The last day was pretty uneventful. I think Monica and I were both sad to leave, especially because the very next day it was back to the grind. Oddly enough though, this felt like a real vacation. I didn't think about work at all during the trip, something I've never done before. I've always bitched that all I have to look forward to when I get back is work, but this time it seemed like truly another world. I am so so happy I went. It is a magical place, once you get out of the city.
Mostly we just lounged around in our room, took a quick walk to see the fantastic world, and then went downstairs to wait for our bus to the airport, that I reserved at the beginning of the trip, being the smart person I am. 30 minutes after it was supposed to arrive, it came, and we got on, after being a little worried. One of the hotel staff came out to make sure we were okay and called the company - that was pretty cool. They sure do know how to take care of their tourists.
The ride was uneventful, but in another shot of that'll show 'em! I didn't tip the driver, for being a half an hour late, and kind of an asshole on the ride there. What's funny is one thing he said was while we were passing a condo place being built, something like, "If ya want to live there, all you have to do is slap down $700,000!" and the rest of the bus laughed, but Monica and I turned to each other and said, "That's it?" Truly, Bay Area prices have given us an edge when coming to other parts of the world. Certainly we can't afford it, but goddamn if that was a lot more affordable than we thought.
Anywho, driving back was semi revisiting old places, it was fun to see how far we walked and where we went. At the airport we ended with a better meal than we had the night before, at a place called Sting Ray's. It had tacky decorations and everything, but it was cheaper than Horrible Burger, and the quesadilla that I stole from Monica was fantastic. And we got a little boozed up for the flight. Our other obsticle was trying to squish a billion pounds of souviners into two bags. What was incredibly funny was us talking to the ticketing agent, and then frantically switching shit around our bags in the middle of the airport; something I'm very familiar with, but with Monica, it was a little more newer of a phenomenon. It was very sitcomey though, and then we made it with 49.5 pounds. With Professor Layton in hand, the plane ride back was fun and occupied.. very simple. And my mom picked us up! What fun it is to see a friendly face after being on a plane for so long. I love getting out and meeting people at the checkpoint at the airport.
What can I say about the trip? It was amazing. Hawaii is a fucking fantastic place, when you get out of the city areas. But still, even in those areas, there still is a different spirit there, from the free beaches for all to the cheap touristy shit you can see on every corner, to the ABC Stores that are as prevelant as Starbucks... moreso, really! So I want to go back. I want to live there. I do already have a job there... in the field that I love... and maybe I can go to school there... I'm outta here!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Haircut
Tonight was going to be the Night Ben Finally Got Off His Lazy Ass and Got A Haircut (NBFGOHLAGAH), but I am feeling exceptionally lazy tonight, and astronomically tired and hungry, so it may not happen. It must happen sometime before Sunday, where I have 2 auditions, and therefore would happen before Monday, which is my other audition.
Had a cool talk with Monica today about past relationships and shit. She's really an insightful person. I'm glad I have someone who I can bounce ideas off of, and who can calm me down when I'm being irrational and kinda stupid.
Michaele just gave me a piece of tart. Time to eat it.
Had a cool talk with Monica today about past relationships and shit. She's really an insightful person. I'm glad I have someone who I can bounce ideas off of, and who can calm me down when I'm being irrational and kinda stupid.
Michaele just gave me a piece of tart. Time to eat it.
Future Shit
Wow, coming as a surprise, the future's been on my mind a lot. Were you surprised? I am.
Been going through other options in case I don't get into an MFA program. I still hope I do, but in case I don't, I still want to try and continue on my career path. I don't know what that means, but I do know it means more than just getting shitty roles in a shitty market for theatre.
Internships are a way to this, I guess. I've only been an intern once, for the costume shop, and I loved it. It was a great job with cool shit to do. The only problem is that I'm not a costume designer, nor am I a tailor. It is a skill set that will undoubtably come in handy, but I don't have that burning desire for it, like I do for acting, or shit, even stage managing. I could see myself as a stage management intern.
I guess it's the same ol thing that passion for the art and drive will not make me successful. It's luck and who you know. And maybe an internship will get me in with someone who would know me. Or maybe an MFA program will pick me up, and then more people will know me. I just want to do the art I love. That's all I want. I shouldn't have to fight to do my passion, I should just be able to do it!
I don't regret going to Truman. I just wish I made a different decision. Even an arts school would have been a better fit for me, and a better thing for my future. But I was blinded by silliness. God! Even staying at Truman for their MAE... I would have a master's now, and be able to teach, or at least be able to say I have a master's. No use for regrets though. All I can do is plug on ahead. No regrets, just frustration. I think frustration's going to be okay.
I just need to get out of this area. I'm glad I moved, but I think it wasn't a step in the right direction for my career, especially if I want to live fully from my art. This is NOT the place to do it.
Well, no time like the present to start changing your life. I'm going to sign up for some classes and see where that takes me.
Been going through other options in case I don't get into an MFA program. I still hope I do, but in case I don't, I still want to try and continue on my career path. I don't know what that means, but I do know it means more than just getting shitty roles in a shitty market for theatre.
