July 31st: "What the?"

Today's blog is dedicated to confusion in its most awesome sense.  My first bout of confusion has to do with how the heck to format my blog.  Should it only be about the things that I do and/or experience?  Or should it be about the random acts of awesome that I witness frequently?  I think the answer is both - but when I have to choose to write about one over the other, which should take precedent: the intended awesome, or the random awesome? ... well, because I can't yet choose - today we get both.

INTENDED AWESOME:  After a very long but amazing week, I was really looking forward to a night off, but instead I invested my time to go and support some friends who were performing in a show called The Gas Heart.  Well worth the investment!  Any show that has me asking, "What is going on?", "Did that seriously just happen?", "What's with the body parts?", and "How many endings does this show have?" - is amazing.  If you want to know what it's like to see the show just furrow your brow, then lift one (and only one) of your eyebrows, and smile a big goofy toothy smile and laugh.  That's pretty much the state of the show.  I'm sad that it's over and I can't tell more people to see it, but I'm glad that I at least made it out to see it.  Thank you Gas Heart!

UNINTENDED AWESOME:  Right after watching The Gas Heart I started heading home, and while walking down the street, some guy rode by me on his bicycle.  Why is this awesome, you might ask?  Good question.  The answer lies in the convention of the bicycle he was riding.  Here's what the bike looked like.

Needless to say this bike had me asking "What the?" all over again.  Why would someone ride a bike like this just to get them around?  It hardly seems practical.  Well, the answer is simple: because they are awesome.  Want to know what the best part is?  This wasn't even the first time I've seen someone use an unconventional mode of transportation like this.  I've actually seen someone riding a bike just like this down Vancouver streets before, during Critical Mass. Though you generally expect some weird bicycles to show up there.  But there seems to be a good number of people out here in Vancouver who also ride unicycles as their chosen vehicle to get them from A to B.  Yeah - you know the things that jugglers ride on while throwing bowling pins in the air and trying to balance something ridiculous on their nose?  Yeah - people use those just to get around.  And I love it!  To these people who choose their unconventional and awesome modes of transportation - thank you!  For reminding us that our daily commute does not have to be boring!

http://www.thal.ca/shows/gas-heart

July 30th: Closing, After Midnight!

Has anyone noticed that my last few blogs have generally been posted around or after midnight?  Ever wonder why that is?

It's not because I'm lazy and procrastinating.  It's because on average over the past month (at least) I've been spending a solid 12 hours outside of my apartment and have been busy either working, rehearsing, performing, directing, box officing, or celebrating with friends my doing any of these things. Some people might think this is crazy - and you know what - I might even agree with them.  But considering how amazing this past month has been with all of the artistic ventures that I've been so privileged to be a part of - I'm truly grateful for my departure from my apartment and all of the socializations that came with it.

It's sad knowing that we're done Compassion For Killers now especially since it was a production that I feel like I was heavily involved in from beginning to end.  It was very much Christopher Cook's baby - but he definitely made the project feel like a team effort - so it's really sad knowing that it's over. I am EXTREMELY grateful to everyone who helped with the show, everyone who came out to support the show, and to all of the reviewers who helped to plug it.  Here are a bunch of links to those who helped to promote it.  I couldn't be more proud.  Thank you!

EMME ROGERS
BIZ BOOKS
TASTE & SIP MAGAZINE

Maybe my next blog post will actually get written in the day I am writing about.  Though it might be too weird and logical for me, so we'll have to see how that goes!  For now - we'll just enjoy the after midnight blog posts!

July 29th: Two Words - Checo Tohomaso!

I have been privileged to have had a number of mentors in my life who not only made me realize my passions, but have encouraged me to let those passions lead the way I live my life.  Not surprisingly two of these people were my music mentors: my high school music teacher, Toni Clement (may she forever rest in peace) and my current choir director Checo Tohomaso!

I cannot think of anyone who better understands what life is all about than these two.  They understood/understand that life is too short, and that being negative and complaining is just a waste of time - particularly when there is SO much to be thankful for.

This evening our choir performed in what has always been my favourite concert venue - on the waterfront at Panorama Park in Deep Cove.  The area is so cute and quaint, and is sheltered by these gorgeous forests and mountains.  And fortunately enough for us - the weather was beautiful.

