Eat your Vegetables!

music: The Fray, Rufus Wainright
mood: mmmmmmm...foooooood

Ladies and gentelemen, please fasten your seat belts and prepare yourself for a gastronomical adventure. That's right...an entire blog posting dedicated to my favorite topic…ah yeah…to food. Correction one meal. One reaaalallyy friggin’ huge meal….even if it was all vegetarian. Good friend and newest hero to the cause (the on-going feed Susannah cause) John Byrd ( aka John Credeau) treated me to a posh dinner at the all vegetarian and uber trendy Millennium in San Francisco. A tour of the way cool Sega facility commenced the evening I felt as if I were IN a video game the place was so enormous), followed by reprogramming the GPS in his car to speak in German (no it did not yell RECHT SCHNELL!!! Or we have ways of making you turn right!) gridlock traffic and arriving 40 minutes late to our reservation. After sassing the hostess about having reservations but still coming anyway…we were escorted to a full booth. After looking at the menu, I came to the decision I had NO idea what to order. Now I am not going to lie, I didn’t recognize many things at all on the menu. I was in an adventurous mood though. Having NEVER had the pleasure or to be honest even the opportunity to have the chef prepare they’re choice, we both ordered the 5 course Chefs choice option…with wine pairings. It was like Christmas…actually it was like that Jewish holiday I am too lazy to look up how to spell, where you get 8 presents…cause we like got way more than 5 courses. WAY more... I think the chef may have assumed I was fat by the quantity of food that was awarded us. AND double the pleasure since John got different food then me, and we shared everything we got. AWESOME.

Despite having ordered a 5 course meal, we started with the Zero course ( the waiter explained it was more fung shui that way), which was some sort of broth with a blue corn crouton, and what we are pretty sure was a slab of sea cucumber or root vegetable. Whatever the hell it was, it was pretty kick ass. Next came the appetizers of which we were treated to a first course and a second first course. These are just a few of the tempting treats we were able to sample. Surprisingly excellent tasting (even though I really had no idea what I was eating most of the time) and so beautiful. Just beautiful to look at. Art all around!

Mediterranean Collard Rolls
dill scented julienne of pear, daikon & red cabbage, marinated shaved baby artichokes, tahini-parsley dressing

Grilled Flatbread
roasted cauliflower korma, tamarind lentil sambar, pear- cilantro chutney

Black Bean Torte
whole wheat tortilla, caramelized plantains, smoky black bean puree, habanero-pumpkin seed sauce, cashew sour cream, carrot-onion escabeche

Balinese Salt & Pepper Crusted Oyster Mushrooms
kombu noodle salad, kumquat-chile jam

Grilled Abalone Mushroom Paella
spicy seitan sausage, sauté of root vegetables & baby artichokes, saffron scented tomato broth, cumin & thyme spiced rice, toasted almond gremolata

Chiogga Beet "Raviolli"
sage scented cashew & pine-nut "cheese", sundried tomato & olive tapenade, Fuyu persimmon & arugula salad

It was my understanding there would be no math, and they brought so many plates out that we literally lost count. We were looking in the end at probably 10 courses with 5 full glassed wine parings in 5 hours. Our single course dessert plate and 3 samplings on it of which we fought over initially and then discovered it to be way too rich. I even was pleasantly shocked at a small side of banana ice cream. That’s right… I ate banana. I deserve a medal.

Intellectual conversation with my Harvard grad covered a good many pertinent and amusing topics, least of which was a hearty discussion on religion, which seems to be the trend these days if truth be known. Midnight arrived and on our way back to the Sutter street garage I treated (read: commandeered his company a little longer by way of a plea rivaling that of a 5 year old) John Credeau to a Greenwood family tradition he had not previously been exposed to. A ride (and I just mean we rode it people) in the 32 floor glass elevator in the Saint Francis Hotel, complete with squeals from me as we paused at the top and had a panoramic view of the city at night.

I have come to the conclusion that when food is involved….I am probably the most appreciative company one could have. I found myself applauding and thanking the waiter after every plate. I think he brought them out just to make me do the chair dance. The price is right comes to mind as far as seemingly inappropriate levels of joy being expressed for food. I hope the chef has a camera in the kitchen and could see me. All in all a KICK ASS NIGHT. Thanks Cradeau!

