Thanks, Newsweek!
You just made me feel a lot better.
July 2, 2008
June 30, 2008
Stuff and Stuff
Hey dudes.
Life keeps going, doesn't it?
We got 4 kitties and a dog to their new Chicago homes, and it is great. Thank you all who helped with the search, especially Megan and Shannon. Y'all rule!
New episodes of the Silly Funny Goof Gang are being released weekly here!
Pollywog in a Bog, the Barenaked Ladies video that Noah painstakingly dedicated several months of his life to, is out! He made the puppets, built the set, puppeteered, edited, and animated it (with a little help from some friends.) It is amazing, and I am so proud of him and thrilled that I got to be a peripheral part of its creation. Watch it here!
I've decided that July 1st is going to be my new year, where I am going to focus on taking care of myself, working out, having as much fun as I can, getting financially stable, and dancing more. I am ready for a new beginning.
I hope all is well in the world of you guys!
June 2, 2008
6 Months
It's been 6 months since we lost Daddy. So weird. So much has happened in that 6 months that it is all so hard to wrap my mind around. A lot of good stuff, a lot of shitty stuff, but mainly I just try to get through each day as it comes to me. I miss Dad now more than ever. And each day doesn't get easier, each day only gets harder.
I think Daddy would be so proud of me. I just got back from an amazing trip to LA where I had opportunities in front of me that I never dreamed I would have. I promised to him in his final days that I would continue doing wackadoo comedy, and though I am not performing so much, I am still working my ass off on my shows. He was with me all last week in LA, I could tell.
I think he would be happy that Christopher and I are taking care of Mom as best we can. We helped her get through her struggle with her illness, and we continue to help her get through each day as best we can from far away. He would love that I am helping to find homes for all the little boogercats in Vicksburg, which is something he asked me to do. I think he would be proud of the fact that, although I have been struggling, I am doing the best I can to take care of myself.
I think he would also love the fact that I am sort of periferally involved in the making of a video about a frog. That one gets me--I tear up every time I hear the song. He would love it so much; I can just see him giggling and turning red and rubbing his beard.
Everything reminds me of Dad. Every little last thing. Which can be disturbing at times, cause I can't escape it, but it is also a comfort. I don't ever want to forget. And if it means I cry every day or at really random times, then so be it!!
We miss you, Daddy, and we love you so much. I hope you have had the most amazing 6 months ever. I can't imagine the splendor that you are experiencing!!
Ah, life.
I'll post more about the LA trip soon. For now, though, I'll just say that we rocked it. Exciting things are in our future--I can feel it!!
More soon! xoxo
April 4, 2008
Happiness
There are an infinite number of reasons why I love Fuzzy.
This is one of them:
February 26, 2008
Cats are Pretty
Hi guys! I am still here.
Things are going ok--I am still laying low with the occasional burst of energy. My new favorite pastime has become laying on the couch with the remote control. I have a lot to say, but found that I am quieter than ever. There are also some fun projects that I've done or are in the works that I'll get around to talking about sooner or later. I've been sick for the last 2 months for the most part, and that has worn me out. But mostly, I am just sad. So don't give up on me.
I know it will get easier, but it will always be hard.
January 29, 2008
For Sammy
Sammy made this for my for my birthday last year, and I just ran across it again. Boy, does it make me laugh. It is an old school joke that only a few people know, but I love love love it.
Hooray!
January 24, 2008
Doing ok
Hello hello! So I think I am doing ok. Sure, everyday is something new, but I a slooowly starting to feel myself seeping back in. I've seen a few more friends, been to some more counseling sessions, and have found myself starting to think about comedy again! Daydreaming about it, actually. And getting excited about it! That makes me so happy, cause I was afraid that I had just lost it. I got my hair cut, and it is awesome, and just a small but important way to feel good about yourself. I am feeling more like me. Hooray!
For the record, my husband is the most amazing person on the planet. He is the most loving, supportive, funny and wonderful man and I am so blessed to be with him. I am so very lucky.
It has been a quiet week. I am still fighting the ick. Still not feeling rested. But today I treated myself to a day of sleeping and weeping, and it is just what I needed.
That, and maybe some Ethiopian food...
