BB's Rambles Through the World

Rolling with It

2011-11-16T20:40:00.004-05:00

So due to some unforeseeable events, I have recently left my daily job. I already have more work, but this work is all temporary. As a costumer, pretty much all work is temporary, unless it's a staff position, which I had. I am completely happy with my decision. It was the right one to make. In the process, I accidentally became a freelance artist. I've always wanted to take this leap, but it was extremely intimidating and I could never bring myself to give up a steady paycheck. Now that I'm here, I'm both excited and terrified.

Meandering

2011-04-18T09:28:00.002-04:00

For the majority of my life, I have had a general idea of what I wanted to do and the direction I must take. Theatre has been at the center of that idea for as long as I can remember. There are multiple areas I want to pursue. Depending on the day, any one of them might rank higher than another. But for awhile now, one has really dominated. Recently I have been dealt a blow that set me back in that one area. Normally I try to not let this bother me, and just keep on keeping on. This time I just keep questioning myself. Is this what I really want to do? Should I keep pursuing this piece, or should I move on? I feel like I'm just wandering aimlessly though life. When I told this to a friend, she responded, "Welcome to adulthood."

I cannot accept that.

It's A New Year, Man

2011-01-06T09:21:00.003-05:00

So Here we are. It is now 2011 and I have a new list of goals.

Attend 50 productions
Design 12 outfits
Bataik 12 scarves
Build 12 outfits or costume (not for a show I'm working on)
Read 26 Books
Pattern 12 outfits or costume (not for a show I'm working on)
Write 12 blog posts
Bake a pear with Gruyere pie
Visit 5 states
Render 3 shows

These are written in no particular order.

Uh Oh

2010-08-04T18:50:00.004-04:00

I have officially sold out.

I am completely ok with this.

What has caused this?

My new IPhone! The photo is a bit blurry because I took it with my phone, and my hand was a bit shaky. That also exlains why I'm holding the box and not the actual phone. I'm still figuring out how to work it, but am loving it thus far.

Hopefully with the addition of a voice recorder to my life I will get better about posting on here.

Here's to hoping!

Because I Want To

2010-06-11T19:33:00.005-04:00

I know I have this comic on the side there, ->

but really wanted to have it seen larger too.

That's how I roll, man.

A Quick Rant

2010-06-01T22:15:00.002-04:00

I understand the necessity of shortening words and phrases, but I think things have gone too far. Sometimes I'll see six letters next to each other and think, "Really?" The amount of brain power I put into deciphering your code exceeds what it would have taken you to type it. Plus, is it really that much harder to put the "yo" before the "u"? But more than anything, I think I hate when certain words are mixed up. These things happen sometimes, but I just read someone's comment on a friend's Facebook page, and it said, "I'm preying for you." I feel that is just ridiculous.

A Frustration

2010-05-25T08:03:00.004-04:00

I don't understand how I can think of huge monologues that I want to write on here while I'm walking and never remember them when I'm here to write. It's incredibly frustrating. Twenty-five minutes of walking and composing a rant of epic proportions, then I sit down to write it and can only remember the basic concept. I realize that if I stopped and wrote down some notes, I wouldn't have such a hard time. But I'm usually running around like a maniac, and do not have the time. What I really need is a tape recorder. Then, I can just talk to myself constantly. And isn't that all I really want?

I wish...

2010-05-24T16:39:00.000-04:00

I didn't suck at keeping up on this blog!

A Job Offer I Never Expected

2010-04-27T16:04:00.004-04:00

So I am convinced that there is a little magnet inside of me that attracts all of the craziest people. Friday afternoon I was talking to people near the Liberty Bell for the Theatre Alliance. I approached an older lady to ask her if she enjoyed theatre, which she loves musicals. I asked if she would like to sit on our Couch, and talk about what she loved about it, and she was unsure. What she was sure about was my "great personality." She then informed me that her company was hiring if I was interested. Out of curiosity I had to ask, "What do you do?" "Oh, I'm a sex phone operator."

