TROUPE THAT! (The birth of The Beatnik Syndicate)

[BEATNIKSF]

Ohio Means "good Morning" In Japanese...

I know I vowed that I wouldn't post from my vacation... but... but... my brother, Mommaship and Auntie B are playing cards, Sparky is making dinner and there is only so much quality time with my darling cousin (the notorious) Annie D. that I can take.

I have not much of import to report... except it's FUCKING COLD. I had to go buy another jacket (actually, my Mommaship bought it for me, as I be poor) to withstand the windchill... a nice leather jobbie which I will cart back to SF with me so it doesn't get lost or given to the Salvation Army like the last jacket I left at my parents house did...

Today was spent finishing up the Xmas shopping. Scored some choice things for my brothers and Dad... picked up a couple of friend presents - as I don't know who I'm socializing with whilst home this trip... better safe than sorry - as it's always embarassing to show up at something with no giftie and have twelve gifties presented to you... you know?

Took (the notorious) Annie D. to the *shudder* MALL with me... her mother gave the go ahead for us to purchase some Manic Panic to do her hair up punk rock style... that will be a project for later tonight or early tomorrow. She's going for the hot pink look. Being the mangnamous & tres cool older cousin I am (more like an Aunt) I also bought her a leather cuff to wear with her new "look." (She called it that, not me...) Well, I'm not sure it's leather - more like pleather at leather prices. Fucking Hot Topic.

The plane ride here was... um... let's see... SHITTY.

Turbulance on flight #1 (leaving SFO for Denver at 6:15 am) caused me to be so undone that I couldn't even flirt with hot punk guy seated next to me... the one fucking time a hot guy sits next to me on a plane & I'm so freaked out that I'm saying the "Hail Mary" (I'm NOT EVEN CATHOLIC!)

Flight #2 was delayed for an hour (Denver to Akron/Canton) because some woman wanted to take her dog with her on the plane. She threw a hissy fit when they said the dog would need to be checked into the baggage compartment... she said it was a "helping dog." Supposedly a seizure dog... but, it was a little beagle who napped most of the time we were in the lobby of the airport. After she convinced the Frontier staff that this dog was necessary to her well being on the flight (SUCKAS!) another woman - seated back towards me - pitched a hissy fit about the dog being on the plane... causing the delay to be extended. A guy who was flying stand-by got bumped off the flight for the dog (who apparently needed to purchase a seat) and, the guy I was sitting next to on the first flight (not the cute one - the other one) got bumped out of his first row seat back into the boonies with the rest of us pleabians. He took the seat the stand-by guy had vacated.

It was a very bizzare situation.

And, I couldn't believe how pissy people were to each other - what? - four days before Christmas?

Hello? Wanna be on the "Naughty" list?

Geeze-man-oh-Pete.

Anyhow - apparently dinner is ready. So my post is done.
If I don't make it back here - Merry Whatever to everyone.
:up:

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Kate's 2006 New Years Resolutions:

IN THE YEAR 2006:
1. I will exercise more... in general; and, I will do, *SHUDDER*, sit-ups.
2. I will not allow shitty people to upset me.
3. If I happen to be unsucessful at #2, I will not show to the general public that I have been upset by shitty people.
4. I will focus on my craft - pushing myself to go beyond what is currently comfortable.
5. I will take time to breath and appreciate life and my surroundings.
6. I will try to re-establish a good relationship with my brother, Michael.
7. I will work unrelentlessly to get what I want for the SFIC, my improv troupe and in my career.
8. I will read a book a week (at least.)
9. I will make sure to tell the people I care about how they make my life better and how much I enjoy them on a regular basis.
10. I will get to know new and interesting people - both inside and outside the improv community.

LET THE PARTY BEGIN!

 

[BEATNIKSF]

A New Beginning?

I am sitting here - sounds of Martin eating Chinese (food) and watching "That 70's Show" in the background - waiting for my own take-out delights to show up at my door (god bless you, delivery.com!) before starting to drink the bottle of wine I bought for what would have been (if not for bronchitis and rain) a romantic evening with someone I really, really, really (for reasons which confound me still) like a huge amount... thinking.

My horoscope today said this:

"Communication is the key. Any interactions based on unclear or heated communication will ruin what will otherwise be a month you'll remember for the rest of your life. January 2006 will be filled with many wonders for you, dear Scorpio. Make sure to slow down enough to appreciate them."

It was kind of true. I think that not having a melt-down today helped in facilitating a really good conversation between myself and someone who I needed to clear the air and clarify some things with... but, that's not improv blog material. (Neither is the rest of this post, really -- it's brain vomit -- but, the interpersonal workings of my personal-personal life, in particular, have little to no place on this blog.)

My yuppy brother & his wife got me a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card for Xmas... I took Muni over to the B&N in the Marina to use the sucker to purchase some DVDs.

Whilst doing so I talked on the phone with the ailing J for an hour... I felt like he was right there with me - looking over my shoulder as I perused the B&N DVD selection... debating the merits of buying different flicks, as opposed to just Netflix que-ing them... making decisions, then re-evaluating those decisions, then re-evaluating your re-evaluations. There was a slight pause for J's Mommy calling to make sure her son was still alive... but, it was a good conversation otherwise...

