My new celebrity BFF. No big deal or anything.

Work tonight was fun, low-key, and easy, and I'm really enjoying working with my fellow staff. Everyone is so friendly, helpful, and willing to start up an impromptu dance party - needless to say, I think I'm going to like it here.

At the end of the shift, I was scheduled to sell merch for the stars of Billy Bishop Goes to War to sign. That's right, I got to chum it up with Canadian TV star and theatre icon legends Eric Peterson (Street Legal, Corner Gas, etc.) and talented musical composer and writer John Gray (multiple Dora awards, contributer to groundbreaker collective The Farmer's Revolt for all you theatre geeks out there, etc).

Sitting so close to them, I had a chance to eavesd--overhear how they dealt with a loooooong line of admirers and fans. They were both gracious, charming, and patient - even when dealing with one particular woman who was two grapes short of a fruit basket, and one young man who spontaneously started pitching Peterson a role in his student film. Afterwards, when my floor captain stated that I had sold a good majority of the scripts, Eric Peterson quite joyously congratulated me and patted my arm...and pretty much didn't let go. Sooo, I guess that means we're best friend or something.

I quickly chatted to him and did a good job of reigning the gushing in...until I couldn't help but praise his brilliant performance and admitted that it was a privilege to watch him on stage. And it is! Peterson makes the material come to life by being absolutely present in the moment and engaging the audience to follow him through an endearing and often sobering story. He smiled and thanked me kindly. After doing a long performance, a talkbalk, and then a script signing, he still had grace and patience to spare.

So thank you, icons of Canadiana. Your public adoration is more than well-deserved!

(oh and hey, while we're at it, I have a script for you too....ahem....)

<3,
m

Girl, You Better Worrrrrrk

What is this?! Why so late again, Marisa?! And why are you still in pajamas at 1pm?!

The lack of medication has officially staked its claim on my body, forcing some major fatigue upon it. I promise, however, I will no longer use it as an excuse in a delay to update. The constant need to go into a sleep coma, well, that excuse might pop up again down the line...

So let me do an update on all the fabulous things I experience and was grateful for over the past few days!

FRIDAY

On this nuit, I had chance to venture to Buddies in Bad Times with my own set of buddies...and we had a fabulous time. Okay, that was a horrible, horrible sentence, but there was an extra emphasis on fabulous, for I had the opportunity to see my very first drag show! Now, I would say I'm fairly well-versed in the world of drag for the average boring hetero girl; a good friend of mine once had a drag fundraiser and while she dressed up like Flava Flav, I made an attempt at some awkward Borat imitation. Unfortunately, I'd never had the chance to see a full-on show and now, after seeing one, I can't believe it's taken me this long. Ladies, these girls really work for it!

On the program were the Heights sisters (Heavenly and Faren- , respectively). These girls had swagger, sass, and a high alcohol tolerance. They knew how to entertain the crowd, deftly shut-down attention seekers, and just give an all-around damn good performance. Also, as one stripped down to a set of pasties, I realized she was more well-endowed than I was. Surgery or not, that just ain't fair. Also, she could do the splits! I can't do that splits! And I don't have anatomy that needs to be tucked in in order to DO the splits!

So well-done-, drag queens of Buddies. I was entranced and entertained the entire night. I was also in awe of how you can dance in heels. Ladies, you just might be more woman than I am.

SATURDAY

I spent Saturday night at work- a phrase some may shudder at. Although I've been working this particular part-time job for only a month, I must say it's enjoyable, mainly because of two reasons: it's easy and I get paid to watch theatre. So, make of it what you will.

The only difficult aspect of working front of house is dealing with latecomers and trying to seat them at an appropriate time during the show without being too disruptive. For this particular show, the leading man, who is pretty much a Canadian TV and theatre icon, has been known to actually STOP the show and call attention to the latecomers (not in a cruel way...but can you imagine? How embarassing!) More often than not, latecomers usually recognizze they're at fault, but of course you'll get those customers who'll blame their 30 min delay on anything: parking, weather, other people, the letter R, and of course, you.

