Happy New...yeah, whatever.

Well it's that time of year again...you know, when the year ends and whatnot. Meh. I mean, sure it's a time for self-reflection, setting new goals, etc., etc., but I'm not sure if I want to do that. Or really, if it's even an effective method of re-evaluating. I mean, New Year's resolutions are a lot of pressure.

One thing I have done, though, is to reassess my 100/10 list. Just small tweaks that make the list better and more mine. Although, I did have a second party listen to my proposed changes and approve or not. I know, you might be thinking "Cheater!" But really, the list is mine to complete and enjoy (along with you all my dear blog readers). And no changes make the list necessarily harder or easier...just better. I'm super excited! 15 goals complete in 1.5 years - right on schedule, eh? Smooches to anyone that finds the differences.

That's it really, that's all I got. No deep thoughts - rien de moi. So, I leave you with someone who does have serious thoughts and reflections...

Star Wars - I has it.

I have been totally negligent...my blog and my 100/10 goals... To the point where I have forgotten to post about one! I know - totally my fault. I'm busting out the ashes and the sackcloth now.

So...moving on. This past fall, I, and several lovely other friends, were hosted by the newlywed Kincaids in their apartment for a super fun party. But not just any party, oh no. It was a Star Wars party. All six movies, one day. Start time - 9:30am. End time - 11:30pm. We. Were. (Storm) Troopers.

It was a great day including lots of good food, blue drinks, and a ton of random Star Wars quotes. We watched the movies in chronological order per the story, not the release date. Thus, the first three were the newest ones that, I'm sorry, just aren't good! I'd seen them before and was prepared to give them another chance, but they're just awful. By the time we finished those, I was wondering how the heck I would ever get through three more.

However, the three original movies continue to be ridiculously good. The time flew by and all too soon we were done. All of us agreed that we could watch A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and The Return of the Jedi over and over - but maybe not again until next year...

(Now for some phone pics)


Done and done - 79) Watch all six Star Wars movies in a row

It's time for some Musical Theater

I heart musical theater. I've seen Phantom like 14-some odd times at theatres around the world. I love the big, grand productions, but also the small, intelligent shows found off, off, off, off Broadway. And by that, I mean they're not even in NYC...ha.

So after a couple of years in Chicago missing the feeling of being involved in theatre, I decided to make the move and become a part of a smaller theatre here. I did some research, talked to some peeps, and finally settled on Porchlight Music Theatre. I e-mailed them with some interest and got a reply to meet with some board members and then attend a board meeting.

Long story very short - last month I became a board member of PMT. And I have to say, it's been fantastic. I mean, if I get up on a Saturday at 7am to make it to the northside at 9am for a committee meeting, that says love. I have our fall benefit on Monday, an opening next Sunday, and lots more to look forward to in the spring. We're doing Into the Woods. What's not to love?

I look forward to sharing my experience there. And hopefully, when you're in Chitown, you can come with me. Theater needs all kinds of support.

Oh yes, one more completed: 27) Sit on the board of a theater

2009 Europe Trip - The condensed version

Due to the following factors: 1) lack of time 2) my immense enjoyment in posting pictures on Facebook and 3) the fact that I have several other things I want to blog about, I have decided to forgo the traditional approach to assigning a blog to each of the cities I visited. Instead in this blog for each of the remaining cities I will post one picture and give you my 5 favorite things from that experience.

If you want to know more about my trip, let's go old school and actually talk to each other live and in person...