ANYHOW:
On to the important stuff - my DVD purchases:

I :love: HUCKABEES
HEDWIG & THE ANGRY INCH

and,
WALMART: THE HIGH COST OF LOW PRICE

I've watched "Hedwig" (god I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Stephen Trask's music... hot, punk-rock queer men... COULD IT BE ANY BETTER?) I think we might watch "I :love: Huckabees" later... and, I'm saving the Walmart doc for tomorrow... when I may take it over to J's, along with some chicken soup, to watch there. Depending on how he's feeling. Today he just wanted to sleep.

Again - I'm WHOLLY confused.
But, okay.

2006.WILL.BE.A.GOOD.YEAR.DAMN-IT.

Thomas is coming over later & we three are going to go down to the Embarcadero to watch the fireworks... if it's not pouring down rain.

I wanted to go on a hike this weekend - but, I doubt that will happen due to weather and the impending general malaise of the participants (some self-inflicted, some actually ill.)

It's a low key NYE here at casa del Kate.

When I was walking back from B&N/Trader Joe's this afternoon it was warm and sunny - a strange change from the torrents of rain which had been plauging the skies when I went into the store... I ran into AE's friend Alex in front of Suede -- he invited me to come down to the club tonight -- but, I don't know if I'm up for it if AE's not around. I need to call her.

I also ran into my old roommate - Naama. She and her boyfriend got engaged. Her boyfriend is creepy. She seems happy. So I didn't say anything. She asked me how Thomas is doing. Being that he's basically the same as he ever was - I told her that.

Apparently, Naama and the creepy fiance only live a couple of blocks from me now.

I doubt we'll be getting together anytime soon.

I am still feeling a little jet-lagged. But, I'm anxious to get into rehearsals next week for BS & to go to the Jam on the 2nd... I need some improv goodness in my life.

I'm jonsing.

Right now - shower.
Merry making to commence in a couple of hours.
Make out to commence tomorrow... perhaps? (I don't want cooties.)

THIS POST HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH IMPROV...

HAPPY 2006, Y'all!

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Day 1, 2006

Last night was pretty damn good. Even if it wasn't filled with earth-shattering moments...

I talked briefly on the phone (after consuming a couple of glasses of wine) with the always lovely Molly R... whom I'm happy to say is back in SF from her semester in London. She suprised both SS and myself by making it to the last MNJ before the holiday break with her Mom (who is unquestionably cool & a great "Hot Spot" player)... I have to say that Ms. Molly has become one of my favorite people in the past months - there are few individuals who get quite so excited at the prospect of a TP match as I do & it's wonderful to know that there are people in the world (besides myself, my Dad, Martin, AE, TE, etc...) who enjoy the insanity which is usless trivia competition.

When I emerged from this conversation I announced to Martin that we would be hosting the "Dorktastic 2006 TP Cage-Match" next weekend - which made him sit up and get all excited.

I decided that I was going out "as is" - as I had showered earlier in the day & was positive that it was going to rain & fuck-up any attempt at hair-styling which I attempted. Being that I was spending the evening with two of my favorite platonic male friends - I did not feel the need for further fussiness. (Although, I did put on makeup.) Amongst the drinking and preperations to exit the apartment - AE & M called me from their car - they thought I was still in Ohio... they were driving around the marina contemplating how much SF sucks on NYE. I invited them to join myself, Martin & Thomas at the Crowbar for drunk-festivities. AE said that they'd let us know & try to catch up with us later...

Thomas came over and we walked through North Beach to the bar... where I had a $10 rum n' Coke... yikes! At five till we exited said bar and walked down to the Embarcadero to watch the fireworks. It had cleared up nicely for this and we three marveled at how stupid people are... it was fun.

The $10 rum n' Coke kicked in on top of the three glasses of wine - and, I was a little drunk. (Not too much, thankfully.) Though the walk back to my apartment was a little rough for me - as all I wanted to do was lay down and go to sleep. I tried to call both AE and SS to wish them a Happy New Year - but, my phone was unable to connect. I'm presuming that this could be because so many people were trying to make calls at that moment.

At the apartment Thomas and I had the following conversation:

T: No stupid drunk phone calls tonight, right?
K: I'm not that drunk.
T: Just checking.
K: Admit it, you love me.
T: I like you a whole lot.
K: No, admit it - you LOVE me.
T: I love you on your better days.
K: When's that?
T: Most days.
K: Aw... that's so sweet!
T: Shut-up.

He then went home & I realized how completely over him I am. I love him like no-one else... but, that conversation three months ago would have resulted in me crying my eyes out for the rest of the night.

I put in "I :love: Huckabees" and fell asleep.
That was my NYE.

Very low key.

This morning I woke up feeling a little foggy (red wine does that to me) and I took two Tylenol and went back to sleep. I slept in pure bliss until 12:30 pm - when some idiot started setting off firecrackers on Waverly...

I've not done much today. J's still feeling too crappy to do anything. We talked on the phone for an hour or so, again (for me who hates phone conversations - that's kind of a big deal.) We'll do something later this week when he's feeling better. I don't want cooties - so it's for the best that today didn't work out.

