Does this sort of thing ever happen to you all?
Last night when rehearsal had ended I went to put my coat on and as I picked up my coat it was like my mind spun out of control. I was looking at my coat and I was thinking how I didn't care for that coat anymore which made me think of coats I had in the past. This thought led me to think about all the clothes I've had in my life and how I could never remember each piece which led me to think about the impermanence of things which made me contemplate my parents death.
This was all in a matter of 30 seconds, but it was all so vivid and clear and frankly, it threw me into a funk for the evening cause my mind was thinking how nothing lasts and how I've wasted so much time. Aint that crazy? I realize this is a bit insane, it just amazed me how it all went down and how it altered my evening.
The good news is, I managed to get a few good laughs in before the night was up by skyping with Mary and causing her (in)famous shocked look, by hold my computer way too close to my face.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
It's 10:01am
Oh, friends. I am incredibly tired this morning.
After work yesterday I headed to the Merchandise Mart to help a friend of a friend take down and pack the art from their gallery. It turned out to be quite the undertaking as when one handles expensive art, one must do so very carefully and very particularly. Also, as the art was being shipped back to Toronto, so packing was key.
As a side note: I am out of shape. If moving art is making me sore, I officially have a problem. I need to work on my fitness.
After about 6 hours of packing art, I tagged along to have some drinks and din din (at Avec) with all the art folk. As most of them were international (two in particular from Spain) I had to spend a good half an hour explaining why I wasn't eating meet. One adorable little Spanish girl just kept looking at me and asking "Why!?" then she would put the plate and front of me and tell me to eat it because I was too skinny and I was a growing boy. Ha! I had to look her in the eyes and tell her to please not worry about me and enjoy her food. Anyway, in a truly not American style of eating, they all ordered and ordered and ordered and drank and talked and sat for nearly three hours... resulting in the group closing down the restaurant at 1 in the AM.
It was a surprise of an evening, and a lot of fun. I'm just tired now.
Today is rather low key though, so I will indulge that.
After work yesterday I headed to the Merchandise Mart to help a friend of a friend take down and pack the art from their gallery. It turned out to be quite the undertaking as when one handles expensive art, one must do so very carefully and very particularly. Also, as the art was being shipped back to Toronto, so packing was key.
As a side note: I am out of shape. If moving art is making me sore, I officially have a problem. I need to work on my fitness.
After about 6 hours of packing art, I tagged along to have some drinks and din din (at Avec) with all the art folk. As most of them were international (two in particular from Spain) I had to spend a good half an hour explaining why I wasn't eating meet. One adorable little Spanish girl just kept looking at me and asking "Why!?" then she would put the plate and front of me and tell me to eat it because I was too skinny and I was a growing boy. Ha! I had to look her in the eyes and tell her to please not worry about me and enjoy her food. Anyway, in a truly not American style of eating, they all ordered and ordered and ordered and drank and talked and sat for nearly three hours... resulting in the group closing down the restaurant at 1 in the AM.
It was a surprise of an evening, and a lot of fun. I'm just tired now.
Today is rather low key though, so I will indulge that.
Monday, April 28, 2008
It's 9:04am
I've been here at work for nearly an hour. Why you ask?
Well, not because I enjoy getting up before 7 on a Monday morning, but rather because I had to make a little presentation at 8:30 in the am. It went just fine, but I'm not sure my eyes were open throughout.
Before I launch into my weekend update, I would like to ask once again (even though I have done similarly in previous blogs): Aren't crossing guards for kids? I mean, I understand that they have a job to do but I find it positively embarrassing when the crossing guard near my bus stop stops traffic to let me across. Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration... she basically just walks out there with me when the light turns red and the cars stop, but really? Do I look like I can't do it on my own? I'm a big dude! And, I manage many other crosswalks throughout my days just fine without her so I wish she'd just give me a break and say hello and wave as I leave her side and walk across the street.
A lovely weekend it was!
It was full of ART actually. Capital A R T.
