Holi-daze

Rehearsals have begun!!

Last Monday we started rehearsals for Sunday in New York! I'm so so happy to be in my first Dallas play! My first play in the real world! Yahooooo! I read the play several times over Thanksgiving break because I wasn't sure how strict our director would be about having our lines memorized. Turns out he is very laid back and super cool! Monday night we did a read-through and let me tell you, the script is a lot funnier with other people reading with you! It was a relief to hear laughter while we were reading it. It just reminded me that this is a funny play, no stress needed. The only problem is, I have been a kinda worried about my little car. Old Blue is reliable, but getting pretty old. Rehearsals are in Plano, about 30 minutes from here, and it's getting cold. Say your prayers that I make it to and fro safely! I get a little nervy at night on these ridiculous Texas highways. I complain a lot about how hot Texas is for December, but thankfully we won't have ice. Knock on wood.

So althroughout last week we have been blocking the scenes. We are about halfway done! The cast and crew are SO nice. Everyone is really funny and easygoing. There's some onstage kissing in this show, but they're really good about making a joke of it and not being awkward. Hopefully everything keeps going great :) This week and next we are finishing it and then running the show as many times as we can before we break for Christmas!! I can't believe the holidays are so close!

Speaking of the holidays, work has been crazy as well. This is my first retail job, and I'm really glad for the experience, but it makes me not enjoy the holidays as much as I normally would. People get pushy and mean! Tis the season people, cheer up. The store is so crazy, I had to be there at 5am on Saturday morning just to clean up before we even opened! Let me tell you, if I can slap a smile on my face after waking up at 4am, you can be nice to me when you slept in and then got up to spend money on your loved ones. Be friendly while you're out shopping! Remember that cheesy saying, it's harder to frown than it is to smile. Also, ALL ULTA PLAYS over the soundsystem is Christmas music. Normally I would be delighted about this, but the music is so weird. It's all techno and strange, and there's some kind of rule about not saying "God" or "Christ" or anything like that, so on the religious songs (aka all of them), they bleep out the God words with techno screeches and wicki-wickies. Not cool. The rest are 20 different versions of "Santa Baby." Yuck. The good news is, Michael got me an early Christmas present-- REAL Christmas music I won't get sick of! The Glee Christmas album!




It's so sweet and uplifting. My favorite is "We Need a Little Christmas." Ain't that the truth! It also has my 2 favorite classics, Oh Holy Night and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Amber Riley has the most beautiful voice. She's my fave, and I can't wait for the Christmas episode.


That's all for today, not much going on besides work and rehearsal (which I guess is also work but just feels like fun). Life is good! Be happy and spread cheer.

Eat, Pray, Run

Hello all,

Today was a wonderful, relaxing day. I started it off by going on a run. Normally I run at our tiny little fitness room at our apartment complex. I've had many awkward encounters in that room, so my friend Amanda suggested going to mapmyrun.com and finding a path outdoors to run. I've been pretty spoiled on my treadmill, not having to face things like hills or wind, but man was it worth it!! I had the beautiful fall trees to stare at rather than a tv, and a breeze to cool me off rather than fans blowing around hot air in that little room. I don't know why I didn't do this sooner!

As I was running, I began to think about my book. I'm currently reading Eat, Pray, Love, and enjoying every single page!! It's so uplifting and wonderful. I hope someday I have the courage to go on an adventure like that (but hopefully I don't have to go through a divorce first, like she did. Yikes). Anyway, the last thing I read in my book was the author talking about Yoga. She said she used to do yoga in New York simply for fitness. But when she arrived in India, she was told that Americans found yoga and brought it back to the west for exercise. However, in India, people do it before they pray, to loosen up their minds and bodies so that they are better prepared to sit for long periods of time in prayer. Much like we do stretching and breathing exercises before acting. Are we about to take off running? Usually not. But it's much easier to focus on something when your body is relaxed and your mind is clear.

Just then, I noticed that my Ipod had mostly been playing Christian music. Now folks, I don't have a lot of Christian music, but what I did have seemed to all be playing in a row, and my Ipod was on shuffle! I had nothing else to think about except the inspiring music and the amazing view of God's work in the colorful trees. I also noticed how much easier it was to thank God for all my blessings when they were right in front of my eyes, and in my ears, and coursing through my veins. Let me tell you, it is much more motivation to listen to a little Krystal Meyers rather than those old ladies who always rush me through my workout so they can use the machines. Next time you work out, try listening to only spiritual music, whatever your beliefs are. Count your blessings and take in the beauty that surrounds you. It makes exercise much more exciting when you have positive things to preoccupy your mind. I am already excited for tomorrow's run!

Also today I went to Kinko's and printed off my script. I got home and immediately started highlighting my lines! Rehearsals for my show begin one week from tonight, and I absolutely can't wait! I'm so thrilled to be back in the theater. I know it's only been a few months since I've been on a stage, but it feels like forever. I'm so excited to make new friends in the cast and crew. I'm pretty nervous too, though. This is my first professional theater experience! I've never been paid to act. In college if I messed up, all was forgiven, because you're there to learn. Out here if you mess up, you could get fired. All the more motivation to be the best!

