Well, I have some great news! I have done my first commercial. I didn't even have to audition. I sent my headshot and resume to what is now my agency. They got me a job with the "client" making an ad for a credit union. And off I went! It was so cool!
I had to use a lot of imagination and precision in the filming. Working with film is so different from live theater. It's easier and harder at the same time. We can do many takes, so it's not as intimidating as when we get one chance in a stage performance. But we take many many takes until the director gets exactly what he wants. (I say he because the director of this particular shoot was male; it could have just as easily been a female director.) They have to deal with technical stuff right then and there, rather than having a week to iron it out as with theater.
So I guess the question that arises is: Which do I like better? Well, it's been awfully fun to do the commercial. I look forward to getting more work. It's more like immediate gratification; the shoot took an hour as opposed to a rehearsal period of six weeks. Of course, there is nothing like creating a character and watching her grow. But it's also fun to go in and do it quick and dirty. I guess doing film is thrilling. We'll see how I feel as time goes on and I get more work.
I've always said that I do this for fun, but that it would be great to get paid. Well, I got paid for this, and it wasn't chump change! The whole thing happened so fast, from sending off my resume and headshot to getting the job to doing the commercial and signing with the agency. I now understand that "ten years to be an overnight success". I don't know if I'm an overnight success, but I have put in a lot of work and gotten a lot of rejections. I talked about my feelings about this just recently. But this time not only did I not get rejected, I didn't even have to audition!
I would love to do several commercials a year. I have a few friends who have done commercials and I'll admit I'm jealous. Well, now I have joined their ranks. Hooray!
Switching gears...the Novi guy didn't work out. That's okay though, because there is a new guy now, from Roseville. We have emailed back and forth and talked on the phone. We're meeting for lunch at Traveler's Club this Friday. I have until Monday (week from today) off and then I go back to Gateway.
I have a really good feeling about this guy. He's intelligent, articulate, has a Master's degree and a good job, is physically active, and doesn't say "lol" every other sentence (which annoys me). Never married, no kids. Good relationship with parents. Interested in learning new things--he told me he'd like to take an acting class. And he's cute, which isn't the most important thing, but it helps.
So there's two good things. I also am now a card-carrying member of the Dramatists Guild of America. I get a monthly magazine and a publication listing both theaters accepting new plays (worldwide) and agents (mostly in NY and LA). Also included was a playwrights' bill of rights that interested me. I need to get on it and send Checking Out to LCP--haven't done that yet. I'll try to remember for tomorrow.
Okay, with all this activity, I almost forgot to talk about Christmas! I went home and put up the tree Christmas Eve. We went to Voyage of the Dawn Treader which was fantastic. They slipped in a little Christian message at the end that I had either skipped over or misunderstood when I read the book. Aslan tells Lucy that in our world (Earth) he is "known by another name" and that she should learn to love that one as she does him. So the Christian God comes into this wonderful pagan tale. Made me think--is religion crammed down our throats at every turn? I'm really changing my position regarding Christianity. I don't know if I'd even call myself a Christian any more. I'll continue to trace my journey through all this. I haven't been praying and don't feel the need to. I see love on the faces and in the season around me, and that is enough.
We feasted, opened presents, and watched our Christmas movies Christmas Day. Mom and Dad liked the presents I got them. Mom gave me a really cool calendar, and Dad gave me some pens I've been wanting. I also got a new wallet, which I really needed. Dad gave Mom the pirouettes again, and she said they were the only cookies she would let him get her and that she wasn't sharing them with the guys in the store.
That night I was talking to Walt on the phone when Mom brought Darby into my room. Darby is Anita's new puppy, and he is just a doll. I squealed and told Walt I'd have to call him back. We played with Darby on the bed and then went downstairs to where Anita was waiting with Darby's big brother, Bailey. I think I've talked about Bailey. He is my favorite dog of all time. I told him he was good to share us with Darby and that I still liked him best.
Sunday Dad and I watched Up--my gift to them last year. Then we took a walk and then Mom came home from the store. She fried up some fish and we watched the Grinch, which we hadn't gotten to the night before. I went to bed early so I could make it to Battle Creek by 10 AM. I'm doing another project on camera that will take the form of an online game. That's not paid, but it's good experience. We worked on that for three hours and I got back around 2:45.
So now I'm sitting in my rapidly chilling house, getting ready to turn up the heat and suck on the candy cane Anita got me. I'm enjoying my time off but I'll be ready to go back. Joe's having his NYE party again, and I've got a new dress. The holiday season continues to be fun!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Peace
Did all I said I would do in the last entry. My new flyer looks great. I found the Dramatists' Guild online and applied to be a member. And I also found a video on how to make a drum. So all my incarnations are fulfilled and happy!
Haven't been praying the past few nights. There was a time in my life when I felt I couldn't sleep until I prayed, but that hasn't been the case lately. I find it kind of hypocritical for me to pray now, actually. I don't want it to be just out of habit. God knows what is on my heart.
Good news on the dating front: I tweaked my profile and immediately got two responses. I then did some looking on my own and found a guy I like. We are emailing back and forth. He lives in Novi, the only drawback. Adam says it's about an hour from here. That's a tough trip to make in the winter.
I'm ready for Christmas. The presents are bought, the Christmas cards have been sent out. I'm lucky in that I don't have much to do. One of the pluses of not being married with kids, I guess.
So that's what's up with me. Everything is chugging along nicely. Good to be in a good place.
Hanging up now...
Haven't been praying the past few nights. There was a time in my life when I felt I couldn't sleep until I prayed, but that hasn't been the case lately. I find it kind of hypocritical for me to pray now, actually. I don't want it to be just out of habit. God knows what is on my heart.
Good news on the dating front: I tweaked my profile and immediately got two responses. I then did some looking on my own and found a guy I like. We are emailing back and forth. He lives in Novi, the only drawback. Adam says it's about an hour from here. That's a tough trip to make in the winter.
I'm ready for Christmas. The presents are bought, the Christmas cards have been sent out. I'm lucky in that I don't have much to do. One of the pluses of not being married with kids, I guess.
So that's what's up with me. Everything is chugging along nicely. Good to be in a good place.
Hanging up now...
Monday, December 13, 2010
Multiple personalities
WHERE ARE THE SALT TRUCKS???
We had a snowstorm Saturday night. It left us with quite a bit of snow and very icy roads. I thought the roads would be taken care of by today, but they're still awful. I have seen several snowplows but no salt anywhere. Even the highway was bad. I drove to Oak Park at about 30 mph the whole way.
I called ahead today to make sure Interval was going forward. The desk person said it was, so I drove all the way out there on crappy roads. When I got there, I found out that the class had been cancelled after all. So it was a total waste of my time. I went to Sushi Blue and ran into Ann and Adam. So the three of us ate lunch together. At least that was a bright spot.
Then I went to Parkwood and did weights. It was a good workout. Tomorrow I'm doing a Zumba class at Oak Park. It is the time for "Fitness Buffet". This means there are a whole lot of new classes being offered for the next two weeks. I'm doing some new things, which I will report on as I take the classes.
I'm also re-reading American Psycho. It continues to be a fascinating book. The narrative is so strong. Bateman jumps from talking about what people are wearing to his violent fantasies in one sentence. Ellis lets us in on his sickness before writing even one murder scene. For instance, there's a scene at the dry cleaners where he yells at the owners over the blood that won't come out of his sheets. Then he wonders how to firebomb the place.
Not sure why I love these novels about serial killers. Both the Hannibal series and American Psycho grab my attention in a profound way. I have no desire to follow the lives of real serial killers; Manson and Bundy and their ilk are real-life monsters, and that's scary. But the fictional monsters are cool! Maybe as a fellow writer I appreciate an author's ability to get inside the head of someone that twisted.
Lansing Civic Players is accepting plays for their 2011 season, speaking of writers. I am going to submit Checking Out. They said comedies will be considered first so I have that advantage. I think they'd like it--lots of characters and meaty subject matter. Mom also recommended I look into joining something called the Dramatists' Guild. I guess it's a good resource for playwrights that a writer told her about.
I think I'm done with religion for now. I didn't go to Fellowship for Today Sunday, even though I could have. I just didn't feel the need. I'm still praying, not sure why. Maybe out of habit? Maybe people go to church for the same reason, out of habit. I don't want my link to God to be like a habit. I want it to stem from love. This Christmas will be very interesting with my new perspective. It's always been about family for me, but it will be less about the religious aspects of the season. I'm not involved with OCC's cantata and I won't be going to the Candlelight Service. I'm actually going home Christmas Eve day and staying till the 27th.
The job is going great. The boys were a little rowdy last week. We are working on "PSAs" about bullying, and last week we scouted locations. We went out to the soccer field and I had some trouble keeping them together. Two of the boys were fighting (not physically, but close) and so I had to deal with that. We talked it out when we got back in the classroom.
I'm going to ask Jen what she thinks of us doing a drum circle. I've done it in other groups and it can work really well. I could see the boys really enjoying it. It's somewhat physical, and it gives them an arena where it's OK to be loud. The hardest thing for us would be getting enough drums together and making sure they didn't get damaged. Maybe we could make something that would make a similar noise. That might work.
So, I've got some thinking to do. I'm going to go on the web and look up the Dramatists' Guild. I also want to work on a flyer to put up to get more students. And I want to look into making drums or something. I've got my work cut out for me this week. Feeding my three identities--love it!!
We had a snowstorm Saturday night. It left us with quite a bit of snow and very icy roads. I thought the roads would be taken care of by today, but they're still awful. I have seen several snowplows but no salt anywhere. Even the highway was bad. I drove to Oak Park at about 30 mph the whole way.
I called ahead today to make sure Interval was going forward. The desk person said it was, so I drove all the way out there on crappy roads. When I got there, I found out that the class had been cancelled after all. So it was a total waste of my time. I went to Sushi Blue and ran into Ann and Adam. So the three of us ate lunch together. At least that was a bright spot.
Then I went to Parkwood and did weights. It was a good workout. Tomorrow I'm doing a Zumba class at Oak Park. It is the time for "Fitness Buffet". This means there are a whole lot of new classes being offered for the next two weeks. I'm doing some new things, which I will report on as I take the classes.
I'm also re-reading American Psycho. It continues to be a fascinating book. The narrative is so strong. Bateman jumps from talking about what people are wearing to his violent fantasies in one sentence. Ellis lets us in on his sickness before writing even one murder scene. For instance, there's a scene at the dry cleaners where he yells at the owners over the blood that won't come out of his sheets. Then he wonders how to firebomb the place.
Not sure why I love these novels about serial killers. Both the Hannibal series and American Psycho grab my attention in a profound way. I have no desire to follow the lives of real serial killers; Manson and Bundy and their ilk are real-life monsters, and that's scary. But the fictional monsters are cool! Maybe as a fellow writer I appreciate an author's ability to get inside the head of someone that twisted.
Lansing Civic Players is accepting plays for their 2011 season, speaking of writers. I am going to submit Checking Out. They said comedies will be considered first so I have that advantage. I think they'd like it--lots of characters and meaty subject matter. Mom also recommended I look into joining something called the Dramatists' Guild. I guess it's a good resource for playwrights that a writer told her about.
I think I'm done with religion for now. I didn't go to Fellowship for Today Sunday, even though I could have. I just didn't feel the need. I'm still praying, not sure why. Maybe out of habit? Maybe people go to church for the same reason, out of habit. I don't want my link to God to be like a habit. I want it to stem from love. This Christmas will be very interesting with my new perspective. It's always been about family for me, but it will be less about the religious aspects of the season. I'm not involved with OCC's cantata and I won't be going to the Candlelight Service. I'm actually going home Christmas Eve day and staying till the 27th.
The job is going great. The boys were a little rowdy last week. We are working on "PSAs" about bullying, and last week we scouted locations. We went out to the soccer field and I had some trouble keeping them together. Two of the boys were fighting (not physically, but close) and so I had to deal with that. We talked it out when we got back in the classroom.
I'm going to ask Jen what she thinks of us doing a drum circle. I've done it in other groups and it can work really well. I could see the boys really enjoying it. It's somewhat physical, and it gives them an arena where it's OK to be loud. The hardest thing for us would be getting enough drums together and making sure they didn't get damaged. Maybe we could make something that would make a similar noise. That might work.
So, I've got some thinking to do. I'm going to go on the web and look up the Dramatists' Guild. I also want to work on a flyer to put up to get more students. And I want to look into making drums or something. I've got my work cut out for me this week. Feeding my three identities--love it!!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Didn't get the student film. I knew I wasn't right for it. The next thing I try out for will be Vincent in Brixton, directed by Mary Job. I really want to work with her; everything she does is amazing. I've tried out for her once, and of course I didn't get in. Everyone wants to work with her.
Saw Burlesque today and it was great. It inspired me to be more feminine and glamorous. I've been living in heels this weekend, first at a concert last night, then today, and tomorrow again for a premiere. My heels I wore today are very like a pair the lead wears in the movie. I'm feeling so good about my body that I want to show it off to its best advantage. I'm not a twentysomething size 2, but I think I look pretty damn good for forty. And I plan to keep looking good.
My first week at Gateway went great. I really enjoy working with these kids. They have so much sadness and instability in their lives, but we provide an island of support and hope. I can't go into individual stories here because it's all confidential. But they are great kids. We are working on a "peace tree" (rather than a Christmas tree). Jen (the teacher I'm working with) is making a tree out of copper wire and we are making ornaments to put on it. The ornaments are glass balls that we drew on with sharpies. Jen comes up with some great ideas! I hope something will strike me (maybe in my sleep!) that we can do.
Went to both Interval and Strength and Stretch this week. Hoping to do this every week. Today I'm going to Parkwood to burn on the Arc Trainer. I'm struck by the difference between scales: the MAC scale says I have stayed about steady the past few weeks, whereas the Parkwood scale shows a loss of two pounds. The Oak Park shows the lowest weight. I'm going by the MAC scale because we weigh at a consistent time and earliest, right after breakfast. But I like to see the numbers go down at Parkwood. The weight is higher, though--around 153.
So now I'm going to get some dinner and go to Parkwood. Hanging up now...
Saw Burlesque today and it was great. It inspired me to be more feminine and glamorous. I've been living in heels this weekend, first at a concert last night, then today, and tomorrow again for a premiere. My heels I wore today are very like a pair the lead wears in the movie. I'm feeling so good about my body that I want to show it off to its best advantage. I'm not a twentysomething size 2, but I think I look pretty damn good for forty. And I plan to keep looking good.
My first week at Gateway went great. I really enjoy working with these kids. They have so much sadness and instability in their lives, but we provide an island of support and hope. I can't go into individual stories here because it's all confidential. But they are great kids. We are working on a "peace tree" (rather than a Christmas tree). Jen (the teacher I'm working with) is making a tree out of copper wire and we are making ornaments to put on it. The ornaments are glass balls that we drew on with sharpies. Jen comes up with some great ideas! I hope something will strike me (maybe in my sleep!) that we can do.
Went to both Interval and Strength and Stretch this week. Hoping to do this every week. Today I'm going to Parkwood to burn on the Arc Trainer. I'm struck by the difference between scales: the MAC scale says I have stayed about steady the past few weeks, whereas the Parkwood scale shows a loss of two pounds. The Oak Park shows the lowest weight. I'm going by the MAC scale because we weigh at a consistent time and earliest, right after breakfast. But I like to see the numbers go down at Parkwood. The weight is higher, though--around 153.
So now I'm going to get some dinner and go to Parkwood. Hanging up now...
Monday, November 29, 2010
Audition thoughts
Got back from the audition a little while ago. I found the studio with a little help from people around the building. There was a lounge where I could wait so I sat and read my book for a while. A nicely-dressed woman who looked to be about ten years older than I came in to audition. The woman who put out the casting call, Megan, turned up shortly after that. She is VERY young. I'm always surprised how young college students are and how many years separate us. It seems like just yesterday I was a college student myself. I never felt as unsure as these kids, though. I shook the girl's hand and she gave me a very weak handshake. So young.
She gave us (myself, the nicely dressed woman, and a third woman who had come in) copies of the script. It was short, only 9 pages long. It is basically a monologue with a woman preparing for an interview. From the script I could tell that I am probably too "fresh" to do this role; this woman probably needs to look like she's been knocked around by life a bit. But it's not up to me, and I don't know exactly what they're looking for, of course.
I was the second to read. I walked into the studio and was surprised to find they didn't have a camera. Introduced myself to one of the two men, Ethan, and got another weak handshake. I sat on a stool and read from the script. They had me do a bit at the end and then a piece in the middle. Much of it depended on facial expressions and I think I gave them something. I handed them my headshot and resume and I think they were surprised when I said the shot was for them. They didn't seem very professional. I'm not sure why there was no camera; maybe they were too late in reserving it for the night. Again, such kids. They said they would let me know tomorrow.
Because I'm working in the afternoon, I'm getting together with Remya at 10:30. I plan to get up around 9. I'm thinking I'll go to bed early.
Hanging up now...
She gave us (myself, the nicely dressed woman, and a third woman who had come in) copies of the script. It was short, only 9 pages long. It is basically a monologue with a woman preparing for an interview. From the script I could tell that I am probably too "fresh" to do this role; this woman probably needs to look like she's been knocked around by life a bit. But it's not up to me, and I don't know exactly what they're looking for, of course.
I was the second to read. I walked into the studio and was surprised to find they didn't have a camera. Introduced myself to one of the two men, Ethan, and got another weak handshake. I sat on a stool and read from the script. They had me do a bit at the end and then a piece in the middle. Much of it depended on facial expressions and I think I gave them something. I handed them my headshot and resume and I think they were surprised when I said the shot was for them. They didn't seem very professional. I'm not sure why there was no camera; maybe they were too late in reserving it for the night. Again, such kids. They said they would let me know tomorrow.
