my new address, and then went to the Lake County Government Building to file my property tax exemptions.

In summary: I've never felt so completely responsible and so completely irresponsible in the same day.

Adulthood can sometimes be quite brilliant that way.

Day 46

I wish I had more to write on my 46th day of being 29.

I worked pretty late.  But it's cool.  Accomplished quite a bit in order to successfully deliver something to a client.  Now for sleep.

Day 45

You know, sometimes it's really easy to focus energy on wanting the things we don't have, rather than realizing the great things we already do have.

It was a particularly long day today.  Actually, I had planned it would be, so I wasn't really fretting about it.  However, with Max having been sick all weekend long, I was really worried about him.  I just wanted to get home to him, make sure he was snuggly in his pjs, and have a cuddle.  More than anything.

I was able to pick him up around 10pm, and was looking forward to just going straight home, but his uncle needed me to return some movies to the video store, mildly out of the way.  Though I wasn't excited about the detour, it wasn't a huge deal, so I obliged and headed to the store with Max in tow.

On the way to the car, he opened up his little hand, "Here, Mom.  Have a walnut."
"Oh, thanks, Bean.  But my stomach isn't feeling really well," I said. 
Max nodded and shoved the remaining walnuts into his mouth. "They're a good source of protein.  I'm gonna have strong muscles," he said while he chewed.
I smiled as we piled into the car and started talking about his day at school.

On the ride, we turned on the 24-hour Christmas music station, singing along and laughing.  It was cold outside, a perfect match to the winter spirit that was filling my car.  I pulled up to the video store, and unlatched my seat belt, when I heard Max unlatch his too.

"We can't rent a movie, Max.  I don't have an account here," I said.
"I know, Mom.  But aren't we returning the movies?"
"Yes.  But I'm not going inside the store.  Just dropping them off in the 24-hour drop box."
"I know."
"Okay," I laughed.  "You can just stay in the car."
"No, no.  I'm gonna take them.  When I'm with my dad I always do."
"You do?  Are you sure? I can do it."
"No, no."   He paused for a moment. "Besides, your tummy isn't feeling well.  You stay here, Mom.  I'll be right back."

I watched as he proudly walked to the door, went inside, and slipped the movies into the drop slot.

In that moment, I was overcome by how blessed I truly was.  There was no other motivation for his gesture, other than that he is a sweet, considerate, loving kid.  He wanted to help.  And he wanted to make sure his mom, who was dealing with some fierce indigestion, didn't have to get out of the car in the cold and hobble over to the drop slot.  (I also appreciated this fact because, well, sometimes stomach issues can bring forth some really...erm...uncomfortable situations in closed off video store entryways...)

I could feel tears welling up in my eyes a little.  I was really proud of Max...although, that's nothing new.  He's an amazing kid.  I think though, that like many people, there are times that I forget to remember things like that...because I get caught up in the areas of my life that I'm still working on.

We got home, and after I did my usual after-work routine of tidying up and changing into pjs, I tucked him in and read him "The Giving Tree", my voice trying to convey that, like the tree in that story, I would always be there...and I would always do whatever I could to support him and help him be happy.

Because his happiness is my happiness.   

He is my happiness.

Day 44

Even lazier day than yesterday.  Although, I did have the task of brightening up my hair this evening.  Red hair is no joke.

I mean, when you fake it.  It takes work. (I'm still talking about red hair, btw.)

The process?  Well, first, I had to dye it permanently...then, once a week, I have to use something called "Lights 'n Brights Really Red."  It's a temporary non-damaging color (think Manic Panic).  The first time, I left it on for 40 minutes.  Tonight?  2 hours.  That's right...2 hours...with a plastic processing cap on my head, intermittently blow drying. 

Then there's the in-shower color glaze.  The post-shower color sealant.  Oh, and washing my hair in cool to cold water. 

But, I really enjoy being a redhead...so it's worth it. 

Other than those rousing events, today was mostly spent tidying up around the house, chillin' with Max, and helping him finish up some homework.  Another lovely, lazy, easy like Sunday morning Sunday.

Day 43

Pretty much a lazy Saturday.  Until about 3pm this afternoon.

Max has been sick since Thursday, poor thing.  So we lounged around in our pajamas watching cartoons for the better part of the day.  Then, my aunt came over to see our Christmas decorations and took us out to lunch.  Max made this lovely creation at the table:

It's some sort of paper and straw flower...in a Pie-Order-Form Vase, surrounded by a fortress of flatware.  Pretty brilliant if you ask me.

Later in the evening, my mom paid us a visit and we all sat around my kitchen table decorating Christmas tree ornaments.  We were laughing and joking around, being creative.  It was fun.  Went to bed fairly early.  Sometimes it just nice to end the day before midnight.

Ya know?  A lot of people ask me about my crazy-busy, fun, exciting life...but really?  It can be just as mundane as the next person's some days.  And you know what?  I like that.  It's a great balance...

...and the Libra side of me loves nothing more than a little balance.

The fiery Scorpio?  That's another story entirely.

Day 42

My friend Angela has forever tainted the number 42 for me, with one simple, lewd joke.

(The delivery also depends on whether you're a male or female...so keep that in mind.)

