They Look Like Such Strong Hands, Don't They?

They Look Like Such Strong Hands, Don't They?
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I think this photo is going to become one of my favorites. I love it. And don't ask my how I got it. It'll ruin the magic for you.

I had written some blather about feeling such and such a way and introspection and happiness and blah blah blah and then I deleted it because I was doing exactly what I said I shouldn't be doing. At least not here.

So...uh...go look at some funny cat pictures. Yeah. Go do that. No funny here today.

Plugged In

Plugged In
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

Feeling silly this morning, I clipped my Shuffle to my ear. I proceeded to photograph said Shuffle until I had suffered too much pain from squeezing the clip even tighter on my cartilage when I changed the song for the third time. This is the resulting photograph. Is it not nifty?

I'm feeling a little loopy today.

It poured this afternoon! I was standing on the express platform of the 34th St A/C/E station - after leaving the church I'd visited - when thunder cracked in the sky above. The sound and smell of rain filled the station. I was moseying down the platform to get closer to the staircase I'd need at 14th St when I noticed a cascade of water falling from the ceiling. The rain left a curtain between the local tracks and platform. On the tracks below was another wonder: a fountain in the subway. I tried to take pictures with my phone but they don't do it justice.

As I boarded the train I was able to see that the force of water gushing out of a pipe on the tracks was the cause of the fountain. It was unexpected and beautiful because it was unexpected.

New Yorker

New Yorker
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I got my New York license. W00t! It came quickly. I just applied last week and it arrived two days ago. Overall, I have to commend the NY DMV. Yeah, I had to stand in line, and fill out forms, and shuffle around like cattle in a pen, and the whole experience took an hour and a half, but overall? They moved as quickly as they could, they kept their senses of humor, they are efficient, and I thought it was pretty painless. Congrats, New York DMV: you beat the stereotype.

It's going to be a hot one today, which is why I'm staying in my skivvies as long as possible before I have to suit up to leave the house. The weekend looks stormy but Monday should be fair and pleasant.

---------

I am in the midst of reading a John Guare play titled Marco Polo Sings a Solo. I can't recall having ever experienced Mr. Guare's writing before this, and it's odd. As an actor, all I can think about is, "How would I, if I were cast, make sense of these words?" I'll admit that it's daunting. I imagine, though, if I had the time and opportunity to play with them, they - the words - would eventually make themselves make sense, and I wouldn't have to force anything on them. I can't say I'd jump at the chance to perform in this particular play, though. It's good, but not my cup of tea.

Speaking of performing, Ishy-girl, I have finished my spreadsheet for my headshot mailing. Celebrate with me, just for a moment, with a little chair dance. What does this "finishing my spreadsheet" mean, you ask? It means that I am now organized to start firing off letters and headshots to casting agencies. I am taking my baby steps. W00t, again!

I [heart] the Brooklyn Public Library

I [heart] the Brooklyn Public Library
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I woke early yesterday morning. Six am to be exact. My upstairs neighbor was dragging furniture around. At six am. Who does that?

I wasn't sleepy anymore, so I hopped out of bed and got moving. I accomplished quite a bit yesterday morning. I finished unpacking, showered, and got my butt to the Central Library to check out some more books. As you can see, I got, um, a few. I went a little nuts. But they're free! Freeeeeee! After having to buy an unexpected plane ticket, I'm a little strapped for cash. Free books make me go crazy!

I left the library and wandered through Park Slope to catch the train. It is beautiful over there, with or without the Stroller Mafia. I passed a mansion and the thought occurred to me, "I could have that. If I really, truly wanted it and made it a goal, I could have that." It was an empowering thought. Right on its heels came the thought, "Do I really want it?" I'm not so sure I do.

What do I want? I want to get out of debt and stay out. I want a cozy, comfortable home without the worry of how I'm going to pay for it. I want a career in which I get to be as creative and variegated as I am when I'm not working. I want to do it all: write, act, direct, make films, create performance art, dance, photograph, produce, organize, design clothing, paint, daydream, learn, relax. I want adventure, whimsy, romance, good food, movement and color. And I want to get paid for it. I believe I can.

Fountain Pen

Fountain Pen
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I'm a secret romantic. I think it's why I love steampunk and typewriters and especially fountain pens.