Because I'm working in the afternoon, I'm getting together with Remya at 10:30. I plan to get up around 9. I'm thinking I'll go to bed early.
Hanging up now...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Just got back last night from Thanksgiving with the folks. We had a good time. I got there Wednesday and we saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt. 1. It impressed me. I'm not a big HP fan but I think this story is better than the others. I love Ron and he has a lot of great moments in this one. As I said to Mom, Harry is the soul, Hermione is the brains, but Ron is the heart. I've loved him ever since he looked up at the huge chessboard in no. 1 and said, "I'll be a knight."
Thursday Mom got up early and got the turkey ready before she went to work. Dad woke me up at 9 to watch the Macy's parade. I saw most of it; I got tired of watching the whole thing. It is a nice way to start Thanksgiving Day, though. Mom got back from work at 2 and we threw the rest of the meal together. I had a good meal just like I wanted to, and no second helpings. We then watched the Lions game (Lions didn't get stomped too badly) and then the Saints game. Saints won!
Friday we went to Smith Lake. Such a beautiful place. It is lovely year round. Dad and I have gone there when the snow is on the ground, and it is great in the heat of summer. When we went this trip, it was cold but clear. We had turkey melts and took a walk.
I left Saturday after lunch with Mom. Got back in time to work out on the Arc Trainer. I've been devouring Deathly Hallows so I know the end before part 2 comes out. I'm about halfway through. If I keep going at this rate, I should be done by next week.
Adam and I saw Puss in Boots today. Found out that Mike S. is directing Merchant of Venice next summer. I want Portia so bad!!! I've been Beatrice and Lady Macbeth, so this would complete the triumvirate of strongest women Shakespeare parts, in my opinion.
Tomorrow is my audition for the student film! I'm looking forward to it. It's in the Communication Arts Building. I know where that is but I don't know how to get to Studio E, where the auditions are taking place. I've emailed the director; if she doesn't respond, I have another FB friend who would know. I will arrive at 7:30 for an 8:00 audition, so I will have plenty of time to find it.
Since Adam and I hung out today, I didn't make it to Fellowship. Seems like I keep putting it off. It will happen when it's supposed to. I don't feel like I'm being bad or anything. I'm free from guilt. It's been so long since I wrestled with myself over my faith. I'm just content in the love of others and a sense that everything will be well. I don't even know if I can say I believe in God anymore. I just have faith. Is it possible to have faith even if there's not one figure to fix your faith on?
Hanging up now...
Thursday Mom got up early and got the turkey ready before she went to work. Dad woke me up at 9 to watch the Macy's parade. I saw most of it; I got tired of watching the whole thing. It is a nice way to start Thanksgiving Day, though. Mom got back from work at 2 and we threw the rest of the meal together. I had a good meal just like I wanted to, and no second helpings. We then watched the Lions game (Lions didn't get stomped too badly) and then the Saints game. Saints won!
Friday we went to Smith Lake. Such a beautiful place. It is lovely year round. Dad and I have gone there when the snow is on the ground, and it is great in the heat of summer. When we went this trip, it was cold but clear. We had turkey melts and took a walk.
I left Saturday after lunch with Mom. Got back in time to work out on the Arc Trainer. I've been devouring Deathly Hallows so I know the end before part 2 comes out. I'm about halfway through. If I keep going at this rate, I should be done by next week.
Adam and I saw Puss in Boots today. Found out that Mike S. is directing Merchant of Venice next summer. I want Portia so bad!!! I've been Beatrice and Lady Macbeth, so this would complete the triumvirate of strongest women Shakespeare parts, in my opinion.
Tomorrow is my audition for the student film! I'm looking forward to it. It's in the Communication Arts Building. I know where that is but I don't know how to get to Studio E, where the auditions are taking place. I've emailed the director; if she doesn't respond, I have another FB friend who would know. I will arrive at 7:30 for an 8:00 audition, so I will have plenty of time to find it.
Since Adam and I hung out today, I didn't make it to Fellowship. Seems like I keep putting it off. It will happen when it's supposed to. I don't feel like I'm being bad or anything. I'm free from guilt. It's been so long since I wrestled with myself over my faith. I'm just content in the love of others and a sense that everything will be well. I don't even know if I can say I believe in God anymore. I just have faith. Is it possible to have faith even if there's not one figure to fix your faith on?
Hanging up now...
Monday, November 22, 2010
Workin'!
Things really seem to be looking up for me. Aside from my new job, I have other good news to report. Riverwalk periodically sends out audition notices for film and commercials. Usually there isn't anything for me, but this last time there were two roles I could fill--one for a paid, non-speaking commercial, and one for a lead in a student film. The commercial talent is being handled by Janus Talent Agency. This agency is run by Jeff, the guy who directed my staged reading! So I already know him and he's seen my work. I sent him my new headshot (pictured in my profile here) and my resume, and he wrote today to say he had sent these on to the client. As far as the student film, I also sent the director my info and she responded that auditions are next Monday and if I was still interested she would give me the time and place. I said YEAH I was interested! (Well, I said it more professionally than that.) I am really excited about both of these. It would be fun to get some on-camera experience! I want to do film and commercials and this would be a great way to start.
Worked out with Stephanie today. I'm up in weight again but that could be due to a lot of things. The really exciting thing is that I'm down 1 1/2 % body fat, from 36.5 to 35. 35 is the top of the normal range for women. I have a goal of getting it down to 34.5 next week. Ideally, I'd like it to be 30 %. The workout was hard, but that's what I'm paying her for. And we have a good time.
I decided to see Adam's show yesterday. SaDonna and I went down together. We got stuck in traffic with all the construction and didn't make the first act. We saw the second act, though, and I think that's when a lot of the action happened. Adam acted very naturally and created an interesting character. Jan, the lead, had lots of energy and good delivery. The set was lovely and I loved the theater--it's in the round, and Jeff blocked it so everyone in the audience got a good view. There's so much you can do with theater in the round, and it's too often neglected. I like Riverwalk's thrust stage, but some directors treat it like a regular proscenium stage. It's hard to be conscious of all sides, but it makes the staging much more interesting if you are.
I didn't make it to Fellowship. Got back into town at 6. I've been thinking a lot about Hairspray, and I've decided not to audition. Rehearsals are Sunday-Thursday, which gives people weekends off, but if I did a show with a Sunday night rehearsal I would have to be late or miss Fellowship. I want to put God first for a while. So I will go to Fellowship next Sunday and see if it's for me. If not, I still don't think I will audition. So many people will be trying out and I just don't want to get hurt again so soon. I'm excited about these other jobs and I think I might have better luck booking them. We'll see.
I have a goal of losing another pound by next Monday. I will be really careful for Thanksgiving. One helping only. White meat turkey, no gravy. One small scoop each of stuffing, yams, and green bean casserole. One crescent roll. One or two bowls of salad. And yes, one SMALL piece of pumpkin pie. I bet out of all the pies you could eat, pumpkin is one of the better ones. Pecan is probably the worst.
Tomorrow I'll burn on the bike again. I'm alternating Arc Trainer and bike--not doing elliptical or walking on the treadmill any more. I don't think they're hard enough. Still enjoying going to the Parkwood Y. Didn't go to Interval today b/c I worked with Stephanie instead. But I like the cardio equipment and the weights at Parkwood.
Well, I think that's enough for tonight. Excited about the coming week, especially that audition on Monday. Wish me luck!
Hanging up now...
Worked out with Stephanie today. I'm up in weight again but that could be due to a lot of things. The really exciting thing is that I'm down 1 1/2 % body fat, from 36.5 to 35. 35 is the top of the normal range for women. I have a goal of getting it down to 34.5 next week. Ideally, I'd like it to be 30 %. The workout was hard, but that's what I'm paying her for. And we have a good time.
I decided to see Adam's show yesterday. SaDonna and I went down together. We got stuck in traffic with all the construction and didn't make the first act. We saw the second act, though, and I think that's when a lot of the action happened. Adam acted very naturally and created an interesting character. Jan, the lead, had lots of energy and good delivery. The set was lovely and I loved the theater--it's in the round, and Jeff blocked it so everyone in the audience got a good view. There's so much you can do with theater in the round, and it's too often neglected. I like Riverwalk's thrust stage, but some directors treat it like a regular proscenium stage. It's hard to be conscious of all sides, but it makes the staging much more interesting if you are.
I didn't make it to Fellowship. Got back into town at 6. I've been thinking a lot about Hairspray, and I've decided not to audition. Rehearsals are Sunday-Thursday, which gives people weekends off, but if I did a show with a Sunday night rehearsal I would have to be late or miss Fellowship. I want to put God first for a while. So I will go to Fellowship next Sunday and see if it's for me. If not, I still don't think I will audition. So many people will be trying out and I just don't want to get hurt again so soon. I'm excited about these other jobs and I think I might have better luck booking them. We'll see.
I have a goal of losing another pound by next Monday. I will be really careful for Thanksgiving. One helping only. White meat turkey, no gravy. One small scoop each of stuffing, yams, and green bean casserole. One crescent roll. One or two bowls of salad. And yes, one SMALL piece of pumpkin pie. I bet out of all the pies you could eat, pumpkin is one of the better ones. Pecan is probably the worst.
Tomorrow I'll burn on the bike again. I'm alternating Arc Trainer and bike--not doing elliptical or walking on the treadmill any more. I don't think they're hard enough. Still enjoying going to the Parkwood Y. Didn't go to Interval today b/c I worked with Stephanie instead. But I like the cardio equipment and the weights at Parkwood.
Well, I think that's enough for tonight. Excited about the coming week, especially that audition on Monday. Wish me luck!
Hanging up now...
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Glad to be alive
I almost got run over in the Meijer parking lot last night. I was walking into the building when a woman in a truck whipped around the corner coming right towards me. I slammed my hands against her bumper and jumped away. She drove past me and out of the lot. It was so scary. I immediately went into Meijer and sat down on the floor. A woman came in and asked if I was all right. She had seen what happened and gave me her name and number in case I needed a witness.
It all happened so fast I didn't know what to do. I looked at the woman as she drove by me, and she looked at me, but instead of yelling at her or something I continued on into Meijer. I've never been almost run down before; how would I know how to react? I was just very shaken up and glad to be alive. I should have gotten her plate number or something, but I didn't really know what to do. I can't believe she didn't stop.
When I woke up this morning I just had a terrible feeling of dread. Post-traumatic stress? I don't know. It felt good to be alive, though. It makes me want to be even more careful with the way I drive, especially in parking lots.
I'm kind of melancholy tonight because I would like to be at Adam's show. It's in Canton, though, and tickets are $15. I really can't afford the gas or the ticket. It's the last chance I would get to see the show; tomorrow I'm going to Fellowship for Today. I'm looking forward to that. Wait a minute...I might be able to go! The show is probably around 2 hours, which would take us to 4. SaDonna says it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to get there. That would put me back right around 5:30. Maybe I could slip in to the church a little late.
Just texted Adam about the play. Hopefully I will hear back from him soon.
My workout was too easy today. I walked on an inclined treadmill at 3.8 mph. I didn't sweat and my heart rate didn't get too high. I was going to do the Arc Trainer but I decided not to. Didn't feel like pushing myself, I guess. Maybe because of the experience last night?
Last night was also Silver Bells in the City. It heralds the beginning of the Christmas season. There's a parade, the tree lighting, and fireworks. I stood and watched the parade for a while but couldn't see much. There was a lot of bad Scroogy behaviour all around me! People pushing and shoving, telling others to get out of the way so they could see. After a while, I decided I had seen (or not seen) enough, so I turned around to leave. The crowd was so thick behind me I almost couldn't get out! There was just nowhere to go. It took me about five or ten minutes to make my way through the mass of people. After I got out, I headed back towards Riverwalk. The Knight Cap was serving food and hot drinks on a patio outside the restaurant so I stopped for some hot cider and lobster bisque. I've heard fantastic things about the bisque and I'm here to say the rumors are true.
After I ate I went back out to the street to watch the tree lighting and fireworks. Now THAT was worth seeing. Next year, if I come, I will just watch that. After the fireworks, I headed down to Riverwalk. I was too late for the Irish Dancers (I still have never seen them) but I did get to see the teaser for Puss in Boots. Anna was magnificent. She has inherited my mantle of funny, ugly, and scary. I'm really excited to see the whole thing.
Went to Gateway yesterday and talked to Jen, the teacher I will be working with. This job is going to be so amazing! It's basically art therapy for at-risk kids. She was happy to find out I had a background in theater, since they are doing some PSA-type videos on bullying and stuff like that. They also work with masks and make collages. We can use stuff from the plethora of magazines Mom returns every week. We do the projects right along with the kids, so I'm getting to be creative on the job. It's going to be great!
Just heard from SaDonna and she said the play is 2 hrs long. I should be able to do both. I really want to go and support Adam. He comes to all of my shows, so I should do the same for him. And I'd like to see the play--it sounds interesting. It's a "problem play"--not typical, Sunshine Boys Simon.
I have decided I'm going tomorrow and I've picked out what to wear. I tried on the blazer that goes with the skirt and it fits PERFECTLY! I've never worn the blazer before--I got too big after I bought it. I'm going right to Fellowship afterwards so this will work for that as well. Dress is probably pretty casual, but I dress this way for me. I love to dress up. Guess it's the actress in me.
Okay, hot cocoa is drunk, kitchen is cleaned, cat is dozing...and I'm off to play on Facebook. See ya!
Hanging up now...
It all happened so fast I didn't know what to do. I looked at the woman as she drove by me, and she looked at me, but instead of yelling at her or something I continued on into Meijer. I've never been almost run down before; how would I know how to react? I was just very shaken up and glad to be alive. I should have gotten her plate number or something, but I didn't really know what to do. I can't believe she didn't stop.
When I woke up this morning I just had a terrible feeling of dread. Post-traumatic stress? I don't know. It felt good to be alive, though. It makes me want to be even more careful with the way I drive, especially in parking lots.
I'm kind of melancholy tonight because I would like to be at Adam's show. It's in Canton, though, and tickets are $15. I really can't afford the gas or the ticket. It's the last chance I would get to see the show; tomorrow I'm going to Fellowship for Today. I'm looking forward to that. Wait a minute...I might be able to go! The show is probably around 2 hours, which would take us to 4. SaDonna says it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to get there. That would put me back right around 5:30. Maybe I could slip in to the church a little late.
Just texted Adam about the play. Hopefully I will hear back from him soon.
My workout was too easy today. I walked on an inclined treadmill at 3.8 mph. I didn't sweat and my heart rate didn't get too high. I was going to do the Arc Trainer but I decided not to. Didn't feel like pushing myself, I guess. Maybe because of the experience last night?
Last night was also Silver Bells in the City. It heralds the beginning of the Christmas season. There's a parade, the tree lighting, and fireworks. I stood and watched the parade for a while but couldn't see much. There was a lot of bad Scroogy behaviour all around me! People pushing and shoving, telling others to get out of the way so they could see. After a while, I decided I had seen (or not seen) enough, so I turned around to leave. The crowd was so thick behind me I almost couldn't get out! There was just nowhere to go. It took me about five or ten minutes to make my way through the mass of people. After I got out, I headed back towards Riverwalk. The Knight Cap was serving food and hot drinks on a patio outside the restaurant so I stopped for some hot cider and lobster bisque. I've heard fantastic things about the bisque and I'm here to say the rumors are true.
After I ate I went back out to the street to watch the tree lighting and fireworks. Now THAT was worth seeing. Next year, if I come, I will just watch that. After the fireworks, I headed down to Riverwalk. I was too late for the Irish Dancers (I still have never seen them) but I did get to see the teaser for Puss in Boots. Anna was magnificent. She has inherited my mantle of funny, ugly, and scary. I'm really excited to see the whole thing.
Went to Gateway yesterday and talked to Jen, the teacher I will be working with. This job is going to be so amazing! It's basically art therapy for at-risk kids. She was happy to find out I had a background in theater, since they are doing some PSA-type videos on bullying and stuff like that. They also work with masks and make collages. We can use stuff from the plethora of magazines Mom returns every week. We do the projects right along with the kids, so I'm getting to be creative on the job. It's going to be great!
Just heard from SaDonna and she said the play is 2 hrs long. I should be able to do both. I really want to go and support Adam. He comes to all of my shows, so I should do the same for him. And I'd like to see the play--it sounds interesting. It's a "problem play"--not typical, Sunshine Boys Simon.
I have decided I'm going tomorrow and I've picked out what to wear. I tried on the blazer that goes with the skirt and it fits PERFECTLY! I've never worn the blazer before--I got too big after I bought it. I'm going right to Fellowship afterwards so this will work for that as well. Dress is probably pretty casual, but I dress this way for me. I love to dress up. Guess it's the actress in me.
Okay, hot cocoa is drunk, kitchen is cleaned, cat is dozing...and I'm off to play on Facebook. See ya!
Hanging up now...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Endings, beginnings
I'm pretty sure I didn't get into AM. It's 11 PM on Tuesday night. Joe has probably called everybody. But I don't feel too bad. There's always another show. Hairspray auditions are coming up and I have changed my song. I really wanted to do that Jack and the Beanstalk song, but I haven't found sheet music, and I don't want to do it a capella. So I have decided to do "What Happened to my Part?" from Spamalot. I will get the CD and download the sheet music. I will have to work on my own but I think I can do it myself. I joked with Kelly that we should get Skype and she could help me out that way. She has Skype but I don't. Oh, well. I'll just have to see what I can do without help.
