U2 Tour Dates - Now Official!- Page 122

[mabel]

Posted: 8/22/05 at 10:24pm

Ok, where's my cookie?!?

<----Looks into her mirror and sees Elphie looking back!


Join the club, of I don't know what I want to do! I'm a card-carrying member, and I can have the paperwork sent to you to sign up! At least you're one step ahead of me and you at least have a reasonable back-up plan. I would also LOVE to work in film or theatre, but I don't feel like I have any tangible skills to offer in the profession, and I also worry about being able to pay the bills working in the theatre...Then we go back to all of this internship business. Here I am going on all these interviews, and I haven't actually gotten one. The most promising prospect is from my friend that works at AMC, and that's kind of feeling like a pity offer, though at this point, I should take what I can get. What the hell?!? If I can't even get an internship, how am I ever going to get a job. Sure, New Line's interview was kind of crappy, but it just makes me think. I've got this year. That's it. Gotta get a job after this. My folks have suggested looking into grad school, but that seems like it would be a collosal waste of time and money, as I'm still so up in the air. I can't see spending $25,000 to essentially just buy myself another year. Geez, for that price, they might as well just get me an apt for the year and let me run around trying to find a job. I've got this crazy back and forth from my folks. Very schizo. 1.) You've got to find an internship and do your homework. Find what jobs are out there. Time's running out. 2.) You're only 21. You shouldn't be expected to have it all planned out. I'm 50, and I still don't know what I want to do...Well which is it?!?!? What am I supposed to do?

After my summer job, I know I don't want to have a job like this permanantly. Both of my parents dislike their jobs and to a certain extent feel stuck (sorry for getting heavy and personal) but that's always weighing in at the back of my mind. I know they just want me to be happy, but there are times I just wish I had a passion for something practical. I wish I were like this one friend who went to school for nursing. That'd be fabulous. It sounds safe and practical. She's got a summer job at NYU medical, and they've offered her a job after she graduates and free grad school at NYU. What really pisses me off is that she doesn't think she wants it. I know this got kind of rambling. But I think the bottom line is that NO ONE knows what they want to do, and even when they think they do and things look like they're going great for them, it still doesn't necessarily feel right. You'd think she'd be tickled pink, having everything all laid out...But no.

Eh, I'll post this as is for now...before it gets crazy-long!

[Patronus]

Posted: 8/22/05 at 11:20pm

I realize that I don't really know you well at all, but as someone who left school with the intentions of going back to become a teacher and never made it, I'd suggest finishing it through at least until your 100% sure what it is that you want to do with your life. Take it from me, regret is an evil thing.

Having a teaching degree as a fall back option is money in the bank and if it's what you've always wanted to do, chances are you are just in a rut.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 8/22/05 at 11:34pm

Thanks guys.
*hugs mabel*
At least we're not alone! I'm sure we'll both figure it out.
Pat, I'm definitely going to graduate w/ my degree in English and a teaching certificate. I've almost completed it, and I know it'll be great to have that career as an option. I'm just worried about what to do once I graduate! But I guess I have some more time to think about that. And yes, I am a nut. But I want to be a happy nut with a dependable income from a job in a field that is my passion (which I think is theatre). Is that possible? I don't know.

[Patronus]

Posted: 8/22/05 at 11:39pm

yeah, I hear ya on that. I really need to bite the bullet and take some online classes and move towards getting a degree.

I mean hell even if it takes 10 years, I'd still be 36 with a degree and able to teach. That's better than nothing, right?

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 1:26am

Yep, I think so! If that's what you want to do, go for it. It seems like you're pretty young with lots of time ahead of you.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 4:25am

1. #1Elph, I'm going through the same existential crisis as you, except that I've got too many things I want to do, and only 24 hours in a day. So it's not so much what is my purpose in life, but how do I get everything done?? I would stick with Patronus on this one - think of it as, "I work to live, not I live to work." Teaching (once you're in) has a fair amount of job security, and it'll permit you to pursue other interests as well! My parents are kicking the grad/law school issue AGAIN for next fall, but there's so much on my plate already that they're accusing me of "starting to lose focus". Back to you though, I would also recommend finding some interning jobs in the city if you're serious about pursuing a film/theatre career.

