tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725025642834834972011-04-21T17:44:50.248-07:00Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.comBlogger791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-18535180693370971492009-04-12T16:26:00.000-07:002009-04-12T16:30:44.077-07:00

New Leaf Theatre asked me for a contribution to their blog. I am working with them on The Long Count (opening this Friday and running through May - go see it). So below are a few things they asked me to talk about... In a word, today I feel lazy. I fell asleep on my couch yesterday after rehearsal around 5pm, moved to my bed around 2am, moved from my bed to the couch around noon today, and

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-77179512644859372252009-04-02T11:33:00.000-07:002009-04-02T11:44:18.692-07:00

No, i am not talking about baseball.Each time I turn on my phone I have the phrase "for the love of the game". It came out of a small joke about why I do theatre. It isn't for the money or fame (yet...). It is what I love to do. Working or not, I do theatre for the love of the game of it.When things are going well, it is easy to say why you love the game of theatre. Great people to work with,

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-79941155449993172832009-03-26T15:55:00.000-07:002009-03-26T16:01:00.404-07:00

What? Where am I? What am I late for? How is it possible that I found time to finish my taxes? How is it possible that I am able to blog? How is it possible that at 6pm on a Thursday I don't have anything to do? Well, nothing to do till 8pm tonight.Well, at 6pm on this Thursday I finally got the two monkeys off my back that have been weighing me down for months. So now I just have my life to lead

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-57861566405623541442009-03-18T11:30:00.000-07:002009-03-18T11:40:52.594-07:00

I will be honest - I have been living in a pig's sty for about two months. I keep the dirty dishes from piling up. I wash my clothes and put (most) of them away. I wipe down my kitchen counter, just because the juice makes everything sticky and my doctors don't like it when I send in sticky checks.Today I got up extra early. Which is a feat in itself as yesterday I got up an hour late. What

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-24194518495909124262009-03-16T21:48:00.000-07:002009-03-16T22:10:21.282-07:00

I have a few friends I needed to catch up with, but due to schedules, the only time we seem to be able to meet is on Saturday or Sunday mornings. And if you want to get a table at ANY brunch place on Saturday or Sunday you must arrive by 10:15am - no later than 10:30. I have found that the prime time for brunch meetings is 10:30 - 11am. If you wait till then - you will WAIT for table. Even for

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-59602769593472335362009-03-15T22:10:00.000-07:002009-03-15T22:11:21.756-07:00

At Saturday's rehearsal we were finally able to combine the three primary tools of acting: movement, text, and voice. These may seem like basic theatrical principles, but they can always come with the unexpected. Over the first few weeks of rehearsal there has been a strong focus on the creation of trust and intimacy (not that way) among the cast. We have crawled all over each other. Grabbed

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-83213217157695936672009-03-09T10:58:00.000-07:002009-03-10T10:03:50.979-07:00

As part of my 12 banned books in 2009, I just finished The Great Gatsby. I read it first in high school where I enjoyed it. But looking at this classic through adult (or maybe more mature) eyes has had a larger influence on me and how I view my life than it did when I was 17.Gatsby is obsessed with the past, but constantly working in the present to obtain the future he thinks he is his destiny.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-50012868588560154522009-03-04T20:59:00.001-08:002009-03-04T21:11:21.768-08:00

In the past 48 hours I think I have lived about 5 different lives. But the great thing about humans is the ability to absorb, react, adapt, and be present. Being present is a big thing for me in 2009. It may have taken a decade to really grow up after I left high school, but something in the past 48 hours has really made a difference.A friend this weekend said something that has really stuck with

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-43121500009216442052009-02-09T10:38:00.000-08:002009-02-09T10:51:27.861-08:00

One thing I know is I don't know everything. When I need to figure out the percentage increase (or decrease) I call my mom. When I need to know if I should use effect or affect, I call my sister. When I need to know sports highlights so I can have conversations in the elevator at work, I call my dad. When I don't know something, I can usually get to someone who does know or can help me work it

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-22997725780151733782009-02-03T19:25:00.000-08:002009-02-03T19:47:37.109-08:00

Picture it: I am on my way home from the gym tonight. I just put in 2.5 miles, which is pretty good for me. I am somewhat sweaty, have no make-up on, and I am rocking out with my ipod. I hop on the brown sit for my four-stop trip home.A gentleman steps on to the train at Diversey. This gentleman sits across from me. He is in his mid 30's. He has a very round face, not fat - just round. I would