Internships are a way to this, I guess. I've only been an intern once, for the costume shop, and I loved it. It was a great job with cool shit to do. The only problem is that I'm not a costume designer, nor am I a tailor. It is a skill set that will undoubtably come in handy, but I don't have that burning desire for it, like I do for acting, or shit, even stage managing. I could see myself as a stage management intern.
I guess it's the same ol thing that passion for the art and drive will not make me successful. It's luck and who you know. And maybe an internship will get me in with someone who would know me. Or maybe an MFA program will pick me up, and then more people will know me. I just want to do the art I love. That's all I want. I shouldn't have to fight to do my passion, I should just be able to do it!
I don't regret going to Truman. I just wish I made a different decision. Even an arts school would have been a better fit for me, and a better thing for my future. But I was blinded by silliness. God! Even staying at Truman for their MAE... I would have a master's now, and be able to teach, or at least be able to say I have a master's. No use for regrets though. All I can do is plug on ahead. No regrets, just frustration. I think frustration's going to be okay.
I just need to get out of this area. I'm glad I moved, but I think it wasn't a step in the right direction for my career, especially if I want to live fully from my art. This is NOT the place to do it.
Well, no time like the present to start changing your life. I'm going to sign up for some classes and see where that takes me.
Diamond Head and Beyond
Sunday was the day of days. We had pushed back Diamond Head and snorkeling in Hanuama Bay to Sunday - we ran out of time on all the other days. In the morning, I believe we had another Medocre Breakfast at our coffee shop next door, suited up in our good walkin' shoes, and headed over in our attractive rental car to Diamond Head. The drive was simple; we left incredibly early in the morning in order to get there before all the tourists show up, and so that we would make it to the top and back down with most of the day left for snorkeling. We pulled into the parking lot. Water in hand, sunscreen rubbed in our faces/other places, we started heading up the path.
By the end of the slight grade the path started out with, we were already panting. I'm serious here, I was wheezing at like a 5 degree incline. So out of shape, damn you DDR! You haven't helped me like you should! Anyway, I think it was mostly the whole trip catching up to us; we have been rocking out for a looong time that week. After just putting our heads into it, and seeing that we didn't really have time to worry about wheezing at this low of a grade, we started up the extinct volcano.
I'm a fan of hiking, don't get me wrong, but I have never done something this intense. Yes, yes, my extreme sports friends may laugh, but the most I've ever done was the waterfall walk on Mt. Tam, and that was like 5 years ago, so I am hardly at my peak of hiking ability. I am so happy to say that it was completely worth it. The struggle up the mountain, the constant breaks and splashing water all over myself trying to drink it, because when we got to that first lookout point, we had to go on. I knew we had to keep going up.
Unfortunately, 'up' after that was stairs. Where a grade is awesome, going up stairs is highly assholery from the management. Stairs, through a tunnel, and then some more stairs. Then, just as you think you're done, you enter an old military installation and they kill you, with a spiral staircase. This is at the end of the walk, mind you, where you're already exhausted. Jesus! We exited through an old bunker, up some stairs, through a tiny opening, and out on top of the crater. The reward is spectacular; it felt like we could taste infinity. This was the kind of shit that I wanted to do all along, this nature-iffic anticommercialism stuff. You really could see through all the stupid touristy shit (that Hawaii gets most of its money from, don't get me wrong, tourism rocks), and see the true beauty that is the world.
At the top was a souviner stand, and we bought for $2 a flier saying we made it, it came with an official seal! Rock and roll. There was also a tour guide there, at first I thought he had come with a group, but then I realized that he was standing on top trying to get people to come on a tour tomorrow. He was advertising on top of Diamond Head. It was pretty hilarious, actually, him going through his naturey thing; he obviously has some training when it comes to forestry and knowledge of weather, and seeing all the people ignore him. What a job. Also there was a kid sitting, bored, playing PSP. This is truly America.
The hike down was easier, but we still stopped and took breaks to enjoy the view and keep ourselves hydrated. The problem with downhill for us, though, is that we both have bad sets of knees, so even though we're not climbing, and therefore less energy, we still have to be sure footed; our knees are stupid. Anyway, at the car was some Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwitch makin' stuff. Which I consumed.
Our next goal was to go to Hanuama Bay, which was rated for the best and coolest bay to snorkel. Monica had been looking forward to it for the entire trip, even more than Diamond Head. I was cool with it - but I kinda thought that looking at things in the water would just be kind of a freak out for both of us. I kept my mouth shut though; she REALLY wanted to go.
Unfortunately, the bay was full. Not kidding, the parking lot was full, so we can only assume how full the bay itself must be. We kept on driving on 72 past the bay, tears in our eyes, but hope in our hearts. Sandy Beach rolled up on our left. It looked like exactly what I wanted, some place where I can play in the waves and body surf and a place where the waves could actually get above my waist, unlike the other beaches we visited.
Mixed reviews from the team. I thought it was FANTASTIC swimming, once you get out past this deposit of rocks, the sand is soft and the waves are fun. The problems are, if you are swept off your feet, you may land on the rocks, but that is a risk you must take sometimes. Moncia's review is much more negative, since she did, in fact, get swept off her feet and into the rocks, so we ended our visit to Sandy Beach after an hour or two a little crankier than before. (Well, I was pretty happy, but disappointed that she didn't like it/sad that she got hurt. The sea be a harsh mistress.)
