2006 Dear John

music: Eddie Izzard Circle
mood: uh, I'm blogging in front of the TV, what do you think?

Dear 2006,

It’s not you, it’s me. We’ve had some really great times, but it’s just not something I see working out long term to be honest. Sure I had an EXCELLENT acting experience in California Suite, got to be in a play for the first time with my good friend Michael, got to meet some new people who are great friends, and yes I know I raved about my Bill of (W)Rights experience, very proud of the process and the product, and you don’t have to remind me how valuable I’ve felt at work, and how excited I was to finally get Princess on my business card. But, really 2006, did you see me really settling for the crap which you chucked at me this year? First and foremost the insistence in preventing me on multiple occasions from being with my love after such a long wait not to mention the two hours I will never get back after watching the film version of Miami Vice. Did you think I would let you off the hook for having a very exciting set of tools extricated from my Jeep and all my poker quarters on two separate break ins? I mean is that really fair to someone who give change to the homeless, donates blood regularly and is in general a helpful and compassionate person?

Yes you were with me as my brother walked down the aisle with his lovely bride, and the celebration of my parents 44th wedding anniversary, and of course I can’t forget the birth of my friend Laurina's first baby, but then there were the disastrous roommates that caused anxiety beyond reason, and you offered me no motivation for my writing, and a debauchle of a hawaiian vacation.

I mean do the math 2006. For every high there was a low waiting right there to be a wet blanket. Julie’s amazing Florida wedding, great, gaining 20 pounds over the last year, not so great. Brette moving to the same coast as me, super, friends moving to France, or worse, Los Angeles NOT SUPER. Anu becoming Dr. Anu, Awesome, traumatic stray dog experiences, not so awesome.

I’ve had worse of course. You aren’t BAD, you just aren’t what I need right now. And you won’t ever be what I need in the future. I’m a different person than I was when you started. So with that I would like to say my peace and just go now.

Before I go though, I would like to point out I thought you were better than to try to prevent me from moving on by infecting my computer with a horrendous virus today. Did you really think that making me spend money I don’t have on Norton Anti Virus, and spending ALL day trying to install the thing just to have my homepage continue to be hijacked by some random fake “internet Security” site would make me stay with you? I mean did you? Really?

I’m sorry 2006. I’m moving on. I’m just ready for bigger and better things. I’m ready to be in the same room with Hamish and have a future with him in it, I’m ready for a stamp in my new passport from a real vacation, I’m ready for writing and publishing, I’m ready for exercise, I’m ready for virus free computers, brilliant theatre reviews, Im ready for change, and more films with Rutger Hauer. We are done 2006. Please don’t try to contact me. I’m moving in with 2007.

princess on 12.31.06 @ 10:57 PM PST [link] [Be the first to comment on this article]

Sunday, December 31st

2006 Dear John

music: Eddie Izzard Circle
mood: uh, I'm blogging in front of the TV, what do you think?

Dear 2006,

It’s not you, it’s me. We’ve had some really great times, but it’s just not something I see working out long term to be honest. Sure I had an EXCELLENT acting experience in California Suite, got to be in a play for the first time with my good friend Michael, got to meet some new people who are great friends, and yes I know I raved about my Bill of (W)Rights experience, very proud of the process and the product, and you don’t have to remind me how valuable I’ve felt at work, and how excited I was to finally get Princess on my business card. But, really 2006, did you see me really settling for the crap which you chucked at me this year? First and foremost the insistence in preventing me on multiple occasions from being with my love after such a long wait not to mention the two hours I will never get back after watching the film version of Miami Vice. Did you think I would let you off the hook for having a very exciting set of tools extricated from my Jeep and all my poker quarters on two separate break ins? I mean is that really fair to someone who give change to the homeless, donates blood regularly and is in general a helpful and compassionate person?

Yes you were with me as my brother walked down the aisle with his lovely bride, and the celebration of my parents 44th wedding anniversary, and of course I can’t forget the birth of my friend Laurina's first baby, but then there were the disastrous roommates that caused anxiety beyond reason, and you offered me no motivation for my writing, and a debauchle of a hawaiian vacation.

