Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Two-Second Day

Deb: This last five days our lives have been full. Twelve-hour, jam-packed, eat on your lap while brushing your teeth full. We are working on a live show. We have known about it for eight months. We were booked for it for eight months. We could not get it together. We talked and talked and talked and talked and ignored and talked and snubbed and said, “Yeah, I know we gotta get to that,” and ignored. 

Finally when it would not be ignored any longer and it presented its unfleshed out self to us, we had to jump on it. We waited until the show loomed. Loomed like a huge comedy shadow cast across the audience. But we kept going with “live on the edge, create on the go, fly by the seat of our pants”. It makes it that much more exciting!!!!  Or at least that’s what we plan to say in interviews. In the end, pretending it didn’t exist did not help shape the show, so ... we started. To work on it, that is.

And then the strangest thing happened. Enthusiasm reared its perky head. Momentum rose to the occasion. We brought in our friend Sandy to collaborate and, lo and behold, a show was born. There is nothing like a deadline. And a dame!

And so here we are. Working crazy hours every day as we strive to put this artistic venture together. We have hired the boy to work for us and he has more than stepped up.

PS to that: I have learned so many things about my computer as a result. The boy would push a button and magical short cuts would appear, and I would say, “How did you do that?” He would patiently tell me and I would covet the information with relish. The fact that I have already forgotten most of it is far from the point. I learned it. It is in there. And when I am less busy I know these learned lessons will present themselves.

But the thing that has blown me away is the length of the days. Most of my days are approximately sixteen hours long. These last five days have been two-seconds long. Literally. One steamboat, two steamboat ... bedtime! Now believe me, I know my way around a busy day!  I have had many a crazy split-second timing day that has had me whirling and twirling. But even when I am kookster busy I still run a civilized day. I get up, have breakfast, read the daily news, chat with my husband, the boy, the girl, work out and carry on.

Hmmm. That’s my new motto. Work out and carry on.

But the stunner is the day itself. Gone! Speed of light gone. Like this can’t be a real day gone. This is not the 24-hour day I have grown up with. This is speed-daying.

Where did the seconds, minutes, hours go? They were just here, for heaven’s sake. Someone bloody well snatched three o’clock from me! Two seconds ago it was 10:45. Swear to God. 10:45. Now it’s 6:10!!!

I am finding, as a result, that I no longer trust the minutes- hours- days. They are here one minute and gone the next. Note to self “Time. Unreliable.”

But the upside, and there always is one, WOW, the sleeps!!!  The dream-filled and dreamless sleeps mash up. Wake up to pee. No worry. Back to sleep before I hit my pillow. I am existing in the totality of the sleep experience. It is wonderful. It’s teen sleep! Newborn sleep! The sleep of those who can be hit on the head with an anvil and not wake up sleep. Refreshed and loving the day. Purpose filled. Ready for more. Sound and fury signifying creativity. We are laughing and tossing out ideas to each other and it is a driving vibe! What a way to spend a day. Any day. Purposefully. Days that are bursting with bursting. A day you can bite into and it squirts in your mouth. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Fuck, it’s midnight!  Gotta go.

Barbara: Well, we’ve only had snatches of conversations these last few days, so I KNOW you’re very busy. I also know about the procrastination, and I know of the busy-ness. But … it’s really nice to touch base here on the blog at least and to get the lowdown! It sounds like so much fun (now!). There’s nothing quite like “being in the groove”. I’m sure the show will be killer. And, everybody, if you’re wondering why I’m not talking about seeing it, well, the one night I could see it, Phil and I are now going away! Details to follow……

PS Here is a link to a radio interview that Deb and Colin did about the show (thanks, Margo!).

And here are links to the shows themselves: 






60 comments:

  1. Deb you are soooo CUTE! I guess you are talking about the show you and Colin have tomorrow? Coz I was just gonna go...."BREAK A LEG!!" the moment I came here and now its "BREAK A LEG----HANG ON....Lets read the blog first!"
    The one thing that caught my eye was about the sleep!!! I'm sooooo happy for you! Seee you finally kicked insomnia right in the ass!!!! Thats my girl!
    Plus I know what you mean about the procrastination... I'm the Queen of procrastination. I was gonna start painting....2 months ago....and what have I got now? ZILCH.NOTHING.NADA!!! Ohhh I did try----NOPE nothing! But Enthusiasm does juice it up doesnt it??? Enters the play JUST ON TIME! I experience it when I paint...Which I will....in a minute... or two.

