Waiting for takeoff

It seems surreal that in less than 9 hours I will be in Paris.  On my flight I plan on either sleeping, figuring out how I'm going to carry all my luggage (I'm not even going to mention how much my suitcases weigh, but I will challenge anyone to pack for 4 seasons in one suitcase), or watch movies. I went Itunes crazy a few days ago since I'm not sure about the Netflix situation (you have to use a VPN to access it abroad). Boarding starts in 20. Planning on watching "Midnight in Paris" while in transit. :) 

Lights, Camera, Action

Today is my last day on an American set for the next 7-9 months (pending what's shooting in Chicago next summer). No one actually ever says "Lights, Camera, Action." There's just no time to waste, you have to be super efficient at what you do, or else you could end up costing the studio tons of money in overtime. Another thing I've noticed in myself is that it's hard taking off the stage manager and director hats while being an extra. The PAs always need help, but as "Talent" you're never allowed (just like in opera and theater). *Sigh* It was a fun time Chicago and I hope all these shows get picked up for a season 2! 

Long Overdue

This post is about four days overdue, but I haven't been in the mood to write (and when I'm not in the mood to write my posts would either be terribly boring or maybe a bit depressing). Also, I've been remembering why I stopped acting, because for about every one "yes' you have to experience ten+ "nos". Not getting cast just puts me a sad and mopey mood, especially after being called back and not getting a role. But, c'est la vie and that's why I switched to directing. 

This past weekend I went to the 'burbs and hung out with a college friend who did the TAPIF program two years ago. She warned me about the French people and told me that contrary to popular belief they all don't wear scarves. But, um, I definitely don't believe that as we wore many scarves in France and you can spot someone wearing in scarf in every recent French movie. We checked out an Art Fair, where a man who owned an ESL school in Florence told us about the amazing trips he took across Europe courtesy of EasyJet. He flew from Marseilles to London a few times for only 8 euros! That's so crazy! I hope to find these great EasyJet deals (oftentimes you have to fly some ridiculous hour like 4am but it's worth it for an 8 euro plane ride). She told me I would be fine in Sedan and that it can't be as bad as I've been told. It's actually not that terrible. I took a virtual tour of what I think is downtown, and I even found a bakery! HA! The American assistant from last year told me there were no bakeries in the town. I intend to buy a few macaroons and pain au chocolat and report back with my findings. So, Sedan I have some hope you yet; I might actually be quite surprised by what you have to offer. 

Onto the Art Institute outing: 

The Art Institute is catching on to the 21+ after hours events. They have a new exhibit called "Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity." Sadly, you couldn't take pics inside but I did get a cute little postcard book filled with some of the prominent pieces on display. For example they had the green and black striped dress worn by Camille in Monet's painting of "Camille" next to the painting which hung on the wall. They had shoes, books, corsets, suits, and dresses displayed in the exhibit. My favorite was they re-created the "Sunday in the Park with George" painting-they had some of the outfits worn by the models on display next to the painting. The theme for the evening was "dressed to the nines" and inspired from the "July: Specimen of a Portrait" by James Tissot. So, I took my lead from that painting. Overall I highly enjoyed the exhibit and recommend seeing it if it passes through your town.

The Book of postcards I bought

Gorgeous hats for sale 

Me standing in front of my inspiration

Artsy pic with the title of the exhibit in the background 

Draped from one of the entrances

So you don't get lost. ;)

Another blown-up reproduced painting 

It's so pretty

  

19 Days and Counting

Today I thought I'd try out my new Anker mini bluetooth keyboard (for use with my phone and tablet during weekend trips). This thing is amazing, my fingers feel like they're typing on a slightly smaller regular keyboard and everything is exactly where it should be (keyboard layout wise). I've given up on attempting to improve my French. I'm going to be there for 9 months so I might as well take this time to appreciate everything American and speak as much English as possible. In 19 days, I will be surrounded by foreigners (or, non-native English speakers). While I love my new roommates-one from Argentina, one from Germany, and one from Italy, it won't be the same.  

Now onto the important things, Adler After Dark.

So, about two weeks ago I attended Adler After Dark's UFO Invasion themed night. 

For those who are not familiar with A.A.D. it's where the Adler opens it's door to 21+ and you can drink the night away (if you want to spend $9 per cocktail, or $5 per beer). The theme dictates how the evening will go (other than seeing all the normal space shows and permanent exhibits). 

August's theme was UFO Invasion, there were panel discussions and presentations about UFOs, what they are, do they exist, etc....these panels were quite informative.....and when I lost my friend due to him turning the corner and T-Mobile's poor reception in the Planetarium, I got to part take. Luckily, we later fund each other at space show I really wanted to see. 

Our first stop was the Observation Dome (Doane Observation Deck), it's only open to the Adler After Dark Patrons, so we wanted to be the first in line to experience the giant telescope. It was pretty cool, I didn't see anything though but it was still light out. 

We spent the majority of the evening making UFOs (see pictures below). They had a contest where you took a picture of your UFO amongst the exhibit for a chance to win 2 tickets to next month's Adler After Dark. Needless to say, my Biologist friend was all about making the best UFO and winning those tickets. I tried to enjoy my surroundings while he went snapshot crazy. After our space show we had half and hour to kill, so we got the drink special ("Beam Me Up") with light up ice cube (the best part of the drink). It was made with tequila and triple sec and I think lime juice (?) and A WHOLE LOT OF SALT. The bartender just threw half a shot glass of salt in my drink rather than rim the glass. It was one of the worst drinks I have ever had. But then we got beers (much better decision) and sat outside and enjoyed the gorgeous night with the Chicago skyline as our backdrop. 

I'm not going to bore you with anymore of my alien shots, but the Adler took a picture of us and we were on their facebook page, check it out! 

20 days left in the States

I know I've been neglectful about keeping this blog going. But, with the last days of summer, who can blame me. Now that Fall is practically here (it's been here for a while in TV land) I will have more time to devote to it. These past two weeks have been surprisingly busy. I got my last tacos from Big Star, finally tried Violet Hour (amazing cocktails!), attended my first Adler After Dark (must do if you are in Chicago), went to a few street festivals, the Renaissance Faire in Bristol, and attended the Art Institute's Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity after hours exhibit. I'll slowly start to post pics this week. Lastly, I got to work on Betrayal (yay!) but for some reason (I must not have the right look) I can't book "Mind Games" because no matter how many times I submit, I don't get chosen. But c'est la vie. Betrayal is nice, and I was told that there's something for me again in the next episode, so woot! Everyone should watch "Betrayal" it'll be on ABC Sunday nights after Revenge (how appropriate, lol).

France news:
I leave for France in 20 days, somehow it feels so close yet so far away. On today's agenda is the eye doctor appointment followed by tomorrow's appointment of picking out a pair of frames (fancy's I know).

Well, that's all for now. I'll be back with more updates (or, backdates) tomorrow starting with Adler After Dark.