Further north on 72, as we were searching (vaguely) for Kailua Bay - one of the most popular places to swim evar, we passed Waimanalo Bay, and were immediately enraptured at the beautiful light blue water, the island in the distance, and the lack of super high waves. I put my feet in the water, and after an initial chill, it was fantastic and warm and the sand was soft. We briefly debated staying there right away, but then realized we needed to eat, so we went further north, vowing to come back!
We found a lunch plate place called Keneke's, and decided to give it a shot, with Monica's explination being, "This is what the Hawaiian's eat." So we ate. I got the Kuna'a'dfdapgoahrd'sa'f Chicken, or Sweet Chicken and she got the Sanda'rdgasrd'gdasygydsa Chicken, or Not As Good As Sweet Chicken Chicken. Both plates came with fries and rice or some other sides, but that's what I had, and that's all I can remember. It was a long wait, but well worth it, and we sat in the shade of this place's dining area. And in this sense, dining area means jesus area. I swear to god the entire bible was written on those walls. I wonder if they're trying to convert people while you're eating. Well, worked on me! Off to church!
After the delicious lunch, we headed back to Waimanalo Bay where we spent a blissful afternoon playing in the water and pretending there were strong waves. It's funny, just thinking about the waves right now makes me feel them around my body. Odd stuff, the sense memories our bodies have. It was a wonderful afternoon, nothing more to say! The next time I go to Hawaii, I will go there on the first day - that is what I wanted to do the whole time.
After our great afternoon, we drove back and chilled in the hotel room. I started to realize that I was sunburnt, but not terribly so. Just moderately. Checking back at the hotel there was some redness on my shoulders, but I definetly had worse than that in the past. My guess: need to reapply more.
So, our last night on Oahu. We drove over to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and went to the thai place one last time for large Thai Iced Teas, then to Hilo Hatties, where we bought some souveniers, and then to GameStop, to buy Professor Layton and the Curious Village for me. Hey, I needed something for the plane ride back. We managed to do all that before 6:30, and made it to the beach across the street to watch the sunset, which is now the picture on my desktop at work. Beautiful, magical, sparkly, what more can I say?
We returned the car with a few hours to spare and walked back to our hotel. On the way, we passed Cheeseburger in Paradise, a place we saw on our entire visit, and said, "Man, that looks good," but never going there. We said, "Man, that looks good, and went there." Now. I won't give a full review of the restaurant, but the only thing good about it was leaving at the end. Sure there was fun cheap shit on the walls, and the menu was cleverly written, but it took them at least 15 minutes before even taking our drink order, then the food took almost an hour to come out, and his only explination was that they were operating at full capacity. Looking around, we weren't operating at full capacity. There were many tables empty. We could give them the benefit of the doubt here, maybe a cook quit, maybe something exploded. But no. I have never given a tip below 10% before, but this was my time to shine. That'll show him!
(The food was pretty good, when it came. burgers at least.)
Back at home, we relaxed and took in our entire trip; this was our last night, so we looked at our swag, and had a great evening, including delicious burger leftovers.
By the end of the slight grade the path started out with, we were already panting. I'm serious here, I was wheezing at like a 5 degree incline. So out of shape, damn you DDR! You haven't helped me like you should! Anyway, I think it was mostly the whole trip catching up to us; we have been rocking out for a looong time that week. After just putting our heads into it, and seeing that we didn't really have time to worry about wheezing at this low of a grade, we started up the extinct volcano.
I'm a fan of hiking, don't get me wrong, but I have never done something this intense. Yes, yes, my extreme sports friends may laugh, but the most I've ever done was the waterfall walk on Mt. Tam, and that was like 5 years ago, so I am hardly at my peak of hiking ability. I am so happy to say that it was completely worth it. The struggle up the mountain, the constant breaks and splashing water all over myself trying to drink it, because when we got to that first lookout point, we had to go on. I knew we had to keep going up.
Unfortunately, 'up' after that was stairs. Where a grade is awesome, going up stairs is highly assholery from the management. Stairs, through a tunnel, and then some more stairs. Then, just as you think you're done, you enter an old military installation and they kill you, with a spiral staircase. This is at the end of the walk, mind you, where you're already exhausted. Jesus! We exited through an old bunker, up some stairs, through a tiny opening, and out on top of the crater. The reward is spectacular; it felt like we could taste infinity. This was the kind of shit that I wanted to do all along, this nature-iffic anticommercialism stuff. You really could see through all the stupid touristy shit (that Hawaii gets most of its money from, don't get me wrong, tourism rocks), and see the true beauty that is the world.
At the top was a souviner stand, and we bought for $2 a flier saying we made it, it came with an official seal! Rock and roll. There was also a tour guide there, at first I thought he had come with a group, but then I realized that he was standing on top trying to get people to come on a tour tomorrow. He was advertising on top of Diamond Head. It was pretty hilarious, actually, him going through his naturey thing; he obviously has some training when it comes to forestry and knowledge of weather, and seeing all the people ignore him. What a job. Also there was a kid sitting, bored, playing PSP. This is truly America.