You start out by asking, "Hey, what's your favorite number?"
Your target tells you a number (hopefully...) and you respond with, "Nice.  Mine's 42.  Me on 4...you on 2.  Heh heh heh" <---perv laugh.

(Obviously, if you're a dude, you'd swap the me and the you in the punch line...or maybe not...different strokes and whatnot.)

But anyways, on this lovely 42nd day of my 29th year, I worked, got good feedback on what I've been working on all week, and then interned at iO.  After my shift, I got to play in the Jam for a little bit.  Did a scene with my friend Cesar.  Definitely good times.  Had one of those moments where my brain shut off and my instinct just kicked in on stage.  Stuck around afterward for a drink and some conversation.  Then very tiredly headed home.  I love Fridays.

They've changed somewhat over the past few months...but in a good way.

Also, today was my parents' 33rd wedding anniversary.  I really admire them...I mean for everything...but that milestone just adds even more to the respect and love I have for my folks.  They're really phenomenal people.  They truly are.

Day 41

Decided just to go balls-out in my Level E class at Second City.  I'm realizing more and more that the less I worry about what I'm doing, and the more I commit to what I'm doing, the more fun I have...which also translates into a more successful scene.

In other news, I went to Open Basket at iO again.  Still not my turn to be picked.  Someday...someday.

Day 40

40 days of being 29.  If I were Noah...the rains would have stopped on this very day...sort of.  I mean, if it had started monsooning on my birthday.  And I were a man.  And I built an ark...which, due to my lack of carpentry skills, I'm sure wouldn't have lasted 20 minutes in a downpour anyways.  But I'm digressing.

Today I think I made a huge step in my improv training.  I had my Level 2 iO class this evening.  We were playing a scene and I was listening to my group going back and forth, when I got an idea that I felt would help move the scene along.

Now, typically I judge myself...questioning whether I'm making the right move, or following the rules, or whatever it might be.  And when I got the idea, that nasty little self-judging voice started in.  And in the blink of an eye I just said to myself, "No, Tiff.  Try it.  That's what class is for."

So, I followed my gut and made the move.  It was less successful on the execution than I had hoped, but successful enough in the fact that a lot of people got what I was doing.  It felt really good to hear my instructor guide us into making the idea work, and then explaining that I had done a really high form of "yes and."  It wasn't that what I did was brilliant...it was that I just let go of that tiny little judge in my head and tried something---with confidence.  And for me, that was a huge step.

I'm learnin'...I'm definitely learnin'.

Day 39

I had a really weird experience the other day...and since today was for shit really, I feel like talking about that moment instead...because it's been on my mind all day anyway.

So it counts.

It was weird...I had someone give me this look.  This look that basically said, "Yes, what you're seeing is what's happening.  This is just how it is.  I'm sorry."  It was a look of acknowledgement, maybe even a tiny bit of shame or regret?  And apology.  I guess I can't really explain it...but I looked this person right in the eyes for a split second and all of that just came flying out.

I'm not sure how I reacted.  I know I looked away...or down...or at my drink.  Point is, I averted as quickly as possible.  I think I might have smirked a little in disbelief---not in what I was seeing, but in myself. 

I went about my night, because it was all I could do.   What I was seeing was what was happening.  That's just how it was.  Apology not exactly accepted, but understood...to a degree.

And so, that look...that weird, telling look...it's been replaying through my mind all day.

Also, I had the most delicious popsicle after lunch...and way too many mint Oreo cookies.

Day 38

I wish I had something more interesting to say about today...but here's all I got:

1.) There was a 2 for $5 on Archer Farms salsa at Target.  I got the salsa verde and the salsa con queso.  Both were delcious...

...until Hoarders came on.  Then I realized that the salsa con queso sort of reminded me of some of the unidentifiable mess found in this poor hoarder's toilet. 

I will attempt to try again tomorrow.

Oh, and Max's book report went over very well.  Woo hoo!  (He's still grounded though.)

Day 37

I don't know how I did it, but I managed to successfully and creatively help Max with a book report situation, (there was some grounding involved for procrastination AND forgetting the book he was *supposed* to report on at school), tidy up the house, put up all the Christmas decorations,  make hot cocoa, and watch a couple holiday movies on only 2 hours of sleep.

Book Report:  Max had all month to read a book and then fill a bag with 5 things that represented things from said book. 

Total number of pages he read from his book:  0
Book Location:  In his cubby at school
Book Report Due Date: Less than 24 hours
Type of Book Needed for Report:  Historical Fiction
Outlook:  Grim
Course of Action:  
1.) Express disappointment, explain the importance of getting schoolwork done...on time, enstate grounding from video and computer games for 3 full days.
2.) Look for comparable books for report; required a Google search for "Historical Fiction for Children"  Discover that Robin Hood, Treasure Island, and Anne of Green Gables are historical fiction pieces.  Discover a treasury in the basement that contains all of these stories.  Bingo.
3.) Let Max choose which of the three he wanted to read; Robin Hood it is; quietly read for an hour while mom keeps watch on the couch
4.) Ask questions about the story to prove Max actually read it.  He did.
5.) Scavenge the house for 5 things to put in the bag: 
     1.) Found an old Sheriff's badge in a box in the basement = Sheriff of Nottingham;
     2.) A piece of fake pine branch fell off the new Christmas tree = Sherwood Forest;
     3.) Fashion a miniature sword and shield out of cardboard and tin foil = Medieval Times;
     4.) Fashion an arrow out of Cardboard and foil = Robin wins the archery contest and the golden arrow;
     5.) A bunch of my old golden mardi gras beads  = Gold that Robin stole from the rich and gave to the poor;
   6.) Max insisted on sticking in an old Bob the Builder figurine to represent Little John.