January 6, 2008
Jumbled
I've tried to blog now almost every day for a solid week, and every time I do, I can't make it through. It is just too exhausting for me and I don't have the energy. I thought that a blog would be good to tell my friends about what is going on with me, but lookee, it is just another obligation. So here are some things:
Back in Therapy, it is awesome and hard.
Getting some mental/ physical help from a friend.
I know how lucky I am.
I am going to focus on working out, getting mentally fit and taking care of myself for a while instead of stressing about doing shows.
I gotta get my anxiety under control--I basically fall out at the thought of seeing people, being in groups, or having anything to do with being in or seeing a show. Patience.
Yeah! I am still me, though, guys! I think I am kinda cool. Maybe a little?
Thanks for all your support! More when I can...
January 3, 2008
One Day at a Time
Seriously, where is my head? I think I am all with it, and then I have some sort of blaring realization that I need to take things slow.
I started work yesterday--it was good to be back. Shannon is out till Monday, so I was there with the woman who was temping for me. It took me a little while to get back into the swing of things, and I need to remember that it is ok that I don't know the answers to the questions that my bosses are asking. I was gone for a while--it will get better. So when it was time to go, Jennifer (the temp) and I gather our things, I say to her--do you have your keys out? so she can lock the door, we get in our cars and go our separate ways. I run an errand and then start to go home, where Fuzzy was going to be meeting me. Halfway there, I realize that I don't have my keys. Do I have my keys? I don't think I grabbed them. Shoot--well, just let me call Fuzzy. Wait--do I have my phone? So I pulled into a gas station and looked for my phone. Nope. Plus, I am carrying a huge purse with too much stuff in it that I just threw in there from MS, so it is an ordeal. So I look around and see if there is a payphone. I can't tell you the last time I used a pay phone, but I certainly don't miss it. So I am standing there in my too-thin-a-jacket in temperatures that humans shouldn't be allowed in trying to find quarters for the phone, which of course eats $1.00 and doesn't let me make a call. At this point, it is 5:00pm, and Fuzzy leaves work at 5:30pm. I decide to try to go to his work before he leaves.
The drive downtown was actually pretty easy. There wasn't a lot of traffic, and with my new glasses, I can see to drive at night (it is amazing!). The problem was that there is hardly ever any parking around his office. So I get there, and put on my flashers in a tow zone. It is 5:25. I get out of the car, and then realize that there is a good chance that on a day like this, I will get towed, so I decide to forge ahead for parking. I was on the verge of tears and dealing with some crummy traffic, so I say a prayer asking God to help me in this situation and find somewhere to park so I could catch Fuzzy in time (I just knew that he would have left early and then I was at his work without him.) As I pulled up to an intersection, a car miraculously pulled out of a meter spot in front of me. God provides! Throwing many thanks up to Heaven, I parked, raced inside and found Fuzzy right before he got ready to leave. Success!!
I know that it is no big deal and that it was never a tragedy--I am perfectly capable to buying time and I could have waited for him to go home, plus a lot of friends have spare sets of keys I could have used. But I think it is a perfect example of the fact that I am still a little loopy and as Kate said, having some culture-shocky symptoms. And that is ok.
2008's mantra should be--Slow Down. One Day at a Time.
December 27, 2007
The New Normal
Warning--kind of stream of conscious-y.
I am back in Chicago. It is so great to be back. I've spent a lot of time with my kitties, seen some great friends-though only a couple (I'm still hiding), written a ton of thank you notes (I still have a ways to go, though), spent a little time in the cold (yikes-I have readjusted to MS winters. Why is it so cold here?) but all in all things are good. It was hard, so hard, leaving Mom--I wish I could just take care of her everyday and help her get better. But as she and everyone knows, it was time for me to get back to my home of almost 8 years with my sweet and wonderful Fuzzy. I am excited about 2008--I think good things are going to come out of it. And it has to be better than 2007. Don't get me wrong, there were a lot of great things to come out of 2007, but it was absolutely the hardest year of my life. I am still the same ole Erica, but I am forever changed.