The hike down was easier, but we still stopped and took breaks to enjoy the view and keep ourselves hydrated. The problem with downhill for us, though, is that we both have bad sets of knees, so even though we're not climbing, and therefore less energy, we still have to be sure footed; our knees are stupid. Anyway, at the car was some Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwitch makin' stuff. Which I consumed.
Our next goal was to go to Hanuama Bay, which was rated for the best and coolest bay to snorkel. Monica had been looking forward to it for the entire trip, even more than Diamond Head. I was cool with it - but I kinda thought that looking at things in the water would just be kind of a freak out for both of us. I kept my mouth shut though; she REALLY wanted to go.
Unfortunately, the bay was full. Not kidding, the parking lot was full, so we can only assume how full the bay itself must be. We kept on driving on 72 past the bay, tears in our eyes, but hope in our hearts. Sandy Beach rolled up on our left. It looked like exactly what I wanted, some place where I can play in the waves and body surf and a place where the waves could actually get above my waist, unlike the other beaches we visited.
Mixed reviews from the team. I thought it was FANTASTIC swimming, once you get out past this deposit of rocks, the sand is soft and the waves are fun. The problems are, if you are swept off your feet, you may land on the rocks, but that is a risk you must take sometimes. Moncia's review is much more negative, since she did, in fact, get swept off her feet and into the rocks, so we ended our visit to Sandy Beach after an hour or two a little crankier than before. (Well, I was pretty happy, but disappointed that she didn't like it/sad that she got hurt. The sea be a harsh mistress.)
Further north on 72, as we were searching (vaguely) for Kailua Bay - one of the most popular places to swim evar, we passed Waimanalo Bay, and were immediately enraptured at the beautiful light blue water, the island in the distance, and the lack of super high waves. I put my feet in the water, and after an initial chill, it was fantastic and warm and the sand was soft. We briefly debated staying there right away, but then realized we needed to eat, so we went further north, vowing to come back!
We found a lunch plate place called Keneke's, and decided to give it a shot, with Monica's explination being, "This is what the Hawaiian's eat." So we ate. I got the Kuna'a'dfdapgoahrd'sa'f Chicken, or Sweet Chicken and she got the Sanda'rdgasrd'gdasygydsa Chicken, or Not As Good As Sweet Chicken Chicken. Both plates came with fries and rice or some other sides, but that's what I had, and that's all I can remember. It was a long wait, but well worth it, and we sat in the shade of this place's dining area. And in this sense, dining area means jesus area. I swear to god the entire bible was written on those walls. I wonder if they're trying to convert people while you're eating. Well, worked on me! Off to church!
After the delicious lunch, we headed back to Waimanalo Bay where we spent a blissful afternoon playing in the water and pretending there were strong waves. It's funny, just thinking about the waves right now makes me feel them around my body. Odd stuff, the sense memories our bodies have. It was a wonderful afternoon, nothing more to say! The next time I go to Hawaii, I will go there on the first day - that is what I wanted to do the whole time.
After our great afternoon, we drove back and chilled in the hotel room. I started to realize that I was sunburnt, but not terribly so. Just moderately. Checking back at the hotel there was some redness on my shoulders, but I definetly had worse than that in the past. My guess: need to reapply more.
So, our last night on Oahu. We drove over to the Ala Moana Shopping Center and went to the thai place one last time for large Thai Iced Teas, then to Hilo Hatties, where we bought some souveniers, and then to GameStop, to buy Professor Layton and the Curious Village for me. Hey, I needed something for the plane ride back. We managed to do all that before 6:30, and made it to the beach across the street to watch the sunset, which is now the picture on my desktop at work. Beautiful, magical, sparkly, what more can I say?
We returned the car with a few hours to spare and walked back to our hotel. On the way, we passed Cheeseburger in Paradise, a place we saw on our entire visit, and said, "Man, that looks good," but never going there. We said, "Man, that looks good, and went there." Now. I won't give a full review of the restaurant, but the only thing good about it was leaving at the end. Sure there was fun cheap shit on the walls, and the menu was cleverly written, but it took them at least 15 minutes before even taking our drink order, then the food took almost an hour to come out, and his only explination was that they were operating at full capacity. Looking around, we weren't operating at full capacity. There were many tables empty. We could give them the benefit of the doubt here, maybe a cook quit, maybe something exploded. But no. I have never given a tip below 10% before, but this was my time to shine. That'll show him!
(The food was pretty good, when it came. burgers at least.)
Back at home, we relaxed and took in our entire trip; this was our last night, so we looked at our swag, and had a great evening, including delicious burger leftovers.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Dispatches from the Mainland
I've been hearing nothing but horrible things about the director of The Full Monty. So much so that I may actually not take the job if I'm offered it, if being the key thing.. if I don't get the show, then fuck if it matters whether or not it was offered, am I right men? It's been mostly a unanimous vote about how much of a psycho shithole he is from people here who worked with him, people who refused to audition because he was directing, and then 3rd party opinions of opinions of him - all negative. So I'm not too excited about thinking about whether or not I should take it. Needless to say, I don't think I will. I made an agreement with myself not to take jobs that don't pay. Even if it's an incredible part. INDECISIONS.
I also need to reserve a tux for Nick's wedding. I'm still not quite sure how to do that. I think I MAY reserve it in the Lou, and then go get it fitted there; I don't want to be lugging it all across the country. I almost left the 'o' out of country, so you can puzzle what that would have spelled. It made me laugh because I have a strange mind. Strange = naughty.