So I'm left again with the question: Am I any good? There was a LOT of competition this time and I didn't get in. Of course,a bunch of talented people didn't get in. So I am one of many. I've heard good things from people about my work. I have to tell myself again, there's always another show. Riverwalk has such a good season, I'll just keep trying out until I get something. Someone will see me and decide I am perfect for a certain role. It just depends on the director and the part. Ann had a lot of faith in me when she cast me as Hilda, and I like to think I came through. I was happy with my work when I watched the DVD; I actually became someone else. And I had a great role in Uncommon Good. I've had my good roles. There will be more.
Personal life trumps professional life. I saw someone I like tonight and I think the feeling is mutual. There are complications, and I don't want to go into it here because I want to protect the people involved. And I don't want to jinx it. Suffice it to say that I am happy and whatever comes of it, it served as a diversion tonight.
Okay, so tomorrow I am meeting with Stephanie and I will get weighed again! Here's hoping I'm 149. Time for bed, so once again I'll say--
Hanging up now...
So I'm left again with the question: Am I any good? There was a LOT of competition this time and I didn't get in. Of course,a bunch of talented people didn't get in. So I am one of many. I've heard good things from people about my work. I have to tell myself again, there's always another show. Riverwalk has such a good season, I'll just keep trying out until I get something. Someone will see me and decide I am perfect for a certain role. It just depends on the director and the part. Ann had a lot of faith in me when she cast me as Hilda, and I like to think I came through. I was happy with my work when I watched the DVD; I actually became someone else. And I had a great role in Uncommon Good. I've had my good roles. There will be more.
Personal life trumps professional life. I saw someone I like tonight and I think the feeling is mutual. There are complications, and I don't want to go into it here because I want to protect the people involved. And I don't want to jinx it. Suffice it to say that I am happy and whatever comes of it, it served as a diversion tonight.
Okay, so tomorrow I am meeting with Stephanie and I will get weighed again! Here's hoping I'm 149. Time for bed, so once again I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Monday, November 15, 2010
Almost...?
Okay, so there were more than FIFTY people there tonight!!! I read three times in total, twice last night and once tonight. That's actually pretty good--everyone got to read twice last night. Tonight most of the people who came back from last night didn't even get to read. However, Joe called me up on stage to do the very last scene of the night. I felt I took it in an interesting direction. It's between a woman and a man who asked her to marry him years ago. She doesn't recognize him but she has come back to say yes. She finds out it is him at the very end of the scene, but I played it as if I was realizing it was him during the scene. The actor I read with seemed to go with this and so we gave what I thought was a very interesting and unique reading. Even if this isn't how Joe wants to go with it, I hope he sees that I can commit to objectives and meet them.
Made it to Interval today! I was so glad I did. Kathy ran the class, and boy was she hard on us. We didn't do as much weights as I wanted to but I used heavier weights so I got quality, if not quantity. We worked on the Step and I felt much better about doing it. There were two girls who had never done Step before so they were a little lost. One woman tried to show them how to do the steps as we were doing them, and Kathy said the important thing was to keep moving. They did all right, and when I talked to them later they said they would do it again. We all had red and happy faces.
I may have gone down a little bit more in weight; the scale showed between 149 and 150. I'd love to weigh 149.5 or even 149 Wednesday. I've been eating pretty well. I start my day with oatmeal and egg whites or a protein shake. I usually have leftovers or a small sandwich for lunch. I have an afternoon snack and a moderate dinner. The hard part for me, as I've said before, is at night. I was really hungry when I got home from auditions tonight so I had an egg, turkey, and cheese. That was a lot. I really needed protein, though. Tomorrow I'll do the oatmeal again with a protein shake.
I've finally heard from the teacher I will be working with. We're going to meet either Thursday or Friday morning. So I will in all likelihood be starting next week.
Well, it's very late and I should go to bed.
Hanging up now...
Made it to Interval today! I was so glad I did. Kathy ran the class, and boy was she hard on us. We didn't do as much weights as I wanted to but I used heavier weights so I got quality, if not quantity. We worked on the Step and I felt much better about doing it. There were two girls who had never done Step before so they were a little lost. One woman tried to show them how to do the steps as we were doing them, and Kathy said the important thing was to keep moving. They did all right, and when I talked to them later they said they would do it again. We all had red and happy faces.
I may have gone down a little bit more in weight; the scale showed between 149 and 150. I'd love to weigh 149.5 or even 149 Wednesday. I've been eating pretty well. I start my day with oatmeal and egg whites or a protein shake. I usually have leftovers or a small sandwich for lunch. I have an afternoon snack and a moderate dinner. The hard part for me, as I've said before, is at night. I was really hungry when I got home from auditions tonight so I had an egg, turkey, and cheese. That was a lot. I really needed protein, though. Tomorrow I'll do the oatmeal again with a protein shake.
I've finally heard from the teacher I will be working with. We're going to meet either Thursday or Friday morning. So I will in all likelihood be starting next week.
Well, it's very late and I should go to bed.
Hanging up now...
Saturday, November 13, 2010
I feel good, I didn't know how much I would...
Is there anything better than getting squeaky clean after a good sweaty workout? That thought crossed my mind in the Parkwood Y locker room tonight after a hot shower. The workout on the Arc Trainer felt fantastic. At first I didn't think it was intense enough but once I got going I started sweating and breathing hard. I burned 300 calories in 30 minutes, and I got my heart rate into the 140s. That's a good cardio range.
Looked at myself naked in the mirror today and I have to say I like my body. Although it would be nice to weigh less, I am happy with the way I look now. I'm not "lumpy" like I used to be. I used to not even be able to look at myself naked but now I think I look fine, especially for forty. I look a lot better than I did at 30, when I weighed 180!
My friend John made a play on my name in his last email, saying I should picture myself as a hawk flying high and slim. I then got a sign today...I saw a bird fly up in front at me when I was at the drive-thru and I thought it was a mourning dove (it was about that size). When I pulled out to Jolly, I saw a bird sitting on the sign for Okemos Road and instantly recognized it as a small hawk, probably a kestrel. It definitely had that hawk profile. I feel it affirmed my friend's comment. A sign for me to continue down my road towards the body I know I can have.
The book continues to be good. Right now in the 1941 story Hong Kong has fallen to the Japanese. People are trying to carry on with some kind of life in the ruins. I find people's ability to carry on in terrible situations a wonderful part of being human. We always strive to have some sort of a life, whatever the circumstances. I think this is one reason I like war books so much--people's resilience shows through. Life is hard, and our ability to hang together and find beauty in small things is overwhelming to me. For all our problems, humans can make something out of nothing. We continually fight against despair.
Hanging up now...
Looked at myself naked in the mirror today and I have to say I like my body. Although it would be nice to weigh less, I am happy with the way I look now. I'm not "lumpy" like I used to be. I used to not even be able to look at myself naked but now I think I look fine, especially for forty. I look a lot better than I did at 30, when I weighed 180!
My friend John made a play on my name in his last email, saying I should picture myself as a hawk flying high and slim. I then got a sign today...I saw a bird fly up in front at me when I was at the drive-thru and I thought it was a mourning dove (it was about that size). When I pulled out to Jolly, I saw a bird sitting on the sign for Okemos Road and instantly recognized it as a small hawk, probably a kestrel. It definitely had that hawk profile. I feel it affirmed my friend's comment. A sign for me to continue down my road towards the body I know I can have.
The book continues to be good. Right now in the 1941 story Hong Kong has fallen to the Japanese. People are trying to carry on with some kind of life in the ruins. I find people's ability to carry on in terrible situations a wonderful part of being human. We always strive to have some sort of a life, whatever the circumstances. I think this is one reason I like war books so much--people's resilience shows through. Life is hard, and our ability to hang together and find beauty in small things is overwhelming to me. For all our problems, humans can make something out of nothing. We continually fight against despair.
Hanging up now...
Friday, November 12, 2010
Crashing
I'm extremely tired right now, not sure why. I got home from a big grocery shopping trip and I was hungry, so I ate some hummus and carrots. I haven't been on FB all day so I checked in. Not much happening there. I've been trying to stay off the computer and read more. The book continues to be good and I like the switches between periods. The author tells the 1941 story in the third person present, an odd and intriguing choice. She tells Claire's story in the more conventional third person past. I find it interesting that she chooses the present tense to write about 1941, since it's actually farther in the past than 1952. Not sure why she uses the different tenses. I think it's to separate the two stories--when I first started reading the second story it jarred me out of the flow due to the change in tense.
I'm going to dinner tonight with SaDonna. Her treat! We are going to Los Tres Amigos. I've only been there once so I'm looking forward to it. I don't have a lot of money right now so I'm glad she is treating.
Still waiting to hear from the teacher on when to start the Gateway job. Tatanisha says she will ask her tomorrow when she sees her. The teacher is very busy and needs someone to help--I'm here to help!
The Oak Park Y wellness center (where the weight machines and cardio machines are) is closed for renovations, so I went to the Parkwood Y last night. It is so much nicer! The machines are a lot more spread out and they have an Arc Trainer. I first worked on that machine at Court One, but they didn't have one at Oak Park. Now I know I can go to Parkwood and get on one. I'm going to do it tomorrow.
Auditions for Almost, Maine are Sunday. I'm interested in seeing who will come out. I wonder how many people from Farnsworth will be there. I will face the question of whether or not I am actually good or am I just getting a part because there's not much competition. I'd like to see a combination of competition and availability of parts. The director said he can cast more people or less based on who comes out.
Speaking of acting, I watched Bremen Town and parts of Uncommon Good yesterday. Bremen Town was a lot of fun. I think I really created a character that was different and one the audience loved to hate. Uncommon Good was another story. I couldn't watch all of it. It was like I had PTSD. I remembered how hard it was to remember lines and how much trouble we all had. There were several slips and awkward moments. But the worst of it came when I tried to watch the Nelson section. I couldn't watch it. See, I found out that Derek (Nelson) has been sent to prison for 12 years for having sex with a minor under 13 years of age. !!! I couldn't believe it when I heard it. So I guess I will not be seeing much of him again. Thinking about working with him, sharing an intimate time on stage, disgusts me. I can't even think of working with him again. Don't think that'll be a problem:; I doubt he'll be in the mood to do theater when he gets out.
I have started looking around for playwrighting contests to submit Checking Out to. I haven't had any luck so far. The contests I saw called for plays with no more than seven characters. CO has 12. I am going to submit it to LCP for possible performance. I'm waiting on Tony to send me the submission form, then I will send it off.
Well, I'm going to get ready for dinner, so once again I'll say--
Hanging up now...
I'm going to dinner tonight with SaDonna. Her treat! We are going to Los Tres Amigos. I've only been there once so I'm looking forward to it. I don't have a lot of money right now so I'm glad she is treating.
Still waiting to hear from the teacher on when to start the Gateway job. Tatanisha says she will ask her tomorrow when she sees her. The teacher is very busy and needs someone to help--I'm here to help!
The Oak Park Y wellness center (where the weight machines and cardio machines are) is closed for renovations, so I went to the Parkwood Y last night. It is so much nicer! The machines are a lot more spread out and they have an Arc Trainer. I first worked on that machine at Court One, but they didn't have one at Oak Park. Now I know I can go to Parkwood and get on one. I'm going to do it tomorrow.
Auditions for Almost, Maine are Sunday. I'm interested in seeing who will come out. I wonder how many people from Farnsworth will be there. I will face the question of whether or not I am actually good or am I just getting a part because there's not much competition. I'd like to see a combination of competition and availability of parts. The director said he can cast more people or less based on who comes out.
Speaking of acting, I watched Bremen Town and parts of Uncommon Good yesterday. Bremen Town was a lot of fun. I think I really created a character that was different and one the audience loved to hate. Uncommon Good was another story. I couldn't watch all of it. It was like I had PTSD. I remembered how hard it was to remember lines and how much trouble we all had. There were several slips and awkward moments. But the worst of it came when I tried to watch the Nelson section. I couldn't watch it. See, I found out that Derek (Nelson) has been sent to prison for 12 years for having sex with a minor under 13 years of age. !!! I couldn't believe it when I heard it. So I guess I will not be seeing much of him again. Thinking about working with him, sharing an intimate time on stage, disgusts me. I can't even think of working with him again. Don't think that'll be a problem:; I doubt he'll be in the mood to do theater when he gets out.
I have started looking around for playwrighting contests to submit Checking Out to. I haven't had any luck so far. The contests I saw called for plays with no more than seven characters. CO has 12. I am going to submit it to LCP for possible performance. I'm waiting on Tony to send me the submission form, then I will send it off.
Well, I'm going to get ready for dinner, so once again I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Around the writer's block
I have started looking around for playwrighting contests. I did a Google search and found a list of them. Out of the whole list, I found two. Then I looked closer at those and realized they both called for no more than 7 characters. Checking Out has twelve. So those contests are out. It's frustrating. My playwrighting professor at Michigan mentioned that theaters don't want to do plays with a lot of characters for costs' sake. However, I am going to submit it to LCP and see what comes of that. And I'm going to keep looking online. There must be SOME contests that don't have the same strict guidelines.
Weighed in at the gym at plain ol' 150 today, just as I wanted. Next week I hope to get it to 149 or 149.5 at the most. I also went down 1/2 % in body fat. Remya mentioned yesterday that she could see a difference in my face. That's not where I want to lose it though! Why can't I decide where I want to lose it? ;)
I seem to have been oblivious to the newsletters and the posters about the renovations to the Y. I know they have been working on it but I went last night to find the cardio room closed. The classes will still be going on but the main gym will be closed for six weeks. The pictures of how it will look when it is done are really cool. I'm going to go to the Parkwood Y until the renovations are done. Evan goes to Parkwood so I told him we should have a gym date.
Eating has been going well, mostly because I'm broke. SaDonna is taking me out for my birthday dinner Friday, and we're going to Los Tres Amigos (her favorite, but I picked it). I have to be careful and not get something smothered in cheese or anything. Tonight I'm having pasta and vegetables tossed with olive oil, and later I'm having a turkey-avocado wrap at Leo's (what did I say about being broke? Well, I guess I have a little money. I've depleted my dress fund money, but I'll start building it up again next week.)
I finished Girl Who Played with Fire and am reading a new book. It's really good. It's called The Piano Teacher. It takes place in pre- and post- war Hong Kong. The piano teacher in question is a young Englishwoman who comes with her husband to Hong Kong in 1952. A well-to-do Chinese family, the Chens, hire her to teach their daughter, Locket. One day a porcelain rabbit falls off the piano into Claire's purse and she keeps it. She starts stealing from the family, everything from napkins and scarves to makeup and perfume. The family fires the amah thinking she has been stealing. The parallel story takes place in 1941. It concerns an Englishman, Will, and his Chinese girlfriend, the socialite Trudy. I couldn't figure out the link until Claire meets Will in 1952; he is the Chen's chauffeur. Claire and Will start up an affair, and that's as far as I've read up to so far. I hope it won't be too predictable; so far I predicted the amah would get fired and that Will and Claire would have an affair. The language is good, though. I think it will be an interesting read.
It's time for dinner...I had a little lunch and a small snack. So for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Weighed in at the gym at plain ol' 150 today, just as I wanted. Next week I hope to get it to 149 or 149.5 at the most. I also went down 1/2 % in body fat. Remya mentioned yesterday that she could see a difference in my face. That's not where I want to lose it though! Why can't I decide where I want to lose it? ;)
I seem to have been oblivious to the newsletters and the posters about the renovations to the Y. I know they have been working on it but I went last night to find the cardio room closed. The classes will still be going on but the main gym will be closed for six weeks. The pictures of how it will look when it is done are really cool. I'm going to go to the Parkwood Y until the renovations are done. Evan goes to Parkwood so I told him we should have a gym date.
Eating has been going well, mostly because I'm broke. SaDonna is taking me out for my birthday dinner Friday, and we're going to Los Tres Amigos (her favorite, but I picked it). I have to be careful and not get something smothered in cheese or anything. Tonight I'm having pasta and vegetables tossed with olive oil, and later I'm having a turkey-avocado wrap at Leo's (what did I say about being broke? Well, I guess I have a little money. I've depleted my dress fund money, but I'll start building it up again next week.)
I finished Girl Who Played with Fire and am reading a new book. It's really good. It's called The Piano Teacher. It takes place in pre- and post- war Hong Kong. The piano teacher in question is a young Englishwoman who comes with her husband to Hong Kong in 1952. A well-to-do Chinese family, the Chens, hire her to teach their daughter, Locket. One day a porcelain rabbit falls off the piano into Claire's purse and she keeps it. She starts stealing from the family, everything from napkins and scarves to makeup and perfume. The family fires the amah thinking she has been stealing. The parallel story takes place in 1941. It concerns an Englishman, Will, and his Chinese girlfriend, the socialite Trudy. I couldn't figure out the link until Claire meets Will in 1952; he is the Chen's chauffeur. Claire and Will start up an affair, and that's as far as I've read up to so far. I hope it won't be too predictable; so far I predicted the amah would get fired and that Will and Claire would have an affair. The language is good, though. I think it will be an interesting read.
It's time for dinner...I had a little lunch and a small snack. So for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Monday, November 8, 2010
Good times
Well, the reading went great. We had a good sized audience and they asked good questions/had good suggestions afterwards. I was really happy with the actors' interpretations of the characters. Jeff obviously did a lot of work with them on "hitting the points" as he calls it. I'd like to be IN a show of his to see more of his process.
