Category Archives: Fun at Work

Aug 12 2013
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Friends and Family, Fun at Work, Nightlife, Online Fun, Travel Fun

Day 322: Goodbye, Hello

Ok. Remember a while ago I posted about things to come…so one of the things was, obviously, the birth of my niece. The other is the announcement that I am working with Emily Alt Photography as the bookkeeper and creative consultant! I just really dig everything Emily and her husband are doing and want to be apart of it, even if I can’t go out on the road in the airstream (or can I?)

In case you did not know, Emily and Ian have quit their day jobs to pursue photography full-time and have serious plans to travel the country with their dog(s?) and cameras. On Day 321, we said goodbye to them as they packed up their Northside condo and moved to Michigan in search of adventures in airstreams, photography and self-employment. They just announced an AMAZING offer in some seriously RAD cities, so if you are planning on getting married in or looking to elope to Minneapolis, Austin, Asheville, Beaufort, New Orleans, Santa Fe, or Traverse City, check this out. Now. Like immediately. The rest of this post is not as important as you reading about the Pop Up Rolling Elopements.

And in case you don’t subscribe to her emails (why wouldn’t you? they are full of great offers!) here is the announcement that went out about my involvement: “Hey! I’m Sarah and I’m super jazzed to be working with my talented friends, Emily and Ian. As they venture out on the road, I’ll be keeping the books in Chicago and writing blog posts about anything from urban DIY photo art to utopian societies to pescetarianism. Theater, a husband, and a mini-goldendoodle named Elphaba occupy much of my time, yet I like to think of myself as an amateur photographer, musician and traveler. Even though I am a native Iowan and current Illinoisan, the northwest mitten state has stolen my heart. I enjoy long walks on her peaceful Lake Michigan beaches, hikes to the top of Empire Bluffs and drives through The Narrows–obviously the most beautiful place on Earth.” (Ridiculous I know, but also true).

For real, I am sad to see my friends leave Chicago but so so happy for their success, inspired by their bravery and awed by their art!

 

Jul 29 2013
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Chicago Specific Fun, Fun at Work, Theatre Fun

Day 308: Graduation Number Two

We had an emotional day at work; the first class of our Youth Ensemble graduated. All of them will head to college in the Fall. While I did not have as much time with them as much of the rest of the staff, I have become a big fan of all of these extremely talented young people.

The graduation ceremony was emotional for everyone–not a dry eye after all of the speeches. It was different from my nephew’s graduation because, while it had airs of the same hope and inspiration of a high school graduation, it was much more individual. Everything said was specific to each of the six students-their talents, their future and their immensely important time at the theater. It is amazing how much impact the theater had on their lives and how much they impacted the people at the theater. I have lots of love for them and wish them all the best in college!

Jul 25 2013
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Chicago Specific Fun, Food/Drink Fun, Friends and Family, Fun at Work, Fun for Couples, Nightlife, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 302, 303 & 304: Super Busy Times

This was a pretty busy work and social week. Here’s the skinny:

Day 302

I was off for much of the afternoon and spent it in residence at my favorite neighborhood coffee shop, Dollop! There I saw Taylor and Justin (separately though I bet they would like to be friends too) and we caught up on each other’s lives.

Day 303

The People’s Temple–a documentary theatre piece about the notorious religious organization of the same name performed by extremely talented CPS high schoolers. It was amazing, educational, moving, and beautiful. Student work can be fantastic!

Day 304

We had a work event in the burbs surrounding the musical Hair. I wore a daisy in mine and helped make the event a success for the theatre!

Jun 22 2013
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Chicago Specific Fun, Food/Drink Fun, Friends and Family, Fun at Work, Outdoor Fun

Day 271: Marty’s

Marty’s Martini Bar in Andersonville hosted an amazing fundraiser on Day 271 for the Youth Ensemble, an intense, pre-college prep program at the theater. From 2-5pm (times the bar is normally closed) all profits from drinks went right to the theater. The bartenders both donated their tips on top of it, which was amazing, and a small raffle with prizes and cash for purchasers increased total donations.

The Youth Ensemble is actually the pride and joy of the theater. Thirteen Chicago Public School juniors and seniors with intense interest and incredible talent take master classes, participate in scene studies, attend theater, advocate for our company and perform in a show on our stage every summer. For the first graduating class of seniors, we’ve had 100% college acceptance and enrollment. These students are really a part of the family and we do what we can to support them.

The event was really fun. I don’t usually drink martinis but I had two French 75s and was done-zo (oops! oh well, it’s for the kids). Some friends came out to support me and the theater–amazing. The weather cooperated so we could sit on the patio–also amazing. All in all a great Saturday!

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Jun 17 2013
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Fun at Work, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 266: Summer of Interns

Day 266 marked the first work day for the summer interns at the theater. I welcomed these college students who willingly dedicated their summer to the theater with a week’s worth of envelope stuffing for the first big mailing I have ever organized. Five difference components, folded, cut, stamped, and stuffed for over 7,000 people. I thought it only fair that I help them for a little while.

So instead of my regular work, I sat with the interns and folded letters for much of the day. Sometimes a simple task like this is so satisfying. However with RA, even simple tasks, when done with the hands or feet, can be a challenge. I felt lucky that I was able to do this for several hours without feeling like my hands were going to fall off. I was careful to take little breaks to just shake them out and that seemed to help a lot. For me, it was actually relaxing to know I only had this one thing to do for the next few hours. And it allowed me get to know the interns right off the bat. So fun!

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