Dealing with latecomers is one role that I hadn't yet tried as a newbie at the theatre, so Saturday night, I decided to step up. I was anxious to deal with those patrons who potentially might unleash all hell on me - I had heard stories - and also nervous at the chance the leading man might stop the show and call attention to the doofie usher who accidentally shone the flashlight in his face. Hey, the potential of dealing with angry people frightens me! I'm also embarassingly socially awkward.

As there are often more latecomers than not to a performance, I wasn't surprised when I saw my first couple race into the lobby. "Um...sorry but...the show..has...started...you'll need to wait ...15 m--" "Oh, that's okay, it's our own fault." Phew. Not bad. I set them up with the monitor and did a mental shimmy. The next couple runs in. "Hi, sorry, but the show has already started, so you'll--" "WHAT?!" Well, that was too good to last. I was subjected to some whining and cut-eye when I offered apologies and complimentary coat-check, but what can you do. They eventually hushed up and watched the monitor. Two other pairs eventually ran in - almost 20 minutes late - but I was grateful for the FOH manager who helped me deal with an overflow of latecomers. Cut to a few minutes later, I'm ushering them in and NOT calling attention to myself. I did it! Both the FOH manager and my employer took the time to thank me and said my first attempt was well-done. Steppping up and compliments, what a good combo!

SUNDAY

If I'm not working or rehearsing or auditioning or in a coma, I'm helping to run a not-for-profit theatre company which raises money for an orphanage in Ghana. No, no, seriously. Our monthly meetings are always fun, exciting, and extremely long. This past Sunday was our yearly planning meeting and in a mere couple of hours, we managed to choose not one, but two plays for our season, lock in our fundraiser venue, finalize our performance venue, select a rehearsal venue, and basically plan out the entirety of the year. THE YEAR. These people are so organized and I love working with them. It's always encouraging and inspiring to work towards the greater good with these wonderful allies. So thank you, FBN!

MONDAY

Hoo boy, this is quite the long entry, isn't it? (That's what she said...?) Monday, I tended to my second part-time job, teaching musical theatre to children for an extra-cirricular program downtown. On today's schedule: Teaching them Elvis's "All Shook Up" and choreographing a dance to it. For GREASE. Hey, I put Billy Joel in a version of Aladdin once. You do what you got to do to get kids more stage time.

I had planned the dance a couple weeks in advance (one class we didn't get to it, the other was cancelled due to Family Day.) As I sat in the circle with my group of girls, I hesitantly asked if any of them knew Elvis. Come on, fat chance. These girls are maybe all of ten years old and younger. So imagine my surprise when half the group shot up their arms and squealed: "OH MY GOD, I LOOOOVE ELVIS!" Wow. Really? Alright! I played the song once for those unfamiliar and for those that were, I asked them to sing along. So imagine how high my eyebrows raised when the munchkin beside me began to sing along without use of the lyrics, in pitch-perfect manner. Oooohhhkay.

I quickly taught them a series of simple steps and swaggers, including the typical "air-guitar-knee-shake" patented by the late King himself. So when I sat down and watched how quickly they had managed to pick up the dance, I was thrilled. Listen, I know as well as anyone that a pack of young girls can often result in manic shrieking, a lack of focus, and anything to segue into a conversation about which JoBro is cutest, but these girls really work hard when they want to. Their ability to pick the dance up quickly and then perform it in front of their friends and classmates with exuberance and confidence made my little heart swell with pride. I was proud of these sweethearts!


So now, it's Tuesday, and who knows what today has in store for me. Currently, I'm in bed, subjecting myself to reality TV on Slice. Hmm...maybe an evening post on how my insomnia is grateful for their late-night line-up?

<3,
m

Total Toronto Convenience

I was feeling rather icky yesterday; my doctor warned me that an absence of the medication would cause a little malaise. It was a bit of an understatement.