I edited the SFIC newsletter & set it to go out this afternoon... sent out an evite for the TP thing.

I think I'll just spend the rest of the day reading. It's too crappy outside to go up to Sutro - so that will have to wait for another day.

Tomorrow - it's back to the grind.
Yee-haw, holidays!

THIS POST HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IMPROV...

 

[BEATNIKSF]

I'm So Excited...

Five days until the "Dorktastic TP Cage-Match 2006." So far it's going to be a fucking awesome group of dorks - I'm still waiting to hear back from some people... a couple of the people I really, really wanted to be there (JD, MD, DW, CB, CL) are unable to come... but, my apartment is tiny - so it's maybe a good thing that some people cannot make it. (But, that doesn't give an excuse to anyone else to not come... bastards!)

Last night I went to Borders to redeem the gift cards that my brother & Martin gave me for Xmas... Martin appraised me earlier in the day that Borders was doing a "buy three DVDs and get the fourth for free" thing - as I got about 30 new books for Xmas, I thought that buying DVDs was a great idea... and, I was delighted to score the following movies for myself:

THE WEATHER UNDERGROUND
ALL THAT JAZZ
CHINATOWN
BEING JOHN MALKOVICH
and,
DR. STRANGELOVE

I'm totally psyched to have movie night later this week.

Also - I bought tix to see Naked Babies & Showgirls: The Best Movie Ever at the SF Sketch Fest (with SM & Jackie Clarke... who is doing a coaching session for the SFIC that weekend... woo!) on 1/20... AE & TE are going to join me... I *think* J may also join me... I also picked up a ticket to see Bob Odenkirk and David Cross next weekend - which I may give to J as a belated Xmas present (as I have a rehearsal - I don't know what I was thinking)... as he's a big "Mr. Show" fan.

I'm SO bummed that I cannot afford to go see Dave Foley's show &/or ASSSSCAT... the tix are just too expensive. If I could snag comps - I'd so be there. I'll just have to wait to see ASSSSSCAT in NYC or LA.

Oh well...

Things are going well with the SFIC - we are starting the New Year with a clear plan and goals... we have some awesome stuff coming up this year which will test my abilities to their fullest as both an educator, improviser and producer... I'm really excited about the opportunities which are open to us as a group.

BS starts rehearsals again next weekend - we have our first show using Jesse Parent's "Hook" structure on 1/28... JD is going to tape - I think I'll send Jesse a DVD and ask for some notes, etc...

I'm super nervous.

I'm so fucking tired right now - I've already worked seven hours... I forgot how crappy it is to have to make an early call. Because of the nature of the V.O. - I haven't been able to have any caffine today - so I have a headache.

But - I must go to the bank and then back home to do some work from the computer. Call J later on to see if he's still alive - go to sleep... EARLY.

Blargh.

Just got confirmation for my audition for the Oregon Cabaret Theater & Urinetown at the Palo Alto Players...

Things afoot, things afoot.

BLARGH... LET ME EMPTY THE CONTENTS OF MY SKULL INTO THE COMPUTER... !

 

[BEATNIKSF]

The Most Frustrating Man In The World

That's all I have to say today.

Okay... maybe not ALL... but, it does comprise a large amount of what is running through my mind today.

I'm not even talking about J, (though, he does qualify in that catagory.)

I'm working a craptastic temp job today. Bob called me late last night to see if I'd go in to some asset managment firm for a half day... I forgot I told him I was avaiable today. I really wanted to sleep.

He says he wants to start head-hunting for me for a PR job.

Riiiight.

I go back to finish up my V.O. gig on Thursday. I have had no coffee or soda for two days (trying to keep my voice preserved); and, I'm getting a little on the cranky side.

I think I might cave and have coffee today. Perhaps if I counter it with a gallon of water tonight? It will have me up and pee-ing ever two hours... but, oh well...

Homicide might ensue in this poor office if I don't get some fucking coffee.

:loopy:

 

[BEATNIKSF]

On The Topic Of Job:

That's a job... not Job (as in the biblical reference)... just to clarify.

This freelance thing is not shaping up to be all which I wanted it to be. The income is too iffy... one month I may be rolling in dough & the next month I am scared about making rent.

I think part of the problem is that I do not yet have an extensive client list... little by little it's growing (2005 having netted me SOTA, The Bay School and Hamlin... which is great - when they have use for me...) But, I've also lost clients - Whole Child Fitness being the one which really put a dent in my pocket book... (Well, KTTS, too. But, I was so miserable directing for them this summer that I wasn't really that anxious to do business with Trevor Weaver again.)

The temping thing works well to some extent - except that it's unpredictable... it does allow me flexiable time for auditions and doing my SFIC business. Another pro is that if I get a last minute request to teach, direct or audition for things - The Right People are very good about letting me out of assignments.

The con of the unpredictable thing is a big one... because, in late November/early December - I went three weeks without income in between teaching gigs because TRP didn't have any temp work for me.

I suppose I could sign up for multiple agencies -- however, they have been really good to me over the years -- so somehow it feels wrong to go to someone else.

