Something that has been a great comfort to me lately is the universality of theatre. Moving to a new city I just wasn't sure what to expect. You know, do people do things the same way in the professional world? Is it going to be unrecognizably different? But so far, all the games and warm ups we've done at camp are the same ones I do/did in Titanic and at UW. When I teach things and use either improv terminology or theatre concepts, the other teacher can pick up exactly where I leave off. In rehearsals for the show I'm SMing right now, I hear the director use all the same words I know. In my interview today I knew all the vocabulary to use when I was describing my vision and ideas. I am a lot more prepared than I ever realized...

I should not have ordered this sandwich. How did I not notice there were raisins in it? Very disappointed in myself. Killing time in a cafe by Union Station, waiting to get on the bus to Madison. I don't really know what I'll be doing in Madison once I get there, but the break will be nice. I had an interview with a temp agency this morning...I'm registered now and will hopefully start getting work in a couple weeks. Everyone there was really nice and it seems like it will be good. Next week the summer camp fun continues, too. Kids are ridiculous. It's pretty interesting to watch.

That's basically my life right now. I had a wave of "God, I can't believe I live here" this morning. Most of the time I don't notice it though.

Ugh, in case anyone was wondering, netbooks are IMPOSSIBLE to type on.

June 15

That first bite of food after forgetting to eat all day (and almost passing out from hunger on the train) is GLORIOUS!

Some days it's really nice to do absolutely nothing. And listen to Elliott Smith for hours on end.

I got to do improv today! It was for an audition, but there was scene work and callbacks and freeze tag and all things glorious. There's something satisfying about knowing I did my personal best under the circumstances and that the way I played was true to my style. I can't control whether they liked my style or not, but I was pleased.

I have gotten behind on this blog. So...

June 11

After less than a week in Chicago, I randomly ran into a person on the train platform that I'd met the night before at a benefit. Small world or what??

June 12

Simple joy/the greatest thing ever of the day: the place I discovered that sells Chocolate Shoppe ice cream. I was legitimately concerned at not being able to eat raspberry truffle any time I desire. Good thing I don't have to worry about that anymore...

June 10

It amazes me how much less shy I've gotten in the last few years. I didn't notice it til the last week or so when I've been in all these new situations. It's not easy, but it's definitely easier than it used to be.

I'm going to use all my time on the train to read plays. I got through an act of Skin of our Teeth on my way to the theatre this morning (decided it was time for a reread of that one--really incredible play). If I keep up like that, I'll get through my whole bookshelf this summer!

No matter how crappy I feel, looking at my bookshelf all stocked with books makes me feel better. It is so full of possibility.

I am comforted by how small the world is. The cashier at Zara today was best friends with a girl who lives on my block in STP. Weird!

P.S. I love Chicago and miss Madison and why can't I be everywhere at once??

June 6

The grocery store by my apartment is amazing. Sabra hummus: $2. Peaches: .59/lb. Blackberries 99c. Plus I bought guava juice and could have gotten cactus leaves if I was truly feeling adventurous.

Today, I have a real appreciation for how sad I feel. I can't believe how much I've come to love this place.

Best part of today so far: picking up the keys to my new apartment.

In spite of it all

I am really determined to do this every day, it's kind of a personal challenge. Sooo...

Yesterday: This one was hard to come up with, given the events of yesterday (another setback and frantically searching for a place to live). But I can honestly say that it was a great feeling when I zoned out and almost missed my train stop, because that means that I'm comfortable enough on the train not to be completely alert. Which also means it took me less than 24 hours to get comfortable with the El. Just 3 lines, but still. Go me.

Today: Being reminded of why I'm here in the first place. In many ways this has been the week from hell. Physically and emotionally draining, fast paced, etc. But I went to see Endgame at Steppenwolf tonight (the first thing I've done all week that I really wanted to do just for myself), and I was truly impressed. And it made me check in with myself and think about how what I'm coming here for is to do work like that. It's a good refocusing. Necessary.

Things are going to be okay. I like it here.

A good feeling: REAL exhaustion. Between the almost-all-nighter packing last night, the four hour bus ride, and navigating the city of Chicago by train for the first time (all alone), I am thoroughly spent. It would be a better feeling if I didn't have to get up at 7 tomorrow morning, but hey...