I'm tired of having to deal with people who resent me, not for who I am, but for what I represent.
I'm also tired of my friends telling me I'm being mean because I say, "Okay, so fuck those people." How am I supposed to react?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Bookshelf get
I successfully made the journey into Boston yesterday and secured myself an Ikea bookshelf for just five dollars. I found the place okay, it fit in my car okay, and the ad didn't turn out to be a ruse to lure murder victims to a secluded spot or whatever. :-)
The bookshelf itself looks unattractively cheap. I believe it to be particleboard, compressed wood sealed over with laminate. It is also that very pale bare-wood-looking color, which emphasizes its junkiness. It is, in my snobbish opinion, too ugly and certainly the wrong color either to put on stage or to keep in my house as is. So I've been doing some research on how to class it up a little. Apparently it seems the easiest way is to buy polyurethane spray paint that is supposed to change the color while leaving the grain still visible. If I can get it to work, it would look like darker wood, which would make it look nicer and less cheap. I think darker wood would be easier to match to any desk we're likely to find to borrow from the Brandeis set storage, and if I keep it myself it would go better with my furniture, a dark bedroom set and reddish-brown desk. It might not work, apparently laminate is hard to paint and while the polyurethane can work it's sometimes tough to use, but I paid five bucks for this thing and I don't love it anyway, so who cares if it doesn't come out.
If anyone has any experience re-coloring laminate furniture, feel free to throw in your two cents and give me advice. Or if anybody wants to help me with this little project, I'd welcome the assistance.
The bookshelf itself looks unattractively cheap. I believe it to be particleboard, compressed wood sealed over with laminate. It is also that very pale bare-wood-looking color, which emphasizes its junkiness. It is, in my snobbish opinion, too ugly and certainly the wrong color either to put on stage or to keep in my house as is. So I've been doing some research on how to class it up a little. Apparently it seems the easiest way is to buy polyurethane spray paint that is supposed to change the color while leaving the grain still visible. If I can get it to work, it would look like darker wood, which would make it look nicer and less cheap. I think darker wood would be easier to match to any desk we're likely to find to borrow from the Brandeis set storage, and if I keep it myself it would go better with my furniture, a dark bedroom set and reddish-brown desk. It might not work, apparently laminate is hard to paint and while the polyurethane can work it's sometimes tough to use, but I paid five bucks for this thing and I don't love it anyway, so who cares if it doesn't come out.
If anyone has any experience re-coloring laminate furniture, feel free to throw in your two cents and give me advice. Or if anybody wants to help me with this little project, I'd welcome the assistance.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Bookshelf trek
Eventful evening yesterday. A lovely group of BSCFers gathers at my house, while I spent the early part of the evening attending a read through of To Think of Nothing on Skype. Arranged by Charlotte, who is playing Selene, it was really good to get to hear another run through of the lines. I'm really grateful to Charlotte for organizing it, and I'd love to do it again if they have time before they get back from break. After that I went back out into the living room and spent some time with the guests before zonking out on the couch, as is typically for me for late gatherings. Sadly I missed an opportunity to play Small World, introduced to me by laurion* and my current favorite boardgame, but there will always be other chances. I'm planning on having another BSCF at my place next Thursday evening as well, so maybe then.
Today after work I am going into Boston to buy a bookshelf I found listed on Craigslist. It's a cheap, junky thing from Ikea, in most cases not something I'd consider worth it, but Bernie and I were talking about having a tall bookshelf in the background as part of the To Think of Nothing set, and this one is only five dollars. Maybe if I can make it look less cheap and tacky somehow (stain? I don't know what the thing's made of) I can get some use out of it myself. Not sure where I'll put it; I already have a shorter, wider bookshelf in my room that is actually getting a bit overcrowded, so I guess I could sub it in, but then I'd have to find a place for the old one.