I am scared about a lot of things. I am scared about getting back into a routine. I love everything that I have been doing, but I am not sure that those things are what I still want. I want to make so many changes, but that is often the hardest thing to do. But getting back to Normal is something that my Mom and I have talked about a lot--Normal only shows what is missing. I want the New Normal.
Ok, 2007, lets reflect.
In 2007, I took a lot of pride in the work I was doing. Blewt came even more into its own and is steadily growing.
I helped write and performed in Soiree DADA with WNEP--a show that I never tired of, but that left me physically and emotionally exhausted for weeks.
I started choreographing wedding dances, which is something I love greatly.
I reconnected with a lot of friends.
I turned 28, which was at once, a terribly hard and unimportant day-- due to dad's illness-- that Fuzzy later turned into one of the sweetest most wonderful days I can remember.
I moved into an apartment that I truly feel at home in--a rare occurance for me.
I learned how to truly be honest with people, even if it hurt or was difficult or left me completely vulnerable and open. I learned that honesty is often hard to hear, but almost always is the best. Communication is key.
I fell in love with Fuzzy every day.
I realized the true value of a family, and that great people make a difference in many lives.
I learned how special my Dad truly was.
I spent what seems like half the year in my hometown.
I learned exactly how much support I have and how many amazing friends I am blessed with.
I took joy in taking care of my father and my favorite part of the day for a few weeks in November was waking up in the morning, going downstairs, waving to my daddy who was anxiously waiting for me, and fixing him breakfast. For all the years that Mom and Dad took care of me, it was an honor to be able to return the favor.
I cried a lot.
I watched my sweet Daddy die.
Things I am striving for in 2008 (edited/ updated)
I want to have fun. I spent the last 3 1/2 years with a burden on my shoulders that was always there. Fuzzy and I were only together for a month before the docs' found Dad's cancer, so I am looking forward to what our lives will be like without that stress.
I want to get into a good physical shape. I want to start dancing again.
I want to unclutter the house. I want to feel more domesticated. I want to be unpacked 100%, something that has not happened since I moved here in 2000.
Purge Purge Purge! Books, cds, DVDs, clothes--I want to give it away to someone who needs it more.
I am going to have to get used to not talking to, seeing, or hugging one of the most important people in my life.
I will diligently try to be as giving as possible to everyone I encounter.
I want to choreograph more. I want to write something funny and important for women. I want to make more of a name for myself, but I want to perform less.
I want to get out of debt as much as possible.
I want to buy a new dress. I want to start feeling pretty again.
I want to cut out all the bullshit.
I want to look out for myself.
I want more time with Fuzzy. That isn't tied to stress or something that we have to do.
I want to be happy.
All in all, life is truly what you make of it. If you are stuck, change the routine. Unhappy? Take a risk. That first time will always be scary, but it will be a memory that you will never forget. Each day is a blessing and a new adventure. And I am super excited to see what will happen this year. The sky is the limit! For real, though, in a non-cliche' way. Blah blah whatever, we figure it out as we go.
Today, though, I feel good: inspired, rested, happy. Excited for taking that step.
Happy New Year, everyone.
December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
To all my beloved friends and family, I wish you a wonderful and blessed Christmas. Thank you for all your love and support throughout the years--you are each a blessing to me.
Merry Christmas!
December 4, 2007
Daddy's Obituary
From today's Vicksburg Post:
G. David Reid died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at his residence. He was 53.
Mr. Reid was born in Jackson and moved to Vicksburg when he was 1 month old. He was a 1972 graduate of Warren Central High School and attended Hinds Community College and Mississippi College. He was an electrical technician with various companies and, at the time of his death, was an employee of IGT. Mr. Reid loved his family, music, movies, animals and laughter. He was devoted to his faith.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bane Reid of Vicksburg; a daughter, Erica Reid Gerdes and her husband, Fuzzy, of Chicago; a son, Christopher Reid and his wife, Katie, of Columbia, S.C.; his mother, Norma Reid of Vicksburg; a sister, Susan Mahan of Vevay, Ind.; and two brothers, Carl Reid of Flowood and Kyle Reid of Hattiesburg.
