Selfish

To whom it may concern-

My parents did not raise me to be selfish and I am forever grateful. I constantly want to put the needs of others before myself and I want everyone to be successful, so I make decisions that make everyone happy or that are the most economic for all people that are involved. But I am at the point in my life where I can be selfish and make decisions that are the best for me and no one else. I can make the decision to move wherever I want without it taking a toll on almost anyone else. This is my decision. I have been waiting for a while to make these decisions because I was scared. Like anyone in this world can get when altering their entire life... but what does that matter? When I was little, I used to be scared of the dark, but I overcame that and I will overcome this. Being scared isn't a sign that things will go badly... being scared is a sign that there could be failure, but you just have to work through it. In our dressing room the other day we were talking about the rejection that we have to deal with every day in our field... too short... too fat... too brunette... too tall... all of these things that really have nothing to do with who we are as people but that we have to all deal with every day and as performers we are conditioned to accept rejection and welcome criticism. We are also professional auditioners that will be in any audition we can get our butts into. Some people don't agree with me when I say audition for everything, but I really say that. (I mean I wouldn't audition for a man but you know what I mean) The worst they can say is no. And then what? You're back where you started. The more that we try the more chances we have to succeed. That's why the change from Chicago to New York. That's why I want to move at all. There's no way that I would be able to go straight out of college and I am forever grateful for all the opportunity and experiences that I have gained, but respectfully... I have to get the fuck out. Now, that doesn't mean that I don't want to come back... because I most definitely want to work with all of you again, but I need to be selfish and take a chance on myself and believe in myself. Because if I don't believe in myself, no one else will either. For all of you on the fence, I will let you know how my first few months go and then we can chat about life decisions. :P I will see you all on the other side.

-Sydney the Destroyer

Fish for breakfast

To whom it may concern-

Someone in the office brought fish for breakfast... They should be assassinated. This office is small and confined and now you're forcing the entire staff to smell your poor breakfast decisions. This isn't your house. This isn't a bunch of people that will love you unconditionally despite your questionable meal choices. This is the work place. We aren't your friends. I am sure there's more than one of us plotting your demise in some twisted way. Maybe you will be hit today... maybe not till next week, but I am bringing tuna for lunch tomorrow and I am going to sit on the floor by your desk to eat it. Now, I am no breakfast Nazi. I love pizza and other lunch and dinnertime favorites for breakfast but FISH... in the OFFICE? That's just tacky. And I know for a fact you've been a meal offender with your toaster strudels for lunch. That's right. Toaster strudels. Like with the icing packets. I've seen you. We don't even have a toaster here. Are you just microwaving them?! Because if that's the case, it's barbaric and wrong on so many levels. THEY'RE TOASTER STRUDELS. Not MICROWAVE strudels. Ugh. I digress. So, as you sit there eating your fish with your smug face... remember, when something happens to break the atmosphere in the office, alliances form, friendships crumble, and you don't eat fucking fish in a cubicle at any time of the day... especially breakfast.

-Sydney the destroyer

P.S. They're noticing my very apparent disgusted glances and are starting to look guilty.

Moving Into A New Mindspace

To whom it may concern-

Sometimes one needs to move to a new frame of mind to free themselves from the confines of their past beliefs. Sometimes things change and people need to be given an out of some situations. I need that grace. I am currently re-vamping my life and moving to New York instead of Chicago as of a month ago. I have decided that the needs of my professional and personal life more align with this gigantic city that never sleeps instead of the gigantic freezing city of comedians. And, paths may realign someday and I might end up in the city of Chicago... but right now, this is the path that I choose. Please don't judge me too harshly. I am a very opinionated person that sticks to their ideas, but when a better idea comes along, I just have to acknowledge it AS the better idea. The idea was completely solidified when I received a notice to audition for a dream musical in the city, but there was no way that I was going to be able to get there in such short notice. That was the moment I knew that the city was where I had to be. Now, yes, as of right now Scott is planning to come with me in a year or so, but he's living in Austin right now furthering his career. Which is great! So, when I get to the city, please give me a hug and let's go get coffee! But, until then, I am broke. So please don't ask me to do anything that's going to cost a lot of money. I am pretending that I don't have any money in my bank account in order to make things a whole lot easier. Also, if you guys have some free stuff that you want to give away to me, PLEASE, I will take it. Whatever it is. Furniture, household items, love, etc. I will take it all. (Except animals which I desperately want but can't take)