And voila...book report completed.

Christmas Decorations: Here they are:

And, of course, while we decorated, we played Christmas music.  Most of the time, Max and I made up our own lyrics...his personal favorite of mine?  During a break in "Frosty the Snowman" I chimed in with "Frosty's gonna die!"  Max found this to be hilarious. 

Aye...that's what happens on 2 hours of sleep.

Day 36

Today was a day of improv.  ComedySportz at 6pm to see my friend Peter play.  Then it was Mrs. Dad and The Deltones at 8pm at iO, followed by Henrietta Pussycat and Bullet Lounge at 10:30pm, followed by Challenger and Blackout at midnight.

It was a fun night...and I probably drank a little too much...and I also came to a stark realization that I'm still on the fence about.  (*facepalm*)

Oh yeah, then I went to Mother's to meet up with a friend for a bit.  On the way I was nearly accosted by a meth head.  (Okay, accosted is a strong word...but I was a little scared...and am currently thinking about taking self-defense classes and purchasing pepper spray...because I walk around Chicago a lot...)

After Mother's, my friend and I went to Hollywood Grill for some breffast.  I had eggs benedict.  It's my go to.  I love hollandaise sauce.

Observation:  I am sooooo glad that I don't feel the need to dress like a hoochie when I go out.  What the fuck are these girls thinking?  I am trying to eat, woman...I don't want to see the bottom of your ass cheeks staring me in the face...highlighted by highly reflective and glittery hot pants.  I just don't.  Actually, no one does.

Day 35

Actually, I kind of liked being up a full 2 hours before sunrise.  The roads were quiet, I had some coffee.  It was pretty nice.  However, I drove past a Walmart on the way to my aunt's house...holy shit.  The parking lot was SCARY. 

I couldn't handle that type of crowding.  Seriously.  I think I would have passed out. 

Luckily my aunt and I only had a few stops to make...I got my Christmas tree and decorations (at a stunning deal, fyi) and a few gifts for Max...along with a pair of 1/2 off jeans from Old Navy.  It was a nice way to spend the morning actually.  I'm glad I did it.

I took a nap and headed to my intern shift at iO.  The shows were great, nice crowds, stayed and had a drink afterwards...then made a pit stop at the Starbucks...because I had to pee so badly that I feared I wouldn't make it to Lake Shore Drive.

I also bought a vanilla latte...to help me stay awake.  It was a good night...stellar even.  One of those nights where you're like, "Man, it's been a while since I had a night this fun...what a treat." 

And a friend gave me an orange. 

I mean, really, it doesn't get much better than that, right?

Day 34

Happy Thanksgiving!  Went to my parents' house for a nice dinner and some board games.  Then I took Max to his dad's side of the family.

I hit up the Walgreens by my house for some AirWick refills and a Vanilla Glade Plug-in.

I'm really thankful for a great smelling house...

...I mean, in addition to the wonderful people in my life. 

Max and his dad came over for a little while after they left their family thing.  We sat around and laughed and talked.  Then my aunt called, asking what Max and I wanted for Christmas...and during the conversation I was talked into waking up at 4am to go shopping on Black Friday.  We'll see how this goes...

Day 33

Nobody was in the office today.  In fact, it was so light we ended up playing Murder for about an hour.  Typically, I rock this game when I'm the murderer...my current record was something like 3-1.  But today?  Today I freaking caved.  I was terrible.  And I was found out on the first round of voting.

I chalk it up to there only being like 8 people playing.  It's harder to be sneaky in a small group.  It really is.  Plus?  I was really excited about getting home and possibly hitting Pioneer Tap for Black Wednesday karaoke.

Um...I ended up being lazy on my couch...watching a movie and drinking a mimosa.  Turkey tomorrow.  So. Excited.

Day 32

I love my mom.  She really is the best.  And the P.S. of the email she sent me today?  Priceless:

"PS:  Doing laundry and light housekeeping is kind meditative, yes?  Also, you may want to consider riding the train into Chicago and home from time to time…it’s cheaper and will save you $$...not to mention the Hottness I see on the train every day.  There was this guy on the train this morning…definitely your type…sitting across the aisle from me…cute as ever…and when I dropped my knitting counter he picked it up for me and we struck up a conversation.  I couldn’t help thinking, “God, I wish Tiff was here!”…you would also make some new girlfriends from the train.  You could take it to Randolph and then hop the Redline or Brownline to get you to work.  Think about it…."

Day 31

It's funny how sometimes I don't realize I'm an expert in something because it's just part of my routine.