Bob - who is the most dogged recruiter in the city (and, of whom I am a favorite client, apparently... he and his partner come to see my shows on a regular basis - he's a nice guy) called me yesterday to find out how I was feeling about the temping thing... I told him that I'm pretty unhappy with the amount of income it's netting me... that I expected to have the gaps in my schedule filled a little bit better... he then told me that he feels that he should be looking for a full time position for me in non-profit PR/volunteer administration/creative services... I don't know if I want to do this. I've worked in these areas before - for theater companies, ad agencies, casting directors, production companies & social service agencies - over the years... and, the positions always seem to leave me feeling like my professional life is lacking something.

ON THE OTHER HAND:
I'm getting really, really sick of living hand-to-mouth as I have been for the past six months. Even living in LA & working for TBS Casting, doing stand-in work and the occasional acting gig -- I was making more $$ than I am now.

I don't have enough SAG hours to qualify for health insurance... not to mention that it sucks to not be able to do things for myself - like shows, trips, social things etc... because all my surplus income (of which there is SO little it makes my eyes cross) goes back into professional stuff - stuff for BS, headshots, classes, etc...

So - perhaps sucking it up and taking on a more hour restrictive job would be a good thing.

Or, not.

I don't know.

All I know is that I'm uber confused about the situation. I have a meeting w/Bob tonight to discuss possibilities... we'll see.

Fucking arts... why don't you pay the bucks necessary to live my life?

 

[BEATNIKSF]

The Big Decision

So for those curious:

I took the job.

After meeting with the people in question, discussing the job options and making pro/con lists with everyone on the earth who's opinion matters to me... I decided I would be foolish not to grab this opportunity and run with it.

What it boils down to:

JB & Dr. R are a married couple who run an office out of their second home in the Marina District in SF. (Actually, their first home is located on Russian Hill - over looking their second home at the bottom of the hill... and, both are about a seventeen block walk from my apartment... making an extremely nice beginning and end to a work day on those SF days where the weather is mild.)

Dr. R - is a nerdy science guy, graduate of MIT and a bunch of other very esteemed educational institutions - is a professor emeritus at UCSF, Duke and an adjunct professor at Harvard. He is the definition of brilliant. The crux of his work is in something called "decision making theory." And, the basic thrust of what his work entails is high powered people pay this man extremely high amounts of money to sit around and think about stuff (really!)... and, then he writes conclusion papers or models of the problems he's sussed out in his head. His list of clientele is long, high-profiled and impressive.

The thing is that Dr. R is a typical introverted science guy who has no idea how to do the following things: type, edit or format for publication... so that is what he needs help with. He also needs someone to be able to do hard, quantitative research via internet and library on different theoretical issues. (Something I groove on - I loves me finding out answers to questions, etc. I'm a very inquisitive person.) Along with some basic organizational things for both his professional and every day life.

JB - is a gregarious extrovert, also an academic -- but, runs her own marketing/research consulting firm. MORE IMPORTANTLY - she is the chair woman of the "Job Forum" (a SF non-profit which helps individuals find jobs and refine their job skills so that they are employable.) Her professional clientele list is expansive, high-profiled, political and philanthropic. Her non-profit/charitable contacts is beyond belief... the photos on this woman's wall in her office look like a who's who of both SF and National liberal politics. She is a very, very, very well connected individual.

However, like her husband - she lacks in editorial and organizational skills which are crucial to the day to day operation of her business. She also needs help in analyzing research and gathering research. More importantly - she needs someone to be her right-hand person in the running of the non-profit she is in charge of.

Both are very involved in philanthropic work in the SF arts scene.
I should also mention that JB is on the board of directors of both the Bay School & the Hamlin School (my bread n' butter teaching gigs)... and, was told to contact TRP about hiring me in context of a personal reference from Nancy Pelosi's campaign manager.

Holy mother of fuck... you know?

THIS IS WHAT THEY ARE OFFERING ME:
A professional mentorship with JB - designed to teach me how to create, operate and fund a working non-profit. A mentorship which will develop my contacts within the SF politic and arts community - expand my network to include individuals who can assist me in my over-all career goal.

[What is that goal? Well - my life long dream has been to create and run my own theater education non-profit which will pay working artists to take arts programming back into the public schools... at no cost to the school district. It currently works under the model name "The Theater-Art Project" - consisting of me working freelance... however, schools still have to pay for my services - which is the portion I'd like to eliminate.]

In return for this professional mentorship - I will work for them on a flexible schedule (32-40 hours a week - floating, as needed... so that if I have a class to teach, something for the SFIC or a show to do, they will adjust my hours so that I am able to do both)... providing research, editorial, administrative and organizational support... for which they will compensate me with a generous salary and bonus package... including cell phone service, health insurance and two weeks of paid vacation. This position also includes travel opportunities for me. They have already agreed to giving me one full weekday to work from home so that I might be able to both address their needs and the needs of the SFIC.

In short - this is the job I've been waiting for ever since I finished my education. This is the job which will result in me being able to do what I love/want to do for the rest of my life.

Their philosophy is pretty cool, too. They want the people they work with and who work for them to be like family.