He was preceded in death by his father, George L. Reid.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Riles Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Biedenharn, pastor of the Byhalia United Methodist Church in Byhalia, officiating. Burial will be at Green Acres Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday at Riles Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Box 1193, Vicksburg, MS 39181.
December 3, 2007
Services
Visitation, Wednesday, December 5, 2007 from 5-7 pm at the Riles Funeral Home (5000 Indiana Ave, Vicksburg, MS 39180).
Service, Thursday, December 6, 2007 at 11 am at Riles Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Green Acres Cemetery (191 Highway 80, Vicksburg, MS 39180).
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to the American Cancer Society in Vicksburg.
More info to come.
My Sweet Little Daddy
Pic by Noah Ginex
December 2, 2007, my sweet little daddy passed away. He was everything to me, and it was an honor to be there when he passed over into Heaven. I would be nothing without my family.
Thank you.
October 29, 2007
My Love and My River
Fuzzy and I on the Mississippi River in my hometown. The other side of the river is Louisiana.
Quick Stuff
Sorry if I have fallen off the face of the planet lately. I guess I just haven't had much to say!
I have been to MS a couple times in the last few weeks.
DADA closed--that show was awesome.
Don't Spit the Water is rocking out in Arlington Heights. So much fun.
Dad met Gregg Allman!! www.triciadishes.blogspot.com
The unpacking is slow, but we are still making progress.
Hope all is well!
September 22, 2007
Ramble Ramble
Oh boy am I tired.
We've moved into our new apartment, and it is AWESOME. We really feel at home here, and it has only been a week. It is much bigger than our old place, has a sunroom that the cats love, in unit laundry which we love, and cheaper rent. We still have to get a lot of stuff out of our old place and do lots of cleaning, but it shouldn't be too hard. Then we will start the task of purging, and purge purge purge.
DADA is going great--we've gotten TONS of great press and Flutter's face has been in a number of different Chicago publications. I love everything about the show--the cast & crew (who are all amazing people--I love them all), the show itself, the audience response. It has been really good therapy for me and a huge challenge, and I am so so proud of all the work that has gone into it and the finished product. If you live in Chicago and haven't yet seen it, I highly recommend that you do, and I would be telling you this even if I weren't in the show.
My knees, however, do not love the show. Nor do my hips and shoulders. But tough "S" for now, knees, hips, and shoulders...you can rest in November.
Impress these Apes was a huge hit and we had a blowout of a final show. Fuzzy did a great job in the run and I am so proud of him--I know how hard that show is to do. All the contestants were so unique and so interesting to watch. I love the Blewt guys and their brilliant minds...
DSTW is going to be in Arlington Heights for the next 8 weeks. I will do the final 3 shows after DADA closes and a quick trip to MS. Should be fun!
Christopher and Katie are now homeowners! Congrats, guys! I cannot wait to see the place. I am thinking about you.
Congrats to all my friends with babies on the way! 5 close friends of mine are all growing little nuggets of soon-to-be adorableness.
Yay to the reccent engageys, too! Wink wink!
Dad is doing pretty ok these days, and that is nice. He has to go back to work at the start of October in order to keep his insurance, and personally, that really pisses me off. I hope that it will be easy on him and give him more and more energy to keep healing. Mom is a total rockstar for taking care of him and the memaws and keeping an even keel--now if only she would go to the doctor for her hip...
Well, it has been an hour since my show ended tonight, and that means my body is about to give up for the evening, so I think I am going to reward myself with a nice bath. Much much love to everyone reading this, and I hope I can see you all soon.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
August 1, 2007
Cats Cats and Cats!
Christopher has posted a photographic tour of mom and dad's gaggle of cats. Seriously. Check it out. It is amazing.
June 8, 2007
Solution!
Fuzzy was hiding UNDER THE SOCK!!!
Solution!
Fuzzy was hiding UNDER THE SOCK!!!
May 26, 2007
Update on Dad
I am too exhausted these days to keep people informed on the going on's of Dad's health, so if you want an update, here is my brother's update and my mom's blog, which is always updated.
Thanks to all for your kindness and prayers.
April 4, 2007
Kitty Loaf
Vote for Kate's shirt at Threadless.com!
Hooray for Kitty Loaves!