Auschwitz
1) Finally getting to see a place that I have read so much about.
2) Witnessing history that should never be forgotten
3) The 1.5 hour drive from Krakow to Auschwitz
4) My amazing tour guide who balanced extremely well the facts and the emotion of the experience
5) Never forgetting


Malbork
1) Standing in a place where the Teutonic Knights once were
2) Dominika's father's "informal" tour
3) Seeing firsthand a medieval castle
4) Walking around in the rain
5) Goofing around with friends


Gdansk
1) Seeing the gorgeous waterfront
2) Communist apartment blocks
3) Walking through the open market
4) Taking pictures in St. Mary's Church
5) Kebobs - the Polish Taco Bell



Kartuzy
1) Spending time with the Fard and Szreder families
2) Witnessing the wedding of two wonderful people
3) Cute, friendly Polish kitties
4) Hunter's stew
4) Vodka, good food, and throwing glass against a rock


London
1) Troilus and Cressida at The Globe
2) Ordering the same sandwich at the same place (from when I was a student in 2003) and having it tasted the very same
3) The Florence Nightingale Museum
4) Cute 21 year olds who ask me to go salsa dancing
5) The 39 Steps


Also fulfilled another goal: 45) See Auschwitz

Ahem...

Another goal fulfilled!

59) Make an enemy

Since this situation is loosely work related, I will not go into detail. However, I will say, someone wanted a lot for nothing last year and I had to play bad cop. This year, I am now referred to as "that woman."

Done.

California Dreamin'

All the leaves are brown

All the leaves are brown

And the sky is grey

And the sky is grey

I've been for a walk

I've been for a walk

On a winters day

On a winters day

I'd be safe and warm
I'd be safe and warm

If I was in l.a.

If I was in l.a.

California dreamin

California dreamin

On such a winters day

Alright, part deux of my trip - Friday was gorgeous as well, so HB and I road tripped over to Cabazon to see the dinosaurs that were featured in one of the best movies of all time - Pee-wee's Big Adventure. And yes, they were just as cheesy as I hoped they would be. See below for

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

We had a great time walking around inside the dinosaurs, checking out the gift store, and looking at all the other ridiculous dinosaur displays that, for some reason, also included a medieval soldier and a lion and a lamb together. Not quite sure that they were for, but okay.

After lunch and fun with a couple slot machines at the casino on the reservation next to the dinosaurs, we made our way to Pasadena Art Night. A brilliant concept that allowed free access to a wide variety of Pasadena organizations featuring visual and performing art from around the world. We made it to the Pasadena Alliance Francaise (bien sur!), the Public library where there were some great dancers, as well as the Norton Simon Museum which, luckily, featured a great exhibit of ancient Indian art.

Superfun night and a great way to support the arts.

Saturday was a chill day exploring Venice Beach. Definitely a crazy cast of characters with all kinds of art, street performers, color, and random stuff for sale. Wherever I travel, I love to buy pieces of original art - even if the artist is completely unknown. I'll post more on this later, but I have to say - thrilled with the art I bought there.

Later that night, we met up with HB's college roommate for a community production of The Secret Garden. Enjoyed it, but I must say that the musical deals much more with the afterlife and ghosts of the dead characters than the book ever did.

I arrived home on Sunday after a great breakfast at a farmer's market in LA and an easy flight back to Chicago. I was exhausted and burned, but really grateful to have had a mini-vacation with a good friend and great memories. More pics from the trip can be found here.

Oh, and one more goal down: 99) Watch the sunset from inside the "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" dinosaur. (Please note - didn't get to experience sunset because of time demands and I'm pretty sure they weren't even open at that time. But what I say - close enough)

So, that's 11 goals down, 89 to go and it hasn't even been a year!

LA Woman

Yep, I'm totally using my recent trip to LA as an excuse to reference a Doors song...because that's the way I roll. But since the song is actually sort of a downer, I'll refrain from quoting lyrics:) I'll also take this moment to let my dedicated readers (as well as my non-dedicated readers) that there were lots of adventures on this trip, so we're looking at multiple blog posts here. But stick with me kids, cuz the ride will be great. So, onwards and upwards.

Given that I took a total of seven days off last year, I thought that I would try and remedy the situation in 2009 by actually taking a few vacations, however short they may be. This past weekend I headed out for four days to visit my friend HB in LA. This vacation was also driven by fulfilling two of my 100/10 goals. More about that later.