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-88069311382122737902009-01-26T19:29:00.000-08:002009-01-26T19:53:58.699-08:00

Tomorrow we will be 1 week into Obama's administration. I have watched all of the Sunday pundit shows and now feel fully informed to share my views.Dick Cheney was the spitting image of Mr. Potter from It's A Wonderful Life. Seriously. Creepy Have low expectations and you will always be pleasantly surprised.Obama's ultimate downfall will be not meeting the expectation of his

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-61214989315198712062009-01-03T20:58:00.001-08:002009-01-04T09:26:04.798-08:00

I do not know much about the Israeli/Palestine/Gaza history or conflict.(**edited**)From watching George on This week, I originally posted incorrect information regarding this conflict. I still do not know much about the conflict, but this is a somewhat more accurate account:I think it has something to do about Palestine and Hamas (ruling party of Palestine?) not following the established peace

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-26424361061915941372009-01-02T19:26:00.000-08:002009-01-02T20:19:15.372-08:00

Today is January 2. I am a day late and a dollar short on recapping 2008, making resolutions for 2009, and living my first day as a model for the rest of the year.I really hope yesterday is not a forecast of what 2009 will be. I slept till 10am. Got up, took a shower, then went to the couch for a nap. I was there till about 12:30pm. Now this is not necessarily a bad morning. I caught up on sleep.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-81538295501556770532008-12-22T10:48:00.000-08:002008-12-22T11:03:50.218-08:00

It is so freaking hard to do nothing. I am at work. The only phone call I got was from my Mom. The only emails I am getting are spam and forwards from my also bored out of their skulls co-workers.Why am I here? Just to sit in a chair and say I was here because I am out of vacation days. Do they know how much money they are spending on me being here? The coffee cup I used today? The lights in my

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-37764757822966904562008-12-21T12:48:00.000-08:002008-12-21T13:17:30.543-08:00

I am sad to say, I have failed. In January I decided I would read 52 books and 52 plays in 2008. If you are up to date on my GoodReads account, you will see I am not even close. I gave up in October. And to be honest, the list might be a little padded as many of the plays were short plays, one acts, or original works that can be easily read on a slow train ride home from work.In 2009, I want to

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-37218972995716872442008-12-16T22:30:00.001-08:002008-12-16T22:44:20.446-08:00

Okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration. When I leave the house I turn it down to 54-56. When I first get home, I pop it up to 64ish. I am usually working around the house, making dinner and such; making a bit of my own body heat.Once I sit down to do paperwork or watch TV I might bump it up to 66, or on a very cold day 68. But I have often been known to leave it at 64 and add on the blankets,

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-48490733489661420692008-12-16T22:00:00.000-08:002008-12-16T22:11:52.862-08:00

I know I haven't written you in a while. Things have been a bit busy lately - growing up, finding out you aren't real, grocery shopping...but in the tough economy we are currently in, I thought it couldn't hurt to write to you and let you know what I would really like for Christmas - and the reasons why I think this is a valid request.I would like a Wii with Wii tennis, boxing, fitness, and

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-52453296072656639992008-11-05T12:08:00.000-08:002008-11-05T12:09:07.284-08:00

I started to feel it last night as I left work to begin wondering the streets of the loop. I found out just hours before that I HAD TICKETS. I was on a high, giddy, but a little gun shy.Even then at 3pm the universal excitement was palpable. There was something in the air. You know how it feels just before it rains - it was like that only 1000 times more.We decided to eat and hang out at a bar

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-31973330220879029612008-11-02T12:37:00.001-08:002008-11-02T12:53:23.654-08:00

Alternate title: Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now? (nananananan)Living in Chicago in November 2008 is a once in a lifetime experience. I am almost happy that the Cubs didn't get in the world series; combine with the Obama-extravaganza, the city would explode with excitement.November 4 history will be made - no matte who wins. That is not the question. My question: Is it enough to watch history,

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-63904346790566378322008-09-28T13:55:00.000-07:002008-09-28T14:15:48.350-07:00

