Jen

Don't wanna be an american idiot.
-The new Green Day album, poppy but surprisingly good.

So, it's official, I will be in Chicago this weekend for a short three days. On Saturday, I will be at my friend's wedding (actually an ex-boyfriend, now dear friend, but who's counting) somewhere out in McHenry, I think. Then Sunday, I hope to be staying with Becky and Greg (this is cool, right?) so I can catch up with my much missed peeps. So if you are around, let's hang out. I leave Monday night because I have to work Tuesday and more importantly, need the money from working Tuesday.

The job is going well thus far. I'm involved in some really exciting projects and working with some very cool people. It's also nice to have a window (a big window!) near my usual work station, which is a big difference to the no window policy at the museum. Plus, it's sunny most all of the time, so it's quite a pleasure to look outside.

Apparently there was some crazy storm off the coast this weekend which caused these horrible winds that blew the sand so hard that it felt like someone threw a bunch of needles at me. This week, there are these things called the Santa Ana winds that bring in dry desert like temperatures and winds. It is so hot today that I feel like i'm in V egas. For those that have been in Vegas during the summer heat, you know how you are so dehydrated and you drink a ton of liquids and surprisingly never have to use the bathroom? Bingo! that's what I feel like here today.

I'm starting to feel like my mother for discussing the weather so freakin' much. Sorry.

Ok, see you Sunday if you are free!

Hey all -

I haven't been too blog-crazy lately, so I figured I'd check in with you kids. Life up here in Lincoln Square is good, although I don't have much of anything to report. Work is still going well, and I even got to use the phrase "Don't hate the player - hate the game!" on my boss a few days ago. She seemed to appreciate it. My roommate Cat recently joined a woman's roller derby team. She goes by the name "Shirley Temple of Doom." Buffalo chicken strips from Jewel are my new obsession. The new Trail of Dead album is really awful, as is the upcoming Q and Not U disc. The last Guided By Voices album is still rocking my ass. Biking is a fun, low-impact form of exercise.

I wish I had known about the Grecky shindig before it actually happened. I would have gone.

Becky

Want some fun? Computers know what you are thinking in 20 questions or less! check out the website:

http://y.20q.net./

It guessed Pez Dispenser in like 7 questions so that was pretty good.

PS - we are saying goodbye to our dear friend Chris Ryan with a party on saturday night. He's going to London to enjoy bad weather and overpriced, well, everything, but to a wonderful country and a wonderful experience. let me know if you want party info....

Jen

. . . the centerpiece of an almost oppressively hip multimedia showcase . . .
-Christopher Piatt, Sun Times

Ahh, critics, gotta love 'em.

Here is some info about the show my photographs are in right now. it is a play with a gallery connected. You can only view the work when the play is happenening or by private appointment by calling the number listed below.

CITRUS -Janis Craft's new dark comedy concerns the triangular relationship between a woman, her new husband, and his twin sister. It's presented as part of "The Citrus Project," an interdisciplinary effort by the New Theater Collective. Springman Studio, 120 W. Kinzie, 773-635-0088. Previews Thursday, September 9, 8 PM. $12. Opens Friday, September 10, 8 PM. $45 (includes "opening gala"). Through October 2: Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 PM. $12.

The show was reviewed in the Sun Times where the above quote has it's home. Please read and join in on the laughs!

Jen

I got a job!!!! yay! I start Tuesday and in order not to jinx myself, I'm not going to mention the name. It is at a gallery and I will have more and yes, better, mor exciting, responsibilities than at my old establishment. Very exciting!

And because of this, I will also be flying home for a few short days to partake in my friend's wedding.

I'm really happy!

So, I have been living in the Los Angeles region for about a month now, and I kid you not, I've seen the street smarts guy more than I have seen my other friends out here. On the topic of celebrity sightings, I have seen a total of zero exciting people - oh wait, minus the street smart guy! Matt just got another job hosting at this vegan/organic restaurant, and on his first day alone, seated Owen Wilson (who apparently looks older than he does in the movies - go figure). all I see is Mr. Street Smarts. He is short and has a bald spot.

It's lovely day here - I think it's in the 80's or so. Apparently there is some sort of heat wave - I don't know much about California weather besides the fact that it is nice all the time. There is one thing that gets me though. I went into Urban Outfitters on Thursday and I kid you not - they are selling coats (not so shocking), scarves (ok, they are in style, I get it) but seriously - gloves. Gloves. I want to know who has the need to wear gloves out here. who? It's hot here. Not kinda warm. HOT. I want to meet you and shake your glove covered hand.

I'm still blogging from the Venice library and feeling the need to go home and scrub my hands. More soon.

A few shots from Dan the Man's wedding:

Some of you are at least somewhat familiar with my friend Dan (former First Grade Crush dude), so I figured I'd post some shots I took at his wedding. Here we go:


The Groom and Bride


The Bride (Leah) and Her Parents


Dumbasses


"The Other Matt"

Becky

Things I learned today on the ride into work:

1. Tonight on the news Alan Keyes will explain why Jesus would not vote for Barak Obama. Does Alan Keyes talk to Jesus?

2. Donald Trump says that democrats are better in the bedroom. Watch out! He also was asked once to run for president but said no and is now very glad that he didn't. He's much more into reality TV than politics you know.


ps - Jen it was my first yoga without you :(. Everyone says hi - even Blake was there.

Jen

Hi! I know it's been ages. I'm actually at the L.A. public library in Venice - very close to where I live - using the computer. I have exactly 20 minutes, so hopefully I won't use oall my time on this post.

Here is what's been going on, all list style like I like to do so much.

1)I am still job hunting but I had a very promising interview this morning. I also have another interview tomorrow so any job right now would rule. Well, I would love to work at the place I interviewed at this morning. Everyone cross your fingers.

2) Our place is very nice - we are pretty much settled minus our closet which is a big mess of shit right now. We have two stray cats that live under our back porch that are not very nice, but they don't really bother us EXCEPT that they have fleas. How do we know this? Well, you can see it on them, first and foremost. They also taunt little josie through the back door and there is about a 1/2 inch gap under our door and well, I saw a little flea on Josie. So we had to remove the kitties from under our porch but they still hang around the front yard which I think is better (kind of).

3)I have some work in a show in Chicago. i don't have the address on me of the place, but as soon as I do, I will let you know so that you too can go see my pictures - if you want to.

4)If i get a job, I will be back in town September 25 for my friend's, Jeremy, wedding. If so, I want to see everyone Friday night. More on that once I have a job.

5)The only celebrity I have spotted is the host from Street Smarts that, at home is on at midnight on channel 9 or something, but actually makes prime time out here on shitty california tv! amazing! Anyway, he was interviewing people on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

6) I may be in Vegas this weekend to visit my parents and my friend Byron who is out there with his family. Fun times! Hey - remember when we went to Vegas Beck and Greg? How long ago was that?

7) Finally - I miss everyone. I can't wait until we get the internet at home so I can e-mail/blog/send pictures of fun stuff out here. And thanks for all the birthday wishes too. I had a nice day, even though I wish I was at home spendingit with you guys.