The reason why I love performing at this venue so much is because it always makes me feel that at my core, I truly understand what life is all about.  Singing these beautiful songs, with the most enthusiastic choir director (who I am convinced doesn't know how NOT to smile), while looking out at this group of people who are all there to have fun and be moved by the choir, just somehow sums everything up for me - to the point where I was literally moved to tears tonight.  We had a guest show up and he sang "A Change Is Gonna Come" without any of us knowing - and during the song a former choir member (who had to quit due to health problems) stood up with her husband and started slow dancing.  Suffice it say that it reminded me so much of Toni - that I couldn't help but cry.

I used to think that the VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir slogan of "We'll activate your soul!" was kind of cheezy.  Now I think that it couldn't be more accurate!  I don't think I've ever left a single choir rehearsal or performance without a huge smile and the overwhelming desire to be a happy and helpful person.  Some of that is due to the songs, and just the opportunity to sing.  But a lot of it is thanks to Checo and his infectious enthusiasm!  We need more Toni's and Checo's in the world.  I guess this blog is my best effort at trying to be one of them.

Here's a video of our choir singing at the Folk Festival a couple of years ago.  It's a glimpse of Checo at his more understated, but it definitely gives you an idea of what our crowds are often like.

Enjoy!

July 28th: Good Openings, Good Friends, Mediocre Wine!

Tonight was the official opening night of Compassion For Killers and it was such a good night!  It was an evening that consisted of a great show, mixed with great friends, and half-decent wine (hey - at least it's wine).

Overall, I am so proud of everyone who helped bring this production together.  I can't believe there are only 3 performances left and then it's done.  But considering we just opened I'm certainly not going to commiserate the closing of the show just yet.  3 performances still means that there are 3 more chances to see it, so that is pretty awesome!  Way to go team!  What was just an idea in our heads a number of months ago is now a reality and that's pretty darn cool!

July 27th: God Bless You!

I'm not a very superstitious person, but there a two superstitions that I will forever maintain in my life:
1.  Knocking Wood so as not to jinx something.
2.  Saying "God Bless You" after someone sneezes.
Some might find these superstitions to be ridiculous, but I do these things out of tradition, not because I am afraid that I will jinx myself, or have people's souls go rushing out through their noses.  The former I do because it makes me happy.  And the latter I do because it is essentially a foolproof way to make others happy.

On the bus today, my nose tickled and sure enough I sneezed.  Normally, I wouldn't expect any response from this situation, but I was pleasantly surprised when the gentleman next to me raised his head from his newspaper, turned to me and uttered those soul-saving words "God Bless You!" I smiled, turned to him, nodded, and said "Thank you."  Then we both went back to minding our own business with these huge grins on our faces.

It was such a simple and beautiful moment of two complete strangers coming together to help each other out.  He 'saved my soul', I gave him the chance to be a hero.  Perhaps, I put too much emphasis on the blessing after the sneeze.  I've actually had the "Bless You" cause tension in a relationship before, when an old boyfriend of mine neglected to say it thereby prompting the gentleman behind me to say it instead. (I know there's a Seinfeld episode about this, but I actually lived the real thing.)  The fact of the matter is, it is a really nice feeling to have someone say those words to you - and everyone knows it.  In the situation of the relationship, right after the other guy jumped in, the ex knew that he missed his golden opportunity and immediately felt emasculated, and I immediately questioned just how much he cared when he was able to let a complete stranger beat him to the punch on such an obvious response.  I can't say that the relationship ended because of this situation, but I know that it didn't help.

So thank you to those who continue to share a blessing after a sneeze.  And for everyone else out there who still thinks it is ridiculous - I challenge you to be the hero after the next sneeze you hear, and tell me that it doesn't feel good when you see the smile on the person's face.  And if you happen to miss your golden opportunity with a significant other - don't say I didn't warn you!

July 26th: Handwriting on Envelopes!

I really look forward to getting mail, even if it is just a pile of bills.  I guess just the hope of finding something else in amongst the mix makes me love it.  Today, for instance, I hit the mail JACKPOT!  I received two pieces of mail today.  The first was a cheque - which was expected, but always nice to receive.  The second was an envelope with my name and address handwritten on the outside.  Now - I knew immediately what it was inside, and yes I suppose I knew it was coming. But there is something about receiving a piece of mail with my name handwritten on the envelope that just makes me feel special.  Even if it comes from a business and they are asking for money, I still love it.  Because for the time it took for that person to write my name on that envelope, they were thinking of me - and that's pretty awesome.