Friday evening I departed work and met up with Linsey to head over to Artropolis to see the cavalcade of art fairs happening in tandem. Unfortunately we only made it through about two thirds of one fair! It was so much freakin' art, and good art at that! I felt completely overwhelmed and on sensory overload. I also just don't understand why galleries and art fairs close so early. 7pm? That's annoying. Let's make a night of the art, rather than an early evening. Regardless, we had a great couple of hours indulging. Afterwards we headed to Penny's for some noodles and beer. This was followed by a birthday party and a late night of dancing (watching and making fun of other people dancing). The night could have gone much later, but it was necessary to try and get some sleep as Saturday was a big day of surprises for Linsey's birthday.
On Saturday we took a surprise trip to the Milwaukee Art Museum, where we enjoyed yet more art and a lovely little picnic along lake Michigan. I have to say that people have been hyping this museum to me for quite sometime and I imagined it to be fun, but it was more than I could possibly imagine. It is a stunning structure with ample art that I found myself extremely interested in. We spent nearly four hours there (including our picnic) and I think we definitely could have spent an hour or two more?
I bring you visuals!
The best part about this day was that is was surprise. Although she had figured it out (for the most part) the ladies and I whisked Linsey away for this little birthday adventure.
After a long and tiring day of art and eating, we headed back to Chicago where we went to see Baby Mama with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. This movie was pretty funny. I think it was a mistake to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall one weekend and then Baby Mama the next because this didn't have as many laugh out loud moments so it felt a little underwhelming, but it is definitely worth seeing as Amy Poehler has some pretty classic moments.
Yesterday I spent taking care of the things I had put off the previous two days. I had intended to go to a birthday party, but I couldn't get up the energy. It also occurred to me to head back to Artropolis, but I felt overwhelmed by that notion so I decided to shut the phone off and regroup.
Today there is a threat of snow. My friend Tim said yesterday "They said snow and I said no."
I too, am saying "no."
bye.
Well, not because I enjoy getting up before 7 on a Monday morning, but rather because I had to make a little presentation at 8:30 in the am. It went just fine, but I'm not sure my eyes were open throughout.
Before I launch into my weekend update, I would like to ask once again (even though I have done similarly in previous blogs): Aren't crossing guards for kids? I mean, I understand that they have a job to do but I find it positively embarrassing when the crossing guard near my bus stop stops traffic to let me across. Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration... she basically just walks out there with me when the light turns red and the cars stop, but really? Do I look like I can't do it on my own? I'm a big dude! And, I manage many other crosswalks throughout my days just fine without her so I wish she'd just give me a break and say hello and wave as I leave her side and walk across the street.
A lovely weekend it was!
It was full of ART actually. Capital A R T.
Friday evening I departed work and met up with Linsey to head over to Artropolis to see the cavalcade of art fairs happening in tandem. Unfortunately we only made it through about two thirds of one fair! It was so much freakin' art, and good art at that! I felt completely overwhelmed and on sensory overload. I also just don't understand why galleries and art fairs close so early. 7pm? That's annoying. Let's make a night of the art, rather than an early evening. Regardless, we had a great couple of hours indulging. Afterwards we headed to Penny's for some noodles and beer. This was followed by a birthday party and a late night of dancing (watching and making fun of other people dancing). The night could have gone much later, but it was necessary to try and get some sleep as Saturday was a big day of surprises for Linsey's birthday.
On Saturday we took a surprise trip to the Milwaukee Art Museum, where we enjoyed yet more art and a lovely little picnic along lake Michigan. I have to say that people have been hyping this museum to me for quite sometime and I imagined it to be fun, but it was more than I could possibly imagine. It is a stunning structure with ample art that I found myself extremely interested in. We spent nearly four hours there (including our picnic) and I think we definitely could have spent an hour or two more?
I bring you visuals!
The best part about this day was that is was surprise. Although she had figured it out (for the most part) the ladies and I whisked Linsey away for this little birthday adventure.
After a long and tiring day of art and eating, we headed back to Chicago where we went to see Baby Mama with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. This movie was pretty funny. I think it was a mistake to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall one weekend and then Baby Mama the next because this didn't have as many laugh out loud moments so it felt a little underwhelming, but it is definitely worth seeing as Amy Poehler has some pretty classic moments.