You know, I could get used to that kind of entertaining….no really….I have a free night coming up in March…may I take your reservation? =]

princess on 01.30.06 @ 06:18 PM PST [link]

Tuesday, January 24th

Overworked and overheard

music: Vienna Teng
mood: Sleepy

Just a quick tag, you're it to all my peeps. Double rehearsals, box office and Artsopolis only take up 2/3rds of my time...I'm desparately trying to see, write, and be in a variety of ways some of which ae more successful than others. The pity about life as an artist is that you have to plan ahead and with the uncertainties of timing being what they are, the over lap and long gap between projects is never convinenet. But sleep deprevation, social interation forced to occur late at night and early in the morning certainly paves the path of creativity. I need to get back to directing and yet there are two major acting opportunities that conicide with the next 2 directing projects I want to do. I hate to choose, and then again, becuase it's all a draw anyway, I may end up with nothing. For now, having fun with the show I am in, and being DIRECTED which is great. I just started Magician's Ne[hew rehearsals and besides having the regular cast members missing and a whole list of "how the hell are we going to do that" I'm in my element again. 3 shows on stage were great, but I there is far more intellectual stimulation for me behind the scenes. The script turned out good, the cast we have so far is GREAT, and I think the inspirations will continue to come.

There are two metal manacle type bracelets that were bought for the photo shoot for Queen Jadis to wear. They have since been confiscated and are in the protective custody of yours truely. Why you say. Because I say. They are shiny heavy magic bracelets. I haven't deduced if they belonged to a genie, nor if they will allow me to travel through time but they possess a strong force. I find when I wear these bracelets, I don't get sleepy. I had two all nighters and more then two nights of 4 hours or less sleep in the last week and I feel magnetic. Alive in a new level of awareness. I half expect to be able to find a scroll one day on my doorstep explaining the legend of my new accessory. Be it a desert princess freed from slavery, or a time bandit or ancient warrior, suffice to say...I like them a lot. Should I disappear...don't panic...I come back with riches and stories of adventure no doubt.

Some things I've overheard as of late that have struck a chord ( don't ask which one) and a few things I have perhaps overthought as well.

"sometimes you have to jump and build your wings on the way down"

30 seconds is all it takes for a phone conversation to go in a vastly different direction then you intedned it to. This is a good thing. But that a very treacherous 30 seconds...

The scars on the heart are both indicative of past wounds and present healing. The scars of the heart like any battle wound bridge the gap between the edge of a death and of a life.

A broken credit card machine, and an out of service ATM machine is NOT enough to prevent Susannah from getting her Canyon Inn Blue Cheese Burger. Nothing, and I mean, nothing comes between a Greenwood and her food once sites have been set. We do not drive 20 minutes to get the best burger and then have it laugh in our face. I went to three markets and stores to obtain the cash needed to purchase lunch. And, yes, it was worth it.

Winners of the week. Parents. More specifically what parents do for their children. Even when you are 35 years old, with a husband and two kids of your own, its great to know as a dad you will be called on in a time of need. When my sister Rebecca's luggage did not arrive in a remote city in Mexico on the way to the 3 hour turck ride to the family ranch netled at 8,000 feet in the middle of winter....who are you gonna call. Dad. And who is Mr. Greenwood going to call to get the luggage Delivered. The CEO. He won't actually get through to anyone but the receptionist to the CEO, but I like the way he thinks. And the luggage gets delivered. And peace and order are restored to the universe. The things you do for your kids. It's passed down though, because 3 weeks later as Rebecca is taking 2 year old Kayla for a walk around the neighborhood in Palo Alto, a 3 legged tabby runs over much to the delight of my niece and loves her. The next day they walk by the same house and call for her. Tinkerbell! Tinkerbell! And a man walks out and says, yeah they are looking for her too, they had a housesitter while they were gone and she went for walk about none to please at being abandoned. The stranger must have thought it odd that a mother and her kid were calling for thier cat. Not as odd though as when they came knocking at the door a week later to say "goodbye" to Tink. THe cat had returned, the man let them in, and Kayla got to say goodbye. Though there were tears after they left once she realized what goodbye meant. The heart is weak enough to send a parent to the doorstep of a strangers house to plead an audience with his handicapped cat, but strong enough to not breakdown on site when your own child is in misery. Parents are amazing things. I know I'm glad I got 'em.