JB & Dr. R remind me a lot of my parents (who are also academics) -- I think this is the reason why they wanted me for this position. Because, I have similar values and am comfortable in their milieu.

It's truly amazing.

That is all for now.

THIS POST HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IMPROV... YET.

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Dorktastic!

So... the first, ever, DORKTASTIC TP CAGE MATCH was last night... it was brilliant.

Molly R., ZS, Martin, AE and her honey - M were in attendance... there was lots of junk food and beer... though, AE and I were the only ones drinking it.

The teams were as follows:

Molly R. & Martin - the super-smart, knows everything team.
ZS & M - the couldn't give a shit less team.
me & AE - the knows nothing, but, laughs until they almost pee at everything team.

It was a brilliant match-up. Molly R. can now verify that Martin pouts. AE seemed to think that I was drunk enough that I started to be a pain in the ass like on my birthday... (competitive wise, that is.) Though, I think it was just that I was tired (having been up since the crack of dawn and gone on a mile run yesterday as I did.)

There was improv silly-ness with finger guns and finger phones... AE's finger phone had call waiting. The junk food was supreme... so much chocolate!

(I'm going to have to go on another mile run today just to counteract it!)

There was a very complicated round-robin/team/die-rolling system for playing multiple decks of the game... which was brilliantly devised by Molly R. ...although, I did show her my diagram for my concept of how we should play the game.

Brilliance.

The questions were wrong as much as right... so.much.fun!

AE & I decided that everytime we didn't know an answer we'd just say "Marilyn Munroe" (or, if Molly R. & Martin were asking the question we'd just say "Shut up, you're winning.")

In the end though - it came down to a sudden death question (as Molly & ZS had to catch the last BART.) And... guess who the victors were... ?

...

...

...

Well, we're not quite sure. It wasn't Molly & Martin - as they got their question wrong. It was either me & AE (because we got our question right & had the most pie pieces) or M & ZS (because they answered their question first.)

Who knows... ?

At any rate - we'll just have to have this party again - as there was no real "heavy-weight holder of the trivia pocket-protector" named...

But, god - was it fun!

Now, I have to get some coffee in me... off to meet the ever elusive DW for brunch... then *maybe* spend time with J. Who knows...? It's a mystery to me.

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Day One - New Job

My I am so tired my eyes are crossed.

I'll get used to it in a bit... but, for now I just want to finish up what I've been working on today and go home for a bit of a nap before the Jam.

Oh-yee-haw, my improv should be steller tonight!

Oh yes...


:loopy:

STARING AT COMPLEX MATHMATICAL EQUATIONS TRYING TO COPY EDIT AROUND THEM FOR NINE HOURS HAS NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH IMPROV... (Fucking right, it doesn't!)

 

[BEATNIKSF]

The Five Reasons I'm In A Craptastic Mood:

The last two days have been filled with brain chaos, etc. for me... I don't know why I'm feeling so sluggish - but it's really bringing my mood down into the basement.

1. Yesterday, in the middle of the day, I realized that I had made a clerical error in dealing with some business for my new job which made me look like a disorganized idiot... granted, JB & Dr. R were very understanding about it - as the error had occurred on my first day on the job - but, as part of the reason I've been offered this opportunity for professional mentorship is my superior organizational skills... it kind of made me feel like a moron.

2. Then there is J. Things aren't so hot with him... on my end. It's still a mess of poor communication and perceived lack of interest... we have a great time when we're together - it's the rest of the time which I spend feeling like I'm either being blown off or that he's not interested that has me feeling like I'm putting way too much effort into this... whatever. I cannot call it a relationship - as I don't know that it's that.

As I explained to DW the other day - I'm a gal who needs some clarity in my context... if that makes sense. With people you fall into one of the following compartments in my life:

-Platonic Friend
-Business Associate
-Person I shag-but have no emotional commitment to.
-Significant Other.

That may sound kind of crass... but there it is. Historically - I don't date. Never have. I either shag you on occasion or you're my boyfriend. Or, you're my platonic friend. And, the fact that it is unclear where J fits into my life causes me some amount of stress, etc. that I don't like feeling.

JQ says last night: “I hope at this point you're just using him for sex. “

Oh, if it were only that simple.

I mean - this cute English teacher asked me out for this weekend... do I go out with him? Because, at this point, I'm unsure if J & I are dating or what... ???

I just require a little clarity. And, the fact that I'm having to work so hard to get it at this point makes me uninterested to a certain degree... bah.

Men - you all suck. And, often in the wrong places.

3. I had a great lunch with DW on Sunday. However, I discovered this morning when I tried to pay my student loan online that the restaurant where we dined had charged me $400.00 (instead of $40.00) for our meal. Now - it was a good lunch - but, no lunch is $400.00 good... not even if it was served to us by Jason Lee, on John Cusack's ass while David Bowie sang “China Girl” for me...

So I go to the bank to get them to fix the error. They tell me they cannot do it at the bank (WTF?) and that I have to call the 1-800 number... so, I do this... they tell me that they cannot fix the error until the restaurant fixes the charge on their end... and, as I have other outstanding checks which were bound to come through the account in near future I didn't have the luxury of waiting until my day off to deal with this. So, I pretty much run the nine blocks back to my apartment to get the receipt from the meal... then run to the restaurant - which is not open - and, stand there waiting for someone to get there so it can be resolved.

