Missy | September 30, 2002
The Flaming Lips doing a bizarro version of that Kylie Minogue song. (Please right-click & save to your hard-drive.) Well, it’s not so bizarro of a version, just bizarro that they’re doing it, all mellow-like, singing about a ‘boy’. Speaking of Kylie, how sexy is she? I know it’s old hat to say so, but that song and that video….so infectious. Here’s to hot women in their 30’s.
Missy | September 30, 2002
What I’ve read thus far about the new Twyla Tharp/Billy Joel collaboration– a “musical” titled Movin Out has been lukewarm. It got mixed reactions when it premiered (or rather, was workshopping) in Chicago, not to mention there is no original music, no singing by the actors (at least that’s what I’ve heard, though a photo on the main site suggests otherwise…but I think that’s the live on-stage accompanying band; at least the music isn’t recorded), and no dialogue. It’s a dance show. Like some of its predecessors–Contact (also primarily a dance-only show) and Jerome Robbins Broadway and Fosse (revues of previously released material)–I suspect it will be this year’s big runner for “Best New Musical” even though it technically lacks traditional elements of a musical. I’m sure, given Joel’s and Tharp’s popularity, the public will come out in droves. I wouldn’t mind seeing it; Tharp’s usual band of dancers (former ballet dancers and members of the original Fosse cast) are starring, and they are excellent.
Missy | September 29, 2002
After class this morning (I know I’m becoming monotonous with that intro; let me tell you though, this morning’s combination was set to music in 5’s. 5’s! Not 8 counts. My brain & body don’t work together with that kind of weirdness),……where was I? Yeah. I went to Gay Jeff’s mimosa birthday party. 20 something bottles of champagne were drunk. Granted, there were quite a few people there. I’m going to go back out, by myself I think, because I didn’t get a chance to grocery shop today, and I’m hungry, and The Sopranos is on so I’m going to last week’s hangout (The Tavern) because they respect The Sopranos and the required absolute silence for 55 or so minutes. Tobias, et al: we’ll talk about it tomorrow here. Don’t worry, I’m taping Law & D’Onofrio and Boomtown. T.V. Rules!
UPDATE: Tonight, on a Very Special Episode of The Sopranos: IN A WORLD where cultural affiliations become heightened…..er, in other words, a not very exciting episode. I have to give it credit for its timely relevance–without West Wing-y hamfistedness (c’mon, you know those characters too often morph into mouthpieces for Sorkin’s politics)–as well as its subtle jab at those criticizing the show for it’s supposed anti-Italian-Americanism. Meanwhile, I think we can we assume Adriana cut a deal?
Missy | September 29, 2002
Tonight Jen and I had the intent to see Velocity Girl (I know!) but ended up having too much fun hanging out with her (mostly male, I might add) AFF friends instead. As much as I complain about my alleged shyness, I’m fine around new people. Lots of laughing, indeed. I’ll leave it up to her to fill in details.
I realized, seeing how many people were out during my walk to her friend’s house, and then in the cab home driving through the base of Adams Morgan, that I hardly go out on Saturdays. I also realized (well, not realized; remembered) that the city is a lonely place sometimes. All these people. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything, since I’m pretty comfortable with what I choose to do with my time, and yet, a strange wave of loneliness came over me. Maybe it was being in a cab, by myself, watching everyone go somewhere with a supposed purpose (even though I know for a fact that going out, most of the time, especially in that neighborhood, is often more annoying than not). I’m not sure how to explain it. It’s not a matter of getting out more, I don’t think. It was one of those rare moments when I sort of felt engulfed by everything around me, like being alone amidst all the people, even though I wasn’t technically part of it. It’s like I stopped being introspective Missy (a comfortable place, I might add) and I became hyperobservant Missy, yet I was bothered by not being able to place myself in it.
Anyway, I’ve been drinking, so that probably explains why I’m -really- being Nonsensical Missy.
Missy | September 28, 2002
My Saturday ballet class is held up by the DC/Maryland border, in Friendship Heights, also a block away from where Spirited Away is playing, but I was too gross afterwards to sit in a theater for a couple of hours. So I went shopping. I found some matted frames for a couple of pictures (the ones courtesy of David Gallagher) but I also need another shelf to display them, plus other junk that currently sits on my floor. I swear to god, doesn’t anybody carry wall-mounted shelving (aside from Home Depot, but I don’t know where the nearest one is, and I lack a car, so….) I found a few stupid- looking shelves, ones with hidden screw attachments, but those require a power drill (I think; I also know I shouldn’t be trusted with one of those things) and they look unsturdy to me. I need a shelf with brackets, dammit! I don’t want the thing falling on my head while I sleep (the only available wall real estate in my apartment, while still maintaining some aesthetic appeal, is right above my bed). And then I remembered my IKEA catalogue, and you can order online!
