It's been a crazy week. Ashke is doing better, but he's been in the bedroom since I picked him up from the vets on Sunday. I'm making sure he eats and pees and doesn't have another blockage. He picked up a virus at the vets and is sneezing, but I'm keeping an eye out in case he needs more antibiotics. Poor kitty!
Saturday's class at ACTC's Academy went well. I did my talk on nutrition, and I was told I did a good job, so that was nice! I was the sweep for our group, but nothing major happened so I didn't need to hang back with anyone. It's a good group of students, and I can't wait 'til we get on some longer rides. Tomorrow's still up in the air, though, as it may be cancelled if it's raining...
So, Monday I got a call from OSH saying they wanted to move to the next step. They wanted to verify my salary (I faxed my last paycheck from my last job), and check my references. I waited on pins and needles all week, and got a call this morning. I was offered the job of Associate Buyer! Thus ends almost two years of unemployment!!! I'm so excited. But I have to wait until March 15th to start! Sigh. I go in for a drug test on Monday, and they're doing a background check on me. I really, really hope bad credit doesn't nix this job, 'cause I was just in the midst of fixing it when I lost my last job, and I've been barely hanging on for the last two years... I really need this job in order to pay off my bills and get my credit RIGHT for once...so that, just maybe, someday I can own a home...
I've been reading a bunch of plays...ones I want to audition for, and ones related to the one I'm going to be in (THE THREE SISTERS by Anton Chekov). My rehearsals start on March 21st. Yay! March is a busy month for me!
SUMMATION:
Acting - reading plays, working on monologues, getting ready for rehearsals
Bicycling - got my front wheel trued this week, hope the brakes don't rub, looking forward to Academy tomorrow
Cats - Ashke's hanging in there, Starlight & Shala want more attention. Sigh.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day 50: Sometimes Excitement is Better Left Alone
Well, Wednesday I had my interview at OSH, and I think it went well. I really, really need this job, especially after what happened on Thursday night. But I'm getting ahead of myself...
By Thursday morning we had everything in place for the construction folks to fix our windows and patch some screws in the walls. In order to keep the cats out of the way, I didn't feed them that morning, but put them in their cat carriers in my mom's room, with the door closed, intending to keep them there until my room was finished (having them start on that room first). Well, even before they arrived, Starlight forced the zipper on his carrier and got out. I managed to catch him again and secure the zipper so he wouldn't be able to open it. Then, a little later, Ashke got out. I couldn't figure out how he got out of the two inches or so of space by the zipper, but I put him back in and secured it again...Not much later, he was out again...turns out there was a huge rip in the front of it (in the netting), and he was escaping that way. So I go my old hard-sided carrier out and put him in there. Finally, once my room was done by 10am or so (about 3 hours for the poor hungry kitties in the carriers), I went in to let them out in my room. Shala had gotten out...again with the zipper...sigh. So I put all the kitties, the food, the water, and a litter box in my room. Well, Ashke had gone to the bathroom in his carrier and was wet, so I wiped him down and tried to dry him. I set aside the carrier to wash out. Sigh. Later on, a cat had thrown up, and I suspected Ashke. Poor kitty.
So the day wore on and all the windows and rooms were finally completed and the construction folks left. I let the cats out of my room for their normal free reign in the house. Ashke was listless, just moping on the floor...occasionally moving to a new space. And yowling big time. I couldn't figure it out. I thought if he was the same in the morning, I'd have to take him to the vet. Well, a few hours later, he seemed worse. He also felt cold. Then he stood up and started walking around 8pm, and he was stumbling...looking as if he was drunk. That did it. I went to the computer and found an emergency animal hospital near Oakridge mall. Even though my mom and I were exhausted from dealing with the furniture and the blinds, we hopped in the car, and my mom drove me to the hospital. It turns out Ashke's bladder was blocked, and he wouldn't have lived until morning. They had to immediately put in a catheter and did a myriad of blood tests and had to hydrate him constantly with fluids. It turns out this is likely the most painful experience a male cat can go through...and the most common culprit is cheap cat foods. Being unemployed with a few cats, I did feed my cats Friskies and Cat Chow. I guess that's some bad stuff for neutered male cats. Sigh.
So, there I am freaking out because the cost is $650 just for them to start doing something. My mom lets me use the joint card she gave me for emergencies...then they examine him and I get the estimate for the night...in the end it was about $1100.00 for the overnight visit...then I had to transfer him to the regular vet at 7am this morning...and pick him up to take him back to the emergency vet tonight at 6pm. About $260 at the regular vet, and a quote of between $555 and another $1100 for Ashke to stay either 'til tomorrow night or, worst case, Sunday morning. Let's hope it's the $555. My mother said she didn't think I could afford to fix my cat. But my ex-husband, who I finally got on the phone, said he'd give up his entire savings of $1700 if I needed it to save my cat. Even though it meant he might not be able to move out when he'd planned. Until he'd said that, I'd seriously considered putting my cat to sleep because of the cost and my unemployment. No one should ever be forced to make that decision, and it's disgusting to me that animals are treated this way (oh, but humans aren't). Arrgh. I would make monthly payments to pay off a bill, but, I guess because there are stupid people out there with animals who really don't care about them, too many people default on vet bills, so vets no longer accept monthly payments. So, the upshot is that there's a good chance Ashke will be fine, and I'll have to pay for premium healthy cat food for all three of my cats (since I know I won't be able to keep them each to their own dishes). So, I really, really need this job!
Shala and Starlight seem to be missing Ashke. They've been wanting more cuddle time today. I miss Ashke at home, too. :(
In the midst of all this, I'm supposed to give a presentation on nutrition tomorrow at the ACTC bicycling Academy...and I've hardly prepared...I think this is gonna be a mess. Sigh.
Well, I'm heading off for now. I need some sleep if I have to get up at 6am to prepare for the Academy in the morning.
SUMMATION:
Acting - nothing today...focused on cat and presentation
Bicycling - prepped presentation on nutrition
Cats - Ashke's sick. Come home soon!
By Thursday morning we had everything in place for the construction folks to fix our windows and patch some screws in the walls. In order to keep the cats out of the way, I didn't feed them that morning, but put them in their cat carriers in my mom's room, with the door closed, intending to keep them there until my room was finished (having them start on that room first). Well, even before they arrived, Starlight forced the zipper on his carrier and got out. I managed to catch him again and secure the zipper so he wouldn't be able to open it. Then, a little later, Ashke got out. I couldn't figure out how he got out of the two inches or so of space by the zipper, but I put him back in and secured it again...Not much later, he was out again...turns out there was a huge rip in the front of it (in the netting), and he was escaping that way. So I go my old hard-sided carrier out and put him in there. Finally, once my room was done by 10am or so (about 3 hours for the poor hungry kitties in the carriers), I went in to let them out in my room. Shala had gotten out...again with the zipper...sigh. So I put all the kitties, the food, the water, and a litter box in my room. Well, Ashke had gone to the bathroom in his carrier and was wet, so I wiped him down and tried to dry him. I set aside the carrier to wash out. Sigh. Later on, a cat had thrown up, and I suspected Ashke. Poor kitty.
So the day wore on and all the windows and rooms were finally completed and the construction folks left. I let the cats out of my room for their normal free reign in the house. Ashke was listless, just moping on the floor...occasionally moving to a new space. And yowling big time. I couldn't figure it out. I thought if he was the same in the morning, I'd have to take him to the vet. Well, a few hours later, he seemed worse. He also felt cold. Then he stood up and started walking around 8pm, and he was stumbling...looking as if he was drunk. That did it. I went to the computer and found an emergency animal hospital near Oakridge mall. Even though my mom and I were exhausted from dealing with the furniture and the blinds, we hopped in the car, and my mom drove me to the hospital. It turns out Ashke's bladder was blocked, and he wouldn't have lived until morning. They had to immediately put in a catheter and did a myriad of blood tests and had to hydrate him constantly with fluids. It turns out this is likely the most painful experience a male cat can go through...and the most common culprit is cheap cat foods. Being unemployed with a few cats, I did feed my cats Friskies and Cat Chow. I guess that's some bad stuff for neutered male cats. Sigh.
So, there I am freaking out because the cost is $650 just for them to start doing something. My mom lets me use the joint card she gave me for emergencies...then they examine him and I get the estimate for the night...in the end it was about $1100.00 for the overnight visit...then I had to transfer him to the regular vet at 7am this morning...and pick him up to take him back to the emergency vet tonight at 6pm. About $260 at the regular vet, and a quote of between $555 and another $1100 for Ashke to stay either 'til tomorrow night or, worst case, Sunday morning. Let's hope it's the $555. My mother said she didn't think I could afford to fix my cat. But my ex-husband, who I finally got on the phone, said he'd give up his entire savings of $1700 if I needed it to save my cat. Even though it meant he might not be able to move out when he'd planned. Until he'd said that, I'd seriously considered putting my cat to sleep because of the cost and my unemployment. No one should ever be forced to make that decision, and it's disgusting to me that animals are treated this way (oh, but humans aren't). Arrgh. I would make monthly payments to pay off a bill, but, I guess because there are stupid people out there with animals who really don't care about them, too many people default on vet bills, so vets no longer accept monthly payments. So, the upshot is that there's a good chance Ashke will be fine, and I'll have to pay for premium healthy cat food for all three of my cats (since I know I won't be able to keep them each to their own dishes). So, I really, really need this job!
Shala and Starlight seem to be missing Ashke. They've been wanting more cuddle time today. I miss Ashke at home, too. :(
In the midst of all this, I'm supposed to give a presentation on nutrition tomorrow at the ACTC bicycling Academy...and I've hardly prepared...I think this is gonna be a mess. Sigh.
Well, I'm heading off for now. I need some sleep if I have to get up at 6am to prepare for the Academy in the morning.
SUMMATION:
Acting - nothing today...focused on cat and presentation
Bicycling - prepped presentation on nutrition
Cats - Ashke's sick. Come home soon!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Day 46: Another OSH Interview Scheduled!
I got a call today to come in for one more interview at Orchard Supply Hardware on Wednesday. I'm excited and hoping it goes well!
