Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Chi-town-ville Places, etc...
My favortive thing about living here the past two years has certainly been the nightlife. I was never one to really go out more than a couple nights a week until I moved here.
I have seen some excellent shows at Martyr's, which is just a few blocks from my apartment. Cake and Railroad Earth were probably my favorite shows there. Although Jump! was good, and I am seeing the Asylum Street Spankers there tonight. If you ever get a chance to see a good show there, do it.
Of course I saw a few awesome shows at the House of Blues as well. Yonder was there with Todd Snider for two nights in October. I also saw Keb' Mo' there and NMAS. Although the sound quality and bands are always good there, the staff and overpriced drinks are almost not worth it. 4$ PBR is not a special, and give me back Jupiter!
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum from HOB is the Hideout. It is a classic dive bar with no frills. Getting there is no snap, unless you are driving, hence the name. Great bands love the Hideout for its intimate feel and its heavy drinking patrons. Seeing the Siderunners here on Friday nights is a treat. Sound quality usually is not an issue because of the small space, and your PBRs are much more reasonably priced. It recently made it into Stuff magazine's Dive Bar Hall of Fame, whatever that is worth.
Of course, I enjoyed my time at IO, and performing with Charlie Don't Surf around town. Although, I have become a bit disillusioned with the whole improv scene here in Chicago, I still apprecaite the great shows and classes that I have seen or experienced here.
The Cell was better than Wrigley too. I mean the food, the view, and the game was better. You can't beat the history of Wrigley unless its the Stadium in the Bronx.
I'll post more recent happenings soon...stay tuned!
I have seen some excellent shows at Martyr's, which is just a few blocks from my apartment. Cake and Railroad Earth were probably my favorite shows there. Although Jump! was good, and I am seeing the Asylum Street Spankers there tonight. If you ever get a chance to see a good show there, do it.
Of course I saw a few awesome shows at the House of Blues as well. Yonder was there with Todd Snider for two nights in October. I also saw Keb' Mo' there and NMAS. Although the sound quality and bands are always good there, the staff and overpriced drinks are almost not worth it. 4$ PBR is not a special, and give me back Jupiter!
On the complete opposite side of the spectrum from HOB is the Hideout. It is a classic dive bar with no frills. Getting there is no snap, unless you are driving, hence the name. Great bands love the Hideout for its intimate feel and its heavy drinking patrons. Seeing the Siderunners here on Friday nights is a treat. Sound quality usually is not an issue because of the small space, and your PBRs are much more reasonably priced. It recently made it into Stuff magazine's Dive Bar Hall of Fame, whatever that is worth.
Of course, I enjoyed my time at IO, and performing with Charlie Don't Surf around town. Although, I have become a bit disillusioned with the whole improv scene here in Chicago, I still apprecaite the great shows and classes that I have seen or experienced here.
The Cell was better than Wrigley too. I mean the food, the view, and the game was better. You can't beat the history of Wrigley unless its the Stadium in the Bronx.
I'll post more recent happenings soon...stay tuned!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Chi-town-ville Peeps
Alright kids, Justin has just over three weeks left in the big city. I thought now would be an excellent time to reflect on all the awesome stuff that I have experienced here in the windy city. Today I want to thank the people who have made my time here a great experience.
First of all, I have to thank Heather, my co-worker and friend, who helps me make it through many intolerable days at the office. I already knew Sarah, but having her here in Chicago has been awesome. We have grown together here. Rich, Sarah's b/f probably doesn't know how much I appreciate him being a friend to me. Leslie Link has supported my work in improv like no one else. Support without judgement is rare. MB and I have enjoyed alot of good time together, going to shows and just hanging out. Anyone you can have fun with doing your laundry together is pretty special. Tim left me to go to Australia right when I felt like we were really becoming good friends, but I enjoyed the short time we got to chill outside of improv classes and rehearsals. Todd gives me someone to drink with, and reminds me who I am. That is always helpful. Liz Allen helped my improv excell to new levels, and also made me realize that improv is everywhere, even if it is biggest in Chicago.
I miss the ones that are gone already, and I will surely miss the rest of you when I am gone. Thanks for being a positive force in my life.
Next on Road to Somewhere: Chi-town-ville Places
First of all, I have to thank Heather, my co-worker and friend, who helps me make it through many intolerable days at the office. I already knew Sarah, but having her here in Chicago has been awesome. We have grown together here. Rich, Sarah's b/f probably doesn't know how much I appreciate him being a friend to me. Leslie Link has supported my work in improv like no one else. Support without judgement is rare. MB and I have enjoyed alot of good time together, going to shows and just hanging out. Anyone you can have fun with doing your laundry together is pretty special. Tim left me to go to Australia right when I felt like we were really becoming good friends, but I enjoyed the short time we got to chill outside of improv classes and rehearsals. Todd gives me someone to drink with, and reminds me who I am. That is always helpful. Liz Allen helped my improv excell to new levels, and also made me realize that improv is everywhere, even if it is biggest in Chicago.
I miss the ones that are gone already, and I will surely miss the rest of you when I am gone. Thanks for being a positive force in my life.