Halloween Bash V was a rousing success as well. Now I can say what I was: I went as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I wore a T-shirt that said "Vampires Suck" and carried a garden stake I had gotten for 89 cents at Ace Hardware. I remembered that when she stakes them they just go "poof" in a cloud of dust so I didn't end up doing the blood. There were lots of pictures taken and I actually like the way I look in them. The weight loss really shows. I got a great compliment from Evan P. who said I looked really good. It's nice to hear that sort of thing, especially from friends who have seen the change over time.
The weight loss has slowed/stopped but I'm hoping to change that. I'm doing a lot more protein shakes, which I was doing when I first started losing. I've heard that the more protein you take in, the more weight you will lose. I asked Stephanie about it and she said taking in more protein would keep you from eating too much, so I guess it helps in that way too.
Haven't heard anything from the teacher on when I start my job. It looks like they're a little disorganized. I told them I could start ASAP. I really want to help. It seems like such a good thing for me and them; I'm excited about it but I want to start SOON. Tomorrow I'm going to email Tatanisha again and ask her what's up.
Not sure now if I'm going to Fellowship next Sunday. Auditions for Almost, Maine are Sunday at 7. If the service is an hour long, I would have to book across town in half an hour, and who knows if they're longer. And I want to stay and talk to people and I can't do that if I leave right away. So I will probably put it off one more week.
Getting sleepy, and I want to be gentle with myself these next couple days. So for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Halloween Bash V was a rousing success as well. Now I can say what I was: I went as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I wore a T-shirt that said "Vampires Suck" and carried a garden stake I had gotten for 89 cents at Ace Hardware. I remembered that when she stakes them they just go "poof" in a cloud of dust so I didn't end up doing the blood. There were lots of pictures taken and I actually like the way I look in them. The weight loss really shows. I got a great compliment from Evan P. who said I looked really good. It's nice to hear that sort of thing, especially from friends who have seen the change over time.
The weight loss has slowed/stopped but I'm hoping to change that. I'm doing a lot more protein shakes, which I was doing when I first started losing. I've heard that the more protein you take in, the more weight you will lose. I asked Stephanie about it and she said taking in more protein would keep you from eating too much, so I guess it helps in that way too.
Haven't heard anything from the teacher on when I start my job. It looks like they're a little disorganized. I told them I could start ASAP. I really want to help. It seems like such a good thing for me and them; I'm excited about it but I want to start SOON. Tomorrow I'm going to email Tatanisha again and ask her what's up.
Not sure now if I'm going to Fellowship next Sunday. Auditions for Almost, Maine are Sunday at 7. If the service is an hour long, I would have to book across town in half an hour, and who knows if they're longer. And I want to stay and talk to people and I can't do that if I leave right away. So I will probably put it off one more week.
Getting sleepy, and I want to be gentle with myself these next couple days. So for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Friday, November 5, 2010
My life is a musical
Right now I'm singing "I don't have to get up tomorrow...for any reason...But I'll go to the gym...and burn on the bike!" I sing a lot. I'm sure my neighbors think I'm crazy. I was "rehearsing" a Bremen Town song in the bathroom last year and when I got done, I heard clapping and cheering from upstairs. So I guess they like my singing at least.
I'm a little concerned about the reading. So far we only have ten coming, and three of those are people who have to be there: Jeff and two of our actors. I'm afraid there won't be a lot of people there. Plus the weather might be bad. We were supposed to get snow today; we didn't but that's no guarantee we won't get any Sunday. It would be a shame if we had a tiny audience. Mom and Dad will be there but they're my folks. Although their support is appreciated, I need more than that. It's kind of lame to think your mommy and daddy are coming and they might be the only ones to ask questions! They know my work, but others don't and I need them to see it.
I'm hoping to start my new job soon, but the teacher I will be working with hasn't contacted me yet. She's just gotten back into town so she may not be caught up yet. I said I was able to start ASAP, though. So hopefully she will contact me soon.
Went to Strength and Stretch today and had a great time. Leslie, the woman who usually does it, was out of town so we had another woman, Kathy. I used 15 #, 8 #, and 5# weights. The workout was more intense than usual; I'm sure part of this was because I was using heavier weights. I liked the exercises she had us do. The yoga part was good too. Relaxing and focusing, as usual.
Tomorrow is the big Halloween Bash. I will probably rest up tomorrow for that. I've texted Adam asking him if he wants to go together like we did last year. It made parking easier; there's not a lot of parking at the Firehouse. If he doesn't want to go together, I can park in the church parking lot across the street. That's what I did for most of the Uncommon Good performances.
Eating has been pretty good. I had Chinese takeout tonight, though. I didn't get anything really bad: tofu with garlic sauce, sauteed string beans, and salad with ginger dressing. I didn't gorge myself by eating it all. I have a little more than half for lunch tomorrow.
Fellowship for Today looks good. They are not about one particular god, but the power of the divine Spirit. They recognize disciplines like Buddhism and Hinduism. I gave them my email address and wrote them a note saying I was looking for a new church. I'm going to go to a service not this Sunday, but next Sunday.
A woman from OCC wrote to me on FB wondering where I was. I responded to her in a message telling her I had left the church and was looking elsewhere. She wrote back saying she understood and she wouldn't tell anyone.
Well, I want to take a bath and read and then go to bed. So as usual I'll say--
Hanging up now...
I'm a little concerned about the reading. So far we only have ten coming, and three of those are people who have to be there: Jeff and two of our actors. I'm afraid there won't be a lot of people there. Plus the weather might be bad. We were supposed to get snow today; we didn't but that's no guarantee we won't get any Sunday. It would be a shame if we had a tiny audience. Mom and Dad will be there but they're my folks. Although their support is appreciated, I need more than that. It's kind of lame to think your mommy and daddy are coming and they might be the only ones to ask questions! They know my work, but others don't and I need them to see it.
I'm hoping to start my new job soon, but the teacher I will be working with hasn't contacted me yet. She's just gotten back into town so she may not be caught up yet. I said I was able to start ASAP, though. So hopefully she will contact me soon.
Went to Strength and Stretch today and had a great time. Leslie, the woman who usually does it, was out of town so we had another woman, Kathy. I used 15 #, 8 #, and 5# weights. The workout was more intense than usual; I'm sure part of this was because I was using heavier weights. I liked the exercises she had us do. The yoga part was good too. Relaxing and focusing, as usual.
Tomorrow is the big Halloween Bash. I will probably rest up tomorrow for that. I've texted Adam asking him if he wants to go together like we did last year. It made parking easier; there's not a lot of parking at the Firehouse. If he doesn't want to go together, I can park in the church parking lot across the street. That's what I did for most of the Uncommon Good performances.
Eating has been pretty good. I had Chinese takeout tonight, though. I didn't get anything really bad: tofu with garlic sauce, sauteed string beans, and salad with ginger dressing. I didn't gorge myself by eating it all. I have a little more than half for lunch tomorrow.
Fellowship for Today looks good. They are not about one particular god, but the power of the divine Spirit. They recognize disciplines like Buddhism and Hinduism. I gave them my email address and wrote them a note saying I was looking for a new church. I'm going to go to a service not this Sunday, but next Sunday.
A woman from OCC wrote to me on FB wondering where I was. I responded to her in a message telling her I had left the church and was looking elsewhere. She wrote back saying she understood and she wouldn't tell anyone.
Well, I want to take a bath and read and then go to bed. So as usual I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Last night's readthrough was FANTASTIC!!! We have a stellar cast. Jeff got Steve to do the lead. He's about fifteen years older than the character but he is using a young voice and has a good handle on the script. Adam is in it as well, and the other actors are fantastic too. I'm really excited but also really nervous. Opening night of Marriage was a killer. I felt about 100 times more nervous than when I am acting in a show. The play is my baby and it's about to be judged by a faceless audience. I do hope we get a good crowd, though. I want good feedback.
After the readthrough, some of us went to Leo's for karaoke. The guy who is playing the country bumpkin (Robin) asked me about my writing a bit. He asked me how many plays I had written. I've written six straight plays and attempted to write three musicals. I told him there were three I was really proud of: Drag, Marriage, and Checking Out. I'm lucky enough to have seen both Marriage and Drag produced. I described Marriage to him and he really liked the idea.
And more good news: I got the job at Gateway! I start next week. I'm looking forward to working with teenagers. I wanted to work with troubled kids when I decided to be a teacher; it was one of the main reasons I wanted to teach. Now I realize that's not necessarily the best reasons to teach. But here I will get to work with kids who have major problems and help them with their writing. I will be able to do two things I love: show others how to write and work with troubled teens.
I don't want to talk about the election. It didn't go the way I wanted it to and I'm discouraged. But we will wait and see how the country likes the Tea Party in a year or so. People may change their ideas.
I may have found a church. A group called Fellowship for Today had an ad in the Farnsworth program. They meet Sundays at 5:30 and have a website I can check them out on. Their ad says they honor "all spiritual paths" and "[recognize] the divine in everyone". Sounds good, huh? I'm going to check on them and report back. But until then--
Hanging up now....
After the readthrough, some of us went to Leo's for karaoke. The guy who is playing the country bumpkin (Robin) asked me about my writing a bit. He asked me how many plays I had written. I've written six straight plays and attempted to write three musicals. I told him there were three I was really proud of: Drag, Marriage, and Checking Out. I'm lucky enough to have seen both Marriage and Drag produced. I described Marriage to him and he really liked the idea.
And more good news: I got the job at Gateway! I start next week. I'm looking forward to working with teenagers. I wanted to work with troubled kids when I decided to be a teacher; it was one of the main reasons I wanted to teach. Now I realize that's not necessarily the best reasons to teach. But here I will get to work with kids who have major problems and help them with their writing. I will be able to do two things I love: show others how to write and work with troubled teens.
I don't want to talk about the election. It didn't go the way I wanted it to and I'm discouraged. But we will wait and see how the country likes the Tea Party in a year or so. People may change their ideas.
I may have found a church. A group called Fellowship for Today had an ad in the Farnsworth program. They meet Sundays at 5:30 and have a website I can check them out on. Their ad says they honor "all spiritual paths" and "[recognize] the divine in everyone". Sounds good, huh? I'm going to check on them and report back. But until then--
Hanging up now....
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The reading Sunday night got called off because Jeff hadn't found anyone to play one of the leads yet. I was a bit anxious about it but we are going forward tonight so I assume he has everyone now. I am excited and nervous. It's been a long time since I've heard other people give voice to my words. It's coming together into something real and not just in my head. We have less than a week and while I look forward to the reading, I'm not looking forward to the talk-back. I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle everybody's questions. I guess I'll just be myself and do the best I can.
As you can see, I have a new profile picture. It's my new headshot. We couldn't have asked for better lighting and my hair looks just right. The wind came along at just the right time. Perfect. I also really like the way my skin glows. I think this shot may get me some work.
However, my hair is different AGAIN. I wanted it darker so my hairdresser colored it REALLY dark. It's almost black. I think it would look good chocolate-colored and instead it's espresso-colored. I'm afraid it's going to make my grays more visible. It will fade, though. It's pretty red in the picture and I hope this doesn't make a difference to any potential casting agents/directors.
I'm going to start looking around for professional work. That's why I got the shots done. I will be getting some hard copies and I will have the shots online to send to directors. Unfortunately Boarshead closed but I think some other theaters have sprung up that are professional or pseudo-professional. And Riverwalk often gets postings for film jobs. One just got posted today but it was for a 50-60 yr old man, not exactly something I would fit. I'd be looking at 30-40 yr old women's parts. I have been told that I could play 25, but I think that's stretching it a bit.
Steve had a double feature over at his house of the original Frankenstein and Young Frankenstein. I came to watch the original. Very interesting. Things that I'm sure were very scary then are sort of funny now. It was still an amazing movie. It sets a lot of standards for horror movies. One thing I noticed was the total absence of music. Often music sets the mood in any movie, especially a horror movie. Things can seem a lot scarier with music. Think of the da-duh da-duh everyone knows from Jaws, or the reet-reet-reet from Psycho. A horror movie seems a lot less scary without music.
The official "Halloween" Bash blowout is this Saturday, and I've go my costume together. I like it because I can wear it on occasions other than Halloween. The T-shirt will be especially funny given recent trends (that's as far into it as I'm willing to go).
Well, that's it for now. I have some loose ends to tie up before the reading tonight, so for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
As you can see, I have a new profile picture. It's my new headshot. We couldn't have asked for better lighting and my hair looks just right. The wind came along at just the right time. Perfect. I also really like the way my skin glows. I think this shot may get me some work.
However, my hair is different AGAIN. I wanted it darker so my hairdresser colored it REALLY dark. It's almost black. I think it would look good chocolate-colored and instead it's espresso-colored. I'm afraid it's going to make my grays more visible. It will fade, though. It's pretty red in the picture and I hope this doesn't make a difference to any potential casting agents/directors.
I'm going to start looking around for professional work. That's why I got the shots done. I will be getting some hard copies and I will have the shots online to send to directors. Unfortunately Boarshead closed but I think some other theaters have sprung up that are professional or pseudo-professional. And Riverwalk often gets postings for film jobs. One just got posted today but it was for a 50-60 yr old man, not exactly something I would fit. I'd be looking at 30-40 yr old women's parts. I have been told that I could play 25, but I think that's stretching it a bit.
Steve had a double feature over at his house of the original Frankenstein and Young Frankenstein. I came to watch the original. Very interesting. Things that I'm sure were very scary then are sort of funny now. It was still an amazing movie. It sets a lot of standards for horror movies. One thing I noticed was the total absence of music. Often music sets the mood in any movie, especially a horror movie. Things can seem a lot scarier with music. Think of the da-duh da-duh everyone knows from Jaws, or the reet-reet-reet from Psycho. A horror movie seems a lot less scary without music.
The official "Halloween" Bash blowout is this Saturday, and I've go my costume together. I like it because I can wear it on occasions other than Halloween. The T-shirt will be especially funny given recent trends (that's as far into it as I'm willing to go).
Well, that's it for now. I have some loose ends to tie up before the reading tonight, so for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Friday, October 29, 2010
Eating, meeting, reading
Had a wonderful time at Strength and Stretch today. It focuses and centers me. I didn't use enough weight for the weight portion because I didn't know what she was going to do. Next time I will get 10#, 12#, and 15# weights and see which ones I need as the class goes on.
I've gotten some good things for breakfast. First I found an instant oatmeal without preservatives (took me about 5 minutes of standing in the breakfast aisle to find one). Then I got eggs and hard boiled them. I use just the white and have that with a packet of oatmeal. I've been pretty good about eating the past few days. The only thing that sticks out is the Indian buffet Wednesday, when I ate a little more than I should have. But I had a small dinner that evening and I haven't snacked at night.
Tomorrow I will ride the bike or do elliptical. It's getting too cold out to run. Yesterday I took a long walk and it was pretty brisk. Today is really pretty, though, my favorite kind of fall day. Cool and bright.
The first read through of Drag is happening Sunday night--Halloween. I'm excited about it. I wonder who Jeff has gotten to play all the parts. We've run into some problems with people not being able to do it because they're involved in other shows. We have a talented group of actors, and it's not a surprise they're in high demand.
Fire is turning out the be really good. I talked to Mom about the voice question and she said the author's voice comes through--the translator should have nothing to do with it. It's still really spooky, though. I'm avoiding reading it too much. Tomorrow I want to take a bubble bath and read it, though.
I'm going to see "The Farnsworth Invention" tonight and I'm leaving in a bit, so--
Hanging up now...
I've gotten some good things for breakfast. First I found an instant oatmeal without preservatives (took me about 5 minutes of standing in the breakfast aisle to find one). Then I got eggs and hard boiled them. I use just the white and have that with a packet of oatmeal. I've been pretty good about eating the past few days. The only thing that sticks out is the Indian buffet Wednesday, when I ate a little more than I should have. But I had a small dinner that evening and I haven't snacked at night.
Tomorrow I will ride the bike or do elliptical. It's getting too cold out to run. Yesterday I took a long walk and it was pretty brisk. Today is really pretty, though, my favorite kind of fall day. Cool and bright.
The first read through of Drag is happening Sunday night--Halloween. I'm excited about it. I wonder who Jeff has gotten to play all the parts. We've run into some problems with people not being able to do it because they're involved in other shows. We have a talented group of actors, and it's not a surprise they're in high demand.
Fire is turning out the be really good. I talked to Mom about the voice question and she said the author's voice comes through--the translator should have nothing to do with it. It's still really spooky, though. I'm avoiding reading it too much. Tomorrow I want to take a bubble bath and read it, though.
I'm going to see "The Farnsworth Invention" tonight and I'm leaving in a bit, so--
Hanging up now...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Weighed in at 150.6 today. A nice weight, but I want more! I'm hoping for just plain 150 next week. I probably really *do* weigh 150, because I'm not getting weighed right after I get up before I've eaten anything. I'm not stepping on my own scale any more--it broke and I just didn't get it replaced. So I'm back to weighing myself a couple times a week, although the only number that really "counts" is the MAC weight.
Haven't had any more whiffs from the stinky smoker. I don't know if it was a false alarm, a visitor, or if they're just going outside or something. I hope it was a false alarm. There was definitely a stale smell though. Not sure what it was from if not smoke.
I am not going to listen to my Christian radio station any more. A commercial came on for a Halloween play Mount Hope is going to do (Mount Hope does Christmas and Easter plays and has a big budget). This "play" is designed to scare the bejeezus out of kids. The announcer says something like, "This is the season for things that go bump in the night....Come to Mount Hope and see there are absolutes: right and wrong, black and white, and ultimately, Heaven and Hell!" I can just see some poor kid traumatized by his church's portrayal of Satan. These are the same people that think trick-or-treating is a sin. They don't have a problem with putting the fear of God into kids by taking them to a "show" as scary as The Blair Witch Project. I didn't know whether to laugh or be livid. Some of both, I guess. No more 88.1! Smile FM indeed.