In this case, what came in the envelope was also pretty awesome (it was a wedding invitation in case anyone is wondering), but what was even more awesome was the stamp that they used.  The stamp was nothing special (see below). What made it awesome was the fact that I just finished having a conversation with another friend of mine a few weeks ago who was trying to avoid putting the exact same stamp on her wedding invitations.

I understand.  Wedding invitations are a tricky thing.  They are essentially the first glimpse at what a wedding will be like.  The invitation can speak volumes, as can the envelope that it comes in.  But in this context I thought it was perfect that this oversized and obscure stamp was on the wedding invitation I received.  Either because it means the stamp was intentional and the wedding is going to be a ridiculous and awesome party, or it means that the couple had other things to worry about that mattered more to them than the stamp on their invitation envelopes.  Whichever it is - I approve and I think it's awesome!

Thank you Canada Post, for making today's mail day amazing!

  

July 25th: The light at the end of a very long tunnel!

I cannot believe that we are already into opening week for Compassion For Killers.  Do you have any idea what this means?  It means that after two full months of rehearsals for one show or another, I will finally say good-bye to the rehearsal process and just sit back and enjoy the hard work.  Yes - I will still be acting in performances, and yes - I'll still be running box office and front-of-house for the shows.  But the fact of the matter is that after tomorrow, all I have to do is enjoy the fruits of my labour.  From Wednesday onwards, it's all just playtime!  And that's friggin' awesome!

So let's celebrate by posting one of Colin Mills' creepy pictures of Chris in the freezing cold water.  I think it looks awesome.  I can't wait for opening night on Thursday!

July 24th: Indulging in New Discoveries!

Every so often, I like to indulge in the finer things in life.  And most often when I indulge, I indulge in food.  After our show today a few of us went out to BierCraft for some delicious drinks and tapas.  I had never been to BierCraft before but new they served a wide selection of beers and tapas.

When I looked at the menu, I found so many delicious beers and foods that were completely new to me, and many that I had already experienced and known were awesome.  This time around, I intentionally tried to pick items that I had never tried before and that would go decently together.  I decided to go for the Fruli Beer (strawberry beer), and their Arancini - pictured below.

This picture is of delicious roasted vegetable risotto balls with a balsamic reduction, sweet chili sauce, and parsley oil.  This food combined with the strawberry beer can be summed up in two words: DELICIOUS and AWESOME!  The experience of this evening was just an affirmation that I should keep challenging myself to try new things, because I'll never know what amazingness is just waiting around the corner - or in this case, in the kitchen!  

July 23rd: Shakespeare In The Park!!!

I woke up this morning to a beautiful warm summer day. Now this shouldn't be an extraordinary thing except that we haven't had many of these days in Vancouver, and since today was our opening day of Taming Of The Shrew, it was certainly a welcome surprise. And it looks like tomorrow is going to be just as nice. Maybe we will luck out and have beautiful weather for all 5 remaining shows, but whether rain or shine - Shakespeare in the park is always fun.

The Shadow and Dreams production of Taming Of The Shrew is performing at the Queen's Park Bandshell in New Westminster on July 24, 30, 31, Aug 6, & 7 @ 2pm. The performance is free, so come on by and enjoy the water park and petting zoo while you wait for the show to start.

From Left to Right: Stephen Elcheshen, James King, Bill Jones, Kerri Norris, Patricia Johnson-Brooke, Alison Chisholm

From Left to Right: Alison Chisholm, Jack Brooke, Nigel Brooke

July 22nd: Tedious Work Made Fun!

Every summer for the last five years there is a simple job that I have to do at work, which for some reason always piles up and turns into a frantic mess.  That job is processing season subscriptions.  It's not a hard job.  Just a tedious one.  But fortunately through the help of good friends, pizza, and the persuasiveness of a dance break, we were able to catch up on all of our subscriptions and turn what is normally a gruelling and tedious task into a Party!

Unfortunately I didn't get any footage of today's dance party - but here's some footage from an old dance party from a while back.  If you have not ever had a dance break at work before, I highly suggest you try it out.  It's very motivating!

July 21st: Live On Air from Queen's Park!!!