Later, Rosie called and we started talking wedding plans! Maggi is also engaged, and I can't wait to plan things with her as well! It seems like everything is falling into place, all at once. Life is so good. All the best to you and yours!

Hallelujah!!

PRAISE Him!! I have been CAST!

I went to an audition last weekend for a play called Sunday in New York. On Monday they called to say they wanted me to come to the callbacks! Yahoo! I was definitely happy, but didn't have high hopes, because I hadn't been cast yet in Dallas. So I went to the callback and it was so fun! Turns out there were only 2 other girls up for the lead. So I started to get my hopes up. I thought there would be tons of girls there competing for this role, but just 2 of us?? Those are great odds! I read with 3 great guys that night, who were all cast as well! So they called on Thursday night and offered me the part! I almost cried! I immediately called my mom! Haha. The show is going to be so funny, and I can't wait for rehearsals to start! Never ever ever give up on your dreams!

Sorry for the short post, but Michael, Jared, Amanda and I are going bowling tonight! Yahoo! Have a great weekend!

"Persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak."
Thomas Carlyle

Great day to snuggle down with a book... or not!

Hey ya'll--

So for the past few... months... yes, months! I have been TRYING to read 1984. Maggi's boyfriend Gabe loaned it to me after I finished The Hunger Games series. He said since I loved the conspiracy weird futuristic vibe that series had going on, I would love Animal Farm and 1984. Well, sorry Gabe, but... I didn't. I have literally been reading a few pages every night just to put me to sleep!! I can't help it. It's a great premise for a book, and I wish I had been forced to read it in high school so that I'd be obligated to finish it. But I gave up. Sorry all you out there who love it. I did make it through Animal Farm, and it was good, but I must admit. I was confused by the ending. I'm just not smart enough for these classics yet. I need to grow up a little more first.

SO instead I went to the Rockwall Library today and got myself a library card (finally!) and checked out Eat, Pray, Love. I'm pretty excited about this one. My only fear is that I'm going to want to up and move to Italy. It's probably going to happen. I'll have to fight the urge. I've already seen the movie, so I have high hopes for this book. The book is always better, right? Right.

So Travis and Ingrid visited last week! It was a blast. I was so happy to see them. They are crazy adventurous, and are always so sweet. They make me feel better about working at a makeup store while all Michael's friends are engineers. They are always so happy and encouraging. I wish they lived closer! Speaking of old friends, I went home this weekend to see OSU's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Oh, it was fantastic!! I laughed the whole time. It was so great to see my friends onstage. Afterward I ended up talking to my former professor, Matt, for about an hour. His family lives in Dallas and he has worked in the theater scene here, so he always has lots of advice. He made me feel so much more confident in my abilities and my strengths, and reminded me to never ever ever give up. I don't know what I would do without those professors! They are not your normal stuffy college profs. They are fantastic people who will be your friends for life. So I came home and went to an audition on Sunday that went really well! I'm feeling confident that even if I don't get it, I did a really good audition. Then I e-mailed Dallas Children's Theater and they said they might have an internship for me! Opportunities always present themselves when you put in a little extra effort.

Hope all your lives are fabulous, here is a video for you. I LOVE Florence + The Machine, and Mags gave me a few of their songs I haven't heard before over the weekend. I'm obsessed! So here ya go. Put it on and dance. I know you will.

Lazy Jane

Remember that Shel Silverstein poem? I had all his books when I was little. Some of them are a little creepy, but most were so funny. Anyway, I was this girl today. And it was raining all day, so if I wanted a drink of water, I really could have done that!

So this weekend was Halloween, and we had a fabulous time! We went to one of Michael's work friend's house with our friends Jared and Amanda. Here they are as Batman and Batgirl:



I must admit, I was busy with work and put off my costume shopping. I went as a hippy and Michael went as where's Waldo:



Where is he??



Haha, we had a great time! Last night I had dinner with Amanda before I worked trivia. She is so laid-back and awesome. I'm glad to have a friend I can relate to here, since we're both young and moved to Texas to be with our boyfriends. It's also great to have "couple" friends! We all LOVE to travel, and we're trying to put together a trip for the four of us later this year or next. Amanda wants us to go to San Fransico, and you know I'd love any chance to go back to Cali!!

I've had one lazy cat today. I think my lazy mood has rubbed off on him.



What a cutie!!!

Tomorrow our friends Travis and Ingrid are coming to visit!! They're on a nation-wide motorcycle trip. They just ride all across the country and stop in on their friends! We are in the lucky few they are coming to see. Too bad we don't have any mountains around here for them to climb:



or caves to saplunk in:



like they had for us in Idaho, but they will have to make do with our lake! I can't wait to see them!!!

Time to clean to get ready for their visit! Have a fabulous evening!

Happy Halloween!