Case in point:
At work, there's a project involving beauty products going on.  A coworker suggested to the writer working on it that he should probably ask me for any tips...as I'm apparently quite the hair, skin, and make up guru.  I thought about it for a minute and I realized that I really kind of am.  Not because I went to beauty school or something like that, but because I basically get a girl-boner every time I step foot into a beauty supply store...or heck, the cosmetic aisle at Walgreens.  I just love beauty supplies and cosmetics.  Shiny new lip balms, shimmery eye shadows, new lotions, hair dye (duh), even freaking deodorants---I just go crazy for the stuff.

So I told the writer to come to me and I'd help if I could.

Later on my favorite conversation in history thus far occured:

Writer: "Hey Tiff, so facial scrub...when should you use it?  I mean do you use it everyday?"
Me: "Um, not everyday."
Writer: "But what about if you use foundation?"
Me: "I use foundation everyday, but I don't necessarily need to use a scrub.  Scrubs are good to exfoliate, but maybe only 2 or 3 times a week at most.  I just use face wash everyday."
Writer: "Face wash?  Is that a thing?"

Day 30

Took at wonderful improv workshop at The Playground Theater this afternnoon.  It was a limited class, so there were only 6 of us.  Basically, we played and each got specialized feedback and individual time to work on what we needed to work on.  My issue?  I judge myself too much.  (Surprise, surprise, right?)  Our coach, John, told me that I was at my improv peak when I latched on to a character and just went with it.  So I had to play a shit-ton of characters for the remainder of the workshop.  He was right.  When I let go and let the character come out, I immediately committed to each and every scene I was in.  I still like to play as myself, but I think that bringing out these characters more often right now is going to help me find the right balance.

So, if you see me perform in the near future, watch out...some crazy shit will be going down.  I promise.

After the workshop, I hung out with Max watching a game show on the Science Channel called Head Games.  Pretty fun, actually.  Later, his dad came by to pick him up.  He wanted to keep him overnight because he hadn't had much time to see him earlier in the week.

I decided to use my evening to catch Middleage Comeback and 3033 at iO.  (Sundays are usually reserved for mom-duty, so I thought I'd better catch the shows now while Max was with his dad.)

Family Treehouse Boat Accident sat in for Jim of Middleage Comeback.  The show was hysterical.  I got to see my Level 1 instructor, Craig, perform which was pretty awesome.  Then I saw 3033 and again, I was blown away.  Well worth any tiredness I'll be experiencing from staying up later than usual on a Sunday.

Day 29

Part of me wishes I'd decided to make this blog more than just snippets of each day.  So very much to write...however, that's not the format.

The short and sweet:

Learned some interesting information recently.  Shed a little light on some things.  (Read:  I'm mildy pissed and a bit sad at the same time.  And also unsure of how to handle my next steps.)

Instead of overthinking things, I decided to have Melissa over for mimosas and general bitching.  We both needed to vent.  It was splendiferous.  And?  I decided that my hair wasn't red enough...so, we fixed that right up.  It went a little something like this:


Me: "So, do you like it?  Or do you think I should go redder?  I'm on the fence."
Melissa: "Redder?  Like how red?  Like A Fine Frenzy red?"
Me: "Something like that.  Maybe not THAT red.  I don't know.  What do you think?"
Melissa: "Dooo itttttt," she said, grinning rather precociously.
Me: "I'm running to Meijer.  Be back in 20 minutes."

We also had a discussion about how since I was dressed rather unfortunately, the Hottie Bus would likely be making a Meijer pitstop that evening.  (Especially since last Saturday I got dolled up and ended up at Meijer and no hotties were anywhere.)  Tonight was a complete 180: Sweatpants, a zebra-print coat, hair still wet from a shower all pulled up messily on my head, and brown maryjane shoes with white socks.  Sure enough...the second I walked through the doors, Hottie McHotass comes around the corner.  Perfect.  No matter.  They were playing New Kids on the Block "I'll Be Loving You Forever" which I immediately began singing (quite loudly) through the aisles on my hunt for hair dye.  So even if I did look presentable, that display would have most definitely made him run the other direction.

Anyhow, I returned and without a thought, put the dye on my head.  Here are the results (which I adore):

The night concluded with us wondering what ever happened to Mystikal, and coming to the conclusion that my cat stole his teeth and is hiding them in the upholstery of one of my kitchen chairs.  (Like I said, we were drinking mimosas...)

Day 28

I'm sort of a redhead now.  I got that "Hey, argh...life's being complicated.  It's two in the morning...I should change my haircolor." impulse.

Not sure if I think it's too red, or not red enough, actually.

Day 27

Weird day.  All seemed well...and then?  Pfft.  It just went to shit.

What I want to know is, why do generally nice people tend to get the short end of the stick?  And people who are less nice (not quite the adjectives I wanted to use, but I'm being...well...nice here) seem to have the world handed to them on a silver platter?

Is that just the way it goes?  I mean, really? 

Well screw that.  I'll stick to being me...just the way I am. 

I may not have everything I want, but the things I do have?  I think they're pretty amazing. (Plus, the struggle makes the attainment of my silly dreams that much sweeter.)

Day 26

My friends would probably say that I'm nice...to a fault.  But today, I really had to question what's going on with humanity these days.

Before work, I stopped at the gas station near my house.  I got a coffee, $15 worth of gas, and a pack of Pall Mall Blue 100s.  When the cashier rang me up, I noticed the total was only about $17.
Now, Indiana cigarettes are way cheaper than Chicago cigarettes, but not THAT cheap.  So I asked the cashier if she included the cigarettes in the total and she confirmed that she did.