Good friends and family told me not to do it. They said it wasn't worth it. They said the content was a bit too close to home. They said it was not as good as the series, but I did it anyway. Yesterday night, I watched the Sex and the City movie. They were right.2.5 hours is not needed to tell the story of four over-reacting 40+ women in the NYC. It is a story of relationships: failed

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-48722000477944611382008-09-25T11:13:00.000-07:002008-09-25T11:35:10.693-07:00

Last night was the first time I have been in my tiny apartment for longer than 20 minutes since 9/11. Last night was the first time I have had a meal that was not delivered, picked-up, or hotel food since 9/11. Last night was the first time I did not worry about killing (or loosing) cats on an hourly basis.Last night was wonderful.In the past few weeks I have house/cat sat, shot a short film,

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-38231991597062404512008-09-07T12:01:00.000-07:002008-09-07T12:22:32.027-07:00

Sleep deprivation is not something I have experienced since high school. When it happened then, I had my mom to tell me to have a good cry, take a hot shower, and then snap out of it. I usually worked.This is my first sleep deprivation experience as an adult, living on my own, responsible for feeding myself through half-conscientiousness. In the past 48 hours I have had 9 hours of sleep. 9 hours

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-86541534332577920952008-09-02T22:11:00.000-07:002008-09-02T22:25:43.848-07:00

After first date after first date with no success, I finally found the key to dating:Do the opposite of whatever I think is right.If I think "I should tell a stupid mom joke"; I [try to] keep it to myself.If I think "Order the salad because that is what girls do"; I order the burger.If I think "I need to grill him on his online profile to see how much he lied"; I just let him talk. I can compare

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-42426967497176026492008-08-31T22:05:00.000-07:002008-08-31T22:17:52.537-07:00

So, I am on Match. I am not embarrassed about it (much). I haven't been paying that much attention to it recently, but found myself online in front of crappy TV and thought - what the hell - might as well update that profile and see who is out there.The opening question is "Describe yourself and your perfect match". Easy-peasy right? If I knew who the f I was and what the f I was looking for - do

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-48367230781451222802008-08-31T13:11:00.000-07:002008-09-01T19:50:12.150-07:00

So, second post in a row about touchy-feely crap. But I ran 3.1 miles (5K) and had some time to think. Hopefully I will move past this aspect of my blog. But stick with it...Last week my shrink talked about self-actualization. When she explained it I said it sounded too much like self-help-touchy-feely books. Then she said she did her doctoral thesis on it and I felt like a total tool. In an

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-1319110119134188322008-08-31T12:45:00.000-07:002008-08-31T13:11:00.859-07:00

I am not religious. I was born and raised catholic, but not currently practicing. But, I would say I am spiritual in a karmic kind of way. I believe good deeds are rewarded. I believe there are repercussions for our actions. Do I believe in a higher being pulling the strings, but still giving us choice? I don't know.The bible and I go way back. I read it as a teen, but don't really remember why.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-45958153686881084922008-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:002008-08-17T18:40:52.059-07:00

No particulars. No names. Only this: vindication is a sweet, sweet reward. Better than revenge.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-5811884975314507152008-08-17T18:23:00.000-07:002008-08-20T17:53:09.067-07:00

I am, if i may brag, the queen of multitasking. I read while watching TV. I brush my teeth and do my morning stretches. I memorize monologues while running. I do my mouthwash swishing and pack my lunch at the same time.But does all of this multitasking add up to too much? Does the act of multitasking take more out of you than if you did each task individually? How much brain power does it take to

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-74755312518693172132008-08-12T19:16:00.000-07:002008-08-12T19:35:04.341-07:00

It takes 42 consecutive nights of going to the same ice cream place and order the exact same thing until they give it to you for free.Tonight was night 42.Each of the workers have know my face for a while. A few weeks back they knew my order right away. They were even calling to the back for it while there were still people in front of me in line. But tonight was the break-through. The manager

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-83352659287240630692008-08-11T17:22:00.000-07:002008-08-11T17:52:58.679-07:00

08/08/08. I was there. I ordered in Chinese. I plopped down in front of my TV like all good Americans to watch and hope our top athletes beat the crap out of other countries' top athletes.I caught the tail end of the opening ceremony. I was flipping back and forth - the parade of nations is a bit like watching C-Span with ESPN commentary. They should at least put NBC News (rather than Sports)