That's right!  Guess who got to be on the radio today talking about the upcoming production of Compassion For Killers.  I know that it probably shouldn't have been that exciting, but it really was.  I had never been on the radio before, so it was really fun to be able to go through the official live on air interview process.  The best part was I actually was doing the interview by phone while sitting in a van in costume just behind the venue where we were having our dress rehearsal for Taming Of The Shrew!  It was a pretty awesome experience.

For those who want to hear the interview, go to Co-op Radio 102.7 and download the audio file for Arts Rational.  My interview starts around the 37:30 mark.

I hope you enjoy!

July 20th: A Baker's Dozen!!!

I had the privilege of spending one more evening with Brent tonight before he left for other west coast adventures.  We had some good conversations, but one in particular struck a chord with me.  I mentioned that I have now been living in Vancouver longer than I ever lived in Montreal, which got us on the topic of Montreal and whether I missed it.  And I do.  I really do.  

Don't get me wrong - I absolutely LOVE Vancouver.  It's a picturesque city with great green spaces and lots to do.  But there was something about Montreal that I really do miss.  The culture, the vibe, the people, their ability to hide their long johns under the greatest fashions, and most of all . . . the food.  I made the mistake of having a poutine out here because I missed it so much, and immediately regretted it.  Fortunately, I was sure to not make that same mistake with Montreal Smoked Meat sandwiches.  And of course another one of my favourites was always the St.Viateur Bagels.  Before I'd catch a train home to Hamilton I would go to St.Viateur to grab some fresh bagels to take home with me - both as a treat for my parents and for me on the train.  

Fortunately today I was able to relive that deliciousness when I redeemed my Groupon to Solly's Bagelry.  Montreal style bagels fresh from the oven???? YES PLEASE.  Oh, you want to make that a bakers dozen?  Go right ahead!  Wait - you want to give that to me for half the price??? AWESOME!

So while there's a lot of things about Montreal that I will always miss - it's nice knowing that there's at least one thing here that is sufficiently reminiscent of those glory days.  Thanks Sollys!

July 19th: Fun times with Old Friends!

I LOVE it when I find out that a friend who I haven't seen for over 5 years is in town and wants to hang out.  I love it even MORE when that friend wants to stay with me for a couple of days while he's in town.  And I love it MOST when I go out with said friend and have crazy experiences on the transit ride home.  Experiences like having transit security waiting for the bus to pull up to a bus stop, with a police cruiser slowly pull up behind the bus only to have two police offers escort "Romeo and Juliet" (two drunk unruly men issuing verbal death threats and holding carnations) off the bus.

All in all, I think it was a FANTASTIC night.  Thank you Brent for being awesome and patient through the whole thing.  You're amazing and I'm so glad you're here!  .... oh, and thanks for the new clothes!

July 18th: A new metaphorical hat!

Today I took on a new role that I've never taken on in my theatre career.  I became a costume designer/builder.  It was really fun and scary to try on this new hat - so to speak.  Okay, okay - so it was just one pair of cotton knit shorts that I had to make, but still - I was pretty darn proud of myself.  I haven't sewn any clothing since high school - and I have never done it without a premade pattern.  Thankfully I had the very talented and wise Shalyn McFaul by my side to help me through everything.  Her sewing expertise definitely came in handy.  

But in the end, it was me who got behind the pedal of my sewing machine and turned four pieces of fabric into one pair of shorts.  And I think that's pretty awesome!  Hooray for this awesome new hat I've found.  I think I might clean it off a bit before I put it on again, but for now it's pretty neat just having it around.

July 17th: Second Winds!!

I am going to do something I probably shouldn't.  I'm going to dedicate my July 17th blog to something that technically happened on the 18th.  But here's why!

This evening was spent doing the lighting hang and focus for the summer shows taking place at Pacific Theatre, which includes the upcoming Whirlwind Theatre Production of  Compassion For Killers.  We started at around 7:30 and finished hanging all of the lights around 11:30pm, at which point we moved on to focusing the lights which we knew would take another two hours at least.  After already doing a solid 4 hours of work that scares the heck out of me I was pretty exhausted and was not sure if I was ready to keep going.  But sure enough I just kept plowing through, and then all of a sudden, shortly after midnight, it hit me.  That gloriously refreshing SECOND WIND!  

I love second winds. It's that beautiful thing that happens when you come so close to crashing, but at the last second your body takes a hold of the wheel and steers you away from danger, giving you the adrenaline needed to both do your job and turn the job into a party.  