-Sydney the Destroyer

P.S. Now, if contracts (theatre work) keep me here for a while, I will be so happy and be working and I will be in town for a while, but if they don't then come see me in the city!

I will fight you... I mean for you...

To whom it may concern-

I want to do so much in my lifetime that actually picking one thing to do is daunting. I love being a performer and I want to cover every aspect of the performing arts world, but life is short and opportunities are very slim where I am geographically at the moment... So, I must move. But, that's also quite daunting because moving is scary. Uprooting your life is scary. Going to a new place and basically starting over is fucking scary. But here we are. The worst things in life are the unknowns. They can be exciting for some people, but for me, they're downright terrifying. I like to have at least one constant in my life (people wise) that's not a family member and when you're moving, it's hard to keep that constant. Especially when they don't know if they're going to go with you. So the great unknown limbo bullshit continues where you wonder if you're being selfish or if you think that you're just being a little bitch baby. Keep the complicated situations away from me. I don't do well with complicated. Love is the worst best thing that's ever happened to me. And words are hard. #complicated

- Sydney the Destroyer

Austin Coffee Tour

To whom it may concern-

I am in Austin right now visiting my boyfriend and he still has to work his normal job hours... so I have to entertain myself. Which basically means that I found a list of the best coffee shops in Austin and I am going to conquer them all. I will find the best cappuccino in Austin. Here's the list for all that are interested!

http://austin.eater.com/maps/austins-best-coffee-shops-winter-2014

Now. There are 17 coffee shops on this list. I have already visited 2 of these shops in past trips to Austin. So, here's all the ones that I could get to in this allotted amount of time.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015-

Cenote

Today I visited the highly renowned coffee shop, Cenote, which happens to be #3 on the list that I found, but unfortunately, it's not even that high on my list.

The cappuccino- So, this is purely because I am snooty. The quality of espresso was excellently pulled and was not a bit bitter. AND the milk was perfectly steamed... for a latte. I ordered a cappuccino on the "dryer side" and I was given a latte. So, that wasn't so good.

Amount paid: $4.87

The wifi- This is one of those places where you have to ASK for the wifi password. It's not posted anywhere... That made my social anxiety act up in so many ways that I ended up not even asking and just did some mundane things on my computer that I can do without wifi... Let me just say that my documents have never looked so organized.

The aesthetic- This place had a really cool atmosphere! The workers however were not very friendly... But there's a giant metal octopus in the front of the building which is cool. They were playing some of the best tunes that I've ever heard in a coffee shop. Tune Yards made 3 appearances whilst I was there! The bathrooms were clean and there was an outdoor patio section (with a full juice bar) that looked awesome but I didn't take the time to explore.

Overview- Cenote was a cool place. I would definitely go there again. But I would probably just get drip coffee.

Thursday, April 16, 2015-

Houndstooth Coffee

Today I visited the highly renowned coffee shop, Houndstooth Coffee which is #1 on their list and as of right now, mine too.

The cappuccino- When I ordered my cappuccino on the "dryer side" the baristas told me that they didn't want to over steam the milk and burn it and yada yada but they apologized for it and offered to make me a new one if this one wasn't satisfactory. But damn, this was an amazing cappuccino. the excellently steamed micro-foam was so delicious (even though the art was kind of weird). But the art being weird was my only complaint. Whatsoever. And as you can see, I ordered a brownie too, which was also amazing. It had hints of espresso and dark chocolate. So basically, I was in heaven.

