On Christiania, Drugs, Getting kicked out of a house, and good coffee. Can you say Drama?

My little kitchen view. 

After nine hours of flying, I finally arrived in Copenhagen. My flights weren't terrible, aside from the screaming babies--but hey I was able to watch Little Miss Sunshine and Silver Linings Playbook. 

Oh and when previously checking in for my flight, I thought that I had upgraded my seat on the 8 hour flight like a smart person--turns out I upgraded my seat on the one hour flight from Amsterdam to Copenhagen, Oops. At least I rode like a boss in that last hour. There is nothing quite like free wine on the airplane, excuse me, flyvemaskine (FLUV MAS KEEN) at 10am.

I was greeted at the airport by this guy I met online, and we spent the entire day together--it was really awesome actually. I'm still not sure how I survived the day--thank you Copenhagen Gods. If I don't have legs like Beyonce after this trip--I will be surprised.

We first went to Christiania, also known as the Free Town. It is probably the most interesting place I have ever been. Ever. It's a mini city full of hippies, and open minded individuals that was taken over in the 70's. It is full of interesting art, and housing made from scraps--and then of course, pusher street where you can buy the best hash and weed around. There was a little garden we sat in for about an hour near there, and talked about past travels. Christiania is such a unique place. You could walk around there for hours, and oh WE DID, observing the houses and the lake. The weather was absolutely perfect--I'm not sure if I was just jetlagged, or high, or hallucinatingv or high -but I haven't been that happy in a long time. After about five hours --we then went and looked at a few famous churches--and walked down a famous shopping street. The architecture was incredible. You really can't find much like it in the states. We have  boring concrete buildings--they have department stores look like this:

Each and every building was completely different. Nothing was identical. I loved it. 

I also loved how the towns constitution is displayed in images:

No weapons. No hard drugs. No fighting. No cars. No gang colors. No bulletproof vests. No selling of fireworks. No use of thunderflashes. No stolen goods.

I really really love it here. I can see why it's so popular. This week there is also a free music festival called Distortion. It's a week long street party with free music and anything-goes rules. It looks like a really good time, and I'm going tonight! Excited!

It really amazes me how kind people can be. This guy spent his entire day off with me and was so kind  to give me tips for the city and show me around. I met my host on couchsurfing and she has been incredible. We haven't spent as much time together because she works, but she offered me a bed, food, and we talked about life over a bottle of wine last night. 

Then some shit went down. Apparently her roommate is insane. They made an agreement that I wouldn't be alone in their place, but she didn't want to wake me up at 7am after being jetlagged (THANK YOU) and the crazy roommate was going to be home anyway. So later in the day crazy roommate asks me what my plans are for the day. I told her that I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep--but I could explore the city if she didn't want me there. After talking for a bit--she was laughing, and gave me keys. She told me it was fine if I stayed while she was gone. Then later that night after Melanie (nice lady) and I go out--we come back to a note asking Mealine to text her. Apparently mean chick changed her mind, told her she couldn't trust her, and told her I needed a new place to stay tonight AND she had one month to leave. 

THE FUCK?

So she kicked me out this morning--I had no time to shower, and most of my stuff is still at her place other than my passport and important items. She was so rude too. "So do you know how to get to the city center?" "Not really. I've only been here a day" "....." She walked out with me--made a call and started laughing on her phone. Didn't offer to help me, or give me guidance. Some people.

I felt really bad--like this was all my fault. Melanie told me that it is actually a good thing because she wasn't comfortable living with her anyway. It's just a messy situation to be caught in.

Now I'm sitting in a coffee shop near Christiania using some free wifi like a boss. This has been an eventful two days. But hey--what is traveling without some drama? I haven't been mugged yet--and even if she steals all of my clothing I guess I have an excuse to buy more? Haha.

There is always a silver lining.

Tomorrow I fly to Rome for a night--and then head to my first camp in the south of Italy. It is in a place called Calabria--and is gorgeous. DID I SAY GORGEOUS!!?!?

Oh. My. God. I cannot wait. 

Well it's time to explore a bit more. 

Oh I forgot to talk about coffee--it is in the title of this post afterall. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. 

There you go!