Wow, goodbye October! Hello to a new month. It is 82 degrees in Texas right now. Bring on the fall.

Halloween Holiday Trivia:

* Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death.
* Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday.
* Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green. Great for unique monster carvings!
* Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who would celebrate the harvest around a bonfire, share ghost stories, sing, dance and tell fortunes.
* Tootsie Rolls were the first wrapped penny candy in America.
* The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. They began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human.
* Halloween candy sales average about 2 billion dollars annually in the United States.
* Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday, with Christmas being the first.
* Bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from the roman harvest festival that honors Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees.
* Black cats were once believed to be witch's familiars who protected their powers.
* Chocolate candy bars top the list as the most popular candy for trick-or-treaters with Snickers #1.



Have a safe and very happy Halloween!

Long time, no write!

It's been a while since I've written, but that usually means life has been busy and wonderful! So a couple of weeks ago Mags and I headed to California. Let me tell you, it was the time of my life! I had never been to the West Coast before, and it was so amazing. The weather was cloudy but not cold, and compared to our Ireland flight, the travel time seemed really short! We flew into LAX and then I took a train to Santa Maria. It was called the Pacific Coastliner because it went right along the ocean! So beautiful! Above is a picture of Mags, Laura and I in a fun little restaurant in LA.



This was the view out the window of my train. My first view of the Pacific was from this train! Ahh! So I arrive in Santa Maria that night, and the next day I had my audition at PCPA. It went really great, and the casting director was such a great man. I will be auditioning for them again when they come through Dallas in about a month. Hopefully I'll get on for their summer season :) It would be a dream to live in California! I absolutely fell in love while I was there. My only regret is that the trip wasn't longer.

Quick recap of the trip:
Thursday/Friday were traveling and my audition. Friday night we headed into LA for the weekend! Saturday we spent the day being complete tourists, and it was fabulous! We saw celebrity houses, Hollywood Blvd, did some shopping, and then took a powernap. We also saw a ton of scientologist churches!! I didn't even know what scientologists believe until that trip. But boy, they were everywhere! Sunday we went to Santa Monica pier! It was great weather! Even though it was cloudy it was still warm and we played in the water a little bit :)



Then Sunday Emily had to go back to work and so I joined up with Maggi and her friend Laura. We had a blast! We went to a haunted house Sunday, and then saw the Upright Citizens Brigade later that night! Monday we went to a Doug Benson taping for his new show, "The Benson Interruption." It was so fun and we even got to meet him afterwards!



By the way, when I got home, I saw him on a really old Friends episode. I was like, "I MET HIM!!" Haha I could never be famous because I feel like I'll always be starstruck! Then the next day we flew back to good ol' Texas.

So needless to say, I was a little sad to return to Texas. I definitely missed Michael, but after travelling so many wonderful places these past few months, I've realized I don't want to live in the MidWest permanently. This is definitely a great place to settle down and raise a family, but who's ready for that? Not me. So I've been applying to random places I've wanted to visit, trying to find a place that's right for me. So far I've applied to Yellowstone and a work/live program in Australia. Who knows what could happen. Maybe I'll never even hear back from them, but if I do, what a great opportunity!!

However, I have been trying to make the best of my time here in Dallas. I have sent in applications to a couple of local agents, and I had an audition Monday night that went really well. It's for a brand-new theater in Dallas called Nouveau 47 Theater, and they're doing Measure for Measure. I have always loved Shakespeare. I used to be one of those people who didn't understand it and became frustrated easiliy, but now I almost prefer it. So I was very happy when I got the call that said I got a callback :) I'm going back on Saturday to read for them again. Yay! I have another audition Monday night, and I can't wait!

Time to go get dinner ready, stir-fry tonight! YUM!

Despicable!

Look at me, two days in a row! Yahoo! I wouldn't normally have time to do this but my love decided to go play tennis with one of his buddies, so I'm all on my lonesome. Figured this would pass the time :)

So today I did something despicable. The past couple times I've gone to the gym, I've run into some characters. Now, I normally love talking to strangers. People in the check-out line, fellow auditionees, customers at Ulta, whatever. But NOT when I'm working out. I don't like to make small talk while I'm sweating and gasping for breath. Talking just makes it harder for me to focus on my workout, especially talking to these people. Monday I ran into a man who was a bit sexist. He asked lots of personal questions and every time I answered he said, "Ah, typical of women. Always want what they can't have." Or, "You women. Always obsessed with your makeup, huh?" And so on. Until finally I said, "EXCUSE ME. It's been lovely talking to you, really, but I'm done with my workout." Actually, I wasn't done with my workout, I just went outside for my run rather than on the treadmill. The next day, a woman who didn't speak much english came in and wanted to ask me lots of questions about the show that was on the TV. That show was Desperate Housewives. Awkward because one of the characters was experimenting with her sexuality. How am I supposed to explain that? And finally, yesterday. The gym in our apartment complex is a small one. An olyptical, a couple weight lifting machines, and two treadmills. Well, I had just jumped on one of those treadmills when 2 older ladies walked in. Both wanted to use the treadmills. One asked when I would be done. When I replied that I had just started, so I would be a while, they continued to stare at me for a good 5 minutes until I melted and left.