Yesterday I spent taking care of the things I had put off the previous two days. I had intended to go to a birthday party, but I couldn't get up the energy. It also occurred to me to head back to Artropolis, but I felt overwhelmed by that notion so I decided to shut the phone off and regroup.
Today there is a threat of snow. My friend Tim said yesterday "They said snow and I said no."
I too, am saying "no."
bye.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Another Day
It occurred to me last night that my professor is in fact Rosie O'Donnell and because of this, I am coming across as Elizabeth Hasslebeck. Now, please God, don't let me be Elizabeth Hasslebeck, but this dude is driving me crazy and someone has to play the devil's advocate, otherwise we are a bunch of liberals sitting their patting each other on the back and not coming up with any solutions. Mind you, my advocacy on behalf of the devil is not leading to solutions, but it at least is my attempt to open up the conversation?
Either way, it sure riles me up. I felt myself peddling more quickly than usual as I rode away last night.
(I was going to post the youtube video of the infamous Rosie/Elizabeth The View quarrel, but watching ten seconds of it made me want to die, so I wont subject you to that.)
In more light hearted news, a sure sign of spring has shown its lovely head. I have switched to iced coffee. Now, because I love a good visual aid I did a little Google search for Starbucks iced coffee (as that is what I currently hold in my hand) and while doing so I of course come across a clear representation of how I look with my iced coffee.
I always say, "If it is good enough for an Olsen, it is good enough for me!"
Gosh this blog is turning into all pop culture all the time. (Look out Perez!)
It is a sunny Thursday and I'm feelin' alright about the world. Tonight I will head up to Evanston to see a friend's MFA show.
And, because I am a copycat and Milan alerted me to the new Jamie Lidell album, I will share this track that is getting the both of us in the summer spirit.
Another Day - Jamie Lidell
Either way, it sure riles me up. I felt myself peddling more quickly than usual as I rode away last night.
(I was going to post the youtube video of the infamous Rosie/Elizabeth The View quarrel, but watching ten seconds of it made me want to die, so I wont subject you to that.)
In more light hearted news, a sure sign of spring has shown its lovely head. I have switched to iced coffee. Now, because I love a good visual aid I did a little Google search for Starbucks iced coffee (as that is what I currently hold in my hand) and while doing so I of course come across a clear representation of how I look with my iced coffee.
I always say, "If it is good enough for an Olsen, it is good enough for me!"
Gosh this blog is turning into all pop culture all the time. (Look out Perez!)
It is a sunny Thursday and I'm feelin' alright about the world. Tonight I will head up to Evanston to see a friend's MFA show.
And, because I am a copycat and Milan alerted me to the new Jamie Lidell album, I will share this track that is getting the both of us in the summer spirit.
Another Day - Jamie Lidell
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
"First of all, stop calling it The Laze. It's your blog."
I realized yesterday as I was leaving the chiropractor's office in Lakeview/Lincoln Park that I am straight up waltzing my way into yuppiedom. I need to check that before it gets outta control cause I was feelin' all good after I got my back cracked and was thinkin' about my massage I will be getting next week and then I was like "whoa, sluggah." It is times like these that I think I should get my butt out of the city before it is too late... but after my massage next Thursday.
This is my favorite quote from the last few of days.
"First of all, stop calling it The Laze. It's your blog."
My response?
"I'm calling it theLAZE."
I have been doing a lot of reading of articles for my class that all essentially read the same and I'm afraid I wont be able to keep my big mouth shut and I will say that in class today. "Why do you keep having us read articles that are all the same? And, why are most of them written by you?" You, being the professor. Graduate education feels so different than undergrad. I am so much less bright eyed and bushy tailed ... yet rather disgruntled. I will try and remain optimistic and learn things.
I also got back on the bicycle again today and it was a lovely ride. I thought again what freedom I have as I watched a long line of traffic wait to make their way onto the expressway and I just breezed by. It really is a wonderful form of transportation.