I was honestly taken aback. Not only had I just been offered a job as a sex phone operator, but was this 60 year old lady really what was on the other end of those calls? And is this really a line of work that is lucrative? I mean with the internet, you can get all of this stuff for free, so why pay, like $1.99 a minute?

There was still a bunch of chatting with other people to do. And this lady, whose name I cannot remember, sat on a bench nearby the entire time. Whenever I had a lull in people, she would bring up her work again! She told me she makes good money, and it's easy. I had to know, "What are you making?" "$7.50" "An hour?" "Yeah, I clear about $1000 a month. You could do it."

Now, there is no way I can agree with either of her statements. $7.50 an hour is terrible and there is no way I could do that. Her response? "Honey, I'm 65 and I can do it. Whatever it takes to pay the bills."

Sometimes, the strangest people just want to talk to me and I'm not sure why.

An Evening with the Big Banana

2010-04-20T09:29:00.010-04:00

At work, I write a weekly Openings and Closings email that is sent out to a couple hundred theatre goers. While the process is sometimes time consuming and tedious (damn formating), I really enjoy it and it gives me a chance to read over most of the theatre happenings in Philly. Since I took on this theatre challenge, I've been using it as a guide and reminder.

The other week, The Blue Monster caught my eye. Since it wasn't listed as a Family show, I thought, "Hmm, this might be amazingly outrageous." And so you know, I love puppets and masks. Names like The Blue Monster, tend to involve things like puppets, masks, and the supernatural. Obviously, I looked into this show. Here UARTS blurb on the show:

A mystical Blue Monster, a seven-headed Hydra and an evil Knight stand between two young lovers, Taer and Dardane, as they struggle to break an ancient curse. Written in 1764, this rarely performed Italian play, inspired by the characters of commedia dell’arte, blends masks, puppetry and physical comedy in an unforgettable tragicomic fable. Director Aaron Cromie is an award-winning member of the Brind School faculty known for his inventive modern take on the traditions of the commedia.

I knew this was a show to see. Now I only needed to find someone to go with me. Oddly, puppets or masks on their own are a hard sell for most people. So the combination together along with an old-school physical theatre style was near impossible. Lucky for me, I have Jake.

Jake and I have been friends for a yew years now, and one of my favorite things about him, is his love of the arts. Another thing is his enjoyment in the absurd pieces of life. Back in October, I told him I had a pair of roller skates for sale (I bought them for a show I worked on), and he jumped at the opportunity to buy them. Then, he came to my birthday party as a roller skating banana. Amazing!

We already had plans to hang out the day that The Blue Monster closed, I called him up to see if he would want to see a kinda odd mask and puppet piece with several monsters in it, and he said there would be nothing better than that. Afterwards, he had some regrets.

Overall, I enjoyed the show. The set was beautiful, the lighting interesting, and the costumes were good too. This production had an Asian/Chinese theme, which I am always a fan of. This was the first Commedia piece I've ever seen, and I'm not sure how I feel about it as a whole. Jake just couldn't get behind it. I think he enjoyed the technical elements, but is not a fan of Commedia dell'arte as a whole. Funny little side note, his ex was the costume designer, so he was rather judgmental. Definitely a great night.

Another Day with Shakespeare

2010-04-18T14:12:00.005-04:00

Several Weeks ago, I attended the Arden Theatre Company's production of Romeo and Juliet. I enjoy my fair share of Shakespearian plays, but this is not one of them. I guess it's because I'm sort of an asshole, but Romeo and Juliet are whiny teens to me. I know I'm missing out on all the tragic romantic hero stuff because I this attitude, but I can accept that. I like my Shakespeare to have more secrets, plotting, and general mayhem. As it happen though, 50 theatre productions in one year is a pretty intense goal, so I see what I can, while never paying more than $20.