I mean do the math 2006. For every high there was a low waiting right there to be a wet blanket. Julie’s amazing Florida wedding, great, gaining 20 pounds over the last year, not so great. Brette moving to the same coast as me, super, friends moving to France, or worse, Los Angeles NOT SUPER. Anu becoming Dr. Anu, Awesome, traumatic stray dog experiences, not so awesome.

I’ve had worse of course. You aren’t BAD, you just aren’t what I need right now. And you won’t ever be what I need in the future. I’m a different person than I was when you started. So with that I would like to say my peace and just go now.

Before I go though, I would like to point out I thought you were better than to try to prevent me from moving on by infecting my computer with a horrendous virus today. Did you really think that making me spend money I don’t have on Norton Anti Virus, and spending ALL day trying to install the thing just to have my homepage continue to be hijacked by some random fake “internet Security” site would make me stay with you? I mean did you? Really?

I’m sorry 2006. I’m moving on. I’m just ready for bigger and better things. I’m ready to be in the same room with Hamish and have a future with him in it, I’m ready for a stamp in my new passport from a real vacation, I’m ready for writing and publishing, I’m ready for exercise, I’m ready for virus free computers, brilliant theatre reviews, Im ready for change, and more films with Rutger Hauer. We are done 2006. Please don’t try to contact me. I’m moving in with 2007.

princess on 12.31.06 @ 10:56 PM PST [link] [Be the first to comment on this article]

Sunday, December 17th

Pairs, Pears and Air

music: Rain failling
mood: Motivated...or not.

It's been a while and lots has happened. Lots. Huge amounts. The Sound bytes of my life are as follows.

Drama: (The good kind) I have been cast in three roles in the Pear Avenue Theatre's Pear SLices 2007. This is a show that is comprised of the local playwrights group at the small 42 seat Mt. View theatre. I was in the selection of plays last year and was too temped to work with good directors and EXCELLENT playwrights. In an effort to get my own writing done, I just needed another boost of working with these writers and seeing if they can do it, so can I. Rehearsals start Mid to late Feb and show goes up April 14-29th.CHaracters this time include a bible belt science teacher in a descussion about intelligent design, a soon to be divorced fashion designer, and the "spokesperson" for the theatre. All fun stuffm all really against type, so should be fun.

Welcome: Laurina has welcomed her first child, a son, Ethan Paul Barker into the world as of yesterday. The 10.5 lb 21 inch lad came by planned C-Section and all went very well. I talked to Laurina yesterday and she sounded as calm and as delighted as one could be. It's fantastic. Auntie Susannah will make a venture up in the next 6 months most likely to visit and no doubt corrupt the young redheaded "nephew".

Family: "The Brits" as they are called came into town on Thursday and with that Wolife the cat has decided he doesn't need to come around so much this week. I've enjoyed even just the few days chatting with Kalya and though Wes is still a bit young to really enjoy all the people, put Stuart Little on the TV and he's a giggle factory. Talking cats and mice in cars apparently rate very high for 1 1/2 year olds. My favorite Kayla quotes so far have been " I love California, are we going to stay here a long time", "I want you to come with me in case they tell me I have to go back to bed" and when asked if there is more love in California, her truthful response "yes" melted everyones heart. It's good to have the kids here for the holidays. Even with the rain and the cold nights, and the chaos and the crying and the stress of schedules and so on, I do love the sense of family that we have always had through our own and through the extended.

Fumes: While constucting a puppet theatre on Thursday night for the kids, I inhaled (for over an hour) apparently some toxic fumes from some adhesive used to repair the closet doors in my parents house. My poor sense of smell, coupled with my stubborn determination (and excitement) to assemble this entire stage in one night proved just stupid in the end. The humorous (well NOW it is) part of the story is in the visual of me in bed waking up thinking, oh no I'm going to puke again, and ill, half asleep, in the dark with no glasses trying to navigate my bedroom floor of landminds (read: shoes, clothes, books, computer etc) down the hall to the bathroom where as I'm aiming for the bowl and lifting the lid at the same time I smack my forehead on the seat. I have a bruise and a very tender spot still, but even I thought that was funny, now that I've recovered from the toxic intake.