    P.S. LOVE to know that your learning many things about your computer....You think Luke has time to teach me???...I NEED to learn the shorcuts NOW.... Ahhhhh maybe later!

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    1. Thanks Shalaka. Yes our most bitter enemy is the procrastination isn't it? I don't usually do it, but when I do, LOOK OUT!

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  2. PPS forgot the important....
    BREAK A LEG!!!!!! ROCK THE SHOW!!!!!
    YOU'RE GONNA BE AWESOME I'M SURE.... xoxoxo
    (that rhymed???..NOPE)

    AND I WANT DETAILS AFTERWARDS!!!! Cant wait to here about it... :D

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  3. Oh my, Deb! I know what you mean. Busy-ness is why I haven't had time to check in here in a few days. So much work to do and, as you said, time in unreliable!
    I'm sure the show will be absolutely fantastic!
    Have fun and don't sweat the small stuff!

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  4. Good luck in the new show Deb! Some busy days are good and they make you appreciate the days that aren't so busy, but to have them all the time, one on top of the other, it can get wearisome. Take care, enjoy and break a leg!

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    1. So true Molly. Going to the Yukon next week and looking forward to just chillin' and taking pictures!

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  5. No better feeling than being in the middle of a creative process - especially when you have others to spar with. I can't think of anything that gives you more energy - or better sleep ;-)
    have fun doing the shows and please tell us all about it!!!

    Oh, came across this radio interview about the upcoming show - and also a little bit about the blog!
    http://www.919bobfm.com/izzy-talks-colin-mochrie-deb-mcgrath/colin-mochrie-deb-mcgrath/
    (hope this is allowed??)

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    1. Margo.....I LOVE YOU for posting the interview link!!!!! xo

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    2. thanks a million for the link it is great to hear about the show .

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    3. Thanks, Margo! Deb didn't even know what we were talking about when I mentioned your link to her this morning (she is in transit at the moment) -- she'd totally forgotten! So, here' what I'm gonna do: I'm going to add the links to the show right now (in the blog-proper) and the link to this radio interview. Thanks, all!

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    4. This is great Margo. Sadly Barb is right! The second I do an interview it flies out of my head. Great thing to link to and much appreciated. And thanks LInda too for your good wishes.

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    5. You're welcome! :-)

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  6. It sounds like you are so happy when busy. Love the post, love the boy is working with you and right down all his computer instructions. They will come in handy I am sure. Love today's energy.

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    1. Thanks Madge. It is a lovely energy to be in isn't it? Creativity of any kind reminds us why we are here and how great life can be!

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    2. Life can be soooo Delicious.... we just have to let it!!! LOVE THIS!

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  7. I watched the interview (thanks Margo!) And...Sorry! Couldnt resist.....you can hate me for this but which friends scenario do you guys argue about??

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    1. I LOVE that you asked that Shalaka. It's the one where the girls lose the apartment in the game. Colin thinks that a game is a game, they lost and that's it. I think that true friends would never take their apartment. I KNOW they agreed to it but it was in the heat of the moment. Colin says too bad! They agreed. They lost. They move. We have argued about this for years. It's so funny that our fight is about fictional characters. Always makes me laugh!!!

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    2. HAHA!!! Well he is WRONG :D!!! I'm with you on this! Funny thing is I always thought the same thing!! They shouldnt have taken the apartment. It was just a game....and I was sooo happy when they took the apartment back! that was my EPIC evil laugh moment!
      LOL I know!!! you should see how we fight about these things! :D

      I can totally imagine you two arguing....lol its sooo cute!

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    3. Sorry, Deb, but I'm on Colin's side on this one. Total agreement. Don't bet what you can't afford to lose. The girls had to live with the consequences of losing the game fair and square. Although, I thought it was hilarious how the situation ended up resolving:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VpxajWybWc

      Yet again, men thinking behind their zippers.

      (p.s. Could Matthew Perry BE more adorable?)

      Also, I always agreed with Ross. "We were on a break!" Rachel had no right to get her panties in a wad when he rebounded with the copy shop girl. You don't have any rights over a guy you just broke up with.

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    4. OK, Deb, question: In the poker episode of Friends, did you support the girls having to pay up or not pay up?

