Where the F have I been?

Hello!!!

Oh, it's been quite too long for me to have gone without a post! I'm so out of the blog world! I don't know what's happening with myself or my other bloggie friends. I've had to rely on human interaction, (yikes!), and that has been touch and go as it is.

I've been back in LA for a little over a month now. Life has felt like a whirlwind! Traveling, smashing cars, moving, unpacking, hustling massage for cash, rehearsing.... I'm just barely startling to feel as my feet are back on the ground.

There has been a lot swirling around in my little head, I tell ya.

I almost don't know where to begin....

But I will tell you I'm fine. I'm very happy right now. Despite the many worries in this head of mine, I am amazed at how happy I am. I think it has to do with finally accepting my life and how I want to lead it.

This might sound strange to some, but I needed my independence. For years I have hated going into work from 9 to 5, or whatever retail shift I had, even when I was at a spa of some sort. Because oddly enough, it somehow felt like it got in the way. In the way of what? I don't know, everything. I was really feeling it in the first half of the year. I was jealous of my friends who freelanced, or who had been let go of their jobs. So, I decided that when I came back into town, I'd strike out on my own.

I've been surviving off of massage and working for Freshi. While money is tight, and I wish I had more, I'm doing all right. I think it all comes down to acceptance and staying positive and forward thinking. I know right now, and probably for some time yet, money is tight. But it doesn't mean it's not coming into me. It is, and I'll just keep working to make sure that it continues coming and in bigger quantities. And accepting that this is how I want to be, instead of guilting myself for living like this, and choosing to know that massage and any other job I have is a tool for me to get what I want, has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.

The biggest thing I wanted in quite sometime was independence. Amazingly enough, I've gotten it. Now the next thing to work on is getting the acting career up and going. This a long, many layered journey, and I know I'm just at the beginning of it. But I'm not giving up, after all, I'm just getting started!

More later,
PJ

SARK

It's near the end of my visit in the Bay. Mom decided to randomly look up online events in Hayward. Lo and behold, she found a free workshop given by SARK herself, (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy), at the Hayward Public Library. She knows I'm working on The Artist's Way, (currently on hold while I'm out and about), and she knew it would be a great Mother/Daughter Time. And so we went, and so we had a wonderful time!

And as I sat and listened, I felt energized, and renewed, and inspired, and playful, and great. I've been looking at her website, PlanetSARK.com and I feel the need to share again and to treat my blog as a tool for delightfullness. Yes, I want this to become a resource for us actor-types, but it's also supposed to be fun to do, and I was letting myself get bogged down with self-imposed, "I MUSTs." Crazy, isn't it?

SARK has her own blog: www.sarkjournal.com, and I plan on reading it as much as possible. The Artist's Way is definitely a help in finding your creative self - SARK really helps you find the joy in your creative self. I will leave you with a fanastic, delicious quote from SARK,"Remember to delight yourself first, then others can be truly delighted."

Theater Goodness - 6/18 to 6/21

Greetings!

I'm in the midst of packing, cleaning, and getting ready for a 2 month pilgrimage. And what am I doing 3 nights before my drive away from LA? F-ing around on the internet. Seriously, I need to tell you about all the wonderful things that my friends are doing in this town! Dancing, improvisation, acting, musicians, more acting - really, what more could you ask for?

Young Storytellers Foundation - just as a wee plug - Set your DVR's for "Eye on LA" this Saturday, June 20 (6:30 PM, ABC Channel 7) and see a very special segment featuring the Young Storytellers at Betty Plasencia Elementary. - I do believe this will have footage from the performance I was privileged enough to be a part of. If not, who cares? You should know about this fantastic group.

Ark Theatre Company
Hedda Gabler - the happiest show on earth! (Does my droll sense of humor come across)? I plan on seeing it tonight. I can't wait to see my friends tear up the stage.

Hothouse Improvisation
Friday night is the last of the Summer Shows. Boo. This will be the last thing I see before I go driving away. $10, free drinks, live band, brilliant improv, you will love it.

Sacred Fools
This company just don't quit with the shows! Madness in Valencia is still running, my friend Michael Holmes is getting some great reviews, Friday night they have Magnum Opus, and on Saturday - Serial Killers. Two original creations from Sacred Fools, two brilliant and f'in funny shows.

Circus Theatricals
My friend Jim McCaffree is performing in their One Act Festival - read a review from Backstage West here.

Theater 68
Perry Smith, who was in my Project 22 at The Hothouse, is currently performing in BEGGARS IN THE HOUSE OF PLENTY. She and her cast have been getting wonderful reviews, and have had the honor of getting extended!

Pin-up Girls -
Davis Neves is dancing! Woot! You can see her in two shows this weekend. Here with The Pin-up girls at Dragonfly at 11pm this Friday night. Click on the link for their info on MySpace.

Helios Jive
Davis also gets to dance for this fantastic band. Paul Newman gets to perform as well, and you will love their brilliance on stage, while they play at the Elysium Festival this Saturday night.

Sarah Romanowsky
Another friend and fabulous dancer, Sarah gets to perform in a piece at the Debbie Reynolds Showcase this weekend. Sarah is also an aerialist, and even teaches classes!

Rumor has it, I also have friends performing more improvisation at another locale. Once I get that confirmed, I'll let you know! I don't think you could ever have enough improvisation in your life, especially when it involves great artists that are alumni from The Hothouse.

THERE'S NO REASON FOR YOU TO STAY IN THIS WEEKEND! GO OUT AND SUPPORT THE ARTS AND MY FRIENDS!

And on one final note, before I go back to packing one more box, Aarti Paarti Quick Bites, has yet another episode up and going! She's cooking some flank steak (looks so good!), and even has a gunfight - with bananas. Trust me, it's a good episode.

Genie Willett - Stalker Girl

Hello Friends.

I've been trying to decide what to brag about today. What can I connect you with? Who can I show off? What can I inform you of?

Here's one little excerpt of a series at Hothouse Films. Stalker Girl features Genie Willett doing what she does best. It also features the brilliance of Elena Zaretsky, Jamie Lou Moniz, and Brendan McNamara.

Mark 1:


Mark 2:


The ever so chilling conclusion - Mark 3:


I hope you loved them all!

Aarti is a Party!

This is my lovely and talented friend Aarti.