Amount paid: $8.76 (with my brownie)

The wifi- This is another one of those places where you have to ASK for the wifi password. It was coffeeandcheese when I went, just to give everyone with social anxiety a little break. :P The actual speed of the 5ghz wifi was underwhelming. As you can see with a .75mbps... it was sadly chugging along.

The aesthetic- Houndstooth was a lot "snootier" than Cenote. When I walked in there was a full fledged espresso tasting going on. Twas pretty interesting. But, the workers were friendly and obviously a fan of having customers. They were very knowledgeable in their field and I would definitely go there if I had any questions about their specific roasts.

Overview- Houndstooth was very homey feeling and I would DEFINITELY go there again. The cappuccino and the brownie were both exemplary. The only thing that I would change was the girl next to me talking on her cell phone to her boyfriend using her outside voice.


Thursday, April 16, 2015-

Epoch

Yes. I visited two coffee shops today. Epoch was my second shop of the day and I don't have a LOT of information because I just stopped in for a to-go cappuccino. Scott hung out here for a while too so some of this information is from him!


The cappuccino- As we have established, I am snooty. The espresso was a bit bitter and then when the barista went to fill up my cup, she only filled it up about 3/4 of the way... I felt I was being cheated, even if that's how they fill everyone's up. There wasn't enough foam for my taste. But again, foam is my favorite part. I don't have any pictures because I just plain didn't think about it. But, if I go again, I will be sure to get some.

Amount paid: $9.00 (I got a slice of cake too)

The wifi- I didn't use my computer here and neither did Scott...

The aesthetic- It had a very calm atmosphere. So calming, in fact, there was I'm sure a college girl sleeping on one of the couches. That's right. Sleeping. She even brought her own pillow and blanket... or it just lives on that couch... promoting sleep. Which is a little odd in my book. But, whatever.

Overview- Epoch was pretty cool! For the two seconds I was in there... Their Chocolate Espresso cake was wayyyyyy better than their coffee though... (I love chocolate and coffee... can you tell?) :P I maybe would go back? Maybe. It seems to be more of a study spot. There were lots of young people but one of the most amazing selling points is that it is open till midnight everyday! Which is awesome.

Friday, April 17, 2015-

Vintage Heart Coffee

Vintage Heart Coffee has taken the lead. The ONLY downside to this place is the lack of food items... I was looking forward to eating something but there are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area!

The cappuccino- YUM. Excellently pulled espresso. Excellently steamed milk. On point foam art. AND there was only one barista working. She was a beast. Here's some pictures of the beautiful cappuccino and the expert foam. The cappuccino was sweet but not too sweet. It was light and airy but yet it filled me. You win Vintage Heart.

Amount paid: $3.90

The wifi- I guess Austin is just a town where you have to ASK what the wifi password is at every coffee shop. (ilovepuppies) As for speed... they also win here so far. The only coffee shop in town that has beat this is freaking Starbucks with their GOOGLE internet. YOU GO VINTAGE HEART! I downloaded a whole episode of Mad Men in like 5 minutes. It was awesome.

The aesthetic- Can I live here? The shop is located just south of Downtown and right across the street from a giant cemetery (creepy right?) but the surrounding shops and restaurants are just as hipster feeling so it's perfect. One street over is straight up scary, but we won't talk about that. The shop is tiny and intimate. There's probably enough room for 25 people to sit in the shop comfortably. So, no large meetings or parties here. But, the Gershwin music covered walls and the fancy fairy lights are enough to make anyone get comfy here. There's even a passive aggressive note just like one that your parents have left you at some point reminding you to "clean up your shit stuff." This place is no joke. Freaking adorable. There are pictures of puppies all over the walls too. So, I am definitely sold. The music playing in the background is very chill and made me want to keep working on all of the things that I wanted to work on. You're AWESOME Vintage Heart.