I was on pump #10, so then I thought to myself "Perhaps she thought I said $10, not 'Pump 10'."  That would make sense.  So I went to the pump and started filling up. 

Clunk.  The pump stopped.  $15. 

I pulled the receipt out of the trash can to double check.  Unfortunately it didn't list the items I'd purchased, only the total.  But I knew better.  There was no way she'd charged me for the smokes.

So, I went inside with the pack, and asked the cashier if she was SURE she'd charged me for the smokes.  Sure enough, she'd forgotten.

What happened next kind of blew my mind.

She started thanking me profusely.  You'd think I'd saved her kitten from the jaws of a renegade sewer croc. 

To me, it just made sense:  pay for the cigarettes.  But then I realized that maybe some people wouldn't have tried to rectify the mistake.   I'm not perfect. At all. There have been times when I didn't notice that I was undercharged, or trying to go back and set things straight in a similar situation wasn't a possibility...(not to mention the random moments of debauchery or less-than-ideal behavior peppered throughout my life.  And I swear like a trucker...it's true.)...

... but the way that cashier thanked me this morning, it just made me think...is honest and kind behavior the exception these days?  I really, really hope not.

Day 25

Felt a lot better today.  Still mildly queasy, but good overall. 

Left 4 Dead 2 came out today.  Got to see it when I went to pick up Max.  Loved it.  Can't wait to buy it and actually play it myself. 

Angela came over and we sat and chatted until about midnight.  It was fun catching up.  She didn't know about my Match.com experience that lasted about 10 seconds.  (Never. Again.)  I'm cool with the way things are, and I'm more with the philosophy that what's supposed to happen will happen, there's no use forcing anything.

Especially since, well, I don't know...I don't really know what I want anyways. 

But who really cares about that stuff. 

Day 24

Super sick today.  Thought I might be getting the swine.  Dizzy, queasy, nervous.  Ick.  Stayed home and slept out the germs.  Bah.

Day 23

So...today was my housewarming party.  Had a lot of family and some family friends over.  Good times.  I even made that chili cheese dip with the cream cheese at the bottom.  Delish.

Anyhow, got a lot of necessities: blender, food processor, coffee maker (ok, I got it early...because the gift giver KNEW I couldn't do without it...), silverware, all kinds of great things to get me started.

Also got a toaster oven.  WHICH I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED.  I mean, the best way to cook pizza rolls? Toaster oven.  Seriously, this thing is badass.  So much so, that I HAD to test it out tonight.  Made some frozen potato skins for Max. 

I'd just gotten back from Target, where I picked up some extra things, including a schweet microwave that was on sale, and brand new oven mitts.

So, I preheated the toaster oven, and had a little trouble with the baking tray.  As I fumbled with it...with the oven mitt on, of course, I started to smell something burning.  I pulled my hand away from the oven to see that I'd caught my new oven mitt on fire from the toaster oven.

Yes.  That's me. 

Sheesh.

All is well.  The mitt is scarred, but the tater skins turned out just peachy.

Day 22

Um, yeah...so I didn't actually get out of bed until noon.  No Hangover Clinic for this woman...at least not this weekend.

Angela came over, we chit-chatted for a while, and then I decided to get ready.  First Saturday night alone in the new house.  I was close to heading out to iO to catch some shows, but instead ended up getting all dolled up to...get this...

... go to Meijer's.  That's right.  Meijer's. 

When I got home, I still considered heading to Chicago, but passed...instead choosing to watch Sleepless in Seattle, an independent film called Hannah Takes the Stairs, and the last 2/3rds of Shopgirl.

Needless to say, I was the epitome of the single woman, chilling on my couch with tissues, babbling at the sappiness on my tv screen.

Ugh.  Stupid.

But, it was relaxing.  Plus, I hadn't seen Sleepless in Seattle in ages...I forgot how great that soundtrack was.

Day 21

Day off!  We had a vote at work:  Take of the 11th for Veteran's Day, or push it back until today for a 3-day weekend.  It was pretty much unanimous.  I needed a day off, actually.  (More like a week, but I'll take what I can get.) 

Melissa came over to see the new place for the first time, then I headed up to the city to intern over at iO.  Pretty busy night, which is always good.  Love to see folks supporting the art.  Stayed for the jam, but only played a line game or two.  I was kind of exhausted actually. 

Thought about doing the Hangover Clinic in the morning.  We'll see.

Day 20

Went to Open Court at the Playground after Second City Level E class.  Not many people showed up, so we did a quick La Ronde and a little World's Worst.  Despite the small crowd, it was still tons of fun.  And great practice.

One of the guys there rode the red line home with me.  He was a nervous kid.  I think I made him nervous actually.  (Even though I think I'm the least intimidating person on the planet *lol*)  He couldn't quite look me in the eyes when speaking.  It was cute...

... not "I want to date this guy" cute, but cute none the less.

Day 19

Had a stellar time in improv class at iO tonight.  Not only did I have a particularly successful scene, but everyone in class did really well tonight.  I am surrounded by immensely talented people. 