So today, I went to my gym, and thankfully it was empty. I turned on the Today show and THEN... put in my headphones. Without turning my Ipod on. I know. It's shallow. But it turned out to be effective. I could still watch TV while appearing to be busy listening to music. When people walked in, I simply pretended to be jamming out to music. And magically... they left me alone. Miraculous!!

I know these people mean well. They don't mean to annoy me, they just want a nice chat. But you know what I want? A home gym.

All righty, as promised, here is another new Jason Mraz song! This one is fitting because Mags and I are headed to California one week from today!! Enjoy!

Life IS Good!

So today has been a weird one already! It's only 1:30 and I've had a couple of little disappointments. But we're back on track now! Here's what's up:

So every once in a while I'll send out my headshot and resume to casting agencies around Texas. I never really expect to hear anything back, but yesterday I got a call from one of those places. They wanted me to be an extra in the movie "Spy Kids 4." I was really excited! The director, Robert Rodriguez, is really awesome (and good-looking) and directs many movies that I love. I would have been in heaven if I had even seen a glimpse of him! Anyway, he owns a studio in Austin, which is about 3 hours from here. It's a very managable drive, especially since movies pay really well! So I said of course I could be there. They said they would call and/or e-mail last night with my call time. So I went to trivia night and worked, got home, and hadn't received my call. I checked my e-mail and... nothin! So I was a little worried this wasn't going to work out. I mean, chances are my call time was supposed to be around 9 or 10am, and I would need to get up really early to shower and then make the 3 hour drive. So if I hadn't heard by then, I figured it fell through.

And boy, was I right. I woke up this morning to a 7am phone call. It was an Austin area code, and a woman was asking where I am. Well, I'm in bed in my home in Rockwall, Texas. She said it was too late and that I was going to miss out on today's shoot. I told her I never received a call or e-mail and she realized she had the wrong address! BUMMER! I was so looking forward to this experience. I even asked off of work for tonight because I figured it would take the whole day! So I'm wondering where my headshot and resume went and why they didn't get my info off of there. I hope it isn't floating around in an office black hole where paperwork is lost. But she said they'll be doing many more shoots that require extras so I should hear from them again soon. I hope she isn't pulling my leg because I was really looking forward to it!

So since I was up, I went and worked out and enjoyed a nice lunch. Then I figured, "Hey, what a great day to go check out Scooter's and have a delicious cup of coffee and read my book! I'll even wear my new slouchy fall hat." So I go down to the Harbor and walk around for about 15 minutes. I can't find it! It's in the Bermuda Triangle or something. Lost. So I pop into the Life is Good store (any excuse to go in there, right?) and ask the woman working where Scooter's is. She says it closed down a long time ago and Starbucks is the only coffee shop Rockwall has. Phooey. Just as I suspected. So I bought a Life is Good sticker to put on my water bottle and headed on my way.

So in the end, I had no choice but to go to Starbucks. But hey, they are still delicious. I took my coffee to-go and headed back down to the Harbor so I could enjoy it while looking out at the lake. Then I remembered I had my book with me in my purse. I opened it up, and my bookmarker fell out. Earlier this week I jotted down a quote I saw on my bookmark, and boy did it come in handy to read it right then:


"One of the best tools for longevity and good health is not just taking a walk outdoors but taking a walk while holding the hand of God. When we walk in gratitude for each and every moment, we empower ourselves by empowering our spirits. When we breathe in nature through our eyes, ears and lips, we become certain that not only are our souls eternal, but that God knows how to manage our lives, our troubles, our worries and our days better than we do. So today and everyday- 'let go and let God.'"

Is that fitting, or what? So it was a great zen moment. And I still got to wear my slouchy hat:



Not too shabby, right? Then I came home and logged on to see what's hip and happening on Twitter, and I saw that Jason Mraz had tweeted about some new songs he's released! It's like a mini-album!! What a great way to turn my day around! For those of you who know me well, you know that Jason Mraz is my obsession. He has been my favorite artist for as long as I can remember! Before I even owned any kind of mp3 player, that's for sure. If I ever get famous, my first act will be to meet him. And here's a funny coincidence- his new album is called Life is Good!! The same name as my favorite store. Hmm. Over my next few blogs, I'm going to leave you with a few of his new songs. If I left them all now, you'd never watch them. But hopefully one video at a time, I will get you all hooked. I encourage you to run out and buy an album of his, any album (although I will tell you, his live albums are the best). I promise it will turn around any bad day you're having. And if you aren't having a bad day, it will just make you elated!! Put this on while you're checking your facebook, doing the dishes, whatever. You will find yourself dancing, I promise! Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Redheads Reunited!

Ok, I'll admit it, I'm a fair weather blogger. I just don't have the time anymore! Which I guess is a good thing! But get ready because this one's gonna be a long one!