These last few days were a flurry. Friday I participated in Bindlepunks' PULLED FROM THE SACK, a 24 hour play festival. I met with a bunch of writers at 8pm, and we had until 4am to finish our short plays (five to ten minutes long). I wrote one seven page play and trashed it (rambling, no real point to it), then wrote a second seven page play. I finished fairly early and was able to nap for about three hours, though all the conversations around me sort of intruded on any kind of a good sleep. :)
At 4am, the directors came in, went into another room, and read all the plays. They chose eight total. Mine was one of them. :D We had a break of an hour or so before auditions.
At 8am, the actors gathered. We had all been emailed a selection of monologues the morning before. So we went in, one by one, and did our chosen monologues (paper in hand). Four of us had chosen one monologue, and we were asked if we could come back and do another or do one we already had. They wanted to see more drama. I did my "Supermother" monologue from BUG by Tracy Letts.
The directors then came into the room and told us their casting. I was put into two plays. The first was POINT OF VIEW by Suzanne Birrell (a RASHOMON-style plot wherein the same story is told three times, each from the point of view of the person setting up the story). The second play was HURT by Brent Beebe, about an abused woman who learns how to stand up to her husband in an unconventional way.
I had the same director for both plays, Janice L. Wessner, and she was fantastic. She took specific approaches to both plays as the subject matter demanded. I had a great experience working with her.
My play, PAVLOV'S VISIT TO SHROEDINGER'S WORLD, was well-directed by Eric Hayes. It starred Bora "Max" Koknar as Dog, Clara Sao as Cat, Brent Beebe as Scientist 1 and Victoria Ann Spencer as Scientist 2. They all did a fantastic job of bringing the script to life. And it was so exciting to see something I had written being performed live that very night!
We had a paper tech rehearsal around 6 or 7pm, then we had about two hours to grab dinner and get up to the Dragon Theatre in Palo Alto by 10:45pm. Curtain was at 11:30. I freaked out a bit when I realize my lines hadn't been cut and taped into my prop book for the first play, but I ended up tearing up my script and placing it inside. It worked well. I wanted to memorize both plays, but as difficult as it is to memorize in one day, it's even harder on lack of sleep! For the second play, I rewrote my lines (and cues) on index cards. That worked wonderfully. By 1:15am or so, the show was done. I got to go home and sleep. I was in bed by 2:15am. I woke up at 11:30am on Sunday, still tired and very, very sore. For HURT, I had to get shoved onto the ground twice, and was well taught by fight choreographer Michael Daw. Unfortunately, I practiced this fall a LOT. Sunday morning I woke up and felt like I'd gone to the gym and did thirty push-ups (hey, I haven't done any in a couple months), and a billion lunges (mostly on my right leg). Here it is, Monday evening, and I'm still sore! That said, I want to get to the gym this week and keep the strength building, since I've already done the preliminary soreness bit. :-)
All in all, I had a fantastic experience!
In addition, I found out on Sunday that I've been cast in ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS at Dragon Productions (the same theatre I did PULLED FROM THE SACK at). Hooray! We start rehearsals in March. :D
Today I managed to vacuum around some of our windows. The construction people are coming out Thursday to clean up the insides of our house that were damaged (minorly), and we need to have all of our stuff moved five feet from the windows. So we're gonna be busy moving stuff the next few days.
My mom treated me out to Bella Mia in downtown San Jose for lunch. Yum.
Well, I'm off to the store for a new binder to put ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS in as well as my print-out of Anton Chekov's THE THREE SISTERS since that's the "play within the play" we'll be working on. :D
SUMMATION:
Acting - Two short plays done on Saturday night, just cast in ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS
Bicycling - My sore muscles kept me from getting on my bike this morning. Hopefully tomorrow!
Cats - Missed me on Saturday, but their back to the "usual" today!
These last few days were a flurry. Friday I participated in Bindlepunks' PULLED FROM THE SACK, a 24 hour play festival. I met with a bunch of writers at 8pm, and we had until 4am to finish our short plays (five to ten minutes long). I wrote one seven page play and trashed it (rambling, no real point to it), then wrote a second seven page play. I finished fairly early and was able to nap for about three hours, though all the conversations around me sort of intruded on any kind of a good sleep. :)
At 4am, the directors came in, went into another room, and read all the plays. They chose eight total. Mine was one of them. :D We had a break of an hour or so before auditions.
At 8am, the actors gathered. We had all been emailed a selection of monologues the morning before. So we went in, one by one, and did our chosen monologues (paper in hand). Four of us had chosen one monologue, and we were asked if we could come back and do another or do one we already had. They wanted to see more drama. I did my "Supermother" monologue from BUG by Tracy Letts.
The directors then came into the room and told us their casting. I was put into two plays. The first was POINT OF VIEW by Suzanne Birrell (a RASHOMON-style plot wherein the same story is told three times, each from the point of view of the person setting up the story). The second play was HURT by Brent Beebe, about an abused woman who learns how to stand up to her husband in an unconventional way.
I had the same director for both plays, Janice L. Wessner, and she was fantastic. She took specific approaches to both plays as the subject matter demanded. I had a great experience working with her.
My play, PAVLOV'S VISIT TO SHROEDINGER'S WORLD, was well-directed by Eric Hayes. It starred Bora "Max" Koknar as Dog, Clara Sao as Cat, Brent Beebe as Scientist 1 and Victoria Ann Spencer as Scientist 2. They all did a fantastic job of bringing the script to life. And it was so exciting to see something I had written being performed live that very night!
We had a paper tech rehearsal around 6 or 7pm, then we had about two hours to grab dinner and get up to the Dragon Theatre in Palo Alto by 10:45pm. Curtain was at 11:30. I freaked out a bit when I realize my lines hadn't been cut and taped into my prop book for the first play, but I ended up tearing up my script and placing it inside. It worked well. I wanted to memorize both plays, but as difficult as it is to memorize in one day, it's even harder on lack of sleep! For the second play, I rewrote my lines (and cues) on index cards. That worked wonderfully. By 1:15am or so, the show was done. I got to go home and sleep. I was in bed by 2:15am. I woke up at 11:30am on Sunday, still tired and very, very sore. For HURT, I had to get shoved onto the ground twice, and was well taught by fight choreographer Michael Daw. Unfortunately, I practiced this fall a LOT. Sunday morning I woke up and felt like I'd gone to the gym and did thirty push-ups (hey, I haven't done any in a couple months), and a billion lunges (mostly on my right leg). Here it is, Monday evening, and I'm still sore! That said, I want to get to the gym this week and keep the strength building, since I've already done the preliminary soreness bit. :-)
All in all, I had a fantastic experience!
In addition, I found out on Sunday that I've been cast in ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS at Dragon Productions (the same theatre I did PULLED FROM THE SACK at). Hooray! We start rehearsals in March. :D
Today I managed to vacuum around some of our windows. The construction people are coming out Thursday to clean up the insides of our house that were damaged (minorly), and we need to have all of our stuff moved five feet from the windows. So we're gonna be busy moving stuff the next few days.
My mom treated me out to Bella Mia in downtown San Jose for lunch. Yum.
Well, I'm off to the store for a new binder to put ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS in as well as my print-out of Anton Chekov's THE THREE SISTERS since that's the "play within the play" we'll be working on. :D
SUMMATION:
Acting - Two short plays done on Saturday night, just cast in ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS
Bicycling - My sore muscles kept me from getting on my bike this morning. Hopefully tomorrow!
Cats - Missed me on Saturday, but their back to the "usual" today!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day 42: Interview at OSH
So today I interviewed at Orchard Supply Hardware for the Associate Buyer position. This was the first time in a long while where I had the usual "interview questions"; so it was a challenge since I've not been working for two years. I had to reach far back in my memory to help me answer some of those questions. I hope I did okay. I really, really want this job and think I'd be the ideal candidate for it. Plus, you just can't beat the enthusiasm of someone unemployed for two years with a last unemployment check merely three weeks away! While seemingly desperate (okay, I am, a little), I'm far more enthusiastic. I just hope they hire me so I can show them how right they were in doing so! They will not be disappointed in the least!
I mailed off my registration for the Cinderella Classic. Hopefully I'm one of the first 2,500 women, since that's all they have room for. And I hope to be able to either purchase or borrow a lighter bike so I can complete the "Challenge" ride. :)
I worked on my monologues and my screenplay for a bit today...
And I saw A SERIOUS MAN on DVD. It's up for a best picture Oscar. I only have two more best picture nominees to see before the Academy Awards! I really enjoyed A SERIOUS MAN. It was well done: poignant, funny, sad. Much like life. Definitely worth seeing, and, I think, a good contender for best picture! Though I'm pretty sure AVATAR is gonna walk away with it...
SUMMATION:
Acting - monologues and script
Bicycling - sent off CC registration. Now I HAVE to be in shape by April 10th.
Cats - Submitted Starlight for the Bissell contest this next week. Vote for him between February 12th thru 18th at http://mvp.bissell.com/mvp_PetDetail.aspx?id=8590012858
Ciao,
Jennifer
I mailed off my registration for the Cinderella Classic. Hopefully I'm one of the first 2,500 women, since that's all they have room for. And I hope to be able to either purchase or borrow a lighter bike so I can complete the "Challenge" ride. :)
I worked on my monologues and my screenplay for a bit today...
And I saw A SERIOUS MAN on DVD. It's up for a best picture Oscar. I only have two more best picture nominees to see before the Academy Awards! I really enjoyed A SERIOUS MAN. It was well done: poignant, funny, sad. Much like life. Definitely worth seeing, and, I think, a good contender for best picture! Though I'm pretty sure AVATAR is gonna walk away with it...
SUMMATION:
Acting - monologues and script
Bicycling - sent off CC registration. Now I HAVE to be in shape by April 10th.
Cats - Submitted Starlight for the Bissell contest this next week. Vote for him between February 12th thru 18th at http://mvp.bissell.com/mvp_PetDetail.aspx?id=8590012858
Ciao,
Jennifer
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Day 41: Signing up for Cinderella
So I got my registration form for the 2010 Cinderella Classic & Challenge bike ride. I'm sending it back first thing in the morning. I'd LOVE to do the challenge, but that will only happen if I get a lighter bike by April 1st. If not, I'll just do the metric century ride, which I know I can do since I've done three rides metric century or more in the last year. :)
I caught up on a lot of TV shows and a couple movies on DVD today. I also worked on my monologues, but I'm having a hard time memorizing this week. Arrgh.