I'm still sitting on my pictures from the trip. Well, not literally as that would be uncomfortable... but I just keep looking at them thinking how it feels really distant really fast.
Oh, and I have a shopper's confession. I realize this will quickly wield me back into the yuppiedom status that I spoke of earlier, but I am willing to take that risk as I think it is too late already. See, I bought these shoes at topman.com which is like an extension of London's Top Shop.
Exhibit A:
Actually, that is the only exhibit. So I bought those shoes and maybe that was dumb because the dollar is sooo weak compared to the pound so maybe I paid more for them than I should (that amount will remain undisclosed) but then on top of those costs, the shipping was $20! But you know what? I decided to do it because I really have been looking for shoes that look like this and it was worth it so I ordered them, and received them in a prompt 4 days. Unfortunately, the shoes are tooooo big. So, I call topman.com and they tell me I can just send those back and order another pair. Here is the kicker: They don't refund the shipping, so I had to pay $20 to send them back (this is the lowest shipping rate) and then I had to pay another $20 for the new shoes to be shipped to me. In total, I have paid $60 in shipping costs alone and I can't bring myself to tell you how much the shoes cost.
So, my latest lesson with the struggling American dollar is: don't buy shoes from London, especially if you're not sure they're going to fit.
Good bye!
Oh, and ps. Please don't tell me what you think of these shoes because it is too late anyway. Thanks!
This is my favorite quote from the last few of days.
"First of all, stop calling it The Laze. It's your blog."
My response?
"I'm calling it theLAZE."
I have been doing a lot of reading of articles for my class that all essentially read the same and I'm afraid I wont be able to keep my big mouth shut and I will say that in class today. "Why do you keep having us read articles that are all the same? And, why are most of them written by you?" You, being the professor. Graduate education feels so different than undergrad. I am so much less bright eyed and bushy tailed ... yet rather disgruntled. I will try and remain optimistic and learn things.
I also got back on the bicycle again today and it was a lovely ride. I thought again what freedom I have as I watched a long line of traffic wait to make their way onto the expressway and I just breezed by. It really is a wonderful form of transportation.
I'm still sitting on my pictures from the trip. Well, not literally as that would be uncomfortable... but I just keep looking at them thinking how it feels really distant really fast.
Oh, and I have a shopper's confession. I realize this will quickly wield me back into the yuppiedom status that I spoke of earlier, but I am willing to take that risk as I think it is too late already. See, I bought these shoes at topman.com which is like an extension of London's Top Shop.
Exhibit A:
Actually, that is the only exhibit. So I bought those shoes and maybe that was dumb because the dollar is sooo weak compared to the pound so maybe I paid more for them than I should (that amount will remain undisclosed) but then on top of those costs, the shipping was $20! But you know what? I decided to do it because I really have been looking for shoes that look like this and it was worth it so I ordered them, and received them in a prompt 4 days. Unfortunately, the shoes are tooooo big. So, I call topman.com and they tell me I can just send those back and order another pair. Here is the kicker: They don't refund the shipping, so I had to pay $20 to send them back (this is the lowest shipping rate) and then I had to pay another $20 for the new shoes to be shipped to me. In total, I have paid $60 in shipping costs alone and I can't bring myself to tell you how much the shoes cost.
So, my latest lesson with the struggling American dollar is: don't buy shoes from London, especially if you're not sure they're going to fit.
Good bye!
Oh, and ps. Please don't tell me what you think of these shoes because it is too late anyway. Thanks!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Weekend Update: Like getting back on a bike.
This is blog post is being written to you from the new found comfort of my desk chair at work as I began the morning with my medically recommended MASsage. Just kidding. I'm actually still in pain. The massage was rather intense as Laura stuck her bony little fingers in all my pressure points and I nearly cried about a dozen times. It felt good, but dang!