Speaking of hanging and framing, I’ve got this old folded All That Jazz poster that I should someday frame. My question is, is it possible to get those fold creases out, at least somewhat? Like with a cool iron & a damp towel? Should I risk it? Heloise does not speak to this matter, unfortunately.
Missy | September 28, 2002
When I’m at home, I tend to listen to the local classical station, because my CD player skips (even though I priced new ones, and they are so much cheaper than I imagined! It’s time to take a trip to Best Buy me thinks). Anyway, it’s getting to the point where I’m hearing the same things over & over again, like any corporate radio station these days, it seems. Which is not to say that one could ever tire of hearing Dvor
Missy | September 28, 2002
How I spent my Saturday morning, a theme by your pal Missy:
I was reading the WaPo Real Estate section (not that I’m buying any time soon, but I like to peruse) and the feature story is on the Roosevelt, the gigantic building which sits directly across the street from my building. Built in the early 20’s and previously a senior-citizens’ residence, it’s been abandoned for years due to poor upkeep, and later, a fire. Being a historic building, it couldn’t be torn down. For the past year or so, it’s been gutted, and apparently will be open for renting later this fall. It’s a beautiful building, with five large sections and something like 200 apartments. That said, imagine my utter surprise, when the piece said apartments range from 495-square-foot studios to three-bedroom apartments, with rents from $1400-$5000!! A $1400 studio that’s less than 500 sq ft? WTF? Yet further evidence that rents in DC are getting out of hand. And luxury rentals my ass. MY apartment, similar in size and with one of the best views of the city a person could ask for, is almost half that in rent. I’ve got wood floors and a dishwasher, laundry 30 feet down the hall, a nicely painted & carpeted building and the best doormen around. (Granted, I’ve lived here for four years and it would probably re-rent for $200 more a month, but still.) Our one-bedrooms are up to around $12-1400 I think, and those tend to be rented by double-income couples. Who can afford what the Roosevelt is offering? And if they can, why are they renting instead of buying? The piece mentions vacancy rates are up in the area, and luxury rents have fallen. I know we’ve got a lot of attorneys in the area (heh), but with most people working on a government’s salary (which isn’t bad, per se) or something similar, I have to wonder.
So, I went to my old friend, the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, and checked into local earnings by employment break-outs. This page is instructive and in line with what I imagined. (As a side note, economists are listed, and as a new GS-13 I make below the mean; makes me wonder just how many of us are several years into a GS-13 and above; not that economists aren’t worthy, but given what I see around me, in an agency chock full of economists, I begin to believe the rumors of grade inflation in the government. And wouldn’t you know it, the mean salary for statisiticians is lower. Maybe I’ll hold off on that career change, heh.) This doesn’t tell where these people are living (in DC v. nearby suburbs), but anecdotally, I can’t say that only the wealthier types are living in the District. There are plenty of poorer people in the District. And the wealthier types–the ones who choose to reside more permanently in the District (as opposed to new transients who live there for a year or so)–will buy up the houses and condos. I suppose I can understand some double incomes moving into the one-bedrooms & larger, in the name of “luxury” and assuming no other major debts like student loans, but the studios? Am I overreacting? I’ll be curious to see how much the place fills up.
They ARE planning for small business to go on the ground floor, and if that means I only have to walk across the street instead of down the block to a convenience store & dry-cleaning, I’ll be happy. 
Missy | September 27, 2002
Missy allegedly writing a paper on a Friday night, only slightly distracted by Firefly:
UPDATE (11:50): I’m actually making progress. I’d like to add that I hate typing out equations. It’s a Pain. In. My. Bottom. I took an hour break to watch that new show, Robbery and Homicide Division (? Stupid title.) It’s produced by Michael Mann, and it’s got snazzy production values…grainy washed out look, aerial shots, etc. Who knew that Tom Sizemore (star) and Mario Van Peebles (guest star) are actually not annoying on the small screen. It suits them both, in fact.
UPDATE #2 (Saturday a.m.): I can’t wait for Boomtown Sunday night. WaPo calls it “sophisticated”. I love me a good cop drama.