The Arden is a very established theatre. In general, their shows have high production values, paired with experienced theatre artists. This show was no different in that respect. It was also, still Romeo and Juliet though. So the lighting was beautiful, the fights were action packed and entertaining, and Mercutio rocked, but it was still a couple of teens crying about love for 2-3 hours. Certainly was not my favorite show of the year, but worth giving it a shot.

Next Up, The Blue Monster, mwahaha.

Oh Sweet Cheese, Becca!

2010-04-14T07:57:00.007-04:00

I seem to be fairly behind in these posts, according to my mental calendar. I have two shows to write about that I saw the week before last week, and I didn't see any shows last week. These are just unacceptable, man.

The first show I actually worked on a little bit. All I did was some sewing and hot gluing, so it wasn't much, but those are some of my favorite activities. This piece was created by Applied Mechanics, and this is the first time I've seen anything from them. It was a sort of installation art meets theatre piece called, Ses Voyages Sauvages. The entire thing took place in the director/co-creator, Becky's apartment, overtaking any sense of a normal living space. It was spectacular. Each room was a different environment with a specific character of two, with most journeying into a new environment.

I really liked this piece. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen before, and I can't even comprehend how it was conceived. I immediately told Becky I would help out whenever they needed. I made Brandon come with me to see this. He was pretty freaked out by the idea of actors performing within arms reach, but he enjoyed it!

Another good night with good theatre.

Living an Urban Legend

2010-04-12T07:37:00.005-04:00

Two weeks ago at Starbucks, I had the most random accident occur. As I was throwing the trash into the dumpster, I felt a little prick on the palm of my hand. When I looked at the bag to see what got me, I saw a hypodermic needle sticking out of the bag! What!?!? So I promptly finished taking out the trash, went back inside my store, and filled out an Incident Report Form. Macha, who happens to be the best Shift Lead this side of Broad Street, she calmed me down and really helped out. So I was alright, but really, who does this happen to? I have never heard of a real person being pricked with a random needle. My manager, Lissie, has worked for Starbucks for 10 years and she has never seen or heard of this! Luckily Starbucks is paying for everything since I don't have insurance. I've head 2 blood tests since then, and started takings Combivir, which has been screwing with my stomach pretty consistently since then.

Because we don't know who the needle belonged to or what it was for, there was a threat of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Apparently, I was supposed to take the needle with me. I can see how this would make sense, but I was mostly thinking about getting away from that needle. Now you all know for future reference, and if I run into this situation again, I will be sure to grab it before I run. They've done tests and I'm practically immune to Hepatitis B. Which rocks man, becuase that was the biggest threat. There is only a tiny chance HIV was still living on the needle (if it was ever) and Hepatitis C is very rare, so I'm pretty safe. There is a chance though. So I will be getting blood tests done for the next 6 months. The bitch of it is, I hated needles before this random event.

What a life I lead...

Waiting for Absurdity

2010-03-31T08:09:00.017-04:00

On Sunday I attended EgoPo Classical Theater's production of Waiting for Godot with my fellow barista and costume designer Sami. She is a pretty big Beckett fan, so I was glad to share this experience with her. I had never seen a Beckett production before, and wasn't sure if I even liked his work. I've read

a few of his major plays, and I don't know if I really get it. I get it on a basic surface level, and the "I'm a theatre student who read and discussed his work in class" level,

but it doesn't really speak to me on a deeper gut level. That's what this whole journey is all about though, giving all types a shot to see what I like.

EgoPo is dedicating their entire season to Beckett, and I think that is a really neat concept. Well, that's sort of their thing, pick a playwright or style and spend the entire season working it. So this was their third production (I missed the first two, Company and Endgame), and they have a few sideshow readings of other plays of his as well.

Some of the same actors have performed in each of these productions, and I think it really showed in their performance. The 4 main actors had amazing command of the language and comedy. I've read this play several times, and never really got the humor. I'm still not sure how much of a Beckett fan I am, but I'm glad to have seen this production.