Thursday, I rolled out of Chicago leaving behind snow. I rolled into into LA where it was sunny and warm. Thank goodness! Even better - HB owns a convertible which was totes awesome and highly preferable over my usual transportation - the #6 bus. We drove down to Manhattan beach and hit up a cute little museum on a pier with great view of the ocean. After some great Mexican food, we traveled to the Queen Mary Hotel....which is haunted. Mwah ha ha...

So we come to goal number 26) Spend a night in a haunted hotel. Done!

The Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner that sailed the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967. It served a variety of purposes including transporting POWs during WWII and acting as a hospital ship. It has a great traditional interior and many ghosts.

Now, while I super like the TV show Ghosthunters, I am not one to really believe in the paranormal. However, that said, I totall had an experience while on our ghost tour of the ship. The group had ventured down to the cargo hold and sat in chairs in a circle. We then turned out all the flashlights and attempted to conjure the spirits of the dead. While staring into the dark, I felt a sharp tug on the back of my chair. I figured someone was behind me, or HB had hit my chair. When we turned the lights on, I saw no one standing behind me and my friend hadn't moved the entire time...freaky!!!!

I definitely had a great time at the Queen Mary and had "met" a ghost to boot.

Next post - dinosaurs, casinos, and art night.

Ugh, I'm an idiot

I fulfilled one of my 100/10 goals like 2 months ago and never even wrote about it!!

57) Get certified in CPR.

Done - many thanks to the great Front of House staff at the CSO that provided the classes.

9 down, 91 to go, 9.5 years to go...totes

New Year's Resolution...hmmm

I really, truly, wholeheartedly suck at New Year's resolutions. Usually by April, I can barely remember what it is, anyway. Last year's attempt at my monthly goals ended at May - although, justifiably, the months I did complete were rather succesful. I guess what I'm trying to say is I seem to have turned into a non goal-oriented person, except for two key situations: 1) competition - if I'm in it to win, then I will do everything I can, or 2) someone tells me I can't - that's a guaranteed way to get me to do something. Then again, I'm always thinking about the next best thing, or what I can do next, or where I'm going. So, not sure where that leaves me exactly, but obviously I haven't learned my lesson, as I am once again going to make a New Year's resolution.

But first I should say that 2008 has been both an eventful year for me, as well as an uneventful year.

Confused yet? So am I.

This past year, I lived in one city for the whole calendar year - that hasn't happened since I was in high school. I stayed at the same job for a whole calendar year for the first time ever. I took French classes all year, made new friends and kept the old. I've really enjoyed Chicago and witnessed some great events like Obama's election partay. However, my wanderlust is starting to appear slowly, yet persistently. So, what's a girl to do?

That's where my resolution comes in. In 2009, I commit to being more adventurous, more spontaneous, more willing to try new and unusual things.

I was recently inspired by these guys. Now, I'll be honest, by no means will I be attempting to do the same thing...ha! That would be incredible, but maybe something a little less ambitious, yes?

To that end, I'm leaving the resolution extremely general on purpose. Hopefully being adventurous will mean creating new experiences and just pushing myself out of my comfort zone in general. I really have no idea. What I do know is that I'm ready to live fully in the moment and push my limits. While I have set my 100/10 goals, and I love working on them, I also don't want to be defined by just those, but instead hopefully they will evolve with me.

I have no idea what 2009 will bring - and I really can't wait.

New York, New York

One: Like all Notre Dame graduates, I have the ability to make a tradition built out of nothing. We love tradition and tradition loves us.

Two: Yet, it seems I was also born with a wandering, vagabond self that dislike repetition, commitment, and sameness.

This year for the holidays, it appears that my second self won. Instead of heading home to Indy to celebrate Christmas as I had the first 25 years of my life, I packed my bag to the City that Never Sleeps. My parents and I took the train east to meet my sis who took the bus north where we all met up in a cute boutique-y just opened Hampton Inn in Soho to celebrate the holidays. And I have to say, it was quite a rockin' time for all. Despite the fact that the train ride took 9 hours longer than it should have and our first day there was wicked cold, I have to say this has been my favorite Christmas so far.