Truly, Aarti is quite lovely, and quite talented. She's a brilliant improviser as well as a brilliant chef. She has taken it upon herself to make her own cooking show to great acclaim. She writes her own blog over at Aartilla the Fun where you can find recipes to try out and drool over. She even works with her ever so lovely and talented husband, Brendan McNamara to host The News Show:




I want you to know about Aarti, because she is doing what she loves, and she is working to make her life nice and abundant from doing so. I also want you to hire her to bake you a cake or something else just as delicious. If you'd like to see an example, check out her blog entry Proud of Myself.


Below is her newest episode of Aarti Paarti Quick Bites. Watch and enjoy!

What's The Haps

My apologies for being out of the loop for the past week! So much is happening in the world!

This week I want you to watch Mythbusters, go see lots of theater, and recycle your old yoga mats.

MYTHBUSTERS

Len Anderson IV, a new family member of The Hothouse, gets to be on Mythbusters this week! As he posted on his Facebook account, " Mythbusters Fans - I am low and supersonic in an F-18 on the episode "Curving Bullets" Wed. night. 9 pm. Does flying a sonic boom really break glass?" This is pretty friggin' cool if you ask me. Len is an awesome improviser as well as an awesome pilot! Woo hoo!

THEATER GOODNESS,

Opening this week! At the Ark Theatre Company - Hedda Gabler, by good ol' Ibsen. My friends at Ark are very excited about this performance. As I've never read or seen Hedda, I'm very excited for what will unfold on stage. Buy your online tix here

Also this Friday, it's time for another round of improv at The Hothouse. Meet the cast!


Over at Sacred Fools Theater Company, my wonderful friend Michael Holmes is performing in Madness in Valencia. It looks to be like a fantastic show, it's been given a 'Go" from the LA Weekly. That's huge. For more info: http://www.sacredfools.org/

And last but certainly not least, my lovely and talented friend, Susan Lee is hosting a night of 24 hour theater as a fundraiser for her fall production Gross Indecency at The Eclectic Theatre Company. Here's the blurb:

What happens when writers have no time to write and directors and actors have no time to rehearse? Why, 24 hour theater is what happens!
Friday night, June 12, the writers get assigned a line of dialog and draw a cast out of a hat. They then scurry off to their local coffee house and tap away at their keyboards until early morning.
Saturday, June 13, the directors and actors arrive early in the morning, get together and go off and rehearse.
At 8 PM and 10 PM that night, the show goes on, ready or not. It's a fine line between train wreck and brilliance.
Admission - $10
TWO, COUNT 'EM, TWO SHOWS AT 8 PM AND 10PM.
C'mon, you know you want to see how it all turns out!
This event is a fundraiser for "Gross Indecency, the Three Trials of Oscar Wilde", which opens September 4th at Eclectic Company Theatre.


As for me - I find I'm in a post-show funk. I have free time, but do I really, really want to do anything? Really, I don't have any choice. In two weeks, I'm driving up home for about two months to work for Freshi Films. I get to teach filmmaking camps to bunches of little kiddies all over the Bay! On top of that, I need to pack for moving The Princess Palace, since that's happening while I'm gone. And on top of that? Getting the car smogged and registered. All within the next two weeks. Let's not get into the numerous meetings, auditions, and appointments that are happening as well. Needless to say, I feel a bit like a chicken with my head cut off. But who cares? There's lots of good things happening in the world! Go out and be part of it all!

More Bragging for The Hothouse

The Hothouse has another fantastic summer show tonight! $10 for a night of wonderful, good times.

Have You Seen My Derby Video Before??

I'll have to unearth the blog I did on MySpace about it all. But it was fun. And I figure for you new friends, it could be something silly and fun to watch. :)


Patty's Destruction Derby

Go Out & See Some Theater! -and-The Princess Palace is Relocating

Get out of the house, you Los Angelinos!

Here's some theater you need to see:

The Country Wife - my show is closing this week! Sadness! Saturday's our last night. It's,"a sexual creampuff of delight!" For ticket info, look up Ark Theatre, Goldstar, LA Stage Alliance, or Stubdog.

The Heretic Mysteries -a show that features my friend Dee Amero Sudik, put on by the Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble. I'm excited because I get to see this show next Thursday! Whoopee! I believe you can look up half-price tix at the same websites, but don't quote me on that.

Project 22 - A night of improv at The Hothouse! You know this is close to my heart. $10 at the door, free booze, 3 sets of brilliant improvisers, one live band to throw it all together. So. Goshdarn.Fun.

This Sunday, the Academy of Theatrical Combat is hosting another Intro Class from 12 to 2. $50, tell Jan and Dan I say hi. SO FUN!!!!

In other news, The Housing Gods have seen to bless the current residents of The Princess Palace. Namely, myself Trina, and Jessi. We're going to move mid-July and live in a brand new home. Three of us are very excited, there's a backyard for the doggies and excellent parking, among other fabulous, fabulous accroutement. (Did I spell that right?) Oh, primarily we're excited just because we're not living under the rule of the crazy, drunk-sounding landlady. Hallelujah.

The closing of Country Wife will be sad. But, after a 7 week run, I'm definitely looking forward to a little more free time. One of the joys at being part of a theater company is that I don't have to say goodbye to the friends that I've made. And while some are all ready to get started on the next show, they are not far, far away.

The Artist's Way challenge of no reading/normal distraction of Facebook is still challenging. The good thing is, I've spent more time on this blog. The bad, it has cut off my major communication to the world. Unfortunately, time is seeming to escape me and it has left me feeling strangely restless and easily grouchy. Yet I am determined to keep the best foot forward. C'mon, World, bring me the good stuff!!!!

I hope you all have a lovely day, and for crying out loud, go out and see some live theater!!!

Hothouse Improvisation Level 1 Classes Starting June 8th

My love for improv was resurrected from taking classes at The Hothouse. Their Level 1 class on the basics is starting on June 8th. Sign up now! Here's the info:

Check out the link for more info on our new level 1: http://www.hothouseimprov.com/new_level_1.html

Level 1 Class Schedule:
June 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd, 29^th
July 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, 27^th

Hothouse Level 1 w/ John Thies
Meets Mondays, from 7-10pm for 8 Weeks
Tuition: $275

Hothouse Improvisation
4934 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818.331.2611
http://www.hothouseimprov.com

Honestly, I've never met a more supportive and fun group. My opinion on the whole thing is that they're teaching you the tools to improvise, not teaching you games to be witty at. There are four basic levels, each tackling a different angle of improv. The Level 4 class teaches you how to put it all together for their show style. No, they don't put a name to it, as I know other improv schools do. That's something for me to learn next, I guess. Also, they're extremely willing to help out those of us who are in a financial struggle, but want to take the class. They take payment plans! Woot!