But really it's pretty fucking great here. 

Amanda Bynes

I don't normally dive into celebrity gossip, but this Amanda Bynes shit is hilarious. Poor Amanda. I remember being obsessed with All That  and The Amanda Show. What happened to her? I guess it's just really hard growing up with fame. Sure you get everything you want--you know...other than a social life...and a childhood. I don't really see how turning into a jewel-faced-internet-slut is an excuse though. She claims that she isn't doing drugs--maybe she needs to. Maybe she'd mellow out. My addiction started with a google image search of her. Then I moved on to articles. Then I started looking at her twitter. I even @ tweeted her. Any normal person giving her sympathy is getting  retweeted. I can only hope. Dreams do come true. 

But really.  I think Amanda Bynes is a genius. She's a 27 year old millionaire, and I think she's just bored. Why else would she try to look like Lindsay Lohan's twin? Or model herself after some stripper? I think maybe she's just trolling everyone--JUST LOOK AT HER TWEETS. And the girl wasn't really getting tons of work, and now she's getting publicity like crazy.

I AM GETTING WAY TO INTO THIS.

I also love that out of the seven people she follows--Barack Obama is one of them. You can count on Amanda's vote. #Much Respect.

And look at this video--It's a joke. It has to be. A video of her making duck faces for a minute.

What is the host of this show wearing? She looks just as bad. 

So this is what I have come up with. Amanda has tried to follow the footsteps of the last couple of fuckups in Hollywood. Examples.

Lindsay Lohan

Also getting sidetracked..but can I say how I think it's hilarious that in Lohan's twitter bio it says "Learning one day at a time." What exactly are you learning Lindsay!?

Then she pulled a Britney Spears/Miley Cirus:

What's next? An Amy Winehouse, or will she fake her death to get a V.I.P. pass to the 27's club? Or maybe she's trying to create a new character for the show. Totally possible--and how awesome would that be? Who knows. Who Knows. You are one sneaky girl Amanda.

I leave you with this. The pilot for the  Amanda Show. How it all began.

Click Here. 

Smooches. 

Being Productive: I made a website!

I actually made a list and followed it for once! What is going on! Am I growing up? Am I starting to understand what organization really means? I didn't even read the book that I bought on it yet! Or was I just bored and sick of Netflix? I'll let you decided.

Speaking of Netflix, I started watching this really awesome show called Top Of the Lake, you should watch it if you haven't already. There are only seven episodes--and the cinematography is beautiful! Also Peggy (Elizabeth Moss) stars in it. So yeah. Nuf said. 

I guess from not on when I get scatterbrained I'll put everything in Italics. 

Also I pretty much feel like a champ today. I bet you didn't eat roasted seaweed for breakfast. 

I spent the majority of the day searching graduate programs in Scandinavian counties. I contacted a few art schools, and started looking into a few really snazzy film programs. It's worth a shot right?

I should really go to bed. I just re-typed the word shot six times.
And I guess I should start watching Nordic films. 

Then I went to T.J. Maxx and bought a really nice bathing suit for more than 75% off. Thank's TJ! You always got my back!

And then I decided that I needed to make a website. I didn't really have anything storing my portfolio, so I read about this really easy to use site called Weebly. You can customize everything--and you don't have to use any HTML...YAY. 

So here it is folks. I have some headshots. I have some pictures. Some videos. Yippee. It's still in the works, but it's not bad for day one. And there's a nice little page that directs you back to my blog!

Click my face below.

Okay...well...clicking my face didn't really work so click the "Click Me" below.
So many Clicks. 
CLICK ME
click click click

Also, can I express how excited I am for this film? First of all I love Joseph Gorden-Levitt. AND he's playing a guido. AND Scarlette Johanson's a guidette. Yes. Sold. Done.

