Please help!!! Save Shakespeare Theater in Santa Cruz!

Hi all!

I know I’ve been MIA for a while – between travelling back to California during the holidays and jumping straight back into the craziness that is the school year – I’ve been a little busy. And I clearly this isn’t my standard post.

In early September I posted

An end or a new beginning? Shakespeare Santa Cruz

As a theater buff and a self-professed Shakespeare nerd I was sad to hear that Shakespeare Santa Cruz was facing a permanent closure. But the resourceful and intrepid Santa Cruz Community has found a way to continue to embrace the arts. They even announced today that Sir Patrick Stewart (!!!!) has joined the advisory board. I’m thrilled!

But they need help! And of course money! What struggling art’s program doesn’t? So this is my personal appeal: As a poor student I have given what I can to help support the organization and keep Shakespeare Santa Cruz performing. However I am a poor student and the organization is trying to raise a little over $400,000 dollars before February 1st!

Please help save this wonderful organization! Visit http://www.shakespeareplayon.net/ to make your donation!

Thank you!!!

The Hunt Continues

As many of you know I have been looking for a new apartment for a while. After the big blow up with my landlord I started putting out feelers and exploring the offerings of the city. So far… it has been an adventure. The typical avenue of going through an agency has not really been an option for me. I don’t have a guarantor in France and therefore am not considered a good risk – despite the fact that I work, have a paid internship, can pay in advance and have a guarantor in the US.

So I’ve been relying on LeBonCoin – the French equivalent of Craig’s List – and word of mouth. Again I’ve run into the problem of being a foreign student – coupled with the fact that there is not a lot available right now. But I’ve checked out a few apartments and seen a lot of crap. I’ve seen some awesome studios and found a few interesting places but – being me – I’m looking for the perfect place. I’m willing to wait it out and spend a little extra to find the perfect location.

So in the midst of my mad dash to get ready to leave and dealing with some work changes – I’m trying to make a few last visits and keep looking. And trying to convince owners to work with my schedule… Hopefully more will open up over the holidays or in January as some of the schools let out. Send me all your positive house hunting vibes and keep your fingers crossed.

Are you in a rut?

Are you in a wine rut? I know I typically gravitate toward big full-bodied and spicy reds. If I am going to drink something lighter it typically is a rose and not a white. But I do like to experiment, so with that in mind check out this article. Maybe it can help you break out of your rut.

Break out of your Wine Rut