ANYway...J.D. has my pictures on a DVD for me. I'll hopefully be able to pick it up tomorrow or the next day. There are over 600 images! I knew we took a lot of pictures but I had no idea it was that many. No wonder I was so tired when I got home. That's a lot of smiling!
Worked with Remya yesterday. She has come so far. We did two vocab lessons and I gave her lots of homework: Write sentences for both sets of words, finish a set of exercises we didn't get to, and take a test that covers the first 6 lessons we have done. She may not be able to do the last section of the test because it is rather complicated, so I told her we could do it together next week if she can't understand it.
I went to a lunch with a friend Monday. He is a great guy. He's over 80 years old but he's in amazing shape. He weighs only 2 lbs. more than I do! We talked about ideal weights and I said I'd like to be 145. He was skeptical about this. He thinks I could weigh less. I said 135 was my "magic number"--it's what I weighed when I graduated high school. He thinks I could be 135 again. I don't know about that. My body has changed since I was in high school--I have a lot more muscle. To be 135 I would have to lose 15 lbs. I've already lost 16 but that was from 166. It's harder to lose when your body gets closer to what it "should" be. But then again, what is "should"? If I eat REALLY clean and work out hard, is it possible to be 135? It's amazing to think about. Let's think about this in five-pound increments. I'm now just over 150, and I'm aiming for 145. I weighed 140 all the way through college up to 1997 (when I ballooned up to 190 because of terrible eating habits and no exercise.) I've come down from that back to 140 in 2002, so I know I can be 140 again. So let's say I can be at 145 by January and 140 by April. Maybe, just maybe, I can be at 135 by next summer. It depends on eating and exercising. I've changed the way I do cardio lately--made it more intense and varied. I want to keep doing the classes and working with Stephanie. NO fast food, NO soda, NO coffee drinks. And very little eating out where I don't know what I'm getting. I find myself planning my day of meals more. Today I had a protein shake for breakfast, Indian buffet with Stephanie for lunch, apple and peanut butter for a snack, and I'm going to have blackeye peas, rice, and greens for dinner (after talking with my sister today, I feel a little Southern fried). I need a better cereal--the one I have now is full of sugar, even though it looks healthy. I used to eat a lot of Kashi but I don't find it tastes very good. I think I'm going to start eating more oatmeal and maybe egg whites. I can hard boil eggs and just scoop the yolk out--I've done this before.
Everyone has the right to look the way they want to look. I'm not being superficial when I say this. I'm talking about everyone from the kid who dyes her hair blue to the competitive bodybuilder (sans steroids, of course), from the guy who grows his hair long to the woman who gets Lasik. And I choose to be a blue eyed, brown haired, fit-looking 40 year old. (I need a new profile picture. That picture was taken a few years ago when I was blonde and weighed about 160.)If you are overweight, you have the ability--and I would say the duty to yourself--to change that. Stephanie talked today about how she would totally support a sin tax on stuff like chips and soda. It would never go over, of course, but I think it's a great idea. We are such an unhealthy nation! Think of the lines at the McDonald's drive through. I saw the choices for lunch at Okemos High School, and they had cake and chips and a pop machine around every corner. I was brought up by healthy parents who made healthy food choices for us. Candy was an Easter and Halloween thing. We ate wheat bread and I don't think I ever saw whole milk at our house. (Always 2 %.) And there was lots and lots of fruit. You can see the reflection of my upbringing in the food I have in my kitchen. Almonds, beans, and dried cranberries in the pantry; wheat bread, apples, 2 % cheese and skim milk in the fridge; no crackers, chips, cookies, or soda.
....So maybe 135 is in my grasp. Both Mom and Margaret are at their optimal weight. Why don't I join them?
Hanging up now...
Haven't had any more whiffs from the stinky smoker. I don't know if it was a false alarm, a visitor, or if they're just going outside or something. I hope it was a false alarm. There was definitely a stale smell though. Not sure what it was from if not smoke.
I am not going to listen to my Christian radio station any more. A commercial came on for a Halloween play Mount Hope is going to do (Mount Hope does Christmas and Easter plays and has a big budget). This "play" is designed to scare the bejeezus out of kids. The announcer says something like, "This is the season for things that go bump in the night....Come to Mount Hope and see there are absolutes: right and wrong, black and white, and ultimately, Heaven and Hell!" I can just see some poor kid traumatized by his church's portrayal of Satan. These are the same people that think trick-or-treating is a sin. They don't have a problem with putting the fear of God into kids by taking them to a "show" as scary as The Blair Witch Project. I didn't know whether to laugh or be livid. Some of both, I guess. No more 88.1! Smile FM indeed.
ANYway...J.D. has my pictures on a DVD for me. I'll hopefully be able to pick it up tomorrow or the next day. There are over 600 images! I knew we took a lot of pictures but I had no idea it was that many. No wonder I was so tired when I got home. That's a lot of smiling!
Worked with Remya yesterday. She has come so far. We did two vocab lessons and I gave her lots of homework: Write sentences for both sets of words, finish a set of exercises we didn't get to, and take a test that covers the first 6 lessons we have done. She may not be able to do the last section of the test because it is rather complicated, so I told her we could do it together next week if she can't understand it.
I went to a lunch with a friend Monday. He is a great guy. He's over 80 years old but he's in amazing shape. He weighs only 2 lbs. more than I do! We talked about ideal weights and I said I'd like to be 145. He was skeptical about this. He thinks I could weigh less. I said 135 was my "magic number"--it's what I weighed when I graduated high school. He thinks I could be 135 again. I don't know about that. My body has changed since I was in high school--I have a lot more muscle. To be 135 I would have to lose 15 lbs. I've already lost 16 but that was from 166. It's harder to lose when your body gets closer to what it "should" be. But then again, what is "should"? If I eat REALLY clean and work out hard, is it possible to be 135? It's amazing to think about. Let's think about this in five-pound increments. I'm now just over 150, and I'm aiming for 145. I weighed 140 all the way through college up to 1997 (when I ballooned up to 190 because of terrible eating habits and no exercise.) I've come down from that back to 140 in 2002, so I know I can be 140 again. So let's say I can be at 145 by January and 140 by April. Maybe, just maybe, I can be at 135 by next summer. It depends on eating and exercising. I've changed the way I do cardio lately--made it more intense and varied. I want to keep doing the classes and working with Stephanie. NO fast food, NO soda, NO coffee drinks. And very little eating out where I don't know what I'm getting. I find myself planning my day of meals more. Today I had a protein shake for breakfast, Indian buffet with Stephanie for lunch, apple and peanut butter for a snack, and I'm going to have blackeye peas, rice, and greens for dinner (after talking with my sister today, I feel a little Southern fried). I need a better cereal--the one I have now is full of sugar, even though it looks healthy. I used to eat a lot of Kashi but I don't find it tastes very good. I think I'm going to start eating more oatmeal and maybe egg whites. I can hard boil eggs and just scoop the yolk out--I've done this before.
Everyone has the right to look the way they want to look. I'm not being superficial when I say this. I'm talking about everyone from the kid who dyes her hair blue to the competitive bodybuilder (sans steroids, of course), from the guy who grows his hair long to the woman who gets Lasik. And I choose to be a blue eyed, brown haired, fit-looking 40 year old. (I need a new profile picture. That picture was taken a few years ago when I was blonde and weighed about 160.)If you are overweight, you have the ability--and I would say the duty to yourself--to change that. Stephanie talked today about how she would totally support a sin tax on stuff like chips and soda. It would never go over, of course, but I think it's a great idea. We are such an unhealthy nation! Think of the lines at the McDonald's drive through. I saw the choices for lunch at Okemos High School, and they had cake and chips and a pop machine around every corner. I was brought up by healthy parents who made healthy food choices for us. Candy was an Easter and Halloween thing. We ate wheat bread and I don't think I ever saw whole milk at our house. (Always 2 %.) And there was lots and lots of fruit. You can see the reflection of my upbringing in the food I have in my kitchen. Almonds, beans, and dried cranberries in the pantry; wheat bread, apples, 2 % cheese and skim milk in the fridge; no crackers, chips, cookies, or soda.
....So maybe 135 is in my grasp. Both Mom and Margaret are at their optimal weight. Why don't I join them?
Hanging up now...
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Stink, Stank, Stunk!
I want to start this entry by saying I love where I live and my neighbors are great. I have only had one instance where I had to knock on a neighbor's door and ask them to be quiet (it sounded like they were running a circular saw at 3 in the morning). My neighbors are mostly young families with quiet kids. So it's hard for me to bring up a problem with a neighbor.
Here's the problem: The person above me smokes. When I came home from visiting Kalamazoo earlier today, the apartment smelled stale. I thought it might be the litter so I changed it, opened the sliding glass door to let the air come in through the screen door, and lit some candles. It smelled fresh for a while but it smelled stale again when I got back from working out. I finally recognized the stale smell of smoke.
Now, I have to confess something here. I used to smoke. I have smoked in apartments and houses before, and I understand that when you smoke, you aren't as aware of the smell. But now that I've quit I'm hypersensitive to it, and I think it stinks. It's just a stale smell. And even though they may be a floor away, the smell still seeps through.
What can I do about this? I can't knock on their door and ask them to quit like I asked the guys to stop making noise. But to me, there is a similarity. It's different when you live in a house and there aren't people close by. But when it's an apartment situation,where we're all living so close together, I wish there was another solution. It's hard for smokers right now because there aren't many places to smoke other than their own homes. I wish we could do something like having a building set aside for smokers. Then they wouldn't notice the smell and it wouldn't bother them if their apartment was stale.
Another concern I have is safety. A friend of mine was burned out of his apartment in a fire started by a cigarette. I have renters' insurance but it would still be devastating to lose everything--and I might lose Spot. That would be terrible.
So this is what's going through my head right now, as the stale smell wafts into my place. I hope I'm able to vanquish the smell by opening up to the breeze and using various air freshening products (I will look at finding incense I like too). For now I'm going to post this and go to bed, trying not to breathe too deep.
Hanging up now....
Here's the problem: The person above me smokes. When I came home from visiting Kalamazoo earlier today, the apartment smelled stale. I thought it might be the litter so I changed it, opened the sliding glass door to let the air come in through the screen door, and lit some candles. It smelled fresh for a while but it smelled stale again when I got back from working out. I finally recognized the stale smell of smoke.
Now, I have to confess something here. I used to smoke. I have smoked in apartments and houses before, and I understand that when you smoke, you aren't as aware of the smell. But now that I've quit I'm hypersensitive to it, and I think it stinks. It's just a stale smell. And even though they may be a floor away, the smell still seeps through.
What can I do about this? I can't knock on their door and ask them to quit like I asked the guys to stop making noise. But to me, there is a similarity. It's different when you live in a house and there aren't people close by. But when it's an apartment situation,where we're all living so close together, I wish there was another solution. It's hard for smokers right now because there aren't many places to smoke other than their own homes. I wish we could do something like having a building set aside for smokers. Then they wouldn't notice the smell and it wouldn't bother them if their apartment was stale.
Another concern I have is safety. A friend of mine was burned out of his apartment in a fire started by a cigarette. I have renters' insurance but it would still be devastating to lose everything--and I might lose Spot. That would be terrible.
So this is what's going through my head right now, as the stale smell wafts into my place. I hope I'm able to vanquish the smell by opening up to the breeze and using various air freshening products (I will look at finding incense I like too). For now I'm going to post this and go to bed, trying not to breathe too deep.
Hanging up now....
Sunday, October 17, 2010
And the fun continues...
My fortieth year is shaping up great so far. Thursday night, the 14th, I had a party at Buddies and a bunch of people came. Julie had taken me out to lunch earlier in the day and I told her I wanted to wear a tiara that night, but I didn't know where to get one. She said, "Go to Claire's in the mall." So I went and lo and behold, they had five or six to choose from! I got a nice sparkly one. I was so excited the whole day so it seemed to go s-l-o-w-l-y. Finally 9 rolled around and I headed out. There were a few of my friends there when I got there. More people joined us as the night went on and the joint filled up. Romeo referred to me as the "birthday princess". Adam sang a new song and Julie, a karaoke virgin, sang with Gordo and me. Right when we were getting ready to leave, at midnight, Tim got there. He had just gotten off work. He brought some nice presents for me. I had said in the invite I didn't want anyone to bring presents but he did anyway. It was sweet. He walked me out to my car and then went back in to enjoy his nachos.
Friday I went over to J.D. Small's to get my head shots done. He has done them before and I've been happy with them. We did outside and inside shots, color and black and white. It was quite something tramping around in the woods to our different locations. At one point I was leaning on a small tree that hung over a ravine and I could just see the tree breaking and tumbling me into the ravine. That would have made a good picture!
He will put them on a disc and I can choose which ones I want. Then he will make a couple hard copies. I realized I will be able to send out any pic I want from that disc to potential companies. One of the reasons I wanted to get them done is that there are a couple theaters around here that want head shots for auditions, and I haven't done them partly because I don't have a recent head shot. I would like to get into the film industry that is here as some of my friends have. The Republican candidate for governor wants to cut this industry out of Michigan. He thinks it's unnecessary, but he doesn't seem to understand how many people the industry employs and how good it is for Michigan. We need people coming here to see how wonderful Michigan and its people are.
I haven't gotten in the gym enough this week. I worked out with Stephanie Wednesday and walked on Thursday, but I didn't get in after that til today. I went hard on the elliptical. My heart rate stayed in the upper part of the cardiovascular range for most of the workout. Average hr was 140-something. Tomorrow is Interval and I will definitely be up for that.
I have to get email addresses to Tatanisha at Gateway for references. I got the personal reference to her, now I just have to do employers. I have to do this SOON though! I told her I could start right away so it is just up to me to get these in. It's hard b/c I mainly work for myself so I have to use my students as references. And most of them don't have a very good command of the language. They will do pretty well in emails, though, I think.
My friend Steve's birthday is just three days after mine so yesterday he had a party at his house. I got there first and got to meet his parents. He gave me the tour and showed me what I call his "nerd furniture". These are basically bookcases for a collector's figures and comics. The ones he showed me had glass shelves for figurines and pull-out drawers for storing comic books. One also had a shelf underneath the glass one where he had regular books. He let me hold one and it was very heavy--showing how much the shelf could hold. In short, they are very well made and he is trying to build a business. I would love to get one, but I don't have that much stuff. I really want one where I can display my graphic novels. I don't want them hidden away in a drawer, but displayed flat on newsstand shelves. So maybe I will commission something. :) Yeah, right, with what money?
Adam got there next and the three of us played croquet. I basically sucked. Steve won the first one but Adam caught on quick and won the second game. More people started to roll in around 5 or 6. I stayed until around 10 or 10:30. It was a good time.
Today I got up early (for me) and went to the gym and did laundry. I've still got the last load in. I've also been playing a lot of FB. A lot. I have been trying to read more but it's so easy to be passive and just flip through people's pictures or whatever. Right now I'm reading "The Girl Who Played With Fire." I've read Dragon Tattoo and now I'm on the second one. I think I like it better than the first. The theme of violence against women is back and it's still just as disturbing. I wonder how much of the writing can be attributed to the writer and how much to the translator. I mean, when you read a sentence, the words are not really the original writer's, are they? Or is the translator simply passing the words from one language to another, letting the author's voice be heard? I don't know the answer to this question. May be something to take up with another reader.
Today was "church day" again, and again I didn't go. I guess I don't consider myself a member of OCC anymore. I still get the newsletter and stupid letters asking for money. I just laugh at the money grubbing letters and throw them out. I haven't looked at the newsletters either; I just put them into the recycle box.
Some insights I've had into the Christian community...I listen to the local Christian radio station periodically and heard a song today that made me think. The lyric goes, "One day every tongue will confess you are God/One day every knee will bow/Still the greatest treasure belongs to those/Who gladly choose you now." Hmmm. Is it really true that those who accept Jesus NOW will be favored? Or is the writer saying the treasure is having Jesus in our lives NOW if we accept him? What exactly does "treasure" refer to?
Also, I watched a video for a Christian song a friend posted on FB a few nights ago. The video takes place aboard a crashing plane. The passengers decide to celebrate rather than die in fear, because they believe they are going to Heaven, which is the best place to be. The video had some really cool childlike animation of planes crashing, not in a scary way but in a sort of playful way. The last animated image was of the plane splashing into the sea, releasing all these circles (bubbles?) that rose into the sky past a smiling cloud.
Okay, so on the one hand this video shows us that death is nothing to fear because we have Heaven to look forward to. (The song is kind of catchy too.) But what is the real message? We should look forward to death? Death is more exciting than life? To me, this video came off as a little death-worshipping. I believe in making life beautiful, and whether or not there is an afterlife really doesn't matter. If there is one, and we have worked hard to make our lives the best we can, touching others and choosing to be happy, then we will be gladly accepted into that afterlife.
I don't know, mostly this video just made me feel weird. To me, there's nothing joyful about a plane crash. I don't think there were many people rejoicing on September 11.
And in other news...we have been having wonderful weather. Temps in the 60s, blue skies. Tomorrow it may be a little grubby at first but it's supposed to get nicer. So it may be yucky on my way to Interval but nice on the way back. I'd like these temperatures to stick around for a while. It's lovely to be able to take a walk outside and look at all the pretty colors. November will be here soon enough, with its bleak skies and brown trees. So we should have nice, blue, cool but not cold days until then.
