Blair

Every single dream the past three nights has involved the Renaissance Festival gang.

I love you guys, but man. Crazy stuff keeps happening...with yo yos. Yo yos? really? Do people even play with those anymore?

I've been sleeping hard, though, waking up on time and feewing refrewshed, so I guess it's alright in the long run.

Big news is abrewin' in the Blair camp. I can't really say anything now, but I will feel booted up to the deluxe apartment in the sky if all goes well and according to plan.

I'm generally doing just great, and can't buy into this whole "September" thing that is already into its second day.

If I were to update my life it would go something like this:

I'm very busy apparently, everyone tells me so.

I know I'm busy, actually, I've been neglecting friends because of this.

Actually, it turns out I don't have to neglect at least a couple people, and the rest seem to be able to work with me.

There is a strong possibility that I will be calling or emailing people I haven't talked to in a long while at some point, maybe just to watch some T.V.

We'll see.

School will start again tomorrow. For the first time in every single first day of school, I am completely ambivalent about this fact. It doesn't even seem real that it is happening, and school seems like something other people do.

I will be profiled in the Daily Cougar this week on Wednesday supposedly.

Murder of Crows is starting on Thursday, if you like theatre and like it good, you should come see it.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:00pm for $13  or Pay What You Want Mondays
August 29th - September 13th.

I push the button and manage the stage.

I've been watching a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek, and House lately. If you might be up for one of those on a night that is in the middle of the week, we should talk.

I'm surprised by my age sometimes, I don't think that is normal.

Alright, I just finished the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer, and I think I have come to an ultimate conclusion about the whole thing: Blech.

Now, I qualify that Blech with the fact that there are truly some excellent things about the series that include some fantastic werewolfy kids, interesting new vampire characters that pop in and out every book, and I was drawn to the Amazon vampires introduced in the last book.
All of these were products of a pretty good imagination, and probably would provide some entertainment for you if you decided to pick up the series.

The theme of the series is what I have a problem with, and I got pretty tired of Bella's disney princess fairytale by the end of it. I wanted to shout at the book at one point: you are supposed to be a vampire! COME ON!!! But shouting at your book is only slightly crazier than shouting at the T.V. or Movie screen, I should know.

It's going to be a good season I think.
Of course, when I mumbled about it being the first day of school, well, I didn't think it was going to be that...giddy. Now that I have one season under my belt, it feels a little like muscle memory. I haven't come to any firm conclusions about how this season will go for me, but I've pretty much committed myself to make the outstanding happen.


Real School, not Renfaire, starts next week, and in the next couple weeks I'm going to have to decide where I want to study abroad next semester.

For the whole semester, not just the five weeks.

I could go anywhere at this point, but I am open to suggestions. There is a program I am looking into that would host a kind of mini-thesis program in whatever country I choose that really focuses on the political science side of things in certain countries. Like Argentina, or Ireland, or maybe even Germany.

I'm trying to decide that if I am abroad, and alone, if I should go for an English-speaking country just to make it easy on myself, or if I won't freakout by doing the Spanish thing for 5 months. I'm usually not one to shy away from a challenge, but I could see it becoming an issue two months later.

In other other news, the Mildred's Umbrella show is some of the best theatre I've had the pleasure of collaborating on, and I couldn't be happier to be apart of their company. I'm going to miss them during my imposed hiatus during faire.

The show I'm stage managing right now is going to be kickass. Weird theatre that makes me laugh is probably my favorite right now, and so expect several entries to the effect of : "ummmm yeah, this show, in Montrose/Third Ward area, you should seeeeeee it kthnxbye."

It's A Murder of Crows done by Mildred's Umbrella (no relation to the big stage at TRF, unless that stage has an umbrella...she might...it would make some sense I suppose).

Other than that I am making my homes ready for the season: lake-fungalow love with Sarah T and Sgt. Hassell for the weekends at faire, and free rent livin' con mi padre.

Things are okay. Busy, but okay. I've been making time each day for some reading which has helped some. I'll do a little short summary on that later after I attempt making some spinach soup. This shit should be delicious and green.