Today after work I am going into Boston to buy a bookshelf I found listed on Craigslist. It's a cheap, junky thing from Ikea, in most cases not something I'd consider worth it, but Bernie and I were talking about having a tall bookshelf in the background as part of the To Think of Nothing set, and this one is only five dollars. Maybe if I can make it look less cheap and tacky somehow (stain? I don't know what the thing's made of) I can get some use out of it myself. Not sure where I'll put it; I already have a shorter, wider bookshelf in my room that is actually getting a bit overcrowded, so I guess I could sub it in, but then I'd have to find a place for the old one.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Stuff and things
I'm not sure what to make of when this lady in my office uses me for her personal errands. I know I'm supposed to help on her projects, but not all of this seems like "work for projects" so much as "chores vaguely relating to work I don't want to have to do myself." It's not like I have anything better to do most of the time, but nobody else has me renew their memberships to things or organize their filing cabinet. I don't really mind doing the stuff, but I'm a little put off by the feeling I get that she's taking an advantage that nobody else in the office feels it's appropriate to take.
Today I think I want to hit the costume shop and see if I can find any little bits and pieces to finish off my Redemption saloon girl costume. As I mentioned, right now I'm thinking a short crinoline, fishnet stockings, and maybe a lacy garter. I'd like to find some way to introduce a bit more color into the ensemble but all the most appropriate pieces I have for the look I want are black, and the yellow in the dress is an odd pale color that is tough to match anything to. Maybe the costume shop will give me ideas.
Also trying to do some preliminary rehearsal scheduling for To Think of Nothing. Right now I'm thinking I'd like to have one long full-cast rehearsal and a couple smaller rehearsals a week. The trouble is that the play requires all eight actors onstage at once for the bulk of it, so that means finding a time when everyone is available. I want to see about that early to minimizing scheduling difficulty. Right now I'm thinking four or so hours on Sundays for the long one, either in the afternoon or in the evening depending on what people prefer, and then just call them in smaller groups for shorter periods during the week. I've got my fingers crossed that will work out, because I think if we can swing that we're golden.
Today I think I want to hit the costume shop and see if I can find any little bits and pieces to finish off my Redemption saloon girl costume. As I mentioned, right now I'm thinking a short crinoline, fishnet stockings, and maybe a lacy garter. I'd like to find some way to introduce a bit more color into the ensemble but all the most appropriate pieces I have for the look I want are black, and the yellow in the dress is an odd pale color that is tough to match anything to. Maybe the costume shop will give me ideas.
Also trying to do some preliminary rehearsal scheduling for To Think of Nothing. Right now I'm thinking I'd like to have one long full-cast rehearsal and a couple smaller rehearsals a week. The trouble is that the play requires all eight actors onstage at once for the bulk of it, so that means finding a time when everyone is available. I want to see about that early to minimizing scheduling difficulty. Right now I'm thinking four or so hours on Sundays for the long one, either in the afternoon or in the evening depending on what people prefer, and then just call them in smaller groups for shorter periods during the week. I've got my fingers crossed that will work out, because I think if we can swing that we're golden.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Costuming ingenuity
I am quite pleased with myself.
Tonight I decided to give a little preliminary thought to my costume for Redemption. I was getting quite discouraged, going through all my clothes and various costume pieces trying to figure out what had that I could possibly wear as an Old West saloon girl and coming up with nothing. The only possibilty that seemed even vaguely close was this dress I thrifted a while back that is black lace overlaid on pale yellow. It's not really something I'd ever wear normally, and I keep being this close to throwing it away except for its potential to be useful as a costume. Still, even this isn't really right. So I started browsing the Internet looking for a more setting-appropriate saloon girl outfit for cheap.
I found a couple of neat, nice-looking options, but they were still just a little bit more money than I wanted to spend. I considered forking over the money, but then took a closer look and actually took note of the elements that went into the costumes-- bodices, gathered skirts, off-the-shoulder blouses. Huh. So I went back to my closet and tried to see what could simulate the same look. I put on the yellow dress with the lace overlay. Then I undid all the buttons on a gauzy ruffled black blouse and put it on over it. Lastly I pulled my black Victoria's Secret bodice (maybe bustier is a better word) on top of it all, and arranged the blouse so that it fell off my shoulders. Combined with my Victorian necklace, matching earrings, and my hair up, I had assembled a reasonable facsimile of the expensive ensembles I saw on the Internet, all out of stuff in my closet.
It's not a perfect look; there's too much black, but I'm not sure how to include any more color. I still could probably use a crinoline under the skirt, a pair of fishnet stockings, and maybe a lacy garter. And I still haven't decided what shoes I should wear, though I have several possibilities. I could probably go to the game as I am now and look great for the part, though I wouldn't mind buying those couple of other little accessories. I'm just really proud of myself for, instead of blowing money on an outfit I'd never wear again, putting together a solid basic costume without spending a dime on it.
