June 21st, 2005

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6/21/05
Megan and I started running today. I surprised myself at how much I was able to run without getting out of breath. Then I finished with crunches and sit-ups and remembered how out of shape I actually am. Oh well, it’s a start.

Today went better with the kids and I actually started having some fun with the teaching. I realized the enjoyment comes once we start making the rehearsal process our own- incorporating ourselves into the directing rather than going strictly by the book. The week will continue to get better in that respect as we get more comfortable with the show and blocking and ourselves.

Corry is an interesting city. I’m not exactly sure what to make of it. Megan describes PA as a southern state masquerading as a northeastern state. I think I have to agree. A church sits on every block and there is a definite conservative feeling in the air. And not the conservative that I’m used to. We’ve seen a few too many confederate flags (though one, in my mind, is far too many) hanging in windows and painted on rooftops. At least in the South you know where you are and what to expect. Here it’s not what you expect- if you can figure out what to expect at all.

It is beautiful here. Heavily wooded with a hodge-podge of houses. Everything from brick cottages to old farmhouses to houses that look like they were made for dolls- and all on the same block. Such character- each house looks as if it could have a story of it’s own, easily told by just by looking at the outside façade. Such a relief from all the manufactured houses of suburbia. One house with attic belfry, another with a stone addition that makes it look like a castle. Driving out of town there are country houses with cows and giant red barns. Hills that go on for miles, with no telephone polls blocking the view- things I’ve only seen on scenic bank and credit union calendars.

Looking for something to do, last night Megan and I found a TJ’s- an Ice Cream and burger joint, and we played a game of pool. Then realizing we might as well play in a bar we headed over to the local pub and bowling alley. Grabbed a beer, me a corona with lime and she a Bud Light (what a pair we make), chatted with some locals, and played a few more games of pool before retiring for the night.

Quick observation: Everywhere we’ve gone so far- everyone seems especially proud of their Wallmart. When we enquire what’s to do in the area or where we can pick something up- we are inevitably pointed in the direction of the local Wallmart Supercenter. A frightening and evil place. I’m not sure if it’s because they want to impress us “big city folk” or if they genuinely are excited about this stamp of corporate America. Even though it is sucking the very soul straight out of the town and it’s people. Cheap prices are cheap prices I guess. Who need morals and values if you’re saving money? Turning townsfolk into zombies and shutting down local business. As said in an earlier post- the few that still are open, close early and still look deserted and forgotten.

That being said- I feel myself being pulled in by the hypnotic low prices of Wallmart. We go shopping for a few simple items and then … “Ohhh Shiny!” Our focus gets pulled and suddenly our shopping list grows exponentially, somewhat in relation with each twist and turn in which the isles lead us. I leave drained, exhausted, and broke. What a horrible place. (But so cheap!)

Quick update: I'm in DC, spending $6 per hour for internet here at Starbucks. Thats right. I'm in DC, our Nation's Capital, full of sights to see and trinkets to buy and I'm sitting right here, at Starbucks, updating this outdated journal in hopes that by the end of the year I'll have finally caught up and my journals entries will be current rather than a month old and stale.

Quick overview of the past few weeks... I'll fill in the details later- Corry, PA went well, I performed as Baloo and remembered almost all my lines... heh... traveled to Jackson, KY, tiny Applalacian (sp?) town in the middle of who know where- trimmed a 60 person show down to fit 25 people, and now half way through my week off visiting a friend in DC, with 8 minutes left on my internet. Pictures and more adventures to come. TTFN

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Comments

[Julie]

yay
Zachary, I love reading your travelblog! I hope you're having a great time in DC-- Corey and I are currently in Denver, CO, launching off to the great wonderland known as Nebraska tomorrow morning. Please continue having a fabulous time, and keep us all informed!