There's something so romantic about dipping a pen in ink. It's time-consuming and methodical. It forces one to think about what one writes before dashing it off on the page. There really isn't any "dashing it off" when every other word requires more ink on the tip of the pen. Every word takes on more meaning in that scenario. Maybe that's why letter-writing is an art.

You can have a picture of the fountain pen set tomorrow. After I unpack it.

Hotties

Hotties
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

Back in New York.

There was a dead cockroach on the floor near my front door and the foot of my bed.

Bah.

At least we look like a million bajillion bucks in this picture.

I have to leave for work in five minutes.

It's warm and sunny.

Booo to going back to New York.

Going back to New York today. Can't say I'm excited. I love my parents' house. I love my parents, of course, and they're expert homemakers, so their house is comfortable and spacious and lovely and no one ever wants to leave. Seriously: when they have parties, people hang out until late at night. They're reluctant to leave, and I know exactly how they feel. This home is better than any hotel I've ever stayed in, even the amazing Westin in Madrid. [whine] I don't wanna leave! [/whine]

Ok. Putting on my Big Girl Pants.

Oh! And I can add another celebrity (although if you don't know who she is maybe she doesn't qualify) to my list: Rachel Dratch came into the restaurant for dinner on Thursday. She looks pretty much like she does on Saturday Night Live, but prettier because she's not pulling faces.

Perfection

Perfection
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I have a gorgeous friend.

She's also kind and generous. She came with me to the premiere last night and, as promised, held my hand as it started so I could calm down.

So, the premiere. I chose not to think about it all day. It was obvious, though, as I rushed around getting ready, snapping at my mother, that I was most definitely thinking about it. I was so nervous and I didn't want to be nervous and I was trying not to let it show but I'm sure my mother could tell and being the patient saint that she is just quietly went about her preparations and let me be messy without yelling back and then we got to the theatre and I had some wine. Whew. I needed that.

A few trailers and short films rolled before FADE, and then it started. Cori reached across my lap and gave my hand a squeeze. My heart was thudding in my chest, shaking my rib cage.

And it was good. It was really good. I relaxed. I watched myself without self-conscious judgment. I was able to enjoy the film and marvel at what Chris had created. I remembered rolling around in the weeds and getting bitten on the butt by horseflies and waiting for the sun and Scott just about dying having to wear the gas mask and how cold the water in the river was and how glorious the whole experience had been.

And then it was over, and Chris got lots of applause, and I could breathe again. I chatted with other cast members and casual viewers. Everyone was so generous and kind with their praise. I was humbled.

So thanks, Chris, for letting me be a part of your film. It's a lovely piece, and I'm proud of you.

Flyin' Home

Flyin' Home
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I'm practice packing. I have a three-week vacation coming up at the end of August and I'm determined to only bring this suitcase and its smaller handbag. I think I can do it. I'll pack for a week, and wash what needs washing. I will pack light!

I was reading an article on the NY Times website about airlines charging for checked baggage. Honestly, I'm not that surprised, nor am I outraged. They need to cover their costs, and $15 isn't all that much. In the grand scheme of things, another $15 tacked onto a $200 or $300 ticket isn't much in the grand scheme of things.

Actually, I like the fee. It forces people to downsize, to think hard about what they really need for their trips. People will realize "Hey, 3.3 ounces really is enough to get me through two or three weeks," or "I really don't need to bring this videogame; the scenery will be enough" or "You know what? I'm not buying any little tchochkes this trip; postcards will be present enough." It's green, this downsizing.

I live in a small space, so I'm used to making brutal cuts in my lifestyle. I don't own a television or a microwave, and I'm better for it. I can't just pop a frozen meal in the microwave and then plunk down in front of the television; both less-than-healthful choices. I have to cook my meals, and if I want to see a program that isn't on the internet, too bad. I guess I'll read a book or write or dance or paint.

I feel like I'm rambling. And it's time for me to leave the house. Ciao!

D'oh!

D'oh!
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

When one must choose between groceries this week and wearing that disposable pair of contacts for a couple weeks longer than advised, or buying new contacts and trying to stuff oneself with the free meal at work to avoid buying groceries, spilled food feels like a major tragedy.

Slippahs

Slippahs
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISHY-GIRL! I always think of you when I make the mental switch from "flip flops" to "slippers." I hope you have a fun day. Do something nice for yourself!!

I'm going to get my new drivers license today. My last one expired, oh, six months ago.