I haven't heard, yet, about ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS. But I'm excited about Bindlepunks: Pulled from the sack this Saturday night. Well, Friday night I write a play, and then Saturday I get to perform (if I get cast in one of the eight plays). And 11:30 pm we perform the plays at the Dragon Theatre in Palo Alto. If you want something fun to do on a Saturday the 13th, stop by and watch the show!
I'm nervous about my interview at OSH tomorrow. I'd really like to work for their company. They have honesty & integrity listed among their core values! I think we'd be a great match. :)
Well, I'm going to work on my screenplay and finish catching up on my shows.
SUMMATION:
Acting - monologue-memorizing
Bicycling - signing up for Cinderella Classic...I better start getting more rides in!
Cats - Shala's curled up on a chair next to me. :)
I caught up on a lot of TV shows and a couple movies on DVD today. I also worked on my monologues, but I'm having a hard time memorizing this week. Arrgh.
I haven't heard, yet, about ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS. But I'm excited about Bindlepunks: Pulled from the sack this Saturday night. Well, Friday night I write a play, and then Saturday I get to perform (if I get cast in one of the eight plays). And 11:30 pm we perform the plays at the Dragon Theatre in Palo Alto. If you want something fun to do on a Saturday the 13th, stop by and watch the show!
I'm nervous about my interview at OSH tomorrow. I'd really like to work for their company. They have honesty & integrity listed among their core values! I think we'd be a great match. :)
Well, I'm going to work on my screenplay and finish catching up on my shows.
SUMMATION:
Acting - monologue-memorizing
Bicycling - signing up for Cinderella Classic...I better start getting more rides in!
Cats - Shala's curled up on a chair next to me. :)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day 40: Computers and Callbacks and Cats, oh my...
Crazy last few days...Saturday my sister came over. We played games with my mom (Scrabble, Cribbage, & Trivia Pursuit). I slipped out around noon to run off to my audition at Dragon Theatre in Palo Alto for ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS. I really want the part of Casey. Anyway, I was very excited when I made callbacks.
So Sunday my sister and I headed up to San Francisco. We went to the Ferry building and ate lunch at The Slanted Door. YUM! (and expensive...but she paid, even though I SAID I'd help out...so I told her if I get this job I'm treating her to a nice meal). Then we booked over to SFO to pick up her wife at the airport. Plane was supposed to arrive at three, and I didn't have to be at callbacks 'til six. So, of course, it turns out she wasn't on that plane (that arrived ten minutes early). And my sister's phone was dead, and mine was almost dead. After about forty-five minutes, my sister got her charger out of her car, and we found an outlet at the airport. We got the phone on just in time for her wife to call...it turns out her flight from Eureka to Sacramento to SFO was changed to Eureka to Denver to SFO...so she was in a different terminal and had to make her way over to us. Phew!
So, by then, I knew I wouldn't have time to go home and then come back and not be late for my audition. So I had my sister drop me off at the theatre (got there at 5pm). I walked over to Starbucks for a little warm hot chocolate, then I walked back to the theatre and hung out 'til the director got there about twenty minutes 'til six. I did the callback (I think I was OK, but I don't think I did my very best...just the best I could do at that time...I was worried about my ride home...my ride was supposed to be there by 8:30 in case we got out early (potentially going until nine). After my callback (and finding out I won't know my status in or not in the play until, possibly, this coming Saturday...sigh), I had to call my ride, 'cause it was 7:45, and he hadn't even left yet. So I walked BACK to Starbucks and had a cup of tea (so glad it's a "safe" feeling busy neighborhood there!). I finally got picked up and taken home. Thanks, Brent!
I had a mysterious pain in my left wrist...it's been two days, but I think it's finally getting better...it's that pain that kept me from cycling yesterday.
So I didn't get in any bike rides the last few days (and it was supposed to thunderstorm all day today...instead it did a little last night and we only had a tiny bit of rain today, and some welcome sun). I spent a good portion of today trying to get the house computers in okay shape...cleaning up my virtual desktop on my Mac and CCleaning and defragmenting my PC (which helped a tiny bit...I think the BIG problem is that there's just not enough memory). I also helped my mom set up her new laptop (on sale for just over three hundred at Best Buy)...mostly added security software, Firefox browser, and the pretty desktop choices...
I also finished the list for the one-acts I'm producing/acting in...it's the list of set, set pieces, props, costumes (or as much as we could know of these at this point in time).
Worked a little on my monologues...
Excited that I got picked as both a playwright and an actor for Bindlepunks: PULLED FROM THE SACK at the Dragon Theatre this Friday/Saturday (basically we create 8 plays in 24 hours).
Whew! Finally, I'm behind on my TV and Neflix watching...and I'm FREEZING, so I'm gonna go see if I can warm up and watch a few shows before sleeping.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Waiting for how I did on callbacks, practiced monologues, worked on one-acts
Bicycling - None the last few days, but hoping to at least get out a little tomorrow...
Cats - Always around, sometimes yowling, sometimes mewing, sometimes sleeping, always adorable.
So Sunday my sister and I headed up to San Francisco. We went to the Ferry building and ate lunch at The Slanted Door. YUM! (and expensive...but she paid, even though I SAID I'd help out...so I told her if I get this job I'm treating her to a nice meal). Then we booked over to SFO to pick up her wife at the airport. Plane was supposed to arrive at three, and I didn't have to be at callbacks 'til six. So, of course, it turns out she wasn't on that plane (that arrived ten minutes early). And my sister's phone was dead, and mine was almost dead. After about forty-five minutes, my sister got her charger out of her car, and we found an outlet at the airport. We got the phone on just in time for her wife to call...it turns out her flight from Eureka to Sacramento to SFO was changed to Eureka to Denver to SFO...so she was in a different terminal and had to make her way over to us. Phew!
So, by then, I knew I wouldn't have time to go home and then come back and not be late for my audition. So I had my sister drop me off at the theatre (got there at 5pm). I walked over to Starbucks for a little warm hot chocolate, then I walked back to the theatre and hung out 'til the director got there about twenty minutes 'til six. I did the callback (I think I was OK, but I don't think I did my very best...just the best I could do at that time...I was worried about my ride home...my ride was supposed to be there by 8:30 in case we got out early (potentially going until nine). After my callback (and finding out I won't know my status in or not in the play until, possibly, this coming Saturday...sigh), I had to call my ride, 'cause it was 7:45, and he hadn't even left yet. So I walked BACK to Starbucks and had a cup of tea (so glad it's a "safe" feeling busy neighborhood there!). I finally got picked up and taken home. Thanks, Brent!
I had a mysterious pain in my left wrist...it's been two days, but I think it's finally getting better...it's that pain that kept me from cycling yesterday.
So I didn't get in any bike rides the last few days (and it was supposed to thunderstorm all day today...instead it did a little last night and we only had a tiny bit of rain today, and some welcome sun). I spent a good portion of today trying to get the house computers in okay shape...cleaning up my virtual desktop on my Mac and CCleaning and defragmenting my PC (which helped a tiny bit...I think the BIG problem is that there's just not enough memory). I also helped my mom set up her new laptop (on sale for just over three hundred at Best Buy)...mostly added security software, Firefox browser, and the pretty desktop choices...
I also finished the list for the one-acts I'm producing/acting in...it's the list of set, set pieces, props, costumes (or as much as we could know of these at this point in time).
Worked a little on my monologues...
Excited that I got picked as both a playwright and an actor for Bindlepunks: PULLED FROM THE SACK at the Dragon Theatre this Friday/Saturday (basically we create 8 plays in 24 hours).
Whew! Finally, I'm behind on my TV and Neflix watching...and I'm FREEZING, so I'm gonna go see if I can warm up and watch a few shows before sleeping.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Waiting for how I did on callbacks, practiced monologues, worked on one-acts
Bicycling - None the last few days, but hoping to at least get out a little tomorrow...
Cats - Always around, sometimes yowling, sometimes mewing, sometimes sleeping, always adorable.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Day 36: Three minutes left!
Just a couple minutes left in "today". :)
I got some cleaning done, then went and saw RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME at RTE. Enjoyable evening. Now I'm off to sleep...
I got some cleaning done, then went and saw RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME at RTE. Enjoyable evening. Now I'm off to sleep...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 44: Family & Friends
So today I went over the hill to visit with my sister and cousin. We talked, walked around the mall in downtown Santa Cruz, ate at a yummy Syrian restaurant, and looked at old pictures. Lots of fun.
I had time afterwords to stop off at the ACTC General Meeting. I'm glad I did, as I heard a great presentation about how to train better for health and exercise, of course, focusing mostly on bicycling, but also encouraging stretching and weight training and even other modes like hiking, running, swimming, walking, etc. I do want to get healthier and more efficient at riding this year!
Summation:
Acting - still memorizing monologues, also worked on set ideas for one-act show
Bicycling - went to ACTC General Meeting
Cats - oh, I'd better go throw down some more hard food...they're looking at me hungrily!
I had time afterwords to stop off at the ACTC General Meeting. I'm glad I did, as I heard a great presentation about how to train better for health and exercise, of course, focusing mostly on bicycling, but also encouraging stretching and weight training and even other modes like hiking, running, swimming, walking, etc. I do want to get healthier and more efficient at riding this year!
Summation:
Acting - still memorizing monologues, also worked on set ideas for one-act show
Bicycling - went to ACTC General Meeting
Cats - oh, I'd better go throw down some more hard food...they're looking at me hungrily!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 33: Hopeful news
So, yesterday I was depressed... just woke up feeling down, then it was compounded when I realized I forgot to mail my unemployment form on Saturday, so my check will likely be a day or two late this week. Sigh. But my mother and friends tried to cheer me up, and succeeded somewhat by the end of the day (helped along with the last half season of Slings & Arrows).
Then I woke up this morning in a better mood. And this mood was further brightened when I got a call from Orchard Supply Hardware asking me to come back and interview for a different job, a better one than the one I interviewed for in December. Apparently the wonderful people I met with back then thought this job would be a better match for me. And I must admit I would love this job. More of a challenge for me (but not so far that I couldn't jump in and do it), and I love challenges. So I'll have my interviews next Thursday, the 11th. And we shall see what the future brings.