If you're afraid to begin, then this is just right for you. My group were all scared. We all said how much we were scared of improvising, one guy even said how much he hated improv, but heard so much about this group that he'd give it a go. It's good for the writer, the director, the actor, and any other schmuck off the street.

I hope you can sign up and take the class. Please tell John and Lana I say hi!


Note: The links aren't working for some odd reason. So just copy and paste a bit, won't you?

The Country Wife Gets Reviewed! -or- Chatty Patty Goes Insane!

This past Saturday, we were lucky enough to have a reviewer from LA Weekly come see the show. No, I'm not mentioned, I'm just a lowly maid - but who cares, we got a great review! Read on, pass it on, so on and so forth. We only have a week left!

NEW REVIEW GO THE COUNTRY WIFE Adapted and directed by Richard Tatum,
William Wycherley's 1675 bawdy satire is a sexual creampuff of delight. In
cahoots with Dr. Quack (Jim Hanna), Harry Horner (Darin Toonder) passes
himself off as a eunuch to polite society--all with the mind to be trusted
alone with the wives of gentlemen. His impotency is the focus of much
conversation, until the wives find out the truth and start lining up for his
services. One who doesn't trust him with his wife--or with any man for that
matter--is Jack Pinchwife (Antony Ferguson) who keeps his wife Margery
(Caroline Sharp) under lock and key. When he finally relents after her
constant pleading to see London, he dresses her as a boy, but the duplicity
doesn't fool Horner. She responds to Horner's kisses and a mix up of letters
ensues. There's a subplot involving Pinchwife's sister Althea (Tracy Eliott)
who loves the sober minded Frank Harcourt (Kenn Johnson) but has been
promised in marriage to the foolish Mr. Sparkish (Peter Ross Stephens), an
ignorant fop who yelps for wit yet can say nothing witty himself. Stephens
turns in an eye-catching performance as the foppish dullard and very nearly
steals the show. Tatum handles the ribald humor with flair, and costume
designer Denise Nakamura adds hilarity with the outrageousness of the
gentlemen's wigs. Hayworth Theatre, 2511 Wilshire Blvd., L.A.; Thurs.-Sat.,
8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; thru May 30. (323) 969-1707. An Ark Theatre Company
produciton. (Sandra Ross)

As for me, it's been a hectic couple of days. Where in the F did the time go? The Artist's Way has challenged me this week to not read. Reading is the perfect filler of time, and quite the distraction. You know what I read a lot? Facebook! Argh! So addicted. So no books, no blogs, no Facebooking, magazines, no idle time fillers. Why, you may ask? So as not to get distracted from your artistic creative side. This is good, as it will allow me to work on figuring out how to format this blog and all that I want to do. Soon enough, I might ask for some tech support as my brain starts to shut down. But that's a bridge I have yet to cross.

On top of it all, I left my nifty new phone at the theater on Sunday night. Just figured it out as I got to the car, and upon arriving back at the theater, (it had been 5, maybe 10 minutes at the most, and there were several people there as I left), it was dark, the lights were off and no one was home. I can't even get back to the theater until tonight! Facebook has been a major source of communication as well as distraction. Chatty Patty is going insane without a cell phone and without Facebook. My dad sent me an email this morning wondering what the heck I was doing. I'm asking myself the same question, I tell you. But look at me! I'm working on this epic project, I'm beginning to plot out the month ahead of time, and getting shit done. Woo. Amazingly enough, even keeping up with email correspondence can be a huge time suck. Not to mention, working! I find myself longing for the indepenance that unemployment gave me. But that's another topic.

As Jennifer Warren says, "Onwards and Sideways!" I feel a keen kinship to this phrase....

Experimenting With The Unknown

Since I put out there the idea of a new blog, my head can't stop spinning with all that it could encompass. Lovely Readers, be aware that change is afoot! My plan for now is to merge the Creative Connections with my normal, ahem, I mean, "normal," life. If it turns out too cumbersome along the way, I'll let you know.

This week, heck just in this past day, all I've been doing is stretching myself beyond what I'm comfortable with. Whether literally - thank you Power Yoga, mentally - the act of learning theatrical sword fighting, or in the technological realm.

Yesterday, a Blackberry Storm was delivered unto me, thanks to my mommy. I am ever so full of gratitude and awe. And now, a little apprehension. I have to learn how to use this fantastic tool/toy to my advantage. Ack! Someone else make it go! But little by little, right? I'm also learning how to layout this Blogger page, and it's driving me a little batty. (What else is new, right Dad?). I usually reach a stopping point with the gadgets, and stop. But now it's time to keep pushing ahead. So I'm tackling a bit at a time. Patience is a virtue and all that.

Just think of it this way - The Muppets weren't perfect when they first came out, were they? Please bare with me while I go through this growing phase. I grow more and more excited each day about how far and wide this could go. I keep saying that if it weren't for my friends down here, I'd have move back home a long time ago. So, this is my way of giving back. :) There are so many, many things and people to know about! I truly hope this becomes a wealth of information.

Time For Something New

The Artist's Way is going very well. Little by little I'm learning to enjoy my creative side again, and also even the art of letting go, and just playing.

I've also been doing lots of thinking. I know lots of Lovely and Talented people. They are all involved with Lovely and Talented projects. I keep wanting to make a posting about every other project I know of, every class I'm aware of, and trust me - there's a lot!

So... just to bounce the idea off of you folks, what do you think about my starting a new blog? It'd be like a resource for all my folks out here. Think about it, I can inform my friends of fellow actors, massage therapists, chefs, dancers, writers, photographers, events, performances, non-profit organizations..... That's quite amazing, isn't it?

I can't wait to get started, I just need a name for it. I'm open for ideas, it needs to have something to do connections, or a resource guide, .... Here's what I've come up with

Creative Connections
Patty Jean's List
A Resource Guide to the Pattyverse
My Lovely and Talented Friends

I dunno, they're all close, but not quite it. Let me know what you think!!! Please!!!!

Monsters Have Feelings, Too

About a week and a half ago, I began The Artist's Way. It's a self-help book, you could say. It's a way for those of us feeling a little challenged to get back in tune with our creative side. Each chapter covers a week, and you examine and explore what and who you are. In general, you set time aside to write every morning, you take yourself on artist dates, and there are different tasks, big or small, to help you get in tune with yourself.

The first week was interesting. One of the tasks was to make a list of who your Monsters were. Who gave you the idea(s) that you weren't creative enough, that you weren't good enough? You list 'em, maybe write down an example, and then change those criticisms to affirmations. Crazily enough, I was stumped.