Well, actually, I applied for a new one but never received it because they won't forward driver's licenses. Darn. It's fine, though. New York lets you trade your out-of-state license for a New York one, provided it expired within the last twelve months, and you have "proof of birth" (I think that wording is hilarious: isn't your physical presence "proof of birth"?), and your social security card.

Yeah, yesterday, I was all made up and dressed and ready for my photo. Got to the DMV. Didn't have my social security card. I tried to run back home to get it, but all I got was sweaty and a long wait for an A train that didn't come for 20 minutes. 20 minutes! In the middle of a weekday! That's RIDICULOUS. (Yeah, yeah, laugh if you want. I want my train when I want it!)

And now, I really must go. I'm trying to give myself two hours to wait at the DMV before I have to go to work. I figure that's enough time. I'm probably wrong, but let's keep our fingers crossed.

Summertime

Summertime
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I was never that excited about cherries as a child. Probably because of the work involved: pulling off the stem, chewing around the pit, spitting out the pits and collecting them somewhere. I can't recall the last time I had a cherry before I became addicted to them last August.

Last August I started the Maker's Diet. The plan to get you started on a new way of eating is 40 days long, and the first two weeks take away pretty much everything remotely sugary. No bread, no potatoes, not even most beans; only lentils are allowed. As far as fruit goes, you're pretty much restricted to berries and cherries only. How fortunate that I lived through those two weeks at prime cherry time!

My snack foods were cherries and almonds, and the busy work involved in eating both of those things helped me keep my mouth occupied and free of cookies and candy.

Last Saturday as I left work late and ambled down 14th Street, a man with a produce cart was still hanging out on the corner, hoping for some late night sales. Happy circumstance: he had cherries for sale! (Now, I'm sure this man just bought some fruit and vegetables from a grocery store and was re-selling them on the street, but I don't care. New York is all about convenience, and there they were, on my way home.) Delighted with my find, I bought a pound of sweet cherries and headed home.

I sometimes wish cherries were in season all year, but that would be ludicrous. I tried some Chilean cherries in the middle of the winter. They were terrible. Cherries are meant to be enjoyed when the temperature is up. Cherries herald the beginning of summer, real summer. After a short stint in the fridge, they're cool and refreshing when the rest of the world is sticky and hot. They are busy work. They are beautiful.

Cuh-razy.

I can now add Claire from Cycle 10 of America's Next Top Model to my "celebrity" sightings list. She, her husband and daughter apparently live in my neighborhood. Go fig.

Container from The Container Store

Container from The Container Store
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

Oh, I had such high hopes for today's blog. I'm pooped, though. Probably going to take out my contacts and go to bed within the next ten minutes.

It was a gorgeous day. I discovered a new park by the water, reunited with a high school friend I haven't seen in 11 years, and had delicious meals for lunch and dinner.

And I'm sun-drained and pooped.

'Night.

Retro

Retro
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

Flickr's acting weird for me this morning, so if you can't see the photo, try refreshing.

The heat wave finally broke. I turned off the A/C this morning and could walk around in my apartment without feeling like my skin was going to melt away.

I have a catering gig tomorrow evening at the Central Park Zoo. That should be fun. I get to be outside and see the zoo for free - or at least a part of it - and earn some money while I'm doing it.

This gig was a good excuse for me to buy an American Apparel t-shirt. I didn't try it on in the store because I was hot and sweaty and fumbling with clothes was the last thing I wanted to do. I tried it on this morning, and dude, it's one of the most comfortable things I've ever put on my body. I want like, seven more in every color. Fortunately for my pocketbook they're $16, so I won't be getting seven more. Maybe just one. Or two.

Weather: gorgeous.

HOT

HOT
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

It's been almost unbearably hot here for the past four days. 90s. In early June. Ugh.

I hadn't put my air conditioner in the window yet because I thought I had plenty of time before it got this hot. Nope. I also thought I could ride it out and survive without the big money waster until the heat wave was over, but no. I put it in the window last night and I'm so very glad I did. I don't regret the hit my wallet is going to take because I'm not miserable anymore.

This fan is sometimes pointed at the ceiling to get the cold air to spread around the room instead of pooling at my feet when I'm sitting at the desk.

Yay presents!