It was rainy this morning, so I didn't get out for a ride. I did, however, get my new monologues typed up to begin memorizing them. :)
SUMMATION:
Bicycling - nothing today, but I did get out briefly on Sunday
Acting - typed up my monologues, started memorizing
Cats - Shala loves to curl up on my lap when I'm at the computer.
Then I woke up this morning in a better mood. And this mood was further brightened when I got a call from Orchard Supply Hardware asking me to come back and interview for a different job, a better one than the one I interviewed for in December. Apparently the wonderful people I met with back then thought this job would be a better match for me. And I must admit I would love this job. More of a challenge for me (but not so far that I couldn't jump in and do it), and I love challenges. So I'll have my interviews next Thursday, the 11th. And we shall see what the future brings.
It was rainy this morning, so I didn't get out for a ride. I did, however, get my new monologues typed up to begin memorizing them. :)
SUMMATION:
Bicycling - nothing today, but I did get out briefly on Sunday
Acting - typed up my monologues, started memorizing
Cats - Shala loves to curl up on my lap when I'm at the computer.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Day 30: Okay, missed a few days
So my cold turned into a sinus infection. I didn't get a lot done this week. I'm feeling a little better today.
I DID get my brand new cycling shoes from Performance online, and they FIT! Yay! I hope to get out tomorrow and try them...
I went to the Theatre Bay Area General Auditions today. I think I did okay. It was very well organized, and we went into the theatre in groups of six. I was fourth in my group. So I watched the first three go, and they all did pretty well, but they also all got "time" called on them. After my experience at South Bay having "time" called on me with about two seconds to go, I REALLY trimmed down both my monologues and pretty much went right from one into the other. But I got a laugh on my comedy one, which is always good. My monologues were: Agnes in BUG by Tracy Letts and Caroline in OPENING ACT by Jules Tasca. I'm going to start memorizing a new comedy and a new dramatic monologue for March auditions...and keep practicing my Shakespeare monologue (and find a comedic one I like). Whew!
After the audition, I had to drive to Newark and then to Oakland to help Brent out with his Spongebob gigs (in return for him going with me to San Francisco and navigating the crazy streets there). So it was a very, very busy day. I'm happy to be home, now.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Felt good about TBA general audition
Bicycling - Eager to try out my new shoes and bar ends
Cats - Oh, I've hardly seen them today! Time to go snuggle. :)
I DID get my brand new cycling shoes from Performance online, and they FIT! Yay! I hope to get out tomorrow and try them...
I went to the Theatre Bay Area General Auditions today. I think I did okay. It was very well organized, and we went into the theatre in groups of six. I was fourth in my group. So I watched the first three go, and they all did pretty well, but they also all got "time" called on them. After my experience at South Bay having "time" called on me with about two seconds to go, I REALLY trimmed down both my monologues and pretty much went right from one into the other. But I got a laugh on my comedy one, which is always good. My monologues were: Agnes in BUG by Tracy Letts and Caroline in OPENING ACT by Jules Tasca. I'm going to start memorizing a new comedy and a new dramatic monologue for March auditions...and keep practicing my Shakespeare monologue (and find a comedic one I like). Whew!
After the audition, I had to drive to Newark and then to Oakland to help Brent out with his Spongebob gigs (in return for him going with me to San Francisco and navigating the crazy streets there). So it was a very, very busy day. I'm happy to be home, now.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Felt good about TBA general audition
Bicycling - Eager to try out my new shoes and bar ends
Cats - Oh, I've hardly seen them today! Time to go snuggle. :)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 26: Rain again
Yeah, so it's raining again. Surprise! :) But I got out to Performance and tried on some mountain bike shoes...now I know my size. So then I went online and ordered a very cheap pair (on sale!). So now I'll have some comfy shoes to ride in.
Also, Brent and I had met with a friend last night about a short film of Brent's we're going to film. So Brent and I worked out today some of the cast we'd like for the film as well as for the one-act show I'm creating. So, busy, busy day!
SUMMATION:
Acting - Narrowed down possible casting
Bicycling - Ordered new shoes
Cats - Purred a lot today! They were very happy when I filled their empty water bowl (oops). I'm glad they're quick to forgive. :)
Also, Brent and I had met with a friend last night about a short film of Brent's we're going to film. So Brent and I worked out today some of the cast we'd like for the film as well as for the one-act show I'm creating. So, busy, busy day!
SUMMATION:
Acting - Narrowed down possible casting
Bicycling - Ordered new shoes
Cats - Purred a lot today! They were very happy when I filled their empty water bowl (oops). I'm glad they're quick to forgive. :)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 25: Ears keep poppin'
Yeah, so my cold's finally going away, but the congestion is hanging on...and every time I blow my nose, my ears pop. I'm trying to blow gently, but darn if my ears don't squeak! Hope I don't pop a drum!! Sigh...hopefully all will be well this week. I'd like to get out on my bike the couple days we don't expect any rain.
Another lazy day today while I continue to convalesce.
Summation:
Acting - Nothing today, but I have to time my audition monologues tomorrow
Bicycling - not today
Cats - today, Shala and Ashke both cuddled. I'll try to get Starlight before I go to sleep. :)
Another lazy day today while I continue to convalesce.
Summation:
Acting - Nothing today, but I have to time my audition monologues tomorrow
Bicycling - not today
Cats - today, Shala and Ashke both cuddled. I'll try to get Starlight before I go to sleep. :)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day 24: Just skipped days 22 & 23
So, I didn't have much to say over the last few days. I've just been dealing with my bad cold and mostly sleeping and watching TV. I did go see Avatar in Imax 3D on Sunday with my sister and her wife, but I was pretty miserable with my congested, stuffed up nose. Although it was beautiful seeing the film on the big screen. Otherwise, mostly just letting myself get well. I'm better today, though still congested. Hopefully I'll have a lot more energy tomorrow and can start getting back to regular days. :) I really want to get out for a bike ride and try out my new bar ends.
SUMMATION:
Acting - haven't even thought about it
Bicycling - between rain and cold, not a bit of it
Cats - Starlight's been yowling a lot at the windows...I think he wants to go out again. But he's not allowed! Instead, I give him lots of pets when he lets me.
SUMMATION:
Acting - haven't even thought about it
Bicycling - between rain and cold, not a bit of it
Cats - Starlight's been yowling a lot at the windows...I think he wants to go out again. But he's not allowed! Instead, I give him lots of pets when he lets me.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day 21: Feels Like I'm Swimming Thru Molasses
My cold is still with me...besides the congestion, my biggest symptom is feeling like I'm swimming (well, walking, really) through molasses. I'm certainly not on my game, and my mind feels very foggy. I REALLY hope I'm better tomorrow!!
My mom's friend stopped by today with bar ends for my bike. :-) He'd remembered I'd mentioned on the last club ride I went on that I'd like to get them since sometimes my wrists get sore and bar ends would give me more hand location flexibility. So he came by and put them on my bike. I wasn't expecting that, and it was incredibly nice of him to do that for me. Now if only the rains and my cold would go away so I can go for a ride!
SUMMATION:
Acting - huh? My head is murky.
Bicycling - Cool new bar ends, don't know when I can test-drive 'em!
Cats - Shala cuddled with me today while I was sleeping my cold away (or trying to). :)
My mom's friend stopped by today with bar ends for my bike. :-) He'd remembered I'd mentioned on the last club ride I went on that I'd like to get them since sometimes my wrists get sore and bar ends would give me more hand location flexibility. So he came by and put them on my bike. I wasn't expecting that, and it was incredibly nice of him to do that for me. Now if only the rains and my cold would go away so I can go for a ride!
SUMMATION:
Acting - huh? My head is murky.
Bicycling - Cool new bar ends, don't know when I can test-drive 'em!
Cats - Shala cuddled with me today while I was sleeping my cold away (or trying to). :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day 20: Rain and Cold
So, chest congestion is much worse today, and so is the rain. Thunder and lightening! Anyway, just taking it easy today trying to get over my cold.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Got be redone headshots from Isgo Lepejian (http://www.isgophoto.com/). They sent me the 100 I ordered that were missing the resume, but they did a whole new 100 with the resume on the back and shipped them to me, and let me keep the 100 that were missing the resume. Pretty awesome customer service! I've been going to them off and on for years, and they really have the best quality lithos (and great photos, too). Yay! I'm ready for TBA General Auditions! :)
Bicycling - Ha! At least I'm getting rid of my cold the same time the rain is here.
Cats - Meow.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Got be redone headshots from Isgo Lepejian (http://www.isgophoto.com/). They sent me the 100 I ordered that were missing the resume, but they did a whole new 100 with the resume on the back and shipped them to me, and let me keep the 100 that were missing the resume. Pretty awesome customer service! I've been going to them off and on for years, and they really have the best quality lithos (and great photos, too). Yay! I'm ready for TBA General Auditions! :)
Bicycling - Ha! At least I'm getting rid of my cold the same time the rain is here.
Cats - Meow.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Day 19: Oh so sick!
Very frustrating day. I'm still sick, sore throat and chest congestion forefront. I did manage to go by the store and pick up some more cough drops and tissues. And I went by a friend's to watch a movie, but he was having major problems of his own; so I ended up going home. I'm very sleepy, but a friend needs me, so I'm going over there for a couple hours. Hope I get home okay.
Summation:
Acting - nothing
Bicycling - nothing
Cats - had a scare this morning. Woke up at 5am to a cat crying. At first I thought it was one of mine, then I realized it was coming from outside (my cats are indoor cats). I looked out my window, and I could see a cat yowling to go in our front door. I went downstairs and, just as I opened the door, I realized Starlight wasn't inside...indeed, my kitty was scared outside in the rain. He ran in and gobbled up some hard food then ran to me for pets. Poor thing! I guess when my mom left with her friend, the door was open just a little too long and neither of them realized he'd gotten out. So frustrating. They know I have cats and he likes to go for the outside! Arrgh. But at least he's home and seem healthy. Whew!