First night home alone in the new place.  Also first night to take out my trash to the curb.  Little things like that about homeownership still excite me.  Lame.  I know.

Went to Pioneer for a birthday celebration for Angela.  Sang Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah"
Not sure I did it much justice, but it was fun.  And a nice older gentleman complimented me on it. 

Day 18

This morning's start was MUCH better.  Got out of the house with time to spare.  And actually?  I've been getting to work much earlier than I used to.  Which is pretty schweet.  

Max's dad was nice enough to bring me by some steak and macaroni that he made for himself and Max for dinner.

Actually, Max passed on seconds just so that I could have a proper dinner tonight.  I'm telling you, I was truly blessed with that kid.  Truly blessed.  And the fact that his dad and I are still good friends, even after a divorce?  Also a blessing.

All three of us hung out watching TV for a while.  I think that's good for Max.  I mean, just because we have no business being married, doesn't mean we can't still have a healthy parenting relationship and friendship...especially for Max.

After a while, his dad and I started talking about some old friends of ours, and I said to Max, "Dude.  I wish you could have known your dad and me before you were born.  You would have thought we were the coolest.  We used to go ghost hunting. Well, I mean, I would usually end up crying in the car because I was scared...but still...we did lots of cool stuff."

And then I realized I had just given that first, "I swear I USED to be cool" speech to my kid.

Yup.  I'm officially old.

Day 17

First regular "get everything and everybody ready for the day" morning in the new place. It was kind of a rushed start, however, the evening brought a pretty hilarious story.

The new place is closer to forest/prairie lands which means more local fauna abound. After a quick trip to Meijer's for some extra grocieries (bean dip, hummus, pizza rolls, etc.) I pulled into the drive and opened the car door to unload.

The odor of skunk soon filled my nose and the car.

Max asked "What is that SMELL, Mom?!"

I laughed a little. "Someone killed a skunk."

There was a pause and then, "Are you sure it's dead, Mom?"

I realized that I sould have probably left out the "Somebody killed" part of my explanation. "Well, maybe it got away. But usually, that's what happens when a skunk gets hit by a car. But maybe it was just defending itself or something. I wouldn't worry about it."

We started unloading the grocery bags. Max had been doing a potty dance since halfway through our trip at the store. I handed him the two lightest bags and asked him to carry them into the house on his way to hit the john. Not 3 seconds later, he rushes out the front door, bags still in hand (and bladder still on the verge of an explosion, I'm sure), to say this glorious statement:

"Well Mom, let's just hope that if the skunk IS dead, that he was a REALLY mean skunk...who hated everyone...and didn't pay his taxes."

Ah, sheer brilliance, that kid. Sheer brilliance.

Day 16

When I woke up this morning it was a bit weird.  I mean, it was a completely new place.  My new place. 

I could smell coffee brewing in the kitchen (Yay for a coffee machine with a timer!), and the sun was just pouring in my new bedroom. 

Spent a few hours tidying up some leftover things and making breakfast, etc.  Then watched TV with Max until my parents came over to help out with a few more things.
 
I went outside for one more smoke before bed, and I just sat in the thought of this new step:  I’m a homeowner.  This place is mine.  And I am so very grateful.  So unbelievably grateful…to everyone…my family, my son, myself a little, God…everyone.  It’s definitely a big step…but apparently during the move I discovered I’ve got enough shoes for that and all future big steps to come, so it’s all good:

Day 15

Moving day!  Took all day to move into my first place.  Went pretty smoothly aside from the U-Haul pick up.  Unfortunately the shop owners showed up to work about 25 minutes late…blaming it on the fact that “it’s the weekend…you know how it is.”

No, sir.  I don’t.  It’s 9:30am on a Saturday.  I am exhausted and I have hours and hours of heavy lifting, packing, and unpacking.  And now, I’ve lost an hour.  Get me my truck so I can be on my way.

Okay, I’m being harsh.  They weren’t bad guys…just mildly oblivious and somewhat dopey.  And I was pre-coffee when it happened.  I did manage to remain patient…though I had no choice but to review them poorly in the post-experience email review.  Felt bad about that, but what else can ya do, right?

Day 14

Well, today was actually just fine.  Work went well, got a lot done.  Still wore my glasses all day, to be safe.  Interned and had a good few moments on stage post-shift at the Jam. 

Also, getting pretty awesome at seating people…and carrying heavy objects like coolers full of ice water and cases of beer.  Brilliant. 

Day 13

Okay…really now.  So halfway through yesterday’s work meeting, in addition to my stomach issues, my right eye started stinging.  After an hour of trying to blink and readjust my contact lens, I’d realized that something had probably gotten underneath the sucker and scratched my eye.

Problem was, I didn’t bring my contact case OR my glasses, so I wasn’t able to take them out until close to midnight when I got home.  Holy hell did it hurt, and by morning my right eye was as good as shut.
 
It just kept watering and wanting to close.  Driving was near impossible.  I had no choice but to wear---oh man---an eye patch.  Pretty much all day.  Let me tell you: 

1.) I looked pretty ridiculous (albeit badass)
2.) I never realized how important depth perception truly was until today.  Especially while driving in construction zones and Chicago morning rush hour traffic.

