Zen and Freud's Last Session

Our Thursdate started with dinner at Zen... on our realtor's dime.  Yep, when asked about our favourite restaurant (Um... do we have one?), we figured sushi was pretty special and chose one on that.  Some time later, (thank-you) gift certificates showed up in the mail! 

Paul's never been to Zen.  But even though I had, I noticed different details such as tell-tale signs that this was once a Brewster!  Though, I guess the etched name and beer mug logo on the table could just mean Zen bought their tables...

Anyway, we briefly mulled over the menu, acknowledged we didn't have a lot of time to choose, and picked the Love Boat (which had a selection of items chosen for us). 

A wooden boat arrived not long after -- in real ship shape!  It was delightfully covered in sushi.  A lot of sushi. 

Some of the items were standard familiars, but others were a bit strange. 

Clustered near the middle were maki rolls that looked deep fried.  The menu revealled these were "Golden Philadelphia" rolls.  They were something just so utterly wrong in my mind to the whole sushi esthetic (Beef?  DEEP FRIED?!  CHEESE?!).  It was too weird for me.  Good thing Paul liked them. 



With our time constraint, we ate all that food a little too fast for my liking.  But it was still so good.  Certainly more than adequate motivation to send more friends our realtor's way.  

We speed-walked to Holy Trinity Church (Fringe rules still applied to holdover shows) and made it! We even managed to find seats together (if a bit far away from the stage). 





Freud's Last Session, was listed in the Fringe program as Comedy and Drama.  I think that was alphabetical.  My call for the fictional meeting between Dr. Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis the night before the outbreak of WWII: drama with a little bit of comedy.  Though... it could have been because so much of it was above my head.  I definitely need a history lesson and to read more. This post before hand would have helped too.  But even so, it was good.  Paul laughed really loudly at one point. (Wonder if I can find the quote...) 

Afterwards on the bus, my head was buzzing that feeling I was too awake and on the edge of something big... but was too tired to flesh it out once turning our attention to things like getting home.  The magic / high of good theatre?  Maybe.

The stylish set for Freud's Last Session at Edmonton Fringe 2013 highlighted the dream like quality of theatre.

On the Fringe

Last day of Fringe, last volunteer shift.  Returned to my previous years' team Front of House (FOH), which after all the Friend Raising attention, felt a bit quiet, low energy. and dry.  Spent the big gaps between scheduled duties hanging out in Volunteer Headquarters (briefly with Peter in his kilt) or walking around the site. 

It was a lot of waiting.

For one of the runs, I was paired up with a teen-aged boy, Kieran, who was really excited about Scouts.  He volunteers at Fringe because it's a school requirement.  He plainly said he didn't want to be there, and that made me feel conflicted.  Was I volunteering too out of some kind of requirement?  How much was I enjoying it?

The waiting was such a low point... but high points?  Seeing Mrs. Fairbanks in line waiting for a show: she recognised me!  All the way from elementary school!

But then, it was back to waiting. 

There are other volunteer perks: Fringe bucks I could use to buy show tickets (the holdovers mostly - not much during the festival), the Fringe Volunteer Party, and feeling like I'm part of something cool.  Is that enough? 








 After the shift, I changed into my Strauss Ball BWD and put on a mask: I was going to the Fringe Volunteer Party as a Friend-Raiser (theme: Venetian Masquerade).

I stood alone in line, chin up, as tall as possible, thinking how, unknown in costume, I could be someone grander.  Then someone walked by, "Hi Lana."  Um... hi.  I shrunk back down thinking how silly it was to be pretending...

I continued to quietly wait to get into the party and overheard a complaint from other volunteers: The Fringe is turning into a beer garden with live theatre rather than being a theatre event with a beer garden.  

Then the (core) Friend-Raisers arrived.  And they scooped me up.  For a moment it didn't matter they didn't know my name: the costume was my ticket in, and they seemed excited I was there! But it didn't last. 