Jeans

After three years, I finally bought some jeans. AND the first pair I tried on fit really well what?!?!, and were only $17 from Ross. What?What?!? That never happens. I went to Old Navy next trying to find more, but it was a disaster. I can't believe I went this long without jeans. I mean, I can believe it, I just hated trying them on because of the weight gain--but now that it's going away, trying on clothing doesn't seen so bad. My aunt also bought me some really cute polka-dot heel.wedge thinggys. I really need to buy more shoes--and get girlyer in general. After my Acting four showcase this year, I had a professor say to me "Sacha..you can act, but you need to get yourself some heels. They will change your life. No really." Thank you Dr. P. I'm working on it. :)

Anyway, I'm off to do some research on graduate programs in Norway. Yipee! More exciting posts to come!

Kind Words From The Airport Man

As May 27th approaches--my excitement increases. I can't wait to see Italy again. I can't wait to teach again. I can't wait for the insane stories I will have by the time I leave in August. Working in Italy last summer was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. Being away from home didn't/doesn't bother me--but I never thought I would be able to teach, or would be given the opportunity to, or that I would even be good at it. Even with my first camp making me cry and yell and O.D. on geltato--it was worth it in the end--because if anything, the children now know a few songs about caterpillars, andddd can properly play mafia. Oops. 

As I approached the empty check-in counter at the airport, I was greeted with a kind smile--the man saw that I had a European backpack and asked me if I was going home. We got to talking, and I told him I was returning to Italy this summer to teach. He said,

"Make sure to enjoy it, because a lot of people don't get opportunities like this."

He made me realize how lucky I am. I might not be lucky financially, or materialistically, or whatever--but I have met some really amazing people, and I am slowly filling my awesome-story-bank. I wouldn't trade any of that for an Ipad. I'm really growing to love my need for travel, and exploration of cultures. I think I have learned the most about the world from everything I have seen. I will admit--I am a bit snobbier, especially when it comes to food. I laughed at the "Euro Restaurant " on my way to the gate. Their pastries ain't got shit on the ones in Nice, or Berlin. Sigh.  I am so ready for some amazing food.

It's strange how the universe looks out for us sometimes. Three summers ago when I was going through a terrible breakup and family problems--I received a letter from my Russian grandmother. We hadn't spoke in ten years, and she paid for me to fly to Russia with her for a few weeks. When I was in desperate need of a vacation for spring break this year, I woke up to find a random grant deposited into my bank account the next morning. When I was freaking out about not having a bit of money for my trip--I received a check in the mail. I promise I don't shit out hundreds. I wish. But I am really lucky sometimes. THANK YOU UNIVERSE! FOR REAL!

I think there are more magical things going on around us than we are aware of.

And nowwww, I am boarding for Maryland.
Off to a week of crazy kid fun!

A Quickie & A Hot Waiter

I'm bored--so you guessed it! Time to blog! I started searching for rehearsal planning techniques, and organizational tips, and before I could finish my sentence, this is what came up. Are these really the top three? Run Away. Lose Weight. Successfully Overdose. I guess once losing weight fails, the only sensible solution is to take more pills than Lindsay Lohan and die. 

That's Hot. 

That was quick like I promised. Now on to the hot waiter. 

A friend and I went to a delicious local place in town tonight and we were greeted by a very enthusiastic waiter that was either on speed, or wanted a generous tip. When I told him to hold off on giving me bread he responded with I'd eat your bread. Thank you sir. Anyway, he was super cute and paid us quite a bit of attention. Maybe he thought we were lesbians? I did just cut all my hair off. Who knows.

But after telling us about his life, plans, and how comfortable we made him feel he eventually asked us what we were doing later tonight, and said that he had a few friends in town, and would we like to join him downtown later. We said yes, and ended up leaving our numbers. We have yet to be contacted but who knows. He was really cute, funny, and outgoing--but the longer we stayed, he got a little bit creepier. He filled our water glasses and looked at the two of us, for probably 5 seconds too long and said "Tonight's going to be a fun night."

What does that mean? Did he text his buddies in the bathroom saying, I found some fresh meat. You said you needed a few kidneys? So that was sign number one. Then he came back and refilled our water and just starred at me. As he walked away he said Was that creepy? Because that's what I was going for. Uhhh. This was one of those moments where he either was being creepy--or he realized he was accidentally creepy and made a joke as a cover up:something I do all the time. Well we left him our numbers anyway--but realized during dinner we revealed a few things. 

