94. Try something I never thought I would/could do.

So I danced. In Public. A choreographed dance. This last weekend was the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock, and with that the 40th anniversary of The Who playing, "Tommy" at Woodstock.

Ray of Light Theatre is doing "Tommy" this fall, and teamed up with wolfgangs vault to do a flashmob to "Pinball Wizard."

So I got an email about it, and at first thought I'd go on Sunday, watch and show my support. Then I was all "hrmm, how about I go Sunday, and learn the second part." Then I replied to the email saying I'd go Saturday and Sunday and do all of it...I still don't know what got into me.

So Saturday morning I showed up at a top secret parking garage, and me and about 30 others were taught the first part of the flashmob dance. It was refreshing to see other people with no dancing background there, as well as those who define dancing as their true love. It was a lot harder than I thought, but the wonderful choreographer Ellyn Marie Marsh was patient with us until we all knew what we needed to know. I left a little sore, but also thinking it was a lot of fun. I definitely gained a new respect for those who dance.

Sunday we showed up and rehearsed what we learned the day before. Then we added on to it, and added everyone who was going to be in it, to it. We practiced and practiced and practiced, and it was looking good. We all then headed to Union Square at the pre-determined time. There were 100 of us, blending in. Then out of nowhere music starts. Then one person is dancing, then three, then five, then fifteen, then 25, then 50, then all 100. Then when the song was over we all just went on our marry ways, as if nothing had happened.

Oh, the best part. It was all documented on tape, and will live on youtube forever. I could let you search for it, but here it is, in all it's glory. You can see me in a couple shots. Hint: I'm wearing a green shirt. ">

86. Watch a Parade

For those of you not in the Bay Area, this weekend was "Pride" weekend. Today was the pride parade. There is something about parades that brings me back to my childhood. (Although, there never was have been a Gay Pride Parade when I was growing up.)

I remember distinctly on parade day, getting up early and going with my grandpa and he would have his spot on Main Street at The Doughnut Shop (yes, that was the name!) He would back his truck in and we'd sit on the tailgate and watch the parade. I should mention that my grandfather frequented this particular doughnut shop daily for years. There a group of farmers, that at about lunch time would meet up there and discuss the latest news, gossip and trade fish stories. I would sometimes get to go with him, and all the men would tease me and ask me questions, basically made me the center of attention. Which what 5 year old doesn't love that.

So back to the parades, we would sit on the tailgate surrounded by these guys and they'd talk about what life was like in their younger days. I think this is where I got my appreciation for stories from another time. ie. listening to old people talk. There would be high school marching bands, and the local VFW, and of course the Shriner clowns. Looking back, every parade was really the same, only the decorations changed. This one act, of shutting down traffic, and marching down the street brought the whole town together. There would be generations gathered in the same place talking story.

So what does this have to do with Gay Pride...well there is nothing like a parade to bring a community out and together!

87. Participate in a Protest for a Good Cause.

I want to get married someday. I don't want the church, government, or even my parents telling me who I can and can't marry. Tonight, my friend Stephanie and I started at The Harvey Milk Plaza and marched with hundreds (maybe thousands) of people to the steps of the California Supreme Court, and then on to San Francisco City Hall. There were people of all walks of life, of every color, gay, and straight. (Well, at least two of us were straight ;))

The speeches were amazing and inspiring. The unity I felt with all of these people was awe creating for me.

I can't explain how not only fun was it, but moving it was to be a part of history, fighting for what I believe in and though I might have been another face in the crowd, I in my own way stood up for something I believe in.

The case goes to the California Supreme Court tomorrow, and history has a chance to be made once again.

The bart ride home was interesting for me. I had on my "I do support freedom of marriage" button on, and holding my sign. Someone asked me about the rally, and info about tomorrow and I was able to share my experience with a stranger. As I was leaving the woman sitting across from me called me a "fat dyke" and I just smiled at her, and told her to have a good night. My foot is bothering me, and I want to run on Saturday, so I took a cab the half mile home and was able to debate with the cab driver over the topic. As I was getting out, he thanked me for the discussion, and said "Even if we don't agree, thank you for explaining your side, and listening to mine." which I was astounded by his presence to the conversation we had.

Thank you Stephanie for letting me know about it, and sharing this night with me!

Getting things done!

So I've been quiet on here. Not because I've been slacking, but because I've been working...

Tonight is closing night for "I love you, you're perfect, now change." The show I've been working on for the last couple months. Also I've been offered another show that starts in a month. So that will be two of my five productions.

Also I've started getting serious about participating in a 5k. It'll actually probably be Bay to Breakers. I did 2.7 miles today, not all running, but moving...and that is a start. I probably didn't even run 1/5 a mile total, but I did run and it's the start, and can only get better from here. I'm even thinking I might want to run further than a 5k in time, but when I made this list 5k seemed like the undoable distance for me.