Overview- Everyone should go here if they are ever in Austin and they like coffee. Their menu is a bit odd but they have teas and all basic coffee drinks. So, in short, go. You will like it.


Saturday, April 18, 2015-

Bennu Coffee

Well... this is a disappointment.  I was so excited to get to try this place because out of Bennu struck the one and only, Chameleon Iced Coffee company... which is the best damned iced coffee I have ever had from a bottle. So, please someone tell me why their hot drinks were such a sad disappointment?

The cappuccino- Well. This was by far the WORST cappuccino that I have had in this city. And that includes Starbucks. Scott and I both got a cappuccino to-go and we both ended up having to throw our drinks away. I was very upset. I just watched the barista pull my espresso shots and then literally walk away while they were still pulling letting them die and reach a completely bitter place that no self respecting espresso shot (or barista) should ever reach. The milk was WAY over steamed. The foam was made of very large bubbles and the cup was filled 3/4 of the way with crappy burnt foam. I was so completely underwhelmed.

Amount paid: $3.79 

The wifi- This place was an unprotected wifi network that I couldn't even get a speed rating on because it was so awful. I don't know what I was expecting after that awful cappuccino.

The aesthetic- This is the one thing that I experienced here that I can totally get on board with. The place was in a great location and there was a homey feel inside. Everyone seemed to be very focused on whatever they were working on, so that was cool. I think that if I would have ordered Iced Coffee, like those people, I would have felt a lot better about life. The place also had a Bitcoin trading station... which was pretty awesome. I don't know how many people actually use it, but that's some pretty useful information... especially if you're going to SXSW and need to make an untraceable money transfer? I dunno. ALSO!!! BIG PLUS!!!! This place is open 24/7 for all of your coffee needs. Whatever they might be at 2am! Which is an awesome feature! So, maybe I will go back at 2am and let the internet world know about how the 2am Bennu experience is...

Overview- If you're going to get iced coffee and work on something offline, go for it. If you want something warm or if you want to work on something on the internet... this is not the place for you. While, I might have gone on a very off day... WHICH IS VERY POSSIBLE!!... I would probably not go again... unless I HAD to have iced coffee at 2am... when it's one of the only coffee shops open.

Sunday,  April 19, 2015-

Mozart Coffee

Coffee by the lake?! AND an amazing slice of cheesecake? I think this is a win.

The cappuccino- Well... because I wanted to sit outside and it's rather warm... I ended up getting an iced coffee here. Which was really good! Not too bitter, and when the ice melted it got even better! So that was great!

Amount paid: $9.50 (with the cheesecake) 

The wifi- The wifi password was posted everywhere (mozartsnet) which was awesome. But, there were like probably 150 people on the wifi so I couldn't get a very accurate reading. It wasn't great but it wasn't awful... Definitely not the worst.

The aesthetic- Man. This place was beautiful. Inside the store front there was a very rustic feel and outside there are just a bunch of picnic tables that overlook the river. AND we went on a perfect day. So, if you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to work on something, this is your place. They also serve brunch. Which is cool. Their pastries were amazing on top of all that. Here's a picture of our beautiful view!

Overview- Go here. If you're in Austin and you want to see the beautiful lake, drink great coffee, and eat amazing sweets... Mozart's is your place.

Sunday, April 19, 2015-

Halcyon Coffee

Coffee hit two of the day. Halcyon had an AMAZING cappuccino.

The cappuccino- I've got to say, Halcyon and Vintage Heart are now both in the running for first place in my book. The cappuccino was expertly steamed with gorgeous microfoam and the espresso shots were delightful. Not to mention, their foam art was on point.

Amount paid: $9.09 (for two cappuccinos) 

The wifi- The wifi was unsecured here like Bennu and the results were kind of abysmal as well. I wouldn't recommend going here for heavy wifi use.