Who told me I was no good? Because I feel an honest apprehension about pursuing an acting career. Despite how much I want it, I am a feared. And you know what? After a ton of looking back, I think the last one to insult me and my talent, were my frenemies back in elementary school. I can't recall anyone saying I wasn't good, that I should give up. So really, aside from having assholes for friends back in school, it's ME telling myself all these negatives.

How did I learn to do this? Holy crap! I'm the only one who is getting in my way of achieving my dreams. Once I soaked that in, I knew that I had to change it. This is not an easy road to go down. My self-esteem has gotten pretty far wedged down. I find myself treating me to a positive thought, only to be followed by a negative one. Nuts, isn't it? It takes practice, I guess.

On Monday, I had a lovely heart to heart talk with a friend of mine who's been studying astrology for the past 5 years. We went over my chart. And aside from the given that I need small animals in my life (yay), and a 9 to 5 job would not be in my best interest, I learned some things about myself. You lovely readers make think this is a bunch of hooey, but trust me, this is no Times Daily Horoscope. It actually led to a lot more self-examination. I need a creative lifestyle, I need strong relationships in my life, I need independence. From the way it looked, she told me I had a lot going in my favor - but I just need to find my confidence and JUST DO IT.

I have a lot of fear and self-doubt. I need to work on that. I should know that I can apply myself in the direction that I want, and I can make things happen - good things. I think I need to find and prove to myself that I am worthy of these good things to come.

My plan for this summer is to apply myself in my creative outlets. Also, it's to find my self-worth. I'm going to continue The Artist's Way - it's a 13 week, um, exploration, you could say. And I'm only in the middle of week 2. I'm digging it.

Oh, and by the way, I apparently have a strong compulsion to Save the World. And you know what? That's very true. I've always liked to help out. Maybe I can find a nice way to weave that into my creative compulsion.

All Better Now

The 7-11 guy remembered me today. I got my Rolos.

YUM!!

So soft, so chewy....so perfect.

Harrumph

On Monday, the vending machine gypped me of my bag of Fritos.

Today, after spending time deciding over which candy bar to treat myself, I decided on Rolos. Mmm, Rolos.

The dude from 7-11 forgot to pack it in my bag, and yet he charged me for it. I didn't realize it until 20 minutes later, happily sated off of my smoked turkey sandwich, that it wasn't there. It's too late, I can't go back. And here's me craving some chocolate and caramel.

Harrumph.

I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse, but I say verily unto you, harrumph.

My Daddy Just Sent This to Me!!

LOVE YOU!!!!!

Makes Me Happy

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Since I turned 32....

It's time to catch up! It's been a non-stop roller coaster of work and getting a show up on its feet since my bday.

To sum up the bday - Turning 32 was pretty meh. I worked all day at a Freshi Film Camp - and teaching to a group of squiggly-wiggly 6 to 10 year olds was a bit trying. Especially since I hadn't had any caffeine, and by the end of that work day I got a withdrawal migraine. Yuck. After some Excedrine and lots o' caffeine I was able to manage being a slightly normal human being for rehearsal. My cast family was very sweet and sung Happy Birthday to me, and quietly at that. That Saturday, Steph made a delicious cake - yellow cake with chocolate frosting and peanut butter! I think that cake, my friends, and this, (from one of the kids at the Film Camp), were my highlights:
Hogan was the most adorable red-headed boy with glasses, and very sweet disposition. He really wanted to make sure he would fill out the reports every day of what we did, (even if he needed every word spelled out), and loved working the camera. He made my birthday note right after it was announced that it was my birthday. Awwww.

As for the opening of The Country Wife, everything that could happen in the two weeks opening a show could. Costume malfunctions, (or a lack of them), actors not off book until the night before opening, yadda, yadda. And for this past weekend? The A/C broke, the sound system or some such fuse was blown, and on Friday night - with a packed house - there was smoke, a smell of burning, and no sound for the end of the show. Despite all that, I think we did have a good weekend of shows, and even though we were all ready to die of heatstroke, the audience always left with smiles on their faces. I'll add pictures from opening and backstage over time....

I also took the CBEST last Saturday. That's the test one takes in California if they want to be a substitute or a full-time teacher. No, I didn't study and brush up on my fractions. I have no idea how I did. The nice thing is that you can re-take the sections that you missed. I'm just praying to the CEBST gods that I passed it all. I won't find out unofficial scores until May 4th.

Mentally, I feel that I'm behind in everything - from reading, to my laundry, to my working out, and I want to catch up, I just don't know if I will soon. And it's frickin' hot right now. LA has been blessed with No Spring - just straight to SUMMER. Makes it very hard to concentrate. And plans for summer are starting to pop up, and if I don't get that in order soon, I think my head will explode. So much to do, so little time. It's a constant theme, I just need to get over the stress of it all and be happy I'm doing fun things.

But I would like a break. Two days in a row - sleep the first day, let brain just meander through books and whatnot, and the second day, I'll do my laundry and reorganize my life. Let's see if it's in the cards.

How's that for a sum-up? Did I miss anything?

On the Eve of My 32nd Birthday

My update!!!

In 24 hours, I will turn 32!!!

I have to mail my taxes to my mom - but I don't have the cash to mail it since I'm overdrawn. Eck.

I've been teaching 14 kids aged 7 to 10 for the past two days - I need a nap - and it won't get quiet until this weekend.

Genie is taking me out tonight for a birthday dinner/movie.

Tomorrow I have rehearsal.

Mom & Dad sent me a box - I can't open it until tomorrow!!! And another one is supposed to come on Thursday.

Thursday night I have off of rehearsal - so I can help paint the set.

I need to study for the CBEST which is coming up, and I keep forgetting about it - it's very tempting to not do it - but that's just silly.

I will be feasting on rice, canned veggies and leftover frozen chicken breasts until I get paid next.

I miss you guys.

The show is shaping up nicely, I think it'll be a hit.

I have been in a humdrum restless mood for the past few days, and I think my birthday will help bring me out of it - otherwise - I'd be working on a Funk.

My room looks like it was hit by a tornado.

I miss working out - but sleep seems more important.

It's very hard to feel like I've lost weight and I look better than I did, when I have to wear a huge, fluorescent green polo shirt that is 2 sizes too big for me, and kids love to film me!!! Ack!

I can't wait for the birthday celebration to begin!!!

Alright, I'm Grateful, I'm Grateful, I'm Grateful!

Before my head hits the pillow tonight, I'm going to infuse my sleep with Gratitude.