This weekend was the BEST! My brother Luke and his wife Ashley came down to visit!! I don't have any close friends down here yet, so it was really nice to have people I know in town!! Thursday night we went to a Daniel Tosh concert, which was really really funny! He is just as good live as he is on his show.



I didn't trust anyone with my camera, so we had to make do taking one of ourselves :)

Friday morning I worked at Ulta and then came home and napped a little while Luke and Ash went to the state fair. Friday night we went to a Rangers game!! It was really exciting, they went into extra innings. They ended up losing by 1 point, but oh well. At least I got to spend time with my loved ones. That's what baseball is really about, right?? Maybe not for the players, but for me it is!



My love and me at the game :)



Luke and Ash!!

Saturday we went to IHOP for breakfast and then I showed Luke and Ash around my 'hood. Rockwall is such a pretty town, as I've said many times before, so I was excited to show them the sites! First we went down to the Harbor and those 2 went nuts over the Life Is Good store! I found some stuff I really wanted too, but I need to save my money for my California trip!! I just love Life Is Good stuff. That whole store radiates positivity. You can't help but walk out of there smiling! I would love to open up a Life Is Good store someday. Or a coffee shop. Or both in ONE! That would be a dream. Especially right on the lake. Wowzers. Then we crossed the lake and went to the GIANT Bass Pro Shop that overlooks the lake. As soon as we walked in, Luke and I had to snap this picture:



Haha... get it? Oy. We're hilarious.

Then we headed over to The Flying Saucer so they could see where I work on Tuesdays doing the trivia! We had a drink out on the patio (overlooking the lake, of course). The weather was just delightful.



Then those crazy kids had to head home. But I was sooooo glad they came to see us! Beginning of next month our friends Travis and Ingrid are coming too! And my parents still need to come see my new town. I can't wait! I love having people over!

Kitty Update:

Jack has learned to hiss. Or at least learned he CAN hiss. He does it pretty often now. When we're playing, when he's running. Whenever. Just now he got his little foot caught in the couch and hissed at that! He wasn't even hurt, he just wanted to share that with us. Doesn't he look so ferocious?



ALL RIGHT, also while we were at the Harbor, the BEST thing happened!! I saw this magical sign. My personal beacon of hope:



Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Let me explain. I have searched high and low for a coffee shop, ANY coffee shop, that is not a Starbucks. Rockwall has FOUR Starbucks! Don't get me wrong, Starbucks makes delicious drinks. But it's such a cold environment! I miss my Aspen in Stillwater. It was big and cozy and everyone knows everyone. I know I can't expect that having just moved here and all, but I just wanted a coffee shop where I could go a couple times a week and get to know the baristas, maybe even work there at some point. AND I'VE FOUND ONE! Finally! I haven't been in yet, but it's beautiful from the outside. I think tomorrow on my day off I'm going to go and snuggle down with a book. Don't judge, I'm passionate about coffee.

I had a few auditions last week that went really well, but I'm not sure about callbacks yet. The Dallas Children's Theater one was a cast of adults who play 1st graders. Being 5'11" and all, I didn't really fit in. My audition for Dallas Theater Center went REALLY well though! I waited for about 2 hours to sing for them, and I ended up being the next-to-last person to sing for the whole day! Am I lucky or what? So I sang and they asked me to stay for the dance auditions. I feel like I danced well, but I won't hear about callbacks for a month or so. The show is Cabaret and it's in the spring! I realllllllly hope I get it. They rehearse 8 hours a day, Tuesday through Sunday!! Just like theaters in NY and Chicago! Most Dallas theaters rehearse in the evenings because they don't pay much, so they give you time to work your "real" job. But DTC is the best one in Dallas, so they can pay!! I could quit my silly part-time jobs and be full-time theater! Plus it's a musical so my days would be filled with singing and dancing. What a dream. I will keep you posted when I hear more in a couple weeks. Then my last audition was Lieutenant of Inishmore. That went well too, I got to use my Irish dialect, and I'm red-headed, AND I've been to Ireland, so you'd think I'd be a shoe-in, right? Wrong. The part is a 16 year-old. So once again my height works against me. But I'm optimistic that something will come along soon.

If you stuck through all this, you're a true friend. Thanks for reading, hope you had a very happy weekend!! Go outside, it's beautiful!

My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades

Hey ya'll! I'm in a GREAT mood today! This week is going to be a great one, I can already tell! This weather is fan-freakin'-tastic!! Yesterday and today are my perfect ideal weather! It reminds me so much of this place:



IRELAND!

I miss it so much! I would love love love to live there someday. If I had unlimited amounts of money I would just hop right over there and get a visa! However, I really haven't seen that much more of the world other than the US and Ireland. I have the travel bug now! I'm sure the more places I saw the more places I'd want to live. I love America, but I'm restless! This weather is making me crazy for places other than the South :) and SPEAKING of traveling, Maggi and I are finally planning a trip to California!! I'm going to see my old roomie, Emily, and Maggi's going to see her friend Laura. We're going to the LA area for about a week! I'm also going to audition for the theater where Emily works, PCPA. I figured, why not, I might get on for their summer season. And if not, I'll have the experience of a California audition! Yahoo! I can't wait!!