After our grand group entrance, we sat down at a table, and they turned back to each other.  I watched them talk and laugh, with nothing to contribute.  Clothes can only get you so far.  It was probably time for me to go.  I find (UADC) Peter near the dance floor and have one dance (a jive) and I go to change. 

It crossed my mind to just ride the bus in my ballgown.  But on my own, I lost my nerve: it would only attract more and more attention as I moved away from the festival site.  I didn't have the confidence to carry it. 

Unicorn-Free with Two Moose

"I do have a machete, but I don't know if it has been disinfected.
Please bring a significant other. Or a small dog. Or both."

Arrived at Erik's annual BBQ after an afternoon of Fringe volunteering. Michael and Allison had the telltale "I Gave at the Gate" stickers.  And Paul had spent the day there too.  But we didn't bump into each other at all. 

There were no puppies this year, but a drunk-ish Steph brought on the silly mooses (her excuse: too much sun).

There might have been some cat people too. 

Friend Raising

Me:  "So... do you have a companion?"  
Carley:  "No, but I have all shift to find one."

The Doctor (Carley) was unflapped by my awkward (almost) pick up line.  My first shift as a Fringe Friend-Raiser and I didn't know anyone.  Perhaps if I'd dressed up, people would talk to me?  The theme of the day: "The Doctor."  Don a chunky sweater a la Dr. John Watson (summer heat be dammed!) or some designer modern frock as Dr. Joan Watson...? 

Anyway, standing at the gate, asking people to donate to the Fringe,  and handing out stickers didn't actually allow for much talking.  Though it certainly fit the bill as my personal challenge to be more "outgoing" and "out there" (just not sure if I'd be able to meet it).  




For the most part, we were ignored.  Likely, even the costumed seems everyday when placed alongside the Fringe.  We tried to catch people's attention, to convince them -- but most people either had money already in hand pointing to the collection boxes or just walked by. 

It was hot in the sun.  But then the sun went down and the temperature dropped to 16 C.  We were then dancing just to stay warm. The Doctor moon walked. 
Ami and Val!  They came for a math related show.  Ami, ever the gentleman, visited before leaving to offer me his coat.  
-----------------

Me: "Thanks for donating, here's a sticker."
Guy: "I think I'll put it on my pointy nipple."
Me: Yes, good idea.


Next day, next shift, I was prepared.  Theme of the day: Orient Express.  Me in my sparkly red wedding dress did attract some attention.  Kisses blown from street performers.  Hugs from Erika (whose head was printed from a 3D printer).  A request to pose in a picture that was part of a wedding proposal. 

But it was mostly just like the night before: not a lot of eye contact, lots of people walking by, like... 

- Mark Meer and Belinda Cornish. I bowed.  They didn't seem at all phased -- guess that happens to them a lot.  
- Prior students from dance class.  One was kind enough to ask if I was in a show - if only! 
- Sherry S and Claudia.  They were here to check out the site.  The Bechdel test came to mind - our short conversation failed.  

Carley wasn't on shift, but Avery was.  She, as the way-too-cool-girl, was hilarious. So laid back people seemed to be chasing her down to donate money (and give their number?).

During the slow times, I danced to keep myself amused (and warm). It turned out another volunteer had been watching; he donated some money for me :) 

So many ups and downs, but ultimately good for the soul?  There was a that sweet spot moment of being so off the radar that it made no sense to be self-conscious - just be what you want to be.  And then, a reminder to not take things too seriously: People might be watching, but they're most likely not.  And even if they are, maybe they'll like what they see. 

Boxes and Couch out

Ah! Intense flash rainstorms have led to flooding!  Luckily not at our place.  But Steph and Rem's condo has been hit fairly hard.  I'm so sorry for Steph, but she's handling it all incredibly well.

I went over with a bunch of old moving boxes to use as to store and move things around.  For once my laziness and procrastination paid off (else the boxes would have been recycled).  The carpets were ripped up, the furniture relocated and piled into middle of rooms and the washroom, fans continuously running to dry things off... Wish I could help more.