Summation:
Acting - nothing
Bicycling - nothing
Cats - had a scare this morning. Woke up at 5am to a cat crying. At first I thought it was one of mine, then I realized it was coming from outside (my cats are indoor cats). I looked out my window, and I could see a cat yowling to go in our front door. I went downstairs and, just as I opened the door, I realized Starlight wasn't inside...indeed, my kitty was scared outside in the rain. He ran in and gobbled up some hard food then ran to me for pets. Poor thing! I guess when my mom left with her friend, the door was open just a little too long and neither of them realized he'd gotten out. So frustrating. They know I have cats and he likes to go for the outside! Arrgh. But at least he's home and seem healthy. Whew!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Day 18: Long rainy day
My cold developed further into chest congestion and a headache. I really want to feel better! I've also been having trouble sleeping, even though I'm so sleepy. And the storms have been raging. Lots of rain and wind. I guess I at least get to stay inside while I get better.
Sick of watching TV, and haven't felt like watching any of the 600+ movies I have on DVD. I just want to be healthy and work on my script and my monologues. Arrgh.
I keep having thoughts about what I'm going to do when my unemployment runs out. I'm pretty much certain that I'll have no job prospects by then, and I'm getting tired of working jobs to survive, anyway. I wanted far more out of life than I've been getting, and it really makes me wonder. It just makes me question...probably too much.
Summation:
Acting - nothing
Bicycling - nothing
Cats - good kitties!
Sick of watching TV, and haven't felt like watching any of the 600+ movies I have on DVD. I just want to be healthy and work on my script and my monologues. Arrgh.
I keep having thoughts about what I'm going to do when my unemployment runs out. I'm pretty much certain that I'll have no job prospects by then, and I'm getting tired of working jobs to survive, anyway. I wanted far more out of life than I've been getting, and it really makes me wonder. It just makes me question...probably too much.
Summation:
Acting - nothing
Bicycling - nothing
Cats - good kitties!
Day 17: Hate Being Sick
So I forgot to blog again last night. Probably 'cause I'm sick. My throat still hurt, and I had the dizziness, head congestion and sleepiness from a cold. But I had to finish the Black & Blue Bottom Newsletter for Almaden Cycle Touring Club. It was my last newsletter as publisher, and I didn't want it to be late to the printers. I'm glad I got it done, 'cause I feel worse this morning.
Otherwise, I did a lot of sleeping and watching TV. And listened to the rain...lots and lots of rain due this week. Four storms, total, I believe...so not much bike riding this week, I think.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Just watched TV
Bicycling - Not a chance between my cold and the rain
Cats - Should be snuggling with me more...I'm sick!
Otherwise, I did a lot of sleeping and watching TV. And listened to the rain...lots and lots of rain due this week. Four storms, total, I believe...so not much bike riding this week, I think.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Just watched TV
Bicycling - Not a chance between my cold and the rain
Cats - Should be snuggling with me more...I'm sick!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day 16: Arrgh!
Very frustrating day today. I woke up with a sore throat, but I had to go to callbacks for ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD.
At callbacks, I did my best as Gertrude, and I thought it was quite good. I really made a strong choice and followed it through, but I was offered the role of one of the players instead. For those that don't know the play, the players are fun, broad characters, but speak no lines (except for the player-king, which I was not up for). One of the goals I give myself after twenty-five years of theatre is to find roles that I think can challenge me. I really wanted the opportunity to speak Shakespearean dialogue. I know iambic pentameter, and I already reviewed the lines. I know "changed" in the instance of the particular speech of Gertrude is a two syllable word. I figured out what I wanted, followed through, and, yet, still did not get the part. I know I can play a player and would probably have some fun doing it, but I just don't see it as a challenge. That said, if it was an equity show and I got points, or if I was in a company and I did the smaller parts on some shows and bigger parts in others, I would have jumped at the part. But this is not, and I didn't. Instead, I felt like I failed. The director seemed a little disappointed and said she thought I'd be "cute" as a player. That made me wonder...did I not get Gertrude because the director considered me "cute"? I could understand that...Gertrude is not a character I would consider "cute". But, then, I don't think Agnes is "cute" in BUG, but I played that part. Is it just the short-sightedness of others that ends up limiting me? Or did I accidentally throw "cute" in somewhere and just not realize it? Acting is such a frustrating, yet ultimately, rewarding, process. I just wish it didn't depend on others so much...it's tough to act in a vacuum.
Anyway, my sore throat has now developed into a full-fledged cold. I'm sleepy and weak and shaky in addition to the congestion and sore throat. Sigh. So between being sick and the unfortunate callback today, I'm depressed. And, let me tell you, it really sucks for an optimist to be depressed. It's like the whole world goes upside-down and topsy-turvy. And all I want to do right now is sleep. But I can't, 'cause my mind keeps racing about what I did wrong, what could I have done different, or is it that anything I did would not have led to the result I desired? It all leaves me quite unsatisfied.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Frustrating results in callbacks
Bicycling - Didn't get to go for a ride today 'cause I had callbacks
Cats - Not cuddling with me, which sucks when I'm sick!
At callbacks, I did my best as Gertrude, and I thought it was quite good. I really made a strong choice and followed it through, but I was offered the role of one of the players instead. For those that don't know the play, the players are fun, broad characters, but speak no lines (except for the player-king, which I was not up for). One of the goals I give myself after twenty-five years of theatre is to find roles that I think can challenge me. I really wanted the opportunity to speak Shakespearean dialogue. I know iambic pentameter, and I already reviewed the lines. I know "changed" in the instance of the particular speech of Gertrude is a two syllable word. I figured out what I wanted, followed through, and, yet, still did not get the part. I know I can play a player and would probably have some fun doing it, but I just don't see it as a challenge. That said, if it was an equity show and I got points, or if I was in a company and I did the smaller parts on some shows and bigger parts in others, I would have jumped at the part. But this is not, and I didn't. Instead, I felt like I failed. The director seemed a little disappointed and said she thought I'd be "cute" as a player. That made me wonder...did I not get Gertrude because the director considered me "cute"? I could understand that...Gertrude is not a character I would consider "cute". But, then, I don't think Agnes is "cute" in BUG, but I played that part. Is it just the short-sightedness of others that ends up limiting me? Or did I accidentally throw "cute" in somewhere and just not realize it? Acting is such a frustrating, yet ultimately, rewarding, process. I just wish it didn't depend on others so much...it's tough to act in a vacuum.
Anyway, my sore throat has now developed into a full-fledged cold. I'm sleepy and weak and shaky in addition to the congestion and sore throat. Sigh. So between being sick and the unfortunate callback today, I'm depressed. And, let me tell you, it really sucks for an optimist to be depressed. It's like the whole world goes upside-down and topsy-turvy. And all I want to do right now is sleep. But I can't, 'cause my mind keeps racing about what I did wrong, what could I have done different, or is it that anything I did would not have led to the result I desired? It all leaves me quite unsatisfied.
SUMMATION:
Acting - Frustrating results in callbacks
Bicycling - Didn't get to go for a ride today 'cause I had callbacks
Cats - Not cuddling with me, which sucks when I'm sick!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Day 15: Welcome to Friday
Up too late for a bike ride this morning...I have to change my sleep times to be able to get up earlier better. And it's supposed to rain for the next week, so I'm bummed I may miss more cycling.
I finished putting STARTING OVER onto iMovie, editing it to just my appearance, and posting it on Facebook. So now I need to start pulling out all my old VHS tapes to record onto DVD!
I ran some errands (post office, groceries).
I worked a little on the ACTC newsletter.
I worked on the part of Gertrude that I have the callback for tomorrow.
And I watched the rest of season 1 of SLINGS & ARROWS and part 1 of CASSANOVA (for the second time).
Now I'm going to write some more of my screenplay. And then watch an episode of Season 2 Doctor Who.
SUMMATION:
Acting - worked on Gertrude
Bicycling - didn't make it out today
Cats - behaving themselves for the moment!
I finished putting STARTING OVER onto iMovie, editing it to just my appearance, and posting it on Facebook. So now I need to start pulling out all my old VHS tapes to record onto DVD!
I ran some errands (post office, groceries).
I worked a little on the ACTC newsletter.
I worked on the part of Gertrude that I have the callback for tomorrow.
And I watched the rest of season 1 of SLINGS & ARROWS and part 1 of CASSANOVA (for the second time).
Now I'm going to write some more of my screenplay. And then watch an episode of Season 2 Doctor Who.
SUMMATION:
Acting - worked on Gertrude
Bicycling - didn't make it out today
Cats - behaving themselves for the moment!
Day 14: Oops...missed another
Okay, so I was wrestling with the computer so much last night to accomplish a single task that I completely forgot to do my blog.
So, on Thursday, January 14th, I got a few things done. I woke up without enough sleep; so I just couldn't get out for a bike ride. I went back for a snooze instead. But I did start working on the ACTC newsletter. I'll continue that on Friday and Sunday.
I picked up my headshot lithos for TBA General Auditions from UPS only to find Isgo Lepejian had got it wrong. I'd paid extra to have my resume printed on the back, and had included the pdf, but they were all blank. So I had to call them twice before the person in charge of online ordering called me back. But all is well. They're going to re-do them and send them out to me correct. And I get to keep the wrong ones (well, I'm sending four or so back per their request so they can alert their people what to watch out for). So, all in all, that worked out (anticipating, of course, that I'll get them before the day their needed...I do have about two and half weeks to go).
I finally got my performance on STARTING OVER back in 2004, that I had taped from the tv onto a vhs tape, onto a dvd. I spent most of the night trying to figure out how to rip it into a format that iMovie would take. I must have downloaded about six different programs! Arrgh! I really hate iMovie, and would LOVE Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere instead. Sigh...no job means no new programs (unless they're free...which the last one I found "Handbrake" was!). So I let it rip while I finally went to bed. ;)
Summation:
Acting - Got headshots but need to wait for corrected ones.
Bicycling - Too sleepy to catch a club ride. Hoping to get out before the rains come back this weekend, though.
Cats - It's hard to use a computer when a cat is lying on your mouse hand, complete with head resting on the hand as you're trying to use the mouse!
So, on Thursday, January 14th, I got a few things done. I woke up without enough sleep; so I just couldn't get out for a bike ride. I went back for a snooze instead. But I did start working on the ACTC newsletter. I'll continue that on Friday and Sunday.