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-80650326440474595352008-08-06T18:07:00.001-07:002008-08-06T18:19:24.506-07:00

Performink is not my favorite trade magazine for articles or insight on acting. However, Joe Wycoff has a great article online right now.It basically gives 6 tips for the audition-ers. As Wycoff mentions, there are hundreds of books about how audition-ees should act, perform, ect. But there is not to my knowledge one for audition-er. Those sitting on the other side of the table with a stack of

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-88903856572774216832008-08-03T19:07:00.000-07:002008-08-03T19:20:36.485-07:00

I don't have cable. I actually love not having cable. If I am going to waste my time on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I would rather waste it watching a PBS documentary than Jurassic Park on TBS for the 20th time.But when I moved last year, my cheap ass rabbit ears would not pick up Fox. I had to say goodbye to weekday Seinfield and Simpson's reruns, Saturday afternoon 80's movies and even new

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-51753839879886975462008-07-28T18:47:00.000-07:002008-08-03T19:05:47.366-07:00

It started with a power tie. Then, when women entered the work force, it turned into the power color. We had the power suit; and now, thanks to Hillary, the power pants suit.But I would like show you the evolution of the power code at work: The Power Dress. The power dress has clean lines, is very well made, and something that will forever be in style. It is classic, not trendy. Attention

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-72968612961884201152008-07-23T20:59:00.000-07:002008-07-23T21:33:12.013-07:00

Definition: Fivehead: an extremely high hair line, extending a normal forehead (approximately 2 inches above your eyebrows that fades into your hairline) forming a fivehead.I am very fair skinned. I didn't always used to be so fair. As a child, I would spend every day at the local Y. By the end of June I would be so tan, no sunscreen was needed the rest of the summer. Tan lines lasted well into

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-25156136248074938402008-07-15T13:09:00.000-07:002008-08-03T18:30:47.175-07:00

You can teach a lot of things:how to make hospital corners with the sheets when making a bedhow ride the CTA like a bad-ass and no one will mess with youhow to fake knowing about sports to have meaningless conversations in the office kitchenBut you can't teach tapas. At least, not on a date.The other night I went to a tapas restaurant on a date. He is new to the city and hasn't gotten around a

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-59586657203716086342008-07-10T11:39:00.001-07:002008-07-10T12:00:17.501-07:00

It has been a long time since I posted last. Sorry about that. I am not sure what has happened since I wrote last, but I am sure a lot and not much of anything.My birthday is coming up. The big 2-7. It isn't a big anything. It is a nothing birthday. The next birthday I have to look forward to is my 50th so I can qualify for AARP and hang out with the oatmeal guy.But 27 has been a hard number to

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-42357904868698284952008-06-26T20:46:00.000-07:002008-06-26T21:00:13.255-07:00

My sister is right about a lot of stuff, but this one she got right-on:Dan in Real Life is amazing.I first watched Dan in Real Life a few months back. It was on my netflix list, I watched it, I liked it, I sent it back. My sister had it on her netflix list, watched it, watched it again, and then a third time. All in a row. She loved it. She thought it was the best thing since When Harry Meet

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-11491672536459369812008-06-20T20:58:00.000-07:002008-06-20T21:21:43.426-07:00

A boxer watches a boxing match differently than a non-boxer. A writer reads a book differently than someone who doesn't write. An actor watches a show unlike anyone else in the audience.As an actor, I want the show to be good. I want the show to be good so I get to watch a good show. I want it to be good so I don't have to pretend that it is good and theater is a valid art form. I want it to be

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-88630794116488580452008-06-20T20:34:00.002-07:002008-06-20T21:25:41.631-07:00

This is a two part post:Review of The Boy From Brooklyn currently running at the Mercury Theater.What this review means for the actor and as an actor.Part one - The Boy From Brooklyn - reviewI have one word - painful. Okay two words - utterly painful. I love Danny Kaye. I adore White Christmas. I was raised on this period and adore it for its campy-ness, warm-hearted-ness, and classic story

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-68178253770357291462008-06-20T12:15:00.000-07:002008-08-12T19:37:56.869-07:00