I have returned, and everything seems really bright and big.
I've noticed things about Texas that I never really truly looked at previously. Its like I'm giving a good hard stare at a loved one.

Overall things haved moved along.

I'm a little worried financially, but I suppose everyone does some hurtin' after a trip. Hopefully I can tie things up and move on.

I start back to work at TRF tomorrow, and go to my first rehearsal of A Murder of Crows with Mildred's Umbrella.

I do feel a little different, more solid about things. I do have to wonder if this is that lasting change the study abroad people raved about, or if it will pass in the coming weeks.

Everything is practice I suppose.

Well

I have about 2 hours before I get on my bus to go to Mexico City Airport, and then it is one flight home.

I have some mixed feelings about leaving. I really wanted to go about a week ago. I was so homesick that my stomach hurt and I was tired all the time. Now I have an ache that I know is due to tomorrow not being able to see the people I've met here every day, and knowing that I will miss the hilly roads, rainy nights, and the feeling I get just from being in Mexico.

I'm already mentally making plans to return.

There is definitely a smell here. Does anyone else know what I'm talking about? Maybe it is just in Cuernavaca, but there is a Mexico smell.

I'm almost home. 9 hours and I'm there.

Songs in Espanol, yesssssssss

My host mom has really gotten me into this song "Cinco Minutos" by Gloria Trevi. It's kind of an amazing pop experience. It has prompted Alex and I to randomly shout "LA ULTIMA VEZ!!" whenever the feeling strikes. We shall know this song in full by the coming lunes and blast it on the way home from escuela, si? SI!

Its rather interesting, actually, but people jam out to English songs here a lot. I mean I guess language isn't as necessary when it comes to music, but I find it a little strange when my taxi driver can rock out to coldplay but can't understand the directions to my house.

I am not digging all the rain. I think hurricanes are overrated, and shouldn't send their hate down south. I say this now because I want to go to the water park on Sunday, and would really prefer a sunny clear day. Por favorrrrrrrrrr.

I'm starting to feel the homesick creep in as it gets time to head back to Texas. My stomach wants french onion soup and bubble tea, ahora. I want to ride my bicycle. I could definitely see myself working a little bit of TRF magic or maybe just laying back in my new hammock with the smells of Sarah's backyard.

I've made some amazing friends here, though, and successfully survived a lot of what this country threw at me. Mexico is unlike any place I've ever known, and it is surprising because it really is very close to home. Things just happen a little differently here. A lot is the same - teenagers still have inside jokes, parents are still concerned about their children staying out late, friday nights are for partying, and everyone tries to make a dime when the sun comes up.
There is just something about this place and the countryside that just seems utterly impossible in its existence. Almost like the places I've seen in books or movies haven't been the real Mexico. There is a distinct culture and mannerism to the people here, and it is reflection of the windy roads and makeshift buildings/temporary tiendas and apron-wearing ladies. I found it in the taste of the food and the jokes of the coffeehouse waiters. This country is rich even if it doesn't seem to levy up to USA GDP. People are for the most part very kind and helpful. Not just because they want something from you, although I may be getting annoyed by the pickup line "Can I practice my english with you??" really. its as old as overcharging me for a taxi.


I guess this is what they meant by "Thy Worldview Shalt Change" in the Study Abroad office. I kinda feel more comfortable in my shoes in general.


Finally, I am hopelessly addicted to LOLcats, and I never see myself coming back from this. It is still hilarious after day 14.

These last couple days I have felt like an open river of honesty.
I don't know what this country is doing to me, but I feel this need to be completely genuine and real. I'm not even doing it because I think its better, it is just sort of moving itself to be that way.


I am sick. It sucks to be sick, but not so much in Mexico where drugs are cheapskies. I've got my Day Quil knockoff and I'm feeling pretty good.

This weekend friends are coming in town, and next weekend might be the trip to La Ciudad de Meeeeeeeeexico.
Pretty much overexcited sickperson right now.

1. When was the first time you went to the Texas Renaissance Festival?

Apparently the Fall after I was born. There are so many photos of me dressed as a little merry man to my father's robin hood. Of course I don't remember that at all, but I do remember going to the festival with my Dad around the age of 8 and thinking it was the coolest thing of my life. Like a science fiction convention, but way more fun.