Tonight I decided to give a little preliminary thought to my costume for Redemption. I was getting quite discouraged, going through all my clothes and various costume pieces trying to figure out what had that I could possibly wear as an Old West saloon girl and coming up with nothing. The only possibilty that seemed even vaguely close was this dress I thrifted a while back that is black lace overlaid on pale yellow. It's not really something I'd ever wear normally, and I keep being this close to throwing it away except for its potential to be useful as a costume. Still, even this isn't really right. So I started browsing the Internet looking for a more setting-appropriate saloon girl outfit for cheap.
I found a couple of neat, nice-looking options, but they were still just a little bit more money than I wanted to spend. I considered forking over the money, but then took a closer look and actually took note of the elements that went into the costumes-- bodices, gathered skirts, off-the-shoulder blouses. Huh. So I went back to my closet and tried to see what could simulate the same look. I put on the yellow dress with the lace overlay. Then I undid all the buttons on a gauzy ruffled black blouse and put it on over it. Lastly I pulled my black Victoria's Secret bodice (maybe bustier is a better word) on top of it all, and arranged the blouse so that it fell off my shoulders. Combined with my Victorian necklace, matching earrings, and my hair up, I had assembled a reasonable facsimile of the expensive ensembles I saw on the Internet, all out of stuff in my closet.
It's not a perfect look; there's too much black, but I'm not sure how to include any more color. I still could probably use a crinoline under the skirt, a pair of fishnet stockings, and maybe a lacy garter. And I still haven't decided what shoes I should wear, though I have several possibilities. I could probably go to the game as I am now and look great for the part, though I wouldn't mind buying those couple of other little accessories. I'm just really proud of myself for, instead of blowing money on an outfit I'd never wear again, putting together a solid basic costume without spending a dime on it.
New Years resolution
I accomplished my unpleasant chores yesterday and I am proud of myself. Nice to have the reminder that I have the power to overcome some of the struggles I've got going on now.
In this vein, I've decided on a New Years resolution. I'm going to try to be more at peace. For reasons I don't feel like discussing my life has become something of a mess these days, and I have been less able to cope with travails than I've ever been in my life. I have been grouchier, moodier, and more inclined to discontent. I really don't like this state of affairs. Unfortunately there isn't a lot of the tough stuff in my life I have the ability to change right now, so the best I can do is try not to let it get me as down as it has. So my resolution is, simply put, try to be less of a grouch.
I shall take strength from the fact that I know my life is a mess these days, but I am handling it fairly well. I hope I can use this to improve my ability to remain even-keeled and not let things so easily upset me.
In this vein, I've decided on a New Years resolution. I'm going to try to be more at peace. For reasons I don't feel like discussing my life has become something of a mess these days, and I have been less able to cope with travails than I've ever been in my life. I have been grouchier, moodier, and more inclined to discontent. I really don't like this state of affairs. Unfortunately there isn't a lot of the tough stuff in my life I have the ability to change right now, so the best I can do is try not to let it get me as down as it has. So my resolution is, simply put, try to be less of a grouch.
I shall take strength from the fact that I know my life is a mess these days, but I am handling it fairly well. I hope I can use this to improve my ability to remain even-keeled and not let things so easily upset me.
Monday, January 4, 2010
TToN date grab
It occurs to me that I should throw this out there early so you all can put it on your calendars.
To Think of Nothing will be playing two nights only in the Merrick Theater at Brandeis University, Thursday February 25th and Friday February 26th, tentatively planned to start at 8PM. The show should run no longer than an hour and a half.
This is probably the most significant thing I've done as a writer and artist. It would mean the world to me if you would do me the honor of marking this down and coming to see my show. If you are available on either date, please come join me for this important event.
Thank you.
To Think of Nothing will be playing two nights only in the Merrick Theater at Brandeis University, Thursday February 25th and Friday February 26th, tentatively planned to start at 8PM. The show should run no longer than an hour and a half.
This is probably the most significant thing I've done as a writer and artist. It would mean the world to me if you would do me the honor of marking this down and coming to see my show. If you are available on either date, please come join me for this important event.