The aesthetic- The feel was very chill and relaxed. There's a full bar inside too so there was some of that vibe going on as well as the coffee house vibe. So that was a little eclectic. But all in all, there were some really cool couches, awesome outdoor seating and all of the workers seemed really nice too.

Overview- The cappuccino was amazing. I don't know what the place is like in the evening what with it being a full bar and all... but it was pretty pleasant when we went!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015-

Cherrywood Coffeehouse

Yes. I took two days off of my coffee journey. I know. I'm a slacker.

The cappuccino- Yum. This was a really good cappuccino. Not your average by any means. I got an amazing pumpkin muffin as well! It was glorious. They serve everything in unique mugs here, which is awesome. I am not even sure they have two of the same mugs. The milk was beautiful microfoam and the shots were not too bitter (although they could have been pulled a little shorter). All in all, this place was a win.

Amount paid: $6.20 (for the muffin too) 

The wifi- This place is the example of excellent wifi that's unprotected. I don't know what is happening with them that's not happening with Halcyon and Bennu, but they had the same amount of people inside with the same amount of people on the wifi. I'm no scientist.

The aesthetic- The place exuded hipster hang-out from all of their eclectic syrups (lavender, macadamia nut, and so forth) to their amazingly indie music. The workers are all clad with colored hair and/or facial piercings. Which is all groovy to me. They apparently have concerts in their outdoor patio, which is super awesome. Their patio is roomy and it looks perfect for a sunny day... which today is not particularly. All in all, great place. It's pretty big too! So, meetings here are a possibility. They also serve a full menu till midnight!

Overview- Yes. Just yes. I would totally come here again. If not to get another cappuccino, to try that lavender syrup!


And that's all she wrote, folks. Yes. I visited 9 coffee shops. And yes, I am pretty proud of myself. Overall, my winner was Vintage heart, but please let me know who your winner was! Also, let me know if there's a winner in your town that I just have to visit! :) If not, go check out some local coffee shops and find one!

- Sydney the Destroyer

Tolerate

To whom it may concern-

When love is the question, yes is the answer. Always. Even if you don't agree with someone. If love is the question, yes is the answer. No one can tell you who to love. No one can tell you how to love. No one can tell you what to love. Be your own person and the more that you love the more that you're open to being loved. The more positivity and open energy that you put into the universe, the more that you will get back. This surpasses your specific religion and crosses over into the OVERWHELMING gray area of humanity and the area in which people deserve to be treated like people. In a job interview, you aren't allowed to hit on the interviewee without a harassment case. I think it should be the same if you ask them what their religion is, or their sexual preference. You should get a harassment case. One should not make judgments on an individual when they walk in the room either. I personally think that all interviews should take place in a confessional like setting with a wall and a voice distortion machine and they should all be video taped so then, people would get hired based on their answers and their personality through their answers. Not by how pretty they are, what color they are, how feminine they are, how masculine they are, what religion they are... etc. It should be based on how invested they are and what their work ethic is. These should be the only reasons. Not based on looks or personal views. That's just not okay. If Atheists refused to hire Christians, then there would be an outrage. If the LGBT community refused to hire the straight community, there would be outrage. The word of life is tolerance. If one does not learn to tolerate others, one will live an unfulfilling life. There are way more pressing issues than that of discrimination in 2015. Why are we STILL trying to discriminate?! IT'S 2015!!!


I was part of an Equality Cabaret last night that raised almost $1,500!!!! It was the most rewarding evening that I have been a part of in a long time. The venue was more packed than I have ever seen it! It was miraculous. The number of people in this Southern town of Little Rock, Arkansas, is astounding and makes me so hopeful for the future of the LGBT community. We had so many people sign up to be volunteers. It was amazing.


Stop hate and tolerate.