Tonight we celebrated that party with some krumping, and other forms of ridiculous dance. All in all, the job got done and it was a really fun night.  But now that the wind has died down again, I'm going to briefly enjoy something else that's pretty awesome - SLEEP!  

July 16th: I've never looked so good!

Yesterday I received the following messages on my facebook wall:

MESSAGE 1: So, we now have a series of drawings entitled "Alison", because our daughter Aeron is obsessed with you.
MESSAGE 2: Update: We have "Alison from two perspectives", and recently announced: Hundreds of pictures of Alison ...

These messages came from the father of one of the awesome kids I referred to earlier in my post about Rehearsals and Kids.  Yesterday it was awesome to hear about these pictures.  And today was made even more awesome because I actually got to see the pictures.  And they are amazing! Check them out for yourself:

It's hard to tell but the picture on the left is actually Aeron with a picture of me on her shirt.  And the picture on the right is all me baby!  Aeron also wrote her name (perfectly backwards I might add - and no it's not a bleed through from the other side) and right next to her name she put a heart for me.

I LOVE Aeron and I love these pictures!  And they love their new home on my fridge!  These pictures are definitely today's awesomism!  THANK YOU AERON!

• 
  

  
  

  • • ..

July 15th: Disgusting Smells and Pleasant Memories!

I'm choosing to be inspired by the most recent event of the day.  While being driven home from an amazing theatre production (also awesome), we ended up driving through an area that was very recently visited by a very nearby and very unhappy skunk.  I am not even exaggerating its potency.  While yes, my previous skunking experience has made me a little more sensitive to skunking, my friend verified that the smell was in fact that bad.  And while it is an absolutely awful smell, there's something about it that I really adore.  It reminds of a crucial time in my life when so much changed.  When I was skunked I realized a number of things in a very short period of time: 

1)  I would never have full control over anything - ever

2)  In stressful situations I am allowed a brief moment of panic, but then l need to move on and do what needs to be done

3)  I can always rely on my good friend Google to help me out of jam

4)  I can actually enjoy the experience of scrubbing myself down in a combination of tomato ingredients 

5)  I will always love dogs no matter how stupid/curious they might be

 and most importantly: 

6)  It made me realize that I was absolutely head-over-heels in love with the man who helped me realize all of these things!  

And so while even the faintest smell of a skunk still makes me shudder - it also makes me smile. Much like a couple of other things. Yes - I'm one of those who loves the smell of rotting seaweed and moth balls because it reminds me of summers spent with Grammy on the Cape and in Wisconsin.  Those smells don't make me shudder so much, but they always make me smile.  

So here's to the disgusting smells that make my life so wonderful!  May you forever be gross and great!

 

July 14th: Schadenfreude!

schadenfreude
[shahd-n-froi-duh]
-noun
Satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune


Okay - so maybe schadenfreude itself isn't the most awesome thing in the world.  It's actually kind of cruel but unfortunately I do think it is human nature.  At some point or other I think we all take pleasure in the "serves you right" or "you asked for it" moments in life.  Don't believe me?  Try listening to this song from Avenue Q and tell me you can't relate.  Just be forewarned that there are some explicit lyrics in this song - but it doesn't make it any less awesome.

What CAN be awesome about schadenfreude is when you have good friends who will intentionally put themselves in unfortunate situations for the sake of your pleasure.  Today's shout out goes to Christopher Cook who threw himself into freezing cold water for the sake of getting some publicity shots for our upcoming production of Compassion For Killers.  I also have to give props to Colin Ivor Mills for lending his time and also braving the water in order to get some great shots.  I'm sorry for enjoying your misfortunes a bit too much, but I am grateful for all your work and your friendship.  Way to be awesome!

July 13th: Hand Games!!!

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love games.  Board games, card games, even the odd video game - but the games I like the best are the ones that only require your mind and body.  This morning was a good reminder of just how amazing hand games can be.    

Just look at Rock, Paper, Scissors (or ROSHAMBO as I like to call it).  So many of life's simple decisions can be solved with this amazing game.  Out on the night with a friend and can't choose which movie to see?  Why pull out a coin when you can just use your fists to RoShamBo it up.  You can solve it in one round or prolong the fun and go best 2 of 3.  Either way it's going to be a fair decision - so long as everyone leaves the dynamite at home.