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szwqkXsaMaU

      (p.s. I want to go through life like Phoebe Buffay. I love her character! And, her character's wardrobe. The whole series --- best clothes ever!)

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    5. lol I AM Phoebe Buffay! :D LOOK AT ME....WEIRD IS ALL I HAVE!

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    6. I'm afraid I have to side with Colin about the game...and I have to agree with Rigel about Matthew Perry! ;-)

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    7. Well Deb, I think you and Colin are both right. Hope that settles it for you. ; )

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    8. Wow Eileen - how diplomatic ;-)

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    9. Margo -

      Matthew Perry in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. *blissful sigh*

      Although, if we're gonna go with Sorkin scripted hotties, I am so firmly in the Bradley Whitford camp. He. Is. Delicious. Both in West Wing and Studio 60. And, just plain as himself. Mmmm hmmm.

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    10. I agree with Colin, a bet's a bet. My favorite line from that whole episode is, "CHANANDLER BONG! We've been swiping it off their doormat for years!"
      I still want to know how they could afford the rent on those. Just sayin.'

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    11. Oh hey Rigel - didn't know about that show. Thanks, will check it out!

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  8. Deb you crack me up! I SO wish I could see the show. How can I get you two to California?? You must be having fun if time is passing that quickly. I would love to have been a fly on the wall (a talking fly, of course) during your prep time. Break a leg!

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    1. We would love to come! Let's see what happens Eileen!

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    2. Let me know if I can help make it happen!

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  9. Good luck on the show Deb am sure it will turn out great

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    1. Thanks Lynsdie! Hope things are well with you!

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  10. Yay Deb and Colin! I am so happy for both of you, you are busy but it's a good busy. You sound overwhelmed but you sound fulfilled somehow! All my very best to you both. As Shalaka said break a leg! Just remember we are your biggest fans here on the blog and we're applauding the loudest! XOXO

    PS: Does Luke give you a look that says."Oh Lord how can she not know this?" That's the look I used to get from my "boy" when he taught me something new on the computer

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    1. Yes...LOUD APPLAUDS and....Can we get virtual autographs ma'am?

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    2. Thanks Mary. YOu are so sweet. All of you guys are so supportive. And I am proud to say that the boy is as patient as a sieve. Never has eyes on the ceiling. Cause he knows I am trying and he knows how much stuff I keep in my head. Virtual autographs to all!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    3. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  11. I like this: "But even when I am kookster busy I still run a civilized day." Yeah! This makes such perfect sense to me. It's what I do, too ... make sure I've got a couple hours for coffee in my housecoat every morning, and no rushing around during the day or evening either if it's at all possible to avoid it.

    Now to check out the show. Which isn't coming to Saskatchewan. Yet.

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  12. Yes Kate! We have to do this don't we? Colin and I were up to our necks in it last night and yet we grabbed the dogs and took them for a lovely fall night walk and cleared our heads! Have to.

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  13. Deb -

    Eddie can do things with a computer that neither you nor I could ever figure out. I'm fine on a computer, but Eddie is beyond fine.

    Whenever something goes screwy or I don't know how to do something and want a quick demo, I just called out, "I need my IT guy, please!" And, here comes Eddie scurrying to my side all officious and so grown up. He LOVES being all proficient and smart and skillful and he really does respond as though he's the professional IT guy for the household. No eye rolling (plenty of that in other arenas, but not this one). He even puts on his patient, "grown up", teaching voice. I always feel like I'm getting a glimpse of 10 years from now. LOL

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    1. Oh I love that Rigel. Getting a glimpse of him ten years from now! And you ARE!

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  14. Listened to the radio interview.

    Did anyone else SQUEEEEE out loud when the DJ brought up the blog?

    When they started talking about Improvaganza and Colin mentioned the audiences drinking, I instantly thought of that drunken, idiotic, out of control (trying not to call her a bitch, but....) woman (certainly NOT a lady) who HIT Jonathan Mangum during moving bodies. WTF?!?!? Oh, I've always gritted my teeth and seethed at her for crossing the line like that!

    When the DJ started asking about how deeply y'all were gonna delve into your private lives in your show, Colin's, "Oh, God, no," cracked me up. So much sentiment in his delivery of those 3 words. LOLOL

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  15. You're right Rigel, so funny when he said that. And yes, I hate when the line is crossed. These people could hurt someone. We were in Disney world once and a very enthusiastic fan started to run from 100 feet away at full tilt and jumped on him knocking him back. And he with the bad back! I was steaming mad!