Continuing Education

2010-03-29T21:03:00.009-04:00

Part of the reason I am attempting to attend 50 plays in one year is to further educate myself, and to develop a keen sense of my tastes in theatre. Throughout my childhood and even college, there were certain styles of theatre that dominated my education. I am not necessarily better at understanding these types, or partial too them in any way, I just don't really have enough exposure to the other stuff.

Shakespeare and Musicals. That was all I knew of theatre until I was about 10 years old. And I was pretty well versed in both for a kid. The amount of art and culture I was exposed to in that age range was amazing and definitely shaped me into who I am today. But it was still lacking. Then Arthur Miller taught me there that you did not have to break out into song and dance, nor did you have to talk all crazy like (Hamlet was my favorite as a kid). Real people talking and just being could be a play. What I was given was so small of a piece of this great big theatre puzzle. Mostly pieces written by men, and written more than 40 years ago.

During my first semester at college, I studied in London and had the opportunity to take a few classes that would mold me in a new way. Performing Arts in London and Play Critique forced me to do things I had never had the chance to before. Each week we attended one play, then read it, and discuss it. In the other class, I experienced types of art I had never even really considered seeing, like dance, the opera, and a symphony. In that one semester, I enjoyed more performance based art than I did through most of college. I attended roughly 20 theatre performances, 2 dance performances, an opera, and a symphony. This opened my eyes to how far art and culture spreads and how easily one can access it if they try.

So that's what I'm doing. Trying to access as much art as possible. In the process, I'm bringing as many other people with me. Because, why not educate and expand other's knowledge of performance based art as well?

A Brief Explanation

2010-03-27T09:21:00.004-04:00

So I've realized that I don't give too many straight out opinions on my theatre posts. I really can't call them reviews, because I don't give an opinion. There is a very specific reason why, but I never seemed to tell you, my three readers, why. I work in Philadelphia theatre, but I'm not by any means established or, well, respected, by most people involved in this field. So I am always working on networking and making stronger connections here. As much as I love to say what I think, it really would be stupid to throw around my opinion, and expect people to want to hire me. Philly is far too small of a theatre town for me to say anything and it not to get around to someone. I've been trying to to figure out what I want those posts to be instead of a detailed description of my experience, and I may have figured it out. I will give a brief description of the play, and my favorite aspect of the production, something that could be worked on and my general feel of the production. But like everything, this may change.

So until tomorrow, when I attend EgoPo's production of Waiting for Godot, I bid you adieu.

The Fall of a King

2010-03-22T07:30:00.006-04:00

So like many theatre geeks, I dig the occasional Shakespearean production. My brother, Tony, also enjoys the bard. It just so happens that his two favorite plays by Shakespeare, King Lear and Twelfth Night, are being produced in Philly this season. Tony was just as excited as I was at this, and came to visit last week so we could attend King Lear. My buddy Meredith also came along to witness the downfall of an old king.

The People's Light and Theatre Company are producing this show. I had never been out to this theatre before, and I really like the space. It was one beautiful establishment. It is also way out in the 'burbs, and since the curtain was at 7, we were stuck in traffic for a long time. We managed to get in right before the show started, and I am so glad we did. I've met, worked with, and seen some of the actors in other shows before. Which I always find neat. I had only ever read this play, so seeing a performance really helped me to see things I hadn't before. I suppose in my struggle to understand everything that was going on in the language, I missed how much of the story's conflict relies on Edmond. The actor playing him was amazing, and made all 3 hours of this show worth it. And I admit, 3 hours, no matter how good, is hard to sit through. Like any other production, there were things I liked and didn't like, but overall, it was well worth it. Tony and Meredith also had a good time, so another evening well spent with friends and theatre.

Until Next Time...

Four Days, Three Plays

2010-03-16T20:54:00.013-04:00

Between Wednesday, March 10th and Saturday, March 13th, I managed to attend three theatre productions! I always enjoy a week that I get to see multiple plays.