-Sydney the Destroyer

Supercalifragilisticwhatthehell'smitosis

To whom it may concern-

I am performing in a production of Mary Poppins at the moment and the only thing that I can do in my "spare time" is sleep, shower, work, and watch sitcoms. This is my downtime for today. An average day consists of me waking up at roughly 7:45am each morning, going in to work at 9 working till 5 and then going to the theatre for a "Jolly Holiday". Now, some days I work half days, and some days I have two shows, some days I even teach dance on top of everything else. But, wouldn't trade it for anything. Every day I find myself trying to come up with new word mashes for "Supercali..." and today's is in honor of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the ever popular phrase, "Mitosis is..."

Off to another sleepless day and performance filled evening. I hope that everyone is this happy at some point.


-Sydney the Destroyer

Fun Fact Monday

To whom it may concern-

Winter lasts for 21 years on the planet, Uranus.

So be glad that winter only lasts a few months around these parts.

-Sydney the Destroyer

Nothing Matters (In A Non-Emo Way)

To whom it may concern-

This morning I was listening to the radio on my way to work, as I often do in the morning, to catch up on current news events and I was very displeased with the conversation that was being had. The conversation had nothing to do with current events. I feel like I lost brain cells just by listening and not changing the channel. The DJs were talking about things that society views as making people appear smart. Which is ridiculous. I'm going to start with a short summary of their discussion and then tell you my exact thoughts on each subject. Here we go:

Now, I turn on the radio and the first thing I hear is, "Some people believe that wearing glasses make them look smarter... So I googled what other weird things make people look smarter!" 

Now a few things about that, MOST people wear glasses to help so that they can see better... others wear them as fashion accessories. But guys, no matter whether you wear glasses or not, that doesn't have anything to do with how smart you are. The End.

At this point I am thinking, "Why don't I change the channel?" But I don't because some sick bit of curiosity makes me keep listening.

Then the DJ starts to go through this list. Here's what they were:

1) When someone can't/won't keep up with the pack of people. So that means that if someone is walking too fast or too slow, they're seen as dumb. Which WOAH. Dude. That has nothing to do with anything. Some people just aren't in a hurry to get somewhere or are tired or heaven forbid are running late or have something important to get done in a timely manner. Does that make them stupid? Apparently.

2) Drinking. Basically if someone is drinking, they look like they're stupid. And I definitely don't agree. I know some brilliant people who drink. A lot. And that doesn't make them stupid. That makes them look like they make different life decisions than me. Definitely not stupid.

3) Writing with your middle initial. Now, guys. I gotta admit. This one might okay. Sydney A. Ippolito DOES look more professional than Sydney Ippolito BUT not using my middle initial does NOT make me look stupid. If any written work is written well, it should not be judged differently if there's a middle initial in the signature.

4) Not using big words. This one was the most controversial in the studio. The article they were citing (I will put a link below) states that big words should be avoided so as to not look like you're trying too hard. Well, what if I just have a big vocabulary? Does that mean that I have to LIMIT myself to make other people think that I am smarter by NOT being as smart as I really am?! I find this utterly ridiculous and so did 2 of the 3 DJs. The third DJ (let's call them Sam) was very adamant that there should be only one word to describe how one is feeling i.e. Happy, Sad, Angry. While the other two DJs argued with Sam about how there are different words for each feeling and how each feelings are different. Sam was not having any of this and was insistent that angry would suffice if someone was livid.

This whole ridiculous conversation filled me with rage. WHY should someone have to limit themselves to look smart in front of other people? Why do other people have to change who they are to LOOK smart. Isn't it more important to BE smart? I would rather read a book than be SEEN reading a book. What is happening in this world? Since when is it more important to LOOK smart than to BE smart. Professional and smart are two different things. Just because someone is in a suit, with glasses, walking with the pack, not drinking alcohol, writing with their middle initial, and speaking with small words doesn't mean they're smart. It really doesn't mean anything at all.

- Sydney the Destroyer of All Things Nice

The stupid article: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/09/how-to-look-smart/375062/