"We are pretty dirty." This was referring to our writing style and sense of open-mindedness

"My friend is a lightweight.. literally one margarita and BAM" Giving him a reason why she didn't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a drink there. 

Maybe I am completely over thinking everything. He was probably just a nice guy, looking for a good time, or he thought we'd make out for him for $1 ---but honestly--it's 10pm and I'm an old lady. He also wanted to go to Midtown--and anyone living here knows Midtown is crap. We have a bar called Balls....I do, however, find it hilarious that it's a popular spot for all the frat boys--and their balls are literally touching in there--there is no space to move. Soooo I'm just going to watch The Office and eat my cinnamon crunch scone. Thank you PMS. Thank you. Creep or not though--it was nice to get hit on. So thank you too waiter man.

Graduating and New Bands

 

As graduation approaches, I really don't know what my next step in life is going to be. I was dead set on moving to Chicago for the last two years, because I fell in love with the city during an improvisation intensive...and thennnnn I went to California. Perfect weather. A good foundation of friends living there already. Earthquakes? Eh. Whatever.

One of my best friends and I have started working on a pilot--and I think that it could be successful  Yeah...I'm aware that EVERYONE says that, but LA is the place to be. But commitment scares me. I can't even read one book at a time. Moving scares me. I fall UP the stairs! I mean I want to leave Gainesville as soon as possible, BUT WHERE TO?!?!

There was something about Italy that made me feel creatively alive. I wasn't bogged down by school stress, or show stress, or whatever other type of stress there is out there. I felt alive. I felt free. [Insert other hippie-shit phrase here] I just feel like Not-America is where I need to be. Maybe I'll look into graduate programs or something--there are so many places I want to go.

Like Iceland!

Bjork and I could be best friends. She's crazy and creative. Maybe she will cast me as puking glitter tree in her next music video. 

Or Norway!

How can you be depressed living there! Except maybe for that guy...hopefully he didn't jump. Yikes. 

Or France!

Look at The Gardens at Marqueyssac. I want to be all up in that! This is where the oompa loompas live. I swear. Sigh. 

I'm currently reading a book called Writing the Pilot, and it has actually been extremely helpful. It's teaching me how to analyze successful pilots, and tv shows, and why they have had the success that they have had. So this is all great--but the more I think about post-graduation...I don't exactly picture myself in a cubicle--I also don't expect something to fall into my lap, because let's face it--that rarely happens--my parents aren't rich and I don't plan on sleeping my way through a company sooooo.....I just don't know.

Part of me wants to move to LA, and start my life--I could  hopefully get a job/internship with a major network company, and after years and years of hard work, work my way up and hope that someone will look at my script. The other part of me, and I would say 85% of me, wants to leave the country, teach all over, pay off my student debt within two years and travel the world.

The scale is easily unbalanced on this decision. I don't know what to do. Hell I know what to do, graduate and book some job in China--but that's a big decision, and shouldn't I find something more stable? Find a place that I can call my home? Have somewhere to return to? I guess I will give the summer a go and see what happens.

It's funny, the more and more I look at my room the more shit I give away, and the more shit I give away, the more I realize how little I could live with (aside from a few dozen books and my instruments.) This has been one of the greatest lessons I have learned from traveling. We really don't need much at all, and we often spend our money on unnecessary things. I guess I'm guilty of this too--if you see me at Trader Joes--I will have AT LEAST 5 different types of cheese in my cart. Go Figure. But really. Donate something. Donate lots of things--and I guess be kind to people too.

Here are so new bands I found, maybe you'll like them, maybe not. 

Serafina Steer - Disco Compilation 

She plays harp, and she's funny. 

And....

Nadine Shah - Aching Bones
I couldn't post the video for some reason.

On being Fat

While pondering at Boca last night, I was reminded of one of my first experiences in the theater department. I remember going to my Acting II professors office after class one day, and I asked, "How am I doing? Can we talk about my progress in acting in this class?" Her response "Do you really want to know? Shut the door." This scared the shit out of me. I came into the university as a music major, and after two years I just couldn't do it anymore. I had always had an interest in acting, and was never given the opportunity in high school, because the two departments hated each other. My mind was racing...maybe I should run back to music--I know i'm good at that at least. 