I'm grateful:
-That my car was fixed
-That Mom & Dad could take care of it this time
-That my friends and co-workers didn't mind driving me around
-That work, Midas, and Jake's place were all within easy bus/walking distance to each other
-That Edelweiss didn't break anything as she just fell off of her window perch
-That Jake has allowed me to use his WiFi and I can type in bed
-That I've figured out how to record my lines and listen to them on my iPod
-That last night I got to bond with friends from my Project 22
-For my jobs at Actors Access and Freshi Films
-For my friends, new and old, they keep me going
-For the heater in Jake's room
-That Edelweiss has finally deemed me worthy of talking to, and allowed me to scritch her - even if it's late at night
-That I have friends that allow me to pet sit for them
-For being surrounded by good people on my birthday, despite that I don't get to spend it in Disneyland
-That I still have a chance to work towards a dream, despite how scary it is out here in the real world

And now, sleep.....

It's Really Hard to be Pollyanna Right Now

Whenever a friend is having a hard time, I try really hard to find the positive. For example, Trina had locked herself out last night while walking Scruffles. She called me to get the key, and I'm thinking at least she had her cell phone so she could call me. At least Lorelei lives close to us, so she could get a ride over to me. It helps make the world a brighter place. Some people don't want the sunshine shoved up their ass when they're in a funk, and I respect that. Later, if they're so willing, I'll add in my Pollyanna Two Cents, and it seems to help a bit.

It's really hard to do this for myself. Especially when it comes to my lack of funds and when my car takes affect on the lackage. (Yeah, I know that's not a word).

Two weeks ago, I had to take my car in for a strange rattling sound that shouldn't be ignored. My parents helped me pay for it. If they hadn't, I'd be taking a bus and learning to ride public transit from West LA to the Valley, and hassling my friends for rides home. I know lots and lots of people take public transit. Monica did it for months, bless her heart. You need a car to live in this town, because taking the damn bus is not convenient!! Every time my car has some problem that's not a flat and not getting in an accident, I freak out. FREAK.OUT. (I'm so used to those other annoying problems. It's why I have AAA, so it's taken care of).

The point of all this? My car again died last night making strange noises as I pulled into the neighborhood of where I'm cat-sitting. An overwhelming sense of doom flooded over me. Again? I don't have money to pay for this shit. My folks are running out of their own funds, and I'm not helping. Every worst-case scenario starts popping in my head. For just this week alone, not having a car accessible is going to screw me royally. Thank god I'm in a show with people who live close to me.

I am ready to just break down and cry and give up. Is this some Divine Test? WTF am I supposed to do? Keep pushing forward, right? Well, it really doesn't seem like I can do that right now. I'm barely hanging in there as it is. My sanity has reached its peak. I really, really want to just give up. I'll be a working drone in a cubicle. Obviously, money is more important than pursuing one's dreams. Despite the genorosity of my friends these past few months, maybe I'm just a waste of time and effort.

Agh. Ugh. I hate feeling like this. It's really, really hard for me to have something to think positively about. Right now it's hard to feel grateful. Because everything right now just keeps revolving in the same circles. Blagh.

Of course, I could just be over-reacting, and it'll be a nice simple thing to be fixed, it'll cost less than $100, and I can keep on, keepin' on. Maybe I should still put the Acting Dream on hold and just frickin' work. Be a drone for an office. Get my financial feet on the ground. It'll be soul-killing, but it would maybe a good change of pace to not get in a place like this. I volley back and forth every time. I still can't make up my mind.

Really, I'd like a miracle to happen. That'd be awesome. Someone gives me a lot of money to be an actor. Someone gives me a brand new car. A Knight in Shining Armor arrives, whisks me away, and all my troubles are gone - I live in splendor, my family does as well, my Knight and have wonderful fulfilling lives, we travel, we have multitudinous children for my parents to finally be grandparents, I fly my friends all over the world - and I have a car that's good to the environment, has power windows, and has a nice stereo system. Really, is that so much to ask? Haven't I earned that yet? Sigh.

I have to say, I feel a bit better for venting this all out there. Sorry you had to read it. The stress level has gone down a bit, and now I just wait and see what the outcome is. Aarrgh.

Time....

The finger is hanging in there. I now feel comfortable walking around without a band-aid on. I have been documenting it, and hope to do a silly little photo essay on the progress it goes under. Right now, it still hurts when I bang it, and it feels a bit numb. It's strange to say the least.

It has occurred to me that I will not have a free weekend until June. While this means I'm involved in a fantastic show with wonderful friends - I'm a little bummed. Because it's just hit me that for the past 6 weeks I've been involved with 2 other shows! Gee, I wonder why my brain has felt a bit fried the past month. Working on 3 shows at a time is a wee time consuming. Yeah, I've been doing Project 22, and rehearsing for The Country Wife, but every weekend for the past 5 weeks, I've been backstage helping change costumes. 3 shows at once. I get it now.

I want to get in a visit to my family, but it looks like the only way I'm going to do that is take time off work, and that's a bit of a bummer since money is tight anyway. But onwards and sideways, I can make it work. .... Just as long as my car does. If you have free prayer time, let it go to the Car Gods.

Hey, I'm turning 32 next week! (On Wednesday the 8th, for those of you keeping track at home). Crazy! I may be getting older, but I don't think I'm growing up. I would love to take advantage of Disneyland letting me attend for free on my birthday, but it's just not in the cards. I have to work, and there's a run-through of my Country Wife show. I think my birthday celebration will come with friends while playing on stage. I won't even have time to make weekend celebrations. C'est la vie. Last year it was celebrated by watching Young Frankenstein with good friends at the Ark, and then a birthday dinner at Cafe 50s with other good friends. Maybe when I hit 35 I'll have a big party. It'll be on a Friday then - it'll be perfect.

Aside from craving Free Time where I get to bask in doing nothing, (because everything's been taken care of - like laundry), I crave pampering. Months and months without massage and a facial is torture, I'm telling you. Some of you may think that's a bit indulgent, and maybe it is, but it's good for the soul, and valuable for a healthy state of being. It becomes more and more apparent as my back is not letting me turn my neck too far in either direction, my face is breaking out, and I ache. Blach. One day, one day soon, I hope....

There's lots in the air, I hope to concentrate on the good so it'll keep feeding and growing into more Good in all areas of my life. I'll keep you posted.