Day 12

Are you effing kidding me?!  Worked late last night for important meeting today.  Had to be up ass-early again for said meeting.  Running off of less than 4 hours of sleep.  And what happens? 

Well, of course the fact that I needed to be in a marathon meeting with clients in-office, I would get a stomach bug that left me, well, let’s just say there was a lot of back and forth and some gurgling involved.  Super embarrassing. 

My timing is pretty much impeccable this week.  Wtf.

Day 11

Okay, seriously?  So I take my car in at 7:45 in the morning…from Indiana to the northwest side of Chicago.  I’m sitting there for over an hour and they’re still looking at it, so I have a coworker pick me up because I didn’t want to be late (hence the ass-early appointment). 

On the way back to the office, they call.  Nearly $1700 worth of repairs.  So, I start crying.  I mean, I just bought a house.  The money I saved was to help me get through until I get used to my new finances, etc.  The dealer tells me that one issue with the catalyst can wait, but the other issues are causing major leaks in the cooling system, and it’s still going to be nearly $900.  Without a car, I’m pretty much helpless, so I authorize the fix. 

About 7 hours later, the car is ready, and luckily, they were able to knock another $200 off the total.  So, that was a little better.  But still, when it rains, it pours right?

Day 10

Shit-tastic. 

So, my temperature gauge has been flashing at me for a few days now, but only at start up.  It’s happened in the past and was just low fluid.  I scheduled an appointment last week to take it in tomorrow, but wouldn’t you figure…while taking Max to school this morning, the damn thing went off every 5 to 10 minutes.  Just flashing and beeping at me like crazy.  

I had 2 options to get to work because, I don’t know about you, but getting stranded somewhere between Indiana and Chicago just doesn’t strike me as wise. 

I could either take the South Shore into the city, then hop the red line to the stop near work –OR—I could telecommute.  The first option wouldn’t have put me into the office until noon at the earliest, so I had to take the second option.  It was nice because I was still able to get done what I needed to finish, but it really would have been nicer to be in the actual office.

C’est la vie, right?

Day 9

Spent the ENTIRE day working on the new house.  This time next week I’ll be moved in.

Also, I never really knew it before, but I totally love painting.  Once you get a rhythm, it’s rather Zen-like.  (Although, there will be paint on my nails for at least a week…I can’t get it to come off.  Makes me feel handy though.)

Day 8

Halloween!

Let’s keep this short.  I rushed around all day, gathering the finishing touches for my costume, and everything needed for Max’s costume.  At around 3pm, I sat Max down to do his hair and make-up, after he’d spent about 15 minutes rubbing his outfit for that evening in the mud out back.

Here are the results of both efforts:

Max the Zombie

Me as Beatrix Kiddo AKA “The Bride” from Kill Bill
 

Day 7

Interned tonight.

All seemed to be going well until I asked a girl whom I sort of know to watch my purse so I could take a post-shift smoke break.  I put my very unstable bag on the chair next to her and she agrees to watch it.

I start to put on my coat, and she says to me, “Well, actually my friend is sitting here so I’ll just set this on the bar.”

You know how people talk about seeing events happen in slow motion?

Yeah.  That’s what happened next.

As she hoisted my purse onto the bar, I could slowly feel my arms reaching out to grab it.  She set it down…in front of about 15 FULL display bottles of beer and stacks of freshly washed glasses.  As my arms slowly reached closer, it happened.

The girl swung around to watch the rest of the Jam while my purse toppled directly into the bottles and glasses…knocking a shit ton of them over and creating a rather loud crash.

Of course, because she had turned around and I had decided to reach to try and prevent the inevitable, when everyone looked up to see what had happened, I looked like the idiot.

Which is pretty normal for me, however, it’s much different when you’ve just completed your interning shift and your superiors just watched your purse knock shit off the bar.  Quite embarrassing.  *sigh*

Day 6

I broke down in improv class tonight.  Just straight up stopped in the middle of a scene and was like, "Guys, I have no idea what I'm doing.  I need to start over."   I tried to keep going, but two scenes later, I just kind of threw my hands up and said, "Seriously guys, I need a minute.  I'm like ready to cry."   And my face got all hot and my eyes all watery.  And I felt completely ridiculous.  I had to laugh at myself, even though I just felt really overwhelmed I guess.   Too far in my head or something.  It wasn't that I was sad or stressed...well, maybe stressed...but I think it was that I needed to reboot and get in my groove, but I felt trapped.

We were doing genre work, and apparently I suck at film noir.  However, after a quick walk around the block and a cigarette, I came back at full force.  I decided to handle my unassuredness with complete confidence.  It worked.

Also, when it comes to genres, I discovered I can rock the Shakespeare.

Day 5

I realize that I enjoy my trips on the red line with my ipod.  Yeah.  I truly do. Also, the barista at Starbucks made my mocha a double, just for the hell of it.  And it was wonderful.

Day 4

Today was pretty uneventful.

Paul McCartney's "No More Lonely Nights" was playing while I was shopping at Menards for paint and bathroom faucets.

I was pushing my cart, singing along outloud.  Then I realized the irony:  I'm totally moving out on my own.  So, more often than not?  My nights will be lonely.  Funny, really.