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    1. Yikes! Thats...TOO MUCH! anyone wouldve been mad! There's a limit for everything right?

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    2. I've witnessed a few encounters that have...fascinated me. No out and out tackles, but "line? What line? You mean the one back there?" moments.

      I remember more about Brad. When I first started going to the shows, he wasn't a hugger, out of respect for Sean'a. He very politely explained that to fans, but sometimes it was like talking to a wall. I think I surprised him when I asked for a handshake instead.
      I've had enough experience to know more about "dos and don'ts," plus I think I get a bit more leeway. I know what lines not to cross anymore, too. I sometimes forget that other fans crush on the guys and are seeing them for the first time. I cringe, but I wonder who cringed when I did it the first time? (Hopefully I was at least a little dignified.)

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  16. Wow, Deb. Ugh. It must've taken huge restraint on your part not to launch yourself claws out! How did you manage to think before reacting? Someone was hurting your most beloved! I know you're tiny, but I'm guessing you can be formidable when you're in, "Back the fuck off!" mode. You radiate 7 foot tall personality, emotion, and intent.

    Y'all have such aplomb, restraint, politeness, and tolerance.

    If this isn't too personal, how did y'all address what happened with Luke? If he was still a little boy then, that had to have startled him --- some stranger jumping on Daddy. *frowns*

    But, yeah, when that (still trying not to call her a bitch, still finding it difficult) drunken, female creature smacked Jonathan Mangum, I instantly clicked from laughing to mamabear mode. It stopped being funny in less than a nanosecond.

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    1. I know....!! Gosh she was so drunk..I thought she might just puke on stage! THANK GOD! she didnt!

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    2. Yeah it was weird although Luke didn't really realize in the moment. I think he was a little shocked that someone would jump on his Dad especially when she was as big as Colin. Yeah people need to get the space thing together don't they. I mean I don't care if you are known or not known. Just use common sense and don't jump on someone. He could have just had surgery for heaven's sake.

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    3. Shows like that are what terrify me about the "Moving Bodies" game. They joke about crushing testicles, but how much of it's a joke? At least circus contortionists get to warm up and stretch before being yanked from pillar to post, or kicked, or shoved, or whacked. Yeowch!

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  17. Wohoo! For the show. I want to see it too but I'm pretty sure I will miss it. I can relate to the busy life with what it's weekend again. I am trying to find enough time for moving, school and the upcoming forum. Not too stressed about it, but I do wish there were more time. This is also why I use the last moments of the day to read this blog and comment. I usually have done so during the day. I like how my head is full of random things. I can't wait for them to get in order. That feeling is the best. I was supposed to comment on something from the comments but I have forgotten what it was. Since I am on my phone now I won't start scrolling up and down and make a silly little mistake and loose all that I have written . :) Break a leg and have fun!

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  18. Thanks Kasku! You are having two second days too!

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  19. It all sounds very exciting, indeed. Best of luck with the show, Deb! I know you'll be fabulous! :)

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  20. In the middle of mid-terms here so not much extra time but had to stop in and say Good luck for the upcomming shows it sounds like it is going to be a grand show!

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  21. Deb, the friend I met in Mississauga after having lunch with you ladies is going to the show. I don't know how she got the ticket, because it was sold out by the time I found out about it. I'd be there otherwise. I do wish you both luck and fun with it.

    I believe time flies when you're having fun. I've also found out that time flies when you're NOT having fun, particularly this week. I've basically been inert, unenergetic, and blah.
    Time has flown this week, and I haven't done anything. I'm glad you've been able to.

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  22. I read about that show on Colin's twitter, and thought: Hey...why hasn't Deb told us about it?

    But hey, you were busy! :)

    "Hals- und Beinbruch" (funny...in English you only break a leg, in German you also break the neck :D).

    I bet the show will be awesome!

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  23. Loved the radio interview ^-^
    Makes me wonder what the whole Friends episode problem was...
    Wish I could go to Canada to see it :)

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  24. I'm the worst procrastinator in the world! I fool myself by thinking that I work better under pressure at the last minute. :P

    Anyway, good luck! I'm sure it'll be great. Maybe you could bring the show over to the UK next. ;D

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