So there is a little progress update!

#39 Help a stranger

It has been a busy few weeks for me! I'm stage managing a show, that will be opening in two weeks. It's called "I love you, you're perfect, now change" and it being put on by my friends at Ray of Light Theatre (www.roltheatre.com) for more information!

I was on the T Train Tuesday morning, and especially tired...most likely because of rehearsals. I've pretty much stopped reading on my commutes and have started sleeping on the train, well at least closing my eyes and tuning out the world...or trying to.

There was a woman on the train that was looking for an elementary school. She went up and asked the driver where it was, and he didn't know. He made an announcement on the train asking if anyone knew where it was. No one did. The woman was going to be a substitute teacher for this school, and it was her first time working at this particular location. I then remembered a handy feature on my phone called live search. I found the school, pulled up a map and was able to tell her which bus to take and where to get off the train. We chatted for the rest of the trip, and it turns out she used to teach college level theatre. It's a small world.

I'm marking this item as complete. I didn't change the world, but I'd like to think that random acts of kindness can have a rippling effect.

#22 Take the Landmark Forum

I don't really know where to start with this one. I found out about Landmark Education through Aaron who was turned onto it from Michael. Aaron took the forum in November and invited me to his completion night. I was interested in it, and signed up.

Now fast forward to December. I'm scheduled to take the forum, but instead get emergency oral surgery. They have a rule about no drugs, drinking and whatnot, so I rescheduled.

Fast forward to Friday. I walked in the room about 8:45 and was a little skeptical. I'd read things about cult like behaviors, brainwashing, them leaving people in pieces, etc. I had told Aaron I'd stick it out till Sunday at the very least. Then it all began.

Over this last weekend I have had one of the most profound experiences of my Life. That is really all I can say about it. It's very hard to describe what it was like emotionally for me this weekend. Roller-coaster comes to mind. Some great some not so great, but regardless I walked out of there with a different prospective of life.

I'm glad I went through it, and have signed up for the advance course, as well as the Forum in Action Seminar.

I've seen a noticeable difference in my life. I have a brighter outlook and really feel that anything is possible if I create it.

At the end we had to declare the possibilities that we were going to create for ourselves. I'm creating the possibility of being someone who is happy, loved and fully expressed.

If anyone has questions about The Forum, I'd be happy to go into more detail with you personally!

Another one checked off!

I've built my bookshelf and nightstand. Now I should say I've been living here for two months, and have had these items for that long, or close to it. I have been putting off putting thing things together because I knew it would frustrate me. I was right.

I started with the bookshelf, and it was more complicate than I thought it would be. I started off wrong. The first pieces I put together backwards. Oops. So when I went to connect two pieces they didn't line up right. So, at this point it was do I force it together and make it work, or take it apart and do it right? Well, I took it apart, put it back together, found another piece wrong, so I took it apart and put it back together. In the end it is together correctly, with no extra pieces! If I ever need another deterrent for buying books, I'll just put together a bookshelf!

The nightstand was easy. Yay ikea!

All in all, I'm glad it's done.

Tomorrow, I clean my room and organize my closet...or at least that is the plan!

When I do I'll post pictures of my handy work!

Making people smile...

So I'm well on my way of the making someone smile everyday for a week.

It started with Mindy's comment to my post on Saturday.

Then yesterday, I was at a diner close to my house and the booths have really high backs and there was a toddler standing up and looking at me. I started playing peek-a-boo with him, and he just thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. He giggled quite possibly the cutest giggle I've ever heard. His parents apologized, and I told them it was not problem at all, that I was probably having more fun than him. Then they asked if I wanted to babysit. :)

Today I was having dinner at Cactus, and very intently reading my book. (Great book November 22, 1963) and the guy at the next table asked me if the book was about the Kennedy assassination, to which I replied, it was. We got to talking about the book. I happened to finish it while still at the restaurant. I then asked if he would be interested in reading the book. He seemed to show a genuine interest in it when we had discussed this. I think he was a little shocked. He smiled and thanked me. It made my very long, just okay day good.

In doing this I find that it makes my day better to brighten other peoples days.

PS: Morgan I know I told you that you could borrow the book. You can't. :)

One Down...100 to go!

So I've created my list. It was difficult. Too many possibilities. I also spent some time on this blog. So the list is down below in the first post, but also to the side. I'll cross off the items as they become completed!

I'm looking forward to a lot of these, others will be a real challenge.

So stay tuned for more items crossed off the list, and the impact that has.

101 Things...

So my dear friend Marilyn recently posted 101 things she was going to do in 1001 days. This inspired me, and what a time to be inspired with new year's resolutions and whatnot looming. Here is the info, and my 101 things. 

