Christmas

Home again from a three week tour of Texas -- without a car. As most of my readers participated in the trip, this post will be less a description of events and more a list of thank yous.

Thank you for...

...opening your homes and cars to me.
...driving far out of your way, twice.
...going back to Target for a jacket.
...teaching David cribbage while I was there.
...sharing the pilot of Bones.
...Season 2 of Fringe.
...pastistio.
...your generosity....Lego Star Wars.
...hugs.
...getting me into the zoo.
...a post-season sweet potato casserole.
...Pride and Prejudice....Disney Princess card games
...teaching me to aim and making me use the .38.
...Chick fil A milkshakes.
...big Christmas surprises.
...the flights....reading the book first.
...sharing French fries at Five Guys.

Thank you for being a great big loving family!

Thank you for a Christmas worth waiting for!

Independence Day

You know those times in life where you just have to do something simply because it's available?  Yesterday, when I finished rehearsal at 6:00 instead of 10:00, it was clear that I needed to go to the fireworks display in Manhattan.  I called up a college friend (Shelly) who is summering in NYC and (as I hoped and suspected) she was meeting a group of people on the roof of an apartment building to watch the show.  I took my first American train ride, Shelly met me at the station, and we got there in perfect time to savor some watermelon and enjoy the fireworks.  As it turned out, we only saw about half the show, specifically the top half, since there were several taller buildings in front of us, but we didn't mind -- it was a beautiful night and we beat the crowds being further out.

It was a simple trip, but great to catch up with Shelly and get away from campus for a bit.  I hope yesterday was a holiday for everyone!

 

Could've Licked the Liberty Bell

Last Saturday, I found myself with an entire day off and took advantage of the time to go to Philadelphia.  I was able to spend a casual day in the Independence Hall area, visiting the Hall and nearby buildings along with the Liberty Bell.  After I saw the stuff downtown, I went to the Edgar Allan Poe house just to see what it was.  There wasn't much there in terms of artifacts, but the house was well-preserved.  It was very pretty, but also a great place to tell ghost stories and the people that worked there were extremely welcoming and friendly.  I very much enjoyed my day and the fact that I'm close enough to do this sort of thing.  Now if only Boston were a bit closer...

Picture time!

Title quote is from an episode of 'How I Met Your Mother'

Independence Hall

Revisting an pose from when I didn't have to reach down to hold the handle

Edgar Allan Poe cellar.  Creepy.

   

Everything's Up to Date in Kansas City

Fortunately this song only passed through my head a few times as I spent four days in the heart of Kansas City.  The occasion was USITT, a conference for theatre nerds to gather.  The conference was AWESOME.

It consisted of several sessions on various related topics.  Some of the sessions had their dull points, but many of them were useful in one way or another.  I picked up a lot of useful tricks for the future, filled in a few more puzzle pieces of how professional theatres work, and received a lot of confirmation that my education at Baylor is a solid, empowering one.  

USITT also includes an exposition floor with booths selling all manner of new technology and several rows of schools and theatres.  I found it fascinating to see what's being made for theatres and was pleased to see that there are more companies than I realized making products specifically for theatrical events.  I also had the chance to interview with a theatre in the middle of the conference just because I was there.

In the evenings we were able to see a bit of the city.  A couple of our professors were also at the conference and we joined them for dinner a couple of nights, including one meal in a revolving restaurant above a hotel.

Overall, I am pleased to report that the trip was very fun and empowering.  I'm keeping it in mind for next year...

Testing one of the flying machines

The four of us and the city

 

On the road...

Just an update from a Crowne Plaza from Kansas City, MO.  I have spent the day driving up here with three pals (a rather successful trip in spite of the territory we were passing through) and we're now planning out our next three days at USITT (probably standing for United States Institute of Theatre Technology).  Looking forward to a couple days with good friends and many, many theatre related discussions/sessions.  Woohoo!

Practically Perfect in Every Way

...or every once in a while.

Fall Break is a random day off in the fall -- but just one.  We all agree that the label is a bit of a misnomer, but a day off is a day off.  For the first evening of Fall Break this year I went with two friends (one fellow stage manager and one actor) to see Mary Poppins in Dallas.  It was not the best adaptation as Mary became unlikeable and the mother, the only character without depth in the movie, became the only character with depth in the play with the exception of Bert who was just as charming as ever.  The production however is filled to the brim with what we call "flash-and-trash" -- essentially a lot of technical tricks and treats with only a fluffy plot to support it.

After the show, we went to the stage door and asked for one of the stage managers.  We chatted with him for a while and asked if we could see the arrangement backstage.  We mentioned that we could come to Houston and he invited us to meet them there and watch a full show from backstage.  