I think I've come to terms with the fact that I may not get into ANY of the programs I've applied for. Sure, fun and games and shit, and even if I got into a program like UHM, what could I teach? I just learned puppetry for 3 years... who in fuck's name teaches puppetry? And why am I saying I want to teach? I don't really want to do that! Just frustrated right now, I really want my next chapter to start, but grad school may not be for me. Either that, or it might be in another subject, one that isn't governed by programs that only accept one type of actor. Either that, or I can schedule my breast implant surgery so I can get into some schools. Dying the hair blonde is easy, the big step is to get the boobs.
Blah, I'm just getting myself down. I would surperbly enjoy learning more skills. I know I would, I did the first time around, this would be without all that liberal arts bullshit. Ah, I should have gone to an arts college all along. Oh well. Live and learn.
I think my next chapter will start soon. I just need to be more proactive. With many things, like agents too, I've been super lax on that for this whole year. Admittedly, I thought that after my grad school auditions, my path would be before me and I would have an easy year knowing that I have something coming up that I would enjoy profoundly. Boo to that. I just need to start not feeling shitty about myself. This isn't as bad as it was. Truly truly not as bad as it was - I've even upped my workout! I'm so not as depressed as I was feeling this time last year.
So, tonight I might head over to Joanne's Fabrics and pick up some supplies to make duvet covers for the comforters in my life. It will be fun to get back into tailoring. Then:
I also need to reserve a tux for Nick's wedding. I'm still not quite sure how to do that. I think I MAY reserve it in the Lou, and then go get it fitted there; I don't want to be lugging it all across the country. I almost left the 'o' out of country, so you can puzzle what that would have spelled. It made me laugh because I have a strange mind. Strange = naughty.
I think I've come to terms with the fact that I may not get into ANY of the programs I've applied for. Sure, fun and games and shit, and even if I got into a program like UHM, what could I teach? I just learned puppetry for 3 years... who in fuck's name teaches puppetry? And why am I saying I want to teach? I don't really want to do that! Just frustrated right now, I really want my next chapter to start, but grad school may not be for me. Either that, or it might be in another subject, one that isn't governed by programs that only accept one type of actor. Either that, or I can schedule my breast implant surgery so I can get into some schools. Dying the hair blonde is easy, the big step is to get the boobs.
Blah, I'm just getting myself down. I would surperbly enjoy learning more skills. I know I would, I did the first time around, this would be without all that liberal arts bullshit. Ah, I should have gone to an arts college all along. Oh well. Live and learn.
I think my next chapter will start soon. I just need to be more proactive. With many things, like agents too, I've been super lax on that for this whole year. Admittedly, I thought that after my grad school auditions, my path would be before me and I would have an easy year knowing that I have something coming up that I would enjoy profoundly. Boo to that. I just need to start not feeling shitty about myself. This isn't as bad as it was. Truly truly not as bad as it was - I've even upped my workout! I'm so not as depressed as I was feeling this time last year.
So, tonight I might head over to Joanne's Fabrics and pick up some supplies to make duvet covers for the comforters in my life. It will be fun to get back into tailoring. Then:
- A vest.
- Pants.
- Jacket.
- More clothes.
I want to rock this sewing machine out, and I've been a bad present recipient and haven't used it one bit. Shame on me. I'll make it up to the world by making duvet covers. I sure as fuck think that's how you spell it.
Waikiki to The Island (Round Trip)
Saturday the 16th consisted of us mostly starting the day with, "Fuck this bus system, let's pick up a rental car." We did. On the phone the previous day, we were promised something wonderful and magical, a compact car! They said they had one if we got there early enough, so hot diggoty if we weren't going to get there early enough and get what would probably be the beigemobile. After a somewhat confusing walk too far down the street, a turn around at an ABC store (where I picked up some more sunscreen - Hawaiian Tropic! Made me smell like coconut and joy) we walked back and realized it was behind the Starbucks Where The Barista Complimented My Shirt. Oddly enough, he said, "Is that from the Northwest?" Meaning, I assume, the continental northwest, but I took it to mean the Northwest of where we were standing, meaning either northwest shore, or maybe Japan? Anyway, it does look like it's from the Pacific Northwest, now that I think about it.
National Rent A Car (I think that's what it was) was friendly and quick, and promised us a car! Yes! After a few tries of missing the stairs to the basement (My fault really, Monica had us pointed in the right direction.), we headed to what would be the Beigemobile. And a compact car, right? Okay, so space 31! Let's look for a compact car in space 31. Well, here's 15, and it increases as we go that way, so let's keep going. We passed a car that screamed OLD PERSON VEHICLE. It looked like it had enough blind spots it shouldn't be on the road. Huh, 32, we must have passed it. We walked past OPV again. Huh, 30. Then it hit us, and we slowly turned our heads down below the OPV, the darkness and dread filling our hearts. Dear readers, this was no compact car, this was a genuine OPV, but not only that, it was a Weird OPV. Everything seemed either obnoxiously big or oddly missing. For example, no trunk to speak of, but a back area where we can throw things. Swallowing our pride, we got in, made the inspection, and were off. It wasn't terrible. And it had air conditioning. We were set for the day.