Today, though, I learned a whole new hand game.  These two kids were playing it on the bus this morning.  They each started with both of their hands in fists with only their index fingers pointing out.  Whoever went first then tapped one of the fists of the opponent, at which time the opponent would have to add the number of fingers they were tapped with to the number of fingers showing in their hand.  I then learned that in your turn you had the option of tapping your opponent (adding to their total) or evening out your own fingers.  The objective of the game was to get rid of all of your opponent's fingers.  Having no idea what this game was, I did some online sleuthing and learned that the game is called Chopsticks.  I had never played it before and I can't figure out why - because it is AMAZING.  For those who want the visual of how to play, you can check out a video of it, or you can even try playing the online game.  But I recommend just finding a friend and trying it out!  I should also recommend that you stick to playing this game with a sober mind . . . at least for the first few times.

July 12th: A whole slew of Awesomisms!

Too many awesome things happened today so I'm just going to give you a brief summary of each - because I just couldn't choose.  I will list them in chronological order.

1. AQUAFIT.  A friend texted me late last night to ask if I wanted to go to aquafit with her early this morning, and since I have the mentality of "Why not?" - I signed up for the challenge.  And I'm so glad I did.  It may have been my first class, but it definitely won't be my last.

2. SELF-PROPHESIZING: Remember how yesterday I compared the feeling of having just fixed a huge problem to that of finding lost keys?  Well guess what I lost today?  That's right - my keys!!! It got a little more panicky than I wanted, but I did eventually find out that my actor had accidentally taken them with him when he left rehearsal.  Which makes that two days in a row of that weird awesome feeling.  It's still a good feeling, but I think the two days is enough for me right now.

3. OPERA GUY. Vancouver has a gentleman who walks up and down South Granville (and apparently Granville Island) singing Opera at the top of his lungs.  And he sings it well!!!  And I had the pleasure of running in to him today.  There's no rhyme or reason to his singing - he just sings.  And that in and of itself is just plain awesome.

I feel like I might be missing some things but since I can't remember what exactly they were, I'll take that to mean they weren't as awesome as these three, so I guess we'll just forget about them.  I don't know how I could have packed more random awesomeness into one day anyway!

July 11th: Problem Fixed!

Know what's not fun? Waking up to hear a small leak coming from your ceiling!  Know what's lots of fun? Having the problem fixed almost immediately.  There's something about quickly fixing a potentially huge problem that inherently makes you feel good.  Even if I accomplished nothing else today (which I did - but that's beside the point) at least I don't have a leak anymore and everything is all cleaned and back to normal.  It's like that feeling that comes from finding your keys after you thought they were lost.  First you wonder if the problem is what you think it is, then you realize that it is.  You start realizing what this could mean, then panic sets in, and after a few moments of panicking you start trying to solve the problem, then (presuming all goes well) - SUCCESS!!!  Crisis averted!  Now I'm not suggesting that the fixing of a problem is always worth going through the problem itself, but in this case I do intend to enjoy this sense of accomplishment and relief while it lasts!

July 10th: Acting, Singing, Directing!

Want to know what I like better than a day off?  A day spent doing what I love most in the world.  Like starting off the day going to a rehearsal of a theatre show that I will be performing in only a couple of weeks, followed by an afternoon of singing my soul out in a gospel choir rehearsal prepping for one of my favourite performances of the year, followed by an evening of working on another theatre piece for which I get to don the hat of Director - a hat I haven't worn since University.  I'm not going to lie - It's a little terrifying but absolutely amazing.  A few months ago when I took on all of these projects I actually thought that I might have taken on too much this month, but based on how good today felt - I think I made the right choice. I wouldn't take on any more than this at one time, but I've learned that being busy is awesome when I'm filling my time with projects I'm really passionate about.  Now excuse me while I pass out from exhaustion and joy!