The Mission:

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.



The Criteria:

Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).



Why 1001 Days?

Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.



I'll keep track by updating here once a task is complete, and during the process of completing tasks!

1. Write out 101 one things to do.
   
2. Build my bookshelf and nightstand.
   
3. Read every book I own cover-to-cover.
   
4. Take a picture everyday for a year, upload to a website. (flicker, blog or the like)
   
5. Donate money to a good cause.
   
6. Not get a haircut for six months.
   
7. Leave work on time, everyday for a consecutive month.
   
8. Sing in public, possibly karaoke or something.
   
9. Read to a child.
   
10. Keep my room clean/organized/tidy for two months.
    
11. Take a walk in my neighborhood every day for two weeks.
    
12. Find at least five routes to bart from my house.
    
13. Take a trip to another state, alone, with no plan on what to do.
    
14. Go three weeks without buying a book, magazine or other reading material.
    
15. Create 100 original things. (i.e. paintings, jewelry, cards, etc)
    
16. Give away 99 original things, keep one for self.
    
17. Take portraits of 10 people. (Headshots, kids, family, etc)
    
18. Photograph a wedding.
    
19. Organize a picnic.
    
20. Do something nice for someone everyday for a month.
    
21. Tell someone “I love you” everyday for two months.
    
22. Take the Landmark Forum.
    
23. Make a special dinner for friends.
    
24. Plan a surprise party.
    
25. Work 5 theatrical productions.
    
26. Ride an entire bart line from beginning to end.
    
27. Knit a scarf, and actually complete it!
    
28. Go to an improv show.
    
29. Spend a day in complete silence.
    
30. Twitter every hour for 24 hours.
    
31. Submit work for Playground.
    
32. Write a full-length play.
    
33. Save money from every paycheck for a year, and not touch the money until the year is up.
    
34. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
    
35. Go on a road trip with a good friend.
    
36. Get my AR to 90%.
    
37. Visit Broadway.
    
38. Make someone different smile everyday for a week.
    
39. Help a stranger.
    
40. Say thank you to the muni/bus driver everyday for two weeks.
    
41. Take a knife skills cooking class.
    
42. Write a one act.
    
43. Get season theatre tickets.
    
44. Go to a baseball game every weekend for a month.
    
45. Write a letter to my mother, telling her everything I wish I had told her while she was alive, and mail it.
    
46. Read a play a week for two months.
    
47. Plan a scavenger hunt for someone around the city.
    
48. Eat at home for a month.
    
49. Take a dance class.
    
50. Take a vocal lesson.
    
51. Plant a tree in a public place.
    
52. Go to a concert in a park.
    
53. Read 5 “classic” books.
    
54. Visit a museum a month for a year.
    
55. Make a new friend.
    
56. Treat a friend to a fancy restaurant.
    
57. Dress up for no reason.
    
58. Participate in Nablopomo.
    
59. Buy a fancy digital SLR Camera, and try to find a film one as well.
    
60. Learn photoshop.
    
61. Buy a winter coat that I absolutely love.
    
62. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
    
63. Start a tradition.
    
64. Participate in Mortified again.
    
65. Take a stained glass class.
    
66. Take a photography class.
    
67. Photograph the sunrise everyday for a month.
    
68. Have a bonfire on the beach.
    
69. Go snowboarding.
    
70. Try vegetarianism for a month.
    
71. Write a letter/card to someone different every day for a month. Mail them.
    
72. Drive for a day with no planned destination.
    
73. Make and take lunch to work for a month.
    
74. Fall in love with someone or something new.
    
75. Get eight hours of sleep a night for two weeks.
    
76. Go on a cruise.
    
77. Memorize a poem.
    
78. Go to a local coffee shop every Saturday morning and read for at least an hour, for a month.
    
79. Throw a holiday party. (not necessarily Christmas)
    
80. Make goodies for work once a month.
    
81. Journal everyday for two months.
    
82. Twitter at least once a day for a month.
    
83. Learn a song on an instrument.
    
84. Participate in Bay to Breakers.
    
85. Go to a street fair.
    
86. Watch a parade.
    
87. Participate in a protest for a good cause.
    
88. Go to the symphony.
    
89. Do one nice thing for myself everyday for a week.
    
90. Enter a photography contest.
    
91. Visit my mother’s gravesite.
    
92. Join a book club.
    
93. Take a class for the pure fun of it.
    
94. Try something I never thought I would/could do.
    
95. Clean my closet, and donate old stuff to goodwill.
    
96. Participate in a 5k run for a good cause.
    
97. Participate in Relay for Life.
    
98. Swing with a friend.
    
99. Write a poem.
    
100. Tell my story.
     
101. Keep track of this on a blog, including regular updates on completion.