When a manager gets there (oh, did I mention that I left my CC there on Sunday, too? A fact I discovered in the bar last night when I went to pull it out to pay for a drink... thankfully, I called Pinocchio's and they had found it... so I had to go over there anyhow - but, hadn't planned on doing it until later in the day...) I am told that it's an issue that the “merchants association” has to resolve for me... (*cough* bullshit! *cough*)... having recently dealt with the bs bureaucracy of Wells Fargo (when my cc info got swiped in Vegas) I know that I should not let them pass the buck - as if I do, it will not get resolved. I give them “what-fore” and let them know in no uncertain terms that I expect THEM to remedy the situation and do it NOW.

It worked it's self out. The funds should be restored to my account by tomorrow... which is good. And, in the interim - if there are any other overdraft fees applied to my account - the restaurant in question will reimburse me for them... as it's their dumb ass server who put an extra zero on my tab.

Fuckers.

4. Dealing with all of this crap this morning made me two and a half hours late to work. Meaning - that I have to stay here until 8:30 pm tonight so that I have all the work completed necessary before Dr. R leaves for his thing-a-majiggy in Sacramento. (Where he will be on Wed. & Thur.... which is why I have those two days to work from home... and, there is a bunch of stuff I need to do here - as I cannot take it home with me due to networks and confidentiality, etc... you know?) Which has made me have to cancel a meeting I had for later this evening w/SS, AE & CH... They are understanding (I hope) but, it is a little frustrating.

5. I'm fucking tired. I have had ten hours of sleep in the past three days. I don't know why or what is up with that... but, I'm suspecting that I'm about to cycle through some insomnia. Blargh.

THESE ARE THE REASONS I'M IN A CRAPTASTIC MOOD TODAY... NONE OF WHICH HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IMPROV... (Thank god.)

 

[BEATNIKSF]

The Beauty Of Working In Your Pajamas...

Here is the great thing about having your boss go out of town for two days & tell you to work on the web based component of the research you're doing for them from home:

You don't have to get up until 9 am and you can work in your pjs.

Good god - my commute was KILLER this morning... the traffic from my bedroom to my home office was backed up all the way into the kitchen... tee-hee.

I'm actually not working in my pjs today - I've been rather productive and already taken a shower, dressed, etc... as I have some errands to run later this morning. But, yesterday I worked in my pjs... oh yes, I did... I didn't even remember to brush my teeth until sometime around 2 pm (gack!)

Not surprisingly, I've flown through the work JB & Dr. R asked me to do from home...

Reviewed 25 years of Ms. Magazine and cut out any articles of import for JB... check.
Copy edited latest draft of Dr. R's paper on the biological clock issue... check.
Downloaded and printed all relevant articles on said issue from 01/01 to current... check.
Completed web research on PG&E sponsored subsidy programs designed to provide financial assistance to the elderly, impoverished, etc... check.
Answered all important emails... check.

So what do I do today?
Update my blog.

Anyhow.

I'm going over to my old apartment to catch up with my former roommate, David... I'm excited to see him - it's been a while. Apparently I have a shitload of mail there to be picked up... don't understand that... ? As I've forwarded my mail the past two times I moved. Whatever - it will be nice to see him and the lovely Belle (his puppy-doggie.)

In personal-land:
J called me last night - I missed the call, because I was on another call with JB who was checking in w/me from FL where she is with her ailing father... but, after stewing about the message for an hour or two I returned his call...

We ended up talking for three hours... it was a really important conversation for us to have. Aside from the normal "we're dating and haven't talked in a couple of days" check in - many topics were covered... including the non-communication issue...

I believe I said something to the effect of "I know that you're super focused on completing this film right now & I respect that... I understand how it is to be so consumed by artistic process & the pressure of it all... to be so myopic and focused that it's hard to see anything else around you... so, I think I've been more patient with you regarding this than I normally would be... as to fault you for this is to be a hypocrite, as I don't fault myself when I get into that space. The problem being that it is still frustrating to have to work so hard to communicate with you & when I'm unable to, I perceive lack of interest in our continuing doing whatever this is that we're doing... because, all said, no matter how logical I try to be - I am still human... and, somewhat neurotic. I am willing to continue to be patient - but, it would be helpful if you could try to communicate with me what is going on so I'm not left wondering... I don't care about having to cancel or change plans because of work... It doesn't bother me that you occasionally don't feel like doing things because you're exhausted from working... I understand that. I just need you to do two things: Tell me. And, tell me it doesn't have anything to do with how you feel about me."

The result of this lengthy conversation was that I now know that it has nothing to do with me... and, that he feels strongly that he wishes to continue to get to know me... do whatever this is that we're doing... and, he has been quite concerned that he was pissing me off with his need to be focused on this project... and, that he feels somewhat "underwater" with it all... (trying to have it post-pro by the Cannes deadline... akk!) And, that when he has to cancel or change plans to whatever it's not that he wants to - as he wants to spend time with me - but, that he has to.