July 9th: Rehearsals and kids!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am currently working on an upcoming production of Taming Of The Shrew with a company called Shadows and Dreams, founded by some friends of mine.  The company was essentially founded so that the founders could continue producing and performing in shows while still looking after their children.  Which means that all of their kids attend our rehearsals and have small parts in each of the shows.  I know some people might think that it must be difficult to rehearse with a bunch of young children running around - but I LOVE IT!!!  Mostly because I just love kids, but these kids are particularly awesome.  They are all so outgoing, so creative, and just tons of fun to be around. I'm alway so impressed with how their minds work.  One of the little boys told me one of the best jokes I've ever heard - and he had no idea why it was so funny.  I'm sure we all know the Knock, Knock joke when you ask "Who's There?", only to get the answer of "banana" twice in a row, but when asked a third time you're surprised to find an ORANGE at the door.  So of course you ask "Orange, who?" - just to await the punchline of "Orange you glad I didn't say banana?" Well this little boy thought he could make the joke even funnier.  Here's his version:

Him: Knock, knock.

Me: Who's there?

Him: Lion.

Me: (wondering where this is going) Lion who?

Him: Knock, knock.

Me: Who's there?

Him: Lion.

Me: (still wondering) Lion who?

Him: Knock, knock.

Me: Who's there?

Him: Cow.

Me: (legitimately intrigued) Cow who? 

Him: Cow'd you glad I didn't say lion?

Well - I almost died laughing when I heard it.  Clearly he didn't really get the original joke, but at least he got it enough to be inspired to make a new joke from it.  And in my honest opinion, it really was a lot funnier.  These are the kids I get to spend my weekend with.  So I get to perform in a show and hang out with amazing children? AMAZING!  Sign me up!

July 8th: Happy Birthday Mom!

Mom's are just awesome.  Especially when they are yours and they happen to be celebrating a birthday.  Several years ago on July 8th the woman who was later to give birth to me was being born.  I can't thank my Mom enough for everything she's done for me.  I am the woman I am because of her.  She made sure I knew how to spell words correctly without having to rely on a spell check; she gave me the most amazing sweet tooth the world has ever known; and she always made sure I noticed the positive female role models in my life - often referring to other women, while I was busy noticing her.  So today's shout-out goes to my Mom, for not just giving me life, but for making it a happy and fulfilling one.  Love you lots Mom!!! xoxoxo

July 7th: The Bittersweet Ending of a Beautiful Tragedy

Tonight was the closing night of The Verona Project - an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet that I was privileged to be a part of.  Ending a show is always tough because you realize that it is highly unlikely that you will ever perform the show again.  All the work from rehearsals, performances and the time spent making new friends, eventually comes to the moment when you just have to walk away and appreciate what was.  Of course it's sad, but that's kind of what makes the moment so beautiful.  Much like the end of any good tragedy.  A big thank you to all the cast and crew of The Verona Project, especially Evan who was kind enough to invite me to be in the show.  It took some courage and I can't thank you enough for the support.  I'll miss you all!

Fortunately my moment with the Bard isn't over quite yet.  There is one more Shakespeare project that I am working on right now - which is a little more joyful than Romeo & Juliet.  Time to turn that frown upside down and focus on the comedy!  News about the Shrew to come soon!

July 6th: New meaning to the phrase "How can I help you?"

Generally when someone asks "How can I help you?" what they actually mean is "How can I serve you in a way that is relevant to the business that we offer or the circumstances that we are in?"  Or at least that's what I've always assumed when I've had someone ask me that question.  But today that question took on a whole new meaning.  Below is an actual phone conversation I had with someone who called work today.

Me: Good afternoon! This is Alison speaking. How may I help you?
Random Caller:  Hi there.  I don't have a phone book and I need the phone number for the City of White Rock. (a suburb of Vancouver for those who aren't familiar with the geography out here)
Me: No problem.  I can look that up for you.

I still have no idea how they ended up calling the theatre.  I choose to believe it wasn't online - otherwise they could have just searched for the phone number themselves.  Maybe it was a patron who knew how amazing our staff was and knew we'd be willing to help?  Or perhaps it was just somebody calling any 7 digits and I happened to be the lucky winner?  Either way - my immediate response of "Sure I can help with that" made me realize that those 5 words that rush out of my mouth as I pick up the phone are more than just a script to me.  I truly mean them. I legitimately just want to help ... providing that I am able to.  And thanks to Google, I often can.

July 5th: Running is Fun!

I have to credit today's optimism to Luke Timmermans.  He motivated me to become a runner tonight.  Well actually I'm still in the learning phases.  I haven't quite figured out how to move my calves and thighs in the proper rhythm yet, but with enough practice, I am sure that in no time I will become an expert runner . . . online anyway. Yup - there's an online running game that merely asks you to use four keyboard keys (QWOP) to control your calves and thighs to get you running.  How Luke finds these things, I have no clue.  But I am so glad he does because this game fills me with such joy.  Please share my most recent addiction with me.  I swear that falling while running has never felt so good!  