I was fortunate enough to get two tickets to the opening of The Wilma Theater's production of Language Rooms. Even though Brandon isn't really into theatre, I make him go, sometimes. And this was one of those times. Doing this is completely worth it, because we are discovering what theatre he does enjoy. I especially like to take him to openings, since they are kinda swanky. The Wilma always produces technically beautiful theatre. There were a lot of aspects of this production I liked, and some I did not. So at the end, I was left rather indifferent. Although, we had seats in the first row, which I always find kind of intimidating being so close to the actors, but this time it was a little more awkward. Brandon and I are sitting about 15 feet from an actor when he strips down to nothing. I can handle onstage nudity. It isn't really my thing, but I can deal. I've actually seen more naked people on the Wilma's stage than I can count on one hand. But this...this was just too close to not be a little awkward. A night well spent at the theatre nonetheless.

Both of the other shows I saw were in their closing week, and I' m glad I caught them.

Friday night I had tickets to see Simpatico Theatre Project's Pyretown. I did not have a date, though. Brandon can usually only handle one trip to the theatre a week, and I respect that, even if I don't agree with it. Haha, but I actually ended up using Facebook to find a friend to go with me. Within ten minutes of begging someone to go see a play with me, my friend Debby agreed to meet me within the hour to see this show. The wonders of the internet! Overall, I really respected what this company did. I love seeing what small companies can do, because I would like to one day do it myself. Everything was well executed, just not in my taste. One of my fellow Arcadia graduates worked on this show, and so it was another evening well spent.

Then on Saturday, I went to see Curio Theatre Company's No Exit Saturday afternoon, and I've always enjoyed this play. This is the first time I've had the chance to actually see the play. That's one of the things I love about theatre. You can read a script a hundred times and until you see a production, you just don't have the real experience. I loved the set and sound design of this show, and another Arcadia grad performed in this production. During the performance, there was a loud crash back stage, and there was a moment I was really concerned someone was hurt. But the actors handled it like champs, and everything was ok. Well, as ok as life can be when the ceiling collapses. But no one was hurt.

Overall, an accomplished week. Slowly working at my goals, and supporting the arts in Philadelphia. Hopefully this week, I can be just as productive, maybe even make it to a dance performance. I can't wait to gobble up more art.

The Most Intense Beer of My Life

2010-03-09T17:26:00.000-05:00

The other night, I went to this cool bar that isn't far from where I live, The South Philly Taproom. This place has a great beer selection. There are a bunch of micro and local brews, which I love. As well as some delicious foods. I really enjoy the wild boar tacos and mac and cheese. Sadly, I forgot my camera, so no pics. The tacos had spicy avocado on it. Really spicy. But so tasty.

I also had this Dogfish Head World Wide Stout there. I have never had a beer to equal this one. It was a roller-coaster or barley across my tongue. It has an 18% ABV, so I drank half a bottle and could feel that my cheeks were rosy! I don't think I could drink these all night, but it was well worth the experience. So if you're interested in a beer adventure, try it out.

So long until the next tasty morsel of food or art!

52 Weeks of Life

2010-03-09T08:13:00.000-05:00

So back in the autumn, I had a mini freak out because it was the first time in my life that I wasn't going to school. I didn't quite know how to handle the lack of assignments and structure. Because I am neurotic, I decided to give myself assignments, and because I am a procrastinator, I gave myself a deadline. My deadline is October 1, 2010. Surprisingly, the half way point is almost here, and I am not doing too bad. I'm a little behind on all of them, but not by much.

So here are my goals and where I stand:

Attend 50 Theatre Productions (17)

Read 40 Books (15)

Attend 5 Dance Productions (1)

Costume Design 3 Plays (0)

Attend 5 Music Performances (2)

My new goal is to start writing about what I am reading and seeing here. We'll see how that goes.

I'm Back! I hope.