March 16, 2007
6 Weird Things About Me
Kate Tagged me for '6 Weird Things about Me." And while there are way more weird things about me than not, here are a few that come to mind:
1. I hate wearing socks, but if I don't, I sweat profusely. To compromise, if I am home, I will often wear my socks on only half of my feet. I pull them off to my arches and let the rest hang.
2. If I find a song that I really really like, I will listen to it on repeat for hours and not get tired of it.
3. I refuse to read, watch, or listen to the news, because I have no desire to know what is going on in the world. I realize that this makes me ignorant of my rights and surroundings, but ignorance is bliss.
4. When I eat, I eat in even portions, so that I am left with one bite of everything on my plate at the end of the meal. Then I eat the bites all at once, so I don't have to decide what flavor I am left with in my mouth last.
5. I like to lay on top of my fatty cat, Parker. Sometimes I run from far away and "jump" on top of her to lay on her. I call it "clobbering." It comforts me.
6. I have a hole in one of my molars that is the perfect size for a strawberry seed. Every single time I eat a strawberry, or even a piece of one, a seed gets lodged into the hole, and I have to use force to pick it out. It is like they know that hole is there, and it is filled with a comfy bed and a down comforter or something, cause they all wanna go there right off the bat.
And you know, all those other weird things about me. Let's keep this going. I'll tag Margaret, Bilal, Steve, Rine-Stone, and Christopher.
February 1, 2007
February Already?
Things are good. Busy. Travel. Shows. Yes.
January 16, 2007
Noah Ginex Podcast!
Noah Ginex, the brilliant puppet maker and mastermind behind Fuzzy's and my Save the Date cards has an awesome podcast that I have had the honor of being a part of. And I must say, that the news portion is very informative, as I learned about the Keith Richards falling out of a tree incident as well as the passing of Billy Preston from the podcast. I highly recommend subscribing to the podcast.
Here are links to the three that I have participated in, all in the improv interview portions, but you should listen to the whole thing. I highly recommend watching the podcast while you listen, as there is an amazing picture of Fuzzy and I of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the first one and of fatty Santas in the third one. Noah's pretty great with the photoshop.
Interview of Fuzzy Gerdes and Erica Reid featuring the amazing "Plasticine Doodley Doo" song
The Don't Spit the Water Interview
The Christmas Podcast
And you should totally listen to the rest of the podcasts, too.
Hey--did anyone notice how linky I am in this post? Fuzzy is rubbing off on me!!
January 1, 2007
Happy 2007!
2007 is going to be a great year. I had labelled 2006 as 'the year that everything changes'--which is so true--so now I am dubbing 2007 'the year to adapt and enjoy.' I usually write manifestos at the beginning of the year of all the things I know that I am going to do, so here is a random sampling list of things that I will achieve in 2007.
I will get out of debt.
I will travel a lot (though not a good way to get out of debt.)
In travelling, I will go to SC, Las Vegas, NY, Oregon, Los Angeles, Michigan (some of those trips are planned, some not yet) and MS as much as possible.
I will learn to walk properly in high heels.
I will book a national commercial.
I will get paid more to do creative things.
I will enjoy my jobs.
I will not stress out about my show/ rehearsal schedule having control over me.
I will love my husband every second of every day.
I will celebrate my 1 year wedding anniversary.
I will send letters to people.
I will become a better dancer.
I will get in shape.
I will move to a new apartment.
I will keep a tidy apartment.
I will get rid of unneccessary things.
I will see people that I don't see very often.
I will turn 28.
I will not judge.
I will laugh everyday.
I will play.
The best part? I am already doing a lot of those things now. 2006 was amazing and I know that it will continue--it already is! Cheers to the new year!
December 21, 2006
Timekeeper Willis Workout Video
Here is a clip from our DSTW timekeeper's new workout video!
November 19, 2006
Erica is a Neo!
YAY! Erica (Red) Livingston is a New York NeoFuturist! And I am totally not surprised--she has been destined to be one since the dawn of time. I am so proud of her and her hard work and we can't wait to get out to NY to see her in a show!
Here is a pic of her in rehearsal and a sneak peek from the NY Neo Blog.
October 23, 2006
My sweet husband!