2. Speaking of which, I've got some bad news, Mabs. Turns out my boss got wind of my planned holiday in December because a backstabbing co-worker let it "slip" this morning, when I specifically told her to keep her trap shut for a month while I find another job. Because of union agreements, I'm not allowed to take time off work from late-Oct to late-Dec, and any reneging of that agreement means termination. So my boss phoned me up today and said I've got to decide whether I'm going to skip my already-booked-and-paid-for trip and keep my job, or lose it. And she told me it needs to be done 'soon' so they can find my replacement. Long story short, I'm going to be out of a consistent job in a matter of weeks, and financially speaking, I'm royally screwed for New York unless I can find a new job by, like, next week. (I actually burst into tears at work, in front of the customers and other co-worker. If I wasn't so upset, I would have been mortified. And then the co-worker who blabbed walked in and feigned blustering ignorance. That made me cry more than anything else - she was like a hip grandma to me!)

3. The Quick Coach time you found me that leaves from SeaTac airport at midnight is only on Saturdays!! Sucky too, because I found some great prices and itineraries on expedia.ca/.com from Delta, but it won't work unless I leave New York later on Tuesday or Wednesday morning.




I'm so crushed about this. I wanted a month to get my bearings together and figure out how I was going to finance everything, and now I've been bitten in the ass by office politics. That's the Libra in me - too trusting of people who aren't worthy.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 4:37am

2. (because it's most important on your list) I'm so sorry, Tiff. That really sucks; I can't believe your coworker. You can't take ANY time off during that time? Do you think you'll be able to find another job? If worse comes to worse and you don't make it to NYC in the fall, at least you've already seen U2 (and with a pretty damn good setlist). You're smart and resourceful and I know you'll figure everything out.

1. You're right, I would probably be perfectly happy teaching while living in the city, seeing shows and concerts and stuff. Although teachers don't make all that much money! We'll see, I need to think some more. I might try it for a couple of years; I can always try to save up and if I don't like my job as a teacher, go to grad school for theatre/dramaturgy. And I do want to get an internship in the city this summer; I don't know if that's possible based on my lack of experience in the field, but I'm gonna give it a shot. So that should give me a better idea of what I want to do. I guess we're all a little lost. Which is strangely comforting.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 4:49am

2. Nope, nada on taking time off, because if I take time off (and I've got the second-to-lowest seniority out of all of the staff), then everyone else is going to protest and demand their time off too. Even people who've been working with the company since 1974 aren't allowed to take time off over Christmas, apparently. My biggest worry is finding a new job ASAP. I sort of burned a lot of bridges when I got this job because I thought it would sustain me until the end of the year, and then I'd find new work in the new year. I didn't realize I'd be in a jam like this, 4 months early! (On the bright side, my set list really was pretty darn awesome. On the major down side, I don't get to meet Mabel and Ellie, and I don't get to see U2 on my milestone birthday, and I don't get to catch any theatre or eat any gourmet food or shop in the Village and traipse around like Carrie Bradshaw!! )

1. Are you more interested in theatre or film? Even if it's theatre, are you not at all interested in pursing film/TV? Because I think since the community is larger, it would be easier for you to find jobs in that field over theatre, at least for a while until you're settled. You could probably try to get PA work in NYC, right? Have you checked Craigslist yet? When I was looking through there a few months ago, there were several listing for entry level positions in theatre and film production companies.


PS. If you're still online, replying to me, I'll BRB. My contacts are killing me and I need to get ready for bed!

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 04:49 AM

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 5:00am

I was thinking theatre, although I wouldn't mind working in film/TV either. I'll check out Craigslist, thanks. This summer I'll take whatever I can get.

You should find a new job, save up your money, and then come to NYC when you've got cash to spend and when I'm there! (because, really, any trip to NYC is a waste without meeting me. I'm that cool.) Then we can all traipse around like SatC characters together. I'm sure U2 will be coming back in no time when their next album comes out, so plan a trip around that!

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 5:11am

Hey! One thing going right for me today! I just found my Achtung Baby CD! It was buried under a pile of papers and clothing on my bed! *wipes bead of sweat away* I was so panicked that I lost it, you have no idea.