Day one of three was spent on multiple bus tours - we were total champs. We covered downtown to uptown and saw all of the Christmas lights to boot. We took a jaunt out to the Statue of Liberty, shopped at the UN Building, took in the lights of Time Square, judged the various windows of the major department stores, and saw all the major museums in 30 minutes or less. We froze our butts off, bonded with our tour guides, bought hand warmers from a street vendor, and stayed out late.

Day two of three we spent the morning shopping in Soho (where I got the cutest Betsey Johnson jewelry and my sister nabbed a fabulous Marc Jacobs bag), and then headed out take in all the Met Museum of Art has to offer, from beautiful Greek statues to historical musical instruments. We almost made it through a really fun Christmas Eve service until I unfortunately began to suffer from some sort of 24 stomach flu:(

Day three of three was Christmas and we woke up to gifts in the hotel room (sometimes parents are so clever) and my fam enjoyed breakfast while I drank hot tea and continued to try and recover. New York being New York, the city was saturated with activity and people both shopping and just out for the day. We began at Grand Central Station - a mecca for all train buffs such as my Dad - where we enjoyed a light show that was projected across the inside of the station. We then browsed the temporary shops set up in Bryant Park, and then enjoyed a gorgeous carriage ride through Central Park. We dared enter FAO Schwarz which was overrun, and then enjoyed the beauty of the Plaza Hotel. The evening was spent taking in vintage Jim Carrey through his new move Yes Man, followed by Christmas dinner at a true Irish Pub in the East Village.

Could it get any better? Yes it could - thanks to this fun-filled trip, I've also fulfilled two more of my 100/10 goals:

50) Go on a family vacation

89) Visit the UN building

Done and done.

Next post: the introduction of the Hall gnome

And why is this fun again?

This Sunday, my friend Jon "helped" me fulfill another of my 100/10 goals:

61. Ride on a roller coaster

Yep, I did it. Pigs have flown and hell has frozen over. Actually, I got on THREE roller coasters, count 'em THREE. But my reaction was progressively less positive. We started out on a fairly simple one and my eyes were open about 80% of the time. The next one, oh, about 50%. The last one 0%. The 80 foot drop at the beginning scared the crap out of me and for the rest of the ride I tried to find me happy place, to no avail.

Thus, while I have in fact fulfilled this goal, I plan on never getting on one again. I am convinced that the most frightening part of Six Flag's Frightfest, is that the fact that people actually find this alleged roller coaster-ing fun.

I stopped hating Jon Tuesday evening, and now appreciate his patience and fortitude in helping me fulfill this goal, although I still blame him for coaster #2 and #3.

Done and done.

Thank you, Liberty Mutual

Please watch the below commercial, first.

Alas, now that you've seen this brilliant commercial from Libery Mutual (thanks, Dad, for remembering the name of the company!), I can tell you a story.

First of all, I've fulfilled another one of my 100 goals...39) Help a perfect stranger.

When I landed in JFK from Lucerne, I needed to grab my baggage, go through customs, then re-check the baggage for my flight to Chicago. Waiting for my suitcase, I was really tired, very hungry, and slightly irritable. I was waiting, waiting, waiting for my suitcase when all of the sudden the tiny, elderly lady next to me put her hand on my arm and said "Oh dear, I don't think I can reach that." I quickly asked her which suitcase was hers - it was a huge red one stuck on top of another suitcase. I lunged for the suitcase, which had to weigh as much as she did, and set it down on the floor and popped up the handle for her. With a "thank you" and a pat on my shoulder, she was on her way.

But the tale of goodness doesn't stop there!