2010-03-09T07:25:00.000-05:00

So I'm working on redoing this blog a bit. One of the things I want to redo is my effort. I don't write nearly enough in a general way, and so I want to use this blog to force myself write more. Since I use my buddy Niki over at Single Bubble Pop as a guide, I figure I should reintroduce myself.

Ciao Gente,

My name is Becca. I live in Philadelphia with my boyfriend, Brandon and my cat, Stilgar. I am an aspiring costume designer, dramaturg, writer, textile artist, and theatre administrator. Part time, I sling coffee at Starbucks. Theatre is my world, but I love all forms of art. Reading everything I touch and attending shows (theatre, dance, music, I love it all) are my two biggest hobbies. I can't stop thinking and I'm addicted to the truth.

Well, that sums me up for now. Like everyone, I am ever changing and evolving, but these are the consistents in my life.

A Day Off in My Life

2009-09-07T20:16:00.000-04:00

Last week Robin and I had a day off together so we went out and were a couple of girls. Nothing says girls like super frilly hats!

I love wearing hats!

I don't even know which hat I like the best.

These two hats were too good for just one photo.

Welcome To Life

2009-08-30T18:32:00.000-04:00

Last week I had an epiphany.

I was laying in bed at about 7:30 am relaxing before I had to go to work.

It suddenly hit me, that this is "real life" and I'm ok with that. Not even ok, but happy.

I'm not going back to school this year and I have better things to do anyway.

I never thought this day would come, and I can't get this little smile off my face.

Oh Me

2009-08-09T19:43:00.000-04:00

So today I had terrible stomach pains and don't know why.

So for a moment I thought "Maybe I have Appendicitis."

Then I remembered I'm an asshole.

This Crazy World

2009-06-23T18:44:00.000-04:00

I often have people tell me I'm weird, which I usually don't disagree with, but I'm finding I meet people and see things that make me look rather normal.

These 2 woman, while sober, decided to dress up as McKenzie's (the blonde) male room-mate Willy. They are in his clothes, with his signature mustache and bandanna. I'm not sure if the way he dresses or them doing such a fine interpretation of him is more ridiculous. Either way, it was a good time and now when I look at these photos I wonder is that McKenzie or Willy looking back at me.

Here are just some of the stranger things I've seen in life. Mostly in Italy. Those people know how to be ridiculous.

Children's Literature Party

2009-06-20T18:29:00.000-04:00

So I started this comic shortly after we had this party, which was on February 7th. I just procrastinate that much. These were some of the best costumes we've ever had. Hopefully the next party will be even better. I'm torn between a 1940's Sock Hop or A Swinging 60's Soiree. What do you think?

Update!

2009-06-19T12:37:00.000-04:00

It feels great to be out of school. I've never felt more free, but I do have a constant concern for the future. What can you do though?

My Goddaughter Kaylie turned 1 last month and is the best baby ever. She is so easy going and pleasant. I'm trying to spend as much time with her (and her momma, Amy) as possible so she knows me. The other day she said my name clearly! I wasn't there, but I heard from a first hand source it was awesome.

I've been taking life kinda easy right now before I get sucked into hustle and bustle of real life. Spending a lot of time reading of hanging out with Brandon. If anyone has a good book recommendation I'll take it.

My parents are pretty amazing and threw me the best graduation party ever. It was 2 days, tons of food, 2 kegs, lots of great people, and even a bonfire! What more could I want? I learned to play Civil War, which is far superior to Beer Pong any day. The most ludicrous thing that happened was my Mom went around mooning a bunch of my friends! Its been confirmed that she mooned on at least 3 occasions, but no one really knows the exact count. Either way, a very memorable party.

That's it for now. Ciao!

My Best Skill

2009-05-01T18:52:00.000-04:00

So I have learned that my best skill, in the entire world, is the art of procrastination. My lack of posts in several months is a testament to this skill. It does me no good, but I continue to master it. I have a comic from a few months ago I need to finish and then I'll put it up. Promise!

Instead of leaving you with that totally boring and unnecessary bit above as my return to blogging, I will tell you my latest misadventure in life...