Wowza! Look at that dapper fella! My heart just melted a bit. Soooo handsome.
June 9, 2006
Just thinking...
So what is going on with me? Lets take a look:
1. Our wedding is next month! Everything is so wonderful and really coming together. I am so excited!
2. Fuzzy is the most amazing and wonderful and perfect man in the whole universe and I have absolutely no clue how he managed to fall in love with someone so totally cracked out and wacked in the head. And Fuzzy continues to amaze me every single day. And the more cracked out I am, the more wonderful he is. I am honestly the luckiest woman in the world. For real. I am so in love.
3. I quit one job, am currently working at a temp one, and am about to start one working in a Chocolate Shop! Then post-wedding, I am going to try the whole audition thing again for some paid work. And do more choreography.
4. My awesome brother and sister-in-law are in Africa this month doing wonderful things and being wonderful. I honestly believe that they are going to Save The World.
5. Sara and Erik's baby is coming really soon! Yay!
6. Jessica is getting married next week!
7. Mom and Dad are rockstars and are fighting all of their adversity with grace and Faith and a PUA (positive upbeat attitude). They are my heroes.
8. The cats are precious.
9. We have crummy neighbors.
10. I have a lot of amazing friends. I am so lucky to be around so many wonderful and creative people.
11. I am behind on many things and may not catch up.
12. I want to purge a lot of my past before I signify the beginning of the next phase.
13. I feel older now than I ever have. Turning 27 really was a change for me. I love feeling more adult, but I want to shed myself of the younger things. I am really excited about the future and the newness of it all. I cannot wait to be married.
I think that is all from me today. Tune in again in a couple months to see what I have to say then.
And visit www.ericaandfuzzy.com
Chao.
E
March 7, 2006
4 Things
Hooray for Blog Surveys! Fuzzy challenged me with this earlier, so here goes!
Four jobs I’ve had
Box Office Manager, New Stage Theatre, Jackson, MS
Assistant Box Office Manager, Goodman Theatre, Chicago, IL
"Meter Maid" event promoting model
Choreographer
Four movies I can watch over and over
Waiting for Guffman
Coalminer's Daughter
Jackass
Notting Hill
Four TV shows I love to watch
Beavis and Butthead
America's Next Top Model
The Office
Project Runway
Four places I’ve been on vacation
Florida
Paris, France
Atlanta, GA
New Orleans, LA
Four favorite dishes
BBQ Sausage Sandwich-- double meat, & potato salad at Goldies in Vicksburg, MS
Pita Mozz w/ Feta, iced tea, chicken Gyro from Keifer's in Jackson, MS
Chopped steak--medium well, grits, 2 eggs over medium, wheat toast-buttered from Little Corner Restaurant in Chicago, IL
Ham & Cheese crepe, chocolate & coconut crepe from Le Creperie in Chicago, IL
Four websites I visit daily
Fuzzyco.com
Chicago Improv Network
Required Reiding
BankOne
Four places I’d rather be
anywhere with Fuzzy
with my family
somewhere warm where we can wear shorts and bikini tops
in a field sleeping
Four bloggers I’m tagging
Not gonna tag, but here are some of my favorite words:
Vestibule
Plasticine
Butt
Turtle
February 14, 2006
In loving memory of Bumble...
Today we remember the life of the Best Cat In The History Of The World, Bumble Reid.
Born on March 13, 1982, Bumble brought us almost 16 years of cuddles, laughter, shaking the keys to get him outside, fake water drinking, sitting in front of invisible walls, walking on tiny branches to get to squirrels, laying on the heating vent, and so much more.
Thanks, Cutie, for birthing our sweet Bummy.
(Yes, my DSTW character is a reference to both Cutie and Bumble.)
Bumble Reid
March 13, 1982 - February 14, 1998
My kingdom for some sleep...
I don't know how many of you actually read this site, and I can't blame you if you don't. I rarely post, and when I do, it is all "come to my show" posts. Not really that exciting. But if you do read this, and you want to know what has been going on, then, maybe I can ramble about it here.
