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.  :)

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.  :)

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.  :)

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.

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). :)

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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