Things and Things

Every day, my actor friends and I are trying to figure out ourselves and what we're really pursuing. Is it right? Should I have left town? Do I work 5 part-time jobs so I can go audition and be in theater and or films? Do I just ignore the money issue and just go, go, go? These questions seem to be the constant themes in our lives, even for those of my friends who do book commercials and/or scenes - we're in a constant state of WTF am I doing with my life?

So here's me trying to find a balance. On top of all those questions, I'm beginning to figure out how to manage my stress, working out, trying to appreciate my body, working out, eating better, etc., etc. All these higher concepts of Life, the Universe, and Everything Else....

This morning, I get up early enough to make myself some food and prepare a hopefully tasty lunch of chicken and salad. I'm boiling eggs for breakfast.... I find that I can't open the bag of salad, I can't find scissors to open the bag, and so I grab a big sharp knife to open the bag. And what do I proceed to do? Open the bag and my left index finger. The tippity top of the finger is gone. So there's me trying to hold calm while I'm bleeding profusely and searching for band-aids in the apartment where I'm house-sitting, and kittens are following me back and forth, hopping on the counter where I've finally found band-aids.... I finally get myself bandaged up. I put an icepack around my finger so it's numb.... But now I need to get the eggs out, since they are so hard-boiled by now. I go to grab the handle with my other hand...ouch! I forgot - the pot handle gets hot and I need a mit to grab it! So now I've slightly burnt my right hand!

And what does this all mean?

It means pay the fuck attention to what you're fucking doing, Patty!!! Don't get so caught up in all the bullshit that is running around in your little head.

I find it amazing that I've been able to survive this long. I think I wouldn't do so well to carry on the human race if it wasn't for modern technology. If it was me stranded on a deserted island, I don't think I'd last longer than a week. Just sayin'.....

For Stephaine and Sadi (& My Family)

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

A Long Time In the Making

When I first moved down to Los Angeles in October '05, I was at the heaviest I've ever been in my life. I weighed 234. I think it just accumulated over time for whatever reasons, and I felt like I could never work out. When I moved and I was ready to begin exercising, I joined Curves and kept track of my weight loss. I had initially lost about 30 pounds, and gained back about 10 and just plateaued forever and a day.

We're sedentary people, we Robinsons. We like being active, sure, but we prefer to stay home and watch movies. We also like to munch on the yummy stuff. Put that together, and over time of course, we Robinsons are full of a lot of love and fluff.

I've always thought it was important to lose weight for yourself - not for anyone else - not for a bet - just for when you're ready to do it. Which I guess it's why it's taken me this long to get my butt in gear. I submit to you Exhibit A:

I was a big girl.

It's kinda neat to know that I've come such a long way. There are times it really feels like I haven't changed and all, and I'm not happy with the way I look now. A couple of weeks ago I was pretty upset with myself and how I looked when all the pictures for Project 22 came out. I thought I looked horrible. I was in a bit of a funk. And then I found a DVD from a Jepoardy audition I did before I moved. And it put everything in perspective. Sure, I looked like a nice girl, but I also was extremely uncomfortable in my body, and boy did it show in how I was holding myself.

Fast forward to meeting Genie last summer and our crazy desire to run a marathon. I've lead a more active life than I've ever had, and I've started eating better as well. (Look Mom and Dad, I'm eating broccoli! Mmmm). Only now has it just started to kick in that I'm feeling better than I thought I could. I'm actually looking forward to working out, because Genie's my inspiration on how nice and buff she's gotten just from doing yoga. Not to mention all the hiking and running that she does....

This past weekend I went shopping for the first time in a long time. Money's been short, and finally my last pair of jeans just gave up. It was time. And oh my god, what a pleasure to fit into clothes that I've never been able to fit into! For you women folk out there, I used to wear an 18, and now I'm at a 12. Holy Schnizzle. I used to think this was the ideal that I wanted to get myself down to - as of this morning I weighed 183. I've lost 51 pounds! Again, Holy Gee Wow. Now I know I'm feeling better, and people are telling me I'm looking better, but I find that I don't want to stop here. I want to keep going. The BMI says the ideal weight for me is around 130 to 140. At 190 it still said I was Obese. But now, now it says I'm just Overweight. So that's nice. It's an improvement.

I know it's not all about numbers. It's how you feel. Well, I want to keep feeling good. And I want to feel better! And here's the most recent picture of me that I can find. No, I'm not svelte, but it's better than it was.
This is from the opening night of Project 22, two weeks ago. I don't usually try and talk numbers about my weight. It makes me feel uncomfortable. And, yeah, I'm still pretty uncomfortable in my body. But I think I'm going to let myself feel a bit of pride right now. I didn't think it was really possible for me to feel good about myself. I didn't think it was possible for me to lose weight. Yeah, I know my arms still have that "Grandma Arm Syndrome" but it's all a process. And I'm just telling myself that it will get better over time if I just keep this up. So hear's to just keeping this up.

What the F Have I Been Up To?

Life has gotten pretty busy lately, I must say. Between two jobs, and two shows in the works, keeping on my life has taken a back burner. I find that really, the only time to play on the computer and blog is now down to happening at work. Of course, I've been holding that off for quite sometime, because who wants to blog at work, especially since I don't have a cubicle and I'm all exposed.....

The two jobs are working for Actors Access answering phones and providing technical support to those who have no clue. Working for Freshi is endearingly fun, as I get to play with elementary school kids and teach them how to make films. Funnily enough, those kids know more than I do on how to use the equipment and are teaching me.

The two shows are my first improv show at The Hothouse - Project 22. I've been taking improv classes since last summer, and at this point, it's like graduation. Of course, we're all still learning what it's like to perform, which is really the point of the whole show. And boy oh boy, is it fun and scary all at the same time. It's definitely something to get used to and learn about.That's the poster for our show. Mom doesn't like that you can't see me as well. So here's another fun one:

The other show I'm involved with is The Country Wife with the Ark Theatre Company. It's a restoration comedy, and since last year our production of The London Cuckolds went over so well, we figured we'd do it again. As in last year's show, I get to play the saucy maid. We're just two weeks into rehearsals, and it's gonna be pretty damn fun. Luckily enough, we have a lot of the same fun people from last year and some wonderful new additions. Gonna be lots of fun with lots of costumes. Whoopee!!