Hanging up now...
Friday I went over to J.D. Small's to get my head shots done. He has done them before and I've been happy with them. We did outside and inside shots, color and black and white. It was quite something tramping around in the woods to our different locations. At one point I was leaning on a small tree that hung over a ravine and I could just see the tree breaking and tumbling me into the ravine. That would have made a good picture!
He will put them on a disc and I can choose which ones I want. Then he will make a couple hard copies. I realized I will be able to send out any pic I want from that disc to potential companies. One of the reasons I wanted to get them done is that there are a couple theaters around here that want head shots for auditions, and I haven't done them partly because I don't have a recent head shot. I would like to get into the film industry that is here as some of my friends have. The Republican candidate for governor wants to cut this industry out of Michigan. He thinks it's unnecessary, but he doesn't seem to understand how many people the industry employs and how good it is for Michigan. We need people coming here to see how wonderful Michigan and its people are.
I haven't gotten in the gym enough this week. I worked out with Stephanie Wednesday and walked on Thursday, but I didn't get in after that til today. I went hard on the elliptical. My heart rate stayed in the upper part of the cardiovascular range for most of the workout. Average hr was 140-something. Tomorrow is Interval and I will definitely be up for that.
I have to get email addresses to Tatanisha at Gateway for references. I got the personal reference to her, now I just have to do employers. I have to do this SOON though! I told her I could start right away so it is just up to me to get these in. It's hard b/c I mainly work for myself so I have to use my students as references. And most of them don't have a very good command of the language. They will do pretty well in emails, though, I think.
My friend Steve's birthday is just three days after mine so yesterday he had a party at his house. I got there first and got to meet his parents. He gave me the tour and showed me what I call his "nerd furniture". These are basically bookcases for a collector's figures and comics. The ones he showed me had glass shelves for figurines and pull-out drawers for storing comic books. One also had a shelf underneath the glass one where he had regular books. He let me hold one and it was very heavy--showing how much the shelf could hold. In short, they are very well made and he is trying to build a business. I would love to get one, but I don't have that much stuff. I really want one where I can display my graphic novels. I don't want them hidden away in a drawer, but displayed flat on newsstand shelves. So maybe I will commission something. :) Yeah, right, with what money?
Adam got there next and the three of us played croquet. I basically sucked. Steve won the first one but Adam caught on quick and won the second game. More people started to roll in around 5 or 6. I stayed until around 10 or 10:30. It was a good time.
Today I got up early (for me) and went to the gym and did laundry. I've still got the last load in. I've also been playing a lot of FB. A lot. I have been trying to read more but it's so easy to be passive and just flip through people's pictures or whatever. Right now I'm reading "The Girl Who Played With Fire." I've read Dragon Tattoo and now I'm on the second one. I think I like it better than the first. The theme of violence against women is back and it's still just as disturbing. I wonder how much of the writing can be attributed to the writer and how much to the translator. I mean, when you read a sentence, the words are not really the original writer's, are they? Or is the translator simply passing the words from one language to another, letting the author's voice be heard? I don't know the answer to this question. May be something to take up with another reader.
Today was "church day" again, and again I didn't go. I guess I don't consider myself a member of OCC anymore. I still get the newsletter and stupid letters asking for money. I just laugh at the money grubbing letters and throw them out. I haven't looked at the newsletters either; I just put them into the recycle box.
Some insights I've had into the Christian community...I listen to the local Christian radio station periodically and heard a song today that made me think. The lyric goes, "One day every tongue will confess you are God/One day every knee will bow/Still the greatest treasure belongs to those/Who gladly choose you now." Hmmm. Is it really true that those who accept Jesus NOW will be favored? Or is the writer saying the treasure is having Jesus in our lives NOW if we accept him? What exactly does "treasure" refer to?
Also, I watched a video for a Christian song a friend posted on FB a few nights ago. The video takes place aboard a crashing plane. The passengers decide to celebrate rather than die in fear, because they believe they are going to Heaven, which is the best place to be. The video had some really cool childlike animation of planes crashing, not in a scary way but in a sort of playful way. The last animated image was of the plane splashing into the sea, releasing all these circles (bubbles?) that rose into the sky past a smiling cloud.
Okay, so on the one hand this video shows us that death is nothing to fear because we have Heaven to look forward to. (The song is kind of catchy too.) But what is the real message? We should look forward to death? Death is more exciting than life? To me, this video came off as a little death-worshipping. I believe in making life beautiful, and whether or not there is an afterlife really doesn't matter. If there is one, and we have worked hard to make our lives the best we can, touching others and choosing to be happy, then we will be gladly accepted into that afterlife.
I don't know, mostly this video just made me feel weird. To me, there's nothing joyful about a plane crash. I don't think there were many people rejoicing on September 11.
And in other news...we have been having wonderful weather. Temps in the 60s, blue skies. Tomorrow it may be a little grubby at first but it's supposed to get nicer. So it may be yucky on my way to Interval but nice on the way back. I'd like these temperatures to stick around for a while. It's lovely to be able to take a walk outside and look at all the pretty colors. November will be here soon enough, with its bleak skies and brown trees. So we should have nice, blue, cool but not cold days until then.
Hanging up now...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Today's the day!
Happy birthday to meeeee!!! It was a great day. First off I had an interview at Gateway. I may be working in a classroom with emotionally impaired kids helping them put their feelings about their difficult experiences on paper. It's a great way to combine my skill of writing with my drive to work with marginalized kids. I really feel good about the interview; I think I interview well. It will be a part-time job so I will be able to continue tutoring.
Then I went for a great workout with Stephanie. Turns out I have lost 3 pounds in the past week, from 154 to 151. That means I only have 2 pounds to lose to win the bet, which, if I keep this up, I can lose by next week. And then it's only 4 more pounds to 145! My fat % also went down, although my measurements stayed about the same. I really want to get my waist measurement down. Even when I read a number on the scale I like, I will still be working on my measurements. There's always something to work on. I don't say this in an obsessive or unhealthy way. It's just important to set goals and it's fun to reach them. I got two pairs of size 10 jeans for my birthday and that makes me feel great. I have gone from a 14 to a 10 in a year and I want to be an 8 by summer 2011. That's the size I'd like to be permanently. I've been getting a lot of support from friends and family on FB, and that helps a lot.
After my workout, I showered at the MAC. They have a really nice facility for that. There are private showers, and there is a wonderful coconut shampoo you can use. I used that and my own body wash. Then it was off to dinner with friends. It was Stephanie, her new man Jeff, Heidi, and Adam. Stephanie paid for my dinner, a surprise. I tried fried pickles for the first time. They were good! I also had a portabello mushroom wrap and sweet potato fries. The wrap wasn't that great, but the fries were good. And the company was fun. We all talked and got along even though we weren't necessarily a conventional group of friends (meaning, they all knew me but didn't know each other very well.)
So now I'm relaxing, collecting my thoughts in the last few minutes of the first day of my fortieth year. Everybody has said that I seem a lot younger. I feel young. I feel loved. I feel healthy. I feel strong. I feel good.
Then I went for a great workout with Stephanie. Turns out I have lost 3 pounds in the past week, from 154 to 151. That means I only have 2 pounds to lose to win the bet, which, if I keep this up, I can lose by next week. And then it's only 4 more pounds to 145! My fat % also went down, although my measurements stayed about the same. I really want to get my waist measurement down. Even when I read a number on the scale I like, I will still be working on my measurements. There's always something to work on. I don't say this in an obsessive or unhealthy way. It's just important to set goals and it's fun to reach them. I got two pairs of size 10 jeans for my birthday and that makes me feel great. I have gone from a 14 to a 10 in a year and I want to be an 8 by summer 2011. That's the size I'd like to be permanently. I've been getting a lot of support from friends and family on FB, and that helps a lot.
After my workout, I showered at the MAC. They have a really nice facility for that. There are private showers, and there is a wonderful coconut shampoo you can use. I used that and my own body wash. Then it was off to dinner with friends. It was Stephanie, her new man Jeff, Heidi, and Adam. Stephanie paid for my dinner, a surprise. I tried fried pickles for the first time. They were good! I also had a portabello mushroom wrap and sweet potato fries. The wrap wasn't that great, but the fries were good. And the company was fun. We all talked and got along even though we weren't necessarily a conventional group of friends (meaning, they all knew me but didn't know each other very well.)
So now I'm relaxing, collecting my thoughts in the last few minutes of the first day of my fortieth year. Everybody has said that I seem a lot younger. I feel young. I feel loved. I feel healthy. I feel strong. I feel good.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ahhh...
Counting down...only three more days. Or is it two? I don't know whether to count the 13th or not. At any rate, I will be 40 on Wednesday. It feels pretty cool. I had a wonderful weekend. I did S & S before I left, which felt great. The class energizes and focuses me. I had an easy trip over, getting to K-zoo around 4. We got out on the lake around 5:30. Anita, my folks' neighbor, went with us. She's Bailey's mom. We caught a nice mess, but we joked about our high number of little fish caught. We agreed that I won the contest with a catch that was about two inches long!
Mom was still up when we got home so we got to talk for a while. I had gotten sushi for our dinner and we had that and chatted. Went to bed around 11 after having a nice relaxing bath in their Jacuzzi. Saturday Dad and I went to the Nature Center to watch some researchers band birds. We got to hold a few and we talked to the researchers about the project. I found it very interesting that one of them blew on the birds' feathers to part them so she could see how much fat the bird had. She then assigned the amount a number such as 0 or 3.
We got back to the condo around 2 and Mom got back from the bookstore at 2:30. She started the spaghetti sauce and we let it simmer while we watched the game. What a game! I rooted for the Spartans and loved it when MSU won. I went to both schools but I live in Spartan country, and I truly love MSU. We totally deserved to win the game--we played great. Mom, Dad and I started eating when halftime ended. I ate very carefully, eating one helping of everything. I took a kind of big piece of cheesecake but I felt I deserved it. I only have one birthday a year, after all! We joked because Mom put blue and yellow candles on the cake. She said, "Oh, isn't blue your favorite color? And isn't yellow your second favorite color?" Dad made the point that when you combine blue and yellow you get green. GO GREEN! They showed a guy at the game who wore a shirt that was half Michigan and half State. I want that shirt! I will check around and see if I can find it.
I've been reading a friend's blog about his struggles in the L.A. entertainment world. He has had a lot of disappointments. It made me think about my time in CA and how much I wanted to be in that business. I got a part in a show and was so excited about it, only to be called by the director two weeks before we opened to tell me he was recasting the part. It almost ended my love of performing, and it certainly took away my drive for quite a while. I got my tattoos thinking I was done with theater so it didn't matter how I looked. I didn't get back into theater until 2002, having gotten kicked out of the show in 1997. Five years I was out. I love it and never want to give it up. But the thought of going back to CA to try in L.A. or something is just not on the horizon for me. I want to make a theater life HERE, doing shows and maybe getting work in TV and in movies as some of my friends have. And I want my plays to be done. I would not have time to write if I ran around all the time doing auditions. I'm submitting Checking Out to contests around the country to see what happens. I'm starting with CTAM. Uncommon Good is a CTAM award winner and I think CO can be too.
Well, tomorrow is Interval. Time to finish the cheesecake and go to bed.
Hanging up now...
Mom was still up when we got home so we got to talk for a while. I had gotten sushi for our dinner and we had that and chatted. Went to bed around 11 after having a nice relaxing bath in their Jacuzzi. Saturday Dad and I went to the Nature Center to watch some researchers band birds. We got to hold a few and we talked to the researchers about the project. I found it very interesting that one of them blew on the birds' feathers to part them so she could see how much fat the bird had. She then assigned the amount a number such as 0 or 3.
We got back to the condo around 2 and Mom got back from the bookstore at 2:30. She started the spaghetti sauce and we let it simmer while we watched the game. What a game! I rooted for the Spartans and loved it when MSU won. I went to both schools but I live in Spartan country, and I truly love MSU. We totally deserved to win the game--we played great. Mom, Dad and I started eating when halftime ended. I ate very carefully, eating one helping of everything. I took a kind of big piece of cheesecake but I felt I deserved it. I only have one birthday a year, after all! We joked because Mom put blue and yellow candles on the cake. She said, "Oh, isn't blue your favorite color? And isn't yellow your second favorite color?" Dad made the point that when you combine blue and yellow you get green. GO GREEN! They showed a guy at the game who wore a shirt that was half Michigan and half State. I want that shirt! I will check around and see if I can find it.
I've been reading a friend's blog about his struggles in the L.A. entertainment world. He has had a lot of disappointments. It made me think about my time in CA and how much I wanted to be in that business. I got a part in a show and was so excited about it, only to be called by the director two weeks before we opened to tell me he was recasting the part. It almost ended my love of performing, and it certainly took away my drive for quite a while. I got my tattoos thinking I was done with theater so it didn't matter how I looked. I didn't get back into theater until 2002, having gotten kicked out of the show in 1997. Five years I was out. I love it and never want to give it up. But the thought of going back to CA to try in L.A. or something is just not on the horizon for me. I want to make a theater life HERE, doing shows and maybe getting work in TV and in movies as some of my friends have. And I want my plays to be done. I would not have time to write if I ran around all the time doing auditions. I'm submitting Checking Out to contests around the country to see what happens. I'm starting with CTAM. Uncommon Good is a CTAM award winner and I think CO can be too.
Well, tomorrow is Interval. Time to finish the cheesecake and go to bed.
Hanging up now...
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Much Ado about run run
I did the new course today. Walked quite a bit of it, and it took me an hour. I wish I could have run more, but at least I did it. And now I have a new goal: to run at least half of it in the next few weeks. I want to run more like twice a week again. I haven't been going for quite a while, and today is one of the dwindling number of nice days we have left.
I'm getting my head shots done next Friday...looking forward to that. Today I picked outfits consisting of two sweaters, my new corduroys, and a skirt. I can construct four outfits between those four pieces. We will be doing shots outside and in the studio. We will also most likely be doing full body shots as well as head shots, and using color as well as or instead of b/w. The last time we did it he just shot b/w head shots, but I have been seeing more color, full-body, and outside shots so I asked him if we could do that. He said that would be great. As the artistic director of my theater company said, "Just ask!"
Well, I just wanted to make a short entry before dinner. I don't know how much I'll be doing here this weekend, but when I come back I will have news of fish, game, and birthday dinner. See you Sunday!
Hanging up now...
I'm getting my head shots done next Friday...looking forward to that. Today I picked outfits consisting of two sweaters, my new corduroys, and a skirt. I can construct four outfits between those four pieces. We will be doing shots outside and in the studio. We will also most likely be doing full body shots as well as head shots, and using color as well as or instead of b/w. The last time we did it he just shot b/w head shots, but I have been seeing more color, full-body, and outside shots so I asked him if we could do that. He said that would be great. As the artistic director of my theater company said, "Just ask!"
Well, I just wanted to make a short entry before dinner. I don't know how much I'll be doing here this weekend, but when I come back I will have news of fish, game, and birthday dinner. See you Sunday!
Hanging up now...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Eeek! One Week!
So I'm only going to be 39 for one more week. It's pretty amazing. Like I've said before, I'm not really down about it. Kind of excited, actually. It's always fun to celebrate a birthday! There are about 12 people so far coming to my celebration at Buddies, and most everyone has said yes to my birthday dinner on the 13th. Part of me would like to have a loud rockin' dance party, but on the other hand, it's nice to be with just my best friends.
Weighed in at 154 today. Still a little high, still 9 pounds to go to reach my goal by November. When I first started to lose weight, I lost 9 pounds in 6 weeks. I have 4 weeks to lose 9 pounds; I don't think I'm going to make it. Well, it will happen eventually. I'm happy with the way I look, and that's more important than an arbitrary number on the scale. I'm down to a size 10 in pants so that is great. It's time to get some new jeans! That's one of the things I'll be scoring for my birthday.
Going home Friday to celebrate with the folks. Dad and I are going fishing Friday eve if it's not too cold. We have had great weather this week which will hopefully continue into this weekend. It's been pretty warm. So that would be good. Saturday we will watch the big UM-MSU game. It will be really exciting. The teams seem really equally matched. I'm kind of hoping MSU wins. Mom is rooting for UM, of course--she's a Michigan graduate. Dad graduated from Western so I don't think he cares either way. He'll just have to decide whether to side with his wife or his daughter. Could be tricky...
Mom is making me spaghetti and cheesecake. ONE helping of spaghetti and ONE piece of cheesecake, I think. I'd also like to walk with Mom Saturday. I did a fast walk today as well as working out with Stephanie. I have shaved down my time walking a mile. It used to take me 23-24 minutes, but now it takes me 20-21 minutes! Those few minutes off make me feel good. The faster the better. Burn, baby, burn!
And now on a more serious, less selfish note...I've been thinking about the rash of suicides lately. It's so hard to be a young person anyway, and to be growing up gay and surrounded by negative imagery of gays makes it umpteen times harder. Gays and straights have been responding to this crisis by speaking out, making videos, setting aside days of remembrance, pointing kids towards websites that can help them...but it feels like too little, too late. I remember reading (a long time ago) that one-third of teens that commit suicide are gay. Seems like that number has risen recently. You can call it bullying or hate crimes, but whatever it is, it has to stop. I was bullied as a teen, and it made my days pretty dark sometimes. But I got through it. And, to paraphrase a video addressing the issue, it has gotten better. I'm not confronted with hatred every day; as a matter of fact, I am surrounded by love and friendship. There may be people who don't like me or think I'm weird, but I really don't care. The world is a lot bigger than it was in high school.
