It just dawned on me that I have not told you all about my first week (day) at State. This semester seems to be setting itself up to be a little lighter than semesters past, and I think it will actually be (gasp!), fun. There are four classes in the mix, organized here from least favorite to most favorite:
4. Tavakoli's Science Technology and Society - What are the reactions of a society after the introduction of advances in technology and science. Interesting, sure, but it appears this will be the driest of my classes.
3. Gray's British Literature - I hated this formerly, when I took Brit Lit in 1998 -- now, it seems the same but for some reason or another I am excited to read some classics. It might be the knowledge that most of our stories, on a basic level, were told during this time. That, and I would like to be able to read Olde English -- who doesn't need that ability?
2. Washcka's Beginnings and Endings - Creating a taxonomy and developing my own course plan in consideration of beginnings and endings as they apply to the arts? Awesome. Being able to apply it to film, and sketch (see below), is going to be a lot of fun. My prof is a composer, which is inspiratinal in and of itself.
1. Gomez's British Film - Have you taken Gomez yet? Gomez is awesome. Seriously, you haven't taken Gomez? I heard these phrases for the better part of the last two years at NC State, and I my schedule never afforded me the ability to study under the man. If someone had told me that he sounds exactly like Danny DeVito I would have made a better effort to sign up. If someone then told me that I would hear phrases like "You couldn't imagine the things you'll see nuns do in The Devils" in that same DeVito cadence and tone and I would have murdered (or at least sanctioned the assassination of) a foreign dignitary.
So, thing are good at NCSU, especially since all of this fits on Tuesdays and Thursdays which helps the brutal drive.
In other news, Not Bundy had their first show this past weekend. We showed 'The Deal' which had a great response from the house of 30 or so. It was the first video sketch we have shown, and most people hadn't seen it prior to its public display. I was really happy that the laughs came not only at every moment I expected them, but also at other moments I hadn't thought about as being 'laugh-out-loud' funny. Nick wrote this one, he and Jeremy performed like champs (Jeremy was especially great), and I directed and edited. Scott and Callie filmed. I couldn't think of a better group effort for the first real video. I really think we have a strong group of comedians with varying strengths and weaknesses that make for a cozy fit.
This past weekend also finds me thinking a lot about the future here in Carrboro. This post may get long, but this shit is really for me, so you can go fuck yourself if you don't like it.
I'm a Raleigh kid, have been since I moved to NC in 8th grade. I like big(ger) cities, but I also like to be able to find the countryside quickly. I like it when people aren't around, but I sometimes love it when they are. Carrboro, on the other hand, is an interesting place. It seems on the verge of a merge with Chapel Hill, yet keeps itself wholly independent. What is present is a fairly simple infrastructure that can also support major art and social betterment projects. I truly believe Carrboro could be a major destination (again) for writers, poets, artists, and, most importantly to me, comedians.
Moving to Carrboro has been really terrific for me, personally, because it affords me the small town life with easy access to more if I want it. If my schedule was better, I would be in Raleigh with greater frequency. I miss my friends in Raleigh a shit-ton, but it seems that we are farther away from each other than we ever have been now. One of the reasons for this has been my involvement in the development and first year of the comedy theater. It really is a great place, filled with a lot of great people. It is pretty safe to say that I love it. Yet, that theater doesn't define me in any sort of individual way. I don't own it, I don't own any part of it, it is not mine. There is nothing on the line personally if fails. The only thing that theater will do for me will be found in its success. Yet, in reality, there is no risk.
I really feel that 'coat tails' can eat a dick. I am not interested in doing anything just because it makes my end goals of producing TV, film. live performance, easier. I know that I can still do those things without a shortcut. So, now, in a public place I vow to quit if the theater begins to be a shortcut rather than a valid expression of my talents. If I am onstage at the theater, and if you see me there, know that it is because I make the show better, not because I helped schedule a staff for a festival. I am on the stage to entertain you, audience, not because I was around when people had personal issues and took time to help them. Know, crowd, that I am on that motherfucking stage because I deserve to be on that motherfucker. If I sense I am present for any other reason, I will walk away and do something else. I will implore my friends to help me create something fun and meaningful, and I will drop all support for anyone who doubts my integrity and tenaciousness.
I have not been happier in a long time than I am today, and that is because I feel that I am on my own. I kind of forgot what that felt like for awhile. Thanks to a special person for pointing out my dependence (albeit in a smoky and dark bar, whilst we were whittling away our sobriety), and I hope that when she reads this, she knows that she can depend on me.
Jesus H. Christ!