I've also been trying to get back on track with working out. I'm struggling to alternate yoga and jogging every other day. Some weeks are good, some not so much. My running has taken a downward turn. Sad, isn't it? Just a couple of weeks ago I ran 3 miles for the first time ever. And it's been hell trying to get back to that. Luckily enough, Genie and I are so strapped for cash we haven't signed up for any marathons, so there are no impending dates. I guess the point is to just keep training and when we're ready to sign up, training to get up tot 26 miles won't be as difficult. Unfortch, I've been eating lots and lots of crappy food lately. And I felt like I had no will power. So Genie and I have gone back on the Kirsch Diet we did last fall. No carbs, lots of veggies and good protein from turkey, chicken, or fish. And since I don't like fish, it's just chicken and turkey for me! Right now we're on the 5th day out of 14. It's not as bad this time around. Still tricky, yes, but this time not as torturous. We'll see how I feel around day 9.

Money is still tricky. I still get by on the grace and generousity of friends by trading massage or they actually pay me for massage. I am still planning on taking the CBEST, my friend Anna helped pay for the test, and I owe her. Of course, just because I take the test, it doesn't mean that I'll be a substitute teacher overnight. So in the meantime, I'm ignoring the debt collectors and making sure that I can pay my rent, buy food and take care of my phone. I also have people to pay back since they loaned me money. I'm more worried about being in debt to friends than to businesses. Lord knows my friends need it more than those other guys.

Life is good though. I'm surrounded by good people, I have a roof over my head, and I get furry friends to amuse me. So, I'm not rolling in the dough (yet), I'm grateful for what I have, and I know I'm on the right road for more abundance in my life.

The LA Arborteum - Ooh!

On Saturday, Stephaine called to see if I wanted to go with her to a magical place called the Los Angeles Arborteum. And lo, it was beautiful! Here are some pictures from the day, taken by cell phone. I'm impressed with how well they turned out. Also, I sent these along to my folks, throughout the day they just kept getting random pics. :)


This first shot is an awesome peacock. They were all over the place!!! And very fun to look out. They haunted the first part of the park, and it was fun to see them upstairs and down. There were a bunch of hens, and they looked like they were playing tag among the bushes. We found it highly amusing.

There was a mini waterfall. While Steph was climbing the rocks and getting in for closer angles to capture an awesome moment, I just sat back and let the vibe wash over me. Boy, it felt really good to sit there for a minute.

But we continued on, walking around all sorts of trees that I couldn't name to save my life. Not many were in bloom, but there were some fantastic looking trees. I think we'll go back in April or May to walk through all over again.










I can't believe how pretty everything was. This little part just felt like it was out of a fairy tale. I couldn't help but try to capture how pretty it was.
Of course, then I had to have proof that I was really there.







Look, it's really me!











Here is a lovely magnolia tree. I guess they bloom in the winter time. We found as we were walking around that there are some Maple trees. How, you may ask? My the scent! Oh my stars, do they ever smell good! We couldn't find them, though! We were hunting them down by the scent, but just couldn't find them. We were so sad. And then we were so hungry for some syrup and waffles!!






Here is a close up of some blossoms off of another Magnolia tree. So pretty.












We were able to go into a couple of hothouses. Lots of pretty, pretty flowers. Here's one of my favorites, I loved the dotted print on this flower. I'm so glad it showed up.

I found it interesting, there were lots of people roaming around and having their pictures taken. Newlyweds were in several places. And there was a pair of kids in the hothouse with us. They looked like they were dressed for prom, but then again, what do I know?

Sadly, Steph and I couldn't find the "Orchid Carnivourous Plants" that were advertised. This also followed our disappointment of no turtles in the Turtle Pond, and no Maple Syrup at the ready.


Before we left, we spent quite some time at their duck pond, watching kids and their parents feed some duckies. These ducks were awesome looking! They're Mandarin Ducks. No, I got this pic from the internet. They moved too fast for me to snap a good shot with my phone. They were in high competition with some giant Kot brutes. Man, it got ugly out there. But the little girls were having a blast.




Another handsome lad. Ignoring me and my camera. I kept wanting to get a nice shot of them close up, but they kept moving on me. I even tried to get one guy from the back. The way his feathers looked when they were all folded up on each other was absolutely amazing. Alas, I was too slow and my camera couldn't get in a decent zoom. Plus, it was too slow as well.







One our way out, here was one more show off. I was so lucky to have this guy pose for me!














And... here's the Business End. Aren't we glad he decided to turn around? I know you've always wanted to see the underside of a peacock.











If I'm able to, I'll post some pictures from Steph's camera. She was able to get some really nifty shots. Plus, if we're lucky, there's a fantastic picture of me and a kangaroo. :) Hope you all enjoyed my little photo essay! It was a bit time consuming in posting it all, but still rather fun.

Politically Speaking

For the first time ever, I watched as a President of the United States was sworn in.

I keep thinking that if someone like me, who is normally ignorant of politics, who willfully tunes out when the subject is brought up, can sit and watch a President be sworn in, then there is something amazing happening.

No, I don't know about all of his policies, and yes, I do know that people think he will bring the country down and have no respect for him. But because he is the first African-American to be president the country has changed. I think he is an incredibly smart man from his speeches alone. Not only does he know how to deliver them without sounding ignorant, this is a man who knows the importance of inspiring others.

I know some of us wonder if we're putting too many eggs in one basket. Placing all our hopes onto one man is a little much. He's only one man! But to hear him speak - how can you not be hopeful? Do you know what I think is amazing? He knows we're in difficult times, he knows that everyone is putting all their hopes on him - and yet - he's making sure to tell everyone, and often, that it's gonna take a village. When was the last time we had a president who tries to inspire people to work together for a better country and government? Who was the last president who tried to not only better the government, but tried to better people of our country?

I like that Obama has been telling us up front that he knows it's gonna take a long time for things to feel better - economically, politically, and globally. I'm so glad he's acknowledging it. Yes, he is a symbol of change, but just because he's the first black man in that seat, it doesn't mean he's the only to save our country from ourselves. We have to keep voting, we have to keep voicing our differing opinions, and we have to keep helping others as well as ourselves. How will you try to help others? Will you have a bake sale for the Vets? Will you sell embroidered hand towels to help fund the local high school's music program? What can you do to help your life be a better one? How can I make my life better by helping others?

These are huge questions and the answers can be long and complicated. I don't want the weight of the world on my shoulders, I'm sure Obama really doesn't either. So you do what you can, right? A little goes a long, long way. I have often been overwhelmed at the idea of volunteering. Luckily for people like me, there are lots of areas to volunteer in. I'm choosing to read to kids.

How did this turn into a ramble about volunteering?

What I like about Obama is that he something new for people to pay attention to. His prescence alone is causing people to look around and see things for the first time. I'm pretty sure Bush Jr. didn't inspire that. I just hope that people see this man and respect him and our government that made it possible for him to be president. I hope that if you don't like something you know you have to the right to work for change, to debate with your friends and family. I hope that you're inspired to..., to.... I just hope you're inspired. I think this country is ready to be inspired again, and to make strives forward.