2. What year was your first as part of the performance company?
I auditioned in 1999 per Judy Frow's recommendation. My mother and I had been at Schlitterbahn that weekend and decided to swing on down through Plantersville on the way home from Mother's Day festivities. I remember the audition incredibly clearly, more so than other auditions I've experienced. I had some familiarity with improv from my TUTS training, but nothing like what they were asking of me. I had such an adrenaline rush during the 5 characters in 20 seconds thing that I almost passed out. I remember feeling gutsy and in my element.

1999 was a kickass year. I remember the masque and the Royal fireworks being a completely new deal. Cinderella scenario (holla!) Staying at the festival past dark (*gasp*!!*!!) latern procession. man. all that.

Plus our attendance was like way amazing....almost like a certain year when I made a return....hrmmmm.

I was 10 years old. wtfffff magic.

3. Who was your first character?
Brendenella Butler O' Brien (I). I remember going to that Tea thing that Ellen held at her house in the heights and walking in to a bunch of noise and finally an "ohhhhh the stepsister has arrived!" That was when I heard my character name and was kinda like : Okay, so it is okay to be on crack about theatre. Awesome. I can dig this.

Brendenella was fun, but the first year was really hard. I was used to being a professional performer, but in an air-conditioned space with lots of little breaks and a firm knowledge of what was expected of me. I had TUTS and the Alley Theatre down to a T, but TRF was destined to kicked my ass. I still feel sorry for Melissa for having to be my group leader. Dayum.

I won't ever forget our tantrum path show, though, or my dress that was made probably three hours before the morning cannon on the first day but ended up lasting the longest out of any costume pieces.

Singing in the madrigals, learning dances that weren't musical theatre, and discovering a whole new way of life were just some of the highlights of that year. Awesomeness. I wouldn't mind playing a bratty character again, evil is always a little more fun.


4. Who was your last character (or your current character)?
Last character was Anna von Schlitterbahn, german handmaidenlady girl pumpkin. Really, I was just a pumpkin. It was all an experiment in color contrast I had been learning in my tech class at HSPVA, and it was definitely an example of the costume dictating the character. From that dress I took up pumpkin rights during the terrible season of October and really, really, reeeeeeeally got into the Ooompah song. It was definitely full circle from my first year, same sort of dynamic with being a lady and having Melissa as my group leader, so much better though. Best year ever, maybe.

I have to mention my three years as Shiver the Winter faerie. They were great, and the boat song lives on, but there I think I get a little more kick out of a character that relies on witty repartee than chittering. The first year I was a faerie was a complete turn around from when I was Brendenella. That was the first year they had a curriculum for kids and everyone in my group was my age or younger.Faerie picnic was kind of a fun experience if not sometimes a tad confusing, and having Kim as a group leader rocked. As in, we won Group of the year. Hell yes.

Currently I am the Assistant to Entertainment and Marketing and have a costume yet to be figured out but will probably not be the Cinderella dress. Girl needs to move around those media guests, ya know? They are so quick and feisty.



5. What was your first costume?
Oh man here is where I was supposed to admit that thing about my dress being made near the parking lot of the faire under a makeshift tent my dad put together with a sewing machine and a cutting board. mmmmm yeah. It was blue. I still have it. I think my dad made it come out of the faire dust because it was three kinds of miracle that it ever got finished.

6. Who was the first person you met at TRF?
Well I knew Judy from my dabblings with Night Court through my Momma, uhhhhhh. I remember Angela and Jeff from the audition. I guess maybe the first person I really met and conversed with was probably Ellen Horr at the above mentioned Tea. I'm gonna say yes.

7. What character are you chomping at the bit to play, but have not?

I have retired from acting unless it is specifically requested of me. I long ago realized my passion lies with making theatre happen in a different way, and I am using the same tools to create a very specific kind of magic. I remember kind of wishing I had been a part of the elf group back in the day. I know I wasn't the body type for it back then, but there was something about it that was incredibly appealing. This desire might manifest itself as a kind of House Elf /assistant kind of theme this year. I join the hordes of voices that are excited to see what 2008 is going to bring.