SOOOOOO much free theatre and such thrown at me this week and it was a miracle I had the time to see it. Corteo Cirque Du Soliel's new san jose touring show was indeed great, but greater was the company ( Artsopolis and their sig others,plus Michael Pease) and the VIP lounge which entitled us to FREE champagne before the show and at intermission. I had 4 glasses at intermission, and scarfed a decadent chocolate fondue marshmellow. Food again. I know. Sue me.

Clean House at Theatreworks was outstanding. Very enjoyable, clever, humorous, and admittedly touching. One of those actors you look at and say..oh my god... I will never be that good, SHE is great. Awe and Envy coupled suggestivly. See it.

The Fire Opera was brilliant. The Most stunning and creative thing I have ever seen. I'm in love. I can't even begin to explain. I have to start writing my own opera to have it done....and get the Crucible to give classes when I'm not doing theatre. It warrants its own blog, for many reasons. Soon...

I'm afraid I may be too knackered to get much writing out in the next week or so, but never fear. I'm alive.

princess on 01.24.06 @ 12:16 AM PST [link]

Friday, January 13th

Highlihgts on health and happy happenings

music: James Blunt, Steven Lynch, Coldplay, Aqualung
mood: zoom zoom zoom

Oh hello, and you are? And I would know you from? As life starts to go in fast forward and the hours kept become more and more retarded I blog the top 9, because, 10 is trite and cliche, things that have occured as of late so you all are in the loop just a little bit more than none at all.

1) My sister and niece and nephew extended their stay for a couple more weeks and I have gotten to spend a little more time with them. This is a great thing. I visted the Junior museum and zoo in Palo Alto where I grew up and used to volunteer and got to see all the furry animals there. Kayla REALLY like the ducks and the goose. I was rather impressed with the bat cave they had. I think I need a bat cave. yes. I know I need one. I wonder if I can put that on my amazon.com wish list. Bobcats, Guinea foul, Peacock and REd tailed hawked were also new additions since I had been last some 15 years ago. I think the same owl and racoons are there though, they certainly look old and cranky. Kayla visited me at work for a few minutes and that was a joy. She calls lasagna, susanga. And Wes opens his mouth REALLY wide now when he sees me. it's his BIG smile.

2) Made a huge Indian food dinner and watched The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Decent movie made VERY amusing by Rebecca who came over and was screaming at the opening sequence. She nearly peed on Justin, my roomate. 5.1 surround sound can make the difference. The movie is a great combination of a court room drama and a horror film. A smart film indeed. a solid 3 1/3 Rutger Hauers/rockwells. Best movie I have seen in a LONG time was a GREAT little known flick entitled Happy Accidents. The most convincing explaination of time travel with two phenomenal performances by Marissa Tomei and Vincent D'onofrio. Wow. SO clever, and a bit romantic and though low budget, not overly arty. It was a good story, and very intelligently filmed and a real surprise. So solid in fact that Rutger and Rockwell have been retired. My rating for this movie....5 out of 5 D'onfrios. My hero. THis movie just explains a lot. Really. Watch it and tell me if it doens't change the way you look at things just a little. Crash was also a good film, though dark. I do not suggest watching it with people who are overly sensitive to political issues. This movie is about the ugly but true side of prejudice. 4 out of 5 D'onfiros for a serious look at prejudice and the impact it has on our daily lives.

3) Saw some modern dance for free. I took my sister in law to be to see a combination powrty reading and dance performance. veerrryyy....interesting. Let's just say I respect dancers. But when guys point there toes... it just looks odd. Not really a turn on. And interpretive dance, not really hot when a guy does it. I can almost sort of justify and female doing it, but somehow men prancing about in anguish, doesnt scream masculine to me. Ballet slippers on men, also not hot, and sweaty arm pits, not doing it for me either.