The weekend was a good one, as the weather lent itself to springtime happenings and I felt rather productive given the temps and the sun. On Friday I traversed down the street to the City North 14 to see "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" which I kept accidentally calling "I Hate Sarah Marshall". This is because of the obnoxious billboard all over the city for this movie, which although caught my attention, I don't believe were very successful at conveying the hilarity of the film. It was really very funny, with my group of friends (ok, mainly me) being the loudest laughers in the theatre. It was not AS funny as "Knocked Up" but it was close. I was reminded that sometimes it is fun to make an event of movie going rather than it just being something you happen to do.
Saturday I spent simultaneously relaxing and cleaning. I had a leisurely morning of doing laundry and the dishes and listening to old mix tapes that Jen and I used to exchange. For the record, regardless of whether you like my musical tastes now or not they have improved exponentially. I had terrible taste, and not in a so bad it is good kinda way. Let's just say there was way too much Ani DiFranco on some of my tapes. I also took a quick trip to the home depot to pick up some things for the home and made a new addition to my successful and happy family of plants.
I'm telling you... my green thumb is impressive.
Saturday evening Jessica and Taylor came over to have a few drinks before we went over to Avenue M to meet up with Christina and Philip. It was a fun night that ended sitting curbside, eating flash taco.
Yesterday the weather was still a bit chilly, but sunny and nice to say the least so I decided it was the day for the inevitable to happen. I pulled the bicycle out from the basement, pumped up the tires, and got back on. This was my first ride since THE ACCIDENT in September. Ha. It was fine honestly, and as I made my way down to wicker park and up Western avenue I was reminded that there is really more freedom in riding a bike than in most other forms of transportation (or walking). You just see more details in the city and you have more control over your timing. I don't have to wait for traffic, but I can move more quickly than if I were to walk. For me, it is the preferred way of getting around... although my butt is killing me today. That is the worst part about not having ridden for so long.
Oh! I almost forgot. Linsey was kind enough to go to Stanley's with me yesterday where I stocked up on some amazing produce, particularly fresh strawberries. This was the lunch that resulted.
If that doesn't say Spring/Summer, I don't know what does.
Cheers.
The weekend was a good one, as the weather lent itself to springtime happenings and I felt rather productive given the temps and the sun. On Friday I traversed down the street to the City North 14 to see "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" which I kept accidentally calling "I Hate Sarah Marshall". This is because of the obnoxious billboard all over the city for this movie, which although caught my attention, I don't believe were very successful at conveying the hilarity of the film. It was really very funny, with my group of friends (ok, mainly me) being the loudest laughers in the theatre. It was not AS funny as "Knocked Up" but it was close. I was reminded that sometimes it is fun to make an event of movie going rather than it just being something you happen to do.
Saturday I spent simultaneously relaxing and cleaning. I had a leisurely morning of doing laundry and the dishes and listening to old mix tapes that Jen and I used to exchange. For the record, regardless of whether you like my musical tastes now or not they have improved exponentially. I had terrible taste, and not in a so bad it is good kinda way. Let's just say there was way too much Ani DiFranco on some of my tapes. I also took a quick trip to the home depot to pick up some things for the home and made a new addition to my successful and happy family of plants.
I'm telling you... my green thumb is impressive.
Saturday evening Jessica and Taylor came over to have a few drinks before we went over to Avenue M to meet up with Christina and Philip. It was a fun night that ended sitting curbside, eating flash taco.
Yesterday the weather was still a bit chilly, but sunny and nice to say the least so I decided it was the day for the inevitable to happen. I pulled the bicycle out from the basement, pumped up the tires, and got back on. This was my first ride since THE ACCIDENT in September. Ha. It was fine honestly, and as I made my way down to wicker park and up Western avenue I was reminded that there is really more freedom in riding a bike than in most other forms of transportation (or walking). You just see more details in the city and you have more control over your timing. I don't have to wait for traffic, but I can move more quickly than if I were to walk. For me, it is the preferred way of getting around... although my butt is killing me today. That is the worst part about not having ridden for so long.
Oh! I almost forgot. Linsey was kind enough to go to Stanley's with me yesterday where I stocked up on some amazing produce, particularly fresh strawberries. This was the lunch that resulted.
If that doesn't say Spring/Summer, I don't know what does.
Cheers.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
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