Next on Road to Somewhere: Chi-town-ville Places
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
It Tastes Like Blueberries
I used to worry alot more. Then I realized that its generally pointless. Planning is good, but worrying? Nope, it never really helps.
I've never gone hungry, although I have been without the means to buy food before. I have never been without a place to sleep, although I have been without a place of my own. I have never gone without friends, although I have felt alone before.
It is a faith thing for me now. If I trust that things will turn out okay for me, then they usually will. This is not to say that they will turn out the way I want them, cause they probably won't. If I am open to all of the worlds many options, though, then I realize that my plans are very narrow minded. Some of the best times in my life, I never envisioned before the exact moment was upon me.
I now live in this faith. I don't know what is happening exactly, but I know that whatever happens it will be okay. Hell, it might even be better than okay, but I won't ask for too much.
I've never gone hungry, although I have been without the means to buy food before. I have never been without a place to sleep, although I have been without a place of my own. I have never gone without friends, although I have felt alone before.
It is a faith thing for me now. If I trust that things will turn out okay for me, then they usually will. This is not to say that they will turn out the way I want them, cause they probably won't. If I am open to all of the worlds many options, though, then I realize that my plans are very narrow minded. Some of the best times in my life, I never envisioned before the exact moment was upon me.
I now live in this faith. I don't know what is happening exactly, but I know that whatever happens it will be okay. Hell, it might even be better than okay, but I won't ask for too much.
Friday, March 18, 2005
You Can't See Me
I know I have been less than regular about posting lately, but I have been pretty busy at work, and I don't want much to do with the computer when I get home from work on days like that.
Not much new going on lately though, so you haven't been missing out on much.
I put my one month notice in today at the office. Only one of my two supervisors was in, and the executive director was also out, so it probably won't really be noticed until Monday or Tuesday depending on when they decide to come in. Slackers.
I have been talking more to my dad about thel logistics of my move back across the Mason-Dixon line. He thinks we can fit all of my crap into a big enterprise rental conversion van. I know my Jeep would blow up if I tried to make it pull anything. It wouldn't be much use to me then, so I guess the van may be a good alternative to a u-haul truck, which would be bigger than I need for all of my stuff. Can't I just burn it all and get new stuff later?
There is a big movie shoot going on downtown here in Chicago. The streets of Wabash and Van Buren are lined with production trucks and trailers. A big group of people were gathered outside of Keanu's trailer with camera phones in hand waiting for him to come out. I laughed loudly at how silly they all looked to me and got more than a few menacing glances. Come on now, who has the time to come downtown and stand around outside of a trailor waiting to take a picture of someone you don't really know, and who doesn't care to meet you? America.
Not much new going on lately though, so you haven't been missing out on much.
I put my one month notice in today at the office. Only one of my two supervisors was in, and the executive director was also out, so it probably won't really be noticed until Monday or Tuesday depending on when they decide to come in. Slackers.
I have been talking more to my dad about thel logistics of my move back across the Mason-Dixon line. He thinks we can fit all of my crap into a big enterprise rental conversion van. I know my Jeep would blow up if I tried to make it pull anything. It wouldn't be much use to me then, so I guess the van may be a good alternative to a u-haul truck, which would be bigger than I need for all of my stuff. Can't I just burn it all and get new stuff later?
There is a big movie shoot going on downtown here in Chicago. The streets of Wabash and Van Buren are lined with production trucks and trailers. A big group of people were gathered outside of Keanu's trailer with camera phones in hand waiting for him to come out. I laughed loudly at how silly they all looked to me and got more than a few menacing glances. Come on now, who has the time to come downtown and stand around outside of a trailor waiting to take a picture of someone you don't really know, and who doesn't care to meet you? America.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Happy Puppy Fun Day
Well the date has been set. I am looking for boxes. I checked the prices at the truck rental place. It is still a month away though. I feel like the guy stuck in traffic who is almost out of gas. If I don't start to move soon, I may get stuck here.
Everyday closer than the next, and I'm stuck in the layers of my fear.
It is scary leaving behind a dream that I have been pursuing for the last 14 years. Theatre has been a defining aspect of my life since I first auditioned at 11. Now, though, I feel it is time to move on, but to put something new at the top of my life seems awkward. It's like that picture that has hung in your house for ages. It really needs to go, but even in its faded state, it still reminds you of the sense of security when you first covered that blank wall.
It is scary moving without a notion of what the future may hold. No awesome job laying in wait, no four year plan, no picture of where you may lay your head in a few months, and no certainty that your few plans will be successful.
It is scary leaving behind someone who has become a big part of my day to day life.
These are just a few of the fears currently finding places to rest in my mind.
I am not paralyzed in my fear, though. I reckognize it as the ever present partner of change. Its a happy puppy fun day.
Everyday closer than the next, and I'm stuck in the layers of my fear.
It is scary leaving behind a dream that I have been pursuing for the last 14 years. Theatre has been a defining aspect of my life since I first auditioned at 11. Now, though, I feel it is time to move on, but to put something new at the top of my life seems awkward. It's like that picture that has hung in your house for ages. It really needs to go, but even in its faded state, it still reminds you of the sense of security when you first covered that blank wall.