The whole thing sort was inspiring for me to put some more effort in getting rid of something else: the infamous garage couch. What good would it be to keep it unused if it'll likely just get wet and rot away?  The cushions were helpful as seating during the party... but, someone surely needed it more.  I've answered kijiji adverts for people looking for couches, but no one came. Find Edmonton, of Homeward Trust, however, was happy to come pick it up since it was clean and in good condition.  Good.  We have more space in the garage and someone who's just getting housing will have a place to sit.

Crawl, Push, and Cadillac Ranch

It was on the school curriculum.  And was played at almost every wedding (probably because of the former).  So, while I'm not really into country line dances, Cadillac Ranch is part of my repertoire.  Watermelon Crawl and Tush Push?  They're completely new to me.

Gisele was instructing the Lunch and Learn class and thought I would pick them up fine.  Um... nope.  Well, the bits that are ballroomy were o.k. step-wise, but oh!  The weight changes and speed!  My foot definitely felt it.

And once back at work, I forgot it all.

Good thing there's youtube.

The Watermelon Crawl:

The Tush Push:

Kind of cool... But, I'm not really willing to put in the time to commit them to muscle memory.  Are these the new curriculum dances?

House Status: Warmed and Toasted

We survived!

Paul and I were ready at 2 p.m. hot water boiled, cold water chilling.  And we paced a bit waiting.  As expected with an open house, people could come at any time.  Paul suggested betting on who and when the first guest would arrive, when Grant appeared by bicycle!  A beat later, more people showed up bearing gifts and food to share. 

People continued to arrive in a steady stream, until 3 p.m. when there was a big wave: Wendy, Olivia, Tip Tip, and Lorena with their spouses, and some neighbours.  Ack!  Suddenly the house was too small!  We directed people downstairs and to the backyard.  I felt a little overwhelmed juggling drinks, giving mini tours, and making introductions. 

I'd envisioned help from Kevin and Celina in handing out canapes and drinks, but instead they were better - they entertained.  Kevin: "We'll be all sophisticated around your cool, hip friends."  And then he and Oliver did just that half-imitating-half-playing what they thought would be sophistication (but was more like slapstick).  They helped moved outdoor furniture and set people laughing.

Together with Celina, they drew on the fridge white-board, adding to Catherine and Jaclyn's sketches, trash talked, and created silly narratives for the mashed up scenes.  Soon there was a crowd around the fridge.  (I regret not having a large poster board for people to have more space to draw and write.)

More people came and left.  I wish there was more time to talk.

My attempts at an egg-free menu turned out o.k. (most importantly the tofu quiche for Kevin and Celina).  We'd been extremely lucky with the weather and the predicted thunderstorms only started after everyone had gone.

Earlier, Kevin had presumed, "When you guys are listening to some music it'll be all de-de-lo-do-lie-lid-li-dit, to Mozart or Beethoven." (Paul's response: Mozart goes di-di-di?).  When Paul brought the beats for cleaning up, it was actually the Black Eyed Peas.  So there!

The finally tally: Grant, Claude, Jamie, Tim, Sukh, Harpreet, Kieran, Agit, Surinda, Kristy, Clint, Oliver, Kevin, Celina, Ross, Sonia, Marjorie, Paulette, Brendan P., Cristen, Ami, Ohad, Val, Brendan, Rhianne, Chris, Erik, Kathy, Neil, Beth, Michael, Alison, Catherine, Jaclyn, Mary Anne, Donna, Rhonda, Li, Tip Tip, Lorena, Joseph, Nicholas, Christiana, Andrea, Andrew, Sherry, David, Grace, Darren, Brad, Prabdeep, and Erica... over 50 people! 

What an great turn out!  And such lovely thoughtful gifts (Coconut is pleased). 

Thanks to everyone for coming.  Marshmallows have been toasted.  The house has been thoroughly warmed.