I am speaking Blanish quite fluently now. My host mom has requested a copy of my diccionario that I seem to be using, but really, "content" really should be "contiendo" not "contenido" as it exists in that neighboring language, espanol.

And why was I trying to translate content anyway? I can barely remember.

Mexico has been extremely good to Alex and I. I am in love with la Ciudad and I am going to have a hard time putting my Houston shoes back on.

Exceppppttttt...Houston has friends and bubble tea and I think maybe that might be a tad more important than these daily delightful discoveries.

Today I climbed a mountain.

No, really.

There was a pyramid on top of it, and I almost committed some genocide trying to move between the people coming up as I was coming down.

Almost.

The people have been amazing here, actually, and it is helping make some decisions that will effect my life in los Estados Unidos.

The fourth of July was extremely well spent here, at a little place called the Rouge Bar which apparently drew such a crowd that Girls Gone Wild was called over. Boo.
I'm not going to write about that, not that I was the subject of their attention (I wasn't even near being in danger with the amount of drunkeness going on that night).

What I am going to write about is that celebrating the most patriotic holiday in a foreign country was an awesome experience. It was like a little oasis of American stupidity in a sometimes frictional environment. I was applauded for my Democrat'd Texan-ness by a fairly tall Chilean Irish man, and I wore my purple shirt having nothing red or blue in my suitcase.

I made a ridiculous ton of contacts that night, and my little notebook is filled with emails and numbers of people I fully intend on spending time with while I'm here.


I'm hungry and I don't want to eat another bite of Oaxacan cheese for the rest of the month.

Cuernavaca is possibly the most beautiful place I've had the pleasure of living in.

It rains everyday (in a really pretty way). It hasn't gotten above 80 yet. There is a breeze right now. It is green everywhere. The trees are taken care of and the streets are swept. The buildings are historic and wonderful.

It is my 3rdish day here and it has gotten to the point where English is now something to be savored. I'm learning a lot of Spanish; my host mom speaks no english and so I use it even after school. Alex y yo nos hablamos.

I want to say I'm experiencing culture shock, but only in spurts. I miss people in Houston and I miss my job and having my friends within a few dialed numbers reach. I'm worried that I'm going to get really depressed all of a sudden and so am doing my best to take things in stride.

This trip has shown me how almost imperative it is to know another language.

P.S. I don't like mole. I do like salsa. I really like the corn with mayo and pepper.The margaritas are delicious.

P.P.S I think even my english sentences have become simplified to match the ones in spanish. I find myself avoiding contractions and using a basic vocabulary. It sort of feels like my communication skills are being rebooted.

Aaron is cool. I haven't made this clear enough on livejournal yet, but now that he has officially joined under the username "sungrass", I'm sure he'll be making many appearances on this little journal of min.

To introduce aaron, I would say that he is the first friend I made in college, and is probably an enneagram 7. He likes to draw things, and will probably get you to say that he is cool within 10 minutes of meeting you. This isn't hard because he actually really is, and I have him to thank for some of the more interesting bands that now grace my ipod.

yayyyyyyy Aaron!

My ears hurt from Avante Garden Medicine Show action.

I'm tired and sick.

I have a lot to do before I can leave for Mexico, including remembering Spanish.

I am really very happy and satisfied right now.

Okay, so maybe I just hate being in my super hot car.
Cars without AC are very problematic.
This will cause certain parts of my day to be unbearable as I drip sweat from my elbows.


I am very, very, very happy right now. belly happy.
It might have to do with the fact that although I didn't attend work today, didn't get enough sleep, didn't actually get my appointment finished, didn't find my library book, didn't do anything that was on that to do list except help Sarah find music for this evening....

I am completely content.


'Cause I got the best friend a girl could want, and I'm wearing the best t-shirt a girl could have, and sometimes things have to such a whole whole lot to be okay.