It is scary moving without a notion of what the future may hold. No awesome job laying in wait, no four year plan, no picture of where you may lay your head in a few months, and no certainty that your few plans will be successful.
It is scary leaving behind someone who has become a big part of my day to day life.
These are just a few of the fears currently finding places to rest in my mind.
I am not paralyzed in my fear, though. I reckognize it as the ever present partner of change. Its a happy puppy fun day.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Tuesday Is The New Monday
Well, its been a few days since I posted anything about what is going on here. I am a bit busy today, but here is a quick rundown.
I went to see Railroad Earth on Saturday with Sarah, Rich, and Aaron. They all left at the set break. Silly. The second set was amazing. I left by myself around 2am. Good times, except I got left by myself! They didn't know what they would be missing.
My cousin, Casey, came into town on Sunday. He is shipping off to Iraq in a week. So we walked around town on the most beautiful Sunday all winter.
I have decided on my moving date next month, and now have to write my notice letter to my boss. I have been looking forward to writing this letter for a long, long time.
I spent the last of my paycheck yesterday buying a sandwich for MB, now I am broke until...Saturday? Lets hope I get paid then. I am sure I will find a way to eat between now and then, but I still feel helpless.
I went to see Railroad Earth on Saturday with Sarah, Rich, and Aaron. They all left at the set break. Silly. The second set was amazing. I left by myself around 2am. Good times, except I got left by myself! They didn't know what they would be missing.
My cousin, Casey, came into town on Sunday. He is shipping off to Iraq in a week. So we walked around town on the most beautiful Sunday all winter.
I have decided on my moving date next month, and now have to write my notice letter to my boss. I have been looking forward to writing this letter for a long, long time.
I spent the last of my paycheck yesterday buying a sandwich for MB, now I am broke until...Saturday? Lets hope I get paid then. I am sure I will find a way to eat between now and then, but I still feel helpless.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Green Spandex
I guess this is the rushed goodbye
That I thought would never come
The woman who lit the light
For a family in the dark
Starring at the mirror
I see your smile through my own
Your spark embedded deep inside
Will give me strength
Will give us hope
And I'll never lose your touch
No I'll never lose touch
This will take me a while
Because I miss your smile
I guess I new your time would come
But for now I miss your smile
It's gonna take me a while
Thank you for your loyal stance
Green spandex and crazy style
Thank you for the happiness
That you gave to our lives
Although now our hearts are cracked
And our tears are slow to dry
We must count ourselves
The lucky ones
For we were with you in your prime
And I'll never lose your touch
No I'll never lose touch
Please stay in touch
Because I need you in my heart
Please stay in touch
I need your touch
-Xavier Rudd
That I thought would never come
The woman who lit the light
For a family in the dark
Starring at the mirror
I see your smile through my own
Your spark embedded deep inside
Will give me strength
Will give us hope
And I'll never lose your touch
No I'll never lose touch
This will take me a while
Because I miss your smile
I guess I new your time would come
But for now I miss your smile
It's gonna take me a while
Thank you for your loyal stance
Green spandex and crazy style
Thank you for the happiness
That you gave to our lives
Although now our hearts are cracked
And our tears are slow to dry
We must count ourselves
The lucky ones
For we were with you in your prime
And I'll never lose your touch
No I'll never lose touch
Please stay in touch
Because I need you in my heart
Please stay in touch
I need your touch
-Xavier Rudd
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Hit Me Again
My mind took off without me yesterday.
I looked back one moment, and it ran.
I turned and watched it sprint away
into the future without me.
I wait now here to meet it again.
It may come to me, or I may catch it
without going anywhere.
For the moment I am happy
with no mind.
Alone without my thoughts.
Justin
I looked back one moment, and it ran.
I turned and watched it sprint away
into the future without me.
I wait now here to meet it again.
It may come to me, or I may catch it
without going anywhere.
For the moment I am happy
with no mind.
Alone without my thoughts.
Justin
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
DVD Weekend
I got nothing folks. The weekend was a bore. Monday was no different.
Friday, however, I did get to go to the Hideout to see the Siderunners. Sarah got to go up and sing with them on a couple of songs again. Other than that, I watched a ton of dvds. I (Heart) Huckabees, Donnie Darko (Director's Cut), Deadwood Discs 1-3, Cold Mountain, and Shaun of the Dead....again.
I am looking forward to seeing Xavier Rudd with Sarah tommorrow, though, and Drew might come up to catch Railroad Earth with me on Saturday. So, perhaps my dvd player can take a break.
Friday, however, I did get to go to the Hideout to see the Siderunners. Sarah got to go up and sing with them on a couple of songs again. Other than that, I watched a ton of dvds. I (Heart) Huckabees, Donnie Darko (Director's Cut), Deadwood Discs 1-3, Cold Mountain, and Shaun of the Dead....again.
I am looking forward to seeing Xavier Rudd with Sarah tommorrow, though, and Drew might come up to catch Railroad Earth with me on Saturday. So, perhaps my dvd player can take a break.