The first thing she told me was "If I didn't think you were talented, I would tell you to go into Stage Managing or something." I was relieved--but I now realize how offensive that comment was. At the time, I didn't really know what a stage manager was--or how much responsibility they had, so fuck you J...let's call her Juby. She kept talking--and I kid you not--her only comment ABOUT MY ACTING  was "You need to lose 50 pounds."

.....

Thank you. That really evaluates the work I've done in your class. So I guess whenever I performed, her only thoughts were "Oh god--look at those 50 extra pounds," or maybe when she took notes on my scene work, she instead sketched out my new, skinny, media influenced body on her notepad.

Oh and here is the best part.

"That should be doable this summer."

WAIT.WHAT? Losing 50lbs in a summer? Are you nuts? Do you want me to look like a sick person? Maybe she wanted to write me in as "Pale Ghost Whore #2," she is known for adding roles. Being new, and scared, I didn't let my inner monologue pop out right then and there, instead I said "Yeah. Sure. I can do that."

Then she proceeded to give me tips. Apparently she wakes up every morning and does an hour of cardio with no food beforehand--then she eats exactly 4 almonds, and 2 pieces of lettuce all day.

"You might feel light-headed but you will be okay. Just start a notebook of images of famous beautiful actors that you will never look like, and cry. Crying actually makes your workout more intense--I also find that saying the actors name out loud is quite helpful. I personally use Natalie Portman. I say her name over and over and over, until an emotional response surfaces. This will help you later for method acting, and developing your "As-If's."  It also helps if you workout in front of a mirror because you are constantly reminded of your flaws. You can look at yourself and say "Come on Juby! LOOK AT THAT FLAB. THAT FLAB COULD FEED A SMALL FAMILY. BAD JUBY. BAD. TOMORROW YOU ONLY GET 3 ALMONDS..MAYBE ONLY TWO YOU PIECE OF SHIT. Just get used to the feeling of your stomach eating the rest of your body away--eating disorders aren't that bad!"

Okay I'm kidding about the very last part. But she did think it was doable in one summer. And hey guess what Juby--I've lost 45 pounds. Healthily. In a year and a half. So Suck it.

So that was a nice introduction into the department. I know that image is important--I get that--I'm not an idiot--but I am working my ass off and I know that if I am positive and continue this work ethic, I will have success. It really is about confidence. Have you ever seen someone rock a really ugly outfit?

Don't you just want to party with this Barbie?

But really, be confident, be happy, be positive, and work hard..really hard. It will pay off. 

You were a 5 star now youz a 1.

I'm back. 

I think it's interesting how our attraction to people can TOTALLY and COMPLETELY cause our minds to lie. The last guy I kind of dated ended up being a tool. I saw him a few more times after said "toolness," because let's face it..I was lonely and had needs. What blew my mind was how unattractive he was after my liking spree ended. If I had a dick, I would have struggled getting it up. I think a stripper from Cafe Risque' would have had more luck. Don't get me wrong he isn't ugly AT ALL, but I guess when a guy is not who you think he is, you find it mad easy to change his 5 star rating to half a star. Yes, I realized I just typed "mad easy," I guess it's one of those days. 

I remember the last time I saw him I layed there looking into his eyes thinking "You really disgust me, and I hate you. I see your smile. Mine is totally fake. I know you think I'm hot. Can you leave?" I smiled back. I felt like a player.

It was one of those--I-need-to-be-on-something-for-this-to-work-moments.

It was one of those Maybe-if-I-close-my-eyes-and-pretend-you-are-Don Draper-this-can-work-moments.

It was one of those Shit-I'm-not-in-Kansas-anymore-moments.

I think I need to date a boy that fits this description and article:

"His Facebook friend count will be over-the-roof, and his wall will be plastered with the broken English ‘miss-you’ of friends he met along the way. When he travels, he makes lifelong friends in an hour. And although contact with these friends is sporadic and may be far-between, his bonds are unmessable and if he wanted, he could couch surf the world… again."

Date a boy who travels.

Every guy I dated aside from my first boyfriend, has been..in better words a pussy. The second guy I dated in high school was a toxic, fucked up, bi-polar mess--and at the time I was too young and stupid to end it sooner. I can't believe I didn't stand up for myself, but I guess that's what growing up is all about.