Another thing I'm super pumped about:



My FAVORITE Disney movie is coming out of that ridiculous Disney vault and coming to DVD!! I definitely know what I'll be doing October 5th!! Parking my bum on the couch and enjoying one of my all-time favorite movies!

So on Friday I got my first paycheck from Ulta. It wasn't a very big one, but enough for a mini-shopping spree to Kohl's and Dollar Tree! I'd never been to Kohl's before, but they sent me $10 to the store in the mail for some reason so I hit that up! I got some GREAT new stuff for fall!



My great new shirt, slouchy hat, and scarf! I also got some fall decorations from Dollar Tree! Thank Rosebud for the inspiration!! I totally copied you :)



Love my little scarecrow! And these little pumpkins:



And yes I was watching Grey's Anatomy! And last but not least, my pumpkiny smelling candles and bowl of candies:



I've even got my nails painted a goldy-brown! I am in full Fall mode!

This week is going to be busy and wonderful! Tonight I've got an audition for Dallas Children's Theater for a Christmas show! Tomorrow I'm auditioning for Dallas Theater Center's musicals this season, and Thursday I'm auditioning for Water Tower Theater's Lt. of Inishmore!! Also have Trivia tomorrow and Ulta throughout the week. But what I'm most excited about is that my brother and his wife are coming to visit this weekend!! We're going to a Daniel Tosh stand-up concert and a Rangers game :) can't wait to show them my 'hood!!

I've also been working out almost every day, and I truly believe that has elevated my mood! I feel healthy and ready to take on the world! So here I go! Have a GREAT week!

Weekend Update!

Just kidding, this isn't about the SNL skit. It's just about my weekend :) Lots has happened since my last blog! Lots of good stuff. I had my first night as "trivia girl" on Tuesday, and it went great! I get to hang out with Michael and meet new people while still makin' money! That was the first night I truly felt like this new town is my home. I've still felt like I'm visiting for a while. But I'm loving Rockwall more and more each day! Thursday I had my first day at Ulta. It was a little stressful but I like it a lot. Time went by really quickly and I got to chat with some really cool people. I also get a free haircut just for working there!! Yahoo!

This weekend I went to the city for Rosie's birthday! During the day we tried on bridesmaid's dresses, and that night we went out for dinner and drinks in Bricktown! We went to a place that had a patio on the roof, it was so nice! There was a guy playing guitar and the weather was fantastic. We had a blast! Yesterday I came back to Texas and Michael had assembled our new couch!!! It was the perfect end to a busy weekend. This couch is HUGE, so much bigger than our last one.



The long end has a place for blankets and storage! And the bottom pulls out into a bed! Voila!



Poor Michael had no idea I intended on posting that picture on the internet! Haha!

Also, little Jack has found a new place to sleep. No, it's not in his California Kitty Condo. It's in a pizza box.



The things you miss when you leave for a weekend. Michael puts together a couch and Jack learns a new habit. I was certainly glad to come home to my boys :)

Last night I went to an audition in Dallas for Drowsy Chaperone. It went really well and I should hear something tomorrow! My darling is home now, so it's time to snuggle. Have a wonderful Monday!

Cat Scratch Fever!

Hellooo! I've had a pretty great weekend so far! I love weekends because Michael's home and we can just hang out and snuggle and play with the kitty. Friday night, we went down to the Harbor, which is the area on the lake where all of Rockwall's fanciest stores and restaurants are. We wanted to go see a movie, but we were pretty early, so we just walked around. The area is beautiful! The first picture up there is The Seawolf, it's a big sailboat you can go out on and see the whole town from the water! We haven't been on it yet, but I'm excited to check it out! We saw it leaving just as we walked down to the Harbor. I'm so blessed to live in such a pretty place!



View from the Harbor!



Mizz and me down by the water :) Sorry 'bout the hair in your face, love!

Yesterday we went to the Farmer's Market and got some great fresh fruits and veggies! We made sweet potatoes and fish for lunch! YUM! Then we went to one of Michael's friend's apartments to cook out and watch football. There were about 5 couples there, and all the men worked for L-3. All the girlfriends moved here for their boyfriends/husbands, and they're having the same trouble as I am finding a job. It was comforting to talk it out with some stay at home girlfriends! Today we slept in and then headed out to get Jack a kitty house. Right before we left, Jack scratched my face!! I took this picture right after it happened, but I didn't think it looked too bad, just a little pink:



But by the time I got home, I had a nice scab forming. Sick:



So attractive! That little fartface didn't even deserve the wonderful kitty home we got him! But we love him so much, we couldn't wait to see him play in it. He checked it out a little:



So adorable! But in the end, he really just wanted to play in the box it came in:



What a cutie. Tomorrow he gets his manhood taken away, bright and early, so say a little kitty prayer for him. Hopefully he won't be as nuts (no pun intended) after the surgery! Have a lovely lazy Sunday evening!