Back to commiserating, yeah, if I don't wind up going to New York this year, I'll definitely go next year. As long as there's a place to stay, then I should be able to save up a thousand dollars fairly easily to get me there and sustain me for a week! And if U2 really play Fenway next year, I'm all over that. (For some reason, there were ridiculously cheap roundtrip flights to Boston in May this year, so fingers crossed that happens again next year! At the very least, I can buy a ticket to Boston and bus to NYC!) It just would have been nice to go in the fall and ring in my birthday with Bono and you folks! (And of course, missing you terribly, #1!)

I'll help you check out Craigslist tomorrow. Tonight, I'm gonna finish reading that U2 book and make a list of things I need to do tomorrow to get my life back in check! (#1 - Take my preventative Hep shot in the morning! Woo!) Then we can pore over job openings together, and I'll weigh the likeliness that these companies will love me so much they'll trudge through the red tape and get me a work visa!

ETA: Okay, I'm off to finish reading! We'll talk tomorrow! Ciao!

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 05:11 AM

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 5:17am

Yay for finding Achtung Baby!
Ooh, I think I found the perfect job. http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/tfr/92764345.html
There are some other interesting opportunities on there as well. But I'll put off my search 'til tomorrow.
'night.

[mabel]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 7:32am

Oooooh, you lucky devil! Pity you're in NZ. I may just have to steal that right from under ya! And in Gramercy, no less. Swanky.

*sigh*

I'll reply to the rest later. I have to take a shower and get ready for work, so I'm not an hour late again (usually not entirely my fault...though I did wake up at 7:50 yesterday. That didn't exactly help!)

OK...I'm at work, soooo ETA:

Tiff, that really sucks about the pharmacy. What a wench! Seriously, it was none of her damn business to rat you out. I really don't know what to say. I'm trying to scheme here. Isn't there some crappy retail job or something that you can finangle for a month...or is there enough PA work to tide you over for the time being? Also, what about selling the Las Vegas tix and the extra pair of 400 MSG tix that you'd bought for 10/10. Weren't the Vegas tix $100 each. Even if you didn't make a huge profit on them, I could see you snagging $300 for the two of them, and you could probably sell the pair for MSG for $200, so that'd pay for your plane ticket, right? And then once you're here, you've got a free place to stay (though there really is no way I could put you up for a whole week. I think 4 days is kind of my max. I wish, wish, WISH I had an apartment so I could put you up as long as you wanted to stay, but alas I don't, so I can't. Not that it's a route you'd necessarily want to go, but my friend who was interning at NYU med. this summer got booted out of her dorms a couple weeks sooner than the internhship ended, and she was staying at a youth hostel, in a private room no less, for only $30/day. You'd just be there to sleep, so for a couple of nights it might not be so bad.

Back to the existential crisis...Elphie, at least you can have some solace in the that you'll have a degree and a certificate for something useful and tangible and in demand (that you also, to some extent, have a drive for...whether it's to the same degree as theatre or not, it's at least still there). I, on the other hand, only have a degree in English, and we all know what they have to say about that in Avenue Q!!! I feel like I've wasted my college years. I've gone to a pretty crap school, that is essentially a joke to have gotten my BA from. I should have just sucked up being in crazy debt and gone for Fordham. But it's not even completely and solely the education (well, the name that's going to be on my degree is more what freaks me out: Pace? Isn't that a business school?!?!) I feel like I've wasted my college years from a social stand-point. Yeah, I've got friends, but not the all-encompassing mass of people that you see in movies and on TV shows and hear from friends who go to real colleges...with a campus and a lawn where people hang out. Instead, we've got a caged in cement lot in the center of one of the TWO buildings we have on our "campus" which is basically only occupied by the onslaught of smokers. In the dorms, we have a lovely lounge w/ all these nice leather couches and a huge flat screen TV...there's never ANYONE THERE! I was going to go down during the MLB playoffs to watch the game and it was completely empty. Wouldn't you expect Game 7, Yankees vs. Red Sox would draw some sort of a crowd?!?!?! Then in the actual rooms, the doors lock behind you, and everyone just goes about their business. It's actually kind of sad.

Anyway, back to work for a bit. Talk to you guys later!

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 07:32 AM

[Patronus]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 9:27am

Tiff, I am sorry to hear about you job. Office politics are the worst. I work for a tenant screening company that was recently acquired by another company and we are going through the process of moving our customer base over to the platform the new company uses and what could be a very simple process is tainted by office beuracracy.