The next boyfriend I had was a magician (for real), and he magically made another girl appear, while I was stored away in a box with knives poking at me. The common theme among my relationships has been their jealousy of my "social butterflyness," and they also, they have had no desire to travel.

How can you not  travel? Honestly, I would have no problem getting my degree and leaving. Teaching all over, working as a tutor--I don't care...I just want to see the world--it makes my soul happy. So yes, I need to date a boy that travels. I don't have time for guys that are somehow intimidated of my personality, or guys that half like me, or aren't accepting of the love I have to give. I have become much more open in the last year and I guess that's just too much to handle.

I've reached a point where I'm not really interested in a real relationship--I'd rather sit at home, cook, read, and watch The Office. I don't need a man--but hey you "pot-smoking-I'm-too-afraid-to-let-my-guard-down-fucker," I hope you miss me while I'm having the time of my life all summer :) Gainesville is a hell hole. How fitting for you :)

And to all the Denmark Boys...

Fresh

Hey There. 

I decided to start a new blog, since my old one was still convinced I was in Italy, and was a royal pain in my ass. I also want to work on my writing. I have been in a funk for a while and have developed a fear of writing. I think it's because I have convinced myself that most..scratch that ALL... of my ideas are idiotic. My friends will argue otherwise, but what do they know! They are friends!

Did I mention how much I love The Smiths (And how scatterbrained I am)? There is something about Morrissey that makes me laugh, and puts me at ease. PLUS his super fabulously gay dance in this video always gets me. 

I can actually do a pretty good impression of him (it's one of my talents aside from mouth trumpet, and sounding like a black reverend,) and I won't lie--sometimes I get messed up and mimic this dance. Don't judge me. I know you do weird shit when you are alone at home too. 
Sometimes I like to pretend I'm a 26 year-old high gay man rocking an over sized flower-patterned shirt. Shut up. 

I passed all my classes this semester which is pretty sweet. I didn't think I was in the danger zone, but I was beyond stressed. I actually don't know how the hell it's May right now. I was involved in three productions, each following each other and the last being my comedy show. Anyone that writes comedy knows it's hell--until it's showtime. There is the fear of the material not being funny. There is a point where people new to sketch comedy secretly want to quit, because it is unlike any other theater experience and process. There is the fear that your brilliant writing partner is going to quit and/or commit stress suicide. There is the fear that one day you won't be kidding about jumping in your pool and not resurfacing *Note 1: I'm not an emo chick. Don't report me. Anyway, there are a lot of fears and every semester I think "There is no way I can do this again," but the show always goes surprisingly well. I have had a lot of great feedback and really loved my cast this time--so yes I will do it again and I will do it big. How will we top dirty nuns and dirty catholic kids that sing? No idea. 

It's really nice to have a break. My roommate and cat are gone for the summer, and my second roommate is never home so I have the place to myself for a while. I am catching up on reading and ordering books on everything I am bad at like...organization, "loving yourself," and "Working your way up in a business." LET'S SEE HOW THIS GOES. I also purchased Steve Martin's book Born Standing Up, and a book about a nun that left the convent called Out of the Habit. I've told myself that I won't add any other books until I finish these....or else my living room will be covered in quarter read books. 

The most exciting part of my summer is on it's way. I will be flying into Copenhagen at the end of the month, chilling there for a few days, then I'm off to Italy to work with kids again for eight weeks, then I return to Copenhagen to Wwoof with a friend for three weeks. I am beyond excited. I have contacted a ton of people through couchsurfing.com, so hopefully I find someone cool to stay with for a few days. I really love the concept--as long as I don't stay with some creeper that tries to feed me tons of Danish Hash Treats. I'm not sure why I picked Copenhagen--it was much cheaper to fly into than Italy, but something about it is calling to me. I feel like great things are going to happen this summer, and I can't wait to meet more people from all over the world. If I could...I'd pack up and leave right now and probably not return. 

So this blog will be used to document my travels, random shit and ideas. I hope you enjoy. If not, well then, poshel na khuy!