4) Going to see a FIRE OPERA, tomorrow in Oakland with my older sister. My older brother is on the board of The Crucible and has raved about this, so I'm glad I will get the opportunity to see it. And free. Can't beat that. Seems like my plan of favor recieving this year is working. Nice. I've got free tickets (and an extra to anyone reading who is free) to see Theatreworks Clean House preview on Wednesday as well. If I can see 1 free event every week I imagine I will be officially "cultured".

5) Vacation days March 17-April 3 were approved by work. I bought a ticket MEGA cheap for my brothers wedding March 28-April 3rd. San Jose to San Diego $138 including all taxes. Not too shabby. Still looking for a good price or a free ticket to Hawaii courtesy of a frequent flying friend who has some tix coming his way. Its a long shot, but favors, I mean fingers are crossed.

6) I have mastered the direct TV recording function. I set up my few favorite tv shows to record and will be able sometime in the wee hours of some month down the road, I might even be able to watch them.

7) Shady Shakespeare is doing Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet in Rep this summer. Its a long run, 6 weeks fri-Sun, and a long rehearsal period, but both shows have EXCELLENT directors and I haven't done shakespeare in ages. Would be a triple benefit to do be able to play a dream part, do two plays in rep, and to do a show outdoors. Audtions are while I am supposed to be in Hawaii. I've asked for special audition or ability to just go to call backs. Kate against a good Petruchio....ahhh.... I can almost die happy after that....Gotta start to work on my monologue right away, gotta nail it, and got to get it....fingers and toes crossed.

8) I forgot what 8 was for (cause I always say that)

9) Started off the year with dr's appointments. My eye dr is excellent. Gave me a new solution that isn't even being sold yet in stores (but FDA approved) to try to help with my dry contacts. The optomap has taken digital images of my retina for the last 6 years. This is a GREAT service that allows you to forgo dilation and you can compare your images from year to year. It's pretty high tech and and though insurance doesn't cover the $40, it's worth it in the time it saves. Plus, my dr. said my eye photographs really well. I basically make love to the camera with my eye. Nice. My faith in the healthcare system was restore as well at the efficiency and care of my new dr. I was of course bumed my old dr had gone the way of private and too expensve, but I chose a GREAT dr. who spent 40 miuntes with me. She was totally surprised at the lack of major health issues I had and my family's history. IT certainly is a blessing to have no major cancer or diabetes in the family. I was probably most intrigued by the fact that I got there for my 10:40 appointment right on time, was taken to fill out my new patient form right away while I was in the waiting room and wasn't even done filling out the form before the nurse took all my vitals. 1 miunte later, still not done with the form my dr introduces herself and after 1/2 an hour of exam and chatting, history review, and all that, she electronically sent over the paperwork for a blood test, I waited only 5 miuntes at the lab down the hall ( no paper work) and she sent a RX electronically and had it filled without me having to do anything. It was quick, required no paper, and I didn't even have to check out. They bill me for anything insurance doesn't cover so I didn't have to get reimbursed later. I was in and out in an hour. Most excellent. She was super nice and very cool. SO much of what was right was the organization, it speak volumes and makes me totally confident that they have as much if not more of a clue as my former doctor. Dr, Vesuna, you rock. You so get the winner of the week award.

And there you go, just a tiny tiny insight into life right now in Susannahland. In addition to learning that traffic school is MORE expensive than a $197.50 ticket, that Instant Messenger can be fun and every bit as much of a time sucker as video games are, that instant friends can be found at a rehearsal, that a weekend with nothing can turn overnight into an over committed, that double and triple booked social extravaganza, and that James Blunt needs to shave and then marry me, all is pretty normal here with me. It's going to be yet another all nighter, though this time I am at home rather than at work, tyring to organize, and finish my duties and hold fast to commitments. Breathing is key. Dremaing is unlikely as sleep is umprobable. Be careful out there kids, I've seen 2 really bad accidents in the last 24 hours, and evil always comes in threes. Don't be the third.

princess on 01.13.06 @ 01:37 AM PST [link]

Wednesday, January 4th

Lost and Found

music: Better than Ezra
mood: Foggy

The new year started off with some discoveries, some disppointments as well as some surprises. Among these things, many losts and founds.