Missy | September 27, 2002
After work today I’m debating over which of two movies to see: 8 Women, or Spirited Away. Or I could, you know, celebrate capitalism and go shopping.
Missy | September 27, 2002
A topic that came up elsewhere (as a result of this story of John Walker Lindh being inspired by the film Malcolm X) is this: which movie(s) inspired you/changed your life? I’m racking my brain on this one. I can say, feebly, that there are two movies that stand out, mostly for the time in my life in which I saw them. The first is Out of Africa. This was the first ‘adult’ film I saw, meaning that during a time (junior high) when I was going to the movies all the time and seeing stuff like The Breakfast Club or Beverly Hills Cop (don’t get me wrong, I love them both), here comes this three-hour slow moving film I found truly mesmerizing. It was the first time I gave conscious pause to the elements of film, like dialogue, acting, cinematography, etc. I’ve been a fan of film ever since. The other film was All That Jazz and I really don’t remember when I first saw it, but when I did, it was the first time I knew I understood the language of the body, particularly with respect to dance.
So, no life-altering inspirational stories for me, though maybe I’m just not thinking hard enough. Maybe you’ve got something more interesting?
Missy | September 27, 2002
I’m not feeling very creative, yet again, so today’s posts will revolve around others’ ideas. First, the Friday Five:
1. What are your favorite ways to relax and unwind? yoga & dance class, but I also enjoy a drink and some music
2. What do you do the moment you get home from work/school/errands? Wash my face. I like to remove my make-up as soon as possible. Plus it’s a good trick to do it first thing if you’re inclined to go to bed with make-up on.
3. What are your favorite aromatherapeutic smells? I don’t really get into this kind of thing, but I like vanilla. And eucalyptus.
4. Do you feel more relaxed with a group of friends or hanging out by yourself? By myself.
5. What is something that you feel is relaxing but most people don’t? Before I started taking class on Sunday mornings, I was a fan of the Sunday crossword & Meet the Press. I don’t know. That’s the best I could come up with. Also, singing. Loudly. Not necessarily in the shower.
Missy | September 26, 2002
I’m bored. Bored! I came home from work and relaxed so much that I feel asleep. That’s okay, because I have clearly been very tired for about two weeks. Nevertheless, I woke up in time for Friends (funny!!) and now I’m wide awake. Since I probably won’t be able to fall asleep for several more hours, I’ll be online, probably, and I’ll gladly accept entertaining IMs. UPDATE: Yahoo messenger, too (that’s for you, RMBD!)
UPDATE #2: My posture is awful, and my eyes are going squinty, so I’m going to leave my desk & computer and (lay in bed a crazy position and) read a book until I fall asleep (or until my eyes fall out of my head). G’night! Pleasant dreams, and stuff.
Missy | September 26, 2002
I don’t really have anything to say today. It’s rainy, I’m procrastinating writing a paper, and I’ve a headache. You should go read other people. In addition to new favorite–the astounding writer Neal Pollack (how does he come up with all those zingers? Oh to be in his brain for an hour), check out crazy/sexy/cool Meesh and the always funny & beautiful (and lately, prolific) Moxie.
Missy | September 25, 2002
I went out again tonight. This is the beginning of an unusual pattern for me, someone who this time last year was in bed between 9:30 & 10 every night. Anyway. Stetsons. Jeff. I got a schooling in the art of baseball. It’s nice–the hanging out, that is, though baseball is nice too. We’re both working towards this friendship, and I feel pretty confident in it. Part of me holds my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop, or something proverbial like that. I don’t know. It feels different this time. I almost regret the public ranting, because this sudden change of heart probably makes me look foolish. I do know this: it’s starting to feel less complicated, and that can only be a good thing.
Missy | September 25, 2002
Quick thoughts on Buffy: “Buffy the Guidance Counselor”– ahahahahaha. Much better than the Double Meat Palace. And how did her hair get so long, and why won’t mine grow that fast? Speaking of hair, Spike: what’s with the Justin Timberlake ‘do? Willow & Giles…can’t wait for more of this. The anticipation of her dealing with the consequences of her actions last season were the sole reason I was anxiously awaiting this season. New principal: like him, so long as his personality develops beyond current Riley-esque levels of Boring. The ending: wtf? Overall, a nice intro/set-up episode; my heart starting beating rapidly a few times, so good levels of scariness. Yay, fall season!