Home Base: As always the Greenwood on Greenwood abode where my parents have lived for over 32 years is the central location for guests to drop by at all times, even unannounced. We were graced last night with Ade Adekola's visit which was delightful. Such an intellectual and wonderful addition to any room. 3 hours of discussion on his time working as consultant and artist in Nigeria was fascinating. Deborah, on eo Brette's Bridesmaids also came by to chat. I hope my home can be a place where the fun and intellectual feel comfortable to stop by anytime.It was amazing how quick the wine and cheese and crackers come out when guests appear. The Greenwoods are always ready for a salon it would seem. Something I think is truely lovely.

New Beginnings: The Count down continues (10 days!!!) and I'm more and more excited to get myself over the pond and over to my love to be with him for the New Year. We know this year is going to be tough in some ways and really wonderful in a lot of other ways and we are just too elated to be able to spend the beginning of it together. My only debate is if I DARE to check a bag or if I try to stuff xmas and new years as well as Plymouth weather into a carry on. If anyone can do it I can...and yet...maybe a prayrer to the American Airlines Gods to just let one bag this holiday make it to where it needs to when it needs to be there.

Good Vibes: Former roommate and good friend Anu has completed the next stpe to the loooonnnngggggg process that is her PHD. Her defense has commenced and fingers and toes are crossed. When this girl walks graduation, when she has the degree in her hand, I can not tell you the huge party I am throwing her. I just so admire all the work she has done, all the perseverence and commitment she has put in when life has at many times tempted her to quit. This is so major and I'm so proud. GO GO GO GO!

Work: Work goes well, there are a lot of changes on the horizon which I brace myself for daily. Co-workers have been very kind in not springing too much on me in terms of change. Our new ticketing system is going to rock. It will be a bear to learn and educate myself and others but, I think once it is up and running I will have my weekends free....I think...and THAT will be a vast improvement. My Princess business cards came, best xmas present EVER!!! And because of a bit of planning, after this Friday, I won't even have to work over the vacation. I'll have 17 days of paid freedom.

Jeep: Monday marks the Jeeps 6th birthday (now older than ME!) and with nearly 93K miles, he's been an absolute peach...or lemon, cause he's yellow, only he's not a lemon...uh...you know what I mean.

Akeelah and the Bee: A movie with good acting, and a good story but if you have already seen Spellbound, you can skip this one. 3 1/2 RRD's.

Phone: Don't panic. I just wanted to share that I STILL have my phone. No washing machine incidents at all.

WEBSITES: If you haven't already seen this Iwantoneofthose.com that's pretty fun.

Okay, hopefully I will have a chance for at least one more update before leaving on the 26th...Haver a great holiday everyone, wherever you are!

princess on 12.17.06 @ 11:06 AM PST [link] [Be the first to comment on this article]

Monday, December 4th

Movies and Miscellaneous

music: OK GO, Muse...
mood: 7th Heaven

Films:

The World According to Sesame Street: This Documentary was very interesting. It follows the development team of adapting Sesame Street Programming in countries like Bangladesh, South Africa, and working with Serbians and Albanians in the same room to bring Sesame Street to Kosovo. It was educational, and moving to see the integration of cultures to create appropriate puppets and segments for each community. The introduction of a Puppet in South Africa with HIV, whose memory of her mother is contained in a box with some things of hers is certainly an interesting cultural difference. The idea that nearly every child in South Africa will face a death from AIDS in their family or close circle of friends multiple times is thoroughly depressing, but this film was actually someone uplifting. Certainly makes you think about how fortunate you are, and the TV can SOMETIMES be good for something other than escape and decompression.

Cypher: One of the most underrated actors I think, Jeremy Northam plays opposite Lucy Liu and the prove interesting to watch in a film that reminds me a bit of a low tech Gattaca vs. Pirates of Silicon Valley. I won’t give any of the plot away (it also reminds me of another movie which I can’t tell or it will spoil it for you as well), but it should be noted, I did not guess the ending ahead of time. I should have. But I didn’t. 4 RRD’s for fooling me even on an off night.