I'm excited.

Hrm....

It's Friday and I ain't got shit to do.

Well... no, that's not true. A friend is throwing a party tonight because she's leaving town to pursue bigger and better things. And while I know it'd be good to get out and go, I'm debating. I'm debating this whole weekend.

What do you do when you have little cash? Do you stay home and watch TV and read? This is highly tempting, especially since I am house-sitting for Steph and Ryan. (They have quite the lovely flat screen TV - it's huge!). Part of me doesn't want to be a hermit. The idea of being a hermit this whole weekend actually bums me out. But maybe, maybe I should be a little more practical.

Here it is, the 16th of the month. My first check for Freshi Films won't come until the end of the month. I only have about $40 in the bank, I need to put gas in the car, and I need to make this cash last. I'm holding out that I will raise the money for rent, (I did it last month, didn't I?), but what if I don't? What if all I have leftover for this month is $240? That would mean that I didn't go buy gas, it would mean I didn't travel anywhere unless absolutely necessary. It means that I would take myself out of a social atmosphere that I do know I need to exist. Every little bit counts right now - the mileage of my car is huge, especially as I have a quarter of a tank left. Going across town to visit a friend when I have no money to spend may not be wise. Granted, if I had the cash, I'd go in a heartbeat. I can't carpool, I'm out of everyone's way. Would she be heartbroken that I didn't go? Not necessarily. I know she'd be bummed, but I also know I wouldn't break her heart.

Much of the weekend is like this. There are events that would be fun to go to, (workday for the Ark, a movie screening at Freshi, the first night of 3 shows at The Hothouse, Monica's birthday, and a hike with Genie, followed by another show of improv on Sunday). This is a full weekend of fun. None of it costs a lot. But by the time I finish driving back and forth between the Valley and the Westside, by the time I finish paying for shows - I'd be broke until I get paid next, at the end of the month.

Money is not easy. I've decided that it's not what I need to be happy, as witnessed by last month, getting horribly sick and depressed working an eight hour day. I can't rely on my friends to always come and rescue me, (as they heroically did last month), I can't hope that money will come out of the woodworks and I'll be able to pay my rent and then some. I think I need to be practical.

I've been reading a wonderful book, (recommended by my fantastic friend Darin), called "Mindset," by Carol S. Dweck. This book talks abouthow one can approach the challenges in life - whether it be about intelligence, relationships, business, etc. The Fixed Mindset basically sees a limit to what it can learn. If it doesn't get a problem right away, doesn't figure out how it works, it gives up and thinks very little of Itself. The Growth Mindset sees a challenge as a chance to grow, it looks forward to the challenge, it knows that failing just means you're learning, and you have to work harder, and it welcomes working harder. So I think the thing to do here is email my friend my apologies. And then, knowing that the lack of money is what has gotten me here, take this opportunity to earn more and challenge myself by working on the massage business. Because it's all I have left to do.

As for the rest of the weekend, I'm still debating. I think I might not go out to The Valley, or spend the gas to go out and bond with people at Freshi since it's not mandatory. I won't go to The Ark and help out for the same reasons. Now, the next debate is Monica and her birthday. She's my roomie. I think I need to go, I think I have to go. I don't want to hurt her or disappoint her.

These are the hard things in Life. Do I look back on this night and reflect, "Coulda, shoulda, woulda?" Will I be satisfied with my choice? Probably not. Hell, I might even go later, you never know. But I think it's best to rein myself in and not act on a whim. I'm going to tell myself this will get better, because it has to. I knew that when this year started, there would be challenges along the way. I still know it, and I know I have to get through them so I can make this year truly great.

In the great words of Jennifer Warren, "Onwards and Sideways!"

Patty Jean's Running Wish List

As you know, I'm crazy to start this, "I want to run a 26.2 marathon," endeavor. In light of Amy the Writer's recent blog about zombie apocalypses, I'm also doing this so I can run long and far, far away from those brain eating creeps.

Genie, my running-partner-in-crime, and I often talk about strategies to run better. Lately, we've been talking about shoes. And as I went jogging for the first time in a week, I was reminded how I need several items to make running a more productive and pleasant experience.

Awesome Running Shoes
Knee brace
New armband for my iPod
An iRun nifty pedometer thingy
Clothes that wick
Sunblock
A Road ID, because those things are just a cool idea, and a good one

'Tis not an easy list to come by, for one such as myself. I'm friggin' broke. But with promises of my new job and places to teach, and promises of massage clients building, and getting actor gigs, I know that these are not out of reach. I just have to be patient. That's all. In the meantime, I have to not go crazy, especially concerning my knees and feet. Don't want to fuck myself over before I even get to run a 5k!

By the way, our first planned 5k is February 1st, that's right - Super Bowl Sunday. We'll go run, pass out, and then watch the big game.

Now...on to some stretching, (and don't even get me going about a Yoga Wish List!).

This pic just cracks me up.

For all you non-dinosaur believing people out there. Jesus even loves the velociraptors. They need love, too!

1/9/09 Hello Again!

I've been meaning to put in a post since the New Year. Yet, I kept putting everything off since I wanted time to write up everything. And the longer I went without writing, the more I needed to add, and the less I wanted to spend hours typing out a blog.

Today, it occurred to me that if I keep waiting, I'll never post anything! So here's the new goal: post as the ideas hit me - doesn't matter if it's one a day, ten, or once a week. That way, it won't build up again. As for what I've missed topic-wise the past couple of days? I've never been so excited to start a new year, I feel very positive about everything that's coming my way, and I got a new job!

Today's random story:

This past week, all I've been talking about with Genie is how I wish I had more cash, so I could do some real grocery shopping. Get me some good, healthy food. Like veggies, and meat, and milk, and juice. (Mom & Dad bought me some staples of food to help me out when I visited. I can't believe how helpful that's been!). So, here's me, with a check for $250, an amount I haven't seen in months, and I can't believe how excited I am that I can take out $60 and get a huge amount of food from Trader Joe's. I get more veggies than I normally do, treat myself to string cheese, chicken stir fry, and multi-grain english muffins, and the best tofu corndogs that money can buy. I was so good, I spent $52! Woo hoo! Lots of good foods and with cash left over! What should do with the $7 and change? Save it for a rainy day? Nope. I get out of Trader Joe's, and drive right next door to Wendy's and order the chicken nugget meal. Large.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.