Our first stop was the Aloha Fleamarket. There's really not much to say, if you've been to a fleamarket before, you'll know what this is. EXCEPT THAT IT'S LIKE 10 BILLION TIMES BIGGER! It was surrounding the Aloha Stadium, which is big in itself, and taking up, I would say about 70% of the parking lot. Big fleamarket. This is why I waited to get my gifts till Saturday. You could get anything there. Well, anything that surrounds the "cheap gift" catagory. That's being unfair, there was a lot of really cool art, plus some food booths. I even got yelled at for taking a picture of a seashell piece of art! I have that on my hard drive somewhere. I feel like a badass.
Anyway, gifts were bought and I was mostly done with my shopping for people, except for maybe some chocolate covered macademias... but that could be saved for the end of the trip for fear that the chocolates would be eaten beforehand. We already had one box casualty. Poor delicious chocolates.
Presents were bought, and sandwitches were made, and we went off on our new highly mobile journey across the island. We were going to just skip and frolic wherever we pleased that day, our first stop going through the island, north of Honolulu, to see just a little less city; by that point, I was ready to see something else, for sure.
I don't quite know how instant it was, but it was very quick before the city disappeared and we were traveling through suburbanish places, and then through country roads. It seemed almost like the entire midwest squished onto an island (military support and all!). It was a gorgeous day, and as we passed the Dole Plantation, we both were charmed and decided to rock that shit out.
I'm sure if Monica was writing a blog she would write something great about the Dole Plantation. She enjoyed it a lot more than I did. It was just one of those places where you could buy overpriced pineapples and well designed shirts, and lots of foodstuffs with pineapple inside. The pineapple garden was pretty cool, but I was less impressed. Off to the North!
We hit some stupid traffic driving north, but we didn't have anything to do or anywhere to be, so we weren't worried about it, and decided to just stick with it as we passed beaches and really beautiful houses. Turns out the traffic was just getting to a beach. Then I remembered something Cousing Ghandi said about how all the beaches in Hawaii would have public access and would always be open to the public. There was no such thing as a private beach in Hawaii. That simply rocks my world. What a cool modern extention of the Aloha Spirit.
We kept on going, and eventually passed Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, the only place I really wanted to go the entire trip. That was the best, most delicious shrimp I've ever had, yes, everything you read about online is true. It's amazingly delicious. Plus they had a smoothie truck - no smoothies that day for me.. just shrimp. Delicious shrimp.
Since Monica was unsure if she was allergic to shrimp, she had my (equally delicious, but not as flavorful) rice. Then we decided to go get some food for her. A little further north on the island we passed a Taco Bell. Scoff all you want, but we love Taco Bell, and it was cheaper than Bay Area's Taco Bell. Yes. I'm liking Hawaii more and more. OH YES! And then we had some Shave Ice. I think the pictures explained it well. So yummy. So large.
The main goal that I thought we were going to do that day is drive around the island, find a cool beach, go swimming, dry off, get back in the car, find a beach, go swimming, get back in the car, repeat as desired. This was a minor frustration on the Saturday drive, because we never really got around to swimming; we were looking for the perfect beach, and I think we never found something perfect - I mean, come on! Isn't Hawaii supposed to be all perfect beaches and lovliness?
We did stop at a lookout point that was absoultely amazing, of which Monica accidentally turned in the wrong entrance, so we almost were heading the completely wrong way. It was a lot more funny if you were there. So amazing of a view. You could actually see how the land was formed. Really neato.
We decided to head back to Honolulu and spend an evening I think eating somewhere in town. I honestly can't remember. That might be a testament to how amazing the day was, or to how medocre the food was. Not sure at all.
Edit: We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. The food was medocre, but I enjoyed it well enough. We had fruity non alcoholic beverages and our waiter was very obnoxious, but frequent, and fast.
Another terrific day.
National Rent A Car (I think that's what it was) was friendly and quick, and promised us a car! Yes! After a few tries of missing the stairs to the basement (My fault really, Monica had us pointed in the right direction.), we headed to what would be the Beigemobile. And a compact car, right? Okay, so space 31! Let's look for a compact car in space 31. Well, here's 15, and it increases as we go that way, so let's keep going. We passed a car that screamed OLD PERSON VEHICLE. It looked like it had enough blind spots it shouldn't be on the road. Huh, 32, we must have passed it. We walked past OPV again. Huh, 30. Then it hit us, and we slowly turned our heads down below the OPV, the darkness and dread filling our hearts. Dear readers, this was no compact car, this was a genuine OPV, but not only that, it was a Weird OPV. Everything seemed either obnoxiously big or oddly missing. For example, no trunk to speak of, but a back area where we can throw things. Swallowing our pride, we got in, made the inspection, and were off. It wasn't terrible. And it had air conditioning. We were set for the day.
Our first stop was the Aloha Fleamarket. There's really not much to say, if you've been to a fleamarket before, you'll know what this is. EXCEPT THAT IT'S LIKE 10 BILLION TIMES BIGGER! It was surrounding the Aloha Stadium, which is big in itself, and taking up, I would say about 70% of the parking lot. Big fleamarket. This is why I waited to get my gifts till Saturday. You could get anything there. Well, anything that surrounds the "cheap gift" catagory. That's being unfair, there was a lot of really cool art, plus some food booths. I even got yelled at for taking a picture of a seashell piece of art! I have that on my hard drive somewhere. I feel like a badass.