Tomorrow I will be participating in a series of 10 minute plays at Summerfest with New Leaf Theatre Company. Apparently Summer Fest is a big deal in the Mid-North area. Bands, food, crafts, and funnel cakes are to be had.New Leaf is doing free readings of 3-10 minute plays inside the Lincoln Park Cultural Center. All are short and fun staged-readings of new works based on areas in the Mid-North.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-64495129604501214922008-06-18T11:11:00.000-07:002008-06-18T11:20:05.423-07:00

I didn't really finish up my blogging live from the Tony's - I didn't want to step on Chris Jone's toes...actually, I got kind of bored and ran out for ice cream. By the time I got back they were singing RENT and everyone was having a love-fest.All in all - great night for Chicago at the Tony's. But what I thought was missing was an that you don't have to go to NYC to see a play. This is probably

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-35954771983373796232008-06-18T11:04:00.000-07:002008-06-18T11:21:01.486-07:00

Just a few random thoughts from today.If there is a day to spill soy sauce all over your pants, it is the day you wear black pants. Today I wore black pants.Does the fact that I figured out how to do T9 entry texting on my cell phone make me a Gen Yer? Or does the fact that it took me a month make me a Gen Xer?If, on the CTA, I hit a fellow passanger in the shoulder with my bag on purpose because

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-71088228523179159852008-06-15T17:38:00.000-07:002008-06-15T18:37:59.916-07:00

I am blogging live from the Tony's.Well, live from my couch watching the Tony's. And I felt inspired to blog as I watched it.7:10 - Rondi Reed just won for Featured Actress in a play for August: Osage County. Chicago Actor7:15 - Woppie was fun at first but now is bothering me. The View has done her in7:20 - Seriously Cry Baby is a musical. Didn't they already make this one. I am pretty sure it

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-86498685921511637322008-06-15T13:58:00.000-07:002008-06-15T14:06:55.177-07:00

It has been a week.Every day.I am finding reasons to do it:reward for a great auditionmake up for a not great auditioncelebrate a day off workand the reasons go on and onI can't stop it. It has happened before, and I have no control over it. I am addicted to ice cream. Every night I need to get my fix. There is a new flavor - no Black Raspberry Chip - but a Raspberry Chip Cheesecake. It does the

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-33673540084064203412008-06-12T21:27:00.000-07:002008-06-12T21:41:43.096-07:00

For reference, please see the posting from April 27 - second date.I had my first date with someone from Match.com. He seemed pretty cool, a bit old (33) but well established and witty. Basically my only two requirements. (besides that they have to laugh at my jokes).Breakfast on Saturday morning. Then we went to the Printer's Row Book Fair. I have always wanted to go and since this was where he

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-90589470477530228962008-06-12T20:56:00.000-07:002008-06-12T21:26:28.301-07:00

The other day I had an audition commercial - for Secret deodorant. I had to play a sport. So, naturally, I picked the one sport I don't suck at - tennis. I played tennis for many years. I remember being at the YMCA taking lessons ever summer since I can remember. My sister even taught Pee-Wee Tennis. Not that her teaching made me a better player, but you can see how important tennis was in the

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-14979009355234150792008-06-12T20:50:00.001-07:002008-06-12T20:55:57.632-07:00

I don't know if it is the next level up, or the next level of hell, but I am now blogging about blogging. I haven't blogged in about a week and I feel all bocked-up. So get ready, sit down, and get ready to laugh...maybe

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-56518562139217800742008-06-06T07:18:00.000-07:002008-06-06T07:23:46.158-07:00

Okay, well that may be a bold face lie, but I invented www.alysekittner.com. And it is live m-f-ers! (say it with a funny accent, it makes it sound less harsh).alysekittner.com is my new website. I still needs work, but for less than $200 bucks, I got it on its feet. And in half the time it usually takes my IT department to make a new site. Hayoh! (just kidding guys - love y'all).So go to the

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-39090094093902407852008-06-06T07:10:00.000-07:002008-06-06T07:18:12.576-07:00

How Stuff works - sarcasmThank you to the wisdom of Google (father, son and holy RSS) I came across the above article. At first I thought it was a brilliant example of sarcasm, by defining sarcasm. However, once I saw the article went on for 5 pages (I only got through page 1) (skimming) (I am a Gen Yer, what can I say) I realized this was an article for the incredibly boring or stupid.I don't

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-724910319157193772008-06-04T08:22:00.001-07:002008-06-04T08:42:33.482-07:00