Two weeks later, Cynthia and I ventured to Houston, stopped by my sister's, went to my nephew's t-ball game, then made our way to the Hobby Center.  Both of us sat on headset the entire time and I spent the first act sitting stage left behind the stage manager who was calling the show.  I looked over his shoulder at the calling book and he showed me the screens he watched from a deck of TV monitors that he used to call his cues.  For the second act, Cynthia sat there while I shadowed the stage manager stage right.  He took me through all the checks he has to perform and he showed me a lot of the mechanics for what happens stage right.  In fact, I stood on stage (behind the nursery) during one of the songs.

It was a priceless experience, following the professionals, asking questions, and seeing what it's really like backstage (not that different than us except much more high-tech).  So while the plot may not have been what I was looking for, my Mary Poppins excursion was practically perfect in every way. 

Photo Hunter: Advertisement

In my love for taking pictures of amusing signs, I assumed that the hardest part of this week's theme would be narrowing down the choices.  However, I quickly stumbled across the perfect picture.  I presume from the disappearance of this product's availability, this was a very successful advertisement.

Photo Hunter

Photo Hunter: Plastic

Plastic? Really? Okay. Here goes!

The summer after my junior year in high school I went on a summer-long mission trip to Peru. As we were approaching the city in our small airplane I noticed the periodic columns of smoke. When we got to the place where we were staying we saw a well and excitedly ran over to check it out. We were disappointed to find that it had a bunch of trash in the bottom. We found out later that they used these "wells" to collect trash in and once it reached a certain point they would burn it. Thus, the smoke. My friend, Rachel, and I had a habit of wishing at the trash well which was a fun game for the summer. Here is a picture of us wishing on our plastic coke bottles:

Also in Peru, our plastic shower. This was all good and well until the kid on the street got his kite stuck in the tree above the shower and climbed up to retrieve it...

Photo Hunter

Photo Hunter: Walking

I have now been to a couple of countries where they drive on the left side of the road. This wasn't as confusing as I expected in the form of motor transportion, largely because I never drove. However, as a pedestrian I lost all confidence in my ability to cross a street because I learned how instinctive it is to look over a particular shoulder first and how impossible it is to consciously change how I view things. That is why I greatly appreciated these instructions when walking in Hong Kong, especially with the arrow:

Photo Hunter

Photo Hunter: Stripes

This is one that was so painfully obvious I wanted to look for something out of the ordinary (ie, not a striped shirt). I was pleased to find this picture of my mom in front of her university for language school and for this exercise we want to focus on the traffic stripes. Mom said she had to cross the street so quickly, with such broad strides that she felt like she was on Abbey Road.

Photo Hunter

Photo Hunter: Space

After a trip to Ecuador, my brother was asked how many people you can fit on an Ecaudorian bus. My brother wisely answered, "One more." This concept holds true for much of the world, particularly Latin America. On last year's church trip to Juarez, Mexico, my team had to fit 70-something people on a school bus (capacity 48?) along with several boxes for sound equipment, drama equipment, often our lunches, and at least one guitar. Here is a small sample of the lack of space:

Also, here are some cloud shadows from a recent trip through space.

Photo Hunter

Tag, I'm It!

I'm the last in the family to post so here it is:

1. Go to the 4th picture folder on your computer.
2.Post the 4th picture in that folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 more bloggers.



The fourth folder is 2005 which is essentially my mission trip to Peru. This is from a time when our boys started playing futbol with the Peruvian kids.

Since 3 of 4 bloggers that read this have already participated, all I have left to say is "Raz, you're it!"

Know the Signs: Hong Kong

I present for your enjoyment a collection of fun signs and other ironies found in Hong Kong.

I initially found this precaution very amusing. I now fear that I will find it difficult to cross streets without it.

Always educational.

This is the Spanish Hotel. Can't you tell?

When the bulldog just doesn't cut it.

At Shell, all lights must be fully clothed.

Clearly, this is a sign to Mid-levels and the world's longest outdoor escalator. How did we ever get mixed up?

Two questions: Who bought it? And who's sad that it's gone?

When having tea at the Peninsula, one of the fanciest hotels in the world, we found this Pooh Bear balloon on the ceiling.

Sometimes...there are no words.

Again, a sign to expand my education.

Ocean Park was a typical theme park with snowcones. And tasty squid legs.

You are what you eat. Although, I haven't been able to confirm that pandas actually eat corn.

Proof that Andrew was right - there is a McDonald's at the Peak. It's in the building across from Burger King's.

Don't You Be My Neighbor!