Also my fees got cleared off my account, so I really just have to find that library book and I can go to Mexico.

and pay rent...yeahhhhhhhhh

Yeah? YEAH

Why is it that if I'm going to be studying in Mexico, I have to pay fees for the rec center at UH? At what point do they think that I am going to have time to chat up my adviser that I should pay those fees as well? If I'm not getting credit for the courses being on campus, why do they make it seem like I am going to be there?

UH is gonna have to argue with a teenager armed with logic come Wednesday. I can't afford 300 dollars worth of B.S.


This was a mildly irksome bit to my day that was overall delicious.

So, I'm in a show.

I wasn't going to tell anyone outside of the people who live with me because its kind of not a show, but it is. It's only for one night, it has props, costumes, a set, light cues, everything.

I'm not only on stage playing a very surly, drunk stage manager for the entire thing, but I designed the lights and set, haggled for the costumes, wrangled up all the props, and actually stage managed the one dress rehearsal. Somehow I am going to pass my finals, I think.

It's for the Honors College, which has earned me enough brownie points in the Honors College that I can open up my own chocolate factory. The Dean asked me to help out with the show, and as it became clearer that no one on the production staff of Dean and professors knew what was involved in putting on a show, I gained more and more responsibility. If any of you are familiar with the Houston theatre company Mildred's Umbrella, the co-founder, Dr. Harvey (and winning playwright of this year's Best of Houston show, Rot) was the one who wrote this little play that we are doing this evening at the Moore's Opera House, and means that I will now probably be working for Mildred's Umbrella when the semester is done. I think he's a mite bit impressed with my sanity, or so he says.

The whole point of the show is that is kind of like a surprise party for the Dean who is stepping down. Therefore, it's mostly going to be thrown together and spontaneous and I have no idea what is going to happen. I do know that I got through a cue to cue in 30 minutes on the only dress rehearsal we ever had. Maybe we will be okay? I'm kind of terrified.

I will have more observations on what I have learned from being the stage manager and tech director rolled into one, but right now I know that I'm never not going to be involved with theatre after this. I never feel like my time is being wasted, and I'm constantly enjoying each step of the process. I'm definitely not changing my major, but I'm pretty excited as to what 2008 will have to offer at Mildred's Umbrella and TRF.

P.S. I'm sorry I didn't post about the show sooner if you are interested in seeing it. It's at the Moore's Opera House at 7:00pm with champagne and desserts afterwards. The production, champagne and desserts are completely free. It's the Odyssey meets classically trained musicians and opera singers meets modern dance & bob dylan. It should be pretty fun. That is all.

Up until this past weekend, I had never seen Forrest Gump.
Now, I'm pretty much looking for any opportunity to yell greenbo, alaBAMA.

This was among several things I did this weekend where I did not do my homework.
It's finals, and Summer is so close that I can't concentrate with the weather wooing me outside and newfriends making their fun selves known.

I could pull an all nighter, but that just doesn't really leave me very learn-friendly the next day, and I still have stuff to do.

Right now I have a paper due with the prompt: "What is involved in understanding the meaning in artwork?". I jotted out a full page in mostly nonsense, that isn't really because this is philosophy and so "I think therefore it makes sense".

Raarrrrrrr. I just want to sleep, maybe.

11 pages

it's 5:12 am
i just wrote 11 pages on FDR, Truman, and Eisenhower
I could have gone on for several more pages
but I think professors really do start to hate you when you make them listen to you for that long
so I stopped
4.5 for FDR, 3 For Truman, 2.5 for Eisenhower. 1 page of introduction and conclusion.
.
This paper is long, and now I'm hoping it makes sense.

I'm back in Tejas.

Straight from breezy dry air to stiff humidity. Love me some Houston.

This year's conference was busy but not very fruitful.

I am going to apply to be Head Delegate next year (a position I've retitled "Head Boy") and see if I can't whip some awards out of us. I have great plans despite some people's pessimism. Mostly older girls who haven't ever won awards be bitchin' and so therefore I must change the tide of luck for the H.C. in matters of Model Arab League with great amounts of young enthusiasm.
I will prevail, Obama-style perhaps? No, too presumptuous.

Anyhow, I have a lot of stuff I have to do and not enough time to do it in liiiiiiiiiiiike always.