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.