Dido, Queen of Carthage opens this week! And all the hard work has totally paid off. The show is amazing and beautiful and I am blown away by it. Last night, at tech, I got all teary-eyed during one scene. The effects gave me chills. And I have to say that feel outrageously gorgeous in my costume. I am really proud if this show.
Oh, and my hair is blue.
After tech this week, I'll have my Mon, Tues, & Wednesday nights free. Well, at least after next week I will...I have a few rehearsals with the Belmont Bombshells about the new intro dance for the Belmont Burlesque Revue (premiering Saturday Feb 25--it is pretty freaking adorable, I might add.)
In all of my show juggling, my back has decided to rear its stubborn head and give me hell. I can barely move without major pain all over my mid back. It is no surprise to me--I've always had back and joint issues (from scoliosis and years of abusing my body with dance) and everytime I do too much, my body finds a way for me to shut down. In high school, it was with painful knees (10th grade), broken wrists (11th grade--from passing out at a rehearsal mid-sutenu turn), and dislocated knees (12th grade), and as I've grown into an adult, it is with more extreme cases, such as kidney stones and cramped neck and shoulder muscles. So this back thing is all a part of it. While my muscle relaxers make me groggy in the morning, they help me sleep without pain at night. I just have to use them only as needed.
After Dido closes, I am really going to be dilligent about taking some time off. I need to work on getting my health in order and I want to focus a lot on the wedding. And I kind of just want to relax and see friends and be a little bit normal for a while. I love performing so much, but it should always be fun and not a chore--I am afraid that it gets a little chore-y too often for me. Therefore, balance is key. I need all the help I can get, so if you hear me talking about 5 projects this spring/ summer, please give me a nice hard slap on the face (or the ass).
SINema is going well, and is a whole heck of a lot of fun. I find that when I completely stop caring and am kinda out of it, I am much funnier and less likely to hold back. I was proud of my performance in last week's show.
DSTW is awesome as always and is so fun to play in and watch. We sadly had to cancel the show on Saturday, but I'll still do a show here and there with it. Plus, Jeff and I have choreographed a doozy of a musical number for the steady cast...
KOKO is about to be a little different for a while--Megan is going to be a cast member with the Second City boat cruise gig they have for the next 4 months, and Rebecca was hired to be a cast member of Second City's Touring Company, so she will be on the road quite a bit coming up.
Fuzzy is amazing and rocking out a million projects, too--with directing/ producing SINema, performing in a number of burlesque variety shows, coaching an improv team, and taking a class. He is constantly an inspiration to me, and so so so talented.
We also have a lot of friends scheduled to visit in the next few weeks! Alex and his girlfriend and Kirk will be in soon (March 4-5 weekend) and Melissa and Grady will be here the week following that, then Lawrence will be in soon after that! That is a lot of entertaining...
So yeah--basically, everything is great, we are always having fun, and there isn't enough sleep in the world that I can get...but soon! Soon, it will be nothing but sleep and relaxing! Right? Right?
February 3, 2006
Happy Birthday, Fuzzy!!
It is February 3rd and the birthday of the love my my life!
Happy 36th birthday, my sweet!! I look forward to all the decades of your birthdays that we will share.
Cheers!
January 10, 2006
Midgetbusdriver
The story of Midgetbusdriver goes like this: Upon my moving to Chicago almost 6 years ago, I suffered from severe separation anxiety from my 2 best friends, Erica and Sara. Therefore, we made lots of 3-way calls. One night, we when all 3 of us were AOL subscribers, we tried to come up with as many random usernames as possible for each of our 5 possible screennames. The brainstorming was hilarious and brilliantly created some of these gems: donkeybasketball, frontalthong, nardotwoshoes, pickyourafro, chickenlipstick, etc. Sara at one point said, "Midgetbusdriver....you know, cause you never see those." And thus the email, screenname, and later website was born.
For Christmas this year, Fuzzy showered me with many wonderful presents (as always). One particularly amazing one is this:
Yes, that is in fact, a midgetbusdriver. Yes, it was created especially for me.
The artist is Francesco Marciuliano, of www.DrinkatWork.com (with the Web Comic Medium Large http://www.drinkatwork.com/mediumlarge.html) and Sally Forth (writes the dialogue) fame.
I feel so special.