About 2 weeks ago I was walking home from the train station, as I'm prone to do as a pedestrian, when some young guy ran up and tried to snatch my purse! Now, if you know me, you know I am two things, poor and bad ass. Combine those with a direct attack on my persons, and you have yourself quite a story.

When this guy tried to yank my bag and yelled, "Give it to me" I responded with a frightened, yet heartfelt "No!" He then proceeded to punch me in the head and push me to the ground. No worries though, he punched like a girl. As I hit the ground though, I regained my abilities of action. I tried to kick him in the nuts, a move I find unacceptable except in cases like these, but missed kicking his thigh instead. So I tried to kick him in the knee this time, all the while he is punching me, then I pepper sprayed his dumb ass! He fell into a bush and I ran home.

I eventually called the police and spent a good chunk of time crying from shock and fear. But every cop I talked to that night (and I talked to like seven) said the same thing to me, "It must have felt good to spray him."

They are correct.

Six Weeks Later

2009-01-31T13:16:00.000-05:00

So it has been six weeks since I left Italy and I still haven't written anything, so I figured it's about time I did. I've attempted several times, but just couldn't think of what to say. Allora, I will write a list because that's what I do best.

I was sad to go and happy to be leaving.

I didn't improve my Italian skills enough.

Baby-sitting Tori was one of my favorite things about being there.

Fiats are awesome.

I need to move out of America for an extended period of time.

I prefer life without a microwave.

I never want to go four months with out theatre again.

Brandon is an even better boyfriend then I thought, and I already had a high opinion of him.

Hazelnut and Pistachio are my favorite gelati.

Nothing depressed me more than life without my cat.

Apparently, the two movies I can't live without are The Big Lebowski and The AristoCats.

I never cooked better food than when I was in Italy.

I'm so much more antisocial then I like to pretend.

Drunk Sunday was one of the highlights of time abroad.

The only thing better then The Fresh Prince theme song is the Italian version.

I love kebabs and falafels, even if I can't spell them.

I am like 2 steps away from being a cat lady.

Now that I've done this I can start posting new things. It just didn't feel right before.

Just Not Enough Sex, Drugs, or Rock and Roll

2008-12-10T08:33:00.000-05:00

I spent the weekend in Amsterdam...

This is the second time I've been there, and I really like the city. It's a ton of fun and offers lots of sights to see. Sadly this trip was not as fun as the last one, but I was with Brandon, my boyfriend and we stayed in a four star hotel. So as any person can imagine, staying in an 18 person co-ed hostel is a bit of a step down, but I did not care...until I realized I was the only female in the packed room. Needless to say, I was paranoid out of my mind that some man would try to crawl in bed with me! I was tempted into asking Peter, my travel buddy to sleep in my bed to protect. No worries though, I slept safely alone.

As I have said, I traveled to Amsterdam with my friend Peter. And let me just tell everyone never to go Amsterdam with someone of the opposite sex unless you are dating or they are gay. Because I have never felt more awkward than I did walking through the red light district. Don't be misled here, I thought the whole thing was funny and a little sad (because I can't imagine what would make anyone do that as a profession) but I was enjoying it for what it was. Peter on the other hand was clearly so uncomfortable with me being there he hardly glanced at any of the woman! Not that I was staring, but that was part of the fun I thought. There are just too many things that he would have enjoyed so much more if I was a man.

I would also like to let the world know, I can know spell appendicitis perfectly and without thought. Why? Because Peter was convinced he was dying of it the entire weekend. He actually wanted to go to the hospital Saturday night, but I was having no part of that sort of shenanigans man. Instead, I made him just go to bed and deal with it. After returning to Florence, whining for a day, and a trip to the hospital, he is fine. Just a hypochondriac. And sad to say, after separating myself from the entire experience and no longer trying to make the best of it, it was probably one of the worst trips I've taken. I did go to the Van Gough museum, chill out, take a break from life, and have some really cool conversations though. And all of these were awesome and just what I needed. I just hope if I ever go back to Amsterdam, it is with my parents and siblings, because that would be a really fucking good time.