So this birthday is exciting for me, because it affirms how far I've come and how good things are. I have a great life. Those bullies have faded into the background, and they have grown and changed too. Life goes on. It gets better.
Weighed in at 154 today. Still a little high, still 9 pounds to go to reach my goal by November. When I first started to lose weight, I lost 9 pounds in 6 weeks. I have 4 weeks to lose 9 pounds; I don't think I'm going to make it. Well, it will happen eventually. I'm happy with the way I look, and that's more important than an arbitrary number on the scale. I'm down to a size 10 in pants so that is great. It's time to get some new jeans! That's one of the things I'll be scoring for my birthday.
Going home Friday to celebrate with the folks. Dad and I are going fishing Friday eve if it's not too cold. We have had great weather this week which will hopefully continue into this weekend. It's been pretty warm. So that would be good. Saturday we will watch the big UM-MSU game. It will be really exciting. The teams seem really equally matched. I'm kind of hoping MSU wins. Mom is rooting for UM, of course--she's a Michigan graduate. Dad graduated from Western so I don't think he cares either way. He'll just have to decide whether to side with his wife or his daughter. Could be tricky...
Mom is making me spaghetti and cheesecake. ONE helping of spaghetti and ONE piece of cheesecake, I think. I'd also like to walk with Mom Saturday. I did a fast walk today as well as working out with Stephanie. I have shaved down my time walking a mile. It used to take me 23-24 minutes, but now it takes me 20-21 minutes! Those few minutes off make me feel good. The faster the better. Burn, baby, burn!
And now on a more serious, less selfish note...I've been thinking about the rash of suicides lately. It's so hard to be a young person anyway, and to be growing up gay and surrounded by negative imagery of gays makes it umpteen times harder. Gays and straights have been responding to this crisis by speaking out, making videos, setting aside days of remembrance, pointing kids towards websites that can help them...but it feels like too little, too late. I remember reading (a long time ago) that one-third of teens that commit suicide are gay. Seems like that number has risen recently. You can call it bullying or hate crimes, but whatever it is, it has to stop. I was bullied as a teen, and it made my days pretty dark sometimes. But I got through it. And, to paraphrase a video addressing the issue, it has gotten better. I'm not confronted with hatred every day; as a matter of fact, I am surrounded by love and friendship. There may be people who don't like me or think I'm weird, but I really don't care. The world is a lot bigger than it was in high school.
So this birthday is exciting for me, because it affirms how far I've come and how good things are. I have a great life. Those bullies have faded into the background, and they have grown and changed too. Life goes on. It gets better.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Today is the International Day of Prayer. I didn't go to church; not really different than any other Sunday for me. I went to the Capitol with some prayer group people a few years ago to celebrate it. There was a choir and some speakers, one of whom was a former Muslim who had converted. At one point he drew crosses on the Capitol doors and everyone cheered. Not me, though. Separation of church and state, anyone?
Tonight I will pray as I always do. That's my way of celebrating. I think it's an awesome thing that people all over the world are praying together, but how is that different from any other Sunday? I find it interesting that we have to set aside a certain day for it. I wonder why this is and how the tradition got started. I'll have to look it up! Next time I will be able to talk about it a little more.
Sunday is not going to be Step Sunday. They have canceled the class d/t low attendance. So today I ran and walked on the treadmill. I only ran for about 1/2 of it, which turned out to be a mile. I ran at a 10:52 minute mile. This worked out to about 300 cal/30 min, which is actually a little less than I can do on the elliptical. Plus if I walk it works out to more like 200 cals. So from now on I will be doing the elliptical with music. It's nice to know I can do something a little easier and still get the benefits I want!
My scale is broken. Good riddance! I'll try to weigh myself less often at the gym. Actually, I probably shouldn't weigh myself at all; I should go by the MAC scale every week. I hope to be about 153 this week. I've been eating really well and exercising hard. I'm going to Interval tomorrow, so for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Tonight I will pray as I always do. That's my way of celebrating. I think it's an awesome thing that people all over the world are praying together, but how is that different from any other Sunday? I find it interesting that we have to set aside a certain day for it. I wonder why this is and how the tradition got started. I'll have to look it up! Next time I will be able to talk about it a little more.
Sunday is not going to be Step Sunday. They have canceled the class d/t low attendance. So today I ran and walked on the treadmill. I only ran for about 1/2 of it, which turned out to be a mile. I ran at a 10:52 minute mile. This worked out to about 300 cal/30 min, which is actually a little less than I can do on the elliptical. Plus if I walk it works out to more like 200 cals. So from now on I will be doing the elliptical with music. It's nice to know I can do something a little easier and still get the benefits I want!
My scale is broken. Good riddance! I'll try to weigh myself less often at the gym. Actually, I probably shouldn't weigh myself at all; I should go by the MAC scale every week. I hope to be about 153 this week. I've been eating really well and exercising hard. I'm going to Interval tomorrow, so for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Pure Michigan
T-minus 12 days. I'm not freaking out yet. My life is so much better than it was ten years ago: I'm not smoking, I'm fitter, I have a good group of friends and a job, and I feel like I know myself much better. Ten years ago I had just come to the Lansing area and I felt a little lost. I had come off an unpleasant five years in CA and was hoping to have a good life here. And I do.
Anyone else get choked up at the "Pure Michigan" ads? I do every time. The Lansing one especially. It's exciting to think "I live there!" A study has rated Lansing one of the top ten places for young professionals to live. It's a great town, and one that I am proud to say I live in. We have great restaurants, theaters, schools, markets, malls...just wonderful things.
Speaking of cities...I haven't visited New Francisco in a long time. I hope I do again. It's such a fun place. Dreams are a neat part of life. We spend a good part of our lives asleep, and we go interesting places in our dreams.
Ah, the geese are honking outside my window. It's fall. I love the change of seasons. I like each season in turn, but fall holds a special place in my heart. I want to see more trees turning. We have a few yellows and browns but it's time for some reds, oranges, and purples! I love when a tree is just starting to turn, when part of it's green and part of it's red. I have seen several of those on my runs.
I was going to run today but it's rainy and cold. I keep making excuses not to go, and my shoes have migrated under the bed. On the other hand, I want to use my gym membership well so it's good to be going there more. Today I'm going to do elliptical and tomorrow is Step Sunday, if they don't cancel it. If they do, I'll run on the treadmill or do weights. I am very happy to say I got to Strength and Stretch yesterday. It energized and focused me. We worked with stretchy bands to exercise our upper bodies. We also worked butt and abs. Then we did our yoga portion and some final stretches, ending with a minute or so of meditiation.
Last night Adam and I saw Fortinbras at Riverwalk. What a great show! We didn't have great seats, which dismayed me since I had called ahead. But we still enjoyed it. Every actor played their part with energy and humor. The director had made great choices, interpreting the script in the best way. The costumes--oh, the costumes! They added to the hilariousness of the show. The costumer paired high-tops and leather jackets with tights and codpieces (Fortinbras' monster codpiece was especially hilarious!). Evan P. played Fortinbras to the hilt. He is so talented! He's got great comic timing and the ability to play to the audience. A couple things went wrong for him but he rolled with it and even made one part--when he caught his sleeve on the armrest of his throne--a funny bit.
I went shopping yesterday at Kohl's to use a ten dollar off coupon. I LOVE that store! They have so many deals--for instance, they cut prices in half or more sometimes. I got a sweater and a pair of corduroys (very in right now) for less than *$20* with the coupon; without the deals it would have been $60! And even better? I got size *10* pants! The 12's were comfy but a little big so I tried the 10's. They fit with even a little breathing room!! One step closer to an 8.
My eyes are crying out for contacts and I need a shower, so--
Hanging up now...
Anyone else get choked up at the "Pure Michigan" ads? I do every time. The Lansing one especially. It's exciting to think "I live there!" A study has rated Lansing one of the top ten places for young professionals to live. It's a great town, and one that I am proud to say I live in. We have great restaurants, theaters, schools, markets, malls...just wonderful things.
Speaking of cities...I haven't visited New Francisco in a long time. I hope I do again. It's such a fun place. Dreams are a neat part of life. We spend a good part of our lives asleep, and we go interesting places in our dreams.
Ah, the geese are honking outside my window. It's fall. I love the change of seasons. I like each season in turn, but fall holds a special place in my heart. I want to see more trees turning. We have a few yellows and browns but it's time for some reds, oranges, and purples! I love when a tree is just starting to turn, when part of it's green and part of it's red. I have seen several of those on my runs.
I was going to run today but it's rainy and cold. I keep making excuses not to go, and my shoes have migrated under the bed. On the other hand, I want to use my gym membership well so it's good to be going there more. Today I'm going to do elliptical and tomorrow is Step Sunday, if they don't cancel it. If they do, I'll run on the treadmill or do weights. I am very happy to say I got to Strength and Stretch yesterday. It energized and focused me. We worked with stretchy bands to exercise our upper bodies. We also worked butt and abs. Then we did our yoga portion and some final stretches, ending with a minute or so of meditiation.
Last night Adam and I saw Fortinbras at Riverwalk. What a great show! We didn't have great seats, which dismayed me since I had called ahead. But we still enjoyed it. Every actor played their part with energy and humor. The director had made great choices, interpreting the script in the best way. The costumes--oh, the costumes! They added to the hilariousness of the show. The costumer paired high-tops and leather jackets with tights and codpieces (Fortinbras' monster codpiece was especially hilarious!). Evan P. played Fortinbras to the hilt. He is so talented! He's got great comic timing and the ability to play to the audience. A couple things went wrong for him but he rolled with it and even made one part--when he caught his sleeve on the armrest of his throne--a funny bit.
I went shopping yesterday at Kohl's to use a ten dollar off coupon. I LOVE that store! They have so many deals--for instance, they cut prices in half or more sometimes. I got a sweater and a pair of corduroys (very in right now) for less than *$20* with the coupon; without the deals it would have been $60! And even better? I got size *10* pants! The 12's were comfy but a little big so I tried the 10's. They fit with even a little breathing room!! One step closer to an 8.
My eyes are crying out for contacts and I need a shower, so--
Hanging up now...
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
My Student, my President, my God, and Me
This has been an exciting day! First, I did my weekly workout with Stephanie. I weighed in FIVE pounds HEAVIER than last week! Obviously, it's impossible that I gained five pounds in one week. My fat % stayed the same so it's just water weight. I also maintain that every scale reads differently; my scale at home usually reads 153-154. I'm still aiming for 145 by November. My clothes still fit loose, and I like the way I look in the mirror. I will have to get some new jeans for my birthday; every pair is too loose. I think I've gone from a 12 to a 10. I'd love to be an 8, but that may not happen. If I get my waist measurement down, it may be doable.
The workout was not as grueling as usual. Part of this was because we started late. But things seemed easier d/t my increasing endurance and strength. Doing Interval and running has made a big difference. I'm running again tomorrow with the goal of running the whole way. I really think that's possible. Stephanie was also happy with my food journal. Although I ate out several times the past week, I planned my "in" meals carefully. I didn't drink as much soda either.
I also worked with Remya today. It was the kind of lesson teachers dream about. I presented the vocab to her and we did the lesson as I laid out last time: pretest, learning definitions, exercises. She made the wonderful journey of discovery. When she did the pretest, guessing at what the words meant based on each sentence, she became frustrated as she searched for the word. She knew some right off the bat but had never heard of others. We then looked at the examples to see how close she was. She showed relief when she had gotten it right and laughed when she was off--sometimes WAY off. As she did the exercises, she got better and better. She felt triumphant when she finished. We had a little time left over to do one grammar lesson and then I gave her her homework assignment.
I think she really enjoyed the learning experience today. I know it made my day. It's great to see a student learn and grow. I'm glad I am able to be part of that experience. She sometimes throws questions at me that make me think on my feet, and I am usually able to answer these questions. I enjoy teaching the vocabulary more than I do the grammar--word meanings come easier to me than language rules, so it's the same when I work with my students. I left today with a feeling of accomplishment that will carry me through the whole week.
Later I was looking online for information on the DADT controversy and I stumbled upon a video with President Obama addressing a small group discussing education and the economy. A woman threw a question at him about his feelings on being a Christian. There is so much misinformation about Obama on this subject that it was good to hear him personally talk about it. What I heard amazed me. I did not know that he was not raised in any church. He talked about his mother as a spiritual person but said they did not go to church. He said he came to the church later in life. It was his personal decision. This floored me because it was the same experience I had. I came to the church on my own after being raised by parents who didn't believe we had to abide by any church-imposed rules. Whatever I decide about my own faith, I have the experience of coming to the church as a choice I made, not something mindless I have done out of family tradition. Thank you to my parents for that! I'm sure this testimony of his will open him up to all sorts of new criticism, but I believe it makes him a stronger Christian than those who would oppose him. I respect tradition, but there's something to be said about a person who discovers a need within themselves and seeks a personal way to fill it.
So where am I on this whole thing today? I still like the idea of finding a group of God-lovers...I like that word. There's a lot of rethinking of beliefs on the part of some people around me right now, which I won't go into out of respect for their privacy. In the end, I believe we all have to choose our own way and God loves us all no matter what path we take.
I will be thinking about this more as I go through life on my own persoanl spiritual quest. But for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
The workout was not as grueling as usual. Part of this was because we started late. But things seemed easier d/t my increasing endurance and strength. Doing Interval and running has made a big difference. I'm running again tomorrow with the goal of running the whole way. I really think that's possible. Stephanie was also happy with my food journal. Although I ate out several times the past week, I planned my "in" meals carefully. I didn't drink as much soda either.
I also worked with Remya today. It was the kind of lesson teachers dream about. I presented the vocab to her and we did the lesson as I laid out last time: pretest, learning definitions, exercises. She made the wonderful journey of discovery. When she did the pretest, guessing at what the words meant based on each sentence, she became frustrated as she searched for the word. She knew some right off the bat but had never heard of others. We then looked at the examples to see how close she was. She showed relief when she had gotten it right and laughed when she was off--sometimes WAY off. As she did the exercises, she got better and better. She felt triumphant when she finished. We had a little time left over to do one grammar lesson and then I gave her her homework assignment.
I think she really enjoyed the learning experience today. I know it made my day. It's great to see a student learn and grow. I'm glad I am able to be part of that experience. She sometimes throws questions at me that make me think on my feet, and I am usually able to answer these questions. I enjoy teaching the vocabulary more than I do the grammar--word meanings come easier to me than language rules, so it's the same when I work with my students. I left today with a feeling of accomplishment that will carry me through the whole week.
Later I was looking online for information on the DADT controversy and I stumbled upon a video with President Obama addressing a small group discussing education and the economy. A woman threw a question at him about his feelings on being a Christian. There is so much misinformation about Obama on this subject that it was good to hear him personally talk about it. What I heard amazed me. I did not know that he was not raised in any church. He talked about his mother as a spiritual person but said they did not go to church. He said he came to the church later in life. It was his personal decision. This floored me because it was the same experience I had. I came to the church on my own after being raised by parents who didn't believe we had to abide by any church-imposed rules. Whatever I decide about my own faith, I have the experience of coming to the church as a choice I made, not something mindless I have done out of family tradition. Thank you to my parents for that! I'm sure this testimony of his will open him up to all sorts of new criticism, but I believe it makes him a stronger Christian than those who would oppose him. I respect tradition, but there's something to be said about a person who discovers a need within themselves and seeks a personal way to fill it.
So where am I on this whole thing today? I still like the idea of finding a group of God-lovers...I like that word. There's a lot of rethinking of beliefs on the part of some people around me right now, which I won't go into out of respect for their privacy. In the end, I believe we all have to choose our own way and God loves us all no matter what path we take.
I will be thinking about this more as I go through life on my own persoanl spiritual quest. But for now I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Monday, September 27, 2010
Just some stuff
Today was Interval and I actually made it! I was able to do the cardio part pretty well, which was different from last time. My running and elliptical work has helped in that arena, I think. Yesterday I was going to do Step but they cancelled the class; however, I had brought my music and did elliptical instead. I did the same thing where I went hard for two minutes and then slower for two minutes. Sometimes I did the harder part for longer than two minutes at a time, too.
After I went to the gym yesterday, I went to Schuler's to find a good adult vocabulary book to use with Remya. The associate steered me towards the ESL books but I found nothing there. I got frustrated. Then I thought for a minute and decided I needed to check out the "regular" vocab books. Success! I found a book that is just hard enough, but not insanely difficult. I wrote a pre-test for the words (12 each lesson) and after she takes that we will do the lesson itself. There are exercises and a paragraph that uses the words in context. For the next week, I will have her write sentences with the words in them similar to the pre-test. We will continue doing grammar, just not as many lessons at a time.
In 17 days, I will be 40. Wow. I certainly don't "feel" 40; I feel more like 25. I'm getting my headshots done soon and I think those will show my inner age. The guy doing my headshots did the pictures for my church picture directory and I feel like he took good pictures of me. We work together well; he has done my headshots before.
Well, I guess that's all for now.
Hanging up now...
After I went to the gym yesterday, I went to Schuler's to find a good adult vocabulary book to use with Remya. The associate steered me towards the ESL books but I found nothing there. I got frustrated. Then I thought for a minute and decided I needed to check out the "regular" vocab books. Success! I found a book that is just hard enough, but not insanely difficult. I wrote a pre-test for the words (12 each lesson) and after she takes that we will do the lesson itself. There are exercises and a paragraph that uses the words in context. For the next week, I will have her write sentences with the words in them similar to the pre-test. We will continue doing grammar, just not as many lessons at a time.