Lost, 1 Radio station: I wonder where all the Dj's go when there station all of a sudden just decide to change format. Channel 104.9, a great morning alternative to talk talk talk and a vehicle staple for me as my cd player still isn't functional is now....MUY ROMANTICA. First KSJO, and now 104.9. Interesting indeed.

Found, A connection between sushi and high end champagne: 10 glasses in 4 hours and no drunkeness or more impressivly no hangover. How? Omega 3's perhaps? Or maybe santa brought me an even more impressive tolerance. Maybe that was my freebee. Or may be because I was in SF with a Scot and my family and laughing the alcohol out of my system.

Lost, 1 Doctor: So my doctor of about 10 years, just when I have a cyst I need looked at on my shoulder, has left Stanford and has started what's called a concierge health service. Insurance does not pay for this $200 month 24/7 access to my dr. So I will now be going to Dr. Vasuna, which I selected from my list of possibe doctors my insurance covers. Sad really as I would have paid $200 for a visit from my old dr which wouldn't have been covered, but in this case I would have to join the service and pay montly....don't say it...I thought about joining and then quitting, butI'm not a quitter.

Lost, patience over electronics: Ipod still not working, computers crashing at work and programs on my laptop not there when they are supposed to be. Love hate, Love hate. My relationship with appliances (you know what I mean!) must improve this year. I must find the zen of elctronics. I must go on a spiritual journey into the mind of these delecate creatures and adjust my magnetic field, clensing the negative fuzz clogging the cogs of fuctionality. oooooohhhhmmmmmmm.

Found, inspiration: 4 am and Ihad a brilliant if I do say so myself concept for The Magician's Nephew. It has to pass the test yet, but it solves 99% of my bad attitude about the space we are using. It's totally cohesive and magnetic....I was worriedd there for a while. Script is complete, being looked over for any reviews but we are on our way.

Found, room in my heart: My niece and I have bonded and it's a pretty great thing. What wonders a 2 year old can do a household. It's a blessing indeed to have her around and every child should have a huge doting family to explore the world with. My favorite book so far we have read together is the Gruffalo. Check it out, kids books are excellent these days I've found. The classics are still great, Richard Scary, Mercer Myer, Maurice Sendak, but some of the newer books are surprisingly clever and I particularly like the illustrations. Rebecca extended her stay in Palo Alto with the kids even though Mark has to go back to London to work today. More time for us to spoil her. It's amazing how healing woner, adventure and laughter can be. No, that's not a biological clock ticking, don't be retarded. Just a new experience for me to have a bond with a kid in a sense I am allowed to. Can't get too close to those kids you teach and direct sometimes. I've never been one to hold back of course, but I know I can't take them home with me.

Lost, 1 cause: My first date was sparkless. A smart, intelligent guy with a lot of sass and wit. Compatible on many levels, and yet...no. There are people that are comfortable from the get go, and we were but it was clear to me in the first 30 minutes our objectives were different. I will jump if my gut tells me to, I will jump without thinking, i am indeed sick of thinking so much in place of living, but my gut was hmming and hawing. If I were absolutely forced to pick a reason, could be he was an only child with no stories to tell about growing up. Nothing to relate to in that sense. He also didn't like the star wars movies. I'm not married to them, but there's something wrong there I think. I felt I was the one talking, and everytime I asked a question the door closed. Per a previous blog, I am done with passive people which he was when he wouldn't talk, only ask and done with agressive people which he also was when he made his move and continued to despite my resistance. "First date dude". He is clearly used to hard to get women. I am not. When I want to be gotten, I get got. When I do not, watch the right hook mother fucker. Of course it didn't come down to that. he took my honest and polite declination eventually, and though I did think about a second date, ultimately I know what chemisty is. It does exist, I don't manufacture it. I'm an actress, synthetics are for the stage. I star in my own reality, unscripted and this particular storyline is done. On to the next date next week...better luck next time. I am accepting applications, please inquire within for form.