Casino Royale: Best movie I have seen in ages. GREAT! I could write a dissertation on why this movie kicks ass. I have enjoyed Bond films to be sure, there are scenes and stunt and catchphrases burned in my brain, but this is not just a phoned in franchise installment. This was GREAT! Besides the hot cars, amazing stunts, dresses to die for, one liners and typical Bond fare, there is a great story here, a nice plot, which makes sense not only for this new Bond (Craig TOTALLY harkens back to the rugged, not so polished, and more egotistical Bond of Sean Connery) and for the future of where her goes and why he is like he is. For those of you that recall, my glowing review of the acting in the French film “The Dreamers”, you will be amused to know, Eva plays Vesper, the main Bond girl and does a stunning job. Nothing is thrown away here. 5 RRD’s for excellent writing, acting, direction and all around production value. If you don’t want to be a spy when you walk out of the theatre there may be something very wrong with you.

Transporter 2: Buy into it early and you will grin all the way through. Gotta love Jason Statham and his tough guy exterior. Fun action. Typical modern Luc Besson. Some good laughs (French stereotypes) and explosions. Tell me, who doesn’t need more explosions in their life. 3 ½ RRD’s

After the Sunset: This little sleeper has Woody Harrelson as an FBI agent who has been foiled by diamond thieves Pierce Brosnan and Selma Hayek. He comes back to bait them into one last heist for his personal redemption. It takes place mostly in the Bahamas at my dream hotel, the Atlantis and it’s lovely eye candy in terms of the scenery. This is surprisingly romantic, action packed, funny movie, that is not so very complex, but entertaining to watch unfold. I truly enjoyed this movie. Great Friday night flick with you honey, or thinking about them if they happen to be worlds away at the moment. 4 ½ RRDS.

Weatherman: Perhaps they should have thought more about WHETHER to make this movie or not. Now admittedly I only like Nicholas Cage in his comedy era, his Honeymoon in Vegas yelling phase, not the miserable self loathing character he seems to be fixated on for the last way too long. And I’ve nothing against a non happy movie, but except for Michael Caine who always makes me smile no matter what, I could really have used those 2 hours back. 2 ½ RRD’s

In other news:

Guitly Pleasure: Um...so how many of you would disown me if I said that I kinda sort like the new Justin Timberlake song "Sexy Back"? hmmm, right. I see. Just checking. Thanks.

BEST SHOW EVER: Beauty and the Geek. Oh my gosh. If you have not seen this, check it out. The reality show to END all reality shows. I love it. 7 dumb "beauties" and 7 SUPER nerdy geeks paired up, living in a house and having to do challenges. the guys have to decorate a room, the girls have to hook up a computer from the box, download a song, burn a cd and play it. then the two winning teams choose two other teams to go to the quiz elimination round. These girls are ridiculous, and the guys are hilarious. Rubic Cube champs, Speed Chess Champ, Dungeon Master. And of course the edit the pud out of it so it's even more hilarious. SO great.

OFFICIAL ROYALTY: This JUST in. I have succeeded finally in getteing the official title of PRINCESS on the next round of business cards for Artsopolis. Oh HELL yes!

Chuckles: I saw the Marquee of the Palo Alto Square, Movie Theatre. NOW PLAYING: FAST FOOD NATION. I laughed. The theatre is right next to a McDonalds.

Love the Landlord: Legacy Partners who own the building I work in, and has donean AMAZING job renovating the entire building from top to bottom (lobby plants, furniture, new lighting, carpet, marble floor, digital directory, signs, varnish, landscaping etc. delivered FREE hot chocolate to all the building patrons last week. We had no heat in the building as they were updating the heat and AC for just a day or two, and this was their thank you. WOW. I'm so liking them. For once, building managers that are awesome instead of full of suck.

More later on...23 days...

princess on 12.04.06 @ 06:18 PM PST [link] [Be the first to comment on this article]

Website designed and maintained by

Princess Susannah AKA Susannah Greenwood

There have been visitors to this page.

Princess Susannah's Web Footed Blog Palace

2006 Dear John

2006 Dear John

Pairs, Pears and Air

Movies and Miscellaneous