Hello friends and family. I write to you from the warmth of my own bed in my own apartment in the city I call home. After a more than full nights sleep (8pm to 6am -- how does that even work?) I am feeling rather vivacious, yet it was not too long ago I was participating in a horrible ordeal: the 24 hour flight home.

I have heard first-hand the horror stories of spending long flights cramped between large men who spread their body mass over the armrest. However, I would like to present for consideration a seatmate who may even be worse than the Large Man and that is the Busybody. Yes, friends, the Busybody is a neighbor who is well skilled in traveling, who knows all the tricks, and is aware that it is their duty to educate all the ignorant masses how to travel. She showed me where to plug in my headphones, how to use a touchscreen, how to put my seat back, to put my tray table down when they were serving food. She graciously shoved me awake for a breakfast I was trying to sleep through, but my favorite interaction came as we were waiting to take-off (we were delayed by an hour). I was a little hungry so I started snacking on some candy corn and I heard a voice, "Don't eat too much. Don't eat too much." I was terrified (I thought she was asleep) as she continued to explain that they were going to serve food as soon as we took off and I didn't need to eat too much (especially not that stuff) because lunch would be soon.

The rebellious side of me grabbed a couple of more pieces of candy corn before shoving it back in my bag and leaving my seat back and tray table up until I wanted to use them. The independent side of me wanted to snap that I had obviously made it to Hong Kong, I could make it back again just fine. However, I knew that God calls us to love our neighbor so I spent a large part of the flight talking myself out of my irritation. I'm not sure I was lovely, but God helped me to not be rude. From outside the middle seat, the situation is now funny although still a bit unbelievable. I am no worse for the experience but there are still some neighbors I would rather observe rather than encounter!

Holiday in The City of Lights

Hello again from Hong Kong, the city of lights! The advantage of coming to Hong Kong instead of other major world cities is that my sister-in-law grew up here. Before I left, she gave me a list (front and back on a piece of computer paper) of things to see and do here. Most of these things happened to be on Mom's list as well, so armed with expert advice we set off the explore the city.

My first full day in the city, we took the tram to the Peak. The peak is a wonderful place to see most of the city at once and to catch all the shining lights at night. We spent several days hanging out around the harbor (Mom said I misspelled this last time--it should be 'harbour'--thanks England). There is the Avenue of Stars with the names and hand prints of famous Hong Kong actors and a series statues with a cinematic theme. I was excited to find three names that I recognized--Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, and Jet Li--now ask me if I have actually seen any of their movies.

Every night at 8:00 there is a light show in which tall and important buildings on both sides of the harbor participate, spinning and flashing their lights in time to music. We watched it one night from the harbor and one night from the water. Both provided very interesting viewpoints and were quite fun. The ferry that we watched from the second time took us on a one-hour tour around the harbor and showed us a large part of the city but there were still buildings spilling out beyond the boundries of our tour.

We took a couple trips to a market with an often beautiful and sometimes exhilirating bus ride that was a treat on its own. On New Year's Eve we spent the day at Ocean Park, a sort of amusement park/aquarium and took the tram to see a different part of the city (and ride a different subway line). New Year's Day was a lazy day of reading, strolling through the very well-designed History Museum, and drinks at Starbuck's.

This past weekend we had a chance to meet the "in-laws." We made plans with my sister-in-law's mother and sister to go to one of the outlying islands together (Cheung Chou). We had a wonderful day walking along the beach and beside what was advertised as "The Mini Great Wall" much to the amusement of everyone.

I feel like I've always known my way around Hong Kong and living here is as natural as living in Florida or Texas--then I realize that I have only seen maybe 1/8th of the city! At the same time, the Master List is almost completely checked off and the time with my mom has been wonderful. Time is running out, so I'm getting the most of the vaction I have left. I leave Thursday and school starts Monday, so it's either 4 days til Chick-fil-A or 7 days until class and rehearsal--personally, I'm counting down to waffle fries and a chicken sandwich.

This is what Hong Kong looks like when riding the peak tram :)







This was taken on a bus ride and is a rather typical street scene. What a brave/crazy soul!







This is the corner just a few stores down from Mom's office. Yikes!

Part of the Harbor during the light show. This was the night we were on the ferry.

Mom hiding on the ferris wheel at Ocean Park.

The in-laws :)

Random skyscrapers.

Breaking The Silence

After several weeks of neglect, I am now ready to revisit this blog and give an update on my life that is not given in a picture based on a theme.

