Some bubbly, perhaps?

Some bubbly, perhaps?
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

That glass of champagne is also being raised to my fellow "The Less We Talk" workshoppers. Thank you for an extremely fun and educational process. I wouldn't have learned as much if you all weren't as fearless and supportive as you were! See you soon!

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I was thinking about networking a few days ago. I'm looking for another job and I tell EVERYONE, knowing that I can get information and leads from friends and acquaintances. It doesn't matter whether or not they directly have something for me. They may know someone who knows someone who knows someone, and that's better than nothing.

I really appreciate that sense of sharing information and helping everyone at the same time: you have a job, I'm looking for one. If I fit, you fill your job, and you think highly of the friends that helped you find the right candidate. Win-win!

What I don't appreciate is when people are hesitant about sharing information with me because they don't think I can help them. I remember one instance, riding home from a dinner party organized by a Minnesota friend, two other attendees were exchanging business cards. I already had the business card of one of them, and I asked the other if I could have one as well. He hesitated, obviously reluctant to give me one. I almost wanted to say, "Wow. Were they expensive? You don't have to waste one on me if you don't want to," but I held my tongue and smiled.

I learned something in that moment. I learned that, personally, I'm happy to give people my contact information. I never know what projects you'll be up to in the future, and you never know what I'll be up to in the future. I may need your skill set exactly, and in five years time you may get a call out of the blue from me saying, "Hey, you're the only one I know who can do this. Can you?" Every interaction is a chance for both parties to advance, to live the principle of "win-win" rather than "win-lose."

So, "win-win," people! Help each other. It really doesn't cost you anything unless you let it.

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.

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.

Memorial Day in Central Park

Memorial Day in Central Park
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

I took a day off yesterday from any and all responsibilities and just played. I sat in Central Park with everyone else who doesn't have a house in the Hamptons, I saw a really bad play, and - after leaving at intermission, something I never do - had sushi and good times with new and old friends.

Long live summer!

Basilica Block Party

My friend Nate's band, 2 Wurds, was one of the finalists for the Basilica Block Party Battle of the Bands, and they ended up being one of two winners. Nate asked me to work the merch table for them, and in exchange, I got into the concert for free. Sweet!

Originally I didn't have a guest pass and thus did not get to go hang out backstage with 2 Wurds. However Clarence - who's real name is Nate - did a little wrangling at the press booth and I got a media pass, which enabled me to saunter on backstage and hang out with the cool kids. Woo! Backstage! Thing was, it was so nasty out that the other bands kept to their air conditioned tour buses when they weren't performing. After G. Love's set, though, he came out to sign autographs and take pictures.



Check it out on Flickr.

Someday

I have been shirking my socialization duties lately. I had two different parties that I was supposed to attend this weekend and I decided not to go to either of them. I really wanted to see the hosts of both, but my mind and body were telling me, "Stay home. You have things to do and this is the place for you to be right now." So I didn't go out.

Last night, however, I realized that all my work was done. My room was clean: the file folders and majority of the miscellaneous crap was off the floor of my bedroom. My laundry was clean, folded or hung, and put away. My personal accounting was as up to date as it could possibly be. I didn't have a class to plan and I didn't have to be at one of my jobs early in the morning. It was a perfect night weather-wise, so I texted my friend Cori and we met up at Spyhouse at 9:30. It was a little late to be leaving the house, but I didn't care. Spyhouse Coffee was calling.

When I arrived I passed out the blank paper and markers that I'd packed in my bag and we proceeded to sit outside and color for the next two hours. A good friend of Cori's joined us around 10:45 or so and he colored, too. We made gloriously bad art and loved every minute of it. We reminisced about the summer of 2006 when we were writing our Fringe show. We'd meet at Spyhouse at around 5:00 pm and stay until they closed at midnight. For two weeks straight. It was glorious and it was awful. Our friendship was tested by fire and came out the other side that much stronger.

As we sat and chatted last night I looked around at the nearby apartment buildings, my eye instinctively catching on "For Rent" signs hanging from posts and stuck in windows. I'm not moving any time soon, but I still daydream of living within walking distance of Spyhouse, knowing that I could call Cori and say, "Spyhouse in 15 minutes," and that she would be there. Someday.