Frustrations

Hey ya'll, I haven't updated in a while because, frankly, I haven't had anything good to say. And you know the old saying, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. So that's what I've been doing. But now I'm over my frustrations so I feel like I can share them with you in a calm way. Here goes.

Well, to rewind big time, we went back to Stillwater for the first home game and had a blast. We got to see both Michael's family and my family and of course spent some time with Mags as well! And you know what? I didn't take a single picture! All weekend! How unlike me. Anywho, we took the cat and he acted like a total brat in the car so no more road trips for him. Of course he looks like a little angel right now. Don't be fooled. But oh how I love him. He's so stinkin' cute.

We got back into town and I STILL hadn't heard about my box office job. I've really been hoping and praying for this job because it was full-time, which means salary, insurance, benefits, etc. And it was in a theater!! Perfect! A guy I used to work with even texted me and said they had called him to ask for a reference and he gave me a great one. But of course it was too good to be true. After making me wait a couple weeks for an answer, they e-mailed and said I didn't get it. What can you do. Well, I'll tell you what I did. I cried. And I ran from the house in a panic. I had put in applications for places like Ulta and Bath and Body Works, but never checked back on them, because I was really counting on this job. So I ran out and spoke to managers. Things are looking good and I'm sure I'll have a part-time job soon, but really. I have a college degree. Why should I work at a makeup store?? I don't want to, but that's theatre, isn't it.

SO Tuesday night we went out to The Flying Saucer, the bar/restaurant Michael and I and all his friends go to for trivia night. There is always a cute girl who announces trivia and tallies scores. So Tuesday she announces that she's leaving and they're looking for a new trivia girl. Michael and his friend Jared immediately volunteer me because, let's face it, I have no job and I'm depressed. So she calls me up and I read a round of questions. It was really fun, and at the end of the night she gave me the job. It's just a couple hours once a week, but at least it's something. I should be really excited, but I can't help think-- isn't it funny that after countless interviews and auditions, I get nothing in theatre. But one night at the bar and I immediately have a job! HA! HA! NO it's not funny! It's horrible! But I have to keep reminding myself that I knew this about theatre when I went into it. It's going to be tough. So for now I'll work at a bar and maybe a makeup store and go to auditions until I can get my big break. And it's not just me who's having problems. There are millions of Americans struggling to find jobs out there. So I need to shut my mouth and be grateful I was even considered for a full-time job in a theatre my first week that I'm down here. Things will get better! I can feel it!

Also in my house-fleeing panic yesterday, I ran to Wal-Mart and bought the 3rd book in a series Maggi and I are obsessed with. It's called The Hunger Games, and it's fantastic. If you're looking for a new series to get hooked on, go for this one. (Don't worry, it's a book for teens, it's a quick read)



I'm a firm believer that it doesn't matter what age level you're reading, as long as you're reading! You can always learn something from immersing yourself in a story. Don't I sound like a teacher? Maybe someday I will be... if I can't get a job!! Just kidding. That was the last negative comment. Ok all, I love you dearly and if you've already heard all of this from me directly, thanks for your support and all your kind wishes. Prayers are always appreciated, and let me know how I can keep you in mine as well. Lots of love and have a great weekend.

Little Fish...

Hey all! Hope you had a great weekend, I certainly did!!

On Saturday Michael and I went to the Rockwall Animal Shelter and picked up a kitty :) His name is Jack and he is a crazy little nutso. He is SO adorable though.



He loves boxes... what cat doesn't?

The first day we had him, this is all he wanted to do:



But as the evening hours wore on, he got crazier and crazier! We have to get up with him at about 6am every morning because he gets so restless and noisy. I tell you, if you think you're ready for a child, I hope you've had a baby pet first. Even little kitties can be terrors when they want to. But he's worth it. He's so stinkin' cute.

Sunday morning, Michael took me to Lakepointe Church in Rockwall. I've been excited to go, because it's a big, pretty church from the outside. And on the inside, whew it's even bigger! It was the first time I felt like a little fish in a big pond. In Stillwater, if you go to church, even a big one like LifeChurch, you're bound to see several people you know. I knew no one. The message was great and I'm really glad we went, but wow. I was a little overwhelmed. Later that day our friends Jared and Amanda called and asked if we wanted to drive over to Frisco with them and walk around the Ikea. We were feeling a little lazy but had never been to an Ikea, so we went. It was so much fun! It was like a never-ending, two story store the size of a mall! We had a blast. On our way back into Rockwall, we stopped in Garland at the Flying Saucer, their favorite bar/restaurant. I'd never been, but they go pretty often so I was excited to see it. It was so awesome! They have over 200 beers, and the walls are glass so you can see right out to the lake! This was our view at dinner:



I really like Jared and Amanda. They makes us get off our butts and try new things!