I picked up my headshot lithos for TBA General Auditions from UPS only to find Isgo Lepejian had got it wrong. I'd paid extra to have my resume printed on the back, and had included the pdf, but they were all blank. So I had to call them twice before the person in charge of online ordering called me back. But all is well. They're going to re-do them and send them out to me correct. And I get to keep the wrong ones (well, I'm sending four or so back per their request so they can alert their people what to watch out for). So, all in all, that worked out (anticipating, of course, that I'll get them before the day their needed...I do have about two and half weeks to go).
I finally got my performance on STARTING OVER back in 2004, that I had taped from the tv onto a vhs tape, onto a dvd. I spent most of the night trying to figure out how to rip it into a format that iMovie would take. I must have downloaded about six different programs! Arrgh! I really hate iMovie, and would LOVE Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere instead. Sigh...no job means no new programs (unless they're free...which the last one I found "Handbrake" was!). So I let it rip while I finally went to bed. ;)
Summation:
Acting - Got headshots but need to wait for corrected ones.
Bicycling - Too sleepy to catch a club ride. Hoping to get out before the rains come back this weekend, though.
Cats - It's hard to use a computer when a cat is lying on your mouse hand, complete with head resting on the hand as you're trying to use the mouse!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 13: Screenplay Start
Well, I started my screenplay today for my film project this year. I also saw DAYBREAKERS today, and enjoyed the movie very much. I watched THE HURT LOCKER on dvd, and thought it was okay, but not as great as I've heard it to be.
I wallowed a bit in depression due to the lack of job situation and the lack of potential jobs online.
And it was raining today, so I didn't get to go cycling to help me get undepressed.
SUMMATION:
Acting - reviewed Gertrude in ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD for my callback on Saturday
Bicycling - None today due to rain (but I saw a beautiful rainbow earlier...and one side ended in a little puffy cloud!)
Cats - Cuddled on the other chair right now.
I wallowed a bit in depression due to the lack of job situation and the lack of potential jobs online.
And it was raining today, so I didn't get to go cycling to help me get undepressed.
SUMMATION:
Acting - reviewed Gertrude in ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD for my callback on Saturday
Bicycling - None today due to rain (but I saw a beautiful rainbow earlier...and one side ended in a little puffy cloud!)
Cats - Cuddled on the other chair right now.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day 12: Rain & Shine
Did some job searching today without much luck. I got called back for ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD for the role of Gertrude. Yay! I watched IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS and really enjoyed it though I had some small frustrations with the narrative. And I watched MOON on dvd, which I liked a lot. Phew! Busy, busy!
I also watched an inspiring TED conference talk on some very cool technological advances. My sister told me about it. You can watch it here:
http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html
SUMMATION:
Acting: Got a callback.
Bicycling: To rainy for a ride.
Cats: One is crying for attention right now.
I also watched an inspiring TED conference talk on some very cool technological advances. My sister told me about it. You can watch it here:
http://www.ted.com/talks/pranav_mistry_the_thrilling_potential_of_sixthsense_technology.html
SUMMATION:
Acting: Got a callback.
Bicycling: To rainy for a ride.
Cats: One is crying for attention right now.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day 11: Much Ado about Monday
Today I helped set up dvd/tv/cable at a friends house, auditioned for a show, and got some work done.
I auditioned for ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD. It wasn't my best audition. I was in my head a little too much, which is always frustrating. Hopefully it's not as bad as I think, I'll still get a callback. But I won't plan on it!
Having a hard time looking for work right now. I'm sure it's related to not getting that job. sigh.
Thinking of how I'm going to put my script together for my UNTITLED EXPERIMENTAL FILM. I'm going to start writing it this week. First I write the script, then I write the shot list, then I make my props. We'll see how that goes! I'm hoping to have the film finished by the end of the year...or sooner!
SUMMATION:
Acting - Auditioned for play, thought about plot points for film
Bicycling - didn't get out today, and it might be raining tomorrow :(
Cats - Adorable, but Starlight is yowling in the living room again.
Dancing - none today. sigh.
I auditioned for ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD. It wasn't my best audition. I was in my head a little too much, which is always frustrating. Hopefully it's not as bad as I think, I'll still get a callback. But I won't plan on it!
Having a hard time looking for work right now. I'm sure it's related to not getting that job. sigh.
Thinking of how I'm going to put my script together for my UNTITLED EXPERIMENTAL FILM. I'm going to start writing it this week. First I write the script, then I write the shot list, then I make my props. We'll see how that goes! I'm hoping to have the film finished by the end of the year...or sooner!
SUMMATION:
Acting - Auditioned for play, thought about plot points for film
Bicycling - didn't get out today, and it might be raining tomorrow :(
Cats - Adorable, but Starlight is yowling in the living room again.
Dancing - none today. sigh.
Day 10: Should be 11
So I totally forgot to blog yesterday. I think I'll blog twice right now to try to make up for it. :-)
So, yesterday I went for my bike ride. 16.5 miles and up one hill (Bernal). Not as good as I've done in the past, but better than I expected! Then I went out to the movies with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law. We saw THE BLIND SIDE. It was a really good movie! I didn't realize how recent it all was, either! After the movie, I enjoyed some time chatting with family, then, last night, finished reading a script and watching an old Doctor Who episode. Then slept!
Summation for actual day 10:
Acting: rehearsed monologue
Bicycling: 16.5 miles...makes a total of 21.7 miles this year. We'll get that up in no time (if it stops raining)!
Cats: Ashke bit my throat today! I read that male cats do that when they want to mate. I broke it to him gently that he's just not my type...
Dancing: To the beat of my own drum.
So, yesterday I went for my bike ride. 16.5 miles and up one hill (Bernal). Not as good as I've done in the past, but better than I expected! Then I went out to the movies with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law. We saw THE BLIND SIDE. It was a really good movie! I didn't realize how recent it all was, either! After the movie, I enjoyed some time chatting with family, then, last night, finished reading a script and watching an old Doctor Who episode. Then slept!
Summation for actual day 10:
Acting: rehearsed monologue
Bicycling: 16.5 miles...makes a total of 21.7 miles this year. We'll get that up in no time (if it stops raining)!
Cats: Ashke bit my throat today! I read that male cats do that when they want to mate. I broke it to him gently that he's just not my type...
Dancing: To the beat of my own drum.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Day 9: Bicycling without a bike
So the issues of today were bicycling...I just didn't go for a ride. I did pick up my bike from the shop...the brakes work very well! I pumped up the tires...not being used much had them down far too low. But, yay, I get to go for a ride tomorrow!
I also had a meeting with ACTC regarding the ride schedule in the newsletter. I think the meeting went well, and the new method of inserting the rides should work out fine.
And I caught up on some more tv...I finally watched CASANOVA (the 2005 BBC version). Very well done, quite light-hearted yet wrenching in places. Thoroughly enjoyable! And I watched the first three episodes of SLINGS AND ARROWS. Great show, and I'm looking forward to getting disk 2 from Netflix next week. :)
In terms of my emotions today...I started off grumpy and a bit depressed. But as the day wore on, I finally found my groove and even somewhat enjoyed the rain-through-sunlight near dusk.
Summation:
Acting - monologue
Bicycling - picked up bike, and satisfactory meeting regarding bike club newsletter
Cats - tried to get into the hard food bag...actually had it completely unraveled. Thankfully I had room, finally, in the hard food container, so I've dumped the rest there.
Dance - in the car
I also had a meeting with ACTC regarding the ride schedule in the newsletter. I think the meeting went well, and the new method of inserting the rides should work out fine.
And I caught up on some more tv...I finally watched CASANOVA (the 2005 BBC version). Very well done, quite light-hearted yet wrenching in places. Thoroughly enjoyable! And I watched the first three episodes of SLINGS AND ARROWS. Great show, and I'm looking forward to getting disk 2 from Netflix next week. :)
In terms of my emotions today...I started off grumpy and a bit depressed. But as the day wore on, I finally found my groove and even somewhat enjoyed the rain-through-sunlight near dusk.
Summation:
Acting - monologue
Bicycling - picked up bike, and satisfactory meeting regarding bike club newsletter
Cats - tried to get into the hard food bag...actually had it completely unraveled. Thankfully I had room, finally, in the hard food container, so I've dumped the rest there.
Dance - in the car
Friday, January 8, 2010
Day 8: Long Day Doing Hardly Anything
Went to a meeting this morning regarding an invention idea...that took two hours. Then spent a good few hours finishing season 3 of The Tudors. Called about picking up my bicycle to find out they're closed today due to inventory. Guess I won't be going on a ride tomorrow. Arrgh!
And tonight I'm going out to Effie's to celebrate my ex-husband's birthday. I haven't done karaoke in awhile, so I'm looking forward to it.
Summation:
Acting - Worked on monologue
Bicycling - Have to wait another day to pick up my bike from the shop
Cats - They got a brand new open bag of hard food today...they LOVE the very freshest stuff.
Dancing - When singing at karaoke!
And tonight I'm going out to Effie's to celebrate my ex-husband's birthday. I haven't done karaoke in awhile, so I'm looking forward to it.
Summation:
Acting - Worked on monologue
Bicycling - Have to wait another day to pick up my bike from the shop
Cats - They got a brand new open bag of hard food today...they LOVE the very freshest stuff.
Dancing - When singing at karaoke!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day 7: Another Job Lost
So I found out I didn't get the job I interviewed for three weeks ago. Since that was my first interview in over a year, it's of course very disappointing. I can only hope something will come in for me before my unemployment runs out.
I also found out I wasn't cast in BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, but the director wants to keep me in mind for future shows. It was apparently down to me and another, and it went to the other. 2nd place again, but at least I know I did well.
I went to see SHERLOCK HOLMES today. I'm a fan of the Jeremy Brett version, so I wasn't too keen on the ultra-action Holmes portrayed here. In the end, I didn't think it was a bad as I thought it would be, and I didn't think it was as good as so many people said it was.
Summation:
Acting: Continuing work on monologue for Monday audition
Bicycling: Didn't get the call from the shop, today, so I'll be stopping by tomorrow to pick up my bike. It better be done!
Cats: Finished eating their dinner.
Dancing: none today, really.
I also found out I wasn't cast in BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, but the director wants to keep me in mind for future shows. It was apparently down to me and another, and it went to the other. 2nd place again, but at least I know I did well.
