There is an old Chinese proverb that says, "If you plant a sumac, you better like sumacs, because in ten minutes you'll have fifty more." Or something to that effect. This week at the Acrapolis, I approached the sumac invasion eagerly, at first. It was a change, a chance to avoid painting or planting and it was a project that would last a few days, so I wouldn't feel as though I would have to ask all the time what I should be working on. After the first day and a half, though, the project … [Read more...]
Everyday Heroes Sand Drywall Too
At the end of Mystery Men, when the team of ragtag superheroes has saved the day, they get interviewed by the newscast and say this: "'Excuse me, could I say something? I think we would all like this victory to go out to all the other guys, and I'm talking about the people in this city who are super good at their jobs but never get any credit. Like the lady in the DMV - that's a rough job.' 'To the people that remember jingles from tons of old commercials.' 'And uh, uh, people that … [Read more...]
Frau Blucher Comes To the Acrapolis
For those of you who have seen Young Frankenstein, the name Frau Blucher will bring to mind Cloris Leachman at her oddest and eeriest. She plays the housekeeper and former girlfriend of Doctor Victor Frankenstein. Her hair is done up in a strict bun, and her clothes are old-fashioned, even though the movie takes place during the twentieth century. Every time her name is said, the horses neigh, and she has an unsettling presence. Keep this in mind when I tell you that I met the real-world … [Read more...]
Welcome To the Acrapolis
I like telling people that I help remodel a mansion. Then I can laugh when they say, "Wow, that sounds so cool! It must be really nice." It has been an educational job, and it pays the bills while keeping me supplied with crazy stories. On the other hand, it often gets into the realm of palm-to-the-forehead frustration. One thing I realized after six or so months of working at the "Acrapolis", as it has been dubbed by a fellow worker, was that I can tell a story about working there, and it … [Read more...]