Anyway, gifts were bought and I was mostly done with my shopping for people, except for maybe some chocolate covered macademias... but that could be saved for the end of the trip for fear that the chocolates would be eaten beforehand. We already had one box casualty. Poor delicious chocolates.
Presents were bought, and sandwitches were made, and we went off on our new highly mobile journey across the island. We were going to just skip and frolic wherever we pleased that day, our first stop going through the island, north of Honolulu, to see just a little less city; by that point, I was ready to see something else, for sure.
I don't quite know how instant it was, but it was very quick before the city disappeared and we were traveling through suburbanish places, and then through country roads. It seemed almost like the entire midwest squished onto an island (military support and all!). It was a gorgeous day, and as we passed the Dole Plantation, we both were charmed and decided to rock that shit out.
I'm sure if Monica was writing a blog she would write something great about the Dole Plantation. She enjoyed it a lot more than I did. It was just one of those places where you could buy overpriced pineapples and well designed shirts, and lots of foodstuffs with pineapple inside. The pineapple garden was pretty cool, but I was less impressed. Off to the North!
We hit some stupid traffic driving north, but we didn't have anything to do or anywhere to be, so we weren't worried about it, and decided to just stick with it as we passed beaches and really beautiful houses. Turns out the traffic was just getting to a beach. Then I remembered something Cousing Ghandi said about how all the beaches in Hawaii would have public access and would always be open to the public. There was no such thing as a private beach in Hawaii. That simply rocks my world. What a cool modern extention of the Aloha Spirit.
We kept on going, and eventually passed Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, the only place I really wanted to go the entire trip. That was the best, most delicious shrimp I've ever had, yes, everything you read about online is true. It's amazingly delicious. Plus they had a smoothie truck - no smoothies that day for me.. just shrimp. Delicious shrimp.
Since Monica was unsure if she was allergic to shrimp, she had my (equally delicious, but not as flavorful) rice. Then we decided to go get some food for her. A little further north on the island we passed a Taco Bell. Scoff all you want, but we love Taco Bell, and it was cheaper than Bay Area's Taco Bell. Yes. I'm liking Hawaii more and more. OH YES! And then we had some Shave Ice. I think the pictures explained it well. So yummy. So large.
The main goal that I thought we were going to do that day is drive around the island, find a cool beach, go swimming, dry off, get back in the car, find a beach, go swimming, get back in the car, repeat as desired. This was a minor frustration on the Saturday drive, because we never really got around to swimming; we were looking for the perfect beach, and I think we never found something perfect - I mean, come on! Isn't Hawaii supposed to be all perfect beaches and lovliness?
We did stop at a lookout point that was absoultely amazing, of which Monica accidentally turned in the wrong entrance, so we almost were heading the completely wrong way. It was a lot more funny if you were there. So amazing of a view. You could actually see how the land was formed. Really neato.
We decided to head back to Honolulu and spend an evening I think eating somewhere in town. I honestly can't remember. That might be a testament to how amazing the day was, or to how medocre the food was. Not sure at all.
Edit: We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. The food was medocre, but I enjoyed it well enough. We had fruity non alcoholic beverages and our waiter was very obnoxious, but frequent, and fast.
Another terrific day.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Oh my god, someone's lunch is so vile smelling that I may throw up.
I'm not kidding here. I've never been so nauseous. I almost wrote nachos. Subliminal messaging?
Waikiki to Polynesian Cultural Center (breakfast first though)
On Friday the 15th, well, before that really, I had been getting really hyped up for the Polynesian Cultural Center. I didn't know what to expect. I had heard that there were several different villages, and that it would take all day, and that there was a Luau afterwards that was voted the best Luau ever by someone. Plus there was an "awesome" show at the end. We double checked everything, and found out our bus was going to pick us up around 10AM, (and then we'd return at 11PM, LONG DAY) so we decided to go to the Waikanadlk;agsdrpuih Coffee Shop next door for some Medocre Breakfast. I had a waffle; I guess I had some Hiro Nakamura in me that day. Cheap is the key word at that place. Coffee's good though.
We were being picked up at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, across the street. Now, in my opinion, there's two things wrong with the title of the place. I'll give you a hint, it actually has a relationship with the Hilton, so I'll leave it to you to figure out what the other two wrong things are.
Anywho, the Village sports a pretty cool shopping area where we browsed and laughed at how expensive things were, it being Hilton-ey. 10 rolled around, and we went to the bus area, waiting for the huge dumbass bus that will take us to the PCC. Sparing the boring details, it wasn't too bad until the bus, huge and dumbass and all, came over and our tour guide for the bus showed up. Yes, tour guide for the bus. We weren't treated to a calm bus ride across the island, oh no, we had our friend Cousin Ghandi from SAaaaamoa talk to us the entire time. He was charming enough, but he called us Cousin the entire time, and that struck me as a very Mormon thing. Nothing wrong with Mormons, it's just wild how they influenced Polynesian culture. I suppose without that, though, we wouldn't have the PCC, so that's good. Right?