Yesterday morning I had my second interview with Dallas Theater Center. It went really well! My interviewer and I chatted for about 20 minutes and then she gave me a tour of the theater. I would really love to work there! But we'll see. I haven't heard anything yet. Then last night I went to an audition in Plano. It went pretty well. I'm getting REALLY restless without a job. I almost went out and applied for jobs at restaurants and stores today, but I didn't. I'm really hoping I get the DTC job, or cast in one of the plays I've auditioned for recently. Can't wait forever though, commuting to interviews and auditions is expensive!

Last night on my way home from Plano I got lost. I was so frustrated and I started to get angry and weepy. I hate not being able to find my way around naturally. It was the second time I felt like a little fish! All these towns around the Dallas area mesh into one, you can hardly tell when you're leaving one and entering another! So I got really confused and was in the car about 30 minutes longer than I needed to be. I don't like that everywhere I go I rely on mapquest directions or my GPS. I miss always knowing where I am, and I miss my family and friends! And sitting home all day doesn't help, it just gives me time to feel sorry for myself. But hey, no one ever said this was going to be easy. I DO love living with Michael, and I love Dallas. It will all work out.

This weekend, Michael and I are going home for the first OSU game! I'm so excited to see my family and Maggi!! I'm such a baby. It's been less than a week and I already can't wait to visit. But hopefully a visit home will cure the homesickness for a while :) and maybe when I come back I'll have a job waiting for me! Here's to thinking positively. Gotta go now, Jack is trying to steal all my money.



Have a good one!

Dallas Fun!

I am loving Texas so far! So many opportunities to work and play! As I was driving around town the other day, I took this picture. I know, I'm a total townie for taking pictures of big buildings.

I had an audition yesterday for a show called Circle Mirror Transformation. It's a show with 5 people, 3 women and 2 men. The women are 55, 35, and 16 years old. So I went in trying to look young and they had me read for the 35 year-old! That was a surprise. It was a really fun audition, I love cold readings. I read a monologue, and then 2 scenes with 2 different men. We had a blast and I chatted with a really nice older gentlemen on my way out. He recommended a few places in the Dallas area that I should go. So far, Texans have been very friendly. Well, not on the highways, but in person. When I got home I heard from Dallas Theatre Center, and I have a second interview with them on Monday! Yahoo!

Last night, Michael and I went to a Rangers game in Arlington. It was a blast! Josh Hamilton played an amazing game, and Michael definitely has a guy crush on him. I've never been really into baseball, but I realized last night that that's probably because I've never seen a really good team play! Watching the Rangers was really exciting! After the game there was an awesome fireworks show. All in all, a great date night :)



The field!



Ol' long arms took this picture of us after the fireworks!

Today we are going to try to go to the Humane Society in Rockwall and look at kitties! Trying not to get my hopes up but I hope we find one! Have a great weekend!!

Home on the Range!

Well, I am officially moved into my new Texas home! Michael and I are living in Rockwall, Texas! He works in Greenville for L-3 and I'm going to be persueing theatre in Dallas. So far I'm loving it! I've been decorating and making Michael's apartment a little girlier :)

Yesterday I had my phone interview with Dallas Theatre Center. It went really well, but I'm not sure how many people I'm up against. Hopefully I'll go in tomorrow for a second interview! I've also got an audition tomorrow. So moving here is definitely worth it so far!

Ok, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start at the beginning and get caught up. Tuesday was my last day in Stillwater, so I just spent the day having a blast with Maggi! She is a new employee at the Stonewall, so I went that afternoon and visited her. Here she is behind the bar!



Later that day, we got all our old clothes we don't wear and we put them in a big pile. I ended up with some sweet scores and gave her a few things too! Then she cooked me a delicious dinner and I headed home to get ready for the evening. Once we got to the bar again (I know, twice in one day, yikes) Randi had a going-away present for me! Ok, there's a backstory to this. Last fall we had Acting III, Shakespeare, together. This was my first class with Randi, so I was still getting to know her. One day in class she had this really LONG scarf with her. She proceeded to wrap it around her head like a turban while Matt was lecturing. This was the outcome:



I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in a class! So needless to say I was very excited when she passed it on to me. This is how thrilled I was:



I don't think I really pull it off like Randi did, but I'll make it work eventually.
The next day (yesterday) I packed up my car and headed to Dallas! I'm sooo excited to be here, and there's lots more pictures of our apartment on facebook if you care to creep :) Last night we ate with Michael's work friend, Jared, and his girlfriend Amanda. They were so funny and great! I'm glad Michael has already found us some fun people to hang out with. We ate at Edohana in Rockwall, it was amazing sushi!! I wanted to take a picture of all of us at dinner, but since I just met them I thought it might be a little creepy. Maybe next time :)

Today is a GORGEOUS day in Rockwall, I think we're up to a whopping 75 degrees this morning. Today I'm headed into Dallas to read the script for my audition tomorrow, and I'm gonna ride windows down the whole way! I can't wait! I also need to check in with our apartment office so I can start using their GYM! Hope your Thursday is as fabulous as mine! Have a great one!