OTP in Victoria

Today marks the halfway point of my 12-day work-cation. The work to play ratio is approximately 1:20 though, so it’s really a vacation with a few hours of work spread out over the week. What is work? Stage managing Resounding Scream Theatre‘s production of The Troubles in the Victoria Fringe Festival. It isn’t bad at all, the work-cation. Quite delightful, actually. I am on the beach that’s a 10-min stroll from the vacation home I’m staying in with four other girls who are also part of the production (director/producer, assistant director, production manager, and writer/actor/producer). They’re all reading, and I’m scribbling chicken scratch in my barely big-enough notepad. I guess there’s the first difference between reader and writer (though I think writers should be readers, too, I have a hard time burying my nose in one a book). Or maybe it’s because I don’t talk much. I’m more of a listener, especially when there are people who are more inclined to share… not that it’s a bad thing.

Travelling in groups means a lot of compromise, and I don’t mind being a part of the entourage, but I also need my fix of personal time. I didn’t anticipate having little or no time alone with my thoughts. Those times are important to me. But so is work. And seeing shows in the festival, and getting to know the people there. So some things must come at a sacrifice when you’re in a group (it doesn’t help that we live a 20-min drive from city centre, where we can’t just stay home and travel on our own).

There has been a lot of firsts on this trip. My first “work-cation”, which is in fact really a trip with friends for two weeks, my first speeding ticket, the first time I got stung by a bee (I think, my cheek is still a little sore). And my first Victoria Fringe experience.

So far so good. There are lots of silly and funny moments, good and fantastic fulfilling ones, but there are also times when I wished to be somewhere else. There are lots of beaches, lots of water, and lots of sun. I can’t complain :) Most things are paid for, and I’m away from Vancouver, the place which I’ve been dying to get out of… but I miss it. I miss knowing where things are, hanging out with my friends, and being in a place I’m familiar with.

By the way, OTP = On The Prowl.

 

What If It All Means Something

I turned twenty-three years of age today. Mom expelled me from her womb after nine months of careful nursing (and many more years after that, of course), and I am thankful for her doing so. I am thankful for the life that God has given me; I am thankful for the things and opportunities I have, the privileges I enjoy, the friendships I treasure, and the love I feel. I am also thankful for the tribulations and trials I’ve had so far because it is through them that I grow and learn.

Speaking of growing and learning, here a list of things that’s been on my mind lately (would’ve liked to expand each into a post of their own, but alas… time is short on hand lately):

1. I am SO SO SO afraid of growing old. Sure, at 23 you think I’m just at my prime and I’m too young to worry about old age (or even TALK about being old). But it’s the fact that time flies by too quickly that I feel I may be missing out on life. That’s the scary part. Not living life to the fullest or wasting my days away, only to realize after how much of my time I had thrown out the window. Not to mention going at it ALONE…

2. The technological age has made me rethink my decision to have children. Kids nowadays are immersed in technology so much that it disgusts me. It irks me that their childhood consists of youtube, facebook, twitter and they plays with toys like iPods, iPhones, iPads, and/or Blackberries instead of singing nursery rhymes and constructing with Lego. I can’t stand being buried in technology. We depend on it so much that we’ve lost a good portion of our authenticity and “real” human connection.

3. My passion for theatre and film has dissipated a little ever since the spring semester ended. I suppose it’s partly due to finishing the film portion of my studies. My education felt like it came to an abrupt end. I am left with skills but no tools to pursue my goals further in the industry. These goals seem so far-fetched that the passion for it eventually subsided and shelved aside for the time being. As for theatre, I am continuously immersed in projects. From one right next to the other, with few or no breaks in between. It looks great on my resume, but it’s taking a toll on my passion.

4. This is kind of an extension from the 3rd point. I recently overheard/observed a conversation between a friend and her friend that made me question the reasons why I make art. It has shaken my roots quite a bit. I was once told I was lucky to have found the subjects I’m passionate about so early on in my education career (so I know what to focus on immediately in university). But why do I bother? What does art do? Sure, it’s therapeutic and inspiring, but who’s to say that this is contributing to a better world? How does art make the world a better place?

For example/ tangent: one of my pet peeves is sustainability/ recycling. I am serious to the point that I’d take the (unused) napkins home from restaurants… or wrap left-overs in napkin instead of using a Styrofoam box. In the film and theatre production world, we create A LOT of waste. Like, tons. And people don’t recycle. There are no recyclables. All garbage. They do whatever it is necessary to capture an image, to transform words onto the stage, or.get things done quickly and efficiently. They don’t take care of the earth and instead use up the resources! This whole “is art doing good” discussion and debate still constantly goes on in my head.

5. Skunks have been crossing my paths for the past year or two. Like, one a couple of days ago, before my birthday. And instances close to home… Not that I’m superstitious, but I am really starting to think that it’s hinting at something.

6. I really really really want to travel. I want to explore the world and expand my horizons. I don’t want to get comfortable in Vancouver or anywhere else because I want life to be constantly challenging and interesting. I have an epic CAN/US road-trip planned. Venice is also another stop on the tourist map. Hopefully next summer, when I’ve saved up enough…

Whew. That was good to get out. Thanks, brain, for still holding up. I guess you don’t feel the age… yet… either.