SOOO much to report! I haven't written in a long time because I wanted to store up a lot of news to make the entry really mean something. I often feel like this is just a record of things that happen in my life, and that's not always interesting. So I'm going to break it down.

Weight/fitness: I am down to 144 pounds! So happy about that. I LOVE the way I look in the mirror. Clothes that haven't fit for a long time are almost loose on me. I've saved money by "rediscovering" old clothes, notably a few cute miniskirts that have been too small for years!

I haven't kept up with my running and I haven't picked a race. So I'm kind of slacking in that department. It's been hard to really see myself as a runner. I know if I just get back into a groove it will come easier. The nice weather should help--I'm better outside than on the treadmill. I am working with Stephanie every week and trying to get to Interval and Strength and Stretch. We did power yoga in S & S one day and it actually wore me out!

Career: I'm tutoring young people trying to get their GED. When I originally wanted to teach a large part of my desire stemmed from a drive to help teenagers. I feel like I'm doing that now in an even more direct way. Most of the kids are driven to work, although we did have a boy walk out. He said he wanted to take the practice test, but when I came in to check on him he was gone.

Romance: It didn't work out with Lance. I just didn't feel any chemistry with him. I feel like he's too formal in person. I have made a connection with another guy who lives in Mason, which is nice because it's not too far from here. We're going to coffee soon, after the show closes. Which brings me to...

The Show: The rehearsal process has been interesting. The director cast the show very well, excellent voices in both leads and small parts. The chorus has worked hard and we have also shone. But there's been scheduling problems and we've only recently been able to rehearse with anything near a full cast. This makes rehearsals disjointed and hurts morale. We are getting closer as a cast and I think next week will bring everything into focus, both onstage and off. The best thing I can do is act and sing my part to the fullest.

And future theater: Auditions for Merchant of Venice are coming up the weekend after Guys and Dolls closes. I'm working on my monologue and I'm going to re-read the play. I really want Portia but I'd also just like to be in it. It would be fun to work with Mike again.

I also got a part without having to audition, which is always fun. Riverwalk is doing a show called "Conspiracy" in October. The show calls for one female non-speaking part. I didn't really consider auditioning. The director contacted me and offered it to me. I thought about it and decided it would be a good experience. I've worked with the director before as a fellow actor and I've seen his work in other shows. It's going to be a fascinating play. It's about the Nazis' "Final Solution". It is based on an HBO movie and has NEVER been performed on stage before. The author is actually coming to the show!!! So I will be part of something really wonderful.

Spirituality: Stephanie and I went to the meeting in March. We had a wonderful time. I feel like this is the right place for me. I'll be talking about it more as I go to more meetings.

And what else?...Spring is here, I think (never sure in Michigan). I got Mom a wonderful Mother's Day present and I will see her in a few weeks. Margaret is back working, focusing on testing, which she really loves. Dad had eye surgery to correct a detached retina, but he's doing fine. I worry that I will also have eye problems but my eye doctor took pictures of my retina the last time I was there and things looked good. Remya just got back from her anniversary trip to California and Vegas so the last time we met we looked at photos and talked. Lots of good things!

Hanging up now...