I do, however, feel like my paint and faucet choices have been approved by Sir Paul.  So that's good. (For the record, they've been approved by Lionel Richie as well...)

Day 3

I closed on my house today!  I own a freaking house!  Holy shit.

Also, I realize I look a little, shall we say, constipated, in this picture.  I assure you I'm not.  That's my "Oh-my-gosh-I-can't-believe-this-is-acutally-happening-I'm-so-excited!" face.

P.S.  This year for my birthday, I got a HUGE blemish on my chin.  I guess it helps keep me young?  The acne, I mean?  Sheesh.

Day 2

Spent the majority of the day doing laundry and packing.  Yeah, I'm buying a house.  Talk about becoming a grown-ass woman, right?

Realized a few things:

1.) I have way too many shoes.
2.) I've lost the urge to wear high heels...like ever.  There's one pair I will wear, but they're Aerosoles...so they're totally comfortable.
3.) I have a hard time parting with near-empty shampoo and conditioner bottles.  I threw out about 10 of them when packing the bathroom. 

Oh yeah, I close on my house tomorrow.  Nervous, excited, and so very, very ready.

Day 1

Took a cab back to my car after hanging out at iO all night.  The cabbie got a little lost, and we ended up driving behind a Bank of America where I saw a young punk couple sitting on the sidewalk.  Well, the male counterpart of the couple was sitting.

The female was lying on the sidewalk, puking her guts out.

I then realized there were many things I wasn't going to miss about my youth and my early twenties.  The inability to hold my liquor being one of them.

Cabbie dropped me off at my car, and stopped the fare meter early, so I wouldn't have to pay for the time he took to reroute.  Happy birthday indeed.

Birthday

The first song I heard as soon as I turned 29 was "Let It Be" by the Beatles. Nice.

Anyways, so I was standing outside work, taking a smoke break when a guy in my building came out with his 2 dogs, Candy and Wiley.  I see them a lot when I'm out there.  The dogs are ridiculously sweet and the guy is nice.  Older gentleman.  Blue collar Chicago guy.

So of course, when I see him he says, "How are you?"

"I'm good.  It's my birthday!"

"Happy birthday.  Any big plans?"

"Oh, I'm actually interning tonight at iO.  Improv stuff."

His response was priceless:  "Oh.  So you're an art babe, too.  Nice."

We chit-chatted a little longer.  He told me he liked the rain because it helped the trees he planted around our building.  When he left, I looked around at the trees.  It was the first time I really noticed them.  And actually, they're pretty beautiful.

The Prologue

On October 23, 2009, two monumental things will happen:

Saturn will have made a its first full orbit around the sun from where it was in the sky at 12:22am on October 23, 1980.

I will turn 29.

I'm not going to explain what this means in detail (if you're really curious, check out this link: Saturn return).  Just know, it's a big year...a big time for change...and a time I'd like to keep a full record of.

That said, I've decided to write one entry for every single day of my 29th year, beginning on October 23rd...my 29th birthday.

They won't be long entries...typically.  A picture and one short story from something that actually happened in my day.  Short, to the point, and hopefully interesting.

Here's an example:

Friday, October 16, 2009:


I was standing outside of iO tonight, just enjoying a cigarette before the Jam.  I noticed an older man stumbling towards me, and of course...he wanted to strike up a conversation.

"Hey Miss, excuse me," he mumbled.  "Excuse me.  Can I buy a cigarette from you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry.  I left them inside!"  (I lied.)  The man totally saw through it, so I backpedaled a little bit and dug through my pockets and gave him a Camel.

The man pushed his face very close to mine.  "You're so beautiful."  His teeth were yellowed, and his lips were cracked.

"Thank you, sir."  (I lied again. I just wanted him to be on his way already.  I was also convinced he was a little too drunk to give an accurate opinion on my appearance.)

The man grunted a little.  "I've never had one of you before.  I mean, a white woman.  I've never had a white woman before.  I hear you white women are good."

I smiled awkwardly and uncomfortably, hoping he'd leave.

"So are you good?  I bet you are," he continued.


"Um...I...well..." I couldn't think. "Um, my boyfriend thinks...I mean...erm." (I lied yet again.  The closest thing I have to a boyfriend is my cat Clio who is so infatuated with me that every night she digs in my hair and buries her face in my scalp.  Oddly enough, this is also the closest thing to a make-out session I've had in a while. But I digress. Arg.)

"Your BOYFRIEND?  You got a boyfriend?  Do you cheat?"  He laughed.  It sounded rough and thick, like he had something in his throat.  "You're not MARRIED...so, you know it's not the same."  

I smiled awkwardly again, sucking down my own cigarette as fast as I could.  I let out a puff of smoke, and through a courteous, albeit slightly fake, smile said, "I couldn't do that.  I'm an honest girl."

As the words poured out of my mouth, I could feel the irony of the entire situation swirling around me.  I'd lied to the man multiple times already.  But no matter.  He chuckled, reeled back a little, and strolled away.  

"You got me there, girl.  Good night!"

I finished up my cigarette while quietly laughing at the exchange, and headed back into the theater.

 That's the form.  A short little moment from my day...no matter how mundane, and a picture.  (Unfortunately, I don't have a picture from Friday night.)  First official post will be 10.23.09.  Stay tuned!

-T.