I went to see SHERLOCK HOLMES today. I'm a fan of the Jeremy Brett version, so I wasn't too keen on the ultra-action Holmes portrayed here. In the end, I didn't think it was a bad as I thought it would be, and I didn't think it was as good as so many people said it was.
Summation:
Acting: Continuing work on monologue for Monday audition
Bicycling: Didn't get the call from the shop, today, so I'll be stopping by tomorrow to pick up my bike. It better be done!
Cats: Finished eating their dinner.
Dancing: none today, really.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 6: New Energy & Beauty Day
I got four hours sleep last night. My mind was racing with an idea. I wrote it all down, and now it's going to be my project for the year. I'm going to be "hush hush" about the actual project at the moment, but it is film-related. I'm gonna be busy, busy, busy! And re-energized with excitement! And it will either be brilliant, or it will fail miserably. But failure is just another word for learning, so that won't be a bad thing, either. At least this will give me a positive and possible goal to work for this year.
I also got called back for BULL IN A CHINA SHOP at Santa Clara Players. I did my best, and I think it was pretty good, but I do have some competition...and I was the only red-head. If I get it, yay, and if I don't, well, I have an audition next week.
And I had my "Beauty Day" today. My hair is refreshingly vibrant and my brows neatly trimmed. I only spent about three hours between the two salons today. I just wish it was a little less expensive. Yeesh, but the things we prioritize when we're unemployed... :-)
So, all around, I had a very positive day and look forward to an extremely positive new year. Fantastic!
Summation:
Acting - Called back for BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, did well
Bicycling - Got my balaclava today! Now that the weather's been a little warmer.
Cats - awfully meowsy today!
Dance - in my mind
Good night,
Jen
I also got called back for BULL IN A CHINA SHOP at Santa Clara Players. I did my best, and I think it was pretty good, but I do have some competition...and I was the only red-head. If I get it, yay, and if I don't, well, I have an audition next week.
And I had my "Beauty Day" today. My hair is refreshingly vibrant and my brows neatly trimmed. I only spent about three hours between the two salons today. I just wish it was a little less expensive. Yeesh, but the things we prioritize when we're unemployed... :-)
So, all around, I had a very positive day and look forward to an extremely positive new year. Fantastic!
Summation:
Acting - Called back for BULL IN A CHINA SHOP, did well
Bicycling - Got my balaclava today! Now that the weather's been a little warmer.
Cats - awfully meowsy today!
Dance - in my mind
Good night,
Jen
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day 5: Mini Accomplishments
Today I got a few things accomplished. Thankfully the sun shone for a bit, 'cause that helped! I got my bike into the shop. The chain's good for another three hundred or so miles, and I finally purchased a chain tool so I can figure out the wear myself. But the brakes were finally wearing down, so I'm replacing them. My bicycle will be done on Thursday, and then I'll be able to really get back in the saddle again.
Also bike related, I've been the publisher of the ACTC (Almaden Cycling Touring Club) Black & Blue Bottom Newsletter for the last year. I'm turning over those duties to another able and willing member, and so this evening I met with my replacement, my copy editor, and the new communications chair regarding practices...what works, what doesn't, what can be improved. I think we had a thoroughly good, productive meeting.
I still haven't heard back on callbacks for BULL IN A CHINA SHOP. I do have my Shakespearean monologue down almost pat for my Monday audition. Yay!
Tomorrow is "beauty day" since I'm getting my hair and my brows done. I'll be living on some cheap foods for the next few weeks to make up for the expenditure. I really want a job!
SUMMATION:
Acting: Monologue down, no news on callbacks.
Bicycling: Bike in the shop, Meeting regarding ACTC newsletter accomplished.
Cats: So adorable. I'm posting a new pic today.
Dancing: A little around the house this evening.
Regards,
Jen
Also bike related, I've been the publisher of the ACTC (Almaden Cycling Touring Club) Black & Blue Bottom Newsletter for the last year. I'm turning over those duties to another able and willing member, and so this evening I met with my replacement, my copy editor, and the new communications chair regarding practices...what works, what doesn't, what can be improved. I think we had a thoroughly good, productive meeting.
I still haven't heard back on callbacks for BULL IN A CHINA SHOP. I do have my Shakespearean monologue down almost pat for my Monday audition. Yay!
Tomorrow is "beauty day" since I'm getting my hair and my brows done. I'll be living on some cheap foods for the next few weeks to make up for the expenditure. I really want a job!
SUMMATION:
Acting: Monologue down, no news on callbacks.
Bicycling: Bike in the shop, Meeting regarding ACTC newsletter accomplished.
Cats: So adorable. I'm posting a new pic today.
Dancing: A little around the house this evening.
Regards,
Jen
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day 4: Bull Audition
So I had to get up way to early this morning to take a relative in for an endoscopic procedure and was there for several hours. The rest of the day was spent largely on acting stuff: getting my headshot together for my audition this evening and getting my order ready for the headshots I'll need for General Auditions at the end of the month. I also spent too long looking up Doctor Who facts and quotes on wikipedia and other online sources.
Last night I re-read Titus Andronicus and worked on my Shakespeare monologue. I had already figured out the scansion, but went through all the important words with my Shakespearean dictionary to be positively sure of what I was saying throughout. I discovered that "general" meant "public" in the instance of my monologue. And I've got it sort of memorized (you know, the kind where, when I do it myself, I have it down, but then try to do it for someone else, and half the words disappear). I should have it down cold by next Monday's audition, anyway.
So, then I had the audition tonight for Santa Clara Players' BULL IN A CHINA SHOP. There was only one part I might play: a hard-nosed reporter. The audition was cold read only, so I didn't need to pull out my monologue for this one. I enjoyed the audition. I think I did well, but one of the other "Janes" looked more the part and did a pretty good reading. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up with it. Callbacks are Wednesday, but I'm not holding my breath for them. But it was a good experience. Three of the older women who auditioned had birthdays yesterday (one turned 88, another 90), and so they brought in cookies and cake after the audition. Bonus! :D I just hope I'm still doing theatre at age 90!
Summation:
Acting: Lots accomplished including final touches on my Shakespeare monologue and a solid audition at Santa Clara Players.
Bicycling: Didn't get my bike in the shop today. Hope to by tomorrow!
Cats: Ashke's curled up on my lap purring right now. :-)
Dancing: Not much, today, other than to the radio.
Hugs,
Jen
Last night I re-read Titus Andronicus and worked on my Shakespeare monologue. I had already figured out the scansion, but went through all the important words with my Shakespearean dictionary to be positively sure of what I was saying throughout. I discovered that "general" meant "public" in the instance of my monologue. And I've got it sort of memorized (you know, the kind where, when I do it myself, I have it down, but then try to do it for someone else, and half the words disappear). I should have it down cold by next Monday's audition, anyway.
So, then I had the audition tonight for Santa Clara Players' BULL IN A CHINA SHOP. There was only one part I might play: a hard-nosed reporter. The audition was cold read only, so I didn't need to pull out my monologue for this one. I enjoyed the audition. I think I did well, but one of the other "Janes" looked more the part and did a pretty good reading. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up with it. Callbacks are Wednesday, but I'm not holding my breath for them. But it was a good experience. Three of the older women who auditioned had birthdays yesterday (one turned 88, another 90), and so they brought in cookies and cake after the audition. Bonus! :D I just hope I'm still doing theatre at age 90!
Summation:
Acting: Lots accomplished including final touches on my Shakespeare monologue and a solid audition at Santa Clara Players.
Bicycling: Didn't get my bike in the shop today. Hope to by tomorrow!
Cats: Ashke's curled up on my lap purring right now. :-)
Dancing: Not much, today, other than to the radio.
Hugs,
Jen
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Day 3: Sad Happy Sad
I started out this morning still sorta sad. Watching THE ROAD last night was fantastic. An amazing film, well done, well acted, and with a teensy weensy bit of hope at the end. But it was mostly depressing after a gray depressing day.
So this afternoon I went for a short bike ride since I didn't want to use my bike's chain too much 'til I get it switched out tomorrow and needed to get back in the saddle again after a couple months of not getting out on the bicycle. It was sunny and refreshing and really brightened my day.
So I was able to tackle DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME (part 2). Well, I tend to cry fairly easily, especially at tv and films. I certainly cried at the regeneration from 9 to 10. But I think I sobbed more over the loss of David Tennant as the doctor than anything in quite awhile. Deep wracking sobs. Hmmm...maybe I'm just taking all this too seriously. Really, it's just a tv show, and I can always watch previous shows on DVD. I guess something must have just clicked with me. So, yes, a little sad, but energized to fight this year. Damn it all, but I want something more out of life than fudding about the house with my mother. It would really help to be employed, again. Somehow that motivates me in other areas of my life, as well... So, here's to 2010!
Summation:
Acting - Almost finished memorizing my monologue. Getting ready for my audition tomorrow night at Santa Clara Players (for BULL IN A CHINA SHOP).
Bicycling: Rode 5.2 miles today at a nice pace. So refreshing!
Cats: Adorable, as always.
Dancing: In my car as I listened to the radio.
Ciao,
Jen
So this afternoon I went for a short bike ride since I didn't want to use my bike's chain too much 'til I get it switched out tomorrow and needed to get back in the saddle again after a couple months of not getting out on the bicycle. It was sunny and refreshing and really brightened my day.
So I was able to tackle DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME (part 2). Well, I tend to cry fairly easily, especially at tv and films. I certainly cried at the regeneration from 9 to 10. But I think I sobbed more over the loss of David Tennant as the doctor than anything in quite awhile. Deep wracking sobs. Hmmm...maybe I'm just taking all this too seriously. Really, it's just a tv show, and I can always watch previous shows on DVD. I guess something must have just clicked with me. So, yes, a little sad, but energized to fight this year. Damn it all, but I want something more out of life than fudding about the house with my mother. It would really help to be employed, again. Somehow that motivates me in other areas of my life, as well... So, here's to 2010!
Summation:
Acting - Almost finished memorizing my monologue. Getting ready for my audition tomorrow night at Santa Clara Players (for BULL IN A CHINA SHOP).
Bicycling: Rode 5.2 miles today at a nice pace. So refreshing!