Yay presents!
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

It's so hot. It's so ridiculously hot that I haven't moved from in front of my fan in two days. I have an air conditioning unit that goes in the window, but I haven't put it in the window because I wasn't expecting 90 degree weather in June. And so I suffer.

In other news, the wifi signal I was jacking into has gone AWOL. So updates may be sporadic from here on out. *sigh*

Weather: hot.

At least I don't have to go to work.

"Eat Me"

"Eat Me"
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I got to play Alice in Alice in Wonderland once, so that's totally relevant.

So, the gas is back on, but I can't get my stove to light. The pilots are lit, and I read the manual and it said that there might be air in the gas line so I held a lit match next to the burner like it said, but so far, no dice, and the match doesn't last very long.

Any ideas? I would love to eat some eggs.

Unfinished

Cahier sketch
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

But how much is anything ever truly "finished"? One just decides to stop and move on to the next project. I decided to stop sketching and move on to the next project.

Which happens to be freaking out; the next project, that is. For FADE, the film I did two years ago, is having a premiere, two years later.

What: FADE
When: Friday, June 20th, 7:00pm
Where: Suburban World Theater, Uptown, Minneapolis


I'll admit it: I'm terrified. I haven't seen the film yet, so I have no idea what my performance is like. And that terrifies me.

I'm a control freak. I really am. I'm a Type A Control Freak. I like to have my hands on the reins/dials/levers/steering wheel and I don't want anyone else touching them. I won't throw open the shutters or pull all the stops or leave the cylinders wide open unless I know it's perfectly safe to do so. (This tendency sometimes makes me a bad actor.) This is absurd, of course, because I have absolutely no control over what other people are thinking or doing and my rational mind knows this, but I still prefer to live in the illusion that I AM IN CONTROL.

This premiere? Totally outside my control. I have to sit there, in the dark, with other people watching my performance and judging it, silently or vocally. I will have to sit there and take it and be ok with it and this is terrifying.

But it's a good lesson. It's an opportunity to practice doing something that scares me. I just might need someone to hold my hand while I do it.

Waiting

Waiting
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I declined taking a shower today. Know why? Because the gas is still off and I didn't want to take a freezing cold shower. Yeah, I'm a little grody. But I doused myself with Honeysuckle body splash and kept moving.

Book recommendation for this month: by George by Wesley Stace. Charming. Reminds me of a movie whose title I can't remember right now (a coming-of-age film about a Scottish boy). It was a slow starter: wasn't sure I liked it in the first 50 pages. I'm hooked now.

Weather: cloudy and humid.

Beauty

Beauty
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I burn my candles almost every day. In reality, they don't do much to mask the smell of cigarette smoke, but I burn them anyway as a psychological defense; a placebo effect, if you will. I decide that they're helping so they're helping.

So ConEd decided to turn off the gas yesterday. They're working on something on the corner. I thought, "Dangit! I was just about to cook my greens. Boo." I settled for a peanut butter sandwich instead.

Today, the gas is still off. And an unfortunate side effect is that we have no hot water. The water heater (or boiler, whatever it is) is gas-powered. Which means that I gasped my way through the coldest - and quickest - shower I've ever taken.

Please hurry and finish, ConEd. Most of my food is only consumable after it's been cooked, and I'm running out of peanut butter and yogurt.


The weather's warm and clear.

And I have to go to work.

"So how was that Eagles concert, Adia?"

"Funny story. For some reason, and even though I was well aware of the date, I had filed that free Eagles concert under 'Sunday' in my brain. Met up with my friend, walked around Hell's Kitchen looking for a good place to eat, had some Thai food, then headed back to Madison Square Garden around 7:15. I wondered why it looked so deserted, but it still didn't register that something was wrong. Talked to my folks on the phone for a bit, then went inside. It was empty. Now I really started to wonder what was going on. I pulled the ticket out of my pocket. There, plain as day, were the words, 'MAY 31ST, 2008, 8PM.'

My stomach dropped. I think I cried a little.

I apologized profusely to my friend. She was incredibly understanding. I still felt like a heel. Had a mini meltdown, she talked me out of any further self-immolation, and we went to see Iron Man instead. We ended up having a really good time."

"Wow...that really sucks."

"Yeah, but it'll be funny to me tomorrow."

It's still not that funny, but it's not the end of the world. I really wanted to see the Eagles, though.

Edited to add: I wasn't going to take a photo today, but I ended up taking one anyway. It's here if you want to see it.