Anyway, one semi-annoying bus ride later and we made it. Sunscreen was applied, and we opted out of the guided tour by Cousin Ghandi (only $10 extra! how could we pass that up!?) And just when I was thinking, "Man, I could really go for some more of Cousin Ghandi's odd self and other depricating humor, oh well, guess we won't encounter that at all today," we encountered that again, at our first stop of the Villages. We eventually realized that it was a cultural humor. Really hard to explain... it's kinda funny, but then again, kinda not.. just different. I suppose it would take some getting used to.
For the most part, we agreed that PCC was like Disneyland Lite. It was big, expensive, fun, but no rides! Except for the canoe, which was kinda fun. It was more of a living museum, full of people who are working off going to Bringham Young University, and therefore may not necessarily want to be there. So, more like a living museum with half of the pieces of art beautiful and representative, the other just sort of boring and sitting there out of necessity.
Some highlights:
We were being picked up at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, across the street. Now, in my opinion, there's two things wrong with the title of the place. I'll give you a hint, it actually has a relationship with the Hilton, so I'll leave it to you to figure out what the other two wrong things are.
Anywho, the Village sports a pretty cool shopping area where we browsed and laughed at how expensive things were, it being Hilton-ey. 10 rolled around, and we went to the bus area, waiting for the huge dumbass bus that will take us to the PCC. Sparing the boring details, it wasn't too bad until the bus, huge and dumbass and all, came over and our tour guide for the bus showed up. Yes, tour guide for the bus. We weren't treated to a calm bus ride across the island, oh no, we had our friend Cousin Ghandi from SAaaaamoa talk to us the entire time. He was charming enough, but he called us Cousin the entire time, and that struck me as a very Mormon thing. Nothing wrong with Mormons, it's just wild how they influenced Polynesian culture. I suppose without that, though, we wouldn't have the PCC, so that's good. Right?
Anyway, one semi-annoying bus ride later and we made it. Sunscreen was applied, and we opted out of the guided tour by Cousin Ghandi (only $10 extra! how could we pass that up!?) And just when I was thinking, "Man, I could really go for some more of Cousin Ghandi's odd self and other depricating humor, oh well, guess we won't encounter that at all today," we encountered that again, at our first stop of the Villages. We eventually realized that it was a cultural humor. Really hard to explain... it's kinda funny, but then again, kinda not.. just different. I suppose it would take some getting used to.
For the most part, we agreed that PCC was like Disneyland Lite. It was big, expensive, fun, but no rides! Except for the canoe, which was kinda fun. It was more of a living museum, full of people who are working off going to Bringham Young University, and therefore may not necessarily want to be there. So, more like a living museum with half of the pieces of art beautiful and representative, the other just sort of boring and sitting there out of necessity.
Some highlights:
- Parade of the canoes. Full of dancing by each culture. On canoes! One of the people steering the boat fell in the water. I think he did it on purpose.
- IMAX showing of a film about the reefs dying around the Pacific Rim.
- Luau, that was the shit. Especially with the Emcee! He was rockin, and had a good voice.
- The show at the end. Dances from many cultures. I (of course) liked the fire dancing best. Oddly enough, it just made me think of Lilo and Stitch.
- OH YEAH! I drank out of a carved out pineapple! Mango smoothie! I just wish it had alcohol in it, because, oh yeah, no alcohol or caffene because their Mormons.
The day went by faster than anticipated, with much ice cream and pig eaten. The ice cream was banana and guava, I think, and was delicious. Monica had an allergic reaction to the banana. Hilarious! The pig was delicious too. It was cooking in a pit. I didn't get up to see it because I was tired; I took their word for it.
The bus ride home was alright, I slept most of the way back, and when we got to the Hilton, it was almost sleepwalking to my room I was so tired. Fun! A good day, a little fakey, but I'm glad I got to do it, and now I never have to do it again!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Downward Sourness
Just been hearing a lot about who's been called back and who got in and who's accepted offers to the schools I've auditioned for.
Needless to say, I'm very frustrated and angry.
Although, any schools that take them will undoubtably not mesh with me and my style.
Then I think stupid thoughts like, "What happened to me, I used to be a good actor."
That's a stupid thought, but I can't get it out of my mind. Goddamn it. If only I was blonde and skinny with big boobs, then someone would put me in their program. Maybe in my next life I can be a cocktease!
Jesus. And I was going to write about the Polynesian Cultural Center too. Too angry to write now. Only to bitch.
Needless to say, I'm very frustrated and angry.
Although, any schools that take them will undoubtably not mesh with me and my style.
Then I think stupid thoughts like, "What happened to me, I used to be a good actor."
That's a stupid thought, but I can't get it out of my mind. Goddamn it. If only I was blonde and skinny with big boobs, then someone would put me in their program. Maybe in my next life I can be a cocktease!
Jesus. And I was going to write about the Polynesian Cultural Center too. Too angry to write now. Only to bitch.
Oh and...
Yesterday Monica and I went to get indian food. Tasty as always. I could eat there every day, but I don't think my stomach would give me a warm welcome later.
And I just got called in to a reading at the Willows. Kind of odd. Oh well, it's this Sunday, and that should be fun!
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