It's frustrating as hell.

You seem like a very smart girl and it seems that Mabel has a offered up a pretty good plan so I'm sure you'll figure it all out.

[mabel]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 10:54am

Blech...not looking forward to the "real world" and the horrors of office politics and the woes that go along w/ that beuracracy. It's so depressing.

Oh, and Tiff...any hope of getting any cash from family for your birthday?? I think my last couple of relatives that used to cut me a check are going to fizzle out this year, but I don't know how it is on your end. And what about your "real life" friends. Maybe you could ask for a pooled "send me away for my birthday fund" as a gift?? Though, if they're anything like my (sometimes) shoddy friends, you'll be lucky if they even remember. Seriously, no one remembered my birthday last year. It was really pretty depressing. Though, I finally broke down and said something at like 11pm (can I just say that it was incredibly sad to get a generic "how's it going" phone call, and having to pathetically tack on..."and sense it's my birthday" at the end). Anyway, they all felt guilty and brought me out for some drinks, and all was forgiven, but STILL.

Anyway, back to family and birthday money...I love how aunts and uncles and stuff would load me up as an 8 year old, but now I'm 20 and I really need the extra cash, and they've all disappeared. I wish they'd just put it all into a big kitty for the college years. I'd have probably been pissed at the time, but man, would I be appreciating that now?! What are you going to do w/ that cash at 8 or 10?!?

ETA: OMG! I want it!!!

New Theater Scout
Category: Intern
Description: Theater Talk, the weekly discussion show on Thirteen, seeks diverse group of young adults to help keep us up-to-date on new theater in New York Tri-state area. Seeking young writers* (college-25) who are discerning, highly coherent and have time to attend theater (off-off Broadway and beyond) to report to our producer about it. E-mail us resume and short writing sample(s). (Also, let us know what computer skills - if any - you have.) NO calls please. If we are interested, we will contact you about an interview. *note: NOT an on-air position.
Job Start Date: 10/1/2005
Job End Date: 5/1/2006
Salary: subway expenses; free theater tickets

Drawback: I don't really have any relavent writing samples to submit! Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT!!! How much fun would that be?!?! And I could mock Michael Riedel! Icing on the cake!

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 10:54 AM

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 1:48pm

G'morning (or early afternoon, to you)!

1. Parents haven't given me birthday money since I was 10, I'm afraid. (I haven't even had a birthday party since before puberty!) Their "birthday celebration" entails going out for dinner and that's it. I will be hitting up friends for birthday funds (or at least, gift certs to everything I'm going to need in New York - i.e. Payard and Barney's? ), but they're likely to forget and THEN be cheap! I don't know if I ranted about this to you a few months ago, but I'm friends with this group of 8, and they're the stingiest bastards ever. (The paraplegic date from hell is amongst them.) For my birthday, they divided a small bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream between the 7 of them (=$4 per person) even though that's NOT what I asked for, and took me out for sushi (=$2 per person) even though I specifically said I didn't want sushi for my birthday. Then for the other 7 people's birthdays, they expect me to pitch it at least $20-$30 for each of their presents!

2. Don't worry, I wasn't implying before that if I came to New York, I'd stay the whole week at your place! If I land on Friday and leave on Tuesday, that's 4 nights, and assuming Sivon is still going to New York by then, I'll be dividing my time between the two places. (And I'm still holding out hope for a hotel on my birthday, even if it's not exactly the Ritz!--don't hit me!!)

3. The two Vegas singles were $50 ones ($64 after fees). I'm going to wait until U2 opens again in North America, when the hype will be re-building. I'm estimating I'll make about US$150 altogether on eBay. I do also have the 400-level MSG tickets (oh crap...where did I put them?) and I think that'll probably go for US$200...hey, that's US$350, which'll cover my airfare!

4. Don't worry, Mabs and #1! You've got another B.A. gal right here! We're all screwed. I can't think of one B.A. department that has a "useful" degree (in a professional sense) to the same extent of say, engineering or business admin.