My best distance so far : 10.3m.

ONLINE RUNNING GAME!!!! (It's harder than you think)

July 4th: Sunshine and Silly Walks!

I don't know if I will ever be able to top today's awesomism.  This evening, I decided to do some reading at the park a few blocks from my house to take advantage of the beautiful view of the sun setting on the  mountains and downtown.  Unfortunately for my reading, I got distracted by a man who walked by me.  He was dressed formally in dress pants, a white buttoned down shirt, and a green silky vest, and he walked by me in the weirdest way.  It was as if he was carrying an invisible box in front of him and with every step he took he had to touch his right hand to his left hip, and then vice versa. It was almost like those times when you start walking silly just to get a few laughs and then a friend says "I dare you to walk like that all the way to ..." where ever it is you're going.  Except in this case - the man was just walking that way.  No one was daring him to, and he wasn't showing off to anyone.  He was just being awesome.  So awesome in fact that he had to walk by me like that not once, not twice - but SEVEN times!  Fortunately by the fifth time I had picked up on the pattern and was able to sneak a little video footage.  I'm sorry to say that the video does not do the walk justice - but at least you can kind of meet the man that made my day!  AMAZING!

July 3rd: Elementary Food Habits!

I generally like to think I am a responsible and reliable adult.  But I also know that I still love to act and eat like a child whenever I feel I can get away with it.  Like today - when I needed to grab a bite of food for lunch from the local corner store.  As it was only a corner store, there really wasn't a whole lot of choice, but had I looked hard enough I'm sure I could have found prewrapped muffins, rice crackers, a dusty container of peanut butter, and maybe even an apple.  But no - I went for one of the most delicious and convenient things that I remember eating in elementary school: Dry Mr. Noodles!!!  Even as I grabbed the packet I could hear my mother saying "But it will give you worms" and I could imagine my fellow adult cast mates saying "Really? Mr. Noodles? What, are you 5?"  But none of that mattered because I knew it would be worth it.  And sure enough when I made it back to rehearsal, the only comment I heard was: "Dry Mr. Noodles?  NICE!  I used to eat that all the time."  So thank you 10 year old me, for taking charge in that brief moment and making my day great!

July 2nd: $1 Breakfast and a Dream Come True!

I'm pretty sure when a day starts off with a delicious, filling, $1 breakfast, then the day is going to be amazing. At least that's how my day went today. It all started with a trip to Ikea to get some items I've either been needing or wanting for a very long time.  Those items included a mirror and one of those ridiculously comfy, springy rocking type chairs.  And today my dream came true.  I'm now officially the proud owner of an IKEA Poang chair.  I can't tell you why this fills me with so much joy, but it really and truly does.  Maybe it's the fact that I've wanted one for 3 years, maybe it's the amazing comfort it provides, or maybe it's just the awesome name - but I am so grateful that it is now in my apartment.  This was really just a small accomplish in an amazing day filled with two theatre performances and an extremely supportive and generous family (that I'm not even officially a part of), but I think that this small accomplishment pretty well sums up the success of the day.  Hooray Ikea and POANG!

July 1st: CANADA IS AWESOME!

And so we begin the journey of my next project of reporting on my daily optimisms... or awesomisms as I might choose to call them!  After reading The Book Of Awesome by Neil Pasricha I was inspired to spend at least a full year of my life acknowledging at least one positive experience every day.  And because of the awesomeness that is February 29th - that's 366 days of looking on the bright side.  And what better way to start this challenge than by celebrating the biggest thing I can think of:  CANADA.

I started the celebrations at Lonsdale Quay in a VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir performance.  The crowd took a little more time than usual to get into the groove, but eventually most folks tried to get those shackles of their feet so they could dance.  And in the end - they succeeded.

We then grabbed some lunch and beavertails from the Lonsdale Quay market, then got back on that seabus to celebrate Canada at (wait for it ...) Canada Place.  The olympic torch was lit as part of the celebration, so I finally took my opportunity to get a picture with the it, and managed to do so without the fence around it.

It was a fantastic day and a great way to spend the Holiday.  Thank you CANADA for being my first awesomism!  I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.