Call me naive. Call me old-fashion. Call me simple.When did the primary focus of politics become numbers? What happened to character debates, scandals, fighting dirty, oh and the issues!I like politics. I like to talk about the pros and cons of each candidate. Who is a hawk in sheep's clothing? Who is being lead by lobbyists? Who is going to say one thing to be sure they keep their base, but then

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-43627674075589118702008-06-03T09:06:00.000-07:002008-06-03T09:09:48.480-07:00

There are many situations where your body knows best:1. Don't eat that extra slice of pizza2. Getting up for the 8am Saturday yoga class just may kill you3. Get off the train or the smell of piss will turn your gag into a vomit.Also, when you get in the elevator at 11am, meaning to go only to the 28th floor, but you actually push the Lobby button - your body knows best. It knows you should just

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-69914809244048663622008-06-02T17:36:00.000-07:002008-06-02T17:51:42.661-07:00

Released in 1946, The Best Years of Our Lives is the story WWII veterans returning from war and learning to readjust to civilian life. I had no idea what the film was about before I watched it. I am not even sure how it got in my Netflix list.I am surprised this film has not been referenced more as vets come home from Iraq and Afghanistan. I have no experience with strength needed to return to

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-55218144757556188172008-05-30T18:48:00.000-07:002008-05-30T19:02:19.850-07:00

{This entry was orgininally written in 2004. I found it in my old files. I think it is very fitting for the season}Summer JogI believe the best way to acclimate oneself to summer is to take a jog around. People look strangely on walkers. They feel their privacy is being invaded by your extended presence. Running requires too much concentration, and after many knee problems it is simply out of the

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-59457456677772966762008-05-27T10:08:00.000-07:002008-06-02T17:53:43.454-07:00

I love the fact that there are still pirates. In a world where everything is being renamed and civil protest can be called an act of terrorism, I love that there are still pirates - more specifically the fact that they are called pirates.It is terrible what is going on in Somalia and I do not mean to make light of it. But when I see a blip on the TV in the office elevator and the only word I

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-48776772514878315302008-05-26T20:56:00.000-07:002008-05-26T21:09:29.450-07:00

Is a 1/4 life crisis a real thing? The mid-life-crisis has been around long enough for people to consider it a reality. But the emergence of the quarter-life-crisis needs to be acknowledged. But why is the 1/4 life crisis just starting now? Well, I have a few thoughts.I am sure Stephen Hawkins could prove that life is moving at least twice as fast as it was 50 years ago. So it would make perfect

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-9235020351492573682008-05-26T20:47:00.000-07:002008-05-26T20:55:55.506-07:00

Ebb and flow is the foundation of the earth. The tides ebb and flow. Emotions ebb and flow. People ebb and flow. Is there anything that is so certain and so set that it does not ebb, then flow?Give and take is the foundation of life. Sometimes you give before you take. Other times you take before you give. But the exchange of giving and taking occurs every minute of everyday. I can only hope I

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-852778161570588762008-05-24T22:17:00.000-07:002008-05-25T15:27:16.508-07:00

Tonight I am not sure if I did my civic duty or was a narc. I am in my apartment about 10 minutes ago blogging. It is rare that I am up this late, but I have had a few days off in a row and have been sleeping in and my schedule is totally screwed up.Anywho...I am blogging and watch crappy network late night TV and the usual din of bar noise gets louder. And then I realize it has been loud for

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-69367529452014770172008-05-24T21:45:00.001-07:002008-05-25T15:29:36.115-07:00

A good friend asked me the other day, "What type of person are you? Are you a gut person, a head person, or a heart person?" He was trying to ask what I follow when I have no idea what to do. At the time, I had no answer. But after noodling it for a few days, I have realized I am a knee person.My heart is often unreliable. It isn't worn on my sleeve. It is an unchangeable secret decoder ring

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-52652119649689032302008-05-24T21:30:00.000-07:002008-05-25T15:30:55.982-07:00

Today I experienced the city-dweller's equivalent of striking gold. I found my thought lost 30-day CTA pass. For those who are not familiar with the CTA 30-day pass, it is a $75 pass to all of the Chicago buses and trains. I have unlimited rides for 30 straight days, instead of the $2 per ride; which gets stupid expensive really fast.I thought I had left my 30-day pass in my coat I dropped off at