The Wednesday is a busy day in the Marisa kingdom. She has to make her way downtown in the afternoon (from the suburbs to Toronto east) for work part 1, then transit to the real downtown core for work part 2, which takes up the entirety of her evening. Normally, after booking it out of the school she helps teach at, she rushes to the corner, juuuust narrowly missing the streetcar. But not yesterday!

Yesterday, I (enough of these third person shenanigans) walked leisurely to the corner, knowing that missing the streetcar was inevitable. As I reached the stop, the light turned green, forcing me to wait...and notice the streetcar about to pass me by. Well, balls. At this point, I could dart across traffic and risk getting hit, or I could just wait another 15 minutes in the chill. Suddenly, the streetcar slowed down in the middle of a green light and the driver motioned me to cross. I bolted against traffic and climbed aboard, thanking the drive and calling him amazing. "My wife calls me that. Sometimes," he smiled.

He didn't have to do that for me. Any disgruntled TTC rider knows you need to be at your stop a few minutes beforehand - and even then, some drivers will just keep going. I've definitely had at least one horrendous encounter with a driver wherein I ended up crying, This time, however, I was grateful; the driver had provided me with a moment of kindness and convenience, two things that are a huge deal on a day when you're feeling unwell. If the TTC is truly overhauling its image, they should use this guy as their poster boy.




<3,
m

Procrastination fascination

Okay, so it almost rhymed.

I can't believe how quickly I've fallen behind after I vowed to post daily. Much respect to those dedicated daily (and sometime hourly) bloggers out there; I'm just starting and already I'm struggling.

So to make up for my mini absence, I'm discussing three things I am super grateful for in my life, starting with something that is very apprpriate for the title of this blog:

1) Gluten-Free/Wheat-Free Pasta & Brown Rice Spaghetti

My name is Marisa and I am a carbs fiend. Bread, pasta, cakes, you name it. So imagine how far my heart (and my jaw) fell when reading that the top irritants of endometriosis, along with alcohol and dairy, are wheat and gluten. Sayonara, 1 am Mac and Cheese binge.

Or so I thought! The existence of rice pasta allows for me to indulge my inner five year old's pasghetti craving without my 24 year old self writhing on the bathroom floor in pain. I'm getting my fibre, protein and vitamins while still feeling full, and not like I'm depriving myself of anything - a key ingredient in a any lifestyle change success story. Also, it's delicious. So delicious, in fact, I think I've had a bowl or half-bowl of eat daily. Not too great if I want to see continued, healthy weight loss, so I might have to back off on my love affair with this product. It is, however, a great comfort to know that I can still have my cake and eat it too! (so long as it's from Planet Organic...or maybe depicting further deliciousness in the form of...

2) JEAN PHILIPPE LE GUELLEC

"Who?" you inquire.
"My future husband," I quip.

If you've been watching the Olympics like a hawk, (a.k.a like myself), you may have noticed this hunky French Canadian take a good lead in the Men's Biathalon 10 km sprint on Sunday. I'm not well-versed in sports but I'll tell you, watching Mr. Le Guellec was the best Valentine's Day gift I could have ever received.

Born in Kingston, this 24 year-old began pursuing his interest in the biathalon at the tender age of 13. After training and stacking up a number of titles - including a 7th place stint in the World Championships- , Le Guellec placed 48th in the individual biathalon at the 2004 games in Torino. A few days ago, Le Guellec managed to make Canadian history by placing 6th in the event, a best-ever result by a male athlete competing in the sport. For those nay-sayers out there who judge Olympic success by medal rank, I applaud Le Guellec for his athletic skill and achievement, but most of all, his humility. I watched live coverage as he beamed into the camera, "happy to just be in the top ten".

This almost atypically Canadian mentality was later echoed by silver medalist Mike Robertson when interview. After being edged out in the final seconds of the snowboard cross by American Seth Westcott, Robertson simply smiled and stated he was happy to be there and still incredulous that he was at the Olympics. When asked what he had to say to all those fans of his cheering for him from his hometown of Canmore, he said with a smile "Hello".

