30 BEFORE 30 #2

I have had a book published. Well, it's ready to be published. My aim was to have it in my hand by the end of 2010, but the timing of these things seems to be somewhat elastic. I'll DEFINITELY have it by the time I turn 30, and my work on it seems to be complete. So it can go on the list.

If you would like to buy a copy, email me! ;)

30 BEFORE 30 #1

I went on this rollercoaster! It's on Santa Monica pier.

Rollercoasters

I must confess I have always been petrified by the idea of rollercoasters. Ever since the afternoon - I don't even know how long ago - that I pestered my parents into letting me go on a Waltzer in Waterford (it's a Tea Cup ride without the narrative attached) I have been "motion sensitive".

Then, all of a sudden, I found myself studying theme park and experience design, and was curious as to why so many people love them and I block myself off entirely from them. I mean, how awful can they be?!

SO - in August I bit the bullet and went on the little mini-rollercoaster on Santa Monica Pier. This was mainly because "Go on a rollercoaster" is on my 30 Before 30 list. With the intrepid Ms. Lenbergs at my side (laughing happily at my terror) we lined up and got on the ride. It's a little yellow track that whooshes around with split-second views of Malibu, and I figured that since they were able to film an episode of Modern Family on it, how awful could it be?!

It was fun. I was petrified, and clung on for dear life, but I didn't die, and didn't hate it. Mission accomplished.

Then I found myself at Disneyland last week, with the Mexican, and he managed to coerce me into going on Splash Mountain (one of the first things we did at the park!) We got absolutely SOAKED. And a 50ft drop is not something I ever actively want to do. But it was such a thrill!

So, since then I've been on Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and the Matterhorn. (What's with the mountains?) I think it helps knowing just how safe Disney makes everything, every day. It's gonna be a while before I brave Knott's Berry Farm or the like, but I am glad to know that I really enjoy such things now.

Next stop will probably have to be California Screamin'. Though I dread it...

Done and Disneyland

Dear Blog,

I know I have neglected you terribly since June. Ironically that's when I started working on Hamlet. The show ended yesterday, after six months of preparations, editing, dramaturgy, rehearsal and performances in three separate locations. To celebrate its conclusion, I'm going to Disneyland this afternoon. For the second time in a week. Hurrah!

And I promise to treat you better from now on. (A consummation devoutly to be wished.)

:)