In 17 days, I will be 40. Wow. I certainly don't "feel" 40; I feel more like 25. I'm getting my headshots done soon and I think those will show my inner age. The guy doing my headshots did the pictures for my church picture directory and I feel like he took good pictures of me. We work together well; he has done my headshots before.
Well, I guess that's all for now.
Hanging up now...
Friday, September 24, 2010
Looking back...
I had a third consecutive dream about my cop friend. We were in a school, and I went into a classroom with a kid (not mine). My friend started under his breath. I asked him what he was doing and he said, "There's a demon in here. Get out of here. Run down the hall as fast as you can and keep running no matter what!". I ran out into the hall and there were demons everywhere. The dream faded out but not before we had an "eye of the storm" moment with the song "Hallelujah" playing in the background.
Last night was the end of the series of dreams. Instead, I dreamt about my Halloween costume. I often work things out in dreams. I planned on going as a Renaissance dominatrix (complete with bodice, short skirt, mask and whip) but then the invite said the theme was "traditional" Halloween costumes: witches, vampires, ghosts and the like. My costume goes along with that theme but in an offbeat way. You'll just have to wait until November 6 to find out what it is! I will tell you it involves a new T-shirt, fake blood, and something you could find at a hardware store. And it's not the guy from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre!
Good workout yesterday. Now that I have music it's easy to do 30 mins. I did interval speeds too--two minutes fast, two minutes not as fast (but not slow until my cooldown). That's a good way to burn more fat. I got up in plenty of time to go to Strength and Stretch but I didn't because I had a lunch date (which I didn't remember til last night). We had a good time. I went to The Soup Spoon with my friend Julie. I have to recommend it! especially the Seafood Chowder. They have shrimo po' boys and I might try that next time---I'm skeptical but they are made with Gulf shrimp (surprisingly).
So I think I'll take a walk today and lift tomorrow, with an eye towards doing Step on Sunday. Step Sunday. And then Monday is Interval again.
Margaret and I were talking and I mentioned that one of my characters was Creole and spoke with an accent. We had a long time about how Creole was different from Cajun and that I had picked a very hard accent to work with. We decided that it would be much better for Marie to be from New Orleans so I went back through the script again.. I basically had to translate all her lines into Standard American English. I actually had a lot of fun with it. She has a very different but still authentic voice. She has a few cheres and speaks without contractions sometimes, but on the whole her speech is unaccented.
Well, it's time for that walk, so...
Hanging up now...
Last night was the end of the series of dreams. Instead, I dreamt about my Halloween costume. I often work things out in dreams. I planned on going as a Renaissance dominatrix (complete with bodice, short skirt, mask and whip) but then the invite said the theme was "traditional" Halloween costumes: witches, vampires, ghosts and the like. My costume goes along with that theme but in an offbeat way. You'll just have to wait until November 6 to find out what it is! I will tell you it involves a new T-shirt, fake blood, and something you could find at a hardware store. And it's not the guy from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre!
Good workout yesterday. Now that I have music it's easy to do 30 mins. I did interval speeds too--two minutes fast, two minutes not as fast (but not slow until my cooldown). That's a good way to burn more fat. I got up in plenty of time to go to Strength and Stretch but I didn't because I had a lunch date (which I didn't remember til last night). We had a good time. I went to The Soup Spoon with my friend Julie. I have to recommend it! especially the Seafood Chowder. They have shrimo po' boys and I might try that next time---I'm skeptical but they are made with Gulf shrimp (surprisingly).
So I think I'll take a walk today and lift tomorrow, with an eye towards doing Step on Sunday. Step Sunday. And then Monday is Interval again.
Margaret and I were talking and I mentioned that one of my characters was Creole and spoke with an accent. We had a long time about how Creole was different from Cajun and that I had picked a very hard accent to work with. We decided that it would be much better for Marie to be from New Orleans so I went back through the script again.. I basically had to translate all her lines into Standard American English. I actually had a lot of fun with it. She has a very different but still authentic voice. She has a few cheres and speaks without contractions sometimes, but on the whole her speech is unaccented.
Well, it's time for that walk, so...
Hanging up now...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Ringo, Love Interest, Creature Comforts, and Future
Didn't get into Puss in Boots. I feel fine about it. Many of my friends got in it, including Anna, and that makes me happy. A couple people said they were surprised I wasn't cast. One of my friends was cast mainly because he fit the part physically, but he said, "Maybe they'll need a sassy redhead sometime." I like that. Not sure about the redhead part--I'm shooting for brown. But I like the sassy part!
I have really recommitted to eating right and exercising. I ran today, running most of the way. Ran the whole trail, part of Hullett, and all of the street home. I feel like I can run the whole thing next time. Tomorrow I will do elliptical at the gym and then Strength and Stretch Friday, if I get up on time. I was looking over my old entries and saw that I was interested in doing the Sunday Step class. I might look into that. I remember being a little intimidated by a whole hour on the step. I didn't know if I could keep up with that. But now now that I've done the running and Interval I think I could.
I've cut out soda and I have been eating smaller portions. Tonight I had a wonderful steak with potatoes and mixed veggies. I ate a little more than half the steak, and saved the rest along with about half of the veggies. I'm still having a problem with eating late at night. Last night I had the other half of my dinner and then about 3/4 of a bag of popcorn. Later, right before bed, I had a couple pieces of low fat pepper jack.
Maybe the cheese affected my dream state. I had some doozies last night. In the first one, Ringo Starr and I were cutting up melons in his kitchen. He was making advances towards me, at one point stroking my hair with a brush he had moistened in the melon juice. He propositioned me and I rejected him, calling him "Mr. Starr". Who calls Ringo "Mr. Starr"?
The second dream was really interesting because it featured the return of a character from my dream the night before. He is a short, red-headed, kind of cute cop. In the dream last night, I was in a bar watching some friends play pool. A crude man came over and made fun of my friends while trying to get me to leave with him. My cop friend came over and told him to knock it off, and this degenerated into a fist fight between the two men. I didn't get to see who won because the dream faded out. I had a third dream that I was in the bath and Momma K was giving me a manicure (the manicure part is completely possible, as she does this for people) but that was just a short, mundane dream.
So what's next for me? More exercising, more eating right, auditions for Almost, Maine (which are in November, when I plan to be at my target weight), and, wonderfully, the staged reading of Drag. I had to call the office because there was a typo in the title on the website: it said "A comedy ABOUT attire", which sounds totally stupid, not "A comedy OF attire" which is like a comedy of errors. I haven't looked to see if Mike changed it--I was distracted by the PIB cast list.
Maybe I'm a better writer than actor...?
Hanging up now...
I have really recommitted to eating right and exercising. I ran today, running most of the way. Ran the whole trail, part of Hullett, and all of the street home. I feel like I can run the whole thing next time. Tomorrow I will do elliptical at the gym and then Strength and Stretch Friday, if I get up on time. I was looking over my old entries and saw that I was interested in doing the Sunday Step class. I might look into that. I remember being a little intimidated by a whole hour on the step. I didn't know if I could keep up with that. But now now that I've done the running and Interval I think I could.
I've cut out soda and I have been eating smaller portions. Tonight I had a wonderful steak with potatoes and mixed veggies. I ate a little more than half the steak, and saved the rest along with about half of the veggies. I'm still having a problem with eating late at night. Last night I had the other half of my dinner and then about 3/4 of a bag of popcorn. Later, right before bed, I had a couple pieces of low fat pepper jack.
Maybe the cheese affected my dream state. I had some doozies last night. In the first one, Ringo Starr and I were cutting up melons in his kitchen. He was making advances towards me, at one point stroking my hair with a brush he had moistened in the melon juice. He propositioned me and I rejected him, calling him "Mr. Starr". Who calls Ringo "Mr. Starr"?
The second dream was really interesting because it featured the return of a character from my dream the night before. He is a short, red-headed, kind of cute cop. In the dream last night, I was in a bar watching some friends play pool. A crude man came over and made fun of my friends while trying to get me to leave with him. My cop friend came over and told him to knock it off, and this degenerated into a fist fight between the two men. I didn't get to see who won because the dream faded out. I had a third dream that I was in the bath and Momma K was giving me a manicure (the manicure part is completely possible, as she does this for people) but that was just a short, mundane dream.
So what's next for me? More exercising, more eating right, auditions for Almost, Maine (which are in November, when I plan to be at my target weight), and, wonderfully, the staged reading of Drag. I had to call the office because there was a typo in the title on the website: it said "A comedy ABOUT attire", which sounds totally stupid, not "A comedy OF attire" which is like a comedy of errors. I haven't looked to see if Mike changed it--I was distracted by the PIB cast list.
Maybe I'm a better writer than actor...?
Hanging up now...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Well, it's after 10:30 on Tuesday night. Several of my friends have gotten calls about the show. I don't think I got cast. However, I remember BT when some people didn't get called until the day after the second night. I got lucky; Ann called me within a few hours of getting cast. I had to wait on SB however.
And now for something completely different...
I want to talk about something else. I haven't been to church in a long time and I don't miss it at all. Choir started up again and even missing that isn't enough to make me go back. Why am I not going back? I want something different. I am questioning my relationship with God. I find the church I have been going to is too regimented and full of white, rich, conservative people. Something that used to give me pleasure that now weirds me out is the call to worship. Everyone sounds like a bunch of zombies saying the same words together. Jeanne's sermons are great, of course, but I don't even miss those.
I've thought of going to another church. There is a Unitarian Universalist church in EL that might be more up my alley, but the services are too early for me. I don't want to go to Trinity with Heidi; I find it quite conservative. There aren't many other options. I don't go to prayer group; I just pray on my own.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do for the Christmas Eve candlelight service. I really like the service but I might feel a little funny going after I haven't been to church all year. I think everyone would be accepting of me. It might still be nice to go and just not sing in the choir.
I haven't given much thought to the implications this may hold for me as a believer and a Christian. I don't believe I'll go to hell. I'm still a good person; I still pray and treat my neighbor as I would like to be treated. I don't think one religion is better than another. The reading on Sept. 11 supported this. So I don't ally with those Christians that uphold the Bible as the only true text and Christianity as the only true religion.
I haven't told my sister about this development. When she asked if I still liked my church, I told her yes. If I told her I was dissatisfied, she might suggest converting to Catholicism. That would not be for me. I'm not interested in a religion that believes in hell and takes orders from the Pope. I would like to find a group of people who feel as I do, who are searching and interested in growing as God-lovers. Not even necessarily Christians--just those who want to be good people in the eyes of God. I think I'll start reading my Bible again and see where that leads me.
Well, I don't think Jane will call tonight and I would like to take a relaxing bath to unwind. So I'll say--
Hanging up now...
And now for something completely different...
I want to talk about something else. I haven't been to church in a long time and I don't miss it at all. Choir started up again and even missing that isn't enough to make me go back. Why am I not going back? I want something different. I am questioning my relationship with God. I find the church I have been going to is too regimented and full of white, rich, conservative people. Something that used to give me pleasure that now weirds me out is the call to worship. Everyone sounds like a bunch of zombies saying the same words together. Jeanne's sermons are great, of course, but I don't even miss those.
I've thought of going to another church. There is a Unitarian Universalist church in EL that might be more up my alley, but the services are too early for me. I don't want to go to Trinity with Heidi; I find it quite conservative. There aren't many other options. I don't go to prayer group; I just pray on my own.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do for the Christmas Eve candlelight service. I really like the service but I might feel a little funny going after I haven't been to church all year. I think everyone would be accepting of me. It might still be nice to go and just not sing in the choir.
I haven't given much thought to the implications this may hold for me as a believer and a Christian. I don't believe I'll go to hell. I'm still a good person; I still pray and treat my neighbor as I would like to be treated. I don't think one religion is better than another. The reading on Sept. 11 supported this. So I don't ally with those Christians that uphold the Bible as the only true text and Christianity as the only true religion.
I haven't told my sister about this development. When she asked if I still liked my church, I told her yes. If I told her I was dissatisfied, she might suggest converting to Catholicism. That would not be for me. I'm not interested in a religion that believes in hell and takes orders from the Pope. I would like to find a group of people who feel as I do, who are searching and interested in growing as God-lovers. Not even necessarily Christians--just those who want to be good people in the eyes of God. I think I'll start reading my Bible again and see where that leads me.
Well, I don't think Jane will call tonight and I would like to take a relaxing bath to unwind. So I'll say--
Hanging up now...
Monday, September 20, 2010
Puss in Boots
Got back from Puss in Boots auditions a while ago. It went well, but I don't think I'll get cast. Too much competition. We're back to the old "If there are a lot of people auditioning, I won't get a part." There is no ensemble in this show, so it won't be like SB. I predict who the director will cast after the night is over and I don't see me getting any roles. I did my best, though.
People from Thunderhoof, Bremen Town, and Sleeping Beauty were there. It was a nice reunion. I was the only one who had been in all three shows. We all sang and read well. We're a talented group. :) There were lots of good people. The director's going to have a hard time deciding who to cast. I was a little dismayed because the actors kept talking among themselves. People weren't being fair to others by being unruly. But I don't think it threw anybody off too much.
Didn't make it to Interval today. I didn't sleep that well last night and didn't get up in time. I took a walk instead. Tomorrow I work with Stephanie and hopefully my weight will be down. My food journal has fewer oopsies in it.But I haven't been working out hard enough. Maybe I will run Wednesday. I ran on the treadmill Thursday, so I need to run soon. One of my FB friends told me about a training group that runs together every Saturday at 8 or 8:30. Like I'm going to get up for that! I would be in a lot better shape if I weren't so lazy.
Well, I'm going to check FB again and then go to bed.
Hanging up now...
People from Thunderhoof, Bremen Town, and Sleeping Beauty were there. It was a nice reunion. I was the only one who had been in all three shows. We all sang and read well. We're a talented group. :) There were lots of good people. The director's going to have a hard time deciding who to cast. I was a little dismayed because the actors kept talking among themselves. People weren't being fair to others by being unruly. But I don't think it threw anybody off too much.
Didn't make it to Interval today. I didn't sleep that well last night and didn't get up in time. I took a walk instead. Tomorrow I work with Stephanie and hopefully my weight will be down. My food journal has fewer oopsies in it.But I haven't been working out hard enough. Maybe I will run Wednesday. I ran on the treadmill Thursday, so I need to run soon. One of my FB friends told me about a training group that runs together every Saturday at 8 or 8:30. Like I'm going to get up for that! I would be in a lot better shape if I weren't so lazy.
Well, I'm going to check FB again and then go to bed.
Hanging up now...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Are you feeling it?
Adam and I went to the Blues Fest last night. It is another reason why I love Lansing. It takes place in Old Town, my favorite part of town. We saw Bryan Lee and the Power Blues Band. They were great! Bryan has been playing and singing blues in New Orleans for thirty years. He has a great stage presence. He would ask us from time to time, "Are you feeling it?" We were.
They played for an hour and a half and the time just flew by. Then Adam said he was hungry but all the stalls were closed. I proposed going back to his place and ordering pizza so that's what we did. I left around 1 and had a hell of a time getting back home. I went past campus--BIG mistake. The traffic was moving SO slow! I didn't get home til about 1:30. MSU won, though! I can't believe we beat Notre Dame! Maybe MSU will beat UM. I don't really care who wins since I went to both schools.
Went for a short walk today, about two miles. It took me an hour including a stop at Starbuck's. I got a Caramel Light Frappucino...not good. It's low in calories but it has a lot of sugar. I found out something that turned me off to Diet Coke completely. Apparently aspartame was originally intended to be a pesticide, but the makers found that it was too close to DDT! Wow! I knew it had been found to cause cancer, but I had no idea it was THAT bad. No more diet soda for me!!!
I'm going to Interval tomorrow. I hope I'm better this week than last. The cardio was SO hard. The weights weren't that easy either. I do a lot of weight on my own and with Stephanie, but I use really light weights in the class--8, 10, or 12 pound dumbbells. I think it's harder because we are doing cardio intervals between the weightlifting portion.
Puss in Boots auditions are tomorrow. I have my song all ready to go and I know what I'm wearing, if it's cool. If it's warm I'll have to think of something else. I've worked really hard on my song and I'm pleased with it. The CD has been really helpful. If I get in this will be my third show this year!
Hanging up now...
They played for an hour and a half and the time just flew by. Then Adam said he was hungry but all the stalls were closed. I proposed going back to his place and ordering pizza so that's what we did. I left around 1 and had a hell of a time getting back home. I went past campus--BIG mistake. The traffic was moving SO slow! I didn't get home til about 1:30. MSU won, though! I can't believe we beat Notre Dame! Maybe MSU will beat UM. I don't really care who wins since I went to both schools.
Went for a short walk today, about two miles. It took me an hour including a stop at Starbuck's. I got a Caramel Light Frappucino...not good. It's low in calories but it has a lot of sugar. I found out something that turned me off to Diet Coke completely. Apparently aspartame was originally intended to be a pesticide, but the makers found that it was too close to DDT! Wow! I knew it had been found to cause cancer, but I had no idea it was THAT bad. No more diet soda for me!!!
I'm going to Interval tomorrow. I hope I'm better this week than last. The cardio was SO hard. The weights weren't that easy either. I do a lot of weight on my own and with Stephanie, but I use really light weights in the class--8, 10, or 12 pound dumbbells. I think it's harder because we are doing cardio intervals between the weightlifting portion.
Puss in Boots auditions are tomorrow. I have my song all ready to go and I know what I'm wearing, if it's cool. If it's warm I'll have to think of something else. I've worked really hard on my song and I'm pleased with it. The CD has been really helpful. If I get in this will be my third show this year!
Hanging up now...
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