always be prepared for water balloon fights

So much has happened since my last post. But I suppose that's the nature of the beast, right?

So, I finished my time over at Northlight Theatre. During my time there, I was given a promotion from Leadership Director to Assistant Camp Director which was thrilling and exciting. At the end of my time over in Skokie, I had some of my good friends from college come by for a whirlwind weekend for Lollapalooza. Absolute brilliance. It was so good for my best friends to see where I had been living for the past three months. :)

Now? Well I've moved from the Lincoln Park neighborhood to a basement apartment in the Lakeview neighborhood. It's just two red line stops North from where I used to live, and I'm right next to the Theatre Building Chicago....I think that's standard here. You're never more than a block away from a theatre. (Steppenwolf was right outside my old apartment.) Having theatres all over the place is both promising and teetering on the edge of an over-abundance. (It depends on if your glass is half empty or half full.)

I'm now working over at the Goodman Theatre as the fall Education and Community Programs intern. I work with amazing, challenging people who really love the art they create and the process they are a part of. It's both inspiring and intimidating, but I love working in the heart of downtown Chicago. I'm also planning on working with Dog and Pony at Steppenwolf for their Visiting Company Initiative as the Assistant Producer and Assistant Stage Manager. How I'll factor in time to sleep, I'll never know.

I have learned so much about myself in the past three months. It's a bit hard to verbalize, but I know that I have so much more to learn as well. Here are ten things I've learned since I came to Chicago in May:

1.)Wrigleyville on Saturday nights are optimal times to get kissed by homeless people. (But never use tongue. My friend, Chris, told me that this was a sign of weakness.)
2.)Always be prepared for water balloon fights. Because they will happen to you when you're wearing a nice dress, walking on the sidewalk.
3.)Do not stare wide-eyed at celebrities, especially if they are coming into work with you.
4.)Do not use the greeting "Hey Boo..." at work. This is okay in college, but this is not okay in an office setting. Trust me.
5.)Guerrilla theatre can be really fun. Especially when you play an oxen named Jezebel. And were asked the night before to play this part.
6.)Nine-year-olds know more than you do. I promise.
7.)The first time you're really sick (like, H1N1 bad) always happens when you're states away from your mother.
8.)Set caution to the wind and take yourself out of where you are most comfortable. I have learned more about myself since I have moved here than I have in years of college.
9.)Downsize your belongings. My life can fit into two suitcases, which is good because I have no idea where my life will take me next.
10.)Sometimes you miss your family and your best friends from home, but then you know that love will keep you together. (...and tacky postcards. you know. same thing.)