Moral of these very humble and attractive stories: I am very grateful to be Canadian, especially when I'm respresented by such humble (and attractive...looking at you, Le Guellec) athletic icons.

3) Vancouver Games mittens!

My mom surprised me for Valentine's Day with a pair of these snuggly warm and patriotic mittens. Why am I so grateful for these mittens? Because I used to be that kid whose mom would have to pin items of clothing to them to ensure that new hat, scarf, or mitten arrived home.

Also, they're adorable. And warm. Really, really warm.

AND LOOK HOW CUTE.

That's it for now kids! I'll be back tomorrow, and if not, you can hold me accountable. That's all you can do though. Pretty much.

<3>

Canadien reconnaissant!

Look at this! How does this even happen? Who...wha...

Last night was the kick-off to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and what a way to start them off! Aerialists, Canadian icons (The Man in Motion!), top-notch visual effects, a (mostly) functional and sleek aesthetic, and a commanding respect for our competing friends and neighbours. I'm always a little confused at how some people can dismiss these games as "over-rated", "lame", or other dismissive words in an attempt to reduce their importance and the hard-work of millions. If these games are over-rated, please feel free to organize an international competition on a grander scale that invites, challenges, recognizes, and inspires millions of men and women around the world. If these athletes are lame, I'm sure you demonstrate better athletic prowess after spending years training and sacrificing to attain peak physical achievement, spending blood, sweat and tears along the way. No big deal? Tell that to every child who has had or will have their eyes glued to their television to watch the games with the increasing hope that one day, they too, could compete on this international stage and be the pride and joy of their country.

Oh well. I suppose it's easier to be cynical.

I admit, I watched the opening ceremony and held my breath: PLEASE DON'T SCREW UP PLEASE DON'T SCREW UP. I do maintain a lot of pride in this country and I'm thrilled to be a Canadian. Not only did we create fabulous visual spectacle, we managed to keep it classy. Everyone managed to keep it classy. Don't believe me? Go back and watch the thousands of athletes, ambassadors, coaches, staff and citizens of the world rise to their feet in respect of the Georgian team, or listen to the entire stadium fall silent in a moment of respect.

The Olympics are more than just sports. They are, perhaps, one of the greatest opportunities for countrymen and women of all backgrounds, religions, creeds and statuses to come together in a celebration of their talent and their love for their nation. So let me take a moment to acknowledge mine and my appreciation for the beautiful show we put on last night. I bow out now on the words on the wonderfully surprising spoken word artist Shane Koyczan:

each life unravels differently

and experiences are what make up

the colours of our tapestry

we are the true north

strong and free

and what's more

is that we didn't just say it

we made it be.

<3,
m

Breaking the blog cherry

Hello world!

So I'm starting anew with the blogging. In past attempts, my online (and unfortunately, semi- public) journals have been marred with cynicism and bitching. When I would review past posts, I would often cringe or shake my head at my inability to calm down or look beyond whatever drama was "up in my grill". I'm therefore starting fresh with this journal, with the aim to post DAILY (that'saright) and list/describe the daily events, objects, people I encounter that I greatly appreciate. The blog's address - glutenfreegratitute - will also chronicle my journey in becoming healthier of both mind and body through dietary changes.

How do they tie-in? Well, for example, when I visited my doctor today, I was proud to report that I had decreased my painful endometriosis symptoms by avoiding dairy, gluten, wheat, and alcohol, and as such, I could be taken off the bane of my feminist existence - the ortho evra patch. Now, while the patch has served me some good, I'm extremely excited and grateful to return back to a natural state with no alien hormonal input: no more migraines, nausea, weight gain, and crazy! Well, maybe a little crazy.

No matter how difficult a day may prove to be, I vow to find some good in it, no matter how miniscule. You can't waste time being bitter, angry, or a crybaby.

Game on and Seacrest out!

<3>