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-73520724477841194592008-05-24T21:19:00.000-07:002008-05-24T22:39:31.203-07:00

Life can, and does, throw curve balls at you. Rarely does one expect these curve balls; so often they turn into a football in your face a la Marsha Brady. I know, I mixed my sports metaphors, my apologies.These curve balls or footballs, whatever works for you, really f-ing hurt. First you don't even know you got hit. It is just not in the realm of possible things that could happen to you. Then

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-11270697803406951182008-05-22T08:22:00.000-07:002008-05-22T08:30:47.624-07:00

I am in paradise. I am in my bed, sipping tea, eating oatmeal, listening to the BBC on NPR, casually (but diligently) working from home, and managing my auditions for the upcoming weekend. Paradise.If I ruled the world, I would do this at least on a weekly basis. Telecommuting rules. If this turned into something I did on a consistent basis, I would have to make a few sacrifices - I would have to

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-61965069614415682632008-05-20T11:16:00.000-07:002008-08-12T19:47:23.500-07:00

I have a craving. A burning desire. A intense painful longing, to be funny. I need people to think I am funny.I am, if I say so myself, the funniest person in the office. Grant you, that is not the highest bar to judge myself against. But office funny is very different from any other type of funny. I would say that office funny is harder than regular funny.By actor-standards, I am fairly funny.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-82055748620199922292008-05-18T12:41:00.000-07:002008-08-12T19:53:28.893-07:00

Someday, a nerd in a basement will invent a chip that can be implanted into the brain that allows humans to communicate. You may say, "Al - humans already communicate. Actually, it has been proven that all forms of mammals, fish, birds - well let us say conscious life - communicate."Yes, that is true. We have found a way to express ourselves through audible and written words and physical signals.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-35445863991096216672008-05-16T13:02:00.000-07:002008-05-16T13:32:44.739-07:00

I will admit to it, I am a creature of habit. I enjoy consistency and repetition. However, today I did two new things.1. I wore jeans and heels. Know, since the mid 80's I have thought it was an atrocity to wear jeans and high heeled shoes. And, I am afraid to admit it, in recent years I have not so subtly commented on others in restaurants wearing heels and jeans. (I was simply asking a question

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-47394398945396786232008-05-14T20:07:00.000-07:002008-05-21T10:49:48.172-07:00

It is unbelievable what can happen under pressure. Some people thrive on it; some freak out with it. But with the right mix of thriving and freaking, great theater happens.I often feel outside the norm of the theatre world because I don't like the last minute, procrastination, "we'll just wing it" attitude. But really good theatre (and really good actors) can handle the last minute changes, but

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-79151204360494411732008-05-14T13:53:00.000-07:002008-05-14T13:57:43.519-07:00

I have had oatmeal for breakfast for the past four days. It is good oatmeal, but I now look on it as gruel. The oatmeal is leftover from Mother's Day breakfast. It is a great recipe that my sister shared. Apples (my fav) cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar - oh my! But now, I am done with it.But, I still have 1/2 a container of it left. I brought it to work (because that is where I eat breakfast)

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-81897541183162781582008-05-13T19:44:00.000-07:002008-05-13T20:12:50.413-07:00

Yes, the theater is only a 15 minute walk from my house. But it was raining, and after 9pm, and I can justify taking a $7 cab because I spent 7.5 hours today sitting behind a desk 'working'. So, on the corner of Lincoln and Beldon, I hailed a cab.I sit. I smell. I regret.It smells in the cab like wet 3 day old cigarette butts. At first I think the smell is from the last passenger. But as it does

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-8686844742942423192008-05-07T13:49:00.000-07:002008-05-07T14:00:33.680-07:00

Back in the day, and I mean way way back in the day, things were easier. You didn't have to take a bath, you just put on more perfume. You didn't need a bathroom, you just had a bucket by your bed. You didn't need to worry about your hair - you just wore a wig. I am going to try to bring powdered wigs back.A few months back, I discovered by first 2 gray hairs. The next day, I got my hair colored.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-40126509570722020612008-05-06T14:23:00.000-07:002008-05-21T10:51:17.735-07:00

I didn't expect this. I knew things were 'off' but I never thought this would happen. I don't even know how to react.As of today, a mentor of mine has left my place of business to pursue other opportunities. I didn't even get to say goodbye.I call him a mentor, but nothing was ever formalized. I had occasional large group meetings and felt encouraged, challenged, and respected. In smaller