Thank you.
Larp blah
I think I heard ninja_report* say the other day she got her casting for Super Villain Academy at Intercon already. Kinda sorry to hear it, as I'm still first on the waitlist for that. I guess it's still possible for there to be a drop between now and then, and I don't mind taking over a character without being cast, but it's beginning to look like I'm not getting in. My con schedule is lighter than I'd like this year-- I'm only running one thing and playing in one other, and still on the waitlist for two. And I hate not having a Friday game. Suppose there's still time, but I'm not optimistic.
Got my casting for Redemption at the end of January. I'm Rose Miller, the saloon girl. Looks like a decent part. Jared, however, is concerned his character is going to be everything he hates in a game, so I'm afraid he's either going to drop or have a lousy time. Not exactly what I planned, since I was looking forward for us to larp together with our friends. Just out of curiosity, who is everyone else playing?
Got my casting for Redemption at the end of January. I'm Rose Miller, the saloon girl. Looks like a decent part. Jared, however, is concerned his character is going to be everything he hates in a game, so I'm afraid he's either going to drop or have a lousy time. Not exactly what I planned, since I was looking forward for us to larp together with our friends. Just out of curiosity, who is everyone else playing?
Stressed out
Ball of tension today. The weekend was low-key and pleasant but since everything was shut down for the holiday and the snow it pushed my schedule regretfully far back. I have several uncomfortable tasks that must be accomplished today or I will be in trouble, and I am unable to let go of the fear that for reasons beyond my control I won't be able to. Plus it's cold and snowy, which always makes me uncomfortable and nervous, which means I'm grinding my teeth a lot. Such a bad habit, and one that always comes out when I'm too cold and too stressed.
Jared leaves for the Galapagos today, so I really want to be able to talk to him before he leaves. He'll be incommunicado for the whole of the ten-day trip. I'm really happy for him that he gets to go on such a fantastic vacation, but I'll be pretty lonely not being able to call him.
I've been meaning to come up with New Years resolutions, but haven't quite figured them out yet. This should entail figuring out what I've been doing wrong and need to work on for the past year, and trying not to repeat it in the coming one. Perhaps I've just been doing so many things wrong that I'm overwhelmed with choices. :-P
Jared leaves for the Galapagos today, so I really want to be able to talk to him before he leaves. He'll be incommunicado for the whole of the ten-day trip. I'm really happy for him that he gets to go on such a fantastic vacation, but I'll be pretty lonely not being able to call him.
I've been meaning to come up with New Years resolutions, but haven't quite figured them out yet. This should entail figuring out what I've been doing wrong and need to work on for the past year, and trying not to repeat it in the coming one. Perhaps I've just been doing so many things wrong that I'm overwhelmed with choices. :-P
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Finally found a use for D&D minis
Today I decided to really do some work on To Think of Nothing, and I got a lot done. Part of it was working with Bernie, who will be my co-director in order to satisfy school rules; we combined our powers to generate some cool ideas. And part of it was the fact that I finally found a way to make a useful physical model of the stage.
I'm a very visual learner, and sometimes it's hard for me to see what the stage composition will look like just in my head. This gave me a way to experiment with blocking in such a way as I could see what everyone will look like in relation to everyone else. For the stage itself I used a dungeon tile. Three d6's stood in for stage blocks, while part of a tiny jewelry box lid became the desk. I picked eight miniature figures and wrapped each one in a colored flag with the first initial of the character they represented on it. With this, I could click them around the stage and check their positioning.
I've always been inclined to use aids like this, but I've never exactly figured out howto make the model before. These D&D accoutrements have served nicely. I think this will help me a lot.
I'm a very visual learner, and sometimes it's hard for me to see what the stage composition will look like just in my head. This gave me a way to experiment with blocking in such a way as I could see what everyone will look like in relation to everyone else. For the stage itself I used a dungeon tile. Three d6's stood in for stage blocks, while part of a tiny jewelry box lid became the desk. I picked eight miniature figures and wrapped each one in a colored flag with the first initial of the character they represented on it. With this, I could click them around the stage and check their positioning.
I've always been inclined to use aids like this, but I've never exactly figured out howto make the model before. These D&D accoutrements have served nicely. I think this will help me a lot.
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