Lost, All my mp3's somehow frommy computer:....gggrrrrr.

Found, 1 former cast mate...in his own SITCOM: The green monster is envious, but how funny is it to see a show that looks like it could totally be the next Friends with someone you were in plays with in college. Josh Radnor...your focus and determination, that New York edge has paid off. All that tech work you got out of, all that percieved arrogance got you somewhere. Most excellent. Don't let the city eat you alive man, it's a jungle out there. Best of luck dude. Neil Patrick Harris is hysterical on the show. Very relateable given the present. Take me out for a drink....maybe we can meet up wit James Franco (Teddy) who was in my sisters class at Paly and hit the viper room afterwards.

Found, trip to hawaii: Andrew Shannon needs a serious break from his brutal first 7 months of medical residency in the Bronx. the tickets are the right price, the timing at the end of march after the show opens and before Sandy's wedding is prime. If I make it that far...I might, just MIGHT be able to swing Hawaii 5 (days). Might be overdue fora weekend in LA before San Diego as well and catch up with Alison Ravenscroft..

Found, sanity: just kidding...psych!

princess on 01.04.06 @ 12:46 PM PST [link]

Tuesday, January 3rd

The year of what you can do for me

music: wind and rain
mood: Bossy

This so be named the year of what can you do for me. Clearly bending over backwards for others hasn't achieved all the fame and fortune I deserve. Nor has it accomplished the more important sanity and inner happiness. Being considerate to others, though I'm sure on some long term karmic schedule will provide for me, has had no immediate gratification. Paris Hilton, move over, now there is something needier. I want competetive speed yoga. And I want it now. I'm not saying no more miss nice girl, I'm saying I'm taking my opinions and going to act on them. If I don't want to do something, I will not do it. I won't be suckered into it (whithout major compensation anyway) and I won't have to feel guilty about saying no.

The world will get more no's this year from me. Also this year, people in high places, do ME a favor for once. I'm not doing free, pro bono favors this year. This year it is going to be tit for tat. I am keeping score. Believe me, score will be kept. This year, I'm going dutch. No loaning, or gifting, no throwing away the emotional or physical bucks. No parties for me, someone else can throw them, and I will drink someone elses liquor while someone makes ME laugh and entertains me. I'm on vacation from being the funny one, the one who researches everthing, I'm on sabbactical from being thoughful. I'm embracing the stronger, fairer, more just me. This year it's not bitter and over worked, tired, underappreciated, ignored and sit on the sidelines, this year I'm a rockstar,this year it's productive and empowered. I'm buying the t-shirt, and selling it at a profit. This year I'm calling in all the back log of IOU's and having them be paid out retroactively, now. This is the year of want to be my friend? Then show me. Prove it. Don't just wait for my call, initiate, and know you earned the friendship, not just lucked out and survived it. This year understand what sacrafice is. Don't just make a faux attempt to pick up the tab, pick up the tab. Admit that I deserve it. Admit that it's the worlds turn in 2006 to help susannah be selfish for real and not just joke about it being all about her. Help make it about her. acknowledge her. Help her find what it's like to be valued and know it. Hear her roar andunderstand where it comes from.

Last year there was a lot of charity, a lot of effort, and a fair amount of seemingly wasted energy. It was the year of trying to put myself in the shoes of others and failing nearly every step. This year, I don't have that energy to spare. This year, I'll be moving so fast, if you blink, you're going to miss it, so keep up or get out. Seriously. My rocket only has enough room for the committed. Shape up or ship out. Show me the money now or you are going to be sorry you aren't on the guest list when I could get you anything you want or need. I have the connections, this year I USE them. This year I play the game, and you know how I hate to lose.

This year the past will be forgotten, for one year, the past will not effect me, for one year the future is all I am looking at. The steps taken this year will CREATE the future. My future. Lightening speed. No fucking around. No holding back. No pain no gain and no indecision. Same old Susannah, just intensified....bolder, more focused, eyes on the prize. Louder, funnier, faster. By this time next year the list will be bursting of all the things I have achieved. This is it. This is my year.

So what can you do for me? Go.

princess on 01.03.06 @ 12:40 AM PST [link]

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