The guy next to me had seen the whole thing. He grabbed his suitcase and left the luggage claim before me, but then he paused at the door to customs, and held it open for a guy whose hands were full.

Then that guy, I saw later on after customs. He saw a child in a stroller throw a toy on the floor - and bent down and picked it up and handed it back to the kid.

JUST LIKE THE COMMERCIAL.

After I paused to wonder if the Liberty Mutual commercial was actually an exercise in brainwashing, I realized that that situation was so cool! I had seen three of us help strangers, and it actually felt good. In a world where more people would probably run you over, than lend a hand, I was heartened to see that a few acts of simple kindness can make the day a little easier for someone.

I was still tired and hungry, but no longer irritable.

State Fair = Fried Something

A few weeks ago (I know, I'm a little behind on blogging), I hopped the train again to voyage to Indy to go, with the fam, to the State Fair. Because, in Indiana, the State Fair is the thing to do during those two weeks. And it's always a good time.

Now, granted, the State Fair doesn't exactly scream "healthy." I usually stop eating a couple days ahead of time in preparation for the gluttony that is bound to ensue. This year was a little different as one of my "100 goals," was to eat two funnel cakes. After accomplishing this, I learned two things: 1) Fried dough is really in fact only good in moderation (who knew?) 2) The "fun" in "funnel" cake only lasts about 1.5 funnel cakes (the last .5 is a doozy). Admittedly, mom and dad had a few bites - one cannot sit next to a funnel cake and not have some!

Even long distance, one cannot resist! My sis wasn't able to to come west and join the fun, but she did tell me "To eat one for me!" Well, my friends, being the outstanding sister that I am, I did in fact dedicate my second funnel cake to my sister. I am just that good.

Now, less you think that all I did was eat during this day, I would like to prove otherwise! We saw all kinds of stuff - tractor ride, donkey racing, cheese sculptures, Indiana's largest pig, lots of tractors, baby animals, um...oh, and we ran into my parents' neighbors there actually - small world.

I did meet one nice sheep. He was very photogenic and agreed to pose for me. I ran into him after I went and saw the little asses, er, I mean miniature donkeys...aww....miniature donkeys.

Picture this...

Alright people, check another one off the list!! Totes exciting.

72) Have my picture in a brochure

I am now on the inside cover of the new Indiana University Arts Administration Program brochure as a distinguished alumni...totes awesome! I received copies of it last week, and the brochure is beautiful and really conveys the reach and excellence of this grad program.

I had a great time in grad school, learned a lot, and met some amazing people, so it's really great that I can represent (among others) the program.

And yes, for all of those who heard me whining, I did that, also. But some memories I have taken with me are just the best: Irish Lion, Tutto Bene, learning to drive a stick, freak snow storms, cattle call auditions, roommates that moved out while I was in class, brilliant music, and sweet transvestites. Plus, that's when I adopted my sweet Sugar:)

Happy Anniversary to Me!!

Today, I celebrate one year with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra! Totes exciting, I know:)

Being at a job for one year = performance review

Performance review = Fulfilling one of my 100 goals! "And the crowd goes wild!!!"

52) Learn to take a compliment

During the review, I learned to take a compliment - without looking at the ceiling, turning red, or attempting to change the subject.

In fact, I actually was able to compliment myself. For those of you who I've asked to help edit my extremely awkward cover letters, you know how big of a step this is for me.

So, check, off the list!

Now, off to enjoy my one year anniversary...and the fact that this is the first summer in 8 years that I won't be moving!!

100 Things/10 Years

So, I'm jumping on the, what I've learned is an extremely popular, bandwagon of listing out 100 Things to Do Before I Die. But like others, I do better with limits - thus this list is for the next 10 years. I learned two key things during this process: 1) I've been extremely blessed (and fairly adventurous) in my first 26 years. While reading others' lists, I could usually name at least 30 things that I had already done. 2) If I let myself, all 100 goals would have involved some sort of travel.