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-81482576482894888572008-05-04T19:55:00.000-07:002008-05-07T14:01:23.225-07:00

Rock Solid. The scenes I have worked on so far (about half) are solid. Sweet.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-36046974937522010442008-05-03T22:00:00.000-07:002008-05-07T14:04:00.343-07:00

Some people just rub me the wrong way. I know instantly, within the first 10 seconds, if I will:1) Be friendly with the person and will forget about after my next drink2) Be friendly with the person and recognize the face when I see him/her in Trader Joe's next weekend, but I can't place the person and I have no idea what their name is because I wasn't really paying attention when they were

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-79464570171274136142008-05-02T13:32:00.000-07:002008-05-02T13:39:10.776-07:00

I am done. It is 3:34pm and I have an hour of work left. But stick a fork in me - I am done! I usually limit myself to only doing as many things in one week that fit on my numbered list in my spiral bound notebook, but this week, I had to create a second column and - god forbid - not continue to number! I am still recovering.But good news is I am an overachiever. Not only did I finish all the

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-19616814793088053912008-05-02T13:20:00.000-07:002008-05-02T13:31:22.098-07:00

My name is Al, and I am an appleholic.In January I went on the Skinny Bitch Diet. It consisted of eating not much more than fruit, veggies, tofu, and water. It worked, I lost weight. But I also developed and unhealthy obsession with apples. If I could follow the trail of Johnny Appleseed and eat from each apple tree he planted, I would. I am eating an apple right now.Why am I eating an apple? I

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-68308768703033893602008-04-30T19:11:00.000-07:002008-04-30T19:31:30.794-07:00

I don't want to get all karmic, but I do believe what you put out into the universe you then receive. You get what you give. What goes around comes around. Put your right foot in, take your right foot out.Today I went to an association management seminar. jealous? (read a la Stewie from Family Guy). I put myself out there. I answered questions posed to the group. I challenged the speakers, I lead

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-76313663030374287062008-04-29T19:25:00.000-07:002008-04-29T19:31:50.283-07:00

I felt like Dorthy waiting up at the end of The Wizard of Oz. Tonight I came home - to tech rehearsal. The SM was calling "hold". Actors would say "Thank you 10".The ASM would be awkwardly in the way as all ASMs are. Our stage manager rocks. She can be nice, but stern and is hilarious (when the time is appropriate). Actors are tired, stressed and in the hands of the designers. I was only sitting

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-29508753412088499312008-04-28T16:39:00.000-07:002008-04-28T16:42:16.741-07:00

palavertonsorialincognitaantipodesorinocoJust some of the words that are in my script that I need to:learn what they meanlearn how to pronouce themmemorize the linesfigure out how it makes any sense with the rest of the sceneAnd that is just the first few scenes...Yikes.

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-42381861763921147072008-04-27T20:44:00.000-07:002008-04-27T21:03:53.402-07:00

Al=me You will never know my true identity. When I use full names, I always change them. When I use initials, I am referring to reoccurring people in my life. If I am interviewing for a job and you found this blog by googling me, please take this as my humorous side - I really am a good employee.If I offend, please forgive.If I am not funny, please tell me.If I am funny, please tell me.If you are

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-77290567587419410962008-04-27T20:37:00.000-07:002008-05-09T15:53:34.967-07:00

It is 10pm, and I have never been so happy to be back home.Let me tell you about my second date with Nick.He meets me on the corner of Armitage and Bissel (no hug, no handshake and am feeling like we have reached an understanding). We walk to his car parked on a side street a block away. He opens the door for me. I lean over and open his door. He gets in and proceeds to lean in for a kiss. I

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-572502564283483497.post-24900266141123904202008-04-27T20:33:00.000-07:002008-04-27T20:44:00.821-07:00

I, by chance, found myself at Wrigley Field tonight. I was right behind first base, 5 rows behind the Reds dugout. To keep as much of the pain out of it, I will keep the score to myself. Because I am at Wrigley, the players are less than 10 feet in front of me. They were chit-chatting the fans before the game. Now, during the game, there is not so much gabbing.As they come in from the field at

Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13003145467508971092noreply@blogger.com0