5. Thanks for the support, Patronus! I can't believe I dealt with more politics in this dead end job than when I was working in immigration! Unfortunately, I think the fact that the place is predominantly middle-aged women doesn't help a bit. (As a female, I must say women are extremely vicious and catty towards each other!) So now that you've heard all of our gripes, tell us about yourself! Start with social security number, shoe size and home address, and we'll go from there!

6. Where are the Pace dorms located? I don't even know where I'll be staying when I'm there!

7. That internship sounds like a blast! Why don't you ask Rob or Craig if you could do some write-ups for them? At the very least, start posting some well-written reviews on the main page, and sent it over to the company!

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 01:48 PM

[Ellie3]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 2:00pm

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat??

You're not going to NYC, Tiff?

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 2:02pm

I don't know if I can, El! (Didn't you just read my novel over the last page?) I also haven't talked to Sivon in forever, so I don't know if she's still willing/able to put me up! What's a girl to do? I'd go into prostitution, but I reckon it'll be a dismal failure.

(On the bright side, it's day 8 on Atkins, and I've lost 3 pounds!)

[Ellie3]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 2:08pm

But...but...what on earth is more important than meeting me?

Can't you just pretend you're not going away after all, keep your job and then hand in a week's notice at the end of November or something? And you have access to the pharmacy till, don't you??

Seriously, that succcccccccks.

And yeah, I totally know how you all feel about your English majors and all that worry. I empathize completely. At least I have at least a couple of years before I really start to panic. Bah, why did I choose something I was interested in instead of something that would actually give me some security?

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 2:12pm

Gotta run for my hep shot! Be back later!

[Ellie3]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 2:20pm

Bye then.

[mabel]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 3:49pm

Hey ladies! Eeek, Tiff! I hope you can find those tickets. Did you try looking under your pillow?!?! You do know where our tix I sent you are, don't you?

Eh, too tired to post a rant when if no one's here.

Later.

ETA: I forgot my genius idea from earlier today. We should set up a "send Tiff to NY funk on BWW." Seriously, everyone just seems you love ya around here (lord know why???) We could set up a little fund and accept donations in return for some sort of meet and greet on Saturday afternoon or something. We could type up some sob story about the wench at work getting your ass fired, etc. It could work!

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 03:49 PM

[Ellie3]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 4:11pm

Well, you never know...and it would take some nerve! Maybe if we tell them it's to send her to an internet-less Outer Mongolia we'd get more money.

And rant away, Mabel. I'm here! (Alas. I've just aborted an attempted nap). I want to hear it - I'm in a bit of a slump today, so maybe I can glean some pleasure from your misfortune!

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 04:11 PM

[mabel]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 4:16pm

I wouldn't be surprised if she could get some cash for the trip. Hey, may I'd even toss her a dime or two! One of us could post it, so if everyone scoffed we could just say it was a joke or something.

I honestly don't know if I have the strength to rant away. I already posted one on the student board in that "What are the chances I'll REALLY make it" thread. WTF!?!? What are the chances ANY of us will REALLY make it. I send Elphie a bit of a rant saying that I've got more middle aged people telling me that they still don't have a clue what they want to do w/ their lives. Yeah, that doesn't do anything but make me more depressed thinking that, chances are, 30 years from now I'll still be bitter and disillusioned!

[Ellie3]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 4:21pm

There's always a chance that it would do nothing but totally embarass Tiff! (So yeah, let's do it!)

And instead of ranting, let's just wallow together. What are the chances that any of us will make it? Who knows...but have faith!

*wallows with mabel*
Updated On: 8/23/05 at 04:21 PM

[mabel]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 4:28pm

*wallows pathetically in self-pity*

Hey, I'm PMSing, I'm entitled!!...Seriously though, what makes someone think that being a theatre major puts you so much further out there on the "I'm going to be stuck w/ a SH*T job and never be fulfilled and satisfied" front. 90% of people don't get to do what they want. What's the difference between an actor working a temp job or me and you working at some dead-end office job...other than the fact that we (or at least I) will be a lot quicker to resign myself to the fact that I'm going to be miserable like most people, while they still have that "dream" to chase after? Senseless banter, I know...it makes sense in my head, honest!

So, shall we wait to hear Tiff's response to my genius idea or shall we just run w/ it?? At least the schadenfreude of it would make us feel better and give us a brief respite from our own wallowing.

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 04:28 PM