Oh Venice

2008-12-09T05:50:00.000-05:00

So it took me way to long to post this, but what can you do?

My Love Came to Italy!

2008-11-18T16:25:00.000-05:00

Oh Italian School!!

2008-11-16T16:36:00.000-05:00

Allora, I am breaking my tradition of only comics to put up this post, but it is very necessary. In the last ten weeks of school in bella Italia, I have noticed several funny fashion trends in the fashion school I attend.

Firstly, there are a group of Swedish girls that go to school with me, but three of them stick out in particular. Two have this really unique and awesome high fashion punk look going for them. Like pencil skirts with funky button ups and chokers with heavy eye make up. The one has a really neat face, as odd as that sounds, strawberry blonde hair with circular eyes, chubby cheeks, and her septum pierced. She also has a sweet tattoo on her forearm of like, a flower explosion. I really want to take a picture of these two, but I have enough against me being an unfashionable American, I don't want to add crazy to the list. But then there is the third Swede, and she looks like stepped straight out of the 80's. High waisted "mom pants" as Niki as dubbed them (baggy in the ass that taper to a tight ankle) are a staple of hers. A common outfit is one I like to call "First Matey." She will pair her "mom pants" with blue keds, and a white tee shirt, tucked in with a funny looking belt. The real gem of this outfit is the tee shirt has printed upon it the tie thing of a sailor's outfit, with the illusion of another shirt beneath it. Here is the closest image I could find of it. Imagine blue with stripes on the "undershirt."

She honestly wears this outfit once a week.

Next I would like to mention one of the other North Americans, named Chantal. Yes Chantal. She is from Mexico, but you would never guess is unless she is speaking. She has that "I really want to look white" image about her. Which I can never understand being as I am white, and a pasty white at that. She has bleach blonde hair and an expression that just screams "squirrel." Here is my interpretation...

I have never seen her without heels or a touch of gold in her ensemble. For the first eight weeks I don't think she repeated an outfit. Which is both impressive and disgusting. Her color palette consists of white, gold, and brown, with an occasional shirt that looks like a rainbow vomited on her. She also owns a gold headband that she wears often. But not a headband to keep the hair out of her eyes, no no, it is a "gold crown of thorns, like Jesus wore" as Niki just told me. Ridiculous.

I will finish the post with the girl who I think puts the most work into her hair of anyone at my school, which trust me, is quite a competition. I do not know where she is from sadly, but if I find out I will let you know. This woman seriously comes to school everyday with her hair teased up about 6 inches above her scalp, with it just pulled back. Clearly the height is the main focus. How she isn't bald, I will never know. She also has a self imposed uniform. She wears either blue or black sheer stockings, ankle boots, and a long sleeved loose fitting dress, with either blue or black thin stripes with thick white stripes. How she has suck a variety of these dresses, I will also never know, but I am nonetheless impressed with the consistency.

Well that about wraps it up man. I will spend the next week attempting stealth photography to capture these women in their prime until then, use your imagination...

Last Birthday Post

2008-11-11T06:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry it took so long, blogger was fighting me, but I think we're ok now.

Jazz Club

2008-11-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

But wait! There's more!

The start of 22

2008-11-04T08:56:00.000-05:00

Stay Tuned for more Birthday Fun from your favorite cartoon...

An Almost forgotten Post

2008-11-03T08:52:00.000-05:00

After Dinner Party

2008-10-20T20:05:00.000-04:00

Fancy Dinner Party

2008-10-20T16:48:00.001-04:00

A Continuation of Good Times

2008-10-15T15:08:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I make food too much fun

2008-10-13T15:47:00.000-04:00

The first month in Italy

2008-10-12T13:54:00.000-04:00

2008-10-07T11:48:00.000-04:00