Major Event 1:
Cyrano de Bergerac finished up two weeks ago and the performances were impressively smooth. The techs and dresses had been a long and painful process, then the storm suddenly abated. There were a few minor problems throughout, but overall it was quite graceful until our last performance. During the first act, the pit was lowered partway with a step unit leading in and out. At the very end of the act, I was supposed to raise it from backstage so that Cyrano rose while delivering highly inspirational lines and epic music swelled in the background. There is always a moment of hesitation between me pushing the button and the pit raising in which I would never breathe. That last day, my breath was stopped for too long and I realized that the pit was stuck. I ran quickly to the basement and checked the settings - everything was correct. We had an emergency setting for Act 2, so the play proceeded as if nothing was wrong. I flipped the breaker off and back on and we tested the pit during the action. It was working again. For the next scene change, I took a run crew member onstage and we took off the step unit. Awkward! Afterward, we took apart the set and walked away--Cyrano is finished.

Major Event 2:
Finals. A few synonyms: nightmare, delirium, ordeal, tribulation, thorn in my flesh, and, because Merriam Webster gave it to me, bummer. My list at the beginning of the week read 21 projects in 4 1/2 days. The main point is, I survived.

Major Event 3:
I told several of my friends that it would not be enough for me to leave town for Christmas, instead I needed to leave the country. The fortunate happenstance and the basis for this almost-joke is that I am indeed out of the country. Last Tuesday my sister dropped me at the airport for a 24 hour trek to the far east. Emphasis here should be placed on "far." After another delusional day, the semester's woes have finally worn off in exchange for days with the madre, seeing the sights, shopping, and sitting at the apartment. Of course, there are office lunches and a girls (should that be girl'z?) night also in the mix. Now, I am cozy and snug and enjoying the big city life that is decidedly NOT America.

It is likely that I will write again soon, now that vacation has come, but I might be visiting pandas or having tea at a fancy hotel. Regardless, stories and pictures are sure to follow.

Photo Hunter: Breakfast

Our breakfast at the ever classy KFC before visiting the Great Wall of China. These little pastries had quite a lot of energy packed in though, as we did an extreme amount of physical activity and did not become hungry again until late in the day. Maybe not the breakfast of champions, but definitely the breakfast of intense sightseeing.

Photo Hunter

Photo Hunter: Blue

I knew exactly what picture I wanted to use this week. During a workday on a spring break mission trip to Juarez, Mexico someone pointed out that Anna's shirt matched the wall. She ran up there to be camoflauged so I snapped a picture. I love the colors, the random objects included in the shot, where the shadow falls, and Anna's smile.

This second one I found on my way to Anna's picture. This was also taken in Juarez, right outside our hotel.

PhotoHunt

Photo Hunter: Scary

I noticed that all of my other photo hunter posts talk about how difficult the word is. So this week, I want to say that finding a scary picture was easy. The first one is some dorm fun from freshman year. Scary how time flies!

For the next one, airplane food is always scary but there's something about reconstituted soy beans that is even more frightening than usual.

PhotoHunt

A Perfect Day

It's not today, but yesterday. Yesterday one of my childhood friends got married (on her parents 28th wedding anniversary). Getting to the wedding was an adventure in itself, but it was worth it!

The ceremony took place in Pensacola, FL, a long day's drive from Texas. Fortunately, a Baylor friend, moved to Pensacola three weeks ago so I was able to stay with Michelle. I left Baylor on Thursday evening and stayed with a friend an hour-and-a-half down the road. We wrote papers together while listening to music on pandora.com, then I took off early Friday morning and made the trek to Pensacola. Michelle had a home cooked meal waiting for me and we chatted it up for a while before turning in early.

Saturday: my perfect day. Neither Michelle nor I set our alarms, so we woke up naturally and lazily. We got ready slowly, had a late breakfast, and I even managed to get a good start on a project. The wedding was in the afternoon and when I got there Elisa's dad noticed me straight away and took me to the bridal room. Elisa was precious, repeating the question, "What time is it now?" The ceremony was beautiful, if surreal, and the reception was very enjoyable. After I got back to Michelle's, we went to the beach to watch the sunset. The sun didn't set directly over the water, but it was still beautiful and we were able to get our feet wet and sandy, eat brownies, and make up constellations (a turtle and a camel, myths coming soon). I couldn't ask for a better day!

Today I drove the whole stretch: Pensacola to Waco. About the time I thought I couldn't stand it any more, the radio station I was listening to decided to play a complete set of only Led Zeppelin. What a wonderful way to get a second wind! Since I did not get a chance to post on Friday, I would like to offer two songs for the week. The selection of these songs is based on the trip because every couple of hours I had to change radio stations and I heard the same song on almost every station. Going east, it was The Boys of Summer by Don Henley and going west, it was Ramble On by Led Zeppelin. The good news is, I still like both songs!

With that, it is time to come off the vacation mindset and think about school again. I'll let you know how that works out!