Cats: Adorable, as always.
Dancing: In my car as I listened to the radio.
Ciao,
Jen
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Day 2: Nothing can be an accomplishment
Okay, so today was supposed to be "partly cloudy" by all the weather info. No rain. Yet, it's fully cloudy. And no rain. This just makes me feel kinda down. Sigh.
So today I managed to watch some TV, read a little, hop on the computer for a bit (though not literally...tempting as may be ), and lounge around in my PJs. And I'll be heading out this evening to see The Road. Cheery, huh? Well, at least I can hope it will be well done...
Summation:
Acting - memorized a bit more of my monologue
Bicycling - realized I need to get my bike in for a possible chain replacement. They said probably in a hundred miles, and I've gone over two since I had it in last...guess I need to take it in by Monday.
Cats: Adorable, as always.
Dancing: Just in my head today...and in a book I read.
Tomorrow is another day!
So today I managed to watch some TV, read a little, hop on the computer for a bit (though not literally...tempting as may be ), and lounge around in my PJs. And I'll be heading out this evening to see The Road. Cheery, huh? Well, at least I can hope it will be well done...
Summation:
Acting - memorized a bit more of my monologue
Bicycling - realized I need to get my bike in for a possible chain replacement. They said probably in a hundred miles, and I've gone over two since I had it in last...guess I need to take it in by Monday.
Cats: Adorable, as always.
Dancing: Just in my head today...and in a book I read.
Tomorrow is another day!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Day 1: Twenty-Ten Begins
So, since this is a milestone year for me, and I've been in limbo for the last 21 months, I thought I'd take the time to start a blog.
When I was in second grade, I decided I wanted to be an actress. I worked toward that for years, graduated with a theatre degree, continued in an acclaimed acting school (Playhouse West in North Hollywood, California), and performed off and on for years in theatre and film (nothing known, really). While living in Los Angeles, I ended up working first for corporate Disney, then Feature Animation, then Disney Stores corporate headquarters as a production manager in their sourcing department. During this time I slowly went from an actress-to-be to a corporate career woman. Then I was laid off in April of 2008. Always the optimist, I decided I'd get a job within a month and use the rest of my severance for a trip to Scotland and England. I had a bunch of interviews, and a couple jobs came down to me and another person. Another person always got it. Sigh. After my severance ran out (sorry, Scotland/England), I couldn't afford rent anymore. I don't like to build up more debt or default on rent, so I picked up and moved back home to Silicon Valley. Moved in with my mom. Big Sigh.
So...I've gotten back into acting via community theatre. But it's been slow, since I've been away for many years and no one knows me anymore. I have to rebuild my local network connections and reputation. So acting is a big theme for me, and, indeed, I have an audition next week for another local play.
Since I had some time on my hands (well, at least when not looking/begging for work), I decided to take some time to get healthier. I bought a bicycle (I didn't know bike weight would be an issue...I just wanted the hybrid while I decided if road or mountain biking was for me...my bike is 41.5 lbs), and I took a class in road biking so I'd feel safer driving to the bike paths. Well, cycling agreed with me, and I managed to do my first century ride last October...well, I completed 82 miles of it, anyway, on my very heavy bicycle. I also lost thirty pounds over eight months. Unfortunately, I'm a real wuss in cold weather and have managed to not ride much in the last two months...I've gained back ten pounds. I've just purchased a balaclava so I can psych myself up to get out there and ride in the cold. I'm hoping, if it's not raining, to at least get out for ten miles or so tomorrow...to stick my toes back into cold-weather riding...we'll see if that happens!
And I'm a cat owner. I am down to three cats: Ashke, Shala, and Starlight. Ashke and Shala are beautiful blue (that's code for "gray" in catspeak) shorthairs. Shala is the girl, and Ashke is her brother. Starlight is a beautiful cameo orange boy with extra toes on his front paws. He was a stray at my LA apartment that I ended up rescuing to live with me. At one point, I had eight cats in my apartment. I'm quite happy with just two or three, so I don't plan on any new kitties for quite awhile. But their antics do lighten my heart, and their purring bodies warm me on cold nights. :-)
And I'm a dancer. I studied tap dancing for years as a child to adult, then ended up studying belly dance, American Cabaret style, under Diane Webber for about fifteen years. I went professional around 1996, but didn't market myself as such until 2001. I haven't been active in the last three years or so, but I'll always be a dancer at heart and am a big fan of shows such as SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, which I truly wish had been around when I was twenty.
There are lots of other things about me that I'm sure will come out as we go along. I'm currently single (divorced since 2004), but I am friends with my ex. We think that's partly 'cause we're both in show business (even if I've resigned myself to amateur status), but my mother is still friendly with my father, so I have role-models in friendships with ex's. Anyway, I've been on one date since the divorce. I keep meeting men who are nineteen or twenty or sixty or seventy. I'm missing the thirty and forty-somethings, somehow. But then I'm picky. I thought intelligence was my top priority, but I realized this last summer that talent is number one for me. I'm attracted to talented men. Yikes, but it seems most talented people are poor. I don't need rich, but at least "steadily working" would be nice...and what a fantastic economy to be in when I realize this.
Finally, today: I didn't get much done. I started cleaning, which meant a ton of laundry is in the process of drying, but I still have a lot more to do. It looks like a tornado hit my bedroom. I worked on memorizing my Shakespeare monologue for my audition on the 9th. I hope to have it fully memorized by Sunday so I can work on the nuances throughout the week. I played on Facebook for too long. And I looked briefly at a few websites to see if I might apply for any potential jobs. None today. Sigh.
Summation:
Acting - memorize monologue for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern audition
Bicycling - ordered balaclava
Cat Owner - just fed the cats so they won't climb on my lap while I create my blog
Dancing - boogied a bit while doing laundry and making bed
Other - cleaned, pined for David Tennant (DOCTOR WHO marathon on BBC America), watched some episodes of season 3 of 30 ROCK, Facebooked, job searched
Tata for now,
Jennifer
When I was in second grade, I decided I wanted to be an actress. I worked toward that for years, graduated with a theatre degree, continued in an acclaimed acting school (Playhouse West in North Hollywood, California), and performed off and on for years in theatre and film (nothing known, really). While living in Los Angeles, I ended up working first for corporate Disney, then Feature Animation, then Disney Stores corporate headquarters as a production manager in their sourcing department. During this time I slowly went from an actress-to-be to a corporate career woman. Then I was laid off in April of 2008. Always the optimist, I decided I'd get a job within a month and use the rest of my severance for a trip to Scotland and England. I had a bunch of interviews, and a couple jobs came down to me and another person. Another person always got it. Sigh. After my severance ran out (sorry, Scotland/England), I couldn't afford rent anymore. I don't like to build up more debt or default on rent, so I picked up and moved back home to Silicon Valley. Moved in with my mom. Big Sigh.
So...I've gotten back into acting via community theatre. But it's been slow, since I've been away for many years and no one knows me anymore. I have to rebuild my local network connections and reputation. So acting is a big theme for me, and, indeed, I have an audition next week for another local play.
Since I had some time on my hands (well, at least when not looking/begging for work), I decided to take some time to get healthier. I bought a bicycle (I didn't know bike weight would be an issue...I just wanted the hybrid while I decided if road or mountain biking was for me...my bike is 41.5 lbs), and I took a class in road biking so I'd feel safer driving to the bike paths. Well, cycling agreed with me, and I managed to do my first century ride last October...well, I completed 82 miles of it, anyway, on my very heavy bicycle. I also lost thirty pounds over eight months. Unfortunately, I'm a real wuss in cold weather and have managed to not ride much in the last two months...I've gained back ten pounds. I've just purchased a balaclava so I can psych myself up to get out there and ride in the cold. I'm hoping, if it's not raining, to at least get out for ten miles or so tomorrow...to stick my toes back into cold-weather riding...we'll see if that happens!
And I'm a cat owner. I am down to three cats: Ashke, Shala, and Starlight. Ashke and Shala are beautiful blue (that's code for "gray" in catspeak) shorthairs. Shala is the girl, and Ashke is her brother. Starlight is a beautiful cameo orange boy with extra toes on his front paws. He was a stray at my LA apartment that I ended up rescuing to live with me. At one point, I had eight cats in my apartment. I'm quite happy with just two or three, so I don't plan on any new kitties for quite awhile. But their antics do lighten my heart, and their purring bodies warm me on cold nights. :-)
And I'm a dancer. I studied tap dancing for years as a child to adult, then ended up studying belly dance, American Cabaret style, under Diane Webber for about fifteen years. I went professional around 1996, but didn't market myself as such until 2001. I haven't been active in the last three years or so, but I'll always be a dancer at heart and am a big fan of shows such as SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, which I truly wish had been around when I was twenty.
There are lots of other things about me that I'm sure will come out as we go along. I'm currently single (divorced since 2004), but I am friends with my ex. We think that's partly 'cause we're both in show business (even if I've resigned myself to amateur status), but my mother is still friendly with my father, so I have role-models in friendships with ex's. Anyway, I've been on one date since the divorce. I keep meeting men who are nineteen or twenty or sixty or seventy. I'm missing the thirty and forty-somethings, somehow. But then I'm picky. I thought intelligence was my top priority, but I realized this last summer that talent is number one for me. I'm attracted to talented men. Yikes, but it seems most talented people are poor. I don't need rich, but at least "steadily working" would be nice...and what a fantastic economy to be in when I realize this.
Finally, today: I didn't get much done. I started cleaning, which meant a ton of laundry is in the process of drying, but I still have a lot more to do. It looks like a tornado hit my bedroom. I worked on memorizing my Shakespeare monologue for my audition on the 9th. I hope to have it fully memorized by Sunday so I can work on the nuances throughout the week. I played on Facebook for too long. And I looked briefly at a few websites to see if I might apply for any potential jobs. None today. Sigh.
Summation:
Acting - memorize monologue for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern audition
Bicycling - ordered balaclava
Cat Owner - just fed the cats so they won't climb on my lap while I create my blog
Dancing - boogied a bit while doing laundry and making bed
Other - cleaned, pined for David Tennant (DOCTOR WHO marathon on BBC America), watched some episodes of season 3 of 30 ROCK, Facebooked, job searched
Tata for now,
Jennifer
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