As the illustrious Cecil Rhodes said on his deathbed, "So little done, so much to do." And this from a man who died at 48 having created his own empire of railroads, gold, and diamonds. Now if he thought that, surely I can fulfill 100 much smaller goals of my own.

They aren't in any kind of order, more like a stream of consciousness list.

1) Go on an African Safari
2) Adopt a dog from a shelter
3) Run a 1/2 marathon
4) Go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land
5) Live abroad
6) Sing a solo at karaoke
7) Tip a really great waiter/waitress 100% of the bill
8) Protest for a cause
9) Get a second tattoo
10) Stay a night here
11) Take a camel ride to the Pyramids
12) Witness the Northern Lights
13) Watch every Oscar winner for best picture
14) Bungee jump off a bridge
15) Earn a business certificate in French
16) Take a pottery class
17) Write a children's book - attempt to get it published
18) Learn passable German
19) Get my palm read
20) Sit in the stands at Wimbledon
21) Have my picture painted
22) Live in an apartment with central air
23) Ride on a motorcycle
24) Go a whole weekend without using electricity
25) Own 50 opera recordings
26) Spend a night in a haunted hotel
27) Sit on the board of a theater
28) Ride in a tiny airplaine
29) Stand in the middle of the Acropolis as the sun sets
30) Be a member of the audience for a TV show
31) See Wagner's Ringcycle
32) Go to a shooting range - shoot something
33) Buy a piece of art from a gallery show
34) Have my own library with an overstuffed leather chair
35) Learn to meditate
36) Push a handcar down a railroad track
37) Lose 20 pounds
38) Create a photo album for someone for a gift
39) Help a perfect stranger
40) Learn how to use my camera, like really use it
41) Have a wine and cheese party
42) Read the Bible from cover to cover
43) Get a cake batter cake from Cold Stone Creamery
44) Ride a bike with no hands
45) See Auschwitz
46) Put all of my loose photos into photo albums
47) Drive a Smartcar
48) Go to a Renaissance Fair
49) Eat 2 funnel cakes at 1 State Fair all by myself
50) Go on a family vacation
51) Drive a tractor
52) Learn to take a compliment
53) Keep a journal everyday for a year
54) Drive across the US - coast to coast
55) Help a child to discover reading
56) Be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras
57) Get certified in CPR
58) Travel the entire distance of the Trans-Siberian Railroad
59) Make an enemy
60) See an opera at the Palais Garnier
61) Ride on a roller coaster
62) Become a mother
63) Go to a midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show
64) Get an expensive manicure and not ruin it within 2 days
65) Continue to see the Nutracker with my dad every year
66) Attend a musical still in previews
67) Make my own candle
68) Go camping
69) Buy a pair of glasses without looking at the price tag
70) Visit Jim Morrison's grave
71) Make creampuffs from scratch
72) Have my picture in a brochure
73) Memorize a poem and recite it in public
74) Paint a room green
75) Read an entire book in French - understand it
76) Visit Mackinac Island when the lilac trees are in full bloom
77) Pet a lion
78) Take the man I love to see Camera degli Sposi
79) Watch all six Star Wars movies in a row
80) Serve a meal at a homeless shelter
81) Bake someone a birthday cake
82) Visit 5 Civil War battle fields
83) Join a book club
84) Send handmade Christmas cards
85) Read Middlemarch, Atlas Shrugged, and Ulysses
86) Stay one night at the The Waldorf Astoria
87) Cross-stitch an entire picture
88) Create a Wikipedia entry
89) Visit the UN building
90) Buy a great piece of furniture that isn't used
91) Travel to Budapest
92) Help build a house through Habitat for Humanity
93) Get my third tattoo
94) Make copies of all of my grandma's photos
95) Play slot machines in Vegas
96) Go salsa dancing until the sun comes up
97) Read all of Shakespeare's works
98) Eat crepes in Paris (again)
99) Watch the sunset from inside the "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" dinosaur
100) Finish this list:)