Which I understand. And, just needed to hear him say it. Clearly.
I'm still somewhat unsure of what the context of this relationship is - but, I feel somewhat better.

He's coming over here on Saturday evening (as I'm booked with other stuff until then)... he swore that he wouldn't change those plans - no matter what... and, he's bringing a DVD of the latest edited sequences from the documentary for me to watch... then we'll finally watch the WalMart doc.... and, just chill.

He also said some of the most touching, really kind things about me, my work, my goals that anyone has said to me in a long while. I think I prefer to keep them to myself for a little bit -- you know, in my pocket so that I can take them out and look at them every once in a while when I need to feel good about what I'm doing with my life.

He's coming to the BS show on the 28th... and, provided his head doesn't explode before then - to Naked Babies/Showgirls with me next Friday...

Then he leaves for three weeks - maybe a month (depending on how it goes) - in the field (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka) getting B-Roll footage/interviews to fill in the content of the doc.... three weeks.

Which makes my heart hurt.

So, I will have to keep myself very, very, very busy.
I don't think that will be a problem.

Tonight - SFIC meeting. Saturday - thing at CCC. Sunday - BS rehearsal with full company.

I have to run... I'm late. If you can believe that.

Only that last line has anything to do with improv... really.

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Random Number Generator

A while back Molly R. told me how to figure out how many people per post read your blog... it involves math (which I find unfair - as I'm math cursed - but, I do own a calculator)... and, every once in a while I check it.

Who are the 21.61 people/post who read this blog... ?
I know of four or five - maybe... two for sure...
Who are the rest of you?

I love a mystery.
LUH-V IT!

Thank you for reading.
:up:

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Some People...

Here are some people I never get tired of...

Sam.
Ana.
Chris.

No matter what - I'm blessed to have you guys as friends and collegues.
(Granted, I've had two beers on an empty stomach - but, I figure I'd say it sober, too.)


K

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Thanks Jesse!

I asked Jesse Parent a while back how to post images on my journal... which he kindly informed me of... and, of course it was super-simple... but, as I've been lax about posting any pictures... here's one... from Seth Morris's improv intensive in December...

I don't know why I like this photo so much... it came out so blurry... and, red... (no flash...) Perhaps, because it's weird and arty... Seth looks like a bird in flight... a very tall bird, but, a bird in flight. (SFIC/beatnik people in the photo, too. JD, Paul White & SS... and, the woman from Delta City Improv who's name I cannot remember for the life of me... what a crappy host I make sometimes!)

Here's our postcard logo for the next beatnik show...

Okay... I should quit wasting time and get ready to go to work!
Later, IRC!

(Molly - send me some of those photos from last Saturday, too!)

 

[BEATNIKSF]

I Just Found This Picture On My Computer

This is me and AE's nephew last year at AE's b-day party... it is one of my favorite pictures of all time... as it is silly and shows me with my "five year old boyfriend." (For a elementary school student this kid is very, very suave... he's got every adult I know wrapped around his little finger...)

I just thought I'd post that - as I'm avoiding doing work.

 

[BEATNIKSF]

I :love: the bs...

Yesterday's rehearsal was a good one. It was nice to be back onstage with the boyz & JFP... I :love: my troupe...

We are gearing up for a bunch of big stuff in the next six months... the organization of such is being left mainly up to me... I detest producing - however, for these people & myself I don't mind it as much.

We have a show on 1/28 to preview "the Hook." I'm super excited about it... JD is going to tape so I can send Jesse Parent a DVD & he can send us some general notes.

The first set we're doing is the poet Armando -- I think Liz is going to slam for us... which is cool... because, over the holidays she was in NYC and went to the Magnet Theater to see an actual Armando performance... so she has greater context than she did prior.

(I wub my Wiz... she's so into supporting what we're doing... )

There is a lot of work to be done - but, I feel really motivated and positive about everything right now. Which is a nice change.

JD was in Boston and went to Newbury Comics (MY FAVORITE STORE, EV-AH!) to purchase me a present... a cool red water bottle... I LOVE it! (I say as I stare at it on my desk next to me... filled with liquidy goodness...)

Okay... back to work... that's right bee-atches... I'm working on a holiday.

(I'm done at 3pm - so I can't really bitch.)

Jamtastic tonight... yaddah, yaddah, yaddah...

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Carrots And Cauliflower

Nothing has made me long for sushi so much as the fact that for the past three days I've sustained myself primarily on crou-de-tet. (Yes, I know I spelled that all fucked - so sue me, I took Spanish in college, alright?)

Well, actually, yesterday I had a bagel and two small slices of CPK caucasian pizza w/spinach, fontina and parmisan cheeses... two very small slices.

And, the night before I had Vietnamese food w/J at a resturant down the street...

But, other than that - all last week and into this week - every fucking meal has consisted of raw-fucking-vegatables... I long for tofu, even.

It's not a diet, per se - more of an ecconomic issue.

As in - I don't get no fancy food until payday - so I must eat what is in my fridge... (as opposed to ordering out from my loverly delivery.com)...

And, what is in my fridge is healthy raw veggies (and, bagels, eggs and milk)... BAH! WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING THE LAST TIME I WENT GROCERY SHOPPING?

THIS POST HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IMPROV OTHER THAN IT WAS INSPIRED BY READING ABOUT SHAUN LANDRY'S MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH... MMM... MONTE CRISTO...

 

[BEATNIKSF]

That's MS. Cranky Pants, to You Buddy!

Early to bed, early to rise... bah, humbug.
I friggin' hate that shit.

I'm so tired the past several days that my eyes are crossed. I cannot focus for more than five minutes on one topic... I pretend to be listening and really I'm just thinking "when is this person going to stop talking to me?"

I think I'm coming down with the flu on top of it all. Very sneezy, very achy, very semi-feverish...

No, no, NO!

I do not have time to be sick.
I have a high pressure, lots o' responsibility job now...
I have a hot date on Friday...
I have important rehearsals, etc...

NO SICKNESS!

RUNNING FOR THE NEAREST WALGREENS TO STOCK UP ON STAY HEALTHY MEDICATIONS

:tsk: No sick.

 

[BEATNIKSF]

Lunch Hour Post

I have to say, for the record, that this new job is kicking my ass pretty hard.

I know that I am 100% qualified to perform the functions of this position -- However: The speed, intensity and depth of which I have been thrown into the mix is making me feel way behind the learning curve.

For example: The past week and a half -- my mentor/boss has been in Florida with her family (her father is dying) and I have been completely on my own to try to navigate all the tasks/projects which she wishes me to work on w/no access to her to ask questions, etc... Granted, I've had the benefit of being able to get her partners on the phone -- but, honestly, in regards to some of the research I'm doing they are as much in the dark as I am -- and, her husband (the venerable and scientific Dr. R, who shares her office,) has been here each day... though, he's had completely different sets of tasks for me to perform (editorial, clerical)... That being said let me try to briefly summarize the project that I have been working on (I tried to summarize it for J the other night and was unable to even get a coherent sentence out - so bear with me...)

PG&E has these non-profit "energy efficiency" and "energy conservation" programs (applied to industry, businesses and residential customers) designed to reduce (or, conserve) the amount of "new power" which is used off the California grid. There are financial incentives, etc. for PG&E customers to participate in each of these programs... it seems, however, that not very many customers have participated... and, PG&E wants to know why and what they can do better to attract customers to these conservation programs.

So, my job has been to research each individual program - find out what it is about, what the benefits are, how accessible the information is, etc... Then to summarize in a page or less the ENTIRE program.

This has consisted of me reading and downloading tons and tons of marketing materials and technical requirements from the PG&E website... researching via Westlaw and the CPUC website different legal proceedings applying to each program (or, "compliance filings," meaning PG&E has to report on how well each of these programs is performing in order to continue funding)... and, learning the ins and outs of "demand response programs" and "California Self-Generation Incentives."

Most of this is so technical I can hardly parse out any information. Some of it is so circular in pattern that it makes me want to throw my (now 500 page) binder of information at a wall.

All we really want to know are these things:

What does the program do?
Why is it important to participate in?
Who does it apply to?
How much energy is saved?
How much money does the customer save?
How well is the program performing in California?

And, of course, PG&E being a bureaucracy - none of this very simple information is easy (or, possible) to find.

The thing is: I'm a skilled researcher. I have various degrees of higher education where it was necessary to be as such... and, I have worked for non-profits in the past researching stuff like "Congressional Budget Procedure" and "strategic learning process...” I'm no stranger to having to parse out useful information from gobbledy-gook...

But, this project takes the cake.

This is non-profit work, kiddies.
Fun stuff.

There is respite in the near future - as when I complete the research/summaries - I get to begin assessing the viability of the curricula for the SF Opera's music outreach program... much more up my alley.

Not to mention I'm trying to keep up with SFIC/beatnik stuff... NOT TO MENTION that I have a prospectus/proposal for my own non-profit (Theater-Art Project) due when JB gets back (when that is we're all unsure) for review by herself and her partners... all this stuff. Trying to fit it into a day at a time... I feel, honestly, as if my head is about to explode.

Plus shows coming up.
Plus trying to find time for J and other friends who are not used to me being this busy.

PLUS - I have to get up at the ass crack for different meetings pertaining to this PG&E project this week... gak! We all know how much I hate mornings.

Here I am just trying to breath.
Thank god they pay me a butt load of money.
Come July I will have earned my vacation.

***
I had this odd ass dream last night that my step-grandfather died and he was given a Buddhist monk's funeral.

Don't know what's up with that.

Except that my Grandmother (the crazy Irish one) was devastated in the dream and her pain was heartbreaking to me.

Bad dream.

***
I have noted that whenever I have tuna salad w/out benefit of bread, crackers or some other starchy substance for conveyance that I feel like I'm eating cat food.

How gross is that?

***
I have to ditch my friend Josh (again) for our "air-hockey" date. I have to work until 8pm.

SS has called me four times when I have either been sleeping or unable to talk -- this is making me feel like a crappy friend/business associate.

I cannot wait until Friday when I can work from home. And, I cannot wait until Friday night when I get to hang w/J and see Naked Babies